SEPTEMBER 30TH.–Cloudy, and occasional showers.

None of the papers except the Whig were published this morning, the printers, etc. being called out to defend the city. Every device of the military authorities has been employed to put the people here in the ranks. Guards everywhere, on horseback and on foot, in the city and at the suburbs, are arresting pedestrians, who, if they have not passes from Gen. Kemper, are hurried to some of the depots or to the City Square (iron palings), and confined until marched to the field or released. Two of the clerks of the War Department, who went down to the Spottswood Hotel to hear the news, although having the Secretary’s own details, were hustled off to a prison on Cary Street to report to Lieut. Bates, who alone could release them. But when they arrived, no Lieut. Bates was there, and they found themselves incarcerated with some five hundred others of all classes and conditions. Here they remained cooped up for an hour, when they espied an officer who knew them, and who had them released.

To-day the guards arrested Judges Reagan and Davis, Postmaster-General and Attorney-General, both members of the cabinet, because neither of them were over fifty years old. Judge Reagan grew angry and stormed a little; but both were released immediately.

Gen. Lee dispatched Gen. Bragg, at 9 P.M. last night, that all the assaults of the enemy on Fort Gilmer had been repulsed, the enemy losing many in killed, and wounded, and prisoners, while our loss was small.

And we have driven the Yankees from Staunton, and have them in full retreat again as far as Harrisonburg.

To-day at 2 P.M. another battle occurred at or near Fort Harrison or Signal Hill, supposed to be an attempt on our part to retake the post. I never heard more furious shelling, and fear our loss was frightful, provided it was our assault on the enemy’s lines. We could see the white smoke, from the observatory, floating along the horizon over the woods and down the river. The melee of sounds was terrific: heavy siege guns (from our steam-rams, probably) mingled with the incessant roar of field artillery. At 3 P.M. all was comparatively quiet, and we await intelligence of the result.

Sept. 22—Willie’s birthday. 7 years. Breakfast with Rev. Armstrong at Woodstock. He after many years gave a bright son to N. C. as a Professor in Trinity College. Return to Regiment. Fight and retreat to Mt. Jackson.

Sept. 23—Fast and pray. Write to Mary. Occupy Rode’s Hill.

Sept. 24—Retreat slowly under constant cannonading.

Sept. 26—Pass K. town, Port Republic, and camp near Brown’s Gap. Letter from wife written 16th.

Sept. 27—Cross above Weir’s Cave, driving cavalry, return and camp near Cave. I visit the Cave. Grand sight! Eternal night! Many rooms connected by narrow, crooked, rough passages.

Sept. 28—Breakfast with Mr. Hansberger. Move slowly towards Waynesborough. Camp at 2:30 a. m.

Sept. 30—Visit Waynesborough and get wine for Sacrament.

September 29th. Early this morning our regiment ordered out in light marching order. After line was formed we marched out on the Winchester Pike. About a mile out we came to a halt at the roadside, waiting for some cause, under arms. After waiting a long time, late in the afternoon, a marching column could be seen coming down the pike. It proved to be a large number of prisoners under cavalry escort. We relieved the cavalrymen, taking charge of the prisoners. Marched them through the town to the railway station. Loaded them into box cars. Guarded them to Harper’s Ferry where we arrived about midnight.

Thursday, 29th.—Orders to move at 3:30 P. M. Brigade formed, ready to move with four days’ rations in havresacks. Don’t know where we are going.

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

Thursday, 29th–We were relieved from picket this morning at 8 o’clock. The men of the Eleventh Iowa have had no pay since leaving Davenport early in the spring, and some of the boys are pretty short of money; but they will get some soon, as the paymaster is expected to arrive any day. The rebels are becoming quite bold around Atlanta and along the railroads as far north as Nashville, Tennessee. It is reported that Hood is going to try to regain some lost ground. General Sherman has sent some of his troops north to reinforce the detachments guarding the railroads. There is no news from General Grant’s army.

29th. Thursday. Marched on back road to Bridgewater.

