Saturday March 14^th 1863

News that Vicksburgh is evacuated by the Rebels comes tonight pretty well authenticated. Nothing further from “Yazoo,” but we are expecting good news from that section all the time. I am rather in hope that Vicksburgh is not evacuated. I think its Capture by Gen^l Grant a sure thing and I would like to have the Rebel Army captured too. I realy hope they will not be allowed to take away all of the three hundred cannon which they say they have there. The rebels had captured the Gun Boat “Indianola” but blew her up on the approach of a Sham “Iron Clad” which was made out of an old barge and sent floating down the River in the night. They are now mourning over it. I have attended to some business today for Mr Short. Went on to the Av’e after leaving the office and purchased a pocket Dictionary. I am frequently bothered and in doubt about my spelling and have had nothing to refer to. I suppose my folks are much disappointed that I am not at home tonight as I presume they expected me. I must go the forepart of the week. I have been quite busy this evening. Called at Charleys, at Doct Munsons & Mr Reeds, [and] Mr Schrams who was not at home and spent most of the evening at Mr Haws on I Street. They are very pleasant people. Got back to my room about 11 o’clock.

March 22

       The successful running the blocade has given a great deal of wealth to some people and there is considerable activity in the selling negroes & City property. Mr Grimball has sold his negroes 48 to Mr G. Trenholm for eight hundred & twenty round some were old & some inferior & some very small children. They all went together & to a kind master which we are very thankful for. I wish he could sell the Plantations too and pay his debts & then get a little farm the desire of his heart. Property has been selling very well.

MARCH 14th.—Gen. Pemberton writes that he has 3000 hogs-heads of sugar at Vicksburg, which he retains for his soldiers to subsist on when the meat fails. Meat is scarce there as well as here. Bacon now sells for $1.50 per pound in Richmond. Butter $3. I design to cultivate a little garden 20 by 50 feet; but fear I cannot get seeds. I have sought in vain for peas, beans, corn, and tomatoes seeds. Potatoes are $12 per bushel. Ordinary chickens are worth $3 a piece. My youngest daughter put her earrings on sale to-day—price $25; and I think they will bring it, for which she can purchase a pair of shoes. The area of subsistence is contracting around us; but my children are more enthusiastic for independence than ever. Daily I hear them say they would gladly embrace death rather than the rule of the Yankee. If all our people were of the same mind, our final success would be certain.

This day the leading article in the Examiner had a striking, if not an ominous conclusion. Inveighing against the despotism of the North, the editor takes occasion likewise to denounce the measure of impressment here. He says if our Congress should follow the example of the Northern Congress, and invest our President with dictatorial powers, a reconstruction of the Union might be a practicable thing; for our people would choose to belong to a strong despotism rather than a weak one—the strong one being of course the United States with 20,000,000, rather than the Confederate States with 8,000,000. There may be something in this, but we shall be injured by it; for the crowd going North will take it thither, where it will be reproduced, and stimulate the invader to renewed exertions. It is a dark hour. But God disposes. If we deserve it, we shall triumph; if not, why should we?

But we cannot fail without more great battles; and who knows what results may be evolved by them? Gen. Lee is hopeful; and so long as we keep the field, and he commands, the foe must bleed for every acre of soil they gain.

March 14, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The Savannah Republican, of yesterday, gives a full and highly interesting account of the late engagement at Fort McAllister, from which we condense the following:

Fort McAllister is situated on the right bank of the Ogeechee, and occupies the farthest point of mainland jutting out into the marsh. The river flows straight from a point about a mile above the fort to a distance of about a mile and a half below, where it makes a bend and runs almost south and behind a point of wood, thence onward to Ossabaw Sound and the ocean. During the afternoon of Monday three iron Monitors – the Montauk, the second supposed, from the descriptions in the N. Y. papers, to be the Passaic, and the third the Weehawken – steamed up from behind the point of wood, rounded the bend and came up to within a short distance of the fort, the Montauk about a thousand yards off and the other two in the rear, some hundred and fifty yards from each other. Here they anchored in line of battle for the next day, and the night was passed in quiet. Around the point, and a little over two miles distant, lay three mortar schooners and an old steamer, which also took part in the fight and kept up a rapid fire throughout. Such was the force and disposition of the enemy. The Montauk and another iron- clad were armed with one 15 inch and one 11 inch gun each, and the third with 8 inch rifle guns. The mortar boats threw 10 and 18 inch shells.

