16 May 1862: “Ma received a letter from Sister Mary today, written about a month ago, by an ‘underground railroad’ as they term it…”

Posted on 16 May ’12 by

Item description: Diary entry, 16 May 1862, written during the Union occupation of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

More about this item: Kate S. Carney was the daughter of a merchant of Murfreesboro, Tenn. The collection is a Diary (chiefy 1859-1862) of Kate S. Carney describing antebellum life in Murfreesboro, Tenn.; travel in the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and Canada; schooling in Philadelphia; a stay with her sister in Yazoo County, Miss.; and life in Murfreesboro during the Civil War while the city was under U.S. army occupation.

Item citation: From the Kate S. Carney Diary #139-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Today was the Fast day appointed by Jeff Davis, and we kept it until dinner, though we had no service in our churches. It seems hard that we are not permitted to pray to God, when and how we want to. Ma received a letter from Sister Mary today, written about a month ago, by an “underground railroad” as they term it, & we were delighted to learn they were so well. Haven’t been very well today, slept a little during the day consequently did not rest well tonight. Mr. Crossman returned from Nashville today, failing to see any of Mrs. Wilson family, I didn’t get an answer to my letter. Several Yankees came into Ma’s yard & she gave them flowers. Ma & Cousin Ann went up to the hospital to take our prisoners some nice things to eat, & Capt. Round’s commanded them to come no more. He is a villain, “clothed with a little brief authority: he flatters his little soul he is somebody, but did he but know we have heard he was only a drummer.” Martha Duffer spent the night with Rosa.

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15 May 1862: “Three Yanks were passing by trying to get some flowers from over the fence, when Ma went out and gave them some…”

Posted on 15 May ’12 by

Item description: Diary entry, 15 May 1862, written during the Union occupation of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

More about this item: Kate S. Carney was the daughter of a merchant of Murfreesboro, Tenn. The collection is a Diary (chiefy 1859-1862) of Kate S. Carney describing antebellum life in Murfreesboro, Tenn.; travel in the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and Canada; schooling in Philadelphia; a stay with her sister in Yazoo County, Miss.; and life in Murfreesboro during the Civil War while the city was under U.S. army occupation.

Item citation: From the Kate S. Carney Diary #139-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Bettie & I drove up in the buggy with Andrew behind. We arrived at home safe after my driving, though I know little about it. Went to see Mrs. Winship, (who is dying with consumption) also Mrs. Leiper, & by the store, arriving home about 11 or 12 o’clock, stemmed strawberries for dinner, & a nice large bowl for our two wounded Confederate soldiers that are still in the hospital. Ma & Cousin Ann took them up to them this afternoon. One of the soldiers said he was looking for his mother soon, & Ma told him to tell her to make our house her home while she remained. I was lying down reading all of the afternoon. Three Yanks were passing by trying to get some flowers from over the fence, when Ma went out and gave them some & they came in the house, & Pa treated them. Bettie & I were upstairs in the hall, and was much amused at what they had to say, as we could hear their conversation from below. Two of the scamps came again tonight to call on Pa.

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14 May 1862: “The paper called the Dispatch was surpressed today, suppose the reason was it told the truth too plain.”

Posted on 14 May ’12 by

Item description: Diary entry, 14 May 1862, describing the Union occupation of Murfreesboro, Tenn., the alleged censorship of a newspaper, care given to two wounded Confederate soldiers, and other news.

More about Kate Carney and her Civil War diary:
Catherine “Kate” Carney (1842-1930) was the daughter of Legrand Carney and Katherine Wells Lytle Carney. Her father Legrand was a successful merchant and landowner in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Carney’s diary (chiefy 1859-1862) describes antebellum life in Murfreesboro, Tenn.; travel in the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and Canada; schooling in Philadelphia; a stay with her sister in Yazoo County, Miss.; and life in Murfreesboro during the Civil War while the city was under U.S. army occupation.

Item citation: From the Kate S. Carney Diary #139-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

It was a pretty morning until about one o’clock, when all of a sudden it looked as if we were going to have a terrible storm, but it contented itself with a nice little shower and stopped. Ma & Cousin Ann went up town, and while there went by the hospital to see our two wounded soldiers that were brought in yesterday. Ma took them nice strawberries & cream, nice flour hoecakes & butter. Bettie & I sent a lovely bouquet to Mr. Henderson, for which he returned a nice little note of thanks. Miss Millie McLain called on Bettie this morning. Mr. Crossman went to Nashville this evening. Took a letter for Lucy Wilson from me, enclosing one from Kate Marchbanks. The paper called the Dispatch was surpressed today, suppose the reason was it told the truth too plain. Said that Beauregard had not left Corinth, & had no idea of doing so, but instead had been strongly reinforced. The Yanks expecting Morgan every time they go out to stand guard, carry one of the citizen’s (without permitting them to have arms) thinking, I suppose, if Morgan does attack the town he will be prevented from firing on them by the unarmed citizen being there. I hope Morgan will hear of it. Bro. John was slightly wounded in his little finger at Pittsburgh Landing.

