1862 September 1 Brampton

                                           Sept. 1  62
                                              Brampton
My dear wife
               I am seated quietly at home, though
not as quietly as I would like either for Mr
Haney & family are still in the house and I do
not care about moving them yet, for though
there is every prospect of our army continuing
its advance still nothing can be relied upon in
war.  I miss Brothers family & Ella.  Affairs were much
more comfortable when they were here.
I have gathered together the remaining pieces
of the china and with some little glass
found it to fill two barrels.  the white ware
is still here and I may keep it. I think
I shall bury some of the glass left there, a few
decanters & the old Glass.  I have an idea of packing
up your Chamber furniture There is enough in
the house besides it and so could be placed
in a more secure point.  when I send back the
wagons I propose to send over a matress or two

[page 2]
In view of the uncertainty of being able to reap
what I plant I am much inclined to rent or buy
a small tract of land on the South Side of James
Rifer say in the neighborhood of Danville or Pittsylvania
the increased activity I indulged in during the
past week or ten days has deranged[?] my liver &
admonishes me of the necessity of quiet.  I am
unwilling to quarter on your Father & to be further
separated from my family, with some necessary
therefor.  At the same time we might be able to
remain quietly here which would be far more
pleasant - & we might keep a few things here & to
be prepared to move at any time, we might live
in our trunks and not have much--my judgment
admonishes me to remove our effects to some other point,
yet I am loth to leave a place where we have spent
many happy hours--I have had the potatoes dug
& onions-the yankees left a peck of the latter & a few
bushels of the former--the June[?] square[?] of Salsify

[page 3]
was destroyed by the growth of weeds it may put up
again though I think it will not---Mrs Haney will
dry peaches & apples & divide with you.  rather she has
dried apples. The corn crop looks very well my
wheat is injured--I am looking anxiously for the
horses, oxen & wagons why do they not come?
have written you three letters on the point
Gen Stuart made a raid in the rear of the enemy &
captured a good many horses & wagons & money--also
Gen Popes baggage & private papers & horse, I saw his
dress parade |                      | & was sending it to Gov Letchers
Every day     |hole cut to re- |  hundred prisoners go by
there is a       | move stamp   | that 2500 prisoners are at Rapidan
now & that   |                       | cannon were taken on
yesterday--There has been a complete devastation of
Culpepper County by the enemy  Neither negroes or provisions
or fencing from here to the river (Rappahanock)
  Kiss our dear boys and give my bet love to all at
Carysbrook---    Most truly yours A. G. Grinnan

address leaf

Mrs. A. G. Grinnan
        Palmyra
             Fluvanna
                  Va.

Andrew Glassell Grinnan, 1827-1902; Georgia Screven Bryan Grinnan, 1837-1912

MSS 49

1862 September 1 near Mobile, Ala

                                                near Mobile Ala
Camp Goode  Dog River Factor Sept 1st 1862
Dear Genl
                     As I have nothing to do today
& there is no battallion drill I concluded
I would write you a few lines.  I have
been very well since I enlisted in the
army. I have had the measles & mumps, had
them soon after the Regt was organized
i am very well at present with the exception
of a very bad cold & cough.  I expect it is
the Hooping cough I have.  We have a great
deal of sickness in the Regt & company
We have lost two of our men from our
company.  I do not know how many have
died in the Regt.  We do not turn out more
than 150 men on Battalion drill. I never saw
the like of sickness in my life.  I hope
your health has been good.  I have not
heard from uncle Rives sometime, he was
well when I heard from him last.
Our field officers names are as follows
R. H. Smith Col.  L.T. Woodruff Lt Col
Thos. H. Herndon Major.

[page 2]
Capt Wemyes health is not good at
present he says he is improving. he hates
to say that he is sick. He is not sick
enough to be in bed, but not able to
be on duty.  He says he thinks he will
be able to go on duty soon.  All of us would
like very much for this war to close
but we do not see any prospect ahead
for it to close soon.  Our Regt is
stationed at a very sickly place. The rainy
season has commenced. it is raining now
& we had a hard rain last night & night
before.  Our Regt is armed & if it were
not for so much sickness we would
be ready to go into active service
which we are all very anxious to do.
We wanted to go up to Chattanooga some
time ago but I had much rather stay
south now until next spring &  then
go up to Tenn. or Va. I think we can
stand the winter much better down
her than we could farther north

[page 3]
I never heard of such enormous prices
as they ask in Mobile for anything.
things they used to sell at 25 cents they
ask $1.50 cts or more.  it takes all a soldier
can make to buy him a little something
good to eat. But I am in hopes we will
soon  whip the yankees out, & live at
home in pease & quietude.  I am getting
very tired of the war.  Capt. Wemys
think that it will end that it will end in two
moths.  Write soon. xcuse my poor
letter.  my bad writing as I am in a
hurry
yours respectfully
Direct Smith Powell
Co. C. 36th Ala Vol. Mobile Ala
care capt. Wemys

MSS 640

1862 September 1 near Fairfax Court House

[from the diary of Lt. John Tyler, of Letcher's Artillery]

(Sept 1st)  Were on the march
again early this morning & proceeded
very cautiously towards Fairfax
C.H. when within 3 or 4 miles of the

place were suddenly attacked by
the enemy, while on the march.  Our
line of battle was suddenly formed
and we engaged the enemy in a
few moments, they having batteries
in position poured in a deadly fire
but we drove them gallantly com-
-mencing on our left.  In the midst
of the fight a heavy rain came up
and in wet clothes our men slept on
the battlefield that night.  In
this fight Genls Kearney & Stevens
of the Yankees were killed, the for-
-mer, a Maj Genl. by our Brigade.
I feel quite sick this evening fever
not abated & raging headache which
with sleeping in wet clothes tonight
will not improve much.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150

1862 September 1 Camp Beardsley

[patriotic stationery with vignette of a tree covered with American flags, each labeled with the name of a state and the motto: "Traitor! spare that Tree, Cleave not a single bough, In youth it shelter'd me, And I'll protect it now"

Camp Beardsley Sept 1st 62
Dear Sister
             I wrote home
last Tuesday but I knew
how you all there you
never answer any letters so
I will write again we have got
our tents all up and we are  now
having a fine time Our Company
is the [?] Company so we have
the widest street the streets are
divided off into one I in front
of each Companys tents we have
named ours Broadway as it
is the largest the Geneva Regt
composed of Comapny from
Geneva Waterloo & Seneca Falls
they are encamped about a

[page 2]
mile west of us. the
artillery on the left of
us fired in at the
Rebel Signal lights Saturday
night which sent us all out
of our tents in a hurry our
pickets bring in runaway niggers
ever day. the 22nd Regt from
New York City left for home
last yesternoon yesterday afternoon
the were 3 months men when they
left they gave us boards to  floor
our tents & some other things
that they could not take
away We are now expecting
the next Regt. from Auburn
What is the news n Auburn
We get New York papers
Waverly Magazines & other Cant

[page 3]
you send a daily when there is
any news. We have not heard
a word about drafting since
we left at least I have not
Write soon I will have to close
for it is most drill time.  We
have got our guns & amunition
but we do not have to carry
any thing when we drill Give
my love to all and to all
enquiring friends
      Your Brother
               Clayton Bodley
PS
         they have changed the name
of our camp to Camp Beardlsy
in honor of Wm C Beardsley of
Auburn Chairman of War
Committe Excuse all mistakes
                                  Clayton

Clayton Bodley, 111th New York Infantry

MSS 8474-u

1862 September 1 Camp N. P. Banks

               Camp N. P. Banks
                    Sept 1st /62 1 am
Dear Miss Annie
                     We are off for
Washington in half an hour
I did not think when I saw
you this evening, that my
wish to get off would be
realized quite so soon, but
Washington is in danger and
we have all responded to
Collins call upon us.
I cannot leave without
expressing my regrets lest
you may have thought me
too flippant tonight considering
what is before us, but I had
made up my mind to not
give way to my feelings under
any circumstances, I do not
intend to do so. I really

[page 2]
appreciate as much as any
one my situation & feared
that you might judge me
harshly.  Please not do so.
   Wont you keep what I
enclose until my return
when I will claim it?  I
do not ask you to wear it,
I will be satisfied if you merely
keep it in remembrance of an
old friend.  I dont know how
many more favors I may have
to ask.  Good Bye
                   Truly  Yours
                         J. T. Lea
P.S. My brother has directions to
send you a Photograph.  I
am afraid it will be some time
before you can get yours from
Ned Bowen

Joseph Tatnall Lea, 1840-1916,   114th Pennsylvania Infantry, to his future wife Anna Anderson Cabeen

MSS 11412

1862 September 1 Suffield, Conn

[from the diary of the Reverend Francis Butler, future chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]



                   
Mon. 1 Sept – Cars for Suffield – wrote letters read &c
met yesterday Mr Frisbie & Levi Hayden old School
mate at S – now members of Windsor Ch – glad
to see me & I them.
Pope writes that he had a great Battle Friday on
field of  Old Bull Run & whip?  rebels loss 8,000
killed & wounded on our side – next day rebels
had advantage of us – Suffield voted today
to raise some few over quota & pay $200 bounty to
each -  all – Mrs. Southmayd told me that when
she asked Mr. Hales Son – (16 yrs old – but large & strong) why he
enlisted – he ansd. “Why Auntie D. ye spose I am going
to let the rebels lick us”!   he told the recruiting officer
that he would be 18 in July - & responded to his aunt when
called to task for it – well so I shall if I live long eno –
     Old Dea. Morgan a tall white haired man called
to see me Sat. Eveg  – father of present Gov. of  N. York –
the Suffield Company today chose Johnson Capt - & Corgin
1st Lieut.  Rain at night –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 September 1 Leesburg Road near Fairfax, Va.

