February 26th.—We went to see Mrs. Breckinridge, who is here with her husband. Then we paid our respects to Mrs. Lee. Her room was like an industrial school: everybody so busy. Her daughters were all there plying their needles, with several other ladies. Mrs. Lee showed us a beautiful sword, recently sent to the General by some Marylanders, now in Paris. On the blade was engraved, “Aide toi et Dieu t’aidera.” When we came out someone said, “Did you see how the Lees spend their time? What a rebuke to the taffy parties!”
Another maimed hero is engaged to be married. Sally Hampton has accepted John Haskell. There is a story that he reported for duty after his arm was shot off; suppose in the fury of the battle he did not feel the pain.
General Breckinridge once asked, “What’s the name of the fellow who has gone to Europe for Hood’s leg?” “Dr. Darby.” “Suppose it is shipwrecked?” “No matter; half a dozen are ordered.” Mrs. Preston raised her hands: “No wonder the General says they talk of him as if he were a centipede; his leg is in everybody’s mouth.”
February 26, Friday. Only three of us were at the Cabinet council to-day. Some matters of interest were touched upon, but there was soon a discussion on recent political movements. The President has been advised of the steps taken to forward the Chase operations. Circulars were put in his hands before signed.
A spicy debate sprung up yesterday on the passage of the Navy Bill. Holman, a Copperhead partisan, made an attack on me, — sprawling, personally vituperative, and abusive. H. Winter Davis sustained him, but flung his vindictive spite more malignantly at Fox, whom he called a “cotton-spinner,” than at me. He eulogized Du Pont, whom the Navy Department had withdrawn from the command of the South Atlantic Squadron, and denounced the Balaclavian order compelling him to attack Sumter, etc., etc. Kelly and Griswold defended the Department, but Frank Blair made the best points, and told Davis that, while he was active in getting up investigations against the Navy Department, he opposed all investigation of the Treasury. Things took such shape that I perceive the instructions to and correspondence with Du Pont will be called for.
by John Beauchamp Jones
FEBRUARY 26TH—Cool, bright, but windy and dusty.
Dispatches announce heavy skirmishing in the vicinity of Dalton —and Gen. Johnston’s army was in line of battle. It may be merely a feint of the enemy to aid in the extrication of Sherman.
Gen. Lee is here in consultation with the President. They decided that over 1000 men be transferred from the army to the navy—so that something may be soon heard from our iron-clads.
Pork is selling at $8 per pound to-day.
Writings upon the walls of the houses at the corners of the streets were observed this morning, indicating a riot, if there be no amelioration of the famine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
