Tuesday, March 12, 2013
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Tuesday, February 12, 2013
1863 February 13 New Bern, N.C.
[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F., 25th Massachusetts]
Friday
Feb 13
Did not drill to-day. Have felt very un-
easy and want to be at home. Made
out Thompsons descriptive list as he is going to the
hospital. Phineas has been putting up a cookhouse
It has been pleasant to-day. this evening Frank
Adams has been in here and we have been talking
of home
MSS 11293
Friday
Feb 13
Did not drill to-day. Have felt very un-
easy and want to be at home. Made
out Thompsons descriptive list as he is going to the
hospital. Phineas has been putting up a cookhouse
It has been pleasant to-day. this evening Frank
Adams has been in here and we have been talking
of home
MSS 11293
1863 February 13 camp near Falmouth
[from the diary of Captain Jonathan B. Hager, 14th U. S. Regulars, returning from mustering duty]
Feby 13 I was glad to see the officers nearly all of
whom I had not seen since last summer.
I found myself the senior officer & of course will
assume the command of the regiment.
MSS 9044
Feby 13 I was glad to see the officers nearly all of
whom I had not seen since last summer.
I found myself the senior officer & of course will
assume the command of the regiment.
MSS 9044
1863 February 13 Dumfries, Va.
Dumfries, Virginia
Feb. 13th 1863
Dear Mother
Your kind and wel-
come letter came safely to hand yester
day and I thank you for it. I was
truly glad to learn that you were well
and prospering at home. My health
remains good and I do not think it
will change as camp life seems to
agree with me. I wrote you a letter
but a few days ago and I have not
much news to write you now none
of importance only we received our
pay yesterday for two months $28 for
me. - I have nearly Six months due
me but could only get two of them
We are promised pay again some time
in March. I have nearly fifty dollars
that I can send you, and you can
get it by going to Lanark and pay-
ing Expressage. Perhaps I shall buy
some Boots and clothes so that I cannot
send you more thanfi forty dollars
I shall send you all I can. I want
you to pay Shimer and Gregory some
if you can possibly spare it.--------
[page 2]
The Col. says that we will
go to Washington soon to do
Provo - guard duty If we do
then I shall get my mail
regularly and perhaps we will
have easier times I hope so
any how. Our Company has
been detailed to go to Alexandria
or Washington to get some extra
horses for our Regiment. We start
to-morrow morning at 8 oclock
and will go up the Potomac on a boat
and probably will be gone for sever-
al days. After we return I will
write you again. The Postage Currency
is taken in place of silver in all
cases and for any thing We use
it as change. Believe me Mother
Your Affectionate Son
W. H. Redman
Mrs. Catarine Redman
Please Write Soon
No Sale Mother- - No Sae It will be
the beginning of a separation of the family
W.H.R
[In right hand margin of page 2]
Mother I want to know whether you ever received a likeness
that I sent you from Wmsport?
dont forget to write me
William Henry Redman, Co. C., 12th Illinois Cavalry
MSS 7415
Feb. 13th 1863
Dear Mother
Your kind and wel-
come letter came safely to hand yester
day and I thank you for it. I was
truly glad to learn that you were well
and prospering at home. My health
remains good and I do not think it
will change as camp life seems to
agree with me. I wrote you a letter
but a few days ago and I have not
much news to write you now none
of importance only we received our
pay yesterday for two months $28 for
me. - I have nearly Six months due
me but could only get two of them
We are promised pay again some time
in March. I have nearly fifty dollars
that I can send you, and you can
get it by going to Lanark and pay-
ing Expressage. Perhaps I shall buy
some Boots and clothes so that I cannot
send you more than
I shall send you all I can. I want
you to pay Shimer and Gregory some
if you can possibly spare it.--------
[page 2]
The Col. says that we will
go to Washington soon to do
Provo - guard duty If we do
then I shall get my mail
regularly and perhaps we will
have easier times I hope so
any how. Our Company has
been detailed to go to Alexandria
or Washington to get some extra
horses for our Regiment. We start
to-morrow morning at 8 oclock
and will go up the Potomac on a boat
and probably will be gone for sever-
al days. After we return I will
write you again. The Postage Currency
is taken in place of silver in all
cases and for any thing We use
it as change. Believe me Mother
Your Affectionate Son
W. H. Redman
Mrs. Catarine Redman
Please Write Soon
No Sale Mother- - No Sae It will be
the beginning of a separation of the family
W.H.R
[In right hand margin of page 2]
Mother I want to know whether you ever received a likeness
that I sent you from Wmsport?
