Diary of Captain Joseph Stockton, December 2, 1862

Left camp at Lumpkins Mills at six o'clock this morning, the 72d in the advance. General Grant passed us while we were at a halt. I was sitting in a fence corner keeping myself warm with a splendid fire of fence rails. Nell Towner was with the escort; it did me good to see him. Encamped for the night on a cotton plantation. Fence rails, straw, chickens, etc., disappeared as suddenly as if they had been swept off by a hurricane. The men believe in making themselves comfortable. Skirmishing ahead, our forces cross the Tallahatchie river, having to take the artillery apart to get it across on a small flat boat that was found.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 5

Lieutenant-General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, end of February 1869

[ST. LOUIS, MO.]

My visit South was in every sense agreeable. My old friends in Alexandria did all they could to make us welcome, and I was not allowed to pay a cent on steamboat, at the hotel, or anywhere. I visited several plantations and saw negroes at work for wages, and seemingly as free and as conscious of their freedom as the blacks of Ohio. Boyd was perfectly grateful for the books you sent him, which were in the library and marked with your name. I found my own portrait, in full uniform, in the main hall, and in the library many books on our side of the war. Boyd asked me for army and navy registers, post surveys, and railroad surveys, and other national books that I have and will send him. Of course they have their old prejudices, and labor to prevent their cause from sinking into one of pure malignity, but as to the future, he promised me to teach his pupils to love and honor the whole country. He preserves all my old letters, and we looked over many, in every one of which I took the highest national grounds and predicted the ruin of their country.

The marble tablet which was built over the main door on which was cut the inscription "By the liberality of the general government. The Union - esto perpetua," was taken out and was found broken in pieces. I saw the deposition to that effect in Boyd's possession, but he could not say if Vallas did it of himself, or on the order of the board of supervisors.

You remember attention was called to that inscription by my original letter of resignation, and it is probable the rebels made Vallas take it out; anyhow Boyd has ordered an iron casting of same size and same inscription, and promised me to place it over the door in lieu of the marble, too much broken up to be replaced.

In New Orleans I was cautioned against going to Alexandria, which was burned down at the time of the Banks expedition, but I never received more marked attention by all classes, and not a word or look reached me but what was most respectful and gratifying. In like manner I had the most pressing invitations to stop at Jackson and Canton, Miss., both of which places were destroyed by me. I do think some political power might be given to the young men who served in the rebel army for they are a better class than the adventurers who have gone South purely for office.

Affectionately,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 327-8

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, May 10, 1864

This morning Captain Ring receives a telegraphic dispatch from Colonel Rowett to proceed back to Elk River. The order obeyed, we go into camp in the evening on Dr. Blair's plantation.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 237

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: April 16, 1864

Forage being scarce at Center Star, the detachment is to-day marched to Douglass' plantation. The patrols report all quiet on the river this evening.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 232

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, April 17, 1864

For some unknown reason the detachment is to-day moved on to Taylor's plantation; a fine place, and we all agree that it is a happy change, for the command gains shelter here.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 232

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 226. — Reports of Col. Jairus W. Hall, Fourth Michigan Infantry, of operating November 17-21, 1864.

No. 226.

Reports of Col. Jairus W. Hall, Fourth Michigan Infantry, of operating November 17-21, 1864.

HUNTSVILLE, November 21, 1864.

General Granger directs me to telegraph you the following report of Colonel Hall, Fourth Michigan, who pursued the rebels that tore up the railroad on Saturday morning:

BROWNSBOROUGH, November 20, 1864.

Colonel LYON:

I found Russell yesterday at dusk at Duckett's plantation, on Paint Rock River. Drove him two miles, and scattering him to the mountains, captured his camp, several horses, saddles, &c., also rations and forage for my command. It being nearly dark, could do nothing more. Took his track this morning at daylight, but soon found he was too far in advance for successful pursuit. I know of four rebels killed, if not five; we have their guns. One of our men wounded in shoulder. Russell has doubtless gone toward Fayetteville. A force from the other direction will be apt to meet him.

J. W. HALL,  

Colonel, &c.

W. P. LYON,

Colonel, Commanding.

Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE.

________________

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN INFANTRY,        

Larkinsville, Ala., November 21, 1864.

