1862 November 1 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Wesley A. Hammond, Co. E. 42nd Virginia  "Dixie Greys"]



Sat. November the 1st
Nothing of interest took place
to-day.

MSS 5526

1862 November 1 Purcellville 8.15 A.M.

Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville Nov 1. 8.15  A.M.
To General R B Marcy
Chief of Staff
General

Your dispatches of 7. &
9. P.M. rec'd.
  I am just starting
for Philomont--shall push
my reconnaissance [out?] towards
Upperville as I can today
 Have not heard from
Gen. Bayard--Have sent
an aid to him this morning
if he can get thro'
  I send you Colonel
Gregg's statement concerning
the men he wants for 8th
Penn. cav. according to your
request

             very respectfully
               A. Pleasonton
                   Brig. Genl

MSS 495

1862 November 1 Philomont 4.P.M.

Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Philomont Nov 1. 4 P.M.

To General R B Marcy
Chief of Staff
General
      We have had some hard skirmishing
with Stuart--He outnumbers
us & his infantry drove
my advance back with some
loss--but my guns have
punished him severely--
three times I have driven
his guns from position--He
has I think two batteries--
& they have reinforcements
at Upperville & I think
Union--This is a splendid
position & it is of the greatest
importance a brigade of
infantry should come up
at once & hold it--saw
another battery that [?]
may be free--
  Col. Gregg & Maj Keenan
of the 8th  Penn did
good service today

[page 2]
skirmishing with a superior
force of the enemy--
I think they are now
working round to my left
as my pickets towards
Aldie are skirmishing--
   I saw their wagons
going off towards Upper
ville

                  Very respectfully
                    A. Pleasonton
                      Brig. Genl

MSS 495

1862 November 1 Philomont 4.15 P.M.

Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
 Philomont  Nov 1. 4. 15 P.M.

To General R B Marcy
Chief of Staff
General
     I have just rec'd
a list of our losses today--
The 8th Pennsylvania cavalry
1 officer wounded Lieut: Carpenter
11 men wounded
4 horses wounded
3 "  Indiana Cavalry
one killed
two wounded
6 missing
4 horses missing
of the enemy Col. Gregg
reports he saw five
dead on the field &
afterwards their loss
must have been heavy
skirmishing
                   still

[page 2]
going on--Pennington's
battery lost two horses--


      I am, General, very respectfully
                    A. Pleasonton
                      Brig. Genl

MSS 495

1862 November 1 Philomont 7 P.M.

 [from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
 Philomont  Nov 1. 7. P.M.
To General R B Marcy
       Chief of Staff
  General
     A brigade of infantry
with a battery has reported
to me from the cross roads
four mile in rear of this--
as they have made a long
march today--sixteen
miles, I have directed them
to remain where they are
for the night & to move
on in the morning--
    As soon as they ar-
rive I shall push with
my whole force to Union
& scout toward Upperville
    If Bayard comes
up tomorrow we may
be able to some good
work in clearing the

[page 2]
the country to Upperville
  Should Couch attach
at Snickersville Stuart mu
must make for Ashby
& push a force to Bloomfield
to try & intercept him--
   My scouts were as far
as Aldie today & there were
no rebels there--
               There's an ugly
report about here that
Stuart captured some 200
hundred of the [word heavily lined through]  Rhode
Island cavalry yesterday
but I have nothing authentic
except the Captain was
killed--This position is very
strong--Very respectfully
                    A. Pleasonton
                      Brig. Genl

MSS 495

1862 November 1 Philomont 8 P.M.

 [from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

    Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
 Philomont  Nov 1. 7. P.M.
Colonel Geo. D. Ruggles
       Asst. Chief of Staff

Your dispatch stating Gen
Bayard was ordered to Aldie
& would join this Army by
the way of Leesburg is rec'd--
   I had scouts to
Aldie to day & there is no
enemy in that neighbor=
hood--I shall go to
Union tomorrow--&
Bayards shortest route
will be from Aldie
to this place instead
of Leesburg--I
submit this for your
information
        Very respectfully
                    A. Pleasonton
                      Brig. Genl

MSS 495

1862 November 1 farm near Savannah, Ohio

Saturday, Nov. 1, 1862
Went this morning
with Dan Pritchard
& helped load the [boxes?]
at Chandler
Helped the boys load a
log. Went this afternoon
with Sam Horner & Jim
Whir[?] to Ashland.
Saw some of the boys
there. Found [there?] the
darky drill.

Mrs Lee visited me
this evening with
her family.
The boys went to town
this evening
Clear fine day beautiful


MSS 10317

1862 November 1 Arlington, Va.

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


Sat 1st Nov.  a warm calm, lovely day.  The regt. is ordered to
be vaccinated - & today Gen Casey reviews 3 Brigades
ours – The 5 Vt. & the Me. Regts.  I had just mounted to go on
review when back came the Reg – we break camp soon as can
get dinner & march to Fairfax Sem. to relieve Sickles Brigade
All is stir & bustle now -    Mr Campbell called & dined with
us – Struck tents after dinner.  I stayed to see part of camp
equipage packed & then rode after regt.  a pleasant rolling
country.   boys in good spirits.  fine day – found camp of
Gen Hookers Division just vacated, a dirty looking place

but Col. D’s. tact soon put a new face on affairs –
pitched as we could for the night – on summit – a    a
hill – overlooking valley of Potomac on East & a narrow valley
on west –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 November 2 Glasgow, Ky.

[from the diary of Captain William F. Hunter of Co. B, 97th Ohio]


   Nov. 1st, ’62.
Moved at about 5
A.M. this morn-
ing; passed through
Glasgow, which is
a town about the
size of Barnesville,
Ohio, and encamped
about a mile this
side, at 9 A.M.
The fact that we

are engaged in
making out our
pay-rolls, accounts
for our stopping
so early in the
day.  Rolls are to
be made out every
sixty day[s], but not
always paid then.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

1862 November 1

[from the diary of John Ward of the 102 Pennsylvania]



Nov 1st
left this morng
at 3 oclock
to wards [-]
ferey   Whe
cras over the
Batle field of
South Montin
Near Bregettown
this moring at
10 oclock A.M to
the Pint of Recks
Whe Pass thouth
Binben at 12 None

and in Camp
one mile below
on the Calnoel
and along Side
of the Potmoc
River 8 miles
from Hopers farey
Batle there as a going
on for tow Days
at Charlstown
Whe march 16 miles
to Day
[Written in the margin: “The Rebls omestion tren to Night”]

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 November 1 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Saturday--One letter from Tom--He is still near Winchester
& begs me to send him a blanket as the weather is becoming
very cold--I went out to return visits with Mrs Walters and
while at Dr Jones' heard of an opportunity to send off a blanket
to Tom--Captain Saunders leaves Monday morning & is ta
-king a great many things to the soldiers near Winchester
& will Miss Mollie Jones assures me take Toms blanket so
I have sent it to her to give her cousin--I dont know
wen Noah will start--or whether he will go at all as
he does not wish to return & has gotten a job of work
I was quite disappointed at not hearing from Liz or Eliza
to day- We paid 4 pleasant visits--Mrs Hargraves--Mrs
Pools--The Reverend Dr Johnston--& Dr Jones'--This after
-noon I have been writing--Every day passes without
my getting any work done--Mr Wingfield & daughter got
back from Richmond to day--Nothing new from the Army
Tis reported that we have taken Plymouth from the Yankees
but how long can we hold it from their Gunboats--
Mr Grabell has commenced sending papers again--

MSS 6960

1862 November 1 Fauquier County

[from the diary of Anne Madison Wright Ambler]

Saturday, November 1, 1862

Again went to work before reading=A
practice I endeavor to avoid as I am so
much better prepared for the day when I
can read my bible & bet Gods protection from
the snares & sins which beset me all around
Impatience, Impenitence, hardness of heart
Oh God deliver me from these besetting sins
-Hear rumours of foreign intercession,
What would we not give for "peace"--I
am afraid that there will be little
to gain by the time this war is over=Pa is
terribly worried about his woods.  We walked out
to look at it. A great deal  of valuable young
timber was destroyed.  amused ourselves
looking at the various contrivances for
beds.  they showed great ingenuity- E[mma] found a
bayonet which she gave Tommie who was
charmed after playing with it- said Ma dont
tell grandPa, because he will say it belongs to
the soldiers=I told him that he must show it to his
GrandPa & I though he might prohibit his playing
with it as it was dangerous=Oh No Ma. Put it
away till I am a man, to fight the Yankees
with.  Dont show it to grand Pa; I reasoned
awhile & then left  him to his own thoughts, & this
evening as soon as Pa came he ran up to him
& told him what he had found= Pa said [but?]
my son, it is not yours it belongs to the soldiers
So it seems Tom understood him

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

MSS 15406

1862 November 1 Staunton, Va.

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

November 1862

Saturday, November 1, 1862

Reports in yesterday's papers, received last night, of English and French intervention. They came from New York. — The two governments, it is said, will propose an armistice to the United States, with a view to negotiation, for peace; and if it is refused, the Southern Confederacy will be instantly recognised. The governments named are apprehensive of servile insurrections, when Lincoln's emancipation proclamation takes effect, on the 1^st of January next, and are solicitous for the safety of the subjects resident in the Confederacy. Lord Lyons, the British Minister, was to sail on the 25^th ult., bringing a formal proposition to Washington, and the same steamer was to bring similar instructions to the representation of France. These are the reports — not fully credited.

