AUGUST 11th.—After all the applications of the railroad companies when Gen. Lee was in Pennsylvania, and the enemy had withdrawn from this side of the Potomac, it appears that the fine iron on the road from Fredericksburg to Aquia Creek was not removed! Mr. Seddon’s subordinates must answer for this. The iron was wanted more than anything else but men. The want of men cannot be alleged for not securing it, because the railroad companies would have procured negroes enough for its removal.

Well, the first of August has passed, and the grand scheme of the War Office at Washington of a general servile insurrection did not take place. On the contrary, a large army of slaves might be organized to fight for their masters.

To-day, it must be confessed, I saw some of the booty (if, indeed, it was not fairly bought) of the recent invasion of the North. A number of boxes of fine stationery, brought from Carlisle, Chambersburg, etc., were opened at the War Department.

There is a controversy between the Secretary of War, Assistant Secretary, and Attorney-General on one side, and the Commissary-General, Col. L. B. Northrop, on the other. It appears that one of the assistant commissaries exchanged sugar for flour and rice in Alabama with a merchant or speculator, and then, after the lapse of a month or so, impressed the sugar. The party got the Attorney-General’s opinion in his behalf, which was approved by the Assistant Secretary of War, and the Secretary issued an order for the release of the sugar. In response to this, Col. N. rebuts the arguments of the whole three (lawyers) by saying it is not good sense to exempt anything, under any circumstances, from impressment, when needed to carry on the war; and that the way to success is to do justice to the whole country—and not to please the people. A palpable hit at the politicians. He says if the Secretary insists on the sugar being released, it will be done against his (N.’s) judgment.

Aug. 10th. At twelve thirty A. M., passed a brig standing to the northward and eastward; at two thirty trimmed sails to the wind; set port fore-topmast and top-gallant studding sails; got port lower studding sails ready for setting; took in studding sails, and braced yards up to shift of wind; at three o’clock Delaware light-boat bore, per compass, north by west; at seven thirty Barnegat lighthouse reported; at nine o’clock, stood up for a pilot boat; at nine forty-five took a pilot on board; several sail in sight during watch; at eleven o’clock set the jib, flying jib, and main topmast stay-sail; at twelve o’clock set the main try-sail; at two P. M., steamer Golden Gate met and cheered us, which we returned; at three o’clock crossed the bar, at which time the battery on Sandy Hook saluted us with fifteen guns, returned with thirteen; sent down royal and squared yards; from four to six o’clock steaming up New York harbor; received salutes from the lower fleet, also Forts Hamilton and the Battery, which we returned; received a salute from an English sloop-of-war, and from a Spanish frigate, which we answered; at five thirty rounded to, and anchored off the Battery.

10th. Went to Minnie’s at 7 and saw the folks off for the lake. Ed., Frankie, Phoebe, M., E. J. and Terrell’s people. At 9:30 called on Fannie. Supposed I had gone. Interchanged sentiment, and agreeably. Happiest day of my life. Most fortunate boy. God grant it may cause no regret to either of us. Oh for grace to nobly do my part of life. Off at 2. Hard to leave again. Reached Columbus at 9:30 with Ampt. Supper at Exchange.

August 10.—Spent this morning in the house of mourning. Our neighbour Mrs. S. has lost her eldest son. The disease was “that most fatal of Pandora’s train,” consumption. He contracted it in the Western Army. His poor mother has watched the ebbing of his life for several months, and last night he died most suddenly. That young soldier related to me an anecdote, some weeks ago, with his short, oppressed breathing and broken sentences, which showed the horrors of this fratricidal war. He said that the day after a battle in Missouri, in the Fall of 1861, he, among others, was detailed to bury the dead. Some Yankee soldiers were on the field doing the same thing. As they turned over a dead man, he saw a Yankee stop, look intently, and then run to the spot with an exclamation of horror. In a moment he was on his knees by the body, in a paroxysm of grief. It was his brother. They were Missourians. The brother now dead had emigrated South some years before. He said that before the war communication had been kept up between them, and he had strongly suspected that he was in the army; he had consequently been in constant search of his brother. The Northern and Southern soldier then united in burying him, who was brother in arms of the one, and the mother’s son of the other!

