20th. Ground white with frost. Quite jolly at Hdqrs. talking over old Ky. times. Moved out at 7. Passed Bull Gap and got nearly to Russelville and received orders to return to Jonesboro. Battle expected. Stopped for supper and to cook beef and then moved on. Reached our old camp 5 miles north of Greenfield at 2 A. M. Sleepy time in the night.

Sunday, 20th–We had dress parade this evening at 5 o’clock and important orders were read to the command. The first is, that our division is now to be known as the First Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps; second, that on a march we are to carry only nineteen pounds, and third, that we are to be ready to form a line of battle at a moment’s notice. The reason for the last is that the rebels have driven in our pickets on the right and may make a raid. News came that a battle is being fought on the Chickamauga river, to the south of Chattanooga, with heavy loss on both sides.

September 20

       There has been a very brave & successful repulse of an attack on Fort Sumter. The Artillery have been moved from the Fort & an Infantry Company, the Charleston Batallion put there & Major Stephen Elliott placed in command it is said they took the flag that used to be on the Fort, & Major Anderson was permitted to take with them.—

       Every thing is now tending to a battle in the West.—As there were no longer any guns to man in Fort Sumter the Artillery were placed in different batteries William’s company are at Fort Ripley a warf in the middle of the harbour or rather near Fort Sumter, they have a boat to live in & find it very disagreeable. We saw yesterday the death of Mrs Alice Heyward, the war I expect has killed her. I have know her so long & always liked her that I feel very much shocked.—

       Berkley has gone to Fort Johnston, with the Marions. Last night W. Carson came here to pay a visit he stays too long.—but it is civil his calling this is the 4th or 5th visit.—

SEPTEMBER 20th.—We have nothing to-day from any of the seats of war but I saw several hundred head of cattle driven through the city this morning, marked “C. S.,” which I learned had come from Essex and King and Queen Counties, which may indicate either a raid from the Lower Rappahannock, or another advance on Richmond.

There was a meeting called for mechanics, etc. last night, to consider the grievance of the times. I have not learned what was done, or rather said; but I hear citizens on the street to-day talking about subverting the government. I believe they have no plan; and as yet it amounts to nothing.

Saturday, 19th.—Heard there had been some fighting on Pea Vine Creek, near West Chickamauga, supposed to be general engagement.

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

Saturday, 19th. Remained in camp till 1 P. M. Orders came to report to Corps Hdqrs. at Knoxville. Supposed to go to Rosencrans. Drew flour and beef and made ready for the march. Marched at 1 P. M. Passed through Greenville and camped at Blue Springs, 8 miles from G. A very cold night. Boys jolly. Heavy frost and cold. Many reports as to where we were to go.

Saturday, 19th–Company E went out on the picket line today. The nights are getting cooler and the middle of the day, though warm, is not so oppressive. Since our rainstorm it begins to look like autumn; the trees are beginning to turn various colors and the sun shining over the timbered hills in the late afternoon makes a landscape grand to look upon.

SEPTEMBER 19th.—The reports from Western North Carolina indicate that much bad feeling prevails there still; and it is really something more than a military trick to obtain a command. But I think the government had better keep out of the field its assistant adjutant-generals, and especially those in the Bureau of Conscription, unless they are put in subordinate positions. Some of them have sought their present positions to keep aloof from the fatigues and dangers of the field; and they have contributed no little to the disaffection in North Carolina. Gen. Whiting suggests that one of Gen. Pickett’s brigades be sent to Weldon; and then, with Ransom’s brigade, he will soon put down the deserters and tories. The Governor approves this plan, and I hope it will be adopted.

The Northern papers say President Lincoln, by proclamation, has suspended the writ of habeas corpus throughout the United States. This is good news for the South; for the people there will strike back through the secret ballot-box.

They also say an expedition is about to sail up the Rio Grande, where it will come in collision with the French, now occupying Matamoras.

And it appears that Lord John Russell will not prevent the sailing of our monitor-rams from British ports without evidence of an intention to use them against the United States. He will do nothing on suspicion; but must have affidavits, etc.

A young lady, Miss Heiskell, applied yesterday, through the Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, for a passport to Philadelphia, to be married to a young merchant of that city. Her father was a merchant of that city, though a native of Virginia. I believe it was granted.

The country is indignant at the surrender of Cumberland Gap by Brig.-Gen. Frazier, without firing a gun, when his force was nearly as strong as Burnside’s. It was too bad! There must be some examples of generals as well as of deserting poor men, whose families, during their absence, are preyed upon by the extortioners, who contrive to purchase exemption from military service. The country did not know there was such a general until his name became famous by this ignominious surrender. Where did Gen. Cooper find him?

Vicksburg, September 18, 1863.

