November 9th. The election passed off very quiet yesterday. No trouble. Great rejoicing over the re-election of Honest Old Abe. We feel that it was a great victory, and do believe that the war will soon be over. Allowed to go home for a short visit. Ordered to assemble at the camp on tomorrow night, and by the morning of the 11th, to return to Martinsburg.
November 9th.—Rained last night; clear this morning, and warm. All quiet below, except the occasional bombs thrown at the canal by our iron-clads.
The press is mostly opposed to the President’s project of employing 40,000 slaves in the army, under promise of emancipation. Some indicate the belief that the President thinks the alternatives are subjugation or abolition, and is preparing the way for the latter.
The Enquirer is averse to conscribing editors between the ages of eighteen and forty-five. The editor says it would be a violation of the Constitution, etc. We all believe Lincoln has been easily re-elected. It is supposed Grant will soon receive large accessions from Sheridan’s army, and make another attempt to take Richmond. It will be the most formidable attempt, and will be the most formidably resisted.
A row between Gen. Kemper and Gen. Preston: latter refers papers directly to Col. Shields, Gen. K.’s subordinate. Gen. K. asks to be relieved: Secretary Seddon agrees to it, taking sides with the Bureau of Conscription. But the President does not (yet) agree to it, asks investigation of Gen. K.’s complaints, etc.; and so it rests at the present. The Assistant Secretary of War, his son-in-law Lieut.-Col. Lay, etc. etc. are all on the side of the Bureau of Conscription; but I suspect the President is on the other side. My opinion is that unless the Bureau of Conscription be abolished or renovated, our cause will fare badly. The President states his suspicions of “malpractice” in his indorsement.
Much cheering has been heard this morning in the enemy’s lines —over election news, probably: whether McClellan’s or Lincoln’s success, no one here knows; but no doubt the latter.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Nov. 9. Misty and damp night. Caught a bad cold on guard. 12th Battery took guns to town this morning, leaving them there for us, and took ours off in exchange. All our harness is boxed up. The infantry have struck tents, turned them over and expect to start on the morrow. 14th Corps lay quiet all day. Trains are being loaded with camp and garrison equipage, contrabands and refugees. From all appearances this line is to be abandoned, and Sherman is about to strike a telling blow upon the Confederacy. My knapsack is packed and I await orders.
9th. Wednesday. After dinner moved to Mt. Zion church. Met the infantry marching back. Rainy day.
Tuesday, November 8. — Election day up North. A vote was held amongst the officers and men. Among the officers Lincoln had 67, McClellan 7. Among men Lincoln was 9 votes ahead. Day cloudy and hot. A regular dog-day. Received some books from Dr. Marks. Some officers were brought in who had escaped from the stockade. Captain Senn said there was a letter for me.
Tuesday, 8th—Still in camp. Some rain today. Ten train loads of army supplies left for the North. A great many refugees are being sent north, as it will be impossible for them to make a living down here during the coming winter. This is election day and everything is very quiet in camp, as political speeches are not allowed in the army. The election went off fine. Our regiment is strong for Old Abraham—three hundred and fourteen votes for Lincoln and forty-two for McClellan. I bought a watch of John Aubin for $18.50. Some of the boys are having lively times down town; they are going in on their nerves, to make up for lost time.
Tuesday, November 8, — Went with Generals Sheridan and Crook and Colonel Forsythe to polls of [the] Thirty-fourth Regiment. All vote for Lincoln. General Sheridan’s “maiden vote.” All of this A. M. under arms.
Peebles House, Va., November 8th, 1864.
It is the evening after election. The turmoil and excitement of the day is past, and, almost prostrated by the intense anxiety of the past week, I long to flee to the sympathetic heart of my wife for comfort and consolation. Never before has a political contest assumed such vast proportions. In it I see a Nation sitting in judgment on its own acts. The question to be decided involves its very existence. Individuals are lost sight of. Life and death hang quivering in the balance. Feeling this, I entered into the contest with all the energies of my nature. “Sleep departed from my eyes and slumber from my eyelids.” My sphere was circumscribed, but it was no light task to rescue my own loved regiment from a record of infamy. Thank God, it is accomplished. Of one hundred ninety-four votes polled today, only forty-six were cast for McClellan and Secession. One week ago they claimed a majority. At that time, in Company G, eleven out of eighteen loudly proclaimed fidelity to the “Hero of Malvern Hill.” Today, in this same company, three votes were polled for him. I think I can say with truth, and without egotism, the result is largely due to my efforts. I devoted my time mainly to the recruits throughout the regiment, visiting them in their tents, seldom leaving one until I had obtained a promise that he would not vote for “Little Mac.” Faithfully they kept their word in nearly every instance.
The day was fine. At sunrise the regiment assent bled, chose inspectors, clerks, etc., and proceeded to business. I never knew an election to pass off so quietly. No drunken brawls, for whiskey could not be obtained. General Wilcox and staff came over and deposited their votes. It had been confidently asserted that Wilcox would vote for McClellan, but he called for an “Administration ticket” and deposited it in the ballot box. No partiality was shown to rank; several officers were challenged and had to swear in their votes. The day, with its overwhelming weight of responsibility, is passed beyond recall and I calmly await the announcement of the result. As the polls were about to close, a telegram was received announcing the capture of the pirate Florida. I accept it as an omen of good.
November 8th. This is the great day, election taking place. We are under orders to respond if wanted.
Nov. 8th. Abraham Lincoln re-elected President of the United States of America by a large majority over Genl. Geo. B. McClellan, candidate of the Chicago Convention.
Jerry arrived home; met father and mother at the village.
