Nov. 18—As my Conference was to meet in Raleigh December 3, I had made application for leave of absence and my furlough had not come. So I get duplicate and take it to officers myself. Leave General Hill at 2:45 p. m., ride ten and a half miles to General Jackson’s headquarters, get my paper signed, return late. My first papers came to hand ten or twenty minutes after I left.
Nov. 19—In camp. Moses Ezzell very ill. Prayer meeting at night.
Washington County Historical Society version (1965)1
Nov. 18—Several men broke into our store and stole much. I ran through the rain to Schmitt who came over and nailed up the house.
The Arkansas Historical Quarterly version (1947)2
Nov. 18
Today several fellows broke into the side door of the store and carried away much. Through the rain I ran to Smith’s. He has nailed up the building.
19th.–The army is reorganized. Instead of the former divisions of only brigades, divisions and corps, it is now brigades, divisions, corps, and grand divisions, of which last there are three, General Sumner, at present, commanding the right, General Hooker the centre, and General Franklin the left. I wish I had more confidence in General Franklin, but I cannot forget his conduct at West Point, Virginia, nor at Centreville, where he failed to reinforce General Pope.
This is a dark and rainy night; and a little sad, and a good deal home-sick; I sit unattended, (except by my faithful “General,”[1]) reflecting, over my log fire, on the beauty of the opening stanza of the sixth canto of the “Lay of the Last Minstrel;” (what an expletive of possessives.) In my home-sickness, I have called up all my Bachelor acquaintances, and even above the patriotic reflections stands forth each one–
“The wretch concentered in himself.”
How intensely this stanza reflects my feelings to-night. I have not only a country but a home, and, oh, how often, and how deeply have I prayed for the presentation of integrity to each–
“Breathes there a man with soul go dead.
That never to himself hath said–
This is my home, my native land.”
[1] A black servant.
Tuesday, 18th.—6 A. M. Tents all carried to railroad. 7 A. M., loaded up and ready to start at 7:30 A. M. On our way to Chattanooga; passed Mouse Creek at 12 M. ; arrived at Chattanooga at 7 P. M.; got off train two miles west of town.
(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
18th.—Another raid upon Fredericksburg; much mischief done! They are preparing for a second evacuation of the town! The number of refugees will be greatly increased, and where are they to go? Poor homeless wanderers, leaving business and the means of support to the mercy of a vindictive soldiery!
Letters from our Valley friends taking leave of us, written some time ago, when the enemy were again closing around them. We are very anxious about them. Their situation is becoming pitiable; every new set of troops help themselves to whatever suits their fancy—stock of all sorts, grain, meat, every thing valuable and portable! Silver, glass, china, has to be buried, and very adroitly, or it is found. Some of the servants are very unfaithful, and let the enemy in to the most private places. There are some honourable exceptions to this last remark. Our relative, Mr. P., has moved below the mountains for security; but he was in the habit, when at home, of intrusting every thing to his house-servant, including his wine and ardent spirits—and it was all kept sacredly—the master knew not where; but on each departure of the enemy every thing would be returned to its accustomed place, in good order.
Tuesday, November 18th.
A note just came from mother, telling me that the most awful Yankees were coming to burn Linwood and take Port Hudson, and so this evening I must walk down to the cars with a chair to rest in until they came, and must certainly be in Clinton to-night. Delightful arrangement! I wrote to ask if she knew that my legs were of no more service to me than to her? Dr. Dortch has again been murdering me . . . . says perhaps I can stand by Sunday. If the Yankees come before –
Tuesday, 18th–We cleaned up our camp ground and finished setting in order our new camp. We have a very fine camp now and it looks quite homelike. It is located in rather open, wooded ground and the different colors of leaves on the trees make it look quite grand. The nights are getting frosty.
Tuesday, 18th. Still rainy and muddy. Lay in the tent unless obliged to get out. Almost homesick. Body guard came back. Sore throat.
NOVEMBER 18th.—Well, the President is a bold man! He has put in Randolph’s place, temporarily at least, Major-Gen. Gustavus W. Smith—who was Street Commissioner in the City of New York, on the day that Capt. G. W. Randolph was fighting the New Yorkers at Bethel.
Gen. Wise is out in a card, stating that in response to a requisition for shoes for his suffering troops, Quartermaster-Gen. A. C. Myers said, “Let them suffer.”
