Thursday, 21st – Early this morning, at 6 o’clock, we moved up the river and entering the Yazoo river we reached Haines’s Bluff, where we landed and stacked arms. Here we remained several hours awaiting orders. General Sherman has just taken Haines’s Bluff and now is uniting with General Grant’s forces in surrounding Vicksburg. At 4 o’clock we again took boat, returning down the river to Young’s Point, where we landed, and marching across the point again took the boats. We passed on down the river below Vicksburg to Warrington, Mississippi, where we landed, and marching out about five miles, went into camp for the night.

21st. Played some chess with Thede. Beat Chester two games. Thede and I one apiece. In the afternoon issued rations of sugar and coffee. Pork, bread and beef in the evening. In the evening two papers came, Independent. Commenced letter to Sarah.

Camp 103d Illinois Infantry, Lagrange, Tenn.,
May 21, 1863.

I am still sitting on this Court Martial. We may finish up this week. Everything is quiet here. To-day three or four regiments have gone out with seven days’ rations. All mounted. Rumors reach us daily that Grant is in a critical situation; but I can’t so see it. He has enough men to annihilate in a field fight all the Rebels south of this line. We know that he has captured Jackson, Miss., and has now turned his attention to Vicksburg.

May 21st. Firing was heard before daylight, down the river; at nine A. M. the steamer Gen. Sterling Price got under way and went up the Mississippi river; at nine A. M. as usual, inspected the crew at quarters. Commodore James S. Palmer went up Red river in steam gunboat Sachem; at two P. M., and from that hour until four P. M., infantry, cavalry, and artillery, were seen passing down the left bank of the river, some of Gen. Banks’s forces from the Teche country having come from Simsport or Alexandria; also two river steamers loaded with U. S. troops, came out of Red river, and made fast inshore ahead of us. Officers and men on board of them were in high spirits, knowing that it was owing to the old Hartford’s passage of the rebel batteries at Port Hudson, on the ever-memorable night of the 14th of March last, and her effective blockade of Red river since, that they could now meet with us to-day, and be transported from here to the village of Bayou Sara, a few miles above Port Hudson, and invest the latter place, and they gratefully acknowledged the service we had done them, by giving us three rousing cheers, which our boys upon manning the rigging, returned; at four ten P. M. the steam gunboat Estrella came out of Red river; at five thirty P. M. the gunboat Sachem, with Commodore Palmer and General Banks on board, came down and out of Red river, and in twenty minutes afterwards, the steamers Empire Parish, St. Maurice, Estrella, Bee, and Sachem, went down the river; at seven P. M. the steamer St. Charles, from Red river, with a coal barge for us in tow, arrived, bringing coal vessel alongside of us, and afterwards going down the Mississippi. Heavy firing heard in the direction of Port Hudson. This is a true account of all the occurrences of this day, and as the reader will readily perceive, there have been many, and such as will be remembered by us as well as by the enemy, for a long time to come. Secesh now looks crest-fallen, and thinks the mudsills of the North have got rather the best of him; he does not see what Jeff. is about.

MAY 21st.—There was a rumor on the street last night that Gen. Johnston had telegraphed the President that it would be necessary to evacuate Vicksburg. This has not been confirmed to-day, and I do not believe it. It would be irremediably disastrous.

Mr. N. S. Walker writes from Bermuda, May 11th, 1863, that seventeen additional British regiments have been ordered to Canada. A large amount of ordnance and ordnance stores, as well as several war steamers, have likewise been sent thither. He states, moreover, that United States vessels are having their registers changed. Does this really mean war?

Strawberries were selling in market this morning at $1 for less than a pint. Coal $25 per load, and wood $30 per cord.

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd

MAY 21ST.–We were relieved this morning before daylight, and slipped back to our camp as quietly as we could. The rifle pits where we watched were pretty close to the enemy, and we had to note every movement made by them. If they put their heads above their works we sent a hundred or more shots at them, and on the other hand, if any on our side made themselves too conspicuous, they fired in turn. So each army is watching the other like eagles. We must be relieved while it is yet dark, for if such a move were attempted by daylight, the enemy could get our range and drop many a man.

The weather is getting very hot, but we do our best to keep cool whether out of battle or in it. It is fortunate for us that our work at the rifle pits occurs at night, when the air is much more cool and pleasant, and the services less fraught with danger. Last night quite a number of new pits were opened and gabions placed on them. Firing from behind these was attended with leas danger. Gabions are a sort of wicker-work, resembling round baskets, filled with dirt. The rebel fort in our front was made by cutting away the back half of the hill, leaving the face towards us in a state of nature. This fort is supplied with large guns, but their owners can not use them, as our rifle pits occupy higher ground, from which we watch them too closely.

