May 11, 1863, The New York Herald

The rumor published yesterday, and circulated privately for the last two days, that Richmond was captured by General Keyes, co-operating with a portion of Stoneman’s cavalry, created great joy and excitement in the city, for very many believed it because of the apparent feasibility of the achievement. But from a dispatch from Fortress Monroe, dated Friday afternoon, we fear the news is too good to be true – at least that it is premature.

In that communication it is stated that General Dix had just then returned from the White House, after destroying all the bridges over the Pamunkey. There is reason to apprehend, therefore, that this is after all what the rumored expedition to Richmond amounts to, and that we shall have to wait for some time longer before we realize the capture of the rebel capital. The movements carried on in subordination to the principal operation appear to have been made too late to prevent the reinforcements reaching Lee, and at the same time too tardy to effect the capture of Richmond by surprise. Probably the news of the defeat of Hooker paralyzed some of the other movements, and cut them short from a sense of insecurity. At the same time great credit is due to General Stoneman for the splendid part his cavalry have played in this brief campaign, and to Generals Dix and Keyes for the rapidity of their movements towards the White House.

But there is little doubt that Hooker is again on the southern side of the Rappahannock. Various indications show that the promise of Stanton that the Army of the Potomac would soon resume offensive operations is being already carried out; but we are sorry to say there is no intelligence as yet that Hooker is removed and his place filled by a better general.

While these movements are going forward in the East, and the final result is still in suspense, the news from Grant army in the Southwest is highly encouraging. According to our latest advices, he was moving up the Black river in the rear of Vicksburg. If the rebels have very limited supplies on hand, and if their force is small, they will be compelled to evacuate their stronghold; for the extensive and brilliant cavalry operations of Grierson, rivaling those of Stoneman in Virginia, have cut off their supplies by railroad; and if they have not large stores their only alternative is fight or flight. But if Vicksburg should be as strongly fortified as the rebel papers represent it, and if it has a numerous force to defend it, and plenty of provisions and ammunition for the troops, then let General Grant look out for his communications, which in that case would be placed in evident jeopardy. On the other hand, if he is successful, a great blow will have been struck. The conquest of Mississippi and Louisiana being completed, the theatre of operations in the Southwest would be virtually limited to Tennessee; and the war being thus circumscribed would become more manageable. The interest would be concentrated on the army of Rosecrans and the Army of the Potomac, and all other military movements become secondary and subordinate to the operations of these two armies.

The next news from Vicksburg will therefore be of great importance, and will be looked forward to with unusual anxiety.

May 11, 1863, The New York Herald

THE CORRESPONDENCE OF MR. S.T. BULKLEY.

HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY CORPS,

KELLY’S FORD, Va., May 8, 1863.

We have just returned from the famous cavalry expedition, after having spent ten days in the heart of the rebels’ territory in Virginia.

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CAVALRY CORPS.

Among the first acts of General Hooker upon assuming command of the Army of the Potomac was to reorganize and consolidate the cavalry branch of the service, forming it into a separate corps and placing in command of it a general of established reputation and ability, with division and brigade commander under him whose past services had won for them this distinction, and upon whom he could fully rely. The wisdom of this step has demonstrate itself in the past two weeks. Never in the history of warfare, either in ancient or modern times, has a more brilliant, daring and successful raid been made within the lines of an opposing army than has been accomplished by General Stoneman since the 28th of April.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE.

With five thousand cavalry he has made the whole circuit of the rebel army, thoroughly destroying all the bridges of importance, both upon their railroads and post roads, tearing up miles of track, cutting off all means of communication between their army and base of supplies, breaking their canals, destroying millions of dollars worth [continue reading…]

May 11, 1863, Tri-Weekly Telegraph (Houston, Texas)

La Grange, Texas, May 4^th, 1863.

            Editor Telegraph:–Please inform me through the columns of your paper whether a person can travel from here to Richmond, Va., without very much risk of person or baggage, and if so, the best route to be taken.  Very respectfully yours,

Subscriber.

            It depends on the person.  If a lady we should say no; if a good woodsman yes.  At present you go to Shreveport, and thence down Red River to some point which you will learn at Shreveport, when you will wait for something to turn up; when that happens, it may be in a day or two or a week, you will get across the Mississippi some way, and then ladies can travel well enough to Richmond and back again, though there is some risk of losing baggage any where, especially when you change cars.  The best way is to take no baggage, then if you will have to walk forty miles, you will have nothing but yourself to carry.

