Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Post image for War Diary and Letters of Stephen Minot Weld.

War Diary and Letters of Stephen Minot Weld.

July 11, 2014

War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld

Headquarters 56TH Mass. V.,

Near Petersburg, Va., July 11, 1864.

Dear Hannah, — . . . Yesterday morning I made use of the adjournment of the court-martial (it being Sunday) and started with John Jones for Point of Rocks, near which are the headquarters of the Tenth Corps. We went to see Quartermaster Hutchings, and found him there alive and well. On the way I passed General Smith’s headquarters, Eighteenth Corps, and had from there quite a fair view of Petersburg, and the surrounding country. I could see the Appomattox, and the enemy’s batteries on the other side. The view is really a very pretty one. The country is fertile and broken, being a constant succession of hills, sometimes wooded, and again in some places under cultivation.

We crossed the Appomattox at Point of Rocks, on a pontoon bridge. On the other side we saw an enormous tower, over a hundred feet high, built by General Butler as a signal station. From here we had a ride of about three miles to headquarters Tenth Corps. Here we found Captain Hutchings, and in company with him rode over to wharf on the James River, where Quartermaster Thompson of the 25th Massachusetts is stationed. Here I indulged in a glass of iced milk, which was a great luxury, I can assure you. As we approached the James River, we had a most beautiful view of the banks on both sides. The valley of the James is probably the most fertile portion of Virginia. On the opposite side of the James we could see enormous fields of wheat already ripe and ready to be gathered. In fact, all the land that is under cultivation is planted with wheat or corn. On the other bank, I could see Aiken’s house and Landing. I recognized it immediately, it being the place where I was exchanged almost two years ago. From Jones’s wharf, we went on board a tugboat, and steamed up to the Alackinaw, a gunboat commanded by Captain Beaumont, formerly in command of the Nantucket. When I was introduced, he asked me immediately if I was any relation to Dr. Weld, and wished to be remembered to him. The tugboat that we went out on is called the Linda. There are four of them, called torpedo boats. They have a long pole lashed to their bow on which a torpedo with 150 lbs. of powder can be placed. As soon as the enemy’s ironclads make their appearance, these four tugs fix their torpedoes on and bunt into her. The gunboat Mackinaw was lying right off Aiken’s Landing. After dining with Captain Beaumont, we went on shore with him to see Mr. Aiken’s family and place. Aiken himself has just been arrested. We found his daughter, 14 years old, with two little brothers and two small sisters, the sole occupants of the house. It is a fine brick mansion with a park for deer on one side and numerous negro shanties, etc., on the other side. During an engagement the other day, between the enemy’s boats and ours, a hundred-pound shell exploded close by the house, denting the bricks in nine or ten places. The little girl was very polite indeed. She was strong Secesh. I could not help pitying her though. Only think of the poor child being exposed to the insults of any straggling soldiers or sailors who might come along.

We rode back home again in the moonlight, having passed a very pleasant day. It is the first time that I have been able to get away from the regiment since the campaign began.

We have received orders to begin besieging Petersburg in front of the Fifth and Ninth Corps. We shall have a hard time at it, I am afraid.

The Sixth Corps have gone to Washington to fight the rebels who invaded Maryland.

Our regiment is in the rear now, resting for two days. To-morrow we go to the front again.

Tell Father to be careful what he says about General L. or any other general. It may get me into trouble if he is not so. General L. has resigned, and will probably leave us in a day or two. He has always treated me kindly and I don’t care about saying anything against him.

Love to all. The flies bite so, I can’t write any more.

Post image for Diary of a Line Officer.

Diary of a Line Officer.

