June 23, 1864. – Anna graduated last Thursday, June 16, and was valedictorian of her class. There were eleven girls in the class, Ritie Tyler, Mary Antes, Jennie Robinson, Hattie Paddock, Lillie Masters, Abbie Hills, Miss McNair, Miss Pardee and Miss Palmer, Miss Jasper and Anna. The subject of her essay was “The Last Time.” I will copy an account of the exercises as they appeared in this week’s village paper. Every one thinks it was written by Mr E. M. Morse.

A Word From An Old Man

.
“Mr. Editor :

“Less than a century ago I was traveling through this enchanted region and accidentally heard that it was commencement week at the seminary. I went. My venerable appearance seemed to command respect and I received many attentions. I presented my snowy head and patriarchal beard at the doors of the sacred institution and was admitted. I heard all the classes, primary, secondary, tertiary, et cetera. All went merry as a marriage bell. Thursday was the great day. I made vast preparation. I rose early, dressed with much care. I affectionately pressed the hands of my two landlords and left. When I arrived at the seminary I saw at a glance that it was a place where true merit was appreciated. I was invited to a seat among the dignitaries, but declined. I am a modest man, I always was. I recognized the benign Principals of the school. You can find no better principles in the states than in Ontario Female Seminary. After the report of the committee a very lovely young lady arose and saluted us in Latin. I looked very wise, I always do. So did everybody. We all understood it. As she proceeded, I thought the grand old Roman tongue had never sounded so musically and when she pronounced the decree, “Richmond dilenda est,” we all hoped it might be prophetic. Then followed the essays of the other young ladies and then every one waited anxiously for “The Last Time.” At last it came. The story was beautifully told, the adieux were tenderly spoken. We saw the withered flowers of early years scattered along the academic ways, and the golden fruit of scholarly culture ripening in the gardens of the future. Enchanted by the sorrowful eloquence, bewildered by the melancholy brilliancy, I sent a rosebud to the charming valedictorian and wandered out into the grounds. I went to the concert in the evening and was pleased and delighted. So was everybody. I shall return next year unless the gout carries me off. I hope I shall hear just such beautiful music, see just such beautiful faces and dine at the same excellent hotel.

Senex.”

Anna closed her valedictory with these words:

“May we meet at one gate when all’s over;
…..The ways they are many and wide,
And seldom are two ways the same;
…..Side by side may we stand
At the same little door when all’s done.
……..;The ways they are many,
………The end it is one.”

June, Thursday 23, 1864

A bright and beautiful day for Helen’s bridal. The boys all left soon after breakfast. Hal came over with Decatur, went home to fix up her things to go to Aunt Mary’s. Nan and Helen went over before dinner, Mary, Hal, myself and Andrew and Willie went after dinner, Ebb driveing us, found all in readiness for the important event. Guests arrived late, we had a happy time in prepereing. Hal & Jim leading, Capt. Morton & I next, Mary & Capt. Scruggs, the last shall be first, so came Nannie & Lt. Crump, then the bride and Groom. All in readiness, the Minister proceeded, and in a few moments Helen, my baby Sister, was changed to the care of one whom I pray may make her life happy. My dear, my sainted Mother, we are now seperated , long has the link of affection which you strove to bind together been fading. I was forcibly reminded of it in her marriage, by her preference for Nannie as first bridesmaid. Oh! God bless and guide my poor bruised, weary heart, farewell Helen. I still had hope in our Mother’s guidance until your test tonight. Annie Gordon and Willie Killpatrick added a heavenly picture to the bridal train in their part, Candle holders—Once more oh! God have mercy on me—oh! have mercy on me.

JUNE 23d.—Clear and warm.

The news of the capture of 1600 Federals, 4 guns, etc., yesterday at Petersburg, has put the people here in better humor, which has been bad enough, made so by reported rapes perpetrated by negro soldiers on young ladies in Westmoreland county. There has been talk of vengeance, and no doubt such atrocities cause many more to perish than otherwise would die.

A Mr. Sale, in the West, sends on an extract from a letter from Col. ____, proposing to the government to sell cotton on the Mississippi River for sterling exchange in London, and indicating that in this manner he has large sums to his own credit there, besides $100,000 worth of cotton in this country. Col. ____is a commissary, against whom grave charges have been made frequently, of speculation, etc., but was defended by the Commissary-General.

Mr. Harvey, president Danville Railroad, telegraphs to Gen. Bragg to send troops without delay, or the road will be ruined by the raiders. Bragg sends the paper to the Secretary of War, saying there are no troops but those in the army of Gen. Lee, and the reserves, the latter now being called out. Ten days ago, Mr. Secretary Seddon had fair warning about this road.

