May 5, 1863, Memphis Daily Appeal (Jackson, Mississippi)

        We have upon our table a pair of soldier’s thick cotton socks woven by machinery by Mr. Hacket, of this city, which are superior to any we have ever seen, either of domestic or foreign manufacture.  We understand that the machine is capable of weaving several pairs of socks per hour, which only require a little finishing at the heel and toe by hand to complete a most perfect and serviceable article–Savannah News.

May 5, 1863, Savannah Republican (Georgia)

            A correspondent of the Richmond Sentinel says a young lady in Winchester, Va., went to Milroy to get a permit to buy forage for her father’s cow, when the general asked:
            “Are you loyal?”
            “Yes,” she replied.
            He began to write the permit.
            “To the United States or the Confederate States?”
            “To the Confederate States, of course,” she replied.
            “Then I shall give no permit.  This infamous rebellion must be crushed.”
            “Well,” said she, “if you can crush it by starving John Arnold’s old cow, do it and be drot to you!”

May 5, 1863, Weekly Columbus Enquirer (Georgia)

            We have conversed with a gentleman just from McMinnville.  He represents the outrages of the enemy in that quarter as surpassing any yet perpetrated in Middle Tennessee.  His account is substantially as follows:

            The enemy appeared on the Northwest side of the town at noon on Monday.–Tidings of his approach had been brought in an hour or two before, allowing the stray cavalrymen, convalescent soldiers and others a chance of escape.  There was a company of Provost guardsmen present, who made a stand against the first advance for the purpose of giving our wagons, et cetera, a fair start.  After a brisk skirmish of half an hour, overpowering numbers forced this handful of men to disperse.  Some escaped and others were captured.  There being no further obstacle the Federals proceeded at once to the public square.  They were mostly mounted infantry, estimated at between six and ten thousand in number.

            Their first business was the destruction of the large Cotton Factory, near the railroad bridge.  It is one of the most extensive, and has been also one of the most useful in the South.  It was completely destroyed.  They then burnt the depot buildings, and adjoining houses, and the bridges across the Barren Fork. . . —Chatta. Rebel, 26^th.

May 4th. Commences with clear and pleasant weather; at one-thirty A. M., lights reported coming down the Mississippi river; the rattle was sprung, calling crew to quarters; soon however, signals were exchanged between us and the approaching vessels, each vessel making her number by means of displaying different colored lights, by means of which we ascertained their names. They proved to be a portion of Rear-Admiral Porter’s fleet of iron-clads, having but lately run the gauntlet of the Vicksburg batteries, under a tremendous fire from the enemy, and still later engaged the rebel fortifications at Grand Gulf, and with the aid of some of our forces under General Grant drove the rebels out of the same, making many prisoners and taking possession of the place; as they passed on clown and rounded our stern, the excitement on board the old sea-dog Hartford was more than I can describe. These western iron-clads are very queer looking specimens of river craft. The above-noticed iron-clads and gunboats proved to be the Benton, (Flag-ship of Rear-Admiral Porter), Pittsburgh, LaFayette, ram General Sterling Price, and tug-boat Ivy; the ram Switzerland accompanied them down.

The Ivy, tender to the Benton, came alongside of us, and Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter came on board to communicate with Admiral Farragut. Clear and pleasant, but rather warm weather; all the forenoon of this day employed supplying iron-clads Benton and Pittsburgh, and LaFayette with ammunition; received a mail on board; at three P. M., Admiral Porter’s fleet of vessels, with him in charge, got under way, rounded our stern, and entered the mouth of Red river, ram Switzerland taking the lead, intending before returning to clear out this stream of all obstructions placed in the way of the free navigation of same by the rebels, and accomplish the capture of Alexandria; at four P. M., the gunboat Albatross returned from reconnoissance up Red river; she anchored ahead of us; her Captain came on board with the information that they had had a fight in the morning with the rebels, a short distance from the mouth of the river, at a battery called Fort De Russy, and had two men killed in the action, which lasted about an hour, and had her wheel shot away; one of the parties killed was a Mr. Hamilton, a pilot of this ship. The Albatross was successful in putting a shot through the boilers of a rebel steamboat, from which an explosion took place, and a large number of the enemy were scalded beyond recovery, their awful cries of agony and for help pierced the hearts of many of the brave tars on board the Albatross, causing a feeling of sympathy for the poor fellows. The Albatross, I must not omit to say in closing this, could not get nearer to this battery than five hundred yards, on account of a barrier or raft of logs obstructing the navigation of the river at this place, constructed by the rebels. About five P. M., Mr. J. Hamilton’s body was received on board from gunboat Albatross; also the steering wheel of same vessel in a badly damaged condition; and I will here remark the shot which struck this wheel knocked over a bale or more of cotton, which was used as a barricade around it, upon our pilot, causing such injuries internally that lie died therefrom.

