Friday, 16th–Nothing of importance has taken place today, but I think we will have a fight soon. We have plenty of rations, but the drinking water is very poor. The health of the men is better, however, since we have become more active, and the men are getting back their old-time vigor. Some of the boys who have been sick are now returning to the regiment. Major Abercrombie is in command of the regiment while Colonel Hare and Lieutenant-Colonel Hall are at home recovering from wounds received at Shiloh.

May 16th. After discharging through the night a line was attached to a kedge off our quarter, and a gunboat hauling at the same time, started her from the sand, and at ten o’clock the Hartford was again a thing of life. The day was spent in reloading.

16th. Rain obliged us to arise at five. Stayed under the wagon a while. Then went to the creek to wash. Reveille blew just before I got back. Lt. Hubbard arrested Brooks and me because somebody had wanted us and could not find us. Released us as soon as we came into camp. Rode partly on the wagons and walked some. Seemed good to get back to Fort Scott again. Found two letters from home.

We Go Out Making Calls.

May 16. For some time past the pickets of the 17th Massachusetts have been a good deal troubled by being fired on in the night. The enemy’s cavalry would come down, a few of them dismount and creeping up would fire on them. They would sometimes have cow bells with them, in order to divert attention and get nearer. But the boys soon learned that dodge, and when they heard a cow bell, would draw their straightest bead on it and let fly. In this state of affairs it was thought best to make those fellows a call, and if they wanted anything of us to give them an opportunity to take it. So, yesterday morning, we marched out to the Trent road, where we joined the 17th Massachusetts, with five companies of the 3d New York cavalry and a section of a battery the whole under command of Col. Amory, of the 17th. The cavalry taking the advance, we marched up the road a couple of miles, coming to a deep gully or ravine; crossing this, the advance cavalry guard soon came upon the enemy’s pickets, driving them in and beyond their station into a swamp, where they formed an ambuscade, thinking there was only a small cavalry force and that they might capture them. By this time the infantry had come up to their rendezvous, which was a large, nice house, with ample barn room for their horses. Thinking this was too good accommodation for them and too near our line, it was set on fire and burned. We now heard firing ahead and hurried on. They had closed around the advance cavalry guard, and commenced the fight. The other companies being close by soon took a hand in it and were giving them about all they wanted when the infantry came up. When they saw the infantry and artillery they took to their heels towards Trenton, a small village a few miles distant.

Col. Upton wanted to follow them up and give them some more, but Col. Amory being in command, thought we had accomplished our purpose and had better return. In this skirmish the enemy lost eight killed and two prisoners, one of them wounded. Our cavalry had two wounded. The wounded men were brought out and loaded into an ambulance. When they brought out the wounded rebel they put down the stretcher on which he was lying near where I was standing. He was a smooth-faced, fair-haired boy, and was moaning piteously with pain from a bullet wound in his head, and asking himself what his mother would say when she heard of it. His thoughts turned on his home and of his mother. I pitied the boy, but could not help thinking, as a cavalryman told him, he should have thought of that before being caught here., We arrived back in camp late in the afternoon, tired, hungry and covered with mud. I reckon they will not disturb our pickets any more at present in the way they have done. Creeping up in the dark and firing on a lone picket is mean and cowardly. If they want anything of us let them come in force and get it; that is proper and honorable.

16th [May] Spartanburg St John’s College left wing.

       Mr Grimball moved us up here last week we hired a car for $75 and brought some furniture and all our clothes and some bedding and have established ourselves here, we hope only for the summer but it may be longer.

       The Journey was performed comfortably and we had to remain 2 days at the Hotel as our things were not taken out. Papa & Mrs B. were there and our rooms were ready. We thankfully left it on Monday for I hate a Hotel life and we are now as comfortably fixed as circumstances will allow. The building is not entirely finished we have the use of 2 large rooms, up stayrs , and a turret room large enough for Harry to sleep in, there are down stayrs 3 rooms and one a very large one which we make by using screens left here, a pantry, dining room, and drawing room. The supply of articles of food excentric , and as yet no appearance of any quantity.

