[from the diary of William M. Blackford, bank officer and former diplomat, with five sons in the Confederate Army]
Tuesday 15. Another very hot day–close
ly engaged in Bank–nothing
of an great importance–much
jaded
MSS 4763
[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]
Tuesday 15th The day is bright & cheerful- & I feel equally so–Having just re
-ceived a letter from tom dated of 10th July–His regiment was in the
battle–But he as “Ordnance Sergeant” had to be with his wagon in the
rear–His general was mortally wounded by a shell (Griffith) None
in the Regiment killed-But 16 wounded–His Captain Sessions was woun
-ded–But not mortally–(Major Campbell was not in the fight-having
injured his ankle a few days before in a skirmish-one young man
had to have a part of his leg taken off—All of the others will be fit for
service in one or two months–He says–He says “So carried my wagon
out of the reach of the shells on the day of battle. But being so near I felt like
being in it-It sounded most awfully. Like all were being killed. I did
not like remaining idle in those awful moments–I do not drive my wagon
I have a driver”) He mentions having gotten a Testament off of the battle
field which he says he values more than anything he could have
gotten. He had written immediately after the battle–But the letter
never was received. Neither does he get any I write-But now they
have moved nearer Richmond I hope he will be more fortunate. Eliza
received two long letters also this morning from Mr Mason–He is still at
Goochland- & His health is improving–Says nothing of coming up here
soon–Liza is greatly disappointed–But I tell her she ought to be
thankful she can hear from him–After dinner we had a fearful
storm of thunder & lightning with considerable rain.
MSS 6960
[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]
Monday
July 14
Wrote a letter home. did not do any-
thing in the way of drill. Brown brought
me a letter from home.
MSS 11293
Camp near Richmond
July 14 1862
Dear Bill
I wrote you some days ago, but
have not had the pleasure of hearing from
you for some weeks. My health has been
very good although I have had a great deal
of work to do & a good deal to go through with
in the last few weeks. I was in Richmond
for a day or two & saw West & got myself
refitted, for I was as dirty as a pig & had
almost as few clothes. when we got here.
We are now encamped within two miles
of Richmond with about as much chance
of reaching it, as if it were as far off as
Lynchburg, it is thought we will be here
a little although to day the rumor is that
we go with Jackson, but absolutely
no reliance is to be placed in Camp
rumors. I was sorry to hear from Dr. Lewis
that Conrad Johnson had been killed. did
you know Rob English, Lizzies old friend
who was wounded at the battle of Manassas
he also was killed. Give my love to
Lizzie. May – Jule & the children, also
[page 2]
to Mr Crosby–West tells me he sent
you a hundred & fifty dollars from
father & a hundred from one ninety five
I had given him for you, which was
all right. I hope you are all comfor-
tably fixed–I think we will –those of
us who are live–will be in Alexa
next winter. This war cannot last
much longer, is the prospect not a a
very pleasant one. I am heartily tired
of Camp life. Love to all–
Write soon
Yours
very affectionately
J. B. Gregory
Dr. William B. Gregory, surgeon in 2nd Georgia.
MSS 4777
[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of General Thomas M. Logan, formerly a Sgt, Co. B, 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s), now with the Hampton Legion]
Monday – July 14th 1862
Rose this morning at three o’c & got down
to the Depot with Mullie & baggage to find
that Every car had been impressed by the
Government to transport troops on the Fred’s
-bg & Central rail road – no mail train for
Petersburg – returned home & retired to bed to
finish our nights rest – Rose again at 9 ½ o’c
Mr H. would not allow us to be wake for
breakfast, but Mrs H gave us a grand meal
at ten o’c – Went down town to the store
of S & H with Bro & learned that a train
would start at 2 ½ o’c for Petersb’g in which we
succeeded in getting seats – A clever little boy who
brought down my our baggage w’d not chg us
for the same, Reached Petersb’g at 4 o’c & left for
Weldon at 4 ½ o’c this Evening – Reached
Weldon at 1 o’c at night & started for
Raleigh in another train where we ought
to arrive at 5 o’c tomorrow morning – A very hot &
tiresome trip tonight
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 6154
Memphis Tenn, July 14th 1862—
Special Order No 17
It is hereby ordered that Samuel Sawyer Chaplain 4th
Regt Ind. Vol. have the general supervision of the “Appeal Buildings”
in conducting a Union paper in the city of Memphis–
By order of
Wm S. Hillyer
Provost Marshal General
MSS 10645
[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]
Monday, July 14, 1862
Guard mountng
did nothing this
forenoon. Alex went
back to Flat top to get
our mess chest. & I
went to work with
the boys & made a
booth around our tent
Lieut Stevens came in
this evening.
