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

The American Civil War

Post image for Mary Chesnut’s Diary: “One would think there were Yankees enough and to spare for any killing to be done.”

Mary Chesnut’s Diary: “One would think there were Yankees enough and to spare for any killing to be done.”

August 2, 2011

A Diary From Dixie by Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut.,The American Civil War

August 2d.—Prince Jerome¹ has gone to Washington. Now the Yankees so far are as little trained as we are; raw troops are they as yet. Suppose France takes the other side and we have to meet disciplined and armed men, soldiers who understand war, Frenchmen, with all the élan we boast of.

Ransom Calhoun, Willie Preston, and Doctor Nott’s boys are here. These foolish, rash, hare-brained Southern lads have been within an ace of a fight with a Maryland company for their camping grounds. It is much too Irish to be so ready to fight anybody, friend or foe. Men are thrilling with fiery ardor. The red-hot Southern martial spirit is in the air. These young men, however, were all educated abroad. And it is French or German ideas that they are filled with. The Marylanders were as rash and reckless as the others, and had their coat-tails ready for anybody to tread on, Donnybrook Fair fashion. One would think there were Yankees enough and to spare for any killing to be done. It began about picketing their horses. But these quarrelsome young soldiers have lovely manners. They are so sweet-tempered when seen here among us at the Arlington.

______

¹ Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, a grandson of Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother Jerome and of Elizabeth Patterson of Baltimore. He was a graduate of West Point, but had entered the French Army, where he saw service in the Crimea, Algiers, and Italy, taking part in the battle of Balaklava, the siege of Sebastopol, and the battle of Solferino. He died in Massachusetts in 1893.

A Diary of American Events – August 2, 1861

August 2, 2011

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

Post image for A Diary of American Events – August 2, 1861

August 2.—Up to this date Indiana has equipped and sent into the field thirteen regiments of infantry and two companies of cavalry. Two additional regiments of infantry are now ready to march, and an entire regiment of cavalry will be ready in a short time. Seventeen additional regiments of infantry are now forming, and will be put into the service as speedily as possible. This will make thirty-three regiments raised and to bb raised in Indiana—a force of about 86,000 men, including three artillery companies now about ready for active service. This is over 3,000 men for each Congressional District, or about every fortieth person in the State.—Indianapolis Journal, August 3.

—The United States steamer Albatross, Captain Prentiss, arrived at Philadelphia, Pa., from Hampton Roads, having in charge the schooner Enchantress, which was captured July 6th, 260 miles southeast of Sandy Hook, by the privateer Jeff. Davis, and on attempting to take her into the port of Charleston, S. C., on the 22d of July, was re-captured with five men of the privateer’s crew on board, west of Cape Hatteras. The Enchantress cleared from Boston on the 29th of June, for ports in Cuba. All the crew except Garrick (negro cook) were removed to the Jeff. Davis, and a crew from the privateer, consisting of W. W. Smith, of Savannah, Ga.; Ebin Lane, of West Cambridge, Mass.; Thomas Qnigley, of New York; Daniel Mailings, of Charleston, S. C.; and E. Rochford, of Liverpool—put on board to take her to Charleston, the negro Garrick being retained as cook. After the schooner had left the Jeff. Davis, Garrick meditated getting possession of the Enchantress, but delayed the execution of his plan, so as to sound the views of a portion of the crew. Before coming to any definite conclusion the steamer Albatross hove in sight, and as soon as the crew on board the Enchantress discovered the character of the steamer they “fought shy.” When the Albatross approached and the Enchantress was hailed, a reply came that “the schooner was from Newburyport, and bound to Santa Cruz.” Just at that moment the negro Garrick appeared on the gunwale of the schooner and jumped overboard, at the same time crying out, “For God’s sake, save me, Captain; she’s a Secesher, bound to Charleston.” A boat was immediately lowered from the Albatross, and, after picking up the negro, boarded the schooner. On examining her papers they were found to be the same that had been issued in Boston, and the crew had agreed to represent themselves as the original crew of the Enchantress, but the officers of the Albatross having seen the account of her capture in the papers, and also having the story of the negro to confute their statements, they were placed on board the Albatross and ironed, in which condition they were brought into port and turned over to the United States authorities. The Enchantress has a cargo of first, class assorted goods, suitable for the army.— Philadelphia Ledger.

—General Fremont and staff and a fleet of eight steamers, four regiments of infantry, several detached companies of infantry, and two companies of light artillery, arrived at Cairo, Ill., this afternoon. They were enthusiastically received. The troops were landed at Bird’s Point.—Boston Transcript, August 3.

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, a joint resolution was adopted thanking the soldiers of the republic for their loyalty and devotion, and declaring that while the National Legislature expresses the sympathy of the nation for the bereaved families and friends of the fallen, they commend to a generous people and to the army, which is now eager to renew the contest with unyielding courage, the imperishable honor of their example.

—General Lyon, with all the infantry, cavalry, and artillery of his command, came up with part of the rebel force under McCullough at Dug Spring, nineteen miles south-west of Springfield, Missouri; at 4 P. M., Lyon opened upon the enemy with artillery, and elicited but feeble response. A detachment of his cavalry, twenty-seven in number, came suddenly upon a regiment of rebel infantry, charged and broke it, and returned safely to their position. The artillery fire continued till night, when the enemy withdrew. The national infantry was not engaged. Forty rebels were found dead upon the field and forty-four wounded. Lyon’s loss was nine killed and thirty wounded.—(Doc. 154.)

—The Congress of the United States passed the Tariff and Direct Tax Bill, providing for a direct tax of twenty millions of dollars.—N. Y. Herald, August 3.