[from the diary of Ephraim A. wood, Co. C., 13th Masssachusetts]

                     Sept 1
     Monday Afternoon.  We marched
towards Fairfax.  When within about
two miles of there we crossed over on
the Leesburg road, and marched on
this road about a mile, where we
found troops drawn up in line
of Battle.  We went into line of Battle
behind a fence used in the edge
of a woods.  There was another line
of Battle in the woods ahead of
us and before night there was
quite a battle but we were not

brought into it.  We layed behind
this fence till nearly noon the
next day.  It rained hard the
better part of the afternoon
and the first of the evening.


[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12021

1862 September 1 near Washington, D.C.

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]

Monday, Sept. 1, 1862

Guard mounting
no parade on act of rain
Went out this forenoon
about a mile to a
peach orchard to get some
peaches were ordered out
came to Creek a beautiful
spring where I bathed
with John & Gillett
lay about this afternoon
stewed some peaches got
some cakes of a [fiddler?]
mail came in  got
another letter from
Father
Cannonading most of
the day goes on some
during the night
Cloudy heavy showers this
evening now raining

MSS 10317 

1862 September 1 Chapel Hill, N.C.

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Monday 1st of September --very cloudy & threatning rain every moment--Mrs. Wal
-ters & Sarah have gone out to spend the day--Mr Mason, Eliza &
Liz have gone to shop--I am all alone & will write Tom in answer
to his letter received yesterday--He was 30 or 35 miles from
Richmond but I did not know how long they would remain there.  He
wanted Noah sent if he was willing to return.  He was 3 miles
from Hanover Junction on the road going to Gordons Ville
The Virginia Central--He says the mornings & nights are cool
& they have had a heavy rain--4 O Clock Liz has gone off a
-gain to sit with Mrs Phillips--& Eliza & Mr Mason to walk

MSS 6960

1862 September 1 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

Monday, September 1, 1862.

Many rumors for several days past, but no reliable in-
telligence. A report last night that a battle occurred on
Friday at Manassas, in which the enemy were defeated
with a loss of 2000 prisoners. Also that Jackson was at
Leesburg, and Stuart (cavalry) at Alexandria! These ru-
mors need confirmation.

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258

1862 September 1 "Clifton," Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Monday, September 1, 1862

[Still?] from the papers we gather that
the victory was with us but I wish we could hear directly--

Mr. Lackland is in fine spirits &
thinks the Yankees have been dreadfully
beaten  from their own accounts though
they cannot make up their minds
to acknowledge the fact
I am looking for you yet but I will
but I will make up my mind to day not to look
any longer for truly "hope in fact makes
the heart sick."

[as transcribed in 1972 by her granddaughter Anne Madison Wright Baylor]

MSS 15406

1862 August 31 near New Bern, N.C.

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding,  Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]

Sunday
Aug 31
Just a year since I took the
vows of God upon me and I
have enjoyed the year more than any
other one year though I have been through
peculiar trials, including two battles.
Have come short sadly in many respects
but God I feel has been with me, and
to-day I have enjoyed much although I
have been on guard nearly all the forenoon.

MSS 11293

1862 August 31 Camp Chase, Arlington Heights

Sunday [1862]
                                       Camp Chase Aug. 31st
                                       Arlington Hights
[The following is written perpendicular to above.]
Direct to 15 C.V. Co A Washington D. C.
As we don’t know how long we shall stay here.

Dear Sister Helen,
                                       Supposing you
are anxious by this time to know
how we all get along and how
far we have got.  I will spend
a little time in penning a short
account of our Journey  –
     We left New Haven Thursday
morning at 10 oclock (that is we
were ordered to “fall in” at 10 –
and had to stand with our Knap-
sacks on for 2 hours – went aboard
of the cars at 12 oc arrived at
N-York about 4 oc   I saw Elbe as
soon as the cars stopped – we fell

into line and marched down 4th
Avenue and Broadway to Jersey ferry
it commenced raining very soon after
we started from the terminal and it
poured for about ½ an hour and
we were completely soaked in a short
time     it was a tedious march for
it was the first time that we had tried
the Knapsacks and they are mighty mean
things I can tell you – we went aboard
the boat and took a “bee line” for
South Amboy   got there about mid-
night and went aboard the cars for
Philadelphia and got there at 4 ock
in the morning we “unslung knapsacks” and
took refreshments there then we loaded
right up for Baltimore where we arrived
at 7 Friday eve   there we had refreshments
also and slept on the platform in
the depot until 3 Saturday morning
then we loaded again for Washington
and arrived there at 4 o’clock P.M. and
had refreshments again then we “slung

knapsacks” and marched down Penn – Av –
and over long bridge and onto Arlington
heights – we got here at about 7 oc and
were about tired enough to lay right –
down we slept on the ground with
nothing but our blankets but it was
the easiest bed I ever had considering
the state of my under pinning at that
time we pitched our tents this –
morning and are now under cover –
and very comfortable – it was a
very tedious journey for us all but
I stood it better than I expected –
we marched about 6 miles in N. York
about 2 in Baltimore and 7 from
Washington   We are 4 miles from Falls
Church – Chas Linsley and several
others fell out on the march and
had to have their knapsacks carried
on the baggage but your cousin Jim
stuck it through till the last –
     It rained all last night and has
rained all to-day   we slept in the rain

last night – but to-day we have canvas
to get under –
     Nothing very strange happened
on our way here.  I enjoyed the
ride very much but the walking
part was awful – we saw soldiers
camped along the route some in
barracks some on picket duty and
some guarding the rail roads – cavalry –
artillery – infantry – and every other kind
of “horned cattle”… -
     Now for the last few hours that we
have spent on “Sacred soil” –
     When we were crossing long bridge we
heard constant firing in the direction
of Manassas and soon found that
terrible fighting was going on then
between Pope – Burnside – and Stonewall
Jackson – we saw baggage wagons
ambulances & artillery pass our camp
till late in the night and then
the firing ceased and this after-
noon we learn that S. Jackson –
has surrendered with 30,000 men
Bully for Bull Run   Ms. 2


[This letter continues on page five with date of 31 Aug. ‘62 noted in pencil.]
The 14th C.V. were in the fight but
we haven’t learned any of the particulars.
     About 800 Prisoners passed our camp
last night on their way to W – ton
and tomorrow all the others will
be brought by and there will be
some cheering for Pope and Burnside
you can bet --- “Little did I think
that I should be so near Chas real fighting
so soon but I don’t know as I care
how soon we are ordered off – All
our boys felt pretty gay over the
late news and all are ready to
be led into the fight.  -  Our arms
are here and with the exception of
drilling we are all right for fight
          I will just tell you a few
things that I want before I forget what
they all are – In the first place tell
Father I wish he would get me that
Pistol or one just like – for we are –

in parts now where it may be useful.
Capt. Bassett came to me just before
we packed up at New Haven and
told me that if I had got a Pistol
I might carry it if I would keep it
dark but he said he didn’t want
me to let any of the boys know that
he told me so – and he said that
I might want to use it – Eugene carried
his and Aaron has sent for his –
remember that it is the smallest size
of Pondi patent and I want 100 cartges
and a holster – and if you can get
one I want a tin case to carry my
eatables in   these haversacks stink of
tar so that they spoil every thing
that we put in them   Geo Flint has got
one and they are a good thing –
[sketch of tin] made of tin  Geo got his in
                        Meridian and perhaps you can
get one ready made, and I wish you
would send me a pair of stout
slippers to wear evenings   my feet