Monday 4th.–Marched five miles by 11 o’clock, and are now lying in the shade, ten miles from bridge.

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

Monday, 4th–The Eighth, Twelfth and Thirty-fifth Iowa Regiments passed here today on their way to the front. They are all fine-looking men. I feel in hopes that Vicksburg will soon be in our hands. Our division is in the rear, most of the other troops having gone on ahead of us. Our army is in strong force at this place, and there is no danger of the rebels’ cavalry making a raid on the base of our commissary supplies here.

4th. Sky clear and sun roasting. Blankets steaming. All felt miserable, so wet and such a dreamy sleep. “Boots and saddles” before breakfast. Went to commissary for rations. Could get none. Whole cavalry force went out, some on each road. When at Otter creek learned that the rebels had left Traversville and gone to Jamestown, bound for Knoxville. Turned back, heavy thunder shower. Wet through in places. Got forage. Got supper and slept just inside of our lines. Slept on a porch.

We Return to Newbern.

May 3. Attended church this morning. Steamer Thomas Collver arrived this afternoon with orders for the regiment to report at Newbern. All was bustle and hurrah boys; down came the tents and a general packing up followed. At dark we were aboard the boat, and, giving three cheers to Capt. Flusser and his men, steamed down the river. We had a beautiful moonlight night and a splendid sail down the Albemarle; arriving at Newbern in the afternoon of the 4th, we went into the Foster barracks for the night.

May 4—Ride six miles to Powhattan Court House and hear everything. A Federal Cavalry raid had been spreading terror on the opposite side of the river. Meet Rev. Blinco of Virginia Conference. Ride twelve miles toward Jude’s Ferry. Dine and go six miles further down the river by Manakin Ferry and stop with Mrs. Mosely. How excited the people! God alone can keep us quiet. Bless His name! I am in “perfect peace!”

MAY 4th.—This morning early the tocsin sounded, and the din, kept up for several hours, intensified the alarm. The presence of the enemy would not have produced a greater effect. But, in truth, the enemy were almost in sight of the city. Hon. James Lyons told me they were within a mile and a half of his house, which is about that distance from the city. Thousands of men, mostly old men and employees of the government, were instantly organized and marched to the batteries.

But the alarm subsided about 10 A.M. upon information being received that the enemy were flying before Gen. Wise down the Peninsula.

After this the following dispatch was received from Gen. Lee:

“MILFORD, May 3d, 1863.”

PRESIDENT DAVIS.

“Yesterday Gen. Jackson, with three of his divisions, penetrated to the rear of the enemy, and drove him from all his positions, from the Wilderness to within one mile of Chancellorville. He was engaged at the same time, in front, by two of Longstreet’s divisions. This morning the battle was renewed. He was dislodged from all his positions around Chancellorville, and driven back toward the Rappahannock, over which he is now retreating.

“Many prisoners were taken, and the enemy’s loss, in killed and wounded, large.

“We have again to thank Almighty God for a great victory.

“I regret to state that Gen. Paxton was killed. Gen. Jackson severely, and Generals Heth and A. P. Hill slightly, wounded.

(Signed)………………………………………………… “R. E. LEE, General.”