JUNE 22d.—Dry and pleasant.

The city full of idle rumors—that the whole brigade of local troops were captured yesterday—that Gen. Fitz Lee has again been made prisoner, and that another raiding party is threatening the Danville Road, the canal, etc. There is no foundation for any of them, so far as I can learn.

June 23, 1864, 9 a.m.

The Rebels opened furiously from the mountain last night about 12. Here they are firing at a division of the 14th who had advanced and were fortifying. No harm done. I failed to wake up. It is reported this morning that Ewell’s Corps has arrived to reinforce Johnston. Don’t think it will make him strong enough to assume the offensive, if true, and don’t believe it any way. Artillery commenced again half an hour since, and goes on slowly. Rebels haven’t gone, surely.

June 23d. Left New Castle very early this hot morning. No air in these valleys of Virginia and West Virginia. Most of our rations consist of fresh meat. It is brought in to us in the night and cooked in the night, broiled on the end of a ramrod. It is hard to keep out of our minds, but is generally believed that we are eating horse and mule meat. When we left Cedar Creek on this raid, General Hunter informed us that we might be obliged to eat horse flesh before our return. At that time we were ordered to be careful of our rations.

All the roads in the mountains and valleys are bad, hard for our feet. It is now thought that we are in the Alleghany Mountains. In spite of all our hardships we cannot help admiring the scenery. How we could enjoy it if we had plenty to eat and could take our time marching along. Up and down, over the mountains we go, until we reach the Sweet Springs, twenty-six miles from New Castle. Here we are to stop for the night. Large fine buildings here. A resort. Deserted. Generals Hunter and Crook located headquarters in a large, fine building. Our regiment stopping nearby. Rations for tonight, plenty of fresh meat and coffee. While we are all tired, foot-sore, and near used up, there is but little growling or fault-finding. Keep up courage very well as we endure these hardships, all for our country. While the days are hot, the nights are cool.

Wednesday, 22d–It has cleared off and is quite warm today. The rebels commenced shelling us this morning, but did little damage, as their shells fell short of our lines, on account of their insufficient charges of powder, we suppose, and because their guns are too small to stand heavier charges. Our batteries opened up and exchanged shots with them for about two hours. Our men commenced throwing up heavy earthworks this evening. Company C went out on picket this evening. There have been no trains coming in to Big Shanty for the last two days on account of the rebels’ destroying the railroad on this side of Chattanooga; but it will be repaired in a few days. Our army draws full rations with the exception of meat, of which we are allowed but three-fifths rations.

Wednesday, 22d.—Bought new book for my diary to-day, for which I paid six dollars. Hope the war will be ended before I get this one full.

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

June 22.–Captain Morris Brown, of Penn Yan, was killed to-day by a musket shot in the head, while commanding the regiment before Petersburg.

22nd. Up last night till midnight issuing oats, etc., and drawing clothing. Regt. up at 1 A. M. and moved at 2. Moved through byroads around to the Jerusalem Plank road across to Reams’ Station on the Weldon and Petersburg R. R. having crossed the Norfolk R. R. Burned the station and water tanks and a quantity of wood. Moved off to Dinwiddie C. H. and then across the country to the Petersburg and Lynchburg R. R. Destroyed several miles of track, tearing up much and burning fence rails on the rest. Don’t think this did much good. Kautz captured two trains of cars loaded with furniture, etc., from Petersburg. Went into camp at 11 and remained till 1:30 A. M. (This began the famous and rather disastrous “Wilson’s Raid.”)

June, Wednesday 22, 1864

I came home as soon as I ate my breakfast. Lt. McC. came by to see Helen—we found Ebb Titus and Maj. Crump, the latter arrived last night, so we will have Helen’s affair over tomorrow. Ebb went over to Aunt Mary’s for Tate, they all arrived double quick, had arrangements all made up with Maj. C. Mary and I drove out to Aunt M. in the Ambulance, they were very buisy making preperations for the happy event. I finished my Grenadine this eve. Tate and her crowd returned to Aunt M. Maj. C. and his Bro. Lt. C. called this eve. Maj. staid to Tea. Jim and Decatur arrived from Tupelo. No news from Eddie yet, and I fear he will not hear in time to come—they all sat up so late, I retired, but Nannie with her loud talking awakened me. No news from the Army, but received a letter from home, all well, dated 10th, the Yanks to breakfast for three mornings.

June 22, 1864.