       Mr Wilkins came up with her daughters soon after us, she declined sharing with us the college as she said the accomodation for the servants would not answer. They have two large kitchens, and one very large room which has the two ends cut off for Josey & Adam & their wives, and Patsy & Peggy & the 5 children sleep in the middle of the Hotel as Peggy calls it. Mrs Wilkinses servants came here at first and it was very crowded, and rather noisy. Maria, a little girl they had in the house died here, she was very ill when she left Charleston and might have died in the cars. Mrs W. hired some rooms for her servants, and they have moved away. She is at the Walker House with her daughters they find it not nice, every one complains.—Most people stay a few days and then locate themselves, she is trying to do so.—

       Mr Grimball had a very sudden and violent attack the other night and I sent for Dr Boyed, he sent me a powder to administer morphyne , and said he had a very sick child, and no one to leave it with. I prefered he should see Mr Grimball, and sent in a servant to take charge of the child, he after a time came up here and prescribed. The attack he said was gravel, he cupped Mr Grimball and with the Morphyne he was relieved. He went to Charleston to day , intending to see Dr Geddings.—

       The boys write pleasantly from the Marions, William has been disappointed in getting a Commission, John is on board the Arkansas the Confederate Ram on the Mississippi.—

       Up here there are no outside shutters and we have to hang curtains to all the windows, and in my room there are the white curtains I had soon after I was married, nailed up to the windows.—I hope Mr Grimball will soon come back. Papa and Mrs Butler propose coming up here and joining us in house keeping. I hope it will act pleasantly and lessen our expense.

       Just before we left Town Mr Rose notified me he had received $1360 for me, it is kept in his bank until called for that is a little sum in reserve I hope we may be able to get on.—

May 16th, 1862.—There is light skirmishing around Richmond, so say last night’s papers; somebody is killed in these skirmishes—God help the South. A letter from Grandpa insists that Sister Mag and Sister Mart stop with him at Enfield; trains to and from Richmond pass his home every day and night and daily news from the front comes from reliable people. If Brother Amos should be wounded she could get to him right away. Then, too, it is almost impossible to procure accommodations in Richmond, it is so crowded at present with the divisions of the army, changing from point to point. Sister Mag wrote at once accepting his invitation; it hurts me so to think I cannot see my darling Grandpa; he cannot come to Florida, while this war is going on.

Susan Bradford is 16 years old when this entry was made.

Friday, May 16.

We have hundreds of dollars sent to us to spend “for the soldiers.” Mr. Wm. Aspinwall, for one, sent Jane a cheque for $250. Now how shall we lay it out, so as to be most useful? Dr. G. said it made him heartsick, as it would us, to see the destitution and suffering of those men brought in at Yorktown. It makes me heartsick to think of it, and the only comfort is in knowing that if the condition of the men is horrible as it is, what would it be if nothing were done–if there were no Sanitary Commission. Take away all that voluntary effort has done for the army and what light would the government appear in before the world? Shamefully inefficient and neglectful!

Dr. Grymes shook Mother warmly by the hand to-day as we went on board the Daniel Webster, and said, “We can’t do without your children. We fight for them down there, to know whether they shall go up on the boats or stay at Yorktown, but on the whole, they are more useful where they are. Your son, too, is very busy and is indispensable.” I hope you will all three manage soon to be together and have the comfort of each other’s help, and keep each other in check from doing too much. Jane says she has awful dreams about Georgy, that the other night a message came that she was ill with hasty typhoid fever followed by paralysis from over-exertion! There, Georgy, is a catalogue of evils for you.

Uncle Edward is ready to do anything on earth. He sent by the Daniel Webster 75 canton flannel shirts which he thought would be useful for typhoid men brought in from camp. Up here, he says, they are sure to be taken care of after a while. He bought also eighty dollars worth of cotton pocket handkerchiefs, half of which I sent by Mrs. Trotter; etc., etc. He brought here for Jane to dispose of six jugs of very old port wine, each half a gallon, which he had decanted himself. Jane says that shall be distributed under her own eye.

