Sunday, 17th.—This A. M. found us two miles south of Big Black River. 9 A. M., heavy fighting back at Big Black River; 11 A. M., Confederates routed again; fell back to intrenchments at Vicksburg; went to our old camp.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Near Clinton, Sunday, May 17. 8 A. M. We are packed up ready for orders to move. Cannonading is heard briskly at times. Captain Williams’s 1st U. S. Battery of heavy siege guns drawn by oxen and mules are passing. The enemy reported to have crossed the river and posted themselves behind cotton bales. Some of the troops have been furnished with hard-tack, but we have not seen any yet. While waiting, we have received mail up to May 3. All well. 9 A. M. moved out through the thickly packed trains about four miles, then lay in the shade until 5 P. M. went into park in an orchard. Gen. McClernand has driven the enemy across the bridge at the railroad, capturing a brigade of prisoners.
Camp White, May 17, 1863.
Dear Uncle:—. . . We are in no danger here. We have built a tolerably good fort which we can hold against superior forces perhaps a week or two or more. We have a gunboat which will be useful as long as the river is navigable. My whole brigade has been here. The most of it is good and the rest is improving.
I like your bank project.
The Richmond hoax was a severe one. It did not reach us in a way to command belief. I still stick to Hooker. The Rebel loss of Jackson gives us the best of that effort. I hope the Potomac Army will get a victory sometime.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
S. BIRCHARD.
Camp White, May 17, 1863.
Dearest: — Things look well for quiet in our vicinity for a time to come. We have had a good deal of excitement for the past fortnight, but it is over now. Any time you think best to come or send Grandma or any of the family, advise me as you start and we will be ready for you and glad to see you. Comly brings his new wife here soon. Ellen (Lieutenant Ellen), ditto. Mrs. Zimmerman, an agreeable lady, is here now.
My whole brigade except two or three detached companies, is now here. Delany, Simmonds, the Fifth and Thirteenth Virginia and a new cavalry company were sent for during the recent scare. We have nearly finished a tolerable fort, and have a gunboat. I have thirteen pieces of artillery.
I am most agreeably disappointed in my Virginia regiments. The Thirteenth is new and composed of West Virginians, but it has capital officers and they promise well in all respects. I reviewed them this Sunday morning. Their appearance would be creditable to an old regiment.
The Fifth was in all battles under Fremont and Pope last summer and behaved well, but was unfortunately officered. This has been corrected. Their present commander is an excellent man and I look for good things from them.
It perhaps would be better for you not to come until you are ready to leave Cincinnati for the summer, if you do leave for the summer. But you and Mother Webb will make your own arrangements and it will suit me.
As ever, affectionately,
R. B. Hayes.
Mrs. Hayes.
17th May (Sunday).—We started again at 4.30 A.M., and met five wounded men who had been captured and paroled by Banks in Louisiana; they confirmed everything about the fall of Jackson, which made me consider myself particularly unfortunate, and destined apparently to be always intercepted by the Northern troops, which had happened to me at Alexandria, at Harrisonburg, and now again at Jackson.
At 8 A.M. we reached the little town of Brookhaven, which was full of travellers, principally Confederate soldiers, anxious to rejoin their regiments.
Maxey’s brigade left this place by road last night to join General Johnston, who is supposed to be concentrating his forces at a place called Canton, not far from Jackson.
I called on Captain Matthews, the officer who commanded at Brookhaven, and after introducing myself to him, he promised to assist me, by every means in his power, to join General Johnston.
I then went to a Methodist chapel; a good many soldiers were there, and great number of women.
At noon, just as I had begun to get in very low spirits about the prospects of getting on, a locomotive arrived from a station called Haslehurst, and brought us the astonishing report that the Yankees had suddenly abandoned Jackson, after destroying all the Government, and a good deal of private, property.
This news caused our prospects to look brighter.
Sunday, 17th — There was some very heavy cannonading out at the front today, and word came that a battle was fought at a place called Champion Hills, with heavy loss on both sides. The rebels are falling back towards Vicksburg. The river is falling and troops are still arriving. General Lauman’s Division arrived last night.
Part of “Life Studies of the Great Army” by Edwin Forbes (ca. 1876)
Library of Congress image.
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Note: This image has been digitally adjusted for fade correction, color, contrast, and saturation enhancement and selected spot removal. Also, it was one of two vignettes on the same sheet of paper.
May 17 — About a dozen of us members of the battery went to Bridgewater to-day to attend church. The Rev. Mr. Carson, chaplain of the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, preached from the tenth chapter and twenty-third verse of Hebrews.
Bridgewater is a pretty little town of about five hundred inhabitants. It is situated on North River and on the Warm Spring pike, seven miles southwest of Harrisonburg. The little town is neat and the streets are clean, and a row of pretty shade trees, mostly maple, extends along both sides of Main Street, affording a grateful and inviting shade during the noontide of summer and autumn.
17th. In the morning, Rob, Thede and I went to the creek and took a bath and changed clothes. Read some in “Guide to the Savior.” At 5 P. M. Mr. Brown preached from “And shew thyself a man.” The companies were out. Gen. Carter and staff were present. Good sermon. Letters from home and Fannie.
Saturday, 16th—Sunday, 17th—Came to Mrs. Huffey’s, found Albright.
