March 21, 1863, The New York Herald

Exploits of the Black Brigade in Florida.

HILTON HEAD, S.C., March 16, 1863.

The latest intelligence from the Black brigade, which is now marching into Florida, is that they have taken several important points, with many prisoners, and captured large quantities of munitions and supplies, and are still driving the enemy before them.

The expected arrival here of another army corps, said to be Burnside’s, the departure of which is noticed by the Richmond papers, has created fresh hopes and additional enthusiasm among our troops.

A Charleston paper speaks of the expected arrival in that city of some distinguished military characters to witness the expected battle at that point.

The Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania held a great indignation meeting on the 12th, denouncing the proceedings of a peace meeting, recently held at their home in Fayette county. Similar meetings are being held in other regiments.

A memorial to the President is being prepared by the soldiers, asking the appointment of Union orators to visit the army occasionally, and also that an administration journal may be furnished gratuitously to the troops in the field.

A movement is on foot here among the various regiments to raise a fund for the suffering poor of England.

The charges preferred against Colonel Osborne, of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts, have been withdrawn, it appearing that they were all groundless, which restores this popular and accomplished officer to his command. [continue reading…]

March 21, 1863, The Charleston Mercury.

FROM THE RAPPAHANNOCK.

The Fredericksburg correspondent of the Richmond Examiner writer from Fredericksburg, March 17:

The military situation here is unchanged, save in the increased animation apparent in the enemy’s camp, and their adoption of certain precautionary measures which indicate a purpose to prevent all communication between the pickets. Last night the performance was varied by the banging of drums and blowing of bugles, and shooting of sky rockets. These demonstrations were so numerous and marked as to excite considerable attention, and much speculation as to their meaning. Your correspondent was along the lines throughout the night, but discovered no unusual indications in the immediate front. It is his confirmed opinion that a large part of Hooker’s army is on the march for some point higher up the Rappahannock. Quite a body of his cavalry took that direction yesterday morning, and the light of the enemy’s camp fires evidently tends Northwestward. This opinion is given in the face of the fact that also on yesterday a brigade of their infantry marched down the river, and that there is not the least sign of relaxation of their hold on the opposite heights. It seems to be the settled opinion that when the curtain does rise for another act in the bloody drama of this war, Fredericksburg will be the scene of a second conflict.

FROM VICKSBURG.

The Vicksburg Whig of March 14 says:

The Federals are evidently on the move. Yesterday morning the number of transports across the river was only six. In the forenoon a large train could be seen moving up, and upon examining the camp in White’s Field, it was discovered that many of the tents had disappeared. The dredge boats, however, were still at work, but do not seem to have advanced a [continue reading…]

March 21, 1863, The New York Herald

Nothing of importance occurred in the Army of the Rappahannock yesterday. A heavy snow storm was falling during the day and previous night, and the weather was very cold.

By an arrival from Hilton Head we have an account of the exploits of the Black Brigade in Florida, by which they have obtained possession of many important points and a large quantity of munitions and supplies. Large reinforcements, supposed to be Burnside’s army corps, were expected at Hilton Head.

Rumors were circulated in the city yesterday that some of our gunboats had passed Fort Sumter on Monday and Tuesday, and that Charleston was being bombarded. We need hardly say that this report is without confirmation, as we have had despatches from Charleston dated Monday saying that all was quiet in that vicinity; nor do our reports from Hilton Head of the same date make any mention of a fight going on near Charleston.

We have some very interesting news from the Southwest today. The Union forces made a brilliant dash into Northern Alabama, in company with a number of gunboats, reaching as far as Tuscumbia, on the 22d ult. The advance drove the rebel cavalry from the town into the mountains, and occupied the place. Advancing farther into the interior our troops, who were commanded by Colonel Corwin, carried away considerable plunder. This account of the raid comes from a rebel source – the Confederacy, published in Atlanta, Ga.

The only news from Vicksburg is to the effect that the cut-off is likely to prove a success, and that our troops are improving in health. The movements of transports and gunboats up the Yazoo Pass continue very active.

Large bodies of rebel troops are said to be concentrating at Knoxville, and that a number of them, amounting to four [continue reading…]

March 20th. Nothing has occurred to-day worthy of note. Rebel pickets have been seen all day on the opposite shore. Last night the mortar vessels above Vicksburg opened fire and shelled the city for about three hours.

Friday, 20th–Nothing of importance today. We have drill twice a day. I received a pass and went to Lake Providence. The water is already in the streets and the army sutlers occupying vacant buildings will have to move out tomorrow. I purchased a tin plate and spoon for thirty cents.

