There is also a Colored Sabbath school. I will go to and learn these poor little negroes all I can #cw150

Be of good cheer I overcame the world saith one who is mighty

 

Camp near NewbernN.C.

103rd Reg’t, Co., A. U.S.A.,

Friday, April 3^rd 1863

 

Dear Father And Mother,

With pleasure I write to let you know that I still am on the land of the living, And still occupy our barrack at Old Newbern.  We have been laying almost inactive since returning from our Hyde Co. Expedition.  If I were to tell you the reason we lay here inactive was on account of the drifting sand you would think it strange, for I suppose the mud covers the surface of the ground around my old native home, this time in the year.  But here the soil is a fine sand and if it rains the water soaks through and the wind from the rivers and plains soon dries off and begins to drift like our snow used to do in old Penn^a

When writing my last letter I neglected or rather forgot to till you of the Rebels comeing here to Newbern while we were on our march to Hyde Co.  On the morning of the 14^th of March our boys tell  us the Rebel Gen. Petigrew came here or near with a force and demanded a surrender.  Gen Foster “would’ent” The rebels got their Canon in range and threw shot Shell and Grape at the 92^nd N.Y.V. entrenchments. (92^nd is posted on the other side of the river from us, their fort, or entrenchments are between two swamps Consequently there is only one road for that enemy to come in) the 92^nd was the only Reg’t that was on that side of the river they lay close behind their breast works and the showers of Iron hail did not much damage, the Gunboats getting [rang] the enimy thought It prudent to retire.  I suppose they had an Idea that they could come in and take possesion after our forces having possesion for one year.  that morning one year ago, Gen Burnside took possesion of this City.

We have had the most pleasent time soldiering since coming here in the first place we have had good barracks, and what makes it far pleasenter for me, I can go to Newbern to preaching.  on last sabbath I was to a sabbath school.  It looked quite natural.  I almost fancied myself seated in old Kuhns-School House.  here were Southern Children in place of our little Pennsylvanians.  There is also a Colored Sabbath school.  The superintendent of the white sabbath (which was a major of one of our Regts here) remarked at the close of the school that there were teachers wanted for this negro sabbath school.  If I live and keep my health and were permitted to stay here, I will go to this sabbath school and learn these poor little negroes all I can, and think it an honerable position in the army of my Lord and Savior.  I would attend this black school regular, but the time of school comes at the time of an inspection (9 Oclock)

As I am writing I hear the boom of the Canon at little Washington about 40 miles from here by land. the Rebels are trying to take it. they will hardly succeed for our Gunboats from here went to lend a helping hand.

A soldier almost feels like yielding to discouragements betimes, But when I begin to fell discouraged, take the good old book, and I see I am carried on flowy beds of ease to what some poor Christians were before me.  when I read and see what Gods people have come through, I fell to say.

“Let Cares like a wild deluge come.

“And storms of sorrow fall.

“So I but safely reach my home

“My God, my heaven, my all.”

If I never should meet you on this side of the grave, weep not for me I’ll meet You in Heaven.

Your son Jno. T.E. [V.D.?] Rupert

 

Written in folds:

Give my Respect to all my brothers, and sisters and tell them to be good little folks.

Give my Respect to James Kline and family.

 

Source: Union soldier, Johnathan Rupert, letter  to his parents.  Tryon Palace Collections, New Bern, NC. Accession # 2008.006.002.

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A bill [to raise] Negro regiments. Think of it, armed negroes! Think what it means! And this is the nineteenth Century! #cw150

February 10, 1863

Not much news worth recording. Vicksburg is the point of interest. The most enormous preparations both for its attack & defence have been made. We are said to have 100,000 men in easy supporting distance of it, but that I beleive is a Yankee estimate. We have not half that number. One Gunboat has succeeded in running past our Batteries which is a bad omen for us. The reason why the attack is delayed is said by the Northern accounts to be the bad condition, the insubordination, & discontent of the men under Banks command. The Emancipation Proclamation is unpopular & many refuse to fight for the “nigger.” Per contra, their Congress has passed a bill authorizing the raising & drilling of Negro regiments. Think of it, armed negroes! Think what it means! And this is the nineteenth Century! and the proposers of this infernal act call themselves enlightened Christians. Northern accounts report the Brooklyn as sunk by three Confederate vessels, viz., the Alabama, the Florida, & the Harriet Lane. She was sent to recapture the latter, but we have heard nothing of her movements. We have had a success at Sabine Pass capturing 15 guns & munitions of War together with three hundred prisoners.

