APRIL 26th.—Another truly fine spring day.

The ominous silence on the Rapidan and Rappahannock continues still. The two armies seem to be measuring each other’s strength before the awful conflict begins.

It is said the enemy are landing large bodies of troops at Yorktown.

Major-Gen. Ransom has been assigned to the command of this department; and Gen. Winder’s expectations of promotion are blasted. Will he resign? I think not.

The enemy’s accounts of the battle on the Red River do not agree with the reports we have.

Neither do the Federal accounts of the storming of Fort Pillow agree with ours.

April 26th. Marching orders received. Ordered to report at Martinsburg. Now under General Sigel, who has been put in command of all the forces in the Shenandoah Valley, for an advance up the valley.

April, Tuesday 26, 1864

I arose very early this morning, Father was not willing I should go over the creek, went over to Mr. Farrer’s to tell Miss Annie Perdue so she would make other arrangements about sending for them. I was so distressed to think she must be so disapointed , and I did not get to see her again. No Yankees out on our road today, all very quiet until this eve. We were all very much excited, surprised & happy to see Maj. Crump, he is just from Jackson, Tenn, where Gens. Forrest and Chalmers still have their Hd. Qts. Lee’s Cavalry have gone to Ala. to check the raid advancing by way of Decatur—John Hildebrand and Henry Nelson came down and spent the evening with us—John Hildebrand beat me badly at Chess again—we have had a very pleasant  evening with our Rebel friends, in spite of Yankee visits—

Father retired very early, all left the Parlor except Maj. Crump and Helen. Poor child, may God shield her from all dark clouds, oh! may she never feel or know the anguish which has been mine. God grant them a happy and peaceful union.

Tip is still quite sick, Laura and the Goslins have retired,—my poor lost Beulah, I wonder where she is tonight—and me, poor miserable being – oh! heavenly Father, have mercy and brighten my lonely life—

Monday, 25th–And still it is raining! Reveille sounded at 5 o’clock this morning and we strapped on our knapsacks and all accouterments, and at 7 o’clock marched to the station, where we boarded the cars and started for Cairo.

We bade old Iowa farewell, perhaps never to return, for in the course of the coming events it is improbable that all will get back, but if the Lord is willing, I hope that we may be spared to return again. Crossing the Mississippi at 8 o’clock, we arrived at La Salle about noon and changed cars—exchanged fine coaches on the Rock Island for rather poor ones over the Illinois Central. Leaving La Salle at 3 o’clock we passed through Bloomington at dark, soon after which many of us took berths for the night. This morning just before leaving Davenport, I sent $50.00, my bounty money, to father by Solomon Lichtenwalter, who had come to Davenport to see us off. I then borrowed $5.00 of Thomas Armstrong, to run me till next pay day.

April 25.—Our family in statu quo. The country in great excitement. We have lately had a splendid little victory at Plymouth, North Carolina. We have also had successes in Florida, at Shreveport, and other places in the South and South-west. The God of battles is helping us, or how could we thus succeed? This city is quite excited by Mr. Memminger having ordered off the Note-signing Department, consisting entirely of ladies, to Columbia, South Carolina. It has caused much distress, for many of them, whose living depends on the salary, can’t possibly go. Mothers cannot leave their children, nor wives their husbands. No one seems to understand the motive which prompted the order. It seems to be very arbitrary. It is thought by some persons that all the departments will be ordered off. I trust not; for I, among many others, would be obliged to resign, and I cannot imagine how we would live without the salary. I see no reason to believe that any such move is intended, and I will not be unhappy about it. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

The enemy threatens Richmond, and is coming against it with an immense army. They boast that they can and will have it this summer; but, with the help of God, we hope to drive them back again. Our Government is making every effort to defeat them. I don’t think that any one doubts our ability to do it; but the awful loss of life necessary upon the fights is what we dread.