dont forget to write me
William Henry Redman, Co. C., 12th Illinois Cavalry
MSS 7415
1863 Feby 13-15 Mississippi River
Mississippi river
Feby 13th 1863
My Dear Parents
We have at last
reached the River of rivers
Last Monday afternoon
took on board Pilot about
forty five miles from the south
West Pass and about mid=
night anchored out side the
bar.
Providence has favored us
wonderfully. we only had one
severe gale. The bunks on the
Starboard side of the ship were
broken down, but fortunately no
one was hurt very bad.
The vessel shipped several seas.
I was in the Second mate's
State-room in the lower berth
the water came in but did
[page 2]
notnot wet me. I thought
however that it was best to
make tracks & I crawled
into the main cabin and
lay upon the floor until
day light & then after the
sun had risen the scene
was grand beyond description.
The saddest part of our
voyage was after we had passed
great Abaco Island when we
had to bury one of our comrades
at sea, and after we got
into the Gulf we had to bury an
other. one has died since we
started up the river and was
carried ashore this morning
about five (5) miles above fort
Philip. we have none very
sick now.
Now for our voyage up the
river. Tuesday at sundown a
[page 3]
tug took us over the bar and
we anchored about two miles
up the channel of the river.
Wednesday morning cool and
pleasant a boat came along
side and I was glad to
see Geo. Smith, he had come
down from Ft. Philip 35 miles
up river, to get Birney, they
had heard that we were on
the bar and could not get
off. Thursday morning very
pleasant and warm, the
tug fastened to us an
we steamed slowly up the
river. got to Ft. Philip last
night about dark, five miles
above the Forts, we came to
anchor in quarantine this
morning the medical officer
came on board ad about
8 oclock we again got under
[page 4]
way, the day has been pleasant
but rather cool. we have seen
the remains of five fats &
wrecks of steamers used &
destroyed at the taking of the
Forts. we have passed former
plantations to-day, could see
them at work gathering the
came have passed some splendid
orange orchards could see the
oranges on the trees we go
so close to the bank that
we can smell their fragrance-
a boat came alongside
loaded with oranges. they were
the best I ever tasted.
this evening we have anchored
close in shore as it is very
foggy. the tug has a ship
on each side & a schooner
behind so you see we do
[page 5]
not make very rapid progress.
the other ship has part of a
Regt. that were wrecked on
Florada Reefs. no lives were lost
I believe.
Saturday Feby 14 1863
We started this morning again
and have been slowly making
our way up river, expect if
nothing happens to reach the
city about nine o'clock
this evening. we have passed
some very large plantations
today, the negroes appear to
be loyal & glad to see us
They jump up & down clap
their hands, & roll over.
We ran so close to them to-day
that a negro threw some
oranges on board.
It will be thirty five days
to morrow that we have
[page 6]
been aboard this craft.
I have got enough of the
sea. hoe we shall go
home by land.
Sunday 15th inst
This has been a pleasant
day, we are anchored opposite
the lower part of the city, the
Col. has gone ashore Y we
shall probably know our destination
to night or n the morning.
This afternoon Elder Blokes came
on Board. he came up the
river with B[?] & two or
three officers that went ashore at
the Forts.
Evening it rains quite hard, the
Col. has come on board. we go
ashore in the morning and go
into U.S. Barracks to recruit a
while & then go up river
this Regt. is assigned to
[page 7]
Nickerson's Brigade which is
this side of Baton Rouge the
Col. did not remember the
name of the place.
