May 6th. Commences with clear and pleasant weather, and light breezes from the northward and westward; at six thirty-five A. M., the steamer Sachem got under way and steamed up the river, exchanging signals with lower fleet from mast-head; at eight forty-five called all hands up anchor, got under way, and proceeded up the river; at eleven thirty came to anchor off Point Coupée; sent forth cutter, in charge of an officer, and with six marines and an armed boat’s crew, to destroy some Confederate property; at one thirty P. M., under way steaming up the Mississippi; at 3 o’clock passed the Sachem; at seven o’clock came to anchor off the mouth of Red river; Albatross also came up and anchored.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Wednesday, 6th.—All quiet to-day. Have very good place to camp; plenty of mulberries.
Near Black River, Wednesday, May 6. Remained quiet. Foraging parties sent out bringing plenty of corn, fresh meat and many other things, taken from the deserted houses of fleeing chivalry. Mail arrived. Rec’d two letters from home dated 18th and 26th ult. Pontoon train of eighteen wagons passed to the right.
Wednesday, 6th—The Sixth Division trains all went to the landing this morning for ammunition. Wagon trains are passing back and forth all the time, hauling provisions and ammunition for the army at Grand Gulf. We had battalion drill this afternoon.
6th May (Wednesday).—We left all the passengers at Crockett except the Louisianian Judge, a Government agent, and the ex-boatswain of the Harriet Lane, which vessel had been manned by the Confederates after her capture; but she had since been dismantled, and her crew was being marched to Shrieveport to man the iron-clad Missouri, which was being built there.
The food we get on the road is sufficient, and good enough to support life; it consists of pork or bacon, bread made with Indian corn, and a peculiar mixture called Confederate coffee, made of rye, meal, Indian corn or sweet potatoes. The loss of coffee afflicts the Confederates even more than the loss of spirits; and they exercise their ingenuity in devising substitutes, which are not generally very successful.
The same sort of country as yesterday, viz.—large forests of pines and post-oaks, and occasional Indian-corn-fields, the trees having been killed by cutting a circle near the roots.
At 3 P.M., we took in four more passengers. One of them was a Major ——, brother-in-law to ——, who hanged Mongomery at Brownsville. He spoke of the exploit of his relative with some pride. He told me that his three brothers had lost an arm apiece in the war.
We arrived at Rusk at 6.30 P.M., and spent a few hours there; but notwithstanding the boasted splendour of the beds at the Cherokee Hotel, and although by Major ——’s influence I got one to myself, yet I did not consider its aspect sufficiently inviting to induce me to remove my clothes.
Dick, sketched on the 6th of May, the afternoon of Gen. Hookers retreat across the Rappahannock.
Drawn by Edwin Forbes. In another of Forbes drawings, Dick is identified as a cook. This Library of Congress image also appears in the Prints and Photographs catalog in the category Cooks–1860-1870.
May 6, Wednesday. We have news, via Richmond, that Stoneman has destroyed bridges and torn up rails on the Richmond road, thus cutting off communication between that city and the Rebel army. Simultaneously with this intelligence, there is a rumor that Hooker has recrossed the river and is at Falmouth. I went to the War Department about noon to ascertain the facts, but Stanton said he had no such intelligence nor did he believe it. I told him I had nothing definite or very authentic, — that he certainly ought to be better posted than I could be, — but I had seen a brief telegram from young Dahlgren, who is on Hooker’s staff, dated this A.M., “Headquarters near Falmouth —All right.” This to me was pretty significant of the fact that Hooker and his army had recrossed. Stanton was a little disconcerted. He said Hooker had as yet no definite plan; his headquarters are not far from Falmouth. Of course nothing farther was to be said, yet I was by no means satisfied with his remarks or manner.
An hour later Sumner came into my room, and raising both hands exclaimed, “Lost, lost, all is lost!” I asked what he meant. He said Hooker and his army had been defeated and driven back to this side of the Rappahannock. Sumner came direct from the President, who, he said, was extremely dejected. I told him I had been apprehensive that disaster had occurred, but when I asked under what circumstances this reverse had taken place, he could give me no particulars.
