Friday, November 30, 2012

1862 December 1 Post Hospital

                                   Post Hospital  Dec 1st/62
Dear Mother
                        I received your letter containing a
Thanksgiving day at about 11 1/2 o'clock so off to
get my oysters, ham & eggs, &c for dinner so
I had a good Thanksgiving after all the same
day I received a letter from Wm Mansfield
Yesterday I received another from home
I cant conceive what is the reason my letters
did not go better.  As Frank Perkins said I have
not heard but one sermon since the campaign
began I had just got to where a man
was going to preach but was called away
to see a friend.  Day before yesterday I saw
Dr Lyon gain he had been down to Aquia
Creek.  Tell James Morse I hope I shall see
him at Uncles some of these odd days
when the war is over  which I hope will
be soon.  Tell Ann it was decidedly too
bad Frank did not see Laura Simonds
and it was bully good in her to give
you that stove I wish I could do something
for you but under the present
circumstances I dont see what I can do
I am glad you had so much for
Thanksgiving should have liked to have

[page 2]
helped to eat it but my arm was not quite
long enough to reach though it will stretch
pretty well at times.  Did you suppose I would
tell the doctor that I had no clothes not a
bit of it.  the Sanitary Commission coming
over here with great load of clothing but
it was all given out to those worse off
than I was some were without any shirt
at all.  Tell Jona. to be content if I dont
get that little brush as it is doing some
poor fellow some good it is ridiculous
& shameful that we cant get a cent of
pay & $65 due me now if I had it I
could buy clothing by paying 3 times
it worth here but doubt Johnny Harlow
is happy at the idea of going South but
he will wish himself back again soon
There is nothing of importance here for news
all looking to see what Burnside will
do hope he will give them a good
welting if he does then on to Richmond
with the army
    With much love
        From you aff son
                  Wm Wallace

William Wallace Smith, Co. B., 22nd Massachusetts

MSS 15360

1862 December 1 near Nashville, Tenn.

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



     Dec. 1st., ’62.
A most violent
thunder storm last
night; the rain fell in
torrents.
Cloudy this morn-
ing, but not rain-
ing. Quite cool.
This afternoon we
were reviewed, pre-
paratory, it is said,
to a general review
by General Rosecrans.
Col. Wagoner’s quar-
ters are now on
the very same ground
that the[y] were last
winter!

Cannonading heard
this P.M. of[f] to the
W.S.W., in the direc-
tion of McCook’s di-
vision.


[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

1862 December 1 Stafford Court House

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


Dec 1st Monday
Left aquce crick
Landing this
Moring at 8 oclok
around at camp
2 ½ mile from
Stafford C House
and in Camp there

[Written in margin: “march 10 miles to Day”]

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

1862 December 1, Canonsburg, Pa.




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

Monday, Dec. 1, 1862
Left Maths
this forenoon went
down to Johns [?]
some  had dinner
with Kate & Hunt
& Mrs Hanna
Went up to Maths
remained there
clearing    thought to
go to Uncle Maxwells
but did not
remained at Maths
Cloudy like snow


MSS 10317

1862 November 1 "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.



[from the diary of Mary S. Boydon of "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.]

Monday Dec 1st About dusk a soldier asked to
stay all night--On being asked to show his pass-
he said he had none-that the colonel had told
him to go on without one, nobody would take
him up-He talked very pitifully, said his
feet were sore &c-& Ma said he might stay
at least till father came home--On hearing
this he said he had a friend at the road
he wished to speak to -& went off, & we have
not seen him since.  He was without doubt
a deserter.  Raleigh sick with a bad cold & could
not attend school.  Celestine still sick also-A
very mild case of jaundice, however--How good
God is!  He makes all our illnesses so mild!
News today that France has proposed to England
& Russia to intervene in American affairs, and
stop this effusion of blood. Russia & England
both decline, however- & it is doubted whether
the United States would accept intervention--
Perhaps an armistice would not be for our real
good as the treacherous enemy would doubtless
use the interval to provide yet greater force to
break our spirit, & overcome us.  The Lord
will bring all things right in His own good
time--This is the day appointed to pray for
peace--I prayed, &, though very feeble, as I
trust int he name of Jesus alone, God will
hear my prayer I believe.


Precept-"What God has cleansed, call not thou
common"--Acts.11:9

Prayer- "Thou, O Lord art my defender"- Ps. 3:3

Promise-"Blessed are all they that put their trust
in him."  Ps. 146:0.

MSS 4208

1862 December 1 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Moday 1st of December--No box again from Charlotte--One letter from
Mary Wilson--Eliza & Mrs Campbell have gone to Raleigh to shop &

have Eliza's dresses made--this has been a singular day--one hour
bright sunshine--the next as dark as night--Now & then a heavy
shower--Sarah doesn't feel well--William as lively as a bird--The scarlet
fever is prevailing which worries Sarah very much--No letter from Liz
I cant account for her silence.

MSS 6960

1862 December 1 Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Monday, December 1, 1862

Accomplished as little as I usually
do on Monday, though I rose very early &
kindled my own fire & had all
my little ones dressed in time to read
a little before breakfast--


Was washing Mr. Amblers inkstand &
broke the tube.  Am so sorry--I have enjoyed
using it so much & loved to have it
for his sake=It is ever thus . - . .

--------
 Feel low spirited: There are many
many reasons for it.

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

MSS 15406



1862 December 1 Lynchburg, Va.


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

Wednesday Dec 1--Weather threatening-but
it cleared up at night & the moon
came out beautifully--Find our
nett earning for the half year 7.65
exclusive of Int on investments, which
would add 3 1/2 or 4 more.  This is the
best we have ever done--Irby told me
he could realise ten cent  on my
tobacco but advises me not to sell yet
-I shall wait a while--Very impor
-tant news--France has proposed to Russia
& England to intervene--the former
gives a milk & water  answer--Ld
John Russell thinks it is not yet
time.  But Napoleon never gives up
an idea and he will compel England
to act with him--The plan is to in
sist on an armistice 6 mos. during
which all operations to cease---and
of course the blockade to be raised--
I nearly believe the war can be ended
only in this way--Burnsides still
at Fredg-and fortifying.  They are
a queer people to invade a country
and fortify--Eugene is preparing
t start Wednesday.  His servant
Pleas arrived to day.  I think of
going with him as far as the uni
versity.


MSS 4763

1862 November 30 New Bern, N.C.

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

Sunday
Nov 30
a nice pleasant day.  We had no inspection
this morning as we had the monthly review
and inspection this afternoon.  This evening George
and I went down to Phineas' tent and staid most
of the evening.  How much we miss the New England
Sabbath out here in the army.

MSS 11293

Thursday, November 29, 2012

1862 November 30 Richmond

Richmond  Nov 30th
My Dear Friend
I am generally so
prompt at writing to you that I expect you
think I have forgotten you by this time.
If I did not have a good reason for
not writing I should be ashamed of my-
self but the truth of the matter is I have
not had time,  Sidney Strother agreeably
surprised me on Saturday last with a visit
and he and I had a most agreeable chat
for an hour or so--and I regret very much
I did not see him more.  Sidney gave
me a most excellent account of you and
pleased me very much by telling me you
were the most studious and promising young
man in school.  How you have changed
since you used to catch hold of the back
of my chair at [Volgar and Saltons?] and

[page 2]
almost break my neck by pulling me over-
Yes my boy you were truly a studious
fellow then--My Duck has been away from
here for three or four weeks and if ever you
did see a poor disconsolate, lonesome young
man I am that very same individual--
as Sam Weller says--I have received only
one letter from her and that too on business--
While I would take great pleasure in attend-
ing to any business for you her I think
she might also give an account of her-
self, but her letter was strictly speaking
a real business epistle.
I wish you had been here to the hauling
up of the Old General--I do not expect
he has travelled so fast before for some
time, for he certainly came from the Dock
to the Capital Square in double quick time-
We are to have a gay time of it during

[page 3]
the 22nd of February when he will be uncov-
ered and left exposed to the weather all during
the winter upon the summit of that icy rock
called the monument.  the Lexington Cadets
are coming down to the Celebration on that
day-and I suppose you will come too--
If my company can uniform themselves
and be perfectly drilled by that time I'll
turn out to receive them but I'm afraid
the hard times have thrown our company
back upon our oars and there we'll
have to rest until the times get easier
Give my best love to all the Boys I
am acquainted with and tell Phil
Haxall I'll write to him soon.
Answer this as soon as you get it
as I am very anxious to hear from you
                   Your Sincere Friend
                     Jas W. Pegram

Major James W. Pegram, later known for his efforts to assemble an African American Confederate Brigade

MSS 2516

1862 November 30 near Fredericksburg

 [camp near Fredericksburg]

Sunday 30th

My Dear Father

Night caught me last

night before I could finish it writing.

