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

April 2015

Post image for Rutherford B. Hayes.

Rutherford B. Hayes.

April 28, 2015

Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes

New Creek, April 28, 1865.

My Darling: — Yours came yesterday. I can’t yet decide anything, either as to your coming here, or as to my quitting service. As soon as the Government, in any official way, says officers of my grade, or generally, are no longer needed in their present numbers, I am ready to go.

I am a little bored, at the same time that I am pleased, by the doings of the Ohio soldiers of my old division.[1] I tried to stop the proceedings getting into print, but am now told that I was too late. I have letters from all the colonels of a very pleasant sort, as to their feelings, etc., etc.

I have a leave to go to Washington, and shall go there early next week, to spend the week. I shall then probably decide all matters as to your coming out or my going home. I think three weeks will be long enough for your absence if you come.

I have a long letter from Crook written soon after Lee’s surrender. He thanks the guerrillas for his capture, as it got him into active service. — Sheridan by his personal efforts secured the victory of Five Forks, which decided the fate of Richmond, Lee, and all. — Love to all.

Affectionately ever,

R.

Mrs. Hayes.

[1] A meeting, April 20, which adopted resolutions urging the Union party to nominate Hayes for Governor of Ohio. See “Life,” Vol. I, p. 290.

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

A Soldier’s Diary — David Lane.

April 28, 2015

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

April 28th, 1865.

We are now encamped on the homeward side of Washington, about two miles east of Georgetown, where we are to remain, so say our officers, until mustered out. Of course, that day will not be revealed to us until the date of its arrival. It would not be military to give out information in advance. I form my conclusions after reading the signs of the times, and am convinced our final muster-out will occur the last of May or first of June.

Only one thing can delay us, and that not for long; and that is Sherman’s unfortunate treaty with Johnson. That was a sad mistake, but I think General Grant will easily correct it.

Post image for Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

April 28, 2015

Diary of a Southern Refugee During the War by Judith White McGuire

28th.—We have no mail communication, and can hear nothing from General Johnston. We go on as usual, but are almost despairing. Dear M., in her sadness, has put some Confederate money and postage stamps into a Confederate envelope, sealed it up, and endorsed it, “In memory of our beloved Confederacy.” I feel like doing the same, and treasuring up the buttons, and the stars, and the dear gray coats, faded and worn as they are, with the soiled and tattered banner, which has no dishonouring blot, the untarnished sword, and other arms, though defeated, still crowned with glory. But not yet—I cannot feel that all is over yet.

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

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

April 27, 2015

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

Thursday, 27th—We returned to our old camp just vacated and put our shelter tents over the old “ranches” again. By 1 p. m. the tents were all filled, we were at home once more and enjoying ourselves. The boys are now waiting for orders to start for their homes, but we are wondering which way we will go. Some think we will have to go back to the coast and take ship for New Orleans; but I guess we will leave that to General Sherman—he has never yet made a mistake in leading us.

Post image for War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

April 27, 2015

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

27th. Melissa and I went to Cleveland. F. D. Allen and C. G. Fairchild out, too. Spent a portion of the day with the boys. Dinner with Will. Called at Uncle Jones’ in the evening. Cousin Minnie there. Spent the night with the boys.

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

An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones

April 27, 2015

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

Chattanooga, Thursday, April 27. Battery drill from 7 to 8 A. M. Mail came in. Received three letters. Grazed in the afternoon. Picket officer would not allow us to go out of sight of his picket line. Forty guerrillas seen in the vicinity this morning. I guess it is a scare. Went on guard at sunset, first relief.

Post image for Reminiscences of the Civil War by William and Adelia Lyon.

Reminiscences of the Civil War by William and Adelia Lyon.

April 27, 2015

Reminiscences of the Civil War, William and Adelia Lyon

Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.

April 27.—We came through the tunnel near Tullahoma. It is 2,226 feet in length and it takes five minutes to go through it, and it is as dark as a dungeon.

We are encamped in a very pleasant spot about seven miles from Nashville, in a grove on a hill, cool and shady. We shall go into Nashville next week and see our acquaintances. There is a rumor that the Fourth Corps is to be sent to Texas, but nothing definite.

When we got off the cars, a sick man was also taken off who had congestive fever the doctor said. He was lying on the ground and I went to him and asked him if I could make him a cup of tea. He said no, but that he would like to have his face washed. So I got a dish and some water and a cloth and washed his face and hands. He had a high fever and I wet his head. He was very grateful. I then made a cup of tea and some toast, but he did not eat much. [Two days after that he died of small pox. I was a little alarmed after I heard of that.]

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

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

April 26, 2015

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

Wednesday, 26th—The weather is pleasant. We remained in camp all day. Lieutenant-General Grant and Major-General Sherman went to the front early this morning. The report came late this afternoon that Johnston had surrendered his entire army to Sherman. Great rejoicing in camp! Johnston is to retain one-seventh of his small arms until his men start for their homes.

Post image for War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney

April 26, 2015

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

26th. Spent the day in O. Thought of going to Wellington with Chester but he was out of town. Read most of the day. “Gotta Family” and Atlantic. Some rain.

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

An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones

April 26, 2015

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

Chattanooga, Wednesday, April 26. A hot day. Lieutenant A. Sweet took the Battery out to drill this morning, first time he ever acted in that capacity, but he is a thorough tactician, and is at home at any post. Had an interesting drill. All gave him due attention. ——relieved from arrest, the whiskey having worked off ——’s brain, and he resumes his old position. I guess he has not yet been mustered as first lieutenant. A very pleasant day. Health very good.

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