April 25th

       Mr Grimball went down after his business and took a severe cold, returned & was ill, Dr Kenedy attending, he recovered very slowly. Berkley came up on sick furlough, boils on his leg, was with us 15 days, the Dr ordered generous diet, we did our best & he returned & is now better. Mr Grimball went at the same time to pay a visit to Mr Finley at Aiken, who wished him to stay with him a month, they met William coming up on sick furlough 30 days, an attack of Jaundice, while he was with us Lewis arrived from Dalton, a furlough of 20 days, we enjoyed their visits very much. There was a severe snow storm in March which destroyed the Peach Crop & injured the gardens. Mr Aiken wrote to Mr Grimball in answer to a letter from him proposing to stay with him a few days while in Charleston, saying he would always be glad to see him, that his furniture had been removed from Jehossee & placed at the Grove for safe Keeping.—Mr G. went to Aiken, hoping to locate himself there, but provisions are so high, property too, that he gave it up.—The winters here are so long & cold, but at this place we have had wood free of charge. The Council is to meet here on the 10 May, & John Elliott is invited to stay with us, we shall find it difficult to make him comfortable. In the matter of food things are so dear & so scarce. The tidings from New York conveyed in a letter from Nannie Morris to Charlotte of Mrs Zobrisky’s death is a distress to all of us, she was so amiable & nice a person. Mrs Barnwell died of consumption in Sumter brought on by anxiety at being in Charleston during the impending attack, a dreadful loss to her children, Ann who had married Mr Nowel, died soon after her marriage. Mr Barnwell has been so taken up with running after the negroes that he has quite lost sight of the health of his family.—

       The Juno a Government vessel was lost at sea, and it is supposed all on board. Phil Porcher commanded her, the pride & solace of his parents. Lewis writes word he is better, stationed at Resaca more comfortably than at the other Camp. We hear some times from John, he sent a box of things to us from England, got Charles to attend to them for him, who being ordered off to command the Florida left the commission to Mr Trapman who is living there & his wife. The box has arrived in Wilmington among the fortunate few not thrown out of the vessel, the Thistle, which got aground getting into Wilmington. Mr Kops has kindly seen about it for us, the duties are to be paid in Gold. Mr G. wrote to Mr Robertson to get him to advance the money, & he would pay it in July. – I hope we may get the box, for we really want the things, and John sent them, the dear, good child. The prices are very high Corn is $10 per bushel, Peas dito, butter $4 per lb, Beef $2 per lb, Pork dito.

       The taxes are so high the old currency is cut off 1 third, so for us the times are very tight, until July there is hardly any money to live on. We fortunately have Corn to last during the summer. Mr Kirkland, the Methodist Preacher kindly helped us to get that $4 per bushel. We paid for 100 bushels of Corn in Barnwell & we got it up here at the depot from the Government supply they taking that quantity below.—

       Mr Kirkland died about 4 weeks since of cold, got on his Circuit, a very good man, I feel that we have lost a friend.

       Mrs Tompson had her house burned down a few days since in broad day & lost nearly every thing, her store of flour & Bacon & Corn & much furniture & clothing. She lived in this neighborhood, we had often seen her but she did not visit us, I am very sorry for her.

       Anna Frost invited the girls to come out to them on Friday to an evening party in honor of their brother’s wedding. He married Miss Walker of the Asylum, they are to stay until Sunday morning.—Gabriella & Elizabeth are going, these two are learning German & find it very hard.

       This morning received a letter from Arnoldus Vanderhorst informing me he had sent our box to Columbia, we may then soon get it.—

April, Monday 25, 1864

        Father went first thing this morning to see if he could not hear something more about those thieving Yankees,—could not hear whether the Confederate squad gained anything or not—they went down to poor old Mr. Isbell’s and beat him nearly to death because he would not show them the way to the plank road. Father and Mr. Madden went down there this evening to see him, a squad of Yankees passed, only two came in to get some buttermilk. Luce was one, we told him how those had acted yesterday, he reported it to the Officer, and Father said they stoped at Mr. Isbell’s and enquired very particularly about it, and said he would have the men arrested. Miss Annie Perdue, Sister and Bro. all sent through the lines today, banished. Washburn countermanded Hurlbut’s order and sent them by land, instead of River. Miss Annie came over to see us, and get me to go over the creek for her. Father is rather afraid, but I will try it in the morning—though I expect not, Father has just left my room, and says he is afraid for me to go—I am so unhappy about the trouble I have got in—oh! what is to become of me, what is my fate to be—A poor miserable exile—

Poor Tip is very sick, and I am very much afraid she is going to die—the Goslins are well, Laura and I complete my lonely little household—

APRIL 25th.—A bright and beautiful day; southern breezes.

