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

Post image for “Two of the RI Artillery men were killed today by the bursting of an amunition box, two others badly wounded.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“Two of the RI Artillery men were killed today by the bursting of an amunition box, two others badly wounded.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

July 9, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 1861.

The hottest day yet. M. 94. The sun fairly burned. No important news afloat. A flag of truce arrived from Jeff Davis to the Prest but amounted to nothing as is now understood. The Funeral of two of the City Volunteers who were killed in a skirmish up the River passed the office. They were Germans. A fine rain commenced near night and continued two or three hours. The air is finely cooled and everything refreshed. Two of the RI Artillery men were killed today by the bursting of an amunition box, two others badly wounded.

______

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.

Post image for “They’re on their way now and I certainly envy them very much.”–Adams Family Letters, Charles Francis Adams, Jr., To His Mother.

“They’re on their way now and I certainly envy them very much.”–Adams Family Letters, Charles Francis Adams, Jr., To His Mother.

July 9, 2011

Adams Family Civil War letters; US Minister to the UK and his sons.,The American Civil War

Boston, July 9, 1861

Yesterday we [the Battalion] went out to escort Gordon’s regiment off — the one raised by the subscription of the Boston gentlemen. There were, as I have told you, lots of my friends in it, and I should have been, sorry not to have bid them good-bye; but not till they were gone did I find that the one I should most wished to have seen was gone, and I did n’t even see him as the train went off. For Stephen Perkins joined as a Second Lieutenant at the last minute, and I did n’t know the fact till he was on his way to Virginia. It made me feel quite badly and I have n’t got over it yet. Off they all went, however, and apparently in good spirits and full of life and hope, and the last I saw of the train, Wilder Dwight, rapidly disappearing on its last platform, was waving his hat and dancing a saraband at me, which I returned from the pile of gravel on which we were drawn up, with my whole heart. Sam Quincy was swept by me as he stood on the lower step of a platform looking at his old friends in the cadets, but I did not catch his eye. He looked much as usual. When Hal Russell passed he caught my eye and went through a war dance, with that eager look on his face which a man has when bidding good-bye to old friends on his way to the wars, and when he only recollects pleasant things about them; but Stephen Perkins I did n’t see, even as the train went by. They’re on their way now and I certainly envy them very much. Next comes Frank Palfrey and then there is n’t much of any one to go after that. John Palfrey has come home, by the way, sick — a typhoid fever, but the symptoms are said to be mild. He was over-worked in the sun, surveying, but they do not seem to be apprehensive. Caspar Crowninshield has got home from Washington and expects a commission in the regular army, and, I have little doubt, will get it. . . .

Post image for A sort of half army-life

A sort of half army-life

July 9, 2011

Woolsey family letters during the War for the Union

Charles William Woolsey to Georganna Muirson Woolsey

New York, July 9, 4.30 p. m.

It is not quite one day since I left the “Ebbitt House,” dear G., and here I am writing to you from the table in my room with Pico by my faithful side — no! the other way. I arrived at the house an hour ago for all the base lies that the railroad guide tells, and am waiting in a serene perspiration the arrival of my trunk by express from the station. Journey on long and fearfully dusty. Passed, just out of Washington, a long train full of ambulances and took a walk in Baltimore. Everyone sat on his doorstep and every group without exception was talking about the war.

The Ebbitt House in Washington was a rambling, untidy place on F street, which became a sort of Army Headquarters, filled with officers and men connected with the service. We (G. and E.) were given a large parlor on the second floor, where cot beds were set up for us, and we began a sort of half army-life, with bundles of hospital supplies stacked in all the corners and extemporized arrangements for comfort. We were close by Willards and in the midst of all that was going on, and just opposite the headquarters of the Sanitary Commission.

