April 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The sloop Eagle, Capt. BRENNON, laden with upland cotton, tobacco, &c., bound from Savannah for Nassau, got under weigh from her anchorage in St. Augustine Creek, Thursday night, about 8 o’clock, and proceeded to Warsaw Sound to go to sea. While passing Cabbage Island, the Yankee signal corps sent up rockets; no reply having been given to the signals in the Sound, Capt. BRENNON supposed that the coast was clear and that he could proceed to sea. About two o’clock, Friday morning, some two miles inside of Warsaw Sound, the sloop came immediately abreast and within one hundred yards of a three masted Yankee gunboat. The former was immediately put on the beach, Capt. BRENNON and his crew taking to their yawl boat with such of their effects as they could save, the vessel having been previously scuttled and fired. Capt. BRENNON and his crew, after a hard pull against a strong ebb tide, arrived at Thunderbolt about nine o’clock on Friday morning. The Eagle and her cargo was owned by Mr. MARCUS COHEN of Savannah and Mr. A.M. COHEN of Waresboro’, Georgia, and the whole was valued at $5000.

April 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

(CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.)

RICHMOND, Thursday, April 23.

Certain farmers in Powhatan County, in this State, acting as arbitrators under the new law, declared the price of clover hay in that County should be twenty dollars the hundred weight. This went through the regular channels to the War Department, and thence to the Senate, which at once passed an amendment to the effect that when the Government agent is not satisfied of the justice of an arbitration, he shall proceed, nevertheless, to impress the property desired, give a receipt for it, endorsing on the award his reasons for disputing the justice of the price asked, and forwarding the same to the head of his Department, where the dispute shall be decided.

One of our papers is much exorcised at this action, which it denounces as the result of passion, rashness, haste and the want of manful intelligence. The farming and planting interests will not be better pleased. It seems strange there should be trouble about bread and meat, when there is none about the lives offered on the altar of the country. In this State the exchange of commodities has done more to bring out supplies than anything else. Last summer, when salt was offered at the country seats in exchange for bacon, the most incredible quantities came forth. The same would be the case now if the Government could spare sugar in place of salt; but it cannot.

It is well settled here, by men of all shades of opinion, that the war is to go on – the peace party at the North being non-existent or non effective, and the chances of foreign intervention quite as remote as they have even been. Hence there is much casting about for the chances not only of offence but of defence. Victories achieved on our own soil appear [continue reading…]

April 27, 1863, The New York Herald

The news from New Orleans is most important and encouraging. Gen. Banks has done able service in that region, as we announced on Wednesday. The details of this brilliant affair reached us by the Fulton yesterday. Severe battle was fought on Friday, the 17th inst., at the Vermillion Bayou, in which, after a hard contest with the rebel batteries and a strong force of infantry, our troops gained a complete success, driving the enemy from his position, capturing his guns, and taking fifteen hundred prisoners. In addition to this the batteries at Bute la Rose were silenced by our fleet, the valuable salt works of Petite Anse, which supplied the whole interior with this indispensable article, were captured, and a number of the rebel boats were destroyed, during the expedition of General Banks into the Bayou Teche region. Thus the finest portion of Louisiana is at the command of the Union forces, and rebellion in that quarter is tottering.

Meantime the attack upon Cape Girardeau, Mo., by the rebels, under Marmaduke, has not only proved a failure, but a severe defeat for the enemy. After a fight of three hours with General McNeill they were gloriously repulsed. Reinforcements of men and gunboats reached McNeill during the fight, and he is now in a position to maintain himself against another attack. At last accounts the enemy was still retreating. Our loss in killed and wounded was only twenty.

From Tennessee we learn that General Bragg is in occupation of Manchester with a large army. Some deserters state that the Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri troops in Bragg’s army have lately been very mutinous, and much trouble has been experienced in putting it down. The Tennesseeans, it is said, laid down their arms, refusing to do duty. [continue reading…]

No date, first page of letter being lost. Probably April 27, 1863.

We had a snow here on Saturday night which continued yesterday morning and is now about gone. The roads are now in pretty good condition, and if the enemy wish to make the attack, there is, I think, no reason now for deferring it on account of the roads. But, darling, there is no telling when it will be. The future, ever a mystery, is more mysterious now than ever before. Our destiny is in the hands of God, infinite in his justice, goodness and mercy; and I feel that in such time as he may appoint he will give us the blessings of independence and peace. We are a wicked people, and the chastisement which we have suffered has not humbled and improved us as it ought. We have a just cause, but we do not deserve success if those who are here spend this time in blasphemy and wickedness, and those who are at home devote their energies to avarice and extortion. Fasting and prayer by such a people is blasphemy, and, if answered at all, will be by an infliction of God’s wrath, not a dispensation of his mercy.

