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August 17, 1861: New York Tribune

Transcript: (excerpt page 1)

From Baltimore.

Arrest of Secession Bridge-Burners – An Attack upon the Federal Troops at New Creek Bridge Expected.

Baltimore, Saturday, Aug. 17, 1861.

A letter from Westernport, Maryland opposite Piedmont, dated the 13^th, inst., says that the Federal scouts last Sunday night succeeded in capturing three notorious Secession bridge-burners at New Creek.

A force of 1,100 Secessionists is reported near Romney. The Federal troops are at New Creek Bridge, and expected to be attacked by them. The Federals have been reinforced.

A large number of fugitives from Virginia, men, women, and children, in great distress are daily passing through Washington seeking refuge.

Citation: New York Daily Tribune. New York, 17 August 1861. Gift of Steven and Susan Raab. AN .N5675

August 16, 1861: Sketch of the Defenses of Shuter’s Hill, with Coded Message from Rose Greenhow

Confederate spy Rose O’Neal Greenhow was a well-connected Washington society woman who used those connections to obtain intelligence information at the beginning of the war. She was placed under house arrest on August 23, 1861 and served time in Old Capitol Prison in 1862, after which she was deported to Richmond.

This sketch of defenses of Shuter’s Hill Va, which bears the coded message on the front, is one of twenty-four military maps and drawings in a collection of papers from Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard. The map is dated August 16, 1861.

Citation: Sketch of the defenses of Shuter’s Hill, Va. 16 August 1861 AMs 1168/11

August 15, 1861: U.S. Grant to Julia Dent Grant

Transcript:

Dear Julia,

No Doubt you will be quite astonished after what the papers have said about the precarious position my Brigade has been in for the last few days to learn that tomorrow I move south. This is one of the most delightful places I have ever been in. High enough to make quite a difference in the atmosphere. Springs of water that makes ice cease to be a luxury and scenery equal to anything you can imagine.

I don’t know where to tell you to direct a letter to me. The safest way is probably St. Louis. My duties not give me but precious little time, generally engaged writing until 12 o’clock at night. I received a letter today from [illeg.] and one from Collins, the first wanting me to appoint Thad. on my staff the second wanting me to give Ms. Thompson some appointment. Their letters came in since night and I have been busy ever since until now about 12 o’clock or I would answer them. Tell them that I have but two appointments and they must be from Lieuts. of the Army. One I feel it obligatory to make from the Regiment which I was Col. of and the other I have offered to Mr. Rollins if he can get the appointment of Lieut. I received one from Mr. Goodin of St. Louis also wanting a place. I expected to be able to make a short visit to Galena after this but now it does not look much like it. I want very much to get back into civilization for a few days to get me some things that I very much need. I am without a sword sash or uniform of every description according to my grade and see no chance of getting them. I subscribed for the Daily Democrat for you because it contains more Army news than any other paper and because it has a regular correspondence with one of the regiments of my Brigade. I have taken Orly into my new office. The position will be a pleasant one giving him a horse to ride but whether I can give him anything to which there is extra pay attached or not I don’t know. If I can I will. He is most exemplary in his conduct and is much thought of by the offices of the Company to which he has been attached. From Collins’ letters I see Simpson has not yet left. I hope he is enjoying better health than he could in Covington. Do the children annoy him any? Does he think Jess a bad boy? Tell Jess he must be a good boy and learn to read. I hope mother & Simp will stay with you all summer and I dont believe but what he would do better in the Winter there than in Covington. If I can draw my pay regularly I will supply you liberally. First however I must send about $300 more to the store to pay Hughletts. Write to me soon and often. Kiss the children for me. Ulys.

Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) autograph letter signed to Julia Dent Grant. Ironton, Mo.,15 August 1861. AMs 357/3

August 14, 1861: Wilmot G. DeSaussure telegram to P. G. T. Beauregard

Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard was a Louisiana-born general of the Confederate States Army. He had graduated second in his class from West Point in 1838 and was an admirer of Napoleon. He achieved fame early in the Civil War for commanding the Fort Sumter bombardment and as the victor of the first battle of Manassas. He later served in the Western Theater (including Shiloh and Corinth), Charleston, and the defense of Richmond, but his career was hampered by friction with Jefferson Davis and other generals.

This is one of approximately 1000 military telegrams in P.G.T. Beauregard’s papers at the Rosenbach.

Transcript:

Richmond August 14^th

Gen G.T. Beauregard

South Carolina Citadel Cadets will leave Richmond on Thursday fifteenth 15^th instant for Manassas. Will you send instructions to meet them.

W.G. De Saussure

Citation:Wilmot G. DeSaussure, telegram to G. T. Beauregard. Richmond, Va.; 14 August 1861. AMs 1168/11

August 13, 1861: John Henry Brown’s Journal

John Henry Brown was a painter of portrait miniatures, living and working in Philadelphia. He had met Lincoln in August of 1860 when he was commissioned to paint Lincoln’s portrait for a supporter, but although Brown liked Lincoln personally, he did not agree with Republican policies.

