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

The American Civil War

Post image for A Diary of American Events.

A Diary of American Events.

October 23, 2011

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

October 23.—To-day a battle was fought at West Liberty, Ky., between a part of the Ohio Second, supported by one company of cavalry belonging to the Ohio First, and two pieces of light artillery on the side of the Federals, and seven hundred rebels. The rebels were completely routed, with a loss of twenty-one persons killed, the number of wounded not stated. The Federals captured thirty-four prisoners, fifty-two horses, ten or twelve mules, two jacks, and one large bear, and a great number of guns, knives, and other articles. None killed on the Federal side, and only two wounded—-one of them a flesh wound in the thigh, the other shot on the end of one of his thumbs.

General Nelson, with Colonels Marshall and Metcalfe’s commands, took Hazelgreen, routed two hundred rebels, took thirty-eight prisoners, and established his head-quarters in the house of G. Trimble, one of the leading rebels. There was not a gun fired at that place.

The troops at both places were acting under General Nelson’s orders, the whole belonging to his brigade.—(Doc. 103.)

—When the Union troops were withdrawn from the Virginia side, near Harper’s Ferry, this night, the Sixteenth Indiana, occupying the most advanced and exposed position, were not aware of any withdrawal until the rest had been successfully ferried over. They lay upon the cold ground, almost frozen, with loaded muskets in their hands, every moment expecting a furious and overpowering assault from a concealed and reinforced enemy, whose numbers were known to exceed our own by many thousands; yet the only murmurs uttered by these hardy sons of the Northwest were at the orders to retire without disputing the ground inch by inch with their adversaries. Slowly and mutteringly they retired to the place of embarkation, picking up and loading themselves down with the knapsacks, canteens, guns, and equipments left there by others who had retired before them.—Balt. American, Oct. 30.

—Mr. Charles J. Helm, late United States Consul at Havana, arrived there in the British steamer from St. Thomas, with credentials from the Confederate Government, naming him consul for the Southern Confederation. He presented his papers, asking to be admitted as Consul, but the Captain-General would not do any thing in the matter beyond reporting the case to the Home Government. Other consuls, though the Madrid Government may not have granted the exequatur, are at once admitted to the free exercise of their office before that formality, but this will not be the case in the present instance.—N. Y. Com. Advertiser, Oct. 30.

—Fifty men of the Sixth Indiana regiment, under Lieutenant Grayson, were attacked on the road near Hodgeville, Kentucky, by about double their number of rebels, whom they repulsed. Three rebels were left on the field dead, and five wounded. Three of the Union men were severely wounded, Lieutenant Grayson being of the number.—(Doc. 104.)

—General Fred. W. Lander was ordered to the command of the brigade recently commanded by Colonel Baker. Only a few hours subsequent to his assumption of the command, and while engaged in a reconnoissance, he received a musket ball in the calf of the leg. It was extracted.—N. Y. Times, Oct. 24.

“This separation—disintegration of my family saddens me, and I wish it were otherwise.”–Journal of Surgeon Alfred L. Castleman.

October 22, 2011

Journal of Surgeon Alfred L Castleman.,The American Civil War

Post image for “This separation—disintegration of my family saddens me, and I wish it were otherwise.”–Journal of Surgeon Alfred L. Castleman.

22d—Went to Washington to see off a friend who has been spending a few weeks with me, as mess-mate. I felt sadly at the parting, and being lonely to-night, I cannot help thinking of home, of home! Where is it? One child in Connecticut, the other in Wisconsin, my wife in New York, and I in Virginia. This separation—disintegration of my family saddens me, and I wish it were otherwise. But the maintenance of government demands war, and war demands sacrifices, to which all patriots must yield. The whisperings of yesterday that we were repulsed at Ball’s Bluff, or Edward’s Ferry, are more than confirmed, and another good man is sacrificed on the altar of his country. General Baker fell in the battle. The particulars have not reached us, but I fear that we have been sorely defeated, notwithstanding General McClellan’s promise, a short time since, that we should meet with no more defeats. Shall we have this proclaimed through telegraph and press, as another “Great Victory?” I regret that McClellan made that foolish speech. It has lost him the confidence of many of his friends.

