Wednesday, 11th–I was in a detail of a hundred men, with my corporal’s squad, to go out on cattle guard. We had to herd about a thousand head of our beef cattle. At noon we were called in and our regiment, together with the Twentieth Illinois, was ordered to strap on our knapsacks, strike our tents and drive the cattle out about five miles farther on. We left our camp at 2 o’clock and at 3 reached Hardin’s creek, in the direction of Huntsville, Alabama, where we found better range for the cattle, which was the object. There is more danger here of the rebel cavalry’s making a raid and stampeding the herd, but it is thought our force is sufficiently large to guard the cattle.

May 11th. Marching orders. Left camp early this morning. The army on the move. Waded Cedar Creek, on through the town of Strasburg, up Fishers Hill. The boys are all in good spirits as we go marching on. Halt and go into camp near the town of Woodstock, in the valley. Marched about ten miles.

Wednesday, May 11.—The last three days have been most exciting. The enemy on the south side of the river have made heavy demonstrations; their force is perhaps 40,000; ours not half that number. The militia, the City Battalion, and the clerks have gone from Richmond. They have had a heavy fight at Port Walthall, and another near Chester, in which we had, upon the whole, the advantage of them. In the mean time a large body of raiders are going over the country. They have cut the Central Railroad, and burnt three trains of cars, laden with provisions for General Lee’s army, and are doing all manner of mischief to public and private property. Not a word can we hear from General Lee, except through private telegrams sent from Guiney’s Station. The wires (telegraph) above that place have been cut. Our accounts from Guiney’s are very encouraging. It is astonishing how quiet everybody is—all owing, I must believe, to an abiding faith in the goodness of God. Prayer-meetings are held in almost all the churches, and we take great comfort in them. It seems to me evident that the Lord is fighting our battles for us.

The last was a most disturbed night. We knew that the attaches of the War Department had received orders to spend the night there, and our son had promised us that if any thing exciting occurred he would come up and let us know. We were first aroused by hearing a number of soldiers pass up Broad Street. I sprang up, and saw at least a brigade passing by. As we were composing ourselves to sleep, I heard several pebbles come against the window. On looking out, I saw J. standing below. In a moment the door was opened and he was in our room, with the information, brought by a courier, that 7,000 raiders were within sixteen miles of us, making their way to the city. He also said that 3,000 infantry had marched to meet them. Every lady in the house dressed immediately, and some of us went down to the porch. There we saw ladies in every porch, and walking on the pavements, as if it were evening. We saw but one person who seemed really alarmed; every one else seemed to expect something to occur to stop the raiders. Our city had too often been saved as if by a miracle. About two o’clock a telegram came from General Stuart that he was in pursuit of the enemy. J. came up to bring us the information, and we felt that all was right. In a very short time families had retired to their chambers, and quietness reigned in this hitherto perturbed street. For ourselves, we were soon asleep. To-day General Stuart telegraphs that the enemy were overtaken at Ashland by Lomax’s Brigade, and handsomely repulsed. We have just heard that they have taken the road to Dover’s Mills, and our men are in hot pursuit.

MAY 11th.—Bright and pleasant–breezy. This has been a day of excitement.

At midnight the Departmental Battalion were marched from the south side of the river back to the city, and rested the remainder of the night at CampLee. But at 9 A.M. they were marched hurriedly to MeadowBridge. They came past our house. Custis and his brother Thomas ran in—remaining but a moment. Custis exclaimed: “Let me have some money, mother (I had to go to the office), or we will starve. The government don’t feed us, and we are almost famished. Cook something, and get Captain Warner to bring it in his buggy—do, if possible.” He got $20. They looked worn, and were black with dust, etc. My daughter said “they looked like negroes.”

The Secretary issued this morning a new edition of his handbills, calling the people “to arms.”

Mr. Mallory’s usual red face turned purple. He has not yet got out the iron-clad Richmond, etc., which might have sunk Gen. Butler’s transports.

