OCTOBER 29th.—There was a rumor yesterday that the enemy were marching on Weldon; but we have no confirmation of it to-day.

Loring, after all, did not send his cavalry into Pennsylvania, I presume, since nothing has been heard of it.

The Charleston Mercury has some strictures on the President for not having Breckinridge in Kentucky, and Price in Missouri, this fall. They would doubtless have done good service to the cause. The President is much absorbed in the matter of appointments.

Gen. Wise was again ordered down the Peninsula last Saturday; and again ordered back when he got under way. They will not let him fight.

Tuesday, 28th–The regiment worked on the fortifications today for the third day in succession. I was not with my company though, being on other fatigue duty. The forts under construction are arranged so that if one fort should be captured, the guns of two other forts could be turned upon the enemy in that one. The floors of the forts and the rifle-pits are raised from four to ten feet by filling in earth, and then laid with the lumber from the houses which were pulled down to make room for the fortifications. The ramparts are faced on the outside with long woven baskets of hickory withes and filled with earth to keep them in shape. The forts are built with a view of standing some time, and should last for four or five years. We commenced drawing bread instead of crackers.

Tuesday, 28th.—Marching to-day over the Emory Road in the direction of Lenoir’s, Tenn. Plenty of apples along the road. One fellow of Company D fell out of an apple tree and came very near killing himself.

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

Tuesday, 28th. Reveille at three. Breakfasted and were on the move at 6 in the advance–bound for Maysville. Capt. kept me running a good deal. Passed through Bentonville about noon. Saw several whom I had seen on my other visit there. Passed along two miles. Got plenty of rambow apples at an orchard. Encamped in an orchard. Had to go two miles for water. An old man showed us protection papers, signed by Curtis, given because he went for the old Constitution.

OCTOBER 28th.—Gen. Bragg is here, but will not probably be deprived of his command. He was opposed by vastly superior numbers, and succeeded in getting away with the largest amount of provisions, clothing, etc., ever obtained by an army. He brought out 15,000 horses and mules, 8000 beeves, 50,000 barrels of pork, a great number of hogs, 1,000,000 yards of Kentucky cloth, etc. The army is now at Knoxville, Tennessee, in good condition. But before leaving Kentucky, Morgan made still another capture of Lexington, taking a whole cavalry regiment prisoners, destroying several wagon trains, etc. It is said Bragg’s train of wagons was forty miles long! A Western tale, I fear.

Letters from Lee urge the immediate completion of the railroad from Danville to Greenville, North Carolina, as of vital importance. He thinks the enemy will cut the road between this and Weldon. He wants Confederate notes made a legal tender; and the President says that, as the courts cannot enforce payment in anything else, they are substantially a legal tender already. And he suggests the withholding of pay from officers during their absence from their regiments. A good idea.

Everything indicates that Richmond will be assailed this fall, and that operations in the field are not to be suspended in the winter.

Polk, Bragg, Cheatham, etc. are urging the President to make Col. Preston Smith a brigadier-general. Unfortunately, Bragg’s letter mentioned the fact that Beauregard had given Smith command of a brigade at Shiloh; and this attracting the eye of the President, he made a sharp note of it with his pencil. “What authority had he for this?” he asked; and Col. Smith will not be appointed.

Oct. 28, 1862.—It is a month to-day since I came here. I only wish H. could share these benefits—the nourishing food, the pure aromatic air, the sound sleep away from the fevered life of Vicksburg. He sends me all the papers he can get hold of, and we both watch carefully the movements reported, lest an army should get between us. The days are full of useful work, and in the lovely afternoons I take long walks with a big dog for company. The girls do not care for walking. In the evening Mr. W. begs me to read aloud all the war news. He is fond of the “Memphis Appeal,” which has moved from town to town so much that they call it the “Moving Appeal.” I sit in a low chair by the fire, as we have no other light to read by. Sometimes traveling soldiers stop here, but that is rare.

Note: To protect Mrs. Miller’s job as a teacher in post-civil war New Orleans, her diary was published anonymously, edited by G. W. Cable, names were changed and initials were generally used instead of full names—and even the initials differed from the real person’s initials. (Read Dora Richards Miller’s biographical sketch.)

Monday, 27th–Our entire regiment was at work on the fortifications. Nathan Chase and William Cross of my company had a fight today, all over some trivial matter. It seems that it is enough to have to fight the rebels without the men fighting among themselves. They were put into the guardhouse.

Monday, 27th.—Drew my bounty to-day, $50.00. Clothing commutation, $25.00 and two months’ wages, $22.00; making $97.00.

