Friday, 15th.—Three days’ rations cooked. General Pemberton sent a circular address to the soldiers, in which he stated the time of conflict was near at hand. Started at sundown and marched until 1 A. M. Closed “en masse,” and, although on rough ground, were soon in the land of dreams.

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

Friday, 15th–News came again that Richmond has been taken, and that all of General Lee’s supplies are cut off. The Third Brigade of General Blair’s Division landed at this place today and went into bivouac. A gunboat came up the river from Port Hudson. Reports are coming in that General Grant is routing the rebels wherever he comes upon them in force. There are some prisoners and wounded being brought in from the front. The wounded are taken to the hospital and the prisoners to the North.

15th. Theodore brought over a letter from Melissa. Good. Reported this morning for duty. I am glad we can be together. We now belong to the 1st Cav. Brig. 4th Div. 23rd Army Corps. Another beautiful day. Morgan expected. Thede and Dod got two beef creatures and butchered. Wrote a letter to Minnie. Read some in Victor Hugo.

May 15th. At eight forty A. M. the iron-clad Lafayette made her appearance, coming down Red river; she soon came out of same into the great Mississippi, and communicated with us. Between the hours of twelve and four o’clock P. M., picked up out of the Mississippi, which came down from above, supposed to have been thrown overboard by some gunboat steamer, sixteen bales of cotton, in the production of which Dixie is famous.

(excerpt)

“I have just come up from witnessing the funeral procession of dear ‘old Stonewall.’ I never saw a more solemn scene and hope never to see another such. This morning early I went to the Governor’s and saw the body lying in state. He looks perfectly natural, more as if he were asleep than dead. No one seems to know who will succeed to his command.”

MAY 15th.—The Tredegar Iron Works and Crenshou’s woolen factory were mostly destroyed by fire last night! This is a calamity.

We have also intelligence of the occupation of Jackson, Miss., by the enemy. Thus they cut off communication with Vicksburg, and that city may be doomed to fall at last. The President is at work again at the Executive Office, but is not fully himself yet.

The Secretary of War dispatched Gen. Lee a day or two ago, desiring that a portion of his army, Pickett’s division, might be sent to Mississippi. Gen. Lee responds that it is a dangerous and doubtful expedient; it is a question between Virginia and Mississippi; he will send the division off without delay, if still deemed necessary. The President, in sending this response to the Secretary, says it is just such an answer as he expected from Lee, and he approves it. Virginia will not be abandoned.

Gens. Lee, Stuart, and French were all at the War Department to-day. Lee looked thinner, and a little pale. Subsequently he and the Secretary of War were long closeted with the President.

Gen. Schenck (Federal) has notified Gen. W. E. Jones, that our men taken dressed in Federal uniform will not be treated as prisoners of war, but will be tried and punished as spies, etc. The President directed the Secretary of War to-day to require Gen. Lee to send an order to the commander of the Federal army, that accouterments and clothing will be deemed subjects of capture, and if our men are treated differently than prisoners of war, when taken, we will retaliate on the prisoners in our possession.

Gen. Longstreet censured Gen. French for his conduct before Suffolk, and the Secretary of War proposed that French be relieved, and sent before a court of inquiry. The President vetoed this, saying such courts were nuisances, and would not have him molested at this critical moment.

Gen. D. H. Hill writes that desertions in North Carolina are alarmingly frequent; that deserters will soon be in arms; that papers and factions exist there in favor of reconstruction, laboring to convince the people that the State has been neglected by the Confederate States Government, and he suggests summary punishments. The President directs the Secretary to correspond with Gov. Vance on the subject.

Mr. Benjamin has had some pretty passports printed. He sends one to Assistant Secretary Campbell for a Mr. Bloodgood and son to leave the Confederate States. I hope there is no bad blood in this incessant intercourse with persons in the enemy’s country. Just at this crisis, if so disposed, any one going thither might inflict incalculable injury on the cause of Southern independence.

