OCTOBER 13th.—Northern papers, received last night, speak of a battle at Perryville, Kentucky, on the 9th instant, in which the Abolitionists lost, by their own confession, 2000 killed and wounded, which means 10,000. They say Bragg’s forces held a portion of the field after the battle. If this prove not a glorious victory for our arms, I don’t know how to read Abolition journals.

I see that our Congress, late on Saturday night (they adjourn to-day), passed an act increasing the salaries of officers and employees in the departments residing at Richmond. This will make the joint compensation of my son and myself $3000; this is not equal to $2000 a year ago. But Congress failed to make the necessary appropriation. The Secretary might use the contingent fund.

Another act authorizes the President to appoint twenty additional brigadier-generals, and a number of lieutenant-generals.

The New York Herald, and even the Tribune, are tempting us to return to the Union, by promises of protecting slavery, and an offer of a convention to alter the Constitution, giving us such guarantees of safety as we may demand. This is significant. We understand the sign.

Letters from Gen. Lee do not indicate an immediate purpose to retire from the Potomac; on the contrary, he has ordered Gen. Loring, if practicable, to menace Wheeling and Pennsylvania, and form a junction with him via the Monongahela and Upper Potomac. But Loring does not deem it safe to move all his forces (not more than 6000) by that route; he will, however, probably send his cavalry into Pennsylvania.

And Gen. Lee does not want any more raw conscripts. They get sick immediately, and prove a burden instead of a benefit. He desires them to be kept in camps of instruction, until better seasoned (a term invented by Gen. Wise) for the field.

Senator Brown, of Mississippi, opposed the bill increasing our salaries, on the ground that letters from himself, indorsed by the President, applying for clerkships for his friends, remained unanswered. He did not seem to know that this was exclusively the fault of the head clerk, Mr. Randolph, who has the title of Secretary of War.

And the Examiner denounces the bill, because it seems to sanction a depreciation of our currency! What statesmanship! What logic!

Sunday, 12th–We started early this morning and marching thirty miles arrived at Corinth just at dark. The soldiers are all very tired and worn, having marched about sixty-five miles over a heavy road in two days. We came into Corinth over the ground we had fought over in the battle of October 3d and 4th. This battlefield is a terrible sight and gives one a horrible picture of war. Our men having hurriedly gone in pursuit of the fleeing rebels, the burial of the dead was left to the convalescents, together with such negroes as could be found to do the job. Many of the dead bodies had become so decomposed that they could not be moved and were simply covered over with a little earth just where they lay.

Sunday, 12th. Cleaned my revolver and dried my cartridges. Indians had preaching by their Chaplain. Seemed good to hear singing and preaching even in an unknown tongue. Took a bundle of letters to headquarters. Smith went with me, a right good fellow. Went to spring and bathed.

Sunday 12th.—Remained still to-day. 6 P. M., drew four days’ rations to-day; flour and pickled pork. Wagons have not come with the cooking vessels; our mess had half-gallon bucket and one copper plate; fried out grease in the plate and made up dough in the half-gallon bucket; baked part in the ashes and part wound round sticks and held over hot coals. Had rations cooked by 11 P. M. Wagons and sick are being sent away; look for fighting soon.

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

October 12, 1862, Nashville Dispatch (Tennessee)

To the Editor of the Nashville Dispatch.

In this cold and inclement “spell” of weather, with the prospect of a severe winter just ahead of us, the question is asked by every one, “How are we to get fuel?”

With no earthly chance of procuring coal at present, if at all, during the winter, we must use wood instead, if it can be procured. As business is prostrated, and all industrial pursuits paralyzed by the effects of the war, there are very few house-keepers in the city able to pay the exorbitant prices asked for wood; and even if they were, the supply is not equal to one-fourth of the demand. The question is a serious one, in view of these facts, and if any practical plan can be devised to remedy the evil, it ought at once to be put in execution.

Is it possible for the civil and military authorities to make some arrangement to supply the city with fuel the coming winter, at living prices, and yet not at an expense to these authorities? Why cannot a number of negroes be detailed to chop wood and haul it in at a price which will be cheap to the consumer, and yet more than pay all expenses for chopping, hauling and selling? Or what plan can be devised to secure the object, and protect the poor? The authorities, it is hoped, will solve the problem, and prevent suffering.