20th. Issued bread and beef after breakfast. Then got up rations to issue for the remainder of the month. No lesson again. Read some and played checkers. C. G. slept with me last night and did not wake up, so has had to work all day. He received a letter from Fred.

March 20. This morning finds the storm unabated. The boat starts at daylight, passing Roanoke island, and enters the Albemarle, arriving at Plymouth late in the afternoon, where we make our quarters in a large warehouse on the wharf.

March 20th.—Severe snow-storm. This will retard the attack upon Fredericksburg, if the enemy designed it. We spent the morning in the parlour. N. P. read aloud the old-fashioned but amusing novel, “Pride and Prejudice,” in very spirited style. The event of the day was the arrival from Alexandria of a bundle, filled with useful articles for a lady, who, not wanting them all herself, allowed us to help ourselves at the price which they cost her in Alexandria. It was amusing to see with what avidity the girls seized on a calico dress at only seventy-five cents per yard (Confederate money); every thing was in such demand, that I only got a tooth-brush, at one dollar; they are two dollars and fifty cents in Richmond.

March 20th, 1863.—Mattie and I have the whooping cough very bad. She cannot retain her food, though I do not suffer in that way, it is extremely painful. When the spells of coughing take me the blood oozes from my eyes, nose and ears. Three doctors have been called in and they say they never saw such a case. It is well I am not going to school this winter for I do not believe I could study.

Sam Donelson went back to the army of the West today. Mother is with Aunt Nancy.

Susan Bradford is 17 years old when this entry was made.

MARCH 20th.—The snow is eight inches deep this morning, and it is still falling fast.

Not a beggar is yet to be seen in this city of 100,000 inhabitants!

Hood’s division, mostly Texans, whose march to the Rappahannock was countermanded when it was ascertained that the enemy had been beaten back across the river, were all the morning defiling through Main Street, in high spirits, and merrily snow-balling each other. And these men slept last night out in the snow without tents! Can such soldiers be vanquished?

Yesterday Floyd’s division of State troops were turned over to the Confederacy—only about 200!

We have no further particulars of the fight on the Rappahannock; we know, however, that the enemy were beaten, and that this snow-storm must prevent further operations for many days. Several Eastern Shore families, I learn, are about to return to their homes. This is no place for women and children, who have homes elsewhere. We are all on quarter-rations of meat, and but few can afford to buy clothing at the present prices.

March FRIDAY 20, 1863

I came in this morning to spend a few days with Shallie (Kirk] & Florence [Molloy], although in the Federal lines. We all attended prayer meeting, and observed our President’s fast day. Mrs. B. has not gone yet, met her at prayers.

March FRIDAY 20, 1863

Left at daylight, arrived at my Fathers about ten OC. Mrs B. and I staid, the rest went on to Memphis. She will remain several days—until the talk of our arrival has died away. I am happy to reach home yet tis terible to live under Yankee Tyranny—found all well, and everything unchanged at home.

March 20, 1863, The New York Herald

The most important news of a late date from Vicksburg and Port Hudson which reach us from rebel sources is the disaster which occurred to Admiral Farragut’s fleet at the latter place, resulting in the burning of the Mississippi and the disabling of the Hartford. The Richmond papers claim it as complete […..] victory, but we will take that for what it is worth. Despatches from Jackson, Miss., dated the 14th inst., have reached Richmond, stating that St. Helena was attacked in the rear on Monday, the 9th, and that heavy firing was heard there on the 13th. St. Helena is about twenty-five miles in rear of Port Hudson in an easterly direction, and when we remember that the forces of General Banks have been for some time moving in that direction from Baton Rouge towards Port Hudson by the Amite river, the heavy firing may probably be accounted for by the fact that Port Hudson is being invested by land and water. The position of both arms of the service engaged will be readily seen by the map in another column. It is a remarkable fact in this connection that the Richmond Whig of the 18th instant […..] over the reverses in the Southwest;” and it is equally remarkable that a despatch from Port Hudson was read in the rebel Senate the same day which caused a lively sensation.

The intelligence from the Yazoo expedition is not very encouraging. We learn from Memphis that our fleet has met with a check at the mouth of the Tallahatchie and Yallabusha rivers, where a battery of five heavy guns opened upon the Chillicothe, and did serious damage to her, one shot killing four of her crew and wounding fourteen, through the porthole. The firing continued all day Friday last. She received sixty-four shots in all. At latest accounts our fleet was three miles above the junction of the two rivers above mentioned, a distance of about 150 miles from Yazoo City.