get so hot and sore that I must
have something to change   that leather
pair of mine will go I guess and
please send me a few stamps as they
are a hard thing to get down here.
          I  cant think of half that I
want to say    I could write 16 pages
if it was quiet and I had a good
desk but writing on straw and have
about 100 humming and howling
around is very hard and I am so
excited over the firing and late
news that I can’t keep the shell
and muskets out of my head –
     I wish you would write me often
I will tell you where to direct
every time that we move, and I
will write every time that I can
get a chance but we are pretty
busy and will have to drill most
all the time now -   Please make those
things into a small bundle and forward
by express – Has Hattie gone home

yet.   I hope you wont be lonesome when
she is gone, you must try to make
yourself contented – don’t make
   “         unhappy thinking that I am
dying down here for I am enjoying
myself pretty well – of course I should
like to see you all but I don’t want
to go home until I have done my
duty.  I want to just gaze on them
Seceshers a few times and help finish
this rebellion up and then If there
is any thing left of me I shall be
very glad to go home, tell Chas that
he must write and let me know how
he gets along in the Navy   tell
Hattie to write when she gets
home if she has not gone –
     Did Father get that Bundle and
50 Dollars that I sent up by Mr. Hull
to leave at Wilcox’s.  I should like
to have him write sometimes if
he can find time between school
meetings – I must stop now
Give my love to Hattie my Regards to
all my friends and to all the boys

[The end of this 8 page letter is written at the beginning of page 5.]  
tell George that I will write to him sometime
     with love to all & dry up
                                             Jim
   
James H. Howard, 15th Connecticut

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12668

1862 August 31 Salt Sulphur Springs

                      Head Qtrs  Dept SWVa
                         Salt Sulphur Springs
                        August 31st 1862

My Dear Captain
                     It seems ages since the
pleasure of a cosy, quiet chat with you
has been offered me and yet the fault
is not solely mine, nor want of inclination
the cause Ever since here we've been, the
General has been on a tour of reconnoissance
to & for the different positions and commands
or had us actively employed on other duty
and by no means in our legitimate sphere--
Hope told a flattering tale, of this Dept
with its rapid advances, its several mountain
passes, that admitted of easy and extensive
fortifications, stubborn resistance and difficult
capture if assailed.  Had I was  [?] into the
believing this, just the field, a youth unknown
to fortune & fame unknown should seek in order to lead
a forlorn hope and thereby achieve mention.
But wonders never cease and we find ourself
with a conquered and demoralized army in the

[page 2]
face of a foe, vastly superior in force, spirit
& equipment. Hence we have quietly seated
ourselves upon that part of the body, most adapted
by nature, to such a consumation and been
like Macawber waiting for something to
turn up--Like that worthy Gent we were gratified
about a week passed--news came that Enemy's
whole force had 'skedaddled" to the rear
going beyond Kanawha it is supposed
to reinforce Buell or Pope--unless we
follow Othello's occupation is gone.
                                            Being soon
disgusted and tired out doing little or nothing we
gave utterance to mutterings loud & deep requested
the Genls permission to ask for a transfer.  He
wouldn't hear of our leaving him, for said he "are
on the eve of an advance and must have my Engr
officers with me then"--that upon reaching Kanawha
Valley he expected to swell his force by 3 or 4
new Regt of which he wished Robinson & self
to each command one as colonel--When a Comdg
Genl throws such a barrier in the way what
power have we within ourselves to oerleap it
to quiet our troubled spirits he sends Robinson

[page 3]
off to Richmond and our humble servant on a
Board of Examination of those country gallants
recently dignified with the title of commdg officers--
Bah! am thoroughly disgusted with the elective systems
wherever tis applied--Would decline the election to
a Colonelcy, if these ignoramuses, who can neither
spell, read, or write had the power to elevate me into
state with the sole exception of Lt Col Derricks (W. Point)
Batt (engr Corps C.S.A. Brother to our Derrrick)
Battalion we found all the officers, deficient in
every requisite of a soldier and gentleman-In
most cases on parade with their shirt-tales out below.
                    The official acts of this Engr. Dept. have
been very limited and confined to fortifying one
Pass the "Narrows" by constructing two small
casements Bullet Proof Batteries and some such
"little works up stairs" under the supervision of Lt
Elmore--apropos of Elmore I have now nothing
for him to do and place him "a votre service,"  He is
quite reliable & efficient--Hart is off on special
duty for the Genl inspecting & looking into the
supposed abuses of the Nitre Bureau--Have attempted
reconnoissances, but the Cavalry of this command are

[page 4]
such paltroons that they run & desert a fellow at
sight of a Yank or Union man  when most do
congregate in these parts, not wishing to be captured
have given up the idea and quietly accepted fate
John Robinson is very much angered
mortified and chagrined at the defeat of
his plans for an expedition to the Balt & Ohio
R R & fears he may appear in a false light
before the Dept.   He was certainly made a
victim of misplaced confidence by the
Genl. Comdg whose assurances he  bel[ieve]d--Genl
Jenkins--Comdg Cavalry & others from Kanawha, all
politicians have wormed themselves into the
Genls affections until they now hold the balance
of power--Fearing that we might be ordered to
join genl Lee's army, -they got up a cavalry esc[a]p[a]de
to the enemy's rear, stealing Robinson plans,
hurried off before his arrival, half cocked and
without an implement to execute them with  Yet forcing
the Genl to advance his whole force Kanawha
-wise in support. This pernicious & infernal
clique, imagine if "Kanawha" is saved the
Confederacy is also--that the centre of this social

[page 5]
system is there found and with its Salt Works, the nation will
be saved.  Hence next week we move bag &
baggage "westward ho!"
                                       When I last wrote was on the
eve of leaving to place a command (Wharton's) in
position to shell the enemy out of theirs
at Packs Ferry.  Well we shelled away for a
hour or more with mountain [?] & [?] piece
kicking up a lot of dust and a great rumpus
without death to any thing except a squad
of 5 men at the enemy's piece and the pack horse, yes
the historian of the Expdn with his graphic &
prolific pen makes a fine story of it, putting down
the enemy's loss at 30 &c and total destruction of
their supplies and camp- but with Falstaff can
exclaim "how the world is given to lying"-
I wish you could run up a spend some
time with us, twould be of benefit to you
Just think of really cold nights requiring
a blanket & so over one to keep up warmth
and days charmingly cool, with plenty of
creature comforts in the way of eatables to
accompany

[page 6]
Rumor comes to us from Richmond, that Miss
Helen is engaged to and intends marrying
Walter Harrison--is it true?
                           Write me soon
Would like much to have your views on the
recent Battles and state of the Country
Excuse Bad paper & pen with love to self
& Regards to family--
                         Believe me as ever
                             Your admirer friend & wellwisher
                                            R.L. Poor

to
Capt A. L. Rives
   Chier Eng Bureau
      Richd.

Alfred Landon Rives, 1830-1903, Chief of Engineers to Robert E. Lee

MSS 38-348

1862 August 31 Fredericksburg, Va.

[from the diary of Dr. Brodie Strachan Herndon]

Sunday 31st  Bro. John comes
down with a letter from Mat
saying that our dab was in
Richmond--We are all of
course delighted to have him
so near us.  All the evening
we look at the fires across the
river and witness the departure
of the Yankees.  they burnt
up their Depot and made
numerous large fires of stuff
about their Camps.  About
dusk they set fire to the three
brid[g]es  Mother the girls & I
went to neighbour Rowes to wit-
ness the conflagration--After
a heavy explosion of powder
under Chetam bridge we thought
it prudent to withdraw
The town being regularly delivered
back to the civil authority a
patrol paraded the streets
all night.  Everybody in high
spirits at our deliverance
God grant that it could be
final & complete

MSS 2563-b

1862 August 31 near Fairfax Court House

[rom the diary of Lt. John Tyler, of Letcher's Artillery]

  (Aug 31st)
Sunday raining this morning and
have been up since 3 o’c.  Ordered
back to Camp to cook rations, but
found nothing to cook & in an hour
were ordered to be on the march
again.  This time took a road leading
North which brought us into the
turnpike leading to Fairfax C.H.  We
bivouaced that night in a field
along side the road.  Have felt very
unwell all day long with fever & head-
-ache.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150

1862 August 31 near Manassas, Va.

[from the diary of Wesley Hammond of the 42nd Virginia, Co. E (Dixie Grays)]


Sunday -  Reported in camp Gen. Ewell
severely wounded.



