July 25, Saturday. Colonels Roes and Morris, commanding two of our Connecticut regiments, came to see me. Each is of opinion that few men will be obtained in that State under the draft. I fear the subject has not been managed with much skill, and that it has been done without much consultation or advice. Possibly one or two members of the Cabinet have run to the War Department and volunteered their views. I have not.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
July 25.—The rebel steamers Merrimac and Lizzie were captured by the National gunboat Iroquois, they having run the blockade of Wilmington, N. C., the evening previous. — The rebel steamer Beauregard, after attempting to run the blockade of Charleston, S. C., returned to Nassau, N. P.—Jefferson Davis, “regarding the furloughs granted the paroled prisoners from Vicksburgh of too great duration in the present condition of the country, with the exception of those of men most distant” from the camp of General Pemberton, at Demopolis, ordered that they be reduced, and an order to that effect was issued by General Pemberton.
Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, July 25. 1863.—I fear I can not get a leave of absence at all, as the orders are very strict now, and none are granted except to save life or prevent permanent disability. It is a sore disappointment, but this I suppose is one—and not the least, either—of the sacrifices that I am called upon to make in this war.
I see no signs of our being moved from here, yet there may be some change of program towards fall. Of course, we do not know anything about our future movements.
July 25 — It was late to-day when we left our camp on Fisher’s Hill, yet we marched twenty-five miles up the Valley pike. We passed through Woodstock, Edenburg, and Mount Jackson, and marched till ten o’clock to-night. Camped on Rude’s Hill three miles south of Mount Jackson.
July 25—Left this morning at 7 o’clock, halted at 3 in the afternoon—sixteen miles.
July 25th. During forenoon of this day, engaged in fitting topgallant and royal yards. Bent fore and main top-gallant sails and royals, and placed them in the rigging; also bent the foresail and mizzen topsail. Gunboat New London went down the river. During the hours of eight and ten P. M., squalls of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning; wind from the southward.
Saturday, 25th. Breakfasted at a farmer’s. Off at 7, towards Lancaster, 45 miles. At Chancey got some horses shod. Rained considerably. Road lay along the canal. Two miles out of Lancaster, rested and remained till after dinner. A very pleasant family by the name of McLeary.
Saturday, 25th.—Had good place to sleep last night; went down to market house. Everything plentiful, but prices high. Saw one watermelon said to weigh eighty pounds; price, $5. Took steamboat at 3 o’clock; at Tensaw landing, 6 P. M.
Vicksburg, Saturday, July 25. Troops returning from Jackson, their expedition having been crowned with success. Notwithstanding the warm weather they marched in good order and high spirits.
July 25. — Received orders to march at daylight this morning for Warrenton Junction. Started as ordered, and reached there by noon, a distance of io miles. Before leaving in the morning, Mrs. Smith, wife of Extra Billy,[1] came up to the hotel, to try to get back her cattle, which General Cutler took. I believe she was successful. She said that she hoped Extra B. would be inaugurated Governor of the State and the Union in January next. We found the Eleventh Corps just arriving at the Junction as we came in. Two divisions of the corps were placed on the right of the railroad, and one proceeded to Beale-ton. We found good water scarce, as it always is in this vicinity. Our headquarters were near the Junction, in a grove of trees. This makes the third time that I have encamped at Warrenton Junction during this war. The first time last August, with General Porter; the second time last month, with General Reynolds; and the third time with General Newton.
[1] “Extra Billy Smith,” Governor of Virginia somewhere about the beginning of the War. Called “Extra Billy” Smith because he put in so many bills for extras.
