January, Friday 1, 1864

‘Tis New Year, a happy one to our household. Lieut. Spotswood and Eddie came last night. Poor Eddie is greatly in need of clothes.

I do not think we will have much trouble in out Gen’ling the Yanks. I have $50. G.B. left I intend to devote to that purpose. It is very cold, all nature is robed in Ice.

Notwithstanding the Yanks are such near neighbors, we have had a house full of Rebels all day, four of Henderson’s Scouts—Lieut. S. Eddie, Jim & Elb Jeters. Nannie and I went in the buggy over to the smugler’s, Joe White, to see if we could not get some things there for Eddie, failed, bro’t Lute some soap—almost froze to death—got home at dark, all just finishing dinner, had a splendid time tonight. Our Armys all seem to be Status Quo. God grant successful may be the termination of 1864—oh! my savior I have buried the past—guide and leade me from temptation. After you, my God, then I live for my Country—God bless our leaders in Dixie.

January 1, 1864.—A melancholy pause in my diary. After returning from church on the night of the 13th, a telegram was handed me from Professor Minor, of the University of Virginia, saying, “Come at once, Colonel Colston is extremely ill.” After the first shock was over, I wrote an explanatory note to Major Brewer, why I could not be at the office next day, packed my trunk, and was in the cars by seven in the morning. That evening I reached the University, and found dear R. desperately ill with pneumonia, which so often follows, as in the case of General Jackson, the amputation of limbs. Surgeons Davis and Cabell were in attendance, and R’s uncle, Dr. Brockenbrough, arrived the next day. After ten days of watching and nursing, amid alternate hopes and fears, we saw our friend Dr. Maupin close our darling’s eyes, on the morning of the 23d; and on Christmas-day a military escort laid him among many brother soldiers in the Cemetery of the University of Virginia. He died in the faith of Christ, and with the glorious hope of immortality. His poor mother is heart-stricken, but she, together with his sisters, and one dearer still, had the blessed, and what is now the rare privilege, of soothing and nursing him in his last hours. To them, and to us all, his life seemed as a part of our own. His superior judgment and affectionate temper made him the guide of his whole family. To them his loss can never be supplied. His country has lost one of its earliest and best soldiers. Having been educated at the Virginia Military Institute, he raised and drilled a company in his native County of Berkeley, at the time of the John Brown raid. In 1861 he again led that company to Harper’s Ferry. From that time he was never absent more than a week or ten days from his command, and even when wounded at Gaines’s Mills, he absented himself but three days, and was again at his post during the several last days of those desperate fights. His fatal wound was received in his nineteenth general engagement, in none of which had he his superior in bravery and devotion to the cause. He was proud of belonging to the glorious Stonewall Brigade, and I have been told by those who knew the circumstances, that he was confided in and trusted by General Jackson to a remarkable degree.

Thus we bury, one by one, the dearest, the brightest, the best of our domestic circles. Now, in our excitement, while we are [continue reading…]

December 31.–Our brother John was married in Boston to-day to Laura Arnold, a lovely girl.

31st. Looked for rations all day. Read some in Harper’s. In evening Lt. Baird and I rode to Mossy Creek in search of rations and to make an effort to procure a mill. Put up a tent fly in the P. M. Rained till 12 P. M. and then turned awfully cold and blew a hurricane. Fly came down. Wet and cold. Year comes in rather roughly.

Thursday, 31st–The weather has been generally mild this month, though changeable, but today it capped the climax. There was a strong gale from the northwest, accompanied by rain and snow. This is regular muster day. The Eleventh Iowa was mustered at 10 o’clock, and we all had to fall in line by companies, and march to the colonel’s tent, where we answered to our names as they were called. This is a poor day for “Veterans;” the re-enlisting is not progressing very fast.

Thursday night, December 31st, 1863.

The last of eighteen sixty-three is passing away as I write. . . . Every New Year since I was in my teens, I have sought a quiet spot where I could whisper to myself Tennyson’s “ Death of the Old Year,” and even this bitter cold night I steal into my freezing, fireless little room, en robe de nuit, to keep up my old habit while the others sleep. . . .

“Old year, you shall not die;
We did so laugh and cry with you,
I ‘ye half a mind to die with you,
Old year, if you must die.”

No! Go and welcome! Bring Peace and brighter days, O dawning New Year. Die, faster and faster, Old One; I count your remaining moments with almost savage glee.

