From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd

July 1ST.–Here we enter upon the patriotic month of July, and where and how we are to spend it is yet beyond our conjecture, for we never know in this kind of service what a day may bring forth.

Preparations appear to have been made here for remaining in camp, and yet we may sleep to-night many miles away, or perhaps, without sleeping, march the whole night through. If only life is spared, it is enough; our duties are not shirked. If we camp only for a day, our quarters are to be all cleaned up, and everything put in the best order possible for comfort. On such excursions as this we have no mess cooking, but every fellow cooks for himself. The first man up in the morning, therefore, gets the frying-pan, from whom the next must engage it, and then may come number three, who is referred to number two.

So the utensil goes round a group or mess. The coffee is generally made in a camp kettle for the entire company. I have spent more time hunting up the owner of the last claim on the frying-pan than it afterward took to fry my bacon and crackers.

The pay-master is said to be not far from camp, which creates quite an excitement, since he may charge upon us any moment. There were orders for inspection every morning at eight o’clock for all companies. A little exercise of this kind hurts nobody. I took a stroll through the woods, looking at the graves of those who had fallen by the wayside while our army fought for the position it now holds around Vicksburg. These graves will soon be leveled, and their last trace lost. Friends may mourn for the fallen, but their tears will never water the graves of the heroes.

I write with the aid of a bayonet candle-stick. The latter end of this month will find me just twenty-one years of age.

July 1, 1863, The New York Herald

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, June 28, 1863.

We were visited here yesterday by Major General Hooker, accompanied by Brigadier General Warren. The object of the commanding general’s ride from Poolesville, Monocacy, Frederick, or somewhere thereabouts, was to inquire into the propriety of evacuating the heights. He sent for Colonel Reynolds, our able engineer, and asked him what the object was in holding the heights? The Colonel replied that he had often asked the same question and never got a satisfactory answer. General Hooker then issued an order that the place should be evacuated by seven o’clock next morning. That such guns as could not be taken away should be destroyed and the stores removed. Immediately after he informed General Halleck of what he had done, whereupon he received a despatch in reply countermanding the order, and saying that the fortifications had cost too much to be given up, unless under the most urgent necessity. He considered Harper’s Ferry to be the key to the present and future operations of the Army of the Potomac. General Hooker’s comment upon this was natural enough, “What is the use in holding on to the key after the door is smashed?” Another order of General Hooker’s was treated with the same want of respect by General Halleck. General Hooker felt terribly mortified. While on his way back from here, after a visit of a couple of hours, he received an order from Washington removing him from the command, and placing Major General Meade in his stead.

THE NEW COMMANDER OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Major General Meade, now at the head of the Army of the Potomac, was, at the outbreak, of the rebellion, engaged in the Topographical corps, employed on the survey of the Northern lakes. He was anxious to be employed in active service, and, it is understood, sought to be placed in command of one of the Michigan volunteer regiments. At this time the military appointments were controlled by Governor Blair, influenced mainly by Senator Chandler, of that State. Captain Meade was represented to have been of Virginia parentage. He was a quiet, unobtrusive, studious gentleman, and was altogether unacceptable to such partisans as Blair and Chandler. Consequently for some months he was kept from active employment and confined to the office of the Lake Survey in Detroit. Subsequently he was placed by the President in command of a brigade of volunteers. He is a highly cultivated man, of refined manners and intellectual tastes. But for his conduct in actual service there might have been a question as to his administrative capacity. This has been tried. He has proved himself a most gallant and efficient officer in the field. Those who know him best have the most confidence in him.

July 1, 1863, The New York Herald

It became bruited about yesterday morning that General McClellan had been appointed by the President to the chief command of the army, vice General Halleck. The effect of this rumor was really astonishing. Gold went down, while there seemed a general revival of public confidence. The rumor spread over the city with wonderful rapidity. Groups were gathered at all the corners discussing the affair, and on all sides expressions of confidence in General McClellan ability to further the plans of the President were freely uttered.

A spontaneous ovation was made to General McClellan, who happened to come to the city from New Jersey, where he now resides. The moment he was recognized on the ferryboat shouts for McClellan were heard, and when he reached the city he surrounded by crowds of enthusiastic people shouting for him. These scenes are unmistakable evidences of the extreme popularity of the General, and prove how deep seated is the confidence reposed in him by the masses. His appointment to the command in chief would cause an immediate revival of hope in the breasts of those who were even the most discouraged; and we think the President would show great wisdom in giving way to popular sentiment upon this subject. Not even the bitterest enemies of General McClellan can deny that, under similar circumstances as those which now cast so great a gloom over our country, he saved us from the horrors of a rebel invasion, and drove back the very general who has up to the present time advanced with so much daring and success almost up to Washington.

