President Lincoln exchanges letters with Edward Everett, the main orator at Gettysburg. Everett writes: “I should be glad, if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes.”
Lincoln responds, “In our respective parts yesterday, you could not have been excused to make a short address, nor I a long one. I am pleased to know that, in your judgment, the little I did say was not entirely a failure.”
— A. LincolnAfter breakfast at the Wills house, Lincoln retires to his room, where his secretary John Nicolay joins him. There he completes the preparation of his speech.
About 10 A.M. the President, dressed in black, wearing white gauntlets and black crepe around his hat in memory of Willie, leaves the Wills house to join the procession.
Lincoln mounts his horse and rides in procession to the cemetery. The head of the procession arrives at the speaker’s platform inside the cemetery at 11:15 A.M. President Lincoln receives a military salute.
The President and members of his cabinet, with group of military and civic dignitaries, occupy the platform. Lincoln takes his place between chairs reserved for Sec. Seward and Edward Everett, the orator who will make the principal address. At 11:40 A.M. Everett arrives, is introduced to President, and program music begins.
Once during Everett’s two-hour oration Lincoln stirs in his chair. “He took out his steel-bowed spectacles, put them on his nose, took two pages of manuscript from his pocket, looked them over and put them back.”
About 2 P.M. Lincoln “in a fine, free way, with more grace than is his wont,” according to his secretary John Nicolay, delivers the Gettysburg Address. He holds his manuscript but does not appear to read from it.
The President decides to hear an address by Lt. Gov.-elect Charles Anderson (Pa.) at 4:30 P.M. in the Presbyterian Church. He meets “old John Burns, the soldier of 1812, and the only man in Gettysburg who volunteered to defend it.” Burns accompanies him and Sec. Seward to hear Anderson speak.
The President’s special train leaves Gettysburg about 7 P.M. and arrives in Washington at 1:10 A.M. on Friday. Lincoln returns from Gettysburg with a mild form of smallpox (varioloid) and remains under half quarantine in White House for nearly three weeks.
— A. LincolnAt the dedication ceremonies…I had a seat on the platform within a few feet of the speakers, and could hear not only every word, but could mark every expression on the face of America’s most polished orator, Edward Everett, as he delivered that masterly oragion, and could see every lineament in the sad, earnest face of Mr. Lincoln as he pronounced his immortal “Dedication.”
….To say that Mr. Lincoln arose, can only be appreciated by those who have been near him when he got up to speak; but he had never before seemed to me to be so tall as he did on this occasion. He appeared to continue to arise, as it were, until when he finally stood up I thought that he was the tallest and most awkward man I had ever seen.
….I thought then and still think, it was the shortest, grandest speech, oration, sermon, or what you please to call it, to which I ever listened. It was the whole matter in a nutshell, delivered distinctly and impressively, so that all in that vast concourse could hear him. My own emotions may perhaps be imagined when it is remembered that he was facing the spot where only a short time before we had had our death grapple with Pickett’s men, and he stook almost immediately over the place where I had lain and seen my comrades torn in fragment by the enemy’s cannon-balls.
Think, if you please, how these words fell upon my ears….If at that moment the Supreme Being had appeared with an offer to undo my past life; give back to me a sound body, free from the remembrance even of sufferings past, and the imminence of those that must necessarily embitter all the years to come, I should have indignantly spurned the offer, such was the effect upon me of this immortal ‘Dedication.’
The President sad and depressed because Tad is too ill to eat breakfast and Mrs. Lincoln is hysterical. He writes a note that William H. Johnson, his African-American valet, will accompany him to Gettysburg.
President Lincoln and his party leave Washington about noon on a special train of four cars furnished by the B. & O. Railroad. The Presidential party reaches Bolton Station in Baltimore in 1 hour and 10 minutes. The train is transported to the North Central tracks and proceeds on that line to Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania, where it changes to the Hanover Line for the remainder of the trip.
The train arrives about 5 P.M. in Gettysburg, where Lincoln is a guest of Judge Wills. After supper President Lincoln receives a telegram from Secretary Stanton: “By inquiry Mrs. Lincoln informed me that your son is better this evening.”
At 10 P.M. the 5th New York Artillery band serenades the President at the Wills house. After repeated calls, Lincoln addresses the crowd briefly. Singers from Washington and a choir from Baltimore also serenade the President.
— A. Lincoln(J)ust at dusk we reached Hanover Junction, the station where we were to change for the train that would take us to Gettysburg. When our train stopped we immediately boarded another that was standing on the Gettysburg track. We had barely gotten inside when a guard that was placed at the entrance to each car to prevent outsiders from crowding into it, as it was a special train carrying the governors of the several States who were the guests of Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania. Being locked in, as it were, we concluded not to try to break out, and proceeded to find the delegation from our native State, Ohio….In introducing me, the general told the governor (of Ohio) that I had a better right to be there than any of them….The governor then told me that he would like to arrange it so that I could see and hear everything that transpired at the dedication ceremonies, and theat he could best insure that if I and my friend were to accept the position s of aides-de-camp on his staff, which he then tendered….
When we arrived at the station, though it was nearly eleven o’clock at night…(n)early everyone in the village was up, their houses illuminated and open in anticipation of their being called up to entertain the immense crowds of incoming visitors.
The President watches a parade of 2,500 from the Invalid Corps pass White House.
He discusses the train schedule to Gettysburg with Sec. Stanton and alters the original one-day schedule to Gettysburg arranged by Stanton : “I do not like this arrangement. I do not wish to so go that by the slightest accident we fail entirely, and, at the best, the whole to be a mere breathless running of the gauntlet.”
In the evening Lincoln examines a drawing of the burial plot of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg with the designer William Saunders. He informs Attorney General James Speed that he has prepared about half of the Gettysburg Address.
— A. LincolnThe President’s bodyguard, Marshal Ward Lamon, announces the program for the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863.
Lincoln, accompanied by journalist Noah Brooks, visits Gardner’s Gallery and poses for photographs.
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln proposes that Judge Logan bring Mrs. W. H. Lamon, his daughter, to the ceremony at Gettysburg on November 19th. Lamon will act as marshal on the occasion of dedicating the cemetery there.
The Presidential party attends a performance at Ford’s Theatre starring John Wilkes Booth in “The Marble Heart.”
— A. LincolnThe President is photographed by Alexander Gardner, both alone and with his secretaries John Nicolay and John Hay.
— A. LincolnThe President confers with Judge Advocate General Holt in the morning about courtmartial cases.
— A. LincolnLincoln writes to General George Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac, to request more information about Private Samuel Wellers, who is to be shot for desertion on November 6: “Has he been a good soldier, except the desertion? About how old is he?”
— A. LincolnI was in the National capital, partly convalescent but still not permitted to rejoin my regiment. While awaiting a decision of the surgeons in my case, the ceremonies that were to take place on the occasion of the dedication of the proposed monument were announced, and I resolved to be present.
— A.H. NickersonJudge David Wills of Gettysburg invites President Lincoln to dedicate the National Cemetery at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863 with a “few appropriate remarks.”
— A. LincolnThe President and Mrs. Lincoln visit Ford’s Theatre to see a performance of “Fanchon, the Cricket.”
— A. LincolnLincoln suggests to General Halleck that Army of Potomac “with all possible expedition” get ready to attack General R. E. Lee.
— A. LincolnLincoln issues a proclamation calling for 300,000 volunteers.
— A. LincolnLincoln writes General Halleck: “If General Meade can now attack him [Lee] on a field no worse than equal for us, and will do so with all the skill and courage, which he, his officers and men possess, the honor will be his if he succeeds, and the blame may be mine if he fails.”
— A. LincolnThe President writes an order to Sec. Stanton : “This lady, Abigail C. Berea, had a husband and three sons in the war, and has been a nurse herself, without pay”; and asks to have her youngest son discharged because of poor health. “Let it be done.”
