February 28, 1863, The New York Herald

The particulars of the rebel cavalry raid across the Rappahannock at Kelly’s Ford, which we announced yesterday, have been received, and it appears that it was a force of Stuart’s famous corps, commanded by himself, which made the attempt, in which they were completely defeated and driven back over the river, barely in time to save themselves, as the waters began to rise at that moment. However, about fifty of General Stuart’s men, including two officers, were taken prisoners. It is presumed that it was the determination of General Stuart to make his way to Potomac creek and destroy the railroad bridge over which the supplies of our army are now conveyed. The enemy, after crossing at Kelly’s Ford, succeeded, by a strong attack, in breaking our thin line of cavalry outposts at one or two points, capturing a small number of our men. Our cavalry outposts reserves were brought up, the lines immediately re-established and a force sent in pursuit. At last accounts they had not returned.

Rumors were rife in Washington yesterday that General Hunter was about to be relieved from the command of the Department of the South, and General Burnside’s name was spoken of in connection with the succession. It was also said that certain parties were preparing charges against General McClellan with a view to a court martial. These reports were extensively talked of in the streets and places of public resort.

The news from Kentucky confirms the intelligence which we published yesterday that the rebel retreating force near Mount Sterling were severely handled by our troops. Two hundred prisoners were taken, and all the captured wagons were recovered which the rebels had seized in their bold attack upon our trains.

Reports from Lake Providence, via Cairo, state that the canal across the peninsula is almost completed, the work having reached from the lake to within a few rods of the river. The canal is one hundred and fifty feet wide, and is dug down to within one foot of the level of the lake.

It is said that General Van Dorn has crossed the Tennessee river at Florence with 8,000 cavalry to reinforce General Bragg. The expedition from Corinth, under Colonel Corwan, is reported to have captured two hundred rebels, under General Rodley, at Tuscumbia, on the 22d inst., with a large amount of ammunition and a provision train.

Our news from the South today is not very important. The Richmond Enquirer of the 24th, which has been received, contains nothing relative to the news from Vicksburg, but it furnishes some additional news of the capture of the Queen of the West, the principal facts concerning which we have published before.

27th. After breakfast played two games of chess with Case. Got beaten. Ordered to move to Covington immediately, then countermanded. Wrote to the boy William. God bless him and lead him. Thede came over. Went down and looked at a horse he thought of taking. Read in Scott’s “Waverly.” Music in Q. M. D.

Friday, 27th–We received orders to clean up for general inspection. Captain Beach of Company H of the Eleventh Iowa having been appointed to go after and bring back any deserters from our brigade, left for Iowa to get all such found in the State.

Washington Friday Feb. 27^th 1863.

The rain fell in torrents last night and increased the depth of the flowing mud in the streets. It has been a dull day. Very little news stirring, nothing of a decisive character. Congress will adjourn next Wednesday and it will have done a good deal of important work this Session. The Conscription Bill and the Finance Bill embracing the uniform Currency bill are of a most important Nature. Elections soon come off in Conn. & N Hampshire and some other states and the disunionists or “Copperhead” Democracy are straining every nerve to carry them. Should they succeed many good men apprehend that forced resistance will be made in such States to any further raising of troops should they be called for. Much depends upon the organization of “Union Leagues” in combining the loyal strength in those States to act in concert against their Enimies. This is a trying time for our Country. Enimies in front with arms in their hands, and Enimies in the rear giving those Enimies comfort and support. God grant we get safely delivered from the perils which surround us. That our Country may survive her present trials, and emerge from the firey ordeal, more glorious than ever & purified, though baptised anew in the blood of her choicest sons.

FEBRUARY 27th.—No news from any quarter to-day.

Gen. Joseph E. Johnston is discontented with his command in the West. The armies are too far asunder for co-operative action; and, when separated, too weak for decisive operations. There is no field there for him, and he desires to be relieved, and assigned to some other command.