Lieut.-Col. Lay was exhibiting a map of our defenses, and predicting something,—whether good or evil, I did not stay to learn. But I thought such maps ought not to be shown in the public ball of the department.

The armory was open to-day, and all who desired them were furnished with arms.

The Governor, I hear, issued a notification that the enemy would be here to day, etc. I did not see it.

All classes not in the army were gathered up and marched to the defenses.

2 P.M. Respectable men just from the vicinity report a great victory for Lee, yesterday, though we have nothing from him. The Secretary believes these concurring reports, which state that the battle, beginning near Spottsylvania Court House, ended at Fredericksburg, indicating a WATERLOO.

And a dispatch from Gen. Ransom from the south side of the river, states that Butler’s army is retreating to the transports. This is regarded as confirmation of Lee’s victory.

Several dispatches from Gen. Stuart state that the raiders have been severely beaten in several combats this morning, and are flying toward Dover Mills. They may come back, for they have not heard of Grant’s defeat.

Mr. Memminger is said to have been frightened terribly, and arrangements were made for flight.

May, Wednesday 11, 1864

Tate and Joanna went to Memphis this morning—what a mistake—on yesterday they went in, did not return until this evening. Joanna and Miss Em, and little Emie all came, oh! I was so delighted to see Mrs. Perkins—Nannie came out very early, started to go to Germantown, for John a horse, too late. Poor Cousin Mat and little Frazor had to return with Mrs. S. to M.—No news from Mr. Harbut yet—he is always very prompt, we think it very strange he did not return. We all spent the evening in the Parlor. Mrs. Tom Nelson came this evening—bro’t intelligence of Poor Mr. Facklen’s death—he killed himself drinking, died with Mania potin I do pity his Wife, and poor little children—and such a horrible death—no late news from either side—Miss Em and I talked nearly all night—

Washington May 11^th 1864.

We get but little reliable news today from the army, but all the accounts agree in one particular. There has been the most terrible fighting almost every day since it began on Thursday last the 5^th Ins^t. We have lost three good Maj Gen^ls killed. Hayes, Wadsworth & Sedgwick. Hays & Sedgwick^s bodies were brought here last evening, embalmed, and were sent North this evening. The 9^th Heavy Artillery have been ordered to the field and went across the River yesterday. Maj E. P. Tafts wife and children came up this morning on their way to Lyons. I met them at the Metripolitan Hotel and saw them on board the Cars this evening 7.30 train. Mis Candee of Jersey City who has been visiting Mis T. at the Fort for the past three or four week[s] was with her, returning. Three thousand wounded soldiers came up the River and were at the wharf this morning. The Streets have been full of Ambulances much of the time today taking them to the Hospitals. Wounded officers were being brought into the Hotels or limping in themselves, some with their heads bound up and some with their arms in a Sling. Those that were disposed to talk soon had a crowd round them. But little information can be obtained from an officer tho he was in the battle. He can tell what he saw and relate incidents which came under his own observation, but he can know but little of the gen^l movement of the troop when the line extends for miles and the battle rages perhaps miles distant from him as well as just around him.

Six miles from Resaca, May 11, 1864.

We had a real hurricane last night, and a tremendous rain-storm. We lay right in the woods, and of course thought of the Point Pleasant storm and falling trees, but were too lazy to move, and thanks to a bed of pine boughs, slept good and sound. There is a scare up this morning. We have moved a mile toward the front, and building breast-works is going on with the greatest life. A full 1,000 axes are ringing within hearing. Our division is drawn up in column by brigade and at least another division is in rear of us. The latest rumor is that “the railroad has surrendered with 40,000 depots,”

Tuesday, 10th–We had an all day rain, and there was no drill or dress parade. The country around Clifton is very rough. There are but a few small farms, found only in the bottom land. Clifton is on the east bank of the Tennessee river about twenty-five miles below Savannah. The town has been burned and the people driven out, there being only four or five of the thirty log huts standing.

