NOVEMBER 19th.—Miss Harriet H. Fort, of Baltimore, has arrived via Accomac and Northampton Counties, with a complete drawing of all the defenses of Baltimore.

The Medical Purveyor’s Guards have petitioned the Secretary for higher pay. They get now $1500 per annum, and say the city watchmen get $2300.

Gens. Banks and Taylor in the West are corresponding and wrangling about the exchange of prisoners—and the cartel is to be abrogated, probably.

The Governor of Mississippi (Clark) telegraphs the President that the Legislature (in session) is indignant at the military authorities for impressing slaves. The President telegraphs back that the order was to prevent them falling into the lines of the enemy, and none others were to be disturbed.

November 19, 1863, The New York Herald

            The treatment of the Union prisoners at Richmond has been the theme of many comments in our columns of late, and the miserable condition to which they were reduced for want of food and other necessaries of life has been repeatedly described by our correspondents and others. An effort was made by our government to relieve them, but with unheard of barbarity the attempt has been refused by the rebel authorities in Richmond.

            The steamer Convoy, which left Fortress Monroe last Saturday with provisions and clothing for our soldiers held as prisoners in Richmond, returned yesterday, bringing back the provisions and clothing, Col. Irving, who had charge of the matter, having been refused the privilege of taking the rations to Richmond. Thus our unfortunate soldiers, numbering some twelve thousand, are left to perish of want in the prisons of the rebel capital. If ever there was a time when it became the solemn duty of the government to push its armies on to Richmond surely it is now. We must wait, however, to see whether the War Department appreciates the necessity or not. The prisoners are being removed to Danville, some twenty-five hundred of them having already started for that place. An arrival from Richmond of some released prisoners on parole puts us in possession of the condition of the HERALD correspondents, Messrs. Bulkley, Hendricks and Hart, prisoners in Castle Thunder. They are permitted to purchase outside food enough to keep life going, although the prison fare is reduced to a starvation standard.

            The news from the Army of the Potomac is devoid of interest. On Sunday last, after General Kilpatrick’s force had retired from their reconnoissance on the Rapidan, the enemy threw over two regiments on this side of the river, keeping them, however, under cover of their guns. No movements indicating an approaching conflict have been made. Everything is quiet, both in front and rear.

            A despatch from Chattanooga of the 17th says that on that morning the enemy brought a battery down to the river side and shelled the camp of the one hundred and twenty-fifth Illinois, guarding the first six miles above there, killing the Rev. Mr. Sanders, chaplain of the regiment. The rebels were forced to retire after half an hour’s practice by the second Minnesota battery. With this exception all was quiet there.

            Our naval correspondence off Mobile gives some very interesting accounts of the cruise of the gunboat Gertrude in that vicinity, the capture of the blockade runner Warrior, and the discomfiture of the rebel ram which attempted to damage the Union squadron. A map accompanies the statement, showing the entrance to Mobile Bay, the position of our blockading fleet and the rebel defences of the harbor. A despatch from Mobile on the 12th instant, to the rebel Adjutant General, forwarded by Major General Maury, says that on the day previous his troops dashed in above Bayou Sara, on the plundering party of Yankees, three hundred strong, and drove them to their iron-clads with great slaughter. We brought off, he says, their wagon trains and twenty-five prisoners.

            It was stated yesterday in Washington that the latest news from East Tennessee is that the rebel General Longstreet is moving in that direction, and that some skirmishing has already occurred between his advance and General Burnside’s outposts, but at what particular point was not known.

Wednesday, 18th–The weather is still warm. Our fatigue duty is not so laborious now, but the picket duty is becoming more strenuous if anything on account of the activity of the rebels’ cavalry. The Eleventh Iowa signed the payrolls today.

18th. Aroused early and notified that a general evacuation is to take place. Saddled, and so till noon. Train ordered to Rice’s Lower Ford. Rode over hastily to St. Clair and notified Pearson when to cross. Got two teams to go to Kirkpatrick’s mill. Some fast and hard riding. 2nd O. V. C. train ferried but the rest crossed at Cobb’s Ford and trudged on towards Bean Station. Some mud. Good joke on 11th Mich. Batt. Sergt.

Tuesday, 18th.—In direction of Trenton. 2 P. M., went down the mountain, but turned back soon as we got down; back at camp, 10 P. M.

