7th.—On the third of September we stopped at Camp Advance, near Chain Bridge, on our way to Richmond. That was nearly ten weeks ago. We are now about four miles nearer to Richmond than we were then. Three weeks to a mile! When shall we close this war? Could we only move once a week, even though it were but a mile at a time, it would keep up an excitement, and contribute largely to the preservation of both health and subordination. There is much talk amongst the soldiers of going into winter quarters here, but I do not believe it. McClellan will hardly dare risk his popularity on such a stake. He must go forward.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Thursday, November 7. — Mark this day with a white mark for we have been victorious in battle. We took a pilot from the R. B. Forbes, and one from the Vixen, and started off at 9.30 o’clock for the anchorage of the other ships. We had to proceed slowly and cautiously, for we drew 22 feet of water, and at low tide there is not more than three fathoms according to the chart. Just as we started we saw the Wabash and the gunboats getting under weigh, and heading for the Sound. It was a most exciting moment for every one, as we expected to see the smoke from the rebel cannon every second, announcing that the fight which we had so longed for and on the success of which so much depended, had begun in reality.
When we were about six miles from the land, we saw the white smoke curling up in the air from a point on the left of the sound called Hilton Head. This was followed by the heavy “boom” of the report, and by several more cannon fired from two batteries on the opposite side and from rebel gunboats in the Sound. We, of course, were very much excited and watched the proceedings with great earnestness. The Wabash soon gave the rebels a broadside, to which they responded briskly. Finally we dropped our anchor about two miles and a half from shore, and just out of the reach of their batteries. Here we could get a fine view of the whole fight, our ship being the nearest one of the transports.
During the first of the fight the rebel batteries on both points fired quite vigorously, but the one in Bay Point soon ceased firing except at intervals, either because our ships were out of range, or because they were disabled. It was probably from the first reason, as our ships during the whole fight paid more attention to the Hilton Head battery than to any other. The ships would go round in an ellipse, firing at each battery as they passed it. At first they went within 800 yards of Hilton Head, but the second time round they approached within 600 yards. The scene was a truly magnificent one. The Wabash would lead off with a perfect storm of shot and shell, followed closely by the gunboats and the Susquehannah. The rebels seemed to like the Wabash better than any other ship, as she was a much larger mark, and whenever she came round they would make a spurt, and man their guns quite well. During the whole of the fight I could see shot strike the water, sending a fountain up in the air some 15 or 20 feet high. They would drop on all sides of some of the vessels, but not many seemed to hit. The second time the Wabash came round was well worth travelling a thousand miles to see. She looked like a cloud of smoke and flame, so incessant a fire did she keep up. Then, at the same time, the gunboats increased the rapidity of their fire, so that the fort was pretty well rained upon. From the water’s edge, where some of the shot struck, to the woods two miles back of the fort, the air was filled with rings of smoke, and with dust and dirt. Around the fort it was terrific. I counted over 50 shells bursting at once in and close around it. So thick was the air with dust and smoke from the shells, that frequently the fort would be hidden from sight. This would continue for about 15 or 20 minutes, when the Wabash would haul off, and go on her rounds to the other battery, letting fly a few shot at it. The woods behind the fort were well shelled, and if any rebels were there, they must have suffered severely.
By the time the Wabash left on her second round, four of our gunboats had taken up a position where they could enfilade the rebel batteries, which they did in a handsome manner. When the Wabash went at her work for the third time, a little steam-tug, the Mercury, with a 20- pound Parrott rifled gun, ran right up to the battery, and got in so near they could not hit her. Then she backed round with her stern towards the fort and let drive her one gun. It was the best thing done during the whole action, and was loudly cheered from all the transports. The last broadside of the Wabash frightened the rebels, and at about 2 o’clock the marines from the Wabash landed, and took possession of the island.[1]
At 12 M. General Wright came on board, and I spoke to him about my commission on his staff, which he had made out. He told me to get ready instantly, which I did, appearing in a good deal of borrowed plumage. At 3 o’clock the general and his staff got into a boat and shoved off from the Baltic, and went to the Illinois, where we found the 7th Connecticut embarking in boats. Soon the Winfield Scott took about 50 of these boats in tow, carrying them as near the shore as she could go. By 5.30 o’clock we were on South Carolina soil, and we instantly went up to the fort. We found all the marines jolly drunk on whiskey which they had found in the canteens, and in a house there. They were sent on board ship as soon as possible, and the place handed over to the military authorities.