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln telegraphs General Meade at 9 A.M.: “What news this morning?”
— A. LincolnAt 9:50 A.M. the President telegraphs General Meade again: “How is it now?”
— A. LincolnGeneral Meade reports there are reasons to believe the enemy is moving into Shenandoah Valley. President Lincoln telegraphs: “Am interested with your despatch of noon. How is it now?”
— A. LincolnIn the evening, Lincoln attends a performance of Shakespeare’s “Othello” on stage at Grover’s Theater on Pennsylvania Avenue. A newspaper reports, “The President had intended to remain only an hour, but was so pleased with the play that he stayed it out.”
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln predicts the rebellion’s outcome to Gen. Rosecrans: “If we can hold Chattanooga, and East Tennessee, I think the rebellion must dwindle and die. I think you and Burnside can do this; and hence doing so is your main object.”
— A. LincolnBy proclamation, the President sets the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving.
— A. LincolnThe President writes Gov. Bradford (Md.): “Please be here in person at 12. M. Saturday to fix up definitely in writing” the matter about slaves of loyal Marylanders being enlisted along with other Negroes.
— A. LincolnMrs. Lincoln and Tad arrive home in afternoon from New York.
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln telegraphs his wife, Mary, who is visiting New York City. He reports, “The air is so clear and cool, and apparantly healthy, that I would be glad for you to come. Nothing very particular, but I would be glad see you and Tad.”
— A. LincolnThe President tells General Halleck that he is opposed to any “attempt to fight the enemy slowly back into his intrenchments at Richmond, and there to capture him… . I have constantly desired the Army of the Potomac, to make Lee’s army, and not Richmond, its objective point.”
— A. LincolnThe President urges Gov. Johnson (Tenn.) to “do your utmost to get every man you can, black and white, under arms at the very earliest moment.”
— A. LincolnLincoln writes Gen. Halleck that Gen. Meade has requested guidance about what he should do. “My opinion is that he should move upon Lee at once in manner of general attack… . I think this would develope Lee’s real condition and purposes better than the cavalry alone can do. Of course my opinion is not to control you and Gen. Meade.”
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln at Manchester, Vt.: “All well, and no news, except that Gen. Burnside has Knoxville, Tennessee.”
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln writes to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton about a young private who was wounded, made a prisoner & paroled at Gettysburg, and is now at Center-Street hospital, New-Jersey. The soldier was under eighteen when he entered the service without the consent of his father or mother. The destitute mother asks President Lincoln for her son’s discharge, and he directs Stanton to do so if her story proves true.
— A. LincolnLincoln cannot leave Washington to deliver his anti-compromise position in person. So he gives some public speaking advice to his his friend: “Herewith is a letter [Aug. 26] instead. You are one of the best public readers. I have but one suggestion. Read it very slowly.”
— A. LincolnLincoln disagrees with those who advocate compromise to save the Union: “I do not believe any compromise, embracing the maintenance of the Union, is now possible. All I learn, leads to a directly opposite belief. The strength of the rebellion, is its military—its army.”
— A. LincolnThe President and his secretary John Hay go to the Soldiers’ Home, and Hay falls asleep listening to Lincoln read Shakespeare.
— A. LincolnThe President visits the telegraph office in the afternoon.
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln enjoys target practice with the Spencer repeating rifle.
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln writes to Shakespearean actor James H. Hackett, “For one of my age, I have seen very little of the drama. The first presentation of Falstaff I ever saw was yours here, last winter or spring…Some of Shakspeare’s plays I have never read; while others I have gone over perhaps as frequently as any unprofessional reader. Among the latter are Lear, Richard Third, Henry Eighth, Hamlet, and especially Macbeth. I think nothing equals Macbeth. It is wonderful.” Lincoln adds, “I should like to hear you pronounce the opening speech of Richard the Third. Will you not soon visit Washington again?”
— A. LincolnLincoln and his cabinet hear General Meade describe parts of the Battle of Gettysburg.
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln writes to General Ulysses S. Grant in favor of the recruitment of black soldiers. Lincoln writes, “Gen. [Lorenzo] Thomas has gone again to the Mississippi Valley, with the view of raising colored troops. I have no reason to doubt that you are doing what you reasonably can upon the same subject. I believe it is a resource which, if vigorously applied now, will soon close the contest. It works doubly, weakening the enemy and strengthening us.”
The President and John Hay visit the new studio of Alexander and James Gardner, corner of 7th and D Sts., over Shephard and Riley’s Bookstore, to pose for several photographs.
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln writes to his wife Mary, “Tell dear Tad, poor ‘Nanny Goat,’ is lost; and [the housekeeper] Mrs. Cuthbert & I are in distress…The day you left Nanny was found resting…and chewing her little cud, on the middle of Tad’s bed. But now she’s gone! The gardener kept complaining that she destroyed the flowers…it was concluded to bring her down to the White House. This was done, and the second day she had disappeared, and has not been heard of since.”
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln responds to New York Governor Horatio Seymour, who seeks to halt “the draft in this State.” Seymour cited the recent New York City draft riots and he suggeted that the draft law was unconstitutional. Lincoln disagrees and writes, “time is too important… . We are contending with an enemy who … drives every able bodied man he can reach, into his ranks, very much as a butcher drives bullocks into a slaughter-pen… . It produces an army with a rapidity not to be matched on our side … My purpose is to be just and constitutional; and yet practical.”
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln writes to General Nathaniel P. Banks regarding Louisiana’s possible readmission into the Union. Lincoln writes, “I would be glad for her to make a new Constitution recognizing the emancipation proclamation … And … to adopt some practical system by which the two races could gradually live themselves out of their old relation to each other, and both come out better prepared for the new. Education for young blacks should be included in the plan.”
— A. LincolnFinally, on the last of the month, two attendants placed me on a stretcher, and while my father held an umbrella over me to keep off the rays of the midsummer sun, they carried me to the village.
— A.H. NickersonPresident Lincoln signs an Oder of Retaliation outlining measures to protect African-American Union soldiers. Lincoln pledges, “The government of the United States will give the same protection to all its soldiers, and if the enemy shall sell or enslave anyone because of his color, the offense shall be punished by retaliation upon the enemy’s prisoners in our possession.”
— A. LincolnThe President goes to the Soldiers’ Home with his secretary, John Hay.
— A. LincolnPresident Lincoln suspends the action in six courtmartial cases of men sentenced to be shot for desertion.
— A. LincolnThe President spends six hours reviewing courtmartial sentences. Lincoln hates to give the death sentence for cowardice.
— A. LincolnWhen I entered upon the third week of my enforced detention I began to have a great longing to be removed to my native State. The surgeons held a consultation and concluded that the change could not materially hasten or delay what appeared to them to be the inevitable. So they promised me that if, at the end of the next week, I was still alive, they would give their consent to my removal.
— A.H. NickersonRobert Lincoln later quoted his father as saying after the Confederate army’s post-Gettysburg escape, “If I had gone up there I could have licked them myself.”
The President proclaims “Thursday the 6th. day of August next, to be observed as a day for National Thanksgiving, Praise and Prayer.”
— A. LincolnThe President learns that General Lee has crossed into Virginia. Lincoln is later seen lying on the sofa in the War Department, looking dejected and discouraged.
President Lincoln writes General Meade: “I have just seen your despatch to Gen. Halleck, asking to be relieved of your command, because of a supposed censure of mine… . But I was in such deep distress myself that I could not restrain some expression of it… . I do not believe you appreciate the magnitude of the misfortune involved in Lee’s escape. He was within your easy grasp, and to have closed upon him would, in connection with our other late successes, have ended the war… . Your golden opportunity is gone, and I am distressed immeasurably because of it.” The President never signed or sent this letter.