Secure in the removal of the man they feared, the rebels moved boldly on our capital. Should they hear that General McClellan is once more in command, we shall see them betraying more caution. They will bear in mind their disastrous defeat at Antietam, and will understand that for the future their strategy will be met by strategy, and that for all they gain they will have to battle stubbornly. The country will have good cause to rejoice the day that General McClellan assumes the command of our armies; and President Lincoln will likewise have cause to congratulate himself upon the assurance that all his plans will be carried out ably and faithfully. When it becomes known that General McClellan is once more in command we shall have no lack of volunteers. Our people are patriotic, and will flock to our standard when aware that it is upheld by a firm and able hand. The name of McClellan is a tower of strength in itself and will draw in crowds our returned volunteers, who have so pertinaciously demanded the recall of their favorite general. A new era would dawn upon the country, and we should look forward confidently to the speedy retreat of the rebels. “Little Mac” would soon rid us of our enemys.

July 1, 1863, The New York Herald

Intelligence from Pennsylvania and Maryland continues of the most exciting character.

From despatches received from Harrisburg yesterday afternoon it was thought that General Ewell’s whole corps, supported by portions of the forces of Longstreet and Hill, in all forty thousand men, would move on Harrisburg last evening, or certainly today.

The rebels were reported to have left York yesterday in the direction of Harrisburg at eight o’clock in the morning. The demand made upon the citizens by General Ewell was met with a supply of $30,000 in cash and subsistence. The rebel General gave them twenty days to fill up the balance. Private property was rigidly respected by the enemy, and no families were molested, neither was the railroad property disturbed. The rebel force numbered eight thousand, with eighteen pieces of artillery. The party which occupied Wrightsville was only three thousand, with five pieces of artillery. The rebels have also moved from Carlisle.

It was reported at Reading, Pa., yesterday that the enemy had crossed the Susquehanna at Columbia, and at Perryville, forty miles above Harrisburg. It is pretty certain, however, that they have not crossed at the former place. It was ascertained that a portion of General Lee’s army has passed down the valley towards Shippensburg, including about forty pieces of artillery. General Ewell and General Earley appeared to be concentrating their forces for an attack on Harrisburg, while General Lee’s army is falling back to meet General Meade.

It was stated and is probably true, that the rebel forces are retiring from the Susquehanna to concentrate upon General Meade, an attack from whom is now expected almost hourly.

General Meade’s army is in full motion, in what direction it is not advisable to state. Sufficient to say that all the rebels who had been invading Montgomery county, Maryland, for the past few days have disappeared; that they have retired also from Mariottsville and Sykesville; that the road to Frederick is now open; that General Meade has relieved both Washington and Baltimore from immediate danger, and that there is now not a rebel within thirty miles of either city. It may be that the forces on both sides are concentrating for a desperate contest. [continue reading…]

June 31, 1863, Corinth Chanticleer (Corinth, Ms)

Camp Davies is destined to become of one of the strongholds of our Corinth defense.We are informed that the enterprising and industrious sharp shooters are constructing an inner fort of huge dimensions.The rebels stand in as much awe of CampDavies, as the Indians on the plains did of “Fort Kearney House,” as they used to call old FortKearney.

July 1, 1863, The New York Herald

The movements of the rebels yesterday in Pennsylvania, so far as reported, show that they have found the Susquehanna river an obstruction which it would be unwise to attempt to pass, and that they are gradually falling back to provide against the contingencies of a movement upon their flank or rear by the army of General Meade.

We conclude, from the facts before us, that the bulk of the rebel army is now within the limits of the Cumberland valley (which is but a continuation of the Shenandoah valley), and that the line occupied by the rebel forces extends from Carlisle southwestwardly to the borders of the narrow northern neck of Maryland, a distance of about fifty miles. We guess that the corps of Longstreet, which is said to embrace one-half of Lee’s whole force, extends from Chambersburg to Hagerstown, a distance of about twenty miles; that A. P. Hill’s corps is east of Hagerstown, extending the Gettysburg, while Ewell’s advanced corps is at Carlisle. We have no doubt that the foraging detachments from these several divisions of the rebel army have made good use of their time in cleaning out the country in every direction north of the Potomac, from Shepherdstown to the Susquehanna, near Harrisburg — a distance of some eighty or ninety miles — while from west to east in Pennsylvania their depredations have extended over the same breadth of land. How many millions of dollars in horses, harness, wagons, cattle, sheep, swine, pork, bacon, breadstuffs, salt, shoes, groceries, medicines, dry goods, hardware, &c., and forced contributions in money, have thus been appropriated by the rebels we have no mode of estimating. We apprehend, however, from the significant suggestions thrown out by the Richmond Enquirer in its leading editorial on the subject, which we publish this morning, that the work of spoliation and devastation of this rebel army in Pennsylvania will in reality only begin with its retreat.

