Saturday, 18th—Our wagon trains now move unmolested back and forth from Vicksburg to Jackson, since there are few of the rebels’ cavalry left in this section. Our brigade is to remain here at Clinton as a reserve to escort wagon trains when needed. We hear that Sherman is still after Johnston. Our camp here is quite low and damp, and a great many of the boys are coming down with the ague.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
July 18, Saturday. Have a letter from Governor Andrew, who in a matter misrepresented me; claims to have been led into error by the “Gloucester men,” and is willing to drop the subject.[see footnote 1] I shall not object, for the Governor is patriotic and zealous as well as somewhat fussy and fanatical.
General Marston and others, a delegation from New Hampshire with a letter from the Governor, wanted additional defenses for Portsmouth. Letters from numerous places on the New England coast are received to the same effect. Each of them wants a monitor, or cruiser, or both. Few of them seem to be aware that the shore defenses are claimed by and belong to the War, rather than the Navy, Department, nor do they seem to be aware of any necessity for municipal and popular effort for their own protection.
Two delegations are here from Connecticut in relation to military organizations for home work and to preserve the peace. I went to the War Department in their behalf, and one was successful, perhaps both.
There is some talk, and with a few, a conviction, that we are to have a speedy termination of the war. Blair is confident the Rebellion is about closed. I am not so sanguine. As long as there is ability to resist, we may expect it from Davis and the more desperate leaders, and when they quit, as they will if not captured, the seeds of discontent and controversy which they have sown will remain, and the social and political system of the insurrectionary States is so deranged that small bodies may be expected to carry on for a time, perhaps for years, a bushwhacking warfare. It will likely be a long period before peace and contentment will be fully restored. Davis, who strove to be, and is, the successor of Calhoun, without his ability, but with worse intentions, is ambitious and has deliberately plunged into this war as the leader, and, to win power and fame, has jeopardized all else. The noisy, gasconading politicians of the South who figured in Congress for years and had influence have, in their new Confederacy, sunk into insignificance. The Senators and Representatives who formerly loomed up in Congressional debate in Washington, and saw their harangues spread before the country by a thousand presses, have all been dwarfed, wilted, and shriveled. The “Confederate Government,” having the element of despotism, compels its Congress to sit with closed doors. Davis is the great “I am.”
In the late military operations of the Rebels he has differed with Lee, and failed to heartily sustain that officer. It was Lee’s plan to uncover Washington by inducing Hooker to follow him into Pennsylvania. Hooker fell into the trap and withdrew everything from here, which is surprising, for Halleck’s only study has been to take care of himself and not fall into Rebel hands. But he felt himself safe if Hooker and the army were between him and Lee.
From the interrupted dispatches and other sources, it is ascertained that Lee’s plan was the concentration of a force of 40,000 men at Culpeper to rush upon Washington when our army and the whole Potomac force was far away in the Valley of the Cumberland. But Davis, whose home is in Mississippi and whose interest is there, did not choose to bring Beauregard East. The consequence has been the frustration of Lee’s plans, which have perished without fruition. He might have been disappointed, had he been fairly seconded. Davis has undoubtedly committed a mistake. It hastens the end. Strange that such a man as Davis, though possessing ability, should mislead and delude millions, some of whom have greater intellectual capacity than himself. They were, however, and had been, in a course of sectional and pernicious training under Calhoun and his associates, who for thirty years devoted their time and talents to the inculcation first of hate, and then of sectional division, or a reconstruction of the federal government on a different basis. Nullification was an outgrowth. When Calhoun closed his earthly career several men of far less ability sought to wear his mantle. I have always entertained doubts whether Calhoun intended a dismemberment of the Union. He aimed to procure special privileges for the South, — something that should secure perpetuity to the social and industrial system of that section, which he believed, not without reason, was endangered by the increasing intelligence and advancing spirit of the age. Many of the lesser lights — shallow political writers and small speech-makers — talked flippantly of disunion, which they supposed would enrich the South and impoverish the North. “Cotton is king,” they said and believed, and with it they would dictate terms not only to the country but the world. The arrogance begotten of this folly led to the great Rebellion.
Davis is really a despot, exercising arbitrary power, and the people of the South are abject subjects, demoralized, subdued, but frenzied and enraged, with little individual independence left, — an impoverished community, hurrying to swift destruction. “King Cotton” furnishes them no relief. Men are not permitted in that region of chivalry to express their views if they tend to national unity.
