March 13, 1863, The New York Herald

We publish in another column, from our special correspondent, a full account of the bombardment of Fort McAllister, on the Ogeechee river, and of the destruction of the Nashville by the United States gunboat Montauk, commanded by Lieutenant Worden, who has covered himself with glory. It is true that Fort McAllister has not been captured, and a silly shout of exultation has been raised by the rebels; but that was not the object of the expedition. The fort would be of no advantage to us, situated, as it is, on the mainland, where it could be recaptured. The object was to test the strength and capacity of the Monitors, and to train the gunners to actual service in battle; and this has been fully attained. The result has proved that the iron-clads are invulnerable to any guns of the calibre possessed by the rebels – the Montauk having been struck over seventy times without injury – and that even their torpedoes fail to injure those vessels, though raising them a foot out of the water. The practice of the gunners has been admirable, as was evinced by their fire against the Nashville. The fifth shell (an ordinary one) set her on fire and insured her destruction. The coolness, courage and heroism of the commander of the Montauk, who had the honor of commanding the Monitor when she repulsed and baffled the Merrimac, are deserving of all praise; and the success of the new experiment in naval warfare is due as much to Worden as to the qualities of the Monitors. Nothing can be more satisfactory than the results obtained, and the time is not far distant when our iron-clads will give such a report of themselves as will be heard at the ends of the earth.

March 12th. The Genesee went up the river to-day with two mortar schooners in tow.

Thursday, 12th–The Eleventh Iowa received two months’ pay, I receiving $26.00. We commenced to cut the levee today, but shortly after we got started the order was countermanded.

12th. Capt. Nettleton called and gave me a line from home and told me about his visit. Read two or three good lectures in “Currents and Countercurrents.” Went down to Co. H in the evening. Visited with the boys.

Thursday March 12^th 1863

A bright pleasant morning but followed by snow and wind, quite cold tonight. Capt Swan came up from the Army and called on me today. Maj E. P. Taft got a furlough to go home and was in one of the Gov^t offices this morning haveing his papers approved when he fell down in a fit in the office and was insensible for some time. He recovered however after an hour or two and started for home on the 6½ train. The attack was occasioned no doubt by mental excitement on account of dispatch which he had read relating to his little boys sickness together with considerable physical debility. Met Norton Spencer, son of A.O.S., formerly of Lyons. I have not seen him for some years. He was one of M^cClellans aids on the Peninsula last summer. Also met at the National my old friend A B Dickerson, U.S. Minister to Nicaragua, just returned, had a long conversation with him in reference to that country. He has just been appointed US Marshall of the Northern District of NY. No news of any great importance today. The N.H. Election came off on the 10^th, result uncertain. I fear there will be trouble in some of the Northern States on account of the Conscription. It is thought by many that a Draft will be resisted with arms. I think that those who go into that will get into bad business and come to grief.

MARCH 12th.—To-day we have no army news.

Mr. Richard Smith issued the first number of The Sentinel yesterday morning. Thus we have five daily morning papers, all on half sheets. The Sentinel has a biography of the President, and may aspire to be the “organ.”

John Mitchel, the Irishman, who was sentenced to a penal colony for disturbances in Ireland, some years ago, is now the leading editor of the Enquirer. He came hither from the North recently. His “compatriot,” Meagher, once lived in the South and advocated our “institutions.” He now commands a Federal brigade. What Mitchel will do finally, who knows? My friend R. Tyler, probably, had something to do with bringing him here. As a politician, however, he must know there is no Irish element in the Confederate States. I am sorry this Irish editor has been imported.

The resignation of Gen. Toombs is making some sensation in certain circles. He was among the foremost leaders of the rebellion. He was Secretary of State, and voluntarily resigned to enter the army. I know not precisely what his grievance is, unless it be the failure of the President to promote him to a higher position, which he may have deemed himself entitled to, from his genius, antecedents, wealth, etc. But it is probable he will cause some disturbance. Duff Green, who is everywhere in stormy times, told me to-day that Gen. Toombs would be elected Governor of Georgia this fall, and said there were intimations that Georgia might make peace with the United States! This would be death to the government—and destruction to Toombs. It must be a mistake. He cannot have any such design. If he had, it would be defeated by the people of Georgia, though they sighed for peace. Peace is what all most desire—but not without independence. Some there are, in all the States, who would go back into the Union, for the sake of repose and security. But a majority would not have peace on such terms.