May THURSDAY 21, 1863

I found my little friend George easily influenced, and willing to leave this morn if I said so. I am restless I cant account for, he started early. Shallie and I went back to Memphis. God bless Geo, and grant him a safe & speedy trip to dear Gratz.

May 21, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

We make some interesting extracts from a sketch of the late battles on the Rappahannock, communicated to the Columbia Carolinian by a correspondent in the army:

Next morning early the firing was resumed. Our infantry began to press forward in earnest, and our artillery, which had succeeded in getting a position on our left, opened a terrific fire. From our right, too, a constant fire was kept up. From our centre, too, a battery connected with Mahone’s brigade fired through the woods, without being able to see the enemy position. A man was put up in the top of a tree, and he would direct them to fire to right or left or higher or lower, as he thought proper. In this way it rendered effective service. Whenever the man up the tree would say, ‘That’s it, now you have the range,’ a rapid fire would be kept up until that party was dispersed. Then the man up the tree would direct them upon another crowd. Steadily the terrific roar contracted around Chancellorsville, and we knew that our troops were pressing all opposition before them. Then comes the order for the centre and right, under Anderson and McLaws, to close in upon the enemy. The obstacles in front of these two divisions were of such a formidable character, that it was not deemed prudent to urge an attack from these points. Once, however, during Saturday, the enemy made an attempt to pass between General Anderson’s left and General Jackson’s right. But a prompt and skillful disposition of his men by General Anderson, speedily checked and counteracted it. It was in this movement, I suppose, that the enemy came near getting among some of Jackson’s wagons, but were driven off by the 8th South Carolina Regiment, which was temporarily [continue reading…]

May 21, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

From the data furnished from the best informed sources, the Richmond Enquirer is enabled to give a fair estimate of our actual losses in the late battles of the Rappahannock. The estimate presents a total of 7,500 killed, wounded, and missing, subdivided as follows:

Killed………………………1,000
Wounded………………….4,900
Prisoners…………………..1,600
Total………………………..7,500

In the employment of round numbers, the Enquirer estimates in favor of probable losses not reported. The losses of the enemy are estimated variously at from ten to fifteen thousand in killed and wounded. Take either of these figures and add five thousand and three hundred prisoners, actually registered, and the difference in the two estimates will give some idea of how badly the enemy was whipped.

The Petersburg Express has it from a source entitled to the fullest credit, that the army of General HOOKER which crossed the Rappahannock recently, numbered 163,000 effective men. This comes from a gentleman who was in Washington not ten days since, and heard it there. General LEE defeated this enormous army with less than 70,000 men.

May 21, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

From a gentleman just arrived from Jackson, the Mobile Tribune learns some points of interest not exactly in the nature of the latest news, but facts which enable the reader to form just conclusions in reference to matters in that district.

That a grand effort to reduce Vicksburg would be made by the enemy has been believed for some weeks; but at what precise point the blows would fall could not be foreseen. Whatever conjecture might be entertained, it was impossible to foretell with certainty whether the attack would be made from the north, south, or front of Vicksburg, or from all points simultaneously. When Grant, or Sherman, crossed the river below Grant Gulf, it could not still be known whether the foe meant to approach our stronghold by the river under cover of the gunboats, or whether he would attempt to circumscribe the place and cut our communications east. Along a river front of more than a hundred miles, the enemy could land somewhere; and having landed, he must move in some direction, and the General commanding deemed it prudent to wait until the enemy’s plans were sufficiently developed as to leave no chance for a surprise by feint.

Gen. Bowen, with the 1st and 2d brigade of Missouri and Arkansas troops, checked the rapid advance of the foe, and retarded his movements until Tracy’s and Baldwin’s brigades could arrive, and offer such resistance as enabled Gen. Bowen to evacuate his position south of the Big Black, and establish a line of defence extending along that stream east from the Mississippi, so as to secure Vicksburg against assault from the south. This was the work of the first few days after the enemy crossed the Mississippi. The fighting [continue reading…]

May 21, 1863, Savannah Republican (Georgia)

            Miss Fanny C. James, daughter of Mr. John James, of Baltimore, has been arrested in that city and committed to the Baltimore jail to be tried by the civil authorities under the treason act of Maryland, under the charge of giving aid and comfort to the rebels, in corresponding with a lady friend in the South.

