APRIL 1st.—Cloudy all day, with occasional light showers.

No war news; but the papers have an account of the shooting of an infant by some Yankees on account of its name. This shows that the war is degenerating more and more into savage barbarism.

April, Friday 1, 1864

A gloomy day, raining, cold, and dreary. I have managed to exist, have not done much sewing. I came to my room after dinner, and spent the evening reading the Caxton’s—although quite an old book, I have never read it. I began with high expectations, and recommendations, as Bulwer’s best—must confess I was greatly disapointed . I think ‘What will he do with it ?’ is one of the best novels I ever read—with that as my last remembrance of Bulwer, it would scarce be expected I could admire old Mr. Caxton’s eccentric disposition, or Ladie Caxton’s great lack of spirit, through fear of her liege lord—Beulah was my companion—I could not listen to her distressed whine, unfastened her chain, she went out as I came to my room after tea, and has not yet returned. I fear they will all get into trouble, poor Beulah, she is my best friend, but I do not think she has many friends outside of my own little room. Laura and Bettie said a very good lesson—Laura and Tippie Dora both asleep. No late news from Forrest. I am so lonely, how long oh! Lord, how long must I wait—

April 1st.–Mrs. Davis is utterly depressed. She said the fall of Richmond must come; she would send her children to me and Mrs. Preston. We begged her to come to us also. My husband is as depressed as I ever knew him to be. He has felt the death of that angel mother of his keenly, and now he takes his country’s woes to heart.

31st. Went to town to the Q. M. with Bill. A rainy unpleasant day. Slept with Brother N. at Q. M. Carpenter’s.

Thursday, 31st–I went to a party this evening, given in honor of the veterans, over at Mr. Hatch’s, on Yankee Street.^[1] There were not many present, but all enjoyed themselves. I found a new road to travel, a mile from this place—if all goes well. Things are very quiet in this settlement, but almost every young man here is thinking of returning with us to help bring the war to a close. It does us good to see the loyal sentiment among the people at home. The general belief at home is that the war cannot last more than a year longer.

[1] Yankee Street was the name given to an adjoining neighborhood.—A. G. D.

March, Thursday 31, 1864

Laura awakened me standing by the bed with my breakfast. I was too sleepy to eat, and only drank my Coffee. I have felt very badly all day, did not do any sewing, lying down most of the day. Mr. Pugh, Jim and Mr. Harbut with Jim’s body guard the Prince of darkness, left for Dixie. Mr. Harbut is to meet the other Scouts a few miles below here, where they will all cross the R. R. together, joining Capt. Henderson somewhere in Tenn—all of troops have crossed Charlston R. R. and I expect we will hear glorious news in the nest few days. Jim & Mr. Pugh are trying to find a way to join Forrest, they had not been gone more than five minutes when four Yankees, belonging to 6th, Ill. Cav. came riding in, asked if we had seen any Confederate Soldiers, of course we said no. I think they came to steal, but we were polite to them, and they left—only wanted some milk, which they got. Tate & Nannie went to town today, Mr. Perryman got them a pass—they got home safe, but saw Anna Nelson and Sallie Hildebrand arrested and carried back with a Negro guard, for smugling a pr of boots—

Forrest is still moveing onward through Ky, having everything his own way. I came to my room early. A terible rainstorm raging—my pets all in. May my heart still be humble, and trust that God will, in his own time, brighten my life and happines—

MARCH 31st.—Cloudy and cold. No war news, though it is generally believed that Longstreet is really in the valley.

A speech delivered by the Hon. J. W. Wall, in New Jersey, is copied in all the Southern papers, and read with interest by our people.

March 31st, 1864.–The box has gone and my socks were ready; that is, the requisite number went but I had to borrow one sock from Aunt Robinson, with the promise that I would knit another right away. I am going to Aunt Margaret’s to stay a few days. Her girls are going to school at Live Oak and I do not see them as often as when they attended school here at Pine Hill.

Susan Bradford is 18 years old when this entry was made.

March 31st. Norwich, Connecticut. It is good to be home once more among friends. Wishing the war was over. I am afraid that many more of the 18th Regiment must fall before the end comes. Some will never see home again. These are dark, sad days, but we are trying to enjoy our visit at home, visiting relations and friends. The cemeteries in the cities and the country fighting had taken place in this vicinity but now quiet and peaceful. Battles are liable to take place here most any day. I always felt that Pleasant Valley, Maryland, was rightly named, for it is a beautiful country.

Mar. 1, ’64—Start at 3 a. m. Meet Bros. Selby, Branson, and Cunninggim in Raleigh. Meet Bros. Burkhead, Henderson, M. C. Thomas, J. B. Williams and W. B. Richardson on train. Night in Richmond.