UNITED STATES PRISONERS CAMP,
POINT LOOKOUT, MD., Sept. 29, 1864.

My Dear Mother:
At the battle of Winchester, fought the 19th of this month, myself, together with seven others of our company, were captured, namely Henry Warren, Emerson Winstead, Pat Wooten, Bunyan Barnes, Edwin Barnes, Byrant Stokes and Joel Taylor. All of us are in very good health. All of us have written although some of our letters may be lost. Give my love to all the family. Please write as soon as you receive this. Direct me care of Major Brady, Provost Marshal. Let me know whether Blake was killed or wounded. Goodbye, believe me as ever.

Your sincere and affectionate son,
WALTER.

When I remember all
The friends, so linked together,
I’ve seen around me fall,
Like leaves in wintry weather,
I feel like one
Who treads alone
Some banquet hall deserted,
Whose light are fled,
Whose garlands dead,
And all but he departed;
Thus, in the stilly night,
Ere slumber’s chain has bound me,
Sad memory brings the light
Of other days around me.

—THOMAS MOORE.

Letters from two brothers who served in the 4th North Carolina Infantry during the Civil War are available in a number of sources online.  Unfortunately, the brothers are misidentified in some places as Walter Lee and George Lee when their names were actually Walter Battle and George Battle. See The Battle Brothers for more information on the misidentification.

SEPTEMBER 29TH.–Bright and beautiful.

As I walked down to the department, heavy and brisk cannonading below assailed the ear. It was different from the ordinary daily shelling, and to my familiar senses, it could only be a BATTLE. The sounds continued, and even at my desk in the department the vibrations were very perceptible.

About 10 o’clock, when walking down Main Street (the cannon still heard), I met Robert Tyler and Mr. Foote, member of Congress, the latter in some excitement, denouncing the management of affairs by the Executive. He said if Richmond were lost, he should move that the people take matters in their own hands, and proclaim a DICTATOR. Mr. Tyler, commanding his temper, banteringly told him that he ran some risk of being arrested, tried by drum-head court-martial, and shot–before night. Mr. Foote whirled away, repeating his desperate purpose; and Tyler repeating, more gravely, that he might be arrested for treasonable language–and ought to be.

Mr. Tyler then invited me to join him at breakfast at a neighboring restaurant, where we had each a loaf of bread, a cup of coffee with milk (but brown sugar), and three eggs. The bill was sixteen dollars!

When I returned to the department, information came that the enemy had captured Fort Harrison (Signal Hill), near Chaffin’s Bluff, and were advancing toward the city. From that moment much excitement sprung up (the greatest I have ever known here), and all the local organizations were immediately ordered out. Not only this, but squads of guards were sent into the streets everywhere with orders to arrest every able-bodied man they met, regardless of papers; and this produced a consternation among the civilians. The offices and government shops were closed, and the tocsin sounded for hours, by order of the Governor, frightening some of the women.

At 2 P.M. the fight was nearer, and it was reported that the enemy were at the intermediate fortifications–three miles distant.

From the observatory on the War Department we could see the puffs of white smoke from our guns; but these were at the intermediate line, several miles distant, and the enemy were, of course, beyond. We could see our cannon firing from right to left at least a mile in length; and the enemy had evidently made much progress toward the city. The firing then ceased, however, at 3 P.M.., indicating that the enemy had withdrawn from that point; but the booming of artillery was still heard farther to the right on or near the river. And this continued until the present writing, 5 P. M. We have no particulars; but it is reported that the enemy were handsomely repulsed. Clouds of dust can be seen with the telescope in that direction, which appears to the naked eye to be smoke. It arises no doubt from the march of troops, sent by Gen. Lee. We must soon have something definite from the scene of action.

Half-past five P.M. Gen. Ewell dispatches that the enemy’s attack on FortGilmer (five miles below the same we saw) was handsomely repulsed.

A dispatch from Gen. Pemberton, on Williamsburg Road, says there is no immediate danger there.

