1 January

       This is New Years Day. I feel most thankful for all the unmerited mercies, we have had troubles, & losses, but how much worse they might have been. Through all this dreadful war we have as yet been spared, how long that may be, O! Lord thou knowest.

       We have had a most plentiful day, for breakfast, buttered eggs, hot rolls, butter, & sausages, tea, white sugar. For dinner a Turkey, ham, soup, stewed Beef, rice, a Batter pudding, and sauce, for Tea short cake.—

       We visited the Wilkinses, found them as usual, I sent her a present of some Beef, & 4 quarts of Peas this morning,—& Mrs Irwin a cup of sugar Loaf, some tea, a quarter of a lb, & some spices. She sent me a piece of butter.

       The Porters to day had a sale of their furniture, and are going off tomorrow. morning they all came over to bid us farewell & we kissed, and had kind words of adieu. Mrs Atkinson, a lady from George Town the Mother of Mrs Porter, is a fine looking woman. She lost one of her sons in the 2d battle of Manassas. Old Mrs Porter is a very artistic old girl, and gives the impression of acting for effect. Mr Porter seems to have the affection of his congregation.—I hope we shall soon be able to move ourselves.—

       The nearest neighbor we have on our side of the College is a Mrs Owens whose husband drinks deplorably, & is the boldest deserter to be found. He ought to be in Columbia with the conscritps from here, walks up & down in his uniform, and waits to be arrested. Sometimes he is brought home in a cart, perfectly drunk, sometimes he crawls in on all fours, they have a farm, a horse, & until lately 2 negroes hired, he paid the wages so irregularly that they have been recalled. The wife has 5 little children, takes in work, is a Mantua maker, spins, weaves, dyes, clothes children, & husband, is pretty, young & cheerful looking, always well dressed, the farm has a bunch of sage, & 3 or 4 cabbages, to keep them well and fat, but she buys corn & Beef, and they look very well indeed, even the drunken husband.—

       This morning the young men from the College rode about the Village, dressed up fantastically, one an old woman, one a lady in a riding dress, the rest in different ways, they came up here, Gabriella was very much amused with them.

       Mrs H Stevens has returned, but is kept at home by a cold. Col. Clement Stevens has lost his wife, & 2 children from Dyptheria. Mrs Bee, the wife of our Gen who died on the first field of Manassas, has lost both her children of the same disease. This is Pendleton where these deaths took place.—

       Berkley writes that his Christmas passed very pleasantly, they had a fine breakfast, of Opossum, Partridges, corn bread, & butter. A dinner with company.—In the Evening Theatricals burlesque on the Ghost Scene in Hamlet. The dying scene of Lady Macbeth, and then a piece called the stolen pig, a man comes to the Captain of the Company complaining of having lost a pig, & says his negro, Cuffy, saw who took it. The Court Martial is arranged and the whole company called out, and Cuffy is made to point to the man who stole the pig. The part of the negro is played by Simons; and to the great delight of the negroes present, composed of teamsters, & servants there was music between the acts. Berkley lead the Orchestra, which consisted of 2 Violins, a triangle, bones, a drum. The end of the play is that the man is sentenced to death, and dies like Othello.

       John has had a very tedious time with a boil on his leg, preventing his enjoying the dancing & ladies society he has found so pleasant in Mobile.—

       Received a nice letter from Papa he writes in better spirits.—

       This war has been the death of a great many old ladies, Mrs Pinckney, Mrs Hamilton,  (Mrs. Bowen added in pencil) We heard this evening that Mrs Wragg, the wife of Dr W. who had his house just completely fixed up, before the fire, and lost it, after passing through the summer in Pendleton, has been taken to Charleston in a confirmed melancholy.—

       When the war is ended we will hear of many terrible private calamities that are now lost sight of in view of the great struggle going on.—