Mr. Bradly starts immediately so I can

write no more. The mail came

just now, but no letter for me from

home. Our cook is sick, & I

am cook to day. We bought a

turkey yesterday for 2 dollars

& I must devise some way of

cooking it. None of our

cooking utensils are large enough

except a camp boiler & it has

been suggested to boil it.

Farewell Dear Father

W. H. Perry, Jr.

[page 4]

There is nothing new this mor-

ning. Give my best love to Mother, George & all.

Does Lan’s health improve?

William H. Perry, Jr., of the Richmond Howitzers

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 7786-d

 

1862 November 30 Chancellors near Fredericksburg

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

                             Sunday 30
Started at day light
stopped at 3 oclock P.M.
within 10 miles of
Fredericksburg.
at Chancellors

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 4448

1862 November 30 Camp Cumberland

              Camp Cumberland
                   Nov. 30th, / 62
My Darling Pet Birdie
                                         Your
beautiful favor, & letter contain-
ing father's are received, & I am
cut down to a few minutes
amid the confusion of getting
extra grub.

[Letter of Captain Henry S. Spaulding, of the 38th New Jersey to his wife Anna "Birdie" Spaulding will continue on December 2]

MSS 38-156

1862 November 30 Camp Tillinghast

[letter of Sgt. Robert P. Mansfield, Co. M., 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, continues]

                     Sunday afternoon Nov 30
I thought I would wait untill I heard from
you, before sending this, I have received no letter
from you since last Saturday (Nov 22) there
is I hear some detention of the Mail, somewhere
Last night night[sic] I sat up with Earp, he has
had a relaspe[sic], caused by his going out to
soon, and taking cold, he is very sick,
and out of his head most of the time.
It will be a long time before he recovers
if he ever does,  I have my doubts of his
recovery, I was quite dissappointed in not
receiving a letter from you last night.  I
began to think that perhaps you or the
children might be sick, God grant that
such may not be the case

[page 4]
I must tell you again what a big feast we
have had through thanksgiven week, We
have had seven boxes during the week, con-
taining, Turkeys, Chickens, Fresh Pork, Mince
and Apple Pies, Sausages, Pickles & Preserves,
Apples, Plum Puddings, Cake, and a great
many other goodies, to numerous to men-
tion,  we have two more boxes coming
this next week, You would'nt think we
were Grahamites if you could see how
fast such things disappear about these
times.  I dont think of anything more
of importance to write to you now,
I shall anxiously await a letter from
you,  I think I shall get one tomorrow
night,  I will write and let you know
if I do, the middle of next week,
Please send me some postage stamps,
I have to borrow now,  Give my love
to all inquiring friends, Kiss the darlings
for me, accept a thousand for your-
self, and ever believe me the same in love
now and ever,  Your truly--Robert

MSS 1242

1862 November 30 East New York

                East New York
                  Nov. 30, 1862
Feeling a little lazy I have
neglected writing until it is quite
late in the afternoon, and as I have
written every Sabbath since we have been
here I will write a few lines now.
Will answer your questions in proper
order.
First, I enjoy myself just as well
as I can under the circumstance.
The labor  have to perform is no onerous
at all, every night about 5 o'clock
I have to go the rounds with my book
& pencil & take the names of all the
sick that have come into Hospital during
the day.  Enter their names in a book kept
for the purpose stating disease date of
entering &c  Look after the Hospital
Blankets sheets &c and see that the nurses
keep their wards clean.  I should rather

[page 2]
be in the ranks than a nurse in a
Hospital. it takes the strongest men
there are in the Regt.
  I have had colds since leaving Augusta
2 or three.  my throat has not
troubled me much.
  I have had no diarrhea since
leaving Augusta.  We get good coffee
& good bread and first rate whisky.
  I dont know whether any women
go with the Regt. after we leave
here.  I have not lost any clothes yet.
  Will send my miniature as soon as
I can.
  We are about four miles from Beechers
church.  can go in and out for 10 cts.
  have received no Indemendant[sic] for sine
time.
That red box I sold the day we
left Augusta.
  Give my best regards to Mrs. Stanby.
  The 45 was very acceptable
                  Your affectionate son
                          C.P.M.

Charles Plummer Morrill, 24th Maine

MSS 11031



1862 November 30 camp near Fairfax Seminary

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



Sun 30.  Fine.  Inspection so long, no morng. service.  must see
Col. about it.  Visited hospitals – talked & prayed with
them – hung up cards of SS – in four dift.  tents & some[?].
                                 was about to
Just as Afternoon Service ^ begin – orders came to march
at 12.  tomorrow with shelter tents & seven days rations –
Preached. fr. Surely [symbol for "God"] is in this place & I knew it not –
We have abt. 200 off duty.  It is sd. Burnside is repulsed –
don’t believe it – Don’t know where we are to go –
Camp all astir getting ready.  I went to hospitals - & at
suggestion of a pious nurse established family worship
in four wards – while I am away – also conducted a
[Either a word missing or Butler intended to write "one" instead of "a"]
in Camp in F. in P.M.  Much pleased both they & I
& now may God prepare us for what is before us
tomorrow – we leave one sick - & one Doctor - & the Camp
standing for in charge of Adjutant.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 November 30 near Nashville

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


     Nov. 30th, ’62.
Still in camp.
In compliance with
the spirit and letter
of the recent proc-
lamation of the
President, the labor

of to-day has been
“reduced to the mea-
sure of strict ne-
cessity.”
Inspection of arms, &
preaching this fore-
noon. Raining some
this P.M.
Dress parade at 4
P.M.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

1862 November 30 near Aquia Creek

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

Nov 30th Sunday

Recd orders to
march to morrow
to Foyen the
Brdge tomorrow
moring 2 miles
from Stafford

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 November 30, Canonsburg, Pa.



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

Sunday, Nov. 30, 1862

[Templeton still using ink that has faded almost to illegibility]

This morning
went down to [?]
Johns & changed  my
clothing Came back
to Maths & went
with Harriet to
Church came back
to Maths after dinner
Eva & I went over
to   Thom  Montforts
are now at Maths
Cloudy raining
now

MSS 10317

1862 November 30 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former newspaper publisher and civilian employee of the quartermaster dept.]


Sunday night, Nov 30, 1862.
This afternoon as Va and I sat by the fire in our room, there was a rap at the dining-room door. Some one came to answer, then I heard Kitty's voice, and a running up stairs, and finally Kate came in with a note from Alick, stating that he had just returned from Legh's — that Bell had given birth to twins, one of whom has a "hare lip." We feel greatly distressed. Bell had met Glendy (Wm), who is disfigured in that way, at Henderson's, one of her neighbors. — May the parents be enabled to feel that God has ordered the matter.

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258

1862 November 30 "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.



[from the diary of Mary S. Boydon of "Hopedale," Abemarle County, Va.]

Sunday 30th  Fifth Sunday--Father preached at
Barboursville Celestine rose this morning
quite yellow--we believe it is jaundice

Precept-"Let all flesh give thanks unto his
holy name for ever & ever"--Ps 145:21

Prayer- "All they works praise thee O Lord"- Ps. 145:10

Promise-"The Lord careth for the stranger ."  Ps. 146:0.

MSS 4208

1862 November 30 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Sunday 30th  We all went to church--It was communion day-& a full
congregation--The money put in the plate was to go to sick & wounded
soldiers--A letter from Tom.  He is near Fredericksburg--Noah arrived safely
MSS 6960

1862 November 30 Fauquier County, Va.



[[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Sunday, November 30, 1862

Arose early-
                   gave my letter a slight
twist & sent it by Mr. Hoff.

