APRIL 20th.—A clear morning, but a cold, cloudy day.

The following dispatch from Gen. Forrest shows that the bloody work has commenced in earnest :

“DEMOPOLIS, ALA., April 19th.

“To GEN. S. COOPER.
………..“The following dispatch has just been received from Gen. Forrest, dated Jackson, Tenn., April 15th.
“L. POLK, Lieut.-General.

………..“I attacked Fort Pillow on the morning of the 12th inst., with a part of Bell’s and McCulloch’s brigades, numbering _____, under Brig.-Gen. J. R. Chalmers. After a short fight we drove the enemy, seven hundred strong, into the fort, under cover of their gun-boats, and demanded a surrender, which was declined by Major L. W. Booth, commanding United States forces. I stormed the fort, and after a contest of thirty minutes captured the entire garrison, killing 500 and taking 100 prisoners, and a large amount of quartermaster stores. The officers in the fort were killed, including Major Booth. I sustained a loss of 20 killed and 60 wounded. The Confederate flag now floats over the fort.
………..“(Signed)………………….N. B. FORREST, Major-General.”

There is a rumor that Grant’s army is falling back toward Centreville.

It is supposed by many that all the departments will follow the Auditor to Montgomery soon.

8th-19th. Generally went to town once during the day on business and to see Dan. The boy has seen trouble and I fear that it will be too much for him. He had been intimate with and for some time engaged to a young lady of wealthy family. The father opposed the intimacy and engagement and ordered all attentions discontinued. Burned Dan’s letters and her letters, taking them from the office privily. She remained true, but her father compelled her to marry another, she all the time protesting. I know how to sympathize with Dan, poor boy.

Twenty-six officers and non-commissioned officers ordered into Penn. to buy horses for the regt. to be gone five days or thereabouts. Gen. Burnside came to see us one day. Another day, Burnside, Grant and Washburn reviewed us. Have read “Sutherland,” author unknown, not much liked because it has a pro-slavery tendency. “Red Tape and Pigeon Hole Generals.” Telling criticisms on Fitz-John Porter, Butterfield, McClellan and Regulars generally. Written in a spicy and entertaining style and withal quite interesting and I guess, truthful.

Reported that Burnside’s expedition will leave on the 24th. Fear that we will be left in the lurch. Dread to be. Have played chess somewhat with A. B. N. Ma has moved to Minnie’s, Minnie very sick. Written home twice and heard twice.

Tuesday, 19th.—General review of whole army. Forty thousand men on field at once. From this time on, for several days, there was nothing doing out of the usual camp duties, except revival meetings, which continued day and night; much interest manifested and very many professions.

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

April 19.–Grandfather is much worse. He was delirious all night. We have sent for Dr Rosewarne in counsel and Mrs Lightfoote has come to stay with us all the time and we have sent for Aunt Glorianna.

April 19th. All quiet in camp for the past few days. Detailed for picket duty this morning. Weather ?ne. Located at the bridge over the Shenandoah River. Of?cer of the guard a Lieutenant from the 5th New York Heavy Artillery. General Max Weber, a former colonel, 20th New York Regiment known as the Turner Ri?es, in command at this post. A ?ne old German officer. Military rules require that the reserve guards turn out and salute the General. I had never seen him, did not know him. Did not see the star denoting his rank until it was too late to call out the guard. The Lieutenant, a ?ne young man, felt very badly about it. I was generally on the lookout, but got caught this time. After the General left I went to the Lieutenant and made an apology, informing him how badly I felt over it, because I always prided myself on being on the lookout.

Tuesday, 19th–I attended a party last night at Mr. Ray’s and did not get home till daylight this morning. William Green and Jeremiah Argo came home with me for breakfast and left for Camp McClellan. Green is one of the veterans of Company E and Argo is a recruit for the same. The weather is getting warm, the ground is in fine condition for putting in the crops and the farmers are all quite busy seeding. I sowed some barley today for the first time. This evening I went over to Mr. Sparks’s to see Jason, who is getting along well with the measles, and in a few days will be able to leave for the army.