SIR: I have respectfully to report that, in compliance with orders received, I proceeded to Brownsborough and assumed command of a force assembled there, numbering 394 men, of which 145 were mounted. At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 17th I moved on the New Market road. At Maysville my advance was fired upon by a picket of the enemy, which detained the command about fifteen minutes. I then proceeded to within four miles of New Market, and took the road leading over the mountains to Jones' Cove, where I was informed the enemy were encamped the day previous. Arrived at Mr. Sandsley's plantation at 8.30 a.m., and being informed that the enemy 500 strong were three miles in advance, I halted the command for dinner. I then set the column in motion, and after ten minutes' march came upon the <ar93_637>enemy in line of battle on the side of the mountain, and advanced upon him with a strong line of skirmishers, from which he retreated. It then became a running fight. As fast as the infantry could march I drove him around and over the mountains, up Hurricane Branch five miles beyond New Market, killing 9 and wounding 3 or 4, including 1 commissioned officer, which he took with him or secreted in such a manner that we could not find them. It then being dark I returned to New Market in order to have possession of the different roads. The following morning being cloudy and rainy, and the roads becoming bad, and the infantry having marched twenty-one miles the day before, I decided that it was impossible to keep up with Russell, as he ran too fast even for our mounted force. I then returned to Brownsborough, which I reached before dark. The following morning about 9 o'clock I was informed that the railroad had been torn up five miles north. A train being at hand I took all the infantry forces then at Brownsborough and proceeded to the place of destruction, leaving orders for Captain Givens to move with the mounted force to that point as soon as possible. The force under him, numbering 124 men, reached there at 11.45 a.m. I then proceeded on Russell's track, coming up with him at dusk at Duckett's plantation, near Paint Rock River. Dismounting all the Enfield rifles I moved on him at a double-quick, using the dismounted men on the mountain on the right and the cavalry on the left of the road which runs along at the foot of the mountain. The enemy here made a more stubborn resistance than at any time previous, and I was in hopes that he would stand long enough for us to get within short range, but I was soon invited to another race, as he showed his heels as usual; it was then dark, and impossible to come up with him again.

I captured his camp, rations for the men and oats and corn for the horses, also several horses, saddles, bridles, forage, and haversacks, blankets, and canteens, which were mostly filled with whisky. About thirty horses were captured in all, several of which are in Captains Williams' and Da Huff's and Lieutenants Chapman's and Reynolds' commands--the number I have been unable to ascertain; Captain Givens has three or four, which will be accounted for hereafter. Captain Kennamer's home guards has eight or ten head of cattle at Woodville, which I directed to have sent here. Some twenty stand of arms were captured, including rifles, carbines, and shotguns; they were mostly given to the home guards, as they were mostly without arms.

Much of the property captured at the camp was of considerable loss to the enemy, but of very little use to us. I ordered it burned and otherwise destroyed.

I occupied the enemy's camp the night of the 19th, and the next morning at daylight took his track, but soon ascertained that he was too far in advance for me to overtake him, and as it had been raining all night and the streams rising rapidly, I did not think it prudent to follow him, and therefore returned with the command to Brownsborough, where I arrived at dark, that being the only point where I could get to the railroad on account of high water.

Two of my command were slightly wounded. I lost 2 horses drowned and 3 or 4 abandoned.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. HALL,         

Colonel Fourth Regiment Michigan Infantry.