May 11, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The successive triumphs of the Southern arms have, thus far, served but to show the deliberate and settled purpose of the Northern Government to exterminate the people of this Confederacy, if need be, in order to grasp and retain these unfailing sources of wealth and prosperity, which nature has bestowed upon the South. It is time that our leaders should have done with the sickly sentimentality which has heretofore governed them, in their dealings with enemies, as treacherous in war as they are faithless in peace. We must prepare to meet, with their own spirit, the ruthless vandals who are spreading death and desolation in every quarter of our fair land. The inevitable tendency of a monstrous war like this, is at last beginning to develop itself. We give a significant extract from a letter from Gen. LEE’S army. The writer is a gentleman perfectly trustworthy:

F_______ has just come in. He brings this trustworthy account from C_____, an inhabitant of Fredericksburg. On Sunday the enemy sent a flag of truce to ask leave to bury their dead. They took advantage of that to ascertain our force there, and finding it small, they came over very shortly after, fifteen thousand strong. They assailed Marye’s Hill furiously. Our men fought desperately, killing great numbers, until the crest was reached, when they slayed us, and took the Washington Artillery in a hand to hand fight. The force was Barksdale’ brigade and one or two Louisiana regiments. Next morning these Mississippians and Louisianians met Early, and told him they would follow him anywhere in the world on one condition: He must take no prisoners. ‘Them’s my sentiments,’ says Jubel – and they went at it. They drove the Yankees off the hill, took three batteries, turned them on the enemy, and cut their position. No quarter was given, though the wretches begged for it like dogs. Then they got on the bridge; but still the slaughter continued, our men bayoneting, braining with the butts of their guns and bowie kniving. Finding they could not get over the bridge, the Yankees took up the river roads in despair, our men following […..], when they were met by Lee, with McLaws and Anderson. F_______learns that nearly the whole were killed – not a prisoner taken – unless, perhaps, by Lee’s command, and the whole town is one mass of bodies and brains. Good! Good!! Oh! Good!!! Jubal is said to have been radiant. Stuart, they say, brings in about 600 prisoners daily; and we have a young Yankee army at Guinea’s Depot.

May 11, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

IMPORTANT FROM VIRGINIA –MOVEMENTS ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK –DEATH OF GEN. (STONEWALL) JACKSON.

RICHMOND, May 8. – Passengers report all quiet at Fredericksburg. Several ambulance trains arrived this evening, and more are on the way hither. Crowds of ladies are at the depot dispensing refreshments to the wounded.

Gen. LEE has issued the following address to his troops:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

May 7, 1863.

(General Orders No. 59.)

With heartfelt gratification the General Commanding expresses to the army his sense of the heroic conduct displayed, both by officers and men, during the arduous operations in which they have just been engaged. Under the trying vicissitudes of heat and storm, you attacked the enemy strongly entrenched in the depths of the tangled Wilderness, and again on the hills of Fredericksburg, fifteen miles distant, and, by your valor, triumphed on every field, forcing him once more to seek safety beyond the Rappahannock.

While this glorious victory entitles you to the praise and gratitude of the nation, we are specially called upon to return our grateful thanks to the only Giver of Victory for the signal deliverance He has wrought. It is, therefore, earnestly recommended that the troops unite on Sunday next, in ascribing to the Lord of Hosts the glory due His name. Let us not forget, in our rejoicing, the brave soldiers who have fallen in defence of their country, and while we mourn their loss, let us resolve to emulate their noble example. The army and country alike lament the absence, for a time, of one to whose bravery and skill they are so much indebted for success. [continue reading…]

May 11, 1863, The New York Herald

The recent movements of General Hooker’s army are not positively known, but it appears evident that a portion of it has crossed to the south side of the Rappahannock. The General reports that all the wounded are well cared for and have all their wants supplied.

Our army correspondents furnish an accurate and most interesting account of the expedition of Stoneman’s cavalry. The general result is already known, and may be summed up in a few words: – After remaining ten days within the enemy’s lines, destroying all the railroads and bridges between Richmond and Fredericksburg, capturing more than a thousand horses, destroying millions of dollars in public stores and inflicting incalculable injury upon the rebels, they have come safely through to report their success.

It was stated in Washington yesterday that as soon as the information was received at Richmond of the advance of General Hooker’s army the defences were stripped of every available man to reinforce General Lee, and on Monday last, when the gallant dash of Stoneman’s expedition was made to the very walls of the city, the places of these troops had not yet been supplied; but that Longstreet’s corps and other forces stationed at points south of the rebel capital were then on the march to occupy the deserted defences.