       Old Miss Toomer, the Aunt of old Mrs Porter, has to be left up here with Miss Charlotte Toomer, she is 82 & bed ridden. There are still vestages of great beauty, she shewed us her minature taken when 19, a very sweet picture. Is fond of society, and now dying of consumption. It seems in early life she was a gay heedless girl, and exposed herself to scandalous remarks on account of her free manners with a Col. Byrn, & so with all her gifts of beauty & sprightliness, hers has been a lost life.—She now tells her friends to pray that she may be taken away. The nature of her illness makes her room very disagreeable; poor old lady how sad a speticle.—

Thursday, 1st–We have become somewhat indifferent about keeping our camp in the best possible order, for we have been disappointed so often in soon having to leave a camp which we took pains to build. We have, however, fairly good bunks in our tents, made of brush and leaves. Our duties are very laborious here, for besides the regular picket duty, we are almost constantly at work repairing the railroad. Today four companies were on picket patrol and at work repairing a railroad bridge. I was on picket duty with the countersign “helmet.” The army is on half rations, but we expect more soon, as a provision train came through today from Memphis. The Third Division went to Memphis. The weather is clear and cool.

The New Year.

January 1, 1863. By the blessing of God we have entered the portals of another year. Who knows what storms within it hide? Who can tell how many of us will enter on another year? but let us not despond; let us look with bright hopes to the future, going manfully forward, overcoming all obstacles in our path. We know the hardships, privations and dangers through which we have passed the last year, perils by sea and perils by land, meeting death in a thousand forms, but by an unseen hand have been brought safely through. It has now been fifteen months since our regiment was organized, and we then thought that by this time the trouble would be over and the rebellion would have become a thing of the past. But not so; it seems to have taken deeper root and there is no telling when it will end. It is true our armies have met with many successes and have also met with some reverses; the army of the Potomac has met with nothing but disaster from the first and will probably meet with nothing else until let alone by the war office at Washington. The enemy has a number of cruisers afloat making havoc with our merchant marine, and every success of their army inspires them with fresh hope and courage. I am reminded of what my new-found friend here in town told me a few days after we came here, that I would, if nothing happened to me, serve out my three years and could then re-enlist. I thought then the man was crazy, now I am not quite sure but he was the better prophet of the two.

Washington Thursday Jan’y 1^st 1863. Diary.

The New Year has opened beautifully, it has been a mild and bright day. The Departments of the Gov^t have been (as usual) closed, and the whole City (Males) went at 12 o’clock to pay their respects to the President. The Foreign Ministers and the officers of the Army and Navy paid their respects before 12. I met Gen^l Halleck at Mr Sec’y Chase^s, Gen^l Heintzelman and Gen^l Meigs at Mr Sewards, Comodore Smith and Admiral Foot at Mr Sec’y Stantons, “lesser lights” of both Army and Navy were quite plenty. The expected Proclamation is “out” tonight in the “Star.” It carries out the one issued a hundred days ago. Mr Lincoln looks quite as well as he did a year ago. I have seen him frequently during the year. In the summer he used to ride out with a body guard of ten or twelve horsemen (Cavalry) round his carriage. I think he has dispensed with that of late. That was not done at his desire but at the desire of friends who feared for his life. Mr Seward received “in State.” Six Policemen at and near the Door & Hall, and a “Gentleman Usher” at the parlor door anounced the name of each visitor in a loud voice as he entered the room. I suppose it was “done up” in the English style. No particular news today but indications of Army movements and more Battles. Assisted some today at an extra and realy luxurious Dinner given to the Patients at the Ascension Church Hospital. No choicer Bill of fare was to be found on any table in the City. The men were feasted on the greatest delicacies to their hearts content. I was in at “Willards” this evening, counted forty pairs of Shoulder Straps there at one time. It is quite disgusting to see (every night) such neglect of duty!!!

JANUARY 1st, 1863.—This first day of the year dawned in gloom, but the sun, like the sun of Austerlitz, soon beamed forth in great splendor upon a people radiant with smiles and exalted to the empyrean.