Lieut. WILLIAM M. SCOTT, 

        Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 636-7

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, June 28, 1863

This morning companies F, G, H, I and K, mounted and equipped, under the command of Colonel Rowett leave Corinth. We move out on the Purdy road; our mules travel finely; at noon we halt and feed our mules out of a rebel wheat field, after which we pass on through Purdy. This town shows marks of change since we last passed through it. War's scourge has been felt here; some of the finest mansions have been laid in ruins, which is the legitimate vengeance of the loyal Tennessee cavalry. Passing on some miles farther, we are informed by our guide, Captain Aldridge, a loyal Tennesseean, that we are now two miles from Colonel Horton's, one of the guerrilla leaders of West Tennessee, and that in all probability he is now at home; therefore, Colonel Rowett, with an intent if possible to capture him, makes a disposition of the companies, directing them to file around in different directions and surround his house. The house is circumvented, but no Horton can be found. It is night now, and we go into camp on the plantation; a descent is made upon the corn pens, and also on the garden and chickens. These proceedings, of course, embitter the family against the soldiers. The old lady's ever ready weapon is soon plying; she talks bitterly, using the words "vandals," "ruffians,” and “black abolitionists,” freely. Finding that her invective tongue proves powerless, she gathers a hoe, attacks the men, and of course drives them from the yard ; then commences on the mules tied to the yard fence and after beating them awhile and seeing Colonel Rowett passing through the yard, she makes an assault upon him, attacking him simultaneously with her hoe and wrathful invectives. “You the leader of these vandals, clear out of my yard.” The affable Colonel soon succeeded in quieting her, and we believe he succeeded in persuading the old lady to give him his supper. After the camp fires had gone out, a company of volunteers, under the command of Captain Clark, of Company D, are sent out, and guided by Captain Aldridge, they visit every guerrilla house in the country and succeed in capturing a Captain from Bragg's army.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 174-6

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Henry W. Halleck, June 27, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., June 27, 1863.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
        General-in- Chief:

Joe Johnston has postponed his attack until he can receive 10,000 re-enforcements, now on their way from Bragg's army. They are expected early next week. I feel strong enough against this increase, and do not despair of having Vicksburg before they arrive. This latter, however, I may be disappointed in. I may have to abandon protection to the leased plantations from here to Lake Providence, to resist a threat from Kirby Smith's troops. The location of these leased plantations was most unfortunate, and against my judgment. I wanted them put north of the White River.

U. S. GRANT,        

Major-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 1 (Serial No. 36), p. 43-4

Major-General William T. Sherman to Lieutenant Colonel John A. Rawlins, June 27, 1863

HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,        

Camp at Bear Creek, June 27, 1863.

SIR: It was my purpose to have come to headquarters yesterday, but the importance of knowing the ground in this quarter, so broken and complicated, induced me to continue what I had begun, and I continued my exploration. Big Black River is so easily passable at many points that I am forced to extend my lines to watch all, and the result of my personal observations is contained in an order made last night, which is now being carried into effect. I found the enemy watching with cavalry an easy ford at Messinger's house. The family consisting of many women, whose husbands and brothers were evidently serving an easy purpose of keeping up communications, so I moved them all by force, leaving a fine house filled with elegant furniture and costly paintings to the chances of war. Also the family of Hill, with other war widows, at a place on the Birdsong road, is removed to a harmless place within our lines. These may appeal to the tender heart of our commanding general, but he will not reverse my decision when he knows a family accessible to the enemy—keen scouts—can collect and impart more information than the most expert spies. Our volunteer pickets and patrols reveal names and facts in their innocence which, if repeated by these women, give the key to our points.

As a general thing, the valley of Big Black River above the bridge has a wide fertile valley on this side, the hill coming down rather abrupt from the other. The ground slopes easily and gradually from the ridge, marked on Wilson's map from Oak Ridge, Neily's, McCall's, Wixon's, and Tiffintown. Innumerable roads and cross-roads intersect the country, which cannot be obstructed, but which, running on narrow ridges, with narrow corn-fields, admit of easy defense. It is only by familiarity with the country, its ugly ravines, its open, narrow ridges all coming to a common spur, that a comparatively small force can hold in check a large one.

If the enemy crosses at one point, he must take some days to get over his men and matériel, and then would have to feel his way, as he knows full well that many of them have been made impassable to his wagons and artillery. This will give us time to fall on him or await his attack. Should he cross at several points, our tactics would be to hold small forces in obstruction at the several points named in my order, and a heavy force fall on one or other of his detachments. If the enemy forces us back, Wixon's will be the grand battle-field, or somewhere on Clear Creek.

I think, unless General Grant thinks my services more useful elsewhere, I had better remain, as naturally all look to me for orders. Please ask the general to read the inclosed order* carefully, and, if any part is open to objection, to state it, that I may modify in time. I sent 800 cavalry, under Colonel Bussey, up the Ridge road toward Mechanicsville, last night, to sweep back by the lower Benton road. They went to Post Oak Ridge, and have not yet reported.

Yesterday our pickets skirmished a little at Messinger's. I was there, and did not see more than 15 or 20 men, on horseback, as curious to watch us as we them. One man, near Hill's, was shot through the head by a scamp from the bushes, who could not be found. As usual, my cavalry are not bold, but the infantry go in without any hesitation.

