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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:38:52 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:38:52 -0700 |
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diff --git a/12068-h/12068-h.htm b/12068-h/12068-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..731dbb9 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/12068-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,16728 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> + <meta name="generator" content= + "HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 1st March 2004), see www.w3.org" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + + <title>Camp-Fire and Cotton-Field: Southern Adventure in Time of + War.</title> +<style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[*/ +<!-- +body +{ + background-color: white; + color: black; + font-family: Garamond, "Times New Roman"; + font-size: 1em; +} + +div.page +{ + text-align: center; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; +} + +div.poetry +{ + text-align: left; + margin-left: 3em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + font-family: "Courier New", "Fixedsys", "Times New Roman"; + font-size: .83em; +} + +div.ln +{ + margin: 0px; + text-indent: -1em; +} + +hr.small +{ + width: 10%; +} + +caption +{ + font-size: 1em; + font-weight: 900; +} + +p.captn +{ + text-align: center; + font-weight: 900; + font-size: .83em; + text-decoration: none; + color: black; +} + +div.illtab +{ + text-align: justify; +} + +hr +{ + height: 2px; + color: black; + background-color: black; + width: 80%; +} + +a +{ + color: black; + text-decoration: none; +} + +a:hover +{ + color: #a0a0a0; + text-decoration: underline; +} + +div.spacer +{ + margin-left: 7em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; +} + +p.spacer +{ + text-align: center; +} + +p +{ + margin-left: 1em; + margin-right: 1em; + margin-top: 0%; + text-align: left; + font-family: "Times New Roman"; + font-size: .93em; +} + +p.r +{ + text-align: right; +} + +p.signature +{ + text-align: left; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; +} + +p.toc +{ + text-indent: -1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + font-size: .75em; +} + +q +{ + text-align: justify; +} + +img +{ + border: none; +} + +blockquote +{ + margin: 1em; +} + +td.l +{ + text-align: left; +} + +td.r +{ + text-align: right; +} + +td.dec +{ + text-align: "."; +} + +td +{ + padding-left: 5px; + padding-right: 5px; +} + +td.item +{ + text-align: left; + border-left: 1px black solid; +} + +td.doll +{ + text-align: right; + border-left: 2px black solid; +} + +td.cent +{ + text-align: left; + border-left: 1px black solid; +} + +td.foot +{ + text-align: left; + border-top: 1px black solid; +} + +table +{ + border: 1px black solid; + background-color: #ededed; + margin-left: 4em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + text-align: left; + font-family: "Courier New"; +} + --> +/*]]>*/ +</style> +</head> + +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12068 ***</div> + + <!-- BEGINNING OF TEXT --> + + <div class="page"> + <h2>CAMP-FIRE AND COTTON-FIELD:</h2> + + <h3>SOUTHERN ADVENTURE</h3> + + <h6>IN</h6> + + <h4>TIME OF WAR.</h4> + + <h4>LIFE WITH THE UNION ARMIES,</h4> + + <h6>AND</h6> + + <h3>RESIDENCE ON A LOUISIANA PLANTATION.</h3> + + <h6>BY</h6> + + <h4>THOMAS W. KNOX,</h4> + + <h6>HERALD CORRESPONDENT</h6> + <hr class="small" /> + + <h5>WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.</h5> + <hr class="small" /> + <br /> + <br /> + + <h4>TO<br /> + THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PRESS,<br /> + WHO FOLLOWED THE<br /> + FORTUNES OF THE NATIONAL ARMIES,<br /> + AND RECORDED<br /> + THE DEEDS OF VALOR THAT SECURED THE PERPETUITY OF THE + REPUBLIC,<br /> + THIS VOLUME<br /> + IS SYMPATHETICALLY INSCRIBED.</h4><br /> + <br /> + <a href="images/p5i1.jpg"><img src="images/p5i1_t.jpg" alt= + "THE REBEL RAM ARKANSAS RUNNING THROUGH OUR FLEET." /></a> + + <p class="captn">THE REBEL RAM ARKANSAS RUNNING THROUGH OUR + FLEET.</p><br /> + <br /> + + <h3>TO THE READER.</h3> + + <p>A preface usually takes the form of an apology. The author + of this volume has none to offer.</p> + + <p>The book owes its appearance to its discovery of a + publisher. It has been prepared from materials gathered during + the Campaigns herein recorded, and from the writer's personal + recollections.</p> + + <p>Whatever of merit or demerit it possesses remains for the + reader to ascertain. His judgment will be unprejudiced if he + finds no word of promise on the prefatory page.</p> + + <p>NEW YORK, <i>September 15th, 1865</i>.</p><br /> + <br /> + + <h3>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h3> + + <div class="illtab"> + <a href="images/p5i1.jpg">THE RAM <i>Arkansas</i> RUNNING + THROUGH OUR FLEET ABOVE VICKSBURG</a><br /> + <a href="images/p44i1.jpg">HAULING DOWN A REBEL FLAG AT + HICKMAN, KENTUCKY</a><br /> + <a href="images/p54i1.jpg">THE OPENING GUN AT + BOONEVILLE</a><br /> + <a href="images/p90i1.jpg">THE DEATH OF GENERAL + LYON</a><br /> + <a href="images/p110i1.jpg">GENERAL SIGEL'S TRANSPORTATION IN + MISSOURI</a><br /> + <a href="images/p156i1.jpg">SHELLING THE HILL AT PEA + RIDGE</a><br /> + <a href="images/p170i1.jpg">GENERAL NELSON'S DIVISION + CROSSING THE TENNESSEE</a><br /> + <a href="images/p188i1.jpg">RUNNING THE BATTERIES AT ISLAND + NUMBER TEN</a><br /> + <a href="images/p234i1.jpg">THE REBEL CHARGE AT CORINTH, + MISSISSIPPI</a><br /> + <a href="images/p270i1.jpg">ASSAULTING THE HILL AT CHICKASAW + BAYOU</a><br /> + <a href="images/p440i1.jpg">STRATEGY AGAINST + GUERRILLAS</a><br /> + <a href="images/p498i1.jpg">THE STEAMER <i>Von Phul</i> + RUNNING THE BATTERIES</a> + </div><br /> + <br /> + + <h3>CONTENTS.</h3> + + <h4><a href="#c1">CHAPTER I.</a></h4> + + <h5>ANTE BELLUM.</h5> + + <p class="toc">At the Rocky Mountains.--Sentiment of the + People.--Firing the Southern Heart.--A Midwinter Journey across + the Plains.--An Editor's Opinion.--Election in Missouri.--The + North springing to Arms.--An amusing Arrest.--Off for the + Field.--Final Instructions.--Niagara.--Curiosities of + Banking.--Arrival at the Seat of War.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c2">CHAPTER II.</a></h4> + + <h5>MISSOURI IN THE EARLY DAYS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Apathy of the Border States.--The Missouri State + Convention.--Sterling Price a Union Man.--Plan to take the + State out of the Union.--Capture of Camp Jackson.--Energy of + General Lyon.--Union Men organized.--An Unfortunate + Collision.--The Price-Harney Truce.--The Panic among the + Secessionists.--Their Hegira from St. Louis.--A Visit to the + State Capital.--Under the Rebel Flag.--Searching for Contraband + Articles.--An Introduction to Rebel Dignitaries.--Governor + Jackson.--Sterling Price.--Jeff. Thompson.--Activity at + Cairo.--Kentucky Neutrality.--The Rebels occupy Columbus.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c3">CHAPTER III.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE BEGINNING OF HOSTILITIES.</h5> + + <p class="toc">General Harney Relieved.--Price's + Proclamation.--End of the Truce.--Conference between the Union + and Rebel Leaders.--The First Act of Hostility.--Destruction of + Railway Bridges.--Promptness of General Lyon.--Capture of the + State Capital.--Moving on the Enemy's Works.--The Night before + Battle.--A Correspondent's Sensation.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c4">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE FIRST BATTLE IN MISSOURI.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Moving up the River.--A Landing Effected.--The + Battle.--Precipitous Retreat of the Rebels.--Spoiling a + Captured Camp.--Rebel Flags Emblazoned with the State Arms.--A + Journalist's Outfit.--A Chaplain of the Church Militant.--A + Mistake that might have been Unfortunate.--The People of + Booneville.--Visiting an Official.--Banking-House + Loyalty.--Preparations for a Campaign.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c5">CHAPTER V.</a></h4> + + <h5>TO SPRINGFIELD AND BEYOND.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Conduct of the St. Louis + Secessionists.--Collisions between Soldiers and + Citizens.--Indignation of the Guests of a Hotel.--From St. + Louis to Rolla.--Opinions of a "Regular."--Railway-life in + Missouri.--Unprofitable Freight.--A Story of + Orthography.--Mountains and Mountain Streams.--Fastidiousness + Checked.--Frontier Courtesy.--Concentration of Troops at + Springfield.--A Perplexing Situation.--The March to Dug + Spring.--Sufferings from Heat and Thirst.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c6">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE BATTLE OF WILSON CREEK.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Return from Dug Spring.--The Rebels follow + in Pursuit.--Preparations to Attack them.--The Plan of + Battle.--Moving to the Attack--A Bivouac--The Opening + Shot.--"Is that Official?"--Sensations of a Spectator in + Battle.--Extension of Distance and Time.--Characteristics of + Projectiles.--Taking Notes under Fire.--Strength and Losses of + the Opposing Armies.--A Noble Record.--The Wounded on the + Field.--"One More Shot."--Granger in his Element.--General + Lyon's Death.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c7">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE RETREAT FROM SPRINGFIELD.</h5> + + <p class="toc">A Council of War.--The Journalists' + Council.--Preparations for Retreat.--Preceding the + Advance-Guard.--Alarm and Anxiety of the People.--Magnificent + Distances.--A Novel Odometer.--The Unreliable + Countryman.--Neutrality.--A Night at Lebanon.--A Disagreeable + Lodging-place.--Active Secessionists.--The Man who Sought and + Found his Rights.--Approaching Civilization.--Rebel Couriers on + the Route.--Arrival at Rolla.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c8">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4> + + <h5>GENERAL FREMONT'S PURSUIT OF PRICE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Quarrel between Price and McCulloch.--The Rebels + Advance upon Lexington.--A Novel Defense for + Sharp-shooters.--Attempt to Re-enforce the Garrison.--An + Enterprising Journalist.--The Surrender.--Fremont's + Advance.--Causes of Delay.--How the Journalists Killed + Time.--Late News.--A Contractor "Sold."--Sigel in Front.--A + Motley Collection.--A Wearied Officer.--The Woman who had never + seen a Black Republican.--Love and Conversion.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c9">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE SECOND CAMPAIGN TO SPRINGFIELD.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Detention at Warsaw.--A Bridge over the + Osage.--The Body-Guard.--Manner of its Organization.--The + Advance to Springfield.--Charge of the Body-Guard.--A + Corporal's Ruse.--Occupation of Springfield.--The + Situation.--Wilson Creek Revisited.--Traces of the + Battle.--Rumored Movements of the Enemy.--Removal of General + Fremont.--Danger of Attack.--A Night of Excitement.--The Return + to St. Louis.--Curiosities of the Scouting Service.--An Arrest + by Mistake.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c10">CHAPTER X.</a></h4> + + <h5>TWO MONTHS OF IDLENESS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">A Promise Fulfilled.--Capture of a Rebel Camp + and Train.--Rebel Sympathizers in St. Louis.--General Halleck + and his Policy.--Refugees from Rebeldom.--Story of the + Sufferings of a Union Family.--Chivalry in the Nineteenth + Century.--The Army of the Southwest in Motion.--Gun-Boats and + Transports.--Capture of Fort Henry.--The Effect in St. + Louis.--Our Flag Advancing.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c11">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4> + + <h5>ANOTHER CAMPAIGN IN MISSOURI.</h5> + + <p class="toc">From St. Louis to Rolla.--A Limited + Outfit.--Missouri Roads in Winter.--"Two Solitary + Horsemen."--Restricted Accommodations in a Slaveholder's + House.--An Energetic Quartermaster.--General Sheridan before he + became Famous.--"Bagging Price."--A Defect in the + Bag.--Examining the Correspondence of a Rebel General.--What + the Rebels left at their Departure.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c12">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE FLIGHT AND THE PURSUIT.</h5> + + <p class="toc">From Springfield to Pea Ridge.--Mark Tapley in + Missouri.--"The Arkansas Traveler."--Encountering the Rebel + Army.--A Wonderful Spring.--The Cantonment at Cross + Hollows.--Game Chickens.--Magruder <i>vs</i>. + Breckinridge.--Rebel Generals in a Controversy.--Its + Result.--An Expedition to Huntsville.--Curiosities of Rebel + Currency.--Important Information.--A Long and Weary + March.--Disposition of Forces before the Battle.--Changing + Front.--What the Rebels lost by Ignorance.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c13">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Rebels make their Attack.--Albert Pike and + his Indians.--Scalping Wounded Men.--Death of General + McCulloch.--The Fighting at Elkhorn Tavern.--Close of a Gloomy + Day.--An Unpleasant Night.--Vocal Sounds from a Mule's + Throat.--Sleeping under Disadvantages.--A Favorable + Morning.--The Opposing Lines of Battle.--A Severe + Cannonade.--The Forest on Fire.--Wounded Men in the + Flames.--The Rebels in Retreat.--Movements of our Army.--A + Journey to St. Louis.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c14">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4> + + <h5>UP THE TENNESSEE AND AT PITTSBURG LANDING.</h5> + + <p class="toc">At St. Louis.--Progress of our Arms in the Great + Valley.--Cairo.--Its Peculiarities and Attractions.--Its + Commercial, Geographical, and Sanitary Advantages.--Up the + Tennessee.--Movements Preliminary to the Great Battle.--The + Rebels and their Plans.--Postponement of the + Attack.--Disadvantages of our Position.--The Beginning of the + Battle.--Results of the First Day.--Re-enforcements.--Disputes + between Officers of our two Armies.--Beauregard's + Watering-place.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c15">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4> + + <h5>SHILOH AND THE SIEGE OF CORINTH.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Error of the Rebels.--Story of a + Surgeon.--Experience of a Rebel Regiment.--Injury to the Rebel + Army.--The Effect in our own Lines.--Daring of a + Color-Bearer.--A Brave Soldier.--A Drummer-Boy's + Experience.--Gallantry of an Artillery Surgeon.--A Regiment + Commanded by a Lieutenant.--Friend Meeting Friend and Brother + Meeting Brother in the Opposing Lines.--The Scene of the + Battle.--Fearful Traces of Musketry-Fire.--The Wounded.--The + Labor of the Sanitary Commission.--Humanity a Yankee + Trick.--Besieging Corinth.--A Cold-Water Battery.--Halleck and + the Journalists.--Occupation of Corinth.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c16">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4> + + <h5>CAPTURE OF FORT PILLOW AND BATTLE OF MEMPHIS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Siege of Fort Pillow.--General Pope.--His + Reputation for Veracity.--Capture of the "Ten Thousand."--Naval + Battle above Fort Pillow.--The <i>John H. + Dickey</i>.--Occupation of the Fort.--General + Forrest.--Strength of the Fortifications.--Their + Location.--Randolph, Tennessee.--Memphis and her Last + Ditch.--Opening of the Naval Combat.--Gallant Action of Colonel + Ellet.--Fate of the Rebel Fleet.--The People Viewing the + Battle.--Their Conduct.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c17">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4> + + <h5>IN MEMPHIS AND UNDER THE FLAG.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Jeff. Thompson and his Predictions.--A Cry of + Indignation.--Memphis Humiliated.--The Journalists in the + Battle.--The Surrender.--A Fine Point of Law and Honor.--Going + on Shore.--An Enraged Secessionist.--A Dangerous + Enterprise.--Memphis and her Antecedents.--Her Loyalty.--An + Amusing Incident.--How the Natives learned of the Capture of + Fort Donelson.--The Last Ditch.--A + Farmer-Abolitionist.--Disloyalty among the Women.--"Blessings + in Disguise."--An American Mark Tapley.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c18">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4> + + <h5>SUPERVISING A REBEL JOURNAL.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Press of Memphis.--Flight of <i>The + Appeal</i>.--A False Prediction.--<i>The Argus</i> becomes + Loyal.--Order from General Wallace.--Installed in + Office.--Lecturing the Rebels.--"Trade follows the + Flag."--Abuses of Traffic.--Supplying the Rebels.--A Perilous + Adventure.--Passing the Rebel Lines.--Eluding Watchful + Eyes.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c19">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE FIRST SIEGE OF VICKSBURG.</h5> + + <p class="toc">From Memphis to Vicksburg.--Running the + Batteries.--Our Inability to take Vicksburg by + Assault.--Digging a Canal.--A Conversation with Resident + Secessionists.--Their Arguments <i>pro</i> and <i>con</i>, and + the Answers they Received.--A Curiosity of Legislation.--An + Expedition up the Yazoo.--Destruction of the Rebel Fleet.--The + <i>Arkansas</i> Running the Gauntlet.--A Spirited Encounter.--A + Gallant Attempt.--Raising the Siege.--Fate of the + <i>Arkansas</i>.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c20">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE MARCH THROUGH ARKANSAS.--THE SIEGE OF CINCINNATI.</h5> + + <p class="toc">General Curtis's Army reaching Helena.--Its + Wanderings.--The Arkansas Navy.--Troops and their Supplies + "miss Connection."--Rebel Reports.--Memphis in Midsummer.--"A + Journey due North."--Chicago.--Bragg's Advance into + Kentucky.--Kirby Smith in Front of Cincinnati.--The City under + Martial Law.--The Squirrel Hunters.--War Correspondents in + Comfortable Quarters.--Improvising an Army.--Raising the + Siege.--Bragg's Retreat.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c21">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE BATTLE OF CORINTH.</h5> + + <p class="toc">New Plans of the Rebels.--Their Design to + Capture Corinth.--Advancing to the Attack.--Strong Defenses.--A + Magnificent Charge.--Valor <i>vs</i>. Breast-Works.--The + Repulse.--Retreat and Pursuit.--The National Arms + Triumphant.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c22">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE CAMPAIGN FROM CORINTH.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Changes of Commanders.--Preparations for the + Aggressive.--Marching from Corinth.--Talking with the + People.--"You-uns and We-uns."--Conservatism of a + "Regular."--Loyalty and Disloyalty.--Condition of the Rebel + Army.--Foraging.--German Theology for American Soldiers.--A + Modest Landlord.--A Boy without a Name.--The Freedmen's + Bureau.--Employing Negroes.--Holly Springs and its People.--An + Argument for Secession.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c23">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h4> + + <h5>GRANT'S OCCUPATION OF MISSISSIPPI.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Slavery Question.--A Generous Offer.--A + Journalist's Modesty.--Hopes of the Mississippians at the + Beginning of the War.--Visiting an Editress.--Literature under + Difficulties.--Jacob Thompson and his Correspondence.--Plans + for the Capture of Vicksburg.--Movements of General + Sherman.--The Raid upon Holly Springs.--Forewarned, but not + Forearmed.--A Gallant Fight.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c24">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE BATTLE OF CHICKASAW BAYOU.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Leaving Memphis.--Down the Great River.--Landing + in the Yazoo.--Description of the Ground.--A Night in + Bivouac.--Plan of Attack.--Moving toward the Hills.--Assaulting + the Bluff.--Our Repulse.--New Plans.--Withdrawal from the + Yazoo.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c25">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h4> + + <h5>BEFORE VICKSBURG.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Capture of Arkansas Post.--The Army returns to + Milliken's Bend.--General Sherman and the Journalists.--Arrest + of the Author.--His Trial before a Military Court.--Letter from + President Lincoln.--Capture of Three Journalists.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c26">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h4> + + <h5>KANSAS IN WAR-TIME.</h5> + + <p class="toc">A Visit to Kansas.--Recollections of Border + Feuds.--Peculiarities of Kansas Soldiers.--Foraging as a Fine + Art.--Kansas and Missouri.--Settling Old Scores.--Depopulating + the Border Counties.--Two Examples of Grand Strategy.--Capture + of the "Little-More-Grape" Battery.--A Woman in + Sorrow.--Frontier Justice.--Trial before a "Lynch" + Court.--General Blunt's Order.--Execution of + Horse-Thieves.--Auction Sale of Confiscated Property.--Banished + to Dixie.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c27">CHAPTER XXVII.</a></h4> + + <h5>GETTYSBURG.</h5> + + <p class="toc">A Hasty Departure.--At Harrisburg.--<i>En + route</i> for the Army of the Potomac.--The Battle-Field at + Gettysburg.--Appearance of the Cemetery.--Importance of the + Position.--The Configuration of Ground.--Traces of + Battle.--Round Hill.--General Meade's + Head-Quarters.--Appearance of the Dead.--Through the Forests + along the Line.--Retreat and Pursuit of Lee.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c28">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></h4> + + <h5>IN THE NORTHWEST.</h5> + + <p class="toc">From Chicago to Minnesota.--Curiosities of + Low-Water Navigation.--St. Paul and its Sufferings in Earlier + Days.--The Indian War.--A Brief History of our Troubles in that + Region.--General Pope's Expeditions to Chastise the Red + Man.--Honesty in the Indian Department.--The End of the + Warfare.--The Pacific Railway.--A Bold + Undertaking.--Penetrating British Territory.--The Hudson Bay + Company.--Peculiarities of a Trapper's Life.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c29">CHAPTER XXIX.</a></h4> + + <h5>INAUGURATION OF A GREAT ENTERPRISE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Plans for Arming the Negroes along the + Mississippi.--Opposition to the Movement.--Plantations Deserted + by their Owners.--Gathering Abandoned Cotton.--Rules and + Regulations.--Speculation.--Widows and Orphans in + Demand.--Arrival of Adjutant-General Thomas.--Designs of the + Government.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c30">CHAPTER XXX.</a></h4> + + <h5>COTTON-PLANTING IN 1863.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Leasing the Plantations.--Interference of the + Rebels.--Raids.--Treatment of Prisoners.--The Attack upon + Milliken's Bend.--A Novel Breast-Work.--Murder of our + Officers.--Profits of Cotton-Planting.--Dishonesty of + Lessees.--Negroes Planting on their own Account.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c31">CHAPTER XXXI.</a></h4> + + <h5>AMONG THE OFFICIALS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Reasons for Trying an Experiment.--Activity + among Lessees.--Opinions of the Residents.--Rebel Hopes in + 1863.--Removal of Negroes to West Louisiana.--Visiting + Natchez.--The City and its Business.--"The Rejected + Addresses".</p> + + <h4><a href="#c32">CHAPTER XXXII.</a></h4> + + <h5>A JOURNEY OUTSIDE THE LINES.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Passing the Pickets.--Cold Weather in the + South.--Effect of Climate upon the Constitution.--Surrounded + and Captured.--Prevarication and Explanation.--Among the + Natives.--The Game for the Confederacy.--Courtesy of the + Planters.--Condition of the Plantations.--The Return.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c33">CHAPTER XXXIII.</a></h4> + + <h5>ON THE PLANTATION.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Military Protection.--Promises.--Another + Widow.--Securing a Plantation.--Its Locality and + Appearance.--Gardening in Louisiana.--How Cotton is + Picked.--"The Tell-Tale."--A Southerner's Opinion of the Negro + Character.--Causes and Consequences.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c34">CHAPTER XXXIV.</a></h4> + + <h5>RULES AND REGULATIONS UNDER THE OLD AND NEW SYSTEMS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Plantation Record.--Its Uses.--Interesting + Memoranda.--Dogs, Jail, and Stocks.--Instructions to the + Overseer.--His Duties and Responsibilities.--The Order of + General Banks.--Management of Plantations in the Department of + the Gulf.--The two Documents. Contrasted.--One of the Effects + of "an Abolition War".</p> + + <h4><a href="#c35">CHAPTER XXXV.</a></h4> + + <h5>OUR FREE-LABOR ENTERPRISE IN PROGRESS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Negroes at Work.--Difficulties in the + Way.--A Public Meeting.--A Speech.--A Negro's Idea of + Freedom.--A Difficult Question to Determine.--Influence of + Northern and Southern Men Contrasted.--An Increase of + Numbers.--"Ginning" Cotton.--In the Lint-Room.--Mills and + Machinery of a Plantation.--A Profitable Enterprise.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c36">CHAPTER XXXVI.</a></h4> + + <h5>WAR AND AGRICULTURE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Official Favors.--Division of Labor.--Moral + Suasion.--Corn-gathering in the South.--An Alarm.