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

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Post image for A Diary of American Events.

A Diary of American Events.

February 25, 2014

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

February 25.—The following was published in Richmond, Va.:

“General Bragg has been assigned to duty in Richmond as consulting and advisory General. We regard the appointment as one very proper, and believe that it will conduce to the advancement and promotion of the cause. General Bragg has unquestionable abilities, which eminently fit him for such a responsible position. The country will be pleased to see his experience and information made use of by the President. His patriotism and zeal for the public service are fully recognized and appreciated by his countrymen. The duties of the commander-in-chief, who, under the constitution, can be no other than the President, are most arduous, and require much aid and assistance as well as ability and experience. General Bragg has acquired, by long service, that practical experience necessary to the position to which he is assigned by the general order published in to-day’s Enquirer.

“An erroneous impression obtains as to the nature of this appointment of General Bragg. He is not and cannot be commander-in-chief. The Constitution of the confederate States makes the President the commander-in-chief. General Bragg is detailed for duty in Richmond ‘under’ the President He does not rank General Lee nor General Johnston. He cannot command or direct them, except ‘by command of the President.’ His appointment has been made with the knowledge and approval of Generals Cooper, Lee, Johnston, and Beauregard, all his superiors in rank, who, knowing and appreciating the usefulness and ability of General Bragg, concur in his appointment by the President.—Richmond Enquirer.

—Fort Powell, situated below Mobile, Ala., was bombarded by the ships belonging to the National fleet.—The British sloop Two Brothers, from Nassau, N. P., was captured in Indian River, abreast of Fort Capron, Florida, by the National bark Roebuck.

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

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

February 25, 2014

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

Thursday, 25th—The main army moved only eight miles today, when it went into camp for the remainder of the day and night. This is to give the Sixteenth Corps time to cross the river. Our brigade was the first to cross the river, and we went on as far as Canton, about fifteen miles north of Jackson. Here we went into camp and are waiting for the army to catch up. All is quiet. The weather is quite warm. Peach trees are in bloom and the wild grapes are getting green.

Post image for War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

February 25, 2014

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

25th. Folks went down to Cleveland even to Carrie. Floy came. She, Agnes and I kept house. Good time. Commenced letter to F. Attended meeting.

Post image for A Soldier’s Diary — David Lane.

A Soldier’s Diary — David Lane.

February 25, 2014

A Soldier's Diary, The Story of a Volunteer, David Lane, (17th Mich. Vol. Infantry)

Knoxville, Tenn., February 25th, 1864.

Another of my patients leaves for his home tomorrow morning on furlough. His name is Joseph Spalding, of our company. He was wounded and taken prisoner at Campbell Station, but, being unable to walk, was left, with about three hundred of their own men, when the siege was raised. He enjoyed their hospitality about three weeks, and was satisfied. He says, however, they treated him as well as they did their own men. Our forces are still searching for Longstreet, the Ninth Corps in advance, as usual.

I learn they crossed the Holston today at Strawberry Plains. How far our boys will follow I do not know; certainly not farther than the cars can carry their supplies, for they have no mule train. They may go as far as Morristown, then strike across by way of Cumberland Gap. The officers’ horses, that were sent to Kingston some time ago on account of forage, are ordered back. This means change of locality. The fact may seem of small significance, but I have learned to judge of movements by what I see, not by what I hear.

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

An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones

February 25, 2014

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

Huntsville, Thursday, Feb. 25. Slept but little during the night, deglutition being very painful and throat much swollen. Reported at sick call (the first time since I left Vicksburg) and was excused from duty. Four desperate big powders of quinine, opium, etc. to be taken. Retired to quarters, burned the powders and went to bed with cold water application to throat. Could eat nothing whatsoever all day. Had a raging fever, all throat very painful. Bathed in the evening. Fever a little; lower.

Post image for Letters and Diary of Laura M. Towne.

Letters and Diary of Laura M. Towne.

February 25, 2014

Letters and diary of Laura M. Towne

St. Helenaville[1], S.C., February 25, 1864.

We had such a funny time in church to-day. There was no white minister, and two elders preached and one prayed. (We go to the village church now, of course.) The one who prayed — Uncle Jimmy — said that he asked the Lord to bless the brother “who had just preached to them from such a shallow judgment and untormenting understanding.” Whether he played upon the ignorance of the others or was ignorant himself we are inclined to question. In conclusion, he told the Lord he was his unworthy brother.

Did I tell you that our little girl Clarissa came to me to say, “De freeze tumble fas’,” when it was snowing?

[1] St. Helenaville, or St. Helena Village, was where Miss Towne and Miss Murray lived after leaving “The Oaks.” The village was situated near St. Helena Sound, and had one of the finest sites on the island.

Post image for Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy.

Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy.

