April 1.—I have just been told that Spanish Fort is closely besieged. The day is very beautiful, but I can not enjoy it on account of the bad news. I wish, now, I had remained at home, so as to help take care of the wounded.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Saturday, 1st—The weather is pleasant. No news of any importance. The camp here is the best we have had since leaving Vicksburg. Our “ranch” is eight feet square, boarded up seven feet high, and has a gable roof of the proper pitch covered over with our rubber ponchos, nailed to the rafters; it will protect us from the worst rainstorm. Our bunks are raised two feet from the ground. We have a door to the “ranch,” made of boards, and the latch-string hangs out.
April 1st.—Clear and pleasant. Walked to the department.
We have vague and incoherent accounts from excited couriers of fighting, without result, in Dinwiddie County, near the South Side Railroad.
It is rumored that a battle will probably occur in that vicinity to-day.
I have leave of absence, to improve my health; and propose accompanying my daughter Anne, next week, to Mr. Hobson’s mansion in Goochland County. The Hobsons are opulent, and she will have an excellent asylum there, if the vicissitudes of the war do not spoil her calculations. I shall look for angling streams: and if successful, hope for both sport and better health.
The books at the conscript office show a frightful list of deserters or absentees without leave—60,000—all Virginians. Speculation!
Jno. M. Daniel, editor of the Examiner, is dead.
The following dispatch from Gen. Lee is just (10 A.M.) received:
“Headquarters, April 1st, 1865.
“His Excellency President Davis.
“Gen. Beauregard has been ordered to make arrangements to defend the railroad in North Carolina against Stoneman. Generals Echols and Martin are directed to co-operate, and obey his orders.
“R. E. Lee.”
A rumor (perhaps a 1st of April rumor) is current that a treaty has been signed between the Confederate States Government and Maximilian.
1st. Saturday. At daylight, without supper or breakfast, advanced. Rebels in front fell back. 5th corps up. Advanced dismounted 5 miles to the rebel breastworks. Built temporary breastworks. Held them under fire till 4 P. M. when the 5th corps came up and charged. Advanced through the pines till in sight of works and guns with a yell. Repulsed. Formed line again and in 15 minutes charged again. Got under the works and laid down. Here Brother Thede, noble and brave boy, was struck through with a piece of shell. Helped him from the field. Suffered awfully. In answer to my questions he said: “Luman, I think my wound is mortal. I can not live. I have tried to do my duty today. Tell mother I only wish I had been a better boy. I hope that God will accept me and take me to Heaven.” He had his senses for 30 or 40 minutes when he sank away as we carried him along and died before we reached the hospital. I thought that he had fallen asleep. I spoke to him but received no answer. His pulse beat feebly. I knew then that he was going. The Doctor gave him some brandy, but no life appeared. I buried him in a rough box beneath a cedar tree in front of the house and across the road and cut the headboard with a knife. God sustain mother.
Chattanooga, Saturday, April 1. This is “All Fools Day” as I was very forcibly reminded this morning by a cutting “April Fool.” Many besides myself were victimized in camp.
But there was no April Fool about the morning detail, and I must come on. Nailed shakes on the stables till dinner. After dinner, stable detail was not called out, but left to police camp.
I staid indoors and wrote two letters which I ought to have done before, but could not find the time. Lieutenant Sweet’s house finished to-day and they have moved in. Rumors of leaving are already afloat, generally the case when once we become comfortably established. Good news and plenty of it.
April 1st. Weather improving, for which we are thankful. Good reports come from General Grant’s army, pushing General Lee. General Sheridan left the valley with his cavalry corps. Infantry left at Winchester. Great excitement over reports that come to headquarters. Many visitors from town witness our dress parade. Boys are doing their best to make a fine appearance on parade, which takes place at 5 P. M.
April 1st, 1865.
The Rebels are very restless in our front. Nearly every night this week they have threatened the line in front of the Third Division.
And now, that dark night has “spread her sable mantle o’er the earth,” and those who remain in camp have retired to snatch, perchance, a few hours sleep, perchance to be aroused before slumber has closed their eyelids, to face war’s rude alarms, I sit me down to ponder on the whereabouts and doings of General Grant during the past four days.
“Any news from the left?” meet whom you may, is the eager inquiry. “Nothing reliable,” the unvarying reply. Of course, the air is filled with rumors.
April 1st, 1865.—More distressing news of our dear boys at the front. In Virginia and in the army now slowly falling back before Sherman, starvation is staring them in the face. Johnston’s men are fighting almost inch by inch; every foot of the way is contested. In Virginia, “Lee’s Invincibles,” are falling from the ranks, fainting from lack of food. This is heart-breaking, and yet our people are hopeful of final success. I know I am as true to “The Cause” as any but it seems to me there is but little hope. “Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom He would receive.”