December 31st. Orders received to prepare for a three days’ scout. Reported we go up the valley. A cold rain storm set in before we started. Caused the marching orders to be countermanded. The regiment to remain in camp. I am detailed for picket duty. The last day of the year 1863.

DECEMBER 31st.—Yesterday the Senate passed the following bill, it having previously passed the House:

“A Bill to be entitled An Act to put an end to the exemption, from military service of those who have heretofore furnished substitutes.

“Whereas, in the present circumstances of the country, it requires the aid of all who are able to bear arms, the Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That no person shall be exempted from military service by reason of his having furnished a substitute; but this act shall not be so construed as to affect persons who, though not liable to render military service, have, nevertheless, put in substitutes.”

It was preceded by discussion, yet only two votes were cast in the negative. Mr. Wigfall, it is said, was strangely indisposed; however that might be, his speech is represented as being one of the best ever delivered by him.

To-morrow the President throws open his house for a public reception : his enemies allege that this is with a view to recovering popularity

It rained during the whole of this day. Nevertheless, the Jews have been fleeing to the woods with their gold, resolved to take up their abode in the United States rather than fight for the Confederate States, where they leave in the ranks the substitutes hired by them.

Thursday Dec^r 31 1863

Alas for yesterday^s Sun and balmy air and brilliant atmosphere. It has rained all day and as I now write, the rain decending upon the tin roof sounds like the roar of a Waterfall, but I like that Music. It was always charming to me to hear the rain decending upon the roof or pattering against the window panes. At night it lulls me to sleep like the gentlest music. Altho “soletary and alone” there would be a sense of comfort and contentment sitting by my comfortable fire while the tempest rages without were it not the constant reflection which forces itself upon me that Thousands, ah, hundreds of thousands of our brave soldiers are only rescued by thin canvas from the storm and perhaps lying upon the bare ground. What of the thousands who tonight are doing picket duty miles from the camp where a fire or a tent would but expose them to the enemy and invite the crack of the deadly rifle. Of the faithful sentinel pacing his weary round facing the rain or the blinding sleet and chilling wind. I almost feel it selfish and mean to feel comfortable tonight. The old year is drawing to his end bedewed with tears and uttering sounds of sorrow in the darkness and gloom of the night. On such a night Ossian would have heard ghosts shrieking through the air. It would require no great stretch of fancy to imagine that the lordly Plantation Monarchs of the south were in spirit revisiting the scenes of their former glory and weeping and wailing over their fallen greatness, and shrieking in vindictive hate their final adieus as the closing year closes up all hope for their success. No hope of Recognition by foreign Nations. No hope of an acknowledgment of their Independence by the United States. Nothing but disaster in the field for the most part of the year. Their Currency nearly worthless. Their Strength failing them. Sustained only in their opposition by their fears for their personal safty and their Vindictive hatred of the North. The Leaders of the rebellion seem bent upon using the power they now hold in revenging themselves for their failure and doing all the injury they can to the “hated yankee” before they are compelled to fly or yield. After three years of doubt & despondancy, of disaster and suffering, of a terrible Civil War and all its attendant horrors, we think we can now see the “beginning of the end.” The public mind is boyant with hope and confidence. The universal sentiment is “The Rebellion Must and shall be put down.” The “Compromise” party, the Anti war party, has dwindled down to a few discontented spirits who are looking to a “re-construction,” and hope to find themselves on the dominant side of politics when the wheel turns over, and the masses of the south appear again at the ballot box as of yore. They are called “Copperheads” “Peace Democrats” “Southern sympathisers” &c. They oppose the Administration (of course), oppose the war generaly, discourage enlistments, rant about Taxation, and especialy about the Draft, and seem generaly determined to leave to their children the heritage which the Tories of the Revolution and the Hartford Conventionists of the War of 1812 left to theirs. The whole of the U.S. is My Country. “May She always be in the right. But my Country right or wrong.” Julia is still at Fort Simmons staying with Co^l Wellings family, has been there now almost two weeks. I met ‘Ed’ Dickerson today, he told me that Maj E P Taft expected his wife and family tonight. I must call at the Metropolitan Hotel in the morning and see if they have come. The prospect now is that not much calling will be done tomorrow. The past year has sliped away very speedily as it seems to me, and without any change as it regards the condition of myself or family, or relations. All live and as far as I know enjoy good health as usual. All of our Fathers family, except Brother Lyman, Sister Betsey and myself met at Lyons in Oct. Five Sisters & two Brothers. Harriet Northam of Lockport NY, Abby Sabin of Cincinnatti Ohio, Lois W. Androus of Cold Water Michigan, Frances Root of Medina NY, and Jane Atwater of Lockport NY, C R Taft of Williamstown Mass, all met at Brother Newells House in Lyons. It was a pleasant re-union. I have been Home to Sag Harbor three times during the year, in March, in August, and in Nov, spending in all about six weeks at home with my family. My family left Lyons in April 1859. None of us have been there since. I intend to return when I can spare time to visit my friends.