APRIL 19th.—Cloudy and cold.

We have no authentic war news, but are on the tip-toe of expectation. The city is in some commotion on a rumor that the non-combating population will be required to leave, to avoid transportation of food to the city. Corn is selling at $1.25 per bushel in Georgia and Alabama; here, at $40—such is the deplorable condition of the railroads, or rather of the management of them. Col. Northrop, Commissary-General, said to-day that Gen. Lee and the Secretary of War were responsible for the precarious state of affairs, in not taking all the means of transportation for the use of the army; and that our fate was suspended by a hair.

The President returned the paper to-day, relating to the matter of etiquette between Col. Northrop and Gen. Bragg’s military secretary. The President says that Gen. B. certainly has the right to give orders—being assigned to, duty here, and, I presume, representing the President himself; but that any one of his staff, unless directing those of inferior rank, ought to give commands “by order” of Gen. Bragg. Col. N. says that don’t satisfy him; and that no general has a right to issue orders to him!

The famine is becoming more terrible daily; and soon no salary will suffice to support one’s family.

The 1st and 2d Auditors and their clerks (several hundred, male and female) have been ordered to proceed to Montgomery, Ala. Perhaps the government will soon remove thither entirely. This is ill-timed, as the enemy will accept it as an indication of an abandonment of the capital; and many of our people will regard it as a preliminary to the evacuation of Richmond. It is more the effect of extortion and high prices, than apprehension of the city being taken by the enemy.

April, Tuesday 19, 1864

No Yanks today, a heavy raide passed down on Pigeon Rooste Road, do not know their destination. No news from Forrest, and the Yanks do not seem to know where he is. We have not seen any one today, or heard a word of news. Joanna and Bettie went to Memphis today, Sallie went with them—got a Permit—I am going to try my luck in the City tomorrow. I scarcely know what to think about it, or expect, but I do not believe all I have heard. Father is not willing I should go, I must change though, I cannot live always thus. Sewed all day, finished my white wrapper. My poor little burnt Goslin died, I have a great deal of trouble with them.

Bettie and Laura did not say a lesson tonight, Bettie said she was too tired, and it was not five minutes until Laura was asleep – I am right sick tonight, and so lonely. No news from Miss Em yet, I am very much afraid she will give up her visit—

Forrest keeps so buisy on the Miss. River—The days of my present life are not worth recording—and I am sure the trouble and sorrow are indelibly ground on my memory and heart—

Scottsboro, Ala., April 18, 1864.

No changes to note in the military situation of our portion of Dixie, but the note of preparation is heard on every side. All making ready for the Spring campaign, which every one prophesies will be the bloodiest one of the war. Johnston is undoubtedly collecting all the Rebel troops in the West, on the Georgia Central R. R. and will have a large force. But ours will be perfectly enormous. Not one of our regiments but is stronger to-day than a year ago, and many divisions number from one-third to three-quarters more than then. Our division when we marched through from Memphis last fall was hardly 4,500 (for duty) strong. Now ’tis 7,000, and growing every day. We have no doubt of our ability to whip Johnston most completely, but if he can raise 70,000 men, and we think he can, of course somebody will stand a remarkably good chance for being hurt in the proceedings. He has crossed a division of infantry, away off on our right, beyond Elk river. ‘Tis hard to tell what for. Maybe to cooperate with Forrest. Certainly to forage some, and some think possibly to attract our attention in that direction while he makes a dash on our lines east of Huntsville. This latter would, to my idea, be akin to the action of that youth Harper represents in his “April,” standing on his head on the railroad track, six feet before the locomotive under way: “Rash.” Twenty-four years old yesterday, and three years in the service. Celebrated the day by calling on a good looking “mountain ewe,” and dining therewith. Made arrangements to have a deer and turkey hunt with her papa and some of his friends, Colonel Cobb, (formerly of United States Congress) among others. To give you an idea of the Southern love for titles, I’ll name part of the citizens who help to form our party next Wednesday. Colonel Cobb, Colonel Provinse, Colonel Young, and Majors Hall and Hust. Every man who owns as many as two negroes is at least a colonel. None of them rank as low as captains. Spring is coming very slowly. At least four weeks behind time. Trees are becoming quite verdant, and many of the flowers are up. I would like to send you a few haunches of nice venison after my hunt, but expect, all things considered, ‘twould hardly be worth while to try. Heard to-day of the wedding of one of my most particularest friends, a young lady of Decatur. Was sensible enough to marry a soldier; but am not certain she got the right one. Heaven help her.