We saw your red flag, I suppose it was, that you spent Sunday in making, flying at the peak of the Daniel Webster. . . . After the hundred canton flannel bed gowns were all made they told us they were too long for sick men and too heavy for fever patients. . . . Mother is extremely anxious to go on one of these trips of the Daniel Webster, and urges my consent! I generally evade the subject, for I think it would be too severe service. Don’t you need stepladders for climbing to upper berths? Have you got them?

Friday, May 16, 1862.

I don’t know where to date my letter. We left Highland yesterday, and are now on the road to Harrisonburg, seven or eight miles from the Augusta line. We have had three days’ rain, and still a cloudy sky threatening more rain. The road is now very bad, and as every wagon which passes makes it deeper, it will soon be impassable. The weather is worse upon us than last winter. Then the ground was frozen and we had the satisfaction at least of being dry–having dry clothes and dry blankets. But now everything is wet and we have no tents. It has had no happy effect upon my health. Yesterday I left the brigade to stay in a house a few days, but think I shall join it again to-morrow.

We had constant expectation of a fight while we were in Pendleton. We supposed Jackson would certainly make the attack on the morning after we reached Franklin, and every one was surprised when we turned to march in this direction. No one ever knows where he is going or what his plans are. I suppose his destination now is the Valley, where he will consolidate with Ewell and move towards Winchester. But at present, I think, he will be disposed to give his troops a week’s rest. They need it badly, as they have been marching for nearly three weeks since they left their last encampment.

We have not yet had an election in our regiment for field officers, and I feel more unsettled than ever before. I am not sure that I will be elected, and not sure that I will not. If I were elected by a mere majority, and knew that I did not have the good-will of a large portion of my regiment, I am not sure that I would want the place. I have been absent from the regiment on detached service of one kind and another, and when with them I have always been disposed to be rather rigid. The two causes combined have not given me a strong hold upon their affections. So you see I am rather perplexed with doubts –don’t know which end of the road to take, if either. Whatever be the result, I trust I shall do nothing to forfeit the good opinion of my friends; and if I return home, it will be for reasons which now and hereafter shall meet the approval of my judgment. I wish heartily the election was over and I knew my destiny.

(The election was soon after this held under what was known as the “Disorganization Act” of the Confederate Congress, and Major Paxton, with many other officers whose strict and wholesome discipline was not relished by their men, failed to be reelected. He was thus relieved from any further obligation to continue in the service, but his heart was too much in the cause to permit him to abandon the army at such a time. He accepted a place on the staff of his old commander, General Jackson, as a volunteer aide without pay, and in this capacity took part in the seven days’ fight before Richmond. After a brief visit to his home, on July 22,1862, he returned to the army to resume his position as volunteer aide on Jackson’s staff.)

16th.–Quiet at White House. Nothing worthy of note.

Camp, Mouth Of East River, Giles County, Virginia,

May 15, 1862.

Dear Mother: – We have marched a great many miles through this mountain region since I last wrote you. We have had some fighting, some excitement, and a great deal to do. We are now in a strong position. General Cox commands the army, about five thousand strong, in this vicinity. We feel pretty safe, although the success of our arms at the East seems to be driving the enemy to these mountains in greater strength than before.

The scenery is finer than any we have before seen. How you would enjoy the views from my tent. In sight, at the bottom of the hill the Twenty-third is camped on, runs New River, a stream larger than the Connecticut at Brattleboro, then a beautiful cultivated country along its banks, and steep high mountains bounding the scene on all sides. I am afraid I am ruined for living in the tame level country of Ohio.

The reports indicate that the Rebellion is going under very rapidly. If no serious disaster befalls us the struggle will hardly outlast the summer.

I shall write very rarely. You will hear by telegraph all important news of us. I think of you and all the dear ones often –constantly.

Affectionately,

R. B. Hayes

Mrs. Sophia Hayes.

Same Camp, Thursday, May 15, 1862. – Cloudy and threatening rain. Several warm showers during the day. Firing between pickets constantly going on two or three miles down the river. We send out two or three companies and a howitzer or six-pounder to bang away, wasting ammunition. If the enemy is enterprising he will capture some of these parties and perhaps a cannon.

Still in Camp near Corinth, Miss., May 15, 1862.

