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

Friday, September 12, 2014

Post image for Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

September 12, 2014

Diary of a Southern Refugee During the War by Judith White McGuire

12th.—After holding a consultation with a particular friend of Dr. M., together with Mr. —— and the “Colonel,” we have determined to await the decision of Mr. —— about the rooms on Franklin Street, and not to attempt to get others, hoping that as there are so many competitors for them, we may be considered the rightful claimants. There can be no doubt that they were promised to us.

The morning papers report “all quiet” at Petersburg, except that shells are daily thrown into the city, and that many of the women and children are living in tents in the country, so as to be out of the reach of shells.

The death of the bold and dashing General Morgan is deeply regretted. He has done us great service throughout the war, but particularly since his wonderful escape from his incarceration in the Ohio Penitentiary. It seems so short a time since he was here, all classes delighting to do him reverence. It is hard for us to have to give up such men.

General Hood telegraphs that the inhabitants of Atlanta have been ordered to leave their homes, to go they know not whither. Lord, how long must we suffer such things? I pray that the enemy’s hands may be stayed, and that they may be driven from our fair borders to their own land. I ask not vengeance upon them, but that they may be driven to their own homes, and that we may be henceforward and forever a separate people.

Post image for Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy.

Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy.

September 12, 2014

Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy, 39th Georgia Regiment of Infantry

Monday, 12th.—Armistice began to-day. Militia discharged. G. P. Harris brought seven Yankee deserters today. All foreigners and wished to return to their native country.

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

Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch.

September 12, 2014

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

September 12th. Cold cloudy morning. Ordered to the east side of the town, to make camp. Shelter tents put up. Picket line established out near the Shenandoah River. The fords must be guarded. Must keep a sharp lookout for Mosby and his guerillas. They know every foot of this country and all the fording places, so it is reported to us. A cold rain has come. I am detailed for picket. Have charge of the outpost, near the river. Captain Tiffany in command of our regiment. The town and vicinity in command of our Brigade Commander, Colonel Rodgers, 2d Maryland Regiment. Many army wagons are parked here.

Post image for Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

September 12, 2014

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Monday, 12th—No news. We have received no mail and no late papers for some time, because the main railroad to Atlanta has been torn up by the rebels for some distance between Nashville and Chattanooga.

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

An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones

September 12, 2014

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

Etowah Bridge, Monday, Sept. 12. Very quiet and pleasant day. On detail to load forage. Harness oiled in the afternoon. Most of the mail taken to the front. Politics the theme of the day. Considerable discussion. The friends of the U. S. are like angel visits “few and far between” but wonderfully in earnest.

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

War Diary and Letters of Stephen Minot Weld.

September 12, 2014

War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld

Monday, September 12. — Nothing new. The day passed as usual.

Post image for Rutherford B. Hayes.

Rutherford B. Hayes.

September 12, 2014

Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes

Headquarters First Brigade, Second Division,
Army of West Virginia, Summit Point, Virginia,

September 12, 1864.

Dear Uncle: — We have had no severe fighting since the third. The frequent rains have filled the Potomac so it is no longer fordable. I look for no attempt now on the part of the Rebels to get over the river and think there will be very little fighting unless we attack. We are gaining strength daily. Our policy seems to be not to attack unless the chances are greatly in our favor. Military affairs wear a much better look. Our armies are rapidly filling up. I shall not be surprised if Grant should soon find himself able to make important moves.

I like McClellan’s letter. It is an important thing. It is the best evidence to Europe and the South that the people intend to prosecute the war until the Union is re-established. Still, if things continue as favorable as they now are, I think Lincoln will be elected.

I see that Mr. Long is not renominated. I supposed he would be and that my election over him was quite a sure thing. Against Mr. Lord the result will depend on the general drift matters take. I am not a-going to take it to heart if I am beaten. “It’s of no consequence at all,” as Mr. Toots would say. Mr. Lord’s wife and family are particular and intimate friends of my wife and family. His wife is a sister of Stephenson’s wife. Divers friends of his and mine will be in a worry how to vote, I suspect.

I am glad you are out of debt — a good place to be out of in the times a-coming. . . .

Sincerely,

R B Hayes

S. Birchard.

Post image for War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

September 12, 2014

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

12th. Monday. Regt. went out on a scout to Millwood. Remained in camp. Read some and worked. Considerable rain for two or three days. Cold nights.

Post image for A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

September 12, 2014

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

by John Beauchamp Jones

            SEPTEMBER 12TH.—Clear, and quite cold.

            Gen. Hood has agreed to a short armistice withSherman, ten days, proposed by the latter. Our people don’t know what to think of this, and the government is acquiescent.

            But there is a mournful gloom upon the brows of many, since Gen. Grant holds theWeldon Road, and is daily receiving reinforcements, while we get but few under the Conscription system and the present organization of the bureau.

            There is a rumor of an intention to abandonPetersburg, and that 20,000 old men and boys, etc. must be put in the trenches on our side immediately to saveRichmond and the cause.

            Over 100,000 landed proprietors, and most of the slaveowners, are now out of the ranks, and soon, I fear, we shall have an army that will not fight, having nothing to fight for. And this is the result of the pernicious policy of partiality and exclusiveness, disintegrating society in such a crisis, and recognizing distinction of ranks, —the higher class staying home and making money, the lower class thrust into the trenches. And then the infamous schedule, to make the fortunes of the farmers of certain counties.

            I bought 30 yards of brown cotton to-day, at $2.50 per yard, from a man who had just returned fromNorth Carolina. The price here is $5. I sold my dear old silver reel some time ago (angling) for $75, the sum paid for this cotton.

            Already the Dispatch is publishing paragraphs in praise of the “Bureau of Conscription,” never dreaming that it strikes both Gen. Bragg and the President. These articles are written probably by Lieut.-Col. Lay or Col. August. And the Examiner is opening all its batteries again on the President and Gen. Bragg. The conscription men seem to have the odds; but the President, with a single eye, can discern his enemies, and when fully aroused is apt to pounce upon them like a relentless lion. The times are critical, however, and the Secretary of War is very reserved, even when under positive orders to act.