Mar. 2—Meet Bro. H. H. Gibbons

Mar. 3—Detained in Richmond by the raiders between us and Lee’s army. Bros. Gibbons, Richardson and I visit hospitals and penitentiary.

Mar. 4—Visit Federal prisoners on Belle Island and hospital No. 24.

Mar. 5—Bros. Gibbons and Richardson go with me to my Regiment near Orange Court House and spend night with me.

Mar. 6—Bro. Richardson preaches for me in a. m. and Bro. Gibbons for 2nd Regiment in p. m. Very unwell at night.

Mar. 7—Walk with Bro. Richardson to his Regiment. Bro. Gibbons preached for me at night.

Mar. 8—Bro. Richardson preaches for me at night.

Mar. 9—He leaves for North Carolina against my earnest advice. Bro. Gibbons goes to see R. S. Webb. Squires starts writing school again. I preach at night. My Colonel was kind enough to detail Squires to teach a writing school in my chapel. The Captains allowed men to attend the school when not on duty. (Many men learned to write during the war).

Mar. 10—Rain all day. Write many letters. Hear from wife, and Rev. L. S. Burkhead.

Mar. 12—Walk to see Revs. Colton and Harding. Bro. Gibbons preaches for me at night and spends the night with me.

Mar. 13—Preach to Daniels’ Brigade in church in a. m. and return to Power’s Chapel in time for communion, where Bro. Gibbons had just preached. Bible class in my chapel in p. m. I preach at night.

Mar. 14—Go to Orange Court house with Bro. Gibbons and see him off to North Carolina. Prayer meeting at night.

Mar. 15—Prayer meeting in K.

Mar. 16—Prayer meeting in B.

Mar. 17—Prayer meeting in I.

Mar. 18—Prayer meeting in F.

Mar. 19—Regiment goes on picket. I preach for 4th Regiment.

Sunday, Mar. 20—Hear Bro. B. F. Long preach in 5th North Carolina; communion there. I preach to division provost guard and prisoners in p. m. Bro. Richardson arrives from North Carolina.

Mar. 21—Visit Daniel’s Brigade. Very cold.

Mar. 22—Meet Chaplains. Dr. Granberry preaches. Gen. Lee there. Snow falls about 18 inches. Bro. Richardson with me.

Mar. 23—He moves his Regiment.

Mar. 24—Snow still on ground. My pony gives birth to a female pony.

Mar. 25—Gov. Vance arrives in Daniel’s Brigade.

Mar. 26—Visit Bro. Richardson. Gov. Vance addresses large crowd.

Sunday, Mar. 27—Preach in a. m., “Love God.” Bible class in p. m. Preach at night, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Mar. 28—Gov. Vance reviews North Carolina troops in this corps and addresses them—”Fellow Tar- Heels!”

Mar. 31—Finished reading Trumbull’s “Christ in History.” Began “Mercy Seat” by Dr. Spring.

March 31st.–Met Preston Hampton. Constance Cary was with me. She showed her regard for him by taking his overcoat and leaving him in a drenching rain. What boyish nonsense he talked; said he was in love with Miss Dabney now, that his love was so hot within him that he was waterproof, the rain sizzed and smoked off. It did not so much as dampen his ardor or his clothes.

30th. A rainy unpleasant day. Detailed to act as R. Q. M. vice Bills, who thinks of resigning on account of matters at home. Played some at chess. Boys seem to regret my leaving the company. I know I do. I do desire to do my duty well, faithfully and honestly. In the evening took the non-commissioned officers over for oysters. Went to chapel to prayer meeting–interesting.

Wednesday, 30th–I remained at home all day. Times appear to be very dull and lonesome. My brothers are having a siege of the measles. I am thankful that I have had them, for measles in the army causes more soldiers to be discharged for disability than anything else. I long to see this cruel war come to a close.

MARCH 30th.—It rained all night, the wind blowing a gale from the east. This morning the wind was from the west, blowing moderately; and although cloudy, no rain.

The enemy’s gun-boats down the river shelled the shore where it was suspected we had troops in ambush; and when some of their barges approached the shore, it was ascertained they were not mistaken, for a volley from our men (signal corps) killed and wounded half the crew. The remainder put back to the gunboats.

There is great tribulation among the departmental clerks, who are to be enrolled as conscripts, and probably sent to the army. The young relatives of some of the Secretaries are being appointed commissaries, quartermasters, surgeons, etc. They keep out of danger.

Many ladies have been appointed clerks. There is a roomful of them just over the Secretary’s office, and he says they distract him with their noise of moving of chairs and running about, etc.

The papers publish an account of a battle of snow-balls in our army, which indicates the spirit of the troops, when, perhaps, they are upon the eve of passing through such awful scenes of carnage as will make the world tremble at the appalling spectacle.

