“They’re on their way now and I certainly envy them very much.”–Adams Family Letters, Charles Francis Adams, Jr., To His Mother.

Adams Family Civil War letters; US Minister to the UK and his sons.

Boston, July 9, 1861

Yesterday we [the Battalion] went out to escort Gordon’s regiment off – the one raised by the subscription of the Boston gentlemen. There were, as I have told you, lots of my friends in it, and I should have been, sorry not to have bid them good-bye; but not till they were gone did I find that the one I should most wished to have seen was gone, and I did n’t even see him as the train went off. For Stephen Perkins joined as a Second Lieutenant at the last minute, and I did n’t know the fact till he was on his way to Virginia. It made me feel quite badly and I have n’t got over it yet. Off they all went, however, and apparently in good spirits and full of life and hope, and the last I saw of the train, Wilder Dwight, rapidly disappearing on its last platform, was waving his hat and dancing a saraband at me, which I returned from the pile of gravel on which we were drawn up, with my whole heart. Sam Quincy was swept by me as he stood on the lower step of a platform looking at his old friends in the cadets, but I did not catch his eye. He looked much as usual. When Hal Russell passed he caught my eye and went through a war dance, with that eager look on his face which a man has when bidding good-bye to old friends on his way to the wars, and when he only recollects pleasant things about them; but Stephen Perkins I did n’t see, even as the train went by. They’re on their way now and I certainly envy them very much. Next comes Frank Palfrey and then there is n’t much of any one to go after that. John Palfrey has come home, by the way, sick – a typhoid fever, but the symptoms are said to be mild. He was over-worked in the sun, surveying, but they do not seem to be apprehensive. Caspar Crowninshield has got home from Washington and expects a commission in the regular army, and, I have little doubt, will get it. . . .

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“We are in the Lord’s hands—He alone can help us.”—Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

Diary of a Southern Refugee During the War by Judith White McGuire

Sunday, 9th.—About to go to church. I trust that this Sabbath may be instrumental of much spiritual good, and that the hearts of the people may be busy in prayer, both for friends and enemies. Oh, that the Spirit of God may be with the soldiers, to direct them in keeping this holy day! We are in the Lord’s hands—He alone can help us.

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A Diary of American Events – July 9, 1861

The Rebellion Record – A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

–To-day the ship Mary Goodall was boarded by the crew of the pirate brig Jeff. Dayis, off Nantucket South shoals; but, being British property, was released. Captains Fifield, of the brig John Walsh, of Philadelphia; Smith, of the schooner S. J. Waring, and Deverani, of the Schooner Enchantress, of Newburyport, were put on board the Mary Goodall, by the Jeff. Davis, which had captured their vessels during the week. The Jeff. Davis sails under the French flag. She is commanded by Captain Postell, formerly of the United States Navy.–N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, July 18.

–The First Regiment of Maryland Volunteers, raised by Capt. McConnell, and mustering exactly one thousand men, left Frederick at day-break this morning by the turnpike for Hagerstown, under the command of Lieut. Col. Dushane. The enlistment of men for the Second Regiment is progressing rapidly at the headquarters, on Green street, near Baltimore. Companies A, B, C, and D, each consisting of 100 men, have been mustered into service. It is the intention of several military men, residents of Baltimore, to raise the Third Regiment called for by the President of the United States, as soon as the second shall take the field.–Baltimore American, July 11.

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Civil War Day-By-Day

Civil War Day-by-Day

July 9, 1861

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America1

  • Major-General Fremont placed in command of the
    Western Department.
  • Legislature of Virginia (Wheeling) elected John S. Carlile and Waitman T. Willey to the U. S. Senate in place of Hunter and Mason.

  1. A Chronological History of the Civil War in America by Richard Swainson Fisher, New York, Johnson and Ward, 1863
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Correspondence from Gen. Beauregard to Louis Wigfall—”I believe we are about to be attacked by the enemy..,”

Louise Wigfall Wright — A Southern Girl in ’61

MANASSAS JUNCTION, Va.,
July 8th, 1861.

“My dear Col.,
“I believe we are about to be attacked by the enemy, who has been increasing his forces rapidly in the last few days. He no doubt has at present on this side of the Potomac at least 30,000 men—and probably as many in or about Washington; and I am informed on good authority, that he is crossing over reinforcements in large numbers every night; so that very shortly we probably will be attacked by about 40,000 men! What do you suppose is my effective force to resist this attack? About 15,000 effective men! How can it be expected that I should be able to maintain my ground, unless reinforced, and that immediately? I am determined to give the enemy battle no matter at what odds against us—but is it right and proper to sacrifice so many valuable lives (and perhaps our cause) without the least prospect of success?

“I think not; but I hope that it will delay the forward movement of the enemy, and give our friends time to come to the rescue!

“I have applied two or three times for the most essential things required here. [continue reading…]

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Rebel War Clerk’s diary.—Major John Winder (future commander over Confederate prisons) is applying to be made a general.

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones

JULY 8th.—There is a stout gray-haired old man here from Maryland applying to be made a general. It is Major J. H. Winder, a graduate of West Point, I believe; and I think he will be successful. He is the son, I believe, of the Gen. Winder whose command in the last war with England unfortunately permitted the City of Washington to fall into the hands of the enemy. I have almost a superstitious faith in lucky generals, and a corresponding prejudice against unlucky ones, and their progeny. But I cannot suppose the President will order this general into the field. He may take the prisoners into his custody—and do other jobs as a sort of head of military police; and this is what I learn he proposes. And the French Prince, Polignac, has been made a colonel; and a great nephew of Kosciusko has been commissioned a lieutenant in the regular army. Well, Washington had his Lafayette—and I like the nativity of these officers better than that of the Northern men, still applying for commissions.

