Monday, 25th.—One artilleryman killed and another wounded by sharp-shooters. 3 P. M., flag of truce, and Federals allowed to bury their dead; some of our boys went out and talked to them.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
25th.—The enemy repulsed at Vicksburg, though it is still in a state of siege. General Johnston is there, and we hope that the best means will be used to save that heroic little city; and we pray that God may bless the means used.
A friend called this morning, and told us of the fall of another of those dear youths, over whose boyish sojourn with us memory loves to linger. Kennedy Groghan, of Baltimore, who, in the very beginning of the war, came over to help us, fell in a skirmish in the Valley, a short time ago. The only account given us is, that the men were forced to retreat hastily, and were only able to place his loved body under the spreading branches of a tree. Oh! I trust that some kindly hand has put him beneath God’s own earth, free from the din of war, from the strife of man, and from the curse of sin forever. I remember so well when, during our stay in Winchester, the first summer of the war, while General Johnston’s army was stationed near there, how he, and so many others, would come in to see us, with their yet unfaded suits of gray—already sunburnt and soldier-like, but bright and cheerful. Alas! alas! how many now fill the graves of heroes—their young lives crushed out by the unscrupulous hand of an invading foe!
Camp White, May 25, 863.
Dear Uncle: — The Rebels don’t make much progress towards getting us out. We are tolerably well fortified here and at Fayette. At the latter place they tried it, banging away three or four days and doing nothing.
I will see to the bank stock and try to pay a little at any rate.
Grant seems to be doing well. If all we hear is true, I think he will get Vicksburg soon.
I have sent to Lucy to come up as soon as Vicksburg is taken, thinking it probable that such an event may soon send us further out.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
S. Birchard.
May 25th. Again on the march after an early breakfast. Marched in good order through the town, by music of the drum corps. The town is an old Virginia one. Many old buildings, some showing the effects of the war. Reaching the center of town, filed to the right, going west, on the Winchester Pike. On the march we were obliged to ford three small rivers, or creeks, as the natives called them. Passed a number of large mansions. Many small outhouses, the homes of slaves in prosperous times. We surely are now in the enemy’s country. In conversation with the natives we would try and keep them talking, on account of their peculiar dialect. We never could find out how far it was to the next town, in miles. The answer would be “Right smart aways, I reckon.” After a tiresome march we reached the town of Winchester late in the afternoon. After a halt in the town for a while, until the Colonel could report to the Commander, General Milroy, we again were on the march, out the south side of the town, to locate camp about two miles from town.
Camp White, West Virginia, May 25, 1863.
Dearest: — If Vicksburg is taken it will perhaps take us to some other field. At least, important changes in our military policy may be looked for. Therefore, darling, I want you to visit me when you can, with such of the boys as you choose. All this is supposing Vicksburg ours. If not there will be time enough, I think, when you get ready to quit the city for the summer a few weeks hence.
Comly has his wife here. Captains Zimmerman and Sperry theirs, and more are expected — mine among the rest. — Love to all.
Affectionately,
R.
P. S. — Tell Stephenson I am now ready to sell the Hamilton property as proposed, if the offer can still be had.
Mrs. Hayes.
May 25. This morning there was a great change in the weather in comparison with yesterday. The air was chilly and we had a slight rain. It was cloudy most of the day. In the afternoon I went over to see Whittier, but found that he had started for home, quite sick with a fever. I went to the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, and found them in their new position near General Sedgwick. I went from there to the Engineer Brigade, and settled my accounts with Clapp and Strang. We received the news of the fall of Vicksburg’[1] in today’s paper. Had a letter from Father, and one from Hannah, enclosing her photograph.
[1] The news proved to be incorrect.
Monday, 25th—Fighting commenced this morning all along the line, but it proved to be mostly picket fighting. There was also some heavy cannonading and the mortar boats and the gunboats were in action. Our command, the Sixth Division, lay in bivouac all day. In the evening the rebels came out and captured some of our pickets, and we then formed a line of battle. The First Missouri Battery threw some shells into the rebels’ camp after night. General Lauman’s division arrived this morning, but did not get into action.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 25.—All the forces in camp had a grand review. It was an inspiring sight.
June 25. — Received orders early this morning to be ready to move, and at about 8 o’clock we started for Young’s Ford, three miles below Edward’s Ferry. When near the ferry we found that the ford was too deep for infantry, so we moved for the ferry itself, where they have a pontoon bridge across. We met Birney’s corps just before turning off from the pike to the ferry. Here General Reynolds took command of the First, Third, and Eleventh Corps. We reached the river just where Goose Creek runs in, and crossed the creek on a pontoon bridge, and then the Potomac on another. I found Captain Reese and Captain Turnbull here, and after a little while we went up to their tents on the hill, which rises from the river. A new bridge was soon finished here, so that we had two going. The view from here was very fine, and the troops crossing made a very beautiful scene. Up to this time we had had a very dusty march of eight miles, but about 3 P.M. it began to rain, and soon settled into a drizzle which lasted all night. Our headquarters were established about a mile and a half from Poolesville, Maryland. General Reynolds rode into the town and saw General French. I heard that the 2d Massachusetts Cavalry were near here, and on looking for them, found them. I saw Colonel Lowell[1] and Major Forbes,[2] both looking very well.
[1] Col. Charles Russell Lowell, killed later at Cedar Creek.
[2] William H. Forbes.
MAY 25TH.—Pemberton sent a flag of truce to Grant at two P. M., and the cessation of hostilities thus agreed on, lasted till eight o’clock in the evening. It made us happy, for we fancied it was a sign they wanted to surrender—but no such good luck. It was simply to give both sides a chance to bury their dead, which had been lying exposed since the twenty-second. Both armies issued from their respective fortifications and pits, and mingled together in various sports, apparently with much enjoyment. Here a group of four played cards—two Yanks and two Rebs. There, others were jumping, while everywhere blue and gray mingled in conversation over the scenes which had transpired since our visit to the neighborhood. I talked with a very sensible rebel, who said he was satisfied we should not only take Vicksburg, but drive the forces of the south all over their territory, at last compelling them to surrender; still, he said, he had gone into the fight, and was resolved not to back out. He said they had great hope of dissension in the north, to such an extent as might strengthen their cause. There have been grounds for this hope, I am sorry to say, and such dissensions at the north must prolong the war, if our peace party should succeed in materially obstructing the war measures of government. From the remarks of some of the rebels, I judged that their supply of provisions was getting low, and that they had no source from which to draw more. We gave them from our own rations some fat meat, crackers, coffee and so forth, in order to make them as happy as we could. We could see plainly that their officers watched our communications closely.