— A. LincolnIt is now one month since I began this Journal, and little did I think when I sat down to while away the time, that I would have to record such terrible scenes as I have done. Had any one suggested any such sights as within the bound of possibility, I would have thought it madness. No small disturbance was occasioned by the removal of our wounded to the hospital. We had but short notice of the intention, and though we pleaded hard to have them remain, it was of no use. SO many have been removed by death and recovery, that there was room; and the sugeon having general care over all, ordered the patients from private houses to the General Hospital. A weight of care, which we took upon us for duty’s sake, and which we had learned to like and would have gladly borne, until relieved by the complete recovery of our men, has been lifted off of our shoulders, and again we have our house to ourselves.
— Sarah BroadheadThis day has passed much as yesterday and the day before. The town is as full as ever of strangers, and the old story of the inability of a village of twenty-five hundred inhabitants, overrun and eaten out by two large armies, to accommodate from ten to twelve thousand visitors, is repeated almost hourly. Twenty are with us to-night, filling every bed and covering the floors….What our soldiers are in the army, I cannot say, but when they are wounded, they all seem perfect gentlemen, so gentle, patient, and kind, and so thankful for any kindness shown them. I have seen many of our brave sufferers, and I have yet to meet the first who showed ill breeding. This, too, is the opinion of all whom I know, who have taken care of any, and the invitation and remark is common, “Come and see our men; they are the nicest men in the army;” and the reply generally follows, “They cannot be better than ours.”
— Sarah BroadheadAt the telegraph office, the President receives word of General Meade’s plan to attack Lee tomorrow. Lincoln paces floor, wringing his hands and muttering, “Too late.”
— A. LincolnTo-day the lady I sent for came to see her husband. I never pitied any one as I did her when I told her he was dead. I hope I may never again be called up to witness such a heartrending scene. The only comfort she had was in recovering the body, and in tears she conveyed it to the resting-place of her family. I had some satisfaction from the fact that I had marked the grave, without which she might not have recovered it….This is Sunday, but since the battle we have had no Sunday. The churches have all been converted into hospitals, and the cars come and go as on other days, and the usual bustle and confusion reign in the streets, and there is nothing but the almanac to remind us of the day of rest. One of my patients grows worse and worse, and is gradually sinking to his long home.
— Sarah Broadhead(My clergyman friend’s) throat was bare of necktie, the collar thrown wide open, and great beads of perspiration stood on his broad forehead; but what a prayer! Like his works it was fervid, earnest, and apropos. Nothing seemed to have been forgotten, and yet it appeared to be such a short prayer. A wounded Confederate soldier was lying in one corner of my tent, and knowing what firm friends we now were, our advocate at the bar of God used that circumstance as the basis of an appeal that these two whilom enemies, between whom there subsisted no real ground for enmity, might both live to see their country at peace.
— A.H. NickersonThe President appears to his secretary John Hay to be in a fine mood “as he had pretty good evidence that the enemy were still on the north side of the Potomac, and Meade had announced his intention of attacking them in the morning.”
Lincoln writes to an Illinois friend “After three days fighting … Lee withdrew and made for the Potomac … he found the river so swolen as to prevent his crossing … he is still this side near Hagerstown and Williamsport, preparing to defend himself … I am more than satisfied with what has happened North of the Potomac so far, and am anxious and hopeful for what is to come.”
— A. LincolnThis day has been spent in caring for OUR men. We procured clean clothes from the Sanitary Commission, and having fixed them up, they both look and feel better, though their wounds are very painful. OUr town, too, begins to look more settled, and more like its former self. The atmosphere is loaded with the horrid smell of dacaying horses and the remains of slaughtered animals, and, it is said, from the bodies of men imperfectly buried. I fear we shall be visited with pestilence, for every breath we draw is made ugly by the stench.
— Sarah BroadheadThis morning I again visited the Seminary, and was rejoiced to see the improvement that had been made in the arrangements for the patients. Nearly all have been provided with beds and clean clothing, and a more comfortable look pervades the whole building. I miss many faces that I had learned to know, and among them the man whose wife I had written to. A lady stayed with him until he died, and cut off a lock of his hair, which she gave me for his wife. At 5 o’clock our men were brought to our home, and I prepared them as nice a supper as I could, and they appeared quite cheerful, notwithstanding their dirty persons, having been lying in a field hospital three miles from town, without a change of clothing since before the battle, and with very imperfect attendance.
— Sarah Broadhead(E)very breath I drew was like the thrust of a dozen daggers.
— A.H. NickersonNearly every house is a hospital, besides the churches and warehouses and there are many field hospitals scattered over the country near the scene of the battle. A man called to-day and requested me to take into our house three wounded men from one of the field hospitals. I agreed to take them, for I can attend to them and not be compelled to leave my family so long every day as I have done. I am quite anxious to learn the condition of that man at the Seminary whose wife I sent for.
— Sarah BroadheadA few days after the Gettysburg battle, President Lincoln responds to a telegram regarding Union troops in pursuit of Confederate General Lee’s army. Lincoln writes, “The forces you speak of, will be of no immagineable service, if they can not go forward with a little more expedition.” Lincoln explains that the Union troops must move quickly or they “will, in my unprofessional opinion, be quite as likely to capture the Man-in-the Moon, as any part of Lee’s Army.”
— A. LincolnI aided a lady to dress wounds, until soup was made, and then I went to distribute it. I found that I had only seen the lighter cases, and worse horrors met my eyes on descending to the basement of the building. Men, wounded in three and four places, not able to help themselves in the least bit, lay almost swimming in water. I hunted up the lady whom I had been helping, and told her to come and see how they were situated. When we came down she reverently exclaimed, “My God! they must be gotten out of this or they will drown.” I gladly, in answer to her request, consented to assist her. She called some nurses to help, and getting some stretchers the work was begun. There were somewhere near one hundred to be removed to the fourth story of the building….I fed one poor fellow who had had both legs and one arm taken off, and, though he is very weak and surely cannot live, he seems in right good spirits. Some weeks since I would have fainted had I seen as much blood as I have to-day, but I am proof now, only caring to relieve suffering. I now begin to feel fatigued, but I hope rest may restore me.
— Sarah BroadheadAt the telegraph office in the morning the President receives General Grant’s dispatch announcing the capture of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Later, at a cabinet meeting, Lincoln appears despondent because General Meade has lingered at Gettysburg.
That evening, “a procession with bands of music proceed[s] to the Executive Mansion.” A newspaper reports, “a crowd enthusiastically cheered the President, [who] … appeared at an upper window.” Lincoln remarks that it is fitting that the Vicksburg victory occurred on the “Fourth of July just passed,” when defeat came to “those who opposed the declaration that all men are created equal.”
— A. LincolnThis morning we started out to see the wounded, with as much food as we could scrape together, and some old quilts and pillows. It was very little, but yet better than nothing….I assisted in feeding some of the severely wounded, when I perceived that they were suffering on account of not having their wounds dressed. I did not know whether I could render any assistance in that way, but I thought I would try. I procured a basin and water, and went to a room where there were seven or eight, some shot in the arms, others in the legs, and one in his back, and another in the shoulder. I asked if any one would like to have his wounds dressed? Some one replied, “There is a man on the floor who cannot help himself, you would better see to him.” Stooping over him, I asked for his wound, and he pointed to his leg. Such a horrible sight I had never seen and hope never to see again. His leg was all covered with worms….when the doctor told me he could not live, I asked him for his home, and if he had a family. He said I should send for his wife, and when I came home I wrote to her, as he told me, but I fear she may never see him alive, as he is very weak, and sinking rapidly. I did not return to the hospital today, being very much fatigued and worn out, and having done what I never expected to do, or thought I could. I am becoming more used to sights of misery. We do not know until tried what we are capable of.
— Sarah Broadhead(T)he first volunteer attendant I saw on the field of Gettysburg was a woman. I find that she wrote her name in my diary on July 7, 1863, “Miss Cornelia Hancock, New Salem, N.J.” She carried writing materials, envelopes, and postage stamps, and wrote letters to the friends of those who were too desperately wounded to do so themselves. She took down just what each wanted to say, without abridgment, and in this manner many a mother, sister, and sweetheart received their first, last, and only message from their loved ones, whose lives ebbed out on this fatal field.
