Warington Junction, Va. April 7th/1862

Dear parents I seat myself for the first time since I came out here
ata table to write a few lines to you I am on guard at a private
house about half a mile from our camp they appear to be first rate
folks and willing to do what is right I have not had any trouble
with the soldiers yet they are willing to go away when ordered to do so.
Last night I saw the Me. Cavelry and among them I found Joel
Willson of Gorham he belongs to Co. F. I talked with him some
time they are marching to Warrington where I suppose we are going
We were ordered to pack up and march this morning to this
place about 10 miles from Manassas we are now about 40 miles
from Alexandria on the Richmnd road. I noticed but one
incident to day worthy of note and that was an ox harnessed
like a horse and used as such he was harnessed into a wagon
that they use here to ride in and there was three men riding
in the carriage I suppose the rebels had taken their horses
and they were obliged to use the ox for a horse, we marched to
day nearly all the way on the rail road because there was no other
bridges to cross the brooks on and these have been lately built
for the rebels burned them when they left I suppose all
along the rout We are expecting to be paid off as soon as we
stop long enough in one place and we may be paid to morrow.
There is one young man with me to night on guard his native place is
Canada he belongs to the 24 N.Y. vol. he is a first rate fellow
we eat with the family and this evening they have brought about
four quarts of pea nuts for us to eat to night and a good place
to sleep as there is no danger of the soldiers molesting him at
night we can go to bead and sleep if we wish to do so. There has

[page 2]
been a great many here to get victuals to day but they are civil
and pay him well which is nothing more than just and
right for them to do officers as well as soldiers get used all
alike one of Gen. Slocum’s aids took supper here to night I tell
you they are waited uppon in grand stile by his negro slaves
they know just how to do it right and in good shape I have
been talking with the slaves they say they want to be free to
work for themselves and they hope some time to be free one is
married her husband’s master lives about 20 miles from here
and she does not see him but about once a year since his
master mooved away from here. I will write some more tomorrow.

[Hiram Cash of the 5th Maine]

MSS 12916

Rappahannock River
April 6” or 7” [8] 1862. Capt Jamisons
Tuesday
My own darling Wife
I had another bout with the Yankeys yesterday
Genls Ewel [sic] & Elzey were both present & approved of all
my plans. They threw a good many shells at us but
fortunately hurt no one & retired in about two hours
I had a good force & would have made a gallant
fight if they had attempted a crossing, which they will
not attempt here. at dark yesterday evening I was
relieved from duty & I fell back with Billy to the
house of Capt Jamison about 200 yds from my former
head quarters & here I expect to remain until the
rain stops & the sun comes out. I like my horse
first rate – he stands fire – can canter or run as I like
& jumps fences &c like a red deer. I think he
will suit me to a T. and besides I think he
will soon be as gentle as Frank. I can form
no just idea of how long we will remain here
we may leave any day & may not leave for
a month & when we do go cant say in what
direction. One thing however is certain, unless

[page 2]
something is shortly done for the reorganization of our
regiment we will have none at all. about 50 of our men
have deserted since we got to this side of the river
and a great many others are desirous of entering
some other branch of the service. Other regiments
are being filled up to a 1000 men ours & the
13” alone seem to be neglected. I dont like the
idea of its going down and yet I would not be
at all surprised if I should not be reelected if
it does reorganize for I understand that the
regiments & companies which have been reor-
ganized have made a clean sweep of all offi-
cers. I have one consolation, if I am defeated
I will take a good furlough before reentering
the service. I feel greatly at my ease since I
was relieved. For ten days & nights I have been on a stretch
of anxiety & never took off either boots or spurs except one
night & then only for part of the night. Last night Dr
Taylor & I slept in a good bed with clothes off & I intend
to remain until it quits raining. I have heard good
news too. it is said that Genl Jackson has won
a great victory in the Valley & Genl Sydney Johnson
won one in North Alabama. Now if Magruder can
only hold his own at Yorktown, our hopes may