Tuesday, 10th.—Moved on hill just to our right before day; soon after relieved by brigade of Cleaborn’s Division. Returned to our old position. Federals have some little forts six hundred yards in our front. 8 A. M., our batteries opened on those in our front; they replied, and brisk cannonading continued for some time, when the Yanks ceased firing, and in short time took their cannon away. 11 A. M., Yanks all gone from our front; have fallen back some distance, but are shelling our skirmish line from the mountain.

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

May 10th. Turned out early this morning. Orders to prepare for inspection and drill. Officers seem bound to keep us busy. This afternoon while enjoying a bath and a swim in Cedar Creek, felt something around my leg under water. It did not take me long to pull the thing off, which proved to be a water snake. With a jump I was soon out of the water. My leg bled freely from a small wound. First thought that I had been bitten. No bad results coming from it, decided that the wound was made by a sharp stone. Comrade Charlie Geer of our company was with me.

10th. During the day went to the regt. Some beef, 16½ cents per pound. Thomas and I went to the front. Arrived there at nearly sundown just as a charge was to be made. Gen. Grant, Meade and several lesser generals with staffs out. We fell in. Col. Upton’s Brigade charged and took the enemy’s works with a brigade of rebs under Dough. Grant had one of his never-ending stubs in his mouth, and puffed freely. Both Grant and Meade looked serious and thoughtful till the news of success came. Then they seemed pleased. Grant said “That looks like desperation, surrendering without firing a gun.” But they had held their ground stubbornly during the day. Grant said “A brigade today, will try a corps tomorrow.” Never felt more animated. I felt such a relief from the suspense and anxiety which had been upon me for several days. I presume nearly the whole of the army and country are as uneasy and anxious as I. I awake frequently during the night. “H.” moved half a mile last night towards Fredericksburg. Rained most all day. Heavy fighting all day, with little success. Several charges made, but rebs repulsed them.

Tuesday May 10^th 1864

These days are eventful days and big with the fate of the thousands who are engaged in hostile array as well as of the would be “Southern Confederacy.” There has been most severe fighting almost every day for the past six days. The rebels fight with a determination and heroism worthy of a better cause. But they fight to little purpose in this campaign. They have not go[t] the men to contend with the Masses which Grant is hurling against them. Still as far as heard from no very decisive advantage has as yet been gained. It is understood that they have been forced back with great slaughter but not scattered or greatly disorganized. Our own wounded now number 15,000 which would give about 4000 killed. Yesterday we had the news that Gen^l J S Wadsworth of Geneseo was Slain. The death of Gen^l Wadsworth is a very serious loss. We have few such men in the country. I am told that he exhibited the greatest bravery and heroism on the field and fell at the head of his Division. We have news today that Gen^l Butler (B F) is close upon Richmond having cut the RRoad betwen there and Petersburgh. It appears now as though Richmond would surely fall. It looks now as tho the “game was up” with the Rebels. But we have been disappointed so often that it is not best to be too sanguine. The next few days will tell the tale. The crisis may already be past and the War near its end. God grant that it may be so. O the blood, the wounds. Twelve thousand poor mutilated fellows (Union soldiers) are now said to be in the City of Fredericksburgh. Two or three days ago I rc^d a letter from Frank dated Clifton Springs May 5^th informing me that he buried his wife on that day. She died the 3^d leaving a boy about a week old. F appears to be in great affliction and has lost a kind and loving Companion. I had never seen her but had formed a very good opinion of her and much regret her death on his account. I have rc^d letters from home and answered them within the past few days. I can think of nothing that appears so pleasant to me now as my home in S Harbor, the cool shade, the green lawn, and the flowers, a wife and children who are only too ready to anticipate my wants when I am there and estimate me quite high in the Scale of moral worth.

MAY 10th.—Bright, but windy and dusty.

There is an excitement at last; but it is sullen rather than despairing. No one seems to doubt our final success, although the enemy have now some 200,000 in Virginia, and we but little over half that number.

We have nothing from Lee to-day, but it is believed he is busy in battle.