The fort was a very strong one, and not much damaged by our fire. It mounts 22 guns besides a small battery, outside, of one gun and two mortars. Its name is Fort Walker, and it was built by an engineer named Lee, as we found out from a plan in what used to be a hospital and General Drayton’s headquarters combined. Here I found an envelope on the floor with $291.31 marked on the outside. The envelope was torn open and most of the money taken out, but on opening it still more, I found two shinplasters, a 20- and a 10-cent one. I also got a one-dollar bill on the Bank of the State of South Carolina, from Captain Goodrich. I found in Dr. Buist’s trunk, the rebel surgeon, a wreath for the hat, which I appropriated.
After we had been on shore about half an hour, General Wright sent me to order boats to the Cahawba, and as one had to wade some 20 or 30 feet in the water in order to get near a boat, it was not so pleasant as it might have been. The scene on the beach when the soldiers were landing, surpasses description. Guns going off, some fired by drunken marines and others by disorderly soldiers; men screaming, yelling, and rushing about in perfect disorder, made altogether a perfect pandemonium of the place. It could hardly be avoided though, owing to the manner in which the soldiers were landed : they being in small boats and easily getting scattered, it was a work of much difficulty getting them together again. General Wright soon got his brigade together, and immediately garrisoned the fort and stationed pickets, and posted all the regiments, making them sleep on their arms, ready at a minute’s notice. He took me with him at about two o’clock in the morning, and went the rounds. I got about an hour’s sleep in the headquarters, and was glad enough to get it. I was so busy most of the time that I had no chance to get any plunder, and then too the general was going round, stopping the men from plundering, and of course under such circumstances I did not wish to do it. Many of the marines got swords, pistols, guns, watches, etc., from the tents. It was quite a pretty sight in the evening, when the moon had gone down, to see over a hundred fires burning in every direction, and groups of soldiers round them, talking, smoking, and joking as if safe at home. The rebels left one of the guns in the fort all loaded and ready to fire, and from many such signs it would seem as if they must have left in quite a hurry.
[1] It turned out that this fight had for its object the capture of Port Royal, in which we succeeded, as these two forts controlled the entrance to the bay on which Port Royal is situated.
7th. Went home with Nettie Chidgey and Lizzie Cobb. Went to hear the Minstrels—disgusted.
November 7th.—After such bad weather, the Indian summer, I’été de St. Martin, is coming gradually, lighting up the ruins of the autumn’s foliage still clinging to the trees, giving us pure, bright, warm days, and sunsets of extraordinary loveliness. Drove out to Bladensburgh with Captain Haworth, and discovered that my waggon was intended to go on to Richmond and never to turn back or round, for no roads in this part of the country are wide enough for the purpose. Dined at the Legation, and in the evening went to a grand ball, given by the 6th United States Cavalry in the Poor House near their camp, about two miles outside the city. The ball took place in a series of small white-washed rooms off long passages and corridors; many supper tables were spread; whisky, champagne, hot terrapin soup, and many luxuries graced the board; and although but two or three couple could dance in each room at a time, by judicious arrangement of the music several rooms were served at once. The Duke of Chartres, in the uniform of a United States Captain of Staff, was among the guests, and had to share the ordeal to which strangers were exposed by the hospitable entertainers, of drinking with them all. Some called him “Chatters “—others, “Captain Chatters;” but these were of the outside polloi, who cannot be kept out on such occasions, and who shake hands and are familiar with everybody.