--A Frightened + Irishman.--The Rebels Approaching.--An Attack on + Waterproof.--Falstaff Redivivus.--His Feats of Arms.--Departure + for New Orleans.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c37">CHAPTER XXXVII.</a></h4> + + <h5>IN THE COTTON MARKET.</h5> + + <p class="toc">New Orleans and its Peculiarities.--Its Loss by + the Rebellion.--Cotton Factors in New Orleans.--Old Things + passed away.--The Northern Barbarians a Race of + Shopkeepers.--Pulsations of the Cotton Market.--A Quarrel with + a Lady.--Contending for a Principle.--Inharmony of the + "Regulations."--An Account of Sales.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c38">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</a></h4> + + <h5>SOME FEATURES OF PLANTATION LIFE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Mysteries of Mule-trading.--"What's in a + Name?"--Process of Stocking a Plantation.--An Enterprising + White Man.--Stratagem of a Yankee.--Distributing Goods to the + Negroes.--The Tastes of the African.--Ethiopian Eloquence.--A + Colored Overseer.--Guerrillas Approaching.--Whisky <i>vs</i>. + Guerrillas.--A Hint to Military Men.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c39">CHAPTER XXXIX.</a></h4> + + <h5>VISITED BY GUERRILLAS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">News of the Raid.--Returning to the + Plantation.--Examples of Negro Cunning.--A Sudden Departure and + a Fortunate Escape.--A Second Visit.--"Going Through," in + Guerrilla Parlance.--How it is Accomplished.--Courtesy to + Guests.--A Holiday Costume.--Lessees Abandoning their + Plantations.--Official Promises.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c40">CHAPTER XL.</a></h4> + + <h5>PECULIARITIES OF PLANTATION LABOR.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Resuming Operation.--Difficulties in the Way.--A + New Method of Healing the Sick.--A Thief Discovered by his + Ignorance of Arithmetic.--How Cotton is Planted.--The Uses of + Cotton-Seed.--A Novel Sleeping-Room.--Constructing a + Tunnel.--Vigilance of a Negro Sentinel.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c41">CHAPTER XLI.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE NEGROES AT A MILITARY POST.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Soldiers at Waterproof.--The Black Man in + Blue.--Mutiny and Desertion.--Their Cause and Cure.--Tendering + a Resignation.--No Desire for a Barber.--Seeking + Protection.--Falsehood and Truth.--Proneness to + Exaggeration.--Amusing Estimates.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c42">CHAPTER XLII.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE END OF THE EXPERIMENT.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Nature of our "Protection."--Trade Following + the Flag.--A Fortunate Journey.--Our Last Visit.--Inhumanity of + the Guerrillas.--Driving Negroes into Captivity.--Killing an + Overseer.--Our Final Departure.--Plantations Elsewhere.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c43">CHAPTER XLIII.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE MISSISSIPPI AND ITS PECULIARITIES.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Length of the Great River, and the Area it + Drains.--How Itasca Lake obtained its Name.--The Bends of the + Mississippi.--Curious Effect upon Titles to Real Estate.--A + Story of Napoleon.--A Steamboat Thirty-five Years under + Water.--The Current and its Variations.--Navigating Cotton and + Corn Fields.--Reminiscences of the Islands.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c44">CHAPTER XLIV.</a></h4> + + <h5>STEAMBOATING ON THE MISSISSIPPI IN PEACE AND WAR.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Attempts to Obstruct the Great River.--Chains, + Booms, and Batteries.--A Novelty in Piloting.--Travel in the + Days Before the Rebellion.--Trials of Speed.--The Great + Race.--Travel During the War.--Running a Rebel Battery on the + Lower Mississippi.--Incidents of the Occasion.--Comments on the + Situation.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c45">CHAPTER XLV.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE ARMY CORRESPONDENT.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Beginning and the End.--The Lake Erie + Piracy.--A Rochester Story.--The First War + Correspondent.--Napoleon's Policy.--Waterloo and the + Rothschilds.--Journalistic Enterprise in the Mexican War.--The + Crimea and the East Indian Rebellion.--Experiences at the + Beginning of Hostilities.--The Tender Mercies of the + Insurgents.--In the Field.--Adventures in Missouri and + Kentucky.--Correspondents in Captivity.--How Battle-Accounts + were Written.--Professional Complaints.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c46">CHAPTER XLVI.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THE SOUTH.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Scarcity of the Population.--Fertility of the + Country.--Northern Men already in the South.--Kansas Emigrants + Crossing Missouri.--Change of the Situation.--Present + Disadvantages of Emigration.--Feeling of the + People.--Property-Holders in Richmond.--The Sentiment in North + Carolina.--South Carolina Chivalry.--The Effect of + War.--Prospect of the Success of Free Labor.--Trade in the + South.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c47">CHAPTER XLVII.</a></h4> + + <h5>HOW DISADVANTAGES MAY BE OVERCOME.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Conciliating the People of the South.--Railway + Travel and its Improvement.--Rebuilding Steamboats.--Replacing + Working Stock.--The Condition of the Plantations.--Suggestions + about Hasty Departures.--Obtaining Information.--The + Attractions of Missouri.</p> + + <h4><a href="#c48">CHAPTER XLVIII.</a></h4> + + <h5>THE RESOURCES OF THE SOUTHERN STATES.</h5> + + <p class="toc">How the People have Lived.--An Agricultural + Community.--Mineral and other Wealth of + Virginia.--Slave-Breeding in Former Times.--The Auriferous + Region of North Carolina.--Agricultural Advantages.--Varieties + of Soil in South Carolina.--Sea-Island Cotton.--Georgia and her + Railways.--Probable Decline of the Rice Culture.--The Everglade + State.--The Lower Mississippi Valley.--The Red River.--Arkansas + and its Advantages.--A Hint for Tragedians.--Mining in + Tennessee.--The Blue-Grass Region of Kentucky.--Texas and its + Attractions.--Difference between Southern and Western + Emigration.--The End.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c1" id="c1"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER I.</h4> + + <h5>ANTE BELLUM.</h5> + + <p class="toc">At the Rocky Mountains.--Sentiment of the + People.--Firing the Southern Heart.--A Midwinter Journey across + the Plains.--An Editor's Opinion.--Election in Missouri.--The + North springing to Arms.--An amusing Arrest.--Off for the + Field.--Final Instructions.--Niagara.--Curiosities of + Banking.--Arrival at the Seat of War.</p> + + <p>I passed the summer and autumn of 1860 in the Rocky Mountain + Gold Region. At that time the population of the young Territory + was composed of emigrants from Northern and Southern States, + those from the colder regions being in the majority. When the + Presidential election took place, there was much angry + discussion of the great questions of the day, and there were + threats of violence on the part of the friends of the + "institution." The residents of the Gold Region were unable to + cast their votes for the men of their choice, but their anxiety + to know the result was very great.</p> + + <p>When it was announced that the Republican candidate had + triumphed, there were speedy signs of discontent. Some of the + more impulsive Southerners departed at once for their native + States, predicting a separation of Dixie from the North before + the end of the year. Some went to New Mexico, and others to + Texas, while many remained to press their favorite theories + upon their neighbors. The friends of the Union were slow to + believe that any serious difficulty would take place. Long + after the secession of South Carolina they were confident our + differences could be healed without an appeal to arms.</p> + + <p>My visit to the Rocky Mountains was a professional one. + During my stay in that region I supplied several Eastern + journals with letters from Colorado and New Mexico. One after + another, the editors of these journals informed me that letters + from the Territories had lost their interest, owing to the + troubles growing out of the election. Wishing to take part in + the drama about to be enacted, I essayed a midwinter journey + across the plains, and, early in February, stood in the + editorial room of <i>The Herald</i>.</p> + + <p>I announced my readiness to proceed to any point between the + Poles, wherever <i>The Herald</i> desired a correspondent. The + editor-in-chief was busy over a long letter from some point in + the South, but his response was promptly given. Half reading, + half pausing over the letter, he briefly said:--</p> + + <p>"A long and bloody war is upon us, in which the whole + country will be engaged. We shall desire you to take the field; + probably in the West. It may be several weeks before we need + you, but the war cannot be long delayed."</p> + + <p>At that time few persons in the North looked upon the + situation with any fears of trouble. There were some who + thought a hostile collision was among the possibilities, but + these persons were generally in the minority. Many believed the + secession movement was only the hasty work of political + leaders, that would be soon undone when the people of the South + came to their senses.</p> + + <p>That the South would deliberately plunge the country into + civil war was difficult to comprehend, even after the first + steps had been taken. The majority of the Northern people were + hoping and believing, day by day, that something might + transpire to quell the excitement and adjust the difficulties + threatening to disturb the country.</p> + + <p>Before leaving the Rocky Mountains I did not believe that + war was certain to ensue, though I considered it quite + probable. As I passed through Missouri, the only slave State + that lay in my route, I found every thing comparatively quiet. + In St. Joseph, on the day of my arrival, the election for + delegates to the State Convention was being held. There was no + disorder, more than is usual on election days in small cities. + Little knots of people were engaged in discussion, but the + discussions partook of no extraordinary bitterness. The vote of + the city was decidedly in favor of keeping the State in the + Union.</p> + + <p>Between the 7th of December and the 12th of April, the + Northern blood warmed slowly. The first gun at Sumter quickened + its pulsations. When the President issued his call for + seventy-five thousand men for three months, to put down + insurrection, the North woke to action. Everywhere the response + was prompt, earnest, patriotic. In the Northern cities the + recruiting offices were densely thronged. New York and + Massachusetts were first to send their favorite regiments to + the front, but they were not long in the advance. Had the call + been for four times seventy-five thousand, and for a service of + three years, there is little doubt the people would have + responded without hesitation.</p> + + <p>For a short time after my arrival at the East, I remained in + a small town in Southern New Hampshire. A few days after the + first call was issued, a friend invited me to a seat in his + carriage for a ride to Portsmouth, the sea-port of the State. + On reaching the city we found the war spirit fully aroused. Two + companies of infantry were drilling in the public square, and + the citizens were in a state of great excitement. In the course + of the afternoon my friend and myself were arrested, by a + committee of respectable citizens, who suspected us of being + Southern emissaries. It was with great difficulty we convinced + them they had made a slight mistake. We referred them to the + only acquaintances we had in the city. They refused to consider + the truth established in the mouths of two witnesses, and were + not induced to give us our liberty until all convenient proof + of our identity had been adduced.</p> + + <p>To be arrested within twenty miles of home, on suspicion of + being delegated from Charleston or Montgomery, was one of my + most amusing experiences of the war. The gentleman who + accompanied me was a very earnest believer in coercion. His + business in Portsmouth on that occasion was to offer his + services in a regiment then being formed. A few months later he + received a commission in the army, but did not obtain it + through any of our temporary acquaintances at Portsmouth.</p> + + <p>Our captors were the solid men of the city, any one of whom + could have sat for the portrait of Mr. Turveydrop without the + slightest alteration. On taking us into custody, they stated + the grounds on which they arrested us. Our dark complexions and + long beards had aroused suspicions concerning the places of our + nativity. Suspicion was reduced to a certainty when one of them + heard me mention my presence in Missouri on the day of choosing + candidates for the Convention. Our purpose was divined when I + asked if there was any activity at the Navy Yard. We were Rebel + emissaries, who designed to lay their Navy Yard in ashes!</p> + + <p>On our release and departure we were followed to our homes, + that the correctness of our representations might be + ascertained. This little occurrence, in the center of New + England, where the people claim to be thoroughly quiet and + law-abiding, indicated that the war spirit in that part of the + North was more than momentary.</p> + + <p>The West was not behind the Eastern States in the + determination to subdue the Rebellion. Volunteers were + gathering at Cairo, and threatening to occupy points further + down the Mississippi. At St. Louis the struggle was active + between the Unionists and the Secessionists.</p> + + <p>A collision was a mere question of time, and of short time + at the best.</p> + + <p>As I visited <i>The Herald</i> office for final + instructions, I found that the managing editor had determined + upon a vigorous campaign. Every point of interest was to be + covered, so that the operations of our armies would be fully + recorded from day to day. The war correspondents had gone to + their posts, or were just taking their departure. One + correspondent was already on the way to Cairo. I was instructed + to watch the military movements in Missouri, and hastened to + St. Louis as fast as steam could bear me.</p> + + <p>Detained twelve hours at Niagara, by reason of missing a + railway train, I found that the opening war gave promise of + affecting that locality. The hotel-keepers were gloomy at the + prospect of losing their Southern patronage, and half feared + they would be obliged to close their establishments. There were + but few visitors, and even these were not of the class which + scatters its money profusely. The village around the Falls + displayed positive signs of dullness, and the inhabitants had + personal as well as patriotic interest in wishing there was no + war. The Great Cataract was unchanged in its beauty and + grandeur. The flood from the Lakes was not diminished, and the + precipice over which the water plunged was none the less steep. + The opening war had no effect upon this wonder of the New + World.</p> + + <p>In Chicago, business was prostrated on account of the + outbreak of hostilities. Most of the banks in Illinois had been + holding State bonds as securities for the redemption of their + circulation. As these bonds were nearly all of Southern origin, + the beginning of the war had materially affected their value. + The banks found their securities rapidly becoming insecure, and + hence there was a depreciation in the currency. This was not + uniform, but varied from five to sixty per cent., according to + the value of the bonds the respective banks were holding. Each + morning and evening bulletins were issued stating the value of + the notes of the various banking-houses. Such a currency was + very inconvenient to handle, as the payment of any considerable + sum required a calculation to establish the worth of each + note.</p> + + <p>Many rumors were in circulation concerning the insecurity of + a Northern visitor in St. Louis, but none of the stories were + very alarming. Of one thing all were certain--the star of the + Union was in the ascendant. On arriving in St. Louis I found + the city far from quiet, though there was nothing to lead a + stranger to consider his personal safety in danger. I had ample + material for entering at once upon my professional duties, in + chronicling the disordered and threatening state of + affairs.</p> + + <p>On the day of my arrival, I met a gentleman I had known in + the Rocky Mountains, six months before. I knew his courage was + beyond question, having seen him in several disturbances + incident to the Gold Regions; but I was not aware which side of + the great cause he had espoused. After our first greetings, I + ventured to ask how he stood.</p> + + <p>"I am a Union man," was his emphatic response.</p> + + <p>"What kind of a Union man are you?"</p> + + <p>"I am this kind of a Union man," and he threw open his coat, + and showed me a huge revolver, strapped to his waist.</p> + + <p>There were many loyal men in St. Louis, whose sympathies + were evinced in a similar manner. Revolvers were at a + premium.</p> + + <p>Some of the Secessionists ordered a quantity of revolvers + from New York, to be forwarded by express. To prevent + interference by the Union authorities, they caused the case to + be directed to "Colonel Francis P. Blair, Jr., care of ----." + They thought Colonel Blair's name would secure the property + from seizure. The person in whose care the revolvers were sent + was a noted Secessionist, who dealt extensively in + fire-arms.</p> + + <p>Colonel Blair learned of the shipment, and met the box at + the station. Fifty revolvers of the finest quality, bought and + paid for by the Secessionists, were distributed among the + friends of Colonel Blair, and were highly prized by the + recipients.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c2" id="c2"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER II.</h4> + + <h5>MISSOURI IN THE EARLY DAYS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Apathy of the Border States.--The Missouri State + Convention.--Sterling Price a Union Man.--Plan to take the + State out of the Union.--Capture of Camp Jackson.--Energy of + General Lyon.--Union Men organized.--An Unfortunate + Collision.--The Price-Harney Truce.--The Panic among the + Secessionists.--Their Hegira from St. Louis.--A Visit to the + State Capital.--Under the Rebel Flag.--Searching for Contraband + Articles.--An Introduction to Rebel Dignitaries.--Governor + Jackson.--Sterling Price.--Jeff. Thompson.--Activity at + Cairo.--Kentucky Neutrality.--The Rebels occupy Columbus.</p> + + <p>The Border States were not prompt to follow the example of + the States on the Gulf and South Atlantic coast. Missouri and + Kentucky were loyal, if the voice of the majority is to be + considered the voice of the population. Many of the wealthier + inhabitants were, at the outset, as they have always been, in + favor of the establishment of an independent Southern + Government. Few of them desired an appeal to arms, as they well + knew the Border States would form the front of the Confederacy, + and thus become the battle-field of the Rebellion. The greater + part of the population of those States was radically opposed to + the secession movement, but became powerless under the noisy, + political leaders who assumed the control. Many of these men, + who were Unionists in the beginning, were drawn into the Rebel + ranks on the plea that it would be treason to refuse to do what + their State Government had decided upon.</p> + + <p>The delegates to the Missouri State Convention were elected + in February, 1861, and assembled at St. Louis in the following + April. Sterling Price, afterward a Rebel general, was president + of this Convention, and spoke in favor of keeping the State in + the Union. The Convention thought it injudicious for Missouri + to secede, at least at that time, and therefore she was not + taken out. This discomfited the prime movers of the secession + schemes, as they had counted upon the Convention doing the + desired work. In the language of one of their own number, "they + had called a Convention to take the State out of the Union, and + she must be taken out at all hazards." Therefore a new line of + policy was adopted.</p> + + <p>The Governor of Missouri was one of the most active and + unscrupulous Secessionists. After the failure of the Convention + to unite Missouri with the Confederacy, Governor Jackson + overhauled the militia laws, and, under their sanction, issued + a call for a muster of militia near St. Louis. This militia + assembled at Lindell Grove, in the suburbs of St. Louis, and a + military camp was established, under the name of "Camp + Jackson." Though ostensibly an innocent affair, this camp was + intended to be the nucleus of the army to hoist the Rebel flag + in the State. The officers in command were known Secessionists, + and every thing about the place was indicative of its + character.</p> + + <p>The Governor of Louisiana sent, from the arsenal at Baton + Rouge, a quantity of guns and munitions of war, to be used by + the insurgent forces in Missouri. These reached St. Louis + without hinderance, and were promptly conveyed to the embryonic + Rebel camp. Captain Lyon, in command of the St. Louis Arsenal, + was informed that he must confine his men to the limits of the + United States property, under penalty of the arrest of all who + stepped outside. Governor Jackson several times visited the + grounds overlooking the arsenal, and selected spots for + planting his guns. Every thing was in preparation for active + hostility.</p> + + <p>The Union people were by no means idle. Captain Lyon had + foreseen the danger menacing the public property in the + arsenal, and besought the Government for permission to remove + it. Twenty thousand stand of arms were, in a single night, + loaded upon a steamer and sent to Alton, Illinois. They were + conveyed thence by rail to the Illinois State Arsenal at + Springfield. Authority was obtained for the formation of + volunteer regiments, and they were rapidly mustered into the + service.</p> + + <p>While Camp Jackson was being formed, the Union men of St. + Louis were arming and drilling with such secrecy that the + Secessionists were not generally aware of their movements. + Before the close of the day Captain Lyon received permission + for mustering volunteers; he placed more than six hundred men + into the service. Regiments were organized under the name of + "Home Guards," and by the 9th of May there were six thousand + armed Union men in St. Louis, who were sworn to uphold the + national honor.</p> + + <p>Colonel Francis P. Blair, Jr., commanded the First Regiment + of Missouri Volunteers, and stood faithfully by Captain Lyon in + all those early and dangerous days. The larger portion of the + forces then available in St. Louis was made up of the German + element, which was always thoroughly loyal. This fact caused + the Missouri Secessionists to feel great indignation toward the + Germans. They always declared they would have seized St. Louis + and held possession of the larger portion of the State, had it + not been for the earnest loyalty of "the Dutch."</p> + + <p>In the interior of Missouri the Secessionists were generally + in the ascendant. It was the misfortune of the time that the + Unionists were usually passive, while their enemies were + active. In certain counties where the Unionists were four times + the number of the Secessionists, it was often the case that the + latter were the ruling party. The Union people were quiet and + law-abiding; the Secessionists active and unscrupulous. + "Peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must," was the motto of + the enemies of the Republic.</p> + + <p>In some localities the Union men asserted themselves, but + they did not generally do so until after the first blows were + struck at St. Louis. When they did come out in earnest, the + loyal element in Missouri became fully apparent.</p> + + <p>To assure the friends of the Union, and save Missouri from + the domination of the insurgents, it was necessary for Captain + Lyon to assume the offensive. This was done on the 10th of May, + resulting in the famous capture of "Camp Jackson."</p> + + <p>On the night of the 9th, loyal parties in St. Louis supplied + a sufficient number of horses to move the light artillery + necessary to accomplish the desired object. On the morning of + the 10th, Captain Lyon's command moved from various points, so + as to surround the Rebel camp at three o'clock in the + afternoon. At that hour General Frost, the Rebel commander, was + surprised at the appearance of an overpowering force on the + hills surrounding his position. A demand for surrender gave + half an hour for deliberation. At the end of that time General + Frost concluded to capitulate. The prisoners, less than a + thousand in number, were marched to the arsenal and safely + secured.