The Kentucky Legislature have passed a bill forbidding their soldiers from enforcing Mr Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation & resolutions declaring that if it be not withdrawn in twenty days they will call a Convention to consider on the propriety of seceeding from the U S. A motion being then made to go into secret Session, the U S Commander posted a file of Michegan Soldiers at the door of the House and informed them that they must deliberate with open doors. If the blood of Kentucky submit to that, it is degenerate indeed.

Mr Benjamin, Sec of State, has issued a Pronunciamento declaring the Blockade of Charleston legally raised. What good will result from it we know not. We do not see with the spectacles of Neutral Europe! One thing seems to outsiders strange & may point to a pre-concerted action on our part with the privity of England. The day but one after the action arrived H M Ship of War Cadmus ordering the British consul Mr. Bunch immediately to report to his own Government in person. They gave him no time to arrange his private affairs but taking him immediately on board steamed to the West Indies to meet the mail steamer. Hopeful persons see in the fact an intention on the part of the British Government to avail themselves of his personal testimony, he having gone out immediately after the action in the War steamer Petrel to ascertain for himself that the blockade was really raised; despondant ones on the contrary think it only a fatherly care on the part of England (tho I beleive she is of femine gender) of her son Mr Bunch, he being personally obnoxious to the Lincoln Government & in event of the impending attack on Charleston, antipathy to him might embroil her with the U S. These persons expect an immediate attack. The Yankees themselves admit that in the late action at Genesis Point below Savannah their Ironclad Montauk received a severe injury, her turret in consequence refusing to work. Anything is welcome which affects the prestige of their tower of strength — Gunboats.

Everything reported quiet here in N C. They have an immense force lying absolutely idle about New Berne. Hooker — “Fighting Joe” — is reorganizing his army & promises to do great things so soon as the roads “harden.” Guns & good ones too went down last week to Rainbow Bend & ere this are in all probability mounted. Heavy discharges of Artillery aroused the whole country last Saturday & speculation was rife as to whether they were in Roanoke or Tar River, but as nothing has been heard of the presence of an enemy in either place the hope has grown into conviction that it was our own gunners at Rainbow practicing & getting the range of their peices.

I have been quite sick now for some days, not confined to bed but ailing & puny so much so that at last Mr Edmondston becoming uneasy sent for the Doctor. He prescribed a blister on the pit of my stomach which confined me to my bed yesterday, & today I am feeble and far from well. I crept to the door just now and was saluted with so bright a smile from my crocuses on the sheltered border at the Piazza that I beleive it invigorated me!

I have written some lines which with, I hope, a pardonable partiality for my own bantling, I think good. I am going to send them to Amo to publish for me, so as to get Mr Edmondston’s unbaised opinion of them, an experiment I tried once before but failed from the want of appreciation in the Richmond Enquirer. I will copy them when I feel stronger. I have also re-cast and remodeled my Lines on St Sophia &, Mr E thinks, improved them. So I efface the first copy in the 1st vol of this Journal & paste them in their new form over the old ones, a domestic Pallimpsest.

Source: Edmondston, Catherine Ann Devereux, 1823-1875, Journal of a Secesh Lady: The Diary of Catherine Ann Devereux Edmondston 1860-1866. Crabtree, Beth G and Patton, James W., (Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Division of Archives and History, 1979). http://nc-historical-publications.stores.yahoo.net/478.html

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Last night came the news of the commencement of the expected engagement at Fredericksburg; the carnage was frightful #cw150

December 14, 1862

Last night came the news of the commencement of the expected engagement at Fredericksburg. The battle of the Rappahanock, Lee reports, commenced at five o’clock am on Thursday the 11^th. The enemy attempted the passage of the River at three different points; at two they were repulsed, at the third under cover of their guns it is presumed they were successful as the Dispatch states that they could not be interrupted in their construction of a bridge. The carnage was frightful. We cut their pontoon bridge at one place & poured in grape & canister, & the air is described as being filled with “legs, arms & disjoined members of the Yankees.” Longstreet’s Division it was which was principally engage. No accounts of our loss.  This from Friday’s paper; Saturday’s tells us that whether permitted or not by Gen Lee that the enemy crossed the River near the RR Bridge & marched into the town of Fredericksburg about seven o clock pm Thursday.