Still, it behooves the President to be on his guard. He has enemies in the South, who hate him much.

March 12th, 1863.–More bad news to write in my diary. Sweet little Susie died before day this morning. She was so pretty. Except cousin Rich, she was the best looking one of the family. She loved him devotedly and ever since he was killed she seemed to be thinking of him all the time. When she was dying she asked to be buried beside him. Our “God’s Acre,” is filling fast. Aunt Nancy is so frail we fear she cannot stand this fresh blow.

Susan Bradford is 17 years old when this entry was made.

March 12, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The shrewd correspondent of the Savannah Republican, ‘P.W.A.’ writing from this city on the 10th instant, says:

It is not probable that the enemy will abandon the Southern coast without making an attack upon Charleston of Savannah. Their expenditures of money have been too heavy, and their preparations too elaborate, to admit of such a supposition. Public opinion in the United States – […..] power behind the throne,’ which has had much to do in the conduct of the war on the other side – calls for the sacrifice of one or both of these cities, and a formidable effort will be made – probably within the next two weeks – to satisfy the demand.

There is a good reason, doubtless, for the hesitation which has characterized the movements of Gen. Hunter. First, his differences with General Foster as to the command of the Federal army, and next, the reports of spies and deserters as to the strength and character of our defences, have almost certainly operated to produce the delay. It is understood that there are five iron-clad vessels of the Monitor class now on the coast. These, it was feared, would not be sufficient to effect the reduction of either city, and three others – some say four – were sent for. It is for the arrival of the additional iron monsters that the enemy are waiting. One or two of them are reported to be now on the way to Port Royal.

Five of these Monitors – the number understood to be now on the coast – would be quite sufficient to protect the water base of any movement by land. Indeed, the wooden gunboats and other vessels of war now blockading this harbor, would be equal to that service. Why, then, should the enemy be waiting for additional iron-clads? There can be but one answer to this question? Their purpose is to operate by water. If Charleston is the point at which they are aiming, then they will enter the harbor and engaged the ports and batteries by which it is defended. They may even hope that the iron armor with which their vessels are protected, will enable them to run the gauntlet of the forts, and reach the city, as they did at New Orleans, and with like results. If Savannah is the goal of their ambition, then you may expect to see them steam up [continue reading…]

March 12, 1863, The New York Herald

RUTHERFORD’S CREEK, FOUR MILES NORTH OF COLUMBIA, March 11, 1863.

General Granger came up with the enemy at this place yesterday afternoon. The advance guard were skirmishing yesterday, and lost two killed and several wounded, but captured several rebels. One of them reports that Col. Coburn, with two thousand men, escaped, and were making their way to our lines.

The Position of Rutherford’s Creek.

Rutherford’s creek is one of the many small tributaries of the Duck river, which river flows westerly through the State of Tennessee and falls into the Tennessee river in Humphrey county, at a point about ten miles north of Columbia, and flows southerly until it falls into Duck river at about a mile north of the county capital. About three miles from the mouth of that creek the engagement reported in the above telegram took place.

The Importance of the Movement.

As we have had so many skirmishes during the present war, and battles even of a gigantic nature, a skirmish like the present one, with but two killed and several wounded, is now looked upon as a very trifling affair. But in this skirmish there is something more than appears at the first glance. The rebel General Van Dorn is reported to be stationed along the line of the Duck river, in Maury county, with a force reported as varying from ten to eighteen thousand men. Their object is, doubtless, to flank Rosecrans and capture Nashville. But the plan has been foreseen by the commander of the Department of the Cumberland, and he has sent General Granger with a sufficient force to counteract the movement. There is but little doubt that if the rebels will only stand to fight a serious battle may grow out of this simple skirmish. The Union troops wish to, and will dearly repay the debt they owe Van Dorn for the capture of Coburn on the 7th instant, providing he will give them a chance. [continue reading…]

March 12, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

(CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.)

RICHMOND, Friday, March 7.

It was a relief to us to hear that the Indianola had not been blown up. One of our papers recommends that the parties connected with the disgraceful affair (if such it was) be branded with the letters T. M., and formed into a detached company, to be known by the name of Turreted Monsters.

A recent order from the War Department directs all officers dropped from the rolls, cashiered by courts martial, or whose resignations are accepted, be at once enrolled. Said officer may select in his former command any company from his own State in which to be enrolled.