Our battery remained as in the former fight, except that it had been reinforced with a 10 inch columbiad. Another part of our force on the day which should not be overlooked, was a detachment of the Hardwick Mounted Rifles, Captain McAllister, under command of 3d Lieutenant E. A. Elarbee. These men went up the river and crossed over the marsh by night to a point about two hundred and fifty yards from the Montauk, and in full rifle range, where they dug out a rifle pit in the mud, and remained the greater part of the fight, it is believed, not without important success, as will be seen hereafter.

Thus stood matters up to a quarter to nine o’clock Tuesday morning, when our troops, wearied with waiting, opened on [continue reading…]

March 14, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

War is now, by necessity and the law of self-preservation, the occupation of the people of the Confederate States. War, vigorous, energetic war, is the only road to Peace, and the only mode of achieving our Independence. Active, untiring, vigilant preparation is the business of the hour. – And the success or failure of the coming campaign, upon which so much depends of weal or woe, is very much bound up in the earnest, timely and conscientious exertions of the officers charged with the execution of the conscript law and with the collection of stragglers absent from their posts of duty. The public eye should now be intently fixed upon enrolling officers and surgeons detailed on this vital service. Triflers and pleasure seekers in such positions should be made to feel the frown of every community where their idleness or inefficiency is practised. Surgeons who examine in a mood of good natured accommodation to ailing competents, and soother their consciences by the satisfaction they give, should be taught by public opinion the wrongs they perpetrate on their country wrestling for life in a dreadful struggle. And what words of contumely and scorn can be too strong for those who, capable of striking for the right in such a cause, skulk and dodge, and deprive the country of defence to the whole extent of their own capacity to fight. Let the women of the country drive them forth.

March 14, 1863, The New York Herald

There are symptoms of a coming movement in General Hooker’s army. The transportation resources are being cut down, and officers have been notified that all superfluous baggage must be sent home. The officers of the line are to be allowed nothing in the shape of camp equipage, except shelter tents which they can carry on their backs. This means an active and probably arduous campaign. The roads have dried up in that vicinity considerably within the past few days, and everything now looks favorable for a forward movement.

On the rebel side equally active preparations appear to be going on. Charleston is awaiting calmly for an attack, and General Beauregard has revoked all furloughs and recalled absentees to their posts.

A despatch from Memphis reports a fight on the Yazoo river, in which seven thousand prisoners and eight transports are said to have been captured. It was known at Washington that such a movement by our gunboats was in contemplation with the intention of cutting off the supplies of the rebels, and therefore it is quite probable that a battle has taken place, although the particulars have not yet reached us.

There is nothing later from Vicksburg.

Rumors were rife in Cairo yesterday and reached this city by telegraph that Fort Donelson and Fort Henry had been captured by the rebels; but the reports are not credited. A gentleman who arrived in Cincinnati on Thursday from Savannah says that immense armies are massed in Tennessee – one to hold General Rosecrans in check while the other flanks him, enters Kentucky, and moves direct on Louisville and Cincinnati. They are only waiting for the rivers to fall and the roads to dry to commence operations.

General Granger’s force, who went in pursuit of Van Dorn, returned to Franklin on Wednesday. The rebels fled beyond [continue reading…]

March 14, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The Northern papers publish the report of Commodore DUPONT in relation to the attack of our gunboats upon the blockading fleet. He mentions that our iron-clads went out of Charleston, unperceived by the blockaders, and attacked the blockaders; that the Mercedita was first attacked, and a heavy rifle shell passed through her condenser and the steam drum of her port boiler, and exploded, blowing a hole four or five feet square, killing the gunner and scalding a number of men. He says Captain STELLWAGEN surrendered – crew and officers were paroled, though nothing was said of the ship, the executive officer, Lieutenant Commanding ABBOTT, having gone on board the enemy’s gunboat and made the […..] arrangement. He states that only casualties were on the Mercedita and the Keystone State. On the Keystone State they were very large – about one-fourth of her crew were killed and wounded, and among the former the medical officer of the ship, Surgeon GOTWALD.