I learned last night that Mr. Tinsley had gone to Richmond on Wednesday, to see the Secretary of War in reference to the occupation of our church. I regretted it exceedingly. Last night J. H. Lacy, an aid of Gen. G. W. Smith, came up under orders to investigate the matter. — He came to see me this morning, and I explained my position and feelings. Another letter from Mr. Stuart last night — he says Kentucky is joined to her idols. I fear the State is really against us, and if so, how are we to agree upon a boundary, or ever have peace?

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow Project]

MSS 38-258

1862 November 1 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Saturday Nov. 1  Mrs. D. & her son left
us for Careyswood--Eugene D-
this morning asked the price of
the coffee.  [?] of course he supposed
which we had at Breakfast--I
told him it was made of Rye which
he found it hard to believe.  We cer
tainly have it better here than any
place I know.  Several persons have
congratulated themselves upon
drinking a cup of genuine coffee--Mr
Wyndham Robertson when last
here apologized for asking for a second
cup on the grounds that real coffee
was a rarity--I did not undeceive him.
  The Board granted the permission
I asked to make the speculation--The
discount to-day was the largest we
ever made--near $120,000
    I paid into Mc C & Irbys hands
$3000 in the name of Charles as a
manager but Charles share of it
is only $2200-Eight hundred dollars
of the money being Eugene's--On
this margin they will pay on
their account 10,000 $ worth of
Tobacco--I am to pay them 5000 $
Tuesday on which they are purchase
15000$ worth.  There is no risk of
loss if good tobacco is bought
  the Post office was removed to day
to the second floor of the Masonic Hall
entrance from Church Street. The arrange
ments are not such as I would have
made, but they are great improvements
on the old--& what a contrast is
the room to the hole in which the
office was kept when I came to the
place to reside.

MSS 4763

1862 Nov. 1 Philomont 11.30 A.M.

Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville Nov 1. 11.30  A.M.
Philomont 
To General R B Marcy
Chief of Staff
General
       My Command has
arrived at this point & I am
now sending out scouts in different
directions--About one hundred
rebel cavalry left this place
hastily on our advance & took
the road to Middleburg--
    I am told there's a force
of rebel cavalry & infantry
at Upperville---
           Have not heard
yet from Gen. Bayard-
        My force is so small
not over fifteen hundred
men--that I find myself
obliged to work my men very
hard to do the duty required
of them--For want of horses
the dismounted men left
behind have not come up

[page 2]
& many of my old horses
are becoming unfit for service
by disease, colic & Rotten hoof--
     Yesterday Stuart captured
a number of 1st Rhode Island
cavalry (Stoneman's) beyond this
place--some say a squadron
but I doubt that number--
    Could not that regiment be
sent to me--they are only
covering the ground I now
go over & are in my way--    

                  Very respectfully
                    A. Pleasonton
                      Brig. Genl

My scouts have gone to Union
& Bloomfield--

MSS 495

1862 October 31 New Bern, N.C.

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

Friday
Oct 31
Same as usual this forenoon, Inspect
tion this afternoon.  Finished reading "Pride
and Prejudice" a book which I got. Got news from an
expedition which went from here Saturday, that they
had a skirmish and we also heard cannon-
ading this noon, but dont know what it was.  May God
protect our friends and grant them the
victory if consistent with His will.

MSS 11293

1862 October 31 turnpike from Charlestown to Berryville

                                            October 31st 1862

Dear Mama,

                         I believe I have written to all
at home since I last wrote to you & I will
drop you a few lines this morning to let you know
that I am well &c. We are now in Clarke County
on the turnpike leading from Charlestown to Berry
ville about 15 miles from Harper's Ferry.Soon after I
wrote to Nannie our army moved down from Bunker
Hill to a point on the B & O rail-road below Martinsburg
where we remained until we had torn up & burnt
about 25 miles of the railroad track.  The whole
road is,during the war, in possession of the Yankee
Government & whenever we are not in possession
of this part of Virginia, it is of the greatest service
to them; all of their supplies being transported
over this road.  The road is torn up by our Generals
I think, in anticipation of having to fall back from
this section of the country soon.  When the Yankee
Government took the road at commencement
for the War, they it promised the company to place
the road at the end of the War, in the same
condition it was when they took it & to do this now will
cost them an immense sum of money.  After we finished
this job we fell back again to BunkerHill where
we remained two or three days & day before yesterday we
arrived at our present Camp.  The general impression
is that our army is falling back towards Gordonsville

[page 2]
upon the same old lines it held last winter.  There is very
little forage up in this country & I suppose it is too far
from Richmond to transport it.  Our Camp here is
about 3 miles from the Shenandoah river, and apparently
in one of the finest portions of Virginia.  the farms around
here are magnificent & there are a good many very
fine looking country residences.  I went out about
5 miles from Camp yesterday "foraging," down the river.
I stopped about 2 O'Clock at a beautiful place right
on the bank of the river owned by a man named Lewis.
I went in & bought a peck of magnificent apples
& got one of the best dinners I ever saw.  I met with two
ladies, one rather an elder lady--the other very young &
very pretty, but both married. This morning I met with
Cousin George Carrington; he is in a battery raised in
Charlottesville & commanded by Wm.McD. Carrington
I don't know what the middle name is, but he is a very
nice young man & is a Halifaxian.  I had a good
long chat with cousin George, but he had little
or no news to tell.  I have never met with Cousin
Wattie: he has not been with the army since the
battle of Cedar Run.  I saw Leigh Robinson a few
days ago; he was was very well.  I suppose you
are still at Uncle Watt.s?  I wrote to aunt Mary
since I wrote to Nannie, but have received a
letter from neither of them yet.  I am very anxious
to hear from you all.  cousin George Carrington
tells me that old Col Bailey is dead.-------


[page 3]
I must now close, mam, for there is really
nothing more to write about.  I have a plenty of
clothing now of every kind & the boys say
I am getting as fat as can be.  When I write
again, I will probably be nearer home &
if we do get down about Gordonsville
this winter I mean to go home anyhow.
Dirct your letters as heretofore "Care
Capt Wm. D. Brown, Chesapeake Artillery
Ewell's division, Jackson's army, Win=
chester."  I have not been stamping my letters
lately, because it is impossible to get any
stamps up here & the mails are too uncertain
to enclose the postage.  Give my best love
to Nannie Bee[?] Cary  & little Hannah & to
Uncle Watt & write immediately to
                                       yr devoted Son
                                       James P. Williams

P.S.  You can send this up to Papa & Aunt
Mary.
           J.P.W.