The mail leaves here to
morrow at 4 o'clock P.M.
and one is expected to arrive
You must write every week.
for the mail comes quite
regular.
I will write you a letter
George soon, you must consider
this as partly your own
You can write often & it will
be a good exercise for you
You direct to
New Orleans
24th Regt
Banks Expedition
Yours Truly
C.P.M.
Charles Plummer Morrill, 24th Maine
MSS 11031
Feby 13th 1863
My Dear Parents
We have at last
reached the River of rivers
Last Monday afternoon
took on board Pilot about
forty five miles from the south
West Pass and about mid=
night anchored out side the
bar.
Providence has favored us
wonderfully. we only had one
severe gale. The bunks on the
Starboard side of the ship were
broken down, but fortunately no
one was hurt very bad.
The vessel shipped several seas.
I was in the Second mate's
State-room in the lower berth
the water came in but did
[page 2]
not
however that it was best to
make tracks & I crawled
into the main cabin and
lay upon the floor until
day light & then after the
sun had risen the scene
was grand beyond description.
The saddest part of our
voyage was after we had passed
great Abaco Island when we
had to bury one of our comrades
at sea, and after we got
into the Gulf we had to bury an
other. one has died since we
started up the river and was
carried ashore this morning
about five (5) miles above fort
Philip. we have none very
sick now.
Now for our voyage up the
river. Tuesday at sundown a
[page 3]
tug took us over the bar and
we anchored about two miles
up the channel of the river.
Wednesday morning cool and
pleasant a boat came along
side and I was glad to
see Geo. Smith, he had come
down from Ft. Philip 35 miles
up river, to get Birney, they
had heard that we were on
the bar and could not get
off. Thursday morning very
pleasant and warm, the
tug fastened to us an
we steamed slowly up the
river. got to Ft. Philip last
night about dark, five miles
above the Forts, we came to
anchor in quarantine this
morning the medical officer
came on board ad about
8 oclock we again got under
[page 4]
way, the day has been pleasant
but rather cool. we have seen
the remains of five fats &
wrecks of steamers used &
destroyed at the taking of the
Forts. we have passed former
plantations to-day, could see
them at work gathering the
came have passed some splendid
orange orchards could see the
oranges on the trees we go
so close to the bank that
we can smell their fragrance-
a boat came alongside
loaded with oranges. they were
the best I ever tasted.
this evening we have anchored
close in shore as it is very
foggy. the tug has a ship
on each side & a schooner
behind so you see we do
[page 5]
not make very rapid progress.
the other ship has part of a
Regt. that were wrecked on
Florada Reefs. no lives were lost
I believe.
Saturday Feby 14 1863
We started this morning again
and have been slowly making
our way up river, expect if
nothing happens to reach the
city about nine o'clock
this evening. we have passed
some very large plantations
today, the negroes appear to
be loyal & glad to see us
They jump up & down clap
their hands, & roll over.
We ran so close to them to-day
that a negro threw some
oranges on board.
It will be thirty five days
to morrow that we have
[page 6]
been aboard this craft.
I have got enough of the
sea. hoe we shall go
home by land.
Sunday 15th inst
This has been a pleasant
day, we are anchored opposite
the lower part of the city, the
Col. has gone ashore Y we
shall probably know our destination
to night or n the morning.
This afternoon Elder Blokes came
on Board. he came up the
river with B[?] & two or
three officers that went ashore at
the Forts.
Evening it rains quite hard, the
Col. has come on board. we go
ashore in the morning and go
into U.S. Barracks to recruit a
while & then go up river
this Regt. is assigned to
[page 7]
Nickerson's Brigade which is
this side of Baton Rouge the
Col. did not remember the
name of the place.
The mail leaves here to
morrow at 4 o'clock P.M.
and one is expected to arrive
You must write every week.
for the mail comes quite
regular.