—Four companies of the Second Ohio Volunteers arrived at Cincinnati this morning from Washington. The reception was the grandest demonstration ever witnessed in Cincinnati. The Home Guards of Covington and Newport, Ky., and the reserve militia and independent regiments of Cincinnati, were out in large force, and escorted the volunteers through some of the principal streets to the Eighth-street Park, where they were welcomed home by Judge Storer in an eloquent address. They afterward partook of a banquet in the Park, provided by the citizens. All along the line of march the streets were densely crowded, and the enthusiasm unbounded. The volunteers were completely covered with the bouquets and wreaths showered upon them. The city was gaily decorated with flags, and business was entirely suspended.—N. Y. Tribune, Aug. 8.

—General B. F. Butler, at Fortress Monroe, Va., issued a general order forbidding the sale of intoxicating liquors to the soldiers in his department.—(Doc. 155.)

—The Fifth Regiment of New York Militia, under the command of Colonel Schwarzwaelder, returned home this morning, and were escorted to their head-quarters by the Eleventh Regiment, the Fourth Artillery, and several German societies.—The service on which the Fifth has been employed was guard, picket, and scout duty, at the Relay House, Md. Their vigilance frequently prevented serious results to the body of troops stationed at that post. The railroad was also an object of the special vigilance of the Fifth, and the prevention of attempts to place obstacles on the track, was one way in which their services were valuable.—N. Y. Commercial, August 2.

—The Mobile Register of to-day, referring to a despatch to the effect that forty votes were given in Congress to Mr. Cox’s peace proposition, says:—”We know that there is a peace party already numbering among its representatives, nearly one-third of the United States House of Representatives. This is a direct result of the triumph of Manassas. We have converted near one-third of the United States House of Representatives from the error of their warlike ways by the powerful display of our ability to conquer a peace. We first asked peace. It was refused. Now we will conquer it. We have conquered one-third of it already. Another great victory like, or even less than that of Manassas, and we shall conquer another third—the two-thirds including all the commonsense men of the North, who will be brought to conversion: and the outside third, the radical abolition fanatics, will alone remain, the despised minority of their countrymen, who will role them out of voice in the Government. Let us wait, and hope, and—fight, as if we had still three-thirds to conquer.”

—The following, in large letters on a handbill, was conspicuously posted at several places in New York city this morning. Crowds of people were attracted to read it:

“The people awake! Enemies at home wearing the mask of peace (masks of the golden cross) as well as open foes, must be struck down. Be not deceived! The freedom of the press is subordinate to the interests of a nation. Let the three Southern organs issued in this city beware, or editors will be assigned to them to preserve the public welfare. From this date the authority of the people organizes a new system of legislation suited to the times. Politicians will not be permitted to injure the general cause in pursuit of ambitious ends. The rights of our soldiers will be protected. Disappointed demagogues will be forbidden to aggrandize themselves at their expense. The District-Attorney is expected to exercise his power. Traitors, male and female, are marked. Their names enrolled. Not one shall escape. Southern sympathizers are directed to leave the state. One will! One way! One country! We have begun to act. From the league of loyalty,

The People.

GOD SAVE THB REPUBLIC.

—The House of Representatives, at Washington, to-day recommitted the Confiscation bill. Mr. Crittenden made a speech upon it, protesting on constitutional grounds, and for reasons of policy, against the confiscation and consequent emancipation of slaves. He, however, pronounced boldly for the war, for the Union, sustaining the President, and, in the name of the great interests at stake, demanding that the utmost aid be given him.—N. Y. Tribune, August 8.

—The Twentieth Regiment, Ulster Guard, N. Y. S. M., Colonel G. W. Pratt, returned to Rondout this morning, their term of service having expired. They were received at the landing by the military, firemen, and a very large number of citizens of Rondont and Kingston. The regiment was mustered out of the service soon after the arrival.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 3.

Post image for William Howard Russell’s Diary: General M’Clellan.—Reception at the White House.— Drunkeness among the Volunteers.

William Howard Russell’s Diary: General M’Clellan.—Reception at the White House.— Drunkeness among the Volunteers.

August 1, 2011

My Diary North and South - William Howard Russell,The American Civil War

Day after day, till the month was over and August had come, I passed in a state of powder and julep, which the Virginian doctor declared saved my life. The first time I stirred out the change which had taken place in the streets was at once apparent: no drunken rabblement of armed men, no begging soldiers—instead of these were patrols in the streets, guards at the corners, and a rigid system of passes. The North begin to perceive their magnificent armies are mythical, but knowing they have the elements of making one, they are setting about the manufacture. Numbers of tapsters and serving men, and canaille from the cities, who now disgrace swords and shoulder-straps, are to be dismissed. Round the corner, with a kind of staff at his heels and an escort, comes Major General George B. M’Clellan, the young Napoleon (of Western Virginia), the conqueror of Garnet, the captor of Peagrim, the commander-in-chief, under the President, of the army of the United States. He is a very squarely-built, thick-throated, broad-chested man, under the middle height, with slightly bowed legs, a tendency to embonpoint, His head, covered with a closely cut crop of dark auburn hair, is well set on his shoulders. His features are regular and prepossessing—the brow small, contracted, and furrowed; the eyes deep and anxious-looking. A short, thick, reddish moustache conceals his mouth; the rest of his face is clean shaven. He has made his father-in-law, Major Marcy, chief of his staff, and is a good deal influenced by his opinions, which are entitled to some weight, as Major Marcy is a soldier, and has seen frontier wars, and is a great traveller. The task of licking this army into shape is of Herculean magnitude. Every one, however, is willing to do as he bids: the President confides in him, and “Georges” him; the press fawn upon him, the people trust him; he is “the little corporal” of unfought fields—omnis ignotus pro mirifico, here. He looks like a stout little captain of dragoons, but for his American seat and saddle. The latter is adapted to a man who cannot ride: if a squadron so mounted were to attempt a fence or ditch half of them would be ruptured or spilled. The seat is a marvel to any European. But M’Clellan is nevertheless “the man on horseback” just now, and the Americans must ride in his saddle, or in anything he likes.