Pa heard the Yankees had gone
back=he also heard that our
pickets had returned & that the [Gen?]
had taken about 50 of White's cavalry
& all of his baggage & a great deal that he
had captured from them....

Had a quiet time twice to day to
read which I hope that I improved & I
certainly enjoyed it. -.--------

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

MSS 15406

1862 November 30 Lynchburg, Va.



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

Sunday 30  A fine bright & not very cold
day.  I see in the Virginian with
some introductory remarks, a piece
of poetry called "Rodes Brigade"
published during the summer in the
Rich? papers. It was written by
a young Carter-brother of the gal-
lant Capt Carter, who commands the
battery attached to the Brigade and
a nephew of H.Carter of Shirley
I think the lines are as splendid as
any I have seen [?] by the war.
The writer was killed in a skirmish
a few days after Malvern Hills.  In
the introductory remarks, which are
intended to recount the services of the
Brigade, it is mentioned that Eugene
is major of the 5" one of the Regi-
ments of the Brigade
Lanty recd a note this morning
from Mrs. Col. Steptoe requesting
him to act as a sponsor for her child
whom she wishes baptised this evening
at 3.  This is a great compliment to
his christian character. Fine sermon
by Mr. Kinckle.  At three the bap
tism took place and qr past
3 we had evening services.


MSS 4763

1862 November 29 New Bern, N.C.

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

Saturday
Nov. 29
Battalion drill this forenoon and a great
time we had of it too.  In the afternoon got
ready for inspection and fixed our bunks.

MSS 11293

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

1862 November 29 near Fredericksburg, Va.


2 miles of Fredericksburg

Nov. 29th 1862

My Dear Father

I have not received a letter from

you since we got to this place. And one of

the company, who has entered a substitute,

leaves tomorrow & I take the opportunity

to send a letter. Every thing is quiet. I never got

to Fredbg., not being allowed to go. But some

of our company muster up a sufficient

excuse to take them there occasionally – they

say the enemy’s pickets stand in full view

on the other side of the river, which is

here about two hundred yards & ours on

this side. The town looks almost as if

it was deserted. The citizens are returning

slowly to town. The shelling of the cars,

which I wrote to you of, scared one lady to

death. She was however sick before.

You inquired if the army was much

destitute. I can not give a satisfactory

answer. Longstreet’s whole corps is here – but

I have seen only a few save those who

are in our brigade. Of these a good

many are without shoes. They do not

appear to be much in need of other

clothes – unless they would like to wash


[page 2]

and change clothes; then I suppose they have

no change. Socks I fear are not used

much. Tents are not used – but flys –you

saw one fly around Richmond. Indeed

the infantry have none of these – I

suppose they could be procured, but

the infantry could not transport them

& would lose them on the first move. The

authorities seem to be more anxious than

heretofore to furnish them & are supply-

ing some – but not enough - hitherto she[?]

has[?] been very negligent in that de-

partment as well as in the commis-

sary – this latter does not improve – all

a soldier draws is meat, flower [flour] & a little

salt. A Colonel of a Mississippi regi-

ment said a few days since that

there were two hundred men in his reg-

iment without shoes – I did not believe

him. He also said they had subscribed

1500 dollars for purchasing them privately.

If mother has any homespun flannel

a very good over shirt could be made out

of it if she could dye it. Brown or a lead

culler [color] or any dark culler would do. Please

ask her to make such a shirt, for an

outer shirt, if it is convenient to dye


[page 3]

it. But do not let her give herself any

trouble – I will not probably want them for

some time but when convenient if she will

make those articles. I will call for them

when I want them.

There were two crops of wheat about

in Culpeper where I went along-

The farmers not having the means

to get it out of the straw – conse-

quently, I suppose, we could not

bring it & had to leave it behind.

[letter of William H. Perry of the Richmond Howitzers will continue on the 30th]

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 7786-d

1862 November 29 Camp Narrows Giles County, Va.

Camp Narrows Giles Cty Va Nov. The 29th 1862
Dear friend I take the opportunity
to write you a few lines to let you
know that these few lines will find
you all well. I have no news to write
you that will interest you, we have
made some peperations[sic] for winter here.
I think that we probaly will stay here
this winter, if nothing new takes place.
it is a snowing here now a looks
like there mite be a deep snow. there
was Three of our company ran away
last night. I will give you thier
names Reed Boyd, RollyK[?]
and Rubin P. Terry.  I want to
come home verry bad but I dont
think I will runaway yet awile
for they get to punishing runaways
tolerable bad.  I would like to
hear from Sanders write to me
when you hear from him

[page 2]
I will have to be very short now
for it is dark I sent you Twenty
Dollars by Asa Scott which
you can do with, as I have
before dirrected and I sent
you thirty Postage stamps
so I will have to close
for this time.  I still remain
your friend  H.A. Heffelfinger
            To-   Delilah P. Jessup

Henry A. Heffelfinger, Co. K, 50th Virginia

MSS 13257

1862 November 29 near Orange Court House


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

Started at day and
camped at night at
Vedeersville 2 miles before
Orange C.H.

[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 4448

1862 November 29 Fredericksburg, Va.

[from the "War Journal" of George Hazen Dana of the 32nd Masssachusetts as compiled by himself from wartime letters and diaries]



                                                           Near Fredericksburg.
                                                                Nov. 29th 1862.
- -  -  -  I rode to Falmouth, yesterday, on
business, and then extended my ride along the
banks of the Potomac for about two miles; in
some parts the river not exceeding fifty feet in
width, our pickets reclining on the banks on this
side, the “grey backs” on the other.        The pickets
have agreed not to fire upon each other, but I felt
very uncertain whether they would include me in
that category.        I could hear them talk, dis-
tinctly – said one “How easy I could pick that
feller off his horse” – but I rode along without
a shot, and would not have missed the ride for
a farm, for one seldom has such a close look at
the “rebs.”

[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5130
                                                                                         29.

1862 November 29 Fort Tillinghast, Va.

                 Fort Tillinghast, Va, Nov 29/62
                                    Friday, PM.
Dear Wife,
          I have been expecting to hear from
you for the last two days.  I have as yet,
received no letter from you this week  I
expect to receive one from you to day.
I am enjoying first rate health, Yesterday
(Thanksgiven day)  we had a very quiet
time, we had plenty to eat, Turkeys and
Plum Puddings in abundance. We have
had, in my mess, three boxes this week,
and there is four more coming to-day,
I think they will be about as much
as we can take care of this week.
Some of the Messes had six boxes
come yesterday, each one containing
a turkey.  Next week, Capt Chandler's
wife is coming out here to make him
a visit, she is to bring her oldest boy
with her, and Capt C. talks of keeping
him all winter. I dont think Capt
C. looks at things in the same light

[page 2]
that I do, if he did he would never
keep his boy here among soldiers all the
winter.  I would'nt have Ernie (as
much as I would like to see him)
come here to stay this winter for
anything, he would be spoiled in a
month, such conversation as he
would hear from the soldiers would
ruin him, in my estimation, for-
ever, Yesterday, I think was the pleas-
                    at this time of year
antest day that I ever saw  I had
a good mind to be homesick, but after
due consideration of the matter
I came to the wise conclusion that
it would do no good, to be homesick
so I gave it up, and ate my turkey
like a martyr, but still I wanted
to be with you and the children
very much, I'll bet I will spend
next thanksgiven with you, if
we are all spared alive, untill
that time, I mailed a letter to you
on Monday last, (Nov 24th)  We have

[page 3]
not untill yesterday, received our
mail regularly for the last week,  there
was, I hear, some delay in Baltimore
Earp still continues to improve, and
if noting new of sickness, takes hold
of him, he will soon be well
enough to resume his duties

[letter of Sgt. Robert P. Mansfield, 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery will continue on the 30th]

MSS 1242

1862 November 29 Camp near Fairfax Seminary

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



Sat 29. Our men have had fine weather for picket – two Soldiers
woke me up last night, to consult about sending home
or burying here, their deceased comrade - .
A package of 1000 temperance tracts for my SS. arrived last
night.  We have suffered but very little thus far fr.
intemperance – God shield us in future.
Three or four men in 27”. Camp, are marching thro.
their streets with bricks in their Knapsacks – to tune of
rogues march – escort in front arms reversed, behind with
Charged bayonets -      We raised our camp flag today
Wrote Mother of poor Harris, we bury him today with
military honors – in grave yd. nr. Camp – He had an
intemperate father & wretched home I hear – I hope the
poor fellow found Jesus even in his latest moments.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 November 29 near Nashville

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



     Nov. 29th, ’62.
Still in camp;
nothing unusual
occurred to-day to
relieve the monot-
ony of camp life,
to me it is quite a-
greeable as it af-
fords me an op-
portunity of resting
my feet.
Battalion drill, &
dress parade this
afternoon.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm                      

1862 November 29 camp near Aquia Creek

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


Nov 29th Satardy
this is a verey
Nice Day for this
time of the year
Capt Mcgloring &
Luts W Day came to the
Regt to Day

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 November 29, Canonsburg, Pa.