James Peter Williams, 1844-1893, later a freight agent and last superintendent of the Lynchburg division of the James river and Kanawha Canal Company

MSS 490

1862 October 31 Clark County, Va.

   Encamped on the Summit Point & Berryville Road
                             October 31st.  Clark Co Virginia

Friend Wm [McCauley[]
                  Sir, your letter written att Uncle Hikman's
and kindly carried by cousin Daniel came to hand in due
time and was thankfully received by me and perused with
interest--I was glad to learn that you were enjoying yourself
so well among your friends--I should have liked very much
to share some of those sweets of kind friends with you
but circumstances forbade it--I am sorry that your hand
is not yett well   I had hoped that you would not be troub-
led with it again--As you were homeward bound I
learned that you in company with cousin Annie & Phillip
spent the night at my Father's--How much I should
liked to meet you there--I supposed ere this you would
have written me a letter, in response to the one I wrote you
while encamped on the Opequon river.  I was quite
unwell from the 21st of Sept. till the 1st Inst.  Since that
time I have been in the enjoyment of good health--
  Our Battery has not been engaged in any fight since the
Battle of Sharpsburg.  Our old Brigade was engaged
in a skirmish on the 1st Inst. Colonel Reynolds
commanding the Brigade was severely wounded--
also major Williams of 5th Va. Regiment--The loss in killed
and wounded are estimated at about thirty--On the
day of the fight our Battery was ordered to unite with

[page 2]
the 1st Regiment of Va. Artillery, commanded by Col.
Brown of Richmond, Lieutenant Colonel--Mr Coleman
late professor of the University of Va.  We are the reserve
Artillery for General Jackson's Corps--Therfore[sic]  for-
tunately or unfortunately for us as the case may be we es-
caped the fight--The Regiment consists of six compa-
nies--each company has a battery consisting of four pieces-
the guns of the regiment are Howitzers, three inch rifled, and
Parrott guns--Our battery consists of two twenty  Pounder
and two ten Pounder Parrott guns--Tuesday the 28th we left our
camp near Bunkerhill, and on the evening of the same day we
arrived at this place--We have orders to leave this place this even-
ing or int he morning for Snicker's Ferry--on the Shenandoah
river--Jackson's entire corps is in the immediate neighborhood
of this camp--I suppose we are going into eastern Virgin-
ia-Everything is quiet-There are a few yankees yet at
Harper's Ferry--On last Sunday we had a fine ran-
It has been somewhat cool here--also extremely dry-
I saw your brother the other day--He is well and
sends his compliments to you--We received a letter
from you not long since--I received a box of provisions from
home last Monday--Since than our mess has been enjoying camp
life very much--I have nothing more of interest-
give my best regards to Uncle & Aunt and all the rest of the family
Please write soon,   Yours in kindness
                                        David


               Direct yours:
David Link
    Rockbridge Artillery
  1st Virginia Regiment Artillery
        Commanded Col. Brown Command'g
                             Jackson's Corps
                                  Winchester, Va.

MSS 14953

1862 October 31 Brandy Station, Va.

                                                            Oct. 31st. 1862
                             Brandy Station. Culpeper County   
My Dear Father
                   We fell back three miles – to this place a few
days since, in consequence of our infantry support
being withdrawn =  Georgia regiment – it was ordered to
Richmond – here there is a regiment of Cavalry – Our
pickets extend to the 2d. station this side of Manassas.
A party of Yankees tried to cut off the cars a short
time since but did not succeed & we took 22 prisoners.
     The army news is of some importance if true.
It represents Jackson having gone into Maryl-
and & found no Yanks – hence it is presumed they
have gone to the South – side – At any rate it is true
that General Lee arrived at Culpeper C. H. last
evening – wh: presages, I reckon, the falling back
of his army. I suppose McClellan is preparing for
a late fall if not a winter campaign.
     Mother’s letter of the 20th was received several days
ago. Her plan to have the box at Mck & Duprey’s sent
back home I reckon would be the best. I see no
probability that I can get it soon, if at all. Con-
tinue to direct your letters to Culpeper C. H.
     We are now encamped in a house, on a very large
& fine farm. Owned & occupied by a Mr. Miller until the
war commenced. Formerly the place was quite a
cultivated one I imagine. There are fine falls in the
garden &c. &c. indicating some taste but seem
to have been very much neglected of late years.
James Barbour’s pl residence or his residence before the
war is about one mile from here – quite a handsome
brick building. Nearly all the country here is
open & stuck with grass – Timothy predominating –
f large fields of this is left uncut. The Yankees

[page 2]
not allowing our the citizens to cut it, when they                           
were at home & could procure the means. It is not      
necessary I suppose for me to say that the people
in these counties are as warm & as universally in our
cause as in any other portion of the Confederacy
whatever..
     Wrote to Ms K & Duprey a few days
since for 10 dollars. Separated from our brigade we
have been unable to draw any money for four
months wh: is now owed us by the government.
     An officer has now gone to Winchester to day &
draw it for us. He is a expected back in a few
days. We have had some quite heavy frosts
but to day it is quite warm. We are camped on
a hill with a full view of the mountains & would
have a beautiful view but for the eye sore of
yankee devastation.
     It is now a little over one year since I entered
the army & a sad expe-rience it has proved. The diffi-
culties & inconveniences are not regarded when they are once
over – but the sad feelings & sights will never be for-
gotten or as the Rev D. C. Harrison said those bloody cuts were
too deep. &c.&c. He said in one of his last letters that
he was always cheerful but never felt anything
like gaiety of spirits & then assigned the above reasons.
     I see no prospect whatever of a termination of the
war for some time. A young man in our
company received yesterday a letter from his brother
in New York City – He sais [says] that in New York there
is as much a civil war as there ever was any where
all but the actual resort to arms. A private letter, re-
ceived, by a northern member, from New Haven repre-
sents a similar state of feeling there. But you know
that I do not hope good from this service. My dearest father
Give my best love to all. Affly yr. son W. H. Perry Jr.

William H. Perry, Richmond Howitzers

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 7786-d

1862 October 31 Staunton,Va.

[from the diary of Wesley A. Hammond, Co. E, 42nd Virginia "Dixie Greys"

 Friday 31st. Dr. promised
to take me before the board to day
no board met.  pretty well satisfied
studied a good deal – set up pretty
late looking at moon & stars and
meditating on the wonderful works
of God –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5526

1862 October 31 Purcellville 4 a.m.

[from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]
 Hd.Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct 31, 4 a.m.

To General Bayard
   Commanding Cavalry
        Philomont--

General-
       I have just recd
a dispatch from Gen.
McClellan's Hd.Qrs, directing
that no attack be made
upon the enemy at
Snickers Gap until
further orders from those
Hd.Qrs,  I presume these
orders will be communicated
to you--This order renders
my consultation in reference
to a reconnaissance un-
necessary as I am
directer to perform
other duties in the

[page 2]
the same order--
   I am, General, very respectfully
          Your obt Serv't
                A. Pleasonton
                   Brig General
                   Comdg. Cav. Brigade

MSS 495

1862 October 31 Purcellville 7.30 a.m.

Hd.Qrs  Cav Brigade
Purcellville, Oct 31 7.30 a.m.
To General R. B. Marcy
Chief of Staff
Your dispatch o 8 P.M.
rec'd--I sent you word by
signal last night that my
aid found Gen. Bayard
20 miles from here beyond
Aldie, that General Bayard
concur in my views, viz, that
it would not be safe to
move on & leave Snickersville
in the enemies possession--
That he had appointed an
interview nine o'clock
this Morning at Philomont
to plan a attack on
Snickersville--this was
rendered unnecessary by
your dispatch of 10.45 P.m.
desiring no attack
                  to be made

[page 2]
until more troops are on this
side of the Potomac--
  This last request I have
sent to Gen. Bayard for his
information--I have given
him all the knowledge I possess
concerning the enemy--
   He sent me word that
the rebels day before yesterday
had sent 1000 cavalry from
Warrenton to Ashby's Gap-
but that they went off
from there yesterday.--
   As soon as any infantry
comes up I shall send
towards Ashby & see what
force they have there--
     I am, Very respectfully
            Your obt. Serv't
               A. Pleasonton
                  Brig. General,
                     comdg &--------

MSS 495

1862 October 31 Purcellville 2 P.M.

Hd. Ar. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville Oct 31. 2. P.M.
To General Bayard
     Commanding Cavalry
General
              A dispatch from Gen-
McClellan dated 10.30 this morning
says "the General would like to
have a cavalry reconnaissance
in force with your command
& mine united, for the purpose
of ascertaining where the enemy
is in force and which direc=
tion he is moving, but he did
not desire to have a battle
brought on--Should you however
find a force of the enemy's
cavalry in such position that
you can attack to advantage
of course you are authorized
to do so-without running any
great risk to your own com=
mand--General Bayard
should wait in the vicinity
further orders before going back
towards Washington-"
                                    (over)