Our Adjutant Wagstaff is out of the service and the recommendation for Frank Lermond to receive the appointment has gone on to Governor Yates. Frank is well worthy of the place and has earned it. We flatter ourselves that no regiment has less skulkers than ours in battle, and we have through the corps, a name that Fulton need not fear will disgrace her. We have all day been ready at a moment’s notice to support the 4th Corps. Saw Chandler yesterday. He is on M. L. Smith’s staff. I wish a little party of Cantonians could be here to-night to see the artillery firing. Our view of the Rebel guns is excellent. With glasses we can see them load. The artillerists say our field glasses are not so good. Many are prophesying that the Johnnies will vamoose during the “stilly night.” Much as I want to, can’t see it. Looks like too good a thing.

June 22nd. In camp late last night after a long hard march. A good night’s rest. The ground for a bed and the sky for a covering. Sadly in need of rations. On the march pass the ruins of many army wagons being burned up to prevent them falling into the hands of the enemy. Many horses and mules are giving out, drop for the lack of feed and rest. It is hard pulling those wagons over these rough mountain roads. All horses and mules that cannot be driven or led are shot to prevent the enemy from getting them, as all they need is rest and feed for most of them. War is a cruel thing. I wish it was over.

In conversation, while on the march, with Captain Meigs, Engineer Corps, he thought we ought to break up the gang of guerillas following in the rear. Asked us boys if we were ready to fight them, the answer was yes. Many are dropping out by the roadside, too weak and used up. Reported we march from ten to thirty-five miles a day. Clothing and shoes giving out. Very little forage can be found in these mountains and valleys. Our route takes us over the Potts Mountains, very high. Our suffering is intense, as many are barefooted.

Just at dark we reach the town of New Castle and go into camp for the night.

Thankful that we are to get a night’s rest. Two of our company found a bag of flour. It was portioned out to each member. Mixed with water we had pan-cakes (toe-jam). We have plenty of coffee, no sugar. A little coffee goes a good ways. Some of our boys stole a bag of coffee from General Sullivan’s headquarters. He was our division commander. Of course it could not be found, as it found its way in many haversacks.

Tuesday, 21st–Another all day rain and things were very still all along the lines until late in the afternoon when there was some brisk skirmishing. General Hooker made two charges on the rebel works yesterday; the first time he was repulsed, but the second time he carried them and took several hundred prisoners. General Osterhaus at the same time made a charge and took about two hundred prisoners. There is no news from Richmond.

June 21st. After an all night’s march, we reach the town of Salem, Roanoke county, Virginia, located near the mountains. The scenery good. After we came to a halt by the roadside, tired – worn out– hungry, leaning up against a rail fence, I soon fell asleep. Later I was awakened by the cavalry, then had to find my company. By the buildings I should judge that this is a college town. Our regiment detailed as rear guard. Colonel Ely again in command, the wound in the neck having improved. Ordered, with a battery, to march back about one mile, pushing the enemy back and holding them in check while the army wagons and artillery passed through the gap near Salem, Blue Ridge Mountains. While we are holding the enemy in check our Colonel acts as though he was nervous. If the enemy is strong enough, we may get cut off and perhaps captured before our turn comes to march through the gap, we are so far in the rear with the battery. Late in the day orders came for us to march on through the gap into the mountains where we were surprised to see some of the wagons and a battery badly damaged. A portion of the train was not guarded when a dash was made by guerillas who were in ambush in the woods. A detachment of our cavalry was soon on the ground with the Spencer carbine, routed and captured a number of the guerillas. Reported we are headed for a place called New Castle. After a short rest we received a small piece of fresh meat. Pushing along, expecting to stop for the night. Hungry and thirsty. Very little water to be found in these mountains. Footsore and very tired. Wonderful what men can endure. It is either push ahead or be left and made a prisoner.

21st. Tuesday. Wrote home and to George’s people in Tenn. Saw Gen. Kautz. He came over to pay us a visit. It seemed good to shake his hand and talk with him once more. Hope that we can be transferred to his command. He encouraged us. Preparations for a big move tomorrow by the cavalry. May success attend us. Kautz thinks that Richmond is a certain capture. Very hot day. Maj. N. goes to hospital, best man in our Regt., brave, upright, modest, dignified and sound in principles and morals. Would the same could be said of more of our officers.

June, Tuesday 21, 1864

I was up early this morning, waited for Capt. Duke some time before he arrived—we started, did not go far before we had to run in to Mrs. Martin’s out of a hard rain. I was mortified, for I had not called on Mollie, we staid about an hour, and spent it very pleasantly. Arrived at Mrs. Duke’s, Hal cut my dress for me, fited it, and help baiste . I never have any one to take an interest or help me with my sewing, and fully appreciate Hal’s kindness. It has been rainy and gloomy all day, no chance for outdoor enjoyment, so Tate and I against Hal and Capt. Duke, spent the evening playing Euchre—Lt. McConnell arrived from Tupelo about dark, unfortunate with his prisoners, they having made their escape the night before. Capt. Duke & I, vs Hal and Lt. Mc. had a nice game of Euchre—

JUNE 21st.—Clear and warmer.