I will write you a letter
George soon, you must consider
this as partly your own
You can write often & it will
be a good exercise for you
You direct to
New Orleans
24th Regt
Banks Expedition
Yours Truly
C.P.M.
Charles Plummer Morrill, 24th Maine
MSS 11031
1863 February 13 Norfolk, Va.
Camp 7th New York Battery
Norfolk, Va. F 13th 1863
My Dear Wife
Yours of the 8th received and perused
And as there is not time like the
present for improveing opportunity
I have embraced it And although
there is not much News to write
to you in regards to the war Yet I
think I can make out a Letter
of City doings For the last 3 or 4 weeks
more or less every Night we are startled
from our slumber by the ringing of
Bells and the whole firmament lit up
as if in one Blaze of Fire This of
course accounts for the Bells ringing
soon we told that a large Fire
is raging in the City - and that it
is the work of the Incendiary
Night before last 10 Buildings where[sic]
[page 2]
laid in ashes Last night again another
the particulars I have not yet heard
This is what the Secesh call Lincoln
work But my idea is that this
property is owned by the Secesh
and heavily insured at the North
for ever and above its value they
then set fire to it to obtain the
insurance Two of our Boys have
Deserted us and gone over to the
Rebs their names are Caleb Bush
of Dutchess County and one S Kelley
one we have heard from He is in
Fredericksburgh in the secesh army
In a few Days Rufus H King will
be in power then may we expect
something new The Weather is
again growing Cold Alas what
changes we have seen one Day very
warm the next more than cold
well never mind warm weather
[page 3]
for us will come soon enough
and some how or other I dread
it All is Quiet at Suffolk as far
as we can learn But the most of
our expedition are [centered?] now
on Savannah & Charleston if they
fall then may we expect something
else soon Keep me posted if Jim
goes to the C[?] let me know
the full particulars As yet I
know have had no opportunity
of getting my picture taken when I
do you shall know Remember me
to mother Father and the rest of
my friends My Love to you and
my boy take good care of yourself
and him Your Loving Husband
' Edward Shepard
when the 19 regt get
to Fortress Monroe I
intend visiting them
[letter written for the barely literate Sheppard of the 7th New York Light Artillery by another soldier]
MSS 12631
Norfolk, Va. F 13th 1863
My Dear Wife
Yours of the 8th received and perused
And as there is not time like the
present for improveing opportunity
I have embraced it And although
there is not much News to write
to you in regards to the war Yet I
think I can make out a Letter
of City doings For the last 3 or 4 weeks
more or less every Night we are startled
from our slumber by the ringing of
Bells and the whole firmament lit up
as if in one Blaze of Fire This of
course accounts for the Bells ringing
soon we told that a large Fire
is raging in the City - and that it
is the work of the Incendiary
Night before last 10 Buildings where[sic]
[page 2]
laid in ashes Last night again another
the particulars I have not yet heard
This is what the Secesh call Lincoln
work But my idea is that this
property is owned by the Secesh
and heavily insured at the North
for ever and above its value they
then set fire to it to obtain the
insurance Two of our Boys have
Deserted us and gone over to the
Rebs their names are Caleb Bush
of Dutchess County and one S Kelley
one we have heard from He is in
Fredericksburgh in the secesh army
In a few Days Rufus H King will
be in power then may we expect
something new The Weather is
again growing Cold Alas what
changes we have seen one Day very
warm the next more than cold
well never mind warm weather
[page 3]
for us will come soon enough
and some how or other I dread
it All is Quiet at Suffolk as far
as we can learn But the most of
our expedition are [centered?] now
on Savannah & Charleston if they
fall then may we expect something
else soon Keep me posted if Jim
goes to the C[?] let me know
the full particulars As yet I
know have had no opportunity
of getting my picture taken when I
do you shall know Remember me
to mother Father and the rest of
my friends My Love to you and
my boy take good care of yourself
and him Your Loving Husband
' Edward Shepard
when the 19 regt get
to Fortress Monroe I
intend visiting them
[letter written for the barely literate Sheppard of the 7th New York Light Artillery by another soldier]
MSS 12631
1863 February 13 Newport News
[from the diary of the Rev. Francis E. Butler, chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]
Fri 13. Cool, clear, distributed papers & temperance tracts
thro. whole regt, took stroll – made sketches of map –
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 12935
Fri 13. Cool, clear, distributed papers & temperance tracts
thro. whole regt, took stroll – made sketches of map –
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 12935
1863 February 13 Murfreesboro
[from the diary of Captain William F. Hunter, Co. B., 97th Ohio Volunteers]
Feb. 13th,’63.