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

Saturday, Nov. 29, 1862
Did not get home
until late hence slept
late this morning
went with John to
Maths for wagon &
helped haul wood

[at this point Templeton begins using a new ink which has faded almost to illegibility]

got horse ready
to take Aunt to
[?] Montfords but
as we were ready
[Uncle Charles?] came
along & we went
with them & remained
after they came back
I came over with
[?]  & stayed all
night

Cloudy with little
snow

MSS 10317

1862 November 29 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former newspaper publisher and civilian employee in the Quartermaster Dept.]





Saturday night, Nov. 29, 1862.
Still no war news. All quiet at Fredericksburg. Great complaints through the newspapers of outrages by the enemy upon our people in various parts of the country, and calls upon the Government for retaliation — The Richmond Enquirer — generally very cautious — advises our soldiers to shoot down every "Zouave" they may capture. One of these captures, wearing red breeches and red cap has been walking our streets for more than a week past, with other prisoners of war. Why they are detained here, I cannot tell. The shooting of ten citizens in Mississippi, by order of a Yankee General, caused a general outcry for revenge. Yesterday a report came from Winchester that McClellan and Seymour (Gov- elect of N. Y.) had been arrested and sent to Fort Lafayette. Not believed. More horses sold to-day. The sales of horses, wagons +c amount to about $13,000. Virginia told me to-night that we had been drinking rye, without any mixture of coffee, for several weeks, our supply of the latter having given out! I had not detected it. Miss Agnes brought a pound                   or two of coffee as a present from Dr Wills to Va. Linsey for servants' dresses now sells at $2.50 per yard. The people are obliged to give the Factory prices, whatever they are, and the proprietors seem determined to exact the last cent. The extortion practised by those who have anything to sell,                   adds greatly to the hardship of the times. As a consequence, theft and robbery are becoming common. Port is selling at $20 per hundred. I learn that persons have been hauling off my wood, on the road near Legh's, which I had cut for our own use — I have not been able to get it all brought in. Wood sells at $7.00 a cord.

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258

1862 November 29 "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.



[from the diary of Mary S. Boydon of "Hopedale," Abemarle County, Va.]

Saturday 29th Father got home to day--He
has been to Richmond while we were all won=
=dring what had become of him--Bought
in R. 6 lbs coffee sugar for which he paid
$4.50 or 75 cts a pound.  Pippins are selling
at $20 a barrel, & dried apples at from 6 t0
10 dollars--shoes are $20 a pair, calico $11.50 a yd
Poor Chap Gordon has been dead two weeks
& was taken to Richmond for interment.  Two
soldiers called to get dinner.   One was entirely
without shoes--Gave him a pair of socks-


Precept-"Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for
he is gracious"--Ps 136:1

Prayer- "Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth
thee"- Ps. 142:10

Promise-"The Lord will avenge the poor ."  Ps. 140:12.

MSS 4208

1862 November 29 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Saturday 29th  Very cloudy again.  Only one letter & that from the
gentleman that wants to rent my house--Mrs DeRossett has re
turned from home after buying the house from Mrs Morrow $6000
&500--A letter from Mrs Kennedy saying Elizas box was sent by
express with her bonnet & frock from Charlotte three or 4 days ago but
it has not arrived & Eliza is very much worried--Sarah has just re-
ceived a letter from Fred & one from her Ma--She spends to day out-
A very mean breakfast we had this morning-But better than the poor
soldiers have-

MSS 6960

1862 November 29 Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Saturday, November 29, 1862

Was anxious to get a piece of
work done & sewed busily all day came to
my room quite early & after haveing put
all my little ones to sleep sad down to
prepare for the Sabbath--
What does a review of the past week
show. sin, sin, sin.  I go on in my
own strength endeavouring to do my duty-
I am not asking right or I know that God
would give me more of his grace to strengthen
me, help me, & teach me to stand--O that
I would cast aside all righteousness of mine own=Come
to Jesus--O' Lord, I believe, help thou mine
unbelief- - - . .

Just as I was ready to retire heard footsteps
& voices coming, went to the window & heard
some one ask to stay all night.  It proved to
to[sic] be Mr Lackland & Mr Hoff-were running
from the Yankees.  They had appeared in
Berryville & all of our pickets have been
drawn from there to, or near, Winchester-
=I was so shocked that I could not
sleep & woke up very early the
next morning

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

MSS 15406








1862 November 29 Lynchburg, Va.


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

Saturday 29  Weather threatening--though
it cleared up at night & moderated
discounted all we could--our portfolio
for the last 6 mos are more than 7 1/2
percent, exclusive of Int on our bonds
which will amt to 3 1/2 more
This is doing well Our discount
line is more larger than any bank
in Richd or in the state I believe--
much surprized by a note from
Sam Miller, the clerk & factotum
of [Beall Stronberger?] in his palmy
days & whose sudden disappearance
gave rise to so many conjectures
at one time.  There was suspicion attach
-ed to him, but I think without grounds.
He settled in Kanawha afterwards studied
law-was highly esteemed and was
making a fortune, when the war
broke out--He was driven from his home
entered our army as Quarter Master
& was a few weeks since elected to
the House of Representatives to fill a
vacancy.  He is a good deal changed
but I should have recognized him
though it is 23 years since I saw  him
last--Many & various calls upon
my time and attention during the
day--At night none of the boys
were at home until late, and I em
-ployed the time in putting the air
pump in order--The glass plate for
the receiver was broke.  Some days
ago I succeeded in drilling a hole
in a piece of plate glass 3/8 " thick
and in cutting it by a diamond
roughly into a circle--I had no dif
ficulty with a coarse file wet with
spirits of wine in [dressing?] the edges
in a third of the time it would have
taken had the disk been metal.  I
set it with cement in the brass
rim and found the pump worked
normally--The effect of spirits of
turpentine thus applied, I have long
known, but have never been able
to explain the modus operandi.
I intend to try whether glass may
not be turned on the lathe---It is
as most important discovery.  I can
cut & work glass by the aid of the
spirits of Turpentine as easily as
metal.


MSS 4763

1862 November 28 New Bern, N.C.

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

Friday
Nov 28

Wrote a letter home this forenoon.  While I
was writing the camp was alarmed by
firing, but it proved to be our own men shooting
cattle.  A flag of truce came down to our lines.