Post image for Dora Richards Miller records in New Orleans that Union ships ‘are still serenely anchored below the city.”

Dora Richards Miller records in New Orleans that Union ships ‘are still serenely anchored below the city.”

October 22, 2011

The American Civil War,War Diary of a Union Woman in the South by Dora Richards Miller

Oct. 22, 1861.—When I came to breakfast this morning Rob was capering over another victory—Ball’s Bluff. He would read me, “We pitched the Yankees over the bluff,” and ask me in the next breath to go to the theater this evening. I turned on the poor fellow: “Don’t tell me about your victories. You vowed by all your idols that the blockade would be raised by October 1, and I notice the ships are still serenely anchored below the city.”

“G., you are just as pertinacious yourself in championing your opinions. What sustains you when nobody agrees with you?”

I would not answer.

______

Note: To protect Mrs. Miller’s job as a teacher in New Orleans, the diary was published anonymously, edited by G. W. Cable, names were changed and initials were often used instead of full names — and even the initials differed from the real person’s initials.
Post image for John B. Jones records news of a victory at Leesburg.

John B. Jones records news of a victory at Leesburg.

October 22, 2011

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

OCTOBER 22D.—We have news of a victory at Leesburg. It appears that the head of one of the enemy’s columns, 8000 strong, attempted a passage of the Potomac yesterday, at that point pursuant to the programme furnished by the lady from Washington. That point had been selected by the enemy because the spies had reported that there were only three Confederate regiments there. But crossing a river in boats in the face of a few Southern regiments, is no easy matter. And this being the People’s War, although Gen. Evans, in command, had received orders to fall back if the enemy came in force, our troops decided for themselves to fight before retreating. Therefore, when seven or eight regiments of Yankees landed on this side of the river, two or three of our regiments advanced and fired into them with terrible effect. Then they charged; and ere long such a panic was produced that the enemy rushed in disorder into the river, crowding their boats so much that several went to the bottom, carrying down hundreds. The result was that the head of the serpent received a tremendous bruising, and the whole body recoiled from the scene of disaster. We had only some 1500 men engaged, and yet captured 1000 muskets; and the enemy’s loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, amounted to 2000 men. This battle was fought, in some respects, by the privates alone—much of the time without orders, and often without officers.

Post image for A Diary of American Events.

A Diary of American Events.

October 22, 2011

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

October 22.—Flag-officer Craven, of the Potomac flotilla, arrived at Washington, and reported the Potomac River effectually closed, rebel batteries commanding it at every point below Alexandria.

—A letter from Richmond, of this date, says: Bad news from the forces under General Lee at Big Sewall Mountain. A gentleman of this city, occupying a high position in the Government, has just reached Richmond from General Lee’s head-quarters. The enemy, under Rosecrans, was in full retreat toward the Ohio, but pursuit was impossible. The roads were in the most awful condition. Dead horses and mules that had perished in their tracks, broken wagons, and abandoned stores, lined the road to Lewisbnrg. There was no such thing as getting a team or wagon through uninjured. The road beyond Big Sewall was if any thing worse than on this side of it. To be sure, the difficulties were quite as great—perhaps even greater—for the Yankees, in their flight, as for our troops in pursuing them. But General Lee was entirely out of provision, and had not the wherewith to cook the next meal for himself or to serve the next ration to his soldiers. The General was not in the best health, and it may well be imagined, not in the best spirits. The splendid horse that was presented to him just before he left this city had been lamed in two legs, and was unfit for service. It will be absolutely necessary for General Lee to abandon hi position in a very short time as uninhabitable for his army, and go into winter-quarters. Where this will be—whether in the Kanawha Valley or on the line of the Central Railroad— is uncertain, but much depends on the choice as to the footing the Yankees will have in Western Virginia next spring.