The Commodore states that the Mercedita had arrived at Hilton Head, but the whole story though is so lamely told as to leave little or no doubt but that the Mercedita went down, and never got to Hilton Head or anywhere else, except to Davey Jones’ locker.

March 13th. To-day the gunboat Sachem started up the river, also two transports loaded with troops. The day has been spent in getting the ship ready for action. This afternoon, army signal officers came on board to accompany us up the river. Mortar vessels are moving up to take their positions for bombarding; at four P. M. we got under way, and started up the river, followed by the Richmond, Mississippi, Monongahela, and gunboat Kineo. As soon as the ships were got under way we beat to quarters.

The Admiral, Fleet Captain and Captain Palmer commanding, also Mr. Kimberly, executive officer, inspected the ship fore and aft, to see that all things were in readiness; at seven thirty P. M. came to anchor for the night, it being so very dark it was deemed necessary, as every precaution is required under the circumstances.

Friday, 13th–The weather is quite pleasant and all is quiet. There is nothing of importance.

13th. The Capt. called and asked me to join his school. Got a book and went over in the evening. Then had some maple sugar. Washwoman came in. Pity the poor woman. Her husband has returned and I fear will cause her trouble.

Washington Friday March 13^th 1863.

It has been quite a cold day with Snow in the middle of it and freezing hard tonight. News by the papers that there has been a battle at Yazoo City Miss and that we have taken 7000 Rebels prisoners. I think the Report needs confirmation. No other news of any particular importance today. Most of my time in the office has been occupied with my friends who have called, among whom were Co^l So^l Bulkley, [L or S?] Short of Buffalo (formerly) now of Phil^a and Seelye, formerly of [Sodus?], now Syracuse. I have been down to the “National” this evening writing a Specification for Short for a Patent for his “Greek fire.” He seems to be making something out of it by furnishing it for filling “Shells” for the Gov^t. Called today to see Mrs Burch, the owner of the House I am in. She is one of the F.F.V^s and of course “secesh” and was somewhat frightened when I enquired about the property thinking no doubt of the awful “confiscation” act and other penalties which the disloyal have to fear. She did not “let out” any of her rebel Sentiments to me. I called at Charleys also a few minutes. Met Co^l Close of Fort M^cDowell at the National. He invited me over to see him at the Fort. I should think him a pretty wide awake officer.

March FRIDAY 13, 1863

Battle at Greenwood,¹ had a long walk with Dr Moses to listen to the echoes of the distant cannons. Fate—how strange, and yet how blessed and happy. “Oh! who, in the course of his life, has not telt some joy without security and without the certainty of a morrow”—

1. Battle of Fort Pemberton

MARCH 13th.—To-day a great calamity occurred in this city. In a large room of one of the government laboratories an explosion took place, killing instantly five or six persons, and wounding, it is feared fatally, some thirty others. Most of them were little indigent girls!

March 13, 1863, The New York Herald

The news from the army on the Rappahannock today is unimportant. The pickets of the enemy along certain portions of the line on the opposite side of the Rappahannock are one half negroes and one half white men. The negroes are armed and uniformed the same as the whites. Only one hundred to one hundred and fifty yards intervenes between our pickets and the enemy, and they are plainly to be distinguished without the aid of a glass.

A despatch from Rutherford’s creek, Tennessee, states that the whole rebel force of Van Dorn retreated towards Shelbyville on Wednesday night, that the country between Nashville and Columbia is now cleared of marauders, and that the means of crossing Duck river are destroyed. This postpones for a time the expected engagement in that quarter.

The account of our special correspondent on board the gunboat Montauk of the late fight of our iron-clads at Fort McAllister, on the Ogeechee, will be found intensely interesting. The Montauk was struck with solid shot seventy-one times, and was lifted clear out of the water at the bow by the explosion of a torpedo, but she was not injured. The action was a terrific one, no less than three hundred and one shells having been thrown by our vessels, and two hundred and seventy-seven solid shot and shell by the enemy. Our firing upon the fort was magnificently directed, and, notwithstanding the statements in the Southern journals that Fort McAllister was uninjured, it proves that it was very seriously damaged. We give a very fine map today showing the scene of action and the position of all our vessel during the engagement. The impregnability of our iron-clads under the heaviest fire is pretty well established by the result of this conflict.

