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

November 2014

Wednesday, November 30. — Lieutenant Belcher on. Mr. Caldwell came to see me and gave me strong hopes of an exchange. Captain Senn came with him. Day warm and pleasant. No letters received. Nothing definite from Sherman. His cavalry reported at Waynesboro.

Wednesday, 30th—Weather pleasant. We broke camp at 8 o’clock and covered only ten miles by the close of the whole day’s march, when we went into bivouac on the banks of the Ogeechee river. We had a bad road, it being almost one continuous swamp. Now and then there was a small farm with a log hut occupied by a poor woman and children, all the men and larger boys being off with the army.[1] All is quiet in the front, but the rebels keep close on our rear. It is reported that General Wheeler with his cavalry is in our rear. The boys all declare that it’s the safest place for him to be, just so he doesn’t get too close. This is the sixteenth day out from Atlanta and we have been on the march part of the time both day and night. We have had but little fighting, but we have destroyed one thousand miles of railroad and burned millions of dollars’ worth of other property. Camp in the swamps of Georgia.


[1] It has been truly said that Governor Brown of Georgia robbed the cradle and the grave, forcing all the boys and old men into the army at the time of their defense of Macon, where they were defeated and scattered by our Fifteenth Army Corps on November 22, 1864.—A. G. D.

Camp Russell, Army of the Shenandoah, Virginia,

November 30, 1864.

My Dear Son: — I received a letter from your mother today in which she says that you are expecting a letter from me.

. . . I am very glad to hear that you are studying your lessons very well. . . . What a funny name your mother has for your brother “the Little Soldier.” She thinks of calling him after one of her ancestors, Captain Bilious Cook. I would prefer George Crook to such a queer name as “Bilious.”

We are having pleasant weather, and drill the officers and men every day. All the officers of the brigade were out today and we began with the musket drill, shoulder arms, etc. You would like to see our brigade have dress parade. The four regiments are formed in one line — the band and brigade flag in the middle. It makes a fine display. . . .

December 2. — You would have enjoyed being here yesterday. It was a fine warm day and we moved camp. One division of the Sixth Corps left to go south via Washington, perhaps to Grant. We moved our camp about a mile over to their ground. We are getting well fixed again. We hauled over our flooring and bunks, and they left a great deal of material, so we rather made by the change.

Your little letter pleased me very much. If you study hard you will soon be able to write a good long one. Give my love to Grandma, “the Little Soldier,” and all the rest of your friends. If I don’t get home by New Year’s, you must write me about the holidays. — Good-bye.

Your affectionate father,

R. B. Hayes.

Master James Webb Hayes,
Chillicothe.

Camp near Petersburg, Va.,

November 30th. 1864.

“Be ready to march tomorrow morning.” This is the order that greeted us the night before last at 10 o’clock. It was a surprise to us, as we had seen no indications of such an order; not even an order to draw extra rations.

In the morning we learned the Ninth Corps was to relieve the Second Corps in front of Petersburg. At 10 o’clock the next morning we were under way. The day was cloudless, the roads in fine condition, and we made the sixteen miles at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

We halted within two miles of our destination until dark, as the rest of the way was in range of Rebel guns, and in plain view. In the interval we treated ourselves to coffee and hardtack, the first since morning. Soon as it was fairly dusk we resumed our march, and brought up, a little after dark, on the right of Petersburg, near the Appomattox River. It seems like meeting old acquaintances, after weeks of separation. This part of the line is nearest the city, and is the scene of the “usual amount of firing” mentioned in every daily paper. Many is the evening Mr. Collier and I have visited these hills and listened to the thunders of artillery that threatened to shake them from their foundations. Too tired to pitch my tent, I spread my blankets on the ground, and, undisturbed by the roar of cannon, sweetly slept until morning. This morning we relieved the Thirty-sixth Wisconsin, and took possession of their quarters, which are very comfortable.

We are encamped on a high hill that overlooks the city, and the Rebel lines are in full view, far to the right and left. Close by is a fort that mounts “thirty-two-pounders.”

Eighty of our men are permanently detailed at General Wilcox’s headquarters; the rest are scattered on temporary details.

Captain Sudborough is in command of a detachment on the railroad near City Point. I will report to him tomorrow.

November 30th.—Clear, and warm as summer. No fires.

It is reported that Gen. Hood is still marching North, and is near Nashville.

The following telegrams were received this morning:

“Augusta, November 29th, 1864.—It is reported, via Savannah, the enemy, with infantry and artillery, entered Millen yesterday. Wheeler is rapidly pursuing Kilpatrick, who retreats in that direction from Waynesborough.—B. B.”

“Augusta, November 29th, 1864.—6½ P.M.—Gen. Jones telegraphs from Charleston: ‘Ten (10) gun-boats with transports landing troops at Boykins on Broad River. Four gun-boats with transports and barges are, by this time, at Mackay’s Point, junction of Pocotaligo with Broad River. I am sending all assistance from here, and think we must make the struggle near the coast.’ As this movement relieves Wilmington, might not some of the North Carolina reserves be sent to Gen. Jones?—B. Bragg.”

The following items were in the papers this morning:

“Negro Pickets.—Monday morning negro pickets were placed in front of Gen. Pickett’s division. Our men, taking it as an insult, yesterday fired upon them, causing a stampede among them. Their places have been supplied with white Yankees, and the lines have resumed the usual quiet.

“Two negroes, captured by Gen. Hunter in the Valley last summer, and forced into the Yankee army, deserted yesterday and came into Gen. Pickett’s lines, and were brought over to this city.”