Another dispatch from Georgia says Forrest has captured 800 more men somewhere in Alabama, on the railroad.

At night, distant cannon heard. Gen. Ewell said in his last dispatch that as soon as certain reinforcements came up he would take the offensive, attacking the enemy. The conflict recedes, and I presume he is driving the enemy back.

Mr. Foote intimates that the President will not return to Richmond, and did not intend to return.

28th.—Mr. P. came home, and at once decided that we were entitled to the rooms. By this arrangement we are greatly relieved. The family who occupied them have moved off, and Mr. –– having convinced the third party of his mistake, has taken off his hands the coal and flour which he had stored away, and now all is straight. The “Colonel” and ourselves moved our goods and chattels to these rooms yesterday. The M’s will be here in a day or two. We have a long walk to our offices, but it is very near my hospital. Mr. ––‘s hospital is very far from every point, as it is on the outskirts of the city; but he thinks the walk is conducive to his health, so that we are, upon the whole, very comfortable.

September 28th. A provost guard of our regiment is on duty in town to preserve the peace and protect the business interest, which is improving. Service is now held in all the churches. All is quiet. Many seem to think that the war is about over. The rebel sympathizers do not, say they will never give in.

Wednesday, 28th–Cloudy with some rain today. I went on picket this morning for the first time since coming back from the hospital. I was on a lookout post on the right of the picket lines of the brigade with four other men out of our brigade. All is quiet in front of the lines. I miss the four boys killed in battle while I was absent from the company—they were all good men, three of them being veterans.

28th. Wednesday. Tore up R. R. and iron bridge. Near dark rebs came up the valley and attacked. Reb infantry got on our flank. Had to run a gauntlet. 2nd Ohio and 3rd N. J. rear guard. Through Staunton.

SEPTEMBER 28TH. –Bright; subsequently cloudy and warm rain.

Staunton was entered by the enemy’s cavalry on Monday afternoon.

We have no news whatever to-day from any quarter. But the deep booming of cannon is still heard down the river, foreboding an awful conflict soon.

I saw three 10-inch Columbiads at the Petersburg depot to-day; they are going to move them toward Petersburg, I believe.

Gold is thirty for one to-day, and still rising, Forrest’s exploit having done nothing to revive confidence in Treasury notes here.

September, Wednesday 28, 1864

Well mercy on me if Pontotoc can’t take the lead for dulness , and no way to get on!—I succeeded in getting $50 in G. B. from a Servant!—Bro. Will came home about 1 o’c!—went over to town and thinks perhaps I can get Mr. Carr to take me over. Cousin Ginnie and Eddie Miller came over and staid a few moments only. No news on earth, and not worth while to write in my journal.

August, Sunday 28, 1864

Lou and I as usual too late for breakfast, We all spent most of the morning in the Octagon—Mr. Clapp and Col. Chambers making themselves
very entertaining—I do like Mr. Clapp so much—

Lou and I came up stairs, Lou occupied her time in writing to her Bro. Vallie – I of course in sleeping—

We had rather a discussion at dinner about Southern people taking the Oath of Allegiance to the Yankee Gov. Mr. Clapp had the advantage of the discussion, his view being strictly against it. The gentleman returned to Columbus after dinner, we spent the evening in slumber. Mr. & Mrs. Hamilton took Tea, and spent the evening with us. I do feel so uneasy about home, no news decisive from any portion of our Armyies

September 27th. All quiet in our camp. Martinsburg is beginning to resume business again. Stores are opening up. As far as can be known, no enemy in this vicinity at the present time. Trains are running to this town.

Tuesday, 27th–General Sherman issued an order removing all citizens from Atlanta, on account of the scarcity of food. There is only one line of railroad open from the North to Atlanta, and the rebels are destroying almost every day some portions of the track, thus delaying trains. All who take the oath of allegiance are sent north beyond the Ohio river, while those who refuse to take it are to go farther south; they can take their choice. General Sherman has notified Hood to come with wagons to a station south of Atlanta and take care of the citizens, as our teams will haul them to that station. A great many are taking the oath and going North, but some think themselves too good to take the oath. Some of the women are very strong secessionists, and spurn the idea of taking the oath, declaring that they would rather die.