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

Wednesday November 18^th 1863

Since my last date I have been Home and Staid eight days, left here the 31^st Oct & returned the 10^th Ins^t, brought Julia back with me. She is staying at Mr Hartleys on NY Avenue. Neither Gen^l Meade or Admiral Dahlgreen have been removed as was reported at that date, they are both still in command. Our Army is now again South of the Rappahannock. There was a Sharp battle at and near “Kellys Ford” in crossing which was a great success for us, our Army took some 2500 prisoners &c. Not much more fighting has taken place at or near Chattanooga but a great Battle is expected soon. We have just heard that Gen^l Banks has landed and took Fort Brown & Brownsville on the Rio Grande in Texas. It is very pleasant for me to have Julia with me. I call for her and we take long walks visiting the Hospitals or calling on our friends. This evening we called on Mr & Mrs Reynolds and spent an hour. Yesterday we attended the Review of the Invalid Corps at the Presidents. They numbered about 3000. A number of the officers had but one arm and many were lame and the men as a general thing looked rather pale and not able to stand much fatigue.

NOVEMBER 18th.—We have no news whatever, except some damage reported at Charleston, done to two monitors yesterday. The bombardment has assumed no new phase.

A letter from Gen. J. E. Johnston, Meridian, Miss., indicates that the Secretary has been writing him and saying that he was responsible for the outrages of the impressing agents in his department. Gen. J. disclaims the responsibility, inasmuch as the agents referred to act under orders from the Commissary-General or Secretary of War.

November 18, 1863, The New York Herald

            The United States steamer Ashland, from Hilton Head, brigs us accounts from Charleston up to Sunday. The bombardment of Fort Sumter continued unabated. Rebel telegrams to Richmond say that the fort cannot be injured any further. The Battery Gregg kept up a fire on the rebel batteries on Sullivan Island all Saturday afternoon, the enemy slowly returning the fire from Fort Lamar and Battery Simpkins.

            The news from Gen. Meade’s army is not very exciting. On Sunday morning the cavalry division of Gen. Kilpatrick, under command of Gen. Custer, made a reconnoissance along the Rapidan, at Raccoon Ford, to ascertain the truth or falsity of the reports that the rebels were falling back upon Gordonsville. As our cavalry approached they were met with a few guns from the rebel intrenchments; but our light batteries soon silenced them. A small number of rebel sharpshooters were seen in the lower rifle pits, and shortly afterwards a strong rebel infantry force was discovered, but the river being much swollen the cavalry did not cross.

            It was believed in Washington yesterday that two of the divisions of General Hill’s corps have left the Rapidan and gone southward; but whether to Tennessee or Fredericksburg, or to demonstrate upon the left flank of Army of the Potomac, was not known. Our last news from Chattanooga, to the 16th instant, reports that the rebel battery on Lookout Mountain is vigorously at work on our camps, but is doing no damage. Large reinforcements are said to be arriving to General Bragg, and the railroad from Chickamauga Station for a distance of eight miles south is lined with the enemy’s camps. An important engagement was expected before the campaign closes. Major General Sherman was at General Thomas’ headquarters on Monday, having made a junction, with his entire corps, with the right of General Grant’s army at Chattanooga.

            Another rebel torpedo was discovered in James river on Saturday. It was sent down with a view of damaging the Roanoke but Capt. Gansevoort observed it and had it towed ashore, when the devilish contents of a rough looking pine box were brought to light, in the shape of a tin case, containing thirty-five pounds of powder and machinery for igniting it by percussion.

Tuesday, 17th–The report in camp this morning was that General Sherman had been killed and his force captured on a railroad train east from Memphis. Another report this afternoon says that the train was attacked by the rebel cavalry, but that the troops formed a skirmish line and routed the rebels, and that Sherman is safe; but men were killed and wounded on both sides.

17th. Sent Lewis to Russelville to see about rations. June came with load of flour weighing 4,000. 2nd. N. Carolina and 23rd Ind. Batt. in our Brigade drew rations. Saw post Commissary. No rations. Things begin to look a little dubious. Considerable running about for one day. Rode from Gap to camp with Lt. Pearson.

Monday, 17th.—Drew three days’ rations. Started on scout with two brigades. At Nickajack at sundown; cleaning blockade out of Gap. 12 M., about a dozen cannons fired.

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

NOVEMBER 17th.—A cold, dark day. No news. It was a mistake about the enemy crossing the Rapidan—only one brigade (cavalry) came over, and it was beaten back without delay.

Vice-President Stephens writes a long letter to the Secretary, opposing the routine policy of furloughs, and extension of furloughs; suggesting that in each district some one should have authority to grant them. He says many thousands have died by being hastened back to the army uncured of their wounds, etc.—preferring death to being advertised as deserters.

Captain Warner sent me a bag of sweet potatoes to-day, received from North Carolina. We had an excellent dinner.

