September, Wednesday 7, 1864

Our friends remained with us over to day, and we have had a very pleasant day—playing cards, backgammon, Chess, Music &c—All walked down to the pond this eve, of course did not go in bathing as the gentleman were with us—We have all had some grand mistakes, if this horrid war lasts much longer we will all be so demoralized we cannot entertain Gentleman , so accustomed we are to speaking free to each other—

Jackson, Miss., September 7, 1864.

General Braxton Bragg,
………………………….Richmond, Va.:

General: In the course of the tour of inspection made by Major B. F. Jones and myself in the State of Mississippi many facts relating to the condition of this portion of the country have presented themselves and are of sufficient importance, I think, to merit your particular attention. In pursuance of your verbal instructions given to me at Montgomery I respectfully ask leave to lay them before you in an unofficial communication.

The condition of Mississippi is truly deplorable in many respects, and the necessity for radical and thorough reforms in the administration of military affairs has everywhere suggested itself. The mass of the people are corrupted and demoralized, and in those regions of the State which lie contiguous to the enemy the disgraceful fact of subjugation is almost completed. In addition to this I believe that the administration of military affairs in some portions of the State has been unfortunate and little calculated to repress the growing evils which abound everywhere. The causes of the demoralization of the people are few and simple, but it must be admitted that they have ben singularly effective. Of the natural and unavoidable discouragement produced by the presence of the enemy upon the minds of the people at home I shall say nothing. The chief cause of the present condition of the State, however, is the irregular and unlawful traffic with the enemy that has subsisted for many months and that still goes on with undiminished vigor. There are few persons along our military frontier who have not sold cotton to the enemy. Part of this cotton trade has been authorized by the Government under various contracts. Of the gross evils that have grown out of these I need not speak, as Major Jones has already enlarged upon them.

Another branch of this cotton trade has been carried on under authority from department and district commanders, which I believe wholly unauthorized by the authorities at Richmond. For instance, Colonel Goodman, of this State, now holds a contract entered into between himself and Lieut. Gen. S. D. Lee, the terms of which grant Goodman the right to use Government cotton in exchange for supplies. There are others of the same character approved and authorized by department headquarters.

District commanders have also taken part in this all-engrossing matter. During a long interview which I had yesterday with Brigadier Gen. Wirt Adams I was informed by him that he had entered into a contract with one J. J. Smylie to procure certain supplies of his own command. General Adams believes that he has competent authority for this. In this I believe he is mistaken. His only authority, think, has emanated from department headquarters. I need not suggest the impropriety of allowing such contracts to continue. They demoralize the people, and what is worse still the army, too, and produce no results beneficial to the cause.

General Adams has granted to a few individuals in his district permission to carry private cotton through the lines for the purpose of obtaining supplies. The object of General Adams was undoubtedly a humane one and his motives have been pure, I do not doubt; but the evils that result from such a course are pernicious in the extreme. The dignity and character of our officers and army have been grossly detracted from by rumors of corruption, and the granting of every permit of this character has encouraged all kinds of injurious reports and slanders to be propagated and believed. As a natural consequence the unauthorized sale of cotton to the enemy has been greatly encouraged, few citizens hesitating to assume a privilege which they conceive to have been granted by favoritism to a few. In regard to these irregular and unauthorized transactions with the enemy, and also in relation to irregular permits granted by General Adams, I have the honor to refer you to the inclosed papers, marked Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4.  They are the only evidence that is attainable and are entitled to consideration. They certainly prove this fact, if no more, that the administration of affairs here has not been of such a nature as to escape animadversion and even suspicion. For these reasons I respectfully recommend that such instructions be issued to department and district commanders as will prohibit them from authorizing any kind of intercourse with the enemy that is not specially authorized by the authorities at Richmond.