Dec. 1—Go to Hillsboro. Call on Aunt Martha Utley. The Lord is with her. Reach Greensboro and stop with Bro. Wm. E. Edwards, near depot.

Dec. 2—Conference meets in M. E. Church.

Dec. 3—Army Commission reports.

Dec. 4—Dr. Deems preaches funeral of Rev. J. C. Brent. Wife comes on night train.

Dec. 5—Wife and I dine with Sister Bumpass.

Dec. 6—Bishop Pierce preaches at 11 a. m. Communion at night.

Dec. 7—Conference closed late at night. Wife and I sup at Mr. Van Bokelin’s. Bro. N. F. Reid gives us an order on Bro. Selby for three months’ salary.

Dec. 8—Leave Greensboro at 3 a. m, and go to Hillsboro, and over to Chapel Hill in p. m., with Mrs. John Watson.

Dec. 9—Pay rent, etc. Gather Bibles, Testaments, etc., for my Regiment.

Dec. 10—East and pray. Preach in M. E. Church.

Dec. 11—Walk and ride to Mrs. Fearingtons’ and get Melvin Baldwin’s horse, and ride by William Merritt’s and thence to Bro. Purifoy’s and then walk home.

Dec. 13—Hear Bro. William Closs preach at 11 a. m. and Bro. Jenkins at night. Last evening with my family.

Dec. 14—Leave at 3 a. m. See Bros. Pell and Crowder in Raleigh. Try to see Bro. Hufham. Leave at midnight.

Dec. 15—Go to Richmond.

Dec. 16—Get to Orange Court House. Meet Rev. Mr. Harris, of Lynchburg. Stop at Dr. Black’s.

Dec. 17—Rain and sleet. Cannot get to Regiment.

Dec. 18—Ride to Regiment near Morton’s Ford.

Dec. 22—Visit Cook’s Brigade. See Lieut. Hanner Revs. Plyler, Dodson, Marsh, and return by 55th Regiment and see Lieut. Hoyle.

Dec. 23—Snow and very cold.

Dec. 24—No chimney to my tent. Very cold.

Dec. 26—Ride to Orange Court House and learn that J. A. Pegram had died suddenly last night at Dr. Black’s hospital.

Dec. 27—Rain. Rain. No preaching. Prayer meeting in Co. E.

Dec. 28—Get tent of my own. Rain.

Dec. 29—Clear and very muddy. Meet Chaplains at Pisgah Church. Night in my own tent. Pay fifteen dollars for building wall and chimney.

Dec. 30—Prayer meeting in some Co. every night—in “G” tonight Good men. Every night, everywhere, Co. G. has family prayers Cheatham is sick.

Dec. 31—Writing and reading until near midnight. Write to Mary. Keep “watch night.” On my knees at midnight. A New Year begins! Oh, may it be a good year! May it bring peace to my land! May it carry me and my fellow soldiers to our several homes. Sorry for the follies of the past year. May I be able to spend the new one more for God’s glory!

30th. Slept by a big fire last night–very comfortable. Regiments saddled ready for a fight. Sent Lewis back to S. Plains for rations. Had some beef driven up and killed. Boys would have suffered had they not been fortunate in getting from the country.

Wednesday, 30th–The veterans of the Eleventh Iowa were sworn into the United States service today. There were ten from Company E, as follows: Nathan Chase, George Cush, Leroy Douglas, Frank Johnson, James Martin, James Newcom, Henry Newans, James Rankin, Burtis Rumsey, and Orlando Stout.

