March 12th. The Genesee went up the river to-day with two mortar schooners in tow.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Thursday, 12th—The Eleventh Iowa received two months’ pay, I receiving $26.00. We commenced to cut the levee today, but shortly after we got started the order was countermanded.
March 12—We have had orders several times for the last six days to march, and a part of our brigade has had a fight. But this morning we took up our march at 5 o’clock. I saw Gen. D. H. Hill on the road and spoke to him, as well as his adjutant. They are friends from home and comrades of our first North Carolina regiment. We marched twenty miles and halted for the night—laid in line of battle all night with arms by our side.
March 12, Thursday. Had a letter from Chief Engineer Stimers last night. Says the attack on Charleston will be delayed; suggests it will be made the first week in April. It made me nervous and restless through the night; got but little sleep. The delay, hesitation, uncertainty in the Army of the Potomac over again. Du Pont is getting as prudent as McClellan; is very careful; all dash, energy, and force are softened under the great responsibility. He has a reputation to preserve instead of one to make.
Stimers arrived this morning and read to me the minutes of a council held on board the Wabash. The army officers were present, and it is plain they were a drawback on naval operations. Talk of beginning the attack on Charleston by an assault on the sand-batteries at the mouth of the harbor instead of running past them. Of obstructions and torpedos little is known, but great apprehensions are entertained. Stimers is sent up to get more ironclads and another raft. The President came in, and the whole subject was recounted. His views and mine are alike. To delay for the objects stated till April will be to postpone to May. Expressed ourselves very decidedly, and told Stimers to hurry back.
Talked over the subject of Rebel privateers building in England. Said to the President and Mr. Seward I thought England should be frankly informed that our countrymen would not be restrained from active operations if Great Britain persisted in making war on our commerce under Confederate colors.
Colonel Lyon’s Letters.
Fort Donelson, Tenn., March 12, 1863.—We are well and have gotten quite comfortably settled after our move. The weather is very pleasant now, mud rapidly drying up.
I don’t know that I ever told you that our officers elected Dr. Smith, of Buffalo, Chaplain of this regiment some time ago. Just received a letter accepting the appointment, but he will not join us probably for some weeks.
Business is very active on the Cumberland, as all the supplies for General Rosecrans’ army go up this river. A fleet of twenty or more transports, convoyed by gunboats, left here this morning for Nashville.
You have doubtless heard ere this that the 22d Regiment, Colonel Utley, is captured. We have no particulars yet. They doubtless fought gallantly. I do not think either the regiment or its officers are to blame. The period of our stay here is very uncertain.
12th. Capt. Nettleton called and gave me a line from home and told me about his visit. Read two or three good lectures in “Currents and Countercurrents.” Went down to Co. H in the evening. Visited with the boys.
Thursday March 12th 1863
A bright pleasant morning but followed by snow and wind, quite cold tonight. Capt Swan came up from the Army and called on me today. Maj E. P. Taft got a furlough to go home and was in one of the Govt offices this morning haveing his papers approved when he fell down in a fit in the office and was insensible for some time. He recovered however after an hour or two and started for home on the 61/2 train. The attack was occasioned no doubt by mental excitement on account of dispatch which he had read relating to his little boys sickness together with considerable physical debility. Met Norton Spencer, son of A.O.S., formerly of Lyons. I have not seen him for some years. He was one of McClellans aids on the Peninsula last summer. Also met at the National my old friend A B Dickerson, U.S. Minister to Nicaragua, just returned, had a long conversation with him in reference to that country. He has just been appointed US Marshall of the Northern District of NY. No news of any great importance today. The N.H. Election came off on the 10th, result uncertain. I fear there will be trouble in some of the Northern States on account of the Conscription. It is thought by many that a Draft will be resisted with arms. I think that those who go into that will get into bad business and come to grief.
Near Helena, Thursday, March 12. Fine weather. Washed my clothes in the forenoon. In the afternoon joined in the funeral procession of a member of Co. G., 72nd Illinois. Laid him in the swamp and left him in the cheerless spot, a soldier’s grave. Many of the boys in spite of high water, went out foraging and brought in fresh pork and beef in plenty.
Thursday. 12th—Came (Regiment) down through Shelbyville to near Dolittle. I stopped at Lee Stewart’s and got dinner. Came on to Camp.