Hatred of the Union, of the government, and of the country is the basis of the Confederate despotism. Hate, sectional hate, is really the fundamental teaching of Calhoun and his disciples. How is it to be overcome and when can it be eradicated? It has been the growth of a generation, and abuse of the doctrine of States’ rights, — a doctrine sound and wholesome in our federal system when rightly exercised. But when South Carolina in 1832 assumed the sovereign right of nullifying the laws of the government of which she was a member, — defeating by State action the federal authority and setting it at defiance, — claiming to be a part of the Union but independent of it while yet a part, her position becomes absolutely contradictory and untenable. Compelled to abandon the power and absolute right of a State to overthrow the government which she helped to create, or destroy federal jurisdiction, the nullifiers, still discontented, uneasy, and ambitious, resorted to another expedient, that of withdrawing from the Union, and, by combining with other States, establishing power to resist the government and country. Sectionalism or a combination of States was substituted for the old nullification doctrine of States’ rights. If they could not remain in the Union and nullify its laws, they could secede and disregard laws and government. Can it be extinguished in a day? I fear not. It will require time.
It is sad and humiliating to see men of talents, capacity, and of reputed energy and independence, cower and shrink and humble themselves before the imperious master who dominates over the Confederacy. Political association and the tyranny of opinion and of party first led them astray, and despotism holds them in the wrong as with a vise. The whole political, social, and industrial fabric of the South is crumbling to ruins. They see and feel the evil, but dare not attempt to resist it. There is little love or respect for Davis among such intelligent Southern men as I have seen.
Had Meade done his duty, we should have witnessed a speedy change throughout the South. It is a misfortune that the command of the army had not been in stronger hands and with a man of broader views, and that he had not a more competent superior than Halleck. The late infirm action will cause a postponement of the end. Lee has been allowed to retreat — to retire — unmolested, with his army and guns, and the immense plunder which the Rebels have pillaged. The generals have succeeded in prolonging the war. Othello’s occupation is not yet gone.
__________________________
[1] This refers to the statement, In a letter of July 1, from Governor Andrew to Secretary Welles, that the Navy Department had sent no vessels to the defense of the Massachusetts coast till after the Confederate cruiser Tacony “had rioted along the Vineyard Sound for four days.” The Secretary, under date of July 11, showed the incorrectness of this allegation, and Governor Andrew, in his letter of the 16th, withdrew it and explained that it was made ” upon the authority of municipal officers and citizens of Gloucester.”
July 18. — General Beauregard, from his headquarters at Charleston, S. C., issued the following address: “While the Commanding General regrets that the enemy have succeeded in effecting a landing upon Morris Island, he acknowledges with satisfaction the conduct of the troops in their brave and prolonged resistance against a force largely their superior in numbers; and he is especially gratified by the spirit and success with which the garrison of Battery Wagner, and the troops under Colonel Graham, repelled the assaults on that fortification, as it gives the assurance that he can rely upon the conduct and courage of both officers and men to check the progress of the enemy.” — General George C. Strong, with a column of General Gillmore’s forces, made an assault upon Fort Wagner. The storming party was led by the Fifty-fourth regiment of Massachusetts, (colored,) under Colonel Robert G. Shaw. After gaining an angle of the Fort, and holding it for some time, they were repulsed with terrible slaughter. Colonels Shaw and Putnam were killed, and General Strong severely wounded.—(Doc. 41.)
—George W. L. Bickley, supposed to be the originator of the order of the Knights of the Golden Circle, was arrested at New-Albany, Ind. —The draft in New-Haven, Ct, was concluded.— The expedition into North-Carolina, under the command of Brigadier-General Potter, left Newborn.—(Doc. 101.)
—John A. Andrew, Governor of Massachusetts, delivered an eloquent speech at Boston, on the occasion of the presentation of four flags, the gift of the women of Ohio, to the Fifty-fifth regiment Massachusetts colored volunteers. — One hundred guns were fired at Cambridge, Mass., in honor of the fall of Port Hudson.
—The rebel steamers, James Battle and James Bagaley, were captured off Mobile, Alabama. —At Baltimore, Md., an order was issued by General Schenck, directing all officers in the military service of the United States, residing at Rarnum’s City Hotel, to leave that establishment without delay.—Wytheville, Va., was captured by the National forces, under Colonel Toland.— (Doc. 132.)