Post image for “News of some fighting up the River.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“News of some fighting up the River.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

October 21, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.,The American Civil War

MONDAY 21

This day has passed much as yesterday did as regards myself altho the Dr did not “call” and I took a short walk round two squares just before night much against my wifes wish who insists that I am sick and must not “go out.” I told her that I was “determined not to be sick.” News of some fighting up the River. My friend Judge McCook is up there “on his own hook.” He is “on hand” where there is fighting (rebels) to be done.

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The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of  Congress.

“I was alone in the enemy’s country. But there was no other way now..,”–Journal of Surgeon Alfred L. Castleman.

Post image for “I was alone in the enemy’s country. But there was no other way now..,”–Journal of Surgeon Alfred L. Castleman.

October 21, 2011

Journal of Surgeon Alfred L Castleman.,The American Civil War

21st —Our camp here was made without consulting the the Surgeons. It was laid out without order, and the tents are so close together that teams cannot pass through to remove its rubbish, its offal, and its filth. My Colonel, too, has interfered much with my sanitary orders, particularly those in reference to ventilation. The result is the largest sick list we have had, I have succeeded, however, in getting consent to move the camp to other ground, high and dry, where I am now engaged in ditching the streets, and staking out the ground preparatory to a move, where I hope we shall be able to reduce the list of sick. I believe I omitted in the proper place the record of the first death in our regiment. It occurred on the 3d of this month. The poor fellow died of Nostalgia (home-sickness), raving to the last breath about wife and children. It seems strange that such an affection of the mind should kill strong, healthy men; but deaths from this cause are very frequent in the army; the sufferer, towards the last showing evidences of broken down nervous system, accompanied by most of the symptoms of typhoid fever.

Oct. 21st.—A little incident to-day. A reconnoitering party went out this morning towards Vienna and Flint Hill. At noon, a courier came in with a report that they were fighting. I was ordered to take an ambulance and join my regiment ” in the direction of Vienna” immediately. On starting, I met with Surgeon Thompson, of the 43d N. York Vols., told him I was going in search of an adventure, and invited him to go with me. He accepted. We reached our outer lines “in the direction of Vienna,” but had not found my regiment. To Surgeon T.’s question, “What now!” I replied that my orders were to “go till I found my regiment.” ”But are you going to cross the lines into the enemy’s country?” “My orders are unconditional; will you go with me further?” “Certainly,” said the Doctor. Shortly after leaving head-quarters, we met the 1st Regt. Regular Cavalry, who told us they had left one man badly wounded between Flint Hill and Vienna. This man we determined to rescue, if possible. We found him in a house in Vienna. I had now obeyed my order, though I had not found my regiment, and I determined to take this man back with me, though the enemy were all around us. One ball had passed between his ear and skull, a second had passed through the leg, a third had entered the back, just below the shoulder blade, but had made no exit. He was suffering severely from pain and difficult respiration. He could not ride in an ambulance, so Doctor T. volunteered to return to our lines for litter-bearers and an escort, whilst I should remain with our newly made friend. I confess that as I caught the last glimpse of the Doctor’s fine black horse dashing over the hill, there was at the ends of my fingers and toes a sensation very much akin to the “oozing out of courage.” I was alone in the enemy’s country. But there was no other way now, so I dressed the wounds, and waited his return, with what patience I could. He soon returned. We started the man in the direction of our lines, under an escort of eight men. We mounted our horses, and paying but little attention, got some mile ahead of our escort, when suddenly, eight horsemen, well mounted and armed, came bearing down on us, evidently intending to surround us. They were about a quarter of a mile off when first discovered. “We are in for a trip to Richmond,” said Doctor T. “Is it not safer,” replied I, “to fight than to be taken prisoners by these fellows?” “I’m in,” said the Doctor. We drew our revolvers and waited, one of us, I am certain, in considerable trepidation. By this time they were in hailing distance. We called them to halt, when, to our mutual disgust, we found that we were friends—they were cheated of the capture of two “very fine looking rebel officers,” and we of a short road to “that borne whence no traveller returns.” A little after dark we reached camp with our man. In civil life, it will hardly be credited that the commanding officer of this regiment, when he found his man so badly wounded, ordered him to be taken from his horse and left, whilst the horse was to be taken away; yet the man states that such is the fact, and that he saved himself from such a fate by drawing his revolver and threatening to shoot the first man who should approach him for that purpose. After the regiment left him, he managed to sit on his horse till he reached Vienna, about three miles from where he was shot.