The enemy attacked Fredericksburg yesterday, and there was some skirmishing, the result of which we have not heard. It is rumored they are fighting there to-day. We have but few regiments between here and Fredericksburg.
18th.–Nothing of moment to-day. We started early; it rained a little, and to-night we are encamped within three miles of Stafford Court House, six miles from the mouth of Acquia Creek, on one of its tributaries, and about twelve miles from Fredericksburg.
Camp at Lagrange, Tenn., November 17, 1862.
Our whole regiment went on picket Saturday evening. Didn’t reach our posts until 9:30 p.m. Had plenty of fresh meat next day (notwithstanding stringent orders), and beautiful weather. Our going on picket saved us a tramp of 22 miles, for which I am duly grateful. They had a scare at Summerville while we we were out; our brigade (except we who were on duty) were started out, nobody hurt, happy to chronicle. Squads of prisoners taken by our cavalry are constantly arriving from the front. Very little skirmishing though, mostly unarmed citizens, etc. There are an immense number of slaves at the different military posts through here and in this vicinity. The officials are using them to good advantage in securing the large crops of cotton to the Government. The camps are overflowing with them, and their music and dancing furnish the boys with amusement unlimited. Don’t have half the fun with the natives that I used to, in fact haven’t spoken to any since I have been out this time. Guess I’m steadying down some. Like soldiering as well as ever but the novelty’s gone, and its more like a regular way of living to me than a spree as it used to be. Don’t see any immediate prospect of a move, but a chap can’t tell what any symptom means here. I’d bet several times that we’re on the point of starting. We have been reviewed twice within four days by Grant, McPherson, McKean, Logan and Pugh.
Monday, 17th.—Brigade all gone except 39th; drew one more day’s rations.
(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
Monday, 17th–We moved our camp today onto the hills back from the creek. We raised the tents from the ground about three feet, by digging trenches and setting staves which we made from the red oak trees growing so plentifully here. Then we elevated our bunks about eighteen inches from the ground with the staves and lumber torn from vacant houses in the vicinity.
Monday, 17th. Made the accustomed details. Papers from home, Herald, the 8th. Archie gave me a bottle of pickles. Lay still in the tent. Boys got a stove and had a good fire. At night feverish again. Very hot fire.
(excerpts)
“DIV. HD. QRTS.
“Near Culpeper, Nov. 17, ’62.
“My dear Genl.:
“I wish you would let me know so soon as you are informed that the new Regiments are on their way to Richmond. If they came on as independent Regiments I wish to recommend a Brig. Genl. For them.
“If I can I will come to Richmond about the time the Regiments come on.
“. . . Well, I think Mr. Burnsides is coming in a few days, and what a fight! I think we will whip him badly. Our army is in good trim for an old-fashioned fight.
“Give my kindest regards to your family.
“Your friend,
“J. B. HOOD.
“GEN. L. T. WIGFALL,
“Richmond, Va.”
NOVEMBER 17th.—A profound sensation has been produced in the outside world, by the resignation of Mr. Randolph; and most of the people and the press seem inclined to denounce the President, for they know not what. In this matter the President is not to blame; but the Secretary has acted either a very foolish or a very desperate part. It appears that he wrote a note in reply to the last letter of the President, stating that as no discretion was allowed him in such matters as were referred to by the President, he begged respectfully to tender his resignation. The President responded, briefly, that inasmuch as the Secretary declined acting any longer as one of his constitutional advisers, and also declined a personal conference, no alternative remained but to accept his resignation.
Randolph’s friends would make it appear that he resigned in consequence of being restricted in his action but he knows very well that the latitude allowed him became less and less circumscribed; and that, hitherto, he was well content to operate within the prescribed limits: Therefore, if it was not a silly caprice, it was a deliberate purpose, to escape a cloud of odium he knew must sooner or later burst around him.
A letter from Gen. Magruder, dated 10th inst., at Jackson, Mississippi, intimates that we shall lose Holly Springs. He has also been in Mobile, and doubts whether that city can be successfully defended by Gen. Forney, whose liver is diseased, and memory impaired. He recommends that Brig.-Gen. Whiting be promoted, and assigned to the command in place of Forney, relieved.
A letter from Gen. Whiting, near Wilmington, dated 13th. inst., expresses serious apprehensions whether that place can be held against a determined attack, unless a supporting force of 10,000 men be sent there immediately. It is in the command of Major-Gen. G. A. Smith.