 

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13 May 1862: “They searched every house in town & got a few old shot guns…”

Posted on 13 May ’12 by

Item description: Diary entry, 13 May 1862, describing the Union occupation of Murfreesboro, Tenn., fears of a smallpox outbreak, and a mention of the destruction of the USS Merrimack.

More about Kate Carney and her Civil War diary:
Catherine “Kate” Carney (1842-1930) was the daughter of Legrand Carney and Katherine Wells Lytle Carney. Her father Legrand was a successful merchant and landowner in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Carney’s diary (chiefy 1859-1862) describes antebellum life in Murfreesboro, Tenn.; travel in the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and Canada; schooling in Philadelphia; a stay with her sister in Yazoo County, Miss.; and life in Murfreesboro during the Civil War while the city was under U.S. army occupation.

Item citation: From the Kate S. Carney Diary #139-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

Item transcription:

The citizens that were arrested yesterday were sent off on the train to Nashville, including Dr.’s Basket, King, & Robert Wendle, leaving quite a small number of physicians in town, and I don’t know what we would do if the small pox should break out, for it [is] already here, we know of two cases among the Yankees, and there is no telling how many more there are that we do not know about. Continue reading →

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12 May 1862: “We will certainly know how to appreciate freedom when we have it once more restored.”

Posted on 12 May ’12 by

Item description: Entry, dated 12 May 1862, from the diary of Kate S. Carney describing the Union occupation of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

More about Kate Carney and her Civil War diary:
Catherine “Kate” Carney (1842-1930) was the daughter of Legrand Carney and Katherine Wells Lytle Carney. Her father Legrand was a successful merchant and landowner in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Carney’s diary (chiefy 1859-1862) describes antebellum life in Murfreesboro, Tenn.; travel in the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and Canada; schooling in Philadelphia; a stay with her sister in Yazoo County, Miss.; and life in Murfreesboro during the Civil War while the city was under U.S. army occupation.

Item citation: From the Kate S. Carney Diary #139-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

The sky above is cloudless, but our even “tenor of our way” has been some what interrupted by the arrest of some of our best, and most worthy citizens. Messrs. Dromgoole (our Mayor), Jas. Avent, Jno. A. Crockett, Tom Robberson, Wm. Ransom, Maj. Childress, Rev. G. T. Henderson, Maj. Maney, & to get Dr. Baskett, and there is no knowing who will be next, for it seems though most polite are the first arrested, & I verily believe, if a person did not open his mouth, they would have them taken up on suspicion of his having looked contrary to his established rules. Continue reading →

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11 May 1862: “I hope I shall not have to tell of another wholesale murder while I stay in S.C.”

Posted on 11 May ’12 by

Item description: Letter, 11 May 1862, from Emmett Cole, Union soldier in Company F of the 8th Michigan Infantry Regiment, from Beaufort, S.C., to his sister Celestia. Cole describes camp life, including a musical performance to honor fallen soldiers and a game of “Cricket Ball.” He also mentions reports of the emancipation of slaves in and around South Carolina.

Item citation: From folder 2 of the Emmett Cole Letters #5002-z, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Beaufort S.C. May 11th 1862

Dear Sister.

It has been about a week since I last wrote you so I guess I will improve a short time in writing to you the news of the past week. although I cannot tell of mighty battles nor soldiers slain in war, but I can say that ll is quiet here, which is better news I think and I hope I shall not have to tell of another wholesale murder while I stay in S.C. I am well and I am glad to say many sick in the Regt. now. Small Pox is about played out and if it dont get a new start among the men I guess we will not be bothered with it mutch more. Lieut Phillips has been quite sick but is now getting better. Warren Cole was doing very well the last time I heared from him. the boys are enjoying themselves first rate here now. I suppose in the anticipation of a speedy termination of this mighty rebellion. we had a splendid consert the other night by the 79th Highlanders for the benefit of the soldiers killed on Wilmington Island. I would like to have you hear the 79th Brass band play a piece or two, and see if you thought they could compet with the [Vt=ville?] Band. the leader Mr. Robinson owns but one superior in the U.S. the day on which the performance took place the soldiers built a large stage on the green in front of the Barnwell House, now our Colonels Headquarters. the stage was lighted with 12 large Glass Reflectors. it was a splendid scene. it was well calculated to draw the soldiers mind for the time from the cares and troubles of a soldiers life. we had a considerable fun yesterday it being saturday of course there was no drill, so the 79th & P.A. Roundheads chose their best players and tried their skill in playing Cricket Ball. the 79th as might have been expected came out hunk. we hear good news every Mail now from the different points of war. it was read on Dress Parade this afternoon that the slaves of S.C., G.A. & Florida which comprise the department of the south shall be free, forever. it is time for Roll Call and I guess I will not write mutch more this time you may expect a letter from me every week. Cap Wallbridge has got back. write often for I like to hear from home. father says he will have to sell the horses. I wish he could keep them for it would not seem like home there if Maye and Doll were gone tell Emily that I will send her a Rose from the Barnwell Garden in Beaufort also my best respects and if she will send another note it will be as the other, gratefully accepted. in my next I will send you another of a different kind. send me your Likeness if you can. Tell Rosa that I received the letter she and Carly wrote and will answer soon this from your loveing brother.

