24th.—Still no official account of the Sharpsburg fight, and no list .of casualties. The Yankee loss in generals very great—they must have fought desperately. Reno, Mansfield, and Miles were killed; others badly wounded. The Yankee papers say that their loss of “field officers is unaccountable;” and add, that but for the wounding of General Hooker, they would have driven us into the Potomac!
Monday, September 24, 2012
24th.—All quiet this morning. The day is beautiful and bright. I am feeling badly, but as my wound has began to superate, I think I shall be better shortly. I have great confidence in the recuperative power of my constitution, and trust it will be sufficient to eliminate this poison.
We have now had time to look over the late battles and to reflect on the results. We have successfully fought the whole force of the enemy for five days. We drove them at every place, and on the sixth day we permitted them, worn out, discouraged, and out of rations, to depart unmolested. They admitted to our wounded, whose haversacks they robbed, that all they had to eat was what they had taken from our wounded. Gen. McClellan’s aims were satisfied with clearing Maryland of the enemy, when destruction or capitulation should have been demanded. This I do not doubt will be the verdict of history. But how terrible was our loss! Nine Generals fell, killed or wounded, in their determined efforts to vindicate McClellan. All in vain.
We are again on the sea of uncertainty, in relation both to the character of our leaders, and the prospects of the country.
September 24th.
Yesterday the General saluted us with “Young ladies, if you will ride in a Confederate carriage, you may go to dress parade this evening.” Now, in present phraseology, “Confederate” means anything that is rough, unfinished, unfashionable, or poor. You hear of Confederate dresses, which means last year’s. Confederate bridle means a rope halter. Confederate silver, a tin cup or spoon. Confederate flour is corn meal, etc. In this case the Confederate carriage is a Jersey wagon with four seats, a top of hickory slats covered with leather, and the whole drawn by mules. We accepted gladly, partly for the ride and sight, partly to show we were not ashamed of a very comfortable conveyance; so with Mrs. Badger as chaperon, we went off in grand style. I must say I felt rather abashed and wished myself at home as we drove into town, and had the gaze of a whole regiment riveted on us. But soon the men fell in line, and I did not feel so painfully conspicuous. I was amused at a contrast near by, too. There was but one carriage present, besides ours, though there were half a dozen ladies on horseback. This carriage was a very fine one, and in it sat three of the ugliest, dowdiest, worst dressed females I ever saw. We three girls sat in our rough carriage as comfortable as could be, dressed — well, we could not have been dressed better and looking our very best. Sans mentir, I think the Confederates were much the most respectable.
And what a sad sight the Fourth Louisiana was, that was then parading! Men that had fought at Shiloh and Baton Rouge were barefooted. Rags was their only uniform, for very few possessed a complete suit, and those few wore all varieties of colors and cuts. Hats could be seen of every style and shape, from the first ever invented down to the last one purchased evidently some time since. Yet he who had no shoes looked as happy as he who had, and he who had a cap had something to toss up, that’s all.
Four or five that we knew gathered around our vehicle and talked to us. Mr. Heuston told me he heard I had been thrown, severely injured, had a narrow escape, etc. Was not thrown! Saddle turned. A few steps off we recognized Mr. Scales. He would stare very hard at us, and if we turned towards him, would look quickly the other way as though afraid to meet our gaze. Presently he gave us an opportunity, and we bowed. He came forward eagerly, blushing deeply, and looking very much pleased, and shook hands with us, and remained some time talking. He said he had not heard of our arrival, but would call as soon as possible. Mr. Talbot had joined Breckinridge.
Having seen the last of that parade, he invited us to see that of his sailors, which was next; but it was too far; so we turned off to see Colonel Breaux’s, a mile away. His, the Thirtieth Louisiana, is a beautiful encampment on a large open common. Parade was almost over as we reached there, and soon the Colonel came to meet us. I did not look at the drill. I was watching the hundreds of tents — it looked like a great many — and was wondering how men could live in such places, and was trying to fancy what George’s or Gibbes’s looked like. It was pleasant to watch the barefoot soldiers race around like boys let loose from school, tossing caps and chips at two old gray geese that flew in circles around the encampment, just as though they had never had more earnest work. One gray-headed man stood in the door of his tent, while a black-headed young one danced before him, to his own whistle, with his arms akimbo. Altogether it was a very pretty picture; but poor men! how can they be happy in these tents?