Sharp skirmishing in the streets for an hour or more when we relinquished the town. Many of the principal building s in the town were fired & the place itself about half consumed. At dawn on Friday Gen Jackson moved forward from Guiney’s Station towards Fredericksburg. The fire of musquetry was continuous throughout Friday, but the results were, when the paper went to press on Sat, unknown. It seems a fearful time to wait the slow moving hours until Monday night, as we can have no news until then, no paper being issued today (Sunday). It seems as tho I cannot bear the suspense. Mr E is downhearted & dejected at their occupation of Fredericksburg, but I hope for better things. I do not believe in “a surprise.” Lee has most probably allowed it, intending to cut them off in detail. I look with hope & confidence to the next news. I believe it will tell a “flattering tale” but (an anomaly) a true one! God be with our soldiers, with our wounded, & our dying men. I could not sleep last night for thinking of them & as I listened to Mr E’s regular breathing by my side my heart melted in grateful thankfulness that he was not exposed to the dangers and hardships of the battle field & that I was spared the torture of uncertainty & anxiety as to his fate which now agonizes the hearts of thousands of wives & mothers in this Confederacy. My God I thank Thee! Be with our army, grant our soldiers endurance, & our Generals wisdom. May each man feel Thy presence, Thy aid, feel that he is indeed a soldier of the Cross, that under Thy banner he fights, fights for all that man holds dear.

Thomas Jones, who was whilst a prisoner carried to New Berne to be paroled, had an interview with Gov Stanly & was told by him that he intended imprisoning every man in NC who refused to take the oath so long as he had a place in which to imprison them. He represents the state of things in the North Eastern counties as dreadful in the extreme. Men are daily arrested & sent off, their families know not where, without any cause being assigned or charges preferred. The negroes are demoralized & have left their owners. One of his own, a boy by the name of Daniel who was given by my Grandfather to his Mother, came to see him & told him that the reason his negroes all left was that they were told that he was killed & that they were all to be sold. Just as he had done speaking, a Yankee came in & kicked him out of the room! Thomas comment to him was “There Daniel! You see what you are to expect!” Daniel committed no offence to any one, but I suppose his crime lay in speaking to his master who was a prisoner and unable to protect him.

The affair at Plymouth was worse than we thought. Moore’s Battery disabled a gun boat & sent it with what speed it could make in its crippled condition out of range – down the River. The Yankees & negroes had taken shelter in the Custom House, a trick building, which they had pierced for musquetry & from which they fired upon our men. Capt Moore turned his attention up it & in a few shot nearly battered it down over their heads. The loss of life was terrible, as several shells burst in the house. About fifty negroes were captured, amongst whom were four of Ms Urquehart’s stolen in Fosters late raid upon us. Many negroes were killed. I hope their brethren will hear of it & that it will be a lesson to them how they leave home with their false friends.

The Small Pox I am sorry to say is spreading fearfully in Richmond. It was introduced there from Fort Delaware by returned prisoners last Aug & has been silently spreading in our hospitals ever since. The City Council of Richmond have made arrangements for compulsory vaccination & I wish the Government would issue like orders to every Colonel in the service – make each of them have a company per day vaccinated until it had gone through the army. Knit a pr of fancy Gloves for little Nelly this week. Have not been very industrious as I have not been well & was not at home the greater part of three days. No news of Banks Expedition as yet tho it has had time to reach James River, if that is its destination.

Source: Edmondston, Catherine Ann Devereux, 1823-1875, Journal of a Secesh Lady: The Diary of Catherine Ann Devereux Edmondston 1860-1866. Crabtree, Beth G and Patton, James W., (Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Division of Archives and History, 1979). http://nc-historical-publications.stores.yahoo.net/478.html

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Confederate advance on Washington NC and sinking of USS Pickett #cw150

The Affair at Washington

The facts which come to us from undoubted sources, if the late attack upon the town of Washington, we are glad to say, enable us to correct some unfortunate rumors which have gone out.

The entire command of the expedition was committed in charge of that cool and intrepid officer, Capt. Stephen D. Pool, who at the defence of Fort Macon and in the recent attack upon Washington showed himself to be and able officer.