A portion of Grant’s right wing, cut off at Spottsylvania Court House, endeavored to march across the country to the Peninsula. They cut the railroad at Beaver Dam, and destroyed some of our commissary stores. But it is likely they will be captured.

The enemy beat us yesterday at Dublin Depot, wounding Gen. Jenkins.

On the other hand, Gen. McNeal (C. S.) has cut the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, destroying millions of property. Thus the work goes on!

There was no general engagement down the river.

At 12 o’clock last night a column of infantry passed our house, going down Clay Street. Many thought it was the enemy.

I saw a letter to-day from Gen. Beauregard to Gen. Bragg, dated Weldon, April 29th, giving the names of the Federal generals commanding forces on the Southern coast, so that the arrival of any of these officers in Virginia would indicate the transfer of their troops thither. He concluded by saying that if it were desired he should operate on the north side of James River, maps ought to be prepared for him, and timbers, etc. for bridges; and that he would serve with pleasure under the immediate command of Gen. Lee, “aiding him to crush our enemies, and to achieve the independence of our country.”

Gen. Bragg, May 2d, sent this to Gen. Cooper, who referred it to the Secretary of War. Gen. Bragg indorsed on it that several of the Federal generals named had arrived at Fortress Monroe.

The Secretary sent it to the President on the 7th of May.

To-day the President sent it back indorsed as follows: “Maps of the country, with such additions as may from time to time be made, should be kept on hand in the Engineer Bureau, and furnished to officers in the field. Preparations of material for bridges, etc. will continue to be made as heretofore, and with such additional effort as circumstances require.
“I did not doubt the readiness of Gen. Beauregard to serve under any general who ranks him. The right of Gen. Lee to command would be derived from his superior rank.
“9th May, 1864.”——————————“JEFFERSON DAVIS.

May, Tuesday 10, 1864

Cloudy and rainy, I got up to breakfast as Mr. Harbut came, he is cut off from his command, and has no news. We heard Forrest had got safely out of Tenn. Tate and Joanna went to Memphis this morn, did not get back and we have not heard a word, suppose the raine must have kept them, we had a very hard storm this evening. Mrs. Franklin & Miss Kate Daughterty arrived from Dixie this morning, they say we have had a glorious victory in Virginia, but a dearly bought one—loss heavy on both sides. The Confederates Victorious as always under our brave Gen. Lee. A sad loss will be our gallant Longstreet, we hear he is mortally wounded, heaven forbid the correctness of the report—oh! my heavenly Father, enlighten the hearts of our wicked foe, and let them leave our lovely land,—think of the thousands of souls hastened into eternity—we humbly crave thy pardon, grant us thy blessings, and give us peace, oh! give us peace—all we ask—drive them from our land, we have sinned, but now are humble. God bless my dear Father, and Brothers, and unite them once again—

Same camp, May 10, 1864.

The 9th Illinois Infantry lost about 30 men, killed, wounded and missing, yesterday. We find the enemy too strong on the railroad to take, but have succeeded in breaking it so no trains can pass. Gerry’s division, of the 20th Corps, came up at dark, and the rest of the corps is within supporting distance. Rations were issued to us this evening—one-ninth rations of meat for three days just made a breakfast for the men. More rumors are flying than would fill a ream of foolscap. We had orders this p.m. to march to the front at 2 p.m., but did not go.

Seven miles west of Resaca, 15 miles from Dalton,
May 9, 1864.

Yesterday we traveled southeast, crossing six or seven ridges, one or two of which were quite high. Taylor’s was the highest. To-day we have made only about eight miles all the way through a pass in Rocky Face ridge, which is a high mountain. There are four divisions ahead of us. A regiment of Kentucky cavalry (Rebel) slipped in between ours and the division ahead of us, trying to capture a train. The 9th Illinois Infantry had the advance of our division and killed 30 Rebels and took four prisoners, losing only one man killed and their lieutenant colonel slightly wounded. Pretty good. Dodge has got the railroad and broken it, so we hear. The fight seems to be a stand-off until to-morrow. We are in line of battle for the first time on the trip, and the ordnance train is ahead of the baggage. Just saw an officer from the front (your letter of the 3d of April received this minute); he says Dodge is within a mile of Resaca, and driving the enemy, and will have the town by dark. Has not cut the railroad yet. This officer saw a train arrive from Dalton, with some 2,500 Rebel troops aboard. McPherson and Logan are both on the field. Some Rebel prisoners taken to-day say they intend making this a Chickamauga to us. Have a nice camp. There is some little forage here, but it is nothing for the number of troops we have.

