Washington Sunday Jan’y 18^th 1863

A fine cold winter morning, ground hard frozen. Attended religious Services in the Capitol, heard Mr Stockton (the Chaplain). Took a look at Leutze^s picture of the “Emigrants.” The more I look at it the more I admire it. Miss Rumsey always sings with one other female and three male singers at the Hall of the “House” Sundays. She is a public singer at concerts and other places, particularly at the Hospitals for the soldiers. She and her intended husband Mr spend about all their time for the soldiers. They have raised a Library for them of several hundred Vols. I visited the Ascension Hospital, it is again full of Patients and Cha^s is as busy as ever. I spent an hour or two in their rooms after he left the Hospital, took tea with them, held the baby while it went to sleep sucking its thumb. I was a little surprised when he asked me to stay & play a game of Chess. I do not play any game Sunday or Sunday evening, told him so. I suppose it is from habit for I do not think I have any too much respect for the Sabbath as a holy day. It may be from respect to the habit and teaching of my Father. But then He kept Saturday night and not Sunday night, “so there I am again.” When I was a boy in N England Sunday began at sundown Saturday & ended at sundown Sunday. Called at A B Williams^s and spent an hour and then to my room. Williams intends to sell his property in Lyons and live here altogether. That may suit him but it would not suit me were I in his place.

JANUARY 18th.—It was bitter cold last night, and everything is frozen this morning; there will be abundance of ice next summer, if we keep our ice-houses.

In these times of privation and destitution, I see many men, who were never prominent secessionists, enjoying comfortable positions, and seeking investments for their surplus funds. Surely there must be some compensation in this world or the next for the true patriots who have sacrificed everything, and still labor in subordinate positions, with faith and patient suffering. These men and their families go in rags, and upon half-rations, while the others fare most sumptuously.

We are now, in effect, in a state of siege, and none but the opulent, often those who have defrauded the government, can obtain a sufficiency of food and raiment. Calico, which could once be bought for 12½cts. per yard, is now selling at $2.25, and a lady’s dress of calico costs her about $30.00. Bonnets are not to be had. Common bleached cotton shirting brings $1.50 per yard. All other dry goods are held in the same proportion. Common tallow candles are $1.25 per pound; soap, $1.00; hams, $1.00; oppossum $3.00; turkeys $4 to $11.00; sugar, brown, $1.00; molasses $8.00 per gallon; potatoes $6.00 per bushel, etc.

These evils might be remedied by the government, for there is no great scarcity of any of the substantials and necessities of life in the country, if they were only equally distributed. The difficulty is in procuring transportation, and the government monopolizes the railroads and canals.

Our military men apprehend no serious consequences from the army of negroes in process of organization by the Abolitionists at Washington. Gen. Rains says the negro cannot fight, and will always run away. He told me an anecdote yesterday which happened under his own observation. An officer, when going into battle, charged his servant to stay at his tent and take care of his property. In the fluctuations of the battle, some of the enemy’s shot fell in the vicinity of the tent, and the negro, with great white eyes, fled away with all his might. After the fight, and when the officer returned to his tent, he was vexed to learn that his slave had run away, but the boy soon returned, confronting his indignant master, who threatened to chastise him for disobedience of orders. Caesar said: “Massa, you told me to take care of your property, and dis property” (placing his hand on his breast) “is worf fifteen hundred dollars.” He escaped punishment.

Some 200,000 of the Abolition army will be disbanded in May by the expiration of their terms of enlistment, and we have every reason to believe that their places cannot be filled by new recruits. If we hold out until then, we shall be able to resist at all vital points.

Saturday, 17th.—Crossed Mississippi line 10 A. M. Passed Scooba on Mobile and Ohio Railroad 1 P. M.

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

17th. Saturday. Tried to get my pass signed so as to get away Monday. Drew the rations from the post for the next ten days so as to get away.

Saturday, 17th–It was cold and stormy all day. I spent the day down in the city, and bought a few more necessary articles—spent $1.25. Five hundred rebel prisoners passed up the river today, being taken to a Northern prison. This evening we got orders to be ready to leave.