It is not true that the enemy was advised both at Newbern and Washington of the intended attack.  The enemy was ready for it, but was not expecting it.  We learn that the enemy had determined upon a raid upon Williamson and Hamilton, and that the force at Washington had been reinforced from Newbern the day before, and was to leave Washington that morning for the intended raid.

The expedition against Washington was made with no view or expectation of holding that place, we are informed, but for the purpose of destroying or capturing the “contrabands” in his possession, and if possible to make Washington so hot as to drive the enemy from the place.  Brig. Gen. Martin committed the entire expedition to the direction of Capt. Pool, having previously, in consultation, ordered the plan of attack and the general scheme of its conduct.  About 800 men composed the expedition, consisting of infantry, cavalry and artillery.  Gen. Martin, it was understood, would remain in the neighborhood to render support or succor which might be needed.

The attack was made on Saturday morning last at day break.  Our force approached quietly until they encountered the pickets at the west end of town, who immediately demanded them to halt.  Lt. Davis, who led the advance, demanded a surrender, when the pickets fired into our ranks.  Our advance had been peremptorily ordered not to fire upon the pickets, but to charge vigorously upon them, but unfortunately, when they fired upon our men, their fire was returned by a number of pieces.  This aroused of course the entire town.  At once a portion of our cavalry charged into the town down Market street, while a portion of the infantry charged down Second street.  As soon as our infantry arrived at the Academy, they were fired upon by the enemy from the building.  Here our men captured four pieces of artillery, with ammunition, which were afterwards served by Capt. Manney and his men.  At this time, Capt. Boothe, who gallantly led the cavalry, was dangerously wounded, upon which a panic seized most of the Cavalry, excepting a portion of Capt. Tucker’s company, who, under his command, gallantly demeaned themselves throughout the whole affair.  A panic had also seized many of the infantry, who ingloriously fled.  The enemy took to the houses at once, and fired upon our troops from the windows, etc.  Our men were forbidden to fire upon the houses, lest they might injure some of the families and children.

The gun boats Louisiana and Picket commenced throwing shells and other missiles upon the town damaging the houses, but fortunately did not set them on fire.  During the fight the steamer Picket was blown up by the ignition of her magazine, killing all on board but 12 persons—the loss was about 60 on board of the vessel.**

Capt. Pool held the town about four hours and then retired, his men slowly dragging out the four pieces of cannon captured.  The enemy’s loss, including the destruction on board of the Picket, was 160, in killed, wounded and missing.  Our loss was 10 killed, 41 wounded and 30 missing, most of whom have since come in.

The conduct of Capt. Pool during the whole affair is highly spoken of.  Capts. McRae and Cobb, of the 8th N. C. Regiment, Capt. Norman, of the 16th N. C., Capt. Manney, of the artillery and Captains Boothe and Tucker of the Cavalry, and others whose names we have forgotten, all distinguished themselves.  Capts. Boothe, Mull and Norman were dangerously, and Lieuts. Grimes and Sinton severely wounded.  Other names among the killed and wounded we have not obtained.

It is understood that the Cavalry companies of Capts. Walker and Lawrence were not in the fight, having “skedaddled” at an early period.  On the fall of Capt. Boothe, his company, it is said, became panic stricken, and got out of danger.  Capt. Tucker, Lt. Utley, and other officers and men of his company behaved with the utmost courage, charging the enemy in all directions and damaging him seriously.  We regret to learn that Corporal Smedes, and privates R. Burns, J. Ling, Winborne, Bridges and perhaps others are missing, some of those it is feared were killed, and others taken prisoner.

The enemy’s force, including those on the gunboats, amounted to about 1,000.  Only about 450 of our men participated in the fight, some of whom, both officers and men, are said to have behaved badly.  It must be considered, however, that the most of them were raw troops, had not smelt powder before, and were engaged in a most hazardous undertaking.  To assault a fortified town, guarded by a vigilant ____, should be undertaken by veteran and daring troops.

Strange to say no negroes were apprehended in this attack.  At the Academy, one large, impudent fellow came out and assailed one of our men, asking “What have you damned rebels come here for?”  The soldier replied with his bayonet, running it through him, killing him instantly.  As soon as they found the Confederates were in town, they all rushed for the boats and got out of the way.