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Extracts from the journal of Commander Semmes, C.S. Navy, commanding C.S.S. Sumter

War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies
Monday, July 8.— During the forenoon gave chase to a brigantine which showed Spanish colors. Kept on our course. Passed the Caymans between 9 and 10 p.m. The islets are laid down some 15 or 16 miles too far to the westward.
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“…twenty-three Secessionists, held as hostages for Union men…”—Rutherford B. Hayes

Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes

CAMP CHASE, July 8, 1861.

DEAR UNCLE:–Lucy came up to Columbus with Birtie Saturday evening. They have both been out once, and Birch twice to see me in camp. It is very pleasant to see them about. We are jogging on in routine duties. The only variation is the advent of twenty-three Secessionists, held as hostages for Union men seized in Virginia. On the release of the Union men, our prisoners were sent home yesterday.

I fear from the tenor of McLelland’s letters, and what Hale told me, that you are not getting rid of your cough. I hope you will do so soon. It is too bad that you should be unwell now. You would enjoy a little campaigning with me very much, and I would so enjoy having you along. . . .–Good-bye.

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

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“Four Examiners were removed today and some of the subordinates of the Pat office, other removals are expected.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

MONDAY 8

The excitement in the City is now increasing as the troops are moveing and battles expected. Various rumors are afloat from up the River but nothing more than skirmishes have as yet taken place. Four Examiners were removed today and some of the subordinates of the Pat office, other removals are expected. The business of the office is now small. I was on the Ave with Doct Everitt, called upon Genl Dix at Willards, was introduced to officers of the NY 14th Regt.

______

The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of   Congress.

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We—Charley, Eliza and Georgeanna.—left New York, July 2d, to join the army and Joseph Howland in Washington, stopping on our way over night with Cousin Margaret Hodge in Philadelphia.—Woolsey family letters.

Woolsey family letters during the War for the Union
Georgeanna Muirson Woolsey to Cousin Margaret Hodge.

Washington, July 8, 1861.

My dear Cousin Margaret: I should have begun by dating my letter Ebbitt House, we having been established here since Saturday, spending the first three days of our visit, or probation, at the “National,” in the fifth story, a prey to several inconveniences, but refreshingly near processions. Joe sent his man down to meet us, and came himself after evening drill. He looks brown and well; is dashing round on horseback all day from camp to the War Department, and back again to camp, where he must spend seven hours a day drilling. Then all the cracks are filled up with our society out there. We go out every day in time for evening drill, and stay till it is time to shut up for the night, having a nice time in the door of Joe’s tent “in the cool of the day,” and this sort of thing we fondly thought was going to last an indefinite length of time, till yesterday, when Joe surprised us by the news that they were ordered into Virginia, and would leave on Tuesday or Wednesday. The Colonel has been made an acting Brigadier-General, and he and Joe were eight hours in the saddle yesterday, flying round selecting three regiments to form the Brigade with the Sixteenth. Joe has been in today on the same business, being entrusted to decide upon them and take whichever he thought best; and has chosen the Eighteenth, Twenty-first and Thirty-first–all from New York. So on Wednesday I suppose they will move over the bridge, and then we shall deliver our letters of introduction and plunge into occupation of some kind.

Washington is the stillest place for a city I have ever been in; nobody knows anything, or has anything to say. Everything is guess work. A few doleful little boys call the evening papers round the doors of the hotel, but in a tone that fixes a gloom upon you. I hate the “Eve-ening Star” already, and our only news comes via New York. The Tribune, Times and Herald have a great deal of information about what goes on here, and it generally proves true. . . . One longs now and then for a real living and lying “Extra” boy, with his mouth full of fearful statements, all disproved by his paper which you imprudently buy. We went, of course, to the opening of Congress and also to hear President Lincoln’s message, read on the fifth.

Charley has been about visiting the camps at Alexandria, Georgetown and Arlington, but for all this a pass is necessary, which can only be procured through General Mansfield on introduction by some one known to him. If Lenox knows anyone at home who knows the General it would save him half a day to get his letter before coming on. Charley got his through Colonel Davies who is a relative of the General’s. I hope Lenox will come on, but it is too bad that he will not see Joe. . . .

Here comes a regiment down this street. About 15,000 men have gone over into Virginia since we came on. Joe goes up in rank with his Colonel as his aid – is now Captain and Assistant Adjutant General–and the Brigade will be in McDowell’s Division. . . . The regiment has marched past– the Massachusetts Eleventh just from Harrisburg, all in beautiful order, gray uniforms and large clean havelocks. New England doesn’t do anything by halves. . . . And here goes another company, guarding thirteen well-filled baggage wagons and followed by its regiment. We have only to flourish our handkerchiefs and the dear fellows will kiss their hands, twirl their hats and manifest affection for the entire woman population of the North. They are the Fourth Maine, and are going over into Virginia. I must put up my letter and watch them marching along. Our love to the Doctor and the boys.

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Orders from the General

The Letters of Samuel Ryan Curtis

[July 8]

General Order
No. 7

[Court martial trial of Lt. Huntington dispensed oners in custody discharged from arrest.]

“Camp Lyon” St. Joseph Mo
July 7th 1861

__________

Special Order
No 16.

[Three companies ordered to prepare for an expedition against Marysville with 4 days rations and 20 rounds of cartridges. To leave at 5 P. M. July 8, commanded by Lt. Col. Tuttle]

__________

General Order
No 8

[Orders given for at least one commissioned officer to remain in camp at all times.]

__________

3rd There will hereafter be four regular water calls, beaten as follows 5 ½ o’clock and 11 o’clock A. M. and 2 ½ o’clock P. M. and immediately after dress parade. Commanders of Companies will see that these calls be observed by their respective commands. As soldiers will not be permitted to go out of camp for water at other hours.

By Order of
M. M. Crocker, Major Comdg
N. P. Chipman Adjt1


1. Norton Parker Chipman, Washington, Iowa, appointed Adjutant 2nd Iowa Inf. June 1, 1861, was promoted to major Sept. 23, 1861. Assigned to Genl. Curtis’ staff in fall of 1861, he was commissioned col. and asst. aid de camp April 16, 1862, later brvt. brig. genl. vols., March 13, 1865.