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd

MAY 15TH.–The familiar “Attention, battalion!” was heard from our Colonel, when we marched back upon the same road that had led us to Jackson, camping as usual at dark. We passed through Clinton, and the inhabitants were surprised to see us returning so soon, for they fully expected to hear of our being defeated and driven back. But they did not know our metal. The last few days have been full of excitement, and although we have marched and fought hard, and lost some of our best men, besides getting tired and hungry ourselves, we are more resolved than ever to keep the ball rolling. The thinner our ranks are made by fighting and disease, the closer together the remnants are brought. We shall close up the ranks and press forward until the foe is vanquished. Soldiers grow more friendly as they are brought better to realize the terrible ravages of war. As Colonel Force called us to “Attention!” this morning, one of the boys remarked, “I love that man more than ever.” Yes, we have good reason to be proud of our Colonel, for upon all occasions we are treated by him as volunteers enlisted in war from pure love of country, and not regulars, drawn into service from various other motives, in time of peace.

May 15, 1863, The New York Herald

No recent movements are reported from Gen. Hooker’s army on the Rappahannock.

All sort of rumors were flying around yesterday concerning General McClellan and his future prospects, each one about as vague as the other. It was said that he had resigned his commission; that the President refused to accept his resignation; again, that he was about to be placed once more at the head of the army; and report went so far as to say that he had actually been recalled to his old position. One paper in the city even issued an extra announcing the fact that the President had placed him in command of the Army of the Potomac, under the heading of – “Highly Important Report – General McClellan appointed to the command of the Potomac army.” No little excitement was produced by this statement throughout the city. With regard to the first report touching the General resignation, it will be seen that he gave it a flat and positive contradiction during the interview with the Washington Committee at General McClellan’s residence yesterday. All the other stories may probably follow in the same train.

By telegrams from Vicksburg to the Charleston Courier we have news from there to the 9th inst. Our troops are reported as landing at Young’s Point. No recent engagements are said to have taken place with General Grant’s army, although we have intelligence of a very decisive action at Clinton on the 6th, which we received from Cairo the night before last. Our latest accounts from the extreme front of General Grant’s army are to the 8th inst. At that time the advance was within fifteen miles of Edwards’ Station, which is eighteen miles east from Vicksburg on the railroad, the army being eighteen miles from Grand Gulf, encamped near the Big Black river. It is doubtful whether the story of the battle at Clinton is true, as the last accounts state nothing about it. [continue reading…]

May 15, 1863, The New York Herald

REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL STEINWEHR.

HEADQUARTERS, SECOND DIVISION, ELEVENTH CORPS,

STEVENS’ FARM, Va., May 8, 1863.

To Lieutenant Colonel Meurenburg, Assistant Adjutant General, Eleventh Corps:–

COLONEL – I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by my division in the action on the evening of the 2d of May:–

On the 30th ultimo we arrived near Dowdell’s tavern, about two miles west of Chancellorsville. This tavern is situated on the plank road, which runs in an easterly direction towards Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg. It is surrounded by undulating fields, which are seamed on three sides by heavy timber, but slope down at the west side towards open ground traversed by a small brook. Upon these fields you ordered me to take position.

I directed the First brigade, Colonel Buschbeck, to occupy the fields south of the road, and the Second brigade, General Francis Barlow, those north of it. My division was to be considered as a reserve for the First and Third divisions, which were placed in position west of us. At about four o’clock P. M., on the 2d instant, you ordered me to send the Second brigade, General F. Barlow, commanding, to support the right wing of General Sickles’ corps, then engaged with the enemy. The brigade immediately started, and accompanied by yourself and myself, [continue reading…]

May 15, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The effort of the enemy in Mississippi seems to be the capture of Jackson, and to take possession of the railroad communication with Vicksburg. Jackson has been strengthened by works recently. PEMBERTON seems on the lookout. Governor PETTUS and the people are alive. We are glad to perceive, in the late papers from that quarter, a tone of improving confidence and of energetic preparation to meet and drive back the foe, coupled with the hope of operating on his exposed rear. If this be effected, the enemy’s horseback rides accomplish little besides arousing and stimulating the people in self defence. It is stated that General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON has gone to Mississippi. His presence will be worth much to the cause, independent of his acknowledged ability and skill in the field. Reinforcements are pouring in to the already large forces in that Department. Well led, they will conquer. And the summer sun admonishes GRANT, FARRAGUT & Co. of their work.