Still regaining my
health, & strength.
Clear nearly all day,
but quite cool.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 10547-bm
Feb. 13th,’63.
Still regaining my
health, & strength.
Clear nearly all day,
but quite cool.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 10547-bm
1863 February 13 Charleston [W] Va
[from the diary of Captain Zachariah Heed, 91st Regiment, Ohio Volunteers]
FEBRUARY 13.
Charleston Va. Friday morning, Slightly cold, mud Eighteen Inches deep on the Streets. Afternoon weather moderating. Evening met Dr. E. C. Kreider, of Lancaster Ohio. men are employd throwing mud of[f] Sidewalks.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13406
FEBRUARY 13.
Charleston Va. Friday morning, Slightly cold, mud Eighteen Inches deep on the Streets. Afternoon weather moderating. Evening met Dr. E. C. Kreider, of Lancaster Ohio. men are employd throwing mud of[f] Sidewalks.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13406
1863 February 13 St. Helena, S. C.
[from the diary of Sgt. Robert Larimer, Co. C., 62nd Regt. Ohio Volunteers]
Friday 13
Company drill regimental
inspection. dress parade
cool & windy
MSS 38-129
Friday 13
Company drill regimental
inspection. dress parade
cool & windy
MSS 38-129
1863 February 13 Norfolk, Va.
[from the Signal Message Book of Lt. Thomas S. Seabury, 3rd New York]
Feb. 13th
To Lt. Field
I cannot leave today.
Can you defer the excursion
til Sunday.
(Signed) Lt. Van Winkle
MSS 10781
Feb. 13th
To Lt. Field
I cannot leave today.
Can you defer the excursion
til Sunday.
(Signed) Lt. Van Winkle
MSS 10781
1863 February 13 Chapel Hill, N.C.
[from the diary of Eliza Hill Oswald, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]
Friday 13th Christian's off - & we all miss her very much - I thought
I wold go out in the afternoon but company came in & prevented
me - Mrs Poole called & sat nearly the whole afternoon -
MSS 6960
Friday 13th Christian's off - & we all miss her very much - I thought
I wold go out in the afternoon but company came in & prevented
me - Mrs Poole called & sat nearly the whole afternoon -
MSS 6960
1863 February 13 "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.
[from the diary of Mary S. Boyden, daughter of the Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, rector of Walker's Parish (later Christ Episcopal), Cismont, Va.]
Friday 13th No school today - I have been busy
making pies &c for Hanson's box - It is to go on
Monday - father returned from Charlottesville
today, & brought some ten pounds of brown
sugar for which he paid $10 - & some black
tea worth $9 a lb- I made a little blank book
which I mean to give to Mr Mountjoy to write
his songs in - Maria out at last. She has been
sick 22 days of this new year - nearly half-
MSS 4288
Friday 13th No school today - I have been busy
making pies &c for Hanson's box - It is to go on
Monday - father returned from Charlottesville
today, & brought some ten pounds of brown
sugar for which he paid $10 - & some black
tea worth $9 a lb- I made a little blank book
which I mean to give to Mr Mountjoy to write
his songs in - Maria out at last. She has been
sick 22 days of this new year - nearly half-
MSS 4288
1863 February 12 New Bern, N.C.
[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F., 25th Massachusetts]
Thursday
Feb 12
Another pleasant day, I drilled in
forenoon, and made out Lon Browns
discharge papers. This afternoon read considerable
This evening ten of our company went down to meet
ing which I enjoyed much.