In the evening of my first day’s release from juleps the President held a reception or levee, and I went to the White House about nine o’clock, when the rooms were at their fullest. The company were arriving on foot, or crammed in hackney coaches, and did not affect any neatness of attire or evening dress. The doors were open: any one could walk in who chose. Private soldiers, in hodden grey and hob-nailed shoes, stood timorously chewing on the threshold of the state apartments, alarmed at the lights and gilding, or, haply, by the marabout feathers and finery of a few ladies who were in ball costume, till, assured by fellow-citizens there was nothing to fear, they plunged into the dreadful revelry. Faces familiar to me in the magazines of the town were visible in the crowd which filled the reception-rooms and the ballroom, in a small room off which a military band was stationed.

The President, in a suit of black, stood near the door of one of the rooms near the hall, and shook hands with every one of the crowd, who was then “passed” on by his secretary, if the President didn’t wish to speak to him. Mr. Lincoln has recovered his spirits, and seemed in good humour. Mrs. Lincoln, who did the honours in another room, surrounded by a few ladies, did not appear to be quite so contented. All the ministers are present except Mr. Seward, who has gone to his own state to ascertain the frame of mind of the people, and to judge for himself of the sentiments they entertain respecting the war. After walking up and down the hot and crowded rooms for an hour, and seeing and speaking to all the celebrities, I withdrew. Colonel Richardson in his official report states Colonel Miles lost the battle of Bull Run by being drunk and disorderly at a critical moment. Colonel Miles, who commanded a division of three brigades, writes to say he was not in any such state, and has demanded a court of inquiry. In a Philadelphia paper it is stated M’Dowell was helplessly drunk during the action, and sat up all the night before drinking, smoking, and playing cards. M’Dowell never drinks, and never has drunk, wine, spirits, malt, tea, or coffee, or smoked or used tobacco in any form, nor does he play cards; and that remark does not apply to many other Federal officers.

Drunkenness is only too common among the American volunteers, and General Butler has put it officially in orders, that “the use of intoxicating liquors prevails to an alarming extent among the officers of his command,” and has ordered the seizure of their grog, which will only be allowed on medical certificate. He announces, too, that he will not use wine or spirits, or give any to his friends, or allow any in his own quarters in future—a quaint, vigorous creature, this Massachusetts lawyer.

The outcry against Patterson has not yet subsided, though he states that, out of twenty-three regiments composing his force, nineteen refused to stay an hour over their time, which would have been up in a week, so that he would have been left in an enemy’s country with four regiments. He wisely led his patriot band back, and let them disband themselves in their own borders. Verily, these are not the men to conquer the South.

Fresh volunteers are pouring in by tens of thousands to take their places from all parts of the Union, and in three days after the battle, 80,000 men were accepted. Strange people! The regiments which have returned to New York after disgraceful conduct at Bull Run, with the stigmata of cowardice impressed by their commanding officers on the colours and souls of their corps, are actually welcomed with the utmost enthusiasm, and receive popular ovations! It becomes obvious every day that M’Clellan does not intend to advance till he has got some semblance of an army: that will be a long time to come; but he can get a good deal of fighting out of them in a few months. Meantime the whole of the Northern states are waiting anxiously for the advance which is to take place at once, according to promises from New York. As Washington is the principal scene of interest, the South being tabooed to me, I have resolved to stay here till the army is fit to move, making little excursions to points of interest. The details in my diary are not very interesting, and I shall make but brief extracts.

“Most of the liquor-dealing Captains and Lieutenants who commanded before the battle have resigned…,”—War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

August 1, 2011

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

Post image for “Most of the liquor-dealing Captains and Lieutenants who commanded before the battle have resigned…,”—War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

Meridian Hill, Washington,

Aug. 1st, 1861.

Dear Cousin Lou:

I am seated in my tent, the rain is pouring in torrents, and I am at leisure to think of friends at home. You see whom I was first remembering, not having forgotten the kind letter which Mr. Houston brought me from Thompsonville, when I was somewhere over in Virginia. I thank you so much for all the dear, kind expressions of love your letter contained.

Oh! Ah! Here come about twenty-five men or more with complaints, and as the Captain is away, I must straighten up, and play the part of Magistrate. Oh Olympian Jove! Oh Daniel risen to judgment! The malcontents have been severally coaxed, wheedled, threatened, and sent about their business, and the Centurion is once again at leisure. A pleasant thing is this exercise of power, especially when commands can be given in the quietest manner possible, and yet to feel that from your judgment there can be no appeal. In fact, dear Cousin Lou, imagine me when the Captain is away, performing the paternal function towards some hundred grown up children. Ah me! I am growing venerable and cares are weighing heavily upon me.

But I must not forget that I am a veteran soldier now. Poor Horace! How I shall assume superior airs, tell him, when I return home! In fact when,one of these days, I get a furlough and am surrounded by friends, how I shall exercise my soldier’s privilege of drawing the long bow! In my first battle, of course, I performed the most remarkable deeds of daring. I shall not pretend to tell you how many Secessionists I killed! Between ourselves though, in all privacy, I will confess that the fearful weapon with which I struck such terror in the hearts of the enemy, was a toy wooden sword, captured by one of our men from a secession boy-baby. In the great battle of Manassas, holding the occasion to be one of greater moment, I made the charge armed with a ramrod, which I picked up on the way thither! I acknowledge I found the work hotter than I anticipated in the latter engagement, and mean in future to go armed in regulation style. The truth of the matter was, that being ordered suddenly to march from our pleasant encampment in Georgetown, I was found unprepared, and must either stay behind, or trust to my pistol in case of emergency. I preferred the latter, and the kind Providence has brought me safely through the fiery ordeal through which we all had to pass. What think you, dear Cousin Lou ,of our miserable defeat? It seems hard, as we lost many good men out of our Regiment on that bloody day. I saw many things never to be forgotten. No matter for sickening details though. The ground lost must be recovered at any cost. We have lost out of the 800 who went into the engagement about 150 in killed and wounded, besides some fifty more numbered among the missing. Hardship and exposure have caused much sickness in the camp. Most of the liquor-dealing Captains and Lieutenants who commanded before the battle have resigned, many others are dead or in the hands of the enemy —so I can give no very cheerful picture of our camp at present. We are to be soon thoroughly reorganized, to be cared for tenderly by the President and Secretary of War, to be recruited to the army standard, and when once more discipline shall be enforced, we trust that the 79th will be able to charge as gallantly as at Manassas, but that the charge may result not in mere loss of life, but in glorious victory.