The Bishop and Mrs. J. returned home to-day from their long trip in the South-west. They travelled with great comfort, but barely escaped a raid at Wytheville. We welcomed them gladly. So many of our family party are wandering about, that our little cottage has become lonely.

Mr. C. has come out, and reports a furious bombardment of Sumter. This has been going on so long, that I begin to feel that it is indeed impregnable.

Monday, 10th–We are living on fresh bread now; we got our first today, baked in the new oven. Each man is allowed to draw a one-pound loaf per day. We again have company drill twice a day, with dress parade at 5 o’clock. The weather is fearfully hot, day and night.

AUGUST 10th.—NO army news of immediate importance.

South Carolina has set an example in the prices of supplies for the army, under the Impressment Act, fixed by the Commissioners. By this schedule (for August, and it will be less in succeeding months) bacon is to be from 65 to 75 cents per pound; beef, 25 cents; corn, $2 per bushel; flour $20; pork, 35 cents; hay, $1.50 per 100 pounds; oats, $2 per bushel; potatoes, $3; rice, 10 cents; sugar, 80 cents; soap, 40 cents; and wheat, $3.50 per bushel.

Gen. Lee writes that the railroad brings him but 1000 bushels of corn per day; not enough to bring up his exhausted cavalry and artillery horses; and he suggests that passenger cars be occasionally left behind for the purpose of supplying the army—an indispensable measure.

Gen. Lee also writes that he has 1700 unarmed men in his army; in two weeks there will be 5000, and in a month 10,000. He suggests that the troops for local defense here, and even the militia, be disarmed, to supply his men. This indicates that Lee is to have an immense army, and that Richmond is to be defended.

But the Central and Fredericksburg Railroads must be repaired immediately, and at any expense to the government, or else all will fail

Richmond, Va., August 10, 1863.–To-day I had a letter from my sister, who wrote to inquire about her old playmate, friend, and lover, Boykin McCaa. It is nearly twenty years since each was married; each now has children nearly grown. ”To tell the truth,” she writes, “in these last dreadful years, with David in Florida, where I can not often hear from him, and everything dismal, anxious, and disquieting, I had almost forgotten Boykin’s existence, but he came here last night; he stood by my bedside and spoke to me kindly and affectionately, as if we had just parted. I said, holding out my hand, ‘Boykin, you are very pale.’ He answered, ‘I have come to tell you goodby,’ and then seized both my hands. His own hands were as cold and hard as ice; they froze the marrow of my bones. I screamed again and again until my whole household came rushing in, and then came the negroes from the yard, all wakened by my piercing shrieks. This may have been a dream, but it haunts me.

“Some one sent me an old paper with an account of his wounds and his recovery, but I know he is dead.” “Stop!” said my husband at this point, and then he read from that day’s Examiner these words: “Captain Burwell Boykin McCaa found dead upon the battle-field leading a cavalry charge at the head of his company. He was shot through the head.”

The famous colonel of the Fourth Texas, by name John Bell Hood,[1] is here–him we call Sam, because his classmates at West Point did so–for what cause is not known. John Darby asked if he might bring his hero to us; bragged of him extensively; said he had won his three stars, etc., under Stonewall’s eye, and that he was promoted by Stonewall’s request. When Hood came with his sad Quixote face, the face of an old Crusader, who believed in his cause, his cross, and his crown, we were not prepared for such a man as a beau-ideal of the wild Texans. He is tall, thin, and shy; has blue eyes and light hair; a tawny beard, and a vast amount of it, covering the lower part of his face, the whole appearance that of awkward strength. Some one said that his great reserve of manner he carried only into the society of ladies. Major Venable added that he had often heard of the light of battle shining in a man’s eyes, he had seen it once–when he carried to Hood orders from Lee, and found in the hottest of the fight that the man was transfigured. The fierce light of Hood’s eyes I can never forget.