September 24, Wednesday. Secretary Smith called this morning. Said he had just had an interview with Judge- Advocate Turner, who related a conversation which had taken place between himself (T.) and Colonel Key, one of Halleck’s staff. T. had expressed to K. his surprise that McClellan had not followed up the victory last week by by pursuing the Rebels and capturing them or cutting them in pieces. That, said K., is not the policy. Turner asked what, then, was the policy. Key said it was one of exhaustion; that it would have been impolitic and injudicious to have destroyed the Rebel army, for that would have ended the contest without any compromise, and it was the army policy at the right time to compel the opposing forces to adopt a compromise.[1]
Smith assures me that Turner made to him this communication. It is most extraordinary, yet entirely consistent with current events and what Wilson and others have stated. While I can hardly give credit to the statement, the facts can be reconciled with every action or inaction, — with wasted energies, fruitless campaigns, and barren fights. Smith fully believes it.
Had an impertinent letter from Senator John P. Hale, who asks for copies of different opinions given me by the Attorney-General on the subject of appointing midshipmen, and cautioning me not to disregard the plain language of the law, whatever might be the opinion of the Attorney-General. Informed Senator Hale that I had the unofficial advice instead of the official opinion of the law officer of the Government, given as a patriot and statesman, recommending that the appointments should be made, whatever might be the preliminary forms rendered impossible by the anomalous condition of the country; that every person whom I had consulted — and I had consulted many — concurred in giving similar advice; that it accorded with my own views, etc., etc.; that I had made the appointments before receiving his letter indicating, on his part, an opposite policy.
That he will assail these appointments I have little doubt, his object being in this instance to attack the Attorney-General, whom he cannot use, rather than myself, though willing to assail both provided he can do so successfully. With some humor but little industry, some qualities as a jester and but few as a statesman, I have not much respect for this Senatorial buffoon, who has neither application nor fidelity, who is neither honest nor sincere. Such men are not useful legislators.
As I write, 9 P.M., a band of music strikes up on the opposite side of the square, a complimentary serenade to the President for the Emancipation Proclamation. The document has been in the main well received, but there is some violent opposition, and the friends of the measure have made this demonstration to show their approval.
[1] Major John J. Key was summarily railed upon by the President to account for his language, stingingly rebuked, and forthwith discharged from the service.
Wednesday, 24th—The first train of cars came in today from Corinth and we expect now to receive a fresh supply of hardtack. We have been on one-third rations by foraging; now, however, it seems we have to do without, for we have cleaned up everything for a distance of ten miles in all directions.
Wednesday, 24th. After breakfast and taking care of our horses, we went to meet the command. A mile and a half out I waited for the rest to come. Got grapes to eat. Read the morning papers. Stirring news of a week for us. We three boys visited the earthworks. Saw artillery in Pea Ridge battle, one “Betsy” (howitzer) opened the battle second day. Good visit with some of the boys. Four regiments came in, Iowa, Wis., Ind., and 1ll. About 25,000 troops in and about Springfield. Arriving all the time and working at entrenchments all the time. Salomon at Mt. Vernon. Hindman reported 40,000 strong at Cross Hollows.
Wednesday, 24th.—Captain Anderson left for home this morning. Regiment ordered in direction of Frankfort. After marching four miles, ordered back to Georgetown; remained there until 6 P.M., when we started in the direction of Paris. Passed through Centerville about nine miles from Georgetown about midnight, Brother I. L. and I fell out of ranks and slept till daylight.
Photographic print on stereo card: albumen, hand colored; 8 x 17 cm, showing a stone house on the eastern side of Antietam Bridge; photograph by Alexander Gardner.