Gen. Beauregard has not been removed from his command,—it would be too great a shock to popular sentiment.

The iron-clads went out this morning and proceeded down the river, supported by Custis Lee’s brigade of local troops, including the Departmental Battalion, marching a dozen miles in the sun and dust. More will be on the sick list.

June 21, 1864.

No variation to report to-day. Heavy rain yesterday and to-day. Some 350 prisoners were sent in from the right yesterday, and about 80 more that I know of to-day. Figure that we have taken about 3,000 prisoners at this place. Since the army went into position here the right has advanced about six miles, the center two miles, and the left three and one-half to four miles. The musketry from dark last night until 11 p.m. was very busy in front of the 4th Corps, though it may have been only a heavy skirmish line. I hear to-day that the 4th Corps took a strong Rebel position last night while that firing was going on and held it.

Monday, 20th–It has been quite warm today with rain this evening. Things were quiet all along the line until in the afternoon, when there was heavy fighting in the center, and all our artillery opened upon the rebels, without response from their guns. The heaviest cannonading that we have had yet was from our center, and it lasted for two hours. The rebels have fallen back, but still hold Kenesaw mountain and have their heavy batteries planted on the very top, while our men are along the north side of the mountain, slowly ascending it. Our regiment moved to the front again this evening and two companies, I and H, are out on picket.

20th. Moved camp into the woods to the left of the old camp in the open field. Major Nettleton attacked with dysentery. Letter last night from George, the night before, from home. Both welcome. Drew two days’ forage.

June, Monday 20, 1864

Mary, Helen and I were up bright and early, waiting breakfast for Bro Will, for fear he would lecture us about sitting up so late. Capt. Duke brought Hal around early, I made the skirt to my Grenadine, Helen and Hal took a nap. Bro Will came to dinner and told us of another Yankee raide coming out of Memphis, after Forrest, of course we have no fears for our success—but poor, brave boys, how much they must suffer. No news from Maj. Crump or Eddie yet. Kate Herron & Valley Huntington called. Bro. Geo. Tate, Cousin Ginnie & the children came over this evening, did not stay long. Helen & Capt. Duke went riding this evening, Hal staid until very late. I have been reading Miss Evens last book—Macario—I like it very much, though not entirely satisfied with the fate of some of the Characters, have not finished it yet. We all chated for some time on the Porch after Tea—Bettie is sewing, has one of Tate’s candles, so I have an opportunity of reading again—

JUNE 20th.—A fog; subsequently dry and dusty, but the sun in a haze, like Indian summer.

As I feared; there is trouble with Beauregard. He drew off his troops from in front of Bermuda Hundred to reinforce the fewer regiments at Petersburg, and saved that city, and Gen. Lee had to drive the enemy off again from the abandoned line. It is said Beauregard acted contrary to orders, and has been suspended from command by order of the President. At all events, Lee is at Petersburg.

Sheridan’s raiders are near the city again, followed and preceded by Wade Hampton and Fitz Lee. Their cannon has been beard all the morning.

Mr. Secretary Memminger has resigned.

Same place, front of Twin Mountains,
June 20, 1864, 11 a.m.

Rebels still on the mountain, a good deal of our artillery, a little of theirs, and not much musketry this morning. Wheeler is in our rear, but we don’t care for that. I do hope, though, that Forrest will not be allowed to come over here. We are all well and feeling fine, but wishing very much to see the level country beyond these mountains. In a “Commercial” of the 15th I see the Rebel loss in the charge of Bates’ (Rebel) division on the 27th of May was 72 killed and 350 wounded, and 56 missing. That charge was made almost altogether on our brigade, and my skirmish line did three-fourths of the damage. The 40th Alabama we captured the other day inquired for the 8th Illinois. They fought each other at Vicksburg and got well acquainted in the rifle pits. McPherson and Logan have just gone down to the front and there is talk of a fight to-day, but it is hard telling when one will have to go in. Can’t tell until the order to “commence” firing is heard. Wagstaff will be home in a few days. I would like to date my next from a new place, but Sherman and Johnston will decide that matter.

This is becoming tedious. Johnston has no regard for one’s feelings. We are all exceedingly anxious to see what is the other side of these mountains, but this abominable Johnston has no idea of letting us take a look until he is forced to. He is a good-natured fellow in some respects, too, for here we have our “flies” stretched, and our camp fires and our wagons around us in good range of his guns and not a shot does he give us. [continue reading…]