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

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Wellsville Station, South Side R. R.
31 miles from Petersburg, April 8.

Dear Hannah, — Our corps is guarding the railroad and wagon trains. We are to guard this railroad permanently from Petersburg to Burkcsville, so I understand. My regiment was in the battle on Sunday at Petersburg and charged the works. They were very fortunate, only losing 14 men killed and wounded. They did splendidly. I did not start from Washington until Sunday and reached my regiment on Tuesday morning. Met with a very gratifying reception indeed. Saw several of General Meade’s staff. General Lee and remnants of his army are supposed to be between the Appomattox and the James River on their way to Lynchburg. General Grant has his headquarters at Burkesville, about 20 miles from here, and General Meade is some 15 miles to the north of B. The opinion seems to be that General Lee will be cut off, but I doubt it.

Am perfectly well.

Am sorry to say that I find my blue mare is dead. After Colonel Jarves left, she was ridden by every one, contrary to his express orders, and was used up. I feel quite badly at losing her. . . .

Saturday, April 8.—The cannon has fired a salute of thirty-six guns to celebrate the fall of Richmond. This evening the streets were thronged with men, women and children all acting crazy as if they had not the remotest idea where they were or what they were doing. Atwater block was beautifully lighted and the band was playing in front of it. On the square they fired guns, and bonfires were lighted in the streets. Gov. Clark’s house was lighted from the very garret and they had a transparency in front, with “Richmond” on it, which Fred Thompson made. We didn’t even light “our other candle,” for Grandmother said she preferred to keep Saturday night and pity and pray for the poor suffering, wounded soldiers, who are so apt to be forgotten in the hour of victory.

April 8th.—Bright and pleasant weather.

We are still in uncertainty as to our fate, or whether an oath of allegiance will be demanded.

Efforts by Judge Campbell, Jos. R. Anderson, N. P. Tyler, G. A. Myers and others, are being made to assemble a convention which shall withdraw Virginia from the Confederacy.

Hundreds of civil employees remained, many because they had been required to volunteer in the local defense organization or lose their employment, and the fear of being still further perfidiously dealt with, forced into the army, notwithstanding their legal exemptions. Most of them had families whose subsistence depended upon their salaries. It is with governments as with individuals, injustice is sooner or later overtaken by its merited punishment.

The people are kinder to each other, sharing provisions, etc.

A New York paper says Gen. H. A. Wise was killed; we hear nothing of this here.

Roger A. Pryor is said to have remained voluntarily in Petersburg, and announces his abandonment of the Confederate States cause.

Saturday, 8th—All is quiet. Sherman’s army received orders to march on the 10th. Our wagon trains are loaded with thirty-five days’ rations, and we are to carry five days’ rations in our haversacks. The news is so good that all are anxious to move at once. The boys are all happy, thinking that this will be our last campaign. Our brigade received orders to clean clothing and accouterments for regimental inspection.

8th. Moved out early and met the 2nd Div., Crook’s, at Prospect Station on R. R. A beautiful day. Troops all cheer for Custer. Captured at Appomattox Station 4 trains of cars, charged and captured 24 pieces of artillery and heavy train of wagons after fighting until 10 P. M. Did not stop till reached rebel camp at Appomattox C. H. Horse hit by a shell and I struck by a spent ball.

Chattanooga, Saturday, April 8. A nice sunny day. Everything looks very pretty, the little birds chirping a merry welcome to spring. On guard. Received two letters. Artificers busy painting carriages of the Battery. Ordered to have an inspection by Major Mendenhall as soon as ready. Orders have been received to consolidate the 3rd Battery entire with the 6th Battery. Men looked for daily. 8th boys are afraid they will have to go back.

Another big batch of news to-day. Phil Sheridan has whipped Lee himself, capturing eight generals. Hopes to compel surrender, but I think he is too confident. Some in camp go so far as to prophesy a formidable movement of 6th Battery on Madison, Wisconsin,, soon.

New Creek, [West] Virginia, April 8, 1865.

Dearest: — The glorious news is coming so fast that I hardly know how to think and feel about it. It is so just that Grant, who is by all odds our man of greatest merit, should get this victory. It is very gratifying too that Sheridan gets the lion’s share of the glory of the active fighting. The clique of showy shams in the Army of the Potomac are represented by Warren. We do not know the facts, but I suspect Warren hung back, and after the Potomac fashion, didn’t take hold with zeal when he found Sheridan was to command. So he was sent to the rear! General Crook wrote me the day before the battle that the men were in superb condition and eager for the fray, but that some of the generals were half whipped already. No doubt he meant Warren. Crook commanded the advance of Sheridan’s attack. No doubt his strategy had much to do with it.

Personally, matters are probably as well as they could be, considering that we are in the hands, as Joe says, of the Yankees. The fall of Richmond came the day before we all left Camp Hastings. We had a glorious time. All the men gathered, all the bands; Chaplain Collier and I talked. I did not then of course say good-bye, but I said about all I would have said if just parting. The Thirty-sixth is about as near to me, the officers possibly more so, than the Twenty-third. I am in a command of all sorts now, a good regiment of cavalry, the old Pennsylvania Ringgold Cavalry, two batteries of Ohio men, one of them Captain Glassier’s (the old Simmonds Battery), one of the veteran West Virginia regiments (Second Veterans), and a lot of others of less value. It was intended to send me in command of about five thousand men, quite a little army, by mountain routes towards Lynchburg. We are still preparing for it, but I have no idea now that we shall go. I wish to remain in service until my four years is up in June. Then I shall resign or not, as seems best. If matters don’t suit me, I’ll resign sooner.

Now, if things remain here in statu quo, would you like [to] come here? It is a most romantic spot. I have Captain Nye and Lieutenant Turner of Thirty-sixth as part of my staff, Charley Smith, Billy Crump, and two other Twenty-third men as orderlies. We have speedy communication by rail and telegraph and with a little more company it would be very jolly. — Love to all.

Affectionately,

R.

Mrs. Hayes.

April 8th.

We have remained all day in camp, expecting, each moment, the order to move. Last night was a night of rest, the first in seven long, weary days. Today we are ready to march, or fight, or do any work remaining to be done, to finish up the job we have in hand. I do not, however, anticipate any more fighting, unless with small bands of guerillas. Our men are scouring the woods in every direction, but with small success.

Good news comes pouring in. Last night an “official” from General Grant was read, telling us of the capture of six Major Generals, fourteen pieces of artillery and thirteen thousand prisoners. This evening it is reported that Lee, hard pressed in front and rear, has asked Grant for terms of surrender. Thus the good work goes bravely on. I read of great rejoicing in the North over our success. What, then, must be our emotions? Words cannot express them. I can only say, in all sincerity, I am glad I contributed my mite to bring about this glorious result. Colonel Swift has been appointed Provost Marshal of this district, and has asked me to act as clerk.

Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.

Jonesboro, April 8.—Find the people very pleasant, although they are rebels. We shall board with them until Minerva comes.