No reliable war news; but there are rumors that our victory at Shreveport was a great one. Nothing additional from North Carolina, though something further must soon occur there. It is said the enemy’s killed and wounded at Plymouth amounted to only 100: ours 300; but we got 2500 prisoners.

President Lincoln has made a speech at Baltimore, threatening retaliation for the slaughter at Fort Pillow—which was stormed.

Lieut.-Gen. Polk telegraphs that our forces have captured and burnt one of the enemy’s gun-boats at Yazoo City—first taking out her guns, eight rifled 24-pounders.

To-day Mr. Memminger, in behalf of the ladies in his department, presented a battle-flag to the Department Battalion for its gallant conduct in the repulse of Dahlgren’s raid. But the ladies leave early in the morning for South Carolina.

The President still says that many of the government officers and employees must be sent away, if transportation cannot be had to feed them here as well as the armies.

Scottsboro, Ala., April 24, 1864.

Spring is here at last, and summer is almost in sight. The last two days have been fully as warm as I care to see weather in April. There has been a great deal of cold, wet weather here this spring, and vegetable life is unusually backward; but the last few days have effected a great change in the forests. The north side of the mountains still look bare and wintry, the soft maple being the only tree I have noticed “in leaf” on those slopes; but nearly all of the trees and bushes on the southern mountain slopes are in full leaf. In the valleys, the poplars, the beeches, and the black gums are nearly in full spring dress, being far in advance of their comrades–the oaks, chestnuts, hickories and white gum. Of the smaller trees the dogwood leads in assuming a spring costume. Two years ago this date, vegetation was further advanced at the mouth of the Ohio than ’tis here now. Do you remember, I arrived home just about two years ago this time; stayed two and one half days, and then, for Corinth? How easily my three years in the army have made way with themselves. That I have lived something over a thousand days, in a blue uniform seems incredible. Six months sounds much more reasonable. “Black Jack” reviewed our division yesterday. Only eight of the 13 regiments could be present; but ’twas the finest review I ever saw. Logan rode through our camp, and expressed himself much pleased at our way of keeping house. We have a beautiful camp, every part of it cleanly swept every morning. It is also decorated profusely with evergreens from the mountains. I suppose it is unnecessary to tell you what we killed in the deerhunt, I spoke of in my last, as in prospect; but we did have a power of fun. [continue reading…]

Sunday, 24th–It is raining again—there is nothing but rain and mud. Company B is now in camp and we received our pay today, including $50.00 of the new bounty. I got $63.00 in all. We received orders to be ready to move in the morning at 6 o’clock, and go to Cairo, Illinois. It rained all day and so we had to stay in camp. We had preaching here this afternoon. I had a couple of likenesses taken yesterday and today I am sending them away.

“Disappointment is the common lot of man.”

April, Sunday 24, 1864

This has been a terible day of excitement, two wagons from Memphis came out and camped in front of our gate all day, the Yanks did not bother them this morning only to take some Whiskey—two Confederate Soldiers were sitting in the Parlor all the time they were here, they did not see them coming in time to run, but fortunately they did not come in the Parlor. Mr. Falls and Miss McKinney, Sister of one of the Soldiers, came out to see them, the other Soldier was Mr. Hutchinson. I sent a package of Papers and letters to Mobile by Mr. McKinney, they had not more than rode out of sight when five Yanks came up all drunk, they robbed those people with the wagons of all their money, drank up all the whiskey and treated them shamefully, they had not been gone long before three Confederates, John & William Hildebrand and Ben Henderson came riding up, we told them about it, they rode off full speed, in a little while we heard firing, continued about five minutes, then all quiet. Father and Uncle Elam went down to Dave Hildebrand’s after tea, our boys just left all right,—they met the Yanks returning, only four, and they frightened to death almost—no particulars. I am very much afraid, Laura, the Goslins, Tip and I all alone.

APRIL 24th.—Cloudy and windy, but warm.

We have none of the details yet of the storming of Plymouth, except the brief dispatches in the newspapers; nor any reliable accounts of subsequent movements. But a letter from Gen. Whiting indicates that all his troops had been taken northward, and we may expect something further of interest.

It is still believed that Lee’s and Grant’s armies are in motion on the Rappahannock; but whether going North or coming South, no one seems to know. Our people unanimously look for a victory.