May 15, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The Atlanta Confederacy contains an interesting account of Gen. FORREST’S chase and capture of the Yankees above Rome:

On the 24th day of April he received orders at Spring Hill to move his brigade to Decatur. Arriving there, on the north side of the river, opposite Decatur, he learned that the enemy were coming from Tuscumbia, whereupon he took his command down the Tennessee river twelve miles to Brown’s Ferry, where he divided his men, sending his brother, Col. Jeff. Forrest, and Col. Dibble, with three regiments, down to Florence, on the north side of the river, while he, by working all night, crossed the balance of his men at the ferry, and pushed on to Courtland, a small town in Lawrence county, on the M. & C. R. R., 20 miles west of Decatur. There he learned the enemy were at Town Creek, a bold stream that runs from the mountains through the valley, seven miles west of Courtland. When he arrived there, on Tuesday morning, the 24th of April, about daylight, he found Col. Roddy engaging them, about 10,000 strong, under General Dodge, who had been for a long time in command at Corinth. An artillery duel and some sharp shooting ensued, which lasted all day, and held the enemy in check.

This force started from Tuscumbia on the mountain road to the south of where Forrest and Roddy were engaged against their 10,000, coming out by way of Moulton, in Lawrence county, some twenty miles south of Courtland. But the sagacity of Forrest interfered with this deep laid scheme.

Early Tuesday morning Forrest had thrown out his active scouts, who reported to him late in the evening that a large body of the enemy were at Moulton. At first he supposed this was an attempt to flank him by coming on his rear via Decatur. About dark, therefore, he fell back to Big Nance Creek, near Courtland, where he halted till daylight. Other scouts coming in confirming the movements of the enemy in that direction, he moved forward to Moulton, arriving there in the afternoon, where he learned the enemy had gone on in a southeast direction. In a moment their daring programme of a raid into North Georgia flashed across his mind, whereupon he [continue reading…]

May 15, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

FROM RICHMOND.

RICHMOND, May 14. We have news from Fredericksburg today. Passengers report that large volumes of smoke were seen this morning in the direction of the Yankee camps.

The aggregate number of our wounded brought here since the late battles was 7100, of whom 3000 have since returned to duty.

The retaliation resolution adopted by Congress provides that every commissioned officer who shall command negros for military service against the Confederate States, or aid them in any military enterprise, shall, if captured, be put to death. Negros, when captured in arms against the Confederate States, are to be delivered to the authorities of the State in which they may be captured, to be dealt with according to the present or future laws of the State.

May 15, 1863, The New York Herald

The Army of the Potomac is re-established in its old quarters on this side of the Rappahannock, and the opposing rebel army has returned, in force, to the Heights of Fredericksburg, on the other side. Such are the latest advices from the field. The situation of the two armies is the same as before the late advance of General Hooker, and may perhaps remain so for some time to come.

It would thus appear that General Lee has sufficiently restored his communications with Richmond to feed his army, and has adopted the necessary precautions against any probable advance upon the city by way of the peninsula, while holding the main body of his forces in readiness for another trial of strategy and tactics with General Hooker. It is reported, however, that Lee’s plans now comprehend the removal of the bulk of his army to the railway junction near Hanover Court House, in the fork of the two main branches of the Pamunkey river, and about twenty-five miles from Richmond. For the purposes of watching the Rappahannock and our forces on the peninsula at the same time, and of guarding his communications and for securing supplies, no better position could be selected. From this point there are two distinct railroad lines to Richmond, one of which, at the junction, branches off west to Gordonsville, Charlottesville, and to Staunton, at the head of the Shenandoah valley, while the other goes due north to Fredericksburg.

It is probable, therefore, that the warning of General Stoneman’s late cavalry raid, and the danger to Richmond suggested by the presence of a considerable Union force on [continue reading…]

May 15, 1863, American Citizen (Canton, Mississippi)

            We regret to learn that the office of the Vicksburg Whig with its entire contents, was destroyed by fire on Saturday afternoon last.  In the present scarcity of printing material this is indeed a heavy loss.  We hope our friend Shannon will be able to refurnish himself with material, and that the Whig will again rise like a PhÅ“nix from its ashes, and soar again on the highest wing of popular favor.