The Enquirer, which is understood to be the official organ of the rebel government, very broadly intimates that it is the game of Lee, while advancing into Pennsylvania, to amuse the natives with a magnanimous forbearance — to play with them as a cat plays with a mouse — to deceive them with the idea that they are not to be robbed to any great extent; but that when Lee returns his march, by way of retaliation, will be marked by universal plundering and destruction. The forced contributions levied upon the little city of York show that the Enquirer, in the leading article in question, spoke by authority. With the return of the rebel army, therefore, to Virginia, unless precipitately driven back, we may anticipate a schedule of losses of property to the suffering Pennsylvanians amounting to many millions in value beyond the present conjectures of our own people outside the district now infested by the enemy. [continue reading…]

July 1, 1863, The New York Herald

Important from the Peninsula.

Mr. STEPHEN HAYES’LETTER.

ON THE PENINSULA, June 29, 1863.

THE START AND MARCH.

The expedition started from West Point on Thursday, the 25th inst., the force consisting of the Eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry, and two hundred men, part of the Second Massachusetts and Twelfth Illinois — the whole force under the command of Colonel Samuel P. Spear.

THE FIRST DAY’S MARCH was conducted with the usual license accorded while the enemy is still distant; but before the night’s bivouac was ordered silence, under the stern order of the Colonel, was enforced, and miles of the concluding part of the march were passed over in silence.

THE SURPRISE.

By early dawn of the next morning the troops were again in motion, and as they rapidly neared the bridge spanning the Pamunkey at White House, where but a company of Stuart cavalry had been stationed holding that point, our bugle gave the first notice of impending danger to the rebel garrison. But it was sufficient, and the rebels rapidly disappeared. On the bridge the troops reined in, and having thus crossed more leisurely, and formed on the other side, the rebels had a pretty fair start, and were out of sight before the head of our column was again in motion. Everything was found at the post in use by the rebels there, testifying, for once, to the secresy of the movement. A pretty well filled sutler’s store fell into our hands, the contents of which contributed to the hearty breakfast that was thus improvised on the spot.

THE ONWARD MARCH.

Breakfast having been disposed of, the troops were again formed, the march for miles being through a locality well known to many of the officers and men. Approaching Tunstall’s Station a halt was silently ordered, and [continue reading…]

July 1, 1863, Galveston Weekly News

            The Brownsville Flag of the 12^th inst. says there are now no war vessels at the mouth of the Rio Grande–that the report of the Yellow Fever in that city is without foundation, but that the dangue fever is circulating through the city.  Judge Redgate is now in Brownsville, having returned from his visit to England.  He was captured on the Peterhoff, which vessel he appears to have been the means of bringing out as Agent of the Lloyds, and will now exercise that agency in a Texas business.  The Flag says that city is crowded with people from the North East, South and West, Yankees, Confederates, Germans, Mexicans, &c., and that it is a difficult matter to cross their principal streets for the wagons and teams that crowd them.  The Flag says:

            “Strange to say, Boston and New York are familiar names to our sight, for we have groceries and dry goods from those hostile markets just as regular as they do in New Orleans.  We send hides and wool and–shall we say it?–Cotton to the Yankees, and they send us wherewith to feed upon and wherewith to clothe ourselves.  They send us powder and shot, sulphur, phosphorus, nitre, caps and all manner of explosives and destructive things, and they would send us more such things if it was as accessible to smuggle a rifled cannon across the river as it is to quietly slip over with rifle powder.  It is an understood matter that this point is neutral territory, for Yankees come and go out of Brownsville just as some Confederates go in and out of New York.  All this is business.  Cotton, goods, specie and paper money are the blood, bones, flesh, nerves and sinews of business.  To buy and sell, trade, exchange, barter and chaffer are the occupations of the hour and the day, and the huge multitude of merchants, farmers, lawyers, preachers, teamsters, doctors and feminine divinities keep straight in the faith from morning until night.  Many ladies have made their appearance in the city, and our dry goods dealers have pleasanter times now than they did when none but sturdy teamsters bargained for crinoline and calico.  Pretty females are here from Texas, having made their pilgrimage to this mercantile Mecca, across the desert and over the lonely road from here to Goliad, driven to the journey by the necessity of the times.”