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Engagement at Bealington, Va.

Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper
Engagement at Bealington, Va., Between Ohio and Indiana Regiments and a Detachment of Georgia Troops

Engagement at Bealington, Va., Between Ohio and Indiana Regiments and a Detachment of Georgia Troops

(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie,New York, 1895)

“On July 8th, 1861, from a high hill in the neighborhood of Bealington, two large bodies of troops were seen marching out of the Confederate camp. They advanced under cover of the wood, when the Federal skirmishers rushed at them. The Confederate cavalry then appeared, and the skirmishers retreated, when the Federal regiments threw a couple of shells into the midst of  the cavalry, who at once retired. The Ohio troops then sent another volley and several shells into the wood, which did so much execution among the Confederates that the officers could not rally them.”

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“Yesterday we left Georgetown and after two hours march arrived at our present camping ground (in Virginia).”—War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

Care of Lieut. S. R. Elliott,

10th Co., 79 Regiment, Virginia.

Glebewood, Virginia, July 8th, 1861.

My Dear Mother:

You see from the above that the “sacred soil” continues to be invaded. General Scott is inexorable, so, notwithstanding the protests of the States Right supporters, Regiment after Regiment crosses the line, and the sanctity of the Old Dominion is violated by the desecrating footsteps of the ruthless horsemen. Yesterday we left Georgetown and after two hours march arrived at our present camping ground. A romantic scene it was last night, arriving as we did at an evening hour. But our advent was followed by a dreadful act of destruction! The ruthless invaders charged with full force upon a snake-fence, demolished it, laid the pieces upon four different piles, and set to them the incendiary torch; soon our camp fires were blazing. The men fell into groups, some song-singing, some keeping guard, while here and there hoarse laughter showed that the solemnity of invading the sacred soil did not entirely prevent the outburst of unseasonable hilarity. Then the stars shone brightly, and the comet whisked its tail for us, and the tattoo sounded for sleepy souls to say their prayers before sinking into slumber. But when all was ready, the baggage-wagons were still far from us, lagging sadly behind, so we had no tents to cover us, but lay in the long grass looking upward at the silent stars. Those of us who had brought our blankets were fortunate, those of us who had trusted, in an unsoldierly way, for the wagons to bring them to us, and I was one of those, could do naught else than lie without any barrier between us and the bare soil – “sacred soil” – stickey, clayey soil it was too – of the “Sovereign State of Virginia.” Owing to its quality much of it stuck to us, but it being the real “sacred” stuff you know, made us regard our soiled garments with becoming reverence. We woke early this morning, you can imagine, as the sun rises hot in these regions, but we woke in excellent spirits. Our poor little Lieutenant was found after the Reveille, still enjoying his morning dreams. “Fence him in!” the Captain orders. With the greatest alacrity a couple of men took some rails, and while the youth still slept, built a sort of a chicken-coop around him.

Then a circle laughing and employing derisive epithets was formed about the unfortunate. At these unwonted sounds our little Lieutenant awoke, looking irresistibly comical, in a state of utter bewilderment. As he released himself from his confinement, he looked so pitiable that the mirth excited was only the more increased.

I saw Ned Tyler yesterday. He is looking well. Much better than I had expected. We had a pleasant time together, though our interview was interrupted by our march hitherward. Major-General Tyler, who is to command our Division I believe, also looked well – and full of business.

Good-bye, Mother. In these times let us put our trust in God and accept the inevitable.

Very affectionately,
Willy.

________

The 79th Highlanders,” p. 16.

About July 12th, Col. W. T. Sherman was made commander of the brigade of which the 79th Highlanders formed a part, while Brigadier-General Daniel Tyler of Connecticut, commanded the division.

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William Howard Russell’s Diary: Arlington Heights and the Potomac.—Washington.—The Federal camp.—General M’Dowell.—Flying rumours.

My Diary North and South – William Howard Russell

July 8th.–I hired a horse at a livery stable, and rode out to Arlington Heights, at the other side of the Potomac, where the Federal army is encamped, if not on the sacred soil of Virginia, certainly on the soil of the district of Columbia, ceded by that State to Congress for the purposes of the Federal Government. The Long Bridge which spans the river, here more than a mile broad, is an ancient wooden and brick structure, partly of causeway, and partly of platform, laid on piles and uprights, with drawbridges for vessels to pass. The Potomac, which in peaceful times is covered with small craft, now glides in a gentle current over the shallows unbroken by a solitary sail. The “rebels” have established batteries below Mount Vernon, which partially command the river, and place the city in a state of blockade.

As a consequence of the magnificent conceptions which were entertained by the founders regarding the future dimensions of their future city, Washington is all suburb and no city. The only difference between the denser streets and the remoter village-like environs, is that the houses are better and more frequent, and the roads not quite so bad in the former. The road to the Long Bridge passes by a four-sided shaft of blocks of white marble, contributed, with appropriate mottoes, by the various States, as a fitting monument to Washington. It is not yet completed, and the materials lie in the field around, just as the Capitol and the Treasury are surrounded by the materials for their future and final development. Further on is the red, and rather fantastic, pile of the Smithsonian Institute, and then the road makes a dip to the bridge, past some squalid little cottages, and the eye reposes on the shore of Virginia, rising in successive folds, and richly wooded, up to a moderate height from the water. Through the green forest leaves gleams the white canvas of the tents, and on the highest ridge westward rises an imposing structure, with a portico and colonnade in front, facing the river, which is called Arlington House, and belongs, by descent, through Mr. Custis, from the wife of George Washington, to General Lee, Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate army. It is now occupied by General M’Dowell as his head-quarters, and a large United States’ flag floats from the roof, which shames even the ample proportions of the many stars and stripes rising up from the camps in the trees.