April 18.–Grandfather returned home today, unexpectedly to us. I knew he was sick when I met him at the door. He had traveled all night alone from New York, although he said that a stranger, a fellow passenger, from Ann Arbor, Mich., on the train noticed that he was suffering and was very kind to him. He said he fell in his room at Gramercy Park Hotel, in the night, and his knee was very painful. We sent for old Dr Cheney and he said the hurt was a serious one and needed most careful attention. I was invited to a spelling school at Abbie Clark’s in the evening and Grandmother said that she and Anna would take care of Grandfather till I got back, and then I could sit up by him the rest of the night. We spelled down and had quite a merry time. Major C. S. Aldrich had escaped from prison and was there. He came home with me, as my soldier is down in Virginia.

Monday 18th–I stayed at home all day. Father finished sowing his wheat today. John D. Moore with Henry Clark left this morning for Davenport to go into Camp McClellan—Clark is a veteran of my company, while John is a recruit for the company. Jason Sparks could not go with them on account of having the measles. Dr. Clark went to see him and certified that he was not fit for duty.

The following diary entry contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the entry is provided unedited for its historical content and context.

Guerrilla Hunting.

April 18. The country above here and that part of it lying between the Suffolk and James rivers is a good deal infected with guerrilla bands. It was thought best to send out in different directions three or four regiments to stir them up. In accordance with that arrangement we left our mud hole early in the morning of the 13th going aboard a big double-ender steamer at Portsmouth. In company with a small gunboat we steamed up the James river some 20 miles, when turning to the left we entered a small creek; following this a few miles we came to a village called Smithfield.

We landed here about noon and marched up into the street. The village seemed to be deserted, scarcely any one in sight. We had not been here many minutes before Col. Pickett was met by a good-looking elderly gentleman, who seemed to be considerably agitated about something. He wished the colonel to send a guard to his house, as he feared the negroes would take too many liberties with him during our stay. The colonel inquired if there were many Confederates about here. The old gentleman replied that he had seen none recently, and just then the report of rifles was heard up the creek. At this the colonel in a very abrupt and ungentlemanly manner, said: “D—n you and your house! Forward, march!” The old gentleman turned away sorrowfully, and started for home. This man’s name was Atkinson and he was formerly a member of Congress. [continue reading…]

APRIL 18th.—Cleared away in the night–frost. To-day it clouded up again!

We have an account from the West, to the effect that Forrest stormed Fort Pillow, putting all the garrison, but one hundred, to the sword; there being 700 in the fort—400 negroes.

April, Monday 18, 1864

Well, I expect our days of peace and quiet are over, another squad of Yanks passed—four stoped here, staid until after dinner, and went on back to Memphis—all of them, except one, seemed to be gentlemen, this one was a black abolitionist, oh! how I heartily despise him—I promised to make a Confederate Flag for one of them, Mr. Greer, and he promised he would not reenlist, so I have spent the evening making one, and will give it next time he comes. We were fortunate in their visit, they only ate their Dinner—Forrest was fighting at Columbus, Ky. on yesterday, no particulars. God grant he was successful, and my Bro. is safe.

I have sewed all day, yet not accomplished much – did not stay in the Parlour long after Tea,—no use in my recording why.