Fulton, of the Baltimore American, has been writing letters from Port Royal, in one of which he says the humbling of Charleston, the taking of Sumter and Moultrie, and the raising of the old flag, are undertakings of magnificent importance and doubtful results. Very! In this connection I may mention an on dit to the effect that General G. W. Smith has written to General Beauregard, offering his services in any capacity during the coming siege.

Twelve surgeons, who remained in charge of our wounded after the battle of Murfreesboro’, have addressed a letter to the Secretary of War detailing the gross indignities heaped upon them while at the North, in direct contravention of the rules of the cartel. They were imprisoned with convicts and deserters, marched through the streets like prisoners of war, hooted and jeered at by the mob, and robbed of their money, clothes and surgical instruments. They ask for redress and [continue reading…]

March 12, 1863, The New York Herald

General Hooker had a long conference in Washington yesterday with the President, Gen. Halleck, Mr. Stanton and the Committee on the Conduct of the War, and returned to the Rappahannock last night. A reconnoitering party sent out a few days ago, consisting of a detachment of the First Maine cavalry, to scour the neck of land between the Rappahannock and Mattapony rivers, returned on Sunday to Falmouth and made a good report of itself, to the effect that all the court houses on the neck, and all the ferries on the Rappahannock for eighty miles below our lines, were visited, and that another smuggling nest was broken up and the smugglers captured, together with several rebel officers. a valuable lot of medical stores, contraband goods, such as boots, shoes, caps and blankets, and a number of horses and mules, were taken. Several boats engaged in carrying goods across the Rappahannock were destroyed, and a large warehouse filled with wheat and corn, ready for transportation, was burned. This is doing very well in that infested region.

It is said that before many days elapse the President will issue a call for more troops. The rumors that Major General Butler had been appointed Provost Marshal of the eastern district are not true.

The news from the Southwest today is important. It was believed in Memphis yesterday that an engagement at Port Hudson was progressing. A report reached Cincinnati from Jackson, Tennessee, that a portion of General Sullivan’s division, composed of two hundred men and two pieces of artillery, had been surrounded by the rebels and captured.

A movement took place on Monday afternoon at Rutherford creek, one of the tributaries of the Duck river, Tennessee, which may eventuate before many days in a serious battle between the Union troops and Van Dorn’s large rebel force of some 18,000 men, now on the line of the Duck river. General Granger, sent forward by General Rosecrans, arrived at the creek on that evening, and his advance guard immediately commenced skirmishing with the enemy, capturing several of them, who report that Colonel Coburn and two thousand of his men – who, it will be remembered, were [continue reading…]

March 11th. At five-thirty A. M. got under way, and continued on up the river. At nine A. M. brought ship to anchor off the city of Baton Rouge, La. The crew have been employed to-day coaling ship.

Wednesday, 11th–All is quiet. The commissioned officers of our brigade had a meeting at brigade headquarters for the purpose of considering ways and means for arming the colored men, since they have been declared free. The plan is to put them under good officers for garrison service, thus relieving that number of men for the more important places in the front. They also passed resolutions calling upon the loyal people of the North to put down those at home who are opposing the prosecution of the war; if need be they would use force by calling for soldiers from the front. The men at the front feel that this opposition to war at home is helping to prolong the war, by encouraging the rebels.

11th. After getting up beef and bread, issued rations for 10 days. Drove round in wagon and distributed the potatoes. Through in good season. In the evening played checkers and finished my letter to Fannie. Received a good letter from her, also one from Frederick.

Washington Wednesday March 11^th 1863

When I looked out of the window this morning everything was covered with Snow. But it has all disapeared tonight leaving a due quantity of mud in its place. No important events are chronicled in the papers today. In looking ahead a month ago I thought it impossible that a month could pass away without something of great importance taking place. The Capture of Charleston, Savannah, or Vicksburgh seemed among the probabilities or attempts that way at least. I suppose our forces are doing what they can and will at least make an attempt direct to Capture Savannah or Charleston soon. I think it is intended to Starve them out at Vicksburgh by cutting off their Supplies and surrounding the City with water. Great crowds still frequent the Av^e afternoons and “Shoulder Straps” were quite plenty. The army orders in the morning papers is stirring them up. The sweet delicate looking lads, the ma ma^s pets who have got on “Straps” through and draw their pay through pa pa^s influence cannot air their nice uniforms much longer in the streets or parlors of Washington. March into “line” Gentlemen, or a disgraceful dismissal from the army. Called at Charleys and at Doct Munsons this evening. Got to my room at 9. Got letter from Home & from W T Tinsley of Lyons, wants Seeds.

