November 2024

“I wish Sherman would burn the commissary trains..,”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

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

Near Jackson, Ga., November 17, 1864, 12 a.m. Have just had our coffee. Marched some 17 miles to-day. Begin to see where the “rich planters” come in. This is probably the most gigantic pleasure excursion ever planned. It already beats everything I ever saw soldiering, and promises to prove much richer yet. I wish Sherman [...]

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

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

November 17th.–Dark and dismal–threatening rain or snow. Quiet below; but we have no papers to-day, yesterday being holiday. It is rumored that Gen. Sheridan (Federal) is sailing from Washington to reinforce Grant, and that Gen. Early is marching hitherward from the Valley. There may be renewed operations against Richmond, or Grant may penetrate North Carolina. [...]

A Diary From Dixie.

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A Diary From Dixie by Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut.

November 17th.–Although Sherman[1] took Atlanta, he does not mean to stay there, be it heaven or hell. Fire and the sword are for us here; that is the word. And now I must begin my Columbia life anew and alone. It will be a short shrift. Captain Ogden came to dinner on Sunday and in [...]

“We all voted this morning that opossum meat was good enough for white folks.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

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

McDonough, November 16, 1864, 11 p.m. Made 14 miles to-day through a really fine country. Only saw one house though, that looked like living. Forage is no name for the good things our foragers find here. I notify you that I had eggs for supper. There was some lively cannonading toward Lovejoy this morning, but [...]

For Next Year or During the War

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1860s newsprint
News of the Day

Louisiana Democrat [Alexandria , LA], November 16, 1864 100 Negroes Wanted For Next year or during the war. I would take the round lot of men, women and children,  on fair terms—must have a good man force and a good driver. For treatment I refer to my  neighbors and those who have had negroes in [...]

Stalled

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1860s newsprint
News of the Day

Louisiana Democrat [Alexandria , LA], November 16, 1864 A market wagon which came in yesterday with a load of “garden sass,” after selling out, started back home, but got “stalled” in going up a hill near the Dirt Bridge, from the weight of Confederate shucks for which the “truck” sold.—Lynchburg Republican. We have not heard [...]

“Heavy cannonading west of us.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

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

Near Jonesboro, November 15, 1864. The grand expeditionary force has commenced moving. Our regiment has the honor of leading our corps in the first day’s march. Made about 18 miles to-day, the first ten of which the two or three companies of cavalry who led us had quite lively skirmishing. At one point the Rebels [...]

“…how little did they who tore down the old flag and raised the new realize the results that have ensued!”

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Dolly Sumner Lunt Burge – A Woman’s Wartime Journal.

November 15, 1864. Went up to Covington to-day to pay the Confederate tax. Did not find the commissioners. Mid [a slave] drove me with Beck and the buggy. Got home about three o’clock. How very different is Covington from what it used to be! And how little did they who tore down the old flag [...]

The system of roving or independent scouts he regards as detrimental, and should be abandoned.

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A scouting party
Civil War Irregulars: Rangers, Scouts, Guerrillas, and Others, War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies

Headquarters Military Division of the West1 Tuscumbia, November 15, 1864. General Forrest, ……………..Commanding Cavalry, & c.: General: It is the direction of General Beauregard that you make to these headquarters, as early as practicable, a report of the number of scouts you have employed, where operating, how employed and organized and supplied with provisions, how [...]

“Tremendous fires in Atlanta to-day.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

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

November 14, 1864. Troops are coming in to-day on all the roads. ‘Tis said that we will be ready to move to-morrow. So be it. The cracker line is cut now and we don’t want to lie still eating up our precious rations. I was again over the old position we occupied before Atlanta. I [...]