[page 3]
indeed begin to brighten. I am yet full of hope that
we cannot be driven from Virginia, and you will
not be called on [to] decide whether you will stand
your ground or go South. My belief is that the
enimy [sic] will not get to Gordonsville & certainly
not to the state of Fla. from all we can
learn here the force opposite us is not very
large I dont think it exceeds 12000 if that
If I am right on this they will not attempt
to go further up than the Rappahannock River
& if they do we will be certain to bag them
But this force may be increased at any time
& hence we must be all the time on the look
out. But enough of all this conjecture – How
are you all coming on? How is Jennie Watson
is she as cross as ever? I have not heard one
word from you since James came down. Dont
you ever write! If you will direct your
letter to Culpeper I will get it. be certain
to write as soon as you get this and
never believe any reports you hear from
our Division unless I write it. Dr Taylor
went to Culpeper yesterday (Monday) & heard there that
I had been whiped [sic] from the river & that the enimy [sic]

[page 4]
had crossed to this side. So you see that you
can believe nothing you hear. But you must
write to me I cant stand never hearing from you and
I think you will find no dificulty [sic] in getting letters
through the mail – so just try it darling.
The report of victory in the west is confirmed – it is a
great victory & will be great in its results – it will save
Virginia. our communication with the South is
safe & there will be no necessity for falling back
now. Genl Sydney Johnson is dead but Beauregard
is in “hot pursuit” – has taken 100 field pieces, and
over 6000 prisoners. I hope he will continue the
pursuit until the Yankeys are utterly destroyed. I
think this victory will afford Virginia as much
relief as a victory by Magruder or Jackson.
It is indeed something to rejoyce [sic] over. The
report that Jackson has won a victory
is not true, he has had no fight.
Dr Taylor has returned & reports mud knee deep
in camp. My darling you must send me a
note how you are & whether little Jennie is getting
pretty & white & if Lizzie & Jim are still growing
fat. I wish I could this evening take them on
each knee & give them a good smacking. bless
their little pictures, Papa does want to see
them so bad. Give them both a good smack for
Papa & tell little Jennie she must be a better child
Most affectionately & devoutly
E T H Warren

“Genl Ewel”, line 2 – ‘Richard S. Ewell, Confederate general, commanding division.’

“Elzey”, line 2 – ‘Arnold Elzey, Confederate general, commanding brigade.’

“Frank”, line 15 – ‘One of Warren’s horses.’

“about 50 of our men”, page 2, line 2 – ‘The number of men Warren’s complained about being absent without leave (AWOL) or deserters may, in fact, have been as he indicated. However, a detailed study of the compiled service records indicate that thirty-five (35) men were AWOL or deserters at the time of his letter (8 April 1862). The discrepancy, of course, may likely be attributable to the lack of surviving records. Of the thirty-five men discovered 1 was from the Field & Staff, 11 from Company A, 5 from Company B, 3 from Company C1, 4 from Company D, 1 from companies E, G, and H each, 3 from Company I, and 5 from Company K2.
Only 8 of these men never served again. The largest number (13) enlisted in various other units (all cavalry, except one artillery unit), 12 returned to duty with their companies, and 2 were discharged for being overage.’

“13””, page 2, line 7 – ’13th Virginia Infantry.’

“Dr Taylor”, page 2, line 19; page 3, line 22; page 4, line 19 – ‘Thomas L. Taylor, Assistant-Surgeon, 10th Virginia Infantry.’

“Genl Jackson”, page 2, line 21 –

“Jackson”, page 4, line 15 & 17 – ‘All referred to Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, Confederate general, commanding in the Shenandoah Valley.’

“the Valley”, page 2, line 22 – ‘Shenandoah Valley, Virginia’.

“Genl Sydney Johnson”, page, 2, line 22; page 4, line 10 – ‘Albert Sydney Johnston, Confederate general, commanding at Battle of Shiloh (6 & 7 April 1862), where he was mortally wounded in action on 6 April.’

“Magruder”, page 2, line 23; page 4, line 15 – ‘John B. Magruder, Confederate general.’

“Jennie Watson”, page 3, line 15 –

“little Jennie”, page 4, line 21 & 27 – ‘All referred to Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson, Warren’s daughter born 26 February 1862.’