Charley, having seen us established, hurried home. Rather later Uncle Edward Woolsey, Robert Howland and some gentlemen friends came on for a brief view of what was going on, and took us to Mr. Lincoln’s reception at the White House, where we are glad to think his great hand grasped ours for a moment. Mr. Seward, who was receiving too, was rather gruff and gave us welcome with the remark that “the fewer women there were there the better.”

The usual dangers of crowded encampments

July 9, 2011

The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress

From Frederick L. Olmstead to Preston King, July 9, 1862

Office of the Sanitary Commission,

Army of the Potomac, Berkely,

James River, July 9th 1862.

My Dear Sir,

As one of your constituents, observing this army from a peculiar point of view, may I tell you what I think of the duty of government to it?

If it remains here, the usual dangers of crowded encampments in a hot and malarious climate being aggravated by dissapointment, idleness and home-sickness from hope of home hopelessly deferred, it will loose half its value. And its value as an army, culled by hardship and disease, of its maker constituents, and disciplined and trained by three months’ advance in the face of a strong, vigilant, watchful wiley and vindictive enemy, is at the present market price of soldiers fully equal to its enormous cost. By one means or another government must save and use it. To this end the Army of the Potomac should be withdrawn, at once, entirely from James river or it should be so rapidly and constantly strengthened that the men will have the utmost confidence that within a month at furthest, they will able to advance on Richmond with certainty of success.1 For this purpose 50.000 men in regiments already disciplined should be transferred here from localities where they can be which can be abandoned, where they can be dispensed with, or where raw regiments will be able to safely supply their place, and thirty thousand men should be added to the regiments already here and greatly reduced in number force by losses in battle.

The latter should be carefully inspected sturdy re conscripts.

Conscription would greatly hasten volunteering.2 It would force a large class of men to serve the country in the only way they can be effectually made to do so. It would not withdraw men from their usual pursuits who are of more value to the community in those pursuits than they would be in the ranks, because the measure of their value is their earnings and these must be sufficient to enable them to enter successfully into competition with government in offerring premiums for volunteers — as substitutes.

Thirty thousand fresh men, each placed between two veteran volunteers, three weeks hence, would add greatly to its strength and diminish but imperceptibly its mobility and efficiency. They would be welcomed by the old volunteers because they would bring to each regiment so much relief from in guard and fatigue duties.

The cheif objection to conscription will be the supposed appearance of weakness which it will exhibit to foreign powers. Does not hesitation to adopt conscription at a crisis like this, illustrate and demonstrate an essential weakness in our form of government for purposes of war, which already is overestimated, and much to our damage and danger abroad?

Will it be wholly unpopular? It will convince the people that their government is in downright earnest in its purpose to overcome the rebellion whatever it costs, and that it realizes the fact — spite of the vain-glorious boastings of its newspapers, its orators and its generals — that this is not to be accomplished by ordinary small politicians’ small politics, nor without a sacrifice which every citizen, patriotic or otherwise must have a part in. Whatever does this, in my judgment, will be popular.

Yours most respectfully,

Fred. Law Olmsted.

[Note 1 The Army of the Potomac was withdrawn from its James River encampments early in August to reinforce John Pope for the ongoing Second Bull Run campaign.]

[Note 2 Congress did not pass the Enrollment Act, establishing a draft, until March 3, 1863.]

Mary Chesnut’s Diary.—”Brewster came back with a paper from Washington with terrific threats of what they will do to us.”

July 9, 2011

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

Post image for Mary Chesnut’s Diary.—”Brewster came back with a paper from Washington with terrific threats of what they will do to us.”

July 9th.—Our battle summer. May it be our first and our last, so called. After all we have not had any of the horrors of war. Could there have been a gayer, or pleasanter, life than we led in Charleston. And Montgomery, how exciting it all was there! So many clever men and women congregated from every part of the South. Mosquitoes, and a want of neatness, and a want of good things to eat, drove us away. In Richmond the girls say it is perfectly delightful. We found it so, too, but the bickering and quarreling have begun there.