July 11, 2014

The Diary of a Line Officer, Captain Augustus C. Brown, Co. H, 4th NY Heavy Artillery

Monday, June 11th.1

Since the 2nd we have lain in the rifle-pits with the infantry, sweltering in the sun in the day time and doing quite our share of picket duty at night. The dust, fine as ashes, is at least four inches deep in the trails and covered ways used by the troops, and at midday it is no uncommon thing to see the thermometer mark 110 degrees in what little shade there is. There has been no rain for weeks, and heat is killing more men than the “Johnnies” are. I have met Harry Hopkins, son of Rev. Dr. Hopkins, President of Williams College, who was on the front line with the regiment of the Excelsior Brigade of which he is Chaplain. He was a senior in college when I was a freshman. When the Sixth Corps went to Washington to defend that city, our Second Corps became the left of the line, and Grant seems to be now building field forts all along the line.

Not having felt at all well for some time, I determined to-day to act on the advice of the surgeon and go to hospital for a few days.

_____________

This diary entry is for July 11th, not June.  It follows the entry for July 2d. In the next entry, dated July 13, the author states that he had been in the field hospital since the 11th. – Mike Goad, October 19, 2013.

Post image for War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

July 11, 2014

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

11th. Was busy in the morning. Went to Q. M.’s and C. S.’s. Thought some of going to see John, but gave up the idea. Wrote home. Thede wrote too. Read some in Atlantic. Played game of “Seven Up” with Lukins.

Post image for War Diary and Letters of Stephen Minot Weld.

War Diary and Letters of Stephen Minot Weld.

July 11, 2014

War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld

Monday, July 11. — Court finished case of Lieutenant Knickerbocker, and then adjourned till Wednesday. Rode over to General Griffin’s headquarters, and then to General Meade’s. Dined with Bache, and saw General Meade and had a pleasant chat with him. Rained on the way home, the first we have had for a long time. Had a very pleasant time. The regiment moved to the second line.

Post image for A Soldier’s Diary — David Lane.

A Soldier’s Diary — David Lane.

July 11, 2014

A Soldier's Diary, The Story of a Volunteer, David Lane, (17th Mich. Vol. Infantry)

City Point, July 11th, 1864.

Two days have passed since I made the last entry in this journal, an unusual occurrence of late. The reason is, I have changed my employment, and my time has been occupied in learning the details of my new business. I am now with the Christian Commission. All the sick and wounded, except forty convalescents, have been removed from my ward.

I accompanied the last detachment to Alexandria. There are now here about one hundred delegates to the Christian Commission. Mr. Collier has been cooking for them since the hospital was established at this place. In his department all went smoothly, he being a good cook and a man of energy. Not so in the dining room. There, three wild young soldiers and two “colored people” rioted uncontrolled. The table was never set in time, and seldom washed. Spreads are not in use. Dishes, knives and forks are not properly cleaned; in fact, disorder reigns. A head was wanted; Mr. Collier naturally thought of his old tent mate and friend; he recommended me to the agent as “reliable;” agent desired an interview; it was granted; he looked me over, talked with me, “sized me up,” and here I am, running an eating house, with full powers to have my own way in everything. What will my little wife think—for I can call her little in comparison, as I weigh 190 pounds—at this strange business for such as me? I can only judge of my success by what I hear, for I have had no previous experience. Delegates mark the change with evident pleasure. The agent, an aristocratic member from New York City, compliments me on the change I have wrought. Today he expressed himself as “very pleased” with my arrangements.

“Act well your part,” is my adopted motto. I have already formed some agreeable acquaintances with delegates—have often been mistaken for one, myself. I am not ashamed to correct the mistake and acknowledge myself a private soldier. In a sense I am one of them, for I have worked in the same cause, the last two years, with all the strength that God has given me, and done a soldier’s duty, too.

Post image for Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch.

Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch.

July 11, 2014

Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol's.

July 11th. Called up early this morning. Orders to march. Left Back Creek. After a slow march of about seven miles we came to Martinsburg. We call this our home town, having served in this section of the Shenandoah Valley for two years. Marched through the town, meeting a few old friends. Camped on the south side, near the Winchester Pike. The enemy left town early this morning. Our knapsacks, with extra clothing, left here when we began our march up the valley in May, were taken by the rebs, so we lost our clothing that we expected to find here on our return. On picket. Strict orders for tonight, as the enemy is reported a short distance south. Keep a sharp lookout.