Hood came to ask us to a picnic next day at Drury’s Bluff.[2] The naval heroes were to receive us and then we were to drive out to the Texan camp. We accused John Darby of having instigated this unlooked-for festivity. We were to have bands of music and dances, with turkeys, chickens, and buffalo tongues to eat. Next morning, just as my foot was on the carriage-step, the girls standing behind ready to follow me with Johnny and the Infant Samuel (Captain Shannon by proper name), up rode John Darby in red-hot haste, threw his bridle to one of the men who was holding the horses, and came toward us rapidly, clanking his cavalry spurs with a despairing sound as he cried: “Stop! it’s all up. We are ordered back to the Rappahannock. The brigade is marching through Richmond now.” So we unpacked and unloaded, dismissed the hacks and sat down with a sigh.

“Suppose we go and see them pass the turnpike,” some one said. The suggestion was hailed with delight, and [continue reading…]

Aug. 9th. At twelve forty-five A. M., a light reported off port-quarter; at two o’clock took in and furled all the studding and square sails; at six o’clock set all plain sail to royals; at six thirty made a sail off weather bow, proved to be a schooner, standing on same course; weather clear and pleasant; at nine o’clock made a sail off port bow, and at twelve, noon, one right ahead; had inspection at quarters, and performed Divine service; at two P. M., passed a steamer standing to the southward, also passed the John Adams who made her number, which we answered; several sail in sight; at four thirty set all the port studding sails; clear and pleasant; at sundown three sail were in sight.

Sunday, 9th. Thede and I went to S. S. together. Visited the infant school. So pleasant. Enjoyed being back again. Bless God for these occasional home visits. Heard Mr. Finney in the morning. Good but queer sermon. Sat in gallery. P. M. heard Prof. Morgan, very warm. Girls and John at home. Evening Ed Williams gave an account of S. Carolina life. Very interesting indeed.

Sunday, 9th–I was detailed on a foraging party today. There were two hundred men and one hundred wagons, accompanied by a squad of cavalry as a picket guard. We went up the Yazoo river bottoms about five miles and loaded our wagons with green corn, which we found in abundance. It was very hot, and the work was strenuous, besides its being on the Lord’s Day—but such is the life of a soldier.

AUGUST 9th.—NO news from the armies.

Mrs. ex-President Tyler, who has already been permitted to visit her native State, New York, once or twice during the war—and indeed her plantation has been within the enemy’s lines—has applied for passage in a government steamer (the Lee) to Nassau, and to take with her “a few bales of cotton.” I suppose it will be “allowed.”

We have fine hot August weather now, and I hope my tomatoes will mature, and thus save me two dollars per day. My potatoes have, so far, failed; but as they are still green, perhaps they may produce a crop later in the season. The lima beans, trailed on the fence, promise an abundant crop; and the cabbages and peppers look well. Every inch of the ground is in cultivation—even the ash-heap, covered all over with tomato-vines.

Aug. 8th. Commences with pleasant weather; hauled down and shifted over starboard foretop-gallant studding sails, set the foretop-gallant and topmast studding sails, hauled down jib and flying jib, brailed up the main topmast stay-sail and main try-sail; at three thirty set the main fore topmast stay-sail main try-sail and spanker, bending lower studding sails; from four o’clock to eight o’clock set the port lower studding sails, jib and flying jib; at nine o’clock inspected crew at quarters; all plain sail set to royals, also all port studding sails; exercised crew at taking in, loosening, furling, and setting royals and mizzen top-gallant sails; from four to six P. M., all plain sail set to royals, and all the port fore studding sails set also; at seven thirty made Hatteras light.

8th. Read some during the morning. At 11 went to Daguerrian Gallery and had likeness taken. New coat. Met Mr. Austin and wife, Miss Smith formerly. Helen and Aunt came. Charlie Fairchild treated boys to ice cream, lemonade, etc. Sorry can not stay in O. till after Com. too. In the evening went to N. P. St. and, shame to me, remained till nearly 11. But these farewell calls are excusable, if long, hard to say goodbye. Promised to meet the boys, but all abed. Reconsecrated my life and all to Jesus.

Saturday, 8th–Quite pleasant today. We cleaned up our clothing and accouterments for inspection. We are getting fixed up very nicely in our camp and all are feeling fine. Only a few of our boys are sick and in the hospital at present. I loaned George Toyne (Company E) $25.00 today, until next pay day.^[1]

[1] Mr. Downing explained that Toyne’s family at home was in need and that it was a very common thing for a single man to loan a married comrade money to send home to his family.—Ed.