I was surprised to receive, to-day, the following very official letter from the Secretary of War:

February 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

In almost every newspaper one takes up now he finds an article, in a conspicuous place, headed ‘Plant Corn,’ addressed to the planters and farmers; and in several States, South Carolina included, laws have been passed, restricting planters to three acres cotton per hand this year. To both of these propositions I give my hearty consent, and conform my practice. Last year I reduced my cotton acres four-fifths, and this year I have pitched my crop at one-third less than the last. The law should have forbidden planting more than half an acre for each hand, which would have insured an ample supply for the Confederate States and domestic uses. As it is, the planter, by putting all his manure on his best three acres, and giving them garden culture, may make, in this State, a full average crop; and many will do it to the utter neglect of corn and other grain. The law fell far short of the mark.

But in what? (I beg pardon if I offend any.) I think the preposterous attempt of legislators to regulate prices by laws, which has been tried in all ages and times, from Moses down, and which has never met with any real success in a single instance, the planters and farmers not only have poor encouragement to make breadstuffs and provisions, but are deterred from it, and nearly deprived of any power to do it.

There seems to be no end to the performance and the endurance expected of them.

Firstly. The impressment law takes from them an important proportion of their hands to do for the army what in all other countries the armies do for themselves – entrench and fortify.

Secondly. The repeal of the Exemption Law seems to be about to take from them their managers, leaving them only men over forty-five years, who are hard to find willing to take their places; too old at best for active operations; mostly broken down old men, new to the negros, and liable to be called out, also, at any moment. I think that the law exempting one white man for every twenty negros was putting it too low. It should have said for forty or fifty, which would have prevented most of its abuses. Forty or fifty negros constitute one of the controlling plantations of a neighborhood, and its discipline is very important to all. But many, left to themselves under a negro driver, or an imbecile white man, wholly new to them, will scarcely make a support for themselves, much less contribute to support of armies and town people. I speak after thirty years’ experience of personal management of three to six times that many negros. They would steal all [continue reading…]

February 27, 1863, The New York Herald

The rebels appear to be actively engaged in making raids on this side of the Rappahannock. It is stated by a Washington journal that on the night before last a picket guard of Union cavalry, on the Chantilly roads, out of Centreville, was pounced upon, and all but one man captured, by a force of a hundred rebels, after firing two rounds. It is also ascertained that a number of the enemy crossed the river the same night at Kelly’s Ford, a few miles from Rappahannock Station, threatening Stafford Court House; that quite a large body of them occupy Warrenton, and that Stonewall Jackson is pushing up the valley towards Strasburg.

By an arrival from Port Royal we are put in possession of further information concerning the difference between Generals Hunter and Foster, the leading facts of which we before published. General Hunter has peremptorily ordered the staff of General Foster to leave his department and proceed North by the first steamer; and he has also put General Stevenson, of General Foster’s corps, under arrest at Hilton Head, for stating in conversation with his brother officers that he objected to the employment of negro troops in the government service, and that he would as soon be beaten as employ them as soldiers. However, as General Foster has since gone to Washington for instructions and again returned to Port Royal, it is probable that the difficulty as to the commands will be all settled, and everything will be soon right again.

The news from the West is important. From Kentucky we learn that the enemy were retreating from the State by way of Mount Sterling and Hazel Green, and that Colonel Kinkle, with a force of eighteen hundred men, was pursuing them. On the other hand, despatches from Cincinnati tell various stories of the progress of the Kentucky raid – one to the effect that Gen. Breckinridge is advancing on Lexington with twenty thousand rebels, and that our troops were falling back upon that point. The Union transport Hetty Gilman, with forage and provisions, was captured by a band of Morgan’s guerillas at a point five miles from Woodbury, on Barren river, and fears were entertained that the steamer D.B. Campbell, bound for Bowling Green, would share the same fate.

The rebels were overtaken yesterday near Mt. Sterling, and were completely beaten, after a brisk fight. [continue reading…]

February 27, 1863, The New York Herald

Our Army Correspondence.

HEADQUARTERS NEAR VICKSBURG, Feb. 9, 1863.

The situation in this vicinity remains unchanged. The improvement in the weather has caused a corresponding improvement in the spirits of the men. The surgeons in this department are laboring faithfully to prevent a prevalence of diseases induced by the character of the country, and other unfavorable considerations which act adversely to the health of the unacclimated.