[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5526

1862 August 31 Suffield, Conn

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis Butler, future chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]


 Augt 1862.  Windsor Suffield.  Sept.          
Sun 31,  Preached in Bro. Parsons pulpit   Windsor twice
addressed At. & conducted Eveg.[evening] Meetg.  spoke on
duties to country & prayer.  Called at Dea W –
on way home with Miss Lyon –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 August 31 Centreville, Va.

[from the diary of Ephraim A. Wood, of Co. C., 13th Massachusetts]



     Sunday  Aug 31st/62

     Early this morning we
started for Centreville.  It rained
hard.  The remains of our Regt
haulted near Centreville.  We soon
learned that another Squad
of the Regt were the other side
of Centreville.  We went to them
and soon after another guard
under a Lieut came up.
A number of the wounded of our
Company were there and the Capt
saw them safely aboard of hacks
that came from Washington.
We marched about two miles
from Centrevill and Camped or
rather Bivouaked in amongst
some stumps of trees, formerly a forest.
A great many of the straglers came
up to day.  Our loss is very
heavy.  Our Company had
Sixteen wounded that we are
sure of, three killed and
there is eight I think missing.
We do not know whether they are
killed wounded or taken prisoners.
The other Companies have lost in
like proportion.  Among the killed
and wounded in this Company is
Cop Blanchard killed, Private Dickinson
killed Hastings Bennett of Brighton
who attended Mr Allens School the same
time Sophia and I did, killed.
John Arnott wounded , J Halstrick,
John Keith, Henry Loard, Frank Mann,
Chas. Page, Henry Richards, John
Richardson, George Sawyer. All wounded.
Other that I forget the names of a
number of recruits wounded and missing
Joe Keeting was wounded.  John
Mitchell is missing and I have
heard since that he was wounded
and in Washington but cannot tell
for certain.  Among the missing are
Walter Colender  Private Palfrey  David
Walke  Albert Lescolm and some
of the Recruits.  There is very few but
what can show some mark
of a bullett about their clothing
A great many had holes shot
through their canteens.  The Regt
threw off their Knapsacks before
going into Battle and the Rebel
have got them.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12021

1862 August 31 Centreville, Va.

[from the diary of Samuel Johnson, 1st Massachusetts Independent Light Battery]

                        Aug 31^st

Lay in the stream all day of the 25^th.  On the

26^th the steammer Herald, took us in tow

and started for Aquia Creek.  Passed Fort

Monroe.  On the 27^th we entered the

Potomac, again arrived at Aquia Creek at

three P. M;  from this place we were ordered to Alexandria,

where we dropped our anchor at six P. M.  To day

the 1^st N. J. brigade of our div. (who had arrived

here before the remainder of the div. and had been

pushed on to Manassas.) had an engagement with

a vastly superior force at the Junction, and

after an obstinate fight were badly whipped.

Gen Taylor lost a leg, and soon after died from

his wound.  On the 28^th the remainder of the div.

arrived and disembarked, and at [ 2?] P. M we

were once more encamped out side of the city.

Gen Pope who has fallen back from the

Rapidan has made a stand at Manassas and

if all thing continue as they commenced, we will

doubtless annihilate the rebs this time.  At. 9. A. M

the next morning we hitched up (the 29^th) and

started to reinforce Gen Pope:  arrived at

Annandale at noon where we went into position

and remained for the night.  Harnessed up at

8. A. M on the next morning, and were soon

after on the move again.  Passed through the

village of Fairfax Ct. House;  at noon we

halted for a rest, at three P. M we again

started on, passed through Centreville and

kept on for the battle field, upon which we

arrived just in time to witness another

disgraceful retreat, fortunately in time to prevent

prevent a perfect panic.  Our forces had again,

owing to the mismanagement of Mc Dowell,

and Porter, been defeated on this fatal

field, when victory and the capture of the rebel

Army of Va. was in our grasp.  The army

fell back to Centreville, and encamped

in a confused mob.  Sunday the 31^st the

army was got in order and into position,

and a new line of battle was formed.  The

sick, wounded, and all the trains are being

sent to Washington and Alexandria.  Our

battery took a position in a fort which

the rebs built when they occupied this place.

In the evening were relieved by battery A.

Md. Artillery.  Cool and unpleasant.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 8493

1862 August 31 Fairfax county, Va.

              Upton’s Farm, Fairfax Co., Va., Aug. 31, 1862.
     All day yesterday a cannonading was
kept up in the direction of Manassas, and
in the afternoon it sounded terrible in the
extreme.  Hard fighting took place, but
who got the better of it, is not yet known.
The report was circulated today that
Stonewall Jackson with 18,000 of his
men was captured, but the story sounds
too incredible.  Jackson is too wary a fox
to allow himself to be bagged so early.
The report was, that our forces were in
his front, and rear, and that he was
thus ‘hemmed in,’ but this sounds so little
like Jackson’s policy, that we await a
confirmation of these reports before believing _
     The campaign in Eastern Virginia has,
thus far, been far from encouraging, and
what little we have gained, has been
mostly abandoned or retaken.  Washington
must have been menaced, and our army reduced
to straits, when we were obliged to abandon the Peninsular.
What avails those noble lives sacrificed in battle or by
disease on the Peninsular, and who is to blame for gross mismanagement?

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925

1862 August 31 near Alexandria, Va.

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]

Sunday, Aug. 31, 1862

Rained most of the
day  lay about doing
little if nothing were
mustered as regtl
band were also
placed upon company
rolls
All sorts of rumors
in camp in regard to
the [late?] battle nothing
reliable [received?]
Jo wrote  [6 letters?] to Washing
to day.  Large back
mail came in to day rec'd
letters from Father, Hanna
John Olin & Caldwell Esq
have written to Hanna
and am writeing to
John Olin
Gloomy & wet


MSS 10317 

1862 August 31 "Clifton," Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Sunday, September 31, 1862

Spent the morning trying to read &
nurse but talked more than
was profitable on the Sabbath.
Patty read us a sermon in
the evening

[as transcribed in 1972 by her granddaughter Anne Madison Wright Baylor]

MSS 15406

1862 August 31 Chapel Hill, N.C.

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.

Sunday 31th[sic]  We all went to Church this morning--Quite a
full congregation--The Sermon was not interesting being on
infant baptism--Church again to night at half past 7
but as it has commenced raining but few will attend--It
has turned very warm to day--

MSS 6960

1862 August 30 near New Bern, N.C.

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]

Saturday
Aug 30
On guard to day.  Had good officers
right through and had a good
time.  Finished "Edna or an antique Tale"
got a good long letter and a picture of
Gibbs & Whitney in it day before yesterday
Answered it yesterday

MSS 11293

1862 August 30 Fort Massachusetts, Washington, D.C.

                       
[This letter is written on stationery with the “Battle at Williamsburgh”
illustrated.]
                             Aug 30  1862
Fort Massachusetts  Washington D C
Dear Friend Olive
I though I would write
a few lines to let you
know how we are doing
out here in the south
we are all wel and harty
as can bee

they have ben fighting
at bul run 3 days or more
and our folks have whiped
them at every point of
attact.   bully for that.

[page 2]
we could hear them as plain
as day every gun they fired
and our boys was in a
great way to get there
I tel you
they come here last night
and got our baggage train
to get the kiled [?] women
and children at the bath
I have just heard that
jacson is taken with 8000
of his men prisoners
but I do not know how it is
yet
they are fireing a salute
over to the fort now for
something I don’t know what
it is if it is not for that
we are about 10 miles from
the fight at the time
and it  makes me wish I was there
we lay on our arm
the night we got hire [here]

[page 3]
and we was expecting al[l] night
a cal to go a double quick
to Chain bridge   that would
have been nice.
when we were coming out
here the car I was in run
of [f] the track, and went about
1 mile right on one edge
of the car and we had to
hang on for [word lined out]
dear life
it broke clear from the car
[-] was in or it would
have done a great deal of
damage
we had just pased over a
bridge about 50 feet high
when it com of[f] the track
it jolted us good
we have no new news to tel
at all  to write for it is
quite stil out here

[page 4]
only the secesh people
make glas pies and sel them
to the boys
but they have got
used to them so that
they know just how to
eat them
I must close now
for I have got to go
and sign another pay
role so they ran
give my love to al the
folks and tel them to
write soon
good bye friend Olive
from
         A   A   Huntley


Ambrose A. Huntley,  1st Maine Heavy Artillery

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 828

1862 August 30 near Manassas, Va.

  [from the diary of Wesley Hammond of Co. E 42nd Virginia (Dixie Greys)]

 Saturday 30 -  Fighting very hard at
the Junction.  Little or no difficult nearer
from there.

