May, Monday 2, 1864

Very cold and disagreeable—had to keep large fires to keep warm.  No Yankees have been out today—the lines are still closed, Nannie and Joanna have not got home yet. Cousin Frazor, John and Mr. Wormely got here from Dixie today—everything is cheering from below. Gen. Price has demolished Stith’s entire army, capturing all of his Artillery, Wagon train and demoralizing his entire command. We have not heard from Forrest yet, but our faith in him is implicit, he will be successful. Oh! I think the bright day for Dixie is dawning. God is just, our prayers are answered, oh! let us be humble, and pray constantly in our success, thy will, not ours, be done. I made Laura a dress today—Sallie Hildebrand & Mary Robinson came down and spent the evening—Mr. Wormely went on over to Mr. Holmes—the Hildebrands all got off safe last night , everything has been unusually quiet in the neighborhood today—I did not stay in the Parlor very late. Bettie & Laura both buisy sewing.

May 2d. Severe rain storm this morning. Came off picket wet through. Tents no good, leaking very badly. Our regiment still on the advance, holding the picket line from the main pike to the Romney dirt road on the west.

Richmond Whig,
May 2, 1864

At 7 o’clock Saturday evening, a little boy, son of President Davis, died from injuries believed to have been received by an accidental fall from the back porch of his father’s residence. Nothing is known of the particulars of the accident. At 6 o’clock in the evening, the child was found by one of the servants lying in an insensible condition in the back yard, with blood issuing from his mouth and nose, and his right thigh broken. Neither Mr. or Mrs. Davis being at home at the time, several ladies of the neighborhood were called in and a physician sent for. Every restorative that could be thought of was put in requisition, but all to no purpose. The little sufferer, without having once recovered its consciousness, died about 7 o’clock, from violent concussion of the brain.

The child, whose name was Joseph, was a bright and handsome little fellow, and at the time of this deplorable accident was in perfect health. He was the third child of the President.

As we have said, the particulars of this accident, further than we have stated, are not known; but it is believed that the child, whilst playing about unwatched, climbed over a low railing that surrounds the back porch, and losing his balance, fell a distance of twelve feet, upon a narrow strip of granite flagging that skirts the basement wall.

The funeral took place from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, at five o’clock last evening, and was largely attended.

May 1st, 1864. Bivouac at Mud Creek.

Up at daylight, and off on time. 6 a.m. The camp was full of citizens early, all after our leavings. The way they did snatch for old clothes was far from slow. They actually stole lots of trash right under the noses of the soldier owners. Out “jayhawking” old jayhawk himself. Started off in best of spirits—men cheering right from their hearts. About two miles out on the road, General Harrow and staff passed us. The men not having the fear of “guard house” in their minds, yelled at him, “Bring out your Potomac horse,” “Fall back on your straw and fresh butter,” “Advance on Washington,” etc., all of which counts as quite a serious offense, but he paid no attention to it. You recollect he is from the Potomac Army. The first expression comes from a punishment he inaugurated in our division. He put up a wooden horse in front of his quarters, and mounted on it all the offenders against discipline that he could “gobble.” Some waggish fellows wrote out some highly displayed advertisements of the “Potomac horse” and posted them throughout the camp, and finally one night the men took it down and sent it on the cars to Huntsville, directed to McPherson, with a note tacked on it, telling him to furnish him plenty of straw and use him carefully, as he was Potomac stock and unused to hardships.

We only marched some ten miles to-day and have a splendid camping ground. Have had a wash in a mill race near by.

Sunday, 1st–The Eleventh Iowa signed the pay rolls this morning for two months’ pay. Six of the boys were robbed of $30.00 last night. Our regiment drew the new rifles and accouterments this afternoon. The Government is fitting out all of the veteran regiments with new equipments.

We received orders this afternoon to go on board the transports at 5 o’clock, and we struck our tents and turned them over to the post quartermaster. The Eleventh, the Fifteenth and part of the Thirteenth Iowa are on board the “John H. Dickey.” We were ordered to carry five days’ rations. Our destination is supposed to be Huntsville, Alabama.

May 1st. Busy getting ordnance boxes returned to Dept. till 10 o’clock. Regt. marched at 11. Train off at about 1 P. M.–12 wagons. Thede and I stayed behind to get receipts for property. Left Washington between 5 and 6 o’clock. Capt. and A. D. C. on Maj. Gen. Auger’s staff disliked to give me a pass for fear we would be gobbled! Caught up just as the regt. camped 9 or 10 miles from Washington. Supper and to bed at 10 P. M. Slept well, beautiful day.

