August 3, Monday. Went on a sail yesterday down the river. The day was exceedingly warm, but with a pleasant company we had an agreeable and comfortable time on the boat. The jaunt was of benefit to me. I am told by Drs. W. and H., whom I see officially almost daily, and am myself sensible of the fact, that I am too closely confined and too unremittingly employed, but I know not when or how to leave, — hardly for a day. The Sabbath day is not one of rest to me.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
August 3.—The exigencies under which one hundred thousand militia, for six months’ service, from the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West-Virginia were called out by the President’s proclamation of June fifteenth, 1863, having passed, it was ordered by the President that enlistments under that call be discontinued.— Horatio Seymour addressed a letter to President Lincoln, requesting him to suspend the draft for troops in New-York, and elaborately setting forth his reasons therefore.—The lighthouse on Smith’s Island, in the Chesapeake Bay, was destroyed by a party of rebels.
Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, August 3, 1863.—I have finally applied for a leave of absence. I have but little hope of getting it . If granted, I can not go to Racine before the 20th.
Mounted infantry from Clarksville were here on Thursday, and on their way home were fired into by guerillas in ambush about eight miles from here, and five of them badly wounded. One has since died and another will die. One of my companies, commanded by Hollister, was in that section and went after them, driving them several miles.
August 3 — In camp. General R. E. Lee passed our camp to-day; he rode leisurely along the road unaccompanied by any one, and seemed as unconcerned as an old farmer going to his daily toil.
To-day General A. P. Hill, with his corps of infantry, passed our camp.
August 3d. At sea; at eleven in the morning light rain squall passed over; at eleven thirty set all fore and aft sails; at eleven forty-five took them in; at three fifteen P. M. light rain-squall passed over; at four ten made a sail to the southward, and bore down for her, called all hands make sail, and at four thirty fired a gun in direction of strange sail, which hoisted the French colors. Furled sail and hauled up to course again. Unbent and sent down foretopsail for repairs, and sent up and bent a new one. At six ten inspected crew at quarters. From eight o’clock to midnight slight wind from southward and eastward, and clear; at eleven fifty a sail reported on starboard beam.
August 3.—I am beginning to think that we shall not be able to remain here, as Dr. A. has proved himself a real Pharaoh—expecting brick without straw. We have many sick, and much to do. Our servants are still sick, and when we ask Dr. A. for more, he tells us the government will not allow him to grant the request.
The poor government is blamed for every thing. I have many a time heard it charged with faults which I thought were owing to subordinate officers. Dr. H. was constantly telling us about orders he had received from head-quarters: allowing us so much soap and no more, and even regulating how many pieces each person must have washed. I have never been able to ascertain whether head-quarters meant General Bragg, the surgeon-general, or President Davis. I think sometimes it is only a mythical term, merely used to frighten us. If not, I think it is a pity that those worthies have not something of more importance on which to spend their time. I have often thought that they are surely not aware of the price of paper, or they would be a little more sparing of their dispatches. I wish they would send me a few blank sheets, as I find it difficult to get enough for my private use.
We have no wash-house. When I asked Dr. A. for one, he told me that his grandmother and mother never had any but the canopy of heaven for theirs, and he did not intend having any other in the hospital. I argued the case with him as best I could; I told him that a hospital was not a private house, and it was our duty to do all in our power to promote the health of the attendants as well as the patients; and that whoever washed ought to have a covering of some kind; and the clothing, whether dirty or clean, needed to be covered in case of rain. I found him inexorable.
I feel confident that the doctor has never had charge of a hospital before, and it is useless to try and teach any one who has such unbounded faith in his progenitors. I have made up my mind to let things take their course, and if I find I can not get along, will leave.
Numbers of troops are being transported down the road. No one can tell where they are going to.
3rd. Spent the forenoon at home and doing chores. Spent a little time reading. After dinner called on Fannie. Found her the same lovely creature as of old. One may well feel rich in the possession of such a friend. I do. In the evening attended Young People’s Meeting. Did me good.
Headquarters 1st Army Corps,
Camp at Rappahannock Station, 6 P.M., Aug. 3, 1863.
Dear Father, — I have heard nothing about my commission, and nothing about coming home. I am afraid that there is some mistake about the matter. In case any telegram or document is sent me, you had better have it directed to me at these headquarters. Of course I can take no measures about coming home until I receive official notice that I am commissioned as lieutenant colonel, or until I am ordered home by the War Department. Even if I took any such measures, no attention would be paid them, unless, as I have said, I should receive official notice.
We are settled here for some time, I think. At present we have most of our corps across the river, waiting until the railroad bridge is completed. I went out to the front day before yesterday, and saw the cavalry fight. The fighting I saw took place near Brandy Station, some six miles from here.
Our headquarters are on this side of the river and about a mile from the river.
I hope I shall hear soon from some one in regard to my commission. As soon as I do hear, I shall start for home, going from here to Washington on the railroad, which is a safe route. I shall send my horses on to New York by boat.
August 3. — We received a message this morning that the enemy was advancing in force. Lieutenant Jackson rode down to the river, and found that it was a false alarm. Weather sultry and hot.
Monday, 3d—I was on camp guard today. We got our tents and pitched them today, and also, because of the intense heat, built shades in front of them by setting up forks and poles covered with brush. It is the report that we are to remain here on garrison duty. Our work is very light, however, as we have no picket duty.
