April 5.—I feel as if we were groping in the dark; no one knows what to do. The Yankees, so far, have behaved humanely. As usual, they begin with professions of kindness to those whom they have ruined without justifiable cause, without reasonable motive, without right to be here, or anywhere else within the Southern boundary. General Ord is said to be polite and gentlemanly, and seems to do every thing in his power to lessen the horrors of this dire calamity. Other officers are kind in their departments, and the negro regiments look quite subdued. No one can tell how long this will last. Norfolk had its day of grace, and even New Orleans was not down-trodden at once. There are already apprehensions of evil. Is the Church to pray for the Northern President? How is it possible, except as we pray for all other sinners? But I pause for further developments.
April 2015
Tuesday, April 4. — Started to join the regiment. Went about 3 miles, and found General Meade’s headquarters. Saw Generals Webb and Macy, and all the staff. Found that my regiment was but a little way in rear. Went back and joined them. Met with quite a pleasant reception from officers and men. We marched about 2 miles and then halted. Saw Loring and Van Buren. Marched till about 7, and then went into camp. Routed out at 9, and marched to Ford’s Station, where we picketed the railroad. Got to bed about 4.45 A.M. Had about an hour’s sleep.
April 4th.—Another bright and beautiful day.
I walked around the burnt district this morning. Some seven hundred houses, from Main Street to the canal, comprising the most valuable stores, and the best business establishments, were consumed. All the bridges across the James were destroyed, the work being done effectually. Shells were placed in all the warehouses where the tobacco was stored, to prevent the saving of any.
The War Department was burned after I returned yesterday; and soon after the flames were arrested, mainly by the efforts of the Federal troops.
Gen. Weitzel commanded the troops that occupied the city upon its abandonment.
The troops do not interfere with the citizens here any more than they do in New York—yet. Last night everything was quiet, and perfect order prevails.
A few thousand negroes (mostly women) are idle in the streets, or lying in the Capitol Square, or crowding about headquarters, at the Capitol.
Gen. Lee’s family remain in the city. I saw a Federal guard promenading in front of the door, his breakfast being just sent to him from within.
Brig.-Gen. Gorgas’s family remain also. They are Northern-born.
It is rumored that another great battle was fought yesterday, at Amelia Court House, on the Danville Road, and that Lee, Johnston and Hardee having come up, defeated Grant. It is only rumor, so far. If it be true, Richmond was evacuated prematurely; for the local defense troops might have held it against the few white troops brought in by Weitzel. The negroes never would have been relied on to take it by assault.
I see many of the civil employees left behind. It was the merest accident (being Sunday) that any were apprised, in time, of the purpose to evacuate the city. It was a shameful abandonment on the part of the heads of departments and bureaus.
Confederate money is not taken to-day. However, the shops are still closed.
Tuesday, 4th—The quartermaster distributed new clothing today. I drew a hat, a pair of shoes and a pair of socks. We are enjoying full rations again, and also our new clothing. We no longer have to search our haversacks for a crumb of hardtack.
4th. Up at daylight. Sent telegram home. Moved up the Appomattox, our Div. in advance. Captured 300 or 400 prisoners, 5 guns and many wagons. Hill’s Corps and cavalry on our front. Near Bevil’s Bridge enemy made a stand at a crossroads to get a part of their column by. Artillery opened and rebs ran. Our regt. did not become engaged. Went out to pick up wounded. Quite a number of deserters. Camped on this ground. Richmond ours. God hasten peace. Clear and pleasant. Cavalry moved on up the Appomattox. 1st Div. in advance. Would that I could see mother now in her distress. Passed a part of the infantry. Made a feint towards Amelia C. H. Went into camp. 2nd on picket. Moved out again at 11 P. M. Returned to main road and marched all night.
April 4th. Relieved from picket this morning. On reaching camp there was great rejoicing over the good news. Reports continue to come about General Grant’s success. Shouting and singing, glory hallelujah on all sides. Citizens and soldiers cheering over the good news. Bands and drum corps making all the music they can. We are at liberty to go and come as we please. Duty suspended as far as can be. In and out of town as we please. A happy time. The Union people in town are keeping open house. The soldiers are made welcome. The glorious Yankee Army are surely in Richmond. We are all thankful for the good news. This summer will surely find us in good old Connecticut. The singing and cheering is continuous.
Chattanooga, Tuesday, April 4. The morning Gazette gives nothing but a confirmation of yesterday’s news. The day is pleasant and men to work the engine of war are still being transported Knoxville-ward. Lee now will look for a green spot in a Confederate oasis in which to rest his weary limbs, I suppose. It aint East Tennessee, Sir.
This afternoon orders came to draw horses and we thought of marching ahead, but were withdrawn, military usage. Some in camp are already discussing when they will get home by virtue of the “end of the war”. One-year men think we will all be home by July. Some veterans think “New Year’s about the time.” I wish they could all go when I go, but there is much to do yet, ere harmony and peace can be restored, and the soldier must do it.
April 4th.
I have slept one night in Petersburg. Again, with knapsack packed, I am ready for the move. I have no time to chronicle particulars; would that I had. This much I will say: I am about as happy as man can be far from his loved ones. Yesterday was a glorious day for the Nation and for us.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
Bull’s Gap, April 4.—I expect we shall stay here some time, they are so nicely situated. The whole 4th Corps makes a fine show in camp. We shall settle down now and have a nice visit after all.
Later.—We have just had orders to march to Greenville at six o’clock in the morning. What a long rest!
Monday, April 3. — Reached Fortress Monroe about 7.30. A.M. Several officers came on board. Among others Colonel Cutting of General Burnside’s staff. Heard that an attack had been ordered on Petersburg by the Sixth and Ninth Corps. Colonel Jarves was left here. Reached City Point at 3 P.M., when we heard the glorious news of the capture of Petersburg, and the evacuation of Richmond. Saw thousands of prisoners who had been captured by our army, many of them guarded by marines and sailors, who seemed to enjoy their duty hugely. Took the train for the front, and by General Warren’s advice got out at Meade Station. Sent my things into Petersburg by a mail wagon. Crossed our lines through Fort Stedman and went to General Willcox’s headquarters in Petersburg. Could find out nothing about our division. Saw the quartermaster sergeant, and took his horse. Left Captain Shurtleff with baggage. Rode about 8 or 9 miles and met our train. Stayed over night with Lieutenant French.
