23 February 1862: “[the General] issued an order that we should appear today with our hair cut short. we thought if we wanted us to shear our hair short he must set the example, for he is the most frizzly headed old scamp in the whole Brigade.”

Posted on 23 Feb ’12 by

Item description:  Letter, 23 February 1862, from Emmett Cole to his sister Celestia.

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:

[Editor's note: We have corrected the year, based on other letters from Emmett Cole in the collection.]

Beaufort S.C.
Feb 23d 1861 [1862]

Dear Sister

little did I think while waiting so long and anxiously for the last mail that it would contain such sad news. and is it possible that our family Circle is again broken by that unwelcome visitor, Death? and it has taken the very one I wished most to see once more. and Celestia it is all to punish me the inocent babe has gone home to rest. and I have now only to regret my missbehavior to it. you spoke of the smile on its face as it was passing from the last shade of death into the home of its nativity. I can comprehend it all for I have seen the same heavenly smile, when the last pang was over, and “All was well” and Celestia, I loved that child as well as you although not many knew it. today is sunday the Church bells sounded dolefull this morning. and the organs notes, seemed to be, Solemn, Solemn. and who know but the next letter will tell that Edgar is dead. I fear it, for I know how fatal that disease is. there is not so mutch sickness in the army here now as there has been in times past. I am well withe the exception of a cold on my lungs. which is caused by being exposed to the storms and night air. the weather is quite warm here now prehaps as warm as it generally is there in summer. the Peach trees are in full bloom, and vegetation (such as decayes here in the winter season) is putting forth with all the beauties of spring. summer is fast comeing, and we are not used to this climate. and I feel a little dubious about the effect it may have upon the northerners. for I notice here upon most of the Grave stones (some of which date back half a century or more) that the principle disease is Yellow fever. but we may escape without being attacked by it. I had a great deal rather be attacked by the Rebels. I got a letter to day from Wakefield in Missouri. he said he was well & that they were haveing good times there. but guess he dont see quite such times as we used to in Charlotte last fall. I imagine he would be glad to exchange if he could as well as not. we dont hear mutch yet from the Savanna expedition we have not heared mutch noise in that direction for a few days past. but when they are still they are studying deviltry so let um alone. there is nothing very exciting going on here except an occasional row with the Pickets. they got to shooting at each other for fun the other day and kept at it untill a couple pieces of the Battery went down and helped them to move their Pickets a little to the rear. we shall have to go to the Ferry tomorrow on Picket. I hope our company will be sent to a little Island called Barnwells Island for when we get off by ourselves we have good times. you said you hoped this war would close before long well so do I and every other volunteer, we will try and do our part if we can. we had general review today the old general himself, was out to review us and looked as good natured as possible. he issued an order that we should appear today with our hair cut short. we thought if we wanted us to shear our hair short he must set the example, for he is the most frizzly headed old scamp in the whole Brigade. we kept good watch of him, he did not shear his, nor we ours. there was nothing said on inspection so I guess it is all right. I did not send any money home by Lieut. Mans but I let Lieut. Philips have $15, of Johns money to send to his folks. he was going to send some to H.N. Sheldon. and I thought it would be a good chance to send it. tell in your next if they received it. there is about $10, more comeing to them. I thought I could get it and send it all togeather. but the $10, will have to come through another channel. they will have to send to the Adgutant General at Washington making propper testimony to the identity of the parties. and it will come all straight. I will find out the exact prossess. and sit it you in my next. yesterday as you know was the 22d of Feb. Washingtons birthday. now we are away down in S.C. right here in the old Nest egg of secession & but a little squad compared with the rest of Uncle Sams Family but notwithstanding we managed to get up something of a noise. I wish you could have been where I was to have heared the salute from the Fleet. Hilton Head & Bay Point. they opened at 12 Oclock and fired in immediate succession Broadside after broadside for the space of 15 minutes when they ceased and fired at regular entervals the National salute. the Batteries on this Island were at the same time making what little noise they could & take it alltogeather it was about as mutch noise as you generaly hear over over one Man. Warren Cole is well. give my best respects to all the friends of mine down there tell Delilah I should be glad to hear from her by her own pen, and if she has any inclination to write me a friendly letter tell her to send it along and not stop for cerimony in war times. write often no more at present from your Brother

Emmett

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22 February 1862: Illustration, “The ‘Picket’ leading the ships of the Burnside expedition over Hatteras Bar.”