Saturday Jan’y 17, 1863

Heard tonight that the Army have crossed the Rappahannock below Fredericksburgh 10 miles. We shall hear of a Battle in a day or two. The Patent office is being cleared of Patients today. It may be it is only to make room for more wounded. It is sad to think of. Yesterday and today the weather has been very cold, that is freezing with wind. Cap^t Swan called this morning having just returned from Lyons on a visit. He is bound for the army. I called upon Vanmaster this evening and also upon Mr & Mrs Read where I spent a couple of hours very pleasantly. They seem to think a great deal of me. I expect he will propose my name to the Patriotic “League” for membership. I do not know yet what it is exactly but think the object good if it is to expose traitors in office or out of office and uphold the government at all hazzards. I called upon Hon Mr Daws, M.C., last evening, had quite a talk with him about Mr Chase^s financial scheme. He I find is one of the Country Bank Men. It will inte[r]fere with some of his Bank constituents to support Mr C^s idea, and and [sic] the same miserable plea by other members will defeat the measure. I talked pretty plain to Mr D. upon the matter. Told him that discussions in Congress upon this matter was injuring the country just now more than the Rebels were, and that all Banks of Issue were unconstitutional in my view – and such was the opinion of many of our former and best Statesmen.

JANUARY 17th.—Gen. Lee has left the city. His troops, en-camped thirty miles north of Richmond, marched northward last night. So it is his determination to cross the Rappahannock? Or is it a demonstration of the enemy to prevent him from sending reinforcements to North Carolina? We shall know speedily.

North Carolina, one would think, is soon to be the scene of carnage; and it is asked what can 16,000 men do against 60,000?

The enemy began the attack on Fort Caswell yesterday; no result. But one of his blockaders went ashore in the storm, and we captured the officers and crew.

All the conscripts in the West have been ordered to Gen. Bragg.

Shall we starve? Yesterday beef was sold for 40 cts. per pound; to-day it is 60 cts. Lard is $1.00. Butter $2.00. They say the sudden rise is caused by the prisoners of Gen. Bragg, several thousand of whom have arrived here, and they are subsisted from the market. Thus they injure us every way. But, n’importe, say some; if Lincoln’s Emancipation be not revoked, but few more prisoners will be taken on either side. That would be a barbarous war, without quarter.

I see that Col. J. W. Wall, of New Jersey, has been nominated, and I suppose will be elected, U. S. Senator. He was confined for months in prison at Fort Lafayette. I imagine the colonel is a bold, able man.

Friday, 16th.—Balance of regiment came over; marched four miles; snow on the ground.

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

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

Camp 103d Illinois Infantry, Jackson, Tenn.,
January 16, 1862. (1863)

It commenced raining early the morning of the 14th and did not cease until about 2 a.m. the 15th, since when it has snowed steadily until within two hours. The snow is some eight inches deep, underneath which is mud immeasurable. The rain the last six or eight hours came through our tent as through a sieve, the snow came in at the top, through the door, and blew under the curtains. Everybody’s wearing apparel, blankets, and self absorbed all the damp possible, and besides carried all that would hold on outside. Our stove was in this extremity our comfort and our joy. We kept two loyal Ethiopians busy during the two days, getting wood, and feeding said comforter. Great was the tribulation, and much audible cursing resulted, while the secret history of oaths unuttered, would I’m afraid, fill many volumes, and in all human probability cause, if made public, the appointment of many army chaplains. This is the first winter weather that we have had, and I’ll be willing if it proves the last, although there is a half melancholy pleasure in spludging around in this slop and taking the weather as it comes, without its first being made to feel the refining influence of house walls and good warm fires. Our men have become quite soldier-like, and endure without much murmuring the little ills as they come. It shows some of the principles of manhood, you must believe, when men stand this weather in these worthless little wedge tents, without fires and without grumbling. I got four of my men discharged to-day, and want to discharge some six or eight more. When I get my deadheads off my hands will have some 70 good men left. Rather think now, that we are stationary here for the winter, but we may possibly be sent to Vicksburg, than which nothing will suit us better. There are some eight or nine regiments here, two or three of them cavalry. The enemy is pretty well cleared out of this strip of country, and if Rosecrans gets down into North Alabama, opinion seems to be that some of us can be spared from here for Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Several houses have been burned here lately. This town will share the fate of Holly Springs, sure, if the Rebels trouble us here any more. ‘Tis fearfully secesh, and a little fire will, I think, help to purify it. Isn’t it wonderful how with so much fighting everywhere I have escaped so long? The whole of the 10th Illinois Infantry were with me in luck until the last fight at Murfreesboro, and am not certain they participated in that. There are two regiments here that have endured all of this storm without tents. I suppose the Lord takes care of them fellows, if it’s a fact that he looks after sheared sheep and birds. From my heart I pity them, though that strikes me as something like the little boy who, when his mother put him to bed and covered him with an old door, told her how much he pitied folks who had no doors to cover themselves with while they slept. That’s a story mother and aunt used to tell me in my trundle-bed days. Wonder if aunty has forgotten the story that used to make Tip and me rave. All about how that “great big prairie wolf bit a wee boy’s head off.” I almost forgot that I am out of woollen socks. Have only the pair of socks that are on my feet. Put them on this morning, and there were so many holes that I could hardly tell where to put my feet in. Wish you’d send me three or four pair. Will make cotton ones do until then. I can send you a nigger baby if it would be acceptable. They are more “antic” than either a squirrel or monkey. I have two he niggers, two she’s and three babies, mess property. Think I will either have to drown the babies, or sell them and the women, whom I endure because their husbands are such good hands. Will you take one?