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

Monday, 27th. Report that we are to go to Camp Cleveland, boys all pleased. Made picket detail and heard the officers discuss military tactics. Some rather ignorant. A beautiful day, warm and pleasant in the sun. Cold in the shade. Capt. N. officer of the day. Small train came from the fort and recruits for Battery. No news brought about going to Ohio and worse still, no mail. Pity that none of the 2nd Ohio care enough about their fellow soldiers to send their letters to them. Orders to march next morning at 6. Boys played poker till midnight–precious little sleep.

OCTOBER 27th.—From information (pretty direct from Washington), I believe it is the purpose of the enemy to make the most strenuous efforts to capture Richmond and Wilmington this fall and winter. It has been communicated to the President that if it takes their last man, and all their means, these cities must fall. Gen. Smith is getting negroes to work on the defenses, and the subsistence officers are ordered to accumulate a vast amount of provisions here.

Letters from Beauregard show that the Commissary-General, because he thinks Charleston cannot be defended, opposes the provisioning the forts as the general would have it done! The general demands of the government to know whether he is to be overruled, and if so, he must not be held responsible for the consequences. We shall see some of these days which side the President will espouse. Beauregard is too popular, I fear, to meet with favor here. But it is life or death to the Confederacy, and danger lurks in the path of public men who endanger the liberties of the people.

Sunday, 26th October.

This place is completely overrun by soldiers passing and repassing. Friday night five stayed here, last night two more, and another has just gone. One, last night, a bashful Tennesseean, had never tasted sugar-cane. We were sitting around a blazing fire, enjoying it hugely, when in answer to our repeated invitations to help himself, he confessed he had never eaten it. Once instructed, though, he got on remarkably well, and ate it in a civilized manner, considering it was a first attempt.

Everything points to a speedy attack on Port Hudson. Rumors reach us from New Orleans of extensive preparations by land and water, and of the determination to burn Clinton as soon as they reach it, in revenge for the looms that were carried from Baton Rouge there, and which can soon be put in working order to supply our soldiers, negroes, and ourselves with necessary clothing. Of two evils, if Baton Rouge is to be overrun by Yankees, and Clinton burned, I would rather await them at home.

Sunday, 26th–The Eleventh Iowa was detailed to work on the fortifications under construction down in town. It was quite cold all day, and disagreeable, as the snow is still on the ground.

Sunday, 26th.—Our mess has drawn pretty good tent; snowed all night and almost all day.

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

Sunday, 26th. Cold but pleasant morning. Made a forage detail to go out with brigade teams. Several of the boys played poker. Read some in Pope. The Iliad. Gibbs strange fellow. Came into the army a professing Christian, a class leader, today he is playing poker with the boys. I occasionally hear an oath from him. Never saw a man more egotistical. Eats more than any three men. Still a harmless fellow. Good talk about going home with Co. H boys around a big fire.

Saturday, 25th–It is very cold today. It snowed about two inches this afternoon. We are well fixed for a mild winter in camp, with plenty of wood for fires in our Sibley tents.

Saturday, 25th.—Started at daylight; in about an hour came by General Reynolds’ tent; looking pretty sour at us; wanted to know to what regiment we belonged, and why we were behind. I told him I had been sick and couldn’t overtake regiment last night; he said, “Aha,” and turned and went into his tent; so we walked on without further ceremony. Overtook regiment at Cedar Ford; arrived at Blain’s Cross-roads at 11 A. M. Some say we are going into camp here; moved one mile in the evening to our old camps.

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

Saturday, 25th. A cold wintry morning. Never remember of seeing snow so early. Snow fell during the forenoon. Afternoon more moderate. Night cold. Built a big fire of brush. Comfortable.

OCTOBER 25th.—Many severe things are alleged against the President for depriving Beauregard of the command of the Western army. It is alleged that Bragg reported that the enemy would have been annihilated at Shiloh, if Beauregard had fought an hour longer. Now, it appears, that Bragg would have annihilated the enemy at Perryville, if he had fought an hour longer! And just at the moment of his flying out of Kentucky, news comes of Beauregard’s victory over the enemy in the South. Nor is this all. The enemy some time since intercepted a letter from Beauregard to Bragg (a copy of which was safely sent to the government here), detailing his plan of the campaign in the West, if he had not been unjustly deprived of the command. But Bragg chose to make a plan of his own, or was directed to disregard Beauregard’s advice. No one doubts that Beauregard’s plan would have been successful, and would have given us Cincinnati and Louisville; but that of Bragg, as the one sent him by the government, has resulted in the loss of Kentucky, and, perhaps, Tennessee!

