Sunday, 8th–All is quiet. We had dress parade this evening and an order was read to the effect that the troops should drill two hours a day in company or skirmish drill, and besides that, the recruits should drill four hours a day; also that there are to be four roll calls a day, and company inspection every morning at 8 o’clock. There are about five thousand men in camp under command of Brig. Gen. F. M. Force, and all are in fine spirits and well fitted for a fight. The general quartermaster has large quantities of rations and ammunition here, and there are some three or four thousand beef cattle for our meat supply. This camp puts us in mind of our camp at Pittsburg Landing, two years ago, but I do not think that we will have such a battle as we had then, although the rebels’ cavalry is quite active.

Sunday, 8th.—Everything quiet this morning, except an occasional picket shot. Everything in readiness. Later some skirmishing on Rocky Face Mountain. P.M., some cannonading towards Mill Creek Gap. Indications that they will attack mountain; re-inforcements sent.

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

We Leave Yorktown.

May 8. On the afternoon of the 4th we went aboard the boats and dropped anchor at Fortress Monroe at dusk. The next morning we started up the James river. The river was alive with boats, schooners, tugs, gunboats, monitors and everything that could float, all loaded to their fullest capacity with troops, horses, artillery and all the paraphernalia of war. We passed Jamestown in the afternoon. Nothing now remains to mark the spot where the first settlement in Virginia was made, but a pile of bricks which composed a part of one of the buildings. We reached City Point just before night. Gen. Heckman’s brigade landed on the Bermuda Hundred side and bivouacked a short distance from the landing, all the other troops remaining aboard the boats. The gunboats and monitors commenced fishing for torpedoes and working their way up the James and Appomatox rivers.

The next morning, the 6th, the troops commenced to land and Heckman’s brigade was ordered to advance. We marched up the country six or seven miles, getting on to high ground and what is called Cobb’s Hill. From here the spires of the churches, in Petersburg can be seen, while in front of us is a kind of valley. At this point the Appomatax river turns in a southwesterly direction. On the banks between us and Petersburg was a battery. This is called a good position and here we halted. We sat here under a burning sun, watching the long lines of troops come up and file off to the right into the woods towards the James river until past the middle of the afternoon, at which time the whole of the 18th and 10th corps., comprising the army of the James, under Gen. B. F. Butler, had arrived. [continue reading…]

Sunday, May 8.—By the blessing of God, I now record that, as far as heard from, our arms have been signally victorious. On Thursday and Friday the enemy were driven off, and the telegram of yesterday from General Lee spoke of our cause as going on prosperously, and with comparatively little loss to us. Grant had been driven back, and 10,000 prisoners taken, but how far he has gone is not yet known. General Lee’s telegram last night was very encouraging; he speaks of having captured two major-generals and killed three brigadiers. We have not yet heard of our casualties, except in one or two instances. We have been dreadfully shocked by the death of Colonel William Randolph, of Clarke County. He fell on the 6th of May. The country has lost no more devoted patriot, the army no more gallant officer, and society no more brilliant member. It was but last Sunday that his sister-in-law, Miss M. S., said to me with natural pride and pleasure: “William Randolph has been promoted; he is now colonel of the Second.” I expressed the pleasure which I then felt; but as she passed out of the room, and my thoughts again turned to the subject, a superstitious horror came over me, and I said to those around me, “This is a fatal honour conferred upon W. R.,” and I could not get rid of the impression. The Second Regiment has invariably lost its field officers. It is one of the most gallant regiments of the Stonewall Brigade, and! has frequently had what is called the post of honour. Colonel Allen, Colonel Botts, Lieutenant-Colonel Lackland, Lieutenant-Colonel Colston, Major Jones, and now Colonel Randolph, have fallen! and Colonel Nadenboush, of the same regiment, has been so mutilated by wounds, as to be obliged to retire from the service.