The future, as you say, darling, is dark enough. Though sound in health and strength, I feel that life to many of us hangs upon a slender thread. Whenever God wills it that mine pass from me, I feel that I can say in calm resignation, “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.” In this feeling I am prepared to go forward in the discharge of my duty, striving to make every act and thought of my life conform to his law, and trusting with implicit faith in the salvation promised through Christ. How I wish that I were better than I feel that I am; that when I close my eyes to-night I might feel certain that every thought, act and feeling of to-morrow would have its motive in love for God and its object in his glory! Well, so it is. Why is it we cannot feel sure that the sins of the past are never to be repeated? May God give me strength to be what I ought to be–to do what I ought to do! And now, darling, good-bye. When we meet again, I hope you will have a better husband– that your prayer and mine may be answered.

April 26th. Commenced with rainy weather, continuing stormy until eight o’clock, A. M., when it cleared off, the sun shining from out of the clouds in all its glory. The rain had cooled and purified the atmosphere to a very pleasant degree, and all enjoyed the change. At ten thirty A. M., called all hands to muster, and performed Divine service on the quarter-deck. As yet no attempt has been made by the enemy to attack us, and I am disposed to believe he has decided under the circumstances that discretion is the better part of valor.

26th. Spent the morning cleaning up the tent clothes and boots. At 11 A. M. went to hear Mr. Brown preach. Was much pleased. Quite disappointed. My only objection was that I had seen him smoke. Read some in Independent. Orders to march at daybreak, so went to bed rather early.

Sunday, 26th–We struck our tents this morning at 5 o’clock and loaded them on the boat and at 2 p. m. with knapsack on took up our march. By night we were within one mile of Richmond, Louisiana, on the railroad running from Vicksburg to Monroe, Louisiana, where we bivouacked for the night.

Sunday, 26th.—Above report confirmed; being in our rear not very pleasant news.

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

Sunday, April 26th.

I am getting well! Bless the Lord, O my soul! Life, health, and happiness dawn on my trembling view again! . . . Dr. Stone came to see me a few hours after I arrived; two days after, he called again; this morning I walked out to meet him when he was announced, and he asked me how my sister was. When I told him I was myself, “God bless my soul! You don’t say so!” he exclaimed, evidently astonished at the resurrection.

APRIL 26th.—This being Sunday I shall hear no news, for I will not be in any of the departments.

There is a vague understanding that notwithstanding the repulse of the enemy at Charleston, still the Federal Government collects the duties on merchandise brought into that port, and, indeed, into all other ports. These importations, although purporting to be conducted by British adventurers, it is said are really contrived by Northern merchants, who send hither (with the sanction of the Federal Government, by paying the duty in advance) British and French goods, and in return ship our cotton to Liverpool, etc., whence it is sometimes reshipped to New York. The duties paid the United States are of course paid by the consumers in the Confederate States, in the form of an additional per centum on the prices of merchandise. Some suppose this arrangement has the sanction of certain members of our government. The plausibility of this scheme (if it really exists) is the fact that steamers having munitions of war rarely get through the blockading fleet without trouble, while those having only merchandise arrive in safety almost daily. Gen. D. Green intimates that Mr. Memminger, and Frazer & Co., Charleston, are personally interested in the profits of heavy importations.

April 26, 1863, Peoria Morning Mail (Illinois)

You have put the children to bed, Alice–
            Maude, and Willie, and Rose,
They have lisped their sweet “Our Father,”
            And sunk to their night’s repose.
Did they think of me, dear Alice?
            Did they think of me and say,
“God bless him, and God bless him,
            Dear father, far away!”

O, my very heart grows sick, Alice,
            I long so to behold
Rose, with her pure white forehead,
            And Maud with her curls of gold;
And Willie, so gay and sprightly,
            So merry and full of glee–
O, my heart yearns to enfold ye,
            My smiling group of three.