At the bridge there was a post of volunteer soldiers. The sentry on duty was sitting on a stump, with his firelock across his knees, reading a newspaper. He held out his hand for my pass, which was in the form of a letter, written by General Scott, and ordering all officers and soldiers of the army of the Potomac to permit me to pass freely without let or hindrance, and recommending me to the attention of Brigadier-General M’Dowell and all officers under his orders. “That’ll do, you may go,” said the sentry. What pass is that, Abe?” inquired a non-commissioned officer. “It’s from General Scott, and says he’s to go wherever he likes.” “I hope you’ll go right away to Richmond, then, and get Jeff Davis’s scalp for us,” said the patriotic sergeant.

At the other end of the bridge a weak tête de pont, commanded by a road-work further on, covered the approach, and turning to the right I passed through a maze of camps, in front of which the various regiments, much better than I expected to find them, broken up into small detachments, were learning elementary drill. A considerable number of the men were Germans, and the officers were for the most part in a state of profound ignorance of company drill, as might be seen by their confusion and inability to take their places when the companies faced about, or moved from one flank to the other. They were by no means equal in size or age, and, with some splendid exceptions, were inferior to the Southern soldiers. The camps were dirty, no latrines–the tents of various patterns–but on the whole they were well castrametated.

The road to Arlington House passed through some of the finest woods I have yet seen in America, but the axe was already busy amongst them, and the trunks of giant oaks were prostrate on the ground. The tents of the General and his small staff were pitched on the little plateau in which stood the house, and from it a very striking and picturesque view of the city, with the White House, the Treasury, the Post Office, Patent Office, and Capitol, was visible, and a wide spread of country, studded with tents also as far as the eye could reach, towards Maryland. There were only four small tents for the whole of the head-quarters of the grand army of the Potomac, and in front of one we found General M’Dowell, seated in a chair, examining some plans and maps. His personal staff, as far as I could judge, consisted of Mr. Clarence Brown, who came over with me, and three other officers, but there were a few connected with the departments at work in the rooms of Arlington House. I made some remark on the subject to the General, who replied that there was great jealousy on the part of the civilians respecting the least appearance of display, and that as he was only a brigadier, though he was in command of such a large army, he was obliged to be content with a brigadier’s staff. Two untidy-looking orderlies, with ill-groomed horses, near the house, were poor substitutes for the force of troopers one would see in attendance on a general in Europe but the use of the telegraph obviates the necessity of employing couriers. I went over some of the camps with the General. The artillery is the most efficient-looking arm of the service, but the horses are too light, and the number of the different calibres quite destructive to continuous efficiency in action. Altogether I was not favourably impressed with what I saw, for I had been led by reiterated statements to believe to some extent the extravagant stories of the papers, and expected to find upwards of 100,000 men in the highest state of efficiency, whereas there were not more than a third of the number, and those in a very incomplete, ill-disciplined state. Some of these regiments were called out under the President’s proclamation for three months only, and will soon have served their full time, and as it is very likely they will go home, now the bubbles of national enthusiasm have all escaped, General Scott is urged not to lose their services, but to get into Richmond before they are disbanded.

It would scarcely be credited, were I not told it by General M’Dowell, that there is no such thing procurable as a decent map of Virginia. He knows little or nothing of the country before him, more than the general direction of the main roads, which are bad at the best; and he can obtain no information, inasmuch as the enemy are in full force all along his front, and he has not a cavalry officer capable of conducting a reconnaissance, which would be difficult enough in the best hands, owing to the dense woods which rise up in front of his lines, screening the enemy completely. The Confederates have thrown up very heavy batteries at Manassas, about thirty miles away, where the railway from the West crosses the line to Richmond, and I do not think General M’Dowell much likes the look of them, but the cry for action is so strong the President cannot resist it.

On my way back I rode through the woods of Arlington, and came out on a quadrangular earthwork, called Fort Corcoran, which is garrisoned by the 69th Irish, and commands the road leading to an aqueduct and horse-bridge over the Potomac. The regiment is encamped inside the fort, which would be a slaughter-pen if exposed to shell-fire. The streets were neat, the tents protected from the sun by shades of evergreens and pine boughs. One little door, like that of an ice-house, half buried in the ground, was opened by one of the soldiers, who was showing it to a friend, when my attention was more particularly attracted by a sergeant, who ran forward in great dudgeon, exclaiming “Dempsey! Is that you going into the ‘magazine’ wid yer pipe lighted?” I rode away with alacrity.

In the course of my ride I heard occasional dropping shots in the camp. To my looks of inquiry, an engineer officer said quietly, “They are volunteers shooting themselves.” The number of accidents from the carelessness of the men is astonishing; in every day’s paper there is an account of deaths and wounds caused by the discharge of firearms in the tents.

Whilst I was at Arlington House, walking through the camp attached to head-quarters, I observed a tall red-bearded officer seated on a chair in front of one of the tents, who bowed as I passed him, and as I turned to salute him, my eye was caught by the apparition of a row of Palmetto buttons down his coat. One of the officers standing by said, “Let me introduce you to Captain Taylor, from the other side.” It appears that he came in with a flag of truce, bearing a despatch from Jefferson Davis to President Lincoln, countersigned by General Beauregard at Manassas. Just as I left Arlington, a telegraph was sent from General Scott to send Captain Taylor, who rejoices in the name of Tom, over to his quarters.

The most absurd rumours were flying about the staff, one of whom declared very positively that there was going to be a compromise, and that Jeff Davis had made an overture for peace. The papers are filled with accounts of an action in Missouri, at a place called Carthage, between the Federals commanded by Colonel Sigel, consisting for the most part of Germans, and the Confederates under General Parsons, in which the former were obliged to retreat, although it is admitted the State troops were miserably armed, and had most ineffective artillery, whilst their opponents had every advantage in both respects, and were commanded by officers of European experience. Captain Taylor had alluded to the news in a jocular way to me, and said, “I hope you will tell the people in England we intend to whip the Lincolnites in the same fashion wherever we meet them,” a remark which did not lead me to believe there was any intention on the part of the Confederates to surrender so easily.