May, Monday 9, 1864

I slept very late, Laura came in to clean my room, did everything but make the bed, I told her if she would let me alone I would make the bed. I have been sewing on my white mull, did not get much done, have it all arranged, and hope to finish it tomorrow. We had a delightful rain this evening. Cousin Frazor bought John a horse today, from Mr. Madden. The two Miss Robinsons came over this evening, trying to find out where their Bros were, whom Floyd conscripted, we could tell them nothing, poor things I feel sorry for them, although they are such wicked people. Three Confederate Soldiers came riding up while they were here, I am very much afraid they will report it to the Yankees. I did not go in the Parlor after Tea, the rest were all in, singing and playing, which I enjoyed all alone on the Porch. Father sat a while—Laura and Bettie had a very good lesson—all asleep now except myslef, and I am prepared for a nice feast in one of the Waverly’s—the Abbot, it will draw my mind, for a while at least, from it’s own sad and weary thoughts—

Monday, 9th–The weather is warm and pleasant and things are growing fine. The order of the day in camp is as follows: Reveille at 4 o’clock, roll call and breakfast call at 6, doctor’s call at 6:30, guard mount and company inspection from 8 till 9, company drill 9 to 10, dinner call and roll call at 12 noon; in the afternoon, company drill from 2 to 3 o’clock, dress parade and supper call at 6, tattoo and roll call at 8, taps at 8:30, when all lights must be out and every man not on duty must be in his bunk. This is the way the days pass with a soldier in camp, in time of war.

Monday, 9th.—At sun-up skirmishing began on the mountain. Federals advanced on the mountain; heavy skirmishing. 1 P. M., Yanks appeared in our front, threw out skirmishers and advanced in three lines of battle; when within six hundred yards, our batteries opened fire, which made them move to the right into the woods in double quick. Brought some artillery and fired a few shots at us, but did no damage. Loud cheering along rebel lines when the Yanks were seen advancing; boys seem to be ready for the fight. Drove our pickets in on right and ran close up to our works, but a volley from the ditches made them skeedaddle in a hurry. Some fighting on the mountain. Yanks charged, but were driven back with loss. After dark Companies A and D went out on picket, and were fired on, wounding two of Company A and also Captain Cureton slightly.

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

May 9th. Nothing important has transpired since the last date. Our regiment was kept on the advance picket line. Orders to march. The army again on the march. Pushing on up the valley. Getting farther from our base of supplies as we march over the old pike where we have marched before, while doing scouting duty. Our cavalry on the advance are continually skirmishing with the enemy’s cavalry who try to contest every mile as our advance pushes on. Marched through Newtown and Middletown. Hot dusty marching. Much suffering from the extreme heat. Every time we halt, run for water. Many good springs in this section. Once in a while we find a sulphur spring. Don’t like the taste of it but are obliged to drink it in order to quench our thirst. I am in the best of health. Rugged enough for this kind of life. Thankful that I am so well. Our advance are continually skirmishing with the enemy. Sometimes it sounds as though there was a hot time. We are looking for a battle as we advance. Notice and talk about the points of interest as we go marching on. Fine country is this Shenandoah Valley. Blue Ridge Mountains on our left. Came to a halt on the north bank of Cedar Creek, about three miles from the town of Strasburg. Make camp here for the night. Pleased when we halt for the night.

9th. Moved half a mile in the afternoon and then divided my forage to last till Sunday. Many of the teams on quarter rations. Hard fighting, all day.