MSS 11293
Thursday
Feb 12
Another pleasant day, I drilled in
forenoon, and made out Lon Browns
discharge papers. This afternoon read considerable
This evening ten of our company went down to meet
ing which I enjoyed much.
MSS 11293
1863 February 12 Newport News, Va.
(I think my last was No 20) Head Quarters 15th Regt. Conn Vols
(21) Camp at New port News Va Feby 12th [1863]
My Dear Sister Helen..
I suppose you are very
anxiously waiting for a letter from me as you
have no doubt heard of our moving – Well here
we are at Newport News – we started from our old
camp near Fredericksburg Friday morning recd
order that we should be ordered to Fortress Monroe
as soon as we had pleasant weather) Thursday eve
at 6 ock and at 3 A.M. Friday we got orders to pack
and pull up immediately and march to the depot to
take the cars for Aquia creek – well start we did
at about 7 ock and marched to the depot in the mud
and rain but had to wait here until about 7 P.M.
before cars arrived to take us down to the creek –
We finally got there and went aboard the “John
Brooks” and sailed out into the Potomac to wait
until morning – when morning came we took aboard
a few more troops and started down the river having
the 16th & 8th C.V. aboard with us some 2000 men
in all – we were packed pretty thick but got along
very well arrived off Fortress Monroe at about
12 ock Saturday night, Sunday morning we started up
the James river and disembarked at the wharf
here and went right into the empty barracks here,
There are lots of large and small log houses built
here that were occupied by our troops before, and the
boys went right at work fixing up bunks and beds
etc The officers picked out houses to suit them selves,
and commenced repairing and fitting up in good shape
and we are very nicely situated now – we have got
a good sized house, with 2 good windows for the
Col’s quarters then the dining room and cook room
are connected with it and a door leads right into
them form the main room.
See Diagram -> [Here Howard has drawn a sketch of his quarters.]
Oh this is a beautiful country
down here – the weather is very warm and mild
the boys went in swimming the next day after we
arrived here and the sun really was uncomfortable
I hope they will let us remain here for some
time but we shall probably have to start again
as soon as the whole of the 9th Corps get here
but it will take certainly 2 weeks more before
it will all arrive then we expect we shall
have to move further down the coast perhaps
to Newbern. We are very nicely situated here
there is quite a city of log houses laid out,
in good streets and with good windows &
doors and can go down to the beach any time
at low tide and dig all the oysters and clams
one want – had a nice meal of clams this
noon. There is pleanty of good water and wood
here and near at hand. The boys all feel first
rate and I don’t hear them saying any thing about
going home or wanting to Things of all
kinds are much cheaper here than at
Falmouth and much more pleanty – boats
arrive from Fortress Monroe 4 times a day
so that express and mail matter is more
regular than at our old camp.. – The wreck
of the famous “Cumberland” lies about
gun shot distant from the shore here and
I enclose a piece of rope that I saw a
man cut from the wreck as I stood on the
beach and saw him go out to it in a boat
but they do not allow any one to go near it
now as they wish to preserve it and are going
to raise it soon. A little further to the left
and about ¾ of a mile from the “Cumberland”
is the wreck of the “Congress” which was run
ashore and burnt the ribs of her hulk are
visible above water she is very near in shore
I will try to get a piece of her also.. The “Nahant”
one of the Monitor built craft lies off in the
river and cruises up and down on the watch
for game keeps steam up all the time and
she tried the range of her guns a little
yesterday firing up stream I saw the balls
skip over the water – kicking up the spray
like smoke.. we passed lots of gun boats and
craft of all kinds and had a quite near
view of the “Nahant” when we came down
Fortress Monroe is a splendid old fort and
the biggest thing I have seen lately. I should
say she is built of granite or a lightish kind
of stone and mounts an awful lot of guns
I saw the Union guns and another almost as
large that fires across to Sewalls point
and it is a big ways over there I notice..
Rip Raps is a gay old pile of stones and will
make a strong fort when finished..
