Washington July 16th 1864
Very little has been heard of the rebels in this vicinity for the last three or four days. They seem to have departed with their plunder (some eight thousand horses and two or three thousand head of cattle). No information has as yet been published that we have succeeded in recapturing a horse or cow or a rebel since they crossed the Potomac on their return. If this rebel “raid” does not prove the ruin of this Administration, it will be Owing to successes in other quarters. More stupidity could not well be manifested than it has been shown in this matter, with Washington in a defenceless condition and inviting the invader. No body was on the alert, and all were in stupid ignorance until an army of Twenty or Thirty Thousand were found knocking at our gates. If they did not come in it was their own fault. They might have done it during three or four days. I have my baggage all packed up ready to start for the North and home the forepart of the next week. My health needs recruiting and my family expect me about this time. I should have gone a week ago but could not get through. I do not expect to be absent more than two or three weeks, but I realy do not care much if I never come back here to stay. A “place” in the Gover[n]ment Departments is not worth much now with the old Salaries which were fixed when gold was paid but are now paid in “paper” worth about forty cents on the dollar. Gold is quoted today at 2.50, it has been 3.35. The expense of living has increased to at leas[t] double the former rates. Flour is held at $18.00, coal $13.00, oak wood $11.00, pine $8.00 pr cord, cotton sheeting 60 cents pr yard, Hams 35 cts pr lb, Beef D[itt]o.
Saturday, 16th–The weather is pleasant. There is nothing of any importance.
15th. Extra men moved near Hdqrs. John came down and remained over night. Splendid time. Brought stores for Regt.
July 15, 1864.
This is a glorious place. The current in the river is very swift, and it is the nicest stream to bathe in imaginable. I’ve a mind to stay here and have my meals brought to me. Expect we will catch some nice fish after they get over being scared at having so many Yanks bobbing around with them. It is too hot to write, and altogether too hot to enjoy good health, except in swimming. We are all glad to hear of those raids into Pennsylvania and Maryland. Go in Imboden and Early.
JULY 15th.—Clear and cool; subsequently cloudy.
The Washington Chronicle of the 12th, received yesterday, indicates that Washington or Baltimore, or both, were in danger of falling into our possession.
Lieut.-Col. G. W. Lay said, this morning, in my office, that Grant would not leave—that he held a most important position—that he would not fail in his campaign; that our operations beyond the Potomac were not of sufficient magnitude to produce important results; and, finally, that Germany and Ireland would replenish the armies of the United States, while our last reserves were now in the field. The colonel had come into my office more than a month ago and said Grant had outgeneraled Pemberton, and would capture Vicksburg. I reminded him of this to-day, and asked his opinion on the present aspect of affairs. He has been recently on Gen. Beauregard’s staff, and is irritated at the supposed hard treatment which that general receives from the President. He is a little bitter against the President, and is no special admirer of Lee, who, he thinks, committed a blunder in not fighting Grant at Hanover Junction. And he thinks, if Gen. Johnston forbears to fight Sherman, in pursuance of orders from Richmond, disaster will ensue. But neither he nor any one is capable of sounding the profound plans of Lee. Grant’s forces are now far away from Washington.
2 ½ o’clock P.M. An officer just from Petersburg, arrived at the War Department with the intelligence that a Washington paper of the 13th inst. had been received at headquarters, announcing the capture of BALTIMORE by our troops! The inhabitants within, or a large proportion of them, co-operated with our army! Our people are in ecstasies! This is the realization of the grand conception of a great general, and Lee is immortalized—if it only be true.
July 15th. Came off picket very early. A fine morning. The army again on the march. Our regiment in the rear, waiting for orders. Passed through Knoxville, pushing on to Berlin, Maryland. Coming to a halt discovered the advance wading the Potomac River, over into Virginia, the Loudon Valley country. At this point there was a stony ridge running diagonal across the river. At low water it could be forded. At this time the water was about waist deep and the stones were very slippery. In order to keep our ammunition and rations dry we carried our equipments and haversacks fastened to the muzzle of our muskets, over our shoulder. Some of the boys lost their footing, went down under the water, getting a ducking. There was much laughing, joking, and shouting, in spite of the wetting we were all getting. On reaching the Virginia shore no time to halt, not even to stop and pour the water out of our shoes. Must push on in our wet clothes over dusty roads which soon formed a mud covering. After a time our clothes began to dry as we marched on in the hot sun, the dirt dropping off. By night our clothes were all dry and we were all in better spirits. Many reports are in circulation that we are following on after the rebs under the command of Jubal Early, who have been raiding into Maryland. Late tonight camp near Hillsborough.
July, Friday 15, 1864
Our dispatches from the front are very encouraging—Forrest is fighting the Enemy near Tupelo – nothing decisive, but we have repulsed them in every attempt to fight us. God grant our Army may be crowned with glory and success—protect my dear Bro. and friends from all danger. The news
from Virginia is glorious, God grant it may be true, our forces in three miles of Washington City, and shelling the City. Oh heaven, smile upon our poor, desolated South, brighten the hearthstones of our sad and lonely homes—drive our enemy back, take them in peace, we do not wish them any harm, but oh! grant our Sunny land Victory and peace, bless my dear old Father and spare him to us, for the days when our dear boys will once more bless our homes with their presence. After tea, all sitting in our Room, Mr. Crump sent Dis. “Yankees whipped & making for Ripley & Forest after them”—thank God for this. Letter from home, poor Nannie Fletcher dead—
Therese and several ladies called.