[page 2]
Shall we make an attempt
at Snickersvlle or do you think
we would do better by going
towards Ashby's Gap?
    My aid will Tell you my
strength from which you can
judge with yours what we can
do-
       I am, General, very respectfully
                    A. Pleasonton
                        Brig. General
                             Comdg. Cav. Brigade

MSS 495

1862 October 31 Purcellville 2.15. P.M.

Hd. Ar. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct 31. 2.15 P.M.
To General R. B. Marcy-
  Chief of Staff-
Gneral, our dispatch of 10.30
a.m. marked sent 11.45, is rec'd--
   I have sent an Aid to over=
take General Bayard with a
dispatch communicating the
instructions of the General, &
to save time, have requested
General Bayard to state the
direction he thinks proper to
move where I will immediately
join him-I told my aid
to inform him, verbally, my strength
that he might form some
estimate of the entire force--
      The enemy have some
Cavalry in this valley, but
as long as they keep a signal
station on the blue ridge-
they see every movement I
can make & avoid it--

[page 2]
I have three squandrons out
to day reconnoitering the Blue
Ridge for roads & positions relative
to Snickersville, & feeling the enemy.
  From all I can learn they
have both Ashby's & Snicker
Gaps covered by troops & we
cannot get to the top of the
mountain to see the other side
for their signal informs them &
they meet us at every point--
   To see into the valley beyond
we shall probably have to go beyond
Ashby & doubtless there they have
a signal--It will be necessary
to leave some cavalry on this
line to cover the front--
      General Bayard may decide
to move on Snickersville
             Very respectfully
                 A. Pleasonton
                   Brig. General
                      Comdg

MSS 495

1862 October 31 Purcellville 4 P.M.

Hd. Qr. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct 31. 4. P.M.
To General R. B. Marcy
     Chief of Staff.

General,
                 One of my squadrons has
returns & reports having driven
in the enemies pickets on the
Snickerville & Aldie Pike--capturing
two carbines & two sabres the
rebels dropped in their haste--they
took to the mountains--several
Union men told the party that
Stewart with his cavalry & four
pieces of artillery crossed last
night into this valley & took
the road to Union ---He left
twelve pieces of artillery in
the Gap--Some of Stuarts
men said they were going
round towards Leesburg----
   The party report the Snicker
Gap, from what they saw of it
as a much rougher one than
the South Mountain--
    They also report a force

[page 2]
on the mountain,watching
the Trap road, some five
miles south of Snickersville
        Bayards scouts ought
to hear something of Stuart today-
      The Quakers still report
a rebel force on the other side
of the Mountain opposite
Snickersville--
        Very respectfully
            A. Pleasonton
             Brig. General
              Comd'g.

MSS 495

1862 October 31 Purcellville 5 P.M.

Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct 31, 5. P.M.
To General R.B. Marcy
     Chief of Staff---
My aid-de-camp, that was
sent to Gen. Bayard has
just reported he came upon
Stuarts cavalry, some two
thousand between Philomont
& Aldie. They fired on him
& compelled him to return to
Philomont--they came in
from Union--Did not see
any guns--It is said
Stuarts designs going to
Middleburg by the way of
Aldie--My Aid reports
considerable picket firing
about Aldie on the pike-
This is Bayards force--
they have met--I shall
not probably be able to
communicate with Bayard

[page 2]
but will use every exertion
to push after Stuart if I
find out his direction in time--
    Some infantry ought
to move up & occupy this
place in case I leave--
Another Horse Battery would
be of service out there also
    This is I suspect a
move on the part of Stuart
to divert attention from
the movement of their
army which I think
is [?]
            Very respectfully
              A. Pleasonton-
               Brig. Genl


MSS 495

1862 October 31 Purcellville 8.30 P.M.

Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct 31, 8. 30 P.M.
To General R.B. Marcy-
     Chief of Staff---

General--
   My scouts are just in
from the Mountain north of
Snickersville--they succeeded
in reaching the top & had
a view of the Shenandoah-
large camps were on this
side of the river on the Snicker
Gap road --  the signal
station has been taken
away from the mountain--
    They heard the rumble
of artillery in the Gap--
    From several sources
I hear there is about
6000 men in the Gap.

[page 2]
all accounts agree that
cavalry infantry is necessary
to take possession of this
Gap--the road up the
mountain north of the Gap
will require work--

            I am, General very respect
         fully
              A. Pleasonton-
               Brig. Genl


MSS 495

1862 October 31 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Friday 31st  Mrs Campbell spent the day with us & in the afternoon
Mrs Phillips called--Mr John Walker set us down nearly
two dozen hot rolls for tea, very acceptable, & a basket of nice
apples--I wrote Liz & sent off a pr of drawers to Tom by express
to go by Noah

MSS 6960

1862 October 31 one mile from Boonsboro Pass

[from the diary of John Ward of the 102nd Pennsylvania]

Oct 31st
March at 4 oclock
thes morning on for
Bonsbroo   Pass thau [through]
Bonsbro to one
mile on the other
sidy of Bornvillie
and camp for
the Night there   [Written in the left margin: “M 20”]

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 October 31

[from the diary of John Ward, of the 102nd Pennsylvania]
[Ward has two entries in his diary dated October 31; this one may be a misdate as it precedes entries for the 26th through the 30th of October]

Oct 31st
Whe in Camp Nere
The Batle grawn [ground]
of antedays [word lined out]
return the
mountains

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 October 31 Glasgow, Ky.

[from the diary of Captain William F. Hunter, Co. B., 97th Ohio]

     Oct. 31st, ’62.
Started at 6 A.M.
Marched hard un-
til 2 P.M. when we
encamped about
five miles from
Glasgow; stopping
soon on account
of water.
     Robert Reynolds,
a member of my
company, died
very suddenly to-
day, at 11 ¼  A.M. in
an ambulance.
We buried him
this evening near
our camp in a
private burial
ground.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson  Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

1862 October 31 farm near Savannah, Ohio

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

Friday, Oct. 31, 1862

Helped with the
apple butter the boys
at work plowing at the
pond.  Father came to
Spoffords  Mother & I
went to Ashland
Met Alf went with
him to Sawyer Smiths
to see  Fulkerson & Arthur
Bought shirt for
$2.00 bugy broke down
as we were leaving
town  Mother went home
with Leonards I brought
the bugy up to Carters
rather tedious job
Clear fine day

MSS 10317

1862 October 31 Arlington, Va.

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

Fri. 31 – A fair lovely day.  The regt. inspected & mustered
for paying off.   a hot tiresome job – Lt. Penrose who
inspected us – diner with us also Capt Champion &
his Lieuts – Called meetg. of Ch. committee in mess
Tent – tonight every man but one present – he was on
guard – very harmonious – resolved on communion
once a month, an prayer meetg; by Co. once a week
Sunday Schools – form of Ch adminis.  &c.  &c.
After meetg. a soldier came to show me his pastors
letter & then his sweetheart’s & her likeness –
As I was shutting my tent for night a soldier
seemed lingering outside – I asked him in  - found
him seeking Christ   counseled & prayed with him
he appeared earnest – solemn & tender.  May he find
the Lamb of God – is sweet moonlight night.
Such cases as this are the most important & delightful I have.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 October 31 Staunton, Va.

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

Friday, Oct. 31, 1862

Rumors for several days past that our army is falling back from Winchester, or going into Eastern Virginia. It is said that Jackson is to remain in the Valley. Somewhere this side of Winchester. Troops still going down. Rumors of expeditions fitting out by the Yankees to attack Charleston, Mobile and Savannah. — These places will probably fall into the enemy's hands. — Frequent squabbling between the military officers here and citizens. Mr. Baker prepared a paper to lay before the Secretary of War, in reference to the occupation of our church, complaining of the officers +c. I signed the paper as a Trustee of the Church, not heartily, however, and subsequently induced Mr. Tinsley not to go to Richmond to present it. Mr. Baker, however, had another for Gen. Jackson, and after a long discussion of the matter with him, I signed that, principally to please him. I think the officers blamable, but the affair is rather too small a one to agitate while such issues are pending.

