Siege of Vicksburg.
Wednesday, 27th.—11 A. M. Four gunboats steamed up and commenced shelling at us, which was responded to by our siege guns, at the same time a gunboat attempted to pass the batteries from above but was sunk in about fifteen minutes under the Rebel guns. It was reported that this was the Gunboat “Cincinnati,” one of the best boats on the river; just out on its first trip. It was said that it was attempting to silence a battery that could not be turned on river or on the land. 12 M., gunboats moved out of range of siege guns. All is quiet. One man killed; two wounded.
27th.—The news from Vicksburg by the morning’s papers is very delightful, if authentic. We pause for confirmation of it. The young people among the villagers and refugees have been amusing themselves, during the past two evenings, with tableaux. I am too old to enjoy such things in these troubled times, but one picture I regretted not seeing. It represented the young Confederacy. The whole bright galaxy was there—South Carolina in scarlet, restive and fiery; Virginia, grave and dignified, yet bright with hope, seemed to be beckoning Kentucky on, who stood beyond the threshold, her eyes cast down with shame and suffering; Maryland was at the threshold, but held back by a strong hand; all the rest of the fair sisters were there in their appropriate places, forming a beautiful picture.
I am amused to see how the Democrats of the North are speechifying and exciting themselves about the arrest of Vallandigham, and how Lincoln will soon make them back down.
Camp White, May 27, 1863.
Dear Mother: — I received your letter and Laura’s a few days ago. . . . You seem to suppose Lucy and the boys are here. This is a mistake. I did not send for Lucy until yesterday. If the reports of General Grant’s victories at Vicksburg are true, I shall expect to see important changes in the location of troops in this quarter. I therefore tell Lucy that her best chance to visit me is now. . . .
We have had a good deal of marching, but little fighting, during the recent attempts of the enemy to get into this valley. They failed entirely in their efforts. We are sufficiently fortified to keep our positions against anything but greatly superior forces. If Grant is successful, at Vicksburg, as seems now probable, the whole prospect is changed and changed favorably.
Affectionately, your son,
Rutherford.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
May 27. — We received orders to have three days’ cooked rations on hand, and to be ready to start to-day, but the order was afterwards countermanded. I went with the general to headquarters, and from there to General Wright’s headquarters. I then went down to the picket line, and delivered a message to Colonel Wistar in regard to citizens passing through our lines. Saw a Lieutenant Fisher in the evening, of Harvard ’56. The day was pleasant.
Wednesday, 27th—Our brigade, with four others, all under the command of General Blair, left this morning for Benton’s Crossroads. The expedition is to keep General Johnston from coming in to reinforce the rebels at Vicksburg. Cannonading and picket firing opened up early this morning. Our army, by sapping and mining after night, is gradually working its way closer to the fortifications. Our men are well protected during the day by earthworks.
Colonel Lyons.
Donelson, May 27, 1863—Our Court is still running. I have attended very faithfully to every duty that would keep me away from the house. It is so lonesome here! Colonel Chapman acts worse than I do, but I know he doesn’t feel any worse. I organized our mess and commenced today at dinner with the Adjutant and Quartermaster. General Harding arrived this evening from the front, on his way to Illinois. He has an indefinite leave of absence, and if ordered back will probably resign.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 27.—Mr. Stanton came to our quarters before daylight and said that the boat had come and would wait an hour. I got ready and we walked over to the landing and took the boat Sunny Side. We have parted with our husbands—perhaps to meet no more on earth. It was a sad parting, but we will hope for the best. God is good, and in His infinite mercy He doeth all things right.
Arrived at Smithland about two o’clock. Mrs. Chapman left us here. We were sorry to part with her. We realized here that we had forgotten Rachel and had to go back to camp after her. She had found out that the boat had arrived and was all ready. [Rachel was a colored woman that I had promised to take to Chicago with me.] We changed boats at Smithland. Some of the party took a Government boat in the night, but we preferred to wait for the packet. We were late and the boat left us.
MAY 27TH.—It was three o’clock this morning before we camped. A tiresome tramp we have had, and after halting, but a few minutes elapsed before we were fast asleep. We were up, however, with the sun, took breakfast and were on the march again at eight o’clock. We halted two hours at noon, during which time we had dinner and rest. Camped again in the evening without having come in contact with the enemy. We do not know where Johnston is, but shall find him if he is in the neighborhood. This excursion party is composed of six regiments, and should we meet Johnston, and his force prove to be the largest, we shall have to fight hard, for we are now some distance from reinforcements. The health of our boys, however, is good—although one of them complains of worms—in his crackers. A change from city to country life seems generally acceptable—and yet as it was, our residence was only suburban.
May 27, Wednesday. No decisive news from Vicksburg. The public mind is uneasy at the delay, yet I am glad to see blame attaches to no one because the place was not taken at once. There have been strange evidences of an unreasonable people on many occasions during the War. Had Halleck shown half the earnestness and ability of Farragut, we should have had Vicksburg in our possession a year ago.
Admiral Foote handed me a letter from Thomas Turner, in command of the Ironsides off Charleston. Turner anticipates the withdrawal of Du Pont from the command, and thinks Foote or Dahlgren will succeed him. Is willing to continue under Foote, but not under D., who is his junior and has been promoted for his scientific attainments, and not for nautical experience or ability. These views are natural and proper enough to an old naval and social companion. But he proceeds to comment on the ironclads; speaks of the “miserable monitors,” though he admits they are admirably adapted for harbor defense; is astonished the Department should build so many; says it is to fill the pockets of the speculators. These are Du Pont’s tactics. If true, the Secretary is a knave, or a blockhead the tool of knaves, and so of others connected with the Department. But the fact is, Tom Turner is a simple dupe, and merely echoes the insinuations of another, who moulds him at pleasure and is demoralizing that entire command.
Had some talk with Admiral Foote respecting Charleston. He believes the place may be taken, but does not express himself with confidence. Has great respect for Du Pont, who, I fear, will exercise a bad influence upon him, should he be given the command. Admiral Gregory is too old and has some ailments. I have great faith in the old man, but the country would not forgive me the experiment, were he selected and to fail. There would be bitter opposition to Dahlgren from some good officers as well as the Tom Turners, were he given the squadron. Could he and Foote act together, it would be the best arrangement I could make.
27th. In the morning Rob went over to town with his Charlie. I believe he has said that he would prefer to give up a hope in Heaven rather than the horse. In the afternoon I took my boots over to town to get them repaired. Went for them in the evening.
