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1863 February 12 Newport News, Va.

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(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 February February 18 Howard 15th Conn

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                   Head Quarters 15th C.V.
               Camp at Newport News, Va.
                                            Feby 18th 63
My Dear Sister,,
                             Here it is the
18th and no letter from home,,
we have had no mail for
nearly a week and we are
all feeling rather tough
about it      I don’t see why our
mail should be detained and
all the other Regts get theirs
but we belong to the “Bully”
15th”    I recieved your letter
dated Feby 3rd and answered it
but have had no other letter
from home.   Mr Huisdale says
that he sent the letter with
money by express from N Haven
and took their receipt and
I don’t see why you haven’t recd..

it or the other letter with
the order for boots and other
things, won’t you have them
ready to send by his express
next time   he starts again
from New Haven next Tuesday
     I wish you would get a
coat – boots – drawers  knife

1863 January 12 Newport News, Va.

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[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

1863 February 13 Charleston [W] Va

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 [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

1863 February 12 Norfolk, Va.

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[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

1863 February 12 Staunton, Va.

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

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

1863 February 19 Waddell

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Reported to-day that Gen. Hood is coming to the Valley, with his division. Our army seems to be coming away from Fredericksburg, as the Yankees on the other side of the river are leaving. Things look rather dark. Gen. Beauregard warns the non- combatants to leave Charleston and Savannah, as he expects an attack upon one or both places. The French Emperor has made a proposition to the United States for a consultation between the belligerents with a view to peace, to which Seward replies rather testily in the negative. The Rev. John Baker has just returned from New York city, where he went to send funds to his mother in Illinois. He walked from New Market, Shenandoah co, to the Potomac, dodging Yankee camps; found wagons loaded with wheat crossing the river at a ferry, got into one of the wagons and went over unquestioned by soldiers. Returning, had to cross the Potomac at a bridge, was arrested by the guard and taken before the Provost Marshall — allowed to pass without search, bring sealed letters and $500 for the Fredericksburg people sent by one gentleman. While in N. Y. and Brooklin saw a number of Southern people, but thinks the war will last for some time yet. He bought three new shirts, and wore them all on his person. Mrs. Skinner’s only woman servant has small pox, and the family is cut off from communication with neighbors +c. I went up to night, however, to inquire for them. Did not go in the house, She seemed in a state of great distress — and I dont wonder at it. Her companions day and night are her deaf-mute Sister and daughter, and several little negroes. Burdell, who has had the disease, was there to-night.
Sunday night, February 22, 1863.
Another great snow storm. — began last night soon after dark and continued till late this morning. I have not been off the lot to-day. All the church bells silent. No service, I presume, anywhere. Read a sermon aloud after dinner. — reading to myself some in Doddridge and a good deal in Hanna’s Life of Chalmers. Very much troubled as to how Sister and family are to disposed when they come — Expect them next Friday. Reported last night that the Yankee steamer Queen of the West had been captured on Red River or the Mississippi. General expectation that the French Emperor will do something before long in reference to the affairs of this country.
Monday night, February 23, 1863.
Passengers by the train from Richmond to- night state that fighting has begun at Vicksburg. Recent reports from the South West represent the Yankee army in that quarter as greatly demoralized — officers resigning in large numbers and privates deserting by the hundred. The train from Richmond due last night did not get in till this morning, detained by the snow. Some of Mr. Stuart’s furniture has arrived by express. Miserable weather for the family to move in. To show the great increase in the price of all articles of subsistence I mention, that the money value of one hundred soldiers’ rations (for a day), formerly estimated at a little more than nine dollars, is now at market prices more than one hundred and twenty- three dollars ($123). Coffee formerly 9 cents a pound, is now $3.50 to $4. Sugar once 3 + 4 cents is now a dollar. Bacon is selling in Richmond at $1 a pound.
Thursday night, February 26, 1863.
Sister and her family are expected to- morrow evening, and Kitty goes to Charlottesville to meet them. They will go into the Academy for the present — very poor accommodations — hope to get Alick’s house in May. Have written to Bickle on the subject. He occupies the house, and is unwilling to give it up. I have tried to rent a part of Mrs. Sowers’ house (now owned by Mayes), but have given up the attempt, on account of the high price and difficulty in making any arrangement with another person for a division of the property. The real estate and most of the personal property sold enormously high on Tuesday.
Very little war news for several days. The report of fighting at Vicksburg turned out untrue, unless the account we have to-night of some cannonading be a confirmation of it. The Northern Congress has passed a conscript law and a finance bill, which together give Lincoln unlimited control of men and money in his dominions. The Kentucky Legislature seems to have backed out from its movement for a peace Congress of the Western States. The proposition was defeated in Illinois by the Republican (or Lincoln) majority of the State Senate seceding, and leaving the Legislature without a quorum. The prospect is still for fierce, unrelenting war. Butter selling at $1.75 a pound. Dont know where people get so much money — Confederate Treasury notes. Nearly all sorts of people seem to be overflowing with “currency.”
Saturday night, February 28, 1863,
Sister and her children with Kate arrived last evening, and Mr. Stuart this evening. They are eating with us for the present, making (with their two servants) twenty persons fed from our table. Our military force down the Valley has at last had some success over the enemy, capturing 184 of them.
March 1863

1863 February 12 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Thursday 12th  Threatning rain – Warm & damp – Mrs Campbell
disappointed in getting off – No Hillsboro Hack came-
After dinner the Miss Martins called – & begged me to come
& see their brother’s Wife – I received 2 letters – one from
DuB[?] enclosing one from Mr Davis about Virgil &
the other from Mr Vanosdell.

MSS 6960

1863 February 11 New Bern, N.C.

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

Went out to drill this forenoon under Upton
and had a very good drill.  This afternoon
I washed my clothes and read some.  It has been a
pleasant day.  Got a good letter from home.  This eve-
ning I wrote to Mary and sent her a picture.

MSS 11293