Wednesday, 15th—It rained all night, and this morning is quite cool. By 8 o’clock we were again on the move and covered ten miles in pushing the rebels back. The Fifteenth Corps on our right drove them back this afternoon behind their fortifications on the south bank of the Congaree river, then we had a regular artillery duel until after dark. We have been in the smoke of the burning pine woods and buildings almost continuously for the last few days. At times when marching on a road alongside the burning pine timber, we became so blackened from the smoke as to look like negroes, while the heat from the burning pitch was frightful.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Nashville, Wednesday, Feb. 15. A damp, rainy day. On guard, third relief. Very busy all day turning over condemned stores, and drew new equipments. Ten pair spurs, whips, scarlet blankets, and to-morrow we draw harness and sixty-four McElellar’s saddles for cannon. General Barry, chief of artillery of Military Division of Mississippi is in town. Very anxious to get us started. Promised Captain to give him plenty of men from infantry regiments when needed. Good! New life and animation seems to be infused into camp with the prospect of once more being a Battery, worthy the name of one, ready to fight or to march. All anxious for the spring campaign. But great dissatisfaction exists because the paymaster stays off so long. Officers and men are all without money. D. Evans and I visited smallpox hospital. Were sorry to find Dan abed yet. Saw his nurse who said Dan had had a “back set.” I fear he grows disheartened and lonesome, and when the spirit sinks it is hard for nature to do her healing work.
Three miles from Columbia, February 15th.
A rather lively day. We started the Johnnies right by our camp. Our brigade in advance of the corps and army. The 40th Illinois was deployed as skirmishers, and drove them four miles rapidly, losing only five men. Our regiment then relieved them. They opened artillery on us and fought stubbornly. It was the Kentucky brigade of Wheeler’s “Critter Co.” We drove them from a splendid position and heavy line of works with the assistance of three companies of our 3d brigade, 4th Iowa and —th Ohio. They killed F. M. Cary, of my company and took my orderly Sergt. T. S. Brown’s right arm off. Wounded three other men in the regiment, Henry H. Orendorff, Joe Parkinson and Stewart, of company F. It is said we go for the city to-morrow.
15th. A detail for picket. Bill on. Answered all my old letters. Will’s excellent one. Fred’s, Sarah’s, C. G.’s and Dan Coate’s. Spent most of the day thus. Read some.
February 15th.—Moderated last night; this morning sleety and dangerous.
Gen. Lee was in the city yesterday, walking about briskly, as if some great event was imminent. His gray locks and beard have become white, but his countenance is cheerful, and his health vigorous.
The papers say Wheeler has beaten Kilpatrick (Federal cavalry general) back five miles, somewhere between Branchville and Augusta. So he did once or twice when Sherman was marching on Savannah, and he took it while Bragg remained at Augusta. The news of a victory by Beauregard over Sherman would change the face of affairs in that quarter, and nothing less will suffice.
It is surprising that the Federal authorities do not seem to perceive that in the event of a forced reconstruction of the Union, and a war with any European power, the South would rise again and join the latter. Better recognize a separate nationality, secure commercial advantages, and have guarantees of neutrality, etc.
Scouts report Gen. Thomas (Federal), with 30,000 men, encamped in the vicinity of Alexandria, Va., awaiting fair weather to march upon Richmond from that direction. The number is exaggerated no doubt, but that Richmond is to be subjected to renewed perils, while Congress is wasting its time in idle debate, is pretty certain.
The Senate passed a bill yesterday abolishing the Bureau of Conscription, and I think it will pass the House. The President ought to have abolished it months ago—years ago. It maybe too late.
Col. St. John, Chief Mining and Niter Bureau, has been nominated as the new Commissary-General.
Cumberland, Maryland, February 15, 1865.
Dear Mother: — We are jogging along in the usual style of a winter camp. The thing about us which you would think most interesting is the doings of our chaplain. We have a good one. He is an eccentric, singular man — a good musician — very fond of amusement and as busy as a bee. He is a son of a well-known Presbyterian minister of Granville, Mr. Little. Since I left he has had built a large log chapel, covered with tent cloth. In this he has schools, in which he teaches the three R’s, and music, and has also preaching and prayer-meetings and Sunday-school. The attendance is large. The number of young men and boys from the mountains of West Virginia, where schools are scarce, in my command makes this a useful thing. He has also got up a revival which is interesting a good many.
Since my return itinerant preachers of the Christian Commission have held two or three meetings in our chapel.
Affectionately, your son,
R.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
Wednesday P. M., February 15, [1865].
Dearest: — You notice the last sentence.[1] Is it prudent or possible even for you to drop little George for a fortnight? I have of course no fears about the boy. His grandmother seems to have the full charge of him, but will it do for you? If so, you come to see your husband at Cumberland. Washington is not to be named. We are such little people that we can go “strictly incog.” Bring on two hundred to three hundred dollars — no care about dress — and we can manage it.
Write soon so I can get the leave if you say so. — Love to all.
Affectionately ever,
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
[1] This refers to the last sentence of a letter to Hayes from his friend Judge William Johnston, written from Washington, on the blank page of which Hayes was writing. The sentence read: “Say whether you will be here at the inauguration. I have sent home for my family to be here. It will be the greatest demonstration the world ever saw, and I think both you and Mrs. Hayes ought to be here.”