W.

October 12, 1862, Nashville Daily Union (Tennessee)

There will be an immense amount of suffering in this city, the coming winter, if some provision is not speedily made for procuring fuel. The poor, especially, will be in a sad condition, if some measure is not adopted to procure a supply of wood. It is thought that the authorities can get an abundant supply by running our cars for wood on the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad, within a few miles of the city. Or, perhaps, the Edgefield road could be put in operation as far as the Ridge, where immense quantities of wood can be procured, which could be furnished to the people at low rates, and at the same time pay all the cost of its procurement. It is a God-like duty to succor the poor, and it is important that something should be done to prevent apprehended distress.

Senola.

October 12, 1862, The New York Herald

Our Jackson Correspondence.

JACKSON, Tenn., Oct. 6, 1862.

A few moments after the mail left today a despatch was received by Gen. Grant, from Gen. Rosecrans, announcing the most complete and overwhelming defeat of the rebels at the Hatchie, he, Rosecrans, having come up and attacked them in rear, and Gen. Ord just having defeated them at Davies’ Bridge. The poor rebels were in bad quarters, and had no chance for escape whatever, as an army. The despatch gives no particulars of the battle, merely stating that whole regiments threw down their arms, some not attempting to escape at all, and the remainder scattering through woods in every direction, every man for himself. The country is full of fugitives, and our troops are picking them up faster than they can dispose of them. I suppose they will be paroled, or kept by General Grant to exchange for our men taken on the Potomac. We have no account of the loss of Rosecrans’ force in this affair, but it must have been small, as the enemy were completely panic stricken. The loss at Davies’ Bridge, on our side was severe, as reported by General Ord. From that report it will be seen that General Grant’s order to Hurlbut to leave Bolivar and march towards Corinth by way of Pocahontas and Davies’ Bridge, was just in time, and was the means of preventing the escape of the enemy. Rosecrans was also, as soon as the rebels were driven out of Corinth, ordered in pursuit, and the result has been almost equal to the most sanguine expectations. The rebel generals will have to organize another army before they can do anything in West Tennessee or Mississippi, and it must have entirely destroyed their idea of penetrating into Kentucky and joining Gen. Bragg, which, it appears, […..] and only prevented by the watchfulness and precautions of General Grant. The fight at Corinth was very severe; the enemy advanced steadily from Bethel on to Chewalla, driving in our videttes and pickets as they advanced, and finally, after driving in McKean and Davis’ commands, [continue reading…]

Bunker Hill, Va., October 12,1862.

It has not been three months since I left home. I can hardly realize that it has been so long, the time has passed so rapidly. During this period I have had the pleasure of participating in what history will record as the most astonishing expeditions of the war, for the severity of the battles fought and the hardships endured by our soldiers. And now it seems like settling down to idleness. The last week was one of quiet and stagnation like the week before. I have not been in a saddle now for two weeks, and have not been half a mile from my camp since we came to our present encampment. Yet I have been kept so busy that the time passed fast enough. I have had general charge of the orders and correspondence, which has given me full employment. We may have some more activity this fall, but I am inclined to think the campaign is over. It is too late now for either side to think of accomplishing much before winter sets in. Our army is in splendid condition. It has been rapidly increasing during the last three weeks by conscripts and convalescents who have been coming in. If the enemy cross the Potomac to begin the offensive, we shall, I think, have another great battle near this place, and I feel sure that it will be a splendid victory for us. Our victories, though, seem to settle nothing; to bring us no nearer the end of the war. It is only so many killed and wounded, leaving the work of blood to go on with renewed vigor. Like everything else, it must have an end sooner or later.

And now, darling, I will take leave of you, hoping you may have a good time getting through with your complicated troubles on the farm. No doubt you think I devote little of my time to thinking about them. True, because my work here occupies my whole time except Sunday, when, by Gen. Lee’s order, we are to remain idle unless necessity compels the work. Kiss our dear little boys for me, and remind them of their absent papa. How I wish I could see you all for a little while! But I must not think of it until Christmas.