            Brownsville Market–Cotton is now selling for 20 cents cash or 25 for good paper.  The Flag says people from the interior are dissatisfied with these low figures, but that the figures must come down still lower, and that the present high freights must also come down.  There has been a slight advance in some goods.  Coffee is quoted at 25@30c; sugar 12 to 18; bacon 14 to 25; corn $1 per bushel; brogan shoes $16 to $18 per doz.; calicoes, Am. 18c, English, 22c.

            A good iron axled wagon, with five yoke of oxen attached, sold at auction on Tuesday last for $1025 in Confederate money–Flag.

            The same wagon and oxen would probably have sold in this place for twice the money.  Is it because Confederate money is more depreciated here than there?

July 1, 1863, The New York Herald

COLUMBIA, Pa., via LANCASTER, June 30, 1863.

I have reliable information that the enemy is falling back along the entire line. The city of York was evacuated last night or early this morning. General Early is reported to have carried off a vast amount of money and stores.

Deserters from the rebel army say that the rebels are concentrating for a great battle with General Meade; but this is not believed by those in official stations.

There is a report here that a large rebel force is opposite McCall’s Ferry. Deserters from York say that they heard this spoken of by some of Early’s officers. This is the movement against Philadelphia.

It is believed that General Meade has retaken Hanover Junction. This is good news if true, and probably is the cause of a change in the rebel line of March.

All along the line of the Susquehanna above and below these troops are stationed in sufficient force to prevent a crossing, it is hoped.

Longstreet’s pontoon trains accompanies his troops to McCall’s Ferry.

THE REBEL OCCUPATION OF CARLISLE.

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 30, 1863.

A citizen of Carlisle, who left there at eleven o’clock to-day, arrived this afternoon. He states that all the infantry — nine thousand strong — with forty pieces of artillery left this morning for Gettysburg. On his way he met nothing but cavalry pickets. During their stay the rebels occupied the barracks and grounds and the most prominent buildings which were vacant. The citizens were compelled to furnish rations so far as their means would admit. During yesterday the rebel officers appeared uneasy for fear that the trains would be destroyed which were in the rear. [continue reading…]

July 1, 1863, Austin State Gazette

            The San Antonio News of the 22nd, publishes the following items:

            There have been one hundred and eighty applications filed in our County Court, for relief, under the act of the last Legislature, granting assistance to soldiers’ families.  The wife is allowed five dollars per month and children two dollars; additional allowances are, however, made under peculiar circumstances; such as widowhood, orphanage, having house rent to pay, &c.  They are also allowed the privilege of trading at the store of the Mutual Aid Society.

July 1, 1863, The New York Herald

BALTIMORE, Md., June 29, 1863.

ANXIETY — JUBILANCE AND WILD RUMORS.

There exists a good deal of anxiety in this city as to the result of the pending army movements, and on the part of that numerous class of citizens with secession proclivities a suppressed but noticeable jubilance as the reports of the rebel advance came in. The wildest rumors and reports are circulated and credited of reverses to the Union cause and the success of the rebels, and the principal occupation of all classes seems to be to hear and repeat the latest canard in reference to military affairs.

THE REMOVAL OF GEN. HOOKER from the command of the Army of the Potomac excites a good deal of attention, coming as it does during the height of the momentous campaign now in progress. The impression seems to be that almost any change must be favorable.

GENERAL MEADE, of whom there does not appear to be much known here, other than that he has always acquitted himself well as a division and corps commander. Whether he has the ability to conduct so large an army and cope successfully with an able and energetic general like Lee, remains to be seen; but those who know him best are confident that the result will justify the trust which has been reposed him.

FEARS OF CAVALRY RAIDS.

Very serious apprehensions are entertained that the rebel cavalry will make a dash upon the roads between here and Washington, and between this city and Philadelphia, and thus for a time interrupt railroad communication north and south of us. Up to the present time these communications are intact, and it is hoped that the exposed and vulnerable points upon the roads are sufficiently guarded to prevent such a misfortune.

A MISSING TRAIN.

The train which left Frederick for this city at twenty minutes past seven o’clock this morning has not yet been heard from, and there is telegraphic communication only to Marriottsville — a station twenty-seven miles west of here — the telegraph line west of that point having ceased to work since daylight this morning. [continue reading…]

July 1, 1863, Austin State Gazette

The San Antonio News of the 22nd, publishes the following items:

There have been one hundred and eighty applications filed in our County Court, for relief, under the act of the last Legislature, granting assistance to soldiers’ families. The wife is allowed five dollars per month and children two dollars; additional allowances are, however, made under peculiar circumstances; such as widowhood, orphanage, having house rent to pay, &c. They are also allowed the privilege of trading at the store of the Mutual Aid Society.