— A.H. NickersonThe President wonders whether General Meade intends to cover Baltimore and Washington, and allow the enemy cross the river again without further collision, or whether Meade plans to prevent Lee’s crossing and destroy him.
— A. LincolnWhat a beautiful morning! It seems as though Nature was smiling on thousands suffering. One might think, if they saw only the sky, and earth, and trees, that every one must be happy; but just look around and behold the misery made in so short time by man….Can we endure the spectacle of hundreds of men wounded in every conceivable manner, some in the head and limbs, here an arm off and there a leg, and just inside a poor fellow with both legs shot away? It is dreadful to behold, and to add to the misery, no food has been served for several days. The little we have will not go far with so many….It is heart-sickening to think of these noble fellows sacrificing everything for us, and saving us, and it out of our power to render any assistance of consequence. I turned away and cried. We returned to town to gather up more food if possible, and to get soft material to place under their wounded limbs, to help make them more comfortabele.
— Sarah BroadheadAt 10 A.M. the President issues a press release announcing that “news from the Army of the Potomac, up to 10 P.M. of the 3rd is such as to cover that Army with the highest honor.”
— A. LincolnThis morning, about 6 o’clock, I heard a great noise in the street, and going to the door I saw a Rebel officer on horseback hallooing to some soldiers on foot, to “Hurry up, the Yankees have possession of the town and all would be caputured.” I looked up street and saw our men in the public square, and it was a joyful sight, for I knew we were now safe….the Rebels are retreating, and…our army has been victorious. I was anxious to help care for the wounded, but the day is ended and all is quiet, and for the first time in a week I shall go to bed, feeling safe.
— Sarah BroadheadToward morning I was seized with an awful thirst. Though the rain was pouring down my face and over my now totally unprotected body, I wanted water as I had never before wanted it. I called and called again, but no one came….the stream, swollen to an unusual height, did soon overflow its banks, and sweeping through our dismal ranks, drowned many helpless fellows before the few attendants there could get them out of the way.
— A.H. NickersonThe President is at the War Department in the morning, examining dispatches from General Meade. Mary Lincoln receives a head injury when she is thrown from her carriage on the way to the Soldiers’ Home.
— A. LincolnTo-day the battle opened with fierce cannonading before 4 o’clock A.M. Shortly after the battle began we were told to leave this end of the town for likely it would be shelled. My husband declared he would not go while one brick remained upon another, and, as usual, we betook ourselves to the cellar, where we remained until 10 o’clock, when the firing ceased. We could not get breakfast on account of our fears and the great danger. During the cessation we managed to get a cold bite. Again, the battle began with unearthly fury. Nearly all the afternoon it seemed as if the heavens and earth were crashing together. The time that we sat in the cellar seemed long, listening to the terrific sound of the strike; more terrible never greeted human ears. We knew that with every explosion, and the scream of each shell, human beings were hurried, through excruciating pain, into another world, and that many more were torn, and mangled, and lying in torment worse than death, and no one able to extend relief….Who is victorious, or with whom the advantage rests, no one can tell. It would ease the horror if we knew our arms were successful. Some think the Rebels were defeated, as there has been no boasting as on yesterday, and they look uneasy and by no means exultant. I hope they are correct, but I fear we are too hopeful. We shall see to-morrow. It will be the 4th of July, and the Rebels have promised us a glorious day. If it only ends the battle and drives them off it will be glorious, and I will rejoice.
— Sarah BroadheadThe owner of this Diary was killed by a shell about sunset July 2d 1863—his face was toward the enemy. He is buried 350 paces W. of the road which passes N. & South by the houses of Jacob Hummelbaugh & John FIsher (colored) & about equal distance from each & a mile South of Gettysburg, Penn. The following is inscribed on a board at his head:
I. L. TAYLOR
1st Minn. Vols.
Buried at 10 o’clock A.M. of July 3d 1863
By his brother
SERG P. H. TAYLOR
Co. “E” 1st Min. Vols.
— Isaac TaylorWhen Lee’s batteries reopened fire to cover the retreat of Pickett’s broken columns, the shells coming from the right rear and front enfiladed the position, and appeared to cover every foot of ground. Men lying near me were cut in two and others torn in pieces by the jagged missiles. I thought a change of location, no matter how slight, might take me out of their immediate range. Certainly it could not be worse, so I dragged myself a short distance only to find that I was in a worse place, if possible, than where I had been. Then, by a supreme effort, for I had been shot through one arm and through the lungs, I struggled to my feet and started to run. I had taken but a few steps when the blood gushed from my mouth in a torrent, and I fainted and fell.
— A.H. NickersonArroused at 3 A.M. & ordered to pack up & at 4 A.M. move twards the battle field where we arrive at 5-40 A.M. Order from Gen. Gibbon read to us in which he says this is to be the great battle of the war & that any soldier leaving the ranks without leave will be instantly put to death.
Skirmishing commences about 8 A.M. At 9-30 H. and I take a cup of coffe. At 3-15 P.M. our artillery opens on the left 3-40 our infantry advance across plain. Rebel battery opens at 4 P.M.
— Isaac TaylorIn the morning President Lincoln reads dispatches from Gen. Meade at the War Department. The President also spends hours in the telegraph office awaiting news.
— A. LincolnThe cannonading commenced about 10 o’clock, and we went to the cellar and remained a little while until it ceased. When the noise subsided, we came to the light again, and tried to get something to eat. My husband went to the garden and picked a mess of beans, though stray firing was going on all the time, and bullets from sharpshooters or others whizzed about his head in a way I would not have liked. He persevered until he picked all, for he declared that the Rebels should not have one….we had the first quiet meal since the contest began….The quiet did not last long. About 4 o’clock P.M., the storm burst again with terrific violence. It seemed as though heaven and earth were boing rolled together. For better security we went to the house of a neighbor and occupied the cellar, by far the most comfortable part of the house. Whilst there a shell struck the house, but mercifully did not burst, but remained embedded in the wall, one half protruding. About 6 o’clock the cannonading lessened, and we, thinking the fighting for the day was over, came out. Then the noise of the musketry was loud and constant, and made us feel quite as bad as the cannonading, though it seemed to me less terrible. Very soon the artillery joined in the din, and soon became as awful as ever, and we again retreated to our friend’s underground apartment, and remained until the battle ceased, about 10 o’clock at night….We known not what the morrow will bring forth, and cannot even tell the issue of to-day.
— Sarah BroadheadIt did not seem as though our eyes were fully closed before we were aroused, and day had not yet broken when we moved down to the front and took our position in line of battle with our right resting on Cemetery Hill and our left extending toward Round Top. Here, all day long on the 2d, we supported our batteries and watched the manoevres of our comrades and the enemy on our left, until at about four o’clock P.M., when they joined in the series of fierce struggles in front of Round Top, now known as the “Peach Orchard,” “Devil’s Den,” etc.
— A.H. NickersonThe news that Gen. Meade has superceded Gen. Hooker is confirmed. I shall hope for the best but I don’t like the idea of changing commanders on the eve of a battle. Fowler says that “Hooker’s kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes & Persians”
Leave camp at 7-35 A.M.
Pass through Smithville (on Big Pipe Creek) at 9-20 A.M. & at 11-15 A.M. halt near Taney Town. This is a small town named after Chief Justice Taney of the U.S. Supreme Court. Resume march at 3 P.M., pass through Taneytown & Harneytown & at 5-30 P.M. just after passing through the latter place, a citizen tells us we are in Pa. At Taneytown we hear there has been fighting at Gettysburg to day. At 8-45 P.M. we halt within a few miles of Gettysburg and biviouac for the night.
