4th. Right after breakfast got a livery team and Thede and I were on our way to Amherst. Called at Helen’s (Helen Rood), then Grandpa’s. He seemed affected to see us. Growing old or rather young again (in mind). Stopped at Mr. Lysell’s for dinner. Uncle Milo there. Stayed at Elyria three hours. Good visits with Floy, and Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Back, and in evening at Mr. Haynes’—good time.
August 2013
August 4. — General Newton rode down to the river this morning and visited General Robinson and GeneralCutler. Also stopped at General Buford’s headquarters. We had just got back to camp when we heard firing down near the river, and found that the enemy were advancing. After swallowing a hasty dinner, we rode down on a gallop, and found that the enemy were being driven back by our cavalry. It was showery during the day.
Tuesday, 4th—The heat is intense today. We finished putting up the brush shades and also completed our bunks. It seems like home once more. Our regimental payrolls were made out today, while the Thirteenth Iowa received their pay. Major Foster is now in command of our regiment.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 4. Felt much better, but have no appetite. Griff brought me a dish of arrowroot which I ate. I think I am out of danger of a fever, so I will not go to sick call. Received six days’ mail.
Library of Congress title: “Unidentified soldier in Union first lieutenant’s uniform and kepi with cavalry saber atop horse in front of fence, building, and woods.” (Probably an infantry officer with an infantry sword. See Craig Morris’s comment below.)
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Quarter-plate tintype, hand-colored ; 16.5 x 14.1 cm (case)
Gift by Tom Liljenquist; 2010
Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs; Ambrotype/Tintype photograph filing series; Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
Record page for image is here.
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Note – This image has been digitally adjusted for one or more of the following:
- fade correction,
- color, contrast, and/or saturation enhancement
- selected spot and/or scratch removal
- cropped for composition and/or to accentuate subject matter
- straighten image
Civil War Portrait 047
by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 4TH.—The partial gloom continues. It is now ascertained that Gen. Morgan is a prisoner; only some 250 of his men, out of 3000, having escaped.
Lee is falling back on this side of the Rappahannock. His army has been diminished by desertions; but he has been reinforced pretty considerably since leaving Pennsylvania. The President’s address may reinforce him still more; and then it may be possible a portion of Bragg’s and Johnston’s armies may be ordered hither. If this should be done, the next battle may be fatal to Meade. Our people are thirsting for another victory; and may expect too much.
Confederate notes are now given for gold at the rate of $12 or $15 for $1. Flour is $40 per barrel; bacon, $1.75 per pound; coal, $25 per cart-load; and good wood, $30 per cord. Butter is selling at $3 per pound, etc. etc.
Nevertheless, most men look for relief in the foreign complications the United States are falling into. England will not prohibit the selling of steamers to the Confederate States, and the United States say it shall not be done ; and France has taken possession of Mexico, erecting it into an Empire, upon the throne of which will be seated some European ruler. We think recognition of our government is not far behind these events; when we shall have powerful navies to open the blockade. We are used to wounds and death; but can hardly bear starvation and nakedness.
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.
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.
