Today in the Civil War

June 26, 1864: Sketch by Thomas Sully

Sully was a popular and prolific Philadelphia painter, who specialized in portraits. His own index indicates that he produced over 2600 paintings between 1801 and his death in 1872. This sketch on board seems to have been produced to test a new varnish; an unrelated image appears on the reverse.

Note at lower right:

June 22 Painted the above

26 Rubbed it over with a piece of Bacon Fat which produced a tolerable varnish

T. Sully 1864

Citation: Thomas Sully (1783-1872), sketch. Oil on board. Philadelphia, 1864. 2005.478

June 25, 1864: 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:

Commenced Mr Hulmes picture. Worked but a few hours as it is very warm.

Hard fighting near Petersburg, Va. during the week.

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

June 24, 1864: New Book of Nonsense

The New Book of Nonsense was published for sale at the Philadelphia Great Central Sanitary Fair, which ran from June 7 to June 29, 1864. It is an imitation of Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense.

Transcript:

There was an old man of the plains,

Who said, “I believe that it rains;”

So he buttoned his coat, and got into a boat

To wait for a flood on the plains.

Citation: The new book of nonsense. A contribution to the Great Central Fair in aid of the Sanitary Commission. Philadelphia: Ashmead & Evans, 1864. A 864n

June 23, 1864: New Book of Nonsense

The New Book of Nonsense was published for sale at the Philadelphia Great Central Sanitary Fair, which ran from June 7 to June 29, 1864. It is an imitation of Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense.

Transcript:

There was a young lady of Georgia,

Who always admired Lou Borgia,

So she punished her slaves

And danced over their graves,

And was publicly thanked throughout Georgia.

Citation: The new book of nonsense. A contribution to the Great Central Fair in aid of the Sanitary Commission. Philadelphia: Ashmead & Evans, 1864. A 864n

June 22, 1864: New Book of Nonsense

The New Book of Nonsense was published for sale at the Philadelphia Great Central Sanitary Fair, which ran from June 7 to June 29, 1864. It is an imitation of Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense.

Transcript:

There was a young lady of Cork,

Who partook of her soup with a fork,

“If I eat it like that

I shall never get fat!”

Said this clever young lady of Cork.

Citation: The new book of nonsense. A contribution to the Great Central Fair in aid of the Sanitary Commission. Philadelphia: Ashmead & Evans, 1864. A 864n

June 21, 1864: New Book of Nonsense

The New Book of Nonsense was published for sale at the Philadelphia Great Central Sanitary Fair, which ran from June 7 to June 29, 1864. It is an imitation of Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense.

Transcript:

There was a young lass of Kentucky

Who tho’ little was loyal and plucky;

When her spark turned to secesh

Though dear as her flesh,

She drummed herself from Kentucky.

Citation: The new book of nonsense. A contribution to the Great Central Fair in aid of the Sanitary Commission. Philadelphia: Ashmead & Evans, 1864. A 864n

June 19, 1864: New Book of Nonsense

The New Book of Nonsense was published for sale at the Philadelphia Great Central Sanitary Fair, which ran from June 7-29, 1864. It is an imitation of Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense.

Transcript:

There was a young lady who said

“I seldom wear hair on my head :

I carry my locks about in a box,

For such is the fashion” she said.

Citation: The new book of nonsense. A contribution to the Great Central Fair in Aid of the Sanitary Commission. Philadelphia: Ashmead & Evans, 1864. A 864n

June 18, 1864: New Book of Nonsense

The New Book of Nonsense was published for sale at the Philadelphia Great Central Sanitary Fair, which ran from June 7-29, 1864. It’s an imitation of Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense.

Transcript:

There was a young person of Boston,

And the vaguest of doubts she was tossed on.

Of effect and of cause

She discoursed without pause:

Remarkable person of Boston!

Citation: The new book of nonsense. A contribution to the Great Central Fair in Aid of the Sanitary Commission. Philadelphia: Ashmead & Evans, 1864. A 864n

June 17, 1864: Lee Telegrams to 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 telegram is from The Telegraphic History of the Civil War; a compiled album of telegrams to Beauregard from Davis, Lee, Johnston and others.

Transcript:

Received at June 1864

By telegraph from Clay’s House 17 To Gen Beauregard

1-45 pm

5^th corps Warrens crossed Chickahominy at long bridge on 13^th was driven from Riddles (Fiddler?) shops by Gen’l Hill leaving many dead & prisoners on our hands. That night marched to ~~western~~ western. Some prisoners were taken from it on the 14^th. Have not heard of it since. All prisoners taken here are from 10^th corps.

R E Lee

61/coll 15.25

Received at June 1864

By telegraph from Clay’s House 17 To Gen’l G.T. Beauregard

(via Drewrys Bluff)

5—P.M.—At 4 P.M. was compelled to assault center of our former line held by enemy. We now hold entire line from Howletts to Dunn’s Mill. All prisoners from 10^th corps

R.E. Lee

official W. H. Taylor A.A.G.

31/coll 620

Citation:Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), telegrams to G.T. Beauregard. 17 June 1864. In The telegraphic history of the Civil War, 1861-1865. AMs 434/16

June 16, 1864: Lee Telegram to Beauregard

This telegram is from The Telegraphic History of the Civil War; a compiled album of telegrams to Beauregard from Davis, Lee, Johnston and others.

Transcript:

Received at June 16 1864 at 4 o’clock, 0 minutes, ?

By telegraph from Drewry’s Bluff To Genl Beauregard

The transports you mention have probably returned Butlers troops. has Grant been seen crossing James River.

R E Lee

16 coll 400 N

Citation:Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), telegram to G.T. Beauregard. Drewry’s Bluff, Va., 16 June 1864. In The telegraphic history of the Civil War, 1861-1865. AMs 434/16