April, Saturday 30, 1864

Laura brought my breakfast to my room—very late—everybody slept late this morning – Raining, raining, raining—oh! such a gloomy day as it has been. Joanna & Nannie have not come yet. Nonconnah is swimming, but Father is miserable for fear that is not what keeps them.

Maj. Crump left about 10 o’clock, we have not heard how he got through, but heard of no scouts, and reckon he is all right, some where in Panola tonight. Mr. Bray brought Nannie a letter from Dashiell, all of the fords on Nonconnah are heavily picketed—the Gurrilla’s ambushed a scouting party of fourteen, at Pigeon Rooste crossing on yesterday, killing the Yankee’s three horses—wounding two Yanks and capturing three and one horse, only six out of the crowd got back to Memphis— they are very much exasperated—the lines have been closed since, and that may have detained the girls—hurrah! for the Dick Davis and his band—I hope they may break into this thieving band of Yanks roving over the Country—both of Helen’s little pups died today—

God bless our armies and give us success—

March 30th. After an all-night’s ride on a slow train we reached Jersey City at eight o’clock this morning. We were due in Connecticut this morning in time for the men to register, so they could vote, this being the last day. At Jersey City marched on board a small transport. By the time half of the regiment was on board, the old craft began to sink. Not fit to take us around New York, and surely not through Long Island Sound. We returned to the dock. Informed the officers we were ready to pay our fares home by cars, as we would not risk our lives on that frail craft. After waiting awhile orders came to fall in. Then marched on board a Cortlandt Street ferry-boat for New York, thence through Cortlandt Street to Broadway, on up to 14th Street, then up 4th Avenue to 27th Street, to the station, to the New York, New Haven, and Hartford R. R. Going on board train we were soon bound for Connecticut. Passed on through New Haven, out on the Shore Line road. The train was often side-tracked, making the journey a tedious one. Nothing important happened during the journey until we reached the Connecticut River. Up to this time cheers and congratulations had been shouted for good old Connecticut. It was believed that the managers of the railroad were in sympathy with the South and were copper-heads. The crossing of the Connecticut River was by ferry-boat. It was obliged to make two trips in order to get the regiment over. The river was very high and very swift, owing to the spring freshet. Our company went over in the first load with safety. The second boat-load was carried out into the Sound. Great anxiety was felt for those on board as the boat struggled in the swift current to make the dock. After making slow progress the boat finally reached the dock, after a long time. It began to grow dark before the train started again. After many delays the train arrived in Norwich about midnight, in a cold rain-storm. Forming in line we marched to Treadway’s Hall on Water Street, a good lunch having been provided. Many people were out, waiting to greet the regiment. After the reception at the hall many made their way home. Those from out of town remained in the hall until morning. All were happy, being home once more. Pretty well tired out. Not much sleep for the past three days and nights on the cars, homeward bound. My home was with an aunt on Franklin Street, where I received a hearty welcome.

March, Wednesday 30, 1864

It seems I can never go to Memphis without some disagreeable arrangements and sayings. I was greatly disappointed in my trip. Tate and I went together. I stoped at Mrs. Facklen’s on Union St.—she went on up to Cousin Frazor’s in the buggy—Mrs. Facklen and Mrs. Kirk in great distress, old Hurbbut gave her ten days to abandon her house, she took and old Yankee Officer, his Wife & two children to board with her, hoping he would recall the heartless order to make her and her little children homeless. I did not smuggle a thing through the lines, except some letters. Mr. Tommery gave me a permit to bring 2 Gals Whiskey and 5 bbs Tobacco—which I got home safely. Frazor came out in the buggy with me, Cousin Mat and Tate came together, we did not have any trouble at all—they all sat up very late in the Parlor, I came to my room early. Jim and Mr. Pugh came with me to try my whiskey—which they pronounced very good.

I received a letter from Mrs. Moses today—and am really distressed she did not receive the last I forwarded to her. Forrest is having his own way in Kentucky—God grant Eddie may be safe.

29th. Reached paroled camp at Annapolis before daylight. Passed the day in camp. No stores and no wood. Good time chatting, laughing and fooling. In evening played a game of chess with Major Nettleton. Slept with him at Post Quartermaster’s, Maj. Carpenter from Akron. Camp very pleasant. Barber shop, reading room, chapel, news depot, neat buildings and good soil.

Tuesday, 29th–I attended a supper this evening given for the veterans of my company, at the home of Mr. J. W. Stanton on York Prairie. On account of the bad weather, dark night and muddy roads, there were not many there, but we had a fine supper and a pleasant evening with friends.

CAMP NEAR ORANGE C. H., March 29, 1864.