November 17, 1863, The New York Herald

            We lay before our readers today further particulars of the great Texas expedition, the main points of which, together with a full account of its success on the Rio Grande, we gave exclusively yesterday, from the pen of our special correspondent on the flagship McClellan. The account which we publish in another column today gives still more minutely all the incidents of this important expedition, from its starting to its successful and eventful close. The maps which accompany our correspondentstatement will be found most valuable in illustrating the course and objects of the expedition. They show the spot where our troops were landed on the 2d inst. at Brazos Island and the mouth of the Rio Grande, together with Brownsville and Point Isabel, and other points now invested with a peculiar interest.

            The latest news from Charleston is by way of Richmond, to the 14th inst. On the 13th the firing from our batteries averaged about two shots a minute throughout the night, and continued with greater rapidity next day. The casualties were only two killed and one wounded.

            A despatch from Atlanta, Ga., on the 13th, says that a fight between the rebel batteries and our forces before Chattanooga continued briskly up to that time, and that our troops have made a diversion from right to left, with a view probably to attack Lookout Mountain, or, it may be, to send troops to reinforce Gen. Burnside.

            We give some further interesting particulars today concerning the great Canadian plot which has fizzled out so completely.

Monday, 16th–On picket today. The weather is warm and pleasant, though the cool nights give warning of approaching winter. With our high picket post and the beautiful landscape, finer than an artist could paint, picket duty in the daytime is a delight.

16th. Before rising, was ordered to Garrard’s quarters. Went over and received orders to go to McKinney’s Mill and get 40 sacks of flour and then go to Bulls Gap where Hdqrs. had moved. Did my business and rode to the Gap after dusk. Cold ride. Learned that the Brigade was at the Lick Creek bridge. Pickets very exacting. Infantry moving.

Sunday, 16th.—Colonel told us this would probably be our camp for some time, and that we had better build winter quarters.

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

NOVEMBER 16th.—Governor Brown, Georgia, writes the Secretary that he is opposed to impressments, and that the government should pay the market price—whatever that is. And the Rhett politicians of South Carolina are opposed to raising funds to pay with, by taxing land and negroes. So indicates the Mercury.

We have news to-day of the crossing of the Rapidan River by Meade’s army. A battle, immediately, seems inevitable.

November 16, 1863, The New York Herald

            By the arrival of the steamers Cromwell, Columbia and Continental from New Orleans yesterday, we have highly interesting news of the expedition of General Banks. It has landed safely on the Texas shore of the Rio Grande, after experiencing some severe weather at sea, and much difficulty in putting the men ashore through the surf. The government works at Fort Brown were destroyed by the rebels, upon seeing our troops landing, and the town of Brownsville was set on fire by the enemy’s cavalry. The Union men in the town resisted them, and a bloody street fight ensued between the two factions, while the houses were burning around them. The Fifteenth Maine regiment was ordered up to Brownsville to support the Unionists. Our special correspondent on the flagship McClellan furnishes a highly interesting account in minute detail of the progress of the expedition, which will be found in another column.

            Everything is quiet on the Rappahannock and Rapidan. General Meade will return to his command today. Heavy cannonading was heard yesterday morning in the vicinity of Stevensburg, commencing at eight o’clock, and continuing about an hour. It was renewed between eleven and twelve o’clock, and was heard at Bealton, twenty miles distant, as the train passed that point. It was supposed that Kilpatrick, who has his camp at Stevensburg, had engaged a reconnoitering force of the enemy.

            It is definitely ascertained that General Lee has not left for Chattanooga as was recently reported, though it is believed that a portion of his troops have been sent off, leaving portions of two corps on the Rapidan. From rebel sources it is learned that the enemy has little apprehension of our assaulting his position at present. Huts are being erected, and indications are that Lee proposes to winter behind his intrenchments on the Rapidan.

            A body of rebel guerillas attacked and captured a train of twenty-one wagons within ten miles of Cumberland Gap, on the 12th instant; but while they were going off with their prey, Colonel Lemert, with a few of the Fourth Ohio cavalry, dashed upon them, and after a sabre fight of a few minutes, completely dispersed the guerillas, after killing two, wounding four and capturing eleven of them. The train was of course recovered.

            The United States steam transport Arago, from Charleston, brings news to the 12th inst. Nothing of an important character has occurred there for some days past. The bombardments of Fort Sumter still continues, although with less vigor than a week ago. The shells from our mortars gradually decrease the garrison from day to day by some five or six of the defenders being killed or wounded. The rebel batteries at Secessionville have been firing on our light draught steamers, and the compliment was returned by Captain Bacon with a few shells from the Commodore McDonough, which incontinently dispersed a very pleasant party of ladies and gentlemen who were enjoying themselves at a musical tea party.

