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

January 2013

Post image for War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

January 29, 2013

War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

New-York, Jan. 29th, 1863.

My own dear Son:

I enclose a copy of a letter received by your Uncle Phelps from Col. Allen. Mr. Phelps has been so good, so kind, so faithful to you and your interests, I can scarcely feel grateful enough. Now, he wishes me to lay before you the following facts for your consideration, and as a guide for your decision. Col. Allen says he has recruited about three hundred men, but owing to desertions he has only one hundred and fifty in camp, with the promise of two hundred more recruited by someone else, whom he may or may not receive. After receiving this letter Mr. Phelps went to Ex-Gov. Morgan; who is in the city, and requested him to write and ask Gov. Seymour to grant a furlough. Gov. M. said it would be of no use, as Gov. S. had no power; it was for him to give Commissions, and the War Department to make transfers. He (Gov. M.), however instructed his Secretary to write Col. Farnsworth requesting him to make an application, or assist you all in his power to get a furlough. The Gov. didn’t know as the Regt. could be raised, and if it were, Gov. S. might perhaps appoint another Col., and he was so desponding that Mr. Phelps, who had felt elated at your prospects, was so disappointed that he said to me, “I could have cried.” Then, Mr. Phelps met Mr. S. B. Chittenden, who said to him, “From all I hear of the talents of this young man, I think in the reorganization of the Army he will be promoted, which will be better than being troubled with this new Regt.” So you perceive, Mr. Phelps, having your interests so near his heart, scarcely knows how to advise, except to get a furlough if possible, come on, judge for yourself, and make your own decision. Col. Allen says, every day almost, ten or fifteen apply at his office, but, finding they are not authorized to give bounties, refuse to enlist. There is a bill now before the U. S. Senate for the encouragement of enlistments, offering bounties. I have told all these facts, and now leave the matter to your consideration. If you wish the Lt.-Colonelcy, I suppose you can have it at any time. Your own military experience makes you the most competent judge. Col. Allen wants you, and he thinks if bounties are offered, the Regt. will be full in four weeks. I cannot advise, but I pray God to guide you aright. God bless you my own dear son. Always,

Very Lovingly, Mother.

There are others pressing for the Lt.-Colonelcy, so as soon as you decide you had better write to your Uncle Phelps. Mayor Opdyke has a friend, somebody else, one of the Military Committee, also has a friend, but Col. Allen prefers you if you choose to accept.

Post image for War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

January 29, 2013

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

29th. Thursday. Went to Minnie’s at nine. Found E. and M. about to go to the skating pond. Went as far as shop. No ice. Went down by the mill with E. Ice good. Called at Chester’s, Bigelow’s, Ella Clark’s and French’s, Mrs. Kenaston’s and Johnson’s. In the evening saw Fannie. Went down to F. Henderson’s. Bid F. goodbye at 9:30 P. M. Hard. Found Theodore at Prof. Ellis’s. Heard them sing awhile, then home. Bed at twelve.

Post image for Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft.

January 29, 2013

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Thursday Jan’y 29th 1863

It has been a wintery day, the snow still lying on the ground but it has frozen very little. The streets are deep with “slush.” The City is very quiet. All are in anxious expectation of hearing important news from some quarter, either from Rosecrans in Tennessee, or from Grant at Vicksburgh. From Hunter in S.C. or from Genl Foster in N.C. The “Army of the Potomac” is near by and will move when it can get out of the Mud. A little excitement in the Senate for the past day or two. A motion to expel Senator Saulsbury of Delaware for disorderly conduct on the floor was postponed today upon his making an apology. The Bill in the House to authorize the raising of Negro Regiments for the War creates much excitement there and the House did not adjourn yesterday, but sat all night and adjourned this morning without coming to a vote upon the question. I have not been out of my room since dinner. The side walks are too wet for walking. Doct Barnes called upon me today on his return from Rochester. I paid him $15.00 which I owed him. He is on his way back to his Regt. Business in the office has not been very brisk today, and the “Examining Board” have not had much to do. I have been reading and writing most of the day. Wrote “The Last Salute” for one thing and another article for a newspaper in reference to Hospital Funds. Pay Master Austin returned from the Army today, left there this morning.

Post image for Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

January 29, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Thursday, 29th—We have plenty of wood now. At about 2 o’clock this afternoon a brisk fire opened between our men and the rebels. We have not yet heard what was the cause of it.1 A scouting party seventeen miles out from the city had a skirmish with the rebel cavalry, but there were no losses outside of several horses. A report came into camp that Port Hudson has been taken by our forces.

1 This was down at Vicksburg, where there was some heavy cannonading between our gunboats and the Confederate batteries.—A. O. D.

Post image for Cruise of the U.S. Flag-Ship Hartford. – From the Personal Journal of Wm. C. Holton.