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“Just consider yourself a widow, and, in military parlance, insist upon being ‘obeyed and respected accordingly.’”–Letter from Elisha Franklin Paxton to his wife.

Elisha Franklin Paxton – Letters from camp and field while an officer in the Confederate Army

Near Winchester, July 8, 1861.

The last week has been one of patient waiting for a fight. On Monday, the 1st inst., I was ordered by Col. Jackson to go to Martinsburg and burn some engines, at which I was engaged until Tuesday morning, when I received an order to join my company, accompanied with the information that the enemy was approaching and our force had gone out to give him battle. I obtained a conveyance as speedily as I could, and the first intelligence of the fight I received from my regiment, which I found retreating. My company, I was pleased to learn, had fought bravely. On Wednesday morning we took our stand ten miles this side of Martinsburg, and there awaited the approach of the enemy until Sunday morning, when we retired to this place, three miles from Winchester. This we expect to be our battle-field. When it will take place it is impossible to say. It may be to-morrow, or perhaps not for a month, depending upon the movements of the enemy. I look forward to it without any feeling of alarm. I cannot tell why, but it is so. My fate may be that of Cousin Bob McChesney, of whose death I have but heard. If so, let it be. I die in the discharge of my duty, from which it is neither my wish nor my privilege to shrink. The horsetrade was entirely satisfactory. Act in the same way in all matters connected with the farm. Just consider yourself a widow, and, in military parlance, insist upon being “obeyed and respected accordingly.” Pay your board at Annie’s out of the first money you get. She may not be disposed to accept it, but I insist upon it. I do not wish to pay such bills merely with gratitude. Newman is still in the army, but I have not seen him for a month. I called to see him the other day, but he was not at his quarters.

 

It is now nearly three months since I left home, and I hardly know how the time has passed. All I know is that if I do my duty, I have but little leisure. I am used to the hardships of the service, and feel that I have the health and strength to bear any fatigue or exposure. Sometimes, as I lie upon the ground, my face to the sky, I think of Matthew’s little verse, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star,” and my mind wanders back to the wife and little ones at home. Bless you! If I never return, the wish which lies nearest to my heart is for your happiness. And now, my darling, again good-bye. Kiss little Matthew and Galla for me, and tell them Papa sends it. Give my love to Pa and Rachel, and for yourself accept all that a fond husband can give.

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Surrender of the revolting Garibaldi Guards to the U.S. Cavalry

Library of Congress
Surrender of the revolting Garibaldi Guards to the U.S. Cavalry, July 8, 1861

Frederic George D’Utassy’s Garibaldi Guards “staged a minor mutiny over being issued M1842 muskets rather than the rifles they expected.” There was also friction over pay, the diverse backgrounds of the soldiers, and inept officers. (Don Troiani’s Regiments and Uniforms of the Civil War; Stackpole Books 2002)

Title: Surrender of the revolting Garibaldi Guards to the U.S. Cavalry
Creator(s): Waud, Alfred R. (Alfred Rudolph), 1828-1891, artist
Date Created/Published: [1861 June 8]1
Medium: 1 drawing on olive paper: pencil, Chinese white, and black ink wash; 18.6 x 27.2 cm. (sheet).
Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ppmsca-20823 (digital file from original item, recto) LC-DIG-ppmsca-20824 (digital file from original item, verso) LC-USZC4-5172 (color film copy transparency)
Rights Advisory: No known restrictions on publication.
Call Number: DRWG/US – Waud, no. 17 (A size) [P&P]
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
Notes:
…..Signed lower left: A.R. Waud.
…..Title inscribed on verso.
…..Published with descriptive text in: New York Illustrated News, July 22 1861, with caption: Surrender of mutineers of the Garibaldi Guard, p. 188.
…..Dated derived from text in NYIN.
…..Gift, J.P. Morgan, 1919 (DLC/PP-1919:R1.2.17)
…..Forms part of: Morgan collection of Civil War drawings.

Library of Congress permalink
___________
Mike’s notes:

Note – This image has been digitally adjusted for one or more of the following:
– fade correction,
– color, contrast, and/or saturation enhancement
– selected spot and/or scratch removal
– cropped for composition and/or to accentuate subject


  1. The date on the Library of Congress data is wrong.  This actually occurred on July 8 and was reported in the New York Times the next day. (Link will be live July 8, 2021)
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Mutiny Among the Garibaldians

New York Times

The New York Times
June 9, 1861

Washington, Monday, July 8
It is reported that a mutiny broke out among the Garibaldi Guard to-day. One hundred of them left the camp and came to the city. They were stopped on this side of Long Bridge by the guard, and held there. The military officers on this side will make a word and a blow, and fire on the mutineers, unless they surrender and return to duty. The trouble grows out of some disaffection about the arms given to the regiment.
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A Diary of American Events – July 8, 1861

The Rebellion Record – A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

–General Banks, at Baltimore, acting under the direction of authorities at Washington, this morning seized the steamers Mary Washington and George W. Weems, both owned and commanded by the Weems Brothers. These steamers have been running for a number of years between Baltimore and the ports of the Patuxent River, and it is said carried down a number of passengers who joined the Confederate army. The seizure was to prevent their being taken in a similar manner to the St. Nicholas and run into Fredericksburg as prizes. –Baltimore American, July 9.

–To-day orders were received at the headquarters of the army, in New York, to send on to the seat of war at once the company of the First Artillery, part of the Fort Sumter garrison, which remained at Fort Hamilton. Instructions were immediately sent down to the brave fellows, who were under arms for the road in a few moments. The old ensign of Sumter went along with them, as they believe “there would be no luck in the company without it.”–N. Y. World, July 11.