            The United States transport Dudley Buck, from Newbern via Fortress Monroe, arrived here yesterday afternoon. She brought from the latter place Brigadier General Fitzhugh Lee, of the rebel service, as prisoner, in charge of Captain Watson, of the Third Pennsylvania artillery.

            The correspondence of the rebel agents in Europe, picked up during the capture of the blockade runners off Wilmington, N.C. — the tenor of which we have before referred to — will be found in our columns today. It comprises a very curious and interesting budget of news accidentally thrown into our hands.

NOVEMBER 15th.—After a fine rain all night, it cleared away beautifully this morning, cool, but not unseasonable. There is no news of importance. The Governor of Georgia recommends, in his message, that the Legislature instruct their representatives in Congress to vote for a repeal of the law allowing substitutes, and also to put the enrolling officers in the ranks, leaving the States to send conscripts to the army. The Georgia Legislature have passed a resolution, unanimously, asking the Secretary of War to revoke the appointments of all impressing agents in that State, and appoint none but civilians and citizens. I hope the Secretary will act upon this hint. But will he?

The papers contain the following :

“Arrived in Richmond.—Mrs. Todd, of Kentucky, the mother of Mrs. Lincoln, arrived in this city on the steamer Schultz, Thursday night, having come to City Point on a flag of truce boat. She goes South to visit her daughter, Mrs. Helm, widow of Surgeon-General Helm, who fell at Chickamauga. Mrs. Todd is about to take up her residence in the South, all her daughters being here, except the wife of Lincoln, who is in Washington, and Mrs. Kellogg, who is at present in Paris.”

“TO THE POOR.—C. Baumhard, 259 Main Street, between Seventh and Eighth, has received a large quantity of freshly-ground corn-meal, which he will sell to poor families at the following rates: one bushel, $16; half bushel, $8; one peck, $4; half peck, $2.”

Sunday, 15th–We had the regular Sunday inspections, company at 10 o’clock and regimental at 4. It is pretty strict discipline to call us out on the Lord’s Day for two inspections, when our daily duty is so laborious.

15th. After breakfast packed up. Went up town and got rations of coffee and sugar for ten days, and beef. 7th marched to St. Clair, also Col. Garrard. Drove the cattle. Found a comfortable room. An old stove for quartermasters and Commissary. Cleaned it out, and got stove and seemed comfortable. Little like Sunday. Thought often of home and home privileges.

November 15.—Went this morning to Church and heard the Gospel preached, but in a manner so dull, and in a voice so monotonous, that I did not hear with much profit. I mourn that I did not, for I believe that some of the most God-serving, and therefore efficient ministers, are those who are not attractive as preachers, and there must be some defect in the listener who is not profited by the Gospel preached in spirit and in truth, though not set forth in an attractive form. I would that our best preachers could be sent to the field, for the soldiers, having such temptations to spending the Sabbath in idleness, should have the Gospel made impressive and interesting, so that they may be induced to attend the services and to enjoy them.

W. N. and his sweet bride passed through town this week. It was very pleasant to see how she understood his wants; how naturally she would open the doors, gates, etc., and assist him in walking up and down steps. I trust he may soon be able to give up his crutches. L. B. is also married and in town, staying at Judge M’s. Captain S. returned from the wars a few nights after the one appointed, and was married in quite the old style of bridesmaids and groomsmen, with a bridal supper which I am told reminded one of peace times.

Our army does not seem prospering in the West. Bragg has fallen back. We long to hear better things. A battle seems imminent on the Rappahannock; ninety-three wagons filled with ammunition were yesterday captured by Colonel Rosser—a good capture, at a good time.

Saturday, 15th.—Went on picket one mile; not getting much rations.

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

November 15.¹ – “We” went out to Fort Hamilton to-day and are going to Blackwell’s Island to-morrow and to many other places of interest down the Bay. Soldiers are everywhere and I feel quite important, walking around in company with blue coat and brass buttons–very becoming style of dress for men and the military salute at every turn is what one reads about.

Sunday.–Went to Broadway Tabernacle to church to-day and heard Rev. Joseph P. Thompson preach. Abbie Clark is visiting her sister, Mrs Fred Thompson, and sat a few seats ahead of us in church. She turned around and saw us. We also saw Henrietta Francis Talcott, who was a “Seminary girl.” She wants me to come to see her in her New York home.

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¹ Unless Miss Richards had two entries for the same date, the date for this entry is probably in error. November 15, 1863 was a Sunday.  The entry noted here as Sunday lies between entries for the 15th and the 19th, a Thursday, the date Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address.