[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5526

1862 August 30 Manassas, Va.

[from the diary of Lt. John Tyler of Letcher's Artillery as recorded somewhat after the date]
  
(Aug. 30th) Skirmishing commenced
very early this morning along the whole
line.  Our Brigade was in position on
the left & near the R. R. cut.  T’was evident
ere long that the enemy were trying to turn
our left & Genl. Thomas sent me to look

out and report to Genl. Hill.  After find-
-ing out what the enemy were up to & their
position I went to Genl. Hill & told him,
he then sent me to show Genl Gregg a
good position on our left which I
did, and at my suggestion a battery
was planted, which in a very few minutes
after had a chance of rendering us some val-
-uable assistance, for where I had
supposed they would, the enemy made
an attack but this battery opening on
them put them to flight at once, and
at several times during the day this
battery proved its valuable position.
The fight commenced in good earnest
on our right at 2 ½ o’c & in an hour the
whole line was engaged, at 4 o’c we
made a grand charge, in which we com-
-pletely routed the enemy taking a
quantity of artillery, small arms, & pris-
-oners, and following the flying enemy

for 3 miles, when night prevented
farther pursuit.  Slept for an hour
or two on battlefield that night &
out in a hard rain.  After such un-
-usual fatigues I could not wonder
at feeling rather unwell.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150

1862 August 30 Alexandria, Va.

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]

Saturday, Aug. 30, 1862
Our bagage came in
this morning . I slept
last night with Alf
Long. Guard mounting
& parade. Heavy cannon-
ading going on in the
direction of bull run
A hard battle evidently going
on
Muster rolls being made
out. Orders were read on
parade that were to be
mustered into companies
Charlie & Foot have not
yet come up --hear that
they have gone to Washington
mostly clear warm

MSS 10317 

1862 August 30 near Manassas, Va.

[from the diary of Ephraim A. Wood, Co. C, 13th Massachusetts]



     Saturday  Aug 30th/62

   Our rations were out yesterday
and for Breakfast I had to put up
with a mug of Coffee and two or
three crumbs of hard cracker.
About nine Oclock, we were ordered
to the front, being considered as
fresh troops.  The Col is sick and
has not been with us since leaving
the Gap.  The Major is in command
of the Regt.  He thought after our
hardships of the past week that
we were very fresh troops, very
few of us having had any
breakfast.  The advance skirmisher
were firing nearly all day, but
no engagement took place till
about three oclock in the afternoon.
This Brigade changed their position
several times during the day.
About two Oclock we we [sic] ordered
towards the left, and haulted
in a field near the road.  Shortly
after this the Fight became general
on the right and Centre and was
working round towards the left.
McDowell came along, and ordered
us toward the Centre.  We went double
quick up a hill and on right
by file into line of Battle before
we were aware that we were so
near them (the Rebels)  The Rebels
were in the hollow beyond the
hill as thick as they could
be, it seemed impossible to fire
without hitting some of them they
were so thick.  Our position was as
near as I can judge, on the right
of the left wing,  If  we had have
stayed in our position on the road I think
we should have been of some service
then where we were placed for the Rebels
came round to the left and flanked
us whereas if we had been on the
road they could not have done it
so easily.  We were exposed to a severe
cross fire, which mowed us down
like very rapidly.  Our moving
on to the hill placed us in front
of our Artillery which of course
had to stop firing.  One Battery
came up on the hill and opened
upon the Rebels with Canister and
Grape.  Our Regt had the order to
fix Bayonets.  And we thought it
was [-] for a charge and we
started and went several rods
yelling as loud as we could, when
we were ordered to stop.  A line of
Rebels happen to be coming up the
hill at the same time.  What
little charge we did make was
enough to break there line
and they run back to the main
body as fas as they could go.
They was so much noise that it
was impossible to hear any orders.
The left wing had orders to pull
back.  I did not hear it, and
seeing no one around me [-] turned
round and saw them some ways
in the rear. I has turned to join
them and keep in line as much
as possible.  The Rebels made a charge
up the hill and captured a Piece
of Artilery.  I was within fifty
feet of them.  The Officers that
led them on the charge and the
color bearer was shot dead the moment
they reached the Gun.  The color bearer
jumped upon the Gun and waved
his flag when he fell.  By this time
our Brigade, and got all mixed
up.  It was impossible to find
my place.  The Regt I since learned
was ordered to the left into the
woods, but I guess they were very
fef few to go .  I got into a little
ravine and behind a tree, and
began the Bushwhacking style,
could not have gone any farther.
I was so tired, I sat down in the ravine
 and drank some water, and then
commenced to load and fire.  I
took good aim, and it seemed
impossible for my ball to miss
them they were so thick.
In the front rank I saw
three fall that I fired at, either
from my ball or some one else that
might have fired at the same
man at the same time.
I fired till my Gun became
foul and I could not fire it.
I was so buisy firing that I
did not notice that the line
of Battle had fallen back
and was much supprised
 to find that I was about
half way between the two
armies and in danger of being
shot by my own men.  I carried
my Gun at right shoulder
shift and Squat as low as
possible and made as straight
a line to our line of Battle
as possible.  I was not long
going over the ground I can
tell you.  The balls and shells
whistled around me like bees
One ball hit my Gun barrel,
and, but for my Gun I should
have had a ball in my brain.
I met the Major going off of the
field and he said he was
going to try and form the
Regt. in the rear.  We went back
to a house some ways in the
rear, where we found about twenty
belonging to the 12 and 13 Mas.
We stoped here till dark.  When
we were ordered to cross the the run.
All the forces are falling back.
About two miles from the run
we haulted for the night
Gen Duryea with part of his
Brigade was with us, he was
slightly wounded in the hand.


[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12021

1862 August 30 Chapel Hill, N.C.

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Saturday 30th  Liz has gone up to spend the day with Mrs.
Lucas--Mr M & Eliza have gone to the Library--Sarah & I
are enjoying a pleasant chat all morning while we carried on
our knitting--At 4 O'clock Mrs Watters & Sarah went off to return
visits--I could not accompany them having to put trimming on
Eliza's white frock for her to wear tomorrow. Mr. Mason has just
taken her to ride --Susie & Mollie are dressed up expecting two
students to call--the Renchers have left the Hill.

MSS 6960

1862 August 30 Lynchburg, Va.

[from the diary of William M. Blackford, bank officer and former diplomat with five sons in the Confederate Army]

Saturday 30  Board to day took
from Mr. Jetter some of his labor
and assigned it to the Discount Clerk
-which is right, as he has but little
to do.--Not a word by telegram of
news.  When the cars came in we
had first reports of a battle in
which we had whipped the enemy
at Bristow Station- and the capture
by Stuart of a Rail Road train
with 2000 men in it--Stores to an
immense amt destroyed.  It is said
we are in rear of Pope--I wish it
all may prove true --but I have
little confidence now in any rumors.
We, that is Fanny & Mary I staid
at my brothers with Dr Williams
No letter from Mary, which is very
provoking---wrote to Mary Gwatkins
& to Mary Robertson

MSS 5088

1862 August 30 "Clifton," Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Saturday. August 30, 1862
This morning we heard cannon &
went on the porch on top of the  house
but could not tell whence it came--
Saw Mr. Lackland's carriage coming &
when we came down found that
he had sent for us.  I was anxious to go to
see her but not at this time as we were
expecting to see the Yankees run & I
have a secret hope that you may come,
have seated myself so that I might see
you, were you to come, a hundred times
this week.
Had a delightful ride to Mr. Ld's.  took Tom
& Jack, left Daisy behind, & Emma
went to gratify me for I am sur3e she did
not want to go at this time- P[atty] & the
the[sic] children were delighted to see us--
they took quiet possession of Tom carried
him in to P's room to sleep with Sammie.
 Emily  (servant) will dress him in
the morning, so I am quite a
lady again.  only a baby to dress& undress &
that I did  when I had two nurses--

[as transcribed in 1972 by her granddaughter Anne Madison Wright Baylor]

MSS 15406

1862 August 29 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

Friday, August 29, 1862.

A letter to Mary Stuart from her mother, says that Addy 

is preparing to go with the army. Col. Edmundson's com-

mand, as Brigade dispatch bearer. The boy has been nearly 

cracked since the beginning of the war. His father is trying to get 

a situation as Chaplain or on some staff, and if he suc-

ceeds, the family will probably come to Staunton. Under 

recent orders from Richmond, doing away with all 

previous discharges + exemptions, Legh has had to report 

himself again. Reports came yesterday of a 

battle the day before at a place called Waterloo, 

in Fauquier Co., Jackson wishing to cross the Rap-

pahannock, and being opposed by the enemy on 

the other side, sent a portion of his up the river 

where they crossed and assailed the Federalists in flank. The 

result was, according to report, that the enemy was 

entirely routed. Eleven hundred prisoners and fifty-

two cannon being captured. As usual I do not 

rely implicitly upon these statements.