You would be much entertained, could you only see behind the scenes, at the daring feats of individuals, which are passing the rounds of the papers. A specimen is afforded by a story I read in the Herald of a certain Captain _____ who is reported to have repeatedly rallied the men of the 79th and led them back to battle. Now the fact is that Captain _____ never was within three days journey of the battle, and moreover, at least ten days before the engagement the Colonel threatened him with arrest should he dare to show himself in the Regiment. Captain _____ wrote the article himself, and had it published. This is only an isolated example of the manner by which this war is made to subserve the dirtiest of politicians. I have had no letter from Horace, and but few from home since I left New-York. I suppose some of the letters addressed to me have been captured by the Secessionists, and have been perused with the same gusto that we felt when a package of the enemy’s letters fell into our hands. Of course we had to read them to glean as far as possible the state of political feeling in the South, and I blush to say we read with special interest the tender epistles which fair South Carolina maidens penned for the eye alone of South Carolina heroes. Think of such sacred pages being polluted by the vulgar gaze of a parcel of peddling Yankees.

We learned some of the peculiarities of the Aborigines down South from these epistles. We learned that the ladies are so modest that they write of themselves with a little i — that all Southern babies send their papas “Howdy” — that a certain perfidious _____ _____ is “cortin the gall” of one of the brave palmetto soldiers who is congratulated by his sister upon having slain 3000 Yankees — that the ladies in the South are thirsting for the blood of the Northern mercenaries, and, above all, penmanship, spelling and composition showed that the greatest need of the South is an army of Northern Schoolmasters. Well, Cousin Lou, I must not write for ever, so good-bye. Love to all in Enfield and in Pelham.

Very affectionately,

Wm. T. Lusk,

Lieut. 10th Co. 79th Regiment, Washington.

Mary Chesnut’s diary: “We stopped to plunder that rich convoy, and somehow, for a day or so, everybody thought the war was over and stopped to rejoice: so it appeared here.”

Post image for Mary Chesnut’s diary: “We stopped to plunder that rich convoy, and somehow, for a day or so, everybody thought the war was over and stopped to rejoice: so it appeared here.”

August 1, 2011

A Diary From Dixie by Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut.,The American Civil War

August 1st.—Mrs. Wigfall, with the “Lone Star” flag in her carriage, called for me. We drove to the fair grounds. Mrs. Davis’s landau, with her spanking bays, rolled along in front of us. The fair grounds are as covered with tents, soldiers, etc., as ever. As one regiment moves off to the army, a fresh one from home comes to be mustered in and take its place.

The President, with his aides, dashed by. My husband was riding with him. The President presented the flag to the Texans. Mr. Chesnut came to us for the flag, and bore it aloft to the President. We seemed to come in for part of the glory. We were too far off to hear the speech, but Jeff Davis is very good at that sort of thing, and we were satisfied that it was well done.

Heavens! how that redoubtable Wigfall did rush those poor Texans about! He maneuvered and marched them until I was weary for their sakes. Poor fellows; it was a hot afternoon in August and the thermometer in the nineties. Mr. Davis uncovered to speak. Wigfall replied with his hat on. Is that military?

At the fair grounds to-day, such music, mustering, and marching, such cheering and flying of flags, such firing of guns and all that sort of thing. A gala day it was, with double-distilled Fourth-of-July feeling. In the midst of it all, a messenger eame to tell Mrs. Wigfall that a telegram had been received, saying her children were safe across the lines in Gordonsville. That was something to thank God for, without any doubt.

These two little girls came from somewhere in Connecticut, with Mrs. Wigfall’s sister—the one who gave me my Bogotsky, the only person in the world, except Susan Rutledge who ever seemed to think I had a soul to save. Now suppose Seward had held Louisa and Fanny as hostages for Louis Wigfall’s good behavior; eh?

Excitement number two: that bold brigadier, the Georgia General Toombs, charging about too recklessly, got thrown. His horse dragged him up to the wheels of our carriage. For a moment it was frightful. Down there among the horses’ hoofs was a face turned up toward us, purple with rage. His foot was still in the stirrup, and he had not let go the bridle. The horse was prancing over him, tearing and plunging; everybody was hemming him in, and they seemed so slow and awkward about it. We felt it an eternity, looking down at him, and expecting him to be killed before our very faces. However, he soon got it all straight, and, though awfully tousled and tumbled, dusty, rumpled, and flushed, with redder face and wilder hair than ever, he rode off gallantly, having to our admiration bravely remounted the recalcitrant charger.

Now if I were to pick out the best abused one, where all catch it so bountifully, I should say Mr. Commissary-General Northrop was the most “cussed” and villified man in the Confederacy. He is held accountable for everything that goes wrong in the army. He may not be efficient, but having been a classmate and crony of Jeff Davis at West Point, points the moral and adorns the tale. I hear that alluded to oftenest of his many crimes. They say Beauregard writes that his army is upon the verge of starvation. Here every man, woman, and child is ready to hang to the first lamp-post anybody of whom that army complains. Every Manassas soldier is a hero dear to our patriotic hearts. Put up with any neglect of the heroes of the 21st July—never!