At table to-day we heard Mrs. Davis’s ladies described. They were said to wear red frocks and flats on their heads. We sat mute as mice. One woman said she found the drawing-room of the Spotswood was warm, stuffy, and stifling. “Poor soul,” murmured the inevitable Brewster, “and no man came to air her in the moonlight stroll, you know. Why didn’t somebody ask her out on the piazza to see the comet?” Heavens above, what philandering was done in the name of the comet! When you stumbled on a couple on the piazza they lifted their eyes, and “comet” was the only word you heard. Brewster came back with a paper from Washington with terrific threats of what they will do to us. Threatened men live long.

There was a soft, sweet, low, and slow young lady opposite to us. She seemed so gentle and refined, and so uncertain of everything. Mr. Brewster called her Miss Albina McClush, who always asked her maid when a new book was mentioned, “Seraphina, have I perused that volume?”

Mary Hammy, having a fiance in the wars, is inclined at times to be sad and tearful. Mrs. Preston quoted her negro nurse to her: “Never take any more trouble in your heart than you can kick off at the end of your toes.”

Post image for “We are in the Lord’s hands—He alone can help us.”—Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

“We are in the Lord’s hands—He alone can help us.”—Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

July 9, 2011

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

Sunday, 9th.—About to go to church. I trust that this Sabbath may be instrumental of much spiritual good, and that the hearts of the people may be busy in prayer, both for friends and enemies. Oh, that the Spirit of God may be with the soldiers, to direct them in keeping this holy day! We are in the Lord’s hands—He alone can help us.

Post image for William Howard Russell’s Diary: Newspaper correspondents.—General Fremont.—General Scott.

William Howard Russell’s Diary: Newspaper correspondents.—General Fremont.—General Scott.

July 9, 2011

My Diary North and South - William Howard Russell

July 9th.—Late last night the President told General Scott to send Captain Taylor back to the Confederate lines, and he was accordingly escorted to Arlington in a carriage, and thence returned without any answer to Mr. Davis’s letter, the nature of which has not transpired.

A swarm of newspaper correspondents has settled down upon Washington, and great are the glorifications of the high-toned paymasters, gallant doctors, and subalterns accomplished in the art of war, who furnish minute items to my American brethren, and provide the yeast which overflows in many columns; but the Government experience the inconvenience of the smallest movements being chronicled for the use of the enemy, who, by putting one thing and another together, are no doubt enabled to collect much valuable information. Every preparation is being made to put the army on a war footing, to provide them with shoes, ammunition waggons, and horses.

I had the honour of dining with General Scott, who has moved to new quarters, near the War Department, and met General Fremont, who is designated, according to rumour, to take command of an important district in the West, and to clear the right bank of the Mississippi and the course of the Missouri. “The Pathfinder” is a strong Republican and Abolitionist, whom the Germans delight to honour—a man with a dreamy, deep blue eye, a gentlemanly address, pleasant features, and an active frame, but without the smallest external indication of extraordinary vigour, intelligence, or ability; if he has military genius, it must come by intuition, for assuredly he has no professional acquirements or experience. Two or three members of Congress, and the General’s staff, and Mr. Bigelow, completed the company. The General has become visibly weaker since I first saw him. He walks down to his office, close at hand, with difficulty; returns a short time before dinner, and reposes; and when he has dismissed his guests at an early hour, or even before he does so, stretches himself on his bed, and then before midnight rouses himself to look at despatches or to transact any necessary business. In case of an action it is his intention to proceed to the field in a light carriage, which is always ready for the purpose, with horses and driver; nor is he unprepared with precedents of great military commanders who have successfully conducted engagements under similar circumstances.