MSS 11293

1862 November 28 Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.

                                      Camp near
      Fredericksburg, Novr 28th /1862
Dear Bill
              I wrote you from Gordonsville
& from beyond the Rapidan but the last
letter I recd from you was dated Octr 31st
I suppose you have written others but I
have not yet got them.  I send by Dr Farley
four hundred dollars to be deposited in the
Farmers Bank at Richmond to your credit
I do not know that you need it--if not
keep it-or let Lizzie use as much of it
as she may require, if she does require
any----.  We are now before Fredericksburg
waiting- like Micawber- for something
to turn up in the fighting way-but for
my part I hope the Yankes will let us
rest this winter--it is getting downright
cold-what about my clothing?  i have
written you long letters on the subject
did you get them.  Direct your letters
to Toombs Brigade--Hoods Division--it used
to  be Whitings--Love to all--in haste
                        Your affectionate
                            Brother
                               W B Gregory
P.S. I send $380--not
four hundred as above
             WBG

William B. Gregory, Surgeon in the 2nd Alabama Volunteers

MSS 4777

1862 November 28 Camp on Plank Road near Tom Newmans


         Camp on Plank Road near Tom Newmans
My own darling   Thursday or Friday 28” Nov [1862]
We arrived here to day & have orders to march
tomorrow morning in the direction of Fredericksburg.  I
was at Frescatti & took supper & saw your father George
David Florence Lam & Het  all well & in fine spirits
I had a good supper and being very hungry en-
joyed it vastly.  I am standing the marching first
rate & am to day apparently perfectly well.  I
hope the change of weather & of water has done
what medicine failed to do.  Capt Byrd and
Mr Effinger arrived this evening.  I met them on
the road and learned that you were all well
and that you were talking of sending Billy
to me.  This I will never consent to in the
world  you must keep Billy for yourself and
I will do very well.  I this morning sent a note

[page 2]
to Col Walker requesting him to let George
report to me tomorrow to act as my orderly
if he grants my request George will bring
Cupid & I shall do very well and so will
George.  Col Taliaferro will probably not re-
turn to the field this winter as I am told
he has been ordered to report for duty in
Richmond – this will leave me in command
of the brigade as long as I remain in the
field.  Lam & Florence told me a good many
little things about you & the children which I
had not heard before & which interests me
of course.  I am kept so very busy my
darling that I have no opportunity to write
long letters.  you must take the will for the deed.
The report here is that the enimy [sic] are crossing
below Fredericksburg  I dont know.
Most affectionately  E.T.H Warren



“Camp on Plank Road near Tom Newmans”, heading – This bivouac was a few miles east of Orange Court House.

“Thursday or Friday 28” Nov”, heading – The day was in fact Friday, 28 November 1862.

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

“Frescatti”, line 3 – Frascati; the ancestral home of Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson Magruder.  It is located a few miles north of Gordonsville.

“your father”, line 3 – James Magruder, Jennie’s 70 year old father.

“George”, line 3; page 2, lines 1, 3, & 5 – Jennie’s brother, George S. Magruder, Private, Company C, 13th VA Infantry.

“David”, line 4 – Jennie’s brother, David W. Magruder, Private, Company C, 13th VA Infantry.

“Capt Byrd”, line 9 – Abraham S. Byrd, Captain, Regimental Quartermaster, 10th VA Infantry.  This position with a regiment was officially designated Assistant Quartermaster.

“Mr Effinger”, line 10 – Gerald M. Effinger, Quartermaster-Sergeant, 10th VA Infantry.

“Billy”, lines 12 & 14 – Servant or slave of the Warren family.

“Col Walker”, page 2, line 1 – James A. Walker, Colonel, 13th VA Infantry.

“Cupid”, page 2, line 4 – Evidently a slave or servant of the Magruder or Warren family.

“Col Taliaferro”, page 2, line 5 – John James Alexander G. Taliaferro, Confederate colonel, commanded the brigade in which the 10th VA Infantry served.  He had been seriously wounded at the Battle of Brawner Farm, 28 August 1862, and was still absent from brigade command.

“the brigade”, page 2, line 9 – At this time, the brigade consisted of the 47th & 48th Alabama Infantry regiments, and the 10th, 23rd, & 37th VA Infantry regiments.

“E.T.H Warren”, page 2, signature – Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Colonel, 10th VA Infantry.

[transcript by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

1862 November 28 Camp Casey, Fairfax Seminary



                             Head Quarters, 1st Brigade, Nov 28 [1862]
                                                      Gel’s Office
Dear Sister Helen,
                             I have been waiting
for a letter, but as I am all alone
this afternoon, I have nothing else
to do but write.  Genl [Wright] has gone over
to Washington to attend the wedding
of Genl Casey’s daughter I don’t
know who she is to marry.  It will
no doubt be a large thing, and there
will be pleanty there to see it.
         I am improving very fast here
like the place first rate   I eat at
the Genl’s table although the 2nd
edition of it and I find its rather

better than stale meat and bread
and little of it at that..     Genl said
that It would do me good to eat
here for 2 or 3 weeks, so I think
he may make some other arrangements
at the end of that time.. but I
have a good bed and shan’t have
to lie out at night as I used to
     The Genl has got a very nice room
for his office and the whole house
is furnished nicely, there is a good
carpet on the floor – a sofa – piano
center table – 2 writing desks – large
easy chairs – pictures on the walls &
a large marble mantle piece with
a grate so that every is cosey down
here   In his bedroom there is a large
rose wood bedsted  2 large wardrobes
of the same material – a nice dressing
table – a marble top wash stand and
a grate here also so that we have
it warm all around..  It is a very
pretty house and nice grounds

around it..     About a week ago
I was thinking and made up
my mind that I should have
to go without my Thanksgiving
dinner this year certainly but
as luck or something as good
or better would have it I fared
about as well yesterday as I
generally do on that day but
I missed my friends I assure you
     This is the first Thanksgiving that
I ever spent away from home
but there has to be a commencement
to these things I suppose..  but I
might have fared worse to say
the least..   Genl had another
serenade last night did I tell
you about the other one.  Well
the band of the 13th N.H.V. came
over and struck up about 9 oclock
the Genl went out and invited them
in gave them crackers & cheese &
cider, then they gave him some –

more music and called on him
for a speech which he gave
them and he can make a speech
about any time off hand – he did
very well any way..  Then some of
the Ladies for we have ladies here
also came into the office and opened
the piano and we had some music
and singing but, oh, how I did
wish that you or Elbs were
here to just show them how to
play once..  I haden’t heard any
body except Elb play for so long
that I had got the impression
that every body could play as well
but I know better now,
          I got a letter from George
last night also a paper a day or
two ago the paper was rather
stale dated Nov 21/61 but he sent
it I conclude on account of
the pictures of Fort Runyan &
Albany well they looked quite natural.

[The following part of this letter is written in the top margin on page one.]
I see all the newspapers
here, but a magazine
or picture paper would
be acceptable any
time “tell your
folks”
          I haven’t seen
my box yet but I
shall before you
get this  I presume
The boys in our tent
had 5 boxes come
so that they had
quite dinner
     There is nothing very
strange going on here
or news at all
please write soon & send
stamps – most out – tell me
all about your

[This letter is continued in the top margin on page two.]
Thanksgiving and all the news generally
Good by   Yours   Jim.

James Howard,  Co. A., 15th Connecticut

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12668






1862 November 28 near Orange Court House

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



                                  Friday 28
Started at day light
went to Liberty Mills
10 miles, and took the
plank road, went
within three miles
of Orange C. H.
 
[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 4448

1862 November 28 camp near Fairfax Seminary

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



28. Fri – Rode to picket with letters, bot. two chickens at “3 levies”
ea. of a colored woman   bot. them in alive tied to Saddle.
Visited hospitals – found one man very sick – talked with
him & prayed – urged him to immediate acceptance of offers
of Christs offers.  About ten – I went in again   he was
just gasping in death – Another young man called, to talk
about his soul.  He hopes he has today found peace, in believing –
an intelligent young Englishman – seems very fearful
but it should prove illusory - & transient – prayed with him –
Oh – that God would revive his work abundantly here.

[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 November 28 near Nashville, Tenn.

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



     Nov. 28th, ’62.
Still in Camp.
Maj. Moore & I went
to the city to-day;
were in the State
House; it is a mag-
nificent structure,
but, I think, does
not equal our own
state House.
Gen’l. Negley certain-        
ly deserves credit
for the manner
in which he has
fortified the city.

[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

1862 November 28 camp near Aquia Creek

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


Nov 28th Friday
Nothink of Note
to Day
the army moved
forawdrd to Day

[Written in the margin: “Genl Burnside Went to Washonton City”]

Genl Burnside Returned from
Washington to Day

[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 November 28 Canonsburg, Pa.