</p> + + <p>This achievement destroyed Camp Jackson, and established the + United States authority in full force over St. Louis. An + unfortunate collision occurred between the soldiers and the + crowd outside. Provoked by insults terminating in an assault + with fire-arms, a portion of the German troops fired upon the + multitude. Upward of thirty persons were killed or wounded in + the affair. With the exception of this unhappy collision, the + capture was bloodless.</p> + + <p>General Harney arrived at St. Louis soon after this event, + and assumed command in Missouri. The agreement known as "the + Price-Harney truce" was immediately made. Under an assurance + from Governor Jackson that the State troops should be + disbanded, General Harney promised that no hostilities should + be undertaken, and attempted to cause the dispersal of the + Union volunteers. The status of the latter had been so fixed + that General Harney was not empowered to disarm them, and he so + informed, the State authorities. His message announcing this + read nearly as follows:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"I have ascertained that I have no control over the Home + Guards.<br /> + "W. S. HARNEY, <i>Brig.-Gen</i>."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>This message was received at the Police Head-Quarters in St. + Louis, on the morning of Sunday, May 15th. It was misunderstood + by the parties who read it. They inferred, from the tenor of + the dispatch, that General Harney was unable to restrain the + Union volunteers.</p> + + <p>The most frightful stories had been circulated concerning + the blood-thirsty character of these soldiers, particularly the + German portion. Visions of murder, pillage, house-burning, and + all the accompanying outrages committed by an unrestrained + army, flitted through the minds of the Secessionists. The story + spread, and gained intensity with each repetition. "The Dutch + are rising; we shall all be slain in cold blood!" was the cry, + echoed from house to house. Not less than five thousand people + fled from the city on that day, and as many more within the + succeeding twenty-four hours. Carriages, wagons, drays, every + thing that could transport persons or valuables, commanded + exorbitant prices. Steamboats were chartered as ferries to the + Illinois shore or to go to points of safety, either up or down + the river. Many persons abandoned their houses, taking with + them only a few articles of value or necessity, while others + carried away nothing, in their haste to escape.</p> + + <p>In a few days the excitement subsided and nearly all the + refugees returned, but there are some who have never been in + St. Louis since their remarkable hegira. In their determination + to obtain their "rights," they entered the Rebel army and + followed its checkered fortunes. Less than half of these + persons are now alive.</p> + + <p>For a time after the appearance of General Harney's + proclamation, there were no hostile demonstrations on either + side. Governor Jackson had promised to disband the small force + of militia at Jefferson City, but he failed to do so. The Rebel + flag was flying in Jefferson City, from a staff in front of the + Governor's mansion, and over the head-quarters of the Missouri + State Guard. Missouri, through her State officers, was in favor + of an armed neutrality, which really meant nothing less than + armed secession.</p> + + <p>The Secessionists were quietly but earnestly at work to + effect their object. They did not heed their promise to remain + inactive. The Union authorities observed theirs to the letter. + The Camp Jackson prisoners were paroled and restored to + liberty. A portion of them observed the parole, but many did + not. General Frost remained on his farm and took no part in the + Rebellion until relieved from his parole, several months later. + It is proper to add, that he was of very little account to the + Rebels when he finally entered the field.</p> + + <p>While watching the progress of affairs in St. Louis, I + determined upon a visit to Jefferson City. Though the Rebel + flag was flying over the State Capitol, and the nucleus of the + Missouri State Guard (Rebel) had its camp in the suburbs, the + communication by railroad had not been interrupted. Taking the + morning train from St. Louis, on the 27th of May, I found + myself, at three o'clock of the afternoon, under the secession + banner. The searching of the train for articles contraband of + war was then a new feature.</p> + + <p>In the early days only the outside of a package was + examined. If the "marks" indicated nothing suspicious, the + goods were allowed to pass. Under this regulation, a large + number of boxes marked "soap" were shipped on a steamboat for + Lexington. So much soap going into Missouri was decidedly + suspicious, as the people of the interior do not make extensive + use of the article. An examination disclosed canisters of + powder instead of bars of soap. The discovery was followed by + the promulgation of an order requiring a rigid examination of + all packages that might be of doubtful character. This order, + with various modifications, was kept in force for a long + time.</p> + + <p>In starting from St. Louis, I left a company of Union + volunteers at the railway station. At Jefferson City I found + the depot filled with the Rebel soldiers, or "neutrals," as + Governor Jackson persisted in calling them. The particular duty + they were performing I was unable to ascertain, but they bore + unmistakable signs of being something more than a "neutral" + body of men. Their camp was just in rear of the city. The Rebel + flag, which floated above the camp, was recognized as the + emblem of their neutrality.</p> + + <p>The proprietor of the hotel where I stopped held the + reputation of an earnest friend of the Union, ready to Suffer + any thing rather than sink his principles. He introduced me to + several citizens, most of them, like himself, thoroughly loyal. + We discussed freely the condition of affairs in Missouri.</p> + + <p>It was evident the State authorities intended war, as soon + as the necessary preparations could be made. They were not + quite ready to strike their first blow, but when they should be + prepared, they would not hesitate a moment. Governor Jackson + was exerting himself to the utmost to accumulate arms and + military stores at various points in the State, where they + would be of most value. In defiance of the truce between + Generals Price and Harney, companies were being formed + throughout the State, and were drilling for service in the + field. Time was of great importance to the Rebels, and this + they had secured by means of the truce.</p> + + <p>During my stay at Jefferson City, I met the three, men most + prominent in bringing war upon Missouri. These were Governor + Jackson, General Sterling Price, and Jeff. Thompson. Governor + Jackson was elected in the previous December, before it was + thought any serious trouble would grow out of Mr. Lincoln's + election. He was not looked upon as a man of great ability, but + no one doubted his desire to promote the best interests of the + State. Those who knew him said his strength lay more in a + public than in a private direction. He had few, if any, + personal friends, and was considered dangerous when his + passions were roused. Some said he was cold and treacherous, + giving all around him a feeling of aversion. Even among the + Secessionists, and those who should have been his ardent + supporters, he was never mentioned with enthusiasm.</p> + + <p>Within two weeks from the day I saw him, Governor Jackson, + by his own act, was a fugitive from the State capital. He never + returned. After wandering in Arkansas and Louisiana, during the + early part of the war, he died at Little Rock, in 1863, in a + condition of extreme poverty.</p> + + <p>Of General Price, I heard many praises, even from those who + opposed his course. He was said to be a man of warm friendship, + of fair abilities, and quite popular among the masses of the + inhabitants. He possessed much personal pride, and his ambition + for public honor was very great. At the outset he deprecated + secession, and prophesied a devastating war as the result. He + was inclined to be loyal, but his ambition was greater than his + patriotism. The offer of a high position in the Rebel service + touched his weakest point, and carried him with the + insurgents.</p> + + <p>In the Rebel service he never obtained much distinction. His + principal successes were in saving his army after defeat. He + displayed a capacity for annoying the Union armies without + doing great damage. Though his oft-repeated promise of victory + was never fulfilled, it served to keep many Missourians in the + Rebel ranks. He was constantly expected to capture St. Louis. + Some of the Rebel residents fully believed he would do so, and + kept their wine-cellars ready for the event. Until the official + announcement of the surrender of all forces west of the + Mississippi, they did not abandon hope. General Price had given + his promise, and, as they argued, was sure to keep it.</p> + + <p>Of Jeff. Thompson little can be said. Previous to that time + he had been known as the mayor of St. Joseph, and a politician + of some little importance in Northwest Missouri. He was famous + for much gasconading, and a fondness for whisky and other + material things. I could never learn that he commanded much + respect. During the war the Rebels never trusted him with any + command of importance. He made a very fair guerrilla, and, in + 1861, gave our forces at Cairo and Bird's Point considerable + annoyance. History is not likely to give him a very prominent + place in the roll of distinguished military heroes.</p> + + <p>At this time Cairo was the most southerly point on the + Mississippi in possession of the National forces. We could have + occupied Columbus or Hickman, Kentucky, had not the sacredness + of the soil prevented. Kentucky was neutral, and declared that + neither party must set foot within her limits. Her declaration + of neutrality was much like that issued by the Governor of + Missouri. The United States forces were under great + restrictions, while the Rebels could do pretty much as they + pleased. General Prentiss sent a small expedition down the + Mississippi, some sixty miles below Cairo. The Kentuckians were + greatly enraged because our forces landed at Hickman and tore + down a Rebel flag which the citizens had hoisted. It was an + invasion of their soil, for which they demanded apology. A few + weeks later the Rebels occupied both Hickman and Columbus, + without any objection on the part of the neutrals.</p> + + <p>Columbus was made very strong by the Rebel engineers, and + supplied with many heavy guns for its protection. At the same + time, General Prentiss pushed forward the defenses of Cairo, in + readiness for any attack by the Rebel gun-boats. For more than + half a year Columbus was the northern limit of the Rebel + domination of the Great River. On assuming command there, + General Polk announced that Columbus was the throat of the + Mississippi, and must be held at all hazards. The Rebels + repeatedly urged the capture of Cairo, but it was never + attempted.</p><a href="images/p44i1.jpg"><img src= + "images/p44i1_t.jpg" alt= + "HAULING DOWN A REBEL FLAG AT HICKMAN, KY" /></a> + + <p class="captn">HAULING DOWN A REBEL FLAG AT HICKMAN, KY</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c3" id="c3"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER III.</h4> + + <h5>THE BEGINNING OF HOSTILITIES.</h5> + + <p class="toc">General Harney Relieved.--Price's + Proclamation.--End of the Truce.--Conference between the Union + and Rebel Leaders.--The First Act of Hostility.--Destruction of + Railway Bridges.--Promptness of General Lyon.--Capture of the + State Capital.--Moving on the Enemy's Works.--The Night before + Battle.--A Correspondent's Sensation.</p> + + <p>On the first of June an order was received from Washington, + relieving General Harney from command in Missouri. Captain Lyon + had been promoted to the rank of a brigadier-general of + volunteers, and was assigned to duty in General Harney's stead. + On the 5th of June, General Price issued a proclamation, + calling for the State Guard to be in readiness to defend + Missouri against all enemies. The appearance of this + proclamation was not altogether unexpected. It was far more + satisfactory to the friends of the Union than to the + Secessionists, as it showed the hostile position of Governor + Jackson and his abettors, and gave an opportunity for + proceeding actively against them. It demonstrated very clearly + that the Secessionists were determined to make their actions + correspond to their words.</p> + + <p>It was ascertained that, a few days before the publication + of Price's proclamation, Governor Jackson was in consultation + with an agent of the Rebel Government, who promised twenty-five + thousand men, and arms and ammunition for fifty thousand more, + if the State were fairly and unequivocally out of the Union. He + had also conferred with an agent from the Indian Nation, with a + view to putting several thousand Indians into the field on the + side of the Rebels. General Lyon wanted an "overt act" on the + part of the Rebels, before commencing actual hostilities. + Price's proclamation was the thing desired.</p> + + <p>The troops in and around St. Louis were drilled as + thoroughly as possible. Every day added to their effectiveness. + Recruiting was pushed, trade with the interior was suspended, + and boats passing down the river were made subject to stoppage + and search at the arsenal. Every thing was assuming a warlike + appearance. The Government was very tardy in supplying General + Lyon's wants. In many cases it did not authorize him to do what + was needed. Much of the money for outfitting the troops for the + field was voluntarily contributed in the Eastern cities, or by + patriotic men in St. Louis. In several things, General Lyon + acted upon his own responsibility, under the advice and + co-operation of Colonel Blair.</p> + + <p>On the 9th of June, Governor Jackson and General Price asked + General Lyon to give them a safeguard to visit St. Louis. They + wished to confer with General Lyon and Colonel Blair, upon the + best means of bringing peace to the State and making an end of + hostilities. The safeguard was granted, and, on the 11th of + June, Jackson and Price reached St. Louis, and signified their + readiness for the proposed conference. The meeting took place + at the Planters' House, Governor Jackson declining to trust + himself inside the walls of the arsenal, where General Lyon had + invited him to be his guest. The interview began with many + professions of goodwill on the part of Governor Jackson, and + the assurance of his earnest desire for peace. He promised to + disband the State troops, if General Lyon would first remove + all United States troops from the limits of Missouri, and agree + not to bring them back under any consideration. Of course, this + proposition could not be entertained. A conversation then took + place between General Lyon and General Price, but all to no + purpose. Price and Jackson would do nothing, unless the United + States troops were first sent out of Missouri. Lyon and Blair + would not consent to any thing of the kind, and so the + conference ended.</p> + + <p>Jackson and Price left St. Louis on a special train for + Jefferson City, on the afternoon of the 11th. On the way up the + road, they set fire to the bridges over the Gasconade and Osage + Rivers, the former thirty-five miles from Jefferson City, and + ninety from St. Louis, and the latter within nine miles of + Jefferson City. If the conduct of these men had been neutral up + to that time, this act made an end of their neutrality.</p> + + <p>General Lyon left the conference fully satisfied there was + no longer any reason for hesitation. The course he should + pursue was plain before him.</p> + + <p>Early in the forenoon of the 12th, he learned of the + destruction of the bridges over the Gasconade and Osage Rivers. + He immediately ordered a force to proceed up the road, and + protect as much of it as possible from further damage. Within + four hours of the reception of the order to move, the troops + were on their way. On the next day, three steamers, with about + two thousand men, left St. Louis for Jefferson City. General + Lyon knew the importance of time, and was determined to give + Governor Jackson very little opportunity for preparation.</p> + + <p>My first experience of a military campaign was on the + expedition up the Missouri. I had seen something of Indian + troubles on the Plains, in which white men were concerned, but + I had never witnessed civilized warfare where white men fought + against white men. A residence of several weeks in St. Louis + had somewhat familiarized me with the appearance of troops at + the arsenal and at the various camps in the city, but the + preparations to take the field were full of novelty.</p> + + <p>I was on the boat which carried the First Missouri Infantry, + and which General Lyon had selected for his head-quarters. The + young officers were full of enthusiasm, and eagerly + anticipating their first encounter with the Rebel battalions. + Colonel Blair was less demonstrative than the officers of his + regiment, but was evidently much elated at the prospect of + doing something aggressive. General Lyon was in the cabin, + quiet, reserved, and thoughtful. With Colonel Blair he + conversed long and freely. Few others approached him. Outside + the cabin the soldiers were ardently discussing the coming + campaign, and wishing an early opportunity for winning glory in + battle.</p> + + <p>To one who travels for the first time by steamboat from St. + Louis in a northerly direction, a curious picture is presented. + The water in the Mississippi above the mouth of the Missouri is + quite clear and transparent. That from the Missouri is of a + dirty yellow color, derived from the large quantity of earthy + matter which it holds in solution. For several miles below the + junction of the streams, the two currents remain separated, the + line between them being plainly perceptible. The pilots usually + endeavor to keep on the dividing line, so that one can look + from the opposite sides of a boat and imagine himself sailing + upon two rivers of different character at the same moment.</p> + + <p>Sometimes this distinctive line continues for fifteen or + twenty miles, but usually less than ten. A soldier wittily + remarked, that the water from the Upper Mississippi derived its + transparency from the free States, from whence it came, while + the Missouri, emerging from a slave State, was, consequently, + of a repulsive hue. As Missouri is now a free State, the + soldier's remark is not applicable.</p> + + <p>Steaming up the Missouri toward the State capital, we found + the sentiment along the banks of the river strongly in favor of + the Union. Home Guard organizations had been hastily formed, + and were doing their best for the protection of the railway. + Most of the villages along the Lower Missouri contained a + strong German element, which needs no question of its loyalty. + The railway bridges were thoroughly guarded, and each town had + a small garrison to suppress any rising of the Secessionists. + The conduct of the people in these villages was quite different + from the course of those residing above Jefferson City. Where + the inhabitants possessed no slaves, there was outspoken + loyalty. In the most populous slave districts it was the + reverse. Slaveholders declared that their interest lay in + secession. There were a few exceptions, but they were very far + in a minority.</p> + + <p>Our triumphal entry into Jefferson City was not marked by + any noteworthy event. The Capitol was deserted. The Governor + and most of the State officials had departed the previous day, + in the direction of Booneville. We marched through the + principal streets, and found many of the people delighted at + our coming. We occupied the State House, and, of course, + unfurled our flag from its cupola. A steamboat, seized at the + landing, was pressed into our service for use further up the + stream. An encounter with the Rebels was eagerly desired.</p> + + <p>We left a full regiment, a large force in those days, to + retain possession of the place, and then pushed on in pursuit. + The Rebels had disabled the railway, taking off nearly all the + rolling stock and destroying a large bridge four miles west of + the city. As the point where they had fled lay upon the river, + we pursued them by water. At noon, on the 16th, General Lyon + left Jefferson City for Booneville. Within twenty-four hours he + fought his first battle in Missouri.</p> + + <p>It is slow work to proceed with a steamboat where one's way + must be felt. Though we had only fifty miles to move, we + advanced less than thirty before nightfall. Touching at a + landing on the left bank of the river, fifteen miles below + Booneville, a scout from the enemy's camp came easily into our + hands. From being a scout of the enemy he became our scout, as + he revealed in his fright all we wished to know. The enemy, + confident of an easy victory, was waiting our approach, and + expressed the most lively intention of destroying us all in the + twinkling of an eye.</p> + + <p>Experience had not then demonstrated that there is little + difference in the bravery of Americans, when well officered. + Each side cherished the delusion that it had a monopoly of + courage and endurance. One Southern man was thought equal to + five Northern men in a fair contest, and if the former were + given the advantage of a defensive position, any odds of + numbers would be taken. There was nearly, though not quite, as + much boasting on the part of our own press and people. The + first severe battles made an end of the greater part of this + gasconading.</p> + + <p>It is said the most trying moment on shipboard is when the + deck, previous to an engagement, is sprinkled with saw-dust to + receive the blood yet unshed. No man can know whose blood will + be first to moisten that dust, or whose life will be passed + away before the action is over. So on the eve of that first + battle in Missouri, as I reclined in the cabin of our + flag-boat, and saw the surgeons busy with their preparations + for the coming day; as I saw them bring to light all the + dreadful implements of their trade, and arrange them in + readiness for sudden use--a coldness crept over me, and I fully + realized we had earnest work before us. Since that time I have + witnessed many a battle, many a scene of preparation and of + bloody work with knife and saw and bandage, but I have never + experienced a chill like that I felt on that early day of the + Rebellion.</p> + + <p>The war has made us familiar with horrors. That which once + touched us to the heart is now passed over with scarce a + moment's thought. Our nerves have been hardened, our + sensibilities blunted, our hearts steeled against suffering, in + the terrible school through which we have passed.</p><a href= + "images/p54i1.jpg"><img src="images/p54i1_t.jpg" alt= + "THE OPENING GUN AT BOONEVILLE" /></a> + + <p class="captn">THE OPENING GUN AT BOONEVILLE</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c4" id="c4"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER IV.</h4> + + <h5>THE FIRST BATTLE IN MISSOURI</h5> + + <p class="toc">Moving up the River.--A Landing Effected.--The + Battle.--Precipitous Retreat of the Rebels.--Spoiling a + Captured Camp.--Rebel Flags Emblazoned with the State Arms.--A + Journalist's Outfit.--A Chaplain of the Church Militant.--A + Mistake that might have been Unfortunate.--The People of + Booneville.--Visiting an Official.--Banking-House + Loyalty.--Preparations for a Campaign.</p> + + <p>Daybreak on the 17th found us slowly moving up the river + toward Booneville. General Lyon sat forward of the steamer's + cabin, closely scanning both banks of the stream. Four miles + below the town his glass sought out two pieces of artillery, + partially concealed in a clump of trees, and trained upon the + channel by which we were to pass. At once our engines were + reversed, and the boats moved back to a landing about eight + miles below Booneville. A little before seven o'clock we were + on shore, and our column of fifteen hundred men began its + advance upon the Rebel camp.</p> + + <p>It was the story that has found its repetition in many a + battle since that time. The enemy's pickets were driven in. The + enemy, in line of battle, was discovered on a long ridge, and + our own line was formed on a ridge parallel to it. Then we + opened fire with our artillery (one battery was all we + possessed), and received no response, save by a desultory + discharge of small-arms. Next our infantry added its tenor + notes to the bass of the field-guns; the Rebel forces melted + steadily away, and the field was in our possession, twenty + minutes after the opening shot had been fired.</p> + + <p>Once in retreat, the Rebels did not halt until out of harm's + reach. Their camp lay in the line of retreat, but they made no + stop in passing it. Following in the rear of our column, I + entered the camp, and found many signs of a hasty departure. I + found the fires burning, and dozens of coffee-pots and + frying-pans filled with the materials for breakfast. Here was a + pan full of meat fried to a crisp, from the neglect of the cook + to remove it before his sudden exodus. A few feet distant lay a + ham, with a knife sticking in a half-severed slice. A rude + camp-table was spread with plates and their accessories, and a + portion of the articles of food were carefully arranged. The + seats for the breakfast party were in position, two of them + being overturned. I could not help fancying the haste with + which that table had been abandoned, only a few moments before. + The tents were standing, and in some the blankets were lying on + the ground, as if they had been very suddenly vacated. In one + tent was a side-saddle, a neat pair of gaiters, and a + hoop-skirt. The proper connection of those articles with the + battle-field I was unable to ascertain.