I can bear the noisy day, Alice–
            The camp life, gay and wild,
Shuts from my yearning bosom
            The thoughts of wife and child.
But when the night is round me,
            And under its strong beams,
I gather my cloak about me,
            I dream such long, sad dreams! [continue reading…]

April 25th. At five A. M., hove up anchor and continued on our way up the river, now and then coming to for the purpose of destroying flat-boats and sugar manufactories which were supplying the rebels with sugar and molasses whenever we were not bobbing around in the vicinity. Their cake is now all dough, since hereafter we will have one or two steamers patroling the river all the time. At two o’clock, P. M., brought ship to anchor off the mouth of Red River, Albatross and ram Switzerland making fast ahead inshore.

25th. Played chess with Chester. One game ahead. Was down to see Charlie, writing to Will Hudson. Mr. Brown preached in the evening at the church. Read Fantine in “Les Miserables.” Much more interested than at first. Splendid. In the evening wrote to Delos. This is his birthday, “B. F.” anniversary.

Saturday, 25th–Our division received orders to get ready to March. All the sick are being taken to the hospital and we are storing our supplies^[1] upon the boat. We have to go in light marching order, one tent to each company and with five days’ rations.

[1] Tents and extra baggage.–A. G. D.

Saturday, 25th.—Heard Yankees had torn up railroad between Jackson and Meridian.

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

APRIL 25th.—We have bad news from the West. The enemy (cavalry, I suppose) have penetrated Mississippi some 200 miles, down to the railroad between Vicksburg and Meridian. This is in the rear and east of Vicksburg, and intercepts supplies. They destroyed two trains. This dispatch was sent to the Secretary of War by the President without remark. The Enquirer this morning contained a paragraph stating that Gen. Pemberton was exchanging civilities with Gen. Sherman, and had sent him a beautiful bouquet! Did he have any conception of the surprise the enemy was executing at the moment? Well, Mississippi is the President’s State, and if he is satisfied with Northern generals to defend it, he is as likely to be benefited as any one else.

Gen. Beauregard is urging the government to send more heavy guns to Savannah.

I saw an officer to-day just from Charleston. He says none of the enemy’s vessels came nearer than 900 yards of our batteries, and that the Northern statements about the monitors becoming entangled with obstructions are utterly false, for there were no obstructions in the water to impede them. But he says one of the monitors was directly over a torpedo, containing 4000 pounds of powder, which we essayed in vain to ignite.

April 25, 1863, The New York Herald

Our Milliken’s Bend Correspondence.

MILLIKEN’S BEND, La., April 17, 1863.

Last night the long anticipated attempt to force a passage of the batteries at Vicksburg was undertaken with eminent success. Several days since it was determined that, in one grand and combined movement, a sufficient number of transports and gunboats to give us control of the river below should be sent there, in order to co-operate with the land force already in a position to push the crisis of the campaign to an end. In view of this, the Benton, as flagboat, The Tuscumbia, Lafayette, Pittsburg, Louisville, Carondelet, the ram General Price and three transports – the Forest Queen, Silver Wave and Henry Clay – were put in readiness to execute their dangerous mission.

At half-past ten the boats left their moorings at the mouth of the Yazoo and steamed down the river, the Benton, bearing Admiral Porter, taking the lead. The order of succession was left as circumstances might require, the flagboat taking the advance and the Tuscumbia the rear; then followed the transports.

Upon rounding the point and appearing in good range, the batteries above the town immediately opened fire with more noise than effect. As the boats approached the point opposite the town, a terrible concentrated fire of the centre, upper and lower batteries, both water and bluff, was directed upon the channel, which here ran within one hundred yards of the shore. At the same moment innumerable floats of turpentine and other combustible materials were set ablaze, some merely to give light, others in hopes of setting fire to some of the boats of the fleet. These lights were all located or set adrift from the Louisiana side, on the point, which, it seems, in view of an attempt to run the blockade was occupied by a small party of the enemy, specially designed for the purpose. In the face of all this fire, all the boats save one made their way with but little loss of men or material. [continue reading…]

April 25, 1863, The New York Herald

We give very full particulars today of the abandonment of the siege of Washington, N.C., by the rebels, the destruction of their earthworks by our troops, and the inexhaustible perseverance of General Foster’s gallant command in holding out with only twelve hundred men against a force of seventeen thousand, and finally compelling them to retire. General Foster has again returned to Newbern, everything being quiet in his army. General Naglee made a brilliant dash upon the rear guard of the enemy as they were retiring in the direction of Greenville, on the 8th inst., completely scattering them, and taking several prisoners.