And now they say we did not move on right after the flying foe because we had no provisions, no wagons, no ammunition, etc. Rain, mud, and Northrop. Where were the enemy’s supplies that we bragged so of bagging? Echo answers where? Where there is a will there is a way. We stopped to plunder that rich convoy, and somehow, for a day or so, everybody thought the war was over and stopped to rejoice: so it appeared here. All this was our dinnertable talk to-day. Mr. Mason dined with us and Mr. Barnwell sits by me always. The latter reproved me sharply, but Mr. Mason laughed at “this headlong, unreasonable woman’s harangue and female tactics and their war-ways.” A freshet in the autumn does not compensate for a drought in the spring. Time and tide wait for no man, and there was a tide in our affairs which might have led to Washington, and we did not take it and lost our fortune this round. Things which nobody could deny.

McClellan virtually supersedes the Titan Scott. Physically General Scott is the largest man I ever saw. Mrs. Scott said, “nobody but his wife could ever know how little he was.” And yet they say, old Winfield Scott could have organized an army for them if they had had patience. They would not give him time.

A Diary of American Events – August 1, 1861

August 1, 2011

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

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August 1.—This morning the First Maine Regiment, Col. K. J. Jackson, passed through Philadelphia on their way home. Their appearance indicated the hard service which the regiment have had since leaving. They number 780 rank and fife, but intend, on reaching home, to immediately reorganize the regiment, increase the number to one thousand men, and re-enter the service for three years. The soldiers took breakfast at Washington avenue, prepared by the refreshment committee. This regiment passed through Philadelphia about three months ago; they have principally done guard duty on Meridian Hill, and at the Long Bridge, Washington.—Phila. Press, August 2.

—The War Department at Washington received the following direct from Gen. Rosecrans by telegraph, dated to-day:—”Gen. Cox reached Gauley Bridge on the 29th nit. Gen. Wise fled without fighting, destroying the bridge to prevent pursuit. We have captured a thousand muskets and several kegs of cannon powder. Many inhabitants of that section, who have heretofore been strong Secessionists, denounce Gen. Wise for his wanton destruction of property, and are abandoning him and his cause. His Western troops are rapidly disbanding. The valley of the Kanawha is now free from the rebel forces.”—Phila. Inquirer, August 2.

—Jeff. Thompson by proclamation informs the rebels of Missouri, that the North is whipped in Virginia; that “tardy action, like the gentle south wind, will only meet with Northern frosts,” and so invites them to “strike while the iron is hot.”—(Doc. 149.)

—The Twelfth Regiment N. Y. S. M., under the command of Colonel Butterfield, and the Twentieth Regiment, Colonel George W. Pratt, returned to New York from the seat of war. The Eighth Regiment, Mass., reached Boston from the seat of war.—N. Y. Herald, August 2.

—The prize brig Herald, with a cargo of naval stores and tobacco from Beaufort, S. C., bound to Liverpool, and which was captured by the frigate St. Lawrence on the 10th of July, arrived at Philadelphia, Pa. She cleared from Boston, May 27, ostensibly for Turk’s Island, but was then chartered by parties in New York for Beaufort, S. C., with the intent to try the experiment of running the blockade.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 2.

—Scouts returned to Cairo, Ill., from the South, and reported that the rebels at New Madrid were well-armed and drilled. They have five batteries of ten-pound field-pieces, officered by foreigners, and two regiments of cavalry well equipped. General Pillow is in command. He has promised Ex-Governor Jackson to place 20,000 men in Missouri at once. He has also issued a proclamation, full of bombast, to the people of Missouri, declaring his intention “to drive the invaders from the State, and enable her people to regain their rights so ruthlessly taken away by the forces who march under banners inscribed with Beauty and Booty, as the reward of victory.” He says he will show no quarter to those taken in arms.—Phila. Bulletin, August 2.

—New Orleans papers state that a “naval engagement” took place this day at the mouth of the Mississippi River between the U. S. frigate Niagara and “the little Confederate privateer J. O. Nixon;” and that, after an action of twenty minutes, the Niagara crowded on “every inch of canvas she could use, and made regular Manassas-time seaward.”—(Doc. 150.)

—The Onondaga County Cavalry, Capt. Moschell, departed from Syracuse, N. Y., for Washington at 10:20 to-night, to join Col.. Van Alen’s Cavalry Regiment. The company is 80 strong, and is composed of the very best material. A young bride, Mrs. Cook, accompanies them as a daughter of the regiment.—Baltimore American, August 3.

—The Secretary of War at Washington directed the commandant of the forces at Alexandria, Va., that from this day all slaves now in prison at that post be liberated, and that they may be employed on the fortifications and military works, and be paid for as day-laborers in the service of the Government. All other slaves escaping hereafter shall be treated in a similar manner.—Louisville Journal, August 3.

—Governor Gamble of Missouri delivered his inaugural to the Convention of that State. After referring to the personal sacrifices made by him in accepting the office, he calls upon the Convention and the people to give the experiment just made a fair trial. He then gives a vivid sketch of the evils arising from the anarchy with which that State has lately been threatened, assuring them that it will be his sole aim that the people of Missouri can worship God together, each feeling that his fellow-worshipper is not an enemy; that each can meet his neighbor without any conversations on blood and slaughter. The inaugural closes with a strong appeal for the cultivation of confidence and good feeling.—(Doc. 151.)

—The steamer B. P. Cheney was seized by the rebels at Columbus, Kentucky, and carried to the head-quarters of Gen. Pillow.—Louisville Courier, August 10.

—In the Senate of the United States, the bill to suppress insurrection and sedition was taken up, and an exciting debate occurred, in which Mr. Breckinridge and Mr. Baker, of Oregon, took part.—(Doc. 152.)

The St. Louis Democrat of this day gives an account of the preparation and departure of Gen. Fremont’s expedition from St. Louis to Bird’s Point, Cairo, and other positions on the Mississippi River.—(Doc. 153.)