</p> + + <p>In that camp was a fine lot of provisions, arms, equipments, + and ammunition. Saddles were numerous, but there were no + horses. It was evident that, the hasty evacuation left no time + for the simple process of saddling.</p> + + <p>Early in the day I had come into possession of a horse with + a very poor outfit. Once in camp, I was not slow to avail + myself of the privilege of supply. I went into battle on foot, + carrying only a knapsack containing a note-book and two pieces + of bread. When the fight was over, I was the possessor of a + horse and all the equipments for a campaign. I had an overcoat, + a roll of fine blankets, and a pair of saddle-bags. The latter + were well filled from the trunk of some one I had not the + pleasure of knowing, but who was evidently "just my size." Mr. + Barnes, of the Missouri <i>Democrat</i>, was my companion on + that occasion. He was equally careful to provide himself from + the enemy's stores, but wasted, time in becoming sentimental + over two love-letters and a photograph of a young woman.</p> + + <p>The flags captured in this affair were excellent + illustrations of the policy of the leading Secessionists. There + was one Rebel flag with the arms of the State of Missouri + filling the field. There was a State flag, with only fifteen + stars surrounding the coat of arms. There was a. Rebel flag, + with the State arms in the center, and there was one Rebel flag + of the regular pattern. The rallying-cry at that time was in + behalf of the State, and the people were told they must act for + Missouri, without regard to any thing else. In no part of the + country was the "State Rights" theory more freely used. All the + changes were rung upon the sovereignty of States, the right of + Missouri to exclude United States soldiers from her soil, the + illegality of the formation of Union regiments, and the tyranny + of the General Government.</p> + + <p>The flags under which Missouri soldiers were gathered + clearly blended the interests of the State with secession.</p> + + <p>Our troops entered Booneville amid demonstrations of delight + from one portion of the inhabitants, and the frowns and + muttered indignation of the other. The Rebels had fled, a part + of them by land, and the balance on a steamboat, toward + Lexington. Quiet possession obtained, there was time to examine + into the details of the fight. We had lost twelve men, the + enemy probably twice as many. The action, three years later, + would have been considered only a roadside skirmish, but it was + then an affair of importance. Every man with General Lyon felt + far more elation over the result than has since been felt over + battles of much greater moment. We had won a signal victory; + the enemy had suffered an equally signal defeat.</p> + + <p>During the battle, a chaplain, provided with four men to + look after the wounded, came suddenly upon a group of + twenty-four Rebels. An imperative demand for their surrender + was promptly complied with, and the chaplain, with his force of + four, brought twenty-four prisoners into town. He was so + delighted at his success that he subsequently took a commission + in the line. In time he was honored with the stars of a + brigadier-general.</p> + + <p>General Lyon was my personal friend, but he very nearly did + me great injustice. Seeing myself and a fellow-journalist on a + distant part of the field, he mistook us for scouts of the + enemy, and ordered his sharp-shooters to pick us off. His + chief-of-staff looked in our direction, and fortunately + recognized us in time to countermand the order. I was afterward + on the point of being shot at by an infantry captain, through a + similar mistake. A civilian's dress on the battle-field (a gray + coat formed a part of mine) subjects the wearer to many dangers + from his friends, as most war correspondents can testify.</p> + + <p>While approaching the town, I stopped to slake my thirst at + a well. A group of our soldiers joined me while I was drinking. + I had drank very freely from the bucket, and transferred it to + a soldier, when the resident of a neighboring house appeared, + and informed us that the well had been poisoned by the Rebels, + and the water was certain to produce death. The soldiers + desisted, and looked at me with much pity. For a moment, I + confess, the situation did not appear cheerful, but I concluded + the injury, if any, was already done, and I must make the best + of it. The soldiers watched me as I mounted my horse, evidently + expecting me to fall within a hundred yards. When I met one of + them the following day, he opened his eyes in astonishment at + seeing me alive. From that day, I entertained a great contempt + for poisoned wells.</p> + + <p>In Booneville the incidents were not of a startling + character. I found the strongest secession sympathy was + entertained by the wealthier inhabitants, while the poor were + generally loyal. Some cases of determined loyalty I found among + the wealthy; but they were the exception rather than the rule. + Accompanied by a small squad of soldiers, myself and companion + visited the house of a gentleman holding office under the + United States Government. We obtained from that house several + Rebel cockades and small flags, which had been fabricated by + the ladies.</p> + + <p>With the same squad we visited the principal bank of + Booneville, and persuaded the cashier to give us a Rebel flag + which had been floating for several days from a staff in front + of the building. This flag was ten yards in length, and the + materials of which it was made were of the finest quality. The + interview between the cashier and ourselves was an amusing one. + He protested he knew nothing of the flag or its origin, and at + first declared it was not about the building. According to his + own representation, he was too good a Union man to harbor any + thing of the sort. Just as he was in the midst of a very + earnest profession of loyalty the flag was discovered.</p> + + <p>"Somebody must have put that there to ruin me," was his + exclamation. "Gentlemen, I hope you won't harm me; and, if you + want me to do so, I will take the oath of allegiance this + minute."</p> + + <p>Soon after the occupation of Booneville, General Lyon sent a + small expedition to Syracuse, twenty-five miles in the + interior. This force returned in a few days, and then + preparations were begun for a march to Springfield. Colonel + Blair left Booneville for St. Louis and Washington, while + General Lyon attended to the preliminaries for his contemplated + movement. The First Iowa Infantry joined him, and formed a part + of his expeditionary force. The Rebels gathered at Lexington, + and thence moved southward to reach the Arkansas line, to form + a junction with the then famous Ben McCulloch.</p> + + <p>The prospect was good that Central Missouri would soon be + clear of Rebels. Our general success in the State depended upon + occupying and holding the Southwest. General Lyon was to move + thither from Booneville. General Sweeney had already gone there + by way of Rolla, while another force, under Major Sturgis, was + moving from Leavenworth in a southeasterly direction. All were + to unite at Springfield and form an army of occupation.</p> + + <p>Preparations went on slowly, as the transportation was to be + gathered from the surrounding country. Foreseeing that the + expedition would be slow to reach Springfield, I returned to + St. Louis. There I made preparations to join the army, when its + march should be completed, by a more expeditious route than the + one General Lyon would follow.</p> + + <p>At Booneville, General Lyon established a temporary blockade + of the Missouri River, by stopping all boats moving in either + direction. In most cases a single shot across the bow of a boat + sufficed to bring it to land. One day the <i>White Cloud</i>, + on her way from Kansas City to St. Louis, refused to halt until + three shots had been fired, the last one grazing the top of the + pilot-house. When brought before General Lyon, the captain of + the <i>White Cloud</i> apologized for neglecting to obey the + first signal, and said his neglect was due to his utter + ignorance of military usage.</p> + + <p>The apology was deemed sufficient. The captain was + dismissed, with a gentle admonition not to make a similar + mistake in future.</p> + + <p>At that time the public was slow to understand the power and + extent of military law and military rule. When martial law was + declared in St. Louis, in August, 1861, a citizen waited upon + the provost-marshal, in order to ascertain the precise state of + affairs.</p> + + <p>After some desultory conversation, he threw out the + question:--</p> + + <p>"What does martial law do?"</p> + + <p>"Well," said Major McKinstry, the provost-marshal, "I can + explain the whole thing in a second. Martial law does pretty + much as it d--n pleases."</p> + + <p>Before the year was ended the inhabitants of St. Louis + learned that the major's assertion was not far from the + truth.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c5" id="c5"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER V.</h4> + + <h5>TO SPRINGFIELD AND BEYOND.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Conduct of the St. Louis + Secessionists.--Collisions between Soldiers and + Citizens.--Indignation of the Guests of a Hotel.--From St. + Louis to Rolla.--Opinions of a "Regular."--Railway-life in + Missouri.--Unprofitable Freight.--A Story of + Orthography.--Mountains and Mountain Streams.--Fastidiousness + Checked.--Frontier Courtesy.--Concentration of Troops at + Springfield.--A Perplexing Situation.--The March to Dug + Spring.--Sufferings from Heat and Thirst.</p> + + <p>The success of the Union arms at Booneville did not silence + the Secessionists in St. Louis. They continued to hold + meetings, and arrange plans for assisting their friends in the + field. At many places, one could hear expressions of + indignation at the restrictions which the proper authorities + sought to put upon the secession movement. Union flags were + torn from the front of private buildings--generally in the + night or early morning. Twice, when Union troops were marching + along the streets, they were fired upon by citizens. A + collision of this kind had occurred at the corner of Fifth and + Walnut streets, on the day after the capture of Camp Jackson. + The soldiers returned the fire, and killed several persons; but + this did not deter the Secessionists from repeating the + experiment. In the affairs that took place after the battle of + Booneville, the result was the same. Unfortunately, in each + collision, a portion of those killed were innocent on-lookers. + After a few occurrences of this kind, soldiers were allowed to + march through the streets without molestation.</p> + + <p>About the first of July, there were rumors that an + insurrection would be attempted on the National holiday. Ample + provision was made to give the insurgents a warm reception. + Consequently, they made no trouble. The printer of the bills of + fare at a prominent hotel noticed the Fourth of July by + ornamenting his work with a National flag, in colors. This + roused the indignation of a half-dozen guests, whose sympathies + lay with the Rebellion. They threatened to leave, but were so + far in arrears that they could not settle their accounts. The + hotel-keeper endeavored to soothe them by promising to give his + printing, for the future, to another house. Several loyal + guests were roused at this offer, and threatened to secede at + once if it were carried out. The affair resulted in nothing but + words.</p> + + <p>On the morning of the 11th of July I left St. Louis, to join + General Lyon in the Southwest. It was a day's ride by rail to + Rolla, the terminus of the Southwest Branch of the Pacific + road. I well recollect the strange and motley group that filled + the cars on that journey. There were a few officers and + soldiers <i>en route</i> to join their comrades in the field. + Nearly all of them were fresh from civil life. They wore their + uniforms uneasily, as a farmer's boy wears his Sunday suit. + Those who carried sabers experienced much inconvenience when + walking, on account of the propensity of those weapons to get + between their legs. In citizen's dress, at my side, sat an + officer of the old army, who looked upon these newly-made + warriors with much contempt, mingled with an admiration of + their earnestness. After an outburst of mild invective, he + pronounced a well-merited tribute to their patriotism.</p> + + <p>"After all," said he, "they are as good as the material the + Rebels have for their army. In some respects, they are better. + The Northern blood is cold; the Southern is full of life and + passion. In the first onset, our enemies will prove more + impetuous than we, and will often overpower us. In the + beginning of the struggle, they will prove our superiors, and + may be able to boast of the first victories. But their physical + energy will soon be exhausted, while ours will steadily + increase. Patience, coolness, and determination will be sure to + bring us the triumph in the end. These raw recruits, that are + at present worthless before trained soldiers, distrusting + themselves as we distrust them, will yet become veterans, + worthy to rank with the best soldiers of the Old World."</p> + + <p>The civilian passengers on a railway in Missouri are + essentially different from the same class in the East. There + are very few women, and the most of these are not as carefully + dressed as their Oriental sisters. Their features lack the + fineness that one observes in New York and New England. The + "hog and hominy," the general diet of the Southwest, is plainly + perceptible in the physique of the women. The male travelers, + who are not indigenous to the soil, are more roughly clothed + and more careless in manner than the same order of passengers + between New York and Boston. Of those who enter and leave at + way-stations, the men are clad in that yellow, homespun + material known as "butternut." The casual observer inclines to + the opinion that there are no good bathing-places where these + men reside. They are inquisitive, ignorant, unkempt, but + generally civil. The women are the reverse of attractive, and + are usually uncivil and ignorant. The majority are addicted to + smoking, and generally make use of a cob-pipe. Unless objection + is made by some passenger, the conductors ordinarily allow the + women to indulge in this pastime.</p> + + <p>The region traversed by the railway is sparsely settled, the + ground being generally unfavorable to agriculture. For some + time after this portion of the road was opened, the natives + refused to give it patronage, many of them declaring that the + old mode of travel, by horseback, was the best of all. During + the first week after opening the Southwest Branch, the company + ran a daily freight train each way. All the freight offered in + that time was a bear and a keg of honey. Both were placed in + the same car. The bear ate the honey, and the company was + compelled to pay for the damage.</p> + + <p>I have heard a story concerning the origin of the name of + Rolla, which is interesting, though I cannot vouch for its + truth. In selecting a name for the county seat of Phelps + County, a North Carolinian residing there, suggested that it + should do honor to the capital of his native State. The person + who reduced the request to writing, used the best orthography + that occurred to him, so that what should have been "Raleigh," + became "Rolla." The request thus written was sent to the + Legislature, and the name of the town became fixed. The + inhabitants generally pronounce it as if the intended spelling + had been adopted.</p> + + <p>The journey from Rolla to Springfield was accomplished by + stage, and required two days of travel. For fifty miles the + road led over mountains, to the banks of the Gasconade, one of + the prettiest rivers I have ever seen. The mountain streams of + Southwest Missouri, having their springs in the limestone rock, + possess a peculiarity unknown in the Eastern States. In a depth + of two feet or less, the water is apparently as clear as that + of the purest mountain brook in New England. But when the depth + reaches, or exceeds, three feet, the water assumes a deep-blue + tinge, like that of the sky in a clear day. Viewed from an + elevation, the picture is one that cannot be speedily + forgotten. The blue water makes a marked contrast with + surrounding objects, as the streams wind through the forests + and fields on their banks. Though meandering through mountains, + these rivers have few sharp falls or roaring rapids. Their + current is usually gentle, broken here and there into a ripple + over a slightly descending shallow, but observing uniformity in + all its windings.</p> + + <p>My first night from Rolla was passed on the banks of the + Gasconade. Another day's ride, extended far into the second + night, found me at Springfield. When I reached my room at the + hotel, and examined the bed, I found but one sheet where we + usually look for two. Expostulations were of no avail. The + porter curtly informed me, "People here use only one sheet. + Down in St. Louis you folks want two sheets, but in this part + of the country we ain't so nice."</p> + + <p>I appreciated my fastidiousness when I afterward saw, at a + Tennessee hotel, the following notice:--</p> + + <p>"Gentlemen who wish towels in their rooms must deposit fifty + cents at the office, as security for their return."</p> + + <p>Travel in the Border and Southern States will acquaint a + Northerner with strange customs. To find an entire household + occupying a single large room is not an unfrequent occurrence. + The rules of politeness require that, when bedtime has arrived, + the men shall go out of doors to contemplate the stars, while + the ladies disrobe and retire. The men then return and proceed + to bed. Sometimes the ladies amuse themselves by studying the + fire while the men find their way to their couches, where they + gallantly turn their faces to the wall, and permit the ladies + to don their <i>robes de nuit</i>.</p> + + <p>Notwithstanding the scarcity of accommodations, the traveler + seeking a meal or resting-place will rarely meet a refusal. In + New York or New England, one can journey many a mile and find a + cold denial at every door. In the West and Southwest "the + latch-string hangs out," and the stranger is always welcome. + Especially is this the case among the poorer classes.</p> + + <p>Springfield is the largest town in Southwest Missouri, and + has a fine situation. Before the war it was a place of + considerable importance, as it controlled the trade of a large + region around it. East of it the country is quite broken, but + on the south and west there are stretches of rolling prairie, + bounded by rough wood-land. Considered in a military light, + Springfield was the key to that portion of the State. A large + number of public roads center at that point. Their direction is + such that the possession of the town by either army would + control any near position of an adversary of equal or inferior + strength. General Lyon was prompt in seeing its value, and + determined to make an early movement for its occupation. When + he started from St. Louis for Booneville, he ordered General + Sweeney to march from Rolla to Springfield as speedily as + possible.</p> + + <p>General Sweeney moved with three regiments of infantry and a + battery of artillery, and reached Springfield in five days from + the time of starting; the distance being a hundred and twenty + miles. He then divided his forces, sending Colonel Sigel to + Carthage, nearly fifty miles further toward the west, in the + hope of cutting off the Rebel retreat in that direction. Major + Sturgis was moving from Leavenworth toward Springfield, and + expected to arrive there in advance of General Lyon.</p> + + <p>Major Sturgis was delayed in crossing a river, so that the + Rebels arrived at Carthage before Colonel Sigel had been + reinforced. The latter, with about eleven hundred men, + encountered the Rebel column, twice as large as his own. The + battle raged for several hours, neither side losing very + heavily. It resulted in Sigel's retreat to avoid being + surrounded by the enemy. Wonderful stories were told at that + time of the terrific slaughter in the Rebel ranks, but these + stories could never be traced to a reliable source. It is + proper to say that the Rebels made equally large estimates of + our own loss.</p> + + <p>On General Lyon's arrival all the troops were concentrated + in the vicinity of Springfield. It was known that the Rebels + were encamped near the Arkansas border, awaiting the + re-enforcements which had been promised from the older States + of the Confederacy. General Fremont had been assigned to the + command of the Western Department, and was daily expected at + St. Louis to assume the direction of affairs. Our scouts were + kept constantly employed in bringing us news from the Rebel + camp, and it is quite probable the Rebels were equally well + informed of our own condition. We were able to learn that their + number was on the increase, and that they would soon be largely + re-enforced. After three weeks of occupation our strength + promised to be diminished. Half of General Lyon's command + consisted of "three-months men," whose period of enlistment was + drawing to a close. A portion of these men went to St. Louis, + some volunteered to remain as long as the emergency required + their presence, and others were kept against their will. + Meantime, General Lyon made the most urgent requests for + re-enforcements, and declared he would be compelled to abandon + the Southwest if not speedily strengthened. General Fremont + promised to send troops to his assistance. After he made the + promise, Cairo was threatened by General Pillow, and the + re-enforcing column turned in that direction. General Lyon was + left to take care of himself.</p> + + <p>By the latter part of July, our situation had become + critical. Price's army had been re-enforced by a column of + Arkansas and Louisiana troops, under General McCulloch. This + gave the Rebels upward of twelve thousand men, while we could + muster less than six thousand. General Price assumed the + offensive, moving slowly toward Springfield, as if sure of his + ability to overpower the National forces. General Lyon + determined to fall upon the enemy before he could reach + Springfield, and moved on the 1st of August with that object in + view.</p> + + <p>On the second day of our march a strong scouting party of + Rebels was encountered, and a sharp skirmish ensued, in which + they were repulsed. This encounter is known in the Southwest as + "the fight at Dug Spring." The next day another skirmish + occurred, and, on the third morning, twenty-five miles from + Springfield, General Lyon called a council of war. "Councils of + war do not fight" has grown into a proverb. The council on this + occasion decided that we should return to Springfield without + attacking the enemy. The decision was immediately carried + out.</p> + + <p>The beginning of August, in Southwest Missouri, is in the + midst of the warm season. The day of the march to Dug Spring + was one I shall never forget. In Kansas, before the war, I once + had a walk of several miles under a burning sun, in a region + where not a drop of water could be found. When I finally + reached it, the only water to be found was in a small, stagnant + pool, covered with a green scum nearly an inch in thickness. + Warm, brackish, and fever-laden as that water was, I had never + before tasted any thing half so sweet. Again, while crossing + the Great Plains in 1860, I underwent a severe and prolonged + thirst, only quenching it with the bitter alkali-water of the + desert. On neither of these occasions were my sufferings half + as great as in the advance to Dug Spring.</p> + + <p>A long ride in that hot atmosphere gave me a thirst of the + most terrible character. Making a detour to the left of the + road in a vain search for water, I fell behind the column as it + marched slowly along. As I moved again to the front, I passed + scores of men who had fallen from utter exhaustion. Many were + delirious, and begged piteously for water in ever so small a + quantity. Several died from excessive heat, and others were for + a long time unfit for duty. Reaching the spring which gave its + name to the locality, I was fortunate in finding only the + advance of the command. With considerable effort I succeeded in + obtaining a pint cupful of water, and thus allayed my immediate + thirst.