Not a sound, syllable, or sign to indicate a purpose of crossing Big Black River toward us, but I still enjoin on all that our enemy is too wary to give us notice a minute too soon. Every possible motive exists for them to come to the relief of Vicksburg, and we should act on that supposition rather than the mere signs of movements which are known only to Johnston, and will not be revealed, even to his own troops, till the last moment.

In order that you may understand any future communication, mark your map as follows: One and a half miles east of Young's, where the road comes in from Markham, mark Hill's; 1½ miles southeast of Hill's, Jones' plantation; 2 miles below Birdsong Ferry, Jones' Ford; 1½ miles southeast of Cameron, Messinger's plantation and Ford; 1 mile east of Fox, mark Parson Fox; 3 miles east of Tiffin, on the Bridgeport road, Brook. All these points may become of note. I still regard the country at Tiffin, Brant, Cowan, W. Wixon, and Hardaway as the key-points of this region.

I still have my headquarters by the roadside, in front of Tribbs', where the road forks to Young's and Markham's.

When this letter is read, please send it to my adjutant, to be copied in my letter-book, and returned to you for file.

I am, &c.,

W. T. SHERMAN,        

Major-General, Commanding.

Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,
        Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* See General Orders, No. 49, June 29, Part III, p. 449

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 2 (Serial No. 37), p. 246-8

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant too Brigadier-General Elias S. Dennis, June 11, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., June 11, 1863.

Brig. Gen. E. S. DENNIS

        Commanding District of Northeastern Louisiana:

In view of present danger of attack upon your command, it is advisable that every precaution should be taken to hold all government stores, and the troops at least secure from capture. If the government farms can be held, they should be held also, but not at the expense of sacrificing government troops and stores first, and the plantations afterwards in detail. Not being on the ground myself, I cannot say exactly how your troops should be located. A general direction, I would say occupy and fortify three points. One of these should be Lake Providence and one Millikens Bend. At Lake Providence direct Gen’l Reid to fortify close to the river, where he can protect his troops and public stores, at least until he can notify you of his necessities for more troops. All the Black troops should be got as much to themselves as possible, and required to fortify. Millikens Bend will be the proper place for them. You want to keep Youngs Point and the road across the point perfectly protected. This can be done with a very small force, the distance across being short, and Gun boats at both ends of the road. Gen'l Mowers Brigade was sent to you merely for an emergency. As soon as the emergency ceases, I want them returned to their Division. With the Cavalry you have, the mounted men Gen'l Reid has, and by mounting part of one negro Regiment, they can scout out every road from Lake Providence to Youngs Point so as to keep you advised of the approach of any force in time to prepare for them. Have you learned what has become of the force that attacked you a few days since? They should not be allowed to remain about Richmond.

U. S. GRANT.

SOURCES: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 353-4; The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 403-4

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant too Brigadier-General Elias S. Dennis, June 15, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, Miss., June 15, 1863.

Brig. Gen. E. S. DENNIS, Comdg. Dist. Northeast Louisiana:

My letter to you was not intended as an order, but simply advisory on my part, as to the points you should garrison.

In speaking of fortifying three points, Young's Point was not included. I merely spoke of that, as a point that must be held for military purposes. There being always transient troops passing, and gunboats on both sides of the point, no troops are necessary there, except as a guard for public property. The three points, then, to be fortified are from Milliken's Bend to Lake Providence.

It seems to me Lake Providence, Milliken's Bend, and an intermediate point, should be the places to fortify. You, however, as commander of the district, must exercise your own judgment as to where troops should be stationed, and how used.

I repeat what was before given as instructions: public property must be protected first; after that, all the protection you can give to plantations leased by Government must be given.

Negro troops should be kept aloof from white troops, especially in their camps, as much as possible. Wherever the movements of the enemy require a concentration of your forces, bring them together without regard to color.

U.S. GRANT.

