June 20th. For the first time since the battle we slept all night without being turned out; what a pleasant thing it is to be able to sleep enough; want of sleep uses one up more than anything else. It is twenty-two days now since we slept without removing our clothes or accoutrements; if we don’t get enough of full regimentals, it will be because we are insatiable. Notwithstanding the severe duty the men look well and are spruce and outwardly, at least, clean; boots are blacked and accoutrements kept perfectly clean, but our clothes are getting shabby and have changed color sadly; these blues are very uncertain. Rode over to Sumner’s headquarters this evening and heard various accounts of the late battle. Much fine writing, with gross exaggeration of trifles, and general disregard for accuracy. The little movement of our two flank companies has blossomed out into a splendid charge, led by General French in person, and his example is highly spoken of. “Vitian regit fortuna, non sapientia.” How much many of our generals owe to the ubiquitous reporter. May their shadow never grow less. If the history of past ages is as much tainted as the history we are now making, then, alas, poor Yorick!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
From Edward Mitchell.
White House, June 20, 1862.
My dear Father: Heavy firing in the advance this A. M. Since writing to Fred. I have had no time to write another word. Sitting up late that night, I was waked up, with Drs. Jenkins and Haight, to go ashore for 24 hours at 3 A. M. In consequence of being routed out at this unusual hour, yesterday was spent, so far as leisure hours were concerned, in deep sleep. . . . I now write to thank you for your kind expressions of regard for my health, and of love for me; and for your desire to see me with you once more. . . .
My health—it is excellent. . . . And so far it has been possible to find an assistant, who though stupid to an extent and lazy, is willing to go twice a day to wait an hour or more for commissary stores;—it would be perfectly disgusting to me. . . . I doubt much if Mr. Olmsted will be willing to let me go home for some months at least. The staff is now well organized, and the departure of one would throw very much labor on another who would not understand it at all. This is especially so in my case. The drawing of rations requires much care, and to know what stores the Commission has, and where they are, one must be continually among them. . . . You were right about the rebel cavalry, not I. It was very bold. Gen. Stuart commanded. In case we had been called out, I had intended to use only the bayonet and to creep round if possible on the flank of the enemy and charge at my own time—have lain in ambush, in other words. I think Sawtelle would have been willing to allow me my own way, for as he was a regular, he of course placed not much reliance, if any, on such a Falstaff army. . . .
Olmsted has a deal of tact; as much as a woman. Also much shrewdness and a very quiet manner. In some characteristics he reminds me a little of you, or rather what you would have been if you had been called more actively into public life. . . .
A battle is predicted to take place in three days, by Capt. Sawtelle; time will show.
The Webster and Spaulding go to New York. Dr. —— goes in charge of the latter. In my capacity of aide I delivered his sailing orders to him. He may be a very nice man and an excellent physician, but he has an unquenchable and unalterable desire to spread himself and his authority. I received instructions to bully him into staying on board in case he should attempt to come back to the White House! Some funny things occur here!
I regret immensely that I will be unable to be present at Neil’s commencement. I would rather loose $50 than not to be there. . . .
June 20th, 1862.—The tannery, under Mr. James, is a complete success. Father sent to Gadsden County for a shoemaker, and three of the black boys are working under him, learning the trade; he has three sons and they are motherless. John, the eldest, is fourteen years old, but is very small for his age; David is twelve and Nathan is nine; they have never been to school in their lives and Father wants me to teach them two hours every morning. I have taught Frances right along, since Grandpa gave her to me but I do not know if I can “instill knowledge,” as Dr. Cleveland says, into such unpromising specimens. However, I will try.
June 20.—A force from Gen. Sherman’s command occupied Holly Springs to-day, and destroyed several pieces of trestle-work on the Mississippi Central Railroad. The machinery for repairing and manufacturing arms was removed from Holly Springs to Atlanta, Ga., previous to the evacuation of the place by the rebels.
—The Paris Constitutionnel, of this date, expressed the opinion that mediation was but a question of time. The cause had gained. More than one hundred provincial journals in France had given in their adhesion to it. The idea had gained ground in England. Such an expression of public opinion in two great countries could not remain without effect, but mediation could not be proposed with the certainty of rejection. It was for the government to seize upon a favorable opportunity.
—A delegation from the religious society of Progressive Friends appeared before the President, at Washington, for the purpose of presenting a memorial praying him to decree the emancipation of the slaves.
—The United States gunboat Jacob Bell, commanded by Lieut. E. P. McCrea, proceeded up the James River, Va., with despatches for the commander of the Monitor. She succeeded in her mission, but was considerably damaged by the rebel batteries on shore.—(Doc. 137.)
—Lieut.-Col. William B. Cassilly, Sixty-ninth Ohio volunteers, assumed command of the military district of Franklin, Williamson County, Tenn.
—The brig Yankee Blade arrived in New-York from New-Orleans, laden with sugar, molasses, and cotton—the first arrival since the remission of the blockade.