Saturday, October 11th.

Miriam went off to Clinton before daylight yesterday, with Mr. Carter and Mrs. Worley. She would not let me go for fear mother should keep us. At midnight they got back last night, tired, sleepy, and half-frozen, for our first touch of cool weather came in a strong north wind in the evening which grew stronger and stronger through the night, and they had worn only muslin dresses. I shall never cease to regret that I did not go too. Miriam says mother is looking very sad. Sad, and I am trying to forget all our troubles, and am so happy here! O mother, how selfish it was to leave you! I ask myself whether it were best to stay there where we would only be miserable without adding anything to your comfort or pleasure, or to be here, careless and happy while you are in that horrid hole so sad and lonesome. According to my theory, Miriam would remind me that I say it is better to have three miserable persons than two happy ones whose happiness occasions the misery of the third. That is my doctrine only in peculiar cases; it cannot be applied to this one. I say that if, for example, Miriam and I should love the same person, while that person loved only me, rather than make her unhappy by seeing me marry him, I would prefer making both him and myself miserable, by remaining single. She says “Fudge!” which means, I suppose, nonsense. But our happiness here does not occasion mother’s unhappiness. She would rather see us enjoying ourselves here than moping there. One proof is, that she did not suggest our return. She longs to get home, but cannot leave poor Lilly alone, for Charlie is in Granada. Oh, how willingly I would return to the old wreck of our home! All its desolation could not be half so unendurable as Clinton. But Lilly cannot be left. Poor Lilly! When I look at her sad young face, my heart bleeds for her. With five helpless little children to care for, is she not to be pitied? I think that such a charge, in such dreadful days, would kill me. How patiently she bears it!

Saturday, 11th–We were routed out this morning at 1 o’clock and started for Corinth, seventy miles distant. It soon began raining, and after marching six miles in the rain we met our provision train. We stacked our arms by the roadside, drew some rations and had a good square meal again. The hard-tack and coffee, with the bacon broiled on our ramrods in the fire, tasted mighty good—better than any pound cake eaten at home. While resting here and feasting, a number of the boys who had gone into the negro huts, caught up with us. They were in the cabins, nice and dry, and thought when we were routed out in the night, that it was to form in line, but in the morning found out their mistake and hastened to catch up with the command. A few of them were taken prisoners by the rebel cavalry following us. After our meal we continued our march till we reached the Tallahatchie river, and bivouacked in heavy timber on the banks of the river. We traveled thirty-five miles today, the weather being quite cool.

Saturday, 11th. Up before sunrise and got roasted potatoes and honey for breakfast. Marched at sunrise. Passed Wier’s and Cloud’s Brigades at five miles–and Schofield’s. Encamped at Ferguson Springs, eight miles from Cassville. Arrived at 3 P. M. Feasted and rested.

Saturday, 11th.—Passed back through Harrodsburg; took right-hand pike; marched ten miles, and halted one miles from Camp “Dick Roberson,” now called Camp “Breckinridge.” Official reports are that the Confederate loss in the battle of Perryville was between 1,500 and 2.000. We are on left wing, in the bend of Dick River; have lived four days without drawing any rations, except three crackers each and some pickled pork; been living on parched corn. 8 P. M., drew some flour and bacon.

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

OCTOBER 11th.—There are rumors of Abolition gun-boats in the York and James Rivers. A battery of long range guns was sent down yesterday.

It is said that an army of raw Abolitionists, under Sigel, has marched from Alexandria toward Culpepper County. If this be so, we shall soon have more fighting, and more running, I hope. Lee keeps his own counsel—wisely.

“EXECUTIVE MANSION,
“RICHMOND, Va.,
“Oct. 11, 1862.