Had parade after
which we played
mostly clear & warm
Two companies H & J
went out on a scout
News of difficulties
across the river
Find have a beautiful
spring has been a
rather long day to
me. Our living quite frugal
just now
[in top margin]
P.S. Bathed & changed
my shirt
MSS 10317
In camp July14th, P.M. 1862
My own darling Addie,
Here I am feeling just like writing in a
fine hand and who should I write to but the one I love?
I have to acknowledge the receipt of a charming letter from
you also a note from Miss Dora (I am going to answer
this P.M.) There isn’t this a fine hand? Well, if you
can easily read it, it is all I care. How do you do
this afternoon? I suppose you are enjoying a good
vacation.–You should improve it, and get all
the rest you can. You know a vacation is very
good thing, for scholars and teacher, especially when
the term is so long as yours. We have just had
such a refreshing shower. A “regular built”
Virginia thunderstorm, such as we had at Ma-
nassas, only it came up much more rapidly. I
think I never saw a shower advance quite so rapidly.
Addie, I am going to tell you how we live. We
will suppose we are taking an aerial ride. Look down and
you see a portion of the green earth apparently covered with curiously
arranged sheets. These are tents–veritable tents, in which
[page 2]
soldiers “live, move, and ave their being.” We will descend
and visit the Co. H. The tents are arranged in two rows, at
right angles with, and in front of the line of officers. the
space intervening, we call “the street.” Ours, is “National Ave.”
This diagram we will suppose, represents C. H. [tiny sketch here]
The large square is Lt. Brisbine’s tent. The one near it is the Sergts.
My tent is “No 3.” As I stand before it, the top of the tent does
not come quite up to my shoulder. If you look in–a modern
lady could hardly enter–you will see my parlor, study, kitchen
(all except the fire, )_ pantry and bedroom. Upon one side you see
a couple of new rifles–on the ground, of course, and the accoutrements
–in the center you will see two large woolen, and two rubber
blankets–on the other side you see two tin cups– tin plates, do.–
“Coffee-buckets,” do. (made of fruit cans.) two knives; one fork; two
spoons; a half of a canteen doing duty as frying pan; two canteens;
4 loaves of bread; bag of coffee; can of sugar; a can of sto
stewed blackberries, all my gathering, and stewing,–and they
are delicious, too; and two haversacks;–while in the back end
are two knapsacks; my portfolio; my books, etc. Now dont you
admire “my house?” Well now I am going to give you one or
two cooking recipes, such as we use. 1st Fried Bread–
Take of bread, 1/2 lb. 4 tablespoonsfulls of “pork fat,” and 1 1/2 pint of
water. Put it into a mess pan, crumbing up the bread, and
[page 3]
cook it until it is done. Season with salt and peppers.
2d “Fried Crackers.” Take as much hard bread as you think you
can eat, and cook it until soft, then fry in lard the same
as “fried cakes,” or “doughnuts.” 3d To make coffee for one–
take 1 1/2 pint water and put int he coffee while cold, then bring
it to a steady boil until the “strength” is “all out” 4th To
make fine blackberry sauce “stew”– 1st pick your berries, then
add sufficient water and stew them, taken care that you
stew them in you “coffee bucket.” The above are a few of
our best recipes. I forgot to tell you that upon one side of
my tent I have a cellar, where I keep my culinary stores etc.