I went soon after to the War Department. Seward was sitting with Stanton, as when I left him two or three hours before: I asked Stanton if he knew where Hooker was. He answered, curtly, “No.” I looked at him sharply, and I have no doubt with incredulity, for he, after a moment’s pause, said, “He is on this side of the river, but I know not where.” “Well,” said I, “he is near his old quarters, and I wish to know if Stoneman is with him, or if he or you know anything of that force.” Stanton said he had no information in regard to that force, and it was one of the most unpleasant things of the whole affair that Hooker should have abandoned Stoneman.
Last night and to-day we have had a violent rainstorm from the northeast. Fox and Edgar, my son, left this A.M. for Falmouth. The President, uneasy, uncomfortable, and dissatisfied with the meagre information and its gloomy aspect, went himself this evening to the army with General Halleck.
Kentucky
6th. Reached the ford at Waitsboro at noon. Troops were crossing. One boatload of 27th N. J. drowned, 32 persons, Capt. Alexander. Pitiful sight. Camped on the hill. Rainy and chilly. Issued about half rations. Saw an old lady, “Aunt Betsy,” 115 years old, good mind and good heart. Enjoyed hearing her talk. Rheumatism, ready to die when God calls.
Wednesday, 6th—Left Carr’s and came up to John Mitchell’s. Came out to Stinson’s on to Giles Harris. From there to Scottsville and Gallatin. Crossed at Coatstown, went on to John Rippy’s, got supper and fed horses. Went on in rain to the Webb’s, Maze’s uncle, found the Yanks so close by that we turned and went back to the hills.
MAY 6TH.—This day has been a hot one, but as our duties have not been of an arduous nature we have sought the shade and kept quiet. While in camp, the boys very freely comment upon our destination, and give every detail of progress a general overhauling. The ranks of our volunteer regiments were filled at the first call for troops. That call opened the doors of both rich and poor, and out sprang merchant, farmer, lawyer, physician and mechanics of every calling, whose true and loyal hearts all beat in unison for their country. The first shot that struck Sumpter’s wall sent an electric shot to every loyal breast, and today we have in our ranks material for future captains, colonels and generals, who before this war is ended will be sought out and honored.
It can not be possible that we are to be kept at this place much longer, for it is not very desirable as a permanent location. Of course we are here for some purpose, and I suppose that to be to prevent the enemy from assailing our line of supplies. As they are familiar with the country they can annoy us exceedingly without much loss to themselves. But after we have captured Vicksburg, and the history of Grant’s movements is known, we shall then understand why we guarded Hankinson’s Ferry so long. One of the boys said he thought Mr. Hankinson owed us something nice for taking such good care of his ferry for him. The variety of comments and opinions expressed in camp by the men is very curious. Some say we are going to surround Vicksburg, others think Grant is feeling for the enemy’s weakest point there to strike him, and one cool head remarked that it was all right wherever we went while Grant was leading, for he had never known defeat. Confidence in a good general stiffens a soldier—a rule that ought to work both ways. Surely no leader ever had more of the confidence of those he led than General Grant. He is not as social as McPherson, Sherman, Logan and some others, but seems all the while careful of the comfort of his men, with an eye single to success. Great responsibilities, perhaps, suppress his social qualities, for the present; for each day presents new obstacles to be met and overcome without delay. The enemy are doing all they can to hinder us, but let Grant say forward, and we obey.
Unable to sleep last night, I strolled about the camp awhile. Cause of my wakefulness, probably too much chicken yesterday. I appeared to be the only one in such a state, for the rest were
“Lost in heavy slumbers,
Free from toil and strife,
Dreaming of their dear ones,
Home and child and wife:
Tentless they are lying.
While the moon shines bright.
Sleeping in their blankets,
Beneath the summer’s night.”