—At Yates’ Point, on the Potomac River, an action took place between a party of rebels on shore, and the gunboats Jacob Bell, Resolute, and Teaser, and mortar-boat Dan. Smith. While the firing was going on, a party of Nationals was sent on shore, and the rebels were put to flight. —Major-General John G. Foster assumed command of the Department of Virginia, in addition to that of North-Carolina.
July 18 — Moved camp to-day two miles toward Berryville.
Saturday, July 18th.
It may be wrong; I feel very contrite; but still I cannot help thinking it is an error on the right side. It began by Miriam sending Mr. Conn a box of cigars when she was on Canal the other day, with a note saying we would be delighted to assist him in any way. Poor creature! He wrote an answer which breathed desolation and humility, under his present situation, in every line. The cigars, an unexpected kindness, had touched a tender cord evidently. He said he had no friends, and would be grateful for our assistance.
But before his answer arrived, yesterday morning I took it into my head that Colonel Steadman was also at the Custom-House, though his arrival had not been announced, the Yankees declining to publish any more names to avoid the excitement that follows. So Miriam and I prepared a lunch of chicken, soup, wine, preserves, sardines, and cakes, to send to him. And, fool-like, I sent a note with it. It only contained the same offer of assistance; and I would not object to the town crier’s reading it; but it upset Brother’s ideas of decorum completely. He said nothing to Miriam’s, because that was first offense; but yesterday he met Edmond, who was carrying the basket, and he could not stand the sight of another note. I wish he had read it! But he said he would not assume such a right. So he came home very much annoyed, and spoke to Miriam about it. Fortunately for my peace of mind, I was swimming in the bathtub in blissful unconsciousness, else I should have drowned myself. He said, “I want you both to understand that you shall have everything you want for the prisoners. Subscribe any sum of money, purchase any quantity of clothing, send all the food you please, but, for God’s sake, don’t write to them! In such a place every man knows the other has received a letter, and none know what it contains. I cannot have my sisters’ names in everybody’s mouth. Never do it again!” All as kind and as considerate for us as ever, and a necessary caution; I love him the better for it; but I was dismayed for having rendered the reproof necessary. For three hours I made the most hideous faces at myself and groaned aloud over Brother’s displeasure. He is so good that I would rather bite my tongue off than give him a moment’s pain. Just now I went to him, unable to keep silence any longer, and told him how distressed I was to have displeased him about that note. “Don’t think any more about it, only don’t do it again, dear,” was his answer. I was so grateful to him for his gentleness that I was almost hurried into a story. I began, “It is the first time —” when I caught myself and said boldly, “No, it is not. Colonel Steadman has written to me before, and I have replied. But I promise to you it shall not occur again if I can avoid it.” He was satisfied with the acknowledgment, and I was more than gratified with his kindness. Yet the error must have been on the right side!
Colonel Steadman wrote back his thanks by Edmond, with heartfelt gratitude for finding such friends in his adversity, and touching acknowledgments of the acceptable nature of the lunch. His brother and Colonel Lock were wounded, though recovering, and he was anxious to know if I had yet recovered. And that was all, except that he hoped we would come to see him, and his thanks to Brother for his kind message. Brother had sent him word by one of the prisoners that though he was not acquainted with him, yet as his sisters’ friend he would be happy to assist him if he needed money or clothing. There was no harm in either note, and though I would not do it again, I am almost glad I let him know he still had friends before Brother asked me not to write.
And as yet we can’t see them. A man was bayoneted yesterday for waving to them, even. It only makes us the more eager to see them. We did see some. Walking on Rampart Street with the Peirces yesterday, in front of a splendid private house, we saw sentinels stationed. Upon inquiry we learned that General Gardiner and a dozen others were confined there. Ada and Miriam went wild. If it had not been for dignified Marie, and that model of propriety, Sarah, there is no knowing but what they would have carried the house by storm. We got them by without seeing a gray coat, when they vowed to pass back, declaring that the street was not respectable on the block above. We had to follow. So! there they all stood on the balcony above. We thought we recognized General Gardiner, Major Wilson, Major Spratley, and Mr. Dupré. Miriam was sure she did; but even when I put on a bold face, and tried to look, something kept me from seeing; so I had all the appearance of staring, without deriving the slightest benefit from it. Wonder what makes me such a fool?
Mr. Conn writes that Captain Bradford is wounded, but does not say whether he is here.