MAY 1st.—Cloudy and showery, but warm, and fine for vegetation. My lettuce, cabbage, beans, etc. are growing finely. But the Yankee corn and lima beans, imported by Col. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, have rotted in the ground.

No war news.

Yesterday a paper was sent to the President by Gen. Pickett, recommending Gen. Roger A. Pryor for a cavalry command in North Carolina. But the President sent it to the Secretary of War with the curt remark that the command had already been disposed of to Col. Dearing, on Gen. Hoke’s recommendation. Thus Gen. P. is again whistled down the wind, in spite of the efforts of even Mr. Hunter, and many other leading politicians. It is possible Gen. P. may have on some occasion criticised Lee.

May, Sunday 1, 1864

I slept very late this morning. Tate and Helen ready to start to Church when I went in the Parlor—Uncle Elam went with them. Father, Mary, Robert and I were left at home. Mr. Hildebrand and Mr. Madden spent the morning with us—they had no late news—neither did we hear any from the girls. Five Yankees found where John, William, Ben & David Hildebrand and Ben Henderson were hid on Day’s creek, about a mile from here and surprised them, although they were fast asleep, they made their escape. The Yanks fired twice only, our little band were not armed armed for a fight, therefore beat a hasty retreat. The Yanks then came to old Mr. Hildebrand’s, did not stay long, we saw them pass on the ridge returning to Memphis.

Nannie and Joanna have not returned yet, cannot imagine what keeps them. The Yanks sent out a heavy force after Forrest yesterday. God bless our little band, and crown them with victory—guide my Bro, and keep him safe through all danger—Came to my room early—Father retired so early—We think the Yankees are at Mr. Hildebrand’s now, so much noise, and two guns fired. God bless my dear Father, and protect him from the Yankees.

May 1st. Marching orders this morning. Pushing on towards Winchester. Passed over the battle-field known to us as Carter’s Farm, or Summit Point, on the Harper’s Ferry and Winchester R. R. On this field we did some hard fighting against great odds, June 15th, 1863. Many of our boys were made prisoners. Talked over the events of the battle as we marched along, pointing out the places where our boys fell and were buried. We are very familiar with this section of Virginia. Pushing along, passed through Winchester. Very few people in sight. Those we saw said they hated the Yankees. Hope we would all be captured and taken to Richmond. Out on the main pike, came to a halt near the Union Mills. Our regiment detailed for picket on the advance, near Kernstown. We are now in the enemy’s country. Liable to meet trouble at any time. The signal corps is kept very busy. I do not know the code but it is very interesting to me as I watch them work. They seem to find every high point of ground where they get a fine view of the country.

Scottsboro, Ala., April 30th, ’64.

You know we have been under marching orders for several days. At dress parade this evening orders were read notifying us that the division would move out on the road to Chattanooga at 6 a.m., May 1st.

This is the first intimation of the direction we would take.

It surprises me very much, and I think many others. I was certain we would either cross the Tennessee river at Larkins Ferry or near Decatur and take Dalton in flank or rear, but Sherman didn’t see it. I would rather do anything else save one, than march over the road to Chattanooga. That one is to lie still in camp.

When the boys broke ranks after the parade, cries of “mule soup” filled the camp for an hour. That is the name that has been unanimously voted to the conglomeration of dead mules and mud that fills the ditches on the roadside between Stevenson and Chattanooga.

The whole division has been alive all evening; burning cabins has been the fashion. Captains Post, Smith and myself got into a little discussion which ended in our grabbing axes and demolishing each other’s cabins.

30th. F.’s birthday–alas! alas! Busy all day getting Q. M. stores and fixing up for the march. Wrote home and to George. Didn’t get to bed till nearly one. Have had hard work for several days.

Saturday, 30th–The Eleventh Iowa was mustered today for pay. The regiment numbers about six hundred men present for duty, and but few are absent on account of sickness. General McPherson is having his entire corps (the Seventeenth) armed with new Springfield rifles, and our regiment today turned over to the quartermaster the Enfield rifles and old accouterments to draw the new rifles and accouterments. Most of the men feel that the Enfield rifle is better suited to our use than the new one, for it has a bronze barrel, hence easier to keep clean, as the outside does not require extra polishing.