— Isaac TaylorI got up early this morning to get my baking done before any fighting would begin. I had just put my bread in the pans when the cannons began to fire, and true enough the battle had begun in earnest, about two miles out on the Chambersburg pike. What to do or where to go, I did not know. People were running here and there, screaming that the town would be shelled. No one knew where to go or what to do….About 10 o’clock the shells began to “fly around quite thick,” and I took my child and went to the house of a friend up town. As we passed up the street we met wounded men coming in from the field. When we saw them, we, for the first time, began to realize our fearful situation, and anxiously to ask, Will our army be whipped?….No one can imagine in what extreme fright we were when our men began to retreat. A citizen galloped up to the door in which we were sitting and called out, “For God’s sake go in the house! The Rebels are in the other end of town, and all will be killed!” We quickly ran in, and the cannonading coming nearer and becoming heavier, we went to the cellar, and in a few minutes the town was full of the filthy Rebels. They did not get farther, for our soldiers having possession of the hills just beyond, shelled them so that they were glad to give over the pursuit, and the fighting for the day was ended. We remained in the cellar until the firing ceased, and then feared to come out, not knowing what the Rebels might do. How changed the town looked when we came to the light. The street was strewn over with clothes, blankets, knapsacks, cartridge-boxes, dead horses, and the bodies of a few men….As I write all is quiet, but O! how I dread to-morrow.
— Sarah BroadheadAs we drew nearer to the scene of the overture to America’s Waterloo, though still some distance away, we could see the wreaths of smoke curling up over the hills, and occasionally there came to our ears the dull roar of the guns that were covering the retreat of the First and Eleventh Corps, as they fell back into their new positions on Cemetery Hill….it was very late when we finally halted, stacked arms, and laid down for a brief rest.
— A.H. NickersonLight showers & sunshine alternate. Mustered for pay in A.M. In P.M. I go “out arround” to farm houses & get bread, butter, milk, eggs &c. A good Union lady gives me a quart of apple butter. We live on the top shelf to day. The boys are enthusiastic in their admiration of Maryland generally & the nice bread and nice girls in particular.
Gen. Hancock issues an order complimenting us for our “vigorous exertions in marching “full thirty miles” yesterday” saying that such a march was required “by the Maj. Gen. Com’g” on account of “urgent nececity.” Brig. Gen. Harrow issues an order reprimanding chaplains, field officers & surgeons for stragling.
— Isaac TaylorPresident Lincoln telegraphs General Couch at 3:25 P.M.: “I judge by absence of news that the enemy is not crossing, or pressing up to the Susquehannah. Please tell me what you know of his movements.”
— A. LincolnMy husband came home last night at 1 o’clock, having walked from Harrisburg, thirty-six miles, since 9 o’clock of yesterday morning. His return has put me in good spirits. I wonder that he escaped the Rebels, who are scouring the country between here and there. Fatigue is all the ill that befell him….It begins to look as though we will have a battle soon and we are in great fear. I see by the papers that General Hooker has been relieved, and the change of commanders I fear may give great advantage to the enemy, and our army may be repulsed.
— Sarah BroadheadWe have marched thirty miles to day & find ourselves weary & foot-sore tonight. Col. Colville is put under arrest for allowing his men to cross a creek on a log instead of fording.
The Union sentiment of “My Maryland” shines forth all along the road & shows itself in the shape of bread, butter, milk, pies cherries & smiles.
— Isaac TaylorQuiet has prevailed all day. Our cavalry came up with the Rebels at Hanover, fourteen miles from here, and had quite a spirited fight, driving them through the town. Their infantry had reached York and had taken possession, as they did here, and demanded goods, stores, and money; threatening, if the demand was not complied with, to burn the town. Dunce-like, the people paid them $28,000, which they pocketed, and passed on to Wrightsville.
— Sarah BroadheadReach Urbana at 2-15 P.M. & at 4 P.M. encamp on the left bank of the Monocacy in view of the city of Frederick. This beautiful valley filled with troops, wagon trains & campfires presents a scene that may certainly be called “picturesque.”
The intelligence that “Fighting Joe” is superceded by Gen. Meade falls on us “like a wet blanket”
— Isaac TaylorLincoln telegraphs General Couch (assigned to protect Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital, from a Confederate attack): “What news now? What are the enemy firing at four miles from your works?”
— A. LincolnAbout 10 o’clock a large body of our cavalry began to pass through town, and we were all busy feeding them as they passed along. It seemed to me that the long line would never get through. I hope they may catch the Rebels and give them a sound thrashing. Some say we may look for a battle here in a few days, and others say it will be fought near Harrisburg. There is no telling where it will be.
— Sarah BroadheadJust as we get fairly asleep we are roused up to go on picket. The mild expressions that fall from the lips of the weary soldiers of the “veteran 1st” show that they are in no very amiable mood.
— Isaac TaylorAt a conference in the War Dept. President Lincoln agrees to relieve General Hooker of command of the Army of Potomac and to replace him with General George G. Meade.
— A. LincolnI passed the most uncomfortable night of my life. My husband had gone in the cars to Hanover Junction, not thinking the Rebels were so near, or that there was much danger of their coming to town, and I was left entirely alone, surrounded by thousands of ugly, rude, hostile soldiers, from whom violence might be expected….this morning when I got up I found that the Rebels had departed, having, on the night of the 27th, burned the railroad bridge over Rock Creek, just outside the town, and the cars that had brought up the militia, and had torn up the track and done other mischief.
— Sarah BroadheadBetween 11 & 12 o’clock we come in sight of the “old, familiar hills” of “My Maryland” & soon after halt on the brow of a hill overlooking Edward’s Ferry & wait for troops & trains to cross….Gen. Lee’s main force is reported to be in Md. & Pa. We shall probably pay our respects to him one of these days.
— Isaac TaylorLincoln commutes six death sentences that were pending in the army. To a cabinet member, he expresses doubts about General Hooker.
— A. LincolnOur militia passed through town this morning about 10 o’clock, and encamped about three miles to the west. Before they had unpacked their baggage, a scout came in with a report, which proved true, that the enemy were quite near. Our men then had to retreat and get off the best way they could. About two hundred were captured. The town was quiet after our men retreated, until about 2 o’clock P.M., when a report spread that the Rebels were only two miles from town….In about half an hour the entrance of Jenkins’ Rebel Cavalry began, and they came with such horrid yells that it was enough to frighten us all to death. They came in on three roads, and we soon were surrounded by them. We all stood in the doors whilst the cavalry passed, but when the infantry came we closed them, for fear they would run into our houses and carry off everything we had, and went up stairs and looked out of the windows….They were a miserable-looking set. They wore all kinds of hats and caps, even to heavy fur ones, and some were barefooted. The Rebel band were playing Southern tunes in the Diamond. I cannot tell how bad I felt to hear them, and to see the traitors’ flag floating overhead. My humiliation was complete when I saw our men marching behind them surrounded by a guard.
— Sarah BroadheadSome skirmishing between our cavalry pickets & Secesh cavalry this morning…..At 12 M. as we approach Haymarket some cavalry appear on a bluff south of us & while the boys are earnestly arguing the question “Are they our men”?, a white puff of smoke and the unearthly screech of a shell closes the debate & an unanimous decision is rendered in the Neg. Shells fly about our ears pretty lively for a short time but our batterys soon get into position & succeed in quelling the disturbance.
….Our march today has been through a beautiful plain with gently undulating surface. It seems to be better cultivated & better supplied with apple and peach orchards than most parts of Va. through which we have passed. The prevailing timber is oak. Cloudy all day and considerable rain in P.M.
— Isaac TaylorTo-day passed much as yesterday did. Every one is asking, Where is our army, that they let the enemy scour the country and do as they please? It is reported that Lee’s whole army is this side of the river, and marching on Harrisburg; also, that a large force is coming on here, to destroy the railroad between there and Baltimore.