Enough is known to raise the spirits of all. Gen. Lee gives thanks to God “for a great victory;” and he never misleads, never exaggerates.

My son Custis got a musket and marched in one of the companies–I have not learned which–for the defense of the city. It is a sultry day, and he will suffer.

The President was driven out in a light open carriage after the reception of Gen. Lee’s dispatch, and exhibited the finest spirits. He was even diverted at the zeal of the old men and boys marching out with heavy muskets to the batteries.

Brig.-Gen. Pryor, who has been under arrest (I know not for what offense), volunteered in a company of horse, and galloped away with the rest in pursuit of the enemy.

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd

MAY 4TH.–Early this morning the rebels planted a battery in the woods on the opposite side of the river, and sent shot and shell crashing into our camp. DeGolier’s battery was soon in position, and silenced them before any damage was done. I hope DeGolier and his battery will be with us through all our engagements, for a braver man never lived. Some of his artillerymen said, he would rise up in his sleep, last night, and say, “give them canister, boys!”

I was detailed with a squad to patrol the river bank, and, in doing so, came in collision with the enemy. Some of the boys could not resist the temptation to take a swim. They did not think of the danger, until they were fired upon. When they went in, they complained of the water being cold; but they were not in long before it became too hot for them. They got out of that stream remarkably quick, and some did not stop to get their clothing, but flew for camp as naked as they were born. They did not know but the woods were full of rebels. A soldier’s life has its share of fun as well as of the sad and marvelous.

I suppose this is considered an unsafe place to leave unguarded, so we remain another day.

May 4, 1863, Semi-Weekly News (San Antonio, Texas)

            A draft has been presented to us by Messrs. Wilson & Richardson, of a newly invented submarine boat, designed for the destruction of the enemy’s blockaders at our ports!  Of course no description can now be given of this invention in print, but it will be fully explained on application to Messrs. Wilson & Richardson.  It is sufficient here to state, that the invention has been fully tested in Mobile, and no doubt of its entire success as a submarine boat, remains.  A boat of this kind is now being constructed in Mobile.  Messrs. W. & R., desire to organize a company in this city, to carry this important enterprise into execution, near our bays.  The cost will be quite small, and they have already been ordered half the amount by a prominent citizen of Texas.  Those who feel willing to lend their aid to this patriotic enterprise, may obtain full information by applying to Messrs. W. & R. who may be found, for two or three days, at Mr. Sessum’s store on Maine St.  Messrs. W. & R. say the enterprise can, and should be carried out in the course of a few weeks, and no time should be lost.–News.

Letter From Henry K. Douglas To Mrs. Paxton

May 4, 1863.

Madam: As the senior officer of Gen’l Paxton’s staff, and a person with whom he was probably more intimate than with any one in the brigade, I deem it my duty, although a painful one, to notify you of the circumstances of his death. He fell yesterday morning while bravely leading his brigade into action, and lived only about an hour after receiving his wound. As soon as he was struck he lifted his hand to his breast-pocket. In that pocket I knew he kept his Bible and the picture of his wife, and his thoughts were at that moment of heaven and his home. Beloved and esteemed by officers and men, his loss is deeply mourned, and the brigade mingle their tears with those of his family relations. I have for some time thought that the General expected the first battle in which he led his brigade would be his last, and I had observed, and am satisfied from various conversations with him, that he was preparing his mind and soul for the occasion. It is a consolation to know that while he nobly did his duty in the field and camp without regard to personal consequences, he had been convinced that there was a home beyond this earth where the good would receive an eternal reward. For that home he had richly prepared himself, and, I confidently hope, is there now. Almost the last time I saw him, and just before the brigade moved forward into the fight, he was sitting behind his line of troops, and, amidst the din of artillery and the noise of shell bursting around him, he was calmly reading his Bible and there preparing himself like a Christian soldier for the contest.

Dr. Cox, A. D. C, has already departed with his body for home.

__________

Letter From Henry K. Douglas To J. G. Paxton

Hagerstown, Md., Feb. 18,1893.