“GENL. L. T. WIGFALL,
“My dear Sir:

“It has been suggested to me¹ that you thought Holmes had failed in his duty at Malvern Hill, by being too slow in getting into position, and in that connection I wish to say to you that he was ordered up from his position on the South side of James River to aid in the attack upon McClellan’s Army and if possible to prevent it from reaching the James River. It being then supposed that the enemy would endeavor to reach a landing some distance above Curl’s Neck. He moved down the River Road, taking Gen. Wise and his brigade with him, to the position indicated, where I found him on Monday morning, most advantageously posted. He had made a thorough reconnoissance and fully explained to me his position and plan of operations. He was then about a mile to the right of the place where I found you with Gen. Longstreet’s staff and where I met Genl. Lee. Genl. Lee had ascertained that the enemy was taking a different route by what was known as the Quaker Road and he ordered Genl. Holmes to advance and take position on that road to intercept the enemy’s retreat. He did so promptly, and waited at the place indicated with his infantry for the approach of the enemy. They did not come, but halted and offered battle before reaching Poindexter’s farm. Genl. Holmes thus fulfilled all his orders and proved as well his gallantry, as his candor, by subsequently expressing his regret that no one knew enough of the ground to have indicated to him what afterward was found to have been feasible, to wit, an attack upon the enemy’s left and rear. It may be that such remarks have led you to suppose that he was directed to do something which he failed to perform. If so, I am sure that your fairness needs only to have the facts distinctly pointed out to you. Genl. Lee reconnoitred the ground as far as he was able and I did the same thing in person—whilst Genl. Holmes was in position and under a heavy fire from the enemy’s gunboats. Genl. Lee certainly attributed no shortcoming to Genl. Holmes and it never occurred to me that any blame was fairly to be attached to him. I write this in justice to the individual but am urged much more by the consciousness of his peculiar fitness for the command to which he has been assigned.

“Your friend JEFFER. DAVIS.”

1. THE autumn opened with dispiriting news from the West. Beauregard had been superseded and rumors were rife that a demand had been made on the administration for the removal of General Bragg. While we did not know certainly that this was a fact, there was no question but that dissatisfaction was felt in many quarters with President Davis’s policy and conduct of affairs, my father’s intimacy with him began to decrease, and strained relations to take the place of their former friendship. Notes asking for consultations to discuss pressing matters which formerly began “Dear Wigfall”—as the time ran on into the autumn were commenced “My dear Sir.” — Louise Wigfall Wright

10th.—Bad news! The papers bring an account of the defeat of our army at Corinth. It was commanded by General Van Dorn—the Federals by Rosecranz. They fought Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The fight said to have been very bloody—great loss on both sides. The first two days we had the advantage, but on Sunday the Yankees “brought up reinforcements,” and our men had to retire to Ripley. The Northern papers do not brag quite so much as usual; they say their loss was very great, particularly in officers; from which, I hope it was not quite so bad with us as our first accounts represent. This bringing up of reinforcements, which the Yankees do in such numbers, is ruinous to us. Ah! if we could only fight them on an equal footing, we could expunge them from the face of the earth: but we have to put forth every energy to get rid of them, while they come like the frogs, the flies, the locusts, and the rest of the vermin which infested the land of Egypt, to destroy our peace.

Friday, 10th–We have received no rations yet and have nothing but fresh meat and sweet potatoes to eat. Our brigade went out about four miles on a scout, to escort a battery to another part of the army. The weather is very hot and about 3 o’clock in the afternoon it commenced to rain, the roads soon becoming very muddy, for the dust was so deep. At dark we reached our old bivouac, where we had been the night before last, and stopped for the night. A cool wind followed the rain and some of us went into negro huts, built fires and dried our clothes.

Friday, 10th. Sky clear and quite cold. Lieut. Spencer and I issued a good amount of clothing. About noon orders came to march. After a hurried dinner, saddled and lay about until most sundown. Rear guard. Had to wait till every wagon had started. Very dull business; probably the advance guard was in camp before we started. Every mile wagons were in to the hubs in mud. At midnight halted, saddles on, so many teams had given out. Fed and lay down with oilcloth for a coverlet. Had lent my shawl to Sergt. Randall.

Friday, 10th.—Left our resting-place at 2 A. M. Passed Salvisa at 4:30 A. M. 10 A. M., waiting for road to be opened so we can get to our brigade wagons. Have been without rations since day before yesterday. It is said rebels captured Brigadier-General Wood yesterday; secreted himself under box when his brigade had to surrender, but some hungry rebel turned it over and found him. Rumored Lee has taken Washington City. Troops passing in two heavy columns; cannonading ahead. Reported that Bragg’s and Buell’s forces were engaged all day yesterday and until 11 o’clock last night. Passed through Harrodsburg at sundown; camped one-half mile west of town in cedar thicket.