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

Friday, Nov. 28, 1862
   Remained at
Uncle Cooks until
near noon, left there
& went through
Buffalo & down to
Mr Merchants where
I had my boots half
soled for 60 cts
from there came up
to Maths & from
there to Johns where
I met with some
Ladies the Misses
Matthews Atkinson &
Marshall--spent the
evening after which
accompanied them
to town went down
to the Seminary then
back with Miss Matthews
cloudy with some little snow

MSS 10317

1862 November 28 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Friday 28th  Weather bright & pleasant When I returned from evening
service I found Dr Armand DeRossett & his lady here--They came
to see about Mrs Morrows' house--Their daughter Alice was mar
red at 12 o'clock to day to Mr Graham Davis & went immedi
-ately off to Raleigh, & from there to Petersburg--quite a private
wedding in Church--No letters--Mrs DeRossett told us also of Lucy
Empies marriage with Tom Brown-

MSS 6960


1862 November 28 Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Friday, November 28, 1862

Pa, Bertie & I went to Town=We went
especially to get our teeth plugged--each of us
had only one & mine had to to[sic]  prized[?] first
& Berties was filled.  But Oh me, we had
again to encounter dirt--He worked in our
mouths with dirty hands-I was never
subjected to such an insult before;
  Called at Mr Keyeses.
_______________________

It is late I am sleepy=this is the
first night I have written in my journal since
Monday- I have been writing to my own love
have written a long letter but cant send
it took it with me to day, Dont know when
I will have an opportunity...

O God give me more of the Holy Spirit
& make me a child of of[sic] God & an inheritor
of the Kingdom of heaven.  I sinned to day=
was angry & made short answers.  I hate
reproof.  Oh that I could learn to submit
to all things & profit by them instead
of being ever ready to defend myself
& so prone to evil passions--anger wrath
impatience-haughtiness & all sins which
degrade an already fallen natures

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

MSS 15406

1862 November 28 Lynchburg, Va.



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

Friday 28  Disturbed at 5 oclock by Mrs
d. & Lucy going off to the cars.  This
is the heaviest tax on our hospitality
-but it cannot be avoided.  I am sure
we have during the summer around
once a week that we have furnished
breakfast to departing guests at
the unreasonable hour of qr from 5.
-Robert Saunders returned to break
-fast.   I never saw a man more im
-proved by spending a winter in
Richd.  His mind seems to have expan
-ded and I dont know any one who
now converses more strikingly.  I
hope he will continue in public
life. It is something to have pure minds
[?] [?] more in the public service
From information derived from him
the forlorn hope I had of r's innocence
is destroyed.  He sought an inter-
view with him-told him the ru-
-mors & heard a full confession.  He
 thinks if ever there was a truly sen-
-tient man he is one.
Since he misnamed the morning star.
Nor fiend nor man, hath fallen so far.
Much occupied indeed I never
was more so--my duties seem to
increase daily--then I have so much
to do at home: At night Charles
Trueheart read aloud in Albion
the battle of Dresden.  Napoleon
never showed more genius than
on this occasion--It was the last
grand battle he ever won.


Blackford slightly misquotes Lord Byron's Ode to Napoleon:

Since he miscalled the morning star.
Nor fiend nor man, hath fallen so far.


MSS 4763

1862 November 27 New Bern, N.C.

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

Thursday
Nov 27
Thanksgiving to day.  Have had a sad lone-
some day.  This forenoon I made part of a set
of chess men, and made out Scollay's discharge
We had  baked beef for breakfast, fish chowder
for dinner, and an oyster supper with apples
afterwards.  In the evening went up to Mose Smiths
shanty and heard a fellow play the accordion
which he did nicely.

MSS 11293

Monday, November 26, 2012

1862 November 27 Franklin on the Blackwater, Va.

                            Franklin on the Blackwater, Va.
                                    November 27th 1862

My Dear Phil[ip Barraud Cabell]
                                   I have been intending to write
ever since arriving here but our Northern connections
over the river have kept everything so lively since my
arrival that I have scarcely had time for letter writing
and possibly should have procrastinated still further
had I not heard that your wife was quite ill from
Jeanie--I am truly sorry to hear it and trust there is
no danger-it is nothing of this low fever I hope-
please tell her for me I am very sorry I am not free
so that I might take Jeanie up to see her, I was very
much disappointed that my application for a furlough
was refused before we were ordered from Richmond so
I might have paid you all a visit but until I
succeed in getting another position I do not suppose
there is any probability of my getting a leave of
absence this winter unless Providence interferes in
some mysterious manner to stop this war; the prospect
of its duration is exceedingly gloomy although my con-
fidence can never be shaken as to the end of it.  I see
that the general opinion is the advance this time will
be either from Fredericksburg or from Suffolk; my im-
pression is that it will probably be from this direction
as Genl. Lee has met them so promptly at Fredericksburg
they cannot well get foothold on this side the Rappahannock
this much is pretty certain that they have just been largely
reinforced at Suffolk--We are looking daily for another

[page 2]
shelling here but we are better fixed for them than
the last having just gotten the famous Long Tom and
Laughing Charley here, and heretofore we have had
but one rifled piece and that a 6 lbder on the last occa-
sion I think the enemy made about as cowardly an
exhibition of themselves as men will could they outnum-
bered us about six to one if not more, and from the ford
above here where they had already crossed over and
where I had half of one battery to meet them they retreated
with such rapidity that the shot which were put into
the guns were not even fired at them--here where
the river was between they shelled away for an hour or two
before retreating--I suppose Jeanie wrote as I asked her
why I did not get the boots you offered to have made for
me- I am very sorry to learn that Tommy has
given up his place in the Telegraph Office
it seems to me he has turned out of the direct road to
fortune, tho' I do not know what his reasons were
for it.  Please give my love to Miss Pink with
hope that she will soon be right well again-Let
me hear how you all are and especially if she is better-
and believe me as ever
      Affectionately yours
            Alex. Q. Holladay

Alexander Q. Holladay, 12th Battallion Virgnia Light Artillery

MSS 38-111





1862 November 27-30 Lynchburg, Va.

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


Thursday 27.  Nothing of
interest took place up to 1st December.
Spent time in reading.


[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5526

1862 November 26 camp near Madison Court House

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


                                  Thursday 27
Recd. Orders to night
to be ready to march
tomorrow morning at
day light

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 4448

1862 November 27 near Madison Court House

                                        Camp near Madison C.H.
                                                     Nov 27th---62
Friend William
                          According to promise I now proceed
to pen you a few lines.  On account of the many
inconveniences I have to encounter I will have to ad-
dress you in as few words as possible.  We reached
camp safely and found the boys well and in fine
spirits.  The following morning after our arrival we
received orders as usual to cook up one days rations
and be ready to leave camp at an early hour in
the morning.  We reached camp on the 20th and
have been marching every day since till to day.
We are expecting orders every hour to cook up another
days rations. Our company is about 30 in number
The Regts of the Brigade are reduced very much.
The 21st is but a good company. No tents have
as yet been received.   We have quite a time of
it in our little, oil cloth dog houses.  The Co.
received their pay a few days before our arrival.
I am well and stood the march quite well, but
I find a vast difference in my situation here
and that of a few weeks ago.  There is but
little sickness in our com. now, but there are
some with quite sore feet.  There are some of the
soldiers int his army entirely destitute of shoes.
It is very painful to witness these barefooted men
traveling in rear of their Regiments.  There are
not a great many of them, but I think it very
important that they should be attended to and
shod while as long as shoes can be had.  I have no doubt

[page 2]
they will be. Lieut Persinger has not yet ar-
rived, consequently I have not attended to that
yr power of attorney. As soon as he comes
I will present it to him.   I expected to find
him at the Co. but was disappointed.
Capt. Withers now is in command of the 42nd
Lieut. Arrington Adjutant.
Mr. Ingle has left camp. We met him on his
way to Staunton.  He said he had been
detailed to attend the hospitals as his
health was too delicate for camp life duty.
For the want of time I am compelled to close
I wold be glad to hear from you soon.

Unsigned letter to William McCauley from another soldier in the 42nd Va.

MSS 14953

1862 November 27 camp near Fairfax Seminary

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



27th Thurs.  Thanksgiving at home – Regt. went out
on picket – lovely but cold day.  busy writing for
Col. D. [The rest of this line is lined out.]
rode along whole pickets line - & to Supports.  Got in after dark,
passed Com. Forrest place – startled a large bird fr. a tree –
lost road – wandered in by paths & no paths   Struck R.R.  & reached
camp – visited sick – In eveg.  Stacy Wilson called again –
has been seekg. religion long time – very relieved – Sd. he had
spent large part of the day in prayer & while praying in the
valley near spring – this Eveg. he felt that God had heard him –
He gave very satisfactory answers to my questions.  I trust he
is a true child of God.  He prayed with me –

Private Stacy M. Wilson, Co. F.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 November 27 near Nashville, Tenn.