“James”, page 3, line 17 – ‘James W. Magruder, Sergeant, Company K, 2nd Virginia Cavalry.’

“The report of victory in the west”, page 4, line 6 – ‘This is certainly a reference to the Battle of Shiloh fought on 6 and 7 April 1862. Obviously, the news to which Warren refers is only in reference to the fighting on 6 April which was a Confederate victory. However, on 7 April the Union army, after receiving reinforcements, turned the tables.’

“Beauregard”, page 4, line 10 – ‘Pierre G. T. Beauregard, Confederate general.’

“Lizzie”, page 4, line 22 – ‘Warren’s seven year old daughter.’

“Jim”, page 4, line 22 – ‘Warren’s five year old son James M.’

“smacking”, page 4, line 24 –

“smack”, page 4, line 26 – ‘Both referred to a loud kiss or kissing.’

“E T H Warren”, page 4, signature – ‘Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Lieutenant-Colonel, 10th Virginia Infantry.’

[transcription and annotation by John P. Mann IV]

MSS 7786-g

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

Monday 7th–It is cloudy & chilly this morning which will
prevent our paying visits–Liz will change her room today–
Will come just above me, in one of the rooms Mrs. Greenhow
left–I have had a long cheerful letter from Joe–He had
returned to his family–Sent to Early by his regiment to
attend to a variety of things for them. All well in Georgia–
Eliza received a letter from Virginia.

MSS 6960

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

To day the Infantry continued their march
toward Warrenton. which is some twelve
miles distant. Nothing else of importance
transpired. During the evening we
received orders to be in readiness to
move at day light. It has been quite cool
and unpleasant and at times rains
quite hard.

[Transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 8493

[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of General Thomas M. Logan, and a Sgt., Co. B., 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s), Louisiana Infantry]

Monday – April 7th 1862
We opened the ball this morning by firing
shells into the Enemys skirmishers on
the Creek, also shooting at their horsemen
as they appeared on the edge of the
woods near their battery, or where they
fired from yesterday – they have not
shot but once today – sending a shell
among our skirmishers, on this side the
Creek – from a gun battery on the hills to
the right of their former position – We re
-plied from our Parot gun in Cosinghams
battery – The enemy have not shot at us
since – During the day we sent some
14 shots & shell among their skirmishers, &
horseman – The skirmishers on our right &
left Kept it up pretty lively today – shooting at
each other until dark across the creek &
in the woods beyond the mill dam –
None of our men hurt today – the boys
have taken more care of themselves
taking advantage of the trees & some
dug pits near the creek – We had
a terrible time of it today in the
trenches – cold & damp – with a steady
disagreeable rain from two o’clock –
no tents, having sent them to
Lebanon church – we had to put
up with flys & pines of canvass
to cover us from the rain. It is in-
-tensely cold – some of my mess lay
together tonight – spoon – fashion! the
rain dripping through on our blankets –
retire at 8 o’c with the prospect of
a hard cold night – Charley Aby
joined us today – making sixty men
in the trenches for the Crescents [?] – out of 70
7 absent sick & 3 sick at Sprattleys – I [Spratley’s Farm]
went over to the battery today & had some
of the balls from the “air gun” to rain over me

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards; annotation by Robert K. Krick]

MSS 6154

[from the diary of Joseph A. Waddell, former owner and editor of the Staunton, Spectator, and a civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

Monday night, April 6, 1862.