Transcript:

At Mrs. Barclay’s picture. News of a battle in Missouri. A victory claimed by the enemy. Loss, some hundreds on both sides. Gen Lyon, of the Federal Army killed. The federal troops retreated in order.

Citation: John Henry Brown, autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 573/14.1

August 12, 1861: U.S. Grant letter to his Sister

Transcript [excerpt]:

[EXCERPT]

Dear Sister,

Your letter directed to me at Mexico, Mo. came to hand yesterday at this place. A glance at the map will show you where I am. When I came here it was reported that this place was to be attacked by 8,000 secessionists, under Gen. Hardee, within a day or two. Now Hardee’s force seems to have reduced and his distance from here to have increased. Scouting parties however are constantly seen within a few miles of out Pickets. I have here about 3,000 vols., nearly all infantry, but our position being strong and out cause a good one, it would trouble a much larger force of the enemy to dislodge us. You ask my view about the continuance of the war &c. Well I have changed my mind so much that I dont know what to think. That the rebels will be so badly whipped by April next that they cannot make a stand anymore I don’t doubt. But they are so dogged that there is no telling when they may be subdued. Send Union troops among them and respect all their rights, pay for everything you get and they become desperate and reckless because their state sovereignty is invaded. Troops of the opposite side march through and take everything they want, leaving no pay but script, and they become desperate secession partisans because they have nothing more to lose. ..

Your Brother,

Ulys.

August 11, 1861: Robert Armstrong to Anne Warner Armstrong

Anne and Robert Armstrong lived in Shelbyville, Tennessee, but at the outset of the war Anne and their children went to Pittsburgh to stay with her parents, Henry and Mary Warner. Anne was the great-aunt of the poet Marianne Moore and these letters are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.

Transcript:

Shelbyville Monday

Aug 11^th 1861. Morning

My Dearest Annie

There is a man going North and I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines. I have been so anxious about you not writing to me for such a length of time knowing that if you had written I would have got it as Wm. Gosling got one from Eugene a week ago. saying the man I told you of was in Pittsbg. You did not even write to tell me you had got the Fifty dollars although I was so anxious to hear. the last I got from you was July 23^rd nearly three weeks ago. which I answered, I forgot to tell you that I would not write until I got an answer always from you. as I was not sure of them going through. My dearest Annie how I long to see you and the children, when I do not get a letter from you for a long time I always am afraid you are sick. Mr Allen yesterday morning was seized with Colic in the middle of his sermon and had to shorten it. The Methodist one was attacked the same way also. Mrs Allen supposed to be from [illeg] Water melons. as they have been eating a good many for the last three weeks. It makes me so melancholy seeing others eating them. when I think of the time I used to carry one home to “my girl” and the perspiration pouring down my face, and how fond you Jonnie and Sissy were of them. Old Betty—Mrs Miller was buried here yesterday [illeg.] Virginia– Mrs Galbraith–is not expected to live. The Presbyterian Church is well filled now. Mr Allen has not missed having service at least twice every Sabbath since he came except last night when he was sick. he hears the Sabbath School the Catechism every Sabbath afternoon. preaches to the Colored people every two weeks. How would you like in the North to commune with colored people the way we did last communion. it was the most solemn one I ever saw. Mr A Said they had as much right to it as any one. and all the whites were pleased with it a Methodist church four miles from town offer Mr Allen a horse worth $150 if he will preach for them one year, once a month in the afternoon, although they have their own preacher, I was at Mr Cummings house for Supper last night, he was to leave today. but his wife is such with some kind of fever, and he will have to wait. He went up after supper to see Mr Allen. We had the heaviest rain last night I ever heard—for I was in bed—and it is now raining and so dark that I can hardly see. I paid Lukin for the Butter some time ago also O.S. Evans for my Board. he is going to quit keeping Boarders after this month as he has so few it does not pay. I mended the foot stool in the church some time ago. Mrs Bob Poundson generally sits with me as there is no cushion on her seat If you had sent me a letter I would have had more to say. Oh when I think of it write to Wm. S Markion & Co 606 Chestnut St Philadelphia to send you the Presbyterian as I cannot get it it is pond up to Jany 1^st Also to Godey to send you the Ladies Book it is paid up to May. and the July no was the last I got I have since thought it better for me to wise and you can forward it to them. We had to get 20 ps of Calico from Nashville & ten ps Sea Island Pomespic. They cast very high & had to order on Saturday 11 day shoes to sort up our shock in deed if there was any thing at all I could get to do I would wind up the business this winter as we cannot in a few days get goods for money in Nashville and they cannot be got any where else, we cannot get any papers from the North no so we do not hear anything. If you did send letters since the 23^rd July, send them by the enclosed address, not forgetting to put 15¢ inside and paying postage to Point Dearest. dearest love farewell I have to close, as the man is going to leave

Your affect husband

R Armstrong

Citation: Robert Armstrong, autograph letter signed to Anne Armstrong. Shelbyville, Tenn; 11 August 1861. Moore VI:04:21

August 8, 1861: Frederick G. Skinner telegram to P. G. T. Beauregard

This is one of approximately 1000 military telegrams in P.G.T. Beauregard’s papers at the Rosenbach.