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



        Nov. 27th, ’62.
Still in camp.
Thanksgiving day.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

1862 November 27 Aquia Creek

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



Nov 27th tusrday
the Present  oft
the Unigite States
was at the Landing
to day and left
for Washington City
this moning on the
mial  Boat Baltimore
Genl Burnside
and Lincon  held
a consulton  on the
mail Boat at the
landing at aquice
crick on the 26th
Mrs Burnside Was
Left for Washigton
City to Day

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 November 27 Canonsburg, Pa.




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

Thursday, Nov. 27, 1862

Left Smiley Caldwe
lls this morning
went over to Steves
did not find
him at home
Remained there
until after dinner
he came back at
noon. went from
there to the Church
heard [sermon?]
after which went
to Uncle Cooks
but Maxwells there
they had just returned
from Pitsburg
Cloudy cool indicating
of snow

MSS 10317

1862 November 27 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former newspaper publisher and civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]


Thursday, Nov. 27.
No war news from any quarter. The enemy still opposite Fredericksburg. Northern papers of last week claimed great credit for Burnside on account of his "change of base" from the Potomac to the                   Rappahannock — so expeditiously accomplished, they said, that Gen. Lee knew nothing about it till he was left far behind by their army, which was then probably at Hanover Junction! When they learned that Lee was at Fredericksburg, with a considerable part of his force, one of them or their cried out that there was treachery somewhere — that no sooner was the movement determined on at Washington, than Lee was in motion, before Burnside had struck a tent! It is undoubtedly true that Gen. Lee anticipated the movement, but not likely that he received information from Washington. Reported that the enemy are concentrating a large force at Suffolk, in Nansemond Co.                    Yesterday and to-day I was busy about a sale of government horses — nearly three hundred. Mrs.                   McClung + Miss Agnes returned last night, in good health + spirits. Ann Eliza Wilson went to Tom Preston's this morning. John Graham and Mary here at supper to-night.

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258

1862 November 27 "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.


[from the diary of Mary S. Boydon of "Hopedale," Abemarle County, Va.]

 Thursday 27th  Mr.
Hunt Powell & two other soldiers called here
today.  Mr P. was very polite, but the other
two certainly were not gentlemen. One was
Nat McGhee, brother of Frank, whom I had
known while at Mr Colston's.  But I never
should have recognized him.  I am afraid
he thought I wished to cut him--the other
young man was a Mr Harrison-a very dis=
=gusting person-I fancied Mr. Powell msh
was ashamed of his friends-

Precept-" Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of
you an evil hear of unbelief, in departing from
the living God"--Heb 3:12

Prayer- "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?"- Acts 9:6

Promise-"The Lord shall preserve thee from all Evil ." 


MSS 4208

1862 November 27 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Thursday 27th  bitter cold--I have just received a long letter from
May she has been suffering very much again--Joes house
he was living in is burnt down--Thought to have caught
from his room chimney which was built with clay-
His new house not yet finished-I feel truly sorry about it
particularly as he could not save all of his things--Richd
has made 7 barrels of syrup & 2 of sugar-& is making salt
Mary says he has had an offer for Fairfields & she thinks
he will sell it--Mrs Campbell--Mrs & Miss Mallett have
just called to see us---The sun is out brilliantly this morning.

MSS 6960

1862 November 27 Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Tom has been like a different child=has
not refused to say his letters since & runs
up whenever I ask him--Has said them  all
over three times to day.  I don't think I will
try whipping him again thought if I can
possibly help it--It is terrible to excite
such a spirit in so small a child. I
would rather hold it in check;
F[annie] E[mma] & I walked again & when we returned
B[ertie] & I went a mile to see a very poor girl
Ellen O Leary--whom we heard was sick=
Truly it was the abode of "filth & wretchedness"-
I never saw a more miserable family-There
are only two girls, daughters of an Irishman who
seems to be a decent working man, but his home
& children exceed everything in dirt that
I ever looked at...Met Pa as he was
returning & he told me that the day before the
Yankees had come up to  his factory & destroyed
all the machinery, & broken the factory all to
pieces inside.  His loss is about 8000-though
some of the machinery belonged to the
man who rents it Watson.

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

MSS 15406

1862 November 27 Lynchburg, Va.




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

Thursday 27  cold & clear--Ice seen
in the streets & in the buckets. No
news from the army-- things
remain in status quo about Fredg.
The good old town may yet escape
destruction.  Nothing of any moment.
-Robert Saunders, Mrs Davis & her
daughter Lucy arrived this eveng
-the ladies bound to the University.

MSS 4763

1862 November 26 New Bern, N.C.

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

Wednesday
Nov 26
Rainy so we had no drill this fore-
noon.  There was a lot of secesh citizens
sent out of our lines to-day.  This afternoon we had
a long drill in marching and bayonet exercise.
Aldrich staid with me last night.

MSS 11293

1862 November 26 University of Virginia

                               U of Va Nov 26th 1862
Gen J. H. Cocke
                     My Dear Friend,
                                        Your favor of the
20th inst reached me on the 24th two days ago-
I learn from Dr Cabell's family that, just now,
our friend Mr F. Minor, is engaged in killing pork
both for himself, and, largely for the Government
          He will finish next week, and then be at
comparative leisure, when, if the roads and the
weather prove favorable, you may expect his team.
        Mr Skipwith requested me to enquire of Mr
Alex Rives whether he was willing to sell his
Nelson estate, "Oak Ridge"- Please say to Mr S.
that I have not been able to find Mr R. since
you were here-First he was absent somewhere
near the "Maryland line" while his wife, and a
Mrs Suart, "ran the blockade" to Baltimore and to
Washington-and immediately, upy t upon their
safe return, he went out to Oak ridge and will
not return for a week longer--Dr Schele, his son
in law, thinks it not probable that Mr R would be
disposed, at this time, to part with his Nelson farm
      Mrs McGuffey and I are greatly pleased with the
prospect, that Mr Skipwith's contemplated visit to Mr S's
farm, gives of our seeing you (and him) again under
our roof again this autumn--Pray do not fail to come
if convenient--It revives us all to see and converse with

[page 2]
you both in regard to the things of this life and
that which to come--We meet with five friends
whose views in relation to the war and the Confed-
eracy, seem to us so just-and we see no one
with whose anticipations of the life to come we more
entirely sympathise--Is it not strange, my dear
Friend that any rational man should be willing
to forego-the hopes of the Gospel in any period of human
life, but especially in old age-when flesh and heart
begin to fail us?- The christian's hope is a living hope
while that of all without Christ is wither a dying, or
even now a dead hope-We look forward to a cer-
tain inheritance--being children of God-that is incorrupt
able, undefiled and that fadeth not away--
But some may say-"Tho' the inheritance is sure since
it is reserved in Heaven-may we not fail of it thro our
manifold imperfections! NO! thanks be to God who giveth
us the victory thro' our Lord, Jesus-christ-The inheritance
is reserved in Heaven for us- and we are kept by by[sic] the
power of God (for it) this faith--see 1st Peter-chap 1st-
      All are well at the U of va--I see your grandson
almost every day--He is well reported of by his professors--
A students prayer meeting has been established It meets on
wednesday evenings--also a Bible class, for students on
sabbath morning- - Our kindest regards to all with
you-  yours as ever W H McGuffey

William Holmes McGuffey, 1800-1872, professor of moral philosophy at the University of Virginia and author of the famous McGuffey readers, used by generations of school children

MSS 640



1862 November 26 Bland County

                           26th 1862
Bland County november the
Dear Sister
                   I received your kind
letter the 23 I was proud to hear
that you all was as well as common
you said Pa was complaining
some I am inhopes he is well
by this time.  Cummings and
myself are well and hope wen
these few lines comes to hand
thy will find you all in good
health.   We have taken up winter
quarters hear If we dont have
to go to richmond. I got a
letter from rieves the day before
yesterday it was dated the 12th
he said he was well with the
exception of a bad cold. he
said they was stationed fore
miles from Winchester he wrote
he did not expect to saty[sic] their