Cruise of the U.S. Flag-Ship Hartford. – From the Personal Journal of Wm. C. Holton.

January 29, 2013

Cruise of the U.S. Flag-Ship Hartford–Wm. C. Holton

June 29th. From twelve midnight to four o’clock this morning the mortars and batteries of the army firing from the rear into the rebel batteries, the enemy not taking any notice whatever. This morning, Lieut. J. H. Higbee, U. S. M. C., with a corporal, went over to the army in charge of the three prisoners of the 75th regiment of N. Y. V. At nine o’clock, inspected crew at quarters. The bombardment of Port Hudson, or Gibraltar No. 2 on the Mississippi, still going on, and continued through the remainder of this day.

Post image for A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

January 29, 2013

A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones

JANUARY 29TH.—It appears from the Northern press that the enemy did make three attempts last week to cross the Rappahannock; but as they advanced toward the stream, the elements successfully opposed them. It rained, it snowed, and it froze. The gun carriages and wagons sank up to the hubs, the horses to their bodies, and the men to their knees; and so all stuck fast in the mud.

I saw an officer to-day from the army in North Carolina. He says the prospect for a battle is good, as soon as the roads admit of marching.

We have nothing further from the bombardment near Savannah. The wires may not be working—or the fort may be taken.

Gov. Vance has sent to the department a strong protest against the appointment of Col. August as commandant of conscripts in Northern Tennessee. Col. A. is a Virginian—that is the only reason. Well, Gen. Rains, who commands all the conscripts in the Confederate States, is a North Carolinian. But the War Department has erred in putting so many strangers in command of localities, where natives might have been selected. Richmond, for instance, has never yet been in the command of a Southern general.

There are indications of a speedy peace, although we are environed by sea and by land as menacingly as ever. The Tribune (New York) has an article which betrays much desperation. It says the only way for the United States Government to raise $300,000,000, indispensably necessary for a further prosecution of the war, is to guarantee (to the capitalists) that it will be the last call for a loan, and that subjugation will be accomplished in ninety days, or never. It says the war must then be urged on [click to continue…]

Post image for A Diary of American Events.

A Diary of American Events.

January 29, 2013

The American Civil War,The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

January 29.—The British iron steamer Princess Royal, laden with rifled guns, arms, ammunition, steam-engines, etc., was captured off Charleston, S. C, while attempting to run the blockade,—(Doc. 112.)

—The Senate of Missouri passed the resolution of the lower House asking the Congress of the United States to appropriate twenty-five millions of dollars for emancipation purposes in that State, by a vote of twenty-six yeas to two nays.—General Banks at New-Orleans, issued a general order promulgating the confirmatory Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln.

—A fight took place at Bear River, Washington Territory, between a force of Union troops under the command of Colonel Connor, and a large body of Indians, resulting, after a bloody contest of four hours’ duration, in a rout of the Indians with great loss.—(Docs. 113 and 142.)

—The first decision under President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was made in St. Louis by Judge Glover, who decided in favor of its legality, and ordered the discharge of the slave of a rebel who had been arrested under State law for leaving his master. This decision, if sustained, would leave Missouri secessionists without civil authority to reclaim their slaves.—General McClernand’s forces landed on the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River, five miles below the mouth of the Yazoo River, and in full view of the city of Vicksburgh.—Missouri Republican.

—The Emancipation Society of London, England, held a meeting at Exeter Hall, which proved to be one of the most important demonstrations of public opinion known in London since the days of the League. For half an hour before the time appointed for the commencement of the proceedings the great hall was crowded, and it became necessary to hold a second meeting in the lower hall, while a third meeting was held in the open air, in Exeter street. The name of Abraham Lincoln was received with immense applause, the audience rising and cheering and waving their handkerchiefs. During the course of the proceedings, the chairman received telegrams from Bradford and Stroud, announcing that meetings were being held in those towns, and that resolutiond had been passed in favor of negro emancipation. Resolutions sympathizing with the cause of the North, and advocating the policy of the President of the United States were adopted, and speeches were made denunciatory of the South, and the London Times.—London Daily News.

Post image for An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones.

An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones.

January 29, 2013

An Artilleryman's Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones, 6th Battery, Wisconsin Artillery.

Buntyn Station, Thursday, Jan. 29. Warm and pleasant. Stood guard. Health good. No mail.

Post image for Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy.

Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy.

January 28, 2013

Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy, 39th Georgia Regiment of Infantry

Wednesday, 28th.—Went round fortifications along the river; about four miles long.

Post image for Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

January 28, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Saturday, 28th—No new developments today. We had orders to clean up for inspection. I went to the commissary headquarters and drew a hat and a blouse, costing $4.78.

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