We come forth at “Reveille,” and retire at “taps,” and
have a good time generally. If it were not for the “style“
the commissioned officers assume, all would be “merry as a
marriage bell.” Early in the morning we are saluted with
“Baltimore Clipper” Baltimore American & like [?] and
later in the day, a man comes into the camp with “Here
we come, with the great war paper, more than full of
news all on our side.–The great and ever blessed Philadelphia
Inquirer, with the latest news of Mac’s movements. All about
Pope’s great speech to us young folks.”–Then it is fun for
the boys The change he puts into his mouth and says he can
not talk plainly until he has $3.25 “Then he can sell or be sold.”
[page 4]
But amid the gay throng many a true heart feels that it
could be much more happy if it could have a visit home
but like soldiers, they remain at their posts, a little sad, but true to duty.
The officers give us no hope whatever of receiving leaves of absence
as they say every soldier is needed in the field. Gladly would I
come home to my “fayre ladye,” but we must not murmur,
I am situated the same as thousands of others, and in common
with them I am cheerful, knowing there “is a good time coming.”
Where us sister Laurie? I have not received one line
from her for six weeks and more, yet I have written three
times to her. Is she not at home?
I wrote to your Papa some days since, I suppose he has
told you of it ere this. I am anxiously awaiting a reply.
Mr. Benton, I guess has forgotten me, he has not yet answered
my letter, second letter.
You ask what I think of Fremont. I think his suprosedure
was a direct and unprovoked insult instigated by his numerous
enemies, most likely the Blairs, and I honor him in the
course he has followed. It is in fact an outrage upon him.
Mr. Richardson a “lady killer,” indeed. I guess he would
kill ladies, by his insulting manner. He failed in our
Case, didn’t he? God bless you my noble generous Addie.
But I must close for the present, and will write again in
a day or two. My love to all, especially to Adelaide.
Forever your Charlie
P.S. I have received two letters from Hal. He is in Cumberland
and is Provost marshal. The people down there say he is the best
one they ever had. In fact he is good anywhere.
Please ask Laurie if she has not received my letters. Write very
soon, and accept a ——-well, guess what I would give you if I
was there.
MSS 11616
Camp of the Rockbridge Artillery (Capt Poagues)
1st Brigade (Gen Winder)
1st division (Gen. Whiting)
1st Corps (Gen. Jackson)
Army of Richmond (Gen. Lee)
Monday
July 14, 1862
On the Mechanicsville Turnppike 3 miles from the city
Mrs. Wm M. Blackford, Lynchburg,
My Dear Mother
My letter des-
patched on Saturday brought the narrative of my
present history down to the Tuesday after I left you.
I resume it at that point. On Wednesday
I learned from a member of Gen. Jackson’s staff whom
I saw in Richmond that our corps was coming
by slow marches up and would be here Thursday
I therefore remained quietly in town until the next
afternoon Wednesday evening I had the pleasure
of writing two of my brothers and two of my first
cousins, viz. bro. Wm. and Lewis, and Charles and
Berkeley Minor, the latter on his way home
sick. I have not heard from him since
and am uneasy about him. Charles
was in town on Berkeley’s account and
had already rendered, as he did further
afterward, efficient aid in getting him off
[page 2]
There was quite a reunion of the family
Wednesday evening for a short time at Mr
Gwatkin’s. Bros Wm and Lewis, Uncle Lewis, Chas
Minor and Berkeley and Wm. H. Blackford. Bro.
Wm, Uncle Lewis and Berkeley were there
to]ge]ther with Wm H. and myself, who were
Cousin Mary’s guests before. She kindly gave
comfortable quarters for the night too to
Berkeley who was really too weak to more
any more than was absolutely necessary.