The opinion is widely spread, even among military men, that gross and criminal collusion exists, between some of these contractors and cotton agents and the Yankee authorities, and that most of the raids made by the enemy in this portion of the State are made for the specific purpose of carrying off the cotton which said contractors, &c., have placed at convenient places along their route. In illustration of this General Adams told me of a case, the facts of which are these:

Some soi-distant French citizens at Yazoo City entered into a contract with Lieutenant-General Lee to furnish certain supplies in exchange for cotton. One hundred and twenty-nine bales of this cotton were sent to Yazoo city to await the arrival of the supplies that were due on a certain day. On the very day on which these supplies were to have reached Yazoo City a large force of the enemy moved out to that point with the evident purpose of seizing the cotton, and this was done at the instigation of the above-named French contractors, who boasted that they would thus get the cotton without the necessity of paying for it. Fortunately the cotton was destroyed by General Adams. There is no doubt, however, that the same thing has often been done in the State, and many times, with entire success.

It may be asked why the system of unauthorized blockade-running, already alluded to, has not been suppressed by the military authorities. The main reason I believe to be this: Along our lines there are many companies of “independent scouts,” who have occupied their present positions and discharged their present duties so long that they have become notoriously corrupt and inefficient. They have their price, and the blockade-runners know well how to pay it. “A pair of boots and a bottle of whisky” will scarcely ever fail, I am informed, to secure a passage for a load of cotton through the lines. Nor does this apply to “independent scouts” alone. The practice of detaching companies of cavalry and keeping them on duty along the line as scouts for a long time is productive of precisely the same results. In relation to this I respectfully ask your attention to the inclosed papers.

In view of these evils—and I cannot overdrawn them—I respectfully suggest that all companies of “independent scouts” be abrogated, and that these commands be placed upon the same footing as other commands in the field, and that in future commanding officers be required to change the scouts and pickets in their front at least once in every two weeks, making regular details for the purpose.

The effects of this cotton trade with the enemy can hardly be estimated or understood by one who has not witnessed them. The fact is that cotton, instead of contributing to our strength, has been the greatest element of our weakness here. Yankee gold is fast accomplishing what Yankee arms could never achieve—the subjugation of this people. I seriously believe that we would have been far better off to-day if all the cotton in this department had been destroyed two years ago, and it may yet be necessary for our authorities to illustrate their determination to prosecute to a successful termination this war for our independence, by applying the torch to all the cotton that remains. Many complaints from officers and others have reached me of what is termed the culpable misconduct of some of Mr. De Bow’s agents in this State. This “Cotton Loan Agency” has been a mammoth affair in this State, and many abuses and corruptions may have existed without the knowledge of its chief, Mr. De Bow. I respectfully recommend that a thorough inspection and investigation of all its operations be ordered by you.

I respectfully ask your attention to the condition of many of the military posts in this department. Most of the post commanders that I have visited have been badly instructed in the duties of their positions, because the orders and instructions intended for their governance are rarely or never sent to them from department headquarters. I have visited many of these officers who have never received or seen a single order from the Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office, and are consequently entirely ignorant of the many important duties enjoined therein. It would seem from this that great negligence exists somewhere. I am forced to the conviction that the administration of this department has hitherto been exceedingly loose and inefficient. An active, energetic, and efficient department commander is greatly needed to bring order out of chaos and to infuse life and vigor into the routine of department business. Such an officer, unencumbered for a time at least by all merely local duties, might soon rescue a productive and important portion of the Confederacy from the many abuses which now oppress and injure it.

In conclusion of this report and at the conclusion, too, of our duties in this State, I trust that the considerations which are urged below will not be considered superfluous and impertartment like this the duties of an inspector are not only great, but continuous. In order to accomplish the results desired his inspections should not only be minute, but should be repeated at intervals in order to insure the suppression of evils. In fact, the presence of an inspector is necessary almost all the time. The many reasons which support this will suggest themselves at once to you. In view of this I respectfully suggest that a permanent inspector or inspectors be assigned to a certain geographical or military district, composed of not more than two States, whose duty it shall be to accomplish such inspections as you may direct under such instructions and discretion as you may see fit to instruct. The many contracts in this department, and the importance of the quartermaster’s and subsistence departments in the States of Alabama and Mississippi, demand the constant presence of an active and energetic inspector at all times. If such a view meets your approbation, I respectfully beg leave to recommend Major B. F. Jones for that duty. It is but act of simple justice for me to give my official testimony to the singular fidelity and efficiency with which he has discharged his duties on this tour of inspection.