The Duke took it all exceedingly well, and laughed with the loudest in the company. Altogether the ball was a great success—somewhat marred indeed in my own case by the bad taste of one of the officers of the regiment which had invited me, in adopting an offensive manner when about to be introduced to me by one of his brother officers. Colonel Emory, the officer in command .of the regiment, interfered, and, finding that Captain A was not sober, ordered him to retire. Another small contretemps was caused by the master of the Work House, who had been indulging at least as freely as the captain, and at last began to fancy that the paupers had broken loose and were dancing about after hours below stairs. In vain he was led away and incarcerated in one room after another; his intimate knowledge of the architectural difficulties of the building enabled him to set all precautions at defiance, and he might be seen at intervals flying along the passages towards the music, pursued by the officers, until he was finally secured in a dungeon without a window, and with a bolted and locked door between him and the ball-rooms.
THURSDAY 7
A fine pleasant day. I have not done much. Went to the office of the Sec’y of the Interior. Was told that I was certainly to be restored to office but must have patience. Well, patience is well enough, but it will not pay for provisions and fuel, and I am consequently rather impatient as near four months inactivity has naturaly reduced my finances to a low ebb. Oak wood from $10. to $11. pr cord, pine $9.00, coal $12.00 &c &c. No news of importance. A large Regt with a fine Band passed tonight. Just arrived P.A.104th.
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The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of Congress.
London, November 7, 1861
We have just received the account of the disaster to the 20th, and I tell you, I feel bad. That there was a blunder somewhere I have no doubt, and I am inclined to believe that it was Baker and that he paid for it with his life. But to lose Lee and Paul Revere and to have your friends wounded and defeated is not atoned for by the fact of its being a blunder. Thank God it was no worse and that no one was killed. You can imagine I trembled when I ran down the list of losses.
The anxiety with which we are waiting now for the struggle that is coming is not pleasant to bear. A general battle must come before the month is over, and on its result everything will turn. I shall wait to hear of it before I discuss anything about what is to follow.
Affairs here remain in the old position and promise to remain so until there is something decisive on your side. There is no danger of any movement from England, of that you may be sure, and I have done my best to induce the New York press to change its tone towards this country, but they are damned fools, and they will remain damned fools, I suppose, and make our difficulties as great as they possibly can be. The English Government are well disposed enough, at least so far as actions are concerned, and now we hate each other too much to care a brass farthing what our opinions may be, on either side. Last May was the time for the contest of opinions. Now it is the most wretched folly to waste a moment over what this or any other country thinks. We must induce them not to act, but as for their thoughts, I, for one, have been thoroughly satisfied that America can expect no sympathy or assistance in Europe from any Government. They all hate us and fear us, even the most liberal. We must depend wholly on ourselves, and so long as we are strong all will go on, but the instant we lose our strength, down we shall go. The New York press are playing into the hands of the party here which is organized on the basis of antiblockade.
As for me, I am not wholly lazy. A few days ago I called again on Townsend, the editor of the Spectator. He says that the present Ministry will stand and that there will be no interference with us even in the case of another defeat. But he doubts about France. Then I called on “Tom Brown” Hughes and had a long talk with him, but not about politics entirely. He is a regular Englishman and evidently one who prides himself on having the English virtues. He is to ask me to dine with him next week.
But my great gun is the Manchester one. Tomorrow evening I start with a pocketful of letters for Manchester to investigate that good place. With such recommendations I ought to see everything that is to be seen and learn all that is to be learned. I am invited to stay with a Mr. Stell, an American there, and have accepted. My present plan is to report with as much accuracy as possible all my conversations and all my observations, and to send them to you. Perhaps it might make a magazine article; except that it should be printed as soon as possible. If I find that I can make it effective in that form, I shall write it out and send it to you for the Atlantic. If not, I shall contract it and send it to you for the Advertiser or Courier.