Library of Congress image.
SEPTEMBER 24TH.—The papers this morning are still in doubt whether Lee has returned to the Virginia side of the Potomac, or remains in Maryland. My theory is that he is perdue for the present, hoping all the enemy’s forces will enter Virginia, from Washington—when he will pounce upon that city and cut off their retreat.
The Northern papers contain intimations of the existence of a conspiracy to dethrone Lincoln, and put a military Dictator at the head of the government. Gen. Fremont is named as the man. It is alleged that this movement is to be made by the Abolitionists, as if Lincoln were not sufficiently radical for them
A call has been made by Congress for explanations of the arrest of a citizen of Virginia, by Gen. Winder, for procuring a substitute for a relative. Gen. W., supposing his powers ample, under martial law, had forbidden agents to procure substitutes. This was in contravention of an act of Congress, legalizing substitutes. If Winder be sustained, it is said we shall have inaugurated a military despotism.
I have just seen persons from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. They say my farm there has not been disturbed[1] by the enemy. I think it probable they knew nothing about its ownership, or it would have been devastated. My agent sent me a little money, part of the rent of year before last. My tenant is getting rich. After peace I shall reside there myself. How I long for the independent life of a farmer!
Wood is selling at $16 per cord, and coal at $9 per load. How can we live here, unless our salaries are increased? The matter is under consideration by Congress, and we hope for favorable action.
Col. Bledsoe has resigned and gone back to his school at Charlottesville.
[1] It is held by the government now, January, 1866, and my family are homeless and destitute. Onancock, Accomac County, Va.—J. B. J.
September 24.—President Lincoln issued a proclamation ordering that during the existing insurrection all persons discouraging enlistments, resisting militia drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels, should be subject to martial law and liable to trial and punishment by court-martial or military commission; also suspending the writ of habeas corpus with reference to all persons arrested, who were then, or during the rebellion should be, imprisoned in any camp, arsenal, military prison, or other place of confinement by any military authority, or by the sentence of any court or military commission.—(Doc. 211.)
—Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, issued a proclamation dismissing the militia troops that were called into service for the purpose of resisting the invasion of the State by the rebel army under General Lee.
—At Carlisle, Pa., the office of the American Volunteer was destroyed by a party of citizens and the “Anderson Troop,” on account of an editorial reflecting severely upon President Lincoln and his Administration.
—The Convention of the Governors of the loyal States, was held at Altoona, Pa., in accordance with a request of the Governors of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Western Virginia. An address to the President of the United States was adopted, pledging their cordial support of the Government in the prosecution of the war for the restoration of the Union. The members of the Convention also recommended that a reserve army of one hundred thousand men for one year’s service should be called forth. They also indorsed the emancipation proclamation, and paid a full tribute to the valor of the army in the field.
—General Beauregard assumed command of the department of South-Carolina and Georgia.
—The rebel Senate passed a bill furnishing the Confederacy with a seal, or coat of arms. “In the foreground a confederate soldier, in the position of charge bayonet; in the middle distance, a woman with a child in front of a church, both with hands uplifted in the attitude of prayer; for a background a homestead on the plain with mountains in the distance, beneath the meridian sun; the whole surrounded by a wreath composed of the stalks of the sugar-cane, the rice, the cotton, and the tobacco-plants, the margin inscribed with the words, ‘Seal of the Confederate States of America,’ above, and ‘Our Homes and Constitution’ beneath.”—Richmond Whig, September 25.
—General Butler issued an order from his headquarters at New-Orleans, directing all persons, male or female, within his department, of the age of eighteen years and upwards, who had ever been citizens of the United States, and had not renewed their allegiance to the United States, or who held or pretended any allegiance or sympathy with the rebel States, to report themselves, on or before the first October next, to the nearest provost-marshal, with a descriptive list of all their property, real, personal, and mixed, made out and signed by themselves, with as much particularity as for taxation.—General Orders No. 76.