July 1, 1863, Dallas Herald

            A gentleman of a Virginia regiment, writing to his mother, gives the following account of the adventure he had in one of the recent battles.  We copy from the Examiner:

            I must tell you of a prisoner that I captured.  I spied the villain in the road and put after him.  He dismounted, and leaving his horse in the road, took to the woods on foot.  As the limbs of the cedars impeded my progress, I, for a time, lost sight of him.  But having secured his horse and effects, I followed in the direction in which he had disappeared.  As I rode under a tall pine, with the muzzle of my gun elevated, I was astonished to hear from the tree above my head sing out:  “Don’t shoot; I surrender.”  The scoundrel saw the glittering of my gunbarrel and thought I was aiming at him.  I pretty soon got him down and carried him to the rear, having first secured his personal effects, which consisted of a saddle and halter, a canteen of milk, six pounds of bacon, two pounds of coffee, ditto sugar, one pound of butter, a cap, one frying pan, one spade, a piece of soap, a currycomb and brush, one oil cloth, two blankets, a small tent, and a half bushel of corn and oats–the fellow needed only a sawmill to be fully equipped.

July 1, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

FROM VICKSBURG AND THE WEST.

JACKSON, June 29. — Advices from Vicksburg report no change in the condition of affairs there. On the night of the 21st, the enemy sprung a mine to blow up the angle of one of our works. It was a complete failure however, and they only succeeded in killing a number of their own men.

The Vicksburg Citizen of the 16th, 18th and 23d, has been received. It says that for 28 days an incessant shower of shells had rained upon the city. At least […..] thousand had fallen, but no casualties had occurred. The streets are daily filled with people, including women and children, who go about regardless of danger.

One of the enemy’s gunboats is fast aground just below the city. A number of transports laden with troops had come down during the past few days. The enemy had been firing incendiary shell for three days, but without doing any damage. Major HOODLY, of Arkansas, commanding the water battery, and Major MARTIN of the 26th La. were killed last Sunday. Col. MCLAUREN of the 27th Louisiana was seriously wounded.

PARSON’S Battery at Cypress Creek, 20 miles below Napoleon, Arkansas, fired into five transports loaded with troops, on Tuesday, crippling them badly. The troops were landed and attempted to storm the battery, but were driven back with a loss of 300.

The prisoners taken at Brookhaven have arrived here today. They had orders to strike through the country, destroy the railroads and embark at Pensacola for New Orleans.

BROOKHAVEN, June 29. — A rumor reached here last evening that other raids for the same purpose had left Rodney. The Yankees say they will destroy the Mobile and Ohio Railroad if it takes 30,000 men to do so.

LATEST NEWS FROM RICHMOND —

REPORTS FROM THE BORDER.

RICHMOND, June 29. — There was heavy cavalry skirmishing on the line between Ashby’s and Snicker’s Gap on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday last. A number of Yankees were killed, and a large number taken prisoners. A letter from an officer [continue reading…]

July 1, 1863, Dallas Herald

            Among the registered enemies of the United States government who have been recently sent across the lines from New Orleans, there is now in this city a lady whose adventures place her in the ranks of the Molly Pitchers of the present revolution.

            At the breaking out of the war, Mrs. James J. Williams (the lady of whom we alluded) was a resident of Arkansas.  Like most of the women of the South, her whole soul was enlisted for the struggle for independence.  Her husband was a Northern man by birth and education and a strong Union man.  After Arkansas seceded from the Union he went to Connecticut, he said, to see his relations and settle upon some business.  Mrs. Williams suspected his purpose, and finally she received information that he had joined the Yankee army.  Possessing little of the characteristic weakness of the sex, either in body or mind, Mrs. W. vowed to offer her life upon the altar of her country, disguising herself in a Confederate uniform, and adopting the name of Henry Benford, she proceeded to Texas where she raised and equipped an independent company and went to Virginia with it as first Lieutenant.  She was in the battle of Leesburg and several skirmishes, but finally her sex having been discovered by the surgeon of the regiment–the 5^th Texas Volunteers to which the company had been attached–she returned to her home in Arkansas.  After remaining there a short time she proceeded to Corinth and was in the battle of Shiloh where she displayed great coolness and courage.  She saw her father on the field but, of course, he did not recognize her, and she did not make herself known to him.  In the second day’s fighting she was wounded in the head and was ordered to the rear.  She wrote to her father and then came off down to Grenada where she waited for some time, but never saw or heard from him.