The activity of our army on the York river will be seen by our correspondent from West Point, Va., and our despatches from Fortress Monroe. All the bridges in the [continue reading…]

May 11, 1863, Semi-Weekly News (San Antonio, Texas)

            Gen. Wharton’s cavalry saddle is a magnificent affair.  Its mountings are all of heavy solid silver, with stirrups heavily plated with the same metal, and the quilting is of gold and silver threads. The bridle is also heavily adorned with silver, and on the point of the holsters are two solid gold balls half an inch in diameter. The outfit cost, in Mexico $1000 in specie.

May 11, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

Some eight months ago, when the scarcity of shoes and leather for our army and citizens had become a matter of serious concern, Mr. JAMES McCAREY (well know for many years in Charleston as an extensive manufacturer of soap and candles) was among the few who set to work, with his ample means and tireless energy, to supply the want and, to the extent of his ability, to remedy the evil. With this in view, Mr. McCAREY purchased a tract in Pickens District, near Wahalla, on which a tannery had been in operation some years ago, and he immediately had the necessary repairs and improvements added to enable him to carry on the business extensively. Considerable time is necessary to put in operation an establishment of this kind, and to prepare the leather for its various uses; so that Mr. McCAREY has but recently begun to supply the country with the much needed article and to reap the benefit of what many of his friends deemed a perilous investment. So far Mr. McCAREY has turned out only calf and kip skins, and these are so finely dressed and finished as to rival the celebrated French skins. In fact, some of the artificers in leather, who have used the article, pronounce it fully equal to the best imported. This is most encouraging, and it is to be hoped may induce other capitalists to embark in the same business, as we require several such establishments to supply the demand of the country. He has a large quantity of heavy hides for harness and sole leather in course of preparation, which will be ready for market in a few weeks time.

Contiguous to Mr. McCAREY’S establishment is a spring, the water of which is peculiarly adapted for tanning purposes, and to this fact, probably, no small share of his success in the admirable finish of his leather is attributable. But the great cause of his success is due to the skillful superintendence of Rev. T.L. ALLEN, of Virginia, whose practical experience is second to none. Mr. McCAREY has made Mr. PHILIP FOGARTY, of Columbia, his agent for that city, and it is to be hoped he will soon establish an agency in Charleston. One of the skins prepared at his tannery may be seen at our office, and we invite those interested to call and examine it.

May 10th. Commenced with pleasant and clear weather, which continued until six fifteen; at ten A. M., called all hands to muster, and read a general order from Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, after which performed Divine service; nothing more worthy of note occurred during the remainder of this day, except it be that firing of great guns was again heard down the river, at eleven fifty-five P. M., supposed to be the lower fleet bombarding the rebel batteries at Port Hudson.

Sunday, 10th.—Skirmishing began at daylight. Relieved at 7 A. M.; went back two miles to regiment. Regiment relieved at 6 P. M.; found brigade at 11 P. M., after marching eleven miles.

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

Sunday, May 10.—Sad, sad tidings were brought to our cottage this morning! Washington, the youngest and darling son of our dear friend, Mrs. Stuart, has fallen. The mother and sisters are overwhelmed, while our whole household is shrouded in sorrow. He was young, brave, and a Christian. He fell while nobly fighting with his company, the famous Rockbridge Battery, on Marye’s Hill. We have heard no other particulars. The brave boy had scarcely recovered from a most severe wound received last summer near Winchester. To God we commend his afflicted, though quietly submissive, mother. He alone can soothe the sorrow which He has seen fit to permit.

Sunday, 10th–Our brigade received orders to march at 5 o’clock tomorrow morning. Regimental inspection at 8 o’clock this evening showed the regiment to be in fine order. Companies D and E went out on picket this evening.

10th. Issued beef in the morning. After cleaning up and inspection, Mr. Brown preached. Small audience but good sermon. Psalms 2-11. He seems to study his sermons. Took dinner with Capt. Nettleton and Lt. Case at a widow’s in town. Very genteel and pretty lady. Read. Went to the woods and let Rowena graze.

May 1

       I have not written for some time. The war goes on with the same success on our side & the same pertinacity on the part of the Yankees. The last victory at Fredricksburg has been dearly bought by the loss of our hero Jackson, accidentally shot by his own men who would have died for him & since reported dead of Pneumonia and his wounds. Van Dorn said to be murdered by a Dr Peters.