–This day whilst Col. Porter, of the U. S. Army, with a small party of men, was reconnoitering near the lines of the secession army in Virginia, he was approached by a detachment of the Confederate forces, in command of Capt. Taylor, of Kentucky, bearing a flag of truce. Col. Porter, on bringing the detachment to a halt, was informed that Capt. Taylor was the bearer of a sealed letter from Gen. Davis to President Lincoln, which statement was verified by an endorsement to that effect on the back of the letter, written and signed by Gen. Beauregard at Manassas Junction, and requesting that safe conduct might be given to Capt. Taylor.

Col. Porter accordingly sent Capt. Taylor, accompanied by an officer and an orderly, to the head-quarters of Gen. McDowell, at Arlington, where they arrived at seven o’clock in the evening, and were detained there until the visit of Capt. Taylor was made known to Lieut.-General Scott, upon whose order he was conducted to the General’s head-quarters in Washington, where Gen. Scott received the letter of Gen. Davis, and sent it to the President, the bearer of the letter being in the mean time detained at head-quarters.

The President, having read the letter, informed Gen. Scott that he might send the messenger back, and Capt. Taylor immediately took his departure for Arlington, and thence proceeded on his way back to Richmond.

No answer to the letter was given by the President, and it is conjectured that the mission was merely a ruse to get a view of the main works of defence, and ascertain the means at the command of the Government for a forward movement. Certain it is the messenger was not enabled to carry back with him any very encouraging tidings. One object may have been to occupy the attention of our authorities and delay matters for a few days, so as to allow time for aid from Manassas to Johnston at Winchester.–(Doc. 73.)

–Tm following official order appeared today:

“Henceforward the telegraph will convey no despatches concerning the operations of the Army not permitted by the Commanding General.

Winfield Scott”

Department of War, July 8, 1861.

The above order is confirmed.

Simon Cameron, Secretary of War.

–The Second Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, Col. George H. Gordon, left Boston for the seat of war at Martinsburg. The regiment consists of one thousand and fifty men. They wear the regulation black felt hat, turned up at teo side. Their coats are made of serviceable blue cloth and their pants of blue flannel. Since the men first went into camp at West Roxbury, they have been put through the most rigid discipline, and are therefore now prepared to meet the enemy under any circumstances. The camp equipage of the regiment, consisting of twenty-five wagons and one hundred horses, left in advance of the troops during the afternoon. Each company is supplied with three thousand ball cartridges and seven days’ rations. The officers seem to have been well chosen. Among those in command of companies are sons of the late Rufus Choate, Thomas G. Gary, and the Hon. Josiah Quincy, Jr. The staff are all well mounted.

–Capt. Thomas, or the “French lady” who a short time previously captured the steamer St. Nicholas on. the Patuxent River, was himself captured by the Baltimore police.–(Doc. 74.)

–The De Kalb Regiment N. Y. S. V., under the command of Colonel Leopold von Gilsa, left New York for the seat of war.–N. Y. Evening Pots, July 8.

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Civil War Day-By-Day

Civil War Day-by-Day

July 8, 1861

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America1

  • Skirmish at Bird’s Point, Mo.
  • Rebels routed at Bealington, Va.
  • Rebel camp at Florida, Mo., attacked and broken up. Col. Taylor brought to the President a message from Jeff Davis concerning prisoners captured as privateers.
  • Thomas, the “French Lady,” taken in Baltimore.2

  1. A Chronological History of the Civil War in America by Richard Swainson Fisher, New York, Johnson and Ward, 1863
  2. Lt. Colonel Richard Thomas Zarvona masqueraded as Madame La Force during the capture of a passenger ship, St. Nicholas, in the Potomac River. It earned him the nickname of “The French Lady.” (Capture of Steamer St. Nicholas)
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Guarded by Cannon to Prevent the Intrusion of the Mob

Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper
Entrance to the Provost Marshal's Building, Holiday Street, Baltimore, Guarded by Cannon to prevent the Intrusion of the Mob—Colonel Kenley Acting as Provost Marshal in place of Marshal Kane, Confined in Fort McHenry, on a Charge of Treason, by Order of Major-Gen. BanksEntrance to the Provost Marshal’s Building, Holiday Street, Baltimore, Guarded by Cannon to Prevent the Intrusion of the Mob—Colonel Kenley Acting as Provost Marshal in place of Marshal Kane, Confined in Fort McHenry, on a Charge of Treason, by Order of Major-Gen. Banks
Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, July 13, 1861
Arrest of Marshal Kane and the Police Commissioners of Baltimore, Md.1
Major General Banks has acted with great promptitude and decision since he assumed his military duties. He acts out the old saying that “prevention is better than cure;” that a rebellion prevented is better than a rebellion put down. In this faith he promptly arrested Marshal Kane as the most active rebel in Maryland and incarcerated him in Fort McHenry. He supplied his place by Colonel Kenley, a tried and trustworthy officer; and as the Police Commissioners put all the police officers off duty, and, in a measure, disbanded them, he first swore in a body of loyal men as substitutes and then arrested the Commissioners, and sent them to keep company with Marshal Kane in Fort McHenry. Symptoms of disaffection among the populace were too manifest to be disregarded, and, to quell it before it ripened to a revolt, Major-General Banks stationed troops, with artillery, in the principal streets of the city of Baltimore, and thus effectually subdued the spirit of insubordination and restored confidence to the loyal citizens.
In the meantime, Provost-Marshal Kenley actively pursued his search after concealed arms. He took possession of the late Marshal’s office, the entrance to which was guarded by a cannon planted in the hall, and officers with drawn swords, a precautionary measure rendered necessary by the disturbed state of the city, and the fact that this building was the principal point of excitement. Thus guarded, the business of the office was carried on without interruption.
The search after arms was eminently successful. In an old back building of the City Hall, recently used by Marshal Kane, was found two six-pounder and two four-pounder guns, half a ton of assorted shot, four hundred weight of balls, eight hundred rifle ball cartridges, gun carriages, &c. In the office and under the Marshal’s office, in the floors and in the ceiling, arms and ammunition were found, among them a case of splendid pistols, two hundred and fifty muskets and rifles, twenty-five of which were Minie, besides several muskets which were supposed to belong to the Massachusetts soldiers disarmed by the mob on the 19th of April. There was no lack of evidence of the traitorous sentiments of Marshal Kane and his coadjutors. The prompt action of General Banks has been of vast service at this time, when it is highly important to preserve peace in our midst whilst our army is engaged with a powerful and active foe in the field.