Three deserters, who left Vicksburg on Saturday, crossed the river evasively and came within our lines. They state that the recent exploit of the ram Queen of the West, which passed all the Vicksburg batteries in safety, has caused the greatest excitement throughout the city. Nobody imagined that one of our boats would attempt to run the gauntlet. They say that the rebel steamboat City of Vicksburg, which the ram run into, was really injured much more than was at first supposed. From their statements it appears that her hull was considerably damaged, and that the rebels, despairing of being able to make her useful henceforward, had concluded that the machinery must be removed and the steamboat abandoned. He said men were already at work removing the machinery, and while this was being done she was partly supported by barges. From this shore, however, she does not appear to be greatly damaged.

The rebels about Vicksburg continue very active. When the atmosphere is clear, as it is at present, the city looms up in prominent proportions, and the men can occasionally be seen working on their batteries. They are constantly strengthening their position. It is a part of the policy of the rebels, and a policy that they have always persistently pursued, to spare no labor in rendering seemingly impregnable whatever position they may have assumed. Such is the case at Vicksburg. Knowing what a vital point it is, they are using all their energies to make it unapproachable. From this neck of land we can see them working on their batteries on the bluffs at Vicksburg, just as from Falmouth we could see the rebels working on the batteries on the hills at Fredericksburg.

The water is six or seven feet deep in the canal. At present it runs through only sluggishly. It is presumed, however, that something will soon be done to render the idea of passing Vicksburg safely with our army perfectly practicable. [continue reading…]

February 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

Commercial reconstruction is the grand object of the war with all the capitalists and people of the North who are not Abolitionists. They are unwilling to give up the special privileges and advantages unjustly and unconstitutionally conferred upon them in the Union, and to live upon their legitimate, fair and proper resources. They still wish to prosper at our cost. The loss of a special, unrestricted commerce with the South, and discriminations against other nations, must be ruin to their hot house commerce, and ruin to their navigation and manufactures, which, under the Union, were created and fostered by Congressional enactments. Every brick in Boston, New York and Philadelphia, if it could rightly display its origin, would have ‘from the South’ written on it. With the loss of the trade and navigation of the South, real estate and stocks of all kinds, in all their cities and town, must go down in value. The mighty tide of prosperity, which, like the Gulf stream, rolled from the South, and apparently as unchangeable, would be diverted from their forced channels to other nations; and they would have to go through the terrible process of living on their own resources, while we transact our own business on the best terms in the markets of the world. To save them from so mighty a catastrophe, they have plunged into war and bankruptcy, deeming war and bankruptcy cheaply purchased, with the commercial reconstruction which would place them where they were before the war began. With a Zolverein established between the Confederate and the United States, the cities of the Confederates will be as they have heretofore been, but suburbs of New York and Boston. Our whole foreign trade will be carried on by Northern cities; and their jobbers will be our gracious intermediaries. Charleston, Savannah, Norfolk and Mobile will advance, by the small portion of their native population, which shall not emigrate to more prosperous regions, whilst Yankee agents and emissaries will swarm over the land to carry on our trade. Their insolence and interference will be proportioned to their success, and irritations and discontent prepare the way for another revolution, or the gradual and final overthrow of our civilization.

For ourselves, we frankly declare that if the great contest in which we are engaged does not secure us freedom from Yankee intervention and control in our commercial as well as political relations, we will deem the contest a failure. How have Great Britain and other nations established their conquests in Asia and America? First, a trading port is established – then exclusive mercantile and commercial interests are obtained – then intervention – then conquest. To suppose that such a people as the Yankees, once having us under their control by peculiar commercial privileges, will ever allow [continue reading…]

Thursday, 26.—Beef so poor regiment refused to draw it for rations.