The fleet upon James River has landed about 30,000 or 40,000 troops. One of their gunboats ran upon a torpedo, which blew it to atoms. We repulsed them near Port Walthall. Yesterday they came with a very strong force upon the Petersburg Railroad. They were too strong for us, and we had to fall back; the enemy consequently took the road, and, of course, injured it very much; but they have fallen back; why, we do not know, unless they have heard of Grant’s failure. The alarm-bell is constantly ringing, making us nervous and anxious. The militia have been called out, and have left the city, but where they have gone I know not. It is strange how little apprehension seems to be felt in the city. Our trust is first in God, and, under Him, in our brave men. At this moment Yankee prisoners are passing by. I do not know where they were captured. Those taken at the battle of “The Wilderness” were sent South. I went to the Monumental Church this morning. Mr. –– read the service, and Mr. Johnston, of Alexandria, preached.

8th. During the day moved to Todd’s Tavern. A large open space. All the trains of the army parked here. An ocean of teams. Pulled out a short distance after dark. General order saying that our armies had been victorious at Spottsylvania during the day. Parked near Gen. Burnside’s Hdqrs. Saw Gen. Stevenson, Patten and Patrick. Maj. Nettleton stayed with us. Considerable encouraging news in regard to Butler and Thomas.

MAY 8th.—Bright and hot.

The tocsin sounded again this morning. I learned upon inquiry that it was merely for the militia again (they were dismissed yesterday after being called together), perhaps to relieve the local battalions near the city.

The Secretary of War received a dispatch to-day from Gen. Lee, stating that there was no fighting yesterday, only slight skirmishing. Grant remained where he had been driven, in the “Wilderness,” behind his breastworks, completely checked in his “On to Richmond.” He may be badly hurt, and perhaps his men object to being led to the slaughter again.

There has been no fighting below, between this and Petersburg, and we breathe freer, for Beauregard, we know, has made the best use of time. It is said another of the enemy’s gun-boats has been destroyed by boarding and burning. We have three iron-clads and rams here above the obstructions, which will probably be of no use at this trying time.

A few days more will tell the story of this combined and most formidable attempt to take Richmond; and if it be the old song of failure, we may look for a speedy termination of the war. So mote it be!

Meantime my vegetables are growing finely, except the corn and lima beans (Yankee), Col. Gorgas’s importation, which have not come up.

A cow and calf now sells for $2500. My friend, Dr. Powell, has just sold one for a great price, he would not tell me what. But I told him that the greed for gain was the worst feature in our people, and made me sometimes tremble for the cause. I fear a just retribution may entail ruin on the farmers, who seem to think more of their cattle than of their sons in the field.

Camden, S. C., May 8, 1864 — My friends crowded around me so in those last days in Richmond, I forgot the affairs of this nation utterly; though I did show faith in my Confederate country by buying poor Bones’s (my English maid’s) Confederate bonds. I gave her gold thimbles, bracelets; whatever was gold and would sell in New York or London, I gave.

My friends in Richmond grieved that I had to leave them–not half so much; however, as I did that I must come away. Those last weeks were so pleasant. No battle, no murder, no sudden death, all went merry as a marriage bell. Clever, cordial, kind, brave friends rallied around me.

Maggie Howell and I went down the river to see an exchange of prisoners. Our party were the Lees, Mallorys, Mrs. Buck Allan, Mrs. Ould. We picked up Judge Ould and Buck Allan at Curl’s Neck. I had seen no genuine Yankees before; prisoners, well or wounded, had been German, Scotch, or Irish. Among our men coming ashore was an officer, who had charge of some letters for a friend of mine whose fiancé had died; I gave him her address. One other man showed me some wonderfully ingenious things he had made while a prisoner. One said they gave him rations for a week; he always devoured them in three days, he could not help it; and then he had to blear the inevitable agony of those four remaining days! Many were wounded, some were maimed for life. They were very cheerful. We had supper–or some nondescript meal–with ice-cream on board. The band played Home, Sweet Home.

One man tapped another on the shoulder: “Well, how do you feel, old fellow?” “Never was so near crying in my life–for very comfort.”

Governor Cummings, a Georgian, late Governor of Utah, was among the returned prisoners. He had been in prison two years. His wife was with him. He was a striking-looking person, huge in size, and with snow-white hair, fat as a prize ox, with no sign of Yankee barbarity or starvation about him.