………………………………….I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAM. S. HARRIS,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

1. War of the Rebellion: Serial 129 Page 0645–0649 CONFEDERATE AUTHORITIES.

New York Times, September 7, 1864

From Our Own Correspondent.

CITY POINT, Va., Monday, Sept. 5, 1864.

            The extraordinary quiet  which has prevailed along our whole front ever since I came here, would render a correspondent’s position at this place a perfect sinecure, if it were not ten times more irksome to spend a day in fruitless search after matter to write about than to sit down and commit facts to paper. Last evening, about supper-time, the old familiar booming of cannon came borne through the calm air, and continued for some hours during the night; but this morning it turned out to be nothing more than the usual favors which we have been of late showering upon the doomed City of Petersburgh at intervals.

            Doubtless, the North is, with characteristic eagerness, chafing at this delay, and wondering why Gen. Grant does not proceed at once and give the final blow. He is proceeding; but precisely in his own way. He knows too well the tremendous issues devolving upon him, and he is not going to peril the destinies of the country now placed in his hand, and his own lofty and dearly-earned reputation, by any untimely “on-to-Richmond” goadings. Without venturing to hint even as to their character, no observer can watch the preparations and movements going on throughout the army, without feeling impressed with the certainty that Petersburgh will soon abate the fate of Atlanta. When that occurs, all the concentrated forces of rebellion cannot prevent us from seizing and holding the Richmond and Danville Railroad–their only communication with the interior–and when we do that Richmond is ours, even If we do not strike a blow for it. None know this better than the rebels themselves and their sympathizers north; hence this terrible hurly-burly about an armistice, by some strange coincidence coming simultaneously both from Richmond and Chicago.

            The news of the nomination of McClellan and Pendleton fell very flatly upon the army; and the only effect I could preceive was that of positive joy among all true Unionists, who are far crushing out this rebellion, and for listening to no bargains or compromises that can barter away the life of the nation. They consider that, however good the intentions and plausible the promises of McClellan himself may be, the platform upon which he is made to stand, and the bare fact that he is supported cordially by the Vallandighamites, will tend more to show the entire people the hideous abyss that lies before them than anything else that could have happened.

            Nor are the soldiers and sailors to be cajoled by the few artful but transparent words of flattery dealt out for their especial benefit. Fine words cannot make them forget who those are that have been constantly opposing every measure that could tend to their benefit; who wanted to take away from them their inalienable right of voting as citizens, and who –even at this last hour–while patting them on the back, would compel them to lay down their arms ignominiously before an all-but-conquered enemy.

            Besides, a very strange illusion seems to exist respecting some magical affinity between the name of George B. McClellan and the armies of the United States. Those who imagine that the very mention of that name is enough to kindle the enthusiasm of our soldiery, as it once probably did, must surely entirely forget the enormous changes that have been wrought by time and circumstances, since that General wielded a trust never before confided by a great nation–under such circumstances–to a single individual. Take this very army, for instance–the Army of the Potomac–with which his name is more immediately identified, and how many of that glorious and hopeful band which once fought under his banners are now left to extol McClellan? What with the awful mortality among the swamps of the Chickahominy, the losses since then by disease and by war upon a thousand battle-fields, but very few, comparatively, can be now remaining; and of those few how many must have since fought under other Generals whom they have every reason to love and respect quite as much as they did their former leader. Of that vastly preponderating portion of our armies who never fought under McClellan, why should his name be so revered, when they remember Grant, Sherman, Rosecrans, Hancock and a dozen others, who have done far more to exact genuine homage from their countrymen.