</p> + + <p>According to the custom in that region, the spring was + covered with a frame building, about eight feet square. There + are very few cellars in that part of the country, and the + spring-house, as it is called, is used for preserving milk and + other articles that require a low temperature. As the main + portion of the column came up, the crowd around the + spring-house became so dense that those once inside could not + get out. The building was lifted and thrown away from the + spring, but this only served to increase the confusion. + Officers found it impossible to maintain discipline. When the + men caught sight of the crowd at the spring, the lines were + instantly broken. At the spring, officers and men were mingled + without regard to rank, all struggling for the same object. A + few of the former, who had been fortunate in commencing the day + with full canteens, attempted to bring order out of chaos, but + found the effort useless. No command was heeded. The officers + of the two regiments of "regulars" had justly boasted of the + superior discipline of their men. On this occasion the + superiority was not apparent. Volunteers and regulars were + equally subject to thirst, and made equal endeavor to quench + it.</p> + + <p>Twenty yards below the spring was a shallow pool, where + cattle and hogs were allowed to run. Directly above it was a + trough containing a few gallons of warm water, which had + evidently been there several days. This was speedily taken by + the men. Then the hot, scum-covered pool was resorted to. In a + very few minutes the trampling of the soldiers' feet had + stirred this pool till its substance was more like earth than + water. Even from this the men would fill their cups and + canteens, and drink with the utmost eagerness. I saw a private + soldier emerge from the crowd with a canteen full of this worse + than ditch-water. An officer tendered a five-dollar gold piece + for the contents of the canteen, and found his offer + indignantly refused. To such a frenzy were men driven by thirst + that they tore up handfuls of moist earth, and swallowed the + few drops of water that could be pressed out.</p> + + <p>In subsequent campaigns I witnessed many scenes of hunger + and thirst, but none to equal those of that day at Dug + Spring.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c6" id="c6"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER VI.</h4> + + <h5>THE BATTLE OF WILSON CREEK.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Return from Dug Spring.--The Rebels follow + in Pursuit.--Preparations to Attack them.--The Plan of + Battle.--Moving to the Attack--A Bivouac.--The Opening + Shot.--"Is that Official?"--Sensations of a Spectator in + Battle.--Extension of Distance and Time.--Characteristics of + Projectiles.--Taking Notes under Fire.--Strength and Losses of + the Opposing Armies.--A Noble Record.--The Wounded on the + Field.--"One More Shot."--Granger in his Element.--General + Lyon's Death.</p> + + <p>The return of General Lyon from Dug Spring emboldened the + enemy to move nearer to Springfield. On the 7th of August the + Rebels reached Wilson Creek, ten miles from Springfield, and + formed their camp on both sides of that stream. General Ben. + McCulloch was their commander-in-chief. On the night of the + 8th, General Lyon proposed to move from Springfield for the + purpose of attacking their position. The design was not carried + out, on account of the impossibility of securing proper + disposition of our forces in season to reach the enemy's camp + at daylight.</p> + + <p>During the 8th and the forenoon of the 9th, preparations + were made for resisting an attack in Springfield, in case the + enemy should come upon us. In the afternoon of the 9th, General + Lyon decided to assault the Rebel camp at daylight of the + following morning. A council of war had determined that a + defeat would be less injurious than a retreat without a battle, + provided the defeat were not too serious. "To abandon the + Southwest without a struggle," said General Lyon, "would be a + sad blow to our cause, and would greatly encourage the Rebels. + We will fight, and hope for the best."</p> + + <p>In arranging a plan of battle, Colonel Sigel suggested that + the forces should be divided, so that a simultaneous attack + would be made upon either extremity of the enemy's camp. The + two columns were to move from Springfield at sunset, bivouac + within four miles of the proposed battle-field, and begin their + march early enough to fall upon the enemy's camp a little past + daylight. We left Springfield about sunset on the 9th, General + Lyon taking about three thousand men, while Colonel Sigel took + less than two thousand. Exceptions have frequently been made to + this mode of attack. Had it been successful, I presume no one + would have found it faulty. It is an easy matter to criticise + the plans of others, after their result is known.</p> + + <p>The columns moved by different roads to obtain the desired + positions. The march was as silent as possible. The only sounds + were the rumbling of wheels and the occasional clank of arms. + No one was heavily encumbered, as we expected to return to + Springfield before the following night. Midnight found us in a + hay-field, four miles from the Rebel camp. There we rested till + morning.</p> + + <p>On the previous night I had been almost without sleep, and + therefore took speedy advantage of the halt. Two journeys over + the Plains, a little trip into New Mexico, and some excursions + among the Rocky Mountains, had taught me certain rules of + campaign life. I rarely moved without my blankets and rubber + "poncho," and with a haversack more or less well filled. On + this occasion I was prepared for sleeping in the open air.</p> + + <p>One bivouac is much like another. When one is weary, a + blanket on the ground is just as comfortable as a bed of down + under a slated roof. If accustomed to lie under lace curtains, + a tree or a bush will make an excellent substitute. "Tired + nature's sweet restorer" comes quickly to an exhausted frame. + Realities of the past, expectations of the future, hopes, + sorrows, wishes, regrets--all are banished as we sink into + sweet repose.</p> + + <p>At dawn we were in motion. At daylight the smoke hanging + over the enemy's camp was fully before us. Sunrise was near at + hand when the hostile position was brought to our view. It lay, + as we had anticipated, stretched along the banks of Wilson + Creek.</p> + + <p>Until our advance drove in the pickets, a thousand yards + from their camp, the Rebels had no intimation of our approach. + Many of them were reluctant to believe we were advancing to + attack them, and thought the firing upon the pickets was the + work of a scouting party. The opening of our artillery soon + undeceived them, a shell being dropped in the middle of their + camp.</p> + + <p>A Rebel officer afterward told me about our first shell. + When the pickets gave the alarm of our approach, the Rebel + commander ordered his forces to "turn out." An Arkansas colonel + was in bed when the order reached him, and lazily asked, "Is + that official?" Before the bearer of the order could answer, + our shell tore through the colonel's tent, and exploded a few + yards beyond it. The officer waited for no explanation, but + ejaculated, "That's official, anyhow," as he sprang out of his + blankets, and arrayed himself in fighting costume.</p> + + <p>Before the Rebels could respond to our morning salutation, + we heard the booming of Sigel's cannon on the left. Colonel + Sigel reached the spot assigned him some minutes before we were + able to open fire from our position. It had been stipulated + that he should wait for the sound of our guns before making his + attack. His officers said they waited nearly fifteen minutes + for our opening shot. They could look into the Rebel camp in + the valley of the stream, a few hundred yards distant. The + cooks were beginning their preparations for breakfast, and gave + our men a fine opportunity to learn the process of making + Confederate corn-bread and coffee. Some of the Rebels saw our + men, and supposed they were their own forces, who had taken up + a new position. Several walked into our lines, and found + themselves prisoners of war.</p> + + <p>Previous to that day I had witnessed several skirmishes, but + this was my first battle of importance. Distances seemed much + greater than they really were. I stood by the side of Captain + Totten's battery as it opened the conflict.</p> + + <p>"How far are you firing?" I asked.</p> + + <p>"About eight hundred yards; not over that," was the + captain's response.</p> + + <p>I should have called it sixteen hundred, had I been called + on for an estimate.</p> + + <p>Down the valley rose the smoke of Sigel's guns, about a mile + distant, though, apparently, two or three miles away.</p> + + <p>Opposite Sigel's position was the camp of the Arkansas + Division: though it was fully in my sight, and the tents and + wagons were plainly visible, I could not get over the + impression that they were far off.</p> + + <p>The explosions of our shells, and the flashes of the enemy's + guns, a short distance up the slope on the opposite side of the + creek, seemed to be at a considerable distance.</p> + + <p>To what I shall ascribe these illusions, I do not know. On + subsequent battle-fields I have never known their recurrence. + Greater battles, larger streams, higher hills, broader fields, + wider valleys, more extended camps, have come under my + observation, but in none of them has the romance exceeded the + reality.</p> + + <p>The hours did not crowd into minutes, but the minutes almost + extended into hours. I frequently found, on consulting my + watch, that occurrences, apparently of an hour's duration, were + really less than a half or a quarter of that time.</p> + + <p>As the sun rose, it passed into a cloud. When it emerged, I + fully expected it would be some distance toward the zenith, and + was surprised to find it had advanced only a few degrees.</p> + + <p>There was a light shower, that lasted less than ten minutes: + I judged it had been twenty.</p> + + <p>The evolutions of the troops on the field appeared slow and + awkward. They were really effected with great promptness.</p> + + <p>General Lyon was killed before nine o'clock, as I very well + knew. It was some days before I could rid myself of an + impression that his death occurred not far from noon. Th</p> + + <p>e apparent extension of the hours was the experience of + several persons on that field. I think it has been known by + many, on the occasion of their first battle. At Pea Ridge, an + officer told me, there seemed to be about thirty hours between + sunrise and sunset. Another thought it was four P.M. when the + sun was at the meridian. It was only at Wilson Creek that I + experienced this sensation. On subsequent battle-fields I had + no reason to complain of my estimate of time.</p> + + <p>The first shell from the enemy's guns passed high over my + head. I well remember the screech of that missile as it cut + through the air and lost itself in the distance. "Too high, + Captain Bledsoe," exclaimed our artillery officer, as he + planted a shell among the Rebel gunners. In firing a half-dozen + rounds the Rebels obtained our range, and then used their guns + with some effect. The noise of each of those shells I can + distinctly recall, though I have since listened to hundreds of + similar sounds, of which I have no vivid recollection. The + sound made by a shell, in its passage through the air, cannot + be described, and, when once heard, can never be forgotten.</p> + + <p>I was very soon familiar with the whistling of musket-balls. + Before the end of the action, I thought I could distinguish the + noise of a Minié bullet from that of a common + rifle-ball, or a ball from a smooth-bored musket. Once, while + conversing with the officer in charge of the skirmish line, I + found myself the center of a very hot fire. It seemed, at that + instant, as if a swarm of the largest and most spiteful bees + had suddenly appeared around me. The bullets flew too rapidly + to be counted, but I fancied I could perceive a variation in + their sound.</p> + + <p>After I found a position beyond the range of musketry, the + artillery would insist upon searching me out. While I was + seated under a small oak-tree, with my left arm through my + horse's bridle, and my pencil busy on my note-book, the tree + above my head was cut by a shell. Moving from that spot, I had + just resumed my writing, when a shot tore up the ground under + my arm, and covered me with dirt. Even a remove to another + quarter did not answer my purpose, and I finished my notes + after reaching the rear.</p> + + <p>It is not my intention to give the details of the + battle--the movements of each regiment, battalion, or battery, + as it performed its part in the work. The official record will + be sought by those who desire the purely military history. It + is to be regretted that the official report of the engagement + at Wilson Creek displays the great hostility of its author + toward a fellow-soldier. In the early campaigns in Missouri, + many officers of the regular army vied with the Rebels in their + hatred of "the Dutch." This feeling was not confined to + Missouri alone, but was apparent in the East as well as in the + West. As the war progressed the hostility diminished, but it + was never entirely laid aside.</p> + + <p>The duration of the battle was about four and a half hours. + The whole force under the National flag was five thousand men. + The Rebels acknowledged having twelve thousand, of all arms. It + is probable that this estimate was a low one. The Rebels were + generally armed with shot-guns, common rifles, and muskets of + the old pattern. About a thousand had no arms whatever. Their + artillery ammunition was of poorer quality than our own. These + circumstances served to make the disparity less great than the + actual strength of the hostile forces would imply. Even with + these considerations, the odds against General Lyon were quite + large.</p> + + <p>Our loss was a little less than one-fifth our whole + strength. Up to that time, a battle in which one-tenth of those + engaged was placed <i>hors de combat</i>, was considered a very + sanguinary affair. During the war there were many engagements + where the defeated party suffered a loss of less than + one-twentieth. Wilson Creek can take rank as one of the + best-fought battles, when the number engaged is brought into + consideration.</p> + + <p>The First Missouri Infantry went into action with seven + hundred and twenty-six men. Its casualty list was as + follows:--</p><br /> + <br /> + + <table summary="Casualty List of the 1st Missouri Infantry"> + <tr> + <td class="l">Killed</td> + + <td class="r">77</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">Dangerously wounded</td> + + <td class="r">93</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">Otherwise wounded</td> + + <td class="r">126</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">Captured</td> + + <td class="r">2</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">Missing</td> + + <td class="r">15</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r" colspan="2">---</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">Total</td> + + <td class="r">313</td> + </tr> + </table><br /> + <br /> + + <p>The First Kansas Infantry, out of seven hundred and + eighty-five men, lost two hundred and ninety-six. The loss in + other regiments was quite severe, though not proportionately as + heavy as the above. These two regiments did not break during + the battle, and when they left the ground they marched off as + coolly as from a parade.</p> + + <p>At the time our retreat was ordered our ammunition was + nearly exhausted and the ranks fearfully thinned. The Rebels + had made a furious attack, in which they were repulsed. General + Sweeney insisted that it was their last effort, and if we + remained on the ground we would not be molested again. Major + Sturgis, upon whom the command devolved after General Lyon's + death, reasoned otherwise, and considered it best to fall back + to Springfield. The Rebels afterward admitted that General + McCulloch had actually given the order for retreat a few + moments before they learned of our withdrawal. Of course he + countermanded his order at once. There were several battles in + the late Rebellion in which the circumstances were similar. In + repeated instances the victorious party thought itself + defeated, and was much astonished at finding its antagonist had + abandoned the struggle.</p> + + <p>In our retreat we brought away many of our wounded, but left + many others on the field. When the Rebels took possession they + cared for their own men as well as the circumstances would + permit, but gave no assistance to ours. There were reports, + well authenticated, that some who lay helpless were shot or + bayoneted. Two days after the battle a surgeon who remained at + Springfield was allowed to send out wagons for the wounded. + Some were not found until after four days' exposure. They + crawled about as best they could, and, by searching the + haversacks of dead men, saved themselves from starvation. One + party of four built a shelter of branches of trees as a + protection against the sun. Another party crawled to the bank + of the creek, and lay day and night at the water's edge. + Several men sought shelter in the fence corners, or by the side + of fallen trees.</p> + + <p>Two days before the battle, ten dollars were paid to each + man of the First Kansas Infantry. The money was in + twenty-dollar pieces, and the payment was made by drawing up + the regiment in the customary two ranks, and giving a + twenty-dollar piece to each man in the front rank. + Three-fourths of those killed or wounded in that regiment were + of the front rank. The Rebels learned of this payment, and made + rigid search of all whom they found on the field. Nearly a year + after the battle a visitor to the ground picked up one of these + gold coins.</p> + + <p>During the battle several soldiers from St. Louis and its + vicinity recognized acquaintances on the opposite side. These + recognitions were generally the occasion of many derisive and + abusive epithets. In the Border States each party had a feeling + of bitter hostility toward the other. Probably the animosity + was greater in Missouri than elsewhere.</p> + + <p>A lieutenant of the First Missouri Infantry reported that he + saw one of the men of his regiment sitting under a tree during + the battle, busily engaged in whittling a bullet.</p> + + <p>"What are you doing there?" said the officer.</p> + + <p>"My ammunition is gone, and I'm cutting down this bullet to + fit my gun." (The soldier's musket was a "54-caliber," and the + bullet was a "59.")</p> + + <p>"Look around among the wounded men," was the order, "and get + some 54-cartridges. Don't stop to cut down that bullet."</p> + + <p>"I would look around, lieutenant," the soldier responded, + "but I can't move. My leg is shot through. I won't be long + cutting this down, and then I want a chance to hit some of + them."</p> + + <p>Captain Gordon Granger was serving on the staff of General + Lyon. When not actively engaged in his professional duties, he + visited all parts of the field where the fight was hottest. + Though himself somewhat excited, he was constantly urging the + raw soldiers to keep cool and not throw away a shot. Wherever + there was a weak place in our line, he was among the first to + discover it and devise a plan for making it good. On one + occasion, he found a gap between two regiments, and noticed + that the Rebels were preparing to take advantage of it. Without + a moment's delay, he transferred three companies of infantry to + the spot, managing to keep them concealed behind a small + ridge.</p> + + <p>"Now, lie still; don't raise your heads out of the grass," + said Granger; "I'll tell you when to fire."</p> + + <p>The Rebels advanced toward the supposed gap. Granger stood + where he could see and not be seen. He was a strange compound + of coolness and excitement. While his judgment was of the best, + and his resources were ready for all emergencies, a by-stander + would have thought him heated almost to frenzy. The warmth of + his blood gave him a wonderful energy and rendered him + ubiquitous; his skill and decision made his services of the + highest importance.</p> + + <p>"There they come; steady, now; let them get near enough; + fire low; give them h--l."</p> + + <p>The Rebels rushed forward, thinking to find an easy passage. + When within less than fifty yards, Granger ordered his men to + fire. The complete repulse of the Rebels was the result.</p> + + <p>"There, boys; you've done well. D--n the scoundrels; they + won't come here again." With this, the captain hastened to some + other quarter.</p> + + <p>The death of General Lyon occurred near the middle of the + battle. So many accounts of this occurrence have been given, + that I am not fully satisfied which is the correct one. I know + at least half a dozen individuals in whose arms General Lyon + expired, and think there are as many more who claim that sad + honor. There is a similar mystery concerning his last words, a + dozen versions having been given by persons who claim to have + heard them. It is my belief that General Lyon was killed while + reconnoitering the enemy's line and directing the advance of a + regiment of infantry. I believe he was on foot at the instant, + and was caught, as he fell, in the arms of "Lehman," his + orderly. His last utterance was, doubtless, the order for the + infantry to advance, and was given a moment before he received + the fatal bullet. From the nature of the wound, his death, if + not instantaneous, was very speedy. A large musket-ball entered + his left side, in the region of the heart, passing nearly + through to the right. A reported wound in the breast was made + with a bayonet in the hands of a Rebel soldier, several hours + afterward. The body was brought to Springfield on the night + after the battle.</p> + + <p>It was my fortune to be acquainted with General Lyon. During + the progress of the war I met no one who impressed me more than + he, in his devotion to the interests of the country. If he + possessed ambition for personal glory, I was unable to discover + it. He declared that reputation was a bubble, which no good + soldier should follow. Wealth was a shadow, which no man in the + country's service should heed. His pay as an officer was + sufficient for all his wants, and he desired nothing more. He + gave to the Nation, as the friend he loved the dearest, a + fortune which he had inherited. If his death could aid in the + success of the cause for which he was fighting, he stood ready + to die. The gloom that spread throughout the North when the + news of his loss was received, showed a just appreciation of + his character.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"How sleep the brave who sink to rest<br /> + By all their country's wishes blest!"</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>At that battle there was the usual complement of officers + for five thousand men. Two years later there were seven + major-generals and thirteen brigadier-generals who had risen + from the Wilson Creek Army. There were colonels, + lieutenant-colonels, and majors, by the score, who fought in + the line or in the ranks on that memorable 10th of August. In + 1863, thirty-two commissioned officers were in the service from + one company of the First Iowa Infantry. Out of one company of + the First Missouri Infantry, twenty-eight men received + commissions. To the majority of the officers from that army + promotion was rapid, though a few cases occurred in which the + services they rendered were tardily acknowledged.</p><a href= + "images/p90i1.jpg"><img src="images/p90i1_t.jpg" alt= + "DEATH OF GENERAL LYON" /></a> + + <p class="captn">DEATH OF GENERAL LYON</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c7" id="c7"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER VII.</h4> + + <h5>THE RETREAT FROM SPRINGFIELD.</h5> + + <p class="toc">A Council of War.--The Journalists' + Council.--Preparations for Retreat.--Preceding the + Advance-Guard.--Alarm and Anxiety of the People.--Magnificent + Distances.--A Novel Odometer.--The Unreliable + Countryman.--Neutrality.--A Night at Lebanon.--A Disagreeable + Lodging-place.--Active Secessionists.--The Man who Sought and + Found his Rights.--Approaching Civilization.--Rebel Couriers on + the Route.--Arrival at Rolla.</p> + + <p>On the night after the battle, the army was quartered at + Springfield. The Rebels had returned to the battle-ground, and + were holding it in possession. The court-house and a large + hotel were taken for hospitals, and received such of our + wounded as were brought in. At a council of war, it was decided + to fall back to Rolla, a hundred and twenty miles distant, and + orders were given to move at daylight.</p> + + <p>The journalists held a council of war, and decided to + commence their retreat at half-past two o'clock in the morning, + in order to be in advance of the army. The probabilities were + in favor of the enemy's cavalry being at the junction of + certain roads, five miles east of the town. We, therefore, + divested ourselves of every thing of a compromising character. + In my own saddle-bags I took only such toilet articles as I had + long carried, and which were not of a warlike nature. We + destroyed papers that might give information to the enemy, and + kept only our note-books, from which all reference to the + strength of our army was carefully stricken out. We determined, + in case of capture, to announce ourselves as journalists, and + display our credentials.