Our servant boy Bill died last Tuesday, was sick near five months. I felt very bad after he died #cw150

 

May 15

Our servant boy Bill died last Tuesday, was sick near five months. I felt very bad after he died, I could not sleep well for two nights. I have not been well for two or three weeks, my bowels have been constipated. I have been low spirited, my faith was surrounded by darkness, the Lord’s face hid from me, had no comfort, felt like I was a poor helpless sinner, who deserved nothing, but I prayed unto the Lord to comfort my poor troubled soul. I have read my bible and found some comfort, and I do trust in the Lord, my health is better today. I have had trials and temptation, had evil thoughts, if the Lord were to mark iniquity who should stand, if it was not for Jesus Christ death and intercession I would have been in torment long ago. I have been led to see how poor, helpless, sinful and miserable I am, without Christ I am nothing, but he is all in all, we are worms of the dust, but to have all our sins washed away by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and have grace to help in our time of need is a joy unspeakable.

 

Source: Mary Jeffreys Bethell Diary, 1853-1873.  #1737-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/bethell/menu.html

 

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I wish vegetables would come in fast for I am tired of dried apples & meat. #civilwar150

Sunday 10^th May 1863

A beautiful bright day. Excellent growing weather. Our people will soon be done planting corm. Our lettuce is just getting large enough to eat, very late at that. We had some last Sunday. It was very small. I wish vegetables would come in fast for I am tired of dried apples & meat. I have not heard anything more of Harrie. I think of writing to him tomorrow by the mail. I have looked all week for him & Mrs. Hilliard as she sent word she was coming over with Harrie this week. My babe’s ear still runs. Poor little fellow. I fear it pains him. It is inflamed on the outside this morning. Jinnie is getting dinner. I guess it will soon be ready. Atheline has the baby & Zona off somewhere. Willie is down with Jinnie & Pinck off with the negro boys. I want to write some letters this evening. One to Lou & one to Sister Jane. Mrs. Cagle has not come yet. Matt spent the evening at Mrs. Willey Knight’s, staid till dark. Three men stay here tonight. Not soldiers.

Source: Diary of Cornelia Henry in Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journal and Letters of the Henry Family. Clinard, Karen L. and Russell, Richard, eds. (Asheville, NC: Reminiscing Books, 2008).

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My place is at home with my little ones. I felt so lonely all day. It will be some time before I walk with my baby sister again. #cw150

Sunday 3rd [May 1863]

Both Matts gone to church at Academy. Cloudy with occasional sun shine today. Mr. Henry down stairs asleep. I am in Matt’s room knitting. Willie & Zona are with me. Willie wheezes a good deal yet. Zona is well. Pinck gone to church & all the negroes but Fannie & Atheline. Fannie getting dinner & Atheline has the babe. Old Mr. Cagle is quite unwell in bed in the other room. He is giving the children some sugar. Poor old fellow, he is fond of little ones.

Monday May 4th [1863]

I have been lonely today. A sad long day. Mr. Henry & Matt started home today. I wish I could have gone too but I could not conveniently. My place is at home with my little ones. I felt so lonely all day. Matt has been so kind to me & the children, attended to my housekeeping when I was not able to do it myself. I love her a heap. I will try to repay her kindness some day. She is a good girl. So is Dora. They are both lovely. Dora is so mild & gentle. Matt has a generous heart. I made Mr. Henry a pair drawers today, got them done before night. Matt & Atheline spinning, Sister Matt & I went to the Sulphur Spring yesterday, met Mr. Henry at the hotel place. Matt got her shoes this evening. They are very nice ones. We brought a bucket of water for Mr. Cagle. It will be some time before I walk with my baby sister again.

Source: Diary of Cornelia Henry in Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journal and Letters of the Henry Family. Clinard, Karen L. and Russell, Richard, eds. (Asheville, NC: Reminiscing Books, 2008).

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I have done several things today. Finished Fannie’s chemise, first parched some coffee #cw150

Saturday 2^nd [May 1863]

I have done several things today. Finished Fannie’s chemise, first parched some coffee. Sam & Others killed two hogs yesterday. Atheline done up the lard today. Fannie baked some loaf bread & molasses bread this evening. Sis Matt & I went to Mr. Henry this evening. He went to Asheville after Matt’s earring this evening. He forgot it. We rode down to the stables. He got 5 lbs. of sugar today for 7.50, 1.50 per lb., dear sugar. Harrie is in Asheville, gave out at Knoxville, Tenn.  Poor fellow, he has come back to die I fear. The two Matts went to church at the Academy today but did not stay for preaching as they saw a cloud coming. It did not rain any of consequence here. Our garden is backward, needs rain. Betsey went home last Thursday evening. The two Matts sleep upstairs in this room. Pinck & Willie on the trundle bed & Mr. Henry, Willie, the babe & I on the big bed.