— Sarah BroadheadAs I expected, the Rebels have, several times, been within two or three miles, but they have not yet reached here….The town is a little queter than on yesterday. We are getting used to excitement, and many think that the enemy, having been so long in the vicinity without visitng us, will not favor us with their presence. They have carried off many horses. Some, who had taken their stock away, returned, supposing the Rebels had left the neighborhood, and lost their teams.
— Sarah BroadheadA cabinet member describes the President as looking “sad and careworn.
— A. LincolnThis has been the most quiet day since the excitement began. I expect news to-morrow, for it has been too quiet to last long.
— Sarah BroadheadFair day. Relieved about noon. this P.M. I “reconnoitre” about Thorofare Gap & find two old grist mills, a few dwelling houses, Broad Run, highly inclined strata, tortuous lamina, joints, cleavage planes, igneous rocks, bold “crags & peaks” & much magnificent scenery.
If I were a free man I should enjoy a whole day’s ramble in this vicinity, but in these “exciting times” a soldier does not venture very far from camp for fear that something may turn up that requires his presence.
— Isaac TaylorThe President begins his summer residence at the Soldiers’ Home.
— A. LincolnThe report now is that a large force is in the mountains about eighteen miles away, and a call is made for a party of men to go out and cut down trees to obstruct the passages of the mountains. About fifty, among them my husband, started. I was very uneasy lest they might be captured, but, they had not gone half way, when the discovery was made that it was too late; that the Rebels were on this side of the mountains, and coming this way.
— Sarah BroadheadLeave Gainesville at 7 A.M., pass through Haymarket & at 9-15 A.M. arrive at Thorofare Gap in the Bull Run Mountains. Haymarket was once a small town but is now almost a “pile without inhabitants.” It was burned by our forces in Nov. last.
— Isaac TaylorGreat excitement prevails, and there is no reliable intelligence from abroad. One report declares that the enemy are at Waynesboro, twenty miles off; another that Harrisburg is the point; and so we are in great suspense.
— Sarah BroadheadThe report of to-day is that the Rebels are at Chambersburg and are advancing on here, and refugees begin to come in by scores. Some say the Rebels number from twenty to thirty thousand, others that Lee’s whole army is advancing this way. All day we have been much excited.
— Sarah BroadheadFour ladies visit our camp to see the “sogers” cook supper.
— Isaac TaylorVery warm. Thunder shower towards night. I send my Geology & Botany to C.C. Coggswell Washington, D.C.
— Isaac TaylorRebels are reported to be at Carlisle Pa. advancing on Harrisburg. Our destination is said to be Harper’s Ferry. I hope Gen. Hooker will be able to make the rebels feel the united strength of the army of the Potomac. We draw fresh beef to night. Very warm day.
— Isaac TaylorToday passed without much excitement, though rumors of all kinds were going.
— Sarah BroadheadThe President telegraphs his wife in Philadelphia: “It is a matter of choice with yourself whether you come home. There is no reason why you should not, that did not exist when you went away. As bearing on the question of your coming home, I do not think the raid in Pennsylvania amounts to anything at all.”
Lincoln also telegraphs Gen. Hooker: “Your idea to send your cavalry to this side of the river may be right—probably is; still, it pains me a little that it looks like defensive merely, and seems to abandon the fair chance now presented of breaking the enemy’s long and necessarily slim line, stretched now from the Rappahannock to Pennsylvania.”
— A. LincolnResume our march at 3 A.M. Ambulances crowded with the fruits of yesterday’s march. Arrive at Drumfries at 7 A.M. where we take breakfast and remain about three hours. The following is part of the inscription upon an old broken tombstone at this place erected to the memory of _________ Blackburn who was born in 1731 and died 1752.
“This Sad Catastrophe His Death was attended by Many others who were whirled out of a Pleasure Boat into Potowmack River near the mouth of Quantico Creek and perished in the merciless waves.”
— Isaac TaylorOur town had a great fright last night between 12 and 1 o’clock. I had retired, and was soundly asleep, when my child cried for a drink of water. When I got up to get it, I heard so great a noise in the street that I went to the window, and the first thing I saw was a large fire, seemingly not far off, and the people were hallooing, “The Rebels are coming, and burning as they go.” Many left town, but, having waited for the fire to go down a little, I returned to bed and slept till morning.
— Sarah BroadheadAs soon as it was dark last night we formed in line & marched N. Easterly on the “old telegraph road” leading to Alexandria. After marching a few miles we about face march back to the river and reestablish the picket line as formerly. Just before daylight we set out again on the “old telegraph road.” At daylight we meet the 8 Pa. Cavalry. About 9 A.M. we arrive at the Stafford Court House. After resting & taking a lunch we resume our march & at 2 P.M. cross Aquia Creek and encamp about a mile or two beyond. It has been very warm & many cases of “sun-stroke” occur. I don’t recollect of ever seeing so many “sun-struck” and “fagged out” on a march. I stand the march “first rate.” Among those “fagged out” are many officers.
— Isaac TaylorPresident Lincoln telegraphs Mary Lincoln in Philadelphia: “Tolerably well. Have not rode out much yet, but have at last got new tires on the carriage wheels, & perhaps, shall ride out soon.”
— A. LincolnTo-day we heard that the Rebels were crossing the river in heavy force, and advancing on to this State. No alarm was felt until Governor Curtin sent a telegram, directing the people to move their stores as quickly as possible. This made us begin to realize the fact that we were in some danger from the enemy, and some persons, thinking the Rebels were near, became very much frightened, though the report was a mistake.
— Sarah BroadheadRelieved at 9 A.M. and return to camp where I find everything packed up ready for a move. Heavy guns (32s) & Gov. stores all gone. I get (James O.) Richardson of Co. K 1st Minn. to transport my Botany & Geology in a baggage wagon so as to lighten my knapsack.
— Isaac TaylorThe President telegraphs Major General Joseph Hooker, commander of the Army of the Potomac, about defensive strategies on Virginia battlefields. Lincoln writes, “So far as we can make out here, the enemy have [General Robert] Milroy surrounded at Winchester, and [General Robert] Tyler at Martinsburg… . If the head of Lee’s army is at Martinsburg and the tail of it on the Plank road between Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, the animal must be very slim somewhere. Could you not break him?”
— A. Lincolnquite pleasant—some clouds—thunder shower at sunset. I am on reserve in day time, studying botany. The general packing up that is going on indicates that we shall not stay here a great while.
— Isaac TaylorRelieved at 9 A.M. Warm day. Co. L. of our Regt. went across the river yesterday to pay their respects to the Rebel sharp-shooters who annoy Sedgwick’s pickets. Two of them were wounded but they succeeded in “drying up” the picket firing except between the sharp-shooters.
This evening we get orders to be ready to march at a moments notice.
— Isaac TaylorFine day. On picket. Finish reading Pollok’s “Course of Time.”
— Isaac TaylorPresident Lincoln writes Gen. Hooker: “If left to me, I would not go South of the Rappahannock, upon Lee’s moving North of it….I think Lee’s Army, and not Richmond, is your true objective point.”
— A. LincolnThe President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln, who is visiting Philadelphia with Tad: “Think you better put ‘Tad’s’ pistol away. I had an ugly dream about him.”
— A. LincolnFair day. 1st Minn. forms in line this morning and presents arms & three cheers to the 34th as they march past on their way to the depot. We then “break ranks,” go down to the depot & give them some “lusty” parting cheers. The 34th N.Y.V. joined our brigade at Camp Stone Md. in the autumn of 1861. They are fighting men & go home with the reputation of good soldiers.
— Isaac TaylorFine day. I send Miss E.E. L. a “flower from the banks of the Rappahannock.” Wilbert F. Tomlinson, Co. 1, 34th N.Y.V. takes supper with us. Our “repast” consists of trip, soda crackers, mince pie, coffee, and English walnuts. This evening the officers of 2d N.Y.S(tate) M(ilitia) (82d Vols) entertain the officers of the 34th with “good things” to eat and drink. On my return from meeting this evening I hear them advocating “short speeches and big drinks.”