January 16th. This morning, at ten o’clock, the officers, twelve men, and marine guard of this ship went on shore to attend the funeral of Lieutenant-Commander T. McKean Buchanan, who was killed in action by the rebels in Berwick’s Bay, while commanding the Calhoun on Jan. 14th, 1863. To-day we received another mail from home, which gladdened the hearts of many.

16th. Friday. After work went up town in the afternoon. Saw Melissa. Libbie was there. Had a good time. Rode back about dusk. Libbie has concluded to wait until I go home. Good for me.

Friday, 16th–The snow continued today with a high wind. I loaned Lieutenant Spencer $15.00.^[1] I went to the city today to purchase some supplies, spending in all $1.00. This evening we received our long-looked-for knapsacks with our extra underwear, which was quite welcome. Those of us who were not fortunate enough to secure extra underclothes when at Holly Springs, as some did, were obliged to wear one undersuit for forty-nine days without changing. When we now cast them aside, some of the boys declared that there was almost enough life in their clothes to walk.

[1] Mr. Downing informs me that, as was the common practice, this loan was evidenced only by a verbal contract.–Ed.

16th.—Just returned from Richmond. B’s situation still precarious, and I am obliged to stay with him a great deal. I see a number of officers and other gentlemen in his room; they seem to be in fine spirits about the country. Our President’s Message has been enthusiastically received. It is a noble production, worthy of its great author. I think the European public must contrast it with the Northern “Message” most favourably to us.

Several friends have just arrived from Yankeedom in a vessel fitted out by the Northern Government to receive the exchanged prisoners. About six hundred women and children were allowed to come in it from Washington. They submitted to the most humiliating search, before they left the wharf, from men and women. The former searched their trunks, the latter their persons. Mrs. Hale, of California, and the wife of Senator Harlan, of Iowa, presided at the search. Dignified and lady-like! One young friend of mine was bringing five pairs of shoes to her sisters; they were taken as contraband. A friend brought me one pound of tea; this she was allowed to do; but woe betide the bundle of more than one pound! Some trunks were sadly pillaged if they happened to contain more clothes than the Northern Government thought proper for a rebel to possess. No material was allowed to come which was not made into garments. My friend brought me some pocket-handkerchiefs and stockings, scattered in various parts of the trunk, so as not to seem to have too many. She brought her son, who is in our service, a suit of clothes made into a cloak which she wore. Many a gray cloth travelling-dress and petticoat which was on that boat is now in camp, decking the person of a Confederate soldier; having undergone a transformation into jackets and pants. The searchers found it a troublesome business; not the least assistance did they get from the searched. The ladies would take their seats, and put out first one foot and then the other to the Yankee woman, who would pull off the shoes and stockings–not a pin would they remove, not a string untie. The fare of the boat was miserable, served in tin plates and cups; but, as it was served gratis, the “Rebs” had no right to complain, and they reached Dixie in safety, bringing many a contraband article, notwithstanding the search.

The hated vessel “Harriet Lane,” which, like the Pawnee, seemed to be ubiquitous, has been captured near Galveston by General Magruder. Its commander, Captain Wainwright, and others were killed. Captain W. was most intimately connected with our relatives in the “Valley,” having married in Clarke County. He wrote to them in the beginning of the war, to give them warning of their danger. He spoke of the power of the North and the impotency of the South. He thought that we would be subjugated in a few months—little did he anticipate his own fate, or that of his devoted fleet.

JANUARY 16th.—Gen. Lee is in the city, doubtless to see about the pressure upon him for reinforcements in North Carolina. Gen. Smith still writes from Goldsborough for more men, with doleful forebodings if they be refused.

From Eastern Tennessee, we have bad accounts of outrages by the disloyal inhabitants, who have fled, to escape conscription, to the mountains and caves, many of them taking their families. At night they emerge from their hiding-places, and commit depredations on the secessionists.