Source: Diary of Cornelia Henry in Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journal and Letters of the Henry Family. Clinard, Karen L. and Russell, Richard, eds. (Asheville, NC: Reminiscing Books, 2008).

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This separating man and wife is a most cruel thing and almost enough to make one an abolitionist. #cw150

Camp Gregg, Va.,

April 26, 1863

My precious Wife

Your sweet letter of the 22nd came today, and of course it was a great treat. You do not know what an influence your letters have on me; if they are cheerful so am I, and if the contrary, so it is with me…

I have just received a bill from Richmond for a syringe and 5 cakes of soap. They will be sent by express.

David wrote me that Ruth’s husband had been sent to Richmond and sold. He ran away and his mistress promised brother Robert that she would sell him to him – for me- but as soon as he came in, he was sent off to Richmond, and they will not tell him to whom he was sold. I have advertised to find out where he is. I do not care so much to own him , but Beck is dear to me, and I hate to see her husband whom she seems to love, torn from her in that way. This separating man and wife is a most cruel thing and almost enough to make one an abolitionist. I know you will approve my trying to buy him. David Also wrote, “My family is well with family prospects brightening,” and adds that the same thing that elated him makes us rather down hearted.

I approve your sending the bill to brother Robert. It will either make him ashamed of himself, which it ought to, or it will furnish him with information that he desires. It may teach him a little lesson, namely to forget sometimes that he is a business man, bringing every transaction down to cents. If he is my brother I must say it was a very small think in him. He is though, a purely business man and brings every transaction down to it, He has been generous in his way to me.

I suppose I hope that D.H. Hill and Longstreet were never intended to take the places they surrounded. I hear that the latter is getting a large quantity of stores around Suffolk. The loss of Stricklands’ Battery was a very ugly thing and does but little credit to the General responsible in the matter. The idea of sending a Battery two miles from any support.

I went to Communion this morning and altho’ I did not feel that I was prepared I thought it would be more excusable in me partaking, and trying the harder afterwards, particularly as I may not have an opportunity again soon. I hope my feeling of utter worthlessness and shame at being caught as it were, will have a good effect. I went this afternoon to hear Mr. Patterson and I was very much pleased. He is a little queer, but preached a good sound sermon, one that would be likely to strike home to every hearer. Mr. Williams is about the best preacher I know. His sermons are always good and I sincerely hope to get him.

I am sorry to have raised, if I did, any hopes in you of a future home, for the idea of my buying a farm looked so ridiculous that I did not have the face to send my letter to brother Robert. But we will try to save and buy one, some of these days. I do not despair for I am learning the value of money. I hold tight to it and a few more lessons will make me pretty proficient, at least in keeping what I get.

Honey let us hope that the next offspring will be such as you wish. We have more grounds to expect it than the contrary, for it scarcely happens that all are boys. I am very glad you have become so well reconciled to your condition. You will not be worse off than many others.

I cannot bear the idea of your becoming broken and old looking, not my own dear that I shall love you any the less, for my love does not depend upon your looks, but I love you for your love, and goodness.

My love to all and may God bless you my precious darling.

Your loving husband

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

 

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“Stop the runaway” he wore a dark jeans sack coat and pants of the same material… #civilwar150

Stop the Runaway.

Ranaway from the subscriber on the night of the 19^th instant, his negro boy Adam. Said negro is about 35, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, and weighs about 140 or 150 lbs. The only mark remembers is a scar, I think on the left side of his neck, caused by scrofula when he was young. He is dark complected, and had, when he left, a small patch of whiskers on his chin. He wore away when he left, a dark jeans sack coat and pants of the same material, patched in front with cloth of a different color. He also took with him four white homespun shirts, two of them new, never having been worn, and a checked summer coat a good deal faded, and a pair of black Sunday pants. He wore away a pair of heavy shoes, with iron bands on the heels and soles, and probably has a pair of Sunday shoes. He had a black low crowned hat, and an old every-day one, together with much other clothing not remembered. I will pay fifty dollars reward for his apprehension and confinement in any jail so I can get him. My address ns Greensborough, NC