MARCH 11th.—Gen. Fitzhugh Lee has made a dash into Fairfax (near Washington) a day or two ago, and captured the Federal Gen. Slaughter and other officers, in their beds.

Last night one of the government warehouses in this city was burnt. It is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary traitor; perhaps in retaliation for the recent impressment of flour. Yesterday the lower house of Congress passed a resolution restricting impressments. This has a bad aspect.

The Bureau of Conscription, to-day, under the direction of Col. Lay, decided that all clerks in the departments, appointed subsequent to the eleventh of October last, are liable to be en-rolled for service. Yet the colonel himself has a clerk appointed in January last.

Gold sells at $5 in Confederate States notes for one; U. S. Treasury notes are at a premium here of $2.50. Even the notes of our State banks are at 60 per cent. premium over Confederate notes. This is bad for Mr. Memminger. An abler financier would have worked out a different result.

All the patriotism is in the army; out of it the demon avarice rages supreme. Every one seems mad with speculation; and the extortioners prey upon every victim that falls within their power. Nearly all who sell are extortioners. We have at the same time, and in the same community, spectacles of the most exalted virtue and of the most degrading vice.

Col. Mattel, the former commandant of conscripts for North Carolina, who was wounded at Kinston, and yet was superseded by Col. Lay’s friend, Col. August, is now to be restored, and Col. A. relieved. Upon this Col. L. has fallen sick.

Mr. Duffield, whom Col. Lay and Mr. Jacques had appointed A. A. G. over me, has not yet, for some cause, got his commission. The Secretary or some one else may have “intervened.”

March 11, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT GEORGIA,

Savannah, March 9th, 1863. (General Orders No. 21.)

In calling the attention of the troops in this District to the successful repulse, on the 3d inst., of three turreted iron-clad gunboats and three mortar boats by Fort McAllister, the Brigadier General commanding again returns his hearty thanks to the brave garrison, and expresses the confident hope that their heroic example will be followed by all under his command. For eight hours these formidable vessels, throwing fifteen inch hollow shot and shell, thirteen inch shell, eleven inch solid shot, and eight inch rifle projectiles – a combination of formidable missiles never before concentrated upon a single battery – hurled an iron hail upon the Fort. But the brave gunners, with the cool, efficient spirit of disciplined soldiers, and with the intrepid hearts of freemen battling in a just cause, stood undaunted at their posts, and proved to the world that the most formidable vessels and guns that modern ingenuity has been able to produce are powerless against an earth work manned by patriots to whom honor and liberty are dearer than life. Believing that the repulse of these vessels, with but slight injury to the battery or garrison, marks a new era in the history of the war, the fact is published with proud satisfaction for the information and encouragement of all.

Capt. Robert Martin, of MartinLight Battery, who commanded the mortar during the engagement, and dropped one of his shell directly upon the deck of the Montauk, deserves with his detachment, to share all the praise awarded to the immediate garrison.

The vigilance and activity of Capt. J. L. McAllister, and his free exposure to all danger, merit particular mention. His brave marksmen, who lay in the open marsh, within rifle range of the gunboats, are commended to the notice of the [continue reading…]

March 11, 1863, The New York Herald

Away up in the Rocky Mountain region, north of Utah and Colorado, and West of Nebraska, lies the country named Shosone on some of our maps, to be hereafter known as Idaho, pronounced with the accent on the first and last syllables. It embraces four degrees of latitude – from forty-one to forty-six in the eastern half – and thirteen degrees of longitude – from one hundred and four to one hundred and seventeen. The pony express route from Missouri to California traverses the eastern half of it. The Rocky Mountains form a gigantic back bone, stretching up northwesterly from the South Pass, and innumerable rivers act as the veins and arteries, carrying off the melted snow from those high latitudes and send their tribute to the Father of Waters. A few years ago no white man resided within its wide limits. Today it contains an adventurous mining population. Ten years more, and towns and cities, and churches and schoolhouses, the arts and comforts of civilized life, will be diffused over it. It is thus that the American people subdue the desert, and carry out their great destiny.