I took a walk this afternoon over Cairo to view the town. There is a great deal of building going on, even if it is one of the biggest mudholes in the State of Illinois. The town may be said to be on stilts, for the buildings rest on posts, ten or twelve feet from the ground, and of course the sidewalks are the same. There are only two or three really nice buildings in the town. But it is a very important place for our armies, as it is the mobilizing point for our army on the Mississippi and the Tennessee rivers.

Apr. 3, ’64—Preach in a. m. on Psalms I. At night on “Grow in Grace.”

Apr. 6—Snow and rain. Chaplain Westbrook arrives.

Apr. 6—Go with Westbrook to Lane’s Brigade.

Apr. 7—Preach at night.

Friday, Apr. 8—Solemn day. Preach twice. Lord, hear and answer the prayers of this day!

Apr. 10—Preach twice. Rain, rain.

(NOTE – The kind reader, sitting in a warm room, will please not be offended when I write of “rain” Remember, that a cold rain in April in camp, means something to a soldier.)

Apr. 11—Rev. B. T. Lacy gives his lecture in Rev. W. C. Power’s Chapel.

Apr. 17—Preach to 2nd N. C. Regiment in a. m., and to Division Provost Guard and prisoners in p. m.

Apr. 19—Meet Chaplains in Orange Court House. Gracious meeting. Rev. Bellinger brings note from Rev. C. W. Westbrook, who is sick. I love Bellinger because he has preached to 18th N. C. Regiment.

Apr. 24—Preach in a. m. and night. Visit five men condemned to be shot. They are deeply penitent.

Apr. 25—Preach to prisoners and guard. Pleasant communion service in my chapel at night.

Apr. 26—Meet Chaplains.

Apr. 27—Preach in my chapel at night.

Apr. 28—See three men, from Wilkes County, shot for desertion.

Apr. 30 (Saturday)—Talk with penitents and converts.

APRIL 30th.—Federal papers now admit that Gen. Banks has been disastrously beaten in Louisiana. They also admit their calamity at Plymouth, N. C. Thus in Louisiana, Florida, West Tennessee, and North Carolina the enemy have sustained severe defeats: their losses amounting to some 20,000 men, 100 guns, half a dozen war steamers, etc. etc.

Gen. Burnside has left Annapolis and gone to Grant—whatever the plan was originally; and the work of concentration goes on for a decisive clash of arms in Virginia.

And troops are coming hither from all quarters, like streamlets flowing into the ocean. Our men are confident, and eager for the fray.

The railroad companies say they can transport 10,000 bushels corn, daily, into Virginia. That will subsist 200,000 men and 25,000 horses. And in June the Piedmont connection will be completed.

The great battle may not occur for weeks yet. It will probably end the war.

April 30th. At Bunker Hill. Only doing picket duty and resting. Weather cloudy. Liable to march at any minute. All is quiet and nothing important has taken place up to this time. Camp made up with our shelter tents.

24th-29th. Busy at work supplying the regt. with horses, etc. 29 officers, on extra duty, returned to regt. Orders to march as soon as possible. Papers from home. Busy exchanging horses. Got 33 good ones in Washington.

Friday, 29th–It is quite cool and cloudy, with some rain this afternoon. The Ohio river is rising fast. The veterans keep arriving daily at Cairo. The Seventeenth Army Corps is being reorganized as fast as possible and sent up the Tennessee river and landed at Clifton, and is then to march across to Huntsville, Alabama. Our mustering rolls are being made out and we are to be mustered in tomorrow. I received my discharge from the old service, dated December 31, 1863, and sent the certificate home for father to keep till I return.

(excerpts)

         “April 29. . . . There was a review to-day of all the infantry and artillery of the army. The reviewing officer was Gen. Johnston, who rode down the line, halting opposite each brigade to receive its salute. He then took his position and the troops marched in review past him. Mrs. Johnston was there and a good many other ladies and I expect enjoyed the spectacle though the wind was high and the dust insufferable. Mrs. Johnston spoke to-day of your and Fanny’s being with her this summer. I have no doubt you will have a very pleasant time indeed, and if the Army is inactive I shall doubtless be able to run down to see you…

         “We are barely managing to exist on the third of a pound of bacon. We keep up our spirits however, and hope for the time when Congress shall intervene in our behalf and satisfy the Oliver Twists of the Army. A friend of one of our mess the other day sent a turkey and you should have seen our countenances as we prepared to devour him. . . . ”

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

APRIL 29th.—A letter from Major-Gen. Hoke, dated Plymouth, April 25th, and asking the appointment of Lieut.-Col. Dearing to a brigadiership, says his promotion is desired to lead a brigade in the expedition against Newbern. The President directs the Secretary to appoint him temporarily “for the expedition.” Soon we shall know the result.