In the afternoon Lewis and I walked
about town together and then as well
as later in the evening, made visits together
That night I staid as usual with Uncle
Lewis, bro. Wm. with Frank Robertson at
Mr. Grattan’s, Lewis with Capt. Kean, and
Charles at Gen. Pendleton’s Hd.Qrs. near the
city, unless I am mistaken. I did not see
bro. Wm. again unfortunately, but next
morning after Charles and I had seen
Berkeely safely off at the R.F.& P.R.R. Depot
for Hanover we found Lewis and breakfasted
[page 3]
together at a Restaurant. (I have often had
a better meal with my mess in camp.)
Shortly afterwards we dispersed. Thursday
afternoon I started out with several others
on foot for this camp. We had scarcely gotten
out of the city before a hard rain came up
Just as it began I met Ch. L.C. Minor riding
in and as it was late and the rain promised
to be continued I promised to return and
meet him at uncle Lewis’ room and spend
the night in the city. Just afterwards I
turned in to a house hear to escape the
rain, which was over so much sooner
than I expected that I determined to
come on to camp. I was very sorry not
to see Charles again as he told me he ex-
pected to go to Lbg. next morning.
The camp here is a tolerably good one
only. The ground has been long used by
other troops and our tent and shelters
are pitched in a pine and cedar wood where
the undergrowth has been all worn away.
[page 4]
Our surroundings generally resemble much
more those of the Manassas vicinity than
the beautiful locations for camp we generally
had in the Valley and Piedmont region. The
co is much reduced in number from various
causes. Though with 140 or 150 on our rolls
we have not 70 men fit for duty, not more
than enough to man 3 guns; (our compliment
is 6.) all we used in the battle of July 1st.
By the way I have only mentioned inci-
dentally what I can now tell you more
explicitly of the share of this co. in that
battle. Our loss was 2 killed and 11
wounded, mostly slightly. The killed were
both from Rockbridge and both men of family.
their names are Brown and Herndon; respectable
men of humble station in life, but both ef-
ficient and worthy soldiers. Herndon was a
driver killed by a fragment of shell. Brown
was a cannoneer, but one of the ambulance
corps’ on the occasion referred to, i.e. one of
the 2 men detailed from every co. to look after the wounded.
[page 5]
It seems that the action had not long begun,
at any rate the ‘ambulance corps’ for our co.
were as yet unemployed and Brown was quietly
seated behind a tree 2 1/2 ft thick in the rear
of the battery when a 32 pound rifled shell came
along penetratrated[sic] the branch of the tree, leaving
a clear round hole behind it, took off the
top of his skull and then went on a little
further and burst. It was a remarkable and
fearful example of the power of these ter-
rible missives,or rather of the momentum
with which they fly. Our battery was
not exposed to any fire from small arms
at all but was under the most terrible
one from cannon that it was ever called
upon to face, from all accounts. I am told
that our boys gained some reputation for
the soldierly manner in which they stood
up to their work under a fire which was
so awful and demoralizing in its effects
as to cause one or more other batteries similarly
[page 6]
placed, I hear, to limber up and retire in short
order and yet, others to come under orders up
to their position and then retire without un-
limbering because it was too hot for them.
However this may be I believe I may claim
without vanity, for our co. that it will stick
up to the mark generally without flinching
(I speak of it now as a whole, there are, of
course individual exceptions, as there are ev-
ery where) wherever superior officers may
see fit to place them. Our company offi-
cers are a remarkably gallant set and
will face any danger they are called on
to incur with as much calmness as any
men I ever saw. This of course had great effect.
In the battle of the 1st I believe the for-
mer fair character of the Rockbridge Artillery
was fully sustained. Our dead were buried
by our own men on the field. Brown just
where he was killed, the great tree with its
bored trunk a fitting headpiece to the soldier’s
grave. He was a man considerably over conscript age.
[page 7]
The last was the fifth regular general engagement
in which this battery has been actively em-
July 21/61 Mch 23/62 May 25/62
ployed, viz Manassas, Kernstown, Winchester
June 9/62 July 21/62
Port Republic, and Malvern Hill. In addition
to these it has been wholly or in part engaged
in several small battles and skirmishes; e.g.
the affair at Haynesville in Berkeley on July 2/61
when, in the language of Gen. J.E. Johnston
his official report “a small body of Infantry
and one gun of Pendleton’s Battery taught the
Enemy a severe lesson”. It was the only time
Patterson ever met our men in the field.