We give in another column a list of the killed and wounded at Suffolk and on the Nansemond, in the fights of the 19th, 20th and 21st instant. It is estimated that the rebel loss is at least eight to our one. The battery captured from the rebels on the 30th instant has been removed to a place of safety, and can be turned upon the enemy to good advantage when required.

The late Southern papers to the 21st instant contain some interesting news from the Southwest. The Richmond Whig of that date, on the authority of a despatch from Jackson, Miss., says that the rebel General Chalmer’s command has repulsed four thousand of our cavalry, artillery and infantry, at Coldwater; that the Union troops retreated in great haste and confusion, General Chalmers pursuing energetically.

The same journal reviews the late attack on Charleston, and scoffs at the idea of its having been merely a reconnoissance. It regards it as the best attack the Union forces were able to make after two years’ preparation. It says:– “We whip them so easily that it is hard to distinguish between their battles and their reconnoissances, their fights and their feints. It was not to be supposed that little Beauregard would in two hours and thirty minutes by the watch have repulsed and defeated a grand assault that was two years preparing. But he did.” [continue reading…]

April 25, 1863, Standard (Clarksville, Texas)

Fort Arbuckle
Indian Territory
March 30^th 1863

Dear Standard:–

            On yesterday (Sunday) morning, the 29^th rode into Arbuckle, and took formal possession relieving Capt. Scanland and Squadron, who had held possession for the previous two months.

            There was a high wind blowing, and our battle flag floated out in its full dimensions, as we rode up the hill our trumpet sounding, the small garrison gathered around lazily to look at the newcomers.  Our column filed into the central square of the Post, was halted and dismounted and stood by their horses until arrangements for occupancy were perfected, by the examination and selection of quarters.  On the previous evening the Col. and Capt. Hooks of Red River had called upon Capt. Scarland, and the Col. issued the order relieving Capt. Scarland, who commenced preparations for his departure.–We came here with two companies, Co. D, Capt. Hooks, and Co. I, Capt. Elliott; having left Co. K Capt. Warren at Tishemingo, to scout for runaway negroes and other depredators.  A day or two previous to our arrival, Gov. Harris of the Chickisaws, with a small party, had come upon some runaway negroes, killed two, and captured three.  All trains from Washita to Arbuckle travel with scouts.  We found encamped in the vicinity, Co. B Capt. Wilson and Co. H Capt. Brown, who were sent down on the Red River line, this morning and will be replaced here by four other companies.  Capt. Warren will also come up in a few days, and four or five companies will be thrown forward to Elm Springs 30 miles above here, and scout across the country westward.  We shall investigate the statement about the big camp of Indians on the Canadian.  Our Colonel holds a conference day after to morrow, with Chiefs of the Seminoles, Osages, Comanches, Ionies, Anadachoes, Caddoes, and Tonkoways.  He will meet them at Cherokee-town about 15 miles north of this, and will be accompanied by an escort.  He has all necessary authority to make all desirable arrangements and alliances with them; and it is understood that they have long waited his coming, having been informed that he would bring a force sufficiently imposing for protection.  The Indians named are not numerous, but useful allies for frontier protection.–The Tonkaways were nearly exterminated by the Comanches last year.  The tongs have invariably been friends of the Texans.  One of them a very sensible looking old fellow, who calls himself “Jeff Davis” came with two squaws to our camp below Washita, and asked for the “big captain,” and after obtaining rations for himself and family; presented a hair rope of his own manufacture to the Col; his presentation address being “me–give you.”  Of course he knew, that to a cavalry [continue reading…]

April 25, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

Despatches from Port Hudson on the 17th state that Farragut had gone up the river with the Hartford, Albatross and Switzerland. This move is no doubt in conjunction with that of Admiral Porter, above, in sending the eight gunboats down to Vicksburg on Thursday night. If the gunboats which passed Vicksburg succeed in joining Farragut’s forces, there will certainly be warm work at Grand Gulf. Our batteries there have been greatly strengthened since Farragut passed that point.

The concentration of thirty thousand troops at Corinth, and the sending of thirteen regiments designed to act as cavalry in Mississippi, denote that the Federals have adopted a new plan, or revived an old one, of flanking Vicksburg by way of Jackson. Let the enemy’s object be what it may, one fact is certain – there will be stirring times at an early day in Mississippi, involving events in which the fate of this struggle may be virtually decided.