Wednesday, 30th.—General Johnston to inspect us in camp. Been hard at work baking cakes since we bought our flour. Made them up with molasses and plenty of soda, with a little vinegar; they humped themselves, and baked very nice and brown; we made the cake-pans out of tin canteen sides, which we made notchy like pie pans, about four inches at the top and two at bottom; could set three in common-sized bake oven. We borrowed two other ovens, so we had three, and could bake nine cakes at one time, and we learned that they would bake in fifteen minutes; so we could bake thirty-six cakes in one hour, and we sold these as fast as we could bake them for $1.00 each. Molasses and vinegar cost us $10.00 per gallon, and soda, $1.00 per pound. But we more than doubled our money. Remember, this was Confederate money, and it was going down so rapidly, that to buy an article and then sell it for double, it was a question whether you made anything or not.

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

December 30th. On our return regular duty was resumed. Fourteen new recruits came to the regiment from Connecticut. Nine assigned to our company, C. Recruits were known as fresh fish. That was the way they were greeted. Most of them had relations and friends in the regiment. The recruits were always welcome and used kindly. Some were very young boys.

Wednesday Dec^r 30^th 1863

Today the weather has been warm and pleasant, almost too warm for comfort in the Sun. I went down to the Bank to get a Draft to send home today and found it more pleasant to seek the shady side of the street. All are anticipating a pleasant New Year and seem much better prepared to enjoy one now than for the last three or four years. There does not seem to be any movement of the armies now going on. I suppose they are all in Winter quarters with the exception of some Cavalry which are occasionaly making “raids” into the enemys country and following up and scattering bands of “guerrillas.” These bands consist generaly of bad and desperate men who live in or near the scene of their operations, peaceable Farmers (apparently) by day living not far from our lines, and not unfrequently within them, they assemble at night. Join some organized Band which is prowling in the vicinity and cut off any Train or Sutlers wagons which may be undefended. By daylight perhaps they are no where to be found, one half of them are back to their Homes and peaceable Farmers again. The ba^l seek the bye roads and bye places, or scatter if hotly pursued understanding where to meet again. Washington and Alexandria and in fact the whole country within our lines (and the “Lines” extend perhaps fifty miles back into Virginia at the present time) are full of rebel “sympathisers” who give information as to the starting of Trains of wagons in any direction, how they are guarded, how strongly &c. If the guerrillas consider themselves strong enough they pounce upon the train in some unexpected place, or in the darkness of the night. If they fear immediate pursuit they take the Horses and what they can carry, burn the wagons and are off. After the Battle of Gettysburgh a long rebel train which was fleeing towards the Potomac was captured by our Cavalry. The train was guarded by soldiers at intervilles [sic] and was said to be four miles long. Our Cavalry dashed along by the Side of the train killing the guards when they resisted and puting the train into the utmost confusion by putting a revolver at the ear of a mule in each team and shooting him down in his harness.

DECEMBER 30th.—A memorial from the army has been presented in both houses of Congress.

The speech of Mr. Foote, relative to a Dictator, has produced some sensation in the city, and may produce more.

A great many Jews and speculators are still endeavoring to get out of the country with their gains.

To-day Mr. Davies paid me $350 more, the whole amount of copyright on the 5000 copies of the first volume of new “Wild Western Scenes,” published by Malsby. He proposes to publish the second volume as soon as he can procure the necessary paper.

29th. At 2:30 A. M. got orders to march to Mossy Creek. Marched at 3. Waited at the creek till nearly daylight, quite cool. Went into a house and warmed. Woodford’s and part of McCook’s divisions went with Foster’s to Dandridge. Found no enemy and returned to Mossy Creek. Stopped to feed. Heard cannonading and got orders to report to Newmarket and then to M. Creek. So far started that went around by road. Quite a heavy fight. At first our men fell back and then we drove in turn. 100 killed and wounded on our side and as many rebels. Saw two of our men, heads shot off. Went to old place to camp.

Near Larkinsville, Ala., December 29, 1863.