[page 2]
long for he heard cannon every
day I expect he has been in a fight
before now I answered his letter
yesterday I wrote to him to write
back as soon as he go it so I would
know whither he was in any
fight or not. we have nothing
much to do now we dont drill
any. yestarday was a very cool
disagreeable day, but to day is a very
cam pleasant day. some of the boys
are building chimneys to their
tents.  we sleep very warm in hours
without any fire. the chimneys
are a goodeal in the way I don know
whither we will build one or not
I just com in from a dear hunting
me Vince Jessee & George Williams went
out togather vince & George saw
one but diden get to shoot at
it Cummings is out now Their

[page 3]
are is a good many deer hear but
they are too smart for the boys
they shoot at them but never
kill any.  I expect we will draw
our money in a few days some
of the companies have been paid
off.  The quarter master hadent money
enough to pay us all. you said
for me to write whither cummings had
got him any boots or not. he
hasent got any nor their isent any
chance for him to get any hear.
Their isent any shop hear makeing
boot for sale.  If you can you
had better get him a pair maid
and send to him.  If you had them
maid I expect you could send them
by old William Cumbo he comes to
see hi son about every month
Tell sarah to write I answered
hers & virginias letter togather Tell them

[page 4]
to write all the news how
all the young women are getting
along by their selves.  I was
sorry to hear of my cousin dying
with the diptheira It is a very
bad complaint among children
I am in hopes It will never
get to our house.  Tell Pa
to write how he is a getting along
whither he has hang hot all of
his corn up on not. & how
Jim & Cate is getting along
halling wood I reckon creed
is a great deal of advantage
to Pa Tell Cree to write to me
Tell George Williams to write
to me and give me to discription
of Kentucky.  Tell him to write
wither he crossed clinch river
or no If he did he supprised me
very much. no more at present
your Brother C. H. Gilmer
to Mr J. Gilmer
Charles M. Browing is tolerable
                                     well

Charles Hayes Gilmer
29th Virginia, Co. G.

MSS 5194








1862 November 26 Camp near Fredericksburg

Dear Charles
Your favor of the 22nd inst has been recd
and the perusal was highly gratifying to me
Our Division (Picketts) being the last to march
from Culpeper arrived here about 12 oclk
on last Sunday after being out only two
and a half days.  We marched about 48 miles
crossing the river at Raccoon Ford passing
thence to this place through the poorest and
most desolate country I ever saw. the coun
try in Orange and Culpeper near the ford
and along the river on both sides is a most
beautiful fertile and desirable one.  Commo
dious and handsome residences stud the
hills and the country spreads out in almost
unbroken plains.  It is menancholy[sic] to think
that such a country abounding in all the
elements of wealth with rich and intelli-
gent gentlemen its owners should have
been desolated by such scoundrels as the Yan
kees.  Culpeper county has been made al-
most a wilderness by their ravages and but
few of its inhabitants dwell upon their es-
tates.  Upon reaching the vicinity of this re-
nowned and ancient city (Fredbg) I witnessed
sights which I hope I may never again see in
this war. Well dressed ladies old and young
with hundreds of children in every home are
to be seen along every road leading from the city &
in many cases the ladies were walking thro
the mud in their slippers with no protection

[page 2]
nor any assurance that they could b[   ?   ]
or housed any where in the neighborhood. On
Monday I went into the city (the first time I
was ever there) which presented a sad and
doleful appearance with all its homes de-
serted and closed no one to be seen on its
streets but a few citizens and soldiers.  At
one end of the Railroad bridge the yankees
pickets were in plain view whilst our were
at the other end the range of hills on their
side being filled with cannon set to swab
any approach to the city.  they did not fire
upon our men nor did ours molest them
but frequent conversations were held across
the river between the pickets. I should like
for them to have attempted to cross the river
for such another defeat as you would have
heard of has not yet transpired.  Our posit-
ions tho' in some cases inferior to theirs
were sufficiently good to ensure the purpose
& the Yankees will know that or they would
not have laid so quiet.  The report is this mor-
ning that they are embarking at Acquia
Creek and that Genl McClaws Division  of our
army has moved toward Richmond.  I
have now thought that the Yankees de-
signed to fight a general battle here but
would probably move one column of their
forces against Richmond from this point.
Suffolk is the point I think they will move
from or City Point which I think is the
most [?] and would almost surely

[page 3]
result in the fall of Petersburg. That Genl Lee
is well prepared for them we may rest as-
sured and if he could fight them success-
fully at Sharpsburg with only 30,000 men
(which he actually did)  [?] upwards of 100,000
what may they expect now in a future bat-
tle when we will be stronger by 2/3.  They have
it is alledged 110,000 men under Burn-
side.  No place could be chosen where our
troops would fight more desperately than
around Richmond.
   I am pleased to hear that cousin Jennies
son got thro' the Blockade tho' loosing[sic] his
valuables.  the Cavalry Service is certainly less
dangerous than any other arm of the Service
an offers many advantages that are not had
in other branches.  It is more arduous in win-
ter than summer.  I have no doubt your ac
quaintance will better enable you to provide
for him than I to advise tho' if he could ob-
tain a position on some Generals Staff he
would have a good time.  I think we will proba-
bly take up the line of march for Richmond or its
vicinity in a day or so & if I can then render you
any assistance in the mater I will cheerfully
do it.  Jno Lewis I saw a few days before we
left Culpeper & he was well.
   I should like to meet with Richard as I
never hear from him by letter and only know
by hearsay what Floyd is about.  If with you still
tell him to write to me.  I recd the clothes and
shoes sent me by our Post Master and the over

[page 4]
coat sent was also mine but was a
very inferior one.
    We had not hear that Mr Seddon
was certainly Sec. War.  He is an able
man and I have heard it said that
he ought to make a good officer.  You
will please present my best regards
to Uncle Powhatan Rebecca & all
friends with you--
       I am very truly yours &
                  Jno. T. Ellis

John T. Ellis, 19th Virginia Infantry

[docketed on side]
Major Jno. T. Ellis
November 26, 1862



1862 November 26 near Madison Court House

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



              November 26                                      
     I returned to the Camp.
Remained in camp all
day.  Cousin B. Conway
came to see me this
evening

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 4448

1862 November 26 Lynchburg, Va.

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


Wednesday 26.  Order came for a
transfer to Buchanan – I among the
Squad – take a tramp around through
town in evening – go to Church
at night.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5526

1862 November 26 Annapolis, Md.


Nov. 26th 1862
Camp of Parole, Annapolis Md
Dear Friend
Your letter has been at
hand for some time and my ex=
cuse for not answering sooner is
that I have not felt stout enough
until now to undertake to write.--
Since the time I last wrote you
I have been considerably under
the weather again.
Your letter gave one great
satisfaction and was very interest
ing and would have been much
more so if you had given me a little
more local news. I am always
very anxious at all times to hear
how matters and things progress in
old Southampton.
I shall have to make this letter
short as I cannot compose my

[page 2]

mind to write and I am getting
nervous. Give Respects to friends
and write soon and the next time
I hope to be in a better condition
for answering.
Respectfully Yours
D.R.P. Shoemaker


David R.P. Shoemaker, 11th Ohio Volunteers, to Henry A. Bitner

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 11395

1862 November 26 camp near Fairfax Seminary

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

26. Wed.  Very blustering – Visited sick & held a small

but interesting & interested Bible class in eveg.
talked yesterday with a new enquirer after Salvation.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

1862 November 26 near Nashville, Tenn.

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

     Nov. 26th, ’62.

As anticipated, we
marched near noon to-
day, toward Nashville,
on the N. & L. pike;
left the pike about
2 ½ ms. from the city;
moved across the
fields & struck the

N. & Chattanooga R.R.
about 3 ms. from the
former city, where
we encamped.
They are repairing
a bridge just be-
low our camp.
The firing of can-
non, heard last
night, on account
of the arrival of
the cars from Louis-
ville, Ky.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

1862 November 26 Aquia Creek

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


Nov 26th Wensdray
Genl Burnerdiz
Was at aquia
Creik to Day

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

1862 November 26 Canonsburg, Pa.


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

Wednesday Nov. 26, 1862

This morning after
breakfast Went
over to Aunts got
Dulse & went over
to Smiley Caldwells
where I now am
found him butchering
helped a little
cold cloudy like
snow a little on the
ground

MSS 10317