Posted on 22 Feb ’12 by

Item description: Page 187 from The Illustrated London News, February 22, 1862, “The Civil War in America: The ‘Picket’ leading the ships of the Burnside expedition over Hatteras Bar.”

Throughout January and February 1862, Burnside’s Expedition experienced storms and other unpredictable weather conditions, making for a treacherous passage through North Carolina’s barrier islands. The Union fleet contained more than sixty transports and warships carrying more than thirteen thousand troops.  However, Burnside decided to use the USS Picket, the smallest ship in the fleet, as his flagship for the crossing. According to reports, Burnside’s decision was made in an attempt to boost troop morale: he thought that his troops would be inspired by the sight of the tiny vessel leading their way through the perilous seas.

In a personal narrative, published in 1882 by the Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society, Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside gave this description of the passage over the Hatteras Bar,

“The ‘Picket’ led the way, and bravely fought the breakers until she was safely anchored inside the harbor. In thinking of it now, it seems almost miraculous that she escaped the great dangers through which she passed at sea, and the still greater danger of the breakers on the bar. Vessel after vessel followed us in, until we were ready to wish that the fleet were not so large. At one time it seemed as if our little boat would be crushed between two of the larger vessels which had dragged their anchors and were coming down upon her. Fortunately, the commanders of the vessels succeeded in checking them just as they came in contact with us. Most of the fleet arrived inside the bar during the afternoon.”

Item citation: North Carolina County Photographic Collection, Flat Box 02; North Carolina Collection, Wilson Special Collections Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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21 February 1862: An Ordinance to Prohibit, For a Limited Time, the Manufacture of Spirituous Liquors from Grain

Posted on 21 Feb ’12 by

Item citation: ”An Ordinance to Prohibit, For a Limited Time, the Manufacture of Spiritous Liquors from Grain”, Ordinances and resolutions passed by the State Convention, Raleigh: Syme & Hall, Printers to the Convention, 1861. VC342.2 1861o, from the North Carolina Collection, Wilson Library, UNC Chapel Hill.

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20 February 1862: “…we can easily tell when a shell comes from a rifled gun as it comes whistling all sort of tunes…”

Posted on 20 Feb ’12 by

Item description: Letter from Henry L. Sturges, a Massachusetts soldier serving on the United States Navy steamer “Mount Vernon,” to an unidentified friend.

At the time of the letter, the “Mount Vernon” was operating in the waters near Wilmington, N.C. Sturges sends his condolences to his friend, due to the loss of the friend’s child, he comments on his personal religious beliefs, and also details several skirmishes near Fort Caswell.

[Transcription available below images.]

Item citation: From the Federal Soldiers’ Letters #3185, Unit #40, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

US Steamer “Mount Vernon”
off Wilmington N.C.
Febry 20th 1862

Dear Friend

Your kind regards of 23rd ult. came to hand Jnry 13th it affords me much pleasure to hear from you but it makes my heart sad to hear of the death of your child I can deeply sympathize with you by haveing had to pass through those trying moments myself. But its the Lord that giveth and taketh and all we can say is his Holy will be done. We can always feel happy to know that they are with Jesus, and are awaiting to welcome us home to that happy happy shore where trials and troubles are o[v]er. Oh what great inducements are held out to us to reach that Heavenly home, Christ is there. dear friends are there. Blessings are there. and I trust that we will be there, I pray that Jesus will not forsake us but will give us the full assurance that we are accepted of him. I can but say precious Jesus thou art mine, its hard work for me to write my feelings, if I was only with you in person I could then unfold the love to my dear dear Jesus from a sailors heart. pray for me dear Brother and Christ will reward you openly.

Owing to our sailing so soon from Hampton Roads I did not get the package of Books, but trust I shall get them when we go back wich will be about 11th March. I should like to have been at the dedication, it dont seem to me as I can ever give up the Old South Church it will appear strange to me to pass by it. One thing I got clear of hearing, and, that was your letter of resignation. I do hope and pray that you will not leave Bridgeport if you do the South Church, I cannot hear the idea of parting from one who has done me so much good. do try and hold on somehow. I am well aware of youre troubles. but still I cannot let you go.

We was cheated in our expectation to join the Burnside Expedition. I’ve never detailed for that purpose but on examination we found that our ship’s draft of water was about five feet too much, so you may well judge our feelings. within a few days we have had two little skirmishes with the rebels. we opened the Balls on both occasions and fired the last shot. we do it to draw their fire and test the size and quality of their guns, we are satisfied that they have no rifled guns on “Fort Caswell,” we can easily tell when a shell comes from a rifled gun as it comes whistling all sort of tunes. it makes a fellow feel streaked when the shell begin to burst around him at first, but after a few shots we go at it like sawing logs and think nothing about danger.