That evening, as we walked up to Mrs. Davis’s carriage, which was waiting for us at the landing, Dr. Garnett with Maggie Howell, Major Hall with me, suddenly I heard her scream, and some one stepped back in the dark and said in a whisper. “Little Joe! he has killed himself!” I felt reeling, faint, bewildered. A chattering woman clutched my arm: “Mrs. Davis’s son? Impossible. Whom did you say? Was he an interesting child? How old was he?” The shock was terrible, and unnerved as I was I cried, “For God’s sake take her away!”¹ [continue reading…]

Two miles south of the Gordon’s Mills
crossing of the Chickamauga,
May 7, 1864, 12 m.

We started at 8 this morning and made this by 11. We are now waiting for two or more divisions of the 16th Corps to file into the road ahead of us. I think they are coming from Ringold. A circular of McPherson’s was read to us this morning before starting, telling us we were about to engage the enemy and giving us some advice about charging, meeting charges, shooting low, and telling us not to quit out lines to carry back wounded, etc., and intimating that he expected our corps to occupy a very warm place in the fight, and to sustain the fighting reputation of the troops of the department of the Tennessee.

The men talk about hoping that the divisions now going ahead will finish the fighting before we get up, but I honestly believe they’d all rather get into a battle than not. It is fun to hear these veterans talk. I guess that about two-thirds of them got married when they were home. Believe it will do much toward steadying them down when they return to their homes. They almost all say that they had furlough enough and were ready to start back when their 30 days were up.

It is hot as the deuce; two of our men were sun struck at Lookout Mountain on the 3rd.

Dust is becoming very troublesome. I am marching in a badly-fitting pair of [continue reading…]

Saturday, 7th–Our new wedge tents were issued to us this morning by the quartermaster, and we worked all day pitching the tents and building bunks. I was on fatigue duty as corporal, in charge of a squad of men cleaning the grounds. We have a fine camp at this place with very good water. The health of the men is excellent and they are all in fine spirits. There was a flying report that the rebel general, Forrest, has been captured, but we don’t know as to the truth of it.

Saturday, 7th.—Moved out into ditches. Reported Federals in force at Tunnel Hill. Worked on fort until midnight.

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

7th. At 1 o’clock, received orders to pull out. Followed some 3rd Div. trains. Went down near Chancellorsville and breakfasted. Firing commenced early. Very hot and sultry. Regt. still back at the Ford. Moved to Chancellorsville (the walls of a brick house mark the spot) and remained over night. A good many fortifications remaining of those thrown up a year ago. Firing has been incessant all day. Troops passing towards Spottsylvania all night.

Washington Saturday May 7^th/64

We hear today that there has been two days severe fighting Thursday & Friday and the battle was expected to be renewed today. No decisive results so far as heard tonight, but the news as far as it goes (up to last night) is rather favorable to us. Lee^s Army had been driven three miles. We shall hear more tomorrow. I presume the fighting has been done near the old Battle ground of Chancellorville May 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd of last year. We feel quite confident that this Campaign will be successful and will, if so, virtualy End the War. God grant it may all be so. Our Armies are all in motion. Gen^l Sherman is moving into the heart of Georgia from Chattanooga and Seigel is moving up the Shanandoah Valley.

MAY 7th.—Bright and warm. The following is Gen. Lee’s dispatch, received yesterday morning—the italics not his.

“HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
“May 5th, 1864.

—————“HON, SECRETARY OF WAR.
—————“The enemy crossed the Rapidan at Ely’s and Germania fords. Two corps of this army moved to oppose him—Ewell by the old turnpike, and Hill by the plank-road.
—————“They arrived this morning in close proximity to the enemy’s line of march.
—————“A strong attack was made upon Ewell, who repulsed it, capturing many prisoners and four pieces of artillery:
—————“The enemy subsequently concentrated upon Gen. Hill, who, with Heth’s and Wilcox’s divisions, successfully resisted repeated and desperate assaults.
—————“A large force of cavalry and artillery on our right was driven back by Rosser’s brigade.
—————“By the blessing of God, we maintained our position against every effort until night, when the contest closed.
—————“We have to mourn the loss of many brave officers and men. The gallant Brig.-Gen. J. M. Jones was killed, and Brig.-Gen. Stafford, I fear, mortally wounded, while leading his command with conspicuous valor.