Congress, at its last session, passed an act organizing a Territorial government for Idaho, carving it out from Oregon, Dacotah and Washington Territories, just as the Territory of Colorado has been carved out from Kansas, Nebraska and Utah. Its officers consist of a Governor, Secretary, three Judges, a District Attorney and a Marshal. A Territorial Legislature or council is to be convened to adopt a code of laws for the new Territory, and thus, the usual machinery being put in motion, Idaho takes her place as one of the nascent States of the Union.

Very little is known of the resources of the new Territory, but its principal attraction at this time is its supposed mineral wealth. In the autumn of 1861 discoveries were made showing that gold actually existed in that region, and was to be found in paying quantities. These mines were said to be located on the head of Salmon river – a tributary of the Columbia. In the spring of 1862 there was a rush from California, Salt Lake and Pike’s Peak, and the country was pretty well prospected. As soon as navigation opened three or four hundred persons from St. Louis passed up the Missouri as far as Fort Benton, on the boats of the American Fur company. The most of these St. Louis emigrants were sent under [continue reading…]

March 11, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The Charleston correspondent of the Mobile Advertiser and Register, in alluding to the constant threats of the Yankees in regard to the attacked upon this place, says:

The struggle, when it comes, will certainly be of a fearful character. It will be the shock of tremendous forces, the relative powers of which are yet untried. The long mooted question of the fighting value of ships against batteries will be brought to a test more conclusive than any to which human warfare has yet subjected it. In other words, the Monitor iron-clads, which the Yankees claim to be the most impenetrable vessels ever constructed, will necessarily come within point blank range of the most numerous and powerful batteries that have ever yet been used in a single engagement. We have good reason, too, to believe that our guns will be managed with admirable tact and precision. The more important batteries are manned by the South Carolina regulars, for whom the credit is claimed, and I think justly, of being the most expert and practiced heavy artillerists in the Confederate army. The forts are well officered, and General Ripley, who has made the study of heavy ordnance a specialty for years, and whose excellence in that particular branch of military knowledge is an admitted fact, will, I hear, make his headquarters at Fort Sumter as soon as the enemy makes his appearance.

It is scarcely possible that any floating thing can breast unharmed the concentrated storm of heavy metal from the guns of Sumter, Moultrie and Battery Bee, the three principal works commanding the throat of the harbor. Nor can the peril of running this terrible gauntlet be diminished by an attempt to pass under cover of the darkness, as has been the case at Vicksburg and New Orleans. So tortuous and intricate is the channel leading to the forts that the most experienced pilots of the harbor would not venture to bring in a vessel by night, under the conditions which the enemy cannot escape, viz: without a light or landmark to guide the way. Even when the blockade-running vessels leave the harbor, it is always necessary to aid their exit by previously arranged lights (shaded) and signals; so that it is reasonably certain that the attacking iron-clads must either enter in open day, or incur the imminent hazard of getting aground upon one of the most treacherous bars on the Southern coast, which seldom yields a vessel once it has grasped the keel. But if, perchance, despite of mazy channel, multiplied torpedoes, and the combined batteries of the forts, some of the nine Monitors should chance to get into port, they would still have to encounter a concentrated fire from other batteries, which, as the Yankee papers have learned from contrabands, […..] the shores of the interior of the harbor.’

And then will come the […..] of war’ which will determine the possession of the honored old city.

March 11, 1863, The New York Herald

The President has issued an important proclamation today on the matter of soldiers absent from their regiments without leave. He gives a few days’ grace to all such, up to the 1st of April, at which time all those who report themselves to the nearest headquarters, as designated by a previous order of the Secretary of War, will be restored to their respective regiments without punishment; but those who do not will be arrested as deserters and dealt with as the law directs. He warns evil disposed persons not to give aid to the rebellion by encouraging desertion, thus weakening the strength of the armies and exposing those troops in the field to additional danger. He calls upon all good citizens to assist in preventing disaffected parties from urging the desertion of soldiers and discouraging enlistments.

The recent reconnoissance of Colonel Dodge from Norfolk has proved an eminent success. He marched one hundred and ten miles, visiting Southfield, Chuckatuck and Blackwater bridge. He met the enemy at Windsor, near the latter point, drove in their advance upon the main body, then attacked them on the flanks and forced them to retire to the Blackwater. The fight lasted only forty minutes.