SOURCES: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 374-5; The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 411-2

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Thursday, April 23, 1863

This morning the command "forward” is given to the impatient men, and they march briskly, their steps are firm. To-day we witness war's desolating scourge on the plantations. The devouring elements of fire are doing their work. The Alabama Union cavalry and the Kansas Jay-hawkers are on the war-path; their day has come—their day of retribution.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 150

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, April 26, 1863

This morning the dark overhanging clouds are threatening rain. The Seventh are ordered to quarter themselves in the few scattering houses yet remaining in South Florence. Hark! the drum beats for an assembly. The Seventh are ordered to their camping ground on the hill. Colonel Rowett calling the regiment to attention, informs them of the wanton destruction of property out on the plantations, and orders the First Sergeant to call the roll, who reports all present or accounted for, and as usual the Seventh is clear. Though no one would ever suspect any of the Seventh guilty of pillaging houses or stealing, yet a general order is applicable to allhence the roll call by the first sergeants of the regiment. After this the soldiers return to their houses where they remain comfortable during the night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 151-2

Lieutenant-Colonel John A. Rawlins: Special Orders No. 157, June 11, 1863

Special Orders No. 157.}

Lieut. Z. C. Bryan, of the 27th Regt. Ohio Infty, Vols, will immediately break up the Contraband Camp at Haine's Bluff, and move the old men, women and children to the most valuable of the abandoned plantations within our lines, and put them to work cultivating the Crops growing on said plantations. The able bodied negro men, including both those who have enlisted in companies and those who have not enlisted, will be reported to the Commanding officer of Haines Bluff—for work on the defences of that place and when their services are no longer required for that purpose, those not enlisted will be put out to labor on the plantations, and those enlisted will be subject to such orders as their Commanding Officers may receive from Dept. Headquarters. The Commanding Officers of troops near any of the Plantations, that may be so occupied, will, when necessary, furnish such guards as may be required to protect the occupants of the same from the insults of stragglers and will afford every facility in their power to enable Lieut. Bryan to carry out these instructions without interference or molestation The Quartermasters Department will turn over to Lieut. Bryan for use in tilling of said plantations such of the Captured mules and horses it may have as are unfit for service in the army.

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 318-9

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Brigadier-General Lorenzo Thomas, July 11, 1863

Vicksburg, Mississippi

July 11th, 1863.

Brig.-Genl, L, Thomas,

Adj, Gen, of the Army,

General: Your letter of the 26th of last month, enclosing a letter from Mrs Duncan, was received on the 9th, I have ordered an investigation of the matters complained of but think there must be some mistake about the acts complained of having been committed. About the date of your letter Mr Duncan the husband of Mrs Mary Duncan, called on me for a permit to ship from the north, supplies of various kinds for the use of his negroes. He then thanked me for the protection and courtesy that had been extended to him by the Federal Authorities in this Department. He made no complaint of even having been annoyed.

All new organizations of negro regiments have been broken up and their men transferred to those regiments for which you had appointed officers. I found that the old regiments never could be filled so long as authority was granted to form new ones. I am anxious to get as many of these negro regiments as possible and to have them full and completely equipped. The large amount of arms and equipments captured here will enable me to equip these regiments as rapidly as they can be formed.

I am particularly desirous of organizing a regiment of Heavy Artillerists from the negroes to garrison this place, and shall do so as soon as possible, asking the authority and commissions for the officers named after it is organized. I will ask now if this course will be approved.

I caused an informal investigation to be had in the case of Col. Shepard. The result of it was, his release and restoration to duty. I will send the proceedings to your office for your information. I am satisfied that the whole difficulty arose from the outrageous treatment of the Black troops by some of the white ones, and the failure of their officers to punish the perpetrators when they were reported. Becoming exasperated Col, Shepard took the punishment in his own hands.

The long line of Plantations from Lake Providence to Millikens Bend, it has been perfectly impossible to give perfect protection to, during the siege of Vicksburg. Besides the gunboats, negro troops and six regiments of white troops left west of the Mississippi River in consequence of these Plantations being there, I sent an additional Brigade from the investing Army, and that at a time when the government was straining every nerve to send me troops to insure the success of the enterprise against Vicksburg. All has not been availing. I can now clean out the Tensas, and Bayou Macon country so that there will be but little difficulty in protecting what is left of the Plantations.