Post image for Leverett Bradley: A Soldier-Boy’s Letters

Leverett Bradley: A Soldier-Boy’s Letters

July 11, 2014

Leverett Bradley: A Soldier-Boy's Letters (1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery.)

July 11th. Layed in the same place over night and next day. Moved at 12 midnight to the left, encamped in a field. [18th birthday.]

Post image for A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

July 11, 2014

A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones

by John Beauchamp Jones

            JULY 11TH.—Hot and dry, and the famine continues.

            The Secretary of War intimated on Saturday that if the clerks of the bureaus would raise a fund and send an agent South to buy provisions, he would insure them transportation, etc. To-day he denies that he made the promise, and refuses to aid them.

            The government now proposes to increase its schedule of prices from 300 to 500 per cent., thus depreciating its own credit. Before harvest the impressing agents allowed about $40 per barrel for flour; now, that we have a good harvest, about $130 will be paid, thus raising the price everywhere. The transportation is the expensive item.

            A dispatch from Gen. Johnston, atAtlanta, says the enemy having flanked him with his cavalry, he has fallen back across theChattahoochee.

            Dispatches from Gen. S. D. Lee, Tupelo, state that a column of the enemy, 20,000 strong, is about marching from New Orleans against Mobile, and he fears he cannot spare men to resist them. The reserve class is not ready. Also that 15,000 of the enemy are marching from Lagrange, and he will have to dismount some of Forrest’s cavalry. Gen. E. K. Smith will not cross theMississippi to assist in repelling the foe without orders. Orders have been sent from the Secretary of War—I fear too late!

            Northern papers of the 8th inst. indicate a state of high excitement. Some there believe we have an army of 60,000 pouring intoPennsylvania. Gold was $2.65 for one.

            There is some commotion in Grant’s army, and it is believed by some that he is about to retire down the river.

            It is rumored that the prisoners heretofore confined at Point Lookout have been removed by the Federal Government.

            At 7 P.M. we had a gentle shower, lasting more than an hour.

Post image for An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones

An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones

July 11, 2014

An Artilleryman's Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones, 6th Battery, Wisconsin Artillery.

Kingston, Monday, July 11. Evie took my team out to graze. Spencer and I built, lower in park, shebang with table, etc. Boys hard at work putting up houses, sheds. 4 P. M. on detail hauling brush for sheds. Orders received to march 3 A. M. in the morning. All work on quarters ceased in an instant, our dreams of cool shade and easy time gone in a moment. Hurriedly washed dirty shirt in the stream, and prepared for the moving. Received a letter this evening. Health good. Expect to go to the front.

Post image for Reminiscences of the Civil War by William and Adelia Lyon.

Reminiscences of the Civil War by William and Adelia Lyon.

July 11, 2014

Reminiscences of the Civil War, William and Adelia Lyon

Colonel Lyon’s Letters.

 

Claysville, Ala., July 11, 1864.—Yesterday I was in the saddle all day visiting my command on the river.

I rode about 16 miles on Saturday; the day before, eight miles. Tomorrow I start on a trip to visit Companies F and D, down the river, and shall be absent about three days. I take a company of home scouts I am organizing here, as an escort, although there is no enemy on our route that we know of. Still, in this country we always go prepared for emergencies.

You ask me if I am not in a great deal of danger here. I don’t know. If only a moderate sized force of the enemy attacks us, no; if a large force, yes. We are building strong fortifications on the river, and expect to have three or four gunboats patrolling it in a few weeks; and if Sherman is successful in defeating Johnson, I do not think that we shall have any trouble. I have a good deal of business here with citizens. As there is no civil law or courts, I am judge, jury, arbitrator, and guardian for the whole country. An old woman is talking to me now, boring me to death with a long story about another old woman, her neighbor, who, she thinks is a rebel and a very dangerous character. I write this, with her talking persistently. I say ‘yes,’ and ‘really,’ occasionally, and that satisfies her. The most of the people here are well disposed, and many of them, particularly the poor class, are truly loyal. The old lady has finished her story, and so have I.

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