The news from Tennessee is important. A despatch from Nashville, dated Monday, says that the rebel Van Dorn’s forces have retreated south, and are reported to be across Duck river; that there are no rebels between Franklin and Columbia, and that all is quiet in Murfreesboro. A heavy rain had been falling all day and part of the previous night, causing a rise in the river. On the other hand a despatch yesterday from Cincinnati states that information has been specially received from Franklin, Tenn., to the effect that a large force of artillery, infantry and cavalry moved against the enemy posted at Spring Hill on Monday, and that if the rebels make a stand there will be a heavy engagement, as it is the determination that Coburn’s disaster at Thompson’s Station should be retrieved. Another telegram from Murfreesboro says a report reached there on Monday that Van Dorn’s rebel forces had been defeated, and the greater portion of them captured.

It is evident from all these reports that active operations are in progress in the west. General Rosecrans has given notice to all those persons whose natural supporters are in the rebel service, and whole sympathies and connections are such [continue reading…]

March 11, 1863, The New York Herald

EXECUTIVE MANSION, March 10, 1863.

In pursuance of the twenty-sixth section of the act of Congress entitled an act for enrolling and filling out of the national forces and for other purposes, approved on the 3d of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, I Abraham Lincoln, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, do hereby order and command that all soldiers enlisted or drafted into the service of the United States, now absent from their regiments without leave, shall forthwith return to their respective regiments.

And I do hereby declare and proclaim that all soldiers now absent from their respective regiments without leave, who shall, on or before the 1st day of April, 1868, report themselves at any rendezvous designated by the General Orders of the War Department, No. 58, hereto annexed, may be restored to their respective regiments without punishment, except the forfeiture of pay and allowances during their absence; and all who do not return within the time above specified shall be arrested as deserters and punished as the law provides.

And whereas, evil disposed and disloyal persons, at sundry places, have enticed and procured soldiers to desert and absent themselves from their regiments, thereby weakening the strength of the armies, and prolonging the war, giving aid and comfort to the enemy, and cruelly exposing the gallant and faithful soldiers remaining in the ranks to increased hardships and danger –

I do, therefore, call upon all patriotic and faithful citizens to oppose and resist the aforementioned dangerous and [continue reading…]

March 10th. At five thirty A. M. got under way; started ahead, steaming up the river. At nine A. M. beat to quarters, passed Donaldsonville; at this place a few companies of General Banks’s army were encamped. As our ship passed on, we were saluted by the soldiers on shore. At six P. M. brought ship to anchor off Manchac.

Tuesday, 10th–We heard again that Port Hudson was taken, and also that Rosecrans had a battle, but can learn nothing definite. A squad from our regiment mounted on mules and horses had an exciting experience while out scouting, about twelve miles from camp. Seeing some chickens in the yard of a farm house, they thought they might as well get a few to take along with them. When some of the boys, dismounting, entered the yard to catch the chickens, they were met by the woman of the house with a bucket of scalding hot water and they had a hard time trying to keep out of her way. Some of the boys got a touch of the hot water, but they caught their chickens.

March 10th, Tuesday.

I had so many nice things to say – which now, alas, are knocked forever from my head – when news came that the Yankees were advancing on us, and were already within fifteen miles. The panic which followed reminded me forcibly of our running days in Baton Rouge. Each one rapidly threw into trunks all clothing worth saving, with silver and valuables, to send to the upper plantation. I sprang up, determined to leave instantly for Clinton so mother would not be alarmed for our safety; but before I got halfway dressed, Helen Carter came in, and insisted on my remaining, declaring that my sickness and inability to move would prove a protection to the house, and save it from being burned over their heads. Put on that plea, though I have no faith in melting the bowels of compassion of a Yankee, myself, I consented to remain, as Miriam urgently represented the dangers awaiting Clinton. So she tossed all we owned into our trunk to send to mother as hostage of our return, and it is now awaiting the cars. My earthly possessions are all reposing by me on the bed at this instant, consisting of my guitar, a change of clothes, running-bag, cabas, and this book. For in spite of their entreaties, I would not send it to Clinton, expecting those already there to meet with a fiery death – though I would like to preserve those of the most exciting year of my life. They tell me that this will be read aloud to me to torment me, but I am determined to burn it if there is any danger of that. Why, I would die without some means of expressing my feelings in the stirring hours so rapidly approaching. I shall keep it by me.

Such bustle and confusion! Every one hurried, anxious, excited, whispering, packing trunks, sending them off; wondering negroes looking on in amazement until ordered to mount the carts waiting at the door, which are to carry them too away. How disappointed the Yankees will be at finding only white girls instead of their dear sisters and brothers whom they love so tenderly! Sorry for their disappointment! [continue reading…]