Friday, 15th–There is nothing new. We have very poor food here in the hospital, but we have good water. Rome was selected for our field hospital because of the good water and because it was on high, rolling ground, thus affording drainage. There are very few citizens living in Rome, they having gone before our army took possession of the town, some going to the North, others to the South. There was no burning of property here, our officers having placed guards about town to prevent it.
14th. Papers of the 13th. Grand panic in Baltimore and Washington.
July 14th. We have to turn out at daylight. Soon after rations, again in line and marching. We are getting very ragged. Many are barefooted. Clothes will wear out in this rough life. Pushing along. Marched over Bolivar Heights, down through Harper’s Ferry, over the Potomac River on the railroad bridge, into Maryland, taking the river road along the canal through Sandy Hook, camping near Knoxville. A mail received. Very tired tonight. It is thought we have marched about fifteen miles. Detailed for picket.
July 14, 1864.
Another hot day. We marched down to the river at Roswell and crossed it, and have gone into camp on the bank a mile above town.
This Roswell is a beautiful little town, such splendid trees all through it. Our cavalry four or five days ago destroyed some very large factories here. Judging from the ruins, they were more extensive than anything of the kind I ever before saw. About 1,000 women were employed in them; 700 of them were taken by our folks and sent to Marietta; I don’t know what for. Can’t hear of any enemy here.
JULY 14th.—The drought continues here; but at some other places there has fallen heavy rain.
The excitement on the news of our successes in Maryland is intense, and a belief prevails that great results will grow out of this invasion of the country held by the enemy. Twice before but little if any benefit resulted from crossing the Potomac.
It is rumored to-day that Longstreet’s corps has marched to Maryland, and that Lee is with it.
July, Thursday 14, 1864
Hal, Therese and I got up very early and started for the Country, after running around, first on one road then another, we finally arrived at Waverly, just 7 miles above Columbus, although we had traveled ten or twelve miles. We crossed the Tombigbee, rode up to Mr. Young’s, where he came out and insisted on our getting out, until he would send and try to find out where Bro. lived, failed however, but we spent the day. Fate, how strange, yet how delightful, they are a very wealthy family, a real Southern Mansion—his Daughters are very accomplished, and Miss Lou is a beautiful girl—such delightful Music, and an elegant dinner, our first peaches and milk. We went to the Pond late this evening, to try to learn to swim. Hal would not venture, Therese and I tried it. I did not have any confidence in myself, therefore did not make much improvement. Therese was more successful. We had a delightful drive home, found Mamie well, and good news from Forrest.
July 13—Pass Rockville and Poolville.
July 14—Cross Potomac. As I came near the river a straggling soldier shouted to me and asked me to let him ride the horse I was leading. I told him the horse’s back was so sore I could not myself ride him. In a sharp angry tone he replied, “Yes, you think more of a horse than you do of a man.” I stopped. As he came near, I said, “Young man, you ought not to speak to me that way. I have waded the James and the Potomac for a sick man to ride my horse. I will now wade this river and let you ride over.” He did not wait for me to dismount. He hurried into the warm, shallow water. I trust he and each reader will be slower to judge others than he was that day.
Thursday, 14th–I am with a large number of sick in a ward over a vacant store building. For the last four days I have had the camp diarrhea, and have become so weak that I have to lie on my cot all the time.[1] But we have a good doctor in this ward.
[1] Mr. Downing has an entry in his diary for every day, but wrote them at a later date, after he was convalescing.—Ed.
13th. Wrote home and to Hugh Beer’s wife. More clothing.
July 13th. Routed out by daylight. After rations, while waiting, wrote a few letters. The mail was most generally looked after by the Chaplain. Marching orders, “Fall in,” came the command, line soon formed. Down through the town we go, out on the Harper’s Ferry Pike. Weather fine. Soon take the route step, an easy gait. We take that step when there is no immediate danger of meeting the enemy. About ten miles out on the road we were surprised to meet our old commander, General Sigel, and staff, with a large escort. He was headed west while we were going east. Nothing important occurred during our march over rough roads. Night coming on, we halt for the night within a few miles of Harper’s Ferry. It is thought we have marched fourteen miles.
July, Wednesday 13, 1864
Mr. Pugh came round early this morning, we made arrangements to start for Nannie in the morning. Therese was to go with me. Capt. Tom Dashiell was to furnish the Ambulance—our trip had fully matured in preperations—but Tate gave up the idea, so our trip has fallen through. Capt. Dashiell came round after tea, will send his Ambulance early in the morning. Hal, Therese and I are going to spend the day with Bro. I wish we were all going out to stay, but little Mamie is too sick. No news from Forrest yet, we only know they are fighting. God grant they may be successful, and spare the lives of our dear Soldiers, protect my dear Bro. and friends from danger. Therese and Miss Wilkinson called this eve. Hal and I went to the Saloon and had a nice treat of Ice Cream, Robert was with us. Dixie prices are very high, but this rather startled us, $26. Mr. Pugh attends the weding tonight, Miss Cozart of this place, to Mr. Philips of Nashville.