It has been blowing a gale for two days, and there are rumors of more losses of the enemy’s ships on the coast of North Carolina.

A letter was received by the government to-day from Arizona, justifying Col. Baylor for his policy of dealing with the Indians. I do not hear of any steps yet on the part of the President.

A report of the commandant at Camp Holmes, Raleigh, N. C., states that 12,000 conscripts have been received there altogether; 8000 have been sent off to regiments, 2000 detailed on government work, 500 deserted, etc.

The Enquirer to-day publishes the fact that a ship, with stores, merchandise, etc., has just arrived at Charleston; that six more are on the way thither, and that a steamer has successfully run the blockade from Wilmington with cotton. This notification may increase the vigilance of the blockading fleet. The Enquirer is also perpetually tilting with the Raleigh Standard. I doubt the policy of charging the leading journals in North Carolina with predilections for the Union. I believe the Enquirer has no settled editor now.

Mr. Foote favors the conscription of Marylanders. If such an act should be likely to pass, Gen. Winder will be beset with applications to leave the Confederacy.

Washington Friday Jan’y 16^th 1863

Rumors today of a movement of the Army of the Potomac. It is believed to be a good time for it. The Rebels have undoubtedly been sending off a portion of their Army to Tennessee and N Carolina and I think our army will cross the River above Fredericksburgh, but perhaps below. More Battles and more killed and wounded, more pain and suffering. But perhaps the War is but just begun. We can and will fight for years for the preservation of the Union, if necessary, if our finances are put in a good condition. That is or seems to be now the worst feature of the business. But the Rebels must be much the worst off in that respect. We have at any rate got the most men and the most money and can stand the War the longest time. Young Ed Rogers from Lyons called upon me today and we agreed to go up to the Camp of the 138^th together this afternoon, but I have not seen him since and waited so long for him that I could not go myself. Bought some Books for the Boys which I will send by mail tomorrow. I am quite well pleased with my new position in the office as Examiner of Patent Deeds. The Board is composed of three, Mr Martin Buel, Mr O Abell, and myself. We also examine the Records. The Churches are all to be given up and the “Ascension” is clear of Patients. But the order in regard to that church has been countermanded. Cha^s has order[s] to have it ready tomorrow for 100 patients again.

From Jane Stuart Woolsey:

PORTSMOUTH GROVE.

My dear Cousin Margaret: Now that I have been long enough in this place to have learned tolerably well my topography, the names and titles of my coadjutors, how to make out my diet books, etc., . . . I can take breath (and “my pen ” as the soldiers always say in their letters) to say that we are well and more than contented with our present position. . . . Georgy already has her “department” almost completely organized and supplied, and develops daily an amount of orderly foresight and comprehensive carefulness which would astonish one who has watched her somewhat erratic career from childhood. I, who have always rather held myself up to her as a model of the non-spasmodic style, find myself in secret and in reluctance borrowing ideas of her. She has found her work certainly, at least at present. . . . We are nine miles away, as Sarah pathetically observes, from a spool of cotton, and of course this has its effect. There was a time when Newport made it a sort of fashion, and curious crowds infested the wards with plum jam and cucumbers, but now “the season” at Newport is over and the supplies in a measure fall off. . . . We are fortunate in having a good and active young man for a chaplain. He has a large and very attentive audience on Sunday and at daily evening prayers, and it is quite refreshing to hear the full soldiers’ chorus in all the good old hymns. Last Sunday two soldiers were received into the church and baptized. Mr. Proudfit is a Presbyterian. . . . As to our house, it would not be fair to call it a shanty, as the doctors have taken so much pains or pleasure in fitting it up. . . . The outer walls are double and filled in with paper shavings (I believe), and this, with large stoves, will keep us warm; perhaps too warm some fine windy midnight. “Wooden walls” keep out all enemies according to the old song, but they don’t keep out voices, for there is Georgy saying (I can hear it as if she were at my elbow), “I shall never be able to settle down into the conventionalities of society after the wandering life I have led these five years. Once a vagabond always a vagabond; I shall marry an army surgeon and go out to the frontier!” . . . Miss Wormeley, our chief, is clever, spirited and energetic in the highest degree–a cultivated woman, with friends and correspondents among the best literary men here and in England, John Kenyon and the Browning family for instance,–a great capacity for business and not a single grain of mock-sentiment about her. . . . One good thing has happened to-day. Miss Wormeley is made agent of the Sanitary Commission here, with sole authority to draw and issue supplies, and we are to have an office full of comforts for the men at once. . . .