“(Signed)————————————————————R. E. LEE.”

A dispatch from Gen. Lee this morning says Hill’s corps was thrown into confusion yesterday by an attack of the enemy when some of the divisions were being relieved. But afterward we recovered the ground, strewn with the dead and wounded of the enemy. Then we attacked their whole line, driving them behind their breastworks. He concludes by thanks for our ability still to withstand all assaults. No doubt Grant has overwhelming numbers, and Lee is under the necessity of sparing his men as much as possible, while his adversary leads into action a succession of fresh troops. Gen. Longstreet is wounded.

Gen. Beauregard is at Petersburg, charged with the defense of this city and the railroad. Troops have been marching toward Drewry’s Bluff during the day. If the attack be delayed 24 hours more, we shall be strong enough to repel even the then greatly superior numbers of the invader.

But there is more anxiety manifested to-day. Senator Hunter and Mr. Ould, the agent of exchange, have been in the office next to mine once or twice, to drink some of the good whisky kept by Mr. Chapman, the disbursing clerk of the department. Mr. H.’s face is quite red.

5 P.M. The tocsin is sounding, for the militia, I suppose, all others being in the field. It is reported that the attack on Drewry’s Bluff, or rather on our forces posted there for its defense, has begun. Barton’s brigade marched thither to-day. It is said the enemy have 40,000 men on the south side of James River—we, 20,000.

There is now some excitement and trepidation among the shopkeepers and extortioners, who are compelled by State law to shoulder the musket for the defense of the city, and there is some running to and fro preliminary to the rendezvous in front of the City Hall. The alarm, however, I learnt at the department, is caused by reports brought in by countrymen, that the enemy is approaching the city from the northeast, as if from Gloucester Point. It may be so—a small body; but Gen. Ransom, Gen. Elzey’s successor here, doubts it, for his scouts give no intelligence of the enemy in that quarter. But the 19th Militia Regiment and the Foreign Battalion will have the pleasure of sleeping in the open air to-night, and of dreaming of their past gains etc.

May, Saturday 7, 1864

I went over to Mrs. Clayton’s early this morning to make arrangements with Hal about going South, did not find her at home, waited until after 3 o’c but did not get to see her. Spent a very pleasant day—heard no news—came by Mrs. Duke’s to see Beulah, poor Dog, she was almost crazy when she met me. I could not stay many minutes, and it almost broke my heart to see Beulah begging to come. Peter and I started on home, met two Yankees, they were drunk, and frightened me very much. We had a very rough trip home, came through to the Hernando road, the Pickets on Nonconnah did not ask me for a pass. Saw old Mr. Farrer just getting home, he has only one week to be out of this country. A Yankee detective with a woman came to stay all night, Father was afraid not to take him, just after they stoped, in came two of the 2nd. Mo. Cav. Mr. Grile and Mr. Davis, they did not come in when we told them who was here, for fear it would get Father in trouble—the detective (Lewis) was very uneasy for fear they would take—I hope they will get him after he leaves here in the morning—

Camp at “Gordon’s Mills,” Ga., May 6, 1864.

We lay in camp on Chattanooga creek, two and one-fourth miles this side of Chattanooga, until 11 this morning, waiting for the division train to be loaded and turning the bulk of our camp and garrison equipage over to the corps quartermaster to store for us until we return from this campaign.

We have cut our baggage for the regiment to what can be put in three wagons. Of course, we do not expect to find any of our things again that we leave. The 6th Iowa Veterans rejoined us last night. I notice that all these veterans come back dressed in officer’s clothing. They have, I expect, been putting on a great many airs up North, but I don’t know who has any better right. The last four miles of our march today has been through the west edge of the Chickamauga battlefield. I believe the battle commenced near these mills on our right.