Yours of the 14th is received to-day. I knew your father very well. When he was on the staff of Gen’l Jackson, so was I; and for a time, when he commanded the Stonewall Brigade, I was the A. A. G. and A. I. G. of the brigade, in rank its senior staff officer. My relations with him were very close–indeed, confidential.

I had observed, during the winter of 1862-63, a growing seriousness on his part in every respect. There was nothing morbid about it, but he was much given to religious thought and conversation. He was a very regular reader of the Bible, and, I think, often talked with Gen’l Jackson on the same subject. He was thoroughly impressed with the conviction that he would die early in the opening campaign, and was determined to prepare for that fate.

In my letter to your mother, written the day after his death, I merely alluded to certain conversations which I will now explain more explicitly.

The night of the 2nd, Gen’l Paxton seemed–as we in fact all were–very much depressed at the wounding of Gen’l Jackson. Late that night, in the course of a conversation with me, your father quietly but with evident conviction expressed his belief that he would be killed the next day. He told me where in his office desk certain papers were tied up and labelled in regard to his business, and asked me to write to his wife immediately after his death. I was young and not given to seriousness then; but I was so impressed with his sadness and earnestness, and all the gloom of the surroundings, that I did not leave him until after midnight. [continue reading…]

May 3d. Commences with clear and pleasant weather; inspected crew at quarters, and performed Divine service at ten o’clock, this morning, on quarter-deck. While at service the gunboats Albatross, Estrella, and Arizona got under way and started up Red river on a reconnoissance,—the little Albatross taking the lead.

Sunday, 3d.–Started at daylight; got within one mile of Big Black River and met wagons and artillery coming back. Grand Gulf evacuated; falling back towards Vicksburg and Jackson; started back at 5 P. M. ; marched until 3 A. M. Cannonading towards Vicksburg; are marching in direction of railroad bridge, across Big Black River.

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

Sunday, 3d–News came that our army took five hundred prisoners at Grand Gulf. General Steele’s Division passed here today. There is an Iowa brigade in it, consisting of the Fourth, Twenty-sixth, Thirtieth and Thirty-first Infantry. The men all look fine and there are none from the brigade in the hospital.

Sunday, 3rd. Wet and muddy, disagreeable. Went to Post Commissary and drew rations, 948. Issued to the men in the P. M. Mr. Brown came, bringing the mail. Two letters for me, one from Fannie and one from home. Both did me much good. Fixed up our oilcloth as a tent. Thought it very nice. At dark a thunderstorm arose. Had a candle to read by. Soon discovered a stream ran through the tent. Blankets wet–soaked and half suffocated. Rebels gone to Traversville.

Monday, 3rd. Moved on at 8 o’clock having waited for tents to dry off. Passed Catlett Station and reached Warrenton Junction at noon. Burnside’s Hdqrs. here. One Div. here. Passed one at Manassas, at Ferrero and one at Bristol. Drew hay for our feed, also oats for three days. Also 7 wagons. Kept quite busy. Didn’t get much sleep; ordered to march at 2 A. M. Cold–Tea–8 days of commissaries and 5 of forage.

Fri., May 1—Cross Roanoke at Taylor’s Ferry. Stop at Randolph Macon College. Meet Rev. P. W. Archer, Rev. Dr. W. A. Smith and Rev. Chipley. Pass on and spend night with Captain C. W. Bragg.

May 2—Pass Lunenburg Court House. Meet Mrs. Ray, of Virginia Conference. Saturday night finds me with Dr. G. W. Scott. Four days in the saddle took me forty-eight miles to Oxford, thirty-six to andolph Macon College, and fifty to Dr. Scott’s.

Sun. May 3, ’63—Hear Rev. D. W. Shanks preach at Amelia Court House. He is a Presbyterian. Dine with Mr. Weising. Ride twelve miles and spend night with Mr. Smithey.