“It puts us in the place of protectors instead of invaders.”—Rutherford B. Hayes

Post image for “It puts us in the place of protectors instead of invaders.”—Rutherford B. Hayes

July 31, 2011

Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes,The American Civil War

CAMP NEAR WESTON, VIRGINIA,

Wednesday, P. M., July 31, 1861.

DEAR MOTHER:—How you would enjoy sitting by my side on this beautiful hill and feasting your eyes on the sweep of hills that surrounds us. Nothing in Vermont is finer. The great majority of the people here are friendly and glad to have us here to protect them from the Secessionists. This is agreeable; it puts us in the place of protectors instead of invaders. The weather is warm, but a good breeze is blowing. The water is good; milk and blackberries abundant, and the location perfectly healthy. . . .

The village is a pretty one with many good residences and nice people. The State is, or was, building near where we are encamped a large lunatic asylum—an expensive and elegant structure. The war stops the work. This part of Virginia naturally belongs to the West; they are now in no way connected with eastern Virginia. The only papers reaching here from Richmond come by way of Nashville, Louisville, and Cincinnati. The courthouse and several churches are creditable buildings, and the shrubbery and walks in the private grounds are quite beautiful. Do not allow yourself to worry if you do not hear often. I think of you often. Love to Laura and all.

Affectionately, your son,

R. B. HAYES.

MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.

_______

[WESTON], July 31, [1861], Wednesday P.M.

DEAREST:—We are to stay here and keep in countenance the Union people for several days—or a week or more—until others come in to take our places. It is safe, which would please Mother; it is pleasant as a camping ground. I wish you were here.

I tell Mr. Schooley to bring me an India-rubber havelock and cape to keep water out of neck—or some such thing; also strong black buttons—a few—and a pair of yellow spurs, regulation style.

Young Jewett sleeps well and is in no great pain—so far doing well. His chance of saving his foot is about even—a sad case. We are to be alone in this locality; possibly we may be divided so as to occupy two or three places. Kisses for the boys.

Affectionately,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

After news of Bull Run, “Soldiers in camp began to realize that war meant work and danger..,” –Journal of Surgeon Alfred L. Castleman.

July 31, 2011

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

Post image for After news of Bull Run, “Soldiers in camp began to realize that war meant work and danger..,” –Journal of Surgeon Alfred L. Castleman.

1861, July 31.—On the 19th of June, 1861, the 5th Regiment of Wisconsin Vols., being partially organized, went into camp at Madison, Wis. Here it remained for a time, perfecting its organization, drilling and preparing itself for the hardships, the dangers, and the responsibilities to be encountered in the battle-field, against a people warlike and chivalric; a people who are taught to regard physical courage, and recklessness of physical danger, as the noblest qualities of the human race, and a people whose chief pride was to win in fight, whether with individuals or in masses; but a people, who, having entrusted their politics to professed politicians, were misled to believe that, by their brothers of the Northern States of this Union, their rights of property were invaded, and their homes were coveted as a prize for distribution amongst the overgrown population of the North. But to enter into a discussion of the merits of this rebellion, now devastating the most beautiful country known to man, carrying in its march a passover of beggary, of destitution, and of death, is not in accordance with the object of this little book. It is therefore passed over, that the reader may at once be permitted to enter into a detail of the subjects indicated in our preface.

From the time of the commencement of the rebellion, by actual war on Fort Sumter, in April of this year, its settlement by rapid and decisive victories over the rebels was subject of merriment, and looked on as matter of course. We were going to war with a people of not half our numbers, without money, without munitions of war, without navy, without anything in fine of those elements which go to make up the ensemble of a people powerful in war, and we were entering into the strife as a short interlude to the hum-drum vocations of life. “How could a people thus situated hope to compete with the parent Government, rich in every element which makes a great people?” This was the reasoning. In vain were our people told of the character of the Southerners. In vain were they referred to the results of our own rebellion and successful revolutionary war with England. “Oh!” was the reply, “Steamships were not known in those days, and England had to cross the ocean to fight us.” “But Hungary, with its population of only 3,000,000, and without revenue, withstood the whole power of Austria, till the hordes of Russia had to be called in to aid in their subjugation.” “But Austria had become a superannuated and feeble people.” No reasoning would answer. The subjugation of the revolted States was to be a pastime, and could be nothing but a pastime. Thus went on matters, drilling as an amusement, preparatory to the enjoyment of a war, all the results of which, were to be on our side, and obtained without sacrifice or suffering.

On the afternoon of the 21st July, 1861, the electric wires brought us the intelligence from Bull Run that our army was whipped, was routed, was scattered in flight. The heart of the whole North received a shock of sadness and of disappointment. Soldiers in camp began to realize that war meant work and danger, and the Regiment of which I was a member at once received orders to be in readiness to march at the earliest possible moment, to hurry to the aid of its companions in arms. It was in sad plight for the exposures of camp life. ‘Twas in the heat of summer, when fevers and diarrhœa prevail in their worst forms. The measles had broken out in camp, and one-third of the soldiers were suffering from disease of some kind. Nevertheless, active preparation went on, and on the fourth day after the receipt of the sad news the Regiment was on its way to battle.

On the 27th of July we reached Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and went into Camp Curtin. For months this had been a rendezvous for regiment after regiment. The grounds had not been cleaned—the weather was intensely hot, without a leaf to intercept the scorching rays of the sun. The stench of the camp was intolerable, and the sickness of the troops rapidly increased. [1]

On the 29th of July, at night, we received orders to be ready to march at 3 o’clock next morning. Our destination was supposed to be Harper’s Ferry, where we were at once to engage the enemy and to “wind up the war.” So great was the excitement (these things were all new then) that very few laid down for rest during the night. At 3 A. M., of the 30th, all tents were struck and rolled up; mess chests were packed, and everyone ready for the order to move. But sunrise came and found us sitting on our packages. The day wore on, I think the hottest I ever experienced. The troops remained exposed to the broiling sun till 2 o’clock P. M., when we embarked on open platform cars, without seats, and without covering. We ran down through the city, crossed the Susquehannah Bridge, halted, and remained sitting or standing in the sun till evening. The heat of the day, determining the circulation to the skin, had brought out the eruption in many cases of measles, and the poor fellows had to sit and suffer, without a place to lie down, or even a back to lean against. At dusk we found ourselves again under way; ran down to York, Pa., about forty miles. It had now commenced raining, and the cars were run out from the depot, and the suffering men who had been all day washed with their own perspiration, were compelled to sit all night in the rain. Sick or well, ’twas all the same. None were permitted to leave the open cars and go back into the depot. Towards morning the rain stopped; the wind shifted suddenly to the Northwest, and it was cold as November. After the long tedious night of suffering, the morning came, and we ran down to Baltimore, arriving there at 8 o’clock on the morning of July 31st.