Left Cairo last Sabbath and arrived here this (Friday) morning. Am feeling splendidly. Better than for three months. Intended visiting you before going to my regiment, but know you’ll excuse me. Address me 4th Division 15th Army Corps.

18th. Moved out between 2 and 3 A. M. Got on the wrong road and lost some time. Marched to within 5 miles of Greenville and got breakfast and dinner at 11:30 A. M. Bought a chicken and turkey. Good dinner. Drake ate with me, about sick, looks miserable. Moved on to Greenville and saw some of the 103rd Ohio. Very pretty town. Prettiest have seen in Tenn. Home of Andy Johnson. Woman said, “Noble and brave Union boys, God grant you may all return home safely, our country at peace.” Camped with Brigade, 5 miles on. 18 miles to Jonesboro. Sent out squad for provisions.

Friday, 18th–It is reported in our camps that General Rosecrans has taken Chattanooga, Tennessee, and that General Burnside took two thousand prisoners and twelve pieces of artillery without firing a gun. We hope that the report is true, for Chattanooga will afford our army there a strongly-fortified place.

SEPTEMBER 18th.—Nothing new from the Rappahannock, but a battle is looked for soon. Rosecrans, who had advanced into Georgia, has fallen back on Chattanooga, which he is fortifying. If he be not driven from thence, we shall lose our mines, and the best country for commissary supplies. But Bragg had from 60,000 to 70,000 men on the 5th inst., when he had not fallen back far from Chattanooga; since then he has received more reinforcements from Mississippi, and Longstreet’s corps, arrived by this time, will swell his army to 90,000 men, perhaps. Johnston will probably take command, for Bragg is becoming unpopular. But Bragg will fight!

The equinoctial storm has commenced, and the monitors are not in view of Charleston, having sought quiet waters.

The Enquirer has again assailed Mr. Benjamin, particularly on account of the retention of Mr. Spence, financial agent in England (appointed by Mr. Memminger), an anti-slavery author, whose books advocate Southern independence. To-day a letter was sent to the Secretary of War, from Mr. Benjamin, stating the fact that the President had changed the whole financial programme for Europe. Frazer, Trenholm, & Co., Liverpool, are to be the custodians of the treasure in England, and Mr. McRae, in France, etc., and they would keep all the accounts of disbursements by the agents of departments, thus superseding Mr. Spence. I think this arrangement will somewhat affect the operations of Major Huse (who is a little censured in the letter, purporting to be dictated by the President, but really written by the President) and Col. Gorgas.

If Wilmington continues in our possession, the transactions in Europe will be large, and the government will derive more of its supplies from thence.

17th. Made arrangements to get the boys away if possible. Had boys posted all night. No demonstration to our surprise. Passed through Morristown and Whiteville and camped at Bull’s Gap or the junction on railroad. Went to a Doctor’s and purchased some bacon and sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Good many citizens out to see us. The Doctor claimed to be loyal. Gave receipt. Boys fare pretty well, Co. “C.” Many ladies along the road to see us. Morristown secesh, Newmarket loyal.

Thursday, 17th–We had a cool rainstorm this afternoon which was quite refreshing. The sick in the general hospital here in Vicksburg are improving and are being sent home on thirty-day furloughs.

SEPTEMBER 17th.—Lee and Meade have their armies daily drawn up in battle array, and an engagement may be expected.

It is said the enemy is evacuating East Tennessee; concentrating, I suspect, for battle with Bragg.

It is now said that Brigadier and Col. Lee, A. D. C. to the President, etc. etc., is going to call out the civil officers of the government who volunteered to fight in defense of the city, and encamp them in the country. This will make trouble.

A Mr. Mendenhall, New Garden, N. C., Quaker, complains of the treatment two of his young Friends are receiving at Kinston from the troops. They won’t fight, because they believe it wrong, and they won’t pay the tax (war) of $500, because they cannot do it conscientiously. And Gov. Vance says the treatment referred to will not be tolerated.

Abby Howland Woolsey to H. Gilman.

Brattleboro, September 17.

I hope soon to hear of the girls’ arrival at Point Lookout. Georgy wrote us of her night at your house and how good you all were to her and to her soldiers too.

Mother is much interested in the hospital here and has been up several times; is interested in the worst way, that is, without the opportunity of doing anything. The wards are thrown open every afternoon from two to five, but visitors are few, and even the kind words she can take, and those of other ladies from this house, seem valued. The men said, “You are so different, ladies, from some that come here, who only walk through and stare at us as if we were wild beasts.” One man was almost convulsed at seeing Mother, and, with tears, would hardly let her hand go. “I knew you, ma’am, the minute you came in. You were at Gettysburg, and were the first one that dressed my arm.” And there the poor arm still lay, useless and swollen, and constant streams of cold water necessary to keep down inflammation. [continue reading…]

Wednesday, 16th.—Moved out to camp near town. Went up on mountain, composed of almost solid rock; about half-mile high; nearly as round as a potato hill; out on a plain, no other hills near. Grand view from the top. Once a tower there, but it had fallen down.