            She then visited New Orleans, was taken sick and while sick the city was captured.  On recovery she retired to the coast, where she employed herself in conveying communications, assisting parties to run the blockade with drugs and clothes and uniforms.  She was informed on by a negro and arrested and brought before Gen. Butler.  She made her appearance before Gen. B. in a Southern homespun dress.  She refused to take the oath, told him she gloried in being a rebel–had fought side by side with Southern men for Southern rights, and if she ever lived to see “Dixie” she would do it again.  Butler denounced her as the most incorrigible she-rebel he had ever met with.  By order of the Beast she was placed in confinement, where she remained three months.  Some time after her release, she was arrested again for carrying on “contraband correspondence,” and kept in a dungeon fourteen days on bread and water, at the expiration of which time she was placed in the State prison as a dangerous enemy.  Her husband it so happened, was a lieutenant in the 13^th Connecticut Regiment, and on duty as Provost Guard in the city.  He accidentally found her out and asked if she [continue reading…]

July 1—Division moves six miles by Middle Town and six and a half to Gettysburg and drive the enemy two miles. Col. Parker, Capt. C. N. Allen, Lieut. Brown and many others are wounded. Among the killed are: G. L. Swain, S. M. Hewitt, John C. Goodwin, John H. Mason and J. B. Whitley.

Col. Parker’s wound was in the face. The ball entered just below one eye and came out just below the other, cutting the nasal tubes. When I knelt by him and prayed for him and his wife and children, he seemed about to strangle with the blood. I stopped praying and held my arm lovingly over him till he was quiet. He got home, returned to duty, and received another wound at Spottsylvania, and was then put on post duty.

Capt. Allen’s right arm was so broken up that it had to be amputated. His case will interest others. He had an idea that surgeons were fond of cutting off men’s limbs. Dr. Briggs asked me to see him and try to influence him, for he refused to allow his arm amputated. Capt. Allen had lately married Miss Johns in Wake County, N. C. I prayed silently as I went to where he lay. Kneeling by him, I said, “Capt. I long for you to get home and see that lovely young wife, who is praying for you, but you will never see her if you try to keep that arm.” We looked silently into each other’s eyes. After a while, he said: “Mr. Betts, I wish you would call Briggs to me.” I called Dr. Briggs! (Nine years after I met him in Wake. He took me to his home. Introducing me to his wife, he said, “Bro. Betts, I want to confess to you in the presence of my wife that I owe my life to you.” The reader must imagine my feelings.)

Wednesday.—Many exciting rumours to-day about the Yankees being at Hanover Court-House, within a few miles of us. They can be traced everywhere by the devastation which marks their track. There are also rumours that our army is in Pennsylvania. So may it be! We are harassed to death with their ruinous raids, and why should not the North feel it in its homes? Nothing but their personal suffering will shorten the war. I don’t want their women and children to suffer; nor that our men should follow their example, and break through and steal. I want our warfare carried on in a more honourable way; but I do want our men and horses to be fed on the good things of Pennsylvania; I want the fine dairies, pantries, granaries, meadows, and orchards belonging to the rich farmers of Pennsylvania, to be laid open to our army; and I want it all paid for with our Confederate money, which will be good at some future day. I want their horses taken for our cavalry and wagons, in return for the hundreds of thousands that they have taken from us; and I want their fat cattle driven into Virginia to feed our army. It amuses me to think how the Dutch farmers’ wives will be concealing the golden products of their dairies, to say nothing of their apple-butter, peachbutter, and their wealth of apple-pies.

July 1st, 1863.—Some months ago, thinking it might be useful, I obtained from the consul of my birthplace, by sending to another town, a passport for foreign parts. H. said if we went out to the lines we might be permitted to get through on that. So we packed the trunk, got a carriage, and on the 30th drove out there. General V. offered us seats in his tent. The rifle-bullets were whizzing so zip, zip from the sharp-shooters on the Federal lines that involuntarily I moved on my chair. He said, “Don’t be alarmed; you are out of range. They are firing at our mules yonder.” His horse, tied by the tent door, was quivering all over, the most intense exhibition of fear I’d ever seen in an animal. General V. sent out a flag of truce to the Federal headquarters, and while we waited wrote on a piece of silk paper a few words. Then he said, “My wife is in Tennessee. If you get through the lines, give her this. They will search you, so I will put it in this toothpick.” He crammed the silk paper into a quill toothpick, and handed it to H. It was completely concealed. The flag-of-truce officer came back flushed and angry. “General Grant says that no human being shall pass out of Vicksburg; but the lady may feel sure danger will soon be over. Vicksburg will surrender on the 4th.”

