Diary of Belle Edmondson

Diaries and Letters of Belle Edmondson

March, Saturday 19, 1864

Today has been just as gloomy as yesterday was bright—cold, windy & cloudy. Helen & Nannie had a general cleaning up in the house. Laura was unusually particular about my room, kept me waiting until dinner time to get to my sewing. I made up for lost time, finished one width of braiding, and drew the rest of the pattern off. I don’t know what I shall do, if I am to spend so much of my time alone—no companion except my sewing, which is almost too much food for a mind in the present state of my own—however, tis all for the best, God’s will, not mine be done.

Tate & Anna Nelson went to town this morning, got back safe. Mr. Eyrich sent me a nice lot of papers, Tate brought me a letter, as usual not my own, from Capt. Hoenstein to his wife in Mobile. No late news.

Laura & Bettie recited a very good lesson tonight—everything in my room statu quo. Anna Wilson did not come, went with Helen & Nannie upstairs.

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A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones
A likeness of Jones when he was editor and majority owner of the Daily Madisonian during President John Tyler’s administration.

MARCH 19th.—Warmer, calm and cloudy.

I saw a large turkey to-day in market (wild), for which $100 was demanded.

I saw Dr. Powell to-day. He says the Federals asked his servants where the master and mistress had gone? and they were told that they had been called to Petersburg to see a sick daughter. They then asked where the spoons were, and were told none were in the house. They asked if there was not a watch, and the servant said her master wore it. They then demanded where the money was kept, and were told it was always kept in bank. They made the servants open drawers, press, etc.; and when they discovered some pans of milk, they took them up and drank out of them with eagerness. They took nothing from the house, destroyed nothing, and the doctor deems himself fortunate. They left him two horses and eight mules.

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Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.
Charles Lynch

March 19th. L. A. Manning and I off duty. Weather being fine, we decided to take a long walk out into the country. Passed a few farm houses. Came to a small school house where we heard the music of a violin. Looking at the building and listening to the music, a gentleman came out and invited us in. He was the teacher. It being Saturday there was no school. He was practising on the violin. A fine looking young man. Inclined to ask us many questions, which we avoided answering. His sympathy was with the South all right We were about four miles from camp. Returned very much pleased with our tramp. Maryland is a fine country. We had passed through different sections of it.

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A Diary From Dixie.

A Diary From Dixie by Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut.

March 19th.–A new experience: Molly and Lawrence have both gone home, and I am to be left for the first time in my life wholly at the mercy of hired servants. Mr. Chesnut, being in such deep mourning for his mother, we see no company. I have a maid of all work.

Tudy came with an account of yesterday’s trip to Petersburg. Constance Cary raved of the golden ripples in Tudy’s hair. Tudy vanished in a halo of glory, and Constance Cary gave me an account of a wedding, as it was given to her by Major von Borcke. The bridesmaids were dressed in black, the bride in Confederate gray, homespun. She had worn the dress all winter, but it had been washed and turned for the wedding. The female critics pronounced it “flabby-dabby.” They also said her collar was only “net,” and she wore a cameo breastpin. Her bonnet was self-made.

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

Friday, 18th. Spent most of the day in the house. So interested in a game of chess that I forgot the church prayer meeting till too late. Attended preaching in the evening.

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Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Friday, 18th–It is quite cool today with a rather sharp wind blowing, which with our crowded condition makes it very uncomfortable. The Thirty-second Illinois received their pay on board today, and no doubt the gamblers will get their hands in before we land.

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Oh! God drive those miserable wretches from our Sunny land, and give us freedom and peace.

Diaries and Letters of Belle Edmondson

March, Friday 18, 1864

One of the loveliest days I ever spent, bright and beautiful. I have been very buisy braiding my dress. finished 1 1/2 yd. it is very fascinating work, and with my natural abhorance of sewing I think this particular kind would give me much pleasure, if it were not for my miserable old spine. I am suffering intensely tonight from my hard days work. I fixed Mr. Noe’s grave this evening, it is a lovely spot but oh! so sad, my heart aches when I think of his long suffering, and so young, taken from his poor widowed Mother. Oh! God drive those miserable wretches from our Sunny land, and give us freedom and peace. I have been alone today except Laura sewing. Tate came twice to sew on the machine—Joanna & Anna Wilson went to town this morning, got back safe, no late news. Mr. Wallace, Henry Wilson & friend were here to Tea. I came to my room very early—heard Bettie’s & Laura’s lessons. Beulah and Tippie Dora both here—read myself to sleep—

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A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones
A likeness of Jones when he was editor and majority owner of the Daily Madisonian during President John Tyler’s administration.