My Dear Mother:
I wrote you a short letter only a few days ago, but as some little excitement outside of our regular routine of duty has occurred within the past few days, I thought I would drop you a little history of it. Governor Vance arrived among us last Friday evening, and was the guest of General Daniel. He delivered a speech before that Brigade last Saturday evening. ALL the Generals of note in this army were present and on the stage with him, embracing Generals Lee, Ewell, A. P. Hill, Stewart, Wilcox, Rodes and a good many others whose names I did not know; there were some twelve or fifteen in number. I did not hear but a part of the speech, as the crowd was so large that I could not get in a hundred yards of him.

Yesterday there was a grand review of all the North Carolina troops that is in this Corps, by Gov. Vance, including the Cavalry. After the review the troops were all arranged around a stage erected for the purpose in the camp of the Thirtieth Regiment, and he addressed them with a speech of three or four hours length. He had the whole assembly in an uproar in less than two minutes after he arose. He said it did not sound right to him to address us as “Fellow Soldiers,” because he was not one of us—he used to be until he shirked out of the service for a little office down in North Carolina, so now he would address us as “Fellow Tar Heels,” as we always stick.

I was in a good place to hear every word that he said, and I don’t think I ever listened to a more able speech of the kind in my life. It was very able and deep, interspersed with anecdotes, illustration of his subject, which kept the men from feeling fatigued. The review took up some two hours, marching all over the fields, and then we had to stand up all the while the speech was being delivered. Nearly the whole camp was there, in fact, there were thousands that could not hear him from their distance. There was some dozen or two ladies present. After Gov. Vance got through, the crowd called for General Early. He arose and spoke a short time, then General Rodes; after he was through Gov. Vance arose again and said he must talk a little more, too. He related two or three anecdotes relative to the Yankee characters and then retired amidst deafening “Rebel Yells.” This morning it’s cold and has just commenced raining. I think it will end in a snow. The last of the big snow has gone. Clarke’s mountain is covered yet. I forgot to tell you that I received your letter night before last. My love to all.

Believe me, as ever, yours, etc.
WALTER.

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.

MARCH 29tgh.—A furious gale, eastern, and rain.

No news, except the appearance of a few gun-boats down the river; which no one regards as an important matter.

Great crowds are funding their Treasury notes to-day; but prices of provisions are not diminished. White beans, such as I paid $60 a bushel for early in this month, are now held at $75. What shall we do to subsist until the next harvest?

March 29th. Arrived in Baltimore early this morning. Nothing happened to mar the pleasure of the journey. All were soon out of the cars, line quickly formed, ready to march from the Camden Street station to the Philadelphia R. R. station, on the east side. Our march led through Pratt Street, the scene of the attack on the 6th Massachusetts regiment in April, 1861, by the Baltimore toughs, who claimed to be in sympathy with the South.

March 29th. At the Philadelphia station a train was soon made ready for us, which we quickly boarded, and were soon under way, passing the scenes of our first soldier life, Camp Emory and Fort Marshall. These were points of interest to us, and very pleasant recollections. After an uneventful trip we arrived in Philadelphia late this P. M. Ordered out of the cars, line formed for marching, stopping at a place known as the Cooper Shop, where a good dinner was served by the ladies of Philadelphia. It was a very pleasant occasion in our lives, never to be forgotten. Again journeying on towards New York. Our train being special was often side-tracked and we were forced to wait.

March, Tuesday 29. 1864

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken—Proverbs—

I am sitting in my little room alone, with the exception of my little family, who are more inclined to the silent embrace of Morpheus than any pleasures the quiet of my own society could give. Father was tired, went to his room early, gave us permission to sit up until 11 o’clock. I availed myself of it for a short time—finally withdrew to a more quiet scene, leaving Mr. Harbut, Mr. Pugh and Jim together with the girls, haveing a gay time. I have spent the day, how? I think it is how, Mr. Pugh & I played drafts most of the time, he beat me badly. I wonder in after years if I can recall this day, and imagine the same feeling of je ne sais quoi which I have experienced, there is a bright day fast approaching, I can’t say why, but I feel it—oh! my beautiful savior, only teach my heart to be pure and good, let no unholy thought or action lead me astray oh! keep me near thee, let thy influence and protection guide me from wickedness, in the paths of righteousness—hasten the day I am to be free from this melancholy—then I will prove my punishment has been great enough, and through my afflictions I am a child of God—oh! give me thy love, make me a christian. God bless my Brothers, and my dear old Father—

Monday, 28th. Passed through Martinsburg and Harper’s Ferry. Saw John Brown’s engine house, a very strong position indeed. Great amount of work on the road, 13 trains passed us this morning going west. Road along the Potomac many miles. Passed Relay House about 9 A. M. Annapolis Junction at 10 P. M. Tried to get the landlord up to get some supper. Great time. After rattling away at doors and windows, got up on roof to window where there was a light. People nearly frightened to death. One woman about eight months gone–man feared for her. Officers went to saloon and then back to cars.