After our forces left, we learn that the Yankees immediately commenced arresting all the citizens who were supposed to sympathize with the Confederates.  During the fight, we learn a most worthy lady received a flesh wound in one of her limbs.

A friend who was in the expedition, writing from Kinston says: “Capt. Tucker won for himself a name for valor and coolness of which any man might be proud.”

From the Raleigh Standard

** More on the role of the Pickett can be found here

 

Source: The Greensborough Patriot, September 18, 1862 as found in Confederate Newspaper Project

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Col. Vance for Governor – politics and newspapers haven’t changed….. #cw150

From the Fayetteville Observer.

Col. Vance.

We have been sorry to see that the Charlotte Democrat, in its zealous advocacy of its friend Col. Johnson for Governor, supposing that Col. Vance would be brought forward as his opponent, anticipated that event by asserting that “Col. Vance was not in the fight at Newbern.”  It is a bad sign in the present condition of affairs, that any paper or person, of any party sets out to abuse or depreciate any true man, as Col. Vance has certainly proven himself to be.  Our convictions of duty lead us in the present crisis to uphold every such man, whether we vote for him for Governor or not.  We think it doubtful whether Col. Vance will allow his name to be run, for we have heard that he greatly prefers his present less distinguished and more dangerous position in the field.  But whether a candidate or not, his patriotism entitles him to justice.  That justice the Democrat is itself now obliged to render, though in a grudging sort of way, as follows.

“In saying that Col. Vance was not in the fight, we meant (as we were informed by two gentlemen who were on the field) that he was not under fire—that the position he occupied was out of danger.  One of the gentlemen who made the statement to us has since offered to substantiate our statement over his signature, but we do not deem it necessary to produce anything of the kind.  We stated that we meant no reflection on Col. Vance, nor did we doubt his gallantry and bravery; but we object to the Standard’s concocting stories about Col. Vance and the battle at Newbern for party purposes.  That’s all.

“P.S.—Since the above was in type, we conversed with an officer who thinks our informant was mistaken about Col. Vance not being under fire—he thinks the Col. was within range of the enemy’s balls.  It may be that our previous information was incorrect, (unintentionally no doubt,) though coming from a soldier who took and active part in the battle.”

In reply to the original statement of the Democrat, the Standard said,–

“The truth is, he fought the enemy for one hour and a half after Gen. Branch had left the field.  Gen Branch burnt the bridge while he was fighting, and left him to his fate surrounded by thousands of the enemy.  We know this to be so, and will prove it in due time.”

Source: The Greensborough Patriot, June 19, 1862 as found in Confederate Newspaper Project

 

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Catherine on Edward Stanley… she REALLY didn’t like the guy (nor did many other NC folks) #cw150

June 22, 1862

We hear that Lincoln has recalled Stanley from the Governorship of N Carolina.  How true it is that it is hard to serve two masters!  In both attempts he has signally failed.  The shallow artifice by which he attempted to throw dust in to our eyes by professing to govern us by the Statute Laws of N C displeased his Northern masters, whilst his being here at all is such an infringement of our rights that no plausibility could even gild the pill.  I have written some lines which I would greatly like to fall into his hands, but as I see no possibility of that I will ‘een confide them to my journal, that it is at least may see how I loathe the Traitor!

 

LINES

Richard Dobbs Speight, Gov of N C, was killed in a duel by Edward Stanley’s father many years ago.  His grave was violated by the Yankees when they had possession of New Berne, and his skull stuck upon a pole was one of the first objects which met Stanley’s eyes when he landed in New berne as Lincoln’s Governor, appointed to subjugate his native State.

 

Room for the Traitor! room!  Lo thy father’s sins rise from the grave to greet thee!

Look on me thou false Stanley! look on me and shuddering hear thy welcome!

By thy father’s hand—ultimately nipped my days were ended—my budding fame cut down

And to my dust my name was given!  Yet revenge like this I had not dared to picture!

Thanks! To the impious hand which rudely burst

My coffined cerements and brought me forth

To greet thee! thanks! tho unwilling all! for that base act of sacrilegious violence

Has filled my cup of Vengeance!

I see that name—that name of Stanley which they father bore—proudly and purely!

(‘Een tho’ I hated him—yet this he forced me to accord him)

I see that once revered name I say—discrowned! Dishonoured a by word! and a hissing!