       The startling news has been going the rounds of the Village that this Rail Road is to be torn up to mend the main Roads. I don’t know how we are to get away or hear of the outer world for the horses are all taken up by the Army and there will be no Stage or mail more than 1 or twice a week. Mr Grimball has gone to the City to meet John a telegram to him to do so, John ordered to sea. The successful repulse at Fort Sumter of the Iron Clads is a great triumph but they still talk of trying again. W. writes the whole world is speculating and includes parsons, Gens. I wish Mr Grimball could do a little success in that way for he needs it.—

       Lewis had a difficulty with his Captain & left is now in charge of the pickets on Johns Island,—he has not yet got his permit to be examined for Surgeon, which is a disappointment to him.

       The Rev. Mr Miles gave an address to the Graduating class Charleston College on God in History there are some lines which are his own very beautiful

       
              “Fair faces beaming round the household hearth
              Young joyous tones in Melody of Mirth
              The sire doubly living in his boy,
              And she, the Crown of all that wealth of joy;
              These make the home like some sweet lyre given
              To sound on earth, the harmonies of Heaven.
              A sudden discord breaks the swelling strain,
              One chord has snapped; the harmony again
              Subdued & slower moves, but never more
              Can pour the same glad music as of yore;
              Less & less full the strains successive wake
              Chord after chord must break – and break – and break
              Until on earth the lyre dumb & riven
              Finds all its chords restrung to loftier notes in heaven”.

       Miss Stone brought the Miss Lucas’s to see Elizabeth & Gabriella ladies from Charleston but new acquaintances. Mrs Davidson & her daughter Mrs Caps came yesterday afternoon. Mrs D. has bought a house up here & now finds her self heartily tired of the life here, the days so long so long.—The only way to get along is to earnestly pursue a daily routine, & hope for the best and enjoy all that comes in ones way & be thankful.

       Mrs Wilkins and her daughters are going down and we are sorry for ourselves but glad on their account. Eliza’s health is so miserable & she wishes to see Dr Geddings.—

MAY 10th.—Detachments of Federal troops are now marching into the city every few hours, guarded by (mostly) South Carolinians, dressed in home-spun, died yellow with the bark of the butternut-tree. Yesterday evening, at 7 o’clock, a body of 2000 arrived, being marched in by way of the Brooke Pike, near to my residence. Only 200 Butternuts had them in charge, and a less number would have sufficed, for they were extremely weary. Some of them, however, attempted to be humorous.

A young officer asked one of the spectators if the “Libby” (the prison) was the best house in the city to put up at. He was answered that it was the best he would find.

Another passed some compliment on a mulatto wench, who replied: “Go long, you nasty Abolition Yankee.”

One of our soldiers taken at Arkansas Post, just exchanged, walked along with the column, and kept repeating these words: “Now you know how we felt when you marched us through your cities.”

But generally a deep silence was maintained, and neither insult nor indignity offered the fallen foe. Other columns are on the way—and how they are to be subsisted is a vexatious question.

The Washington papers of the day preceding the first battle contain Hooker’s address to his army—how different from Lee’s! It is short, though:

“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
“Camp near Falmouth, April 30th.

“GENERAL ORDERS No. 41.

“It is with heartfelt satisfaction that the Commanding General announces to the army that the operations of the last three days have determined that our enemy must either ingloriously fly or come out from behind his defenses and give us battle on our own ground, where certain destruction awaits him. The operations of the 15th, 11th, and 12th corps have been a succession of splendid achievements.

“By command of MAJ.-GEN. HOOKER.
………………………………………………………………… “S. WILLIAMS, Ass’t. Adj’t.-Gen.”

Another column of between twelve and fifteen hundred prisoners marched in this afternoon. It is said a copy of the New YorkHerald is in town, which acknowledges Hooker’s loss to be fully 40,000. There are rumors, also, that our army in Tennessee has gained a great victory. Rumors from the West have hitherto been so very unreliable, that I shall wait patiently for the confirmation of any reports from that quarter.

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd

MAY 10TH–Left camp after dinner. Dinner generally means noon, but our dinner-time on the march is quite irregular. Advanced unmolested till within about three miles of Utica, and camped again at dark.