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258

1862 October 31 Fauquier County, Va.

 [from the diary of Anne Madison Ambler Willis]

Before I was dressed heard that the troops
were moving & we all went on the upper porch
to see them.  Was called to breakfast & afterwards walked
into the field with E[mma] & B[ertie] to get a nearer view.
Saw them all off & then came home to read
but my mind was so disturbed, that I was not
much benefited: Patty came up from the river
with Nat. on horseback & we all enjoyed seeing
her & hearing her talk: Did not spend my
[?] as usual = & could not write in
my Diary--sat up [?] quite late so
that I was sleepy: & not able to enjoy
my psalm. (There is no real religion
in me. I almost fear, Why should I (?) so
cold if I were a true Christian-It seems
to me that if I knew what it was to love
God at all, I would never feel as I do I
(?) to feel differently soon for an hour
is a (?) for me, so cold so impenitent
  I fear God more than I love him  &
"Perfect love casteth out fear", sometimes
I feel that all of my profession comes
from fear=Oh, God show me the way
more plainly- I have no earthly friend that
I can go to & it seems to me that my
Bible is anything to me.  Rather than
a light.  I know that it is my fault--I
have a cold impenetrable heart.

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

MSS 15406

1862 October 31 Lynchburg, Va.

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

October 31  Continuation of fine weather
Nothing of particular interest
heavily engaged. In the evening
late walked to Jack Langhorne
to enquire about the condition of
Flora Stuart.  Gen S's little daughter.
Mrs. S. was not able to see me.  the
child is very dangerously ill of
typhoid fever--Went then to Sue's
--Stayed for supper & then with
Eugene to Deanes where we
remained until 9.  Coming home
found Eugene Davis & his mother
had arrived.


MSS 4763

1862 October 30 Williamsport, Md.

[from the diary of John Ward of the 102nd Pennsylvania]

Oct 30th
Whe stade in Camp
to Day   Received orders
at 6 oclock to
march at 4 A.M.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 October 30 New Bern, N.C.

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

Thursday
Oct 30

Had drill in the forenoon as usual
This afternoon read some

MSS 11293

1862 October 30 Mobile

              Mobile  Oct 30 62
My dear Smith
                      I enquired
at the War Dept for yr
recommendations for the
appointment of Brig Genl
None could be found--Get
a strong one from Genl
Polk--go with it to Rich
-mond & urge yr claims
& say to Mr Randolph
that I want you with
me--I will write
him to day from
here--
               truly yrs
               JB Magruder
                  Majr Genl

I m assigned to duty in
Texas--Telegraph me
at Vicksburg---
to Maj Smith Bankhead
                on Gen Polks Staff Knox

[page 2]
ville Tennessee--to be sent
wherever he ma Genl Polk
may be-----

MSS 38-455

1862 October 30 between Charlestown and Berryville

[from the diary of Frank C. Fitzhugh, Cutshaw's Battery]


                                           

October                    Thursday 30                                      
In same camp.
7 miles from Charleston
5 miles to Berryville
S.E. of the turnpike

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 4448

1862 October 30 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Wesley A. Hammond, Co. E., 42nd Virginia "Dixie greys"


Thursday 30 – Was in great hope of
getting off to-day but failed again
tried to content myself as well as I
could under the circumstances
spent a good part of the day on
reading   -

[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5526

1862 October 30 Purcellville, 4 a.m.

[from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

        Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
         Purcellville Oct 30, 4 a.m.
To General R. B. Marcy
       Chief of Staff
General
Have just rc'd a dispatch
from Gen Bayard near Aldie
who says that Col Wyndham
drove the enemies pickets
out of Upperville to-day-no
infantry there--It is reported
to have gone to Snickersville
                 Bayard states that
tomorrow he marches thro' Hope
ville pass on Middleburg-
  If Longstreet was at
Middleburg last night & has
not returned to the Blue Ridge
Bayard will meet him at
Middleburg unless Longstreet
has made for Thoroughfare Gap
on his way to Manassas--
I have mentioned this to
Bayard--A. Pleasonton
                Brig. Gen &

MSS 495

1862 October 30 Purcellville 10 a.m.

[from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

 Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
 Purcellville Oct 30. 10. a.m.
To General W. S. Hancock
      Com'dg Division on the
      Hillsborough & Keyes Gap road
General,
              I have two squandrons at
Hillsborough, & there are no rebles
nearer your front than Snickersville
unless perhaps in Keyes Gap or
the gap below it
       There has been a considerable
force at Snickersville for some days
& it looks as if they intend to
dispute that point somewhat
with us--They have a signal
station near there they do'nt
like to give up.
                Should you wish to
communicate or obtain infor=
mation send to the officer
at Hillsborough commanding
my cavalry there & he will
attend to it--
              Yours truly
               A.Pleasanton
               Brig. Gen. &c

MSS 495

1862 October 30 Purcellville 4.30 P.M.

[from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

Hd Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct. 30, 4.30 P.M.
To General Bayard
    Comdg Cav. at Middleburg--
General
             Major General McClellan
desires me to communicate with
you to day to "[consert a plan of
operations for our two commands
united to make a reconnais
sance through Ashby's or
Snickers Gap, or if the results
of today's operations shew that
the reconnaissance can with
safety be made through Man=
nassas Gap this would be the
most desirable."
              The General further
desires us to have an interview today
to decide where the reconnaissance
should be made so as to secure
the most important results--
             As I do not know where
I could met you at this time
I send my Aid-de-camp

[page 2]
Lieut Ward, to find out at which
place it will be agreeable to you
to meet me--
          My impressions at this time
are, that as long as the enemy
occupy Snickers Gap, that would
be the first place to command
our attention--& should this meet
your views--I shall hold my
command in readiness for any
service you may propose for it--
          Jackson & Longstreet were
between Charlestown & Berryville
yesterday & it was said they were
going in the direction of Mill-
wood--
           Please inform me, General
by Lieut. Ward, what you may
decide upon in reference to my
command--
           I am very respectfully
                Your obt Servt=
                    A.. Pleasonton
                        Brig: General
                          Comdg Brigade

MSS 495
                     

1862 October 30 Purcellville 4.45 P. M.

[from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct 30. 4.45 P.M.
To General R. B. Marcy
   chief of staff
General-
             Your dispatch of
10 a.m.is re'c'd--not knowing
the exact whereabouts of General
Bayard at this time, I have sent
an aid-de-camp with the con=
tents of your dispatch to the General
requesting to know where I shall
meet him & to save time, I
have given him my views in
advance viz that it would
be unsafe to leave Snicker
Gap occupied by the enemy
to prevent further [?]
    Whatever he may decide
upon I shall use my best
efforts to render successful=
    I would be doing myself
an injustice, General, in not
expressing to you my mortification
at receiving your instructions
placing me under the orders
of an officer who is so

[page 2]
much my junior in the
regular service--& who does not
belong to the Army of the Potomac
  While I am the senior officer
serving with the Cavalry in
that Army--
                    My personal relations
with General Bayard are most
friendly & I shall not mortify
him by exposing my own--
        Must there not be some=
thing in error in the service
that mortifies

MSS 495

1862 October 30-31 Boston to New York

Oct 30, 1862
Somewhere between Boston
& New London
dear Parents
Started from Augusta
Last evening Wed. at 8 oclock
and after a pleasant ride of
12 hours arrived in Boston
safe and sound [received?] a good
nights sleep
At eleven oclock this A.M.
started for New Lonon & from
there we shall probably take the
Steamer to Jersey City N.J.
We have just passed through
Worcester
Oct. 31  Arrived in Norwich Con
last night at Sunset and
took the boat for New York had
a pleasant trip up the Sound &
arrived at pier 39 N. York city

[page 2]
at 5 oclock this morning.
We are waiting here expecting any
moment to disembark. I
had a good nights rest last
night the Steward & myself got
a Stateroom.
I shall put this in the
mail here
It is said that we
go to Fort Schuyler 15 miles
from here & intended for
Banks division to go to
Charleston SC on Somewhere
else I heard the Surgeon
say that we should go to
Texas
No one here knows.
The Col. this moment do'nt
know whether we go to Washington
or Fort Schuyler
   will keep you well in-
formed of my whereabouts
      Yr affectionate son
                  C P M

