Friday Feb 28th 1862 This has been a cool, windy, drying day and a few such are much needed to dry up the roads. In the absence of War news from the Army, all sorts of stories are afloat. But little apprehension is felt as to the result of the conflict which will probably take [...]
FEBRUARY 28th.—These calamities may be a wholesome chastening for us. We shall now go to work and raise troops enough to defend the country. Congress will certainly pass the Conscription Act recommended by the President.
Friday, 28th–We had company inspection with all accouterments on ready for a march, and the regiment was then mustered for pay. Thus this month ends, finding us at California, Missouri.
28th. Moved to Independence. Quartered in the Academy, a very pretty building. Met several acquaintances formed at the fight the other day–a good time–a beautiful town.
28th.–All the stirring news of yesterday did not uproot us. I begin to think that we are so deeply stuck in the mud that nothing can get us out, short of the sight of a rebel. That might galvanize us into a move. This morning we received an order countermanding the last one to be [...]
Winchester, February 28, 1862. I reached here day before yesterday, and expected to devote yesterday evening to a letter home; but so soon as I got pen and paper ready to commence we had an order to change our camp. My ride here was as pleasant as I could expect. The first night I stayed [...]
Thursday 27th Feb 1862 A great movement of troops over the river and from here over, has taken place. The Trains from the City going East have been stopped and no one is allowed to leave the City without a passport. All Telegraph lines as well as Railroads are in the hands of the Govt. [...]
FEBRUARY 27th.—Columbus is to be evacuated. Beauregard sees that it is untenable with Forts Henry and Donelson in possession of the enemy. He will not be caught in such a trap as that. But he is erecting a battery at Island No. 10 that will give the Yankees trouble. I hope it may stay the [...]
Thursday, 27th–There are no hopes of leaving this place. We cleaned up for inspection and muster tomorrow. The five companies of the Eleventh which went to Fulton, Missouri, last December, are still at that place.
February 27th. Practiced the ship’s company at target-firing with the battery; thirty to forty rounds were fired, at some fifteen hundred yards, and some splendid shots were made. The marines were also drilled with muskets at a target.
27th.—Nothing new or important in our army. We were relieved to hear that the number who surrendered at Donelson was not so great as at first reported; the true number is 7,000, which is too many for us to lose! I trust they may be kindly treated. I know that we have friends at the [...]
27th Feb. All the boys except W. are now out again, B & A joined the Marion Artillery and Lewis the 1[?] Regiment Infantry as Assist Surgeon quite distinguished with his uniform &c. William still unfixed. Lotty and Ella & Harry have had the Measles are now better. Things are very dark just now & [...]
27th.–Three days ago we received orders again to be ready to move at a moment’s warning. But here we are yet. I was in Washington to-day. Went intending to. spend two days and witness the “doings of Congress.” But, on my arrival got intelligence that Gen. Banks had crossed the Potomac at Edward’s Ferry; that [...]
Feb. 27, 1862.—The people here have hardly felt the war yet. There are but two classes. The planters and the professional men form one; the very poor villagers the other. There is no middle class. Ducks and partridges, squirrels and fish, are to be had. H. has bought me a nice pony, and cantering along [...]
Wednesday 26th Cloudy morning and rain before noon again. The roads were getting quite passable yesterday. There was a stir among the Military. Genl Banks crossed the River (above) it is said, and some Regts & Batteries were sent over from here. Julia was at Genl McClellans. Mrs M told her that the Genl had [...]
Wednesday, 26th–Nothing of importance. We are in a regular tented camp here, and it seems more like being in the army than it did at Lookout Station.
26th. Went down and saw Brownell and the other wounded boys. All getting along well. Guarded against Quantrell. The boys, about two hundred, saddled and went out to meet the wagons. Met them and escorted them in. Quantrell captured two horses. Another night alarm.
FEBRUARY 26th.—Congress, in secret session, has authorized the declaration of martial law in this city, and at some few other places. This might be well under other circumstances; but it will not be well if the old general in command should be clothed with powers which he has no qualifications to wield advantageously. The facile [...]
Wednesday, February 26. Encouraged by several windy days, which were likely to dry the roads, we ventured out to Joe’s camp for the first time since early in January, to show it to Mother and Hatty. The roads were unexpectedly good, the only really bad places being near the camp. J. had dined, but gave [...]
26th.–A pleasant little interlude to-day, to the troubles and hard work through which I have had to pass: At about twelve o’clock, a soldier stepped to the door of my quarters, and said that some friends wished to see me at the door. I stepped out and found my whole corps of hospital attendants, and [...]
Commerce, Mo., February 25, 1862. We start to-morrow morning for ______ with from 25,000 to 40,000 men, who are all piled up here in all kinds of shifts. Our regiment takes the advance. At a venture I’ll bet we get whaled, by vastly superior forces. Goodnight.
Hunting for Relics (Roanoke Island). Feb. 25. This being a warm, sunny day, a small party of us thought we would take a stroll up to the head of the island, a mile or two, and perhaps we might find some traces or relics of Raleigh’s expedition. Arriving at our destination, we discovered a large, [...]
Tuesday Feb 25th 1862 Nothing in particular has occured today. But it has been a clear dry day with a bright sun. Yesterday the wind did much damage blowing off roofs and ruining the Baptist church on 13th Street. Went over with the boys after dinner to see it today. Called on our return at [...]
FEBRUARY 25th.—And Nashville must fall—although no one seems to anticipate such calamity. We must run the career of disasters allotted us, and await the turning of the tide.
Tuesday, 25th–No news of any importance. There is some talk of our having to stay at this place all summer. We have company drill twice a day and with the other four companies of our regiment here now, have dress parade at 5 p. m.