</p> + + <p>One of our party was a telegraph operator as well as a + journalist. He did not wish to appear in the former character, + as the Missouri Rebels were then declaring they would show no + quarter to telegraphers. Accordingly, he took special care to + divest himself of all that pertained to the transmission of + intelligence over the wires. A pocket "instrument," which he + had hitherto carried, he concealed in Springfield, after + carefully disabling the office, and leaving the establishment + unfit for immediate use.</p> + + <p>We passed the dangerous point five miles from town, just as + day was breaking. No Rebel cavalry confronted us in the + highway, nor shouted an unwelcome "halt!" from a roadside + thicket. All was still, though we fancied we could hear a sound + of troops in motion far in the distance toward Wilson Creek. + The Rebels were doubtless astir, though they did not choose to + interfere with the retreat of our army.</p> + + <p>As day broke and the sun rose, we found the people of both + complexions thronging to the road, and seeking, anxiously, the + latest intelligence. At first we bore their questions + patiently, and briefly told them what had occurred. Finding + that we lost much time, we began, early in the day, to give the + shortest answers possible. As fast as we proceeded the people + became more earnest, and would insist upon delaying us. Soon + after mid-day we commenced denying we had been at the battle, + or even in Springfield. This was our only course if we would + avoid detention. Several residents of Springfield, and with + them a runaway captain from a Kansas regiment, had preceded us + a few hours and told much more than the truth. Some of them had + advised the people to abandon their homes and go to Rolla or + St. Louis, assuring them they would all be murdered if they + remained at home.</p> + + <p>In pursuance of this advice many were loading a portion of + their household goods upon wagons and preparing to precede or + follow the army in its retreat. We quieted their alarm as much + as possible, advising them to stay at home and trust to + fortune. We could not imagine that the Rebels would deal + severely with the inhabitants, except in cases where they had + been conspicuous in the Union cause. Some of the people took + our advice, unloaded their wagons, and waited for further + developments. Others persisted in their determination to leave. + They knew the Rebels better than we, and hesitated to trust + their tender mercies. A year later we learned more of "the + barbarism of Slavery."</p> + + <p>Southwest Missouri is a region of magnificent distances. A + mile in that locality is like two miles in the New England or + Middle States. The people have an easy way of computing + distance by the survey lines. Thus, if it is the width of a + township from one point to another, they call the distance six + miles, even though the road may follow the tortuosities of a + creek or of the crest of a ridge, and be ten or twelve miles by + actual measurement.</p> + + <p>From Springfield to Lebanon it is called fifty miles, as + indicated by the survey lines. A large part of the way the + route is quite direct, but there are places where it winds + considerably among the hills, and adds several miles to the + length of the road. No account is taken of this, but all is + thrown into the general reckoning.</p> + + <p>There is a popular saying on the frontier, that they measure + the roads with a fox-skin, and make no allowance for the tail. + Frequently I have been told it was five miles to a certain + point, and, after an hour's riding, on inquiry, found that the + place I sought was still five, and sometimes six, miles + distant. Once, when I essayed a "short cut" of two miles, that + was to save me twice that distance, I rode at a good pace for + an hour and a half to accomplish it, and traveled, as I + thought, at least eight miles.</p> + + <p>On the route from Springfield to Lebanon we were much amused + at the estimates of distance. Once I asked a rough-looking + farmer, "How far is it to Sand Springs?"</p> + + <p>"Five miles, stranger," was the reply. "May be you won't + find it so much."</p> + + <p>After riding three miles, and again inquiring, I was + informed it was "risin' six miles to Sand Springs." Who could + believe in the existence of a reliable countryman, after + that?</p> + + <p>Thirty miles from Springfield, we stopped at a farm-house + for dinner. While our meal was being prepared, we lay upon the + grass in front of the house, and were at once surrounded by a + half-dozen anxious natives. We answered their questions to the + best of our abilities, but nearly all of us fell asleep five + minutes after lying down. When aroused for dinner, I was told I + had paused in the middle of a word of two syllables, leaving my + hearers to exercise their imaginations on what I was about to + say.</p> + + <p>Dinner was the usual "hog and hominy" of the Southwest, + varied with the smallest possible loaf of wheaten bread. + Outside the house, before dinner, the men were inquisitive. + Inside the house, when we were seated for dinner, the women + were unceasing in their inquiries. Who can resist the questions + of a woman, even though she be an uneducated and unkempt + Missourian? The dinner and the questions kept us awake, and we + attended faithfully to both.</p> + + <p>The people of this household were not enthusiastic friends + of the Union. Like many other persons, they were anxious to + preserve the good opinion of both sides, by doing nothing in + behalf of either. Thus neutral, they feared they would be less + kindly treated by the Rebels than by the National forces. + Though they had no particular love for our army, I think they + were sorry to see it departing. A few of the Secessionists were + not slow to express the fear that their own army would not be + able to pay in full for all it wanted, as our army had + done.</p> + + <p>Horses and riders refreshed, our journey was resumed. The + scenes of the afternoon were like those of the morning: the + same alarm among the people, the same exaggerated reports, and + the same advice from ourselves, when we chose to give it. The + road stretched out in the same way it had hitherto done, and + the information derived from the inhabitants was as unreliable + as ever. It was late in the evening, in the midst of a heavy + shower, that we reached Lebanon, where we halted for the + night.</p> + + <p>I have somewhere read of a Persian king who beheaded his + subjects for the most trivial or imaginary offenses. The + officers of his cabinet, when awaking in the morning, were + accustomed to place their hands to their necks, to ascertain if + their heads still remained. The individuals comprising our + party had every reason to make a similar examination on the + morning after our stay in this town, and to express many thanks + at the gratifying result.</p> + + <p>On reaching the only hotel at Lebanon, long after dark, we + found the public room occupied by a miscellaneous assemblage. + It was easy to see that they were more happy than otherwise at + the defeat which our arms had sustained. While our supper was + being prepared we made ready for it, all the time keeping our + eyes on the company. We were watched as we went to supper, and, + on reaching the table, found two persons sitting so near our + allotted places that we could not converse freely.</p> + + <p>After supper several individuals wished to talk with us + concerning the recent events. We made the battle appear much + better than it had really been, and assured them that a company + of cavalry was following close behind us, and would speedily + arrive. This information was unwelcome, as the countenances of + the listeners plainly indicated.</p> + + <p>One of our party was called aside by a Union citizen, and + informed of a plan to rob, and probably kill, us before + morning. This was not pleasing. It did not add to the comfort + of the situation to know that a collision between the Home + Guards and a company of Secessionists was momentarily expected. + At either end of the town the opposing parties were reported + preparing for a fight. As the hotel was about half-way between + the two points, our position became interesting.</p> + + <p>Next came a report from an unreliable contraband that our + horses had been stolen. We went to the stable, as a man looks + in a wallet he knows to be empty, and happily found our animals + still there. We found, however, that the stable had been + invaded and robbed of two horses in stalls adjacent to those of + our own. The old story of the theft of a saw-mill, followed by + that of the dam, was brought to our minds, with the exception, + that the return of the thief was not likely to secure his + capture. The stable-keeper offered to lock the door and resign + the key to our care. His offer was probably well intended, but + we could see little advantage in accepting it, as there were + several irregular openings in the side of the building, each of + them ample for the egress of a horse.</p> + + <p>In assigning us quarters for the night, the landlord + suggested that two should occupy a room at one end of the + house, while the rest were located elsewhere. We objected to + this, and sustained our objection. With a little delay, a room + sufficient for all of us was obtained. We made arrangements for + the best possible defense in case of attack, and then lay down + to sleep. Our Union friend called upon us before we were fairly + settled to rest, bringing us intelligence that the room, where + the guns of the Home Guard were temporarily stored, had been + invaded while the sentinels were at supper. The locks had been + removed from some of the muskets, but there were arms enough to + make some resistance if necessary. Telling him we would come + out when the firing began, and requesting the landlord to send + the cavalry commander to our room as soon as he arrived, we + fell asleep.</p> + + <p>No one of our party carried his fears beyond the waking + hours. In five minutes after dismissing our friend, all were + enjoying a sleep as refreshing and undisturbed as if we had + been in the most secure and luxurious dwelling of New York or + Chicago. During several years of travel under circumstances of + greater or less danger, I have never found my sleep disturbed, + in the slightest degree, by the nature of my surroundings. + Apprehensions of danger may be felt while one is awake, but + they generally vanish when slumber begins.</p> + + <p>In the morning we found ourselves safe, and were gratified + to discover that our horses had been let alone. The landlord + declared every thing was perfectly quiet, and had been so + through the night, with the exception of a little fight at one + end of the town. The Home Guards were in possession, and the + Secessionists had dispersed. The latter deliberated upon the + policy of attacking us, and decided that their town might be + destroyed by our retreating army in case we were disturbed. + They left us our horses, that we might get away from the place + as speedily as possible. So we bade adieu to Lebanon with much + delight. That we came unmolested out of that nest of + disloyalty, was a matter of much surprise. Subsequent events, + there and elsewhere, have greatly increased that surprise.</p> + + <p>After a ride of thirteen miles we reached the Gasconade + River, which we found considerably swollen by recent rains. The + proprietor of the hotel where we breakfasted was a country + doctor, who passed in that region as a man of great wisdom. He + was intensely disloyal, and did not relish the prospect of + having, as he called it, "an Abolition army" moving anywhere in + his vicinity. He was preparing to leave for the South, with his + entire household, as soon as his affairs could be + satisfactorily arranged. He had taken the oath of allegiance, + to protect himself from harm at the hands of our soldiers, but + his negroes informed us that he belonged to a company of + "Independent Guards," which had been organized with the design + of joining the Rebel army.</p> + + <p>This gentleman was searching for his rights. I passed his + place six months afterward. The doctor's negroes had run away + to the North, and the doctor had vanished with his family in + the opposite direction. His house had been burned, his stables + stripped of every thing of value, and the whole surroundings + formed a picture of desolation. The doctor had found a reward + for his vigilant search. There was no doubt he had obtained his + rights.</p> + + <p>Having ended our breakfast, we decided to remain at that + place until late in the afternoon, for the purpose of writing + up our accounts. With a small table, and other accommodations + of the worst character, we busied ourselves for several hours. + To the persona of the household we were a curiosity. They had + never before seen men who could write with a journalist's + ordinary rapidity, and were greatly surprised at the large + number of pages we succeeded in passing over. We were + repeatedly interrupted, until forced to make a request to be + let alone. The negroes took every opportunity to look at us, + and, when none but ourselves could see them, they favored us + with choice bits of local information. When we departed, late + in the afternoon, four stout negroes ferried us across the + river.</p> + + <p>A hotel known as the California House was our + stopping-place, ten miles from the Gasconade. As an evidence of + our approaching return to civilization, we found each bed at + this house supplied with two clean sheets, a luxury that + Springfield was unable to furnish. I regretted to find, several + months later, that the California House had been burned by the + Rebels. At the time of our retreat, the landlord was unable to + determine on which side of the question he belonged, and + settled the matter, in conversation with me, by saying he was a + hotel-keeper, and could not interfere in the great issue of the + day. I inclined to the belief that he was a Union man, but + feared to declare himself on account of the dubious character + of his surroundings.</p> + + <p>The rapidity with which the Secessionists carried and + received news was a matter of astonishment to our people. While + on that ride through the Southwest, I had an opportunity of + learning their <i>modus operandi</i>. Several times we saw + horsemen ride to houses or stables, and, after a few moments' + parley, exchange their wearied horses for fresh ones. The + parties with whom they effected their exchanges would be found + pretty well informed concerning the latest news. By this + irregular system of couriers, the Secessionists maintained a + complete communication with each other. All along the route, I + found they knew pretty well what had transpired, though their + news was generally mixed up with much falsehood.</p> + + <p>Even in those early days, there was a magnificence in the + Rebel capacity for lying. Before the war, the Northern States + produced by far the greatest number of inventions, as the + records of the Patent Office will show. During the late + Rebellion, the brains of the Southern States were wonderfully + fertile in the manufacture of falsehood. The inhabitants of + Dixie invent neither cotton-gins, caloric engines, nor + sewing-machines, but when they apply their faculties to + downright lying, the mudsill head is forced to bow in + reverence.</p> + + <p>In the last day of this ride, we passed over a plateau + twelve miles across, also over a mountain of considerable + height. Near the summit of this mountain, we struck a small + brook, whose growth was an interesting study. At first, barely + perceptible as it issued from a spring by the roadside, it + grew, mile by mile, until, at the foot of the mountain, it + formed a respectable stream. The road crossed it every few + hundred yards, and at each crossing we watched its increase. At + the base of the mountain it united with another and larger + stream, which we followed on our way to Rolla.</p> + + <p>Late in the afternoon we reached the end of our journey. + Weary, dusty, hungry, and sore, we alighted from our tired + horses, and sought the office of the commandant of the post. + All were eager to gather the latest intelligence, and we were + called upon to answer a thousand questions.</p> + + <p>With our story ended, ourselves refreshed from the fatigue + of our long ride, a hope for the safety of our gallant but + outnumbered army, we bade adieu to Rolla, and were soon + whirling over the rail to St. Louis.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c8" id="c8"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER VIII.</h4> + + <h5>GENERAL FREMONT'S PURSUIT OF PRICE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Quarrel between Price and McCulloch.--The Rebels + Advance upon Lexington.--A Novel Defense for + Sharp-shooters.--Attempt to Re-enforce the Garrison.--An + Enterprising Journalist.--The Surrender.--Fremont's + Advance.--Causes of Delay.--How the Journalists Killed + Time.--Late News.--A Contractor "Sold."--Sigel in Front.--A + Motley Collection.--A Wearied Officer.--The Woman who had never + seen a Black Republican.--Love and Conversion.</p> + + <p>After the battle of Wilson Creek and the occupation of + Springfield, a quarrel arose between the Rebel Generals, Price + and McCulloch. It resulted in the latter being ordered to + Arkansas, leaving General Price in command of the army in + Missouri. The latter had repeatedly promised to deliver + Missouri from the hands of the United States forces, and made + his preparations for an advance into the interior. His + intention, openly declared, was to take possession of Jefferson + City, and reinstate Governor Jackson in control of the State. + The Rebels wisely considered that a perambulating Governor was + not entitled to great respect, and were particularly anxious to + see the proclamations of His Excellency issued from the + established capital.</p> + + <p>Accordingly, General Price, with an army twenty thousand + strong, marched from Springfield in the direction of Lexington. + This point was garrisoned by Colonel Mulligan with about + twenty-five hundred men. After a siege of four days, during the + last two of which the garrison was without water, the fort was + surrendered. Price's army was sufficiently large to make a + complete investment of the fortifications occupied by Colonel + Mulligan, and thus cut off all access to the river. The hemp + warehouses in Lexington were drawn upon to construct movable + breast-works for the besieging force. Rolling the bales of hemp + before them, the Rebel sharp-shooters could get very near the + fort without placing themselves in great danger.</p> + + <p>The defense was gallant, but as no garrisons can exist + without water, Colonel Mulligan was forced to capitulate. It + afterward became known that Price's army had almost exhausted + its stock of percussion-caps--it having less than two thousand + when the surrender was made. General Fremont was highly + censured by the Press and people for not re-enforcing the + garrison, when it was known that Price was moving upon + Lexington. One journal in St. Louis, that took occasion to + comment adversely upon his conduct, was suddenly suppressed. + After a stoppage of a few days, it was allowed to resume + publication.</p> + + <p>During the siege a small column of infantry approached the + north bank of the river, opposite Lexington, with the design of + joining Colonel Mulligan. The attempt was considered too + hazardous, and no junction was effected. Mr. Wilkie, of the New + York <i>Times</i>, accompanied this column, and was much + disappointed when the project of reaching Lexington was given + up.</p> + + <p>Determined to see the battle, he crossed the river and + surrendered himself to General Price, with a request to be put + on parole until the battle was ended. The Rebel commander gave + him quarters in the guardhouse till the surrender took place. + Mr. Wilkie was then liberated, and reached St. Louis with an + exclusive account of the affair.</p> + + <p>While General Price was holding Lexington, General Fremont + commenced assembling an army at Jefferson City, with the avowed + intention of cutting off the retreat of the Rebels through + Southwest Missouri. From Jefferson City our forces moved to + Tipton and Syracuse, and there left the line of railway for a + march to Springfield. Our movements were not conducted with + celerity, and before we left Jefferson City the Rebels had + evacuated Lexington and moved toward Springfield.</p> + + <p>The delay in our advance was chiefly owing to a lack of + transportation and a deficiency of arms for the men. General + Fremont's friends charged that he was not properly sustained by + the Administration, in his efforts to outfit and organize his + army. There was, doubtless, some ground for this charge, as the + authorities, at that particular time, were unable to see any + danger, except at Washington. They often diverted to that point + <i>matériel</i> that had been originally designed for + St. Louis.</p> + + <p>As the army lay at Jefferson City, preparing for the field, + some twelve or fifteen journalists, representing the prominent + papers of the country, assembled there to chronicle its + achievements. They waited nearly two weeks for the movement to + begin. Some became sick, others left in disgust, but the most + of them remained firm. The devices of the journalists to kill + time were of an amusing nature. The town had no attractions + whatever, and the gentlemen of the press devoted themselves to + fast riding on the best horses they could obtain. Their + horseback excursions usually terminated in lively races, in + which both riders and steeds were sufferers. The + representatives of two widely-circulated dailies narrowly + escaped being sent home with broken necks.</p> + + <p>Evenings at the hotels were passed in reviving the + "sky-larking" of school-boy days. These scenes were amusing to + participants and spectators. Sober, dignified men, the majority + of them heads of families, occupied themselves in devising + plans for the general amusement.</p> + + <p>One mode of enjoyment was to assemble in a certain large + room, and throw at each other every portable article at hand, + until exhaustion ensued. Every thing that could be thrown or + tossed was made use of. Pillows, overcoats, blankets, valises, + saddle-bags, bridles, satchels, towels, books, stove-wood, + bed-clothing, chairs, window-curtains, and, ultimately, the + fragments of the bedsteads, were transformed into missiles. I + doubt if that house ever before, or since, knew so much noise + in the same time. Everybody enjoyed it except those who + occupied adjoining rooms, and possessed a desire for sleep. + Some of these persons were inclined to excuse our hilarity, on + the ground that the boys ought to enjoy themselves. "The boys!" + Most of them were on the shady side of twenty-five, and some + had seen forty years.</p> + + <p>About nine o'clock in the forenoon of the day following + Price's evacuation of Lexington, we obtained news of the + movement. The mail at noon, and the telegraph before that time, + carried all we had to say of the affair, and in a few hours we + ceased to talk of it. On the evening of that day, a + good-natured "contractor" visited our room, and, after + indulging in our varied amusements until past eleven, bade us + good-night and departed.</p> + + <p>Many army contractors had grown fat in the country's + service, but this man had a large accumulation of adipose + matter before the war broke out. A rapid ascent of a long + flight of stairs was, therefore, a serious matter with him. + Five minutes after leaving us, he dashed rapidly up the stairs + and entered our room. As soon as he could speak, he asked, + breathing between, the words--</p> + + <p>"Have you heard the news?"</p> + + <p>"No," we responded; "what is it?"</p> + + <p>"Why" (with more efforts to recover his breath), "Price has + evacuated Lexington!"</p> + + <p>"Is it possible?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," he gasped, and then sank exhausted into a large (very + large) arm-chair.</p> + + <p>We gave him a glass of water and a fan, and urged him to + proceed with the story. He told all he had just heard in the + bar-room below, and we listened with the greatest apparent + interest.</p> + + <p>When he had ended, we told him <i>our</i> story. The quality + and quantity of the wine which he immediately ordered, was only + excelled by his hearty appreciation of the joke he had played + upon himself.</p> + + <p>Every army correspondent has often been furnished with + "important intelligence" already in his possession, and + sometimes in print before his well-meaning informant obtains + it.</p> + + <p>A portion of General Fremont's army marched from Jefferson + City to Tipton and Syracuse, while the balance, with most of + the transportation, was sent by rail. General Sigel was the + first to receive orders to march his division from Tipton to + Warsaw, and he was very prompt to obey. While other division + commanders were waiting for their transportation to arrive from + St. Louis, Sigel scoured the country and gathered up every + thing with wheels. His train was the most motley collection of + vehicles it has ever been my lot to witness. There were old + wagons that made the journey from Tennessee to Missouri thirty + years before, farm wagons and carts of every description, + family carriages, spring wagons, stage-coaches, drays, and + hay-carts. In fact, every thing that could carry a load was + taken along. Even pack-saddles were not neglected. Horses, + mules, jacks, oxen, and sometimes cows, formed the motive + power. To stand by the roadside and witness the passage of + General Sigel's train, was equal to a visit to Barnum's Museum, + and proved an unfailing source of mirth.