Charles Plummer Morrill, 24th Maine
MSS 11031

1862 October 30 Norfolk, Va.

         October the 30  1862
                       Norfolk, va.
i received your kind note to
day and thair contain in it
w five cents peaces in it and also
one postage stamp i received
a letter from John the 28
and it contained 2 dolars that
he sent to have my likeness
taken with so i went down
to the sity and had too taken
one for margate and one for
youre self  pleas pay John
back one dolar for they only
cost 1 dolar a peas i sent
one dolar to you the last
letter i rote to you I was
glad to here that our folks
was a goin a riding i wish i
was thir to go a long why
dont you go you nead not stay

[page 2]
at home because i haint
thir you had better go and
in joy your selef with them
you spoke a bout going to
meting last sunday iam
glad you can go to meting
you also spoke a bout the
tex and whir i wold find
it i never told you that
i lost my bible i lost
it at the battle of fair
oaks along with my other
things but we have got one
in the room and i will
look and find it as soon
as i git my dinner off
you wanted to no if i
had bin permoted or not
i have not bin nor i dont
want to be i like it better
whare i am a cooking for
i can keep my selef in
money to buy tobacca and

[page 3]
other things with i sold
my cigars for 25 dolars and
got a nuf left for my
one smoking but i dont
git my pay till we git
pade from the government
you spoke a bout cosen
martha fealing bad becaus
i did not write to her when
i write to you i expect it
too do for all of you i am
as well as usual and
when this fiw  fiew lines
w reaches you i hope they
will find you the same
well it is a gitting all
moste dinner time and
i will half to close
buy saying good buy
from youre husband
edward Shepard Drect
as before

Edward Sheppard, 7th New York Light Artillery

MSS 12631

1862 October 30 Fort Tillinghast

                         
                           Fort Tillinghast Oct 30th/62
Dear Priscilla
                              I received last night yours
of the 26th, containing three postage stamp
and a five sent piece, I am very much obliged
to you for the contents, especially the writing.
I mailed you a letter on Monday last (Oct 27th)
I mailed one to Father on Tuesday,
A regiment is now passing. it is the one
hundred and sixty second N Y. they are
looking for a camping ground,  We are
now having some very fine weather,
the morning s and evenings are rather
cool, the health of our company in improving
very fast, there are only three in the hospital,
I have not seen Chenworth since we left
Fort Corcoran, his company has gone to
Harpers Ferry, I dont know whether he
has gone with it or not.  I dont suppose
he has though, We have had another box of
"goodies" come this morning, so we are all
right for a good supper to-night.

[page 2]
Next week they say we are to be paid off, I
really hope such may be our good fortune, we
are very much in want of some money,
This afternoon at three oclk we are to
to[sic] have an inspection of muskets and
equipments, We have had an inspection
of Artillery drill this forenoon, and we
have done it up in good shape, you ask
me if I am glad or sorry about Col Greene's
resignation, I think I am rather more
sorry than glad, in fact all the regiment
would be glad to have him back again
if they could, I am confident that you
never told me of the accident to Ernie,
if you wrote to me about it, I have
never received the letter, and I dont know
but that I am glad that I didn't, because
I think I should have worried consider-
ably about it, I remembered last Friday
as the second birthday of our little
Ada, I wish I had been there, I would'
have tried and got some kind of a present
for her, perhaps I shall have a chance next time

[page 3]
her birthday comes around, Yes, We have
plenty of baked beans now, we have Salt Horse,
Salt Pork, twice a week, Soup )Beef,) Baked
Fresh Beef, Salt Fish, once a week each,
We are going to have Beef Soup for dinner
to-day, We have plenty to eat, such as it
is, We have excellent Bread, baked every
day, it is most too good, some of the men
will eat their loaf at one meal, and then
they have to beg more of some one else,
or go without the rest of the day, We are
the most of us very hearty, a loaf of bread
weighs twenty two ounces; or is supposed
to weigh that, You would be surprised to
see the amount of provision that some
of us can eat in a day,  As for war news
we don't hear any at all,  We dont know any
thing about the war, We see plenty of
Soldiers, and encampments, and hear drums
beating, and bugles blowing, every hour in
the day, but as for war we know nothing
about it, I suppose there is a war, people
say that there is,and we ought to beleive them

[page 4]
Tell Ellen that I want a good lot of Butter,
for it goes good on bread when I have nothing
but that for supper and breakfast, I asked
Father (in my letter to him) to let you have
one of his shoe boxes to put the things in
that you send to me, you can ask him
about it, I also asked him for some of his
new meal, to make hasty puding of, we can
make it on the Stove in our tin dippers,
Now while I think of it, I want you to send
me a quill tooth pick, (Don't laugh) I have lost
mine, and I miss it more than you would
suppose, I wish you could see the troops that are
now passing, I dont know ho many there are of them
but there is not lee than ten thousand, probably more,
it is a grand sight, they are all armed and equipped with
Knapsacks strapped to their backs, they are probably going
on the advance, and we shall hear from them soon,
I have nothing more to write at present,  I will
try and write again Sunday, Beleiving from appear-
ances that the time is not far distant, ere I shall be perm-
itted to embrace you and our little ones, I remain as ever yours in
love                                                     Robert


Robert, an unidentified soldier from Lynn Massachusetts, in Co. M of the 1st Masssachusetts Heavy Artillery

MSS 1242

1862 October 30 near Bakersville, Md.

Camp near Bakersville md Oct 30/62
Dear parents,
          I was greatly disappointed by
not reciveing a letter from you the last
maile as I have not recieved one since
you wrote about fathers diging potatoes
 Samuel Duran received a few lines
from you a few days ago in which you
gave as a reason for not writing because
Samuel Ricker wrote home that I was
not with the Reg.t I cannot tell why he
should write such news as I have been
with the Regt. all the time when they have
been in camp and when on a march I have
followed them as well as I could ever
since I was released from Richmond  It
has always been my intentions to write the
truth to you concerning myself and I think
you will find I have done so   I hope in the
future you will not believe any such reports
untill you know them to be true I think
my back is getting better but it is so slow I
can hardly precieve it after Genl. Brooks
took charge of our division he had a review
of the troops under his charge  our Regt.
had to go about 2 miles and I went out
with them and it nearly used me up  I
was quite lame for two days you may
know by this that my back is very
weak but I think as I gain strength
my back will grow stronger I do not
know as I ever told you how I lamed my
back.  I got hurt by a bundles falling about
six feet and striking me on the back at the
time of the first bull run battle on the 21st
of July 1861. I did not mind it much for some
time for we were all very sore and lame after that
retreat since then when I get cold it settles in
my back and has been so lame many times I

[page 2]
could hardly walk but I never compl-
ained to any one about it untill we were
on our way from Alexandria to Shipping
point on board the steamer John Brooks
I got a bad cold and my back was so lame
I could hardly moove then I told the Dr.
and was excuse from duty after the battle
at west point I tried to march but I could
not do it and carry my load and when we
got to White House Landing the Dr. left me
at the hospital one day while I was there
the pay master asked me to help carry his
trunk from the boat to the cars  I tried to
do it and got about 10 rods with it when I
steped into a hole and hurt me so that I
droped the trunk and fell myself and I was
very lame for some days  while I was at
Savage Station I attempted to lift a wounded
man and hurt me so I did not do any
thing for three days  since then I have not
tried to lift any thing that was very heavy
since I came to the Regt we have keep
mooving about so that it has kept me lame
all the time. I am now doing guard duty
at Brigade head quarters  I have to stand on
post two hours out of 24 when we moove
our duty will be to strike the officers tents
and put them on the teams and pitch them
again when we stop we have all of our
things carried and ride when we are tired  the
Adjutant Genl. says he shall keep us here
for some time there is 16 of us here and it
makes a good crew. I shall continue to write
to you as often as I can and I hope you will do
the same by me  I  have not heard from Washington
yet  if you hear from him write to me about him
                    My sheat is filled and I will close
                              From your son Hiram M. Cash

Hiram M. Cash, Co. K, 5th Maine
MSS 12916

1862 October 30 camp near Berryville, Va.

 Camp near Berryville
  Oct 30” 1862. afternoon
My own darling Jennie
      We are still at the Berryville
camp and engaged in the regular
daily camp duties.  And I am fully
satisfied that we are quietly waiting
on the enimy [sic].  of this I judge from the
character of the orders sent to me and
also from the fact that we are in no
condition to advance at least not in
such condition as we can be in a
month from this time.  What the Yankeys
intend to do of course we subordinates
cant tell if indeed Genl Lee himself can
and of course he can only conjecture, hence
the probabilities of a further contest this
fall are very uncertain & rest entirely
on conjecture.  And you are as much
entitled to your opinion as any one
else.  I commence this letter without
a word of news to write or even a
subject of dissertation, and when this