It seems to me that we are a long time in bringing this “muss a la probable” to a focus. What under the sun our Halleck is waiting for we can’t guess. One hour’s march will commence the struggle now and you don’t know how anxious we are for that little trip. Buell and Thomas have both thrown up long lines of earthworks to fall back behind if repulsed, I suppose. We have nothing of that kind in our division. We have all been under marching orders since morning, and Assistant Secretary of War Scott told the colonel last night that the battle would commence to-day—but he lied. Talk is to-night again that Corinth is evacuated. The main body of our army moved up within three miles to-day. My battalion has been out since daylight this morning, but we have been lying at ease near Pope’s headquarters all day waiting for orders. I came back to camp to stay to-night because I had no blanket with me and there was no possibility of any more before morning. Have a sore foot now. My confounded horse fell down with me in a creek the other day, threw me out on the bank in a bunch of blackberry bushes and then crawled out over me, stepped on my foot in the melee by way of showing sympathy, I suppose. It don’t hurt my appetite any and hasn’t put me off duty.

15th.—It is now ascertained beyond doubt that my nephew, W. B. N., reported “missing,” at Williamsburg, is a prisoner in the enemy’s hands. We are very anxious for his exchange, but there seems some difficulty in effecting it. His father, accompanied by Colonel Robertson, of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, called to see the President a few nights ago, hoping to do something for him. The President had just returned from a long ride to inspect the fortifications. In answer to their card, he desired to see the gentlemen in his study, where he was reclining on a sofa, apparently much fatigued, while Mrs. Davis sat at a table engaged in some fine needle-work. The President immediately arose and received the gentlemen most courteously, introducing them to Mrs. D. Colonel R. stated the object of the visit, saying that Captain N. was one of the very best officers of his rank in the army, and that his services were almost indispensable to his regiment, and urged the President to use every effort to procure his exchange. His father seconded the request with the warmth natural to a parent under such circumstances. The President seemed deeply interested in the subject, and regretted that nothing could then be done, as there was a difficulty pending between the belligerents on the subject of exchange; as soon as that difficulty was removed he would, with pleasure, do all in his power to procure the exchange. Mrs. Davis listened with much interest to the conversation, and her feelings became warmly interested. She said that her husband was a father, and would feel deep sympathy; but if, in the pressure of public business, the subject should pass from his mind, she would certainly remind him of it. She made a very favourable impression on the minds of these gentlemen, who had never seen her before, by her ease” of manner, agreeable conversation, and the kindness of heart which she manifested. After a most pleasant interview of an hour, the visitors arose to take leave, but Mrs. Davis invited them with so much cordiality to remain to take a cup of tea with them, which, she said, was then coming up, that they could not decline. The servant brought in the tea-tray, accompanied by some light refreshment. Mrs. D. poured out the tea for the company of four. The scene reminded them of the unpretending and genial hospitality daily witnessed in the families of Virginia.

Thursday, 15th–We were expecting to be attacked today by the rebels making a charge on our front line and were ordered to fall in with two days’ rations in our haversacks. We marched out about a mile, and forming a line of battle, remained there till dark—about six hours—when we moved toward the right wing and up to camp. The entire right wing of the army has moved around farther to the right.

May 15th. Was spent in exertions to get our ship afloat. A gunboat was dispatched for a lighter, and we commenced discharging our battery on board a gunboat, and shell on board a steamer, also coal into a lighter.

15th. Thursday. Archie and I cooked a respectable meal. Took our ease until five P. M. Then we marched again. Reached East Drywood at midnight. Capt. Stanhope and Lt. Rush were ahead and were chased by thirty jay hawkers. Column halted. I went on with the advance two or three miles, no sign of any men.

MAY 15th.—The enemy’s gun-boats, Monitor, Galena, etc. are at Drewry’s Bluff, eight miles below the city, shelling our batteries, and our batteries are bravely shelling them. The President rode down to the vicinity this morning, and observed the firing.