May 21, 1863, The New York Herald

From all the rumors which reach us today it would seem that the position of general Grant is not quite as secure as his recent occupation of the capital of Mississippi, after a succession of victories at Raymond, Mississippi Springs, and Jackson itself, might lead us to suppose it was. There appears to be an evident intention on the part of the enemy to withdraw their forces – as far as it can be done with safety – from various points, and to concentrate them on Jackson and Vicksburg. Thus we learn that the rebels at Shelbyville have been sent off either to support Pemberton at the latter place, or to retake Jackson. A rumor prevailed in Murfreesboro that Gen. Bragg was quietly withdrawing his men from the front and sending them to Jackson. Then comes the news from Cincinnati yesterday evening that Gen. Grant had evacuated Jackson after destroying the state House and the rebel stores. Stories of the abandonment of that city by Gen. Grant also comes from other sources, but nothing definite is stated as to the time, the manner, or the cause of that movement. The rebel journals exult over the suspicion that Grant is caught in a trap. The Mobile Register insinuates that the victorious advances of the Union army, in the Southwest have received a permanent check. It threatens Grant with the advance of Joe Johnston, and predicts that the flag of the confederacy may ere long float again over New Orleans. The Chattanooga Rebel speculates upon the failure of Gen. Burnside’s plans in East Tennessee, and thinks that the mountains will prove an insuperable barrier to his advance. A Knoxville journal says that ten Union regiments have advanced on Cumberland Gap; but it does not say from what point. The whole tone of the rebel press shows that they are anticipating the defeat of General Grant and the [continue reading…]

May 21, 1863, The Ranchero (Corpus Christi, Texas)

            The State Military Board have purchased several thousand pairs of Cotton Cards, which have been apportioned to the counties on the basis of the scholastic census.  The price is ten dollars per pair, in currency, at Austin, payable on delivery.  It is required that the counties wishing the cards shall send for them, and in no case are the cards to be sold for a greater price than cost, including transportation–needy families of those in the army being preference purchasers.  In the distribution of these cards the people will save–or rather wrest out of speculator’s hands over two hundred thousand dollars.  This is one of the good acts the Military Board, composed of the Governor, Comptroller, and Treasurer, have been guilty of, and demonstrates what good things good men can do in a good cause, without trampling upon a good Constitution or the rights of good citizens.  Here is the antidote for extortioners.

May 21, 1863, Savannah Republican (Georgia)

            The following is a copy of the letter to Miss James, of Baltimore, intercepted by the Federals, and upon which she is imprisoned in the Baltimore jail:

Richmond, Va., March 15,   }
Tuesday Noon.    }

            My Dear Fannie:–Your letters have just been received, and the pleasure it gave us you cannot imaging.  Harry was perfectly delighted with his uniform.  The goods you spoke of in your last have been received, and were a perfect God send.  The quinine and liquor were very much needed.  Those I presented to our Government as you desired, and the other things were sold at cost.  Will you please forward goods to the amount of the enclosed order immediately?  We have great demands for several items in the list, as they are needed by our Government, and knowing your promptness in filling all such orders, we can rely on your dispatching the goods at the earliest possible moment.  I received the carte de visite of _____, whom you suspect as a spy, and have given it to our authorities.  There will be a strict eye on him.               *                *              *

            They request me to tell you, Fanny, to keep quiet, and don’t let them have anything on you, as you can do much more for us, where you are; and if they should find you out, why–take the Yankee oath three times a day if they wish it, just before every meal.  You have taken many a bitter dose of medicine, and it won’t taste a bit worse than the rest.

May 21, 1863, Semi-Weekly News (San Antonio, Texas)

Notice.

            The County commissioners of Bexar Co. during the absence of the Chief Justice, will attend at the Clerk’s Office on Friday, May 29th, and Wednesday, June 3d, 1863, and at such other times as may be necessary, to take the affidavits of soldiers wifes and widows or orphans, and give them certificates necessary for them to procure goods from the Penitentiary, they will render this service free of charge and invite all to come as soon as possible.  San Antonio, May 18th 1863.

R. W. Brahan,                          } County Commis-
W. J. Mitchell,                          } sioners Bexar
Jacob Linn,                               } County.

Notice.

            “Families and other dependents of Officers and Soldiers requiring necessary assistance,” are required to file their applications in writing with the County clerk, stating number of family, age and sex, the property owned (if any) and condition, the petition to be signed by the applicant, or in case of children only, by some person for them, and to be sworn to, before some Officer, authorized to administer the Oaths.  The County Court will hold a special Term on Friday, the 29th instant, and Wednesday, June 3d, 1863, (and at such other times as may be necessary) to act upon all applications that may be filed or made.

            San Antonio, May 18th, 1863.

Wm. J. Mitchell,                       } County Commis-
Jacob Linn,                               } sioners, Bexar
R. W. Brahan,                          } County.