[page 2]
is the case one is very apt to write
of ones self, but I will not be guilty
of this piece of vanity.  simply because
I feel so insignificant that I am not
worth writing about, even to my wife
And if you will pardon me for just
saying in regard to my health that
it is only sorter so-so not very
bad nor yet very good.  just so that
I can by a little inconvenience dis-
charge the duties of my office without
risking very much if indeed any.
I am still commanding the brigade &
get along very pleasantly  have a good
Sibley tent in common with Dr Moffett
with a good camp stove.  There now
I have said all that I intend to say
of Col. W.
  I am safe on the tallow question
and will start the wagon back in
a day or two.  I will make a hard
trial tomorrow after salt & if I fail
give it up.  My only plan is to go
around among the farmers & try & buy
of such as can have an over supply.
To day we had another issue of cloth-
ing to the brigade of shoes 75 pr 100 blan
kets & other things in proportion



“My own darling Jennie”, salutation – Warren’s wife, Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson Magruder Warren.

“the brigade”, page 2, line 13, 26 – Taliaferro’s Brigade consisted of the 47th and 48th Alabama Infantry, and the 10th, 23rd, and 37th VA Infantry regiments.

“Dr Moffett”, page 2, line 15 – Samuel H. Moffett, Surgeon, 10th VA Infantry.

“Col. W.”, page 2, line 18 – Colonel Warren.

The letter was written by Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Colonel, 10th VA Infantry.

[transcript by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g

1862 October 30 Arlington, Va.

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



Thurs 30- Lovely day – reveille now at 6 instead of 5.
rode into Washington   took a hot bath – felt better – on way met a
Vert. brigade coming over bridge - & Chapl. Brasto, Coming back

Met Capt. Wheeler 15th Con – a car had run into the
draw - & obstructed travel, by throwing three planks
across, I passed – found a sick Capt. going home in ambulance
with a lady attending him.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 October 30 Adair County, Ky.

[from the diary of Captain William F. Hunter, Co. B., 97th Ohio]



     Oct. 30th, ’62.
Marched at 6 A.M.
& until 7 P.M., pass-
ing through Colum-
bia, & encamping
at Edmonton.
Detailed to act                    
as Major to-day.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

1862 October 30 farm near Savannah Ohio

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

Thursday, Oct. 30, 1862

Did nothing this
forenoon. Tonight
Miss
Geddes & brother came
out here on a visit
they started for  Petersburgh
this afternoon by
the Hack  Thomas Hayes
& Lady were also here
Went up to Sav in the
Hack for the horse
& bagg
Went down to Wrights
Came back after
supper  Called & saw
E. C.
Partly clear mostly
cloudy

MSS 10317

1862 October 30 Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Did not enjoy reading.  My thoughts were
completely taken up with the
constant moving around me I am
truly thankful that it is not my lot
to [live?] [this?] every day--took my work
into the sitting room till time to
dress for dinner as company was expected
General Archer, Colonel Magruder & Capt Hopkins
dined here, several others called; enjoyed
myself very much---engaged in too
much light conversation-but am afraid
that I did not regret it as I ought to
do--O, I am so easily carried away
make many good resolutions when I am
in my room with the door shut, but
how little it takes to turn my head.
General Pender invited us to a grand review in
the evening
^but afterwards sent us word  that the division
had been ordered to move early in the morning. Some
gentleman brought the band around & serenaded us after
tea=The girls entertained the gentleman.  I came
to my room & thought & wept over my
[unholy?] [?]  My faith is so weak
= Oh, if I could [?] thoughts this  [?] heart
& come nearer to God in prayer I feel
that I would be heard but I am [?]
off- O Lord, I believe, help thou my
unbelief.

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

MSS 15406

1862 October 30 Lynchburg, Va.

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


Thursday 30  Consulted one or
two friends about the proposal of
McD. They advise my accepting
which I shall do.  Conferring
with Mr Macon he reminded me
that it would be necessary to ask
permission of the Board.  I had for
gotten the by law--I sold Charles'
Maria & her children to A. E. Huff
I took $1600 for her in consideration
of its being a good home.  It was
indispensable she should be parted
with & her conduct deprived her
of all  [consideration?]  Still I would
not have been the agent for selling
her at auction.  I consider I have
sacrificed several hundred dollars
by not doing so----We have rumors
coning on a very authentic source
that England & France are at
last to offer to mediate--which if
[?] will be followed by recog-
nition.  The news is certainly believed
in the north.  I place more reliance
on it than on any previous rumors.
Ld Lyon is to arrive next week
with instructions on the subject.
Meem told me today that he had
sold within the past ninety days
$200.000 and with the last 30
days $75.000  He has made an im-
mense fortune within the last 18 [years?]
He has worked hard certainly.

MSS 4763

1862 October 30 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Thursday 30th  A beautiful clear pleasant day--Everything looks
so bright & lovely out of doors--that we can scarcely imagine trou-
-ble any where about.  But the lady in the room above me is n
great distress & I feel sincerely for her--She is quite young & only been
married 6 months-& her husband who has just been exchanged has
left to join his company.

MSS 6960

1862 October 29 Fluvanna County, Va.

We the undersigned Freeholders in the County
of Fluvanna having been called upon
to appraise, in ready money, negro man
Abraham property of Jno. H.Cocke,
which negro is impressed to work
on the fortifications in the vicinity
of Richmond Va., belieiving him to
be entirely sound, ado estimate his
value at one thousand dollars,
Given under our hands this
the 29th Oct. 1862
                     F. S. Johnson
                     Wm G Haden
                      Wm J Thomas

General John Hartwell Cocke, the last surviving member of the 1st Board of Visitors of the University of Virignia

MSS 640

1862 October 29 Camp Stetson, Washington, D. C.

[The stationery is imprinted with an engraving of the U.S. Capitol and the words: “18th Regiment Maine Volunteers, Company ___”]              

         Company K
         October the 29      1862
              Camp Stetson  DC
              Dear Brother
i now take my pen in
hand to answer your kind
letter which i received last
night.  I was glad to hear
from you and to know
that you was wel
at home.
you spoke of things
that has been said when
we are were togather but
i don’t want you to think

[page 2]
any thing of what has
been said but let it al
pas.  I am sure that I
should never thought any
thing more of what has
been said.  I tel you george
you don’t very often find
a family of brothers
that has got along
to smoothe togather as we
have so don’t let that
trouble your mind at all
They say that we are
going to Alexandria this
winter.  O george I saw
Gered Pike yesterday and
I saw aman that brot
him from the City and
had a long talk with
him about the war and
he told me that gen
Lee is on the retreat
and Mc Clelden is on the

[page 3]
Advance And the cry is once
more on to Richmond
so he said and i  hope
it is so for I believe
if‘they will try they can take
the city and distroy the
Reble government al at
once   they say they are
not going to wait for
warm weather this time
but are going to push
right ahead and do it
up * I saw a Comp of
mounted Cavelry this
morning the first i have
seen with horses since i
come out here – I
saw two boys to day
that swam the potomac
and run away from the
121 new york regt
and I might took them

[page 4]
but i would not take
them for they wanted
to get away so bad
i thought i would let
them go
   but now i must close
for I have got to go
out on battalion dril
and it is time now
write soon as you
can
           Good bye from
              your brother
            Ambrose A Huntley

Ambrose A. Huntley, musician and corporal, Co. K, 1st Maine Heavy Artillery

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 828

1862 October 29 New Bern, N.C.

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

Wednesday
Oct 29
Had to go down farther from camp, three of
us as picketts.  Had a very pleasant time
in thinking of home and building air castles about
the farm.  Had quite a time with Pollard about
smoking in which I lost my temper somewhat, for
which may God forgive me.  This afternoon and evening
have been taking care of Phineas who is sick.  Heard
that the Colonel was going home, having resigned, which
makes me feel bad.