Laura and Bettie are improving very fast, recited a very good lesson tonight. The Goslins are a great deal of trouble, Laura and they are fast asleep on her pallet—

My Mother, oh! my Mother, how long must I leave thee, my heart yearns for thy sympathy, thy advice. Oh! God have mercy on me—No news from my dear Miss Em—oh! hasten her arrival—I shudder for my mind—Oh! my dear, my beautiful Savior, have mercy on me—

Sunday, 17th–It is cloudy and quite cool. There was some rain today, but toward evening it cleared off and became quite pleasant. I attended church at the Sparks schoolhouse, where the few members of the Christian church in this settlement have organized a church. They have prayer meeting and communion every Sunday at 10 o’clock, with preaching every fourth Sunday. May God help those who are trying to keep His holy laws, and may He help the churches all over the world, that they may do much good in bringing sinners to repentance and into the service of the Lord their Savior. After services I went home with John Moore, perhaps for the last time this spring. John and I spent the early evening at the home of Mr. William Listenwalter.

April, Sunday 17, 1864

For what? am I liveing?—why is it that I am spared from day to day with no happiness myself, and I am sure my poor weary life adds not moiety of pleasure and happiness to any one in this household. Oh! give me strength, give me patience my blessed redeemer, to receive thy punishment with meekness and humbleness—and faith that in thy own good time all will be well—

Tate and Helen with the children went down to Col. Perkins to spend the day, came home this evening in the rain. Col. Overton came this evening, did not stay many minutes, went to Col. Perkins to meet his friends—

Father, Joanna and I have spent the day alone, indeed I have been all alone, only saw them at dinner—read two books in the Bible—Galations & Ephesians—We heard Forrest had Columbus, Ky, can’t vouch for the correctness of the report—God grant it may be so, and that Eddie is safe – Laura and Bettie said a very good lesson tonight—My Goslins have given me a great deal of trouble—did not stay in the Parlor long after Tea—spent the evening alone as usual, Laura & Tip both sleep—My poor Beulah, I wonder where she is tonight—how much I miss & grieve for her, no one cares, or knows—

APRIL 17th.—Rained until bedtime—then cleared off quite cold. This morning it is cold, with occasional sunshine.

Gen. Beauregard’s instructions to Major-Gen. Anderson in Florida, who has but 8000 men, opposed by 15,000, were referred by the Secretary of War to Gen. Bragg, who returned them with the following snappish indorsement: “The enemy’s strength seems greatly exaggerated, and the instructions too much on the defensive.”

Saturday, 16th–It is clear and quite cool today. My brother John and I went up to Tipton this morning. Things are pretty lively in town; but there are not many of the veterans in today. I went to the harness shop and bought a saddle as a present to father. I called on Mrs. Willey, she and her husband having been good friends of mine. Mr. Willey was a member of the Twenty-fourth Iowa, but died in the spring of ’63 at Milliken’s Bend, above Vicksburg. On our way back home I stopped at the home of Mr. Robedie and took supper with the family.

Engine “Government” [Commodore?] down the “banks” near Brandy, April 1864

Photograph shows a train off the track laying on its side near Brandy Station, Virginia; MEDIUM: 1 photographic print : albumen; CREATED/PUBLISHED: 1864 April; Andrew J. Russell, photographer; Part of Russell’s Military installations, activities, and views, Washington, D.C., Richmond, Va., and vicinity (Library of Congress);

LOC online file: hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.08273

April, Saturday 16, 1864

Another day of excitement—about 30 Yanks passed early this morning, only six came in for their breakfast, they did not feed their horses—they behaved very well, and seemed to be gentlemen, in fact we so seldom see gentlemen among the Yankees that we can appreciate them when they are met with. While the squad with us were sitting on the porch, the squad which went to Mr. Hildebrand’s passed with two of his horses, which they were takeing to Memphis. Anna Nelson came down this morning, the Chicago Times of 12th. has a good letter in it from X—Forrest has left Fort Pillow, having accomplished all he went for—we have not heard where he is or what his movements are, yet are perfectly satisfied that we will have good news from him in a day or two.