By flag of truce boat, it is understood Northern papers admit a Federal defeat on the Red River, the storming of Plymouth, etc., and charge the Federal authorities at Washington with having published falsehoods to deceive the people. Gold was $1.83.

Troops are passing through Richmond now, day and night, concentrating under Lee. The great battle cannot be much longer postponed.

Last night was clear and cold, and we have fire to-day.

The President has decided not to call into service the reserve class unless on extraordinary occasions, but to let them remain at home and cultivate the soil.

It is now probable the Piedmont Railroad will be completed by the 1st June, as extreme necessity drives the government to some degree of energy. If it had taken up, or allowed to be taken up, the rails on the Aquia Creek Road a year ago, the Piedmont connection would have been made ere this; and then this famine would not have been upon us, and there would have been abundance of grain in the army depots of Virginia.

April, Friday 29, 1864

Joanna and Nannie went to Memphis early this morning, and have not returned yet, Father is very uneasy about them for fear they are in trouble with the Yankees—none have been out today. Maj. Crump spent the day in the woods again—another storm this evening which bro’t him home rather early, he came in my room where we were all buisy sewing—Tate is making Capt. Barber’s shirts,—Helen buisy getting ready to go South—which she thinks will be about the first of June. I have made “Dixie” five dresses, and have one to make yet, then I will have fulfilled my agreement for the privilage of naming her—Mr. Crawford spent the day with us, waiting for Nannie—Mr. Wesson left early this morning with his goods—we have no late, reliable news today. All spent the evening together in the Parlor. Father and I retired early, left Tate, Helen and Maj. Crump is there. All my little household together—Poor Beulah, I will always miss her.

April 29th. Reveille at daylight, then roll call, breakfast. Packed up waiting for orders to march, while in line. The command being given, we began our march, passing through town, out on the Winchester Pike. Macadamized roads were known as pikes. Going towards Winchester it was named after that town. Going from Winchester the same road was known as the Martinsburg Pike because it led to that town. Just outside of Martinsburg the 8th Corps was forming, under the command of General Sigel. This corps was also called The Army of West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Our regiment was the last to arrive. Received hearty cheers from the Ohio and West Virginia boys, which we returned in good old Yankee style. We could cheer. At this point we were brigaded with the 28th and 126th Ohio Regiments under the command of Colonel Moore, 28th Ohio, a German officer. About nine o’clock we began our march, the day being very hot and the road very dusty. Pushing up the valley. After a slow, tedious march, late in the day, a halt was made at Bunker Hill, a small village on the main pike. A supply of good water. Tired and leg weary. Our record for today’s march, ten miles.

Scottsboro, Ala., April 28, 1864.

We received marching orders last night, and will probably move to-morrow morning. Supposition is that we go to Huntsville first, there store our baggage, and then cross the Tennessee river and open the Spring campaign. I am much pleased at the prospect of moving once more. Have never been so well and comfortably situated in the army, nor was I ever tired of lying still. Lieutenant Miller R. Q. M. while hunting some mules a few miles from camp, last Monday was captured by the enemy, and is now on his way to the “Hotel de Libby” (not) rejoicing. ‘Tis something of a joke on Miller. Weather is becoming most uncomfortably warm. Altogether too hot for marching. Boys of our regiment and troops of the whole corps, never started on a march in better spirits. Will write as often as have opportunities. Swarms of flies interfere with my afternoon naps lately.

Thursday, 28th–It is cloudy and misty, and suffocating smoke is settling over our camp at times—and there is no end of mud. There is no news of any importance and we lay in camp all day, with no drill or dress parade. We are expecting orders to board the transports for Huntsville, Alabama. I went down town this afternoon to purchase a few articles. Things are awfully dear here. The soldiers are all supplying themselves with stationery and little articles needed on a long campaign.

A Regiment: A body of men, either horse, foot or artillery, commanded by a colonel and consisting of a number of companies, usually from eight to twelve.

A Reserve: A select body of troops in the rear of an army, reserved to sustain the other lines as occasion may require.

—A. G. Downing.

28th.—The country seems to continue quiet, but the campaign on the Rapidan is expected to open every day. Oh, how I dread it! The morning is bright and beautiful; it seems hardly possible that such strife is abroad in the land.