“Is that so, general?” inquired H. “Are arrangements for surrender made?”

“We know nothing of the kind. Vicksburg will not surrender.”

“Those were General Grant’s exact words, sir,” said the flag-officer. “Of course it is nothing but their brag.”

We went back sadly enough, but to-day H. says he will cross the river to General Porter’s lines and try there; I shall not be disappointed.

Note: To protect Mrs. Miller’s job as a teacher in post-civil war New Orleans, her diary was published anonymously, edited by G. W. Cable, names were changed and initials were generally used instead of full names—and even the initials differed from the real person’s initials. (Read Dora Richards Miller’s biographical sketch.)

30th. Saddled up about 8 and went towards Creelsboro. Went by another ridge, as yesterday, only a little path. Command stopped back behind the hills. Advance guard, Col. and we boys, L. and I went to town. Several rebs had just passed. Advance went up the river and we down to ferry. Ladies just over report the rebels all gone down the river. Stopped at a house during a thunder storm. Got dinner and returned by Jackman’s Bottom to Hilms. Thence to town in the afternoon. T. and I got under an old house. Pleasant to get rest again.

Tuesday, 30th–Our company was mustered at 9 o’clock this morning by Captain McLoney. Major Foster came in today and made a demand upon the general picket officers that our company be relieved from picket duty at this place. We had a fine time at this place. Our work here has not been laborious, but we had to be on constant duty and ready with all accouterments on, for any emergency. The abundance of canebrakes here fortunately made it unnecessary for us to sleep on the ground.

June 30th. At eight in the morning the steamer St. Maurice came down the river with a load of contrabands,—men, women and children,—which she got off of some plantation near Red river. Brisk artillery and musketry firing heard in rear of Port Hudson all this day. At three thirty in the afternoon received a mail on board from the lower fleet.

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd

            JUNE 3OTH.–Our dreams were broken this morning at daylight by the bug’e call, and in a very few minutes the whole command was up and ready to march–their beds around the owners’ necks. Our woolen blankets are rolled up as tight as possible, having a rubber one outside, which, when the two ends are tied, are swung around our necks. If there has been a rain to wet the blankets, and no time to dry them, they make a heavy load on the march; so no time is lost in drying blankets whenever the opportunity is offered. If it is raining when we retire, and brush can be cut to lay the blankets on, we get a number one spring bed, and when the weather is pleasant a good bed can be made by laying down two rails the width of the blanket apart, and filling the space with grass, or straw from any adjacent stack, on which the blankets may be spread. There is a sort of tall grass growing in this country which makes a soft bed, and is quite worth the puffing. Everything possible is done by the soldier to secure a good night’s sleep. I have seen straw stacks torn to pieces, sheds pulled down, and fences melt away in the twinkling of an eye, about camp time. A certain officer has ordered his men to take only the top rail, which order was obeyed to the letter, yet every rail disappeared–the bottom rail finally becoming the top one. I have seen half a regiment bearing rails, boards and straw toward camp before even the end of the day’s march was reached. They will have good beds and fires.

JUNE 30th.—Dispatches from the West show that we still held Vicksburg at the last dates; and, moreover, Gen. Taylor (son of Zachary Taylor) had stormed and taken the enemy’s fortifications at Berwick’s Bay, with the bayonet. We took 1000 prisoners, 10 large cannon, and many stores. Also that we had taken Thibbodauxville, and have thus cut off Banks from New Orleans.

5 O’CLOCK P. M.—The city is now in good humor, but not wild with exultation. We have what seems pretty authentic intelligence of the taking of HARRISBURG, the capital of Pennsylvania, the City of YORK, etc. etc. This comes on the flag of truce boat, and is derived from the enemy themselves. Lee will not descend to the retaliation instigated by petty malice; but proclaim to the inhabitants that all we desire is PEACE, not conquest.

From Vicksburg we have further information that, in springing his mine, Grant destroyed hundreds of his own men, and did us no injury. Also that a battery we have above Vicksburg had fired into some passing transports, doing great damage to life and boats. The troops landed, and failed to take the battery by assault, losing hundreds in addition.

June 1, 1863—We continue our meeting Bros. Cobb and Stradly helping.

June 2—Meet chaplains. At night we see 15 penitents and several converts.