            No. Whatever power Gen. McClellan may now hold among politicians, it is absolutely false to assert that he wields any especial influence among our armies, beyond the few boon companions and officers who fought with him. Within an hour after the New-York papers arrived here, confirming the nomination of McClellan as President, the joyous news came flashing to us across the wires that Sherman was in Atlanta! If the two names could at that moment have been launched among our soldiers for their suffrages as President or anything else, I think the gallant hero of Atlanta would have carried the day unanimously.                             J. R. HAMILTON.

New York Times, September 7, 1864
            HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
                        Sunday, Sept. 4, 1864.

            The rebel pickets refuse to believe that Atlanta has fallen. They have become very friendly, and approach close to our lines, with passes from their officers, for the purpose of trading apparently, but all having their pockets filled with the proclamation of Jeff. Davis, offering protection and safe conduct to deserters.

            The rebels hope to largely reduce our ranks by this new dodge of theirs.

            They purchase all the eatables they can get from our men, giving greenbacks or tobacco in exchange, large supplies of which they seem to have on hand.

            Gen. Gibbons has been temporarily assigned to the command of the Eighteenth Corps.

            Col. Smyth, of the First Delaware, a brave and capable officer, is in command of the Division. of Gibbone, of the Second Corps.

Monday, Sept. 5, 1864.

            Last eight, about 11 o’clock, our batteries along the entire line opened and saluted the enemy with a terrific lire for an hour, in honor of the fall of Atlanta.

            The rebel guns replied sharply, and the air was filled with bursting shells.

            This morning not a shot is heard.

WM. D. McGREGOR.

Tuesday, 6th.—Yankees all gone from our front this A. M. Had a speech from Lieutenant-General S. D. Lee this morning; speech not liked at all by the soldiers,

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

September 6th. A cold rain storm set in last night. Relieved from guarding the wagon train. Orders for us to proceed to the front. Company A ordered out on the skirmish line, under command of Lieutenant Robert Kerr. Regiment in line in the rifle pits. Rations issued. Cold storm continues. No tents up. Out in the open. Clothes wet through. Late this P. M. our company, C, detailed for picket duty. Picket fires not allowed as it might draw the enemy’s fire, by sending shells over our way.

Tuesday, 6th–News came that General Sherman was still in pursuit of the rebels, and that he has captured a great many of them. This morning I was transferred from Ward D to Ward E as wardmaster, the master of Ward E having been sent to the front. I have charge of eleven sick men and they are getting along well. One poor fellow with a severe case of inflammatory rheumatism is entirely helpless.

September 6, 1864.

Lay quiet all day. Some Rebel cavalry followed us up and fired a few shots into our regiment’s works from the old Rebel fort, but Osterhaus swung his pickets around and gobbled 25 of them, and the rest troubled us no more.

6th. Tuesday. Relieved at dark. Spent the day getting papers signed. Letter from home. Oats and rations. Not in camp till after dark. Pleasant place.

SEPTEMBER 6th.—Raining moderately, and cool.

Gen. Bragg has taken the Bureau of Conscription in hand, since Col. August, “acting superintendent,” wrote him a “disrespectful and insubordinate” note. He required a report of the officers in the bureau, from Lieut.-Col. Lay, “Acting Superintendent,”—there have been three “acting superintendents” during the last three days,—and Col. Lay furnished it. On this Gen. B. remarks that one young and able-bodied colonel (August) was here while his regiment was in the field, and recommended that he be permitted to have an opportunity to see some “service” before the war is ended, and military experience, which will teach him to be more respectful to seniors, etc.; and that the able-bodied lieutenant-colonel (Lay), from whom he can get no report of inspections, and who remains here idle most of his time, could render more efficient service in the field.

And he thought Lieut. Goldthwait, relative of the Assistant Secretary of War, in the bureau, was performing functions that would better pertain to an older and more experienced man. In short, the whole organization required modification.