May 15, 1863, Savannah Republican (Georgia)

From the New Orleans Era, April 24

            There was an exciting time in the Varieties theatre last night.  The house was crowded, and many ladies were present, as it was a benefit occasion.  The play of Richelieu had progressed to the conclusion of the first act.  The curtain fell, and quiet reigned throughout the theatre, while without the elements were at war–the thunder rolling, lightning flashing in the windows, and the rain pouring down upon the roof.  The orchestra prepared to play as usual, when there was a sudden shout raised as if by preconcerted signal; the “Star Spangled Banner” was displayed in the second tier, and a general demand was made for “Hail Columbia.”  The orchestra hesitated, and the demand grew more loud and determined–the excitement increased–but still the music tarried.

            A portion of the audience began to leave, and calls of “come back, come back;”” let no one leave”–”he is a coward that flies now”–”we will have ‘Hail Columbia'”–mixed with shouts and all kinds of noises–threats and violent language–conspired to make the scene one of the most stormy and boisterous we have ever witnessed.  One man who was leaving with a lady stopped to expostulate, saying it was unjust to call for national airs while there were Confederates in the house; but he had scarcely spoken the words before he was surrounded by an angry crowd of Union men, and a struggle ensued in the dress circle, during which we saw a pistol drawn.  This served to increase the fright among the ladies, and several of them fainted.  Still the orchestra refused to answer the demand.

            In the midst of this exciting scene Mr. Baker appeared on the stage.  He was received with applause; and, upon asking what was the meaning of the demonstration, he was informed by Dr. Dostle that this being a Union city, the audience were determined that the national airs should be played; that the theatre had had a prosperous season, and had been patronized by Union people, and no symbol of the Union had been displayed, or national air played, during the entire season–and the present company were determined that “Hail Columbia” should be played before the performance proceeded any further.

            To this Mr. Baker answered, that he held permission from the military authorities and license from the city to conduct the theatre, and he had received strict authorities to allow nothing of a political character.  “‘Tis a lie, ’tis a lie,” from all parts of the house.  That only four weeks since he had received such orders from Captain Kilborn, and he dare not disregard them; therefore he could not comply with the demand. [continue reading…]

DESTRUCTION OF A WATER BATTERY AT WARRENTON BY THE MOUND CITY, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER BYRON WILSON.

United States Mississippi Squadron,
Flag-Ship Black Hawk, Yazoo River, May 15, 1863.

Sir: I have the honor to report my return to this place, for a few days, to look after provisions, and make some arrangements with regard to the upper portion of the squadron.

A few days since the Mound City, Lieutenant Commander Byron Wilson, came up as far as Warrenton to reconnoitre, and see what guns were there likely to annoy our transports.

The rebels have been engaged for some months in building a strong casemated water battery, intending to mount 8 ten-inch guns on it. This work was built with cotton bales, covered with logs, the logs covered with railroad iron, and the whole covered with earth. On approaching the forts Lieutenant Commander Wilson sent a party on shore to reconnoitre; on climbing up the casemate to look in, the party discovered that a company of artillerists had taken refuge there, supposing themselves perfectly secure. Our men fired their revolvers into the crowd, and warned the vessel that rebels were about. Lieutenant Commanding Wilson then commenced shelling the fort, and in a short time it was all in a blaze; after burning strongly for some time, the whole work was destroyed. Thus ended a fort, in the space of an hour, which had taken the rebels five months to build, working mostly day and night. I proceeded to Warrenton this morning to be certain that the work was thoroughly destroyed; it required nothing more done to it—the Mound City had finished it. The rebels set all the houses containing their stores on fire as the gunboats approached, and what they left I ordered to be destroyed. Warrenton has been a troublesome place, and merits its fate.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Acting Rear-Admiral,
Com’dg Mississippi Squadron.

Hon. Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy,
Washington, D. C.