By the appearance of things ashore they must expect an attack as they are reinforcing the Fort, and placing obstructions in the Channell. We lay anchored about three miles from the town of Smithville and if the Department would allow us we could knock it all to pieces in three hours, it is a small town of about 200 Houses and about 1200 inhabitants. we have positive orders not to molest it. it will be a very easy fort to take. these Forts at the entrance of Wilmington and at Beaufort N.C. The rebel flag has been hoisted about nine hours during the last seventy days on Fort Caswell. we know they have one and think they cannot feel very proud of it or they would show it more. I think you must be getting tired of reading my letter. but there is nothing else to write about just now.

Please remember me to [inquiring?] friends and accept those with my best wishes for youre future welfare.

Yours truly
Henry L. Sturges

More about Henry L. Sturges:

(From the American Civil War Database)

Biographical data and notes:
- Born in Massachusetts

Enlistment:
- Residing in Massachusetts at time of enlistment
- Enlisted on Oct 28 1861 as Acting Master

Mustering information:
- Commissioned into Navy (U.S. Navy) on Oct 28 1861
- Discharged from Navy (U.S. Navy) on Sep 29 1865

Naval postings:
- USS OHIO
- USS JAMES ADGER
- South Atlantic Squadron

Sources for the above information:
- Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War, (Adjutant General)

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19 February 1862: “…it shall be the duty of the Governor, from time to time, to issue his proclamation calling for volunteers to meet the requisitions of the Confederate Government…”

Posted on 19 Feb ’12 by

Item description: This ordinance, passed by North Carolina’s Secession Convention, gives explicit instructions on recruiting and organizing North Carolina’s quota of soldiers. It also discusses bounty pay due to new and returning soldiers.

[Continue reading ordinances passed by this Convention]

Item citation: “An Ordinance To Raise North-Carolina’s Quota Of Confederate Troops.” 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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18 February 1862: “For breakfast, schedule reads ‘biscuits’; for dinner ‘biscuits & salt beef’, for supper sometimes ‘biscuits’, oftenest ‘nothing with tea or coffee’.”

Posted on 18 Feb ’12 by

Item description: Letter, 18 February, 20 February, and 21 February 1862, from Charles Woodward Hutson to his mother. Hutson describes the availability of food in camp and details a skirmish near the Occoquan River in Virginia.

[Transcription available below images.]

Item citation: From folder 5 of the Charles Woodward Hutson Papers, #362, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

18th Feb. 1862
Legion near Occoquan Va.

Dear Mother,

Several brigades having been sent from the Army of the Potomac to the Roanoke neighbourhood,  the re-enlisted men here were postponed the enjoyment of their furloughs, until the cars are free to give them transportation. So that my friends have not yet left me. The snow is thawing today, and consequently universal moisture fills up the programme which the weather gives us.

Last night’s mail brought me your letter of the 11th and I am very sorry to learn that the Doctor still has such sad times from sickness in his family.

I am pleased to hear that I will be likely to find some reading matter in the coming box. I fear, however, that the condition of the roads will for a long while prevent my enjoying possession of it.

I am glad to hear that young Mikell[?] is considered out of danger. I shall have to get acquainted with all these new friends of yours, when I get back.

You ask me to tell you what we eat. We seem to have swept out all the live stock of this country, and for some time have had no fresh beef or pork. For breakfast, schedule reads “biscuits”; for dinner “biscuits & salt beef”, for supper sometimes “biscuits”, oftenest “nothing with tea or coffee”. Occasionally we manage to get rice in exchange for flour, and then the dinner schedule varies that substantial grain of the seaboard taking the place of the invariable biscuits. On this thin fare, however, we remain as fat as wax-birds.

20th Day – No letter came for me tonight, which is disappointing. Yesterday it rained incessantly; but this morning brought us the sun & a blue sky again. The day, however, has not been pleasant, as a high wind set in very early & has continued all day. We worked on the battery today. The hard work which in different ways is forced upon us almost every day is beneficial, however uninviting it may be. If it were not for this, the windy cold of March, which these latter days of February presage, would give us, I fear, those unwelcome guests, pleurisy & pneumonia.

Conflicting intelligence comes to us from the West; & I pay but little attention to any reports, confident that all will be well in th end.

I am quite tired from my work of this morning; and must now to bed.