I recieved your letter dated Jany 3rd
but not numbered am surprised that you had
not recieved the letter with order for boots
and with the money I sent, guess you will
get them before you receive this.. got a letter
from Elbe and one from Hen Wilcox at the same
time of yours The boots I want made of the
same leather as the other but smaller every
way. Ward has got my measure.. would like to
have you hurry up my coat if you have
got me one yet also the drawers and other little
things that I wrote for.. Did Phil Chapin [?] call
at the house or only at the Bank or dident he
call at all? I am well and happy – wish –
Father would take a trip down this way –
before we get further off. would like to have him
call at Fortress Monroe very much.. Yours till next time Jim
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
James Howard 15th Connecticut
MSS 12668
1863 January 12 Newport News, Va.
[from the diary of the Rev. Francis E. Butler, Co. B., 97th Ohio]
Thurs 12. Mild, windy day – drew sketches, rode on
beach with Major – walked with Dr. & had hair
cut. Called on Col. Stevens – his wife gave us mince
pie – pressed sea weed – It seems like Newport days
cloudy, but soft air, fine appearance at dress
parade – Eight or ten regts. in a line –
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 10547-bm
Thurs 12. Mild, windy day – drew sketches, rode on
beach with Major – walked with Dr. & had hair
cut. Called on Col. Stevens – his wife gave us mince
pie – pressed sea weed – It seems like Newport days
cloudy, but soft air, fine appearance at dress
parade – Eight or ten regts. in a line –
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 10547-bm
1863 February 13 Charleston [W] Va
[from the diary of Captain Zacariah Heed, 92st Ohio Volunteers]
FEBRUARY 13.
Charleston Va. Friday morning, Slightly cold, mud Eighteen Inches deep on the Streets. Afternoon weather moderating. Evening met Dr. E. C. Kreider, of Lancaster Ohio. men are employd throwing mud of[f] Sidewalks.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13406
FEBRUARY 13.
Charleston Va. Friday morning, Slightly cold, mud Eighteen Inches deep on the Streets. Afternoon weather moderating. Evening met Dr. E. C. Kreider, of Lancaster Ohio. men are employd throwing mud of[f] Sidewalks.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13406
1863 February 12 St. Helena, S. C.
[from the diary of Sgt. Robert Larimer, Co. C., 62nd Ohio Volunteers]
Thursday, February 12, 1863
Company drill & inspection day
a[s] well [as] dress parade - warm
39 Ill. reg. paid
MSS 38-129
Thursday, February 12, 1863
Company drill & inspection day
a[s] well [as] dress parade - warm
39 Ill. reg. paid
MSS 38-129
1863 February 12 Norfolk, Va.
[from the Signal Message Book of Lt. Thomas S. Shepherd, 3rd New York Infantry]
Feb. 12th
To Lt. Van Winkle
Are you engaged to-
morrow? If not, how about
our excursion from Norfolk.
(Signed) Lt. Field
MSS 10781
Feb. 12th
To Lt. Van Winkle
Are you engaged to-
morrow? If not, how about
our excursion from Norfolk.
(Signed) Lt. Field
MSS 10781
1863 February 12 Staunton, Va.
[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former newspaper publisher and civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]
Thursday night, February 12, 1863.
[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]
MSS 38-258
Thursday night, February 12, 1863.
Last night, just before going to bed, Va partly wound up the striking side of
our mantel piece clock — having a trick of striking every hour from
twenty to a hundred times, we have had to let that side run down, as the
noise was very loud and distracting. Last night, however, the machine
took another turn, striking at intervals of four or five minutes. [deleted:
I was sitting before the fire reading, and did not observe what Va was
doing till the noise began, when she walked off, remarking that she left
me "some music." After enduring it till the nuisance became
intolerable, I gave the hammer a twist, which prevented its striking the
coil; but after I went to bed, I could still hear the wheels rapidly
revolving, and all the machinery apparently doing its best to alarm the
house as usual. The occurrence was both amazing and ludicrous.]
