Thursday, 16th—We left our bivouac with the wagon train at an early hour and moved on quite rapidly, expecting to be attacked at any moment. We passed the place on the road where the train just ahead of us was attacked by the rebel cavalry, which captured and burned fifteen of the wagons, taking with them the mules and carrying off the drivers and guards as prisoners. This was a terribly hard day for us. We were not allowed to climb the wagons, but were ordered to keep up with them, and with muskets loaded and bayonets fixed, be ready to fight at the drop of a hat. Then, too, the weather was awfully hot, and the dust kicked up by the mules was stifling; besides this, we were almost famished, the little water we could find being unfit for use because of its sickly odor. But late in the afternoon we arrived at Clinton, where we were relieved by another regiment and went into camp with our brigade which was stationed here.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Fayetteville, July 16, 1863.
Dear Uncle: — We are on our return from beyond Raleigh. Rebs we were after left their stronghold without a fight, and our troops destroyed their works. Shall probably return to Charleston soon. Morgan in Ohio! I wish we were there also. All things look well. The escape of Lee does not disappoint me. To get rid of him so easily is a success. We shall get him some day. I enjoyed this last little campaign very much indeed.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
S. BIRCHARD.
Fayetteville, July 16, 1863.
Dear Mother: — We have been into Dixie and are safe out again into our own lines — a very lively and pleasant raid.
I see Morgan is raiding in Ohio. I hope he will be caught. It will not surprise me if we are called home to look after him. I regard this as one of the reckless efforts of a despairing and lost cause. Certainly the Rebel prospects were never before so dark, nor ours so cheering.
I am very well. No time to say more.
Affectionately,
R. B. Hayes.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
Fayetteville, July 16, P. M., 1863.
Dearest: — We reached here today; left Raleigh yesterday. The Rebels were fortifying beyond Raleigh on Piney. They were already annoying us a good deal from there. We reached their works Tuesday, 14th. After feeling for their position we withdrew for the night. In the morning they were gone. A force is destroying their works and we are so far on our way back. We may go on another expedition before returning to Charleston, but not one involving much risk.
Morgan is in Ohio. I wish we were there also. Possibly we may be if he remains long. Very queer, these last struggles of the Rebs. They are dying hard, but it seems like the convulsive and desperate efforts of the dying. . . . Love to all.
Affectionately, dear one, your
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
[July 16, 1863]. — We reached Raleigh Tuesday, 14th, about 12:30 P. M. Found the enemy strongly fortified at Piney River. It was deemed unsafe to assault in front, and finding it would take much time to turn the position, it was resolved to leave without attempting to storm the works. During the night the Rebels kindly relieved us by running away! P. M. We started for Fayette on the 15th.
July 16, Thursday. It is represented that the mob in New York is about subdued. Why it was permitted to continue so long and commit such excess has not been explained. Governor Seymour, whose partisans constituted the rioters, and whose partisanship encouraged them, has been in New York talking namby-pamby. This Sir Forcible Feeble is himself chiefly responsible for the outrage.
General Wool, unfitted by age for such duties, though patriotic and well-disposed, has been continued in command there at a time when a younger and more vigorous mind was required. In many respects General Butler would at this time have best filled that position. As a municipal and police officer he has audacity and certain other qualities in which most military men are deficient, while as a general in the field he is likely to accomplish but little. He, or any one else, would need martial law at such a time, and with such element, in a crowded and disorderly city like New York. Chase tells me there will probably be a change and that General Dix will succeed General Wool. The selection is not a good one, but the influences that bring it about are evident. Seward and Stanton have arranged it. Chase thinks McDowell should have the position. He is as good, perhaps, as any of the army officers for this mixed municipal military duty.
Lee’s army has recrossed the Potomac, unmolested, carrying off all its artillery and the property stolen in Pennsylvania. When I ask why such an escape was permitted, I am told that the generals opposed an attack. What generals? None are named. Meade is in command there; Halleck is General-in-Chief here. They should be held responsible. There are generals who, no doubt, will acquiesce without any regrets in having this war prolonged.
In this whole summer’s campaign I have been unable to see, hear, or obtain evidence of power, or will, or talent, or originality on the part of General Halleck. He has suggested nothing, decided nothing, done nothing but scold and smoke and scratch his elbows. Is it possible the energies of the nation should be wasted by the incapacity of such a man?
John Rodgers of the Weehawken was here to-day. He is, I think, getting from under the shadow of Du Pont’s influence.
Mr. Hooper and Mr. Gooch have possessed themselves of the belief — not a new one in that locality — that the Representatives of the Boston and Charlestown districts are entitled to the custody, management, and keeping of the Boston Navy Yard, and that all rules, regulations, and management of that yard must be made to conform to certain party views of theirs and their party friends.
July 16.—Major-general Dix, preparatory to assuming command of the Eastern Department, relinquished the command of the Department of Virginia, to Major-General J. G. Foster.—General Heckman returned to his quarters at Morehead City, N. C., having been absent four days on a reconnoissance toward Swansboro. The objects of the expedition were fully accomplished without casualty.—Jackson, Miss., was evacuated by the rebels.—(Doc. 98.)
—The steamboat Imperial arrived at New-Orleans, La., from St Louis, Mo., the first boat between the cities for more than two years.—The rebels made an attack on General Terry’s brigade on James Island, S. C., but were repulsed. The monitors and mortar-boats kept up an almost constant fire upon Fort Wagner all day, but most of them withdrew at night
—A force of National troops visited the salt works, near St. Mark’s, Florida, and succeeded in destroying them completely, besides carrying off fifteen slaves.—The rebel forces under General Morgan passed through Piketon, Ohio.—The Colored Convention of the State of New-York, met at Poughkeepsie, and issued a manifesto and call to the colored population, defining their position.—The draft riot continued in New-York.— A Sharp cavalry fight occurred near Shepherdstown, Va.—(Doc. 145½.)
July 16 — In camp all day. Heard some heavy cannonading late this evening in the direction of Shepherdstown.
July 16—Left this morning at 7; marched to Darkesville, eight miles.
Thursday, 16th—Remain in camp all day.