The rebel account of this affair is given in a Richmond paper. “Fort Pemberton, at the mouth of the Tallahatchie river, was bombarded on the 12th instant. We have lost some valuable gunners and a few others. Our loss [continue reading…]

March 20, 1863, The New York Herald

The reports of the burning of the Mississippi and the disabling of the Hartford, which have reached us through rebel sources, have led to many suppositions among naval officers. It is evident that Admiral Farragut intended to run the batteries at Port Hudson under the cover of night – a favorite and hitherto successful manoeuvre with him – and when above the rebel fortifications to work upon them from above, while the land forces should attack from below. If the map of the river is consulted it will be seen that the Union fleet must advance up a long reach and against a strong current; and no doubt the vigilance of the rebel pickets gave the different garrisons a timely warning, so that their guns opened upon the fleet as soon as they were within range.

To this raking fire the Hartford could only reply with two guns, the Mississippi one, and the Richmond one; so that this small return of metal would affect but little the steadiness and accuracy of the enemy’s fire. Owing to the strong current and the slow speed of the vessels, of course they were subjected to a terrible fire for a considerable length of time; and experience has long since taught us that under such circumstances it is fair to presume that the vessels were in some measure damaged.

The Mississippi is a large side-wheel steamer, and even in the darkness of the night she makes a good target for a disciplined gunner. Her machinery has always been liable to be injured by shot, while her paddle wheels were in no manner protected, nor could they be. In passing the forts below New Orleans she had a narrow escape from being disabled by a shot striking her wheel; but fortunately it struck at such an angle as to glance off. She may have been crippled in her wheels, and been unable to move, or her steam may have given out, so that when she was set on fire by the enemy’s shells there was no motive power to work the fire engines.

As to the Hartford, the rebels have no more positive knowledge of her being disabled because she withdrew from action [continue reading…]

March 20, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

(CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.)

RICHMOND, Monday, March 16.

A curious wrangle has been going on in the Virginia Legislature about salt. Certain patriots own certain salt works, and out of the same have coined abundant money; wherefore certain other more patriotic patriots propose to turn the owners out of their works and supply salt at reduced rates – a cool and sline proposition, which has been defeated so far.

Rosecrans has gone into the pen and ink business. Having dosed the Legislature of Ohio, he now doses that of Indiana, and lambastes the rebels most unmercifully. Wheeler and Van Dorn have made him […..] mad.’

It appears Hooker has been receiving reinforcements. Hence the late stir in his camps. Seventeen deserters from his army swam the river the other night, and say the rest will never fight; for they are too dissatisfied and in too bad a fix. More than eighty converts have been made by the revival in Lee’s army. Rev. W. H. Carrol, of Selma, Ala.; Mr. West, Chaplain of the 13th Miss, and Messrs. McDaniel, Green and Pettigrew, privates of the Thirteenth and Eighteenth Mississippi Regiments, are among the officiating ministers.

The disaster at the Laboratory is more serious than at first supposed, if we except the street rumors the morning the explosion occurred, which put the loss at between two and three hundred. The list this morning foots up thirty-four dead and [continue reading…]

March 20, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The British iron screw steamer Georgiana, Capt. HUDSON, left Nassau (N. P.) on Sunday afternoon, March 15, for this city, having on board a valuable cargo of medicines, dry goods, and some six pieces of field artillery of the WHITWORTH and BLAKELY patterns. About one o’clock, on Thursday morning, off Dewees’ Breakers, she made a schooner and a steamer. These, although very close, were passed successfully, and without notice; but, on proceeding a short distance, she discovered several others ahead, and, a rocket about this time going up, the blockaders soon commenced chasing and firing. The Georgiana kept on her course for the Bar, until her rudder was disabled by the explosion of a shell under her stern, and her hull was penetrated by several shots, one of which, it is reported, passed entirely through her. At one time the Yankees were so close that the order to fire and the direction to train their guns could be distinctly heard. To prevent capture the Georgiana was run ashore on Long Island Beach, and the pipes leading into the vessel were cut, letting a large amount of water into the hold, which, it is hoped, will prevent the enemy from securing the vessel or cargo. The Captain, Pilot, and most of the crew, have reached the city in their boats. One of the boats is still missing, but she may yet be heard from. The coal burnt by the Georgiana, it is said, made much smoke, and it is thought that this led to her discovery by the Yankees.

The Georgiana was owned by English parties, and was consigned to Messrs. JOHN FRASER & CO.

A rumor reached the city yesterday that the Yankees had set the Georgiana on fire, but it may prove to be incorrect.