No war news — the "Dispatch" decidedly dull.
Another
snow storm to-day. Tomorrow is the day appointed for the sale of Mr.
Sowers' property, but if the weather continues bad, I shall postpone it
till Monday. Much talk for several days past about the supposed
opposition to Lincolnism and the war, in the North and West. Many
indications go to show that there is a growing discontent in those
regions; but a victory or two, especially the capture of Vicksburg by
the Yankees, would bring the whole nation together
again. A letter from Christiansburg states that Sister and family
expected to start to Staunton on Thursday next. Va wrote immediately to
tell them not to start till they heard of the arrival here of some few
necessary articles of their furniture. We have engaged rooms for them at
the Academy, till they can get Alick's house, the 1st of
May. Another military enterprise against Midway, the Yankee General at
Winchester, is on foot. Gen Jones has moved from his quarters at, or
near, New Market. A forlorn regiment, or battalion came in to-day from
Variety Springs, where they have been quartered for some time. Some of
the men had no overcoats, and some straw hats — decidedly out of season
in a snow storm. The horses are as woe-begone as their riders. Lt. Col.
Witcher commands. He moves down the Valley in the morning. His force was
raised along the Kentucky border, I believe.
FOR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN
Another Youthful Martyr.
ADDISON
WADDELL STUART, only son of the Rev. S. D. Stuart, of Christiansburg,
died on Blackwater river, Southampton co., Va., on the 7th of January,
1863 of pneumonia, after an illness of twenty- four hours. He was
seventeen years of age on the 21st day of December, 1862. In the month
of September last, he entered the military service as Orderly to Col.
Henry L. Edmondson, of Roanoke, and went through the Kentucky campaign
under General Humphrey Marshall. After the retreat to Virginia, he was
stationed at Wytheville for a time; the battalion to which he belonged
was then ordered to Richmond, and thence to Petersburg. From the last
named place, he wrote that the troops were on the point of moving, he
knew not wither—the next intelligence concerning him, was a telegraphic
dispatch announcing his death.
The
writer can hardly trust himself to speak of this dear boy, lest
strangers suspect some exaggeration. He was intelligent, cheerful
social, universally popular, always ready to do a kind act to any everyone, however humble. While
on the march, he would dismount and walk, that a soldier somewhat
unwell might ride his horse. Ever bright and happy, he was the light and
joy of his home—the tender comforted of his oft-stricken mother—in the
camp and on the march an example of cheerful endurance, shrinking from
no hardship or danger.
But
the most consoling fact is, that he knew the God of his fathers, and
was owned by Him as one of his children. Early dedicated to God, as soon
as he arrived at years of discretion, he publicly avowed his faith in
Christ and united with the church. His walk and conversation never
belied his profession. All men testify to his upright and conscientious
life. Not long before he was called hence, he wrote to his mother, when
about to start on some expedition, "I go cheerfully, trusting in God."
Hiss illness was brief, but we have his dying testimony to the grace
which alone can sustain in that trying hour. The thought of his mother's
grief troubled him for a moment—"It will kill Ma," he said, "but tell
her I trust in God and am willing and not afraid to die." To his father
he sent word that he hoped to meet him in Heaven. Thus he peacefully
fell asleep. His short and happy life on earth is ended—he has passed
from us like a beautiful vision—but he has entered upon a higher and
happier service in Heaven. For him there is nothing to regret. On the
evening of the 13th inst., his remains were laid in the cemetery at
Staunton, near the grave of his grand-father (the late Dr. Addison
Waddell) and by the side of a little sister who two years before
departed in the triumphs of faith. "Father, I will that they also, whom
thou hast given me, be with me where I am."
This
tribute to another young martyr is placed on record as a memorial of
the devotion which characterises our whole people in the present cruel
war, and especially as an humble testimonial to the faithfulness of God
to those who trust in Him. Thank God for such a life and such a death!
Blessed parents who have their most precious treasure—five lovely
children—laid up in Heaven!
[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]
MSS 38-258
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