An arrival of three steamers from Port Royal yesterday furnishes us with the latest news from that quarter. The attack on Charleston has not yet commenced. The papers of that city say that neither the Indianola nor Queen of the West have been destroyed, but are still in good condition. An officer of the rebel army who was taken prisoner in the vicinity of Charleston states that negotiations for peace have been under consideration for the past three weeks at Richmond, but that the fact had not been permitted to go before the public. The British steamer Queen of the Wave ran ashore near Charleston and Admiral DuPont was using every exertion to save her. The British steamship, the Douro, which was captured off Cape Fear, on the 9th instant, by the United States gunboat Quaker City, was brought into this port yesterday by the latter vessel as a prize. Her cargo consisted of four hundred and twenty bales of cotton and some turpentine and tobacco. She ran the blockade at Wilmington, North Carolina, and was making for Nassau when intercepted by the Quaker City.

The difficulties existing between General Hunter and the officers of General Foster’s command appear to be yet unsettled. General Naglee has been ordered to New York by General Hunter, and has issued a farewell address to his division, in which he predicts that […..] is mighty and will prevail.”

Several valuable prizes are now on their way to this city. The prize steamer Adela, has arrived at Fortress Monroe from Key West, bound to New York. The prize steamer Virginia, bark Mohlen Williamson and brig J.W. Sawyer, with prize cargoes f twenty seven vessels, left Key West for this port on the same day. The steamship Peter Hoff, Captain Jamran, R.N., with a valuable cargo, was captured on the 25th of February off St. Thomas by the United States gunboat Vanderbilt, and arrive at Key West, where she was sent for adjudication. The Hoff was bound from London to Matamoras via St. Thomas. The prize schooners Avon, Alligator and Anne Hortenz have also arrived at the same place.

The whereabouts of the pirate Florida remains a mystery. She is reported as having been seen at so many different places, and under so many various circumstances. She was reported, for instance, as being seen off Abaco on the 24th ult., lying a helpless wreck upon the waters. On the same day she is said to have been taking in coal and provisions at Barbados, whereas a bark which arrived here and sailed from that port on the 24th reports that no privateers were there at that time.

By the Anglo-Saxon, which arrived here yesterday, we have the latest features of the European view of the American question. The London Times, commenting upon the recent action of the conservative states, says that they are taking steps which prove that their object is peace, and finding a federal government unwilling to give effect to their desire, have superseded its action, and thus commenced […..] second stage of this tremendous American revolution for themselves.”

Discussing the conflict between the statements of Mr. Seward and M. Mercier relative to the mission of the latter to Richmond, the Times regrets that Mr. Seward finds it necessary to deny the humane act imputed to him by Mercier, which would reflect credit on him, and at the expense of Mr. Seward veracity. It expresses its belief, at the same time, that Mr. Seward did listen to M. Mercier’s counsels.

The London Globe thinks that it is the duty of either the government of France or the United States to demand an apology for the contradiction existing between Messers. Seward and Mercier.

The British steamship Kangaroo, from Liverpool, which arrived at this port on Wednesday evening, brought on freight eight hundred and twenty-five bales of cotton. The City of Baltimore brought three hundred and sixty- nine bales.

March 13, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

There is a general prejudice against the Stars and Bars; though in itself a handsome banner. It is said to be too like the old Yankee concern, which has become so hateful. Fortunately, it is not the Flag under which our armies have won their most signal successes; and many believe that it will be hard now to supersede the crimson battle flag with its starred St. Andrew’s Cross of Blue. It has claims upon us now; for was not this the banner that waved along the lines of the Confederates when they pressed so fiercely upon McClellan hosts through the woods and marshes of the Peninsula, until its crimson flutter was a vision of terror and vengeance to the flying foe? Was not this the glorious rag that struck panic into the legions of Pope when they saw it flash upon their rear like a crimson star? It has waved defiance from the heights of Fredericksburg; and Potomac, from the mountains to the sea, has fondly reflected the blood-red gleam. Under its shadow great soldiers have died with one last look upon its dear cross; and in the hour of victory, it has seemed transfigured into something God-like, when the rapturous shouts of our Southern soldiery shook its folds like a storm. It will be hard to supersede this battle flag, and many will sympathize with the sentiments of our correspondent ‘Alabama.’