March 20, 1863, The New York Herald

Brigadier General Leonard F. Ross, the military commander of the Yazoo river expedition, is a native of Illinois, in which State he was born in the year 1823. He is, therefore, about forty years of age. He was a first lieutenant of the Fourth Illinois Volunteers during the Mexican war, and commanded Company K during part of the term of that regiment service, which lasted from July, 1846, to May, 1847. At the commencement of the present rebellion he resided at Lewiston, Fulton county, and when the call was made for three years volunteers he raised the Fourth District or Seventeenth regiment of Illinois Volunteers, and was chosen the colonel of the same, with a commission dating from May 20, 1861. The regiment was stationed at Peoria, Ill., until the middle of June, 1861, when it was sent to Alton, on the Mississippi river. It stayed there for one month, when it was remove into Missouri, and after being stationed at St. Louis for a short time was sent to Warrenton, a station of the North Missouri Railroad, where the subject of our sketch had to contend with the guerillas and bridge burners of that portion of the State. They were next sent of Pilot Knob, to help protect that region from the ravages of the rebel forces under Jeff. Thompson. They next garrisoned the town of Frederickton, Southeast Missouri, for a short time, after which they were sent to Cape Girardeau, Mo., on the Mississippi river, where some powerful works were being erected by the Bissel engineers. They next, in September, 1861, garrisoned Jackson, Mo., and for some time operated in other parts of Southeastern Missouri, until about the beginning of December, when Colonel Ross was placed in command of the post at Cape Girardeau. It was about this time that General Grant prepared for his advance into Kentucky. In the following January Ross’ command garrisoned Fort Holt, Kentucky, and formed part of the reconnoitering force to the rear of Columbus, Ky. During the siege and capture of Fort Donelson, from February 13 to 16, his regiment formed part of the Third brigade (General Paine) of General McClernand division of General Grant’s army. It also participated in the battle of Shiloh, where Colonel Ross gained some distinction, and his regiment lost – in killed, wounded and missing – nearly one hundred and fifty men. On the 25th of April, 1862, he was made a brigadier general of volunteers, and during the siege of Corinth commanded the Third brigade of General Judah (formerly McClernand) division of General Grant’s army. During the summer and fall of 1862 his brigade formed a portion of the force under General McClernand that guarded the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. When General Grant reorganized the Department of the Tennessee, on the 22d of December, 1862, General Ross was placed in command of the Eighth division in the Sixteenth Army corps, then under General Hurlbut. On the 8th of February he was transferred to the command of the Fifteenth division of the same army, General J. E. Smith taking charge of the Eighth division. His newly appointed force was then stationed at Helena, of which post he was placed in command. From this position he was again removed to take charge of the Yazoo Pass expedition, of which he is now military commander.

March 20, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

This gun, which was introduced by the French Emperor into service, as superseding all other smooth bore field artillery, is a lighter gun than the former twelve pounder, and thus capable of being manoeuvred by six horses on the field. It has a smaller charge of powder than the old twelve pounder, and is employed to project either shot or shell; hence called by the French ‘Gun Howitzer.’ This gun, by order of the Ordnance Bureau, is to supersede all other smooth bore field artillery in the Confederate service, which latter will be accordingly gradually withdrawn and replaced as above. These guns are now being manufactured rapidly at the Government foundry and machine works in Augusta, Ga., which will soon be able to cast and complete one every twenty-four hours. Experiments are now being made, under the direction of Col. RAINS, on the new Austrian gun metal, which is a combination of bronze, zinc, and wrought iron, and some guns have already been made for trial. The metal is exceedingly tough, hard, and elastic. The gun carriages, caissons, travelling forges, and battery wagons are fully equal, in quality and workmanship, to any made in the Federal service. It is designed to make the Government Works at Augusta a great arsenal of construction, where ammunition, field and siege artillery, projectiles, and ordnance stores in general, will be made in large quantities, for the use of the army. The powder works are daily increasing in capacity when finished, will be the largest works of the kind existing. They are now superior to any known, possessing all the improvements that experience suggested, many of which are due to Col. RAINS, who has considerably furthered the process of manufacturing powder, the quality of which is fully equal to the best standard of European and Federal works, proved by tests made with the ballistic and gun pendulums. The productions of these works have already exceeded the entire cost, and saved the Government nearly two millions of dollars.