I bought a black coat at auction yesterday (short swallow-tailed) for $12. It is fine cloth, not much worn—its owner going into the army, probably—but out of fashion. If it had been a frock-coat, it would have brought $100. It is no time for fashion now.

Gen. Johnston’s Chief Commissary offers to send some bacon to Lee’s army. A short time since, it was said, Johnston was prevented from advancing for want of rations.

23rd. Went to the White House and went through the East Room and two or three reception rooms. Eight very large mirrors in the East room, velvet and gilt papering, heavy brussels carpet, elegant sofas. Reception room surpasses anything I ever saw. Waited at Soldier’s Rest from 9 till 1 P. M. for Major Seward. Then got teams for baggage. Went to depot to have boats ready. Weather as mild and warm as in June. Streets very, very dusty. Willard’s and Metropolitan fine hotels. Passed Treasury Building. Moved at 4 P. M. to Camp Stoneman, via Giesboro Point by boat. Drew tents.

Saturday, 23d–Company E reported for duty this morning, and in addition ten recruits. Our regiment has more than one hundred recruits. We signed the pay rolls this forenoon, and were expecting to receive our pay, one month’s, but as Company B has not yet arrived in camp, the paymaster withheld the pay. I swapped watches with Henry Clark, trading my cylinder escapement watch for his American lever watch, and gave $10.00 to boot. The boys still keep straggling into camp, and all who have reported are in high spirits and glad to return after their thirty-day furlough.

April, Saturday 23, 1864

All ready for breakfast, and very much refreshed after a good nights sleep. Dr. Sommers leaves for Vicksburgh today, inspecting hospitals. I would not care if they had no hospitals, however he is very agreeable. I prepared for my trip directly after breakfast. Mrs. Sommers came in the room and seemed very much distressed that I was in trouble, and said that she would get the Dr. to get me a pass if I would wait until he came. I knew it was of no use to ask, the Provost Marshall said I must not, but consoled me by saying, where there is a will there is generally a way. This was hint enough, so I went to Mrs. Worsham’s, and Kate went round to the Provost’s Office and got a pass for herself and Miss Edmunds. I shall ever be grateful to her for it. I then started for Mr. Barbier’s, came by and told Mr. Eyrich goodbye—came by Miss Perdue’s, found Miss Mary & Annie just having their baggage searched to leave for Vicksburgh—banished never to return. I got through Pickets safe, Jack was on. Anna Nelson came out with me, we were caught in a terible storm, no trouble otherwise, found all well at home.

APRIL 23d.—A bright day, with southern breezes.

It is rumored and believed that Gen. Lee’s army is in motion. If this be so, we shall soon hear of a “fight, or a foot race.” And how can Grant run away, when Mr. Chase, the Federal Secretary of the Treasury, openly proclaims ruin to the finances unless they speedily achieve success in the field? I think he must fight; and I am sure he will be beaten, for Lee’s strength is probably underestimated.

We are also looking to hear more news from North Carolina; and Newbern will probably be stormed next, since storming is now the order of the day.

April 23d. Early this morning the Johnnie Rebs made an attack on the outposts on the Charlestown Pike. A hot fire was kept up. Our pickets holding them in check while our regiment was ordered out, double quick. We made a forced march out about two miles but the enemy had left. It was thought to be a scouting party, who came near the outposts. Our scouts reported the enemy going up the valley. Our regiment returned to camp. Two large field guns were mounted in our camp, pointed towards the Loudon Heights. Can be seen by the enemy. They are ready for work at any moment Weather permitting drill and dress parade are kept up. Spare time devoted to reading and writing letters and discussing the war question. Wondering what the outcome will be and when the end will come. All is quiet in our camp.

22nd. Cars ready and off at 10 A. M. Got to Washington at 4 P. M. Rode to 6th St. wharf and made arrangements for transportation to Giesboro. Rather disappointed in the city of which I have read so much, where so many great men have congregated, where so much treason has been plotted, inhuman laws made. Penn. Ave. is a moderately pretty street, but otherwise the city seems the poorest I was ever in. The capitol is grand, massive, grounds beautiful.