Babes shall lisp it out with scorn!  Woman shall forget her gentleness and learn

To curse it!—And Stanley the Statesman! Stanley the patriot shall be by men—Forgot—in Stanley—the Traitor!

Thy foul presence doth eclipse his greatness! doth blot out his nobleness!

And with the noisome stench of Treason! thou has drowned the perfume of his memory!

Welcome thou traitor! welcome here to infamy! hug thou the chains of Life

Until thou loathes them—and then thou false one—doubly dyed in Treason!

Welcome to the feast where Arnold’s self awaits thee!

 

** Stanley/Stanly was appointed military governor of eastern NC by Lincoln in May 1862.  He resigned his position in 1863 over disagreement with Lincoln on the Emancipation Proclamation.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Stanly

 

 

Source: Edmondston, Catherine Ann Devereux, 1823-1875, Journal of a Secesh Lady: The Diary of Catherine Ann Devereux Edmondston 1860-1866. Crabtree, Beth G and Patton, James W., (Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Division of Archives and History, 1979). http://nc-historical-publications.stores.yahoo.net/478.html

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Burnside is arming & drilling the negroes #cw150

June 12, 1862

Mr. Edmondston left for Wilmington tho scarcely able to travel, but he is so much interested in his Battalion that he will leave no stone unturned to get into Service.  His knee still very painful.

In the afternoon came brother.  Being a volunteer aid without pay, he can leave when he pleases & so came home to see what was best to be done after the freshet.  He feels gloomy about Richmond & in fact about the cause generally, as he has seen so much of the inefficiency of our officers.  Huger, he tells us, has been suspended for not bringing up his reserve on Sunday & cutting the enemy off.  Had he done so, the loss of life would have been much less & the whole of the Yankees on the South side of the Chickahominy would have fallen into our hands!  “Thy sin shall find thee out” comes true with nations as well as men, for had they superceeded him as they ought to have done, after the finding of the Court of Inquiry after the Roanoke Island disaster, this would never have happened now & indeed the Va might have been still spared to us.

Stanley the renegade, the traitor Governor, appointed by Mr Lincoln to rule his native State, finds the way of the transgressor hard.  He has stopped the negro schools as being contrary to the Statute Law of N C, by which he has offended his Northern masters, but with a strange inconsistency he ignores the fact (of which Mr Badger has reminded him however) that his being here, as Gov, is as much an infringement of our rights, for the Laws of N C provide for an election of the Gov by the people.  He said that if there was one man in N C whom he regarded more than another, one man whom he loved, the man was Richard S Donnel, & yet the first sight which greeted him on stepping ashore at New Berne was the coffin of Mr Donnell’s mother with her name & the date of her birth & death cut on it waiting shipment to N Y, her remains having been thrown out to give place to the body of a Yankee officer!  Such is our foe.

I sympathize deeply with the Donnells & hope that poor Fanny was buried in Raleigh where she died & that her remains are not exposed to the insult that her Mother’s & Grandfather’s have been—for it is said that the skull of Gov Richard Dobbs Speight was stuck upon a pole & that Stanley was forced to look at it as he landed!  Meet & right it is that his father’s foe should rise from his grave to exult over Stanley’s infamy, for know that Gov Speight was killed in a duel by Stanley’s father now fifty years ago at least.  I fear me the “false Stanley” as he is still called in England is “false” still, even tho’ represented now by Lord Derby, false to his master at Bosworth field.  Now this one of the same name, tho I doubt not the same blood, is false to his country, to his name, & to his fame.  Let him go down to the “vile dust” “unwept” & “unhonoured.”

The Yankees have in and about New Berne more than 6,000 negroes who work when they please & if they do not please they draw their rations from the Q Master.  This cannot last.  No government can stand it.  The end must soon come.  Burnside is arming & drilling the negroes & expects when the fate of Richmond is decided to commence active operations.  God be with us & vain will be the rage of men.

 

Source: Edmondston, Catherine Ann Devereux, 1823-1875, Journal of a Secesh Lady: The Diary of Catherine Ann Devereux Edmondston 1860-1866. Crabtree, Beth G and Patton, James W., (Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Division of Archives and History, 1979). http://nc-historical-publications.stores.yahoo.net/478.html

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the battle of Newbern was lost, 1st. by drunkenness…. #cw150 #civilwar150

 

THE BATTLE OF NEWBERN.—James Sinclair, lately Colonel of the 35th Regiment, N.C.V., takes issue in some important point with the official report of General L. O’B. Branch, concerning the battle of Newbern, and pledges himself to prove, as soon as circumstances permit investigation, “that the battle of Newbern was lost, 1st. by drunkenness, 2d. by incompetency, 3rd. personal lack of courage and presence of mind in the presence of the enemy.—Pet. Express.”