</p><a href= + "images/p110i1.jpg"><img src="images/p110i1_t.jpg" alt= + "GENERAL SIGEL'S TRANSPORTATION IN THE MISSOURI CAMPAIGN." /></a> + + <p class="captn">GENERAL SIGEL'S TRANSPORTATION IN THE MISSOURI + CAMPAIGN.</p> + + <p>Falstaff's train (if he had one) could not have been more + picturesque. Even the Missourians, accustomed as they were to + sorry sights, laughed heartily at the spectacle presented by + Sigel's transportation. The Secessionists made several wrong + deductions from the sad appearance of that train. Some of them + predicted that the division with <i>such</i> a train would + prove to be of little value in battle. Never were men more + completely deceived. The division marched rapidly, and, on a + subsequent campaign, evinced its ability to fight.</p> + + <p>One after another, the divisions of Fremont's army moved in + chase of the Rebels; a pursuit in which the pursued had a start + of seventy-five miles, and a clear road before them. Fremont + and his staff left Tipton, when three divisions had gone, and + overtook the main column at Warsaw. A few days later, Mr. + Richardson, of the <i>Tribune</i>, and myself started from + Syracuse at one o'clock, one pleasant afternoon, and, with a + single halt of an hour's duration, reached Warsaw, forty-seven + miles distant, at ten o'clock at night. In the morning we found + the general's staff comfortably quartered in the village. On + the staff there were several gentlemen from New York and other + Eastern cities, who were totally unaccustomed to horseback + exercise. One of these recounted the story of their "dreadful" + journey of fifty miles from Tipton.</p> + + <p>"Only think of it!" said he; "we came through all that + distance in less than three days. One day the general made us + come <i>twenty-four</i> miles."</p> + + <p>"That was very severe, indeed. I wonder how you endured + it."</p> + + <p>"It <i>was</i> severe, and nearly broke some of us down. + By-the-way, Mr. K----, how did you come over?"</p> + + <p>"Oh," said I, carelessly, "Richardson and I left Syracuse at + noon yesterday, and arrived here at ten last night."</p> + + <p>Before that campaign was ended, General Fremont's staff + acquired some knowledge of horsemanship.</p> + + <p>At Warsaw the party of journalists passed several waiting + days, and domiciled themselves in the house of a widow who had + one pretty daughter. Our natural bashfulness was our great + hinderance, so that it was a day or two before we made the + acquaintance of the younger of the women. One evening she + invited a young lady friend to visit her, and obliged us with + introductions. The ladies persistently turned the conversation + upon the Rebellion, and gave us the benefit of their views. Our + young hostess, desiring to say something complimentary, + declared she did not dislike the Yankees, but despised the + Dutch and the Black Republicans."</p> + + <p>"Do you dislike the Black Republicans very much?" said the + <i>Tribune</i> correspondent.</p> + + <p>"Oh! yes; I <i>hate</i> them. I wish they were all + dead."</p> + + <p>"Well," was the quiet response, "we are Black Republicans. I + am the blackest of them all."</p> + + <p>The fair Secessionist was much confused, and for fully a + minute remained silent. Then she said--</p> + + <p>"I must confess I did not fully understand what Black + Republicans were. I never saw any before."</p> + + <p>During the evening she was quite courteous, though + persistent in declaring her sentiments. Her companion launched + the most bitter invective at every thing identified with the + Union cause, and made some horrid wishes about General Fremont + and his army. A more vituperative female Rebel I have never + seen. She was as pretty as she was disloyal, and was, + evidently, fully aware of it.</p> + + <p>A few months later, I learned that both these young ladies + had become the wives of United States officers, and were + complimenting, in high terms, the bravery and patriotism of the + soldiers they had so recently despised.</p> + + <p>The majority of the inhabitants of Warsaw were disloyal, and + had little hesitation in declaring their sentiments. Most of + the young men were in the Rebel army or preparing to go there. + A careful search of several warehouses revealed extensive + stores of powder, salt, shoes, and other military supplies. + Some of these articles were found in a cave a few miles from + Warsaw, their locality being made known by a negro who was + present at their concealment.</p> + + <p>Warsaw boasted a newspaper establishment, but the proprietor + and editor of the weekly sheet had joined his fortunes to those + of General Price. Two years before the time of our visit, this + editor was a member of the State Legislature, and made an + earnest effort to secure the expulsion of the reporter of + <i>The Missouri Democrat</i>, on account of the radical tone of + that paper. He was unsuccessful, but the aggrieved individual + did not forgive him.</p> + + <p>When our army entered Warsaw this reporter held a position + on the staff of the general commanding. Not finding his old + adversary, he contented himself with taking possession of the + printing-office, and "confiscating" whatever was needed for the + use of head-quarters.</p> + + <p>About twenty miles from Warsaw, on the road to Booneville, + there was a German settlement, known as Cole Camp. When the + troubles commenced in Missouri, a company of Home Guards was + formed at Cole Camp. A few days after its formation a company + of Secessionists from Warsaw made a night-march and attacked + the Home Guards at daylight.</p> + + <p>Though inflicting severe injury upon the Home Guards, the + Secessionists mourned the loss of the most prominent citizens + of Warsaw. They were soon after humiliated by the presence of a + Union army.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c9" id="c9"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER IX.</h4> + + <h5>THE SECOND CAMPAIGN TO SPRINGFIELD.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Detention at Warsaw.--A Bridge over the + Osage.--The Body-Guard.--Manner of its Organization.--The + Advance to Springfield.--Charge of the Body-Guard.--A + Corporal's Ruse.--Occupation of Springfield--The + Situation.--Wilson Creek Revisited.--Traces of the + Battle.--Rumored Movements of the Enemy.--Removal of General + Fremont.--Danger of Attack.--A Night of Excitement.--The Return + to St. Louis.--Curiosities of the Scouting Service.--An Arrest + by Mistake.</p> + + <p>The army was detained at Warsaw, to wait the construction of + a bridge over the Osage for the passage of the artillery and + heavy transportation. Sigel's Division was given the advance, + and crossed before the bridge was finished. The main column + moved as soon as the bridge permitted--the rear being brought + up by McKinstry's Division. A division from Kansas, under + General Lane, was moving at the same time, to form a junction + with Fremont near Springfield, and a brigade from Rolla was + advancing with the same object in view. General Sturgis was in + motion from North Missouri, and there was a prospect that an + army nearly forty thousand strong would be assembled at + Springfield.</p> + + <p>While General Fremont was in St. Louis, before setting out + on this expedition, he organized the "Fremont Body-Guard," + which afterward became famous. This force consisted of four + companies of cavalry, and was intended to form a full regiment. + It was composed of the best class of the young men of St. Louis + and Cincinnati. From the completeness of its outfit, it was + often spoken of as the "Kid-Gloved Regiment." General Fremont + designed it as a special body-guard for himself, to move when + he moved, and to form a part of his head-quarter establishment. + The manner of its organization was looked upon by many as a + needless outlay, at a time when the finances of the department + were in a disordered condition. The officers and the rank and + file of the Body-Guard felt their pride touched by the comments + upon them, and determined to take the first opportunity to + vindicate their character as soldiers.</p> + + <p>When we were within fifty miles of Springfield, it was + ascertained that the main force of the Rebels had moved + southward, leaving behind them some two or three thousand men. + General Fremont ordered a cavalry force, including the + Body-Guard, to advance upon the town. On reaching Springfield + the cavalry made a gallant charge upon the Rebel camp, which + was situated in a large field, bordered by a wood, within sight + of the court-house.</p> + + <p>In this assault the loss of our forces, in proportion to the + number engaged, was quite severe, but the enemy was put to + flight, and the town occupied for a few hours. We gained + nothing of a material nature, as the Rebels would have quietly + evacuated Springfield at the approach of our main army. The + courage of the Body-Guard, which no sensible man had doubted, + was fully evinced by this gallant but useless charge. When the + fight was over, the colonel in command ordered a retreat of + twenty miles, to meet the advance of the army.</p> + + <p>A corporal with a dozen men became separated from the + command while in Springfield, and remained there until the + following morning. He received a flag of truce from the Rebels, + asking permission to send a party to bury the dead. He told the + bearer to wait until he could consult his "general," who was + supposed to be lying down in the back office. The "general" + replied that his "division" was too much exasperated to render + it prudent for a delegation from the enemy to enter town, and + therefore declined to grant the request. At the same time he + promised to send out strong details to attend to the sad duty. + At sunrise he thought it best to follow the movements of his + superior officer, lest the Rebels might discover his ruse and + effect his capture.</p> + + <p>Two days after the charge of the Body-Guard, the advance of + the infantry entered Springfield without the slightest + opposition. The army gradually came up, and the occupation of + the key of Southwest Missouri was completed. The Rebel army + fell back toward the Arkansas line, to meet a force supposed to + be marching northward from Fayetteville. There was little + expectation that the Rebels would seek to engage us. The only + possible prospect of their assuming the offensive was in the + event of a junction between Price and McCulloch, rendering them + numerically superior to ourselves.</p> + + <p>During our occupation of Springfield I paid a visit to the + Wilson Creek battle-ground. It was eleven weeks from the day I + had left it. Approaching the field, I was impressed by its + stillness, so different from the tumult on the 10th of the + previous August. It was difficult to realize that the spot, now + so quiet, had been the scene of a sanguinary contest. The + rippling of the creek, and the occasional chirp of a bird, were + the only noises that came to our ears. There was no motion of + the air, not enough to disturb the leaves freshly fallen from + the numerous oak-trees on the battle-field. At each step I + could but contrast the cool, calm, Indian-summer day, with the + hot, August morning, when the battle took place.</p> + + <p>All sounds of battle were gone, but the traces of the + encounter had not disappeared. As we followed the route leading + to the field, I turned from the beaten track and rode among the + trees. Ascending a slight acclivity, I found my horse + half-stumbling over some object between his feet. Looking down, + I discovered a human skull, partly covered by the luxuriant + grass. At a little distance lay the dismembered skeleton to + which the skull evidently belonged. It was doubtless that of + some soldier who had crawled there while wounded, and sunk + exhausted at the foot of a tree. The bits of clothing covering + the ground showed that either birds or wild animals had been + busy with the remains. Not far off lay another skeleton, + disturbed and dismembered like the other.</p> + + <p>Other traces of the conflict were visible, as I moved slowly + over the field. Here were scattered graves, each for a single + person; there a large grave, that had received a dozen bodies + of the slain. Here were fragments of clothing and equipments, + pieces of broken weapons; the shattered wheel of a caisson, and + near it the exploded shell that destroyed it. Skeletons of + horses, graves of men, scarred trees, trampled graves, the + ruins of the burned wagons of the Rebels, all formed their + portion of the picture. It well illustrated the desolation of + war.</p> + + <p>The spot where General Lyon fell was marked by a rude + inscription upon the nearest tree. The skeleton of the + general's favorite horse lay near this tree, and had been + partially broken up by relic-seekers. The long, glossy mane was + cut off by the Rebel soldiers on the day after the battle, and + worn by them as a badge of honor. Subsequently the teeth and + bones were appropriated by both Rebels and Unionists. Even the + tree that designated the locality was partially stripped of its + limbs to furnish souvenirs of Wilson Creek.</p> + + <p>During the first few days of our stay in Springfield, there + were vague rumors that the army was preparing for a long march + into the enemy's country. The Rebel army was reported at + Cassville, fifty-five miles distant, fortifying in a strong + position. General Price and Governor Jackson had convened the + remnant of the Missouri Legislature, and caused the State to be + voted out of the Union. It was supposed we would advance and + expel the Rebels from the State.</p> + + <p>While we were making ready to move, it was reported that the + Rebel army at Cassville had received large re-enforcements from + Arkansas, and was moving in our direction. Of course, all were + anxious for a battle, and hailed this intelligence with + delight. At the same time there were rumors of trouble from + another direction--trouble to the commander-in-chief. The vague + reports of his coming decapitation were followed by the + arrival, on the 2d of November, of the unconditional order + removing General Fremont from command, and appointing General + Hunter in his stead.</p> + + <p>Just before the reception of this order, "positive" news was + received that the enemy was advancing from Cassville toward + Springfield, and would either attack us in the town, or meet us + on the ground south of it. General Hunter had not arrived, and + therefore General Fremont formed his plan of battle, and + determined on marching out to meet the enemy.</p> + + <p>On the morning of the 3d, the scouts brought intelligence + that the entire Rebel army was in camp on the old Wilson Creek + battle-ground, and would fight us there. A council of war was + called, and it was decided to attack the enemy on the following + morning, if General Hunter did not arrive before that time. + Some of the officers were suspicious that the Rebels were not + in force at Wilson Creek, but when Fremont announced it + officially there could be little room for doubt.</p> + + <p>Every thing was put in readiness for battle. Generals of + division were ordered to be ready to move at a moment's notice. + The pickets were doubled, and the grand guards increased to an + unusual extent. Four pieces of artillery formed a portion of + the picket force on the Fayetteville road, the direct route to + Wilson Creek. If an enemy had approached on that night he would + have met a warm reception.</p> + + <p>About seven o'clock in the evening, a staff officer, who + kept the journalists informed of the progress of affairs, + visited General Fremont's head-quarters. He soon emerged with + important intelligence.</p> + + <p>"It is all settled. The army is ready to move at the + instant. Orders will be issued at two o'clock, and we will be + under way before daylight. Skirmishing will begin at nine, and + the full battle will be drawn on at twelve."</p> + + <p>"Is the plan arranged?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, it is all arranged; but I did not ask how."</p> + + <p>"Battle sure to come off--is it?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly, unless Hunter comes and countermands the + order."</p> + + <p>Alas, for human calculations! General Hunter arrived before + midnight. Two o'clock came, but no orders to break camp. + Daylight, and no orders to march. Breakfast-time, and not a + hostile shot had been heard. Nine o'clock, and no skirmish. + Twelve o'clock, and no battle.</p> + + <p>General Fremont and staff returned to St. Louis. General + Hunter made a reconnoissance to Wilson Creek, and ascertained + that the only enemy that had been in the vicinity was a + scouting party of forty or fifty men. At the time we were to + march out, there was not a Rebel on the ground. Their whole + army was still at Cassville, fifty-five miles from + Springfield.</p> + + <p>On the 9th of November the army evacuated Springfield and + returned to the line of the Pacific Railway.</p> + + <p>General Fremont's scouts had deceived him. Some of these + individuals were exceedingly credulous, while others were liars + of the highest grade known to civilization. The former obtained + their information from the frightened inhabitants; the latter + manufactured theirs with the aid of vivid imaginations. I half + suspect the fellows were like the showman in the story, and, at + length, religiously believed what they first designed as a + hoax. Between the two classes of scouts a large army of Rebels + was created.</p> + + <p>The scouting service often develops characters of a peculiar + mould. Nearly every man engaged in it has some particular + branch in which he excels. There was one young man accompanying + General Fremont's army, whose equal, as a special forager, I + have never seen elsewhere. Whenever we entered camp, this + individual, whom I will call the captain, would take a + half-dozen companions and start on a foraging tour. After an + absence of from four to six hours, he would return well-laden + with the spoils of war. On one occasion he brought to camp + three horses, two cows, a yoke of oxen, and a wagon. In the + latter he had a barrel of sorghum molasses, a firkin of butter, + two sheep, a pair of fox-hounds, a hoop-skirt, a corn-sheller, + a baby's cradle, a lot of crockery, half a dozen padlocks, two + hoes, and a rocking-chair. On the next night he returned with a + family carriage drawn by a horse and a mule. In the carriage he + had, among other things, a parrot-cage which contained a + screaming parrot, several pairs of ladies' shoes, a few yards + of calico, the stock of an old musket, part of a + spinning-wheel, and a box of garden seeds. In what way these + things would contribute to the support of the army, it was + difficult to understand.</p> + + <p>On one occasion the captain found a trunk full of clothing, + concealed with a lot of salt in a Rebel warehouse. He brought + the trunk to camp, and, as the quartermaster refused to receive + it, took it to St. Louis when the expedition returned. At the + hotel where he was stopping, some detectives were watching a + suspected thief, and, by mistake, searched the captain's room. + They found a trunk containing thirteen coats of all sizes, with + no pants or vests. Naturally considering this a strange + wardrobe for a gentleman, they took the captain into custody. + He protested earnestly that he was not, and had never been, a + thief, but it was only on the testimony of the quartermaster + that he was released. I believe he subsequently acted as a + scout under General Halleck, during the siege of Corinth.</p> + + <p>After the withdrawal of our army, General Price returned to + Springfield and went into winter-quarters. McCulloch's command + formed a cantonment at Cross Hollows, Arkansas, about ninety + miles southwest of Springfield. There was no prospect of + further activity until the ensuing spring. Every thing + betokened rest.</p> + + <p>From Springfield I returned to St. Louis by way of Rolla, + designing to follow the example of the army, and seek a good + locality for hibernating. On my way to Rolla I found many + houses deserted, or tenanted only by women and children. + Frequently the crops were standing, ungathered, in the field. + Fences were prostrated, and there was no effort to restore + them. The desolation of that region was just beginning.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c10" id="c10"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER X.</h4> + + <h5>TWO MONTHS OF IDLENESS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">A Promise Fulfilled.--Capture of a Rebel Camp + and Train.--Rebel Sympathizers in St. Louis.--General Halleck + and his Policy.--Refugees from Rebeldom.--Story of the + Sufferings of a Union Family.--Chivalry in the Nineteenth + Century.--The Army of the Southwest in Motion.--Gun-Boats and + Transports.--Capture of Fort Henry.--The Effect in St. + Louis.--Our Flag Advancing.</p> + + <p>Early in the December following the events narrated in the + last chapter, General Pope captured a camp in the interior of + the State, where recruits were being collected for Price's + army. After the return of Fremont's army from Springfield, the + Rebels boasted they would eat their Christmas dinner in St. + Louis. Many Secessionists were making preparations to receive + Price and his army, and some of them prophesied the time of + their arrival. It was known that a goodly number of Rebel flags + had been made ready to hang out when the conquerors should + come. Sympathizers with the Rebellion became bold, and often + displayed badges, rosettes, and small flags, indicative of + their feelings. Recruiting for the Rebel army went on, very + quietly, of course, within a hundred yards of the City Hall. At + a fair for the benefit of the Orphan Asylum, the ladies openly + displayed Rebel insignia, but carefully excluded the National + emblems.</p> + + <p>This was the state of affairs when eight hundred Rebels + arrived in St. Louis. They redeemed their promise to enjoy a + Christmas dinner in St. Louis, though they had counted upon + more freedom than they were then able to obtain. In order that + they might carry out, in part, their original intention, their + kind-hearted jailers permitted the friends of the prisoners to + send a dinner to the latter on Christmas Day. The prisoners + partook of the repast with much relish.</p> + + <p>The capture of those recruits was accompanied by the seizure + of a supply train on its way to Springfield. Our success served + to diminish the Rebel threats to capture St. Louis, or perform + other great and chivalric deeds. The inhabitants of that city + continued to prophesy its fall, but they were less defiant than + before.</p> + + <p>General Fremont commanded the Western Department for just a + hundred days. General Hunter, his successor, was dressed in + brief authority for fifteen days, and yielded to General + Halleck. The latter officer endeavored to make his rule as + unlike that of General Fremont as could well be done. He + quietly made his head-quarters at the Government Buildings, in + the center of St. Louis, instead of occupying a "palatial + mansion" on Chouteau Avenue. The body-guard, or other + cumbersome escort, was abolished, and the new general moved + unattended about the city. Where General Fremont had scattered + the Government funds with a wasteful hand, General Halleck + studied economy. Where Fremont had declared freedom to the + slaves of traitors, Halleck issued his famous "Order No. 3," + forbidding fugitive slaves to enter our lines, and excluding + all that were then in the military camps. Where General Fremont + had surrounded his head-quarters with so great a retinue of + guards that access was almost impossible, General Halleck made + it easy for all visitors to see him. He generally gave them + such a reception that few gentlemen felt inclined to make a + second call.</p> + + <p>The policy of scattering the military forces in the + department was abandoned, and a system of concentration + adopted. The construction of the gun-boat fleet, and + accompanying mortar-rafts, was vigorously pushed, and + preparations for military work in the ensuing spring went on in + all directions. Our armies were really idle, and we were doing + very little on the Mississippi; but it was easy to see that we + were making ready for the most vigorous activity in the + future.</p> + + <p>In the latter part of December many refugees from the + Southwest began to arrive in St. Louis. In most cases they were + of the poorer class of the inhabitants of Missouri and Northern + Arkansas, and had been driven from their homes by their + wealthier and disloyal neighbors. Their stories varied little + from each other. Known or suspected to be loyal, they were + summarily expelled, generally with the loss of every thing, + save a few articles of necessity. There were many women and + children among them, whose protectors had been driven into the + Rebel ranks, or murdered in cold blood. Many of them died soon + after they reached our lines, and there were large numbers who + perished on their way.