Although the discussion of military questions and of politics was eschewed, incidental allusions were made to matters going on around us, and I thought I could perceive that the General regarded the situation with much more apprehension than the politicians, and that his influence extended itself to the views of his staff. General Fremont’s tone was much more confident. Nothing has become known respecting the nature of Mr. Davis’s communication to President Lincoln, but the fact of his sending it at all is looked upon as a piece of monstrous impertinence. The General is annoyed and distressed by the plundering propensities of the Federal troops, who have been committing terrible depredations on the people of Virginia. It is not to be supposed, however, that the Germans, who have entered upon this campaign as mercenaries, will desist from so profitable and interesting a pursuit as the detection of Secesh sentiments, chickens, watches, horses, and dollars, I mentioned that I had seen some farm-houses completely sacked close to the aqueduct. The General merely said, “It is deplorable!” and raised up his hands as if in disgust. General Fremont, however, said, “I suppose you are familiar with similar scenes in Europe. I hear the allies were not very particular with respect to private property in Russia”—a remark which unfortunately could not be gainsaid. As I was leaving the General’s quarters, Mr. Blair, accompanied by the President, who was looking more anxious than I had yet seen him, drove up, and passed through a crowd of soldiers, who had evidently been enjoying themselves. One of them called out, “Three cheers for General Scott!” and I am not quite sure the President did not join him.

A Diary of American Events – July 9, 1861

July 9, 2011

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

Post image for A Diary of American Events – July 9, 1861

—To-day the ship Mary Goodall was boarded by the crew of the pirate brig Jeff. Dayis, off Nantucket South shoals; but, being British property, was released. Captains Fifield, of the brig John Walsh, of Philadelphia; Smith, of the schooner S. J. Waring, and Deverani, of the Schooner Enchantress, of Newburyport, were put on board the Mary Goodall, by the Jeff. Davis, which had captured their vessels during the week. The Jeff. Davis sails under the French flag. She is commanded by Captain Postell, formerly of the United States Navy.—N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, July 18.

—The First Regiment of Maryland Volunteers, raised by Capt. McConnell, and mustering exactly one thousand men, left Frederick at day-break this morning by the turnpike for Hagerstown, under the command of Lieut. Col. Dushane. The enlistment of men for the Second Regiment is progressing rapidly at the headquarters, on Green street, near Baltimore. Companies A, B, C, and D, each consisting of 100 men, have been mustered into service. It is the intention of several military men, residents of Baltimore, to raise the Third Regiment called for by the President of the United States, as soon as the second shall take the field.—Baltimore American, July 11.

“Yesterday we left Georgetown and after two hours march arrived at our present camping ground (in Virginia).”—War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

July 8, 2011

War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

Post image for “Yesterday we left Georgetown and after two hours march arrived at our present camping ground (in Virginia).”—War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

Care of Lieut. S. R. Elliott,

10th Co., 79 Regiment, Virginia.

Glebewood, Virginia, July 8th, 1861.

My Dear Mother:

You see from the above that the “sacred soil” continues to be invaded. General Scott is inexorable, so, notwithstanding the protests of the States Right supporters, Regiment after Regiment crosses the line, and the sanctity of the Old Dominion is violated by the desecrating footsteps of the ruthless horsemen. Yesterday we left Georgetown and after two hours march arrived at our present camping ground. A romantic scene it was last night, arriving as we did at an evening hour. But our advent was followed by a dreadful act of destruction! The ruthless invaders charged with full force upon a snake-fence, demolished it, laid the pieces upon four different piles, and set to them the incendiary torch; soon our camp fires were blazing. The men fell into groups, some song-singing, some keeping guard, while here and there hoarse laughter showed that the solemnity of invading the sacred soil did not entirely prevent the outburst of unseasonable hilarity. Then the stars shone brightly, and the comet whisked its tail for us, and the tattoo sounded for sleepy souls to say their prayers before sinking into slumber. But when all was ready, the baggage-wagons were still far from us, lagging sadly behind, so we had no tents to cover us, but lay in the long grass looking upward at the silent stars. Those of us who had brought our blankets were fortunate, those of us who had trusted, in an unsoldierly way, for the wagons to bring them to us, and I was one of those, could do naught else than lie without any barrier between us and the bare soil — “sacred soil” — stickey, clayey soil it was too — of the “Sovereign State of Virginia.” Owing to its quality much of it stuck to us, but it being the real “sacred” stuff you know, made us regard our soiled garments with becoming reverence. We woke early this morning, you can imagine, as the sun rises hot in these regions, but we woke in excellent spirits. Our poor little Lieutenant was found after the Reveille, still enjoying his morning dreams. “Fence him in!” the Captain orders. With the greatest alacrity a couple of men took some rails, and while the youth still slept, built a sort of a chicken-coop around him.

