12th. Cool morning. Saw Bigelow. Went to the hospital to see 2nd Ohio boys. Couldn’t find Tuttle—will look again. Got some eatables from Ohio agent and took them to the boys. Went over in P. M. to Giesboro to see Major Welch. Went with him and Mr. Sloan’s people to the theatre. Miss Milburn, and Johnson and Gaskill. Escorted Miss Milburn. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Very touching and good.
May 2015
New Creek, May 12, 1865.
Dear Mother: — I have returned from Washington, and shall start this afternoon for Chillicothe. I do not leave the army for a few days until I know what is to be done with my favorite troops. As soon as that is known I quit. I shall bring Lucy here to await events. . . .
Affectionately, your son,
R.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
May 12th. 1865.
I received a letter from home last night, dated the sixth inst. Its effect was magical, and confirmed me in the suspicion that I am—a little—homesick. Of course, I must know that arrangements are being made to send us home, and that the time is near at hand. Red tape requires time, and its fountain head is here. “How not to do it” seems to be the study of all officials in Washington. Still, there are some things to encourage us. Two regiments from the Ninth Corps have started for home—the Thirty-first and Thirty-second Maine went yesterday.
Chattanooga, Friday, May 12. We derive comfort around our camp stove with a roaring fire this morning, but about noon it grew hot enough for comfort. Feel better, but have no appetite for the coarse rations we receive. No drill this morning. Lieutenant Sweet and several others gone to Lookout mounted. Also five on foot, some out of the guard list, which brings me on No. 1 post, third relief of guard to-night. I am not fit to go on, but will try it, as none are excused save those who report to the doctor. Ex-rebel Wofford surrendered 8000 men at Kingston, Ga., to-day to Brigadier General Judah. So it goes on.
May 11, 1865.
The 14th and 20th crossed the river and went as far as Hanover to-day.
Thursday, 11th—The Fourteenth and Twentieth Army Corps started on their way for Washington City. Our corps remained in camp all day. The sick were all sent down to the wharf to go around by boat to Washington. The doctor had my name listed for that route, and I started to go, but got a release. I told the doctor that I should much prefer to march through with my company, if he would have my knapsack and accouterments carried for me in the wagons. He assured me that he would have them seen to and told me that I could rejoin my company, for which I am very thankful.
Thursday, 11th. Drew one month’s pay on my order. Went through the Patent Office and to the Treasury. Went home with Mr. Mills to tea and remained over night. Rained. Had a very pleasant time with Flint, Lyra and Leof. Capitol yesterday.
May 11th. About midnight of last night, while I was in the Court House, I heard the cry of fire. Looked out and saw a great blaze to the south. Ran to the fire. It was a large barn on the Faulkner place. Watched it burn, as it could not damage other buildings. The Faulkners had many enemies in the neighborhood, whom he treated bad at the outbreak of the war. I heard Mr. Faulkner repeat “Poor revenge.” Sometimes revenge is sweet. The soldiers did not have any sympathy for the Faulkners. Looked upon as arch traitors. Soldiers were placed on guard over his property at the time of the fire.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 11, 1865.—Cold and stormy. We got so cold that we tied up the tent and went to bed to keep warm. It is raining so hard we have had to take a lunch in the tent. We could not build a fire to cook anything, nor set the table out of doors. It cleared off towards night, so we had a fire built before the tent and it made it quite comfortable, and we had a good supper. I often find that our goodies in the trunk come handy.
Chattanooga, Thursday, May 11. Feel much better than yesterday afternoon, although weak yet. Yesterday afternoon had a severe fever, and my whole frame ached sorely. Ate no supper. Bathed in the evening and perspired freely. Bowels are yet very sore, but fever is gone. Griff made a cup of gruel for my breakfast. Did not go to sick call, hence on duty, were it not for Goodwin’s kindness. But I have no desire to be subjected to the doctor’s barbarous cure-all. Cantharides blister is his universal remedy for everything. Drew soft bread today again, which is a little better, and by doing all I can to help nature I expect to be all right again. I have had only one of my accustomed spells, when my system becomes prostrated by hard usage, but I have a wonderful vitality, and it soon rallies again to its accustomed standard. I hope to keep all right until I bid adieu to soldiering.