(excerpts)

Charlottesville, May 9th, 1864

 “. . . Charlottesville is in a whirl of excitement and the ladies go in crowds to the dépôt to assist the wounded, who come in train after train. We are all going this afternoon laden with ice-water, buttermilk, etc., to see what we can do. Dr. C. is going with us and I hope we will do some good. It was urged by Mr. Meade in church yesterday that the ladies should render their assistance, as upwards of four or five thousand are expected this afternoon.

“There is nothing new this morning. Everything is very favorable and yesterday evening there was a rumor that Grant, being defeated, was entrenching, and Lee, also; the latter to send troops to Richmond, which is threatened on the south side and has only 14,000 at present. Beauregard in command. It is also said that Pickett had driven the enemy back below Petersburg. There are thousands of rumors and we are satisfied with knowing we have been victorious thus far. Gen. Longstreet passed through here yesterday, painfully, but not seriously, wounded in the shoulder.

“I told you in my last the package had come safely and I will be very careful of it. The prices for mending shoes are so exorbitant that I expect I had better wait and have them mended in the country.”

MAY 19th.(sic)—Bright and sultry.

A dispatch from Gen. Lee says the enemy is moving down toward Fredericksburg, and yesterday the advance of our army encountered his right wing at Spottsylvania Court House, and repulsed it “with great slaughter.” Strong language for Lee.

A dispatch received this morning said the enemy was advancing on the railroad. Subsequently cannon could be heard in the direction of Drewry’s Bluff.

The tocsin has been sounding all day, for the militia, which come slowly, after being summoned and dismissed so often. I fear, when they are sent over the river, if all the men at the defenses on the north side are sent over also, that a cavalry raid from the north may dash into the city and burn the bridges on the James; then our army would be in a “fix.” I have expressed this apprehension to the Secretary, and asked him to arm the old men, for the defense of the bridges, public buildings, etc. He awaits events. Mr. Hunter and other public characters are looking very grave.

The following dispatch was received to-day from Weldon, via Raleigh and Greensborough, N. C.:

“May 8th.

————The enemy destroyed the wire from Stony Creek to within three miles of Belfield, a distance of about fifteen miles. Our men and employees are repairing it, and we hope to have communication reopened to-morrow.                       W. S. HARRIS.”

Col. Preston, Superintendent of Bureau of Conscription, has written another letter to the Secretary, urging the promotion of Captain C. B. Duffield, who threatens to leave him for a position with Gen. Kemper, at Lynchburg, where he can live cheaper. He says he has urged the President, to no avail.

The Secretary has roused himself. Since 3 P.M. he has issued a call “To ARMS!” All men capable of bearing arms are requested to report to Gen. Kemper, Franklin Street, to be armed and organized “temporarily” for the defense of the city. Gen. Ransom had previously issued a placard, calling on officers and men on furlough to meet in Capitol Square for temporary organization. This may involve some etiquette, or question of jurisdiction between the generals. Gen. Winder is utterly ignored.

I have just heard that the Departmental Battalion has been marched across Mayo’s Bridge to the fortifications of Manchester, on the south side of the river. The militia regiment will go to the place on the north side heretofore occupied by them.

Another dispatch from Gen. Lee, received since 3 P.M. to-day, says Grant attacked him again yesterday, after the slaughter by our Gen. Anderson, and was handsomely repulsed. Grant’s tactics seem to be to receive his stripes by installments.

May 8, 1864, 1:30 a.m.

Have about given up the train before daylight, so will curl down and take a cool snooze, minus blankets. Made 11 miles to-day.

Fifteen miles southwest of Dalton, May 8, 1864.

We traveled to-day over a better country than I have seen for five months; the Yanks were never seen here before. All the negroes and stock have been run off. A little shooting commenced in the front to-day, and we passed a deserted signal station and picket post. Saw some Rebels on a mountain south of us just before we went into camp. Dispatch came to Sherman this p.m. that Grant had whipped Lee three successive days. Our fight will come off to-morrow. I entertain no doubt as to the result. They have cut us down to three-quarter rations of bread and one-fourth rations of meat.