This forenoon my bunk-mate (Cal. Waddle) and I went to a house near camp to get some corn bread, but struck the wrong place, for we found the young mistress who had just been deserted by her negroes, all alone, crying, with but a scant allowance of provisions left her. She had never learned to cook, and in fact was a complete stranger to housework of any kind. Her time is now at hand to learn the great lesson of humanity. There has been a little too much idleness among these planters. But although I am glad the negroes are free I don’t like to see them leaving a good home, for good homes some of them I know are leaving. They have caught the idea from some unknown source that freedom means fine dress, furniture, carriages and luxuries. Little do they yet know of the scripture–”In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.” I am for the Emancipation Proclamation, but I do not believe in cheating them. This lady’s husband is a confederate officer now in Vicksburg, who told her when he left she should never see a Yankee “down thar” Well, we had to tell her we were “thar,” though, and to our question what she thought of us, after wiping her eyes her reply was we were very nice looking fellows. We were not fishing for compliments, but we like to get their opinions at sight, for they have been led, apparently, to expect to find the Lincoln soldier more of a beast than human. At least such is the belief among the lower sort. Negroes and poor whites here seem to be on an equality, so far as education is concerned and the respect of the better classes. I have not seen a single school-house since I have been in Dixie, and I do not believe such a thing exists outside of their cities. But this war will revolutionize things, and among others I hope change this state of affairs for the better.

War is a keen analyzer of a soldier’s character. It reveals in camp, on the march and in battle the true principles of the [continue reading…]

May 10, 1863, Peoria Morning Mail (Illinois)

            Editor Peoria Mail:  Inasmuch as base, unqualified and unfounded falsehoods are circulated by the Transcript of Saturday morning, concerning a melee at the High School on the 8th inst., we think it would be a great injustice to the so called Copperhead portion of our school, if we would not make a fair, truthful and impartial statement of that occurrence, and its reasons.  The difficulty originated out of an attempt of the Abolition part of the school, to purloin Copperhead breastpins, from the persons of those whom they denominated Copperheads, alleging as a reason that was a treasonable medal and that they would not suffer any person to wear it.  At first this piece of vandalism was tamely submitted to and one breastpin was abstracted by force from its owner, who immediately provided himself with another.

            On Friday afternoon thirteen of these young robbers circulated that their design was to take forcible possession of all breastpins made of copper cents and thresh the owners of the copperheads for being abettors of treason.  This was easier said than done, as the result conclusively proved to all who saw the young Abolitionists after their encounter, and even Mr. Coy can testify to the fact that every Democratic boy answered to his name at roll call, but four of the young Abolitionists, from some cause, were absent and failed to answer to their respective names.  Suffice it to say the attempt was made to purloin our breastpins, and although numbering seven against twelve we proved an overmatch for the braggarts by whom we were assailed.  The origin of the difficulty the Transcript asserts to be that the Copperheads rejoiced over the defeat of Hooker.  That charge can be answered by one word:  false!

            However, we are not much surprised at the base misrepresentations of that dastardly secesh newspaper, for all Abolitionists are Secessionists; still less are we surprised since we know the person connected with the school who has promulgated such a base tissue of falsehood.  The Transcript calls our defense of ourselves and property “incipient treason.”  Even if the statement was a truth, “incipient traitors” like us could be reclaimed, but persons grown in treason are irreclaimable.

T.  A. Murray,
L. Harmon,
Wm. Lynch,
S. Baily,
J. Langton,
A. Littleton,
Z. Frank.

            Democratic  Boys of Peoria High  School,
            May 9th, 1863.

May 10, 1863, Mobile Register And Advertiser

Tullahoma, Tenn., May 3, 1863.

            Since my last letter, I have had opportunities to explore and understand the topography and history of this point, and the country around it.  Tullahoma is about the line of Coffee and Franklin counties.  It is a wretchedly poor and “God forsaken” region, and is called “the barrens” of Middle Tennessee.  Poor and sterile area in the palmy days of peace, the desolations of alternate armies that have swept over it have left it a desert.  The Yankees swept off all the male and nearly all the female slave populations.  The men have enlisted in the Yankee or Confederate Army, according tot heir preference, or been caught by the conscript-man, or run into the mountains for refuge; and there is nobody left but women, children, old men, and a few plough-boys.  There is nobody else left to cultivate a crop, and almost nothing in the way of a crop, is being made.  Horses and mules have been swept off, cattle killed, and the only thing between these poor people and starvation is the product of a few cows.  They sell, or barter off, milk and butter to the army, at enormous prices.  And they are such poor creatures, and their condition is so appealing, that a generous heart cannot feel like jewing them in their prices.  Money is almost useless here; it will buy almost nothing at all.  The country women come in with butter and eggs, but generally they will not sell them for money.  They want to barter them off for salt, rice, or molasses.  I encountered an old woman, the other day, who had several dozen eggs.  I tried to buy them, but it was no go.  I offered a high price, but she replied that she did not want money; she could not eat money, nor buy anything to eat with money.  She wanted rice, and would barter the eggs for the rice–one dozen eggs for three pounds of rice.  As nothing else would do, I made the swap, and she went on her way rejoicing.  I tried another woman, for butter, but she would not snap her finger for money.  But she was “honing” for molasses, and would barter butter for molasses.  We traded, and as the molasses was being measured, her delighted urchins gathered round and stuck their fingers in the molasses for a taste.  Such are pictures of the life around us. [continue reading…]

June 10, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

FROM THE RAPPAHANNOCK LINES.