We had anticipated trouble here. We disembarked, marched with muskets loaded, and bayonets fixed, from north to south through the entire length of the city, without molestation, except from the scowls of secessionists, and the welcoming hurrahs of friends.[2] At the Camden Street depot we remained in the most uncomfortable condition which it is possible to conceive till sunset, when we were ordered for the twentieth time during the day to “fall in.” We disembarked, marched about two and a half miles, and camped on an elevated ground to the north of, and overlooking a large part of the city and bay. The regiment did not get settled till midnight, and many were so exhausted that they threw themselves on the ground, with their clothes still wet from the previous night’s rain. The medical department, however, succeeded by 10 o’clock in getting up tents to protect the sick, and they were made as comfortable as the circumstances would permit.

Here the regiment remained till the 8th of August, without any occurrences worthy of note, except that sickness continued to increase, and the knowledge I gained as to how little some military commanders cared for the comfort of their sick men. After we had been here five or six days, the Colonel was positively ignorant of the fact that we had a hospital on the ground, though there were three within fifty feet of his quarters, filled to their utmost capacity with the sick and suffering. I was now receiving but little support in my efforts for their health and comfort.

[1] I made it my business to visit every tent twice a day, to see that they were thoroughly cleaned, and that the sides of the tent were raised so as freely to admit a current of air. But here the air without was so foul as to improve the condition inside but little. I will here say, however, that the Surgeon of a Regiment who does not visit every tent in his encampment at least once a day, to satisfy himself by personal inspection that it is thoroughly cleaned and ventilated, and that at least once a week the tents are all struck, and the sun admitted for several hours to the ground on which they stand, is not deserving of the position which he holds.

[2] Only two companies were armed. They were placed one in front, the other in the rear of the Regiment, and so marched through the city.

A Diary of American Events – July 31, 1861

July 31, 2011

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

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July 31.—A letter from Jefferson Davis to John R. Chambless was published. It was an answer to the inquiry of the latter “whether, prior to the 24th day of April, any of the Confederate States had transferred to the Confederate government the public property captured by them from the late United States, and upon what terms; also whether any such transfers have been made since the said date, and upon what terms.”—(Doc. 137.)

—The Twentieth and Twenty-first Regiments of Indiana Volunteers, under the commands of Colonels Brown and McMillen, left Indianapolis for the seat of war. Two companies in each are armed with the Enfield and Minié muskets, and the skirmishers of both regiments have the most approved arms known to the service. The other portions of the regiments are armed with the smooth-bore muskets, which will be exchanged for the rifled guns as soon as the Government can obtain them.—Louisville Journal, August 1.

—The schooner Tropic Wind arrived at New York from Fortress Monroe in charge of a prize crew, consisting of Thomas F. Spencer, prizemaster, Surgeon Linahan, and Alexander Lowe of the Union Coast Guard. The Tropic Wind was seized on the 29th of June, by the order of Major-General Butler, for violation of the blockade and communicating with the enemy, after having been warned by the Pawnee. She had been seized once before by the Monticello and taken to Washington, but was released by order of the Secretary of State, and it was under the voyage down the Potomac that the violated the blockade. The information which led to her seizure was communicated to Major-General Butler by two of her crew, who were free negroes, who were induced to do it from having overheard a conversation between the captain and mate of the schooner in relation to the sale of themselves. The schooner has on board the former mate Mr. James L. Wilson of Virginia, who was a sergeant in an artillery corps attached to the secession army.—N. Y. Tribune, August 1.

—To-day an ordinance passed the Cincinnati (Ohio) City Council, to appropriate the sum of $23,000 to loan the Hamilton County commissioners for the purpose of relieving the wives and families of the volunteers.—Louisville Journal, August 2.

—The Fifth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Amasa Cobb, passed through Baltimore, Md., on the route to Washington. They left Madison, Wisconsin, where they had been in camp four weeks, on Wednesday last, coming by way of Janesville, Chicago, Toledo, Cleveland, and Pittsburg. Their trip was a triumphal march. All along the journey they were met at every station by crowds of people, who not only cheered them by their presence, but also furnished them bountifully with refreshments of all kinds. Not a single accident happened on the whole route. The wives and daughters of several of the officers accompanied the regiment on its journey. It numbers 1,061 men, in addition to the drum corps and band. — Baltimore American, August 1.

— Colonel L. S. Miles, upon whose conduct daring the battle at Bull Run severe animadversions had been made, published a card. He declares that he has been made the victim of personal spite, that he directed the movements of his troops on the field, and that he never gave some of the orders attributed to him. He further says that he has called for a court of inquiry to investigate the whole transaction. — (Doc. 138.)

—General Pillow in command of rebel troops at New Madrid, Mo., issued a proclamation to the citizens of Missouri, announcing his intention to expel the Federal troops from the State and reinstate Claiborne F. Jackson, at Jefferson City. Gen. Pillow’s army is made up of a portion of the Union City, the Randolph, and the Memphis troops, and is from twelve to twenty thousand strong. They are well supplied with cannon, field-pieces, and siege guns. Jeff Thompson, now in command of Watkins’ old force, has moved the encampment from Bloomfield to within eight miles of Charleston. Part of Pillow’s command, numbering some 3,000, are upon the Cape Girardeau road, between Madrid and Charleston. The rebels have taken military possession of the road through West Prairie from New Madrid to Cape Girardeau, and are preparing for an attack upon Bird’s Point or Cape Girardeau. However, every thing is in a masterly state of preparation both at Camp Defiance and at Bird’s Point, for the fight.— (Doc. 139.)