February 25, 2014

Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy, 39th Georgia Regiment of Infantry

Thursday, 25th.—2 A. M., aroused and marched three and one-half miles towards Tunnel Hill. After daylight marched up Crow’s Valley to Aults’ Mill, and formed in line of battle. Companies F and D thrown out half-mile as skirmishers. In short time Yanks appeared in some force and drove us back near our main line, where we reformed and skirmished with them the remainder of the day; two or three wounded. About 10 A. M., they charged Reynolds’ Brigade on our left, but were driven back. Shortly after they charged Mill Creek Gap, but were driven back with heavy loss. Reported our forces followed them to Buzzard Roost. All quiet at dark; returned to our place in line of battle.

Post image for Diary of Gideon Welles.

Diary of Gideon Welles.

February 25, 2014

Diary of Gideon Welles

February 25, Thursday. I called at the Treasury Department this morning relative to funds to pay the hands in the Navy Yard at Broooklyn (sic). Chase appeared very well and calm. We talked of many difficulties. He wants the bank circulation suppressed. I told him we could not have two currencies, for the baser would always expel the better. He said the banks and individuals were hoarding the government paper and there must be some legislation to prevent the banks from circulating their paper, arid it was desirable there should be a public sentiment in that direction. I do not think he has any sound, well-matured, comprehensive plan of finance, or correct ideas of money and currency, but he is quick of apprehension and has mental resources, and is fertile in expedients not always sound but which have been thus far made available.

Battery Simpkins–February 25, 1864

February 25, 2014

Miscellaneous document sources,Paintings of Conrad Wise Chapman

Battery Simpkins, Charleston, SC

 

Painting by Conrad Wise Chapman.

“Shows Morris Island, and one of the batteries on James Island, which was opposite Sullivan’s Island. Men may be seen coming up with ammunition.” – Conrad Wise Chapman, 1898

Post image for A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

February 25, 2014

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

by John Beauchamp Jones

            FEBRUARY 25TH.—The President has certainly conferred on Bragg the position once (1862) occupied by Lee, as the following official announcement, in all the papers to-day, demonstrates:

            “WAR DEPARTMENT,                   
            ” ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE,
            ” RICHMOND, February 24th, 1864.           

“GENERAL ORDERS No. 23.

            “Gen. Braxton Bragg is assigned to duty at the seat of government, and, under direction of the President, is charged with the conduct of military operations in the armies of the Confederacy.

            “By order of the Secretary of War.

            ” S. COOPER,                       
            “Adjutant and Inspector General.”

            No doubt Bragg can give the President valuable counsel—nor can there be any doubt that he enjoys a secret satisfaction in triumphing thus over popular sentiment, which just at this time is much averse to Gen. Bragg. The President is naturally a little oppugnant.

            He has just appointed a clerk, in the Department of War, a military judge, with rank and pay of colonel of cavalry—one whom he never saw; but the clerk once had a street fight with Mr. Pollard, who has published a pamphlet against the President. Mr. Pollard sees his enemy with three golden stars on each side of his collar.

            The retreat of Sherman seems to be confirmed.

            Gen. Beauregard sends the following dispatch:

            “CHARLESTON, February 23d-2.15—P.M.

“TO GEN. S. COOPER.

            ” The latest reports from Gen. Finnegan give no particulars of the victory at Occum Pond, except that he has taken all of the enemy’s artillery, some 500 or 600 stand of small arms already collected, and that the roads for three miles are strewn with the enemy’s dead and wounded.

” (Signed)                                G. T. BEAUREGARD.”                   

            The Examiner has the following remarks on the appointment of Bragg:

            “The judicious and opportune appointment of Gen. Bragg to the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Armies, will be appreciated as an illustration of that strong common sense which forms the basis of the President’s character, that regard for the opinions and feelings of the country, that respect for the Senate, which are the keys to all that is mysterious in the conduct of our public affairs. The Confederate armies cannot fail to be well pleased. Every soldier’s heart feels that merit is the true title to promotion, and that glorious service should insure a splendid reward. From LookoutMountain, a step to the highest military honor and power is natural and inevitable. Johnston, Lee, and Beauregard learn with grateful emotions that the conqueror of Kentucky and Tennessee has been elevated to a position which his superiority deserves. Finally this happy announcement should enliven the fires of confidence and enthusiasm, reviving among the people like a bucket of water on a newly kindled grate.”

            The day before his appointment, the Enquirer had a long editorial article denouncing in advance his assignment to any prominent position, and severely criticised his conduct in the West. Today it hails his appointment as Commander-in-Chief with joy and enthusiasm! This reminds one of the Moniteur when Napoleon was returning from Elba. The Enquirer’s notion is to prevent discord—and hence it is patriotic.

            The weather is still bright, pleasant, but dusty. We have had only one rain since the 18th of December, and one light snow. My garden is too dry for planting.

            We have not only the negroes arrayed against us, but it appears that recruiting for the Federal army from Ireland has been carried on to a large extent.

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