RICHMOND ENQUIRER.

March 13, 1863, The New York Herald

We publish in another column, from our special correspondent, a full account of the bombardment of Fort McAllister, on the Ogeechee river, and of the destruction of the Nashville by the United States gunboat Montauk, commanded by Lieutenant Worden, who has covered himself with glory. It is true that Fort McAllister has not been captured, and a silly shout of exultation has been raised by the rebels; but that was not the object of the expedition. The fort would be of no advantage to us, situated, as it is, on the mainland, where it could be recaptured. The object was to test the strength and capacity of the Monitors, and to train the gunners to actual service in battle; and this has been fully attained. The result has proved that the iron-clads are invulnerable to any guns of the calibre possessed by the rebels – the Montauk having been struck over seventy times without injury – and that even their torpedoes fail to injure those vessels, though raising them a foot out of the water. The practice of the gunners has been admirable, as was evinced by their fire against the Nashville. The fifth shell (an ordinary one) set her on fire and insured her destruction. The coolness, courage and heroism of the commander of the Montauk, who had the honor of commanding the Monitor when she repulsed and baffled the Merrimac, are deserving of all praise; and the success of the new experiment in naval warfare is due as much to Worden as to the qualities of the Monitors. Nothing can be more satisfactory than the results obtained, and the time is not far distant when our iron-clads will give such a report of themselves as will be heard at the ends of the earth.

March 12th. The Genesee went up the river to-day with two mortar schooners in tow.

Thursday, 12th–The Eleventh Iowa received two months’ pay, I receiving $26.00. We commenced to cut the levee today, but shortly after we got started the order was countermanded.

12th. Capt. Nettleton called and gave me a line from home and told me about his visit. Read two or three good lectures in “Currents and Countercurrents.” Went down to Co. H in the evening. Visited with the boys.

Thursday March 12^th 1863

A bright pleasant morning but followed by snow and wind, quite cold tonight. Capt Swan came up from the Army and called on me today. Maj E. P. Taft got a furlough to go home and was in one of the Gov^t offices this morning haveing his papers approved when he fell down in a fit in the office and was insensible for some time. He recovered however after an hour or two and started for home on the 6½ train. The attack was occasioned no doubt by mental excitement on account of dispatch which he had read relating to his little boys sickness together with considerable physical debility. Met Norton Spencer, son of A.O.S., formerly of Lyons. I have not seen him for some years. He was one of M^cClellans aids on the Peninsula last summer. Also met at the National my old friend A B Dickerson, U.S. Minister to Nicaragua, just returned, had a long conversation with him in reference to that country. He has just been appointed US Marshall of the Northern District of NY. No news of any great importance today. The N.H. Election came off on the 10^th, result uncertain. I fear there will be trouble in some of the Northern States on account of the Conscription. It is thought by many that a Draft will be resisted with arms. I think that those who go into that will get into bad business and come to grief.

MARCH 12th.—To-day we have no army news.

Mr. Richard Smith issued the first number of The Sentinel yesterday morning. Thus we have five daily morning papers, all on half sheets. The Sentinel has a biography of the President, and may aspire to be the “organ.”

John Mitchel, the Irishman, who was sentenced to a penal colony for disturbances in Ireland, some years ago, is now the leading editor of the Enquirer. He came hither from the North recently. His “compatriot,” Meagher, once lived in the South and advocated our “institutions.” He now commands a Federal brigade. What Mitchel will do finally, who knows? My friend R. Tyler, probably, had something to do with bringing him here. As a politician, however, he must know there is no Irish element in the Confederate States. I am sorry this Irish editor has been imported.

The resignation of Gen. Toombs is making some sensation in certain circles. He was among the foremost leaders of the rebellion. He was Secretary of State, and voluntarily resigned to enter the army. I know not precisely what his grievance is, unless it be the failure of the President to promote him to a higher position, which he may have deemed himself entitled to, from his genius, antecedents, wealth, etc. But it is probable he will cause some disturbance. Duff Green, who is everywhere in stormy times, told me to-day that Gen. Toombs would be elected Governor of Georgia this fall, and said there were intimations that Georgia might make peace with the United States! This would be death to the government—and destruction to Toombs. It must be a mistake. He cannot have any such design. If he had, it would be defeated by the people of Georgia, though they sighed for peace. Peace is what all most desire—but not without independence. Some there are, in all the States, who would go back into the Union, for the sake of repose and security. But a majority would not have peace on such terms.