—Yesterday M. Parks, the agent of the State of North Carolina in Portsmouth, Virginia, transferred to the Confederacy a fleet of five steamers already manned and armed. — Richmond Examiner, July 30, 31.

— Brigadier-general Pope issued a special order, assigning Brigadier-General Hurlburt to the command of the United States forces along the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad. Colonel Grant to command at Mexico, on the North Missouri road ; Colonel Ross to occupy Mounton, and Colonel Palmer to post his regiment at Renick and Sturgeon, making his head-quarters at Renick. These several districts to be divided into sub-districts not exceeding seven miles in extent, and commanding officers are instructed to report to the district head-quarters at Mexico the names of persons suitable to be appointed superintendents and assistant superintendents, whose duty it shall be to protect the railroad property in their respective divisions. Men of property and respectability, without regard to political opinion, are to be selected for positions.

All illegal assemblages to be promptly broken up, and all persons taken in arms against the United States to be sent to Mexico, to be disposed of by the commanding general. No arrests to be made for opinion’s sake, unless the parties are engaged in open acts of hostility, or stimulating others to such acts by inflammatory words or publications. The restoration of peace and safety to the region distracted by civil commotion, and the punishment of the infamous assassins and incendiaries infesting the country, is announced to be the mission of the force in North Missouri.

The troops are cautioned against excesses of any kind, especially depredations on the possessions and property of any citizen of Missouri, and infractions of military discipline and good order will be visited with the greatest severity possible under the articles of war.— Washington Republican, August 2.—(Doc. 140.)

—John H. Reagan, Postmaster-General of the “Confederate” States, issued a decision, in reference to the transmission and delivery of newspapers and periodicals through the mails in the Southern States.—(Doc. 141.)

—The Memphis Appeal of this date ingeniously culls various expressions of several northern men to prove that the present war is solely a war of abolition, and that this object long hidden begins now gradually to appear. Among the persons it quotes are, Abraham Lincoln, W. H. Seward, H. J. Raymond, Lloyd Garrison, and Wendell Phillips.—(Doc. 142.)

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, Mr. Potter from the Select Committee on the loyalty of Government employees made a special report.—(Doc. 143.)

—To-day at Washington, two general orders were issued by General Scott. The first directs that all searches for arms, traitors, or spies, and arrests of offenders, in any military department, shall only be made by authority of the Commander of the department, except in cases of urgent necessity. The second order announces the desecration of Mount Vernon by the bands of armed rebels, and expresses the hope of the Commander-in-Chief that, should the operations of the war take the national troops in that direction, every possible respect will be paid to the sacred precincts.—(Doc. 144.)

—The Missouri State Convention to-day elected for the Provisional Government, Hamilton E. Gamble, for Governor; Willard P. Hale, Lieutenant-Governor; and Mordecai Oliver, Secretary of State. The opposition were excused from voting, protesting against the power of the Convention. In the afternoon the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor were sworn in and inaugurated. Each made a strong Union and patriotic speech, amid loud applause. After the presentation of an address to the people of the State by the Convention, it adjourned till the third Monday in December, unless sooner called together by the new Government, or demanded by the public safety.—(Doc. 145.)

—Joseph Holt addressed the soldiers at Camp Joe Holt, Ind., this day. A vast throng of civilians swelled the audience, including several parties of ladies and gentlemen from Louisville. Mr. Holt was introduced by Gen. Rousseau with soldier-like directness, and spoke for half an hour or upward in a strain of the most enkindling and enchanting eloquence. The effort was one of the most effective and felicitous of his life.—(Doc. 146.)

—Thos. C. Reynolds, ex-Lieut.-Gov. of Missouri, in a long proclamation, announces to the people of Missouri that “the sun which shone in its full mid-day splendor at Manassas is about to rise upon Missouri,” and calls upon them “to rally as one man to the defence of the State.”—(Doc. 148.)

Post image for “Extremely anxious about these women.”—Woolsey family letters; Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell to Georgeanna Muirson Woolsey.

“Extremely anxious about these women.”—Woolsey family letters; Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell to Georgeanna Muirson Woolsey.

July 30, 2011

The American Civil War,Woolsey family letters during the War for the Union

Receiving the nurses, and seeing that they were safely started on their way to various hospitals, and reporting to the New York committees on their services therein were among our occupations in the first year of the war.

New York, July 30th.

My dear Miss Woolsey: I was extremely glad to receive your excellent letter yesterday. Had I known that you were residing in Washington, I should have requested you some time before to collect information for our society. We had become extremely anxious about these women; we could not learn who had safely arrived, where they were, what they were doing, nor how they fared in any respect; and a check of considerable amount, sent to one of them, was unacknowledged. As we had pledged ourselves to protect these women, pay their expenses, their wages, etc., you may imagine that we felt extremely uneasy about them. . . .

I will ask you now, to find out for us where Miss E. H. and Mrs. M. S. are placed. They were sent from New York by the night train, July 25th, direct to Miss Dix, and should have reached Washington last Friday morning.

Will you also visit the Georgetown Hospital and report on two nurses whom we sent on last Saturday. We should like some unprejudiced account of the management of this Hospital. . .

I will see that any nurse going to Alexandria in future is furnished with a certificate signed by some proper authority here. We feel much obliged to you for all the trouble you have taken in this matter. . . .

As the government payment commences Aug. 5th, from that time our society hands the nurses over to the government.

I remain very truly yours,

E. Blackwell.

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