July 13, 1864.
We passed through Marietta this morning at 9; rested in a cool, nice, woody place from 11 to 2, and made this place in the cool of the evening. We marched about 14 miles today. I would rather be in a fight than endure such a day’s march, and I think fighting lacks very much as deserving to rank as amusement.
I saw a number of cases of congestion of the brain, and a few had real sun stroke. Saw one poor fellow in a graveyard between two little picketed graves, who I made sure was gasping his last. Some heartless fellow made a remark as we passed about his luck in getting sun struck so near good burying facilities. After one heat of only three miles the regiment had all fallen out but about 50 men, and we had more than any other in the brigade. If we had been given one hour more in rests, we would not have lost a man.
JULY 13th.—Bright and pleasant.
The city is in great excitement and joy. Gen. Early has gained a victory in Maryland, near Frederick, defeating Gen. Wallace, capturing Gen. Tyler and Col. Seward (son of the Secretary), besides many prisoners. The slaughter was great, and the pursuit of the routed army was toward Baltimore.
Grant is certainly sending away troops.
Gen. Lee writes a particular letter to the Secretary (dated 9th inst.), desiring most specially that the papers be requested to say nothing of his movements for some time to come, and that the department will not publish any communication from him, which might indicate from its date his distance from Richmond. This is mysterious. He may be going to Maryland.
Gen. Johnston telegraphs from near Atlanta that the enemy holds several fords above, and a portion of his forces have crossed, and are intrenched. Some cannonading is going on–—ineffective aimed at the railroad depot. Some think Lee is going thither. Others that he is going to flank what remains of the Federal army in front of Petersburg.
Washington July 13th 1864
Another day and the reports and the general belief is tonight That the rebels have left or are leaving Maryland and crossing the River back into Virginia. Efforts are being made to intercept them which may prove partialy successful. They have undoubtedly a large amount of plunder, Cattle, Horses, &c. I was told tonight by one who says he knows that the rebels numbered 22,000 men only. It has been a great “scare” for the Country amounting to a great foraging expedition if this is the last of it, and I am inclined to think it is. I went up to Sec’y Sewards this morning and saw Col Seward of the 9th and got what information I could in reference to my nephew Col E P Taft (reported killed) and wrote his Father again. It is possible that he is only wounded and a prisoner.
Wednesday, 13th–There are a great many sick and wounded at this place. All of the vacant store buildings are filled with the sick, while the wounded are cared for in tents east of town. Nothing of any importance.
12th. Drew and issued clothing. Very sultry day. Sprinkled this morning and tonight. Wrote to Tom Wood’s wife. Nettleton went to Point. Good many rumors about our going away North, and others.
July 12, 1864.
We lay quietly in the shade all day the 11th, save those who had ambition enough to go fishing, berrying or swimming. The other bank of the Chattahoochie opposite us is yet lined with Rebel sharp-shooters, but there is a fine creek from which the boys get some fine fish. I saw an eel two feet long which came from it. Our boys never have made any bargain with the Johnnies to quit picket firing, even for an hour, but other corps and divisions often do. It would almost break the heart of one of our boys to see a Rebel without getting a shot at him. On the 12th, at 5 p.m., the “General” and “Assembly” sounded almost together, and we were under way in a twinkling. We understand we are going back to Marietta, and then over the river where the 23d Corps crossed it. We stopped here (about seven miles from Marietta), at 11 p.m., and had reveille at 3 this morning. Stoneman, with at least 10,000 cavalry, recrossed the river on the night of the 10th on a grand raid between Atlanta and Montgomery. We had a real amusing scene last night. About 12 o’clock we were nearly all asleep, when a mule came charging at full speed right through our regiment. In an instant every man was on his feet, and all who knew what was up, were swinging blankets and shouting whoa! The most of us did not know whether a cavalry charge was on us or the devil. Many of the men caught up their guns, and “treed,” and altogether it was most ludicrous. Our regiment now marches 190 guns and 7 officers. I have 20 guns, all I started with, except what I have lost in battle. Just half.
July 12—Shelling and sharp shooting.1 Shearin and Penny killed. Dement mortally wounded. At night we begin to fall back. Tiresome night. Troops halted to rest ten minutes in each hour. Many fell asleep perhaps for eight minutes out of ten. Just before day I was so tired and sleepy that I turned aside to rest. I found a little graveyard near the roadside. I knew some one might steal one of the two horses I had charge of if I tied them and went to sleep. So I laid down and drew the bridle reins through the fence and put my arm into each. I was soon asleep. One horse I suppose, bit the other. A sudden and fearful pulling of the arm awoke me. Sleep was gone.
- Battle of Fort Stevens