David Wharton

Source: Greensborough Patriot, April 23, 1863 as found on www.ncecho.org

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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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they declare they are in correspondance with slaves throughout the Confederacy, who wait their arrival to rise against their masters

March 23, 1863

 Came home today from a fortnight’s visit to father’s. Have enjoyed the society of Father, Mama, & Sue greatly. Played innumerable games of Chess with Father & return to my home duties and home pleasures in much better health & more fitted in every way both to fulfil the first & enjoy the last than when I left. We have watched the mails, Ah! how anxiously for news from our Army, but as yet there has been but little done — before Charleston absolutely nothing. The Abolition fleet of Iron Clads is massing itself at Port Royal, but since the bombardment of Fort McAlister, which they say was undertaken to test their invulnerability, they have remained entirely inactive. Burnside it is rumoured is to take command, but that is not authentic. The canard about their fleet having passed through the canal opposite Vicksburg was got up for the benefit of the European news, the English steamers having sailed at the time of its promulgation. Banks has advanced with his Gunboats & the U S frigate Mississippi & attacked our batteries at Port Hudson. They were repulsed with heavy loss on their side. The frigate Mississippi was burned. The Richmond (Banks Flagship) driven back disabled. Two gunboats in a crippled condition succeeded in running past, but as the Indianola & Queen of the West are in fighting trim, they, we hope will soon settle accounts with them. The expedition down Yazoo Pass, after encountering almost unheard of difficulties in the swamps & from the trees that over hang those crooked Rivers the Cold Water & Tallahatchie, reached Fort Pemberton where the latter river joins the Yazoo. We maintain that we repulsed them & at our last news they were landing for a land attack. Per contra they assert that they have been successful, have captured 25 steamers & command the Yazoo. We wait further developments. The object of the expedition was to gain possession of the country in the rear of Vicksburg & cut off our supplies and thus force us to surrender. Van Dorn has made a most masterly escape from three or more Brigades which surrounded him & hoped gradually to close upon him & take him as it were in a net. By a forced night march, he out manoevred them & made good his escape. At Tullahoma, below Murfresboro, a battle with Rosencrans is considered imminent. Let us hope that Gen Johnston & not Bragg will be in command. Gen Hooker dispatched 3,000, some say more, men on a reconnoisance in force it is supposed. They crossed the Rappahanock at Kelly’s Ford, but Fitz Hugh Lee with his Cavalry falling upon them after an obstinate engagement put them to flight with heavy loss, their hospital and guns falling into our hands. This brilliant exploit it is thought checked the advance of the army at that point & will give “fighting Joe” something to think of. Our loss 250 killed & wounded; theirs much heavier. In this state Gen Hill has not been idle but his movements are wrapped in so much doubt that I will not chronicle them until I hear further. Suffice it that his expedition was undertaken mainly to procure supplies of corn & forage from the Eastern Counties in which attempt he has we hear been eminently successful. Daniel’s brigade, in which James is, is in the advance & are said to be below New Berne tearing up the R R from Morehead to that place. So far rumour gives to Pettigrew the post of honour. His brigade it is said captured Newberne but owing to the bursting of their large gun could not maintain themselves against the Gunboats & were consequently forced to evacuate it — but this is not authentic.

A most fiendish expedition left Port Royal a short time since, destination unknown, supposed Florida, with the open and avowed object of inciting the Negroes to revolt! The Northern papers actually glory in it & gloat over the sweet morsel of revenge in store for them with a savage ferocity. God avert their infamous acts! They declare that they are in correspondance with the slaves throughout a large & populous portion of the Confederacy, who only wait their arrival to rise against their masters & strike a blow for the Union — the Union, bosh and balderdash! — what does Cuffee know or care for it? I do not believe the negroes will rise at their bidding, but that does not lessen the malignity of their black hearted wishes and attempts.

I have been much worried by personal matters latterly — at one time so much so as to make me really unhappy. I refer to our property & pecuniary matters. Father in consequence of the War & expected high taxes and the depreciation of the currency thinks he had better make an entire change in the tenure by which we hold this property. Last June’s freshet has diminished the value and certainty of the Estate so much that he wishes to make other arrangements. Now all change is greivous whilst it is going on, particularly so when one lives in such happiness & contentment as we now do, so I must, I know, make up my mind to a season of suspense & anxiety — a change which perhaps will at first gall; but I will strive for cheerful contentment with my lot, be it what it may, & a firm reliance upon God who will give us all things needful for us. Father most kindly wishes to free Patrick from the debt which the present ownership of this property entails. The only fear I have is that it will weaken his interest in & enjoyment of the plans for improvement which he is now continually carrying on, but I will hope for the best. The farm at Hascosea is to be enlarged & that is to be ours without encumbrance of any sort. It has given us so much care, thought, & anxiety, but I have striven to cast it all on One who knows what is for our best & having food & raiment to endeavour therewith to be content; but it is hard to change our plans & hopes after so many years indulging them & the struggle is at times no slight one, but courage, all will yet be right! Courage — & keep a cheerful heart.