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

16th. Up before sunrise and had breakfast. Report that Longstreet and Ewell were at or near Jonesboro on Va. line. A very dusty day. Passed S. Plains and Newmarket and camped at Mossy Creek. Boy’s master Dick came for them. I threatened him and he left. Expected an exciting time in night or next morning. Had things arranged. Union man. Boys were working for rebel man when taken. Beautiful Mossy Creek.

Wednesday, 16th–I was on division guard today. There are several negro regiments in camp in the vicinity of Vicksburg; they made a good appearance today for their first time on review. They were reviewed by the commander of the post. As a rule there are inferior officers in charge, and it would be a good thing if they would drill in the manual of arms themselves.

September 16.—This house is to be sold on the 29th, so we must all find resting-places before that time. But where? Room-rent in Richmond is enormously high. We may get one very small cottage here for forty dollars per month, but it has the reputation of being unhealthy. Our connection, Mr. P., is here looking out for a home, and we may get one together. It would be delightful to have him and the dear girls with us. No one thinks of boarding; almost all the boarding-house keepers rent out their rooms, and refugees keep house in them as cheaply as they choose.

SEPTEMBER 16th.—The enemy advanced yesterday, and, our forces being unequal in numbers, captured Culpepper C. H. Our cavalry fell back several miles, and a battle is looked for immediately, near Orange C. H., where Gen. Lee awaits the foe in an advantageous position.

From the Southwest also a battle is momentarily looked for. If the enemy be beaten in these battles, they will suffer more by defeat than we would.

Gov. Vance has written a pointed letter to the President in regard to the mob violence in Raleigh. He says, when the office of the Standard was sacked, the evil was partially counterbalanced by the sacking of the Journal,—the first, moderate Union, the last, ultra-secessionist. He demands the punishment of the officers present and consenting to the assault on the Standard office, part of a Georgia brigade, and avers that another such outrage will bring back the North Carolina troops from the army for the defense of their State.

From Morton, Miss., Gen. Hardee says, after sending reinforcements to Bragg, only three brigades of infantry remain in his department. Upon this the President made the following indorsement and sent it to the Secretary of War:

“The danger to Atlanta has probably passed.”

While the army of Gen. Taylor threatens the southwestern part of Louisiana, troops will not probably leave New Orleans. The movement to White River is more serious at this time than the preparations against Mobile.

“Efforts should be made to prevent the navigation of the Mississippi by commercial steamers, and especially to sink transports.”

The letter of Gov. Vance in relation to the 30,000 men destined for North Carolina being referred to the President, he sent it back indorsed as follows:

“Gov. V.’s vigilance will discover the fact if this supposition be true, and in the mean time it serves to increase the demand for active exertions, as well to fill up the ranks of the army as to organize ‘local defense’ troops.”

The letter of Lt.-Col. Lay, Inspector of Conscripts, etc., was likewise referred to the President, who suggests that a general officer be located with a brigade near where the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, etc. meet.

And the President indorses on Gen. Whiting’s earnest calls for aid at Wilmington, that Gen. Martin be sent him, with the “locals,” as he calls them, and a brigade from Pickett’s division, when filled up. But suppose that should be too late? He says Ransom’s troops should also be in position, for it is important to hold Wilmington.

Calico is selling now for $10 per yard; and a small, dirty, dingy, dilapidated house, not near as large as the one I occupy, rents for $800. This one would bring $1200 now; I pay $500, which must be considered low. Where are we drifting? I know not; unless we have a crop of victories immediately.

Tuesday, 15th.—Remained all night in depot at Acworth; left 6 A. M.; in Atlanta at 12 M. Orders to strike tents; left Atlanta 6 P. M.; at Stone Mountain 8 P. M.

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

15th. Reveille early and all ready to march at 5 but no orders. After remaining saddled two or three hours “Recall” blew. Ordered to be ready at noon. At 4:30 orders came and we saddled and went to town and witnessed the drumming out of a thief–whole Div.–sad sight. Pitied the man. Drunk and stole a horse. After dark marched out on Strawberry Plains road. Camped at 2 A. M. Quite tired and sleepy.

Tuesday, 15th–The weather continues sultry and hot. We have our camp fixed up quite comfortably again. There are not many of the sick in the regiment now, most of them having been sent away, and others of us who were sick are getting stronger. I am on duty again, having been to see the doctor only the one time.