MSS 11293

1862 October 29 near Sharpsburg, Md.

[from the "war journal" of George Hazen Dana, of the 32nd Massachusetts as compiled by him at a later date from his diaries and letters]



                                                           Camp near Sharpsburg.
                                                                 Oct. 29th. 1862.
We shall probably move from this place in a day or
two, as all our sick have been removed, and we are
prepared to march, with three days’ rations in
haversacks.        I have now had a little time to try
the position *  I now occupy, and must say I like it,
the Colonel having promised to let me join Co. A. in
all battles we may engage in, my objection to the
berth has been removed.        It gives me a good
* as Quarter Master.

large tent, and many privileges which I could not
have, were I with my company - - -There is
another consolation I have as Quarter Master –
I shall have no foot-sore marches, as I shall travel
on six legs instead of two.        The weather out here
has been very cold, most of the time, of late.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5130

1862 October 29 Ashby's Gap Va

[from the diary of Frank C. Fitzhugh of Cutshaw's Battery]


                              Wednesday 29
     Started at 8.A.M.   went
about six miles toward
Ashbys Gap where we
camped        

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 4448            

1862 October 29 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Wesley A. Hammond, Co. E., 42nd Virginia "Dixie Greys"



Wednesday 29th. – Still quite unwell today
did not get before the board to get a
transfer – Not very well pleased about
it –

MSS 5526

1862 October 29 Purcellville 9 a.m.

[from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

      Hd. Qrs Cav. Brigade
        Purcellville, Oct 29, 9 am
To General R. B. Marcy
       Chief of Staff

 My pickets report the rebels were
making signals throughout the
night from the mountain area
Snickersville Gap-
      Yesterday below Aldie
the women on Fairfax place
threw stones at my command
& waved a secesh flag--this
was a little too much so the
officer made them give up
the flag much to their disgust.
      This side of Union
a rebel foraging party of one
regiment of infantry & one
of cavalry was turned back
making up this way---
     I hear this morning there is
another brigade with Walker
near Upperville---
         Very respectfully
            A. Pleasonton
               Brig. Gen.

[page 2]


An officer from picket has
just come in to report that a
Union Quaker who escaped yesterday
from the rebels, told him he saw
Longstreet at  Upperville day
before yesterday--that he had
18,000 men, & that his soldiers
said they were going to
Manassas--
         A. Pleasonton
               Brig. Gen &

MSS 495

1862 October 29 Purcellville 1 P.M.

   Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
   Purcellville Oct 29:  1 P.M.
To General R. B. Marcy
    Chief of Staff
   A negro boy has just come in
who has run away--his master
being about to send him off to the
rebel Army--This boy was at
Winchester last Thursday--says
the soldiers talked about falling
back towards the Rappahannock
Heard his young master say there
would be a move of rebel Army
soon--The soldiers had a hard
time at Winchester, did not
get anything to eat sometimes
for several days--getting tired
of the war--Soldiers said that
Gen. Lee would not exchange
any more Loudon county
soldiers they were so worthless
     Shall send him to Hd. Qrs--
My pickets captured a spy this
morning, who if guilty ought
to be shot--for this is the
only way to make these people
[behave?] themselves
          A. Pleasonton
                Brig Genl

MSS 495

1862 October 29 Purcellville 2.15 P.M.

[from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

Hd Qrs,  Cav. Brigade
Purcellville Oct 29, 2. P.M.

To General R. B. Marcy
     Chief of Staff
My pickets on the Catochin Moun
tain, saw the rebel camp fires
at Middleburg last night--they
were about a mile long--a
Quaker (Union) told them this morning
there was abbout[sic] 1200 infantry
& cavalry at Middleburg--The
fires were put out in a short time.
      A negro who came thro'
Snickersville gap on Monday when
my advance was driven back says
it was well we did not try to go
on-as they had cannon all the
way up the Gap & were bringing
more under the impression
our Army intended to cross at
that point--The force there,
he says was infantry-
      It looks as if the force
at Middleburg was making its way
to Aldie to go to Manassas--
   I shall send in that
Quarter tomorrow & will find out
my force today is too [occupied?] to
[?]  it--very respectfully
               A. Pleasonton
                       Brig. General

MSS 495
 

1862 October 29 Purcellville 8.15 P.M.

[from the dispatch of General Alfred Pleasonton]

Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct 29. 8.15 P.M.

To General R. B. Marcy
    Chief of Staff
        a citizen of Maryland from
Winchester today has just been
brought in by my pickets who
states he escaped from prison this
morning as they were releasing
some Federal prisoners--&
crossed the Shanandoah below Snickers
Gap --He reports the rebel
army moving from Winchester
to Staunton--that there is now
only two hundred infantry
& three regiments of cavalry
now in Winchester doing
provost duty over prisoners-
  The rebel Army he says
is in [?] condition
that provisions were very high
& bread & beef are the daily
issues--(over)


  [page 2]
  I think this man is a
deserter from Stuarts cavalry
who probably joined him in
his late raid & is tired of
his bargain---
     A Union gentleman from
Waterford--told me today that
he was in Winchester some ten
days ago--& that he saw a
provost guard called to arrest
a suspected person & that out
of the ten men of the guard
six were bare footed & that
this was the average condition
of their Army--he thought
the soldiers looked dispirited.
         Very respectfully
             A. Pleasonton
                Brig. Genl


MSS 495

1862 October 29 Williamsport, Md.

[from the diary of John Ward of the 102nd Pennsylvania]


Oct 29th
Camp Nere Williamport
the Regt Was
Inspected to Day
By Col Rusall of
the 7th Mass.
Whe Recivd orders
to march at 2 oclock
and Whe march
to Downintwon 4
miles and in Camp
Col Rowley got
to the Regt to Day

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 October 29 Camp E. D. Keyes

Oct 29

Father
We have not recd orders yet
to pack up but expect to every
minute.
I just recd those stamps you
sent.
If you see Martin will you
pay him 25 cts.  I could not
make change when I bought
dinner when I came home---
 Shall carry that comforter
with me as we put all our
luggage into boxes and
mark them Hospital Stores.
  If you think best you
can continue my Life Policy
I will pay half the cost
             Your Affectionate son
                   C.P. Morrill
        In hurry

Charles Plummer Morrill
24th Maine

MSS 11031

1862 October 29 Arlington, Va.

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



Wed 29.  Fine day, little unwell – wrote – fixed up , camp, tents &c
returned early.  stove draws well.  how much depends on little
circumstances – have reduced P[ost]. office business to more system –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 October 29 Adair County, Ky.

[from the diary of Captain William F. Hunter, Co. b., 97th Ohio]


     Oct. 29th, ’62.
Still cold and
clear. Ordered to
be ready to march
at 6 o’clock to-mor-
row morning.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

1862 October 29 farm near Savannah Ohio

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

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1862

This morning I
started to Savannah
Had to stop by the
way some
Called at Thomas Hogs
also to see Ed &
Mrs Scotts  had dinner
there went up to see
mrs Sloneckers Bob[?]
came down home
with me to see
some [?]
Clear fine  day
Father & the boys
making cider.


MSS 10317

1862 October 29 Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Last night Pa had two lights burned all
night to prevent the soldiers stealing--but this
morning he found that two bee  hives have gone,
strange to tell-we-all , slept more soundly than
usual=Jacque, & I, did not awake during
the night which is very strange.
   This morning early the soldiers moved, but
much to our astonishment, during breakfast a
guard appeared, said that a large force were
in the woods=Pa was very sorry for it, but determined
to make the best of it & did not complain-
went up & invited Generals A. P. Hill, Pender,
Archer, Dr. Hoyt, Capt Williams colonel Thomas
to dinner.  We enjoyed seeing them very much.
General Hill is an exceedingly pleasant gentlemanly
person.  Company was coming in all day-
Pa saw Willie Dallam, but he could not see
[Chinn?],= I feel that it has been an
unprofitable day, I would not spend
another such, I have not enjoyed reading
& I could not sew. O when will I learn to
follow the right path unwaveringly?
I was very negligent several times to day & I might
so easily have avoided it by not [seeing?]
two gentleman were seen by B[ertie] and F[annie] to take a bottle
of whiskey from the pantry=I am so angry
at this=couldnt have believed it.
Capt. Grenshaw, Lieut Holsum took tea here also
[Turpin?] Beale & Smith.

MSS 15406