P. S.–All the barracks are to be plastered, large bath-rooms and steam wash-house to be built immediately, bad men turned out and good ones put in. “The kid begins to go,” and I can see by candle-light it’s halfpast midnight and time I was dreaming an hour ago.

Thursday, 15th.—Cold and rainy last night. Steamboat “Alice Vivian” came up this evening from Mobile. One-half regiment crossed over this evening. Marched through Gainsville; went two miles in prairie and camped in very bad place.

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

BOOK IV

From my sick bed, this 15th day of January, 1863.
Linwood, Thursday. .

AM I not glad to get another blank book! On Sunday my old one gave out, to my unspeakable distress, and I would have been désolée if I had not had three or four letters to answer, as writing is my chief occupation during my tedious illness. O that unfortunate trip to Port Hudson! Have I not cause to remember and regret it? Two months last Sunday since I have been lying here a cripple, and I am not yet able to take a step. However, on Monday mother sent Dr. Woods as my fourth physician, and I have made up my mind that either he or Nature will effect a cure before long. Wonder how it feels to walk? It makes me weary to see others try it; I always fear that the exertion must be very painful – an absurd idea which I endeavor to keep to myself. . . .

15th. Thursday. The Buglers went down town and were mustered out. I was not there to get the promised oysters. The others did. D. and John called on Melissa.

Thursday, 15th–It turned cold during the night and the rain of yesterday turned into snow which continued all day. Our camp is in a frightful condition, there being six inches of snow on mud a foot deep. Half the men of the Sixth Division go into town over night. The Eleventh Iowa received two months’ pay this afternoon, and now only a few of us remain in camp, the most of the boys putting up in the city instead. We are expecting any moment to receive orders to break camp here.

JANUARY 15th.—The President’s message is highly applauded. It is well written; but I do not perceive much substance in it, besides some eloquent reproaches of England and France for the maintenance of their neutrality, which in effect is greatly more beneficial to the United States than to us. The President essays to encourage the people to continued effort and endurance—and such encouragement is highly judicious at this dark epoch of the struggle. He says truly we have larger armies, and a better supply of arms, etc., now, than we have had at any time previously.

The President says he will, unless Congress directs differently, have all Federal officers that we may capture, handed over to the States to be dealt with as John Brown was dealt with. The Emancipation Proclamation, if not revoked, may convert the war into a most barbarous conflict.

Mr. Foote, yesterday, introduced a resolution requesting the recall of our diplomatic agents; and, after a certain time, to notify the foreign consuls to leave the country, no longer recognizing them in an official capacity.

A bill was introduced making Marylanders subject to conscription.

Washington Thursday Jan’y 15^th 1863

I have reason to be thankful that my health is so good. Today I have felt extremely well and have been quite busy all day although I have not done much on the “Board.” Josephine (Maj E P^s wife) and Mrs H P Knowles called upon me at my office about noon and I spent a couple of hours with them showing them round the Pat office, and Dead Letter office. We also visited Mr M^cGuires Picture Gallery on E st. The ladies were much pleased with all they saw. I promised to go out to Fort Gaines tomorrow and return their “Call.” I [c]onfess that I have not been very neighborly with my Lyons Friends of the 138^th, never having been out to Fort Gaines. But it is difficult getting there on foot after leaving the cars & “Bus.” Spent an hour with Cha^s & Sallie. The Ascension Hospital is broken up. The Surgeon Gen^l told Cha^s that he could have his choice of all the Hospitals in the District, and be transfered to which he chose. He decides tomorrow. The baby is growing finely on the bottle. She has never nursed it much. Called at Doct Munsons and staid till past 9. Mr & Mrs White there from Albany, also Mr & Mrs Whitney from Rochester. Heard something from Mis Read (in a very sly way) of a secret “League” of Loyal Gentlemen now forming in the City to act in support of the Gov^t &c. I must enquire and find out all about it if I can and perhaps join it. I was a Minuet Man two years ago when we were in great Peril. I will be one now if necessary. No very bad news, a gun Boat and some Transports taken by the Rebels on the Cumberland River. The Army of the Potomac, it is reported, is moving. Called upon Maj Austin, Pay Master from Auburn. Saw Mr Meeker (his Clerk) and Mrs Meeker, also from Auburn NY.

Wednesday, 14th.—Marched two miles and camped on the banks of Tom Big Bee River.

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

14th. Wednesday. Met D. R. in the morning. Gave me a letter from Ella Clark. Went over to Co. H. and read it to the boys. The best I ever received from her, I think. The boys seemed pleased and surely I was.