There are two of the Commissioners appointed by you. Field and Livermore who are doing a great deal of harm. The limits of a private letter would not suffice to describe their character, selfishness misrepresentations and impracticable characteristics for doing good to any cause. I have thought seriously of removing them from my Department and appointing officers to act in their stead until successors could be appointed by proper authority. Capt, Strickle I believe to be honest and enthusiastic in the cause which he is serving. He is probaby influenced by old theories of abolishing slavery and elevating the negro but withal very well qualified to carry out orders as he receives them without reference to his private views. The capture of Vicksburg has proved a bigger thing than I supposed it would. There was over thirty one thou¬ sand rebel troops still left when we entered the city. The number of small arms will reach 50,000 stands I think, and the amount of Ordnance and Ordnance stores is enormous. Since crossing the Miss. River an army of (60,000) sixty thousand men has, in the various battles been killed wounded, captured, and scattered so as to be lost to the Confederacy, and an armament for an army of (100,000) one hunderd thousand men has departed from there forever.

My surplus troops were held in a position menacing Johnston ready to move at a moments notice when Vicksburg should fall. The moment a surrendered was agreed upon the order was given. I hope to hear to day that Johnston's forces have been broken to pieces and much of his munition of War abandoned I have not heard from Sherman since the morning of 9th. He was then near Jackson skirmishing with the cavalry of the enemy. What was intended as a private letter General has spun out into a long semi official one which I hope you will excuse

Thanking you kindly for the assurance given in your letter of the satisfaction my course has given the Administration I remain

Your very obdt Servt

U, S. Grant

Major General

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 9, p. 23-5

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Brigadier-General Elias S. Dennis, July 11, 1863

Headquarters Department of the Tennessee

Vicksburg Miss. July 11.1863

Brig, Genl E. S. Dennis,

Comdg Dist N, E. La,

Genl, I have received a letter from Washington stating that the Duncan estate has been visited by the Press Gang or recruiting parties from your District, and their negroes carried off. The Duncan's have been loyal from the beginning of the rebellion and as loyal persons have had safe guard given them by myself and Admiral Porter; and I have further received instructions from Washington to protect all loyal persons found in the South and mentioning the family of Duncans in particular as being entitled to protection. They have gone so far as to acknowledge the freedom of their slaves, and made as I understand regular contracts with them to pay wages and employ them, just as negroes are being employed on the leased plantations, I want the matter fully investigated, and a report made to me. Send some officer immediately to Duncans to inquire for the facts. If their negroes have been carried off, find out where they are and who carried them off. Return to them as far as possible everything that has been taken. Arrest the parties engaged in this transaction, and all officers among them send to me under guard.

Very Respectfully

U. S. Grant

Maj, Gen.

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 9, p. 39

Colonel Hiram Scofield* to Asst. Adjt., District of Northeastern Louisiana, July 19,1863

[July 19,1863]

Enclosed you will please find the statements of officers of this Regmient [sic] with regard to a matter the investigation of which has been made ordered by Maj Genl Grant—I refer to the charge of the exercise of undue means to on the part of an officer of this Regmient to procure recruits from the 'Duncan Plantations' In justice to the officer—now deceased having lost his life from wounds received in defence of his country—it is due me to say there was no better officer in the regiment & his personal appearance and known character in the Regmient would go far to disprove any charge of the kind I was with the Regmient at or about the time the recruits were received into the Regmient— concerning the means of getting which there is complaint—no complaints were made to me as it would seem to me there would have been had they (men) been forced into the regmient against their will—for the men were always very free to lay all their complaints before me The negro race—as every one acquainted with it knows—has very strong attachments for family—and a negro will risk his liberty and life for his family—The men now connected with this Regmient are absent from their families and are feeling very desirous of seeing them as they have been unable to do for since the Regmient left Lake Providence—the result is that they will resort to almost any means to get back to see them and in my opinion this motive went far to cause them to make the declarations they did as to their being forced into the service[.]

_______________

* Of the 8th Louisiana Volunteer Infantry of African Descent.

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 9, p. 40

Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, September 17, 1864

Talked over the subject of Wilmington, examined its localities, and considered the position of things fully with Porter and Fox. I had intended Blair should have been present, for the meeting was at his house, but he was compelled to leave for Baltimore.

Porter has preferred retaining the Mississippi Squadron, but repeated what he has heretofore said, - that he had been treated kindly by the Department, and if I ordered him to go over Niagara Falls in an iron pot he should obey the order. In other words, he and every naval officer must submit and give up their own wishes to the orders of the Department without a murmur of dissent.