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

February 26 [1863]. Read constantly of opposition to the Government at the North. A civil war there thought to be imminent. Mrs. Wilkinson, who lost her husband at the battle of Manassas, and who hastened out of the city at that time, leaving her children, has just come to town. Would people in any other land believe that a woman, under such circumstances, could be arrested for not taking the oath to the United States? No one is allowed to land without doing so, though nothing has been done so far to those in the city who resisted. Mrs. Wilkinson is under arrest, having refused the oath at St. Andrew’s House. Her children would not have learned of her arrival through the morning paper but for an accident. She is to be sent back, and is trying to get leave to take her children. Kate W____ took breakfast with us this morning. I told her that I thought her mother highly honored, she had resisted and that we were leading the dryest and tamest sort of life, and had no chance of being thought martyrs, though we are, in truth, often, in another fashion. Mrs. W___ says that no attack is to be feared at Vicksburg, the Yankee troops having come over to us in the last fight there in whole squads, bearing with them the smallest flags of truce. Our people did not see the flags at first, being so excited and the generals had difficulty to restrain their ardor. In this way, many poor fellows were murdered who would have been our friends. The Yankees have deceived us so often that our people fear almost to trust a flag of truce. I feel so sad to think of those poor fellows; what a hopeless feeling must have taken possession of them between the two fires, not trusted by either side. Under other circumstances I would not trust deserters, but in this war thousands long to come to us, being convinced that it is wrong to overrun the South. Some, too, consider their cause a hopeless one. There are three hundred deserters in Jackson alone and they are coming in all the time, Mrs. W says. They are in high spirits, Mrs. W says, outside the lines and do not look as we do here. Our soldiers have plenty of everything, even coffee, though out-siders have to pay well for it, if they get it at all. Flour is $80 per barrel. Kate says that her aunt, Mrs. Eccleston, in Vicksburg, has devoted herself to the Louisiana troops. They say she belongs to them. We want to go out with the Wilkinsons, if these people will let us–here comes the martyrdom–money due us all round, and cannot ask for it, because the times are pressing so on all. Mr. Randolph was here this morning; he thanked us for letting our house free of rent to them. Mr. R–– did not take the oath and was thrown outof business. We were glad to be of some use. Oh, I wish we were rich. Kate W––, Mrs. Randolph and Detty [Margaretta] Harrison have taken up my morning. I like them all, but love best to be alone of all things. I am so worn out sometimes by the constant stream of talk around me that I am nearly crazy. I fear I shall get the same sort of buzzing in my head that Mrs. Wragge complains of (from “No Name,” by Wilkie Collins, that I have just read). I like this book better than his “White Woman” or “Woman in White.” He has too much plot to suit my taste. Life is full of plot, too, but I have never felt that a book that contains much of it gives a true representation of life. I prefer the volume that seems but a page torn from real life. I care not for startling incidents, but only the gradual development of social life and a good delineation of character. I notice though that plot and incident are more popular than quiet truthful pictures. [continue reading…]

26th. In the morning came letters from Will Hudson at Lebanon, and one of Nov. from home. Had quite a visit with Lt. Abbey about Pa. In the evening took my letters from Fred and Will and reviewed them with Charlie. Played four games of chess with McAulis. Beat three times. Finished the “Life of Washington.” Had some taffy.

Thursday, 26th–We reached our camp this forenoon in a rain which continued all day. General Quimby’s division just went into camp here, from up the river. The regimental quartermasters are bringing in large quantities of cotton every day.

26th.—In the city again yesterday. B. improving. The morning papers report firing upon Vicksburg. Several steamers have arrived lately, laden for the Confederacy. Blockade-running seems to be attended with less danger then it was, though we have lately lost a most valuable cargo by the capture of the “Princess Royal.” The “Alabama” continues to perform the most miraculous feats, and the “Florida” seems disposed to rival her in brilliant exploits. They “walk the water,” capturing every thing in their way, and know no fear, though many vessels are in pursuit. I am grieved to hear that my dear little J. P. has been ordered to Charleston. While he was on James River, I felt that I could be with him if he were wounded; but he is in God’s hands:

“Be still, my heart; these anxious cares
To thee are burdens, thorns, and snares.”

The papers full of the probable, or rather hoped for, intervention of France. The proposition of the Emperor, contained in a letter from the Minister to Seward, and his artful, wily, Seward-like reply, are in a late paper. We pause to see what will be the next step of the Emperor. Oh that he would recognize us, and let fanatical England pursue her own cold, selfish course!

Ashland, February 22d.—A very deep snow this morning. The cars are moving slowly on the road, with two engines attached to each train. Our gentlemen could not go to Richmond to-day. Washington’s birthday is forgotten, or only remembered with a sigh by his own Virginia. Had he been gifted with prophetic vision, in addition to his great powers, we would still remain a British colony; or, at least, he would never have fought and suffered for seven long years to have placed his native South in a situation far more humiliating than the colonies ever were towards the mother-country; or to have embroiled her in a war compared to which the old Revolution was but child’s play.