Then a circle laughing and employing derisive epithets was formed about the unfortunate. At these unwonted sounds our little Lieutenant awoke, looking irresistibly comical, in a state of utter bewilderment. As he released himself from his confinement, he looked so pitiable that the mirth excited was only the more increased.

I saw Ned Tyler yesterday. He is looking well. Much better than I had expected. We had a pleasant time together, though our interview was interrupted by our march hitherward. Major-General Tyler, who is to command our Division I believe, also looked well — and full of business.

Good-bye, Mother. In these times let us put our trust in God and accept the inevitable.

Very affectionately,
Willy.

________

“The 79th Highlanders,” p. 16.

About July 12th, Col. W. T. Sherman was made commander of the brigade of which the 79th Highlanders formed a part, while Brigadier-General Daniel Tyler of Connecticut, commanded the division.

Post image for “Just consider yourself a widow, and, in military parlance, insist upon being ‘obeyed and respected accordingly.’”–Letter from Elisha Franklin Paxton to his wife.

“Just consider yourself a widow, and, in military parlance, insist upon being ‘obeyed and respected accordingly.’”–Letter from Elisha Franklin Paxton to his wife.

July 8, 2011

Elisha Franklin Paxton – Letters from camp and field while an officer in the Confederate Army

Near Winchester, July 8, 1861.

The last week has been one of patient waiting for a fight. On Monday, the 1st inst., I was ordered by Col. Jackson to go to Martinsburg and burn some engines, at which I was engaged until Tuesday morning, when I received an order to join my company, accompanied with the information that the enemy was approaching and our force had gone out to give him battle. I obtained a conveyance as speedily as I could, and the first intelligence of the fight I received from my regiment, which I found retreating. My company, I was pleased to learn, had fought bravely. On Wednesday morning we took our stand ten miles this side of Martinsburg, and there awaited the approach of the enemy until Sunday morning, when we retired to this place, three miles from Winchester. This we expect to be our battle-field. When it will take place it is impossible to say. It may be to-morrow, or perhaps not for a month, depending upon the movements of the enemy. I look forward to it without any feeling of alarm. I cannot tell why, but it is so. My fate may be that of Cousin Bob McChesney, of whose death I have but heard. If so, let it be. I die in the discharge of my duty, from which it is neither my wish nor my privilege to shrink. The horsetrade was entirely satisfactory. Act in the same way in all matters connected with the farm. Just consider yourself a widow, and, in military parlance, insist upon being “obeyed and respected accordingly.” Pay your board at Annie’s out of the first money you get. She may not be disposed to accept it, but I insist upon it. I do not wish to pay such bills merely with gratitude. Newman is still in the army, but I have not seen him for a month. I called to see him the other day, but he was not at his quarters.

 

It is now nearly three months since I left home, and I hardly know how the time has passed. All I know is that if I do my duty, I have but little leisure. I am used to the hardships of the service, and feel that I have the health and strength to bear any fatigue or exposure. Sometimes, as I lie upon the ground, my face to the sky, I think of Matthew’s little verse, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star,” and my mind wanders back to the wife and little ones at home. Bless you! If I never return, the wish which lies nearest to my heart is for your happiness. And now, my darling, again good-bye. Kiss little Matthew and Galla for me, and tell them Papa sends it. Give my love to Pa and Rachel, and for yourself accept all that a fond husband can give.

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