Charles Francis Adams, Jr., to Henry Adams
Harpers Ferry, Virginia
July 18, 1863
I seize an instant which I have stolen from picket to scrawl you a line enclosing this letter from Major Higginson. He gave it to me weeks and weeks ago, just before this campaign began and it has rested in my valise. A thousand thanks to you all for your letters. You do not know how welcome they are to me in this terrible campaign. Yesterday I got yours of June 18th and 25th — six letters in all. I note what you say of victories. Have you enough? or would you like Charleston and Mobile? They will come soon. I have been cheering myself in darkness, hunger, cold and rain for the last three days by thinking of you all day, for today the news of Gettysburg and Vicksburg should flash in upon you as you sit there scared by the last advices and cowering in apprehension of those to come. I would give much to see you today or tomorrow as the real day dawns upon you. Write to me and tell me where you were, and how you were all feeling, and what each said and did, when at last you were assured that, not only had we gotten in our great southwestern blow, but had magnificently foiled their great eastern one. You must have had a terrible scare, but it’s all right now and we have made another great step. . . .
We hear nothing of the prisoners of Aldie and Ja. J. Higginson is still we presume, in the Libby. The last seen of him, as the rumor runneth, was by one of our men who was taken and escaped, who reports Jim trudging briskly along in front of his own horse, on which a fiery Southron was mounted, who from time to time accelerated Jim’s gait by threats and gestures. Such, alas! is war.
My love to each and all and I promise many letters when once more a day of quiet comes. I am not one of the sanguine now, and I no longer believe in a collapse of the rebellion. These Southerners are a terrible enemy and dangerous while there is a single hope left; but our recent successes and their recent defeats, combined with the loss of Jackson, makes me hope that the crisis is over. We shall have sharp fighting yet and enough of it, but, if all goes well, I do not see why I may not reasonably hope to be with you in England in a year from this time. God grant I may, for I do want to see you all very much, and I am tired and sick of fighting and hardship.
July 18.—I went to the church this afternoon to practice for the choir, and there I found Dr. Quintard and Dr. Cannon enveloped in a cloud of dust. They were both sweeping, trying to make the church look as clean as possible. Mr. Stickney and I went and procured covering for the communion table; after every thing was fixed we scarcely knew the place. Dr. Q. is a man of great energy. He has already collected twenty-five hundred dollars, and contracted for seats for the church.
Dr. Q. introduced me to Colonel Palmer of the Eighteenth Tennessee Regiment. He is a fine-looking man, and I am told brave to a fault. He was wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro.
Our hospital has been divided; Dr. Hunter and the Newsom Hospital have gone to Cleveland in this state. Three of the ladies have gone with it. Mrs. W., Miss Ellis, and myself are going to Kingston, Georgia; Dr. Hopping is going there too. Drs. Burt and Soles are going to a new hospital in this place, called Camp Direction Hospital. I regret leaving Dr. Hunter, as he has been very kind to us, and I also regret leaving his wife, who is a very lovely woman.
I had a visit from Rev. Mr. Williams. We shall miss him very much, as he has been most attentive to our patients, praying and talking to them in season and out of season.
I have spent the best part of the week visiting. I spent one evening at Mr. Corbin’s, Mrs. Dr. Fry’s father; had music, and a very delightful evening.
I spent another with Mrs. Whitesides. There I met quite a pleasant party, and among them some ladies from Kentucky; Dr. Q., and Dr. C., and Mr. Stickney. I had heard much of the vocal powers of one of the Kentucky ladies, but must own I have been sadly disappointed. She had a very remarkable voice, but has put the science of music at defiance; sings to suit her fancy. She sang the “Gloria in Excelsis,” the most solemn and beautiful anthem we have, with as many operatic touches as the “Casta Diva.” Mrs. W. is a refined and highly intelligent lady, and has the faculty of making every one at ease in her house. Her young daughter, who played for us, is a sweet young lady. I shall ever remember the family with pleasure.
My friends, Mr. and Mrs. Brewer, are packing up to leave. The last time I saw them, Mr. B. said he put no faith in General Bragg erecting fortifications, and that he would not be surprised to wake up some morning and find the army gone.
Saturday, 18th—Moved camp down on Silver Creek four miles from town.
July 18th. At eight A. M., U. S. M. steamer George Cromwell sailed for New York, with mails and passengers. Work going on this day, viz: repairing rigging, fishing mizzen mast, and provisioning ship, &c.
July 18th.
Our colors float from the walls of Jackson, but Johnson is not bagged; there was a hole through which he escaped.
Twice the Rebels charged us, and were sent back quicker than they came. Their loss in these two charges was three hundred men, in killed.