June 3—Bro. Stradly preaches in a. m. Thirteen join the church, and two or three are converted during the meeting – 15 or 18 penitents. Army receive marching orders!

June 4—Pass Spottslyvania Court House.

June 5—Move on. Dr. Deems and Bros. Cobb and Stradly with us. Seven penitents at evening prayers.

June 6—Move on. Dr. Deems preaches to our Brigade, as we rest on the road at mid-day. Rain. I sit under a wagon, as my tent was left. I sleep on wet leaves at night.

Sunday, June 7—Pass Culpepper Court House. At evening worship, 29 penitents. Yesterday p. m. Bro. Cobb examined 7 candidates for his church, and I, 8 for mine.

June 8—Dr. Deems preached for _____ Brigade. I preach for Doles Brigade and take five into my church. Bro. Marshall, of 12th Ga., preaches for our Brigade at 6 p. m.—28 penitents, six converts. Seven or eight join different churches.

June 9—Dr. Deems leaves us for North Carolina, not knowing his oldest son, Theodore Disosway was to be mortally wounded at Gettysburg in a few days. March every day.

June 12—Pass up valley and over mountain toward Front Royal. Dine with Rev. Dr. Hough and his good wife. Cross Shenandoah River.

June 13—Pass Berryville and capture a fine deserted camp.

Sunday, June 14—Call on Wm. Asbury, nephew of Bishop Asbury (?) Army pass on to Martinsburg. Enemy being run out, our men save some burning commissary stores.

June 15—Cross Potomac at Williamsport and camp in Maryland. Fever in p. m. and night.

June 17—Brigade moves to Hagerstown. I call on Oberton Homes and sup with him. Spend night with Dr. Halm at Female Seminary. He and wife so very kind.

June 19—Leave H. at 5 p. m. Heavy rain. Ride nearly all night. Reach wagons two miles beyond Martinsburg at 5 a. m.

June 20—Damp and dark. Retrace my steps and sleep in a barn near Hagerstown. Write wife by Bro. Stallings, Quartermaster Sergeant.

June 21—Very unwell. Bro. Cobb preaches for our Brigade. Several are immersed in p. m.

June 22—Division moves toward Chambersburg, Pa. Dr. J. V. Simmons in Hagerstown, fills a tooth for me and will not charge a “rebel.” Enter Pennsylvania and camp near Green Castle.

June 23—In camp. Seven penitents at night.

June 26—Prayer meeting in J. Kenigg’s barn.

June 27—Hard march. Mud! Mud! Pass through Carlisle and camp in United States Barracks. I sleep on ground. Get two letters from wife. Daughter sick June 4. God spare her!

Sunday, June 28—Bro. Lacy preaches to three North Carolina Brigades in the forenoon. I preach in the afternoon and baptize five by pouring. (In 1896 I met one of them in North Carolina. He told me I baptized him at Carlisle; but I smelt whiskey on his breath in 1896.) Bro. Brooks and I baptise four each, in a pool near by. Pleasant day, but not much spirituality among the soldiers. Write to Mary at night.

June 29—Rainy. Ride into Carlisle. Call on Marshall in College grove. Meet Rev. Dr. Johnson, President of Dickinson College. When Rev. Dr. Deems graduated there, he did not know his oldest son would hear preaching for the last time at this place and then march on to Gettysburg to be killed. Meet Rev. Grandin of Baltimore Conference, who graduated here eighteen years ago. Meet Dr. Johnson’s daughter, a bright young woman, who asks me some questions. “Mr. Betts, what was your object in joining the army? Was it to help the rebellion?” I told her I could not have taken the oath of office as Chaplain if I had not been in full sympathy with the Confederate cause, but I did not think it so weak as to need my help. I told her my love for souls led me into the work. Fixing her eyes on mine, she said: “Mr. Betts, would you be willing to see the Union restored?” I quickly said: “Miss Johnson, I would rejoice to see the Union ‘restored,’ but you and I will never see it ‘restored.’ ” Visit Federal prisoners at night.

June 30—Division crosses Blue Ridge and camp half a mile beyond Heidleburg. Dark rainy evening. I sit on a fence and write to my wife and tell her I expect to sleep on two rails on top of that fence, while soldiers sleep among the rocks around me. I add: “Thank God! I am happy.” Happiness does not depend so much on our surroundings as some may think. Once I was not happy while it seems I should have been. Walking with some young people across the beautiful University grounds in North Carolina I said: “Miss Julia, it seems that a young man ought to be happy here.” That expression was a confession that I was not happy. What a contrast!