RICHMOND, June 9. Our advices from the Rappahannock state that the enemy still holds his entrenched position at Deep Run, about a mile below Fredericksburg, and is extending his fortifications. Yesterday afternoon the Yankee batteries on the opposite side of the river opened on our pickets, and kept up the shelling for a short time, but without doing any damage. Fredericksburg will be held by our troops.

LATEST FROM VICKSBURG.

JACKSON, June 6. One Yankee gunboat has left Red River in consequence of the low water.

Gen. PEMBERTON has sent word that he can hold Vicksburg, and that Gen. JOHNSTON may take his time to organize and discipline his forces.

A despatch from Panola says that the Yankees and Unionists were celebrating the anniversary of the occupation of Memphis yesterday.

The Chicago Times of June 2d says that GRANT admits a heavy loss, and has fallen back to the Big Black to await reinforcements from BANKS’ army. The Memphis and Charleston Railroad has been stripped of troops. ROSECRANS is reinforcing GRANT via Louisville. All the steamboats at Louisville and Memphis have been pressed into service. Four thousand five hundred Confederate prisoners had reached Memphis. The officers [continue reading…]

May 10—Preach in camp. Second and Fourth regiments worship with us. General thanksgiving day for our late victory.¹ The “victory” cost many lives. Many husbands left widows and orphans. When I made that point in my sermon, and gave number of widows and orphans left by those who fell in the 30th regiment, Gen. Grimes gave special attention, and stopped to speak to me after preaching, and said he wished he knew how many widows and orphans were left by all who fell in Lee’s army in the last battle I spend p. m. among wounded at railroad. Gen. Jackson dies at 3 p. m.²

1. Battle of Chancellorsville
2. Death of Jackson

Saturday, 9th.—Went on picket with regiment; Company F sent to Ford on Big Black River; Skirmishing with Yanks; Every fellow sticks pretty close to his tree; some of the boys calling to the Yanks to come over.

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

Saturday Night, May 9.—So much has happened since I last wrote in my diary, that I can scarcely collect my thoughts to give a plain detail of facts as they occurred.

Ten days ago, Mr. –– and myself went in to spend two days with our children who are living in Richmond. It soon became apparent that we could not return, as the Government had taken the cars for the purpose of transporting soldiers to Fredericksburg. Hooker was making immense demonstrations, and was crossing 159,000 men. They fought on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, at different points, principally at Chancellorsville, and the enemy was repulsed at all points. Hooker and his host retired to the Rappahannock, and recrossed, I think, on Wednesday. It is said that General Lee would have followed him, but for the dreadful storm of Monday night and Tuesday. General Lee in his official report speaks of it as a “signal victory.” Our army was smaller than usual, as Longstreet was still near Suffolk, and could not get up in time. It is pretty certain that Hooker—fighting Joe!!—had two to Lee’s one, and was defeated. But General Jackson was wounded severely. The great Stonewall is lost to us for a time; his left arm has been amputated, and there is a severe wound in his right hand. Oh, I pray that God may raise him up to be a continued blessing to the country. His wife has gone to him. The best surgical skill of the army, the sympathy and anxiety of the whole South, and the prayers of the country, are his. General Paxton, of the Stonewall Brigade, was killed, and many, ah, how many, valuable lives were lost! it is impossible for us yet to know, as the telegraphic wires are cut, and mail communication very [continue reading…]

Saturday, 9th–It is quite pleasant. Had battalion drill this forenoon. The boys are all in fine spirits, expecting at any moment to receive marching orders. Our division teams returned from the landing with provisions and went on down to Carthage, where they will load them on boats for Grand Gulf.

9th. Killed beef for Sunday. Read considerably in “Les Miserables.” Reviewed “Fantine.” Never read a book which contained so much truth and sense on every page. Rob and I took a good bath and changed our clothes. Wrote home.