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

Post image for “Mrs. Browne was walking with me when we were airing our indignation against Mrs. Lincoln and her shabby economy.”—A Diary From Dixie

“Mrs. Browne was walking with me when we were airing our indignation against Mrs. Lincoln and her shabby economy.”—A Diary From Dixie

March 11, 2011

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

March 11th.—In full conclave to-night, the drawingroom crowded with Judges, Governors, Senators, Generals, Congressmen. They were exalting John C. Calhoun’s hospitality. He allowed everybody to stay all night who chose to stop at his house. An ill-mannered person, on one occasion, refused to attend family prayers. Mr. Calhoun said to the servant, “Saddle that man’s horse and let him go.” From the traveler Calhoun would take no excuse for the “Deity offended.” I believe in Mr. Calhoun’s hospitality, but not in his family prayers. Mr. Calhoun’s piety was of the most philosophical type, from all accounts.¹

The latest news is counted good news; that is, the last man who left Washington tells us that Seward is in the ascendency. He is thought to be the friend of peace. The man did say, however, that “that serpent Seward is in the ascendency just now.”

Harriet Lane has eleven suitors. One is described as likely to win, or he would be likely to win, except that he is too heavily weighted. He has been married before and goes about with children and two mothers. There are limits beyond which! Two mothers-in-law!

Mr. Ledyard spoke to Mrs. Lincoln in behalf of a doorkeeper who almost felt he had a vested right, having been there since Jackson’s time; but met with the same answer; she had brought her own girl and must economize. Mr. Ledyard thought the twenty thousand (and little enough it is) was given to the President of these United States to enable him to live in proper style, and to maintain an establishment of such dignity as befits the head of a great nation. It is an infamy to economize with the public money and to put it into one’s private purse. Mrs. Browne was walking with me when we were airing our indignation against Mrs. Lincoln and her shabby economy. The Herald says three only of the élite Washington families attended the Inauguration Ball.

The Judge has just come in and said: “Last night, after Dr. Boykin left on the cars, there came a telegram that his little daughter, Amanda, had died suddenly.” In some way he must have known it beforehand. He changed so suddenly yesterday, and seemed so careworn and unhappy. He believes in clairvoyance, magnetism, and all that. Certainly, there was some terrible foreboding of this kind on his part.

____

¹John C. Calhoun had died in March, 1850.

Post image for “Office seekers are hanging on here in great numbers.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“Office seekers are hanging on here in great numbers.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

March 11, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1861.

It has been a pleasant cool day, comfortable out door with an overcoat on. A great many people in the office today. Office seekers are hanging on here in great numbers. Went after 3 o’clck with Bro C R & Maj [Bulkley?] to the Navy Yard through the shops and on board the US War Steamer Pensacola. Maj B came home and dined with us. We then went down to Willards. Bro & myself called at Cramers, and then went back to Willards. Senator Wigfall was there with a crowd round him but not boisterous.

______

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 Operations in Charleston Harbor — Confederate Records

Operations in Charleston Harbor — Confederate Records

March 11, 2011

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

HDQRS.
PROVISIONAL ARMY
CONFEDERATE STATES,
Charleston, S.C.,
March 11, 1861.

.

.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala. :

“I desire to state that should my application to be appointed in the Regular service, instead of the Provisional one, occasion any embarrassment to the President, I desire it to remain unnoticed; and, moreover, should he at any time consider it necessary for the good of the service or safety of the country to send here an officer of more experience than myself, I hope he will do so without hesitation, as I care more for the success of our arms and of our cause than for the honor of being in command here, and I would serve under the orders of such a commanding officer with the same zeal and activity as at present.”