Washington Thursday Feb 26^th 1863

O Mud Mud. I have waded over crossings today where composition was at least six inches deep and of the consistency of thick cream. The snow has all melted and the water is mostly still on the surface of the ground. I had letters from Julia and the boys this evening, and I wrote to my Sister Androus today. I am having my old Indigo blue cloak made into an over coat. I think the Tailor has stolen about one third of the cloth, for there is nothing left to speak of. I hardly know whether to submit to the cheat, or have a quarrel with him. There is a good deal of confusion tonight down below. It is past eleven, and the loud talk still keeps up. I think there must be whiskey there, for that is the origin of about all the disorders in the City. I must leave this house by Monday next. It is reported tonight that Gen^l Siegel has resigned. I hope the report is not true as such an officer cannot well be spared at this time. I attended the League meeting this evening. There was a large attendance and much enthusiasm. “Honest Truman Smith” of Conn. was initiated and afterwards made a speech query, Is any old polititian (as he is) entitled to the prefix “honest” to his name? The papers contain no particular news today. Gold 168. Yesterday 172.

FEBRUARY 26th.—We have good news from Vicksburg to-day. The Queen of the West, lately captured by us, and another gun-boat, attacked the Indianola, the iron-clad Federal gun-boat which got past our batteries the other day, and, after an engagement, sunk her. We captured all the officers and men.

February 26, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

Let us suppose that the world at large has no interest in the establishment of a great Slaveholding Confederacy of Republican States, and that the question of admitting Non-Slaveholding States into the Confederacy, or of unrestricted commercial intercourse with Non-Slaveholding States, is merely a question of interest and security for the Confederate States – it is impossible, it appears to us, to find any good reasons for either policy. We have bitter experience upon this matter; and this experience has proved that Slaveholding and Non-Slaveholding States cannot live in harmony together. From the beginning of the United States Government (indeed before it was formed) – in the Convention which framed the Constitution – the jealousy and rivalry which two such distinct forms of labor and society seemed necessarily to produce, arose with the fiercest antagonism. Nothing but the absolute safety and existence itself of the States, in their early formation, drew them together. They were too weak to stand apart; and for this reason, and this alone, they submitted to the compromises contained in the Constitution of the United States. Nor did this antagonism cease its operations under the Union of the United States, until at length it has ended in separation and the most cruel and bloody war. It is impossible for the experiment of uniting Slaveholding and Non-Slaveholding States under the same government, to have been made under more favorable terms and circumstances than those which prevailed over the Union of the United States. From its commencement, the whole operation of the United States Government was in favor of the Non-Slaveholding States. The Slaveholding States were made tributary to their aggrandizement and wealth in every way that the wit of their statesmen could invent, until at length the Slaveholding States were practically, in all their commercial and pecuniary relations, colonies of the Non-Slaveholding States. Their brilliant career in prosperity and power consequently surpassed that of any people, probably, the world ever saw. The Constitution was set aside by [continue reading…]

February 26, 1863, The New York Herald

The United States transport Star of the South arrived at this port yesterday morning, bringing as passengers the surviving officers and crew of the gunboat Hatteras, which was sunk off Galveston on the 11th of January last by the rebel privateer Alabama. From them we glean an interesting narrative of the destruction of their vessel as well as full particulars of their eleven days stay on board of the Alabama, and their experience while at Port Royal and Kingston, Jamaica, previous to their arrival at Key West.

The following are the names of the officers and crew of the Hatteras: –

Lieutenant Commanding – H. C. Blake.

Acting Master and Executive Officer – H. O. Porter.

Assistant Surgeon – E. S. Matthews.

Assistant Paymaster – F. A. Conkling.

Engineers – J. C. Covert, J. Colp, B. C. Bourne, J. H. Butman.

Master’s Mates – F. J. McGrath, J. W. Haslitt, A. H. Berry, D. Harvey, J. P. Harnot, J. G. Crocker.

Captain’s Clerk – T. W. Weisenthal.

There were also one hundred and two seamen, composing the crew of the Hatteras, on board.

The main particulars of this contest have already been published; but, in justice to the gallantry of those who were in charge of the Hatteras, it will not be here out of place to again advert to them, as there are many incidents connected therewith which have not yet been made public.