MARCH 18th.—Bright and warmer, but windy.

Letters received at the department to-day, from Georgia, show than only one-eighth of the capacity of the railroads have been used for the subsistence of the army. The rogues among the multitude of quartermasters have made fortunes themselves, and almost ruined the country. It appears that there is abundance of grain and meat in the country, if it were only equally distributed among the consumers. It is to be hoped the rogues will now be excluded from the railroads.

The belief prevails that Gen. Lee’s army is in motion. It may be a feint, to prevent reinforcements from being sent to Grant.

My daughter’s cat is staggering to-day, for want of animal food. Sometimes I fancy I stagger myself. We do not average two ounces of meat daily; and some do not get any for several days together. Meal is $50 per bushel. I saw adamantine candles sell at auction to-day (box) at $10 per pound; tallow, $6.50. Bacon brought $7.75 per pound by the 100 pounds.

My good friend Dr. Powell and his family were absent from the farm near the city during the late raid. The enemy carried off several of his finest horses and mules, and consumed much of his supplies of food, etc., but utterly failed to induce any of his negroes to leave the place—and he has many. One of the female servants, when the enemy approached, ran into the house and secured all the silver, concealing it in her own house, and keeping it safely for her mistress.

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Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.
Charles Lynch

March 18th. Nothing important has taken place during the past few days. Weather very good, but very cold nights along the Potomac. Out among the farmers buying straw for our tents. Ground too cold to sleep on. Try to keep comfortable, large campfires kept burning nights and days. When too cold to sleep sit around the fire.

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

17th. Stormy day. Played a little chess and read some. In the P. M. went to Thursday lecture. A stranger, an old graduate, occupied the pulpit–from a tent on Tappan Square. Columbian’s concert in the evening. Remained at home with Ma and baby Carrie.

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

17th. Stormy day. Played a little chess and read some. In the P. M. went to Thursday lecture. A stranger, an old graduate, occupied the pulpit–from a tent on Tappan Square. Columbian’s concert in the evening. Remained at home with Ma and baby Carrie.

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Robert M. McGill

Robert M. Magill – Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy, 39th Georgia Regiment of Infantry

Friday, 17th.—Congress passed an act requiring all persons not re-enlisted by the 20th to be held during the war under their present organizations, without having the benefit of furlough system. As I am in anyway, don’t expect to get out until killed or go out on my own hook. I will try my luck at drawing for furlough. Re-enlisted for the war. G. P. Harris drew the furlough; I drew 20 and he drew 21.


(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

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Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Thursday, 17th–Our boat has been running steadily since starting, it having stopped but once, and that was to take on wood for the boilers of the engine. The time has passed without incident.

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A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones
A likeness of Jones when he was editor and majority owner of the Daily Madisonian during President John Tyler’s administration.

MARCH 17th.—Bright, clear, and pleasant; frosty in the morning.

Letters from Lieut.-Gen. Hood to the President, Gen Bragg, and the Secretary of War, give a cheering account of Gen. Johnston’s army at Dalton. The men are well fed and well clothed. They are in high spirits, “and eager for the fray.” The number is 40,000. Gen. H. urges, most eloquently, the junction of Polk’s and Loring’s troops with these, making some 60,000,—Grant having 50,000,—and then uniting with Longstreet’s army, perhaps 30,000 more, and getting in the rear of the enemy. He says this would be certain to drive Grant out of Tennessee and Kentucky, and probably end the war. But if we lie still, Grant will eventually accumulate overwhelming numbers, and penetrate farther; and if he beats us, it would be difficult to rally again for another stand, so despondent would become the people.

Gen. Hood deprecates another invasion of Pennsylvania, which would be sure to result in defeat. He is decided in his conviction that the best policy is to take the initiative, and drive the enemy out of Tennessee and Kentucky, which could be accomplished to a certainly.

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oh! how I hate to see the last Grey Coat disappear.

Diaries and Letters of Belle Edmondson

March, Thursday 17, 1864

My cold is no better—miserably hoarse, got up rather late. Laura brought my breakfast to my room, fixed my work to go in the Parlor—found Mr. Wilson & Mr. Harbut arrived—All buisy sewing, laughing & talking,—when the Yankees were reported coming, Mr. W. & H in the greatest haste retreated through the Garden, left their horses—the report was a mistake, it being Maj. Phil Allin—All quiet again, enjoying ourselves very much. Maj. Allin liked his Hats very much. Mr. Harbut, Sr. & Mr. Redford came—after a little Mr. Falls and Miss McKinney, they brought the rest of Maj. Allin’s clothes. Mr. Wilson left early to start a currier below—the rest remained until after dinner then returned to Memphis. Mr. Harbut & Maj. Allin staid late, left together, oh! how I hate to see the last Grey Coat disappear. Father and I sat alone in the Parlor after Tea.