  1. Kane was arrested on June 27, 1861, at his home in the dead of night.
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Extracts from the journal of Commander Semmes, C.S. Navy, commanding C.S.S. Sumter

War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies
Sunday, July 7.—Morning clear and beautiful, the waters of the little harbor clear and sparkling, and the bright green of the vegetation on shore looking picturesque and cheerful. At 8 a. m., Lieutenant Chapman, whom I had sent to town yesterday to look after the prizes, make arrangements for coaling, and present a dispatch to the governor, returned, bringing with him a couple of Cuban gentlemen (Isnaga and Dias), warm sympathizers in our cause. I appointed one of them prize agent (Don Mariano Dias). One hundred tons of coal and about 5,000 gallons of water were towed alongside for us during the day, and were got in. Fresh provisions were also sent on board for the crew. About 10 p.m. I received a reply from the governor. He informed me that the captain-general had instructed him as follows, viz: First. No cruiser of either party can bring their prizes into Spanish ports. Second. If in my captures the territory of Cuba has been violated, the Spanish courts will themselves judge of the matter. Third. My prizes will be detained until the Queen can be heard from. We got up our anchor soon after 11 p.m., and passed outside the harbor at midnight. Nothing of our prize brig, the Cuba, and Midshipman Hudgins.
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Texas Troops

Miscellaneous document sources, News of the Day

Standard [Clarksville, Tx], July 20, 1861

Fort Washita, C. N., }
July 7th, 1861. }

My Dear Major:

According to promise, I have concluded to write you, though at this time I am quite unwell–the effects of a severe attack of fever. But I hope, with prudence, I will soon be restored to health, and will be prepared for any kind of service.

I think, in my first letter, I informed you of the very hospitable attention our company received from the citizens of Paris. We could have expected nothing less from them, for in times of peace that town is noted for its plain and honest hospitality, and as war, with all of its calamities, will soon be upon us, the citizens of that town seem to have been determined that the soldiers should not leave without at least good dinners.

Our company drew the county guns, which I think will be very effective–most of them being carbines, the others being plain rifles and Colt’s six shooting guns. From the simplicity of the carbine, combined with the accuracy and effectiveness of its shooting, its use seems to be preferred by our men. Most of them like the carbine better than Colt’s improved gun. Some of the young men, in experimenting with Colt’s fire arms, have fired two barrels at the same time. That may be the result of carelessness, but for a campaign, I am satisfied that, for soldiers, the carbine is best adapted.

We have in our company a Cherokee Indian, a very fine looking man, and he is the proudest fellow you ever saw, of his carbine, and is anxious to come in contact with the abolitionists, who, he says, will soon invade his native land, and that their design is to make slaves of the Indians. Cherokee cannot stand that.

While in Paris, the Cherokee and his mess were invited by one very good gentleman to dinner. Everything that the taste of an epicurean might demand was spread upon the table, in the way of meats, &c. It seems that the meats and other eatables were moved from the table, and, as might be expected at good dinners, delicacies substituted. Sauce, as a matter of course, had to be used, and it happened that Mr. Cherokee was the first to whom the servant handed the cream pot; upon the reception of which, he very deliberately raised it to his mouth, and drank about half of its contents, and in the most dignified manner imaginable, returned the aforesaid cream pot to the waiter. His mess were confounded and mortified, and told him that was not the way to use it. But it was “no use talking;” he told them it was good enough his way, and that he did not want any more just then!”

In Bonham a most splendid dinner had been prepared for the companies from Titus and Red River. Everything passed agreeably to all the companies and the citizens, nothing disorderly having occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion.

Our company left Ellett’s Springs on the 22d of June; but I did not overtake them until they had crossed Red River via Kemp’s Ferry, and were encamped two miles in the Chickisaw Nation, on the evening of the 27th of June. Thence we made a force march to McCarty’s Springs, where we had good water, which you must know was a treat to the boys. These springs are situated directly on the overland mail route, and take their name from McCarty, who keeps, or did keep a stagestand, when that grand political humbug, the overland mail route, was in operation.

While there, the Collin county company came in view, some distance off. As soon as we saw them, we raised our flag–of which the company are proud, for none that we have seen can compare with it. A short time elapsed, when the company reached the springs, and with joyous hearts and open hands we received our brother soldiers.

The 4th of July was celebrated at Fort Washita by a war dance, performed by two Indian companies that had arrived here the day previous; and which are a part of a regiment that Col. Cooper is now actively engaged in organizing, to be mustered into service at Scullyville. Two Indian companies, and the Panola county company, all mounted, left this morning for the aforesaid place, under the command, I think, of Col. Lee, of Fannin county, whose military qualification is beyond a doubt. Sever speeches were made on the 4th. Among the speakers were Capt. Burks, and Wolf Walker, Esq., of Red River; 1st Lieut. Stephens, and 2d Lieut. Fitzpatrick, of Titus county. Call after call was made for Campbell Jefferson and George Caile, Esqrs., and others. The first named gentlemen acquitted themselves in their usual very felicitous manner.