It was on Sunday, January 11, that this encounter with this now famous rebel vessel took place. On the afternoon of that day, about half-past three o’clock, a signal was made from the flagship Brooklyn, then lying off Galveston, to the steamer Hatteras to sail to the northward and eastward. After sailing about an hour and a half the lookout signalized a steamer [continue reading…]

February 26, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

We have some late and trustworthy tidings from Beaufort, which fully confirm the news heretofore published, of a personal difficulty having occurred between Major Generals HUNTER and FOSTER. The quarrel related to precedence in rank, and concluded by General FOSTER informing General HUNTER that sooner than fight under him, he would fight against him; and, suiting the action to the word, General F. dealt General H. a blow in the face. General H. was not slow to assert his belligerent rights, and replied by striking General F. on the head with a billet of wood, drawing blood profusely. Before hostilities could be resumed the combatants were separated. FOSTER, after ordering the debarkation of his division on St. Helena Island, left for Washington to have his position defined. Meanwhile, it is currently reported at Beaufort that HUNTER will try Genesis Point and Causten’s Bluff as preliminary steps to the attack on Savannah, and at the same time march against the railroad at Pocotaligo; and thus, if successful, get the inside track from his rival. The attack on these points, it was thought, would take place about the 1st of March; so that we may hear some stirring news in a few days from the coast. Of course, every […..] in grey’ is perfectly delighted at the prospect of getting India rubber clothes and blankets, to say nothing of waterproof boots, &c., &c.

We learned from the same source whence we obtained the above information, that there are over 30,000 troops at Port Royal, and more expected.

February 26, 1863, The New York Herald

No movements have taken place in the Army of the Potomac. It is stated that the diminution in the rebel army at Fredericksburg is not so great as has been reported, although some troops have been sent to Charleston and some to Suffolk. Generals Lee and Jackson are still at Fredericksburg.

Despatches from Cairo state that a large fleet of gunboats left Memphis on Sunday, and proceeded down the river. One of our gunboats passed into Lake Providence, and found a band of rebels, with a large number of negroes, felling trees across the narrow passages to obstruct the passage of our boats. She shelled one company of them away.

Three thousand men are daily engaged in cutting the canal across the peninsula near Vicksburg. Our mortar boats are still in position and keep up an occasional fire on the batteries of the enemy. Despatches from Cairo dated yesterday say that nothing has been heard there of the Queen of the West or the Indianola. The steamer Belle of Memphis, while landing passengers on Monday night at a point thirty-six miles above Memphis, on the Arkansas side of the river, was boarded by a dozen guerillas, but she immediately backed out and the enemy were compelled to jump ashore.

We give today a most interesting account of the late sinking of the United States steamer Hatteras by the pirate Alabama, furnished by the officers and crew of the former vessel, who arrived here yesterday. From the facts detailed, it will be seen that it was a very gallant affair on the part of the Hatteras, and that, although destroyed, her officers and men, especially Captain Blake, the commander, had cheerfully staked their lives upon the encounter, and were prepared to brave the worst. But she did not go down without inflicting severe damage upon the Alabama. Sixteen balls perforated the Hatteras, shattering her sternpost and completely crippling her machinery just at the moment when she was about boarding the rebel vessel and was only twenty-five yards distant from her.

The Conscription bill of the Senate, which passed the House yesterday, includes in those liable to be drafted into the army to serve for the term of the existence of the rebellion, not, however, exceeding three years, congressmen, assemblymen, alderman, Quakers, clergymen, Indians and Negroes. It is, therefore, most sweeping in its provisions, and, if carried out, will leave but few homes in the North without a representative in the army. The amendments of the bill will turn over to the civil authorities all persons arrested by the Provost Marshals for treasonable practices.

A report reaches us from Boston that General Banks was fired at by some unknown person on the night of the 12th instant, as he was leaving the City Hotel at New Orleans to attend the French opera. The ball, however, did not take effect either upon the General or any one else; neither has there been any trace of the would-be assassin, nor has any news of this attempt upon the life of the Commanding General arrived here, although our dates from New Orleans are to the 13th.

Wednesday, 25th.—Capture of the “Queen of the West” confirmed. Reported that the Indianola, the gunboat that passed batteries 13, also captured.