A letter from Gen. H. Marshall informed the government that Gen. Floyd had seized slaves in Kentucky and refused to restore them to their owners, and that if the government did not promptly redress the wrong, the Kentuckians would at once “take the law into their own hands.”

We had a rumor (not yet contradicted) that the enemy, or traitors, had burned the railroad bridge between Bristol and Knoxville, cutting our communication with the West.

Then it was said (and it was true) that Gen. Lee had sent his artillery back some 30 miles this side of the Rappahannock, preparatory to going into winter quarters. But this was no occasion for gloom. Lee always knows what is best to be done.

Next there was a rumor (not yet confirmed, but credited) that Stuart had made another of his wonderful reconnoissances, capturing prisoners and destroying much of the enemy’s stores beyond the Rappahannock.

Then came a dispatch from Bragg which put us almost “beside” ourselves with joy, and caused even enemies to pause and shake hands in the street. Yesterday he attacked Rosecrans’s army near Murfreesborough, and gained a great victory. He says he drove him from all his positions, except on the extreme left, and after ten hours’ fighting, occupied the whole of the field except (those exceptions!) the point named. We had, as trophies, thirty-one guns, two generals, 4000 prisoners, and 200 wagons. This is a Western dispatch, it is true, but it has Bragg’s name to it, and he does not willingly exaggerate. Although I, for one, shall await the next dispatches with anxiety, there can be no question about the victory on the last day of the bloody year 1862. Bragg says the loss was heavy on both sides.

I noticed that one of the brass pieces sent down by Lee to go to North Carolina had been struck by a ball just over the muzzle, and left a glancing mark toward the touch-hole. That ball, probably, killed one of our gunners.

On the 22nd of September, 1862, a gleam of light had shone, the President had issued “his preliminary proclamation of emancipation; and now on January 1st, 1863 came the announcement of full liberty to the captives.

Extract from the Proclamation.

“I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power vested in me as Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, . . . and as a necessary war-measure, . . . do order and declare that all persons held as slaves (within the states in rebellion) are, and henceforward shall be free.”

The passage by Congress of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution followed, extending emancipation to all parts of the United States and its territories.

Abby Howland Woolsey writes, Jan., ’63:

I improved yesterday to my satisfaction in reading the President’s proclamation. “The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice!”

Camp Winder, Caroline Co., Va., January 1, 1863.

I have not heard from you since the battle. Since then we have had a quiet time and everything looks like rest for some time to come. The men are fixing up their shanties for the winter. They seem happy and contented. It is sad to look back on the year just closed. We have suffered much; many good men have gone to their long home. Our loss has been 1220 in killed and wounded– more men than we could turn out for a fight to-day. Out of the fifteen field officers elected last spring, five have been killed and six others wounded, leaving only four that have escaped unhurt. In these losses are many whom we were always accustomed to regard as our best men. I published to-day an order naming our camp, which gives some facts of our history, and I send you a copy of it.

How are the matters at home? In the excitement of active work, I have too much to do to harass myself with idle dreams of home; but now since we are at rest I cannot keep my mind from it. I feel there is nothing which I would not give to be with you for an hour or a day. I could have gone home and have spent a couple of weeks when I received my appointment, before taking command; but I really thought the brigade was sadly in need of a commander, and that it was my duty to stay. Now I am fixed and must apply for leave just as any private in the ranks. I know it would not improve my standing with my superior officers to ask for a leave, but still I feel very much tempted to do it. If the snow falls deep, and we have such severe weather as to preclude the possibility of active work, my homesick malady may get the better of me. I would like to see you, Matthew, Galla and the baby. Have the children forgotten me? It seems so long since I saw them. [continue reading…]

Wednesday, 31st.—Crossed river at 9 A. M. Wind rose so high could not run ferry boat. Continued so throughout the day, and so 1862 passed away.