Source: Greensborough Patriot, June 5, 1862 as found in Confederate Newspaper Project

 

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I am but a feeble woman, would God I were a man but I will give gladly my own life for my beloved South #cw150

February

Roanoke Island fell in the hands of the Yanks.

March 14th 1862

Newberne has been taken by the Yankees, our men were overpowered by greatly superior numbers… The citizens fired the town. Gen. Gatlin has proved himself a coward by feigning sickness.

April 11th 1862

Friday night

What I have suffered this night will be ever fresh in my memory. The great love I bear my country will I fear lead me to extremes. But I am so anxious and confident for our success in this unjust war – that it drives me mad when I see & hear desponding persons- who are brave enough when the enemy is kept at a distance but let their homes be menaces let them have to give up one single comfort & they are speedily transformed into a set a miserable croakers, traitors they will prove in the end – and this speculation which is going on. It is fearful to think of it, but we see quite enough without dwelling upon it. Poor grasping, misguided wretch. What good will the few dollars you have wrung from your own people do you when you come to die. Each cent will be a red hot coal burning your perjured soul. But even in this world what good will it do you. The finger of scorn is already laid upon you  you carry the badge of eternal shame wherever you go —-

I am but a feeble woman, would God I were a man but I will give my life’s best treasures, yea I will sacrifice, gladly my own life for my beloved South – we do not deserve to be free & rest assured God will not suffer us to be free, for he only helps those who help themselves – unless we are willing to make great personal sacrifices.

Source: Elizabeth Collier Diary, Southern Historical Collection, UNC-Chapel Hill.

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we hope he may meet the fate which all traitors deserve-one end of a rope around his neck #cw150

The Raleigh Register of yesterday contains the following letter from Gen. Burnside to the notorious traitor Charles Henry Foster.  The Register copies this letter from a stray number of the Newbern Progress of the 21st of April, a paper, it will be remembered which is published by the Yankees in Newbern.  This letter leaves no doubt on our mind that Edward Stanly has been offered byLincolnthe appointment of Provisional Governor of North Carolina.

Should he accept the appointment, we hope he may meet the fate which all traitors to the land of their birth deserve.—that is, one end of a rope around his neck, with the other tied to a swinging limb.

It will be seen that Gen. Burnside takes Foster “smooth of above the knees.”

 

Headquarters, Department of N.C. }

Newbern, April 21, 1862 }

CHAS. HENRY FOSTER, ESQ.,

Sir, – I see by the “Newbern Progress,” of Saturday morning, that you propose to speak in a political assemblage in this place on Wednesday next, which I think would be very unwise in you to do, and decidedly unwise in me to allow.

You occupy no official political position in the State, as was evinced by the refusal of the House of Representatives to grant you a seat in that body.

The President of the United States has very wisely appointed a Provisional Governor for this State, who is a native thereof, and was at one time, one of its most prominent and influential citizens, and represents at this moment the views and feelings of a majority of the people of the State of NorthCarolina.

The Government will doubtless indicate its civil policy to Gov. Stanly and I cannot consent in the meantime to embarrass either him or the Government by initiating myself or allowing any one else to initiate any civil policy.  From my own inexperience in matters of this kind, I am sufficiently embarrasses already in taking note of civil ____ that absolutely require immediate attention.  The occupation ofNorthCarolinathus far, is entirely military.

Another very serious objection to the assembling of such a meeting as you propose is that I have never been informed by any one that it was in contemplation.  None of the citizens have represented to me that they desire a meeting of this kind and officers and soldiers of the army have no right to originate or organize political assemblages.

Then to say that I do not question the honesty or disinterestedness of your intention, but the wisdom of you course is to me clearly open to criticism, and the meeting cannot be allowed to assemble.

 

Very Respectfully,

A.     E. BURNSIDE,

Maj. Gen., CommandingDept.N.C.

 

Source: Greensborough Patriot, May 22, 1862 as found in Confederate Newspaper Project

 

 

 

 

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