It is supposed that we are moving to get in rear of Dalton. No more drumming allowed, so I suppose we are getting in the vicinity of Rebels, and that skirmishing will commence in about two days. The Big Crawfish springs near the mill is only second to the one that supplies Huntsville with water, neither one as large as the Tuscambia spring, but much more Beautiful. General Harrow had a fuss with our Company A last night. He struck one or two of the men with a club and put the lieutenant (Willison) under arrest. *** It is impossible to get along with him. We heard last night that Grant had crossed the Rapidan in four places, but don’t know where. We know nothing about what is going on here, but feel certain that the Rebels will get a tremendous thrashing if they don’t move promptly. Marched 11 miles to-day.

Friday, 6th–Our boats tied up for the night, but early this morning, at 4 o’clock, we continued our journey. The river is deep and narrow here, which with the high bluffs, makes it a dangerous place for bushwhackers, but we were not molested on the trip. We reached Clifton at 3 o’clock in the afternoon and disembarked, marched out about two miles and went into bivouac.

Friday, 6th.—Returned to camp at 11 A. M. Grove meeting in afternoon; preaching at night. Very good meeting; several conversions. I humbly trust that, through the merits of a crucified Saviour, I am one of the accepted. I am determined, by His help and by His grace, to live for Him the remainder of my days, be they many or few.

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

May 6. 1864.—The Federals are this morning ascending James River, with a fleet of thirty-nine vessels—four monitors among them. The battle between Lee and Grant imminent. God help us! We feel strengthened by the prayers of so many good people. All the city seems quiet and trusting. We feel that the Lord will keep the city. We were at our own prayer-meeting at St. James’s this morning at half-past six. Yesterday evening we heard most fervent prayers from the Young Men’s Christian Association. To-day Dr. Reid’s Church will be open all day for prayer. I am sorry that I shall not be able to go before the afternoon.

Grant’s force is said to be between one hundred and fifty and one hundred and eighty thousand men. The “battle is not always to the strong,” as we have often experienced during the past three years.

We spent last evening at the Ballard House, with Dr. S. and my dear S. She is hastening to her ill child; he must return to his post; private griefs cannot now be indulged.

6th. Regt. saddled and moved out into position at 2 o’clock. After breakfast went out to Regt. awhile. Very hot. Firing commenced at daylight. Heaviest again in Sedgwick’s Corps. Burnside over near Chancellorsville. Just about dark firing was very heavy. Various reports in regard to loss. Dreamed last night of Fannie.

Friday May 6^th 1864

My Brother did not go by Steamer but by RR on the day he intended. I met them at the Landing (foot of 6^th S^t) and Saw them on board of the Cars bound for NY the day before yesterday. It being a broken day with me I concluded to spend the rest of it out of the office. So I rode up to Georgetown on the street cars and walked from there about half a mile to the Col Ellet place now occupied by a Dr Miller and with whom Cha^s and family (consisting of wife, child, and black Serv^t) are living. It is a most delightful place there being some forty acres of land mostly lawn covered with trees and shrubbery, green and beautiful. The surrounding Scenery is delightful. The City with the Capitol in full view and everything to make it beautiful and charming to the eye. Gen^l Grants Army has “moved,” he has crossed the Rapidan without opposition and is supposed to be in full march for Richmond. We hear of no fighting so far. Yesterday it was said that Gen^l Gilmore was at West Point on the York River with a large force and that Gen^l W. F. Smith was going up the James River on the South side all bound for Richmond, 300,000 men. We hear nothing of the rebel army movements. It would be a fine trick if Gen^l Lee should come this way and attack Washington while Grants Army and nearly all our forces are Striving to get Richmond. It is understood that the rebel gov^t is removed from Rich[mon]^d (or the different departments) and that the City is almost abandoned already. It is expected that Lee will fall back and defend it.

APRIL 6th.(sic)—Bright, warm, beautiful.

We have a sensation to-day, but really no excitement. A dispatch from Gen. Lee (dated last night) says the enemy opened the battle yesterday, and the conflict continued until night put an end to the carnage. He says we have many prisoners, captured four guns, etc., losing two generals killed, one, Gen. J. M. Jones. But our position was maintained, and the enemy repulsed. Doubtless the battle was renewed this morning.

Some fifty-nine transports and several iron-clad gun-boats, monitors, etc., came up the James River yesterday and last night. A heavy force was landed at Bermuda Hundred, within a few miles of the railroad between Richmond and Petersburg.