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

December 31st. We passed a very uncomfortable night in old dirty box cars. After a ride of sixty miles we reached a station known as Monrovia very early in the morning, just before daylight. Pickets were soon posted on the roads crossing the railroad. A sharp lookout was kept. After daylight we took possession of a small Quaker church and sheds for our quarters. We were obliged to, as we did not have any tents. Started off in light marching order. Most of the inhabitants were Quakers, very fine people. Kind to us. The warm rain turned to snow with freezing weather, making us feel very uncomfortable for picket duty.

Wednesday, 31st–We left our bivouac at 6 a. m. and entered the town of Moscow at 7 and were then ordered to move to Lafayette, Tennessee, on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad thirty-five miles east of Memphis, where we are to guard the railroad. The town is located on the Wolf river and is surrounded by heavy timber.

31 Decr

       This is the last day of this year—the success of our Army at Fredricksburg and the account of the difficulties at the North give us evidence of an end to this dreadful strife: but the change comes so slowly, ones wishes are not realized. Patience will have its perfect work.

       Elizabeth had a charming Christmas day, owing to the kindness of Miss Legg. She was invited to spend the day with Mrs Dawkins, at Union, where there is a very nice Episcopal Church, the only difficulty was the rising so early to go by the cars. E. was up in time, and came back in the evening, unexpectedly accompanied by her father, who got a furlough, and is now with us. E. had a charming day. Mrs D. is an energetic woman, and having no children her self , takes great interest in other peoples children. There was a plentiful breakfast on their arrival, and then the Christmas tree for the children, with little gifts made by kind hands. After the tree they practised the Church Music, then went to Church, where E. took her place in the Choir, they returned to Mrs D’s, had a real Christmas dinner, and came home by the cars in the afternoon. We went to hear Mr Whiteford Smith preach in the morning, had a fine sermon, paid a visit to the W’s, came home to a dinner of Roast pig and a pudding, which we all enjoyed. I have my Turkey for New Year’s day. In the evening short cake, and a great deal of pleasant talk.—Just now we have some sausages, and I am glad Mr Grimball is with us to enjoy them.

DECEMBER 31st.—There were more skirmishes near Vicksburg yesterday; and although several of the Louisiana regiments are said to have immortalized themselves (having lost only two or three men each), I suppose nothing decisive was accomplished. I have not implicit faith in Western dispatches; they are too often exaggerations. And we have nothing further from Murfreesborough.

But there is reliable intelligence from Albemarle Sound, where a large fleet of the enemy’s transports appeared yesterday. We must look now for naval operations. Perhaps Weldon is aimed at.

Gen. Wise writes a remarkable letter to the department. His son, just seventeen years old, a lieutenant in 10th Virginia Cavalry, was detailed as ordnance officer of the general’s brigade, when that regiment was taken from his father. Now Gen. Cooper, the Northern’ head of the Southern army, orders him to the 10th Cavalry. The general desires his son to remain with him, or that the lieutenant may be permitted to resign. He says he asks no favors of the administration, and has never received any. His best blood (Capt. O. J. W.) has been given to the country, and his home and property lost by the surrender of Norfolk, etc.

To-day, Gen. Winder’s account for disbursement of ” secret service” money was sent in. Among the persons who were the recipients of this money, I noticed Dr. Rossvally, a notorious spy, and S____w, one of his policemen, who, with W____ll, very recently fled to the enemy, and is now in the service of the United States, at Washington!

Gen. Lee has given the command in Northwestern Virginia to Gen. W. E. Jones; and he asks the Secretary to hold a major he has captured as a hostage for the good conduct of the Federal Gen. Milroy, who is imitating Gen. Pope in his cruelties to civilians.

December 30th. Marching orders. Reported the rebel cavalry leader J. E. B. Stuart about to raid into Maryland along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The three companies of our regiment and other troops here are suddenly ordered out on the line of the B. & O. R. R. Left camp tonight in a warm rain storm.