More propositions to ship cotton in exchange for the supplies needed by the country. The President has no objection to accepting them all, provided the cotton don’t go to any of the enemy’s ports. How can it be possible to avoid this liability, if the cotton be shipped from the Mississippi River?
Washington County Historical Society version (1965)1
Nov. 17 – This uncertainty is terrible. The women are despairing.
The Arkansas Historical Quarterly version (1947)2
Nov. 17
This uncertainty is unbearable. We women are in despair.
17th.–I am feeble to-day, from my indisposition of yesterday. Army was astir at 4 A. M. Have had a fine day, marched fifteen miles, towards Stafford Court House. Men in fine spirits. The prospect of work has reanimated them, and they are perfectly satisfied with the exchange of Commanders. At 8 P. M. it is raining hard, and I fear the good weather is over. Hard as we have worked for the last two days, and unfavorable as is the prospect of the weather, when the order came, a few minutes since, to continue the march at 6 A. M., to-morrow, there went up a long, loud “Hurrah for Old Burney!” The men want business. They wish to close this war; and, if the officers only prove true to the country and to their Commander-in-Chief, I predict for him, (based on the energy of his troops,) a brilliant campaign.
Washington County Historical Society version (1965)1
Nov. 16—The troops have gone north and we fear for the safety of our men folks. We dare not undress to sleep and even the children sleep with their clothes on.
The Arkansas Historical Quarterly version (1947)2
Nov. 16
Now that everyone has gone away, this time northward, we are worried about our men. Everything is quiet. The evenings come but we get no news. We have heard that Fritz is wounded, yet I can hardly believe it. He has a bad eye and doubtless keeps it bandaged. In the evenings no one of us leaves the house. The children go to bed fully dressed.
Sunday, 16th.—Our regiment of our brigade left on train for Middle Tennessee. 39th ordered to cook four days’ rations and be ready to move at any time.
(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
November 16th.
I was interrupted yesterday morning by Mrs. Badger, who wished to apply a few dry cups to my back, to which I quietly submitted, and was unable to move afterwards without pain, as a reward for my patience. But towards sunset came two dear letters that made me forget what I had suffered, one from George, and one from Jimmy, dated Bermudas. For the first time I know what my dear little brother suffered during those long months when we could not hear if he were dead or alive. He kept the secret until he no longer needed either friends or money; and now he tells it with a simplicity that made me cry fit to break my heart when I was left alone in the twilight with no one to see. . . . George comforts me with hopes of Peace, and a speedy return. If it could only be!. . .
This morning the boom of Yankee guns reached my ears; a sound I had hoped never to hear again. It is only those poor devils (I can afford to pity them in their fallen state) banging away at some treasonable sugar-houses that are disobedient enough to grind cane on the other side of the river. I hear that one is at Mrs. Cain’s. The sound made my heart throb. What if the fight should come off before I can walk? It takes three people to raise me whenever it is necessary for me to move; I am worse than helpless.
Sunday, 16th–We had another heavy rain today which caused Scott creek to overflow and our camp was almost flooded over. It seems that we shall have to move the camp.
Sunday, 16th. It commenced raining early and kept it up all day. Felt weak and miserable. Still did my duties as sergeant Maj. Some seventy odd contrabands came in from Indian Territory–Creeks. A good many had arms. They had a skirmish with bushwhackers. Seven of their men killed.
NOVEMBER 16th, SUNDAY.—Yesterday the Secretary of War resigned his office, and his resignation was promptly accepted by the President.
Sunday, 16th.–What a Sunday! What a day of rest! Troops were called at 5 A. M. Carried heavy knapsacks, guns and ammunition, and march till 9 1-2 P. M.; sixteen and a half hours, and no enemy near! Truly, “Old Burney” begins vigorously; but, if this is an earnest that he means business, let him push on. His men will not complain.
This morning I got up sick, with a painful diarrhÅ“a. Have been feeble all day, and as 9 o’clock came, with its cold and piercing winds sighing through the pines and over the hills, how longingly I looked for that “little candle,” which in times of peace was wont to “throw its beams so far” to greet me on my return to home, after a long night’s ride! How I yearned, in lonely thoughts, amidst this crowd, for the cheerful scenes and comforts which had often welcomed me on such a night. When shall I enjoy them again? When will this thirst for blood, and unholy struggle for power, yield to the love of peace and happiness at home? We passed Cattlett’s Station in our march to-day, and encamped for the night near Weaversville, with orders to continue our march at 6 o’clock to-morrow morning.