— Isaac TaylorPresident Lincoln accompanies Mrs. Lincoln and Tad to the 3 P.M. train for Philadelphia.
— A. LincolnAt 3 P.M. I attend Sunday School at Lacy House. Each one read a verse of the 14th Chap. of John & then Mrs. Harris proposed questions which were discussed. There were three ladies & one small girl present. I attend meeting at “Lacy House” this evening & witness the administration of the “Lord’s Supper.” All who (“) love the Lord” whether connected with any church or not, are invited. A Lieut. assists in passing the bread & wine.
— Isaac TaylorAt 5 P.M. cannonading commences a short distance down river & continues an hour or more….We have dress parade during the cannonade. I am sent out of the ranks for not having my cap on(,) it being packed in my knapsack ready for a march. We are ordered to be ready to march with three day’s rations….
The 2d Louisiana Regt. (colored) are reported to have behaved with great gallantry in the attack on Port Hudson on the 27th. ult., losing one half their number in killed & wounded.
President Lincoln writes to Commander of the Army of the Potomac General Joseph Hooker “In case you find Lee coming to the North of the Rappahannock [River], I would by no means cross to the South of it….In one word, I would not take any risk of being entangled upon the river, like an ox jumped half over a fence, and liable to be torn by dogs, front and rear, without a fair chance to gore one way or kick the other.”
— A. LincolnFine day. Co. & Bat’ion drill as usual. Gen. David Hunter’s letter to Jeff Davis threatening retaliation in case Negro soldiers of “Department of the South ar(e) executed is quite a spicy affair.
— Isaac TaylorClear warm, dusty day. Div. drill in P.M. I send ten dollars, by mail, to J.H. Taylor Prairie City Ill.
— Isaac TaylorPleasant day—light clouds. Our brigade turned out under arms this morning. Unusual noises heard in Fredericksburg last night. Both Div. & Corps officer of the day, unusually drunk. Orders giving to the pickets to not allow the enemy to fish in the river with the seine. Reading Pollok & attending church. Three women at meeting at Lacy house this evening. Blessed relics of civilization!
— Isaac TaylorThe President tells a committee of New Yorkers that he would gladly receive into the service “not ten thousand but ten times ten thousand colored troops.”
— A. LincolnFair, warm day. On picket at Lacy House. Reading (Robert) Pollok’s “Course of Time.” This evening we hear sacred songs assending from prayer meetings on both sides of the Rappahannock. We hear that the Rebs are making some demonstrations up river.
— Isaac TaylorWarm, clear day. I receive Wood’s Botany by mail. Vicksburg not ours at latest account.
— Isaac TaylorCloudy & cool. Vicksburg is reported in our possession. The army of the Potomac ought to have sent to the gallant Western boys, notes of victory from the Rappahannock.
— Isaac TaylorClear in A.M. Cloudy in P.M. Cool night. On camp guard. We get the news that Gen. Grant’s army has defeated the rebels in several engatements taking large numbers of cannon & prisoners & that Vicksburg is now closely invested by our troops.
— Isaac TaylorPresident Lincoln visits three main hospitals and shakes hands with 1,000 soldiers.
— A. LincolnClear & warm….Henry and I make a geological exploration & find fine examples of clayey “concretions” in sandstone….Doble is ordered to black his shoes before going out to bury dead mules. Fatigue parties are strictly forbidden to wear “white hats” on such solemn oc(c)asions. I suppose that our Col. in issuing this order is actuated by respect for the dead & we receive it as evidence of a genuine regard for his fellows.
— Isaac TaylorIn the afternoon in the East Room of the White House President Lincoln meets with disabled veterans from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital veterans. The President says, “These maimed heroes…are eloquent without uttering a word. The limbs that are absent speak more loudly than the arms and legs that are here.”
— A. LincolnWe await news from Grant’s army in the rear of Vicksburg with much anxiety. We hope that Col (Benjamin H.) Grierson’s late raid will prevent to(o) great a concentration of Secesh forces.
— Isaac TaylorClear & pleasant. Skirmish drill in A.M. Div. drill by Gen. Owens in P.M. Ordered to draw fatigue caps so as to look “putty” on parade. The officers of this army appear to think that show is the grand object while fighting is merely incidental. I think we have played boy long enough & if we can’t act like men we might as well go home & see “ma.”
— Isaac TaylorPleasant day. Gen’l inspection in A.M. I read the history of the “S(i)oux War” as detailed in report of A(djutant) Gen’l (Oscar Malmros) of the State of Minn. Vols. called for to fill up the batteries of 2d Corps; those thus volunteering are merely “detached(“) They get none of Co. E (Isaac and Henry’s company).
— Isaac TaylorCool, clear & pleasant. Grand foot race this P.M. for a purse of $17.00. One man from each company enters the “lists.” F, G, & D win the three prizes.
Attend prayer meeting this evening at Lacy House.
This evening Sergts. Wm. L. Wakefield & P.H. Taylor (Isaac's brother) are arrested & taken to the guard house for burning lights after “taps.” Doble, Fowler, & myself crawl out the back side of the tent & escape. We do not like the idea of being arrested for such light offenses.
— Isaac TaylorClear & warm in AM. Clouds up & sprinkles a little in P.M. I finish reading Hitchcock’s Geology. We hear that “Stonewall” Jackson died at 3-30 P.M. of the 10th inst., from wounds recd. in the late battle. He had his left arm amputated. I send to Philp & Solomons “Metripolitan Book Store” 332 Pa. Avenue, Washington D.C. for Wood’s Botany.
— Isaac TaylorClear, warm day. Poker playing is active….At dress parade Fighting Joe’s “General Orders No 49 was read to us. He “congratulates” the army on its “achievements of the last seven days” & adds “If it has not accomplished all that was expected, the reasons are well known to the army…” He also says we captured five thousand prisoners, 7 pieces of artillery 15 colors & and placed “hors du combat” eighteen thousand Rebels. We draw soft bread again.
— Isaac TaylorClear and very warm. Gen. Sully is ordered to Minnesota to prosecute the war against the Indians. In his farewell address to the “1st Brig,” Gen. Sully says, “I have the satisfaction of knowing that in all the battles I have fought with you, you have done your duty & never yielded an inch of ground to the enemy. You are a body of men which I have always been proud to command.”
— Isaac TaylorClear warm day. We got the Washington Chronicle, the first newslpaper we have seen since the army commenced to move. Flags of truce cross & recross the river. Our men ferry ambulances across the river on a pontoon raft & bring in a portion of Sedgwick’s wounded. About 200 of them still lie on the field of Monday’s fight. Studying geology.
— Isaac TaylorCloudy & some rain. Relieved at 9 A.M. Flag of truce crosses the river. I send a piece of petrified wood to Prof. D(avid) Branch of Prairie City Academy.
— Isaac TaylorGo on picket in front of the city at 8 A.M. Cloudy with some rain. Report says Pres. Lincoln, Sec’y Stanton & General Halleck have arrived. Secesh appear to be quite jubilant.
— Isaac TaylorPresident Lincoln writes General Hooker: “The recent movement of your army is ended without effecting its object… . What next? Have you already in your mind a plan wholly, or partially formed? If you have, prosecute it without interference from me. If you have not, please inform me, so that I, incompetent as I may be, can try [to] assist in the formation of some plan for the Army.”
— A. LincolnStormy last night & considerable rain to day. At 2 P.M. we move our camp up & back from the river. This P.M. we see large columns of troops coming down river. It is reported that Hooker’s army has all recrossed the river.
It seems we have not exactly whipped the Secesh this time. The 11th Army Corps is said to have behaved badly. I suppose we will have to recruit up a little & “try again.”
Early this morning the Secesh attack the highths in rear of Sedgewicks & occupy them without much resistance. Cos. B & E[l7] of 1st Minn. ordered to the lower bridge to arrest the tide of stragglers that begins to flow pretty freely across the river. Wagon train, wounded are all taken across to the left bank of the river. A little skirmishing just back of the city during the day.