Transcript:

Centerville Aug 8^th 6 o’clock 1861

To Gen. Beauregard

Prince Napoleon is on his way to Headquarters.

Signed Major Skinner

Citation:Frederick G Skinner, telegram to G. T. Beauregard. Centerville, Va.; 8 August 1861. AMs 1168/11

August 7, 1861: Anne Warner Armstrong to John Riddle Warner

Rev. John Riddle Warner was the grandfather of the poet Marianne Moore and during the Civil War he lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Anne Warner Armstrong was his sister. These letters are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.

Transcript:

Wednesday August 7^th 1861

Dear Brother

We received your kind letter in due time and were sorry that you have so much more to do than you are able I hope by this time Jennies brother is better so that she may soon be able to return to comfort you, and gladden your home I am sure Jennie must have been very much alarmed at the news of her brothers illness coming at midnight and you away We sympathize with Mrs Sharp in her trouble but indeed I do think you ought not to think of going to Newville. I know her distress must be great indeed but you are not able for so much travelling and fatigue. You will wear out your poor body I know Jennie will agree with me in this. Yesterday Mr Tugg came over and asked father to come over to the office and stay a part of every day until they would get the books straightened not to stay so long any day as to oppress himself but just as he felt able, this is why I write for him to day as he would not have you disappointed I received a letter from Robert day before yesterday he is doing some business as he said he was going to send $600 to Painter & Co the next day he does not say any thing about times in the South, as letters are liable to be opened, and tells me in mine to put nothing in, but about family matters he says “if you have a strong desire to visit your brother go, but the Confederate troops it is thought will be there in a few days” and I think it would be dangerous for you to go.” I think the C troops had better stay where they are, with regard to going to see you nothing would give me more pleasure, and I thank Jennie for her very kind invitation I had at one time almost made up my mind to go but I thought Robert might come during my absence and I thought it would be better to defer it to some other time. Little Henry is now in the country at Isabelle & Riddle’s with Aunt Betty Henry drove them out last Saturday I do not know how long they will stay, I miss Henry very much and sissy laments that “Mama let him take his clothes with him” she thinks he would not stay so long if I had not given him any clothes to take with him. She writes a “few lines” to her Papa sometimes when I am writing in this style then on one end of her sheet I interpret it for him her letters are generally very interesting remember us all in the kindest manner to Jennie We look forward with great pleasure to the promised visit in September I doubt whether you will enjoy it much without Jennie if she will yet change her mind and come, we will do every thing in our power to contribute to her happiness tell her I thank her for her very kind letter and I will answer it before long I have not received any messages since I returned from Shelbyville but I think I have one with some patterns for embroidery or braiding which I will send back with you I am thankful to Jennie for taking so much trouble in cutting the cloak patterns. Write as often as you can and believe us as ever your affectionate Father Mother Brother and Sister

Annie

Dr Kern preached for us last Sabbath morning a good sermon on “there is joy over one sinner that repenteth”

Citation: Anne Warner Armstrong, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. 7 August 1861. Moore VI:04:19

August 6, 1861: Hartford Evening Press

Transcript (excerpt):

Congressional War Measures

A bill has passed both houses, providing for the punishment of crimes against the United States. It visits with imprisonment and fines any one who enlists persons, white or black, to aid the rebellion, as well as those enlisted.

Another bill debars the owner of a slave who employs him in similar service, for any claim for his recovery, thus freeing the slave from his disloyal master.

Through the efforts of Gen. Sickles, an important provision has been adopted. All volunteers accepted by the President and mustered into service for one, two, or three years, or during the war, are to be paid from that time without waiting until they reach the rendezvous.

The increased pay of $4 per month to volunteers involves an additional yearly expenditure from the treasury of about $20,000,000. This has been embodied in the form of law.

[. . .]

Venomous Treason

“Our report elsewhere shows that there was a meeting at Bloomfield, on Monday evening of men who ought to be in camp at Manassas, blacking the boots of traitor officers, bringing water to the negroes at work on entrenchments, or the keener-scented among them, detailed to catch runaways. It would be more manly for these Eatonians to walk straight down to Manassas and put their necks under the yoke. They are alien to the soil of Connecticut. There are no hot jungles here whose steaming and pestilent air nourishes such creatures. They are false to their allegiance, to the state and the nation. They are false to every page of Connecticut history. As for liberty, they know nothing of it.

Their cowardice is not their least prominent characteristic. They carefully keep themselves just an inch beyond the reach of law. They dare not put into action the infamous sentiments that they express. They have studied law enough to know that the gibbet and the halter must wait till they commit the “over act.” They are safer from the rebels, for they are not in arms. They are safer than union men in the slave states, for we do not mob people here. Tar and feathers and scourges are the weapons that such men as Eaton and Miller use as they get where Lynch law reigns. In a community where such fellows rule, no union man lives in peace. Here we only warn them to confine themselves to vaporous words, for the gallows will grow quickly when they get caught in the actual deed.”

Citation: Hartford Evening Press. Hartford, 6 August 1861. Gift of Steven and Susan Raab. AN. H328