The enemy has laid waste everything on the west side of Deer Creek for a distance of thirty miles. On the east side but little was done, Colonel Ferguson having destroyed all the bridges, thus preventing their advance. Every gin and all the fodder and corn from Smith & Hood’s to Dr. Thomas’, has been destroyed, and five or six hundred negros carried away, together with hundreds of horses and mules. Major Lee, father-in-law of Col. Ferguson, fared better than any planter on the route, losing but two or three negros. Some of the Yankee officers proposed marrying his house servants, if they would go off with them, but the negros preferred being the slaves of Major Lee to being the wives of Yankees. Numerous other acts of vandalism were perpetrated by them, which we have not space to enumerate.

The Vicksburg Whig of the 18th gives some additional particulars of the late passage of Federal gunboats by our batteries at that point. The fleet consisted of the gunboats Benton, General Price, Cincinnati and Tuscumbia; rams Aleck Scott and Lafayette, and transports Henry Clay, Forest Queen and Silver Wave – the latter a stern wheel steamer. The Henry Clay was among the first boats to come down, but ere she passed Hoadley’s guns it was discovered she was in a sinking [continue reading…]

April 25, 1863, (Marshall) Texas Republican
            Having made vigorous efforts to procure printing paper from beyond the Mississippi river, we shall make another as early as it can be got through.  The latest accounts are of a very discouraging character.  One of the largest paper mills in the Confederacy has been recently burned down, and others are about to close for the want of material to make paper.  The Montgomery Mail contains a very gloomy article on the subject of paper.  Many newspapers, it states, will have to suspend, and the most fortunate to diminish their size.  We have sufficient paper for our present dimensions to last until the first of August.

April 25, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

FROM RICHMOND.

RICHMOND., April 24. – The Baltimore Sun of the 21st says that Colonel Zarvona has been exchanged, and, with other prisoners, is now on his way South.

R.O. DICKSON, Clerk of the House of Representatives, was killed today by one of his assistants, R.E. FORD, of Kentucky. The shooting occurred at the corner of Bank and Tenth streets, and caused great excitement.

FROM MISSISSIPPI.

PANOLA, MISS., APRIL 23. – The enemy has been reinforced, and is advancing southward. CHALMERS advanced to Hernando, but fell back before the enemy. He is now here, having retreated without loss of any kind.

FROM TENNESSEE.

CHATTANOOGA, APRIL 23. – Further advices from the front confirm the news that the enemy is in position at McMinnville. He burned the cotton factories and a quantity of stores. It is reported that the enemy has withdrawn a column of 2000 men at Beach Grove, eight miles from Wartrace. Heavy skirmishing is going on; but no general engagement is anticipated.

April 25, 1863, The New York Herald

NEWBERN, N.C., April 21, 1863.

The rebels have abandoned their attack on Washington, N.C., giving it up as a hopeless task. The fortitude and plucky perseverance with which General Foster and his little band of twelve hundred men held out successfully and kept at bay for many days and nights seventeen thousand of the enemy constitute an achievement without a parallel in the history of the war, and one which has endeared this popular and victorious leader still more strongly to his command.

Gen. Heckman’s brigade, which arrived here from Port Royal, with the rest of Gen. Foster’s troops still at that place, are so anxious to return to this department that they offer to re-enlist for the war if they can be allowed to return to the Old North State and fight under their old commander.

An order was promulgated on the 18th inst. by Gen. Foster ordering all the rebel sympathizers and government paupers outside of our lines.

Gen. Naglee and staff arrived here from New York last Tuesday, and left the next day at the head of an expedition in pursuit of the enemy. The return of this gallant and distinguished hero was the occasion of a flattering ovation. After a successful operation against the rebels he returned this day to this place with the commander of the department.

Rebel deserters are coming in daily. They confirm the reports of disaffection and starvation in the rebel army.

April 24th. Commences with pleasant, warm weather. This afternoon, signalizing to vessels of lower fleet. Received a mail from sloop-of-war Richmond during the day, across the point of land, which separated us from vessels of our fleet below, and which gladdened the hearts of many, or of all those who were so fortunate as to receive a letter from home and friends most dear. At five P. M. hove up anchor again, and steamed up river. At seven P. M. brought ship to anchor a short distance above Bayou Sara. Albatross and ram Switzerland anchored astern.