The first report to-day was that the enemy had been re-
pulsed at Yorktown, but were mounting siege guns.
The same dispatch stated that we had gained a bat-
tle at Corinth, Miss., capturing eight batteries. —
This afternoon another dispatch (from Mr. Bote-
ler, member of Congress at Richmond, to Gen. Jack-
son, at or near New Market) was received, about as
follows: “Beauregard achieved a complete and glorious
victory at Corinth. But Sidney Johnson was killed.
News from the Peninsula (Yorktown) favorable.”
The cars brought nothing later, of course. This morning A.
H. H. Stuart had a letter from R. L. Doyle, who ex-
pressed the belief that Gen. Jackson entertained the
contemplated retiring to Waynesborough. The army,
he said, were in too large force for Jackson to con-
tend with. Various reports as to the destination
of Gen. E. Johnson’s army, lately at Allegha-
ny Mountain. I feel sure that the larger part
of it will go to reinforce Jackson. Davy Stras-
burg came up Saturday. He looks well. Has been
in three fights, since he left home on the 17th of
April ’61. — Hainesville, Manassas, and Kerns-
town or Winchester. One young man, Sher-
rer, is very good-natured and talkative. The
London Times says truly that conquest of the
South by the North is impossible, that success on
either side is impossible, that peace is impossi-
ble, that a continuance of the war as at present,
and a restoration of the Union are both impos-
sible, and the only possibility is that we shall
have a military dictator before many years.

A man named Weller was arrested near Mt. Sid-
ney, on Saturday, and brought to jail, for disloyalty.
The reason is unusually backward. The peach trees
were beginning to put out, but a snow storm came
on to-day, and the weather is now as wintry as Jan
-uary.

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow Project]

MSS 38-258

[from the diary of Charles Hay, private, Co. H, 23rd Ohio]

Raleigh, April 7th, 1862.
The fine weather still continues, with
but slight intermission. . The weather
has been a subject of general comment
all winter, because of its mildness.
Look out for “squally” times before
many weeks.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925

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

Monday April 7
Forgot to mention that I received a
letter from home and one from Hen
Russell yesterday and also one from Jennie to day
Pleasant and warm. Came off guard and
then occupied the rest of the day as usual

MSS 11293

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

Monday 7 Morning cloudy, cold & damp
much rain during the day. About
10 o’clock vague rumors began to
spread that our army at Corinth
Miss. had gained a great victory–
I listened with distrust-warned
by experience-gradually the reports
assumed more & more consistence &
the fact of a victory was announced
on the bulletin board. Six thousand
prisoners & eight batteries of guns
were said to be taken. The telegraph
operators, who are bound I suppose
not to reveal what is passing through
tantalised us by giving out that
the victory was complete–far grea-
ter than manassas–that a hundred
guns were taken, but that we
had lost a great man. About
12 Gen Beauregards official dis-
patch was given to the public
It stated in substance that after
ten hours hard fighting we had
yesterday driven the enemy from
all his positions[?] and by the bles
sing of almighty God had gained
a complete victory–that our
loss was large included the
commander in chief, Gen A. S. John
son who had fallen when lead
ing his men into the thickest of
the bttle. The public mind
being thus assured that a great
victory had been gained rebounded.
The exultation and joy exceeded
that which the battle of manassas
elicited –owing to the depression caused
by the disasters of the winter–There
was no extravagance of feeling man
-fested,but I never witnessed a more
heartful pleasure on every side.
If properly improved this victory might
arrest the progress of the federal
armies in the west. The recapture
of Nashville will be a consequence.
In my entry of Sunday last I say
“There is too much reason to fear
that this beautiful and holy day
will be desecrated by God’s creatures
kiling each other.” I contempla
ted the possibility of a fight at or
near Corinth, but had given imme
diate reference to the Peninsula where
they had been skirmishing Saturday.
It is said the enemy retired from
our lines–There is no doubt Rodes
brigade has gone to York Town, so
that Eugene will be in any fight
that may take place. Lanty’s let
ter appeared in the Republican this
morning–Wrote to Dimmock about
a[r]m[y]? bill. By the way, the Governor
has made him a Brigadier General
by Brevet. He well deserves the honor
empty though it be. His labours
in the Ordnance Department have
really been Herculean. Charles
came home with me in the evening.
The narrative of his adventures when
on reconnoitering duty was very interesting.
The service must be excessively exciting.
He has seen hard service–as indeed
all my boys, Lewis excepted–have
done.

MSS 4763

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]
Monday Apr. 7, 19862
No Guard mounting
Had discussion about
Arthur’s boarding he
has at length agreed
pay 10 dol
Recd letters from Mrs. Campbell
this evening
Have made arrangements to
get milk at our neighbors
Has rained all day

MSS 10317