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

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Marriage at the camp of the 7th N.J.V.

March 12, 2013

Library of Congress,Miscellaneous document sources

Marriage at the camp of the 7th N.J.V. Army of the Potomac, Va

Marriage of Captain Daniel Hart and Nellie Lammond, March 12, 1863.

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On the 12th inst., marriage rites were celebrated in camp, this being the first occasion of the kind that has ever transpired in the army of the Potomac. Of course it “drew,” as all novelties do, and created a sensation in camp for a week preceding the affair.  We, being on the staff, of course received a card…

(Troy NY Daily Times, March 24, 1863)

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WE reproduce on page 216 a picture of Mr. Waud’s, representing A MARRIAGE IN THE CAMP OF THE SEVENTH NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS in the Army of the Potomac. Mr. Waud writes:

“An event to destroy the monotony of life in one of Hooker’s old regiments. The camp was very prettily decorated, and being very trimly arranged among the pines, was just the camp a visitor would like to see. A little before noon the guests began to arrive in considerable numbers. Among them were Generals Hooker, Sickles, Carr, Mott, Hobart Ward, Revere, Bartlett, Birney, Berry, Colonel Dickinson, and other aids to General Hooker; Colonels Burling, Farnham, Egan, etc. Colonel Francine and Lieutenant-Colonel Price, of the Seventh, with the rest of the officers of that regiment, proceeded to make all welcome, and then the ceremony commenced. In a hollow square formed by the troops a canopy was erected, with an altar of drums, officers grouped on each side of this. On General Hooker’s arrival the band played Hail to the Chief, and on the approach of the bridal party the Wedding March. It was rather cold, windy, and threatened snow, altogether tending to produce a slight pink tinge on the noses present; but the ladies bore it with courage, and looked, to the unaccustomed eyes of the soldiers, like real angels in their light clothing. To add to the dramatic force of the scene, the rest of the brigade and other troops were drawn up in line of battle not more than a mile away to repel an expected attack from Fredericksburg. Few persons are wedded under more romantic circumstances than Nellie Lammond and Captain De Hart. He could not get leave of absence, so she came down like a brave girl, and married him in camp. After the wedding was a dinner, a ball, fire-works, etc.; and on the whole it eclipsed entirely an opera at the Academy of Music in dramatic effect and reality.” (Harper’s Weekly, April 4, 1863)

 

Drawing by Alfred R. Waud, Maarch 18, 1863.

Library of Congress image.

Marriage at the camp of the 7th N.J.V. poster available at Zazzle.com

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A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

March 12, 2013

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

by John Beauchamp Jones

MARCH 12TH.—To-day we have no army news.

Mr. Richard Smith issued the first number of The Sentinel yesterday morning. Thus we have five daily morning papers, all on half sheets. The Sentinel has a biography of the President, and may aspire to be the “organ.”

John Mitchel, the Irishman, who was sentenced to a penal colony for disturbances in Ireland, some years ago, is now the leading editor of the Enquirer. He came hither from the North recently. His “compatriot,” Meagher, once lived in the South and advocated our “institutions.” He now commands a Federal brigade. What Mitchel will do finally, who knows? My friend R. Tyler, probably, had something to do with bringing him here. As a politician, however, he must know there is no Irish element in the Confederate States. I am sorry this Irish editor has been imported.

The resignation of Gen. Toombs is making some sensation in certain circles. He was among the foremost leaders of the rebellion. He was Secretary of State, and voluntarily resigned to enter the army. I know not precisely what his grievance is, unless it be the failure of the President to promote him to a higher position, which he may have deemed himself entitled to, from his genius, antecedents, wealth, etc. But it is probable he will cause some disturbance. Duff Green, who is everywhere in stormy times, told me to-day that Gen. Toombs would be elected Governor of Georgia this fall, and said there were intimations that Georgia might make peace with the United States! This would be death to the government—and destruction to Toombs. It must be a mistake. He cannot have any such design. If he had, it would be defeated by the people of Georgia, though they sighed for peace. Peace is what all most desire—but not without independence. Some there are, in all the States, who would go back into the Union, for the sake of repose and security. But a majority would not have peace on such terms.

Still, it behooves the President to be on his guard. He has enemies in the South, who hate him much.

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Through Some Eventful Years

March 12, 2013

Through Some Eventful Years by Susan Bradford Eppes

March 12th, 1863.—More bad news to write in my diary. Sweet little Susie died before day this morning. She was so pretty. Except cousin Rich, she was the best looking one of the family. She loved him devotedly and ever since he was killed she seemed to be thinking of him all the time. When she was dying she asked to be buried beside him. Our “God’s Acre,” is filling fast. Aunt Nancy is so frail we fear she cannot stand this fresh blow.

Post image for A Diary of American Events.

A Diary of American Events.

March 12, 2013

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

March 12.—The expeditionary force under Major-General Gordon Granger, which moved on Monday against Van Dorn’s rebel army, returned to Franklin, Tenn., this afternoon, having driven the enemy beyond Duck River. The infantry went no farther than Rutherford Creek, but the cavalry, under Colonel Minty, of the Fourth brigade, made a thorough reconnoissance of the country beyond the creek to Duck River.

The second day’s march brought the expedition to Rutherford Creek, where, for a time, the rebels promised fight. Their positions were well chosen, their artillery commanding the pike and several crossings. A blinding rain, however, prevented General Granger attempting the passage of the stream, which was flood-high and foaming.

The troops bivouacked for the night, expecting to drive the enemy on the succeeding day. Yesterday came in clear and beautiful, giving the artillerists a fine opportunity for practice, which they improved excellently by numerous shots. Preparations were made for an advance, and the infantry skirmishers were thrown out. The cavalry, under Col. Minty, supported by the Thirty-eighth Illinois infantry, made a crossing two miles up the creek in the face of the enemy who, however, fell quickly back from the National approaches. Soon word came back that the rebels were in rapid retreat, and finally at night the cavalry returned, announcing that all the rebels had fled beyond Duck River, which, of course, determined the return of the expedition.

The different cavalry skirmishes resulted in the loss on the National side of two killed and seven wounded.—Cincinnati Gazette.

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