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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After battle at Deep Gully: pressed into service a donkey and a cart with a negro, who took us to Kinston #cw150

March 16 [1863]

A picket came in this morning and reported the enemy advancing. We were put in line of battle to receive them, and after marching one mile up the road to get to our brigade we were put at the extreme left of our line and made breastworks out of rotten logs. Stayed here one hour, when another picket came and reported them ten miles away. So we resumed our march for camp and got there at 7 o’clock – twenty-one miles today. Tom Notter, Aaron Katz, and myself pressed into service a donkey and a cart with a negro, who took us to Kinston. Each of us drove at times, and I was fortunate enough to stall in a mudhole. We had to get out and lift the cart and donkey to dry ground again. Thus ends the march and fight at Deep Gully.

Source: Christopher Watford, ed. The Civil War in North Carolina: Soldiers’ and Civilians’ Letters and Diaries, 1861-1865, Volume 1 and Lewis Leon, Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier (1913).

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four yankeys crossed the River yesterday and came to us declaring they was Done fightin for the North. #cw150

Hd Qts Camp Greeg Va 37^th NC

March 15^th 1863

Dear Fameley

I am well and trust when these Lines reaches you they May find you all well. I have just returned with our Regt from Piquet duty on the Rapahanock. We found all quiet on the Piquet lines. There was four yankeys crossed the River yesterday and came to us declaring they was Done fightin for the North. They say that Desertion is becoming common among the yankeys, the Northern Papers Say that an average of about 2 Regts are payed off at Washington ever week. I suppose they are Men that have Served out there time. I have herd that our forces Expect to attact New Burn NC Soon. I am of Opinion that Jackson will attact Hooker as soon as the Roads will Permit. I think it is the better Plan than to wait for them to attact us. I have nothing of intrest to wright you. I wrote to Stephen a few days ago that he Might buy a young Negro for Me if he saw a chance to guet one 11 or 14 years old for $1000 or 1500. Perhaps it would be better to buy land if there is an opportunity. I think I could afford to give Willy Linebarger Two Thousand Dollars for his land if it could not be bought for less. It would bee a Great addition to the farm on which we Live in case we Remain there. I think it advisable for me to buy Property of some sort to the amount of about $1000 or 1500 dollars. I gave Randle $10 dollars & told him to do the best he could, he said he would, he told Me that Charley appeared to be a Good man to work. I told him to Give Charley a chance to Do what he could.

I have not herd from you since I was at home. I am Looking for a Letter Every day with anxiety. Tell Randle that I could not See him at the Station when I got in the cars but after the train started I saw him holding the horses but could not tell him good buy. I got the letter & scarf you sent by Sifford. I think it is a very good one. I used it last night on Piquet & found it very comfortable to my ears. I satisfied that I sent my box back as I saw several men in Raleigh as I passed through with boxes for our Regt. & Just arrived yesterday with considerable of their provisions spoilt, but had some fine apples of which I am cordially invited to partake. I wish you could be with me to eat some of them. Lt. Moore, Jones Linebarger, Fred Hoffman Emanuel Cloninger, Miles Weathers & Morrison and AA Morris are all well. Give my love to your Mother & all the Children. Tell the Children I would rather they would call there little Brother Lee than Willy and I would prefer Bill to Willy. Tell Eleanora & Mary that I consider them old Enough to Know how to Behave themselves at home & abroad, Especially to love & Respect there Grand Mother & you. I am happy to believe that our deare children are all well disposed & may some day be an ornament to Society. I trust they will hold themselves above the conduct of Some in the neighborhood. Tell Lully I would bee Glad to See her Little red cheaks & kiss them. May God Guide & protect us all.

Your affectionate Husband & Father

W.G. Morris.

Source: Christopher Watford, ed. The Civil War in North Carolina: Soldiers’ and Civilians’ Letters and Diaries, 1861-1865, Volume 1. Original in the William G. Morris Collection, Southern Historical Collection, UNC-Chapel Hill.

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