May 21, 1863, Charleston Mercury

            We recollect the silk excitement of twenty odd years ago, which, under the stimulus of Yankeeizing speculation, was turned into the murus multicaulis mania, the unlucky consequence of which brought discredit upon the really laudable enterprise in which it originated.  We had believed that the silk culture in the South was completely broken up, but we are happy to learn by the following notice in the Atlanta Commonwealth, that we were mistaken:

            We have received two skeins of beautiful sewing silk manufactured by Mrs. Thomas Gibson, near Mayfield, Warren County, Ga.  It is smooth, strong and glossy, and sufficiently fine for all practical uses.  We learn that Mrs. Gibson in 1831 procured about 10,000 eggs, and put up about forty cuts on a common reel of about 120 yards each.  This she put into skeins to the number of 500.  This year she has about 30,000 worms, and if they do as well as they did last year, she will have 1500 skeins of silk.  She has disposed of all she made except a few skeins.  She has a sufficient amount of mulberry trees to feed 200,000 worms.   We take peculiar pleasure in noticing this successful experiment in silk culture, and trust that it may be an incentive to others to engage in the same laudable work.

May 21, 1863, Nashville Dispatch

            There has been a pretty heavy emigration from Middle Tennessee during the past three or four months, mainly to the Western States.  These people go to seek homes where they hope to be free from the annoyances inseparably connected with a state of war, like that of which Tennessee is made the theatre.  A considerable number of the best citizens of Nashville have left here for the same reason.  A portion of these have located in Louisville, while others have gone further North or West.  An old citizen of Nashville, who has located in Louisville, remarked to us the other day that he met more Nashville men in Louisville than he did here.  Another citizen, who returned to Nashville a few days ago, after an absence of five months, remarked that he could find comparatively few acquaintances in Nashville, and that in a stroll around three or four squares he met but one man he knew.  This will give the reader an idea of the exodus that has taken place from our midst; and almost every day adds to the number of those leaving.

Wednesday, 20th.—Heavy cannonading all day; sharpshooters very annoying indeed; keep up continual firing; our boys not allowed to return the fire on account of lack of ammunition. Companies A and F put in reserve battalion; pretty heavy firing along the river. About 7 P. M., Federals formed and fired one volley, raising the yell as though they were going to charge. Rebs responded with rifle and cannon, which made Yanks get back; loud cheers from the Rebs followed. Colonel Glenn wounded.

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

May 20th.—I feel depressed to-night. Army news from the South bad. General Pemberton has been repulsed between Jackson and Vicksburg. General Johnston is there; I hope, by the mercy of God, he may be able to keep the enemy out of Vicksburg. Besides the depressing news, the day has been distressing in the hospital—so much suffering among the wounded. One fine young man has the appearance and manner of imbecility, from having been struck on the head by a piece of shell. No relief can be given him, and the surgeons say that he must die.

Mr. –– staid in town to attend the Church “Council,” as it is now called. This new name may be more appropriate to an ecclesiastical meeting, yet “Virginia Convention” has a sweet, hallowed sound to me.

May 20th. We remained here until this date having the finest of times, when orders were received to pack up and report to the regiment at Fort Marshall. Orders having been received for the regiment to report to General Robert H. Milroy at Winchester, Virginia.

Wednesday, 20th – This morning found us going up the river, when about 10 o’clock we landed three miles below Vicksburg. The rebels commenced throwing shells our way and we dropped down the river to a point six miles below the city. But at 4 o’clock we returned to the place we had reached in the morning, and landing on the west bank marched across the point of land just opposite Vicksburg. Here we boarded the boats again and awaited orders. The mortar boats are throwing shells into the town. Our armies about Vicksburg have taken a great many prisoners. It is reported that our men have taken Haines’s Bluff, and that General Grant has commenced action all the way around his line of battle.

20th. After breakfast Mike and I took out the horses to graze. Went with Co. G. Took a book along to read, “The Slave Power,” by Cairnes. Very sensible. Got dinner at a house. Avoided the order by having dinner on the porch. Returned about 3 P. M. Mike got a chicken. An excellent letter from Sarah Felton.

May 20th. Another pleasant day dawns upon a sleeping world; at seven thirty A. M. finished coaling ship; have been engaged at it since yesterday at one o’clock in the afternoon, and working all night received some seventy-three or seventy-five tons on board; at ten thirty A. M. the U. S. steam ram Gen. Price came down and out of Red river, and communicated with us. Cast off the coal schooner and dropped her astern; at twelve M. steamer Price got under way and went down the Mississippi river; at three P. M. the iron-clad Lafayette got under way and steamed up Red river; at three forty-five P. M. the Empire Parish came out of Red river, and took the coal barge and schooner in tow; sent Lieut. Hall, of U. S. A. Signal Corps, and his two men on board of her, and she went up Red river; at eleven thirty P. M. the steamer Gen. Price came up the Mississippi river, and anchored near us. These are all the departures and arrivals of this day.

May WEDNESDAY 20, 1863

Geo Atchison will remain with us a day or two. I love him poor low one—he seems lost. I am very uneasy about him and will prepare his things to night and infuence him to leave in the morning.¹

1. to join the Confederate army.