I wish I had time to describe to you minutely this much-talked-of Indian war dance; but I must venture to inform you that they formed a circle around the flag of the Confederate States, and from their action, I concluded that they considered themselves in the presence of high Heaven, pledging their fealty and eternal loyalty to our own beloved South.

I have been informed by prominent Indians of this Nation, that entire unanimity prevails with them, and that they are determined to fight over the graves of their ancestors.

Gen. Young is now in Cooke county. We do not yet know our destination. Gen. Cooper has ordered his men near Fort Smith, and perhaps when we see Gen. Young, we will follow. All of the men are anxious to go in that direction, as they believe that most of the excitement is there, or thereabouts–at least, for the present.

Thomas Wallis, of the Bowie county company, reached this place to-day, the 7th, and reports that his company is twenty miles from here–that some of the men are sick, and that the company will not get in until Tuesday.–The Collin county company has been ordered to Arbuckle, and will leave on Tuesday next. When the Bowie county company is mustered into service, Young’s regiment will be complete.

We had church service at the Fort to-day, and I am glad to inform you that, although the boys “fairly siz” on other days in the week, the most attentive respect was manifested by the volunteers to the delivery of the sermon; and all joined most sincerely and devoutly in singing the concluding hymn.

Some of the young men of our company have been very unwell, but I am glad to inform you, that all are now convalescent, and in a few days will be well. We are now in good quarters in the Fort–have a plenty of beef and pickled pork, though new flour is scarce. Rations are issued to 416 men. All is peace and quietness among the men.

Dr. Rainey leaves for Sherman in the morning, and I have written this for him to mail to you.

Ever thy friend,

Courtes B. Sutton.

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Mary Chesnut’s diary—”If our husbands are taken prisoners, what will they do with them? Are they soldiers or traitors?”

A Diary From Dixie by Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut.

July 7th.–This water is making us young again. How these men enjoy the baths. They say Beauregard can stop the way with sixty thousand; that many are coming.

An antique female, with every hair curled and frizzed, said to be a Yankee spy, sits opposite us. Brewster solemnly wondered “with eternity and the judgment to come so near at hand, how she could waste her few remaining minutes curling her hair.” He bade me be very polite, for she would ask me questions. When we were walking away from table, I demanded his approval of my self-control under such trying circumstances. It seems I was not as calm and forbearing as I thought myself. Brewster answered with emphasis: “Do you always carry brickbats like that in your pocket ready for the first word that offends you? You must not do so, when you are with spies from the other side.” I do not feel at all afraid of spies hearing anything through me, for I do not know anything.

But our men could not tarry with us in these cool shades and comfortable quarters, with water unlimited, excellent table, etc. They have gone back to Manassas, and the faithful Brewster with them to bring us the latest news. They left us in excellent spirits, which we shared until they were out of sight. We went with them to Warrenton, and then heard that General Johnston was in full retreat, and that a column was advancing upon Beauregard. So we came back, all forlorn. If our husbands are taken prisoners, what will they do with them? Are they soldiers or traitors ?

Mrs. Ould read us a letter from Richmond. How horrified they are there at Joe Johnston’s retreating. And the enemies of the War Department accuse Walker of not sending General Johnston ammunition in sufficient quantities; say that is the real cause of his retreat. Now will they not make the ears of that slow-coach, the Secretary of War, buzz?

Mrs. Preston’s maid Maria has a way of rushing in– “Don’t you hear the cannon?” We fly to the windows, lean out to our waists, pull all the hair away from our ears, but can not hear it. Lincoln wants four hundred millions of money and men in proportion. Can he get them? He will find us a heavy handful. Midnight. I hear Maria’s guns.

We are always picking up some good thing of the rough Illinoisan’s saying. Lincoln objects to some man– “Oh, he is too interruptious” : that is a horrid style of man or woman, the interruptious. I know the thing, but had no name for it before.

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Rebel War Clerk’s Diary.—”The President is appointing generals enough, one would suppose. I hope we shall have men for them.”

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones

JULY 7th.—Major Tyler’s health has improved, but I do not perceive a resumption of his old intimate relations with the Secretary. Yet he is doing the heavy epistolary work, being a lawyer; and the correspondence sometimes embracing diverse legal points. My intimacy with the colonel continues. It seems he would do anything in the world for me. He has put Mr. Shepherd to issuing passports to the camps, etc.—the form being dictated by the Secretary. These are the first passports issued by the government. I suggested that they should be granted by and in the name of the Chief of the Bureau of War—and a few were so issued—but the Secretary arrested the proceeding. The Secretary was right, probably, in this matter.

The President is appointing generals enough, one would suppose. I hope we shall have men for them. From five to ten thousand volunteers are daily offered—but not two thousand are accepted. Some have no arms; and others propose to serve only for six or twelve months. Infantry will not fight with hunting rifles or shot-guns; and the department will not accept mounted men, on account of the expense of transportation, etc. Oh, that I had power but for a week! There should then be accepted fifty regiments of cavalry. These are the troops for quick marches, surprises, and captures. And our people, even down to the little boys, are expert riders. If it were to be a short war—or if it were to be a war of invasion on our part—it might be good policy, economically, to discourage cavalry organizations. But we shall want all our men; and many a man would fight in the saddle who could not or would not march in the infantry. And mounted men are content to use the double-barreled shot-gun–one barrel for ball, the other for buck-shot and close quarters.

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“The Regt is bound for Harpers Ferry and Martinsburgh to reinforce Genl Patterson.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

SUNDAY 7

This has been a hot day. M. 90. Lieuts Whitlock and [Monville?] took dinner with us and we sent down dinner to Sergeant Mandevilles mess at the camp. We went down at 1 o’clk to see them off. The Regt is bound for Harpers Ferry and Martinsburgh to reinforce Genl Patterson. We parted with them with much regret as we had become quite familiar with many of the officers and men, who were very gentlemanly. It looks quite lonesome at the camp tonight, only 30 men left to guard it. No particular news.

______

The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of   Congress.

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