SIR: I have taken the earliest opportunity my present duties would permit (yesterday) to make a thorough reconnaissance of the country south of this city to the Stono River and its mouth, to determine what works are required to prevent an enemy from approaching in that direction, either to throw re-enforcements during the night into Fort Sumter, through the Stono River, Folly River, or Light-house Inlet, and their numerous and intricate branches (see Bache’s maps of Charleston Harbor and adjacent coast and country), or to attack Charleston. I have selected the sites and ordered the construction of some field works that will, I think, effectually guard those channels of approach; but we must have time and means to complete them. With good assistants (chiefs of Engineers and Ordnance) this could probably be done in about eight or ten days; but Major Whiting and Captain Boggs (two most reliable and efficient officers) have been recalled to Savannah by the governor of Georgia, and I am again left to my own resources. Their absence fills me with care and grief, for other very important matters demand my attention; in fact, a great deal in the way of organization remains still to be attended to. I find a great deal of zeal and energy around me, but little professional knowledge and experience. I earnestly request the immediate return of the two officers just named, or that two others, of equal ability, if they can be procured, be sent me. Probably Capt. G. W. Smith, of New York, and Captain Gorgas might be induced to come, if a positive rank could be offered to them. Should an enemy succeed in effecting a landing on the Stono River (a very navigable stream), or anywhere else in that direction, I will take a position with all my disposable forces in a very advantageous location I have selected,  a little in advance of the Savannah road bridge, leading into Charleston, covering, at the same time, the bridge with a tete-de-pont. From thence I will oppose to the last his direct attack, or take him in flank and rear, to cut off his communication, if practicable.

With regard to my letter of the 12th, referring to my present commission in the Confederate service, I desire to state that should my application to be appointed in the Regular service, instead of the Provisional one, occasion any embarrassment to the President, I desire it to remain unnoticed; and, moreover, should he at any time consider it necessary for the good of the service or safety of the country to send here an officer of more experience than myself, I hope he will do so without hesitation, as I care more for the success of our arms and of our cause than for the honor of being in command here, and I would serve under the orders of such a commanding officer with the same zeal and activity as at present.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

P. S.–Your letter of the 9th instant has just been received. Its remarks are answered in the above letter.

G. T. B.

Post image for Brragg assumes command – Confederate Correspondence

Brragg assumes command – Confederate Correspondence

March 11, 2011

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

ORDERS,

No. 1

PENSACOLA, FLA.,
March 11, 1861.

I. In compliance with Special Orders No. 1 from the War Department, Confederate States of America, dated at Montgomery, Ala., March 7, 1861, Brigadier-General Bragg assumes the command of all troops in the service of said States in the vicinity of Pensacola. His headquarters will be at Fort Barrancas.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Post image for Message to Beuregard. — Sumter to be evacuated in 5 days.

Message to Beuregard. — Sumter to be evacuated in 5 days.

March 11, 2011

The American Civil War,War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

WASHINGTON, March 11, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Army Confederate States, Charleston, S.C.:

Believed here that Anderson will be ordered to evacuate Sumter in five days. Was certainly informally agreed on in Cabinet Saturday night. May have been done as ruse to throw you off your guard and enable them to re-enforce.

LOUIS T. WIGFALL.

Post image for Message to Jeff Davis. — Sumter to be evacuated in 5 days.

Message to Jeff Davis. — Sumter to be evacuated in 5 days.

March 11, 2011

The American Civil War,War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

WASHINGTON, March 11, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,
Montgomery, Ala.:

It is believed here in Black Republican circles that Anderson will be ordered to vacate Fort Sumter in five days. An informal conclusion to this effect was arrived at Saturday night in Cabinet. Anderson telegraphed, it is said, that he had no fuel and but fifteen days’ provisions.

LOUIS T. WIGFALL.

Post image for A Diary From Dixie.—”Wonderful! Some of these great statesmen always tell me the same thing—and have been telling me the same thing ever since we came here.”

A Diary From Dixie.—”Wonderful! Some of these great statesmen always tell me the same thing—and have been telling me the same thing ever since we came here.”

March 10, 2011

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

March 10th.—Mrs. Childs was here to-night (Mary Anderson, from Statesburg), with several children. She is lovely. Her hair is piled up on the top of her head oddly. Fashions from France still creep into Texas across Mexican borders. Mrs. Childs is fresh from Texas. Her husband is an artillery officer, or was. They will be glad to promote him here. Mrs. Childs had the sweetest Southern voice, absolute music. But then, she has all of the high spirit of those sweet-voiced Carolina women, too.

Then Mr. Browne came in with his fine English accent, so pleasant to the ear. He tells us that Washington society is not reconciled to the Yankee régime. Mrs. Lincoln means to economize. She at once informed the major-domo that they were poor and hoped to save twelve thousand dollars every year from their salary of twenty thousand. Mr. Browne said Mr. Buchanan’s farewell was far more imposing than Lincoln’s inauguration.

The people were so amusing, so full of Western stories.