Also the skirmishes at Dam No. 5 in December
and at Hancock in January last, and a num-
ber of less memorable little brushes on picquet
at various times. I believe few batteries
in the army have rendered more service, &
perhaps as few lost as heavily as we have
since the opening of this spring campaign.
Our killed and wounded from march 22 to July 22,
–a little over 3 months–is not less than 50
..of this number 8 have been killed & mortally wounded.
[page 8]
Of our wounded of course a good many are
but slightly hurt, but I give the statement
according to surgeon’s returns. Many Infantry
cos have suffered more than ours but it is not
common for the casualties among artillerymen
to be so numerous–at least in our battles.
The guns used at Haynesville more than a
year ago–a common first class brass smooth
bore 6 pounder- was the first ever fired in
the Valley of Virginia in this war. It belongd
to this battery at the beginning and still does,
the only one that we originally had that re-
mains with us. It has been used in all our
battles and most of our skirmishes and has
probably been fired 250 times since we had it,
to say nothing of travelling something like 1000
miles in our various marches. With all this
you cannot wonder that we regard the old
gun with both respect and affection; feelings
particularly shared by its own detachment
to which I belong myself, as well as Berkeley Minor,
Ran Fairfax, the Packards, and others of my friends
[page 9]
Friday, Saturday and Sunday I spent quietly in
camp though on Friday there was so much
rain that the day was a sort of blank
as it usually is when this calamitous
visitation, the soldier’s worst enemy as
respect weather, comes upon us. Our men gen-
erally have happily made such acquisi-
tions in the shape of india-rubber blankets,
ponchos and coats, waterproof knapsacks, etc.
in the late battles from the enemy that
the hardships of the weather are hereby
measurably lessened. My two india rubber
blankets are a great comfort. I noticed recently
a regiment of Louisiana troops marching in a
rain among whom probably not more than
one in every 7 or 8 was unfurnished with a
Yankee rubber blanket. But do what you
will, unless in a good stout tent, rain is a
miserable thing, and for myself as long as
I am a soldier I never expect to be other
than miserable while it lasts. I speak feelingly
you see!
[page 10]
Yesterday (Sunday) though within 8 miles of the city
going thither to church was impossible. Only
2 are allowed to from the co. each day to town.
the pass has to be signed by the captain and
then go up to be countersigned by both the Brig-
adier and Major Generals–Winder & Jackson.
Having recently been so long in Richmond I
have as yet preferred no application for leave
to go again. I spent the morning as ap
propriately as I could, though a provokingly
large amount of it was taken up by my
duties in the co., which happened to-day to
be more arduous than usual. In the afternoon
we enjoyed the privilege of hearing an ex-
cellent sermon from Rev. Dr. M. D. Hoge of Richd
(a favourite with me) He officiated in the
2d Va. Inf in our Brigade, quite convenient
for our men to attend, as a great many did.
There was a large and attentive auditory,
among them Gen. Jackson, who came with
Dr Hoge. The General is very often present
at religious services held in his old Brigade.
[letter of Lancelot Minor Blackford of the Rockbridge Artillery to his mother will be continued on July 23]
[from the diary of Ephraim A. Wood, Co. C, 13th Massachusetts]
Monday July 14th 1862
Pleasant all day. Received orders
to march at half past one
Oclock, by which time we
were in line. We went a few
rods, and then haulted, opened
ranks and were inspected by
the Colonel. We then marched
back again to Camp, cleaned
it up, and pitched our tents
The order to march was given
so as to get the Regt into
marching orders and have
the Camp cleaned up.
It has been a very warm
day. At half past six we
had a Battalion drill
In the evening the Band
came out, and played a
few tune, one of which was
Sounds from Home, my favorite
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 12021