AUGUST 8th.—There is nothing new from any of the armies, except that my old friend, Gen. Rains, sent to Mississippi, stopped and stampeded Grant’s army, after Johnston retreated from Jackson, with his “subterra batteries.” It appears that hundreds of the enemy and their horses were killed and wounded by the shells planted by him beneath the surface of the earth, and which ignited under the pressure of their weight. They knew not where to go to avoid them, and so they retreated to Vicksburg. This invention may become a terror to all invading.

A letter received some days ago from a Mr. Bible, in Georgia, proposing to contribute one-quarter of his slaves as teamsters, cooks, etc. for the army, came back from the President, to-day, approved, with directions to quartermasters to employ in such capacities all that could be procured.

Col. Myers, the Quartermaster-General, who is charged with saying “Let them suffer,” when the soldiers wanted blankets last winter, is to go out of office at last—to be succeeded by Brig.-Gen. Lawton.

Oak-wood is selling to-day for $35 per cord; coal, $25 per cart-load; and flour, $45 per barrel. Mr. Warwick, however, sells any family one barrel for $34. I got one from him, and the promise of another for $33–from Commissary Warner; and I hope to get two loads of coal, under the navy contract, at $20 each. There is much excitement against the speculators in food and fuel—and some harsh proceeding may ensue.

The Tribune (New York) now says no terms will be listened to so long as we are in arms. We will not yield our arms but with life—and this insures independence.

April 8, 1863, Galveston Weekly News

Galveston, March 30, 1863.

            The Relief Committee have distributed nearly $2500 worth of brown domestics, prints &c., among the families of soldiers and widows.  For these goods no charge was made, but if any of the recipients felt disposed to make a voluntary payment they were at liberty to do so according to their means, in this manner about $400 have been realized which will be expended in the purchase of further supplies.

            Upwards of two hundred families have been relieved but there are still a great many applicants who really require assistance.  Lately there have been some few cases of drunkenness on the streets, contrary to orders from the Provost Marshal; parties have found means to smuggle liquor into the city, which is calculated to produce a pernicious effect.  Capt. Trueheart and his officers are on the alert to catch the offenders.  The former has issued a notice, which threatens to banish from the Island any person who shall be detected “in the introduction, sale or distribution of vinous or spirituous liquors without a proper permit.”

            From ten to twelve hundred dollars worth of liquor neatly packed up in small boxes, has been seized by order of the Provost Marshal, and as the consignee refuses to receive it Capt. Trueheart will have to dispose of it to the best advantage.

            The enrolling office for conscripts has been regularly besieged throughout the day, by those who claim exemption on the ground of physical disability.

            The enforcement of the conscription act has converted one half of the able bodied men of the place into invalids–Gout, Rheumatism and other diseases of a most complicated character, sufficient to baffle the combined skill of all the medical faculties that ever existed, have lately made their appearance and quite annihilated the patriotism, energy and zeal, which their victims possessed and displayed prior to the extension of the act to the age of forty-five.

Aug. 7th. Commences, and until four A. M. pleasant weather; from four o’clock to eight o’clock braced sharp up on port tack; all plain sail set to royals; made a sail off starboard bow, and one off starboard beam; from twelve to four P. M. exercised the fore and main royal yardsmen in furling and loosening royals; at two o’clock set the foretop-gallant and topmast studding sails; at three o’clock took them in; passed a brig bound the same course; at six thirty laid the yards square, and took in all fore and aft sails except the jib; braced sharp upon starboard tack, and set foretop-gallant studding sails; at six forty-five inspected crew at evening quarters; from eight to midnight all plain sail set to royals.

7th. Spent the morning reading and doing chores. In the afternoon made an hour’s call on Fannie. Engaged Mr. Turner’s horse and rode from 7:30 till 9 with Thede and Minnie. Very pleasant time. Went to George Fairchild’s room and read class letters. Borrowed one from Burrell.

Friday, 7th–It is quite sultry today. There is no news of any importance. The Sixteenth Iowa received their pay today.