Provost Marshal’s Office, Waterford, Miss.,
December 30, 1862.

Fifteen days outside the world and still we live. No papers of later date than the 15th inst. have reached us, and ’twill be at least five days’ move before we can hope to see one. In that time there have been some six or eight fights in this country all to our disadvantage, and two cowardly surrenders, Holly Springs and Trenton. Pemberton’s cavalry under Van Dorn, turned our left, and striking at our line of communication, first surprised and captured Holly Springs, burned everything belonging to our army with the houses containing the stores; then while a portion of the column retreated another portion successively attacked our troops stationed at Coldwater bridge, Middleton, Grand Junction, and outposts near Bolivar, in all of which they were repulsed. About the same time a portion of Bragg’s forces crossed the Tennessee river at or near Musch Shoals, Ala., and marched along the south side of the river toward Corinth. General Dodge at Corinth sent out Colonel Sweeny, who met and defeated the enemy, driving him across the river. The enemy then again crossed the river near Savannah, and moving toward Jackson were met by Bob Ingersoll, whom, after something of a fight, ’tis said, they captured with his command. Trenton was then cowardly surrendered by some 250 Tennessee cavalry. Attacks were made on several other posts garrisoned by our troops, in all of which the enemy were repulsed. Altogether there has been a d___l of a time. When Van Dorn had finished his little bonfire at Holly Springs, this army was left with about five day’s rations, which we have to make do 15 at least. In order to make up the deficit in commissaries, General Grant ordered that everything eatable that could be found in the country be seized for army use. In the strip of country from Holly Springs to Coffeeville, for, say 15 miles wide, there is not enough left to feed 50 chickens a week. Colonel Dickerman and I visited Holly Springs yesterday and took a little look at the ruins. I suppose the damage to the citizens amounts to nearly as much as the Government’s loss. Most of the best and largest houses were burned. General Grant told Colonel Dickerman that our regiment would be sent to Jackson in a few days to guard that place. Well, if we have to go into winter quarters that will suit your brother very much. We will be nearer home and communication will not be so apt to be broken between us.

Tuesday, 30th–We struck our tents and started at 10 a. m. We reached Coldwater by noon and stopped for our mess. Our colonel must have been cold and in a hurry, for he gave the order, “Front right dress! Stack arms! Break ranks! Get rails and build fires! G– D–!” It amused the boys and they were not long in building fires and preparing hot coffee. At 1 o’clock we left for Moscow, Tennessee, along the railroad, and after a day’s march of twenty miles went into bivouac for the night within one mile of town.

DECEMBER 30th.—We have another crisis. Dispatches from Murfreesborough state the hostile armies are facing each other, and not a mile apart; the skirmishing increases, and a decisive battle may occur at any moment.

From Vicksburg we have no further intelligence; but from the Rappahannock we learn that both artillery and infantry were distinctly heard yesterday in the direction of Dumfries. Is Stuart there?

Monday, 29th.—Wagons crossing river; went to river P. M., and took ride in canoe. Preaching at night, Acts ix. 5: “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”

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

Monday, 29th–We had company drill this morning and received orders to be ready to march in the morning. We have been at Holly Springs nine days now, and the town is almost deserted.^[1]

[1] When we passed through Holly Springs going south, the town looked very pretty, and no property was destroyed. But when the place was surrendered to Van Dorn by our traitorous colonel in command of the small garrison, and that without the firing of a gun, then it was that destruction followed. When we had to come back to find our stores burned and live on half rations, our men were not in the best of humor; they did not care then if the whole town was destroyed.—A. G. D

DECEMBER 29TH.–We have a dispatch from Vicksburg at last. The enemy, 25,000 strong, were repulsed three times yesterday, and finally driven back seven miles, to their gun-boats. It was no battle, for our loss was only 30, and that of the enemy 400. It will be fought to-day, probably.