Laura, Beulah & Tip all in tonight, all asleep except I. I shall read myself into the arms of Morpheus—When, oh! when will it be bright, my Savior I trust in thee, hope & faith oh! God give me strength—

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

16th. Melissa wrote a letter to F. I enclosed a note speaking of my burning the letters and asking F. to do the same way with mine and also my pictures. Melissa took my letters around to Minnie’s. Thede and I walked around before supper.

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

16th. Melissa wrote a letter to F. I enclosed a note speaking of my burning the letters and asking F. to do the same way with mine and also my pictures. Melissa took my letters around to Minnie’s. Thede and I walked around before supper.

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Robert M. McGill

Robert M. Magill – Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy, 39th Georgia Regiment of Infantry

Thursday, 16th.—Corps drill and sham battle of Hood’s Corps to-day. Made some gallant charges.


(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

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Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Wednesday, 16th–This is a beautiful day. I left for home on my thirty-day furlough. I embarked with the Fifteenth Iowa and the Thirty-second Illinois, on board the “Olive Branch.” We left for Cairo, Illinois, at 3 p. m. We say adieu to thee, Vicksburg, the Gibraltar of the West! We leave thee with some pleasant memories, notwithstanding the many hardships we had to endure while with thee! Before we left Vicksburg the railroad station caught fire and was completely consumed with two thousand bushels of oats stored there.

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I began to fix my articles for smugling…,

Diaries and Letters of Belle Edmondson

March, Wednesday 16, 1864

Went up Street directly after Breakfast to finish a little job I forgot on yesterday. At one o’clock Mrs. Facklen, Mrs. Kirk and I began to fix my articles for smugling , we made a balmoral of the Grey cloth for uniform, pin’d the Hats to the inside of my hoops—tied the boots with a strong list, letting them fall directly in front, the cloth having monopolized the back & the Hats the side—All my letters, brass buttons, money, &c in my bosom—left at 2 o’clock to meet Anna at Mr. Barbie’s—started to walk, impossible that—hailed a hack—rather suspicious of it, afraid of small-pox, weight of contrabands ruled—jumped in, with orders for a hurried drive to Cor Main & Vance—arrived, found Anna not ready, had to wait for her until 5 o’clock, very impatient—started at last—arrived at Pickets, no trouble at all, although I suffered horribly in anticipation of trouble. Arrived at home at dusk, found Mr. Wilson & Harbut, gave them late papers and all news. Mrs. Harbut here to meet her Bro. bro’t Mr. Wilson a letter from Home in Ky. Worn out. 8 yds. Long cloth, 2 Hats, 1 pr Boots, 1 doz. Buttons, letters, &c. 2 Cords, 8 tassels.

Laura, Beulah & Tippie Dora, all in.

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A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones
A likeness of Jones when he was editor and majority owner of the Daily Madisonian during President John Tyler’s administration.

MARCH 16th.—There was ice last night. Cold all day. Gen. Maury writes that no immediate attack on Mobile need be apprehended now. He goes next to Savannah to look after the defenses of that city.

The Examiner to-day publishes Gen. Jos. E. Johnston’s report of his operations in Mississippi last summer. He says the disaster at Vicksburg was owing to Gen. Pemberton’s disobedience of orders. He was ordered to concentrate his army and give battle before the place was invested, and under no circumstances to allow himself to be besieged, which must of course result in disaster. He says, also, that he was about to manœuvre in such manner as would have probably resulted in the saving a large proportion of his men, when, to his astonishment, he learned that Gen. P. had capitulated.

Willoughby Newton reports that the enemy are building a number of light boats, to be worked with muffled oars, at Point Lookout, Md., and suggests that they may be designed to pass the obstructions in the James River, in another attempt to capture Richmond.

It is said Lieut.-Gen. E. Kirby Smith, trans-Mississippi, has been made a full general, and that Major-Gen. Sterling Price relieves Lieut.-Gen. Holmes, who is to report at Richmond. If this be so, it is very good policy.

Gen. Lee is still here, but will leave very soon.

Gen. Bragg has taken measures to insure the transportation of meat and grain from the South. Much food for Lee’s army has arrived during the last two days.