Emmett Cole

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10 May 1862: “when our troops first landed here they were attacked by a party of negroes and a number of us slashed up with nives and had their throats cut.”

Posted on 10 May ’12 by

Item description: Letter, dated 10 May 1862, from William Ray Wells, private in the 12th New York Infantry Regiment (“Onondaga Regiment”), to his family in New York. Wells makes mention of a secondhand report of an attack by “a party of negroes.”

Item citation: From folder 4 of the William Ray Wells Papers #2960-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

West Point Va, Eve,
May 10, 62

Dear Friends,

I am not indebted for a letter to any of you I believe but notwithstanding I have concluded to write you a few lines to let you know of my whereabouts. we (our division and Franklin’s) are thirty miles from Yorktown up the York river. we are encamped oposite West Point on the western shore near by the river. we came up on the steamer Louisanna. started night before last and arrived here yesterday morning. The troops are in excellent spirits and expect a brush soon. we have marching orders to move tomorrow morning. destination unknown. but expect somewhere facing the rebels. when our troops first landed here they were attacked by a party of negroes and a number of us slashed up with nives and had their throats cut. but we soon drove them back. so report is. it is very swampy and uneven ground about here. it would be very unhealthy should we have to stay here long. but I think we shall move soon. I hope so at least. but excuse me while I fall in for roll call. 8 oclock. I will resume my pen and try and finish this to you. I have just been to the Capt. and borrowed an envelope. money does not do any good here as there is nothing to get unless it is something to eat from the negro families here whose male population are all in the sesesh army. but I must close for they have commenced beating (taps) lights out. Love to all write soon

Ray.

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9 May 1862: “All confessed to have partaken, but denied intoxication.”

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Item description: Meeting minutes, dated 9 May 1862, of the University of North Carolina General Faculty.

Item citation: From volume 1:6 in the General Faculty and Faculty Council of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Records #40106, University Archives, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Friday May 9, 1862

Regular meeting. Prayer by Rev. Dr. Hubbard. Stancill (Sen) & Branch (Fresh) for having liquor in their room. Also the same two & Askew, Bryan & Hodge (Fresh) for being under its influence. Stancill & Branch denied having any knowledge of its being in the room until just before Mr. Fetter entered & discovered it. All confessed to have partaken, but denied intoxication.

Adjourned,
S. Pool – Secy.

 

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8 May 1862: “On Patroll Guard. had a fuss with some Germans. Wounded 1 & took 16 prisoners also 4 women”

Posted on 8 May ’12 by

Item description: Entry from the diary of Newton Wallace, Company I, 27th Massachusetts Volunteers, detailing an incident while on patrol in Alexandria, Va.

Item citation: Diary commencing Oct. 14, 1861 – ending Sept. 20th, 1863 / Newton Wallace, VCC970.742 W19d, from the North Carolina Collection, Wilson Library, UNC Chapel Hill.

More about this item: Eighty-nine page quarto diary, with entries for nearly every day from October 1861 to September 1863 and including entries for distances traveled totaling by Wallace’s figuring 2876 miles.

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7 May 1862: “Whereas, At the time prescribed by law for listing taxable property in this State, many of its citizens were in the military service of their State and of the Confederate States…”

Posted on 7 May ’12 by

Item description: This ordinance, passed by North Carolina’s Secession Convention, instructs sheriffs to “collect only the single tax” (rather than a “double tax”) from soldiers who had failed to list their taxes in a timely manner due to military service.

[Continue reading ordinances passed by this Convention]

Item citation: “An Ordinance Exempting the Property of Delinquent Soldiers from Double Taxes.” Ordinances of the State Convention. Raleigh : W.W. Holden, printer to the state, 1863. VC342.2 1861or, from the North Carolina Collection, Wilson Library, UNC Chapel Hill.

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