</p> + + <p>Among those who arrived early in January, 1862, was a man + from Northern Arkansas. Born in Pennsylvania, he emigrated to + the Southwest in 1830, and, after a few years' wandering, + settled near Fayetteville. When the war broke out, he had a + small farm and a comfortable house, and his two sons were + married and living near him.</p> + + <p>In the autumn of '61, his elder son was impressed into the + Rebel service, where he soon died. The younger was ordered to + report at Fayetteville, for duty. Failing to do so on the day + specified, he was shot down in his own house on the following + night. His body fell upon one of his children standing near + him, and his blood saturated its garments.</p> + + <p>The day following, the widow, with two small children, was + notified to leave the dwelling, as orders had been issued for + its destruction. Giving her no time to remove any thing, the + Rebel soldiers, claiming to act under military command, fired + the house. In this party were two persons who had been well + acquainted with the murdered man. The widow sought shelter with + her husband's parents.</p> + + <p>The widow of the elder son went to the same place of refuge. + Thus there were living, under one roof, the old man, his wife, + a daughter of seventeen, and the two widows, one with two, and + the other with three, children. A week afterward, all were + commanded to leave the country. No cause was assigned, beyond + the fact that the man was born in the North, and had been + harboring the family of his son, who refused to serve in the + Rebel ranks. They were told they could have two days for + preparation, but within ten hours of the time the notice was + served, a gang of Rebels appeared at the door, and ordered an + instant departure.</p> + + <p>They made a rigid search of the persons of the refugees, to + be sure they took away nothing of value. Only a single wagon + was allowed, and in this were placed a few articles of + necessity. As they moved away, the Rebels applied the torch to + the house and its out-buildings. In a few moments all were in + flames. The house of the elder son's widow shared the same + fete.</p> + + <p>They were followed to the Missouri line, and ordered to make + no halt under penalty of death. It was more than two hundred + miles to our lines, and winter was just beginning. One after + another fell ill and died, or was left with Union people along + the way. Only four of the party reached our army at Rolla. Two + of these died a few days after their arrival, leaving only a + young child and its grandfather. At St. Louis the survivors + were kindly cared for, but the grief at leaving home, the + hardships of the winter journey, and their destitution among + strangers, had so worn upon them that they soon followed the + other members of their family.</p> + + <p>There have been thousands of cases nearly parallel to the + above. The Rebels claimed to be fighting for political freedom, + and charged the National Government with the most unheard-of + "tyranny." We can well be excused for not countenancing a + political freedom that kills men at their firesides, and drives + women and children to seek protection under another flag. We + have heard much, in the past twenty years, of "Southern + chivalry." If the deeds of which the Rebels were guilty are + characteristic of chivalry, who would wish to be a son of the + Cavaliers? The insignia worn in the Middle Ages are set aside, + to make room for the torch and the knife. The chivalry that + deliberately starves its prisoners, to render them unable to + return to the field, and sends blood-hounds on the track of + those who attempt an escape from their hands, is the chivalry + of modern days. Winder is the Coeur-de-Leon, and Quantrel the + Bayard, of the nineteenth century; knights "without fear and + without reproach."</p> + + <p>Early in January, the Army of the Southwest, under General + Curtis, was put in condition for moving. Orders were issued + cutting down the allowance of transportation, and throwing away + every thing superfluous. Colonel Carr, with a cavalry division, + was sent to the line of the Gasconade, to watch the movements + of the enemy. It was the preliminary to the march into + Arkansas, which resulted in the battle of Pea Ridge and the + famous campaign of General Curtis from Springfield to + Helena.</p> + + <p>As fast as possible, the gun-boat fleet was pushed to + completion. One after another, as the iron-clads were ready to + move, they made their rendezvous at Cairo. Advertisements of + the quartermaster's department, calling for a large number of + transports, showed that offensive movements were to take place. + In February, Fort Henry fell, after an hour's shelling from + Admiral Foote's gun-boats. This opened the way up the Tennessee + River to a position on the flank of Columbus, Kentucky, and was + followed by the evacuation of that point.</p> + + <p>I was in St. Louis on the day the news of the fall of Fort + Henry was received. The newspapers issued "extras," with + astonishing head-lines. It was the first gratifying + intelligence after a long winter of inactivity, following a + year which, closed with general reverses to our arms.</p> + + <p>In walking the principal streets of St. Louis on that + occasion, I could easily distinguish the loyal men of my + acquaintance from the disloyal, at half a square's distance. + The former were excited with delight; the latter were downcast + with sorrow. The Union men walked rapidly, with, faces + "wreathed in smiles;" the Secessionists moved with alternate + slow and quick steps, while their countenances expressed all + the sad emotions.</p> + + <p>The newsboys with the tidings of our success were patronized + by the one and repelled by the other. I saw one of the venders + of intelligence enter the store of a noted Secessionist, where + he shouted the nature of the news at the highest note of his + voice. A moment later he emerged from the door, bringing the + impress of a Secessionist's boot.</p> + + <p>The day and the night witnessed much hilarity in loyal + circles, and a corresponding gloom in quarters where treason + ruled. I fear there were many men in St. Louis whose conduct + was no recommendation to the membership of a temperance + society.</p> + + <p>All felt that a new era had dawned upon us. Soon after came + the tidings of a general advance of our armies. We moved in + Virginia, and made the beginning of the checkered campaign of + '62. Along the Atlantic coast we moved, and Newbern fell into + our hands. Further down the Atlantic, and at the mouth of the + Mississippi, we kept up the aggression. Grant, at Donelson, + "moved immediately upon Buckner's works;" and, in Kentucky, the + Army of the Ohio occupied Bowling Green and prepared to move + upon Nashville. In Missouri, Curtis had already occupied + Lebanon, and was making ready to assault Price at Springfield. + Everywhere our flag was going forward.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c11" id="c11"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XI.</h4> + + <h5>ANOTHER CAMPAIGN IN MISSOURI.</h5> + + <p class="toc">From St. Louis to Rolla.--A Limited + Outfit.--Missouri Roads in Winter.--"Two Solitary + Horsemen."--Restricted Accommodations in a Slaveholder's + House.--An Energetic Quartermaster.--General Sheridan before he + became Famous.--"Bagging Price."--A Defect in the + Bag.--Examining the Correspondence of a Rebel General.--What + the Rebels left at their Departure.</p> + + <p>On the 9th of February I left St. Louis to join General + Curtis's army. Arriving at Rolla, I found the mud very deep, + but was told the roads were in better condition a few miles to + the west. With an <i>attaché</i> of the Missouri + <i>Democrat</i>, I started, on the morning of the 10th, to + overtake the army, then reported at Lebanon, sixty-five miles + distant. All my outfit for a two or three months' campaign, was + strapped behind my saddle, or crowded into my saddle-bags. + Traveling with a trunk is one of the delights unknown to army + correspondents, especially to those in the Southwest. My + companion carried an outfit similar to mine, with the exception + of the saddle-bags and contents. I returned to Rolla eight + weeks afterward, but he did not reach civilization till the + following July.</p> + + <p>From Rolla to Lebanon the roads were bad--muddy in the + valleys of the streams, and on the higher ground frozen into + inequalities like a gigantic rasp.</p> + + <p>Over this route our army of sixteen thousand men had slowly + made its way, accomplishing what was then thought next to + impossible. I found the country had changed much in appearance + since I passed through on my way to join General Lyon. Many + houses had been burned and others deserted. The few people that + remained confessed themselves almost destitute of food. + Frequently we could not obtain entertainment for ourselves and + horses, particularly the latter. The natives were suspicious of + our character, as there was nothing in our dress indicating to + which side we belonged. At such times the cross-questioning we + underwent was exceedingly amusing, though coupled with the + knowledge that our lives were not entirely free from + danger.</p> + + <p>From Lebanon we pushed on to Springfield, through a keen, + piercing wind, that swept from the northwest with unremitting + steadiness. The night between those points was passed in a + log-house with a single room, where ourselves and the family of + six persons were lodged. In the bitter cold morning that + followed, it was necessary to open the door to give us + sufficient light to take breakfast, as the house could not + boast of a window. The owner of the establishment said he had + lived there eighteen years, and found it very comfortable. He + tilled a small farm, and had earned sufficient money to + purchase three slaves, who dwelt in a similar cabin, close + beside his own, but not joining it. One of these slaves was + cook and housemaid, and another found the care of four children + enough for her attention. The third was a man upward of fifty + years old, who acted as stable-keeper, and manager of the + out-door work of the establishment.</p> + + <p>The situation of this landholder struck me as peculiar, + though his case was not a solitary one. A house of one room and + with no window, a similar house for his human property, and a + stable rudely constructed of small poles, with its sides + offering as little protection against the wind and storms as an + ordinary fence, were the only buildings he possessed. His + furniture was in keeping with the buildings. Beds without + sheets, a table without a cloth, some of the plates of tin and + others of crockery--the former battered and the latter + cracked--a less number of knives and forks than there were + persons to be supplied, tin cups for drinking coffee, an old + fruit-can for a sugar-bowl, and two teaspoons for the use of a + large family, formed the most noticeable features. With such + surroundings he had invested three thousand dollars in negro + property, and considered himself comfortably situated.</p> + + <p>Reaching Springfield, I found the army had passed on in + pursuit of Price, leaving only one brigade as a garrison. The + quartermaster of the Army of the Southwest had his office in + one of the principal buildings, and was busily engaged in + superintending the forwarding of supplies to the front. Every + thing under his charge received his personal attention, and + there was no reason to suppose the army would lack for + subsistence, so long as he should remain to supply its wants. + Presenting him a letter of introduction, I received a most + cordial welcome. I found him a modest and agreeable gentleman, + whose private excellence was only equaled by his energy in the + performance of his official duties.</p> + + <p>This quartermaster was Captain Philip H. Sheridan. The + double bars that marked his rank at that time, have since been + exchanged for other insignia. The reader is doubtless familiar + with the important part taken by this gallant officer, in the + suppression of the late Rebellion.</p> + + <p>General Curtis had attempted to surround and capture Price + and his army, before they could escape from Springfield. + Captain Sheridan told me that General Curtis surrounded the + town on one side, leaving two good roads at the other, by which + the Rebels marched out. Our advance from Lebanon was as rapid + as the circumstances would permit, but it was impossible to + keep the Rebels in ignorance of it, or detain them against + their will. One of the many efforts to "bag" Price had resulted + like all the others. We closed with the utmost care every part + of the bag except the mouth; out of this he walked by the + simple use of his pedals. Operations like those of Island + Number Ten, Vicksburg, and Port Hudson, were not then in + vogue.</p> + + <p>Price was in full retreat toward Arkansas, and our army in + hot pursuit. General Sigel, with two full divisions, marched by + a road parallel to the line of Price's retreat, and attempted + to get in his front at a point forty miles from Springfield. + His line of march was ten miles longer than the route followed + by the Rebels, and he did not succeed in striking the main road + until Price had passed.</p> + + <p>I had the pleasure of going through General Price's + head-quarters only two days after that officer abandoned them. + There was every evidence of a hasty departure. I found, among + other documents, the following order for the evacuation of + Springfield:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>HEAD-QUARTERS MISSOURI STATE GUARD, SPRINGFIELD, + <i>February</i> 13, 1862.</p> + + <p>The commanders of divisions will instanter, and without + the least delay, see that their entire commands are ready for + movement at a moment's notice.</p> + + <p>By order of Major-General S. Price. H.H. Brand, A.A.G.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>There was much of General Price's private correspondence, + together with many official documents. Some of these I secured, + but destroyed them three weeks later, at a moment when I + expected to fall into the hands of the enemy. One letter, which + revealed the treatment Union men were receiving in Arkansas, I + forwarded to <i>The Herald</i>. I reproduce its material + portions:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>DOVER, POPE CO., ARKANSAS, <i>December</i> 7, + 1861.</p> + + <p>MAJOR-GENERAL PRICE:</p> + + <p>I wish to obtain a situation as surgeon in your army. * * + * Our men over the Boston Mountains are penning and hanging + the mountain boys who oppose Southern men. They have in camp + thirty, and in the Burrowville jail seventy-two, and have + sent twenty-seven to Little Rock. We will kill all we get, + certain: every one is so many less. I hope you will soon get + help enough to clear out the last one in your State. If you + know them, they ought to be killed, as the older they grow + the more stubborn they get.</p> + + <p>Your most obedient servant,<br /> + JAMES L. ADAMS.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>In his departure, General Price had taken most of his + personal property of any value. He left a very good array of + desks and other appurtenances of his adjutant-general's office, + which fell into General Curtis's hands. These articles were at + once put into use by our officers, and remained in Springfield + as trophies of our success. There was some war + <i>matériel</i> at the founderies and temporary arsenals + which the Rebels had established. One store full of supplies + they left undisturbed. It was soon appropriated by Captain + Sheridan.</p> + + <p>The winter-quarters for the soldiers were sufficiently + commodious to contain ten thousand men, and the condition in + which we found them showed how hastily they were evacuated. + Very little had been removed from the buildings, except those + articles needed for the march. We found cooking utensils + containing the remains of the last meal, pans with + freshly-mixed dough, on which the impression of the maker's + hand was visible, and sheep and hogs newly killed and half + dressed. In the officers' quarters was a beggarly array of + empty bottles, and a few cases that had contained cigars. One + of our soldiers was fortunate in finding a gold watch in the + straw of a bunk. There were cribs of corn, stacks of forage, + and a considerable quantity of army supplies. Every thing + evinced a hasty departure.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c12" id="c12"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XII.</h4> + + <h5>THE FLIGHT AND THE PURSUIT.</h5> + + <p class="toc">From Springfield to Pea Ridge.--Mark Tapley in + Missouri.--"The Arkansas Traveler."--Encountering the Rebel + Army.--A "Wonderful Spring."--The Cantonment at Cross + Hollows.--Game Chickens.--Magruder <i>vs</i>. + Breckinridge.--Rebel Generals in a Controversy.--Its + Result.--An Expedition to Huntsville.--Curiosities of Rebel + Currency.--Important Information.--A Long and Weary + March.--Disposition of Forces before the Battle.--Changing + Front.--What the Rebels lost by Ignorance.</p> + + <p>When it became certain the army would continue its march + into Arkansas, myself and the <i>Democrat's</i> correspondent + pushed forward to overtake it. Along the road we learned of the + rapid retreat of the Rebels, and the equally rapid pursuit by + our own forces. About twenty miles south of Springfield one of + the natives came to his door to greet us. Learning to which + army we belonged, he was very voluble in his efforts to explain + the consternation of the Rebels. A half-dozen of his neighbors + were by his side, and joined in the hilarity of the occasion. I + saw that something more than usual was the cause of their + assembling, and inquired what it could be.</p> + + <p>"My wife died this morning, and my friends have come here to + see me," was the answer I received from the proprietor of the + house.</p> + + <p>Almost at the instant of completing the sentence, he burst + into a laugh, and said,</p> + + <p>"It would have done you good to see how your folks captured + a big drove of Price's cattle. The Rebs were driving them along + all right, and your cavalry just came up and took them. It was + rich, I tell you. Ha! ha!"</p> + + <p>Not knowing what condolence to offer a man who could be so + gay after the death of his wife, I bade him good-morning, and + pushed on. He had not, as far as I could perceive, the single + excuse of being intoxicated, and his display of vivacity + appeared entirely genuine. In all my travels I have never met + his equal.</p> + + <p>Up to the time of this campaign none of our armies had been + into Arkansas. When General Curtis approached the line, the + head of the column was halted, the regiments closed up, and the + men brought their muskets to the "right shoulder shift," + instead of the customary "at will" of the march. Two bands were + sent to the front, where a small post marked the boundary, and + were stationed by the roadside, one in either State. Close by + them the National flag was unfurled. The bands struck up "The + Arkansas Traveler," the order to advance was given, and, with + many cheers in honor of the event, the column moved onward. For + several days "The Arkansas Traveler" was exceedingly popular + with the entire command. On the night after crossing the line + the news of the fall of Fort Donelson was received.</p> + + <p>Soon after entering Arkansas on his retreat, General Price + met General McCulloch moving northward to join him. With their + forces united, they determined on making a stand against + General Curtis, and, accordingly, halted near Sugar Creek. A + little skirmish ensued, in which the Rebels gave way, the loss + on either side being trifling. They did not stop until they + reached Fayetteville. Their halt at that point was very + brief.</p> + + <p>At Cross Hollows, in Benton County, Arkansas, about two + miles from the main road, there is one of the finest springs in + the Southwest. It issues from the base of a rocky ledge, where + the ravine is about three hundred yards wide, and forms the + head of a large brook. Two small flouring mills are run during + the entire year by the water from this spring. The water is at + all times clear, cold, and pure, and is said never to vary in + quantity.</p> + + <p>Along the stream fed by this spring, the Rebels had + established a cantonment for the Army of Northern Arkansas, and + erected houses capable of containing ten or twelve thousand + men. The cantonment was laid out with the regularity of a + Western city. The houses were constructed of sawed lumber, and + provided with substantial brick chimneys.</p> + + <p>Of course, this establishment was abandoned when the Rebel + army retreated. The buildings were set on fire, and all but a + half-dozen of them consumed. When our cavalry reached the + place, the rear-guard of the Rebels had been gone less than + half an hour. There were about two hundred chickens running + loose among the burning buildings. Our soldiers commenced + killing them, and had slaughtered two-thirds of the lot when + one of the officers discovered that they were game-cocks. This + class of chickens not being considered edible, the killing was + stopped and the balance of the flock saved. Afterward, while we + lay in camp, they were made a source of much amusement. The + cock-fights that took place in General Curtis's army would have + done honor to Havana or Vera Cruz. Before we captured them the + birds were the property of the officers of a Louisiana + regiment. We gave them the names of the Rebel leaders. It was + an every-day affair for Beauregard, Van Dorn, and Price to be + matched against Lee, Johnston, and Polk. I remember losing a + small wager on Magruder against Breckinridge. I should have won + if Breck had not torn the feathers from Mac's neck, and injured + his right wing by a foul blow. I never backed Magruder after + that.</p> + + <p>From Cross Hollows, General Curtis sent a division in + pursuit of Price's army, in its retreat through Fayetteville, + twenty-two miles distant. On reaching the town they found the + Rebels had left in the direction of Fort Smith. The pursuit + terminated at this point. It had been continued for a hundred + and ten miles--a large portion of the distance our advance + being within a mile or two of the Rebel rear.</p> + + <p>In retreating from Fayetteville, the Rebels were obliged to + abandon much of the supplies for their army. A serious quarrel + is reported to have taken place between Price and McCulloch, + concerning the disposition to be made of these supplies. The + former was in favor of leaving the large amount of stores, of + which, bacon was the chief article, that it might fall into our + hands. He argued that we had occupied the country, and would + stay there until driven out. Our army would be subsisted at all + hazards. If we found this large quantity of bacon, it would + obviate the necessity of our foraging upon the country and + impoverishing the inhabitants.</p> + + <p>General McCulloch opposed this policy, and accused Price of + a desire to play into the enemy's hands. The quarrel became + warm, and resulted in the discomfiture of the latter. All the + Rebel warehouses were set on fire. When our troops entered + Fayetteville the conflagration was at its height. It resulted + as Price had predicted. The inhabitants were compelled, in + great measure, to support our army.</p> + + <p>The Rebels retreated across the Boston Mountains to Fort + Smith, and commenced a reorganization of their army. Our army + remained at Cross Hollows as its central point, but threw out + its wings so as to form a front nearly five miles in extent. + Small expeditions were sent in various directions to break up + Rebel camps and recruiting stations. In this way two weeks + passed with little activity beyond a careful observation of the + enemy's movements. There were several flouring mills in the + vicinity of our camp, which were kept in constant activity for + the benefit of the army.</p> + + <p>I accompanied an expedition, commanded by Colonel Vandever, + of the Ninth Iowa, to the town of Huntsville, thirty-five miles + distant. Our march occupied two days, and resulted in the + occupation of the town and the dispersal of a small camp of + Rebels. We had no fighting, scarcely a shot being fired in + anger. The inhabitants did not greet us very cordially, though + some of them professed Union sentiments.</p> + + <p>In this town of Huntsville, the best friend of the Union was + the keeper of a whisky-shop. This man desired to look at some + of our money, but declined to take it. An officer procured a + canteen of whisky and tendered a Treasury note in payment. The + note was refused, with a request for either gold or Rebel + paper.</p> + + <p>The officer then exhibited a large sheet of "promises to + pay," which he had procured in Fayetteville a few days before, + and asked how they would answer.</p> + + <p>"That is just what I want," said the whisky vender.</p> + + <p>The officer called his attention to the fact that the notes + had no signatures.</p> + + <p>"That don't make any difference," was the reply; "nobody + will know whether they are signed or not, and they are just as + good, anyhow."</p> + