Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Post image for Diary of Gideon Welles.

Diary of Gideon Welles.

October 16, 2013

Diary of Gideon Welles

October 16, Friday. The President read to the Cabinet his letter to the Missouri radicals, and also a letter to General Schofield. Both exhibit tact, shrewdness, and good sense, on a difficult and troublesome subject. There is no cause for dissension among the friends of the Administration in Missouri, and the President does not commit himself to either faction in this controversy, but, like some of us, has little respect for the wild vagaries of the radical portion.

The President also read a confidential dispatch to General Meade, urging him not to lose the opportunity to bring on a battle, assuring him that all the honors of a victory should be exclusively his (Meade’s), while in case of a defeat he (the President) would take the entire responsibility. This is tasking Meade beyond his ability. If the President could tell him how and when to fight, his orders would be faithfully carried out, but the President is over-tasking Meade’s capability and powers. Where is Halleck, General-in-Chief, who should, if he has the capacity, attend to these things, and if he has not should be got out of the way.

Post image for An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones

An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones

October 16, 2013

An Artilleryman's Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones, 6th Battery, Wisconsin Artillery.

Glendale, Friday, Oct. 16. A very fine day, rather warm midday. Health never better, weight 140 pounds which is six pounds better than on September 30 at Memphis. Grazed as usual. After returning I washed a pair of pants at the spring. After dinner received orders to prepare for inspection, each man to appear in his best. 1:30 P. M. “Boots and Saddles” sounded and we soon were ready to move with boots blackened (those that could afford it), coats brushed, and the old 6th looked middling fine after all the dust of the war it has gone through for two years. The only drawback was the horses which looked terrible. Had the bones sticking out so as to almost cut the harness. Moved out under command of Lieutenant Clark, accompanied by his wife, who rode by his side, but she was evidently a little scared. Passed by the cavalry troops with the 12th Battery behind us. The two Batteries came into “Action Front”, when Captain Dillon with several of the staff rode up and down on inspection, after which they took a position in front with the beautiful flag of the 12th Battery posted, and we passed in review in column of sections at walk, then mounted cannoneers, and passed on trot. We then resumed our “Action Front”‘, after which Captain Dillon took command with his usual zeal, put us through on the double quick for nearly two hours. Returned to camp quite tired. To-morrow we move.

Post image for We watch with interest the military position at home,

We watch with interest the military position at home,

October 16, 2013

Adams Family Civil War letters; US Minister to the UK and his sons.

Henry Adams to Charles Francis Adams, Jr.

London, October 16, 1863

My letter of last week informed you of my campaign to St. Leonards. . . . The family are charmingly situated down there, with the ocean rolling under their windows; and the more I look at it, the more I feel how far the ocean is superior in grandeur to every other object in nature. To have it always under one’s eyes is certainly the most easy way of obtaining the grandest amusement in the way of spectacle that the world affords. The climate on that coast is mild and the atmosphere clear and free from smoke. . . .

As for me, I am getting to be of Dr. Johnson’s opinion that nothing is equal to Fleet Street. Not that I take so much pleasure in looking at it as I do at the magnificent changes of the ocean at St. Leonards; but the fact is I feel the want of London more when I leave it than I appreciate it when here. Still, I am very contented to be here alone, although I am still allowed little freedom of hours. . . . I am ruining my constitution by studying far into the small hours, and yet I think the profit balances the wear and tear. Silvyer and gold have I none, nor do I ever expect to realise my labors in that shape, but oh, my friend and mentor! I have learned that there are objects of ambition which may be held separate from the opinions of men or the applause of listening Senates.

The ancient Sir Henry Holland summoned me to breakfast the other morning to tell me that he had seen you three weeks ago and that you were well and prosperous. He seemed to have less acquaintance with your situation than I should have supposed he would have tried to get on our account. He did however declare himself pleased with your appearance, and Ted Lyman had apparently been sounding your praises largely. It is well to have friends at head-quarters. . . .

Public matters are very quiet and I trust will remain so for some time. We watch with interest the military position at home, and I am on sharp pins to know what will be the next act of the play in Tennessee. If the rebs can drive us out of there, they will save themselves for the time, but I feel confident that they would have to pay a price for it, of which Chickamauga is a first and limited instalment. . . .

Post image for War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

October 16, 2013

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

16th. Kept watch over Davenport. About midnight scout went out. Got a tent from warehouse. Boys got plenty of tobacco from warehouse. Many stores and private buildings were broken into and plundered. Soon after daylight the Col. becoming disgusted moved out three miles for breakfast. Ordered back about noon. Burned 15 cars, three engines and building stored with salt. Any amount of salt stored here left undisturbed. Burned three bridges and tore up two miles of track above Bristol. Rained all the afternoon. Camped about two miles from Blountville—good place. Had charge of Batt.—quite honored. Heard Lewis Jones.

Post image for Three Years in the Confederate Horse Artillery — George Michael Neese.

Three Years in the Confederate Horse Artillery — George Michael Neese.

October 16, 2013

Three Years in the Confederate Horse Artillery — George Michael Neese.

October 16 — Rained nearly all last night, and we had not the least sign of a shelter. This morning we moved back about two miles, then halted to graze our horses near the Manassas Gap Railroad, about two miles west of the Junction, and we drew our rations from persimmon trees, as we have been doing for the last few days.

This evening at dusk some Yankee cavalry crossed Bull Run and drove in our pickets. On the strength of the alarm we were immediately formed in line and put our guns in battery ready for action; but soon after driving in our pickets the Yankees recrossed to their side of Bull Run again, which left everything quiet along the front.

We bivouacked where we were in position, about a mile west of Manassas Junction.

This evening while we were in line the rain just poured down and put out every spark of fire that we had a little in rear of our position, and we were in total darkness the remainder of the night, with not even fire enough to fry our persimmons.

Post image for Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

October 16, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Friday, 16th—I went on picket this morning. We have to keep a strong picket line for fear of the rebels’ cavalry making a dash into this place and burning the provisions stored here. The large camp of refugees is still maintained here by the Government. The cars are running back and forth through here from Vicksburg, coming out at 11 a. m. and returning to Vicksburg at 3 p. m.

Post image for Sick leave.–Diary of Josiah Marshall Favill.

Sick leave.–Diary of Josiah Marshall Favill.

October 16, 2013

Diary of a Young Officer–Josiah Marshall Favill (57th New York Infantry)

October 16th. The enemy not showing up, a brigade of cavalry was sent across the run to investigate, and did not return until late at night. We remained in the same position all day. I suffered agonies from the eczema, which troubled me on account of the dampness and exposure, and the surgeon of the division directed me to apply for a sick leave, which I did the following day, October 17th, and for the first time in the history of the division I shall not participate in its movements; but I made arrangements with one of my clerks to continue the daily noting of events, so that I can preserve the continuity of the campaign. The following order was issued on the sixteenth:

Headquarters, Army of the Potomac.

October 15, 1863.

General Order No. 96: The Major-General commanding announces to the army that the rear guard, consisting of the Second corps, were attacked yesterday while marching by the flank. The enemy after a spirited contest, was repulsed, losing a battery of five guns, two colors, and four hundred and fifty prisoners. The skill and promptitude of Major General Warren and the gallantry and bearing of the officers and soldiers of the Second corps are entitled to high commendation.

By Command of Major-general Meade.

S. Williams, A. A. General.

Post image for A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

October 16, 2013

A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones

by John Beauchamp Jones

            OCTOBER 16TH.—No battle had occurred in Northern Virginia up to 10 o’clock yesterday morning, although there is a constant stream of prisoners being sent to this city daily, taken by our cavalry. At last accounts Meade’s army was retreating toward WashingtonCity, hotly pursued by Lee. They were near Manassas, the first battle-field of the war.

            There is nothing new from the West, except some skirmishing of cavalry in Central and Western Tennessee, wherein our men have had the advantage, though sometimes falling back before superior numbers.

            At Charleston a brisk cannonading is kept up between the batteries; and it is said more hostile transports are arriving, which may indicate active operations on land. Our 700-pounder Blakely No. 2 is there.

            Judge Campbell is giving passports rapidly, sometimes binding the Jews not to engage in private operations, but to confine themselves, while in the United States, to the purchase of supplies for the Confederate States service! Some, however, are willing to go on these terms to avoid conscription, but will realize profit by selling information to the enemy.

            Judge Hastings, of California, proposes to return thither and publish a pamphlet describing newly discovered gold mines, and organizing companies to work them, which shall be secessionists; and when organized, he will fall upon and destroy the United States troops, march into Arizona, and from thence pour reinforcements into Texas. The Secretary, in the absence of the President, sends a copy of this scheme to Lieut.-Gen. E. K. Smith, trans-Mississippi Department, and gives some encouragement to the judge; abstaining, however, for the present, from devoting any money to the project.

Post image for A Diary of American Events.

A Diary of American Events.

October 16, 2013

The American Civil War,The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

October 16.—General Bragg, in command of the rebel army of the Tennessee, issued the following General Orders from his headquarters at Missionary Ridge, Ga.:

“In order to augment the strength of the army, and to give to our brave soldiers an opportunity to visit home and provide for their families during the coming winter, the following rule is adopted:

“1. A furlough of not exceeding forty days will be granted to every non-commissioned officer and private who secures a recruit for his company.

“2. The recruit must be received and mustered into service, and be doing duty in the company before the application for furlough is forwarded.

“3. In all applications made in pursuance of section first, the commanding officer of the company will certify that the applicant has obtained an approved recruit who has been mustered into the service, and is present with the company, doing duty.”

Post image for Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier by Louis Léon

Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier by Louis Léon

October 16, 2013

Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier By Louis Léon [53d North Carolina Regiment, infantry]

October 16—Left this morning at 4, marched five miles, and halted on the Orange and Alexander Railroad, tore it up one and a quarter miles, and camped.