27th. Tuesday. Burned R. R. and stores. Captured Com’y and Q. M. stores. Quite a time. Visited rebel hospital, Deaf and Dumb Asylum, and Insane Asylum. Marched to Waynesboro in eve.

SEPTEMBER 27TH.–Bright and pleasant.

We have rumors of heavy fighting yesterday near Staunton, but no authentic accounts.

A dispatch from Gen. R. Taylor says Gen. Forrest had gained a victory at Athens, Ala., capturing some 1500 prisoners, 500 horses, etc. etc.

We still hear the thunder of artillery down the river–the two armies shelling each other, I suppose, as yet at a safe distance. A few more days and the curtain will rise again–Lee and Grant the principal actors in the tragedy!

The President is making patriotic speeches in Alabama and Georgia.

Mr. Hudson, of Alabama, proposes to deliver to the government 5,000,000 pounds of bacon for the same number of pounds cotton, delivered at the same place.

Our cotton agent in Mississippi is authorized by the government here to sell cotton in exposed situations to the enemy’s agents for specie, and to buy for Confederate notes.

The funeral expenses of Gen. Morgan the other day amounted to $1500; the Quartermaster-General objects to paying it, and sends the bill to the Secretary for instructions.

The following is a copy of Gen. Lee’s indorsement on Lieut.-Col. Moseby’s report of his operations from the 1st of March to the 11th of September, 1864:

“HEADQUARTERS, ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
“September 19th, 1864.

“Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant and Inspector-General for the information of the department. Attention is invited to the activity and skill of Col. Moseby, and the intelligence and courage of the officers and men of his command, as displayed in this report.
“With the loss of little more than 20 men, he has killed, wounded, and captured, during the period embraced in this report, about 1200 of the enemy, and taken more than 1600 horses and mules, 230 beef cattle, and 85 wagons and ambulances, without counting many smaller operations. The services rendered by Col. Moseby and his command in watching and reporting the enemy’s movements have also been of great value. His operations have been highly creditable to himself and his command.
“(Signed)                                                               R. E. LEE, General.
“Official: JOHN BLAIR HOGE,
“Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.”

September, Tuesday 27, 1864

Oh! how lonely this day has been to me. Mrs. Johnson and Reynolds returned to Waverly on the 7 o’c train. My Hack came soon after, when I left—and I do not think anyone could have spent so lonely a ride as I did, no person except the driver. Mrs. Henderson was very kind indeed to me. I arrived at Pontotoc about 1 o’clock, found Mary alone and delighted to see me. Very stormy and rainy, so I have not accomplished anything and made no preperations for my trip, but will certainly, if providence permits, leave here Thursday morning. I sat up quite late writing to dear Lucy, so that I could send by the boy who drove me up and have mailed at Okolona—

September 26th. Weather fine. Nothing of a special nature has taken place so far, but the hard work continues. Our camp is in a pleasant location. We enjoy it all we can, but do get very tired with the hard work put upon us.

Monday, 26th.—Jeff Davis to come round at 9 A. M. Everything has to be cleaned up. Jeff came at 11 A. M. Each regiment cheered him as he passed their colors. Pretty weak cheering. Some shouting Johnston. Give us Johnston again.

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

Monday, 26th–The camp of the Seventeenth Army Corps is four miles south of town. We have a very nice camp here, the boys having built good bunks out of old lumber, in their wedge tents. Our tents had been stored at Huntsville, Alabama, and after the fall of Atlanta were sent forward. General Sherman’s entire army is in camp here, and strongly fortified, just south of Atlanta. The army is to be paid off while in camp, the muster rolls having been sent in to the paymaster. All is quiet.

26th. Monday. Marched to Staunton, 3rd Div., Regular brigade 1st and 2nd Div. went to Port Republic.