These papers, with this indorsement, being sent to the President, that functionary sends them to the Secretary of War, with an indorsement intimating that such remarks from Gen. Bragg required action. Here’s a row! Perhaps the Secretary himself may flare up, and charge Gen. B. with interference, etc.;—but no, he must see that Gen. B. is acting with the concurrence of the President.

But the Assistant Secretary, Col. August, Lieut.-Col. Lay, etc. will be like so many hornets stirred up with a pole, and no doubt they are rich enough to defy the emoluments of office.

September, Tuesday 6, 1864

Maj. Crump, Eddie and Capt. Daly, in company with Gen. Chalmers and Staff came down from Tupelo West Point, all stoped at Mrs. Jim Young’s to tea, the first named came down here after tea—we all sat up very late, and spent a very pleasant evening

Monday, 5th.—Just after dark last night, Yanks began playing bands and yelling at a furious rate, when two of our batteries turned loose on them, and stopped their yelling for awhile. The Chicago Convention nominated George B. McClelland for the presidency. Notified that L. C. Williams is dead from his wounds.

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

September 5th. Cold cloudy morning. All is quiet. We have a long line of earthworks near Berryville, facing south. This seems to be another case of waiting and watching. Guarding the wagon train which remains parked. Nothing special has taken place today, only a cold rain tonight, making us uncomfortable.

Monday, 5th–Clear and quite pleasant. All things are quiet.^[1]

[1] Men were leaving every day for the front and but few were brought to our hospitals, since the Union army was in possession of Atlanta, where hospitals were being established, while those at Rome were to be closed just as soon as the sick there were able to go to the front.—A. G. D.

September 5, 1864.

News of the capture of Fort Morgan. Orders to march at 8 p.m. I was detailed to bring off the pickets, which was accomplished without trouble. Rebels did not know when we left, as we heard them shooting after we got back in our old works at Jonesboro. The whole army moved into the works we built the 30th. I, with my pickets, got back just before day.

5th. Monday. Moved back to B. last night. Rained. Drivers and dead-beats got scared and pulled out very quickly before we moved. In line on left of infantry. Skirmishing soon after daylight. News of fall of Atlanta. All jubilant. Lay in camp till P. M. then went on picket. Rainy and very unpleasant. Boys suffered. Sat upon their horses and at the foot of trees all night.

SEPTEMBER 5th.—Clear and warm.

Gen. Lee has called for 2000 negroes (to be impressed) to work on the Petersburg fortifications. Gen. Lee has been here two days, giving his advice, which I hope may be taken. He addresses Gen. Bragg as “commanding armies C. S.” This ought to be an example for others to follow.

The loss of Atlanta is a stunning blow.

I am sick to-day—having been swollen by beans, or rather cow-peas.

September, Monday 5, 1864

I cut my foullard Silk and we have all been buisy sewing on it all day, Lou the skirt, Ellen (Lou P. maid) the flounce, Mrs. Reynolds and Mary Lou the Rosettes and I finished the waiste , we did not half finish the dress. Lou, Mary Lou & I went in the Pond early, I swam across with Lou’s assistance, and got a terible ducking at floating—Heard from West Point, Eddie and Maj. Crump will be down tomorrow. Maj. Cheatham & Mary Lou played against Lou and I and we beat them badly. Mrs. Johnson & Hamilton went to sit up with Billy Burt, who I am happy to say is much better, received a letter from Maj. Price & Therese Blennerhassett—