— Isaac TaylorLincoln telegraphs General Hooker: “We have news here that the enemy has reoccupied heights above Fredericksburg. Is that so?”
— A. LincolnAt 2-15 A.M. our pickets are entirely withdrawn & we are ordered back to camp where we arrive just at day-break & find our Regt. gone. At daylight heavy firing commences in the vicinity of Fredericksburg. At six A.M. our picket squad leave camp, march down to the Lacy House, cross the Rappahannock on a pontoon bridge at the precise point where we crossed on the 11th of Dec. last, & join our Regt. in the city. We then move up river across a level open field & halt just above Falmouth. During this movement seven of our Regt are wounded by shell from the enemy’s batteries on the heighths….We are all in good spirits to fight.
— Isaac TaylorDuring the Battle of Chancellorsville President telegraphs Gen. Butterfield: “Where is Gen. Hooker? Where is Sedgwick? where is Stoneman?”
— A. LincolnDrizzling rain last night & this A.M. Partially clear in P.M. This afternoon & evening we see the flash of artillery just below Fredericksburg; the report is scarcely audible. We have orders to march tomorrow morning with eight day’s rations. “Fighting Joe” says that the enemy is in such a position that he will be compelled to make a hasty retreat or come out & fight us on our own ground. “Joe,” we’ll do the best we can for you.
— Isaac TaylorCloudy—some rain in P.M. We hear occasional cannonading down river. It is reported that Sedgwick’s corps (6th) has crossed below. I send a “specimen” to the Geological Society of Prairie City Academy. On camp guard.
— Isaac TaylorCloudy & drizzly. Troops moving….Everything indicates a big row before many days. General inspection at 4 P.M. I recd. this book to day. Send twenty dollars by mail to J.H. Taylor, Prairie City, Ill.
— Isaac TaylorPresident Lincoln writes Governor Curtin of Pennsylvania, “I do not think the people of Pennsylvania should be uneasy about an invasion.”
— A. LincolnWarm and pleasant though a little hazy in P.M….Troops moving. Extra picket of 55 men detailed from our Regt. after dark. I send three dollars to C.C. Cogswell, Washington, for postage stamps. Send my likeness to Sarah.
— Isaac TaylorVery rainy. Studying geology as usual. Doble takes a lump of rock salt down to the Chaplin’s tent to get him to tell what kind of rock it is. The preacher not being at home our investment yields a less per cent of fun than we anticipated.
— Isaac TaylorWarm pleasant day though somewhat cloudy. Raining at 9 P.M. The Rebels have abandoned the siege of Washington, N.C. Col. Morgan leaves on sick furlough.
— Isaac TaylorLowery & drizzly. On picket. Peach trees along the river are in full bloom.
— Isaac TaylorClear, warm day. Chaplin Canwell delivers a sermon in A.M. & lecture on “Time” in P.M.
— Isaac TaylorHigh clouds—quite pleasant. Matt Standish, Q.M. Com’y Sergt., gets “tightly slight,” damns Q.M. (Francis) Bassen & is put under arrest
— Isaac TaylorCommenced raining about twelve o’clock last night & continues to storm violently till late in P.M. when the storm abates for a time. Raining this evening. This storm will probably delay “Joe’s” contemplated movement. This reminds us of the storm that ended Burnside’s career. Providence never fails to weep over a movement of the Army of the Potomac & the soldier never fails to be ungrateful for such sympathy. I send my diary, up to this date, to cousin Dency E. Keyes, Prairie City.
— Isaac TaylorCloudy & drizzly. Troops moving….Everything indicates a big row before many days. General inspection at 4 P.M. I recd. this book to day. Send twenty dollars by mail to J.H. Taylor, Prairie City, Ill.
— Isaac TaylorWarm, pleasant day—cloudy this evening. We are ordered to be ready to march tomorrow morning with eight day’s rations & sixty rounds of ammunition. Report says our cavalry are already across the river above here. The “repulse” of our iron-clads at Charleston, S.C. is confirmed. I hope we may be successful in the coming struggle; we cant afford to be repulsed again.
— Isaac TaylorQuite cloudy. General inspection at 4 P.M. The sick are being sent off to general hospitals. This would seem to indicate an early movement of this army. We ought to defeat the Rebels in the next battle. This morning just before we are relieved a Lieut. of 15th Mass. throws a note across the river to the girls & they in return throw back the “Southern Illustrated News.”
— Isaac TaylorOn picket opposite Montgomery’s island. The Misses Montgomery come down to the river bank & I “present arms.” They acknowledge the salute by waving their handkerchiefs. Lowery with light showers. Raining this evening.
— Isaac TaylorFine spring weather—too warm for comfort. Get news from Secesh sources that our iron-clads attacked fort Sumpter last Tues. & were repulsed. I take a dose of Geology with chess for seasoning.
— Isaac TaylorFine, warm day. I read the report of the Congressional committee on the “Conduct of the war”
— Isaac TaylorRelieved from picket about 10 A.M. A large number of troops are reviewed by Pres. Lincoln. Our boys say that “Uncle Abe” looks thin & care-worn. Cloudy day—clear this evening. I receive “Hitckock’s (sic) Elementary Geology” and “Websters Army & Navy Pocket Dictionary.
— Isaac TaylorStormed all last night & until late this morning. 3 or 4 inches of snow. Thaws considerably—quite moderate weather this evening.
The storm has past, ethereal blue
Presents itself again to view
And kindly glance of myriad stars
Darts hope unto the son of Mars
And tells him that beyond the storm
He’ll find the peerless, peaceful form
Of Liberty and Law.
Warm, fair day. In P.M. our Division is reviewed by Gen. Gibbons who is now in command…after which Gov. Ramsey presents us a banner “in behalf of the citizens of St. Paul.” It is a beautiful silk flag & bears the names of ten battles. The Governor’s speech daubes us all over with glory.
— Isaac TaylorAbout 4 A.M. we are arroused & ordered to “pack up” & be ready to march at a moment’s notice. Rumors are various. Our pickets that were relieved this morning heard cannonading up river. Clear & pleasant. George Stewart calls this evening and we take a game of euchre.
— Isaac TaylorLeave the camp…early this morning & reach our own camp about noon in rather a humid condition. Rain & snow. Clears off in P.M. Roads very muddy between Falmouth & Belle-Plain.
— Isaac TaylorWarm & pleasant. I finish reading the Hist. of U.S. “Baptist Joe” calls on us this evening & relates his religious experience & gives his views of the “Negro enlistment” programme. Joe thinks that the “colored population” will fight.
— Isaac TaylorPleasant day—light flying clouds. A shower this evening. Drizzling rain nearly all last night. Relieved from picket 1 A.M.
— Isaac TaylorCloudy—quite moderate. Playing ball is quite common sport in our Regt. now-a-days.
— Isaac TaylorCloudy in A.M.—partially clear in P.M. Papers state that the “colored brigade” is making fine progress in Floriday. Sermon by Chaplain Canwell, in Hosp’l in A.M.
— Isaac TaylorAbout 2 inches of snow falls. Reading Hist. of U.S. Hiram Drake of Co. E who was sent to the hospital from York Town last May, returns.
— Isaac TaylorA fine pleasant day. A large concourse of soldiers assemble near the camp of Meagher’s Irish Brigade to celebrate “Saint Patrick’s Day.” The race-course, I should judge, is about a mile long with alternate ditches & poles for the horses & mules to jump. All ranks, from Maj. Generals to High Privates are represented in this gathering. Field officers are thrown sprawling into the mud to the great delight of the “audience.” Some of the equestrians are killed or dangerously hurt, while a great many more of them are dangerously drunk….Around 3 P.M. cannonading commences on the right & we return to our camp. I suppose the Rebs are making another raid.
— Isaac Taylor