  Mrs. Fisk, wife of the engineer, came to our house yes-

terday to see Mrs. M^cClung, and returned in the evening to 

supper. Mr. Fisk came for her about 9 o'clock. They made 

their escape from Washington in April, 1860. Hearing of 

sickness in her father's family at Washington, she is 

trying to get back there, and was to start to Winchester, 

with her children, this morning. We hear of vigorous 

movements in the N. W. Va. on the part of our rangers +c. 

J. D. Imboden has 800 men now, + Jenkins more than two 

thousand. They have been joined by large numbers, in 

consequence of the Federal draft. Goff, a refugee from 

Beverly, Randolph co., tells me that 100 men came out 

from Harrison co. recently. 

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258

1862 August 29 New Bern, N.C.

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F,  25th Massachusetts]

Friday
Aug 29
Rainy to night so we did not
have any dress parade battalion
drill.  Expected to have to go on guard
but did not have to.  Played two or three
games of chess with Phelps.  think I shall
stop after this month.

MSS 11293

1862 September 29 Richmond, Va.

[In this letter, dated “Richmond, September 29th, 1862”, John Warwick Daniel, a 1st Lt. and Adjutant of the 11th regiment of the Virginia Volunteers, writes to Governor John Letcher of Virginia]

                         Richmond Sept. 29th 1862.

His Excellency John Letcher,
          Governor of Virginia.
                     Sir:
                                 You may recollect
that about one year ago Brig-
Genl. then Col. Jno. Echols addres-
sed to you a letter recommend-
ding me for promotion in
the Provisional Army of Va. for
“gallant & meritorious conduct”
in the battle of Manassas.
     You expressed regret that you
were unable to confer that
honor as the Provisional Army
of the State was soon to be disban-
ded, but transferred the testimo-
nial to the War Department of
the Confederacy accompanying
it by your own very kind
and warm recommdation [recommendation].
     The Secretary of War upon
receiving the papers tendered
me the appointment of 2nd Lieut.

[page 2]
in the regular C. S. Army, but
being not of age I was compel-
led to decline, and there being
no other vacancy, no farther
action was taken in the
premises.
     I am again about
to apply to the President for
promotion from the rank of
1st Lieut. & Adjutant (a posi-
tion not in the regular line
of advancement) and presum-
ming upon your former favor-
able consideration I venture
to request that you will
again oblige me by your
personal recommendation.
     I have just returned woun-  
ded from the battlefield of
Boonsboro, and hence my
absence from my Command.
     As a voucher of my good
conduct since my credentials
from Genl. Echols were pre-
sented to you, I accompany
this le communication with
a letter from Lt. Col. Lang-
horne of my regiment,  

[page 3]
the only prominent officer
of my command acces-
sible at this time.
              With high regard
                   I am
              Very Respectfully
                 John W. Daniel
                  1st Lt. & Adjutant
                       11th Regmt. Va. Vols.
[page 4]
[Note apparently written by Governor Letcher:]
Lt. J. W. Daniel
asking recom-
mendation for promotion;
cheerfully giv-
en, and sent to
the Sec. of War
Octo 3rd J. L.
1862

[Lt. Col. Maurice Scaisbrooke Langhorne]

John Warwick Daniel, 1842-1910, disabled in 1864 in the Battle of the Wilderness, later a University of Virginia graduate, lawyer, U.S. Senator from Virginia and famous orator, known as the "Lame Lion of Lynchburg.}

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 15096


               

1862 August 29 Belmont Hospital Nelson Co. Va.

August 29th 1862
Belmont Hospital Nelson Co. Va
Friend Kate

I seat my self this morn
ing for the purpose of dropping
you a fiew lines to let you
know where I am.  I have the
Diptheria. My throat is very soar
but I am in hopes that I will
be well in a week or two I
left Camp on the 24th thare
had been but  very little Infantry
fighting but some heavy cannon
nading a cross the river the
enemy seemed to have the advan
tage in position at every ford
We have a very large army in
Culpepper for Pope to contend
with your Brother John was well when
I left the Com. thay ware all in
good spirits when I left.  I
met Jacob Abe & Isack Vines on

[page 2]
Monday Jacob gave me a half
cheese.  Abe told me he had
something to tell me how he
had pulled [or fooled] you out of some
secrets I be glad to se[e] him
& find out what thay are.
I seen John Plunkett in Gor
donsville he  told me that Charles
had a letter for me I am sorry
I did not meet him as he is
so careless he may loose it
before I get back this is
a very mean hospital, very little
accomodations nothing but
bread & meat to eat & my
throat being soar it is very
hard to swallow I wish I could
come home and let Churchman
tend on me a while evry thing
is very ear around hear & thare
is but little change in the
circulation  I have been trying
to get a note Broken ever since

[page 3]
I left the Regt this is a very
lonesome place.  Thare is nothing
of importance to write I hope
these fiew lines may find
you enjoying both health &
happiness I pray the Lords [?]
mercies may soon visit me with
health nothing more but remain
your sincere wellwisher
               W.F.B.

William Francis Brand Co. E 5th Virginia (Augusta Grays) to his future wife Amanda Catherine Armentrout

MSS 11332

1862 August 29 Charlottesville, Va.

Charlottesvile August 29th

My Dear brother
I have only time before
the mail coses to write you a few lines
to let you know how brother Richard is
as I know you are anxious to hear how
he arrived.  He did not get here until yes-
terday as his friends in Orange detain
ed him to stay and was very much
fatigued and exhausted by his journey.
Col Dulaney and Mr Armstead  (a brother
of General Armstead) and a private in
the 6th Cavalry happened to e here to
dinner so we were all in the parlour
and were very much astonished to see
brother Richard drive up in a waggon
It never occurred to us that he was sick
but we thought you were and Mother
and I ran out to meet him.  He instant
-ly enquired how you were but he was
so sick & overcome by fatigue that he

[page 2]
was unable to speak.  Mother was terrified
nearly out of her senses and we had a
real scene.  Dr Akin[?] who is here prescribed
directly for brother Richard and brother
Staige came down to see him in the
evening and the doctor on consultation
gave him some medicine which has
had a beneficial effect already, for
this morning he says he feels better
and the doctor says his pulse is deci-
dedly better. brother Richard advises me
to give his love to you and thank you
for the assistance you gave him in
getting off, and he says he is sorry that
[?] brought off the large brown blanket
which he had intended leaving for your
use.  I hope you will have heard before
this reaches you that your barrels of veg-
-etables have been sent to Culpepper and
that you will be able to get them before
thy spoil.  Jimmy went out to Little run
yesterday and reports all out there as be
-ing well.  In much haste and with
untold love from every body I remain
          your attached sister E.G.D.

[in top left margin of page 1]

I wrote you a
letter the first of
the week which
you received I
hope.

[address leaf]
Mr Eugene Davis
Co [F?] 6th Va Cavalry
near Culpepper

care of
Rev Mr Cole

MSS 2483

1862 August 29, near Manassas, Va.

[from the diary of Wesley Hammond of the 42nd Virginia, Co. E. (Dixie Grays)


Friday 29 -  Yankees thought to be
between our wagons and forces.  Sick
with wagons ordered out to protect
wagons.  Cannonading heard to
wards Manassas.  Jackson is
said to be in rear of Yankees

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5526

1862 August 29 Manassas, Va.

[from the diary of Lt. John Tyler, Letcher's Artillery]


(Aug. 29th)  The
fighting was renewed this morning at
10 o’c & in a few minutes we were in the
thickest of it; but our men advancing
with a shout drove the enemy beyond
the railroad cut.  This point they charged
twice during the day but were driven
back with considerable loss each time.
We lost quite a number in killed & woun-
-ded.  Slept on battlefield again tonight.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150

1862 August 29 Upton's Farm, Va.

[from the diary of Charles Hay of the 23rd Ohio]

Upton’s Farm, Va., Aug. 29.
     We marched here today, eight miles from
Alexandria.  The greater part of the force
around Alexandria moved also, and a battle
is imminent in front.  We passed numerous
forts and defenses, all well manned, designed
for the protection of Washington.  We are
within half a mile of Munson’s Hill,
the same distance from Hall’s Church, 
a station of the Loudon & Hampshire R.R.; 
and between that Road & the Orange and
Alexandria.  This is famous soil now, not
because it is so ‘sacred”, but from the
fact of its being disputed territory for
some time, and subsequently the ‘base of
operations’ for the Army of the Potomac.
     The country bears the marks of former
thrift and luxury, but a vast change has
been effected.  Hardly a fence can be found,
former fine plantations all turned into @
commons, splendid mansions deserted, burned,
used for Head Quarters, or taken for Govern=
=ment purposes.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925