Since last date, we have had an opportunity of learning something of the military qualities of our brigade officers. We have not been before on ground where we could have our brigade drills; but here we have them.

General Smith, who commands the Division, is a stout, short man, rather under size, from Vermont, I think. He is taciturn, but exceedingly courteous and gentlemanly, and firm and decided. Of his mental calibre, we have not yet had an opportunity to judge. It is a strange paradox of human nature, that whilst we acknowledge that a vast majority of our mentally big men are quiet and reserved, yet when we meet a stranger, if he says little, we fall at once into the opinion that he knows little. How this is with General Smith, I do not know. I am much disposed to construe his quiet and courteous manner favorably; but I confess that whispers from the grove have rather prejudiced me against him.

Brigadier General Winfield Scott Hancock is the very antipode of General Smith. He is fully as long as his name, with title perfixed, and as for quiet and courtesy—Oh, fie! I saw him come on to the field one morning this week, to brigade drill. He was perfectly sober. He is one of those paradoxes who believe that one man, at least, is to be known by his much talking. He became excited, or wished to appear so, at some little mistake in the manœuvering of his Brigade, and the volleys of oaths that rolled and thundered down the line, startled the men with suspicion that they were under command of some Quarter Master lately made General, who mistook the men for mules, and their officers for drivers. He must be a facetious chap, that General, to wish to excite such suspicions. I think he hails from Pennsylvania, but nobody seems to know much about him, except from his statement that he has “been seventeen years in the service, and knows all about it.” Wherever he has been, he has certainly acquired a perfect intimacy with the whole gamut of profanity.

“And now we are embarked on the ‘Vanderbilt,’ bound, this much we know, for ‘Dixie.’”—War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

October 21, 2011

The American Civil War,War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

Post image for “And now we are embarked on the ‘Vanderbilt,’ bound, this much we know, for ‘Dixie.’”—War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

October 21st, 1861.

My dear Mother:

We are sailing rapidly down the Chesapeake, still in doubt as to our ultimate destination, but expecting soon to reach Fortress Monroe ,where possibly there may be a chance of mailing a letter. We feel as though we were leaving the scene of old triumphs, and old disasters — of the latter we are mindful of many; so it was delicate sarcasm upon the part of our Bandmaster which induced him to strike up “Carry me back to old Virginny!” as we were crossing the Chain Bridge (which spans the Potomac), leaving the “sacred soil” behind us. And now we are embarked on the “Vanderbilt,” bound, this much we know, for “Dixie.” I am hoping to exchange salutations with some of my old friends in Charleston. What fun it would be to be playing the magnanimous to a captive Prince Hugo, or Whalley despising Yankees much, or any other of the royal youth who live in the Kingdom of South Carolina. It may be we are to visit Mobile. If so, tell Hunt I will try and collect his rents with interest. But why speculate?