March 20th.—The slow shelling of Vicksburg goes on all the time, and we have grown indifferent. It does not at present interrupt or interfere with daily avocations, but I suspect they are only getting the range of different points; and when they have them all complete, showers of shot will rain on us all at once. Non-combatants have been ordered to leave or prepare accordingly. Those who are to stay are having caves built. Cave-digging has become a regular business; prices range from twenty to fifty dollars, according to size of cave. Two diggers worked at ours a week and charged thirty dollars. It is well made in the hill that slopes just in the rear of the house, and well propped with thick posts, as they all are. It has a shelf, also, for holding a light or water. When we went in this evening and sat down, the earthy, suffocating feeling, as of a living tomb, was dreadful to me. I fear I shall risk death outside rather then melt in that dark furnace. The hills are so honeycombed with caves that the streets look like avenues in a cemetery. The hill called the Sky-parlor has become quite a fashionable resort for the few upper-circle families left here. Some officers are quartered there, and there is a band and a field-glass. Last evening we also climbed the hill to watch the shelling, but found the view not so good as on a quiet hill nearer home. Soon a lady began to talk to one of the officers: “It is such folly for them to waste their ammunition like that. How can they ever take a town that has such advantages for defense and protection as this? We’ll just burrow into these hills and let them batter away as hard as they please.”

“You are right, madam; and besides, when our women are so willing to brave death and endure discomfort, how can we ever be conquered?”

Soon she looked over with significant glances to where we stood, and began to talk at H.

“The only drawback,” she said, “are the contemptible men who are staying at home in comfort when they ought to be in the army if they had a spark of honor.”

I cannot repeat all, but it was the usual tirade. It is strange I have met no one yet who seems to comprehend an honest difference of opinion, and stranger yet that the ordinary rules of good breeding are now so entirely ignored. As the spring comes on one has the craving for fresh, green food that a monotonous diet produces. There was a bed of radishes and onions in the garden, that were a real blessing. An onion salad, dressed only with salt, vinegar, and pepper, seemed a dish fit for a king, but last night the soldiers quartered near made a raid on the garden and took them all.

Note: To protect Mrs. Miller’s job as a teacher in post-civil war New Orleans, her diary was published anonymously, edited by G. W. Cable, names were changed and initials were generally used instead of full names—and even the initials differed from the real person’s initials. (Read Dora Richards Miller’s biographical sketch.)

March 19th. This morning we were taken a little by surprise. Not expecting to meet with any opposition along here, we were not altogether prepared for it, as we have been on all former occasions. As no fighting had been anticipated the watch below was allowed to sleep in their hammocks, while the watch on deck got the ship under way. At five A. M. weighed and started ahead, steaming along slowly, and at six forty-five, as we came within range of the enemy’s guns, which they had mounted on high cliffs at this place, known as Grand Gulf, the enemy opened fire upon our ship, causing great excitement as a matter of course. We beat to quarters immediately; as soon as our guns could be brought to bear, we fired our broadside into the enemy’s batteries, and not until we had fired our broadside guns did the watch below know of what was going on. The excitement of those below sleeping, being awakened from their sound slumbers by the report of guns right over their heads, and the enemy’s shots striking the ship in many places, may be more easily imagined than described. We steamed ahead as rapidly as possible, and before our guns could be reloaded we had passed beyond range, although not altogether out of range of the enemy’s guns. We endeavored to train our guns so as to pay them back in their own coin for the damage they had done us, but we were not able to do them any, as our ship had by this time passed too far beyond. The enemy continued to shell us at long range, and the only retaliation we could make was with one heavy rifled gun which we had mounted on the poop deck. The battle was [continue reading…]

Thursday, 19th–I was again on duty today. Company drill at 9 o’clock and battalion drill at 2 o’clock. The troops which were in camp at the south side of the lake are on the move, going aboard transports to go down the river to find higher camping ground.

19th. In the morning cared for Rowena and gave out the bread. Read “Thirteen Months in the Rebel Service” by Stevenson, very interesting. No lesson in the evening. Capt. and Lt. Case gone home. Studied mine but did not care much about reciting. Wish I could go home now, too.

March 19. Heavy northeast storm blowing this morning. Steamer starts down the river and enters the sound about 10 o’clock, wind increases, the sound grows rough, the boat rolls, the boys grow sick, the water breaks on deck and many of them get wet; altogether the passage is rather unpleasant. We arrive at the north end of the sound, near the entrance to Croaton sound, about 9 p. m., and anchor for the night.

19th.—My birthday. While in Richmond, this morning, brother J. and myself called on some friends, among others our relative Mrs. H., who has lately been celebrating the marriage of her only son, and took us into the next room for a lunch of wine and fruit-cake. We had never, during two years, thought of fruit-cake, and found it delightful. The fruit consisted of dried currants and cherries from her garden, at her elegant James River home, Brandon, now necessarily deserted. She fortunately was enabled to bring her furniture to Richmond, and is the only refugee that I know who is surrounded by home comforts.