The guns are heard distinctly in the city, and yet there is no consternation manifested by the people. If the enemy pass the obstructions, the city will be, it is true, very much at their mercy. They may shell us out of it, and this may occur any hour. South of the city the enemy have no forces, and we can find refuge there. I suppose the government would go to Lynchburg. I shall remain with the army, and see that the tobacco be burnt, at all hazards, according to law. I have seen some of our generals, and am convinced that the Baltimore rabble, and those that direct them, will be suppressed, or exterminated, if they attempt to throw impediments in the way of our soldiers in the work of destroying the tobacco, as enjoined by Congress.

Our marksmen will keep up an incessant fire into the port-holes of the gun-boats; and if it be at all practicable, we will board them. So hope is by no means extinct. But it is apprehended, if the enemy get within shelling distance of the city, there will be an attack along our lines by McClellan. We must beat him there, as we could never save our guns, stores, etc. retreating across the river. And we will beat him, for we have 80,000 men, and more are coming.

Joyful tidings! the gun-boats have been repulsed! A heavy shot from one of our batteries ranged through the Galena from stem to stern, making frightful slaughter, and disabling the ship; and the whole fleet turned about and steamed down the river! We have not lost a dozen men. We breathe freely; and the government will lose no time in completing the obstructions and strengthening the batteries.

May 15, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENCE.)

RICHMOND, Monday, May 12.

On the street you are told that the great fight which is to decide the fate of Richmond, will certainly come off today, and some go so far as to declare that they can hear the cannonading now (11 a.m.) going on. It may be so, if JOHNSTON has made the attack. McCLELLAN is cautious, and now that Norfolk is given up, his plan would be to advance in the direction of Petersburg before giving battle on the Peninsula, so as to divide our forces. Two of Johnston’s divisions had crossed the Chickahominy Swamp and the others were crossing, when McClellan pressed the rear so hard that he was compelled to recall the two that had crossed, and make a stand with the swamp in his rear, with only two narrow bridges to facilitate his passage. I learn that he protested against going to the Peninsula, but Davis forced him to it. Instead of attacking McClellan at once, as the whole army desired, he began to dig dirt, and now we see the end of it. The retreat from Yorktown would have added fresh laurels to his reputation, if he had succeeded in crossing the swamp.

The Enquirer notifies the Confederacy that the attack on Grant at Shiloh was made under the instructions of the President. This proves Davis’ unapproachable wisdom, according to the Enquirer. The idea of fighting one army in preference to two, of course, would not have occurred to anybody else. Soldiers from Beauregard’s army complain that his hands are tied; and it is in everybody’s mouth that Jackson’s last despatch to the War Department was, ‘Send me more men and no more orders.’ Administration organs may grind out flattery as much as they please; but the day will come when military men will have an opportunity to vindicate themselves and the truth.

I have nothing in regard to the victories of Jackson and Heth which will not reach you in the papers. You may be sure that whole of Millroy’s army is not and will not be […..], for the simple reason that most Yankees have as many legs as a centipede. Among the missiles used by the enemy at Williamsburg were miniature bombs, about the size of a man’s thumb, and filled with shot. They explode on striking an object, are intended to blow up caissons, and are shot from a peculiar rifled gun. We had an invention of this sort at Manassas, but it failed. A captain came up yesterday, and declared that in the fight on Friday evening we captured 300 prisoners. Nobody else ever heard of the fight. Whole trains of stragglers have been sent back to Johnston, but still the hotels, streets and the streets leading to the city, are filled with them. The resident population of Richmond is estimated at 75,000 or 80,000, and provisions are so dear and high that we have to send away on parole all the Yankee prisoners, to keep from feeding them. Two soldiers were murdered last week by Baltimore Plugs. It is said the President has gone down to the big fight. Hope it is true.

HERMES.

Off Yorktown, May 15

. . . It is now midnight. Knapp and two supply boats started five hours ago for the sick at Bigelow’s Landing. Two of the ladies are with him; the rest are giving beef tea and brandy and water to the sick on the Knickerbocker, who have been put into clean beds. Drs. Ware and Swan are in attendance, aided most efficiently by Wheelock and Haight. Mr. Collins is executive officer on the boat, and Mr. Woolsey, clerk, taking charge of the effects of the soldiers.”