It is said an attempt will be made this week on Weldon, as well as Charleston.

Our Morgan has been in Kentucky again, and captured 1200 men. Glorious Morgan!The accounts from the United States are rather cheering. The Herald proposes a convention of all the “loyal States,” that re-construction may be tried in that way. A dispatch from Tennessee says, even the New York Tribune expresses the opinion that our independence must be recognized. The Philadelphia Press proposes another route to Richmond via the rivers, and thinks Richmond may be taken yet, and the rebellion crushed.

The surgeon in charge of the Howard Hospital reports that the small-pox is greatly on the increase, and terminating fatally in almost every case. He says men die of it without eruptions on the surface, the disease striking inward. It is proposed to drive away the strangers (thousands in number), if they will not leave voluntarily. There are too many people here for the houses, and the danger of malignant diseases very great. My vaccination was not a success; very little inflammation and a small scab being the only evidences. But I have a cough, and much lassitude.

Alabama.

Sunday, 28th.—Camped one and one-half miles from Whitesburg on Tennessee River.

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

Sunday, 28th–The weather is quite cool. We are pretty hard on clothes in the army. My bill for clothes up to this time is as follows: One overcoat, $7.20; two dress coats, $13.42; four pair pants, $12.12; two pair double woolen blankets, $5.12; three pair drawers, $1.50; two pair shoes, $3.12; three woolen shirts, $2.64; one rubber poncho, $2.73; four pair socks, $1.04; one hat, $1.55; one cap, 60c; one knapsack, $1.56; one haversack, 56 ¢; one canteen, 44 ¢.^[1]

[1] Then there was that leather collar (“dog collar”) to make us hold up our heads; it cost fourteen cents, but it was enough and the only one needed during the four years of war.—A. G. D

Dec. 3, 1862—Start to Raleigh, about ninety miles, taking wife, three children and a nurse. Rain all day. Spend night with Bro. Sykes.

Dec. 4—Pass Fayetteville. Spend night with J. H. Hawley, one of the best men I ever knew.

Dec. 5—Rain all day. Spend night with Allen Betts, my brother.

Dec. 6—Clear and cold. Ride to Alvin Betts, my brother.

Dec. 7—Hear Bishop Early preach in Raleigh.

Dec. 8—Day in Conference. A letter from Uncle Foster Utley, Chapel Hill, leads me to send my family to that place.

Dec. 9—Send family on cars to Chapel Hill, while I turn my face towards Bladen alone. After four days of lonely riding I reach my wife’s boarding place and pack books and clothes, and take Steamer Hurt for Fayetteville. Pay Jo. Russ ten dollars to take my carriage to Fayetteville.

Dec. 13—Meet James Marley Smith, and go with him to his farm.

Sunday, Dec. 14—Hear Bro. J. D. Buie preach at Fayetteville. Night at hotel. I have had fever for last three days.

Dec. 16—Take cars to Egypt. Find no horse there for me. Walk about ten miles, and ride on a mule-cart about the same distance and reach Pittsboro. Sup with John Womach. He sends me to Chapel Hill, eighteen miles, on a mule-cart Get there at 7 a. m.

Dec. 17—Chill at night.

Dec. 18—Chill in the afternoon. In bed till 22d.

Sunday, Dec. 28—Preach in M. E. Church.

DECEMBER 28th.—We have no news to-day from the West. If the great battle has been fought at Vicksburg, we ought to know it to-day or to-morrow; and if the enemy be beaten, it should be decisive of the war. It would be worse than madness to continue the contest for the Union.

Several fine brass batteries were brought down from Fredericksburg last night, an indication that the campaign is over for the winter in that direction.

If we should have disasters in the West, and on the Southern seaboard, the next session of Congress, to begin a fortnight hence, will be a stormy one.

Saturday, 27th.—Passed Huntsville 12 M. Camped at Bird Spring.

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