         ” . . . Lieut. J. called to see Mama and delivered both the letter and the overcoat. The letter was by far the most welcome of the two, as we had heard so little from you since the battle. . . . Though your first letter written by moonlight on a limber chest was the most romantic, the last was by far the most satisfactory and interesting.
         “Hood’s Division passed through several days ago and we girls had our usual fun, waving, &c., &c. Quantities of prisoners, thousands at a time, have passed also. 3,000 went through on the day that General Jackson’s funeral took place. Quite a misfortune happened last night in the way of the Tredegar Iron Works taking fire—or being set on fire as some people believe by Yankee spies. Genl. Anderson they say has lost an immense amount of money and it will seriously retard the making of arms. Mama is thinking of leaving town Monday, for what destination she does not know. She and Papa both think it useless to wait in Richmond for information of a pleasant locality, so they have determined to get on the cars and travel till they come to some agreeable stopping place. They will then write me of their whereabouts and I will join them, as soon as my examinations will be over, which will be the end of June. There is no news of any sort at present in Richmond. Everything jogs on as usual—and the devotees of the Capitol and Franklin St. take their usual promenades, and with the exception of a new face now and then, and a little variation in the way of stars and gold lace, all is the same as when you were here last winter. Richmond is looking beautifully just at present but in a few weeks the heat and dust will have become intolerable.”

Thursday, 14th.—Sent out as skirmisher; but was soon ordered in, as regiment had orders to move; have to wait until to-morrow at 7 o’clock for rations.

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

Thursday, 14th–News came today that Richmond was taken. I took a walk and reviewed the rebels’ works about here. They were strongly fortified with heavy ordnance on the high bluff, about two hundred feet above water, with the river for a distance of two miles running straight to the bluff. This made it a very dangerous place for our gunboats to approach. But after two days’ shelling, our gunboats with two or three transports succeeded in running the blockade and landing below the fort.^[1] The river coming with such force is fast washing away the bank and we hope that we may soon move from this place. The Third Brigade of Blair’s Division arrived late last night.

[1] At the time of the capture the first troops marched down and crossed the river onto high ground some two miles below, while our main army came into the rear of the enemy, who were compelled to surrender, leaving all their heavy guns.—A. G. D.

14th. Went down to H Co. after morning work and played chess. Beat Capt. N. three times and John Devlin four times. Cleaned up my revolvers. Col. Abbey appointed acting Brigade Com. Says Thede can be detailed here. Good. He has been sick with diarrhoea. Getting a little better. In evening read in “Les Miserables.” Has been a pleasant day. Girl of McGuire’s buried today. Alarmed last night. Morgan coming.

May.–A number of the teachers and pupils of the Academy have enlisted for the war. Among them E. C. Clarke, H. C. Kirk, A. T. Wilder, Norman K. Martin, T. C. Parkhurst, Mr Gates. They have a tent on the square and are enlisting men in Canandaigua and vicinity for the 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. I received a letter from Mr Noah T. Clarke’s mother in Naples. She had already sent three sons, Bela, William and Joseph, to the war and she is very sad because her youngest has now enlisted. She says she feels as did Jacob of old when he said, “I am bereaved of my children. Joseph is not and Simeon is not and now you will take Benjamin away.” I have heard that she is a beautiful singer but she says she cannot sing any more until this cruel war is over. I wish that I could write something to comfort her but I feel as Mrs Browning puts it: “If you want a song for your Italy free, let none look at me.”

Our society met at Fannie Pierce’s this afternoon. Her mother is an invalid and never gets out at all, but she is very much interested in the soldiers and in all young people, and loves to have us come in and see her and we love to go. She enters into the plans of all of us young girls and has a personal interest in us. We had a very good time to-night and Laura Chapin was more full of fun than usual. Once there was silence for a minute or two and some one said, “awful pause.” Laura said, “I guess you would have awful paws if you worked as hard as I do.” We were talking about how many of us girls would be entitled to flag bed quilts, and according to the rules, they said that, up to date, Abbie Clark and I were the only ones. The explanation is that Captain George N. Williams and Lieutenant E. C. Clarke, are enlisted in their country’s service. Susie Daggett is Secretary and Treasurer of the Society and she reported that in one year’s time we made in our society 133 pairs of drawers, 101 shirts, 4 pairs socks for soldiers, and 54 garments for the families of soldiers.