And later from Miss Wormeley:

“We all take the greatest interest in Charley’s letter. He writes well, just what he sees and thinks about and throws genuine light on other accounts.”

15th.–A raw unpleasant day. Hard rain, with east wind. We do not march, and in consequence of the heavy rain we may be compelled to remain here several days. The enemy is in force on the Chickahominy, and the two armies are gathering their hosts within ten or fifteen miles of each other, probably for a final struggle. The crisis approaches, and how the army pants for the time when they are to try conclusions! It was much worn out by the long delay at Camp Griffin. The detention at Warwick Creek was by no means refreshing, and now they naturally feel that every day’s delay is irksome.

Camp near Mouth East River, Giles County, May 14, 1862. Wednesday. – Rained violently last night; not a bad morning, however. Rumors of defeat of General Milroy up northeast by Stonewall Jackson. Don’t believe it. If true, it is not very important, if the taking of Norfolk holds out. We ought to catch the whole Rebel army near Richmond. With gunboats at West Point up York River, up James River, and so on, we must have that whole region soon. We now have a base of operations close up to the enemy’s right. – Rain in violent storms during the day two or three times.

No bread; men want crackers. Transportation insufficient. But for the large quantities of bacon we get in this neighborhood, we should suffer. General Cox with Second Brigade is at Napoleon French’s, six or seven miles from here. Will be here tomorrow. General McClellan within twenty miles of Richmond! The crisis is now at hand. If no serious disaster occurs in the next ten days, the Rebel cobhouse tumbles speedily and forever!

May 14.—The anxiety of all classes for the safety of Richmond is now intense, though a strong faith in the goodness of God and the valour of our troops keeps us calm and hopeful. A gentleman, high in position, panic-struck, was heard to exclaim, yesterday: “Norfolk has fallen, Richmond will fall, Virginia is to be given up, and to-morrow I shall leave this city, an exile and a beggar.” Others are equally despondent, and, as is too frequently the case in times of trouble, attribute all our disasters to the incompetency and faithlessness of those entrusted with the administration of public affairs. Even General Lee does not escape animadversion, and the President is the subject of the most bitter maledictions. I have been shocked to hear that a counter-revolution, if not openly advocated, has been distinctly foreshadowed, as the only remedy for our ills. The public authorities of Richmond, greatly moved by the defenceless condition of the city, appointed a committee, and appropriated funds to aid in completing the obstructions at Drury’s Bluff. The Legislature also appointed a committee to wait upon the President and ascertain the progress of the work. A member of this committee, a near connection of mine, has given me an account of their interview with Mr. Davis. He received them, as is his invariable custom, with marked cordiality and respect. The subject was opened by the chairman of the Senate Committee, who stated the object of the mission, and made appropriate inquiries for information. The President proceeded to give a distinct narrative of the progress of the work, expressed his great desire for its early completion, and regretted, that the natural difficulties arising from frequent freshets in the river, which the efforts of man could not overcome, had rendered the progress of the work slow. He said he had just returned from a visit to the Bluff, accompanied by General Lee; and having heard complaints against the man in charge of the work, he had discharged him, and had appointed another, strongly recommended for efficiency. That the flood was now subsiding, and he thought he could assure the committee that the obstruction of the river would be complete in twenty-four hours. At this point the door-bell rang, and General Lee was announced. “Ask General Lee in,” said the President. The servant returned, saying that the General wished to see the President for a few moments in the ante-room. The President retired, met General Lee and the Secretary of the Navy, and soon [continue reading…]

MAY 14th.—Our army has fallen back to within four miles of Richmond. Much anxiety is felt for the fate of the city. Is there no turning point in this long lane of downward progress? Truly it may be said, our affairs at this moment are in a critical condition. I trust in God, and the chivalry and patriotism of the South in the field.

The enemy’s fleet of gun-boats are ascending James River, and the obstructions are not completed. We have but one or two casemated guns in battery, but we have brave men there.

Wednesday, 14th–We cleaned up our camp today and had company drill twice. There was some heavy musketry firing on the front lines, and the artillery was in action on both sides, but not much damage was done.