There was a special Cabinet-meeting to-day on the subject of the abandoned plantations. A person of the name of Wright wishes the President to put him in possession of what he claims to be his plantation, now in the occupancy of Mr. Flanders, the Treasury agent. It seems that F. has fifty-two of these plantations, or had some time since, perhaps he has more now.

The President said serious questions were rising in regard to this description of property; appeals were made to him, and he could not undertake to investigate and adjust them. Quite a discussion took place in which the President, Mr. Bates, and Mr. Stanton took the principal part. It was not made distinctly to appear how these plantations came into the hands of Mr. Flanders, the Treasury agent. All who were present, except Mr. Bates and myself, seemed to take it for granted that it was legitimate and proper. They said the law had prescribed how abandoned plantations became forfeit. Mr. Stanton said he had given the subject great attention and most thorough investigation, and he made a somewhat emphatic and labored argument, telling the President (very properly I think) he could not, and ought not to, take upon himself the details of these embarrassing questions; that when Admiral Farragut and General Butler took possession of New Orleans, many of the inhabitants fled, leaving their plantations, and kept themselves within the Rebel lines; thousands of negroes were left unprovided for. It became necessary for the government to provide for them; the military authorities had taken up their deserted plantations and seized others, and let them out for the negroes to work. When Mr. Chase got his Treasury agents at work, it was thought best to turn these plantations over to him. After a little time, Chase became sick of his bargain, and desired the War Department to retake possession and responsibility but he (S.) had, declined.

Mr. Bates wanted a definition of “abandoned.” Was it “abandonment” for a man to leave his home with his family and go for a few months to the North, or to Cuba, or to Richmond? etc. Mr. Stanton said the statute made that clear, but Mr. Bates thought Congress, though they made law, did not make dictionaries. I put the question if a man had two plantations, one in Alabama and one in Louisiana, at the time of the capture of New Orleans, and he, being in Alabama, remained there, within the Rebel lines, attending to his private domestic affairs, whether that would be an abandonment of his Louisiana plantation so that Mr. Flanders could take and hold it. I also asked if there was not a preliminary question to all this, — would it not be necessary to ascertain by proper, legal inquiry whether the owner was a Rebel and traitor.

There is too much of a disposition to jump to a conclusion — to take for granted — on many occasions. The owner by legal title-deeds and records is entitled to his land unless he has forfeited it. If a Rebel and traitor, he may have forfeited it, but who is to decide that he is a traitor? Not the military commander or quartermaster, and yet no other officer or tribunal has passed over them.

Some difference appeared between Fessenden and Stanton as to which should have the custody of the plantations. F. thought the agent should report to S. and vice versa. If seized or taken possession of from military necessity, I have never been able to see why the Treasury agent should have them. If not a military necessity, how can he have possession, except under some legal decision? It is not sufficient that the law says the land of a traitor shall be forfeited. Who shall expound and carry the law into effect, transferring title? Not the Treasury agent, certainly.

The President said he wished some means devised to relieve him from these questions. He could not undertake to investigate them. Stanton said that was true, but that, having given the subject great consideration, he was prepared to say what in his opinion was best, – that was that the whole of the matters pertaining to abandoned plantations should be turned over to the War Department and he would organize a bureau or tribunal to make rightful disposition of each case presented.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 148-50

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, June 6, 1862

This morning we remain in the shade, having no orders to move. Some of the boys sally forth into the plantations, and it is not long until they return with a large supply of chickens, turkeys, butter and eggs.

This afternoon we move forward twelve miles; march in quick time. One by one the boys drop by the way, being unable to keep up with the command on account of the excessive heat.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 79

Captain Charles Wright Wills: February 1, 1865

Hickory Hill, S. C., February 1, 1865.

Fifteen miles to-day and had an excellent supper of South Carolina ham, honey and sweet potatoes. Found a good deal of road blockaded to-day, but the pioneers removed the obstructions so rapidly that the train did not have to halt once. The Rebels disputed our advance a little, killed a cavalryman and wounded another for us, but did not stop the column a moment. Sherman rode at the rear of our regiment all day and was quite sociable with some of the men. Don't think any of the officers noticed him. Miserable pine land country, but some quite large plantations.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 339