September 4th. About midnight last night I was called up by the Adjutant to take a detail of ten men, go to the rear, find the ammunition train, obtain five thousand rounds of cartridges, five boxes. It was estimated the train was about a mile in the rear, owing to the enemy’s firing from field guns very late in the night. The boxes were very heavy. The detail ought to have been twenty men, as we had so far to carry the boxes. It was a fearful dark night. Going back we lost our reckoning. Began to think we were approaching the enemy’s line. I ordered a halt. Told the boys I would go forward and investigate and locate the regiment if I could. Going forward carefully, listening, looking in all directions, believed I was approaching the enemy’s line. I knew when darkness came on both lines were very close to each other. To the right I could see the outline of trees. Approaching them I saw horses, and men sleeping on the ground. Owing to the darkness I could not see who they were. Putting on a bold front I called out “What regiment?” For answer I received a glorious reply, “The 18th Connecticut.” Overjoyed I near dropped to the ground. I ran back to the boys and the ammunition was delivered to headquarters in safety, for which I was very thankful. On our return from the ammunition train we had worked off to the left, approached the regiment from the south instead of from the north side, where we left. Lay down for a rest. Had a talk with some prisoners captured last night on the charge. They were from Mississippi. Claimed they did not know we were in their front. They were on their way to cross Snicker’s Ford and the Gap. It seemed to be a surprise all around. We are now under the command of General Sheridan. The enemy won’t fool him. At daylight the ammunition was given out and the line of battle was changed. Ordered to fall back and change our position. Passed the 12th Connecticut, in the 19th Corps. We are under the command of Captain Tiffany. Owing to severe service for the past eight months our regiment greatly reduced in numbers. Less than one hundred men fit for duty and not a field officer except the Adjutant. Our regiment detailed to guard the wagon train. Don’t like that kind of duty. Must take our turn at it. Guerillas keep us busy. As many of them dress in blue uniforms we cannot tell them from our own men. Sometimes they manage to cut out of a train three or four wagons loaded with supplies. The drivers will most generally obey orders, whether from friend or foes, when they see a gun pointed at their heads. Sometimes it is most impossible to keep the teams close together, but at this time the train is parked, so we stand guard around it. All is quiet at this time along our lines at Berryville.

Sunday, 4th–It is cool and quite pleasant. No news of any importance. The boys in my ward are all getting along fine, with the exception of two or three, and it is doubtful whether they will ever again be well.

September, Sunday 4, 1864

Another warm day and much excitement in our family, for sympathy with a neighbor and friend whose only son was wounded at Atlanta, and after four week’s suffering, this morning had his leg amputated, reaction has barely taken place, and very little hopes of his life. Lou is much distressed, and her exclamations of sympathy for poor Billy Burt weigh heavily on my spirits, although I am not acquainted with the young man. Mrs. Hamilton received a note from her husband at West Point, he had seen Eddie and Maj. Crump, said Eddie would be over today, but alas, I was sadly disapointed . No news from home yet—Maj. Cheatham arrived from Atlanta today, seems very hopeful. God grant our Armies may be victorious.

4th. Sunday. Moved back by road. Rebs at Berryville and in our rear. 2nd Ohio train guard. Custer’s brigade suffered some. Train moved to Rippon. Parked.

September 4, 1864.

Received a half official notification to-day that the campaign and fighting are over. Orders to clean up arms came also, and the boys, showing their contempt of the enemy’s power to do harm, took their guns all to pieces and set to polishing the should-be bright parts, right in view of the enemy’s pickets.

(excerpts)

MACON, Sept. 4th, 1864.

        ” . . . I have no news to give you and must confess that things just at present look rather blue. The intelligence that comes from the front is all confused. We know that Hardee attacked the enemy and with his one corps held his position till night, when he was flanked and driven back four miles… Hood, with the rest of the army, is in Atlanta; the army thus being cut right in two. Reports came yesterday and to-day that Atlanta has been evacuated. I have heard nothing from Brother, but suppose from that fact that he is all well. Every face looks anxiously expectant and we can only hope for the best. Before this reaches you it will be decided, I suppose.

“Genl. Johnston received a very flattering letter from the citizens of Macon not long ago, offering him the house, in which we now are, for as long a period as he desires it. The old General was very much gratified at the compliment, but of course signified his refusal.”