Let us pray for laurels and victory! Much is expected of the 79th Regiment, I find. “My Highlanders!” as Gen. Stevens calls them. “They are equal to Regulars,” the General is reported to have said to Gen. Sherman1 commanding our expedition. “Send for them!” says Sherman. They are sent for, and arrive on shipboard in a horrible state of intoxication, with bloody faces and soiled clothes. The Chaplain of the 8th Michigan Regiment is horrified. He preaches to his men, and says: “I wish to make no invidious comparisons, but after what I’ve seen of late, I’m proud of you for your excellent conduct!” Well, we must hope that “My Highlanders” will silence invidious comparison when facing the foe. You tell me Ellis thinks I ought to boast of my Graham blood, and gently urge the same yourself, but the fact is, nothing has caused more amusement than Ellis’ own pretensions to his descent from the King of the Hebrides. Indeed, on one occasion, up at Sunbury — a country town of Pennsylvania — when he was introduced on a public occasion to the worthy citizens of the place as a lineal descendant of Donald, King of the Hebrides, a man in the audience forgot himself so far as to call out, “Damn Donald, King of the Hebrides!” which was highly improper, and wholly irrelevant, yet very entertaining to those who heard it. I am awaiting an official announcement of the birth of Walter’s boy, and mean to write congratulations as soon as I can find time. Hall will soon be married, he tells me. All my friends are getting settled, but I am a Nomad, fit, I fancy, for my present mode of life, which I find healthy and by no means disagreeable. Indeed, were my brother officers of a more agreeable character, I would take to soldiering with a relish, and with a reasonable amount of success might cry, “Vive la guerre!” However all dreams of the future terminate in dreams of peace, of home, and honorable repose in advancing years, all of which, dear mother, may we enjoy together, loving our country better for having proved that it was so dear that we were willing even to give up our life for its preservation.

Well, the blessings of peace be upon all at home. Kiss the little ones for me. Give love to all and

Believe me,

Affec’y.,

Will.

________

1 Thomas W. Sherman.

Post image for A Diary of American Events.

A Diary of American Events.

October 21, 2011

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

October 21.—Twenty-one hundred men of the Fifteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts, the First California, and the Tammany regiments; the First U. S. Artillery, and Rhode Island battery, with five pieces of artillery, crossed the Potomac at Harrison’s Island or Ball’s Bluff, under command of Colonel E. D. Baker, to support reconnoissances above and below, under the general direction of Brig.-Gen. Stone. At about four p. M., they were suddenly attacked by a body of five thousand rebels under the Confederate General Evans. Unable through the disparity of numbers to hold their position, they were driven back to the river, and there, as no adequate means to pass the stream had been made, they were driven into it, or slaughtered on the bank. National loss: Killed, one hundred and fifty; wounded, one hundred and fifty; prisoners, five hundred.—(Docs. 35, 99.)

—The gunboat Conestoga having made a reconnoissance up the Tennessee River as far as the State line, returned to Cairo, Ill., this evening with two barges of flour that were seized on the way to the rebels.—N. Y. World, Oct. 22.

—The land forces destined to cooperate with the naval expedition against Port Royal sailed from Annapolis.—N. Y. Times, Oct. 24.

—A private letter published in the Boston Transcript, shows that Mr. Albert Pilsbury, for eight years American Consul at Halifax, is now acting as agent for the Confederates, purchasing vessels which he loads with assorted cargoes of warlike munitions, and then despatches to try and run the blockade. One of his ventures, the Argyle, sailed from Halifax a few days since, with a cargo valued at one hundred thousand dollars, and another is about ready to leave, with one hundred barrels of powder, packed in codfish drnms.

—The Ellsworth regiment, numbering one thousand and sixty muskets, left Albany, N. Y., for Washington. There was a perfect ovation at the departure of this regiment. Prior to their departure a handsome regimental banner was presented to the troops, with appropriate ceremonies, by the wife of Erastus Corning.—N. Y. Herald, Oct. 22.

—A Large body of rebels, under Jeff. Thompson and Lowe, were defeated at Fredericktown, Missouri, by Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana troops, about two thousand in number, under Colonel Carlin, Colonel Ross, Colonel Baker, Major Plummer, and Major Scofield. The engagement lasted two hours, when the rebels fled from the field in disorder, and took to the woods. Major Gavitt and Captain Hingham were killed in making a charge. Colonel Lowe, the rebel leader, was killed and four heavy guns were captured. The rebels were pursued for Twenty-two miles, when the chase was given over. Two hundred rebels were left in the field. Union loss, six killed and forty wounded.—(Doc. 100.)