Margaret and baby both doing well, she says I may name it, so I have named her “Dixie.” Mr. Rodgers came over this evening. Hal was down today but did not come to see us. We have no news of importance today, I have had a great deal of trouble with my Goslins. Sewed some little, yet feel that I have spent the day with little profit to myself, or anyone else,—beat Tate playing Chess tonight—my little room as usual, my Lamp all right again.

APRIL 16th.—Rained all night, and in fitful showers all day.

We have more accounts (unofficial) of a victory near Shreveport, La. One of the enemy’s gun-boats has been blown up and sunk in Florida.

By late Northern arrivals we see that a Mr. Long, member of Congress, has spoken in favor of our recognition. A resolution of expulsion was soon after introduced.

Gen. Lee has suggested, and the Secretary of War has approved, a project for removing a portion of the population from Richmond into the country. Its object is to accumulate supplies for the army. If some 20,000 could be moved away, it would relieve the rest to some extent.

Troops are passing northward every night. The carnage and carnival of death will soon begin!

Friday, 15th–It is cloudy and quite cool. I harrowed all day, and I think that it is the last day’s work that I shall do on the farm for some time, unless this cruel war soon comes to a close.

There are two families in this locality who are Copperheads and opposed to the war. They are members of the “Knights of the Golden Circle,” but are very quiet at present. They do not, however, give dinners to the returned veterans. About eighteen months ago, they, with some others, north and west from here, were giving the loyal people of the county a great deal of trouble, going so far as to recruit a company of cavalry for the rebel army and drill them at the county seat. Finally, some of our brave soldiers, Tipton boys, home on furlough, made it so hot for the would-be rebel soldiers, that they disbanded, and have not been seen drilling since.

April, Friday 15, 1864

Today I have spent sewing, all for nothing, tried the waiste on tonight and it will not fit at all. I am so disapointed . Mr. Mancoat came this evening from Memphis. Forrest still holds Fort Pillow, the Yanks are frightened to death in Memphis, how I wish we could get possession of our City once more—navigation of the Mississippi above blockaded for the present, and I hope, forever to the Yankees—they have begun to forage on the Country, supplies rather short in Memphis. Just as I was wondering what there was in this day, worth recording, Kate came in and announced to my great surprise, Margaret had a baby. I left her Cabin about an hour ago, she said she had not felt well, and asked me to bring the little Goslins in my room. I have not heard how they are getting along—no one with her except Bettie, Harriet, and Myra. I did not stay in the Parlor long after Tea. Laura and I have spent the evening nursing the Goslins. We heard the sad news that Mr. Gates and Mr. Cy Smith were both dead, belonged to Henderson’s Scouts, captured at a party, died in Alton Prison. Oh! so many of our bravest and best young men are passing away. God spare my Brothers, and bring them safe to the heart of my poor old Father.

APRIL 15th.—Cloudy—slight showers. I published an article yesterday in the Enquirer, addressed to the President, on the subject of supplies for the army and the people (the government to take all the supplies in the country), the annihilation of speculation, and the necessary suppression of the Southern (Yankee) Express Company. This elicited the approval of Col. Northrop, the Commissary-General, who spoke to me on the subject. He told me the Express Company had attempted to bribe him, by offering to bring his family supplies gratis, etc. He said he had carried his point, in causing Gen. Bragg to address him according to military etiquette. He showed me another order from Bragg (through the Adjutant-General), to take possession of the toll meal at Crenshaw’s mills. This he says is contrary to contract, and he was going to the Secretary to have it withdrawn. “Besides,” said he, “and truly, it would do no good. The people must eat, whether they get meal from Crenshaw or not. If not, they will get it elsewhere, and what they do get will be so much diverted from the commissariat.”

There are rumors of the enemy accumulating a heavy force at Suffolk.

The guard at Camp Lee are going in the morning to Lee’s army ; their places here to be filled by the reserve forces of boys and old men. This indicates a battle on the Rapidan.