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

OCTOBER 10th.—Mr. Brooks called this morning to get me to draft a passport bill, which he said he would get Congress to pass. I doubt it. I wrote the bill, however. He says fifteen or twenty members of Congress visit his house daily. They dine with him, and drink his old whisky. Mr. B. has a superb mansion on Clay Street, which he bought at a sacrifice. He made his money at trade. In one of the rooms Aaron Burr once dined with Chief Justice Marshall, and Marshall was assailed for it afterward by Mr. Jefferson. It was during Burr’s trial, and Marshall was his judge. Mr. Wickham, who was Burr’s counsel, then occupied the house, and gave a dinner party. Marshall did not know Burr was to be one of the guests. I got these facts from Mr. Foote, whom I met there the other evening.

A letter from Gen. Bragg to the President, indicates but too clearly that the people of Kentucky hesitate to risk the loss of property by joining us. Only one brigade has been recruited so far. The general says 50,000 more men are requisite. Can he have them? None!

10th October

       We went to Church on Communion Sunday and saw Miss Clemy Legg in deep black what a pity the poor thing was not married to Mr Palmer.—

       Papa talks of going down to his Plantation to settle his affairs. If he has to move his negroes he will send them to Georgia to Richard. I told him if he had no further need to be on his place that we should be very glad to have him stay with us and that I had enjoyed his being with us this Summer. He said he felt very grateful for all the kindness shewn him and would always remember it.—That it was pleasant to think of.—

       Elizabeth had a nice little visit to Miss Juliet and rode to Glen Springs. When she returned she took cold and had a sore throat the Dr visited her and used costic for her throat with success.—

       Mr Wilkins’s man Edward went off.—Mrs & Miss Stone came to see us some time since, and when we returned the visit Miss Stone told Elizabeth the reason they visited us was they belonged to the way side Hospital, and a German of the 1st Infantry came up here on furlough for recruiting and spoke so much of Lewis’s kindness to the men. He said he bought a wagon load of chickens and gave them to the sick soldiers, and when he went to Town to purchase medicine he paid for it himself, if he had not money enough allowed.—

       Lewis has now changed to Fergusons Light Battery and I think he finds it rather dull. These way side Hospitals are very great Charities. The ladies of this place hire a large room & place beds in it as many as the space will allow and 2 ladies have charge each week send every day to the Rail Road and provide 3 meals. This war has brought out all over the land beautiful instances of true charity blessing and being blessed.

October 10, 1862, The New York Herald

Our Cairo Correspondence.

CAIRO, Oct. 6, 1862.

The battle or series of battles at Corinth on the 4th, 5th and 6th of October, when the full details come in, will prove the finest achievements of federal arms during the present war. We are told from all sources that our victory is complete, that the rebels are routed and demoralized, and that Rosecrans and Hurlbut, are both in pursuit of the fugacious horde.

THE FIGHT A PLANNED ONE.

The attack did not come suddenly or unexpectedly. It has been known for weeks that an effort would be made to retake Corinth. The pride of the South and the pressing necessities of Price’s army conspired to form a strong motive for the attempt.

THE VALUE OF THE POSITION.

Could Corinth be taken, Bolivar, Jackson, Trenton and Humboldt must fall in their turn, and West Tennessee be purged of federal invaders. Besides, it was known that the government had large commissary and quartermasters’ stores there, which would furnish Price’s ragged men with the essentials for standing the trenchant blasts that already begin to find their way down from the North.

THE REBEL ARMY CONCENTRATING FOR SEVERAL WEEKS.

To effect this desirable result, the rebels have been concentrating for several weeks. Nearly two weeks ago Lovell and Van Dorn marched up past Holly Springs with about [continue reading…]

October 10, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

(CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.)

RICHMOND, Monday, October 6.