Friday, 22d–I started with Uncle John this morning for Davenport, but one of his neighbors, Mr. Lathrop, soon overtook us and as he had to go to town anyway, I rode with him and Uncle John returned home. I reached Davenport by noon and went to the Davis House for my dinner, after which I called for my knapsack and accouterments and made a bee-line for Camp McClellan. Eight companies of the Eleventh Iowa have already reported and it is expected that we shall leave for the South in a few days. I went down town and got my new watch repaired—costing $2.00—and purchased a few necessary articles, such as a diary, pocket dictionary, stationery, etc., costing in all $3.15.

April, Friday 22, 1864

All ready for breakfast this morning, notwithstanding the late hour of retiring last night—they all spent a delightful evening—the Bride looked beautiful, the groom charming, and all passed as merry as a marriage bell—It was a great disapointment to me, but rather too much risk, a trip to Alton would not be very pleasant. I ventured with a thick vail on, to go up town this morning and purchase me a few articles which I would be compelled to have if I am banished, only went to one store—Went to see Mrs. Worsham and Vine sent some letters to St. Louis to Mrs. Moore’s from  her husband. Anna Nelson came after me, but the detectives have been looking for me today, and I was afraid to pass the Pickets. I have certainly escaped wonderfully. Mrs. Sommers seemed very much distressed that I could not get through—we spent a very pleasant evening. Dr. Sommers and Mr. Goodwyn discussing the war, I enjoyed it very much, no anger or hard words, they both agreed to disagree, beat Mr. Clark three games of Chess,—did not sit up very late. I am miserable for fear old Gibbert gets me at the Pickets tomorrow. God grant I may get through safe—

APRIL 22d.—A bright day and warmer. Cherry-trees in blossom. We have the following war news:

“PLYMOUTH, N. C., April 20th.

“To GEN. BRAGG.
………“I have stormed and captured this place, capturing 1 brigadier, 1600 men, stores, and 25 pieces of artillery.
………………………………………………………“R. F. HOKE, Brig.-General.”

The President has changed his mind since the reception of the news from North Carolina, and has determined that all the government shall not leave Richmond until further orders. All that can be spared will go, however, at once. The War and Navy Departments will remain for the present. The news is said to have had a wonderful effect on the President’s mind; and he hopes we may derive considerable supplies from Eastern North Carolina. So do I.

Gov. Watts writes to the Secretary that commissary agents, who ought to be in the ranks, are making unnecessary impressments, leaving to each negro only four ounces of bacon per day. He says the government has already some 10,000,000 pounds of bacon in Alabama; and that if the other States, east of the Mississippi, furnish a proportional amount, there will be 60,000,000 pounds—enough to feed our armies twelve months.

The Commissary-General’s estimates for the next six months are for 400,000 men.

21st. Went to town half a dozen times. No train comes yet. Struck tents and moved out to camp. Parole before dark. Turned over property. Slept in open air.

Thursday, 21st–This is a warm, pleasant day and I bade farewell to my home folks and friends and started back to the army, my thirty-day furlough being almost up. I went on horseback, brother John going along as far as Allen’s Grove, to Uncle John Moore’s to remain over night, while John returned home, taking back the horse which I rode. Though the spring has been very late, the farmers here have all their small grain in and it is starting fine. The country around Allen’s Grove is very nice farming land; it is rolling, with plenty of timber and close to a good market; it is becoming very thickly settled. Scott county, Iowa.

April, Thursday 21, 1864

        I went round according to appointment, met Capt. Woodward at 11 o’clock.  Col. Patterson went with me. Capt. W. had not seen the Provost Marshall, he went as soon as I left, came round to Mrs. Facklen’s after dinner, and brought bad news—though having approached Capt. Williams as aid for a heroine of Jericho, he could not treat me as the order read—it was issued from old Hurlbut, I was to be arrested and carried to Alton on first Boat that passed—for carrying letters through the lines, and smugling , and aiding the Rebelion in every way in my power—he sent me word I must not think of attending Jennie Eave’s wedding, or go out of doors at all, he would be compelled to arrest me if it came to him Officially, but as my Father was a Royal Arch Mason, and I a Mason, he would take no steps, if I would be quiet. Mrs. Facklen, Mr. & Mrs. Goodwyn, Mr. Leach and Dr. Irwin all went to the wedding—I staid at home, and spent the evening with Mrs. Summers, and the Dr. They were very pleasant, and not the least bitter in their feeling towards the South, ah! but they are Yankees, I can’t forget it when with them.