“Capture of Gen. Pryor.—The Express gives the following account of the capture of the Hon. Roger A. Pryor, on Monday morning:

“While riding along the lines on our right, he stopped at one of our vidette posts, and left his horse and private arms with one or two other articles in charge of the pickets, stated that he intended, as was often his custom, to go forward and exchange papers with the enemy’s videttes. He advanced in the direction of the Yankee lines, flourishing a paper in his hand, in token of his object, and after proceeding some distance was met by a Yankee officer. An exchange of papers was effected, and Gen. Pryor had turned to retrace his steps, when he was suddenly seized by two or three armed men, who were lying in ambush, and hurried away. The whole transaction, we understand, was witnessed by some of our men, but at too great a distance to render any assistance. Gen. Pryor had frequently exchanged papers with the enemy, and his name and character had, no doubt, been reported to them. They resolved to have him, by fair means or foul, and descended to the basest treachery to accomplish their purpose.

“We trust that some notice may be taken of the matter by our military authorities, and every effort used to secure his early return. During the last few months the general has been acting as an independent scout, in which capacity he has rendered valuable service.”

November 30th. Very busy since the last date. Preparing to keep comfortable for the coming cold weather. A steam sawmill near town, where we can buy lumber to make our shacks. The government only furnishes tents, so we have to chip in and buy the boards. Our quarters are six feet wide, nine feet long. The roof made of tents drawn over rafters. Bunks made for four, filled with straw. Some of the shacks were made larger. Ours was occupied by Sergeant Fred Spencer, Corporals Restcome, Peckham, Charles H. Lynch, and Private Edwin Washburn.

Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 30. 8 A. M. In position awaiting Hood. Unexpectedly were ordered last night at 7 P. M. to pack up blankets and knapsacks, ready to move at a moment’s warning. Playfully did we proceed to obey, thinking we would not move, only a “scare as usual”. But immediately we were ordered to strike tents and a host of mules with their dusky drivers came, and we thought it was big enough to move us this time. The other batteries were under similar orders. The long-eared animals were fastened on. Our tents and “dear little stoves” were piled up, and with but little delay we pulled up and started toward town, the first battery out of Camp Barry.

Marched through town via muddy streets and dark alleys, till finally we halted about a mile and a half north of town facing northwest with a wide open plain before us, having come about five miles. Here we came into line and our uncouth transportation left us. It was 11 P. M. when we laid down ‘neath a placid and beautiful, starry sky. The jests and laughs went round for some time before the hilarious spirits were overcome by sleepiness.

This morning we arose to find four more batteries in position and everything quiet. Aligned our guns forming an obtuse angle, facing the northwest. Two of the batteries have gone to camp. We have had our breakfast. Long strings of citizens, government employees, etc. are winding their way to the front with shovel, pick and wheelbarrow, to throw up earthworks about half a mile in our front. As yet we have but little expectation of fighting but they may come, and it is best to be ready. I am to act as No. 6 and I will try to do my duty as well as possible.

Twilight. The day has gone by quietly, no sound or sight of battle yet. Some thirty transports have arrived from Paducah loaded with General Smith’s veterans, amongst them the glorious 8th and 10th Wisconsin. The unanimous desire of all is that they come and give us fight. We are posted on the middle reserve line, and it is doubtful for us whether they could come within our reach, were they to try it. The orders are to move four rods to the right, sleep at our posts and be up at 4 A. M. Corporals Ray and Hill with detachments out of our Battery man two guns of the 10th Ohio on our left. In spite of “war’s threatening aspect” we have had to-day a pleasing remembrance of home in the shape of roast turkey and other goodies sent to Milt, for Thanksgiving dinner.

30th. Wednesday. Up at 4 and on the road at 5. The most beautiful sunrise from the vast height. A grand view of mountains stretching away for miles in all directions. 2nd Ohio in advance. Reached Moorfield at 10 A. M. Remained till 2 P. M. Returned via northwestern grade. Camped 13 miles from M. on an old gentleman’s farm. I had quite a talk with him. He owned a farm, sterile and poor, of 200 acres in among the hills. He was 70 years of age. Moved there 34 years since when all was a wilderness. Had never owned a slave. Had cleaned up the farm, built a log house and made all the improvements with his own hands. It made him almost crazy to see all going to destruction in one night— all his fences, outbuildings, cattle, sheep and fowls. An only son at home, an invalid. Had always been true to the government. Only wished that God would now call him, that he might be with his many friends in the church yard—pointing to it near by—and this aspect of suffering and starvation be taken from him.

Eight miles east of Summerville,

November 30, 1864.

Passed through the above named town this morning. All pine woods again to-day. Stopped at the first house I came to this morning and asked the resident, an ashcolored negress, something about the country. She said she’d had the chills and fever so long she didn’t know anything, but “over dar was a house whar de folks had some sense.” Captain Smith and I walked over to the house she pointed to and found a fine old German, very anxious to know if we intended to burn his house. After he cooled down a little he grew much Union. He said he had been ordered to join the army one, two, three, twenty times, but had told them he would rather be shot than take up arms against the United States. The 12th Indiana band struck up as we passed his house, and the music touched the old fellow’s heart. The tears rolled down his face and he blubbered out, “That is the first music I have heard for four years; it makes me think of home. D—n this Georgia pine wood.” He said that sugar is the staple here in peace times. The foragers brought in loads of it this evening.

Wednesday, 30th.—Federals all gone this morning. Left Columbia at 2 P. M., at Spring Hill at dark. Heavy fighting at Franklin. Confederate loss very heavy. Brigade halted at 9 P. M.; short- time ordered on again; after moving two or three miles, halted again, but in an hour had to move again.