MAY 3d.—We have no further news from the army, except the usual skirmishing. A number of our wounded arrived last evening. An officer reports that, from what he could see of the enemy’s conduct, the soldiers do not come to the point with alacrity. He thinks they fight with reluctance, and are liable to be routed any hour by inferior numbers.

Troops were sent up in special trains last night, and also this morning. These are some of the regiments which Gen. D. P. Hill had in North Carolina; and hence the complaints of Gov. Vance, that his State did not have its just proportion of the protection of the government. Of Longstreet’s movements, I am not advised. But there will be news enough in a few days.

The President’s health is still precarious, and he is still threatened with the loss of his remaining eye.

The Vice-President was in my office yesterday, and told me his health is quite as good as usual. One would suppose him to be afflicted with all manner of diseases, and doomed to speedy dissolution; but, then, he has worn this appearance during the last twenty years. His eyes are magnificent, and his mind is in the meridian of intellectual vigor.

There has been some commotion in the city this afternoon and evening, but no painful alarm, produced by intelligence that the enemy’s cavalry, that cut the road at Trevillian’s depot, had reached Ashland and destroyed the depot. Subsequent rumors brought them within eight miles of the city; and we have no force of any consequence here. The account was brought from Ashland by a Mr. Davis, who killed his horse in riding eighteen miles in one hour and a half.

Later in the day a young man, sixteen years old (Shelton), reached the city from Hanover on a United States horse, the enemy having foraged on his father’s farm and taken his blooded steed. He says, when he escaped from them (having been taken prisoner this morning) 1500 were at his father’s place, and three times as many more, being 6000 in all, were resting a short distance apart on another farm; but such ideas of numbers are generally erroneous. They told him they had been in the saddle five days, and had burnt all the bridges behind them to prevent pursuit. It was after this that they cut the road at Ashland. They professed to have fresh horses taken from our people, leaving their own. I think they will disappear down the Pamunky, and of course will cut the Central and York River Roads, and the wires. Thus communication with Lee’s army is interrupted!

The Fredericksburg train, of course, failed to arrive to-day at 6 P.M.; and it is rumored there were 700 of our wounded in it, and that a great battle was fought yesterday by Lee. These are rumors.

Telegram

May 3,1863.

The enemy was dislodged from all his positions around Chancellorsville and driven back towards the Rappahannock, over which he is now retreating. We have to thank Almighty God for a great victory. I regret to state that Gen’l Paxton was killed, Gen’l Jackson severely and Gen’l Heath and D. H. Hill slightly wounded.

(Signed) R. E. Lee,
Gen’l Commdg.

May 2d. Commences with clear and pleasant weather. Nothing occurred worthy of mention during nearly the entire day, the regular routine of naval discipline being gone through with on this day as upon all other days; at eight thirty o’clock, P. M., lights seen up Red River and reported from lookouts at mast-head; beat to quarters, and got ship ready for action. In a short time they made their appearance coming out of Red River, signalizing to us by different colored lights; as soon as they came within hailing distance, hailed them; they gave us to understand that they were respectively the U. S. gunboats Arizona and Estrella from Brashear City; they steamed on ahead of us, and anchored close in shore.

Saturday, 2d–The weather has been warm and quite pleasant for several days and the roads are drying fast. Things are very quiet here. Colonel Hall is now in command of our brigade. We have drill twice a day, though this afternoon there was none, in order to give the boys time to wash their clothes and clean up for inspection. I received $5.00 from Captain McLoney, for the month of April, as cook for the officers’ mess.

2nd. Major Purington ordered on a scout with 150 men towards Traversville. 7th on the Albany road, I went along. Learned there were 900 rebels in the fight yesterday. Cheke among them. Went to a house and saw another wounded man, wounded in the charge near Monticello, hit in thigh. Rode four to eight miles, leg bleeding, Arthur Brannon of Lebanon, Ky., Shewarth’s Regt., wished the war had never commenced, still willing to fight. Citizens represented nearly 100 wounded. All demoralized. Officers could not get them to stand ground. Got into camp at 8 P. M. Rained during the night. I got wet enough.