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“I dislike detached service in any shape, but prefer court martial duty to almost any other.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills, (8th Illinois Infantry)

Scottsboro, Ala., March 15, 1864.

I am again on court martial duty, with a prospect of a long siege; but we have an experienced President and a Judge Advocate who promises to be a fast worker; so we may get through quicker than we anticipated. The President, Colonel Heath, 100th Indiana, is a Bob Ingersoll for the world, that is, full of anecdote and fond of malt. ‘Tis probably fortunate that at this time none of the latter is to be had in our division. I dislike detached service in any shape, but prefer court martial duty to almost any other. Would much rather be with my company, and if it were not considered so nix military would ask to be relieved from this. You can’t imagine how proud I am becoming of my company. I have never had an iota of trouble with them. We certainly work as smoothly as any company could. We are all in high feather over the prospect of going to Richmond. Everybody wants to start immediately. If the 15th and 17th corps reach the Rapidan, we doubt your hearing anything more about recrossing the Rapidan and taking positions inside the Washington fortifications. Our corps don’t get along well with these Cumberland and Potomac soldiers. To hear our men talk to them when passing them or their camps marching, you’d think the feeling between us and the Rebels could be no more bitter. We are well off by ourselves, but still we don’t feel at home. We’re too far from our old comrades, 13th, 16th and 17th Corps. This feeling that grows up between regiments, brigades, divisions and corps is very strong and as strange. The 4th and 14th Corps Cumberland chaps our men can endure, although much in the spirit a dog chewing a bone, allows another to come within ten feet. The 11th and 12th Corps Potomac men, and ours never meet without some very hard talk. I must do the Yankees the justice to say that our men, I believe, always commence it, and are the most ungentlemanly by great odds. I do honestly think our corps in one respect composed of the meanest set of men, that was ever thrown together. That is, while on the march they make it a point to abuse every man or thing they see. They always feel “bully,” will certainly march further with less straggling, and make more noise whooping than any other corps in service, but if a strange soldier or citizen comes in sight, pity him, and if he’s foolish enough to ask a question, as “what regiment,” or “where are you bound for?” he’ll wish himself a mile under ground before he hears all the answers, and ten to one not a whit of the information he asked for will be in any of them. We have no pay yet, and no prospects now, but doing good business borrowing.

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

15th. All the young folks were invited to Dea. Turner’s to tea. I remained at home. Played chess with Thede. Read some– attending preaching in the evening. Prof. Fairchild made a good discourse. Got out my letters from Fannie, reviewed them and burned them. It seemed hard and sad to do so, but I knew it was best. Could not discover any change in the style of her letters in the spring of 1861. They seemed full as warm and affectionate then as ever during the whole year.

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Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Tuesday, 15th–We were relieved from guard at the roundhouse, and I received my transportation papers from the provost marshal. I was promoted today from “high private in the rear rank” to sixth corporal in the front rank, my commission to date from March 1, 1864.[1]


[1] This was indeed a surprise to me, as I had never asked for any office. The expression in quotations was a war-time saying, a joke of the privates.—A. G. D.

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Through Some Eventful Years

Through Some Eventful Years by Susan Bradford Eppes
Susa Bradford Eppes

March 15th, 1864.—This is the first entry for more than two weeks but we have been so busy and now I am going to write something that sounds heartless. Goodwood is to open its doors to society. The first time Aunt Sue and Uncle Arvah have entertained since dear little Mary Eliza’s death.

This party is given in honor of General T. R. R. Cobb and his staff. He is now in command of The Division of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida and he is an old friend of the family as well. I felt at first as if I could not possibly enjoy a frolic of any kind but Aunt Sue is so dear and if she wants us we must go. Again the question of dress comes up. To realize just how much of vanity and love of dress one possesses it is needful to be obliged to plan and contrive as we war girls have to do. The big trunk yielded up its treasure and a dress of crepe lisse, very much tumbled came to light. It has a lining of satin and a sash of the same. Lulu is a wonder at pressing and making over and my part is suggesting and trying on. Let me tell you a secret, little Diary; “I have my second grown-up beau.” I think I like the boys best, in fact, I know I like the boys best. That is because all my life I have had boy play-mates and now that these boys look like men and are in the army, they still seem like comrades to me. They like me too; whenever one gets foolish and says silly things to me I laugh at him, and so, I do not lose my friends as I should if they were allowed to deteriorate into lovers.


Susan Bradford is 18 years old when this entry was made.

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