Dr. Boykin behaved strangely. All day he had been gaily driving about with us, and never was man in finer spirits. To-night, in this brilliant company, he sat dead still as if in a trance. Once, he waked somewhat—when a high public functionary came in with a present for me, a miniature gondola, “A perfect Venetian specimen,” he assured me again and again. In an undertone Dr. Boykin muttered: “That fellow has been drinking.” “Why do you think so?” “Because he has told you exactly the same thing four times.” Wonderful! Some of these great statesmen always tell me the same thing—and have been telling me the same thing ever since we came here.

A man came in and some one said in an undertone, “The age of chivalry is not past, O ye Americans!” “What do you mean?” “That man was once nominated by President Buchanan for a foreign mission, but some Senator stood up and read a paper printed by this man abusive of a woman, and signed by his name in full. After that the Senate would have none of him; his chance was gone forever.”

Post image for Horatio Nelson Taft

Horatio Nelson Taft

March 10, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

SUNDAY 10

Rather a cold day but no frost, a cold wind. Went to Trinity Ch (Dr Butlers.) this morning with my old friend S Patrick. Bro C R, Maj Sol [Bulkley?] & Juliet also there. In afternoon, all went to Dr Smiths ch, heard a Mr Fish from Paris (France). He is trying to raise funds for the Protestant cause in France. He did not speak very good English but was still very interesting and could be easily understood by close attention. Was in at Willards with Bro in the Evening. Wife has been writing to Hariet Brownson. C R & self talking of Wmstown Characters.

______

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 “There is one great comfort; this war fever has banished small talk.”— War Diary of a Union Woman in the South

“There is one great comfort; this war fever has banished small talk.”— War Diary of a Union Woman in the South

March 10, 2011

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

March 10, 1861.—The excitement in this house has risen to fever heat during the past week. The four gentlemen have each a different plan for saving the country, and now that the bridal bouquets have faded, the three ladies have again turned to public affairs; Lincoln’s inauguration and the story of the disguise in which he traveled to Washington is a never-ending source of gossip. The family board being the common forum, each gentleman as he appears first unloads his pockets of papers from all the Southern States, and then his overflowing heart to his eager female listeners, who in turn relate, inquire, sympathize, or cheer. If I dare express a doubt that the path to victory will be a flowery one, eyes flash, cheeks burn, and tongues clatter, till all are checked up suddenly by a warning rap for “Order, order!” from the amiable lady presiding. Thus we swallow politics with every meal. We take a mouthful and read a telegram, one eye on table, the other on the paper. One must be made of cool stuff to keep calm and collected. I say but little. There is one great comfort; this war fever has banished small talk. The black servants move about quietly, never seeming to notice that this is all about them.

“How can you speak so plainly before them?” I say.

“Why, what matter? They know that we shall keep the whip-handle.”

______

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 Shot Fired at Fort Sumter — Confederate Records

Shot Fired at Fort Sumter — Confederate Records

March 9, 2011

The American Civil War,War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

HDQRS. PROV. ARMY
CONFEDERATE STATES
OF AMERICA
Charleston, S.C., March 9, 1861.

‘

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.:

SIR: I inclose you herewith the report of Col. M. Gregg, First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, commanding on Morris Island, at the entrance of this harbor, reporting the circumstances connected with the accidental shooting of a loaded gun towards Fort Sumter on the 8th instant. From the inquiries thus far made, it would appear to have been entirely accidental; but I have ordered a thorough investigation of the affair to be made at once, and in order to prevent the recurrence of an event which might be attended with such disastrous consequences, I have ordered that hereafter no gun should be practiced with without first ascertaining whether it be loaded or not.

The channel batteries are progressing regularly, and the other works are being corrected and consolidated. Nothing new otherwise.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure. 1]

HEADQUARTERS MORRIS ISLAND, S.C.,
March 8, 1861.

To the CHIEF OF STAFF OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL BEAUREGARD:

SIR: I am informed by Major Stevens that a shot was accidentally fired from the iron battery this morning, which struck Fort Sumter. Major Stevens was practicing with blank cartridges, and does not know how a shot got in. He does not suspect that it was put in by any man intentionally. Major Stevens is about to go with a flag to Fort Sumter to explain the accident.

I have to request that General Beauregard will forward this note for the information of the commander-in-chief.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

MAXCY GREGG,

Colonel First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers,
Commanding on Morris Island.

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