Brig.-Gen. Edward Johnson is recommended by Gen. Lee for promotion to major-general, and to be placed in command of the army in Western Virginia.

Camp near Charlestown, October 25, 1862.

This is a dreary, rainy Sunday; every one idle and at a loss for employment. We came down on yesterday to tear up the railroad; the job is about finished, I think, and we would leave now but for the rain. We will return to Bunker Hill, I suppose, to-morrow. It really seems as if the winter would come before we had any further active work. I care but little whether we have any or not, and feel ready for it, whatever it may be. Some indulge a hope that it will be over this winter. I do not know. Our duty is to prepare for a most vigorous prosecution of the war next spring, and be prepared for the worst that may come. We are in the hands of a just God, who will give us peace when we deserve it. I heartily wish, Love, that I was at home with you. No honor or promotion could tempt me to stay here if my duty and my self-respect did not make it imperative. My manhood is involved in a faithful and fearless sticking to the job until it is finished, or it finishes me, as it has done many good men. With such a future before me, dark and uncertain enough, I am sure, I try to do whatever is required of me well and cheerfully. I have much reason to be gratified at the many evidences of good opinion which I have received from Genl. Jackson and all under whom I have served. I trust I may be able to get a short furlough to visit home this winter, and I look forward to it with much pleasure. The first freezing, snowy weather we have to stop all active work, I shall make an effort to spend a few weeks with you.

Friday, October 24th.

A letter from Jimmy, the first we have received since New Orleans fell. It was dated the 10th inst., and he spoke of being on the eve of running the blockade, and going to Liverpool “to represent our unfortunate navy,” as he says, though I am at loss to imagine what he can mean. He speaks of a kind friend, a Mr. George Trenholm,[i] whose kindness has been perfectly extraordinary. He has befriended him in every way.

Charlie has just come by the railroad, bringing other letters from him, to mother and Lilly. In mother’s is his last good-bye on the 12th. Again Mr. Trenholm is the theme. I could not help crying over my dear little brother’s manly, affectionate letter. He says he is sure God will still care for him, He has raised him up friends wherever he has been. He says he lost all his clothing in going to Charleston. There, among other kind people, he met this gentleman, who carried him to his house, where he has kept him ever since, treating him like his son, and forced him to accept a magnificent outfit as a present from him. He procured the appointment which sends Jimmy abroad (I wish Jimmy had been more explicit concerning it; we hardly know what it is, or how long it will keep him). The money he received to pay Jimmy’s passage (received from the Government) he in turn obliged Jimmy to accept, as he sails in one of Mr. Trenholm’s steamers; and not satisfied with that, gives him carte blanche on his house in England, to be filled up with any amount he chooses to name. [continue reading…]

Friday, 24th–I went to wash clothes today. Company washing squads are sent out daily, except Sundays. A squad consists of eight men with a captain, a lieutenant and two sergeants. This method is necessary because we have to go so far, two miles, and a smaller group could easily be taken by the rebels’ cavalry.

Friday, 24th.—Waded Clinch River 12 M. Brother I. L. and I fell out of ranks, and, going to a house, got supper, paying 40 cents each; about 7 o’clock lay down, it being very dark and slept till morning.

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

Friday, 24th. Got the morning reports and combined them. Helped pitch the tent and clean up. Turned very chilly–appearance of cold weather. News of a fight, Black and Cooper, few particulars. 200 prisoners and 4 cannon. During the night three or four inches of snow fell.

(excerpts)

“I had a very pleasant visit to Rosser’s Camp where I spent the night. On my way down I met Genl. Stuart and stopped and had some conversation. He was in as high spirits as ever, and told me particularly to tell you, when I wrote, that in his recent raid into Pennsylvania he got nothing but ‘Apple butter’ and ‘Dry water.’ You know he is a ‘Total Abstinence Man’ in practice. The next day I rode down to Shepherdstown about eight miles from Camp with Rosser and through the town to the river bank (the Potomac) where our cavalry pickets are stationed. The Yankees who still picket entirely with infantry have their lines on the opposite bank. While I was in that neighborhood Jackson’s Corps, and McLaw’s Division from this Corps, were hard at work destroying the B.& O. R. R. They have also torn up the track of the road between Winchester and Harper’s Ferry and it will be a long time before these roads can be repaired. I put my last postage stamp on this letter and I understand there are none in Winchester.”

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