Abbie Clark and I had our ambrotypes taken to-day for two young braves who are going to the war. William H. Adams is also commissioned Captain and is going to the front.

May 14th. Commences, “for a change,” with stormy weather, squalls of rain, and continued so during forenoon of this day; at seven A. M. the despatch steamer L. A. Sykes came out of Red River, direct from Alexandria, and made fast alongside of us, bringing despatches from Gen. Banks to Commodore Palmer; also the gunboat Sachem arrived; at seven thirty the Sykes got under way and went up Red river. This is a fine and fast little steamer, and is of great service to us; at six forty five P. M. the U. S. steamer Arizona came down and out of Red River, with Brig.-Gen. Dwight as a passenger, on his way to Grand Gulf to take command of some of Gen. Banks’s forces there. He came on board and paid his respects to Commodore Palmer. Let me here remark that this gentleman and soldier but a short time since had a brother killed near Alexandria by some guerrillas, while in the performance of his duty, whose loss he feels very much. He was a Captain in the army, and at the time he was killed was carrying despatches from Gen. Banks to some part of his command, and was mounted, but unarmed; at seven P. M. the Arizona steamed on her way up the river, bound to Grand Gulf. Nothing more of importance occurred during the remainder of these twenty-four hours.

MAY 14th.—We have been beaten in an engagement near Jackson, Miss., 4000 retiring before 10,000. This is a dark cloud over the hopes of patriots, for Vicksburg is seriously endangered. Its fall would be the worst blow we have yet received.

Papers from New York and Philadelphia assert most positively, and with circumstantiality, that Hooker recrossed the Rappahannock since the battle, and is driving Lee toward Richmond, with which his communications have been interrupted. But this is not all: they say Gen. Keyes marched a column up the Peninsula, and took Richmond itself, over the Capitol of which the Union flag is now flying.” These groundless statements will go out to Europe, and may possibly delay our recognition. If so, what may be the consequences when the falsehood is exposed? I doubt the policy of any species of dishonesty.

Gov. Shorter, of Alabama, demands the officers of Forrest’s captives for State trial, as they incited the slaves to insurrection.

Mr. S. D. Allen writes from Alexandria, La., that the people despair of defending the MississippiValley with such men as Pemberton and other hybrid Yankees in command. He denounces the action also of quartermasters and commissaries in the Southwest.

A letter from Hon. W. Porcher Miles to the Secretary of War gives an extract from a communication written him by Gen. Beauregard, to the effect that Charleston must at last fall into the hands of the enemy, if an order which has been sent there, for nearly all his troops to proceed to Vicksburg, be not revoked. There are to be left for the defense of Charleston only 100 exclusive of the garrisons!

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd

MAY 14TH.–Started again this morning for Jackson. When within five miles of the city we heard heavy firing. It has rained hard to-day and we have had both a wet and muddy time, pushing at the heavy artillery and provision wagons accompanying us when they stuck in the mud. The rain came down in perfect torrents. What a sight ! Ambulances creeping along at the side of the track–artillery toiling in the deep ruts, while Generals with their aids and orderlies splashed mud and water in every direction in passing. We were all wet to the skin, but plodded on patiently, for the love of country.

When within a few miles of Jackson, the news reached us that Sherman had slipped round to the right and captured the place, and the shout that went up from the men on the receipt of that news was invigorating to them in the midst of trouble. I think they could have been heard in Jackson. Sherman’s army at the right and McPherson in our immediate front, with one desperate charge we ran without stopping till we reached the town. The flower of the confederate forces, the pride of the Southern States who had never yet known defeat, came up to Jackson last night to help demolish Grant’s army, but for once they failed. Veterans of Georgia stationed as reserves were also forced to yield in dismay, and never stopped retreating till they had passed far south of the Capital which they had striven so valiantly to defend. To-night the stars and stripes float proudly over the cupola of the seat of government of Mississippi–and if my own regiment has not had a chance to-day to cover itself with glory it has with mud.

I shall not soon forget the conversation I have had with a wounded rebel. He said that his regiment last night was full of men who had never before met us, and who felt sure it would be easy to whip us. How they were deceived! He said [continue reading…]