April 20th. The firing of yesterday was kept up all last night, and to appearances with considerable success. As the evening advanced the scene from the mortar boats rapidly increased in interest; as the shells left the gun the track of them through the air was distinctly visible, and the shots were quite accurate. This [...]
Joe Howland to Eliza Woolsey Howland. Near Fortress Monroe, Sunday, April 20. No orders. The boat is becoming very dirty and cannot be cleaned as she is so crowded that there is no place to put any number of the men while cleaning is being done. The decks are swept and shoveled once or twice [...]
APRIL 19th.—All believe we are near a crisis, involving the possession of the capital.
Saturday, 19th–Nothing of importance. Everything appears to be so lonesome.
April 19th, 1862. Another date in Hal’s short history! I see myself walking home with Mr. McG–– just after sundown, meeting Miriam and Dr. Woods at the gate; only that was a Friday instead of a Saturday, as this. From the other side, Mr. Sparks comes up and joins us. We stand talking in the [...]
19th. Went down to the creek and practiced a while with our revolvers. Played chess in the evening.
Richmond, Va, April 19, 1862 “A verdict of guilty followed quickly upon the heels of the partial and antagonistic charge of the judge, and Timothy Webster was convicted of being a spy in the employ of the Federal authorities.” “Not even then did the brave spirit break down. Firm and heroic he received the fatal [...]
From H. L. Hodge. Fortress Monroe, April 19th, 1862, Dear Georgy: We were summoned to Yorktown, and about twenty of us left Philadelphia yesterday morning. We passed on the Bay this morning many transports bearing, as I suppose, Franklin’s Division. I presume that Joe and myself were not far apart. He goes, however, if report [...]
19th.–A flag of truce on the enemy’s parapet. A proposition to suspend hostilities and bury the dead. We crossed the creek and brought over the bodies of 35 (instead of 20, as previously stated) Vermonters, killed in the fight on the other side of the creek. Nothing of importance to-day. All quiet, remaining in camp.
APRIL 18th.—The President is thin and haggard; and it has been whispered on the street that he will immediately be baptized and confirmed. I hope so, because it may place a great gulf between him and the descendant of those who crucified the Saviour. Nevertheless, some of his enemies allege that professions of Christianity have [...]
Friday, 18th–No news of importance.[1] [1] While the battle of Shiloh was a Union victory, nevertheless it was dearly won and could easily have been a defeat. Even at that time the men in discussing it, pointed out some of the mistakes made by the Union forces. I wish to point out how the day [...]
April 18th. In order to understand the proceedings of our fleet fully, it will be necessary to explain the position of the enemy. Forts Jackson and St. Philip are situated on a short bend of the river, some forty miles from its mouth, Fort Jackson occupying the right bank and being the principal fort, and [...]
18th. Marched to Lamar, Mo. Met Major Miner’s command from Carthage. Creek at Lamar was high, so we left the baggage and a detail to guard it, and went up the creek to a bridge. Found the town, county seat of Barton County, almost deserted. Only a few dwellings.
Cousin Margaret Hodge to Georgeanna. Philadelphia, April, 62. My dear Georgy: I feel a great interest in dear Eliza and yourself, and also in your dear mother, and all the family, knowing how anxious you must all be about Joe. I do wish you could get to Fortress Monroe, or, as you say, to the [...]
Joe Howland to Eliza Woolsey Howland. Steamer Daniel Webster, April 18. I have a chance to send a boat ashore to get a mail and so can say good morning to you. All the steamers are lying in the stream two or three miles below Alexandria receiving their “tows.” There are about a hundred schooners [...]
18th.–Severe picket firing occasionally through the night, by which the army was twice called out. No fighting to-day, but our troops are still throwing up earthworks on the battle field of the 16th. Wrote General H. to-day, asking to be relieved from serving longer on his staff.
APRIL 17th.—To-day Congress passed an act providing for the termination of martial law within thirty days after the meeting of the next session. This was as far as they could venture; for, indeed, a majority seem to be intimidated at the glitter of bayonets in the streets, wielded by the authority of martial law. The [...]
Thursday, 17th–The day is fair. Had battalion drill again.
April 17th. And another was silly little Mr. B––r, my little golden calf. What a – don’t call names! I owe him a grudge for “cold hands,” and the other day, when I heard of his being wounded at Shiloh, I could not help laughing a little at Tom B––r’s being hurt. What was the [...]
April 17th. Train came up about nine. Commenced to rain. Pitched tents and remained there during the day. Played chess some.
April 17th. Was spent in making preparations for the ensuing battle. The mortar boats were towed within range, and the tops of their masts dressed with green boughs from the adjacent woods, some having a whole broadside covered, but most of them with only their masts covered. In this condition they reminded one of a [...]
We were pulling every possible wire to get permission to go to Fortress Monroe, and Mother was aiding us. General Franklin lent a hand too, but all failed. General Franklin to Brigadier General Thomas. Headquarters 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac. My dear General: Mrs. Howland, the wife of Colonel Howland, of the New [...]
Charles William Woolsey to Georgeanna Muirson Woolsey. New York, April, 62. Dear Georgy: Your letter to me came this morning about the facilities for (or rather the hindrances to) getting from Baltimore to Fortress Monroe. . . . Cousin William A. tells me all authority on General Dix’s part to grant passes to anyone has [...]
17th.–When I dropped down last night on my bloody litter, new thoughts overwhelmed me, and I could not sleep. It was our first battle, and we had been repulsed. I never saw the stars shine so brightly through the leafless trees, and the scene was calculated to excite the active workings of the mind on [...]
The following material contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the work is provided unedited for its historical content and context. On Steamer Henry Clay, off New Madrid, Mo., April 16, 1862. I finished my last in a great hurry, helped strike and load our tents and equipage and [...]