And the enemy likewise came up the Peninsula, and there was fighting this morning on the Chickahominy.

Thus the plan of the enemy is distinctly pronounced, and the assaults were designed to be made simultaneously. Yet there is no undue excitement.

A dispatch from Gen. Pickett at Petersburg, this morning, to Gen. Bragg, asked if he (Bragg) intended to defend the railroad between Richmond and Petersburg. He said, “the enemy will attack the road to-day, marching from Bermuda Hundred, I think.”

At 3 P.M. we are waiting with anxiety for news from all quarters.

Both my sons marched out in the Department Battalion. Two Tennessee regiments marched down to Drewry’s Bluff yesterday, and Hunton’s brigade, that left there yesterday, were ordered back again last night. It is said troops were passing south through the city all night. And I know heavy forces are on the way from North Carolina. Gen. Pickett likewise has the greater part of his division in supporting distance. So, if the enemy have not cut the road by this time, it is probably safe, and the expedition will be a failure. If Lee defeats Grant, the city will certainly be saved. All the local troops are out.

Gen. Beauregard is expected to-day, but it is reported he is sick at Weldon. On the 3d inst. the following dispatch was received from him:

“KINSTON, N. C.

“GEN. COOPER.
————“Orders should be given for the immediate re-establishment of fisheries at Plymouth and Washington, also to get large supplies of pork in Hyde County and vicinity.
—————————————————“G. T. BEAUREGARD, General.”

On this the Commissary-General indorsed that the matter had been attended to–had, indeed, been anticipated.

The best indication of the day (to me) was the smiling face of Mr. Hunter as he came from the Secretary’s office. He said to me, “The ball is opening well.”

The President and his aids rode over the river to-day: what direction they took I know not; but this I know, he has no idea of being taken by the enemy. And he cannot think the city will be taken, for in that event it would be difficult for him to escape.

May, Friday 6, 1864

I got up very early this morning, finished Harriet’s dress a little after dinner, just one day making it, I have picked my finger almost to the bone, and will have to rest for a few days and let it recruit. I slept all the evening, have spent the day alone, and it has seemed teribly long. No Yankees out on our road today. A heavy scout passed down the Hernando road, a very heavy picket on Nonconnah, since Floyd’s raide yesterday—poor old Mr. Farrer got in trouble yesterday, the Yanks carried him in Memphis and put him in the Irving Block,¹ we have not heard any of the particulars. Cousin Mat, Frazor & Cousin Sallie came out this evening,—news, we have another victory on Red River, captured three more Gun Boats—Oh! how thankful we are for the bright days which are dawning—we humbly crave thy blessings for victory and peace—Received a letter from Jimmie in London, the crew men all well and in fine spirits—God bless both my dear Bros, and guard them from all danger and temptation—bless my poor old Father, and keep trouble from his last days—oh! make me a better woman. Frazor is 9 years old today—we have not heard from Eddie for several days.

1. Irving Block Prison in Memphis

Between Chattanooga and Rossville, May 5, 1864.

It has been a very warm day, and the 16 miles between 8 a. m. and 4 p.m. counts a hard march. The dust in many places has been ankle deep.

We again crossed the point of old Lookout. I think since yesterday morning at least 20 trains loaded with troops have passed us while in sight of the railroad, with from 15 to 20 cars in each train.

We hear to-day that Dalton is not yet ours, but Sherman only waits for his old corps before attacking.

Have sent everything back to Chattanooga to store. It is estimated that we will have over 100,000 men at Dalton day after to-morrow.

Will keep a diary and send every opportunity.

Thursday, 5th–Reveille sounded at 4 o’clock and by daylight we were on the boats. At 8 o’clock we started up the Tennessee river, our destination, we suppose, being Clifton, Tennessee. Our fleet consists of eleven transports and two gunboats, one of them in advance and the other taking the rear, so that if we should be attacked by light batteries from the bank, the gunboats would be ready for action and silence them. Then each transport has a squad of men with rifles in hand ready for action in case we should be fired upon by the guerrillas. The weather is pleasant and everything is working fine.