1862 August 29 Upton's Farm, Va.

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]

Friday, Aug. 29, 1862

Struck our Tents
placed them on the train
& left our Camp about
8 Oclock marched about
1 1/2 miles & stopped for
a time after which
with several brigades
marched several miles
to ______  where we all
now about to bivouack
We have passed several
Forts passed paralell
& above Washington
mostly clear & very warm
Am not well today have
ate nothing


MSS 10317 

1862 August 29 Manassas, Va.

[from the diary of Ephraim A. Wood, Co. C., 13th Massachusetts]


 Friday 29th/62

     At Sun rise, we marched
towards Bristol which is four miles
South west of Manassas.  We took this
road because we heard that Jackson
was on the road which went to
Manassas.  We had been gone from
Ganesville but two hours when
Jackson came there in hopes to
capture us, which he would have
been likely to have done if we
had been there.  We haulted at
Bristel a number of hours and then
marched to Manassas.  We haulted
here till nearly night and then
marched to the battle field
of Bull run, having marched
nearly eighteen miles.  Many have
been left along the road side
a great many bare footed.  Most
of the straglers were probably taken
prisoners.  They have been fighting
nearly all day here.  To night our
forces hold the battle field.

 [transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12021

1862 August 29 Chapel Hill, N.C.

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Friday 29th  Mr M___ & Eliza have gone off to take a morning
walk--I have at last received my knitting cotton--& Mrs. Watters
has commenced the sock--We have all been together to day in
my room--Sarah has at last received the long looked for
letter from Fred--He has been sick again--Had three or 4
bad fevers--They were at Bolivar 25 miles from D J Mear's
Mrs Mears sent them word she was coming to see them.

MSS 6960

1862 Aug 29 Lynchburg, Va.

[from the diary of William M. Blackford, bank officer and former diplomat with five sons in the Confederate Army]

Friday 29  Lewis & the girls did
not return until late--and the
reports they brought excited me so
that I could not sleep.  It was awake
at 2 when the porter called for
the baggage, and was aroused by
Lewis & Ben getting off at 5--so then
I was felt very exanimate all
day.--There were the same [?]
of rumors of successes, or our army--but
nothing to be implicitly relied on
I do not therefore record them ere
-Had a corner cupboard set in
at the head of the stair leading to
the dining room--which will be
a pleasant surprise to Mary, as
she has wanted it ever since we
have been in the house.  It is inten-
ded mainly for the bread, silver
& such things as are liable to be
affected by dampness--Dr. William
Minor & Ford--Betty B--Fanny
Cazenove, Chalres & his wife spent
the evening with us--a very pleasant
party--Charles related many inci
dents of interest which happened
during the campaign in Culpeper

Saturday 30  Board today took
from Mr Jetter some of his labor
and assigned it to the Discount clerk
--which is right, as he has but little
to do--Not a word by telegram of
news.  When the cars came in we
had first reports of a battle in
which we had whipped the enemy
at Bristow Station--and the capture
by Stuart of a Rail Road train
with 2000 men on it--Stores to an
immense amt destroyed. It is said
we are in rear of Pope--I wish it
all may prove true--but I have
little confidence now in any rumors.
We, that is Fanny & Mary I. dined
at my brothers with Dr. Williams
No letter from Mary, which is very
provoking--wrote to Mary Guthrie
& to Mary Robertson

MSS 4763

no more entries until Sunday the 14th.

1862 August 29 "Clifton," Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne MadisonWillis Ambler]

Friday August 29,  1862

From the Northern papers we
are all inclined to think
some fighting has been done &
we are victorious, though they can
not be honest enough to come
out & say so.  We are most
anxious to hear the truth, talk
of nothing else.

[as transcribed in 1972 by her granddaughter Anne Madison Wright Baylor]

MSS 15406

1862 August 29 Suffield, Conn.

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis Butler, future Chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]





Fri 29.  fine pleasant day   Suffield grows in size &
beauty.  Went over Chal. Loomis’ house now building
quite handsome – Wrote letters.  Made several visits
took tea & spent Eveg out – Mr Norton’s – nice girls
the daughters – visited Ch.[church] Yard.  a mistake in the
Mother’s name on the stone   I ordered Anna for Anne
                        Disastrous news fr. War – Rebels are
pressing upon Washington, it is said taken Fairfax
& attacked Manassas – I think our Army however
will take care of them – Mr Norton told story of Capt
Hanchett in attack on Quebec under Arnold – Capt H & five
Soldiers got strayed off in some part of town.  firing fr. a
house – he went in – calling to his men “Keep back!” –
The room was full of British officers – he demanded their surrender
they supposing he had a large force Surrendered – he ordered
them to fall back so as to let his men enter – “only five
of you come in”, sd. he “only five” – the officers were received
but the fortune of the night soon changed - & the Capt. was
soon afterwards himself a prisoner – but the Officers admiring
his tact & courage presented him with a handsome british
uniform wh – the Capt., on the Anniversary of the event,
ever afterward put on & wore for the day.
Sat 30.  Made calls – dined at the Gays – took 2 PM train
for Windsor spent afternoon at Mrs. Parson’s, tea & eveg [evening]
at Dea. Woodford’s   Dea is away. but nice wife
& family, his sister & niece the Southmayd, & all


[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 August 28 Suffield, Conn.

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis E. Butler, future chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]

Thurs. 28. Packed up to go to Suffield via Boston –
Have had pleasant time here – bade all goodbye – started in
11 ½ train fr No. Hampton.  Mr [Charles?] Sumner next seat to me –
Hooker met me at Newburyport urged me to stay – passed
thro. Ipswich & Salem – large fine town – D. Chelsea diner –
in Boston, got ck cashed at G. W. & Co – called on Mrs Wich’s
was out.  Bot, Read Gasparin in Cars, called on Mr. Spafford
at Windsor Locks at 9 - & Mr. Prout beguiled the way
with histories of Suffield – Suffield has filled up
both quotas for 600,000 men & had some perhaps
ten men over – stopd. at Mr Wilkes’ the Old Hotel
about 10 P. M. – shower[?] in cars. starlight night –
Landlord was in bed.  Charles Loomis is at his.
                                                                               
away taking care of his sick bride.  Sorry not to
see her

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 August 28 near New Bern, N.C.

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding of Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]

Thursday
Aug 28
Phineas on guard to day.
Am more and more decided
against playing much. Read and cleaned
up my gun.

MSS 11293

1862 August 28 Petersburg,Va.

[following letter has several holes obscuring the text]

                                                     Petersburg, Va.
                                                                Aug 28th 1862
Gen Jno H. Cocke
           My Dear Bro.

                       Often, very often have I longed to hear
from you since last we parted.  I hear that the Lord has
still spared you--we are truly in the midst of trouble-
Little did I think, when we talked and prayed together
with so many of your friends in different parts of the
North, that they would ever turn so much against us.
I doubt not there are some, who are opposed to this
unholy war, but they are few--[hole] passed through
[hole] ome time since the wa[hole] ed
In my own section Wil [hole] were filled
with the army as early as it [ole]  Our little town
did all it could for our dear [hole]iers--My wife
was as busy as a bee--she worked hard, for the
sick, and to cloth[e] the soldier--We felt happy in all
this--But what was my surprise to find men seeking to do all they
could to make money out of our struggling government,
even those who were most rampant for war-
My heart was sick at the sight.  But God will
I doubt not overrule all things for good in the
end--Our dear church was most seriously affected
by the war--Most of our Brethren entered the service,
I was appointed Chaplain in June 27th 1861,
with the consent & advice of my Brethren.