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

Camp 103d Illinois Infantry, Jackson, Tenn.,
February 25, 1863.

I guess it’s full two weeks since I wrote you last, excepting a half sheet a few days ago. My reason is that it has been raining ever since, and my tent leaks so that (that’s rather a larger story than I think you’ll swallow, so I’ll not spoil paper by finishing it); but, Scotland, how it does rain here. Commences slowly and gently, comes straight down and continues coming for about 24 hours in the same manner. Mercury at about 35 degrees. Then the wind will commence blowing, cool, cooler, cold. Stop the rain, scatter the clouds, and getting warm again will, in a day or so, gather the moisture from the surface, and probably give us one pleasant day, rarely more. It seems to me there has not been a day this winter when the sun shone, and the air was calm, that I needed a fire, and I remember but one day during which the mercury sunk as low as 10 degrees. We had two nice “falls” of snow, but they found they’d lit in the wrong country and evacuated in quick time. It can’t snow here to much advantage, but I am sure the rest of the world could learn from this region on the rain question. Canton is a parlor compared to this town. Part of the town is on rolling ground, but the hillside seems even muddier than the valleys. This town is thrice the size of Canton, and has ten times as many costly dwellings, but the sidewalks and streets will not compare with yours. The arrangements of gardens is passable and much taste is shown in the distribution of evergreens. One gentleman living between our camp and town has 10,000 pines, hollies, cedars, etc., in the grounds surrounding his house. The grounds comprise maybe fifteen acres. I mean he had 10,000 trees, but the Yankees burned the fences around his paradise, and have in various ways managed to destroy a few thousand evergreens A kind of a parody, you understand, on that Bible story of the devil in Eden. Colonel Kellogg is here to-night, but goes to Memphis to-morrow where he will join Colonel Babcock. They may both be here again within a week, but it is not certain. He says we may be thankful we are not in the Yazoo Swamp or at Vicksburg, but two months heavy picketing here have rendered me unable to see it in that light. Our pickets have been fired on twice during the last two days. Nobody hurt, I believe. We have news to-night of General Dodge, of Corinth, capturing some 200 prisoners and a train of wagons at Tuscumbia, Ala. How I do wish we could be sent into that country again. It’s worth all the rest of the South that I have seen. I have 11 negroes in my company now. They do every particle of the dirty work. Two women among them do the washing for the company. Three babies in the lot, all of which have run barefooted all the winter, and though they have also run at the nose, etc., some, seem to be healthy all the time.

Wednesday, February 25th.

Here we are still, in spite of our expectations. Difficulty on difficulty arose, and an hour before the cars came, it was settled that mother should go to Clinton and make the necessary arrangements, and leave us to follow in a day or two. Two days more! Miriam no more objected than I did, so mother went alone. Poor Miriam went to bed soon after, very ill. So ill that she lay groaning in bed at dusk, when a stir was heard in the hall below, and Colonel Steadman, Major Spratley, and Mr. Dupré were announced. Presto! up she sprang, and flew about in the most frantic style, emptying the trunk on the floor to get her prettiest dress, and acting as though she had never heard of pains and groans. When we leave, how much I shall miss the fun of seeing her and Anna running over each other in their excitement of dressing for their favorites. Anna’s first exclamation was, “Ain’t you glad you did n’t go!” and certainly we were not sorry, from mere compassion; for what would she have done with all three? If I laughed at their extra touches to their dresses, it did not prevent me from bestowing unusual attention on my own. And by way of bravado, when I was carried down, I insisted on Mrs. Badger lending me her arm, to let me walk into the parlor and prove to Colonel Steadman that in spite of his prophecies I was able to take a few steps at least.

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His last words, “You won’t go, will you? Think once more!” sent me upstairs wondering, thinking, undecided, and unsatisfied, hardly knowing what to do, or what to say. Every time I tried to sleep, those calm, deep, honest gray eyes started up before my closed ones, and that earnest “You won’t go, will you? Think once more!” rang in my ears like a solemn warning. Hopes of seeing Georgia grew rather faint, that night. Is it lawful to risk my life? But is it not better to lose it while believing that I have still a chance of saving it by going, than to await certain death calmly and unresisting in Clinton? I’d rather die struggling for this life, this beautiful, loved, blessed life that God has given me!