AUGUST 7th.—Nothing new from Lee’s army—only that his troops are eager for another battle, when they are resolved to gain the day. There will probably not be so many prisoners taken as usual, since the alleged cruel treatment of our men now taken at Gettysburg, and the sending of Gen. Morgan to the Ohio Penitentiary, and shaving his head, by order of Gen. Burnside.

A dispatch from Beauregard, to-day, states that the enemy are getting large reinforcements, and are at work on their island batteries. There was a slow firing—and but one man killed.

It is believed that Governor Letcher will, reluctantly, call the Legislature together; but he says the members will exhibit only the bad spirit of the people they represent. What that means, I know not.

The Governor elect—commonly called “Extra-Billy Smith”—has resigned his brigadiership. But he is a candidate for a major-generalship, until inauguration day, 1st January. He has had an interview with the President, and proposes to take command of the troops defending the city—that Gen. Elzey may take the field. Smith would undoubtedly have a strong motive in defending the capital—but then he knows nothing of military affairs, yet I think he will be appointed.

Gen. Wise’s batteries crippled and drove off the enemy’s monitor and gun-boats day before yesterday. The monitor was towed down the James River in a disabled condition.

To-day, for the third time since the war began, I derived some money from our farm. It was another interposition of providence. Once before, on the very days that money was indispensable, a Mr. Evans, a blockade-runner to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, came unexpectedly with $100 obtained from my agent, who has had the management of the farm for many years, and who is reported to be a Union man. To-day, just when my income is wholly insufficient to pay rent on the house—$500 per annum and $500 rent for the furniture, besides subsisting the family—at the very moment when my wife was about to part with the last of her little store of gold, to buy a few articles of furniture at auction, and save a heavy expense ($40 per month), the same Evans came to me, saying that although he had no money from my agent, if I would give him an order on the agent for $300, he would advance that amount in Treasury notes. I accepted the sum on his conditions. This is the work of a beneficent providence, thus manifested on three different occasions,—and to doubt it would be to deserve damnation!

6th. Saturday. A very pleasant ride down the James. Rounded Lighthouse Point. Soon passed Harrison’s Landing, then Fort Powhatan and Wilcox’s Landing. Here danger from reb guns ceased. The old Jamestown site on left bank, a few chimneys still standing. Newport near where the Merrimac fight came off, Cumberland and Congress sunk. Sewall’s Point across, eight miles down Fortress Monroe. Went ashore. Everything carried on in the finest style. Splendid fort, having an armament of over 200 guns and “The Union” monster gun which fired a shot from Fort Monroe to Sewall’s Point, 8 miles. Ripraps still progressing. A splendid fort built in center of stream on the shoals, Gov’t prisoners at work on it. Through Hampton Roads into the Chesapeake and Atlantic. Passing Old Point Comfort, the bay is very wide. Saw an American and English frigate and a French gunboat. An English cutter manned by 8 or 10 fellows in white came ashore. Reached Point Lookout about sundown, the ironclad Roanoke lying off the point. Up the river, 12 miles, and anchored for the night. A most pleasant trip. Stormed enough to roughen the bay a little. Good fare upon the boat. Pass hundreds of boats, most of them making their way to City Point, I suppose. Phosphorus.

August 6th. At nine A. M. made all sail; sent aloft the royals and set them; practiced ship’s company at general quarters, without powder; made Cape Florida light; four sails reported in sight during watch; saw a large steamer standing to the southward.

6th. Engaged a carriage for the afternoon for a ride with Fannie. Went to meeting with Minnie and Ellie. Pres. Finney preached admirably. Was off with Fannie at 1:30 P. M. Drove by Boynton’s S. Amherst to Lake. Enjoyed an hour’s stroll on the shore and ate nuts in the grove. Then home again, calling at Mary’s (Aunt Mary Hitchcock) to see the little boy. Home at 8 o’clock.

Thursday, 6th–The Eleventh received pay today; I got $26.00, my full payment for the two months, for the Government has discontinued the “allotment rolls,” as sending a portion of a soldier’s pay to his parents is called. Our colonel ordered a bake oven for the regiment, so in a few days we will draw fresh bread instead of hardtack.