[page 2]
I was appointed Post Chaplain at Williamsburg
by Gen McGruder, to the Camps & Hospitals--I had
to break up housekeeping at last, and spent my
whole time among the afflicted and in the
field--The winter past I saw many of my dear
men die happy in Christ & I have witnessed joy
and sorrow on the dying bed of many a man--
I had hoped that the War would have terminated
ere this--How disappointed--we were compelled
to leave our happy home--I came to Petersburg
and here I am Post Chaplain again by
Order of the Secy of War
But my dear [hole] I have lost my all--My Sister
Mrs Young [hole] & paintings, our furniture &
our enem[hole] and sold in New Yo[hole]
We have the [hole] twelve years labor[hole]
It is hard [hole] But we must submit
God I hope will not leave us nor forsake us
in our time of need--I am willing to suffer with
the South, as is also my dear wife, tho' I am from
Scotland, and might have gone there--Yes I am
willing to suffer--I feel that we are right, and
that God will give us the victory at last--
Most deeply do I sympathise with you in
your affliction, through which you have
passed--Yet I rejoice, that you can hope in
God--This, Ah yes, this is our only comfort and
support--I have felt anxious to see you
to sympathise with you in all you troubles--

[page 3]
A few years more, and all will be over--
Let us rejoice, my dear Bro. in the prospects of
the Gospel--
I am happy to tell you, that over 100 precious
souls have been converted by God since I came
here--that is I have found that number--
God is in our army with his spirit--Many a
Mother's heart has rejoiced over the intelligence
sent about their Sons death in the Lord--
I shall be very glad to hear from
you at any time.  Please write-
Mrs Young sends christian regards, and
believe me as ever

                              Your aff Bro in Christ
                                         [hole]            Young
             
docketed
Young, Rev. Wm M recd
Sept 2 1862
Ansd Do 8 Do

MSS 640

1862 August 28

[from the diary of Wesley Hammond of the 42nd Virginia, Co. E.]



    Thursday 28 -  Nothing new in
camp to-day – have severe head ache
twas said Jackson had taken
a good many commissary stores

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5526

1862 August 28 near Grovetown

[from the diary of Lt. John Tyler of Letcher's Artillery as written at a somewhat later date]



  At 2 ½ o’c (Aug. 28th) We were in
motion towards Centreville & by daylight
Manassas was evacuated.  Passed through
Centreville at 10 o’c, making an acute
angle came down the Warrenton
turnpike, crossed Bull Run in after-
-noon & when near Grovetown were attacked
by the enemy, but getting into line of bat-
-tle drove them back some distance till
dark prevented our going for them.  Slept
on battlefield that night.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150

1862 August 28 Camp near Paw Paw,Va.

                      Camp near Paw Paw Va
                              Aug 28th 1862

Dear Brothers
                      I am in receipt of your
welcome letters & hasten an answer.
I am well & hope that these few lines may
find you the same.  I am glad to hear that
you were getting along so well with
your work but you do not say any thing about
making hay.  Have you made all your
hay; if not you ought to see to it
immediately.  It is to your interest to cut all
the grass on the farm; and to be very sav-
ing of all the crops. These are war-times
and I assure you, that harder-times are
comeing and it becomes us all to
be saving and look-out for No. 1.
You must do up your fall plowing
so that you will be ready when spring
comes again to sow your grain
Fix up you stables stout & warm
Cover the granery another thickness
so that the wheat will not get wet
Save your Seed Wheat & Seed-corn
and do not forget to save enough
of both Be saving of the apples and
do not let anything be wasted on the farm.

[page 2]
Now I do not wish you to work because it
interests me only for it does not
but I want you to work for your
own interests.  Remember, boys, that
you are doing for yourselves and
that every dime you spend you are
spending your own money. Every dollar
counts one now-a-days.  I am saving
of my money here merely because I
think you need it at home.  I do not
spend any money except to pay Postage.
I would like to see you all very much but
can not.  I shall stay in the Army until
peace is declared--let the time be long
or short,unless something should
happen more than I know of now----
You must not wish me back home but write
to me often and when you write always tell
me all the particulars, Give me the names of
those gone to War Since I came away and where
they are now. All about the school marms &c

I must bid you good Bye Boys Markle

how would you like to come where Hank
is and be a soldier?  Nelson you could not stand
the hardships but Markle can. Markle tell me whether
you want to come or not and if Mother will let
you come you can get 13 dollars per month. Good
Bye Brothers  Affectionately W H Redman
Write Soon
                                 Direct to Martinsburg Va.
                                    12th Ills. Cav.Co. C

Dear Mother
           I was very much plea-
sed to receive your letter and to
learn of good health at home.
My health has been good for
some time.  We are pretty actively
engaged, scouting through the moun-
tains just now, and consequently
I do not have much time to write.
We are encamped here without any
Camp Equipage.  I have no ink or
Pen with me hence my penciling.
We catch Dome Guerillas nearly every
day.  I helped to take twelve on the
 night of the 23rd inst.  Yesterday we
caught three; and to-day we are resting,
will probably go out Scouting again
 this evening.  These mountains are very rough
and very thinly inhabited.  Farmers are generally
wealthy and have plenty of fruit of all
kinds.  We live partly off of the cittizens.
When out Scouting, we call for
grub and the Women get it with
out hesitation and Some-times we
get the best of victuals. Our rations
that Uncle Sam furnishes us are
Substantial and good enough
for a Soldier, yet we have no
conveniences to cook them and

[page 2]
consequently they do not do us as much
good as in the old camp at Martinsburg.
We are now camped about ten rods from
the Potomac River, which is a very nice
stream.  We are in bathing nearly all the
time that we are in camp, unless it
be in the night time.  The Cars run within
30 feet from where my horse stands.
Trains are passing hourly loaded
with Soldiers from Ohio and Penn.
The train was attacked by a band of
Guerillas near Winchester on Sunday
last.  I have been at Winchester once.
5 prisoners were taken and the whole
 train burned up.  I cannot tell you anything
about our future movements.  It is im
possible to tell anything about what we shall have
to do.  A great many orders are issued and
countermanded.  At least all goes well
with us thus far. Mother what do you think
of letting Markle come along with me?
He can get 13 dollars per month and learn
more than in school.  I will see to his wel
fare and will have him dated back to the first
of the month so that he can get all the
bounties & advantage of an enlistment
then.  Probably Wooley will come here.
These are hard times and Money is money
and it becomes us all to be economising.
Not to go in debt & get across best as
we can.  I think that I can send you
some money soon.  I have 4 months pay
due me.  Mother, be careful about going [in] debt
at the Stores.  You better pay as you go.  
Please write soon.  With much Respect W.H.R.
Excuse mistakes.  I will write the girls soon.

[in right hand margin of page 2]
Please give me particulars about debts--all of them.

[upside down in top margin of page 2]
Tell the girls to write.  Jane and Em write often.

William H. Redman, Co. C., 12th Illinois Cavalry


MSS 7415

1862 August 28 Carver Hospital, Washington, D.C.

                  Carver Hospital
                      Meridian Hill
                        Washington DC
                           Aug 28th
                                /62
My Dear Brother
                            It has been
some days since I received
your letter in connection with
Dr. Conner's (Russell's [?]) letter
to you.  Russell is a fine
Surgeon, and also a fine
man, beloved by both soldier
and citizen, he is in New
York at  his home, just now
and another takes his place
his name I cannot recall
now.  Well, about the matter
I was speaking to you about

[page 2]
in my last.  I have suc-
ceeded in otaining [sic] a situation
as Nurse in the same ward
where I have been since my
stay in "C E. F", so the building
seems quite like home.  I
was detailed, as Ward-Master
of No. 17 South Side, on Wed-
nesday 13th the day on which
all extra duty men were or-
dered to their respective Regts,
and convalescents, to take their
places. At that time there were
but 4 patients, besides myself,
and all of them pretty nearly
well. so the Dr ordered the
war evacuated, a few days
after this, and wished it
througly cleaned, and white
washed, and ordered me

[page 3]
me[sic] to superintend the fitting
up the same.  I had staid there
but two or three days when, one
afternoon on looking up from
reading I saw a train of
ambulances close by and
the Doctors with it, then I knew
that there was work for me
& threw open all the doors,
opened the windows, and wait=
ed the Drs orders. He soon came
with the order to make
ready 30 beds, and pretty
soon twenty worn out soldiers
from Popes Army came limping
and groaning[?] in to my ward.
          It has been a hard
job to get everything to going
right, but the men are
improving now, quite just

[page 4]
under the skilled [word lined through]
care of Dr. Roberts, and he thinks
good nursing of you brother
and his assistant Last night
the boys were quite poorly, some
six,or eight here very sick, so
that I dared not trust the
other nurse with the medicin
but set up all night attending
upon them.  I have one very
sick man from the 30th Ohio,
he has had the Chronic Dirrhea
for eight months and is mostly
but skin and bones.  I have
had a very hard [?]
[?] but will make it easier
when I get the assistant whom
I  [wish?] I do not know how
long I will may the remain
here,but write at all events
and direct as heretofore, and
you will greatly oblige
                 Your Affect Brother
                     A.S. Bartholomew
                          Ward 17

Love to all

MSS 10908