As for the matter of your becoming a correspondent of some paper here, I have had it always in my mind, but the difficulty is that every paper here has already one or more American correspondents. I intend to suggest it to Townsend, and should have done so earlier but that I do not think the Spectator cares for correspondents. As for papers against our side, of course I could n’t get you onto one of those, nor would I if I could. George Sumner is writing weekly vile letters in the Morning Post. I wish you would put the screws on him to stop it. He does more harm than his head’s worth. So does Charles, here and at home. They’re both crazy, and George, at least, unprincipled. Charles, though I believe him to be honest, is actuated by selfish motives. . . .
NOVEMBER 7TH.—We hear of the resignation of Gen. Scott, as Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. forces.
Commodore Samuel F. DuPont, the commander of the naval forces of the expedition, is a native of the State of Delaware, and received his appointment into the navy from that State. His original entry into the service of his country was on the 19th of December, 1815; he has been, therefore, nearly forty-six years in the service, and his forty-sixth anniversary has won more glory and raised him higher in the estimation of the people, both at home and abroad, than all previous ones. Up to the present time Commodore DuPont has spent nearly twenty-two years on sea, eight and a half years in active duty on shore, and the balance of his time has been unemployed. His present commission bears date September 14, 1855. He was last at sea in May, 1859, and since that time he has been commandant of the Navy Yard at Philadelphia, where his kindness of manner, together with his strict discipline, won for him many friends.
Commodore DuPont is a man a little past what is usually termed the prime of life, although possessed of all the vigor, bodily strength, and ambition that usually characterize younger men. In his personal appearance the Commodore is a person that would at once attract attention.
– Harper’s Weekly, November 30, 1861
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Top image is from The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events, page 69, Volume 3, edited by Frank Moore
November 7.—Gens. Grant’s and McClernand’s forces landed at Belmont at eight A. M., were formed into line of battle and immediately attacked the rebel works. They were met by the rebels in force, under General Cheatham, whom, however, they drove to and through their camp, captured a battery of twelve guns, burned their camp, and took the rebel baggage, horses, and many prisoners. Large bodies of rebels crossed from Columbus and reinforced these at Belmont, when another severe fight took place, and the National forces withdrew to their boats. Their retreat was well covered by the gunboats.—(Doc. 133.)
—A large and influential meeting was held in Cooper Institute, at New York, to express sympathy for and take measures to furnish relief to these loyal inhabitants of North Carolina, who, deprived of their usual means of support, and overawed and crushed by rebels in arms, are reduced to great straits of suffering. The Hon. Geo. Bancroft presided. Eloquent addresses were made by the Chairman, by the Rev. M. N. Taylor, T. W. Conway, William Cullen Bryant, Gen. A. E. Burnside, Prof. Roswell C. Hitchcock, Dr. Lieber, the Rev. Dr. Tyng, and others. J. M. Morrison and W. E. Dodge, jr., were appointed to receive subscriptions and donations of supplies.
—The New York Second regiment of Light Artillery left their camp at Elm Park, Staten Wind, for the seat of war. Previous to its departure the regiment was presented with a stand of colors, the gift of Gen. Morgan, whose name the regiment bears.—The Fifty-eighth regiment N. Y. V., Col. W. Krzyzanowski, left New York city for the seat of war.
—Get. Hunter repudiated Gen. Fremont’s agreement with Price, in Missouri, and in report to head-quarters assigned his reasons to be —that it would render the enforcement of martial law impossible, give absolute liberty to the propagandists of treason, and practically annul the confiscation act.—(Doc. 134.)
—Two Federal gunboats went up the Cumberland River together as far as Tobacco Port, eight miles below Fort Donelson, Tenn., when one of them proceeded up the river within three miles of the fort, and lay there under the point ten minutes. She fired three cannon, and then started back down the river to Tobacco Port —Nashville Gazette, November 10.