At last we hear something from the West, BUELL has advanced 21 miles from Louisville, 500 Confederate prisoners have been taken, and a great battle was daily expected. This we learn from the Philadelphia Inquirer of the 3d. The same paper gives a list of 19 vessels of the ‘Ohio Navy.’ Had Bragg taken Nashville, the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers might have been fortified against this Navy. The Inquirer also gives the reply of the Altoona Governors to Lincoln. They sustain his emancipation act on the ground that the war separates father and son, husband and wife in the free States, ergo it ought to separate master and slave in the rebellious States. Fiddle-faddle.

Major Peyton is the bearer of a handsome present from Gen. Beauregard to Stonewall Jackson. It is a splendid silver-mounted pistol, of a new pattern, made in Paris expressly for Jackson. It is a revolver, navy size, constructed to throw balls as a cannon throws grape-shot. With this formidable weapon, an officer hard pressed in action might destroy half a dozen enemies at a single discharge. An appropriate inscription is engraved on the silver plating.

Trouble has broken out between Loring and Floyd. A captain in Loring’s command claims a company in Floyd’s army, and asserts that four fifths of Floyd’s men are within the conscript age. Loring endorses his captain. Randolph forwards the correspondence to Gov. Letcher, who transmits it to the Legislature, and it is published in this morning’s Examiner, together with a rebutting letter from Gen. Floyd. It is unfortunate the Examiner has taken the matter in hand, for the devil does not hate holy water half as bad as the Government hates the Examiner. Nor does Mr. Davis dote on Floyd. If it [continue reading…]

October 10, 1862, Tri-Weekly Telegraph (Houston)

I have been appointed chief agent of the Army in Arkansas, to procure clothing, blankets, shoes, socks, and hats for our suffering soldiers. I appeal to the patriotic citizens of Southern Texas, particularly the ladies, for these articles. Your own husbands, fathers, brothers and sons are in this army. It is clothing for them I am after. There is not a family, much as they have given, but can spare a blanket, shirt, pants or coat. Even little girls can knit socks, and of these we want not less than fifty thousand pair.

While you are in your comfortable homes, many a soldier is lying on the ground without covering. While thousands of you are treading upon carpets, your brethren in the field are freezing, and the ladies of Little Rock have stripped their houses of carpets to make blankets for them. Will you be behind your sisters in Arkansas?

Our soldiers will winter in Missouri. How much they will suffer I know, for I was there last winter in the swamp with Gen. Jeff. Thompson. Our men are unused to such climate. Already are the cold blasts upon them. They must be supplied, and that soon.

All contributions will be gladly received, and everything paid for if desired. Mr. H. D. Taylor will act as agent at Houston, and agents will be appointed at Austin, San Antonio, Hallettsville, Huntsville and Jasper, as soon as I can visit them. Let contributions be forwarded at once.

October 10, 1862, The New York Herald

Our Louisville Correspondence.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 6, 1862.

The news from the front today, while it is of an extremely interesting nature, yet has a smack of disappointment in it. At all points the rebels fly as our forces advance, without giving us a chance to fight them; and so rapidly is Buell pushing his columns forward that the retirement of the rebels partakes very much of the nature of a complete rout. The news is of the same character both from the left, right and centre. Buell’s movements seem to prevent the rebels effecting a concentration of their forces, and they are rapidly becoming demoralized from their frequent and hasty retreats. Our right occupied Bardstown yesterday (Sunday), and so rapidly were they moving that last evening three divisions of Crittenden’s corps were in Lebanon, twenty-seven miles distant. This is the fastest army travelling on record, and is conclusive evidence that when the occasion demands it, Buell can make as rapid strides as any commander we have.

General Hardee had commanded the rebel forces at Bardstown and in that vicinity, and his force is estimated by citizens of Bardstown at not less than thirty thousand men, some accounts putting the number as high as thirty-five thousand. Hardee himself was ill at the time of the evacuation of that place, and this will probably be an excuse for his not fighting. Everything in the vicinity of Bardstown that could move on wheels, or could drag the wheels, was pressed into the rebel service and taken away in their flight. The country was thoroughly stripped of all kinds of produce, and the goods in the stores adapted to military purposes was all taken away. Their flight from that place was very precipitate, yet they took good care off their sick with them. They took the Lebanon [continue reading…]