Still, it behooves the President to be on his guard. He has enemies in the South, who hate him much.

March 12th, 1863.–More bad news to write in my diary. Sweet little Susie died before day this morning. She was so pretty. Except cousin Rich, she was the best looking one of the family. She loved him devotedly and ever since he was killed she seemed to be thinking of him all the time. When she was dying she asked to be buried beside him. Our “God’s Acre,” is filling fast. Aunt Nancy is so frail we fear she cannot stand this fresh blow.

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

March 12, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The shrewd correspondent of the Savannah Republican, ‘P.W.A.’ writing from this city on the 10th instant, says:

It is not probable that the enemy will abandon the Southern coast without making an attack upon Charleston of Savannah. Their expenditures of money have been too heavy, and their preparations too elaborate, to admit of such a supposition. Public opinion in the United States – […..] power behind the throne,’ which has had much to do in the conduct of the war on the other side – calls for the sacrifice of one or both of these cities, and a formidable effort will be made – probably within the next two weeks – to satisfy the demand.

There is a good reason, doubtless, for the hesitation which has characterized the movements of Gen. Hunter. First, his differences with General Foster as to the command of the Federal army, and next, the reports of spies and deserters as to the strength and character of our defences, have almost certainly operated to produce the delay. It is understood that there are five iron-clad vessels of the Monitor class now on the coast. These, it was feared, would not be sufficient to effect the reduction of either city, and three others – some say four – were sent for. It is for the arrival of the additional iron monsters that the enemy are waiting. One or two of them are reported to be now on the way to Port Royal.

Five of these Monitors – the number understood to be now on the coast – would be quite sufficient to protect the water base of any movement by land. Indeed, the wooden gunboats and other vessels of war now blockading this harbor, would be equal to that service. Why, then, should the enemy be waiting for additional iron-clads? There can be but one answer to this question? Their purpose is to operate by water. If Charleston is the point at which they are aiming, then they will enter the harbor and engaged the ports and batteries by which it is defended. They may even hope that the iron armor with which their vessels are protected, will enable them to run the gauntlet of the forts, and reach the city, as they did at New Orleans, and with like results. If Savannah is the goal of their ambition, then you may expect to see them steam up [continue reading…]

March 12, 1863, The New York Herald

RUTHERFORD’S CREEK, FOUR MILES NORTH OF COLUMBIA, March 11, 1863.

General Granger came up with the enemy at this place yesterday afternoon. The advance guard were skirmishing yesterday, and lost two killed and several wounded, but captured several rebels. One of them reports that Col. Coburn, with two thousand men, escaped, and were making their way to our lines.

The Position of Rutherford’s Creek.

Rutherford’s creek is one of the many small tributaries of the Duck river, which river flows westerly through the State of Tennessee and falls into the Tennessee river in Humphrey county, at a point about ten miles north of Columbia, and flows southerly until it falls into Duck river at about a mile north of the county capital. About three miles from the mouth of that creek the engagement reported in the above telegram took place.

The Importance of the Movement.

As we have had so many skirmishes during the present war, and battles even of a gigantic nature, a skirmish like the present one, with but two killed and several wounded, is now looked upon as a very trifling affair. But in this skirmish there is something more than appears at the first glance. The rebel General Van Dorn is reported to be stationed along the line of the Duck river, in Maury county, with a force reported as varying from ten to eighteen thousand men. Their object is, doubtless, to flank Rosecrans and capture Nashville. But the plan has been foreseen by the commander of the Department of the Cumberland, and he has sent General Granger with a sufficient force to counteract the movement. There is but little doubt that if the rebels will only stand to fight a serious battle may grow out of this simple skirmish. The Union troops wish to, and will dearly repay the debt they owe Van Dorn for the capture of Coburn on the 7th instant, providing he will give them a chance. [continue reading…]