—At a meeting of the merchants of Santa Fé, New Mexico, it was resolved that they would indorse for the National Government to any amount that may be advanced to the territory. This action was taken in consequence of the scarcity of coin, which has heretofore made up the circulating medium in the transactions of business, and has, from some cause, almost entirely disappeared.—N. Y. World, Nov. 29.
—The New York Chamber of Commerce, upon the occasion of the retirement of Gen. Scott, adopted a series of resolutions highly appreciative of his great services.—(Doc. 135.)
—This day a battery of two rifled cannon was opened from Gen. Rosecrans’ position on the New River, Va., and silenced the rebel battery opposite on Cotton Hill. The rebel battery thus silenced had been opened on the 30th ult., and by its command of the only road by which Gen. Rosecrans’ position could be reached from Gauley Bridge, it had maintained a siege ever since, and supply trains previously run at all hours had been run only at night. By its silence the “siege” thus established was raised. —(Doc. 136.)
—The United States fleet, under command of Commodore S. F. DuPont, achieved a great victory to-day on the coast of South Carolina. The expedition arrived off Port Royal harbor, S. C., last Sunday evening, Nov. 3. The next morning, the Vixen and Mercury, with several gunboats, entered the harbor to take soundings, and were attacked by the rebel battery on Bay Point, known as Fort Beauregard, assisted by five rebel steamers, under command of Commodore Josiah Tatnall. A skirmish ensued, lasting till darkness came on. The following morning, Nov. 5, the whole National fleet went inside, and seven gunboats went up to make a reconnoissance and discover the location of the rebel batteries by drawing their fire. In this they were successful, and consequently withdrew at about nine o’clock. In the afternoon the heavy men-of-war moved inward to get into position, but the Wabash grounded, where she remained for an hour and a half. This circumstance postponed the general engagement. On Wednesday, the 6th, the day was stormy and unfavorable, and a council of war decided to “wait a little longer.”
This morning, at nine o’clock, the fleet got under way, and soon after the rebels opened fire. The Wabash gave one broadside to Fort Walker, on Hilton Head, and another to Fort Beauregard, on Bay Point. The rebel navy also opened fire, but kept at a distance from the big guns of the National ships. The Wabash, Susquehanna, and Bienville swept down in line, and “delivered their compliments at Hilton Head, in the shape of ten-second shells, while the lively gunboats put in the punctuation points for the benefit of the rebel commodore,” at the same time enfilading the two batteries. The firing was now incessant, and a perfect shower of shot and shell fell inside the rebel forts. At noon, the three ships above named came down, and poured full broadsides into the two forts, the gunboats keeping their positions, and doing excellent service. The flag-ship, the Susquehanna, and Bienville went within six hundred yards, and made terrible havoc with their five-second shells, silencing several of the rebels’ guns. This fire was continued for four hours, during which the National fleet delivered over two thousand rounds. The rebels fought with desperation, and inflicted considerable damage on the National vessels, nearly all of which were hit by shots. At three o’clock P. M. the guns of the enemy had been dismounted or silenced, and Commander John Rogers went on shore at Fort Walker, found it vacated, and hoisted the Stars and Stripes. A considerable number of killed and wounded were discovered, and it was estimated that the rebels must have suffered a loss of at least one hundred men killed and an equal number severely wounded. The rebels fled in the greatest confusion, leaving every thing in their tents, even to their swords, watches, private papers, and clothing. The loss on board of the National fleet was eight killed, and six severely and seventeen slightly wounded. Not one of the National vessels was disabled or destroyed, though several of them were badly cut up.— (Docs. 36 and 137.)
Thursday, 7th—Received orders to fix up for review. We packed our knapsacks, filled our haversacks and canteens, and with our arms formed in line, all as if we were going on a long march. At 10 o’clock we marched down through the streets of Davenport and were reviewed by Adjutant General Baker. Then we marched back to camp. Our regiment with the new uniforms was quite a drawing card, for it seemed as if all of the townspeople were out to see us pass by.