—Capt. J. H. Barnes, with one hundred and fifty men of the Third Mass, regiment, while out from Newport News, Va., to get wood for the fort bakery, was attacked by a body of rebels, whom he drove off without loss.—N. Y. Herald, Oct. 24.

—Major Mix, of the Van Alen Cavalry, with thirty-one men, made a reconnoissance from Edwards’ Ferry, in Virginia, along the Leesburg road, beyond Goose Creek, drove in a vidette of the enemy’s, received the fire of a platoon of the rebels’ infantry, and returned without other loss than that of two horses.— (Doc. 101.)

—The Charleston Mercury, of this date, says: Our privateers are far from idle, although we hear less than formerly of their doings in the Kew York papers. Among their latest exploits is the capture of the brig Granada, of Portland, Me., (Pettingill, master,) from Neuvitas, Cuba, for New York, with a cargo of sugar, molasses, mahogany, and honey. We also hear it whispered that there has been an important (and not involuntary) accession to our stock of sugar, molasses, coffee, &c.

—General Zollicoffer, with six thousand infantry, sixteen hundred horse, and one battery of artillery, was repulsed by the Union forces under General Schoepf at Camp Wild Cat, Laurel County, Ky. For some days previous, the position had been held only by Colonel Garrard’s Kentucky regiment; but when it was knows that Zollicoffer would attack it, the Thirty-third Indiana and Seventeenth Ohio regiments, and Captain Stannard’s Ohio battery, were harried forward, and participated in the fight. Two separate, resolute, and unsuccessful attempts were made by the rebels to carry a bill occupied by the Federal force, when they withdrew. Their loss was unknown. National loss was four killed, and twenty-one wounded. (Doc. 102.)

“Our Colonel then cried out, “Charge! charge!” (with an oath).”–Richard R. Hancock, Second Tennessee Cavalry.

October 20, 2011

Hancock’s Diary: or, A History of The Second Tennessee Cavalry.–Richard R. Hancock.,The American Civil War

Post image for “Our Colonel then cried out, “Charge! charge!” (with an oath).”–Richard R. Hancock, Second Tennessee Cavalry.

Sunday, 20th.—Zollicoffer put his brigade in motion about noon, with McNairy’s Battalion again in the rear. Late in the afternoon, within about three miles of Wildcat, Zollicoffer’s advance guard killed one1 of the enemy’s picket and wounded and captured another.

McNairy having been ordered to the front, reported to General Zollicoffer, at the head of the infantry column, just as the General had learned that the battalion of cavalry in front had come in contact with and been repulsed by the Federals. Notwithstanding it was now about dark, he ordered McNairy to take his battalion and dislodge the Federals from their position in a dense woods, just beyond a large field.

Just as the front of our battalion had passed out of the field into the road beyond, with woods on both sides, the enemy fired a few shots from the woods on our right. Our Colonel then cried out, “Charge! charge!” (with an oath). Dashing forward a short distance, seeing no enemy in front, and fearing an ambuscade, he halted, moved his men back into the field, dismounted a part of them, and scoured the woods on foot, finding that the enemy had fallen back. It would seem that there was only a small squad of Federals in the woods, and that they fled as soon as they fired the first round. We then fell back to the opposite side of the field, deployed in line of battle, and lay on our arms all night. We were now within about two miles of Wildcat; could hear the enemy’s drums. As soon as the enemy fired on the First Battalion, the Twentieth Tennessee Infantry plunged into Rockcastle River about waist deep, and went to our support.

________

1 Dr. Wyatt and the writer dismounted and lifted his remains from the road. He proved to be Captain Merriman, from East Tennessee.

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