We have had some busy times since my last. Foraging for horses, looking for something to eat, and trying to obey a host of contradictory orders, has kept us in the saddle almost constantly. I believe I wrote you about Dorrance’s going over to Elk river, Tenn. for horses and getting captured. When the next scout was ordered out, I was at Bridgeport on business, and Lieutenant Smith went in charge. They were absent a week and when I heard from them, and that they had but seven extras, I started after them and found them 25 miles from camp. That night I got permission from the officer in command to take 20 men and be absent two days. I went over the mountain into Madison county near Huntsville, got 34 good horses and was back on time. I also captured a guerrilla with his horse and traps, and found a lot of clothing which had been taken from Federal soldiers and officers captured by Rebels and concealed in a hovel on the mountain. In the round trip of the last six days, about 150 miles, the boys have destroyed at least 50 shotguns and rifles. To-day, an officer of Ewing’s staff is here selecting our best horses, for the use of Sherman, Logan, etc. We think it confoundedly mean, but guess we’ll stand it. We have enough horses to mount the brigade, but there is some doubt about that little event taking place. They can’t beat me out of being satisfied whatever they do. Would rather remain mounted, but Sherman’s will be done. I have turned into the corral fully my proportion of horses, haven’t lost a man, and none of my command have been guilty of robbing, plundering, or stealing. That’s what the officer of no other detachment here can say, truthfully. I do think I have the best lot of men that ever soldiered together, and there are now 41 for duty. The rest of the brigade is at Scottsboro, only six miles from here, and they will probably go into winter quarters there. Possibly, at Belle Fountain. I am in splendid health and enjoying myself excellently. My wrist is improving slowly, but there is something broken about it. It will, however, answer my purpose if it gets no worse. One ought occasionally to have something of that kind in order to a better appreciation of our many blessings. What wonderful luck I have soldiering, don’t I? Now, in our two month’s foraging, I haven’t lost a man. Only one wounded a little, and one man and Dorrance captured and let go again. In the same time the 15th Michigan have lost about 20. The 46th Ohio have had two killed, the 6th Iowa two killed, and the 40th Illinois two hung and two missing. We have been over all the country they have, and done just as much work, without losing a man. I am hopeful of obtaining some recruits from the Fairview country, but can get along without them.. Have as good as been out of the world for two months. I haven’t worn socks since I left Memphis. Too much trouble. Has rained steadily for the four last days. I have ridden from daylight until dark each day. Got dried off to-day for the first time. Swam our horses over three bad creeks. Lieutenant Smith and three men came very near drowning. My mare swam splendidly.

Tuesday, 29th–I was on camp guard today. The weather is quite pleasant. News came that General Schofield is to be removed from the Department of the Missouri and that Rosecrans is to be placed in command. People are rejoicing over the change. Schofield is in command of a corps with Grant.

Tuesday, 29th.—Bought one-hundred-pound sack of flour to-day, for which we paid $100.00.

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

DECEMBER 29th.—A letter from the President, for the Secretary of War, marked “private,” came in to-day at 2 P.M. Can it be an acceptance of his resignation?

A resolution has been introduced in the House of Representatives to inquire into the fact of commissioned officers doing clerical duties in Richmond receiving “allowances,” which, with their pay, make their compensation enormous. A colonel, here, gets more compensation monthly than Gen. Lee, or even a member of the cabinet!

Mr. Ould, agent of exchange, has sent down some 500 prisoners, in exchange for a like number sent up by the enemy. But he has been instructed by the President not to hold correspondence with Gen. Butler, called “the Beast,” who is in command at Fortress Monroe.

My daughters have plaited and sold several hats, etc., and today they had a large cake (costing $10) from their savings. And a neighbor sent in some egg-nog to my daughter Anne, just arrived from the country.

Gen. Winder reported to the Secretary, to-day, that there were no guards at the bridges, the militia refusing to act longer under his orders.

28th. Dried our clothes and got breakfast. Col. Purington came and reported under arrest for disrespectful language to Gen. Potter. Read a little in “Scottish Chiefs” and Independent. Good article on a visit to Oberlin. Lay about the fire until night. About 7 P. M. got an order to report to Col. Foster and then to Gen. Sturgiss. Awful muddy and dark. Got back to qrs. late and went to bed.

Monday, 28th–The commanding officers of our post here are “conscripting” every able-bodied citizen for military duty. The order applies to blacks as well as to whites, and aims to provide artisans for labor in connection with the army and army posts.

DECEMBER 28th.—Averill has escaped, losing a few hundred men, and his wagons, etc. The Chesapeake, that sailed out of New York, and was subsequently taken by the passengers (Confederates), was hotly followed to Canada, where it was surrendered to the British authorities by the United States officers, after being abandoned.