21st – Last night we had an alarm. At about nine o’clock, just as I had dazed off into a pleasant sleep, I was roused by the order to fall in. The picquets at Deep Hole on Occoquan Bay had sent up a courier to announce that the enemy were landing, the picquets having fired upon what was supposed to be their advanced guard. Our company was sent forward to reconnoitre, and, in the event of the enemy being there in force, to act as skirmishers & ascertain the extent of their front. We marched for three or four hours along the river bank, which is very extensive on acct. of bend in the river, scarcely able to extricate ourselves from the universal quagmire in which we moved, several men losing their shoes in the mud-holes & continuing the march in their stockings. I was very much afraid, we would shoot each other in the darkness. But fortunately, no damage was done. We saw not the shadow of an enemy; and, it being ascertained that the picquets had really seen only one or two men in the woods, who would not halt when challenged & were fired upon. Who they really were has not yet transpired.

At last we returned to camp at 2 o’clock, thoroughly exhausted with the labours of the day & night. I was fortunate enough to get a refreshing draught of whiskey from a friend, and going to bed once more enjoyed the most profound rest. Today we have been busy getting in wood for our kitchen.

I wish very much that I had a good, stout pair of boots. I am almost on the ground.

My love to all with you,

Your Loving Son, CW.H

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17 February 1862: “…the State of North Carolina will, and doth hereby assume the payment of the tax known as the war tax, levied by the government of the Confederate States upon the people of North Carolina…”

Posted on 17 Feb ’12 by

Item description: This ordinance, passed by North Carolina’s Secession Convention, called on state government to “assume the payment of the tax known as the war tax, [which was] levied by the government of the Confederate States upon the people of North Carolina, by an act of the Confederate Congress, ratified on the — day of —, 1861.”

[Continue reading ordinances passed by this Convention]

Item citation: “An Ordinance To Provide For The Assumption and Payment Of The Confederate Tax.” 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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16 February 1862: Events crowd rapidly upon us and every moment seems full of history—The enemy are pressing us at every point and the crisis is also hard. Fort Henry on the Tennessee River has fallen and the enemy steamed down to Florence in Alabama destroying the shipping as they went

Posted on 16 Feb ’12 by

Item description: Diary entry, 16 February 1862 , of David Schenck (1835-1902).  Entry discusses military events in Tennessee and plans for intervention by England and France.

Item citation: From folder 4 (volume 3) of the David Schenck Papers #652, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Feby 16th 1862

“The Situation”

Events crowd rapidly upon us and every moment seems full of history—The enemy are pressing us at every point and the crisis is also hard. Fort Henry on the Tennessee River has fallen and the enemy steamed down to Florence in Alabama destroying the shipping as they went—Fort Donnelson the key to Nashville has been invested and the fight still progresses with terrific slaughter. Genl Pillow has repulsed them thrice and still holds out.

It will soon be known whether we are able to beat back the invader or not—if Fort Donnelson falls, Bowling Green goes with it and Nashville is gone. Yankee gunboats can travel where land forces are locked by mud and rain and these rivers are highways for them to get in our rear—it seems that it is almost impossible to resist these attacks by water.

Our people are trembling with anxiety—for the result in Tennessee—The situation at present is very threatening—

England and France stand aloof and instead of discussing blockade and recognition of our government, They speak of an armed interference to “command the peace” on such terms as they may dictate. This is very unfavorable to us, for the Yankees will be glad to have a peace dictated which will secure to them Maryland and Kentucky, probably Missouri—This might be well for us as they would be abolitionized anyhow and soon secede from our Confederacy—Let “Time and chance determine.”

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15 February 1862: “WHEREAS, Robert K. Smith hath proposed to finish up the entire work of the Cape Fear and Deep River Improvement…”

Posted on 15 Feb ’12 by

Item description: In this report, a North Carolina Secession Convention committee recommends an ordinance calling for navigational improvements on the Cape Fear and Deep Rivers. The work would be overseen by Robert K. Smith, and, if completed, would provide better access to coal needed for the Confederate cause.

Item citation: “Report.” Documents of the Convention of 1861. Vol. 1, No. 57. [Raleigh, N.C.] : John W. Syme, [1862]. VC342.2 1861d V. 1, from the North Carolina Collection, Wilson Library, UNC Chapel Hill.

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14 February 1862: It seems that on Monday the enemy got possession of Elizabeth City. Henningsen was there & retreated – When last heard from he was at Newby’s Bridge & probably escaped to Suffolk or some point on the Rail Road to Norfolk.

Posted on 14 Feb ’12 by

Item description: Entry, 14 February 1862, from the diary of Thomas Bragg (Attorney General of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1863), written in Richmond, Va. Bragg comments on the capture of Elizabeth City, military affairs, diplomacy, and the burden felt by Southern States to support the war.

[Transcription available below images.]

Item citation: From the Thomas Bragg Papers, 3304-z, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Friday, February 14, 1862

5 ½ P.M.  I made no memoranda yesterday. It seems that on Monday the enemy got possession of Elizabeth City. Henningsen was there & retreated – When last heard from he was at Newby’s Bridge & probably escaped to Suffolk or some point on the Rail Road to Norfolk. On the 12th the enemy took possession, without resistance, of Hertford & Edenton, landing at the latter place between 3 & 4000 men and several hundred horses, and that two of their Gun boats went up the Chowan River. It seems a few of the No. Ca. troops escaped from Ro. Island across Croatan Sound. Some few of the Va. Troops also escaped. O. Jennings Wise, Captain of the Richmond Blues and son of Gov. Wise was mortally wounded and is said to have died from his wounds. We hear nothing of the Roanoke, save that it was high and that the people in Scotland Neck, Halifax County, were taking steps to obstruct it. I heard that Gen’l Gatling was at Halifax, and again today that he was at Goldsboro. He will get a bad name if he does not move. But one Co. was at the Weldon Bridge yesterday & a part of Wise’s Cavalry were sent there yesterday. A Maryland Co. left here today with orders to report to Gen’l Gatling at Goldsboro. There is great excitement in No. Ca.  and the Gov’t is blamed – the Sec’y of War is censured and the Sec’y of the Navy denounced for not having a fleet of Gun boats large enough to cope with the enemy. Judge Saunders of Raleigh write a characteristic letter on the subject – says the Island, as the people believe, was defensible if more men and powder had been there &c, and that the opinion is that our men were sacrificed, and that volunteering will stop. Another portion say No. Ca. has been neglected, her troops sent to other points, while she is left to the tender mercies of the enemy. Many of our people I fear, influenced by these and considerations of safety for themselves & property will yield and make no resistance. I hear nothing of any effort to get out the militia or that our Gov’r or military authorities are making any attempt to put them in the field. There is too a surprising apathy pervading the community of Richmond. The Governor’s recommendation to the Legislature to enroll the militia in this and other towns and to close up business houses as in the towns of the South at 2 P. M. seems not to be heeded, nay is denounced in the Examiner of yesterday. The Gov’r sent such a message at the instance of the President and his Cabinet, he being present on Monday last. What it will all end in, God only knows.

Dispatches rec’d yesterday from Nashville say that an engagement took place  the day before, and continued the greater part of the day at Fort Donelson. It was mainly between the Artillery on both sides – they – (the enemy) – were held at bay, our men being behind entrenchments. We hear nothing today. Our troops are raw and I fear that are short of ammunition. If they are not, they may sustain themselves. Pillow commands them. Norfolk is alarmed and very despondent – they are (that is the residents) almost ready to give up. ‘Tis said Maj’r Gilman did not fall into the hands of the enemy at Fort Henry but escaped when that place fell, and had arrived safely at Fort Donelson.

Northern papers state that commissioners Mason & Slidell reached Southampton, England, on the 29th of January – they do not for ought that appears seemed to have attracted much notice in England – they had gone to Paris. For some time the Northern papers have been alarmed by foreign accounts public & private as to a supposed intention on the part of France and England to interpose in our affairs &c. It was supposed that France would take the initiative and that Emperor would manifest such an intention in his communication to the Legislative body to commence its Sessions late in Jan’y. Northern statements as to the tenor of his address do not seem to indicate on the part of the Emperor any such intention. Yet the N.Y. Herald still entertains the idea, and from private advices or some other reasons represents the public mind in N.Y. as uneasy & says that stocks had declined.

A letter tonight from Walter F. Leake, of the N. Ca. Convention says that he fears that our people will not bear a draft for the war or 3 years to fill up the quota of troops required of that State, and suggests whether it will not be well for the new Congress to modify the law. Our public men want more and our people, I fear, also –Strange that it should be so now.

10 ½ P. M. I have just had reliable information that a dispatch rec’d by one of the Tennessee members says that yesterday our troops beat the enemy at Fort Donelson, repulsing them three times with heavy loss, and then pursued and attacked them outside our entrenchments.  It was stated that Gov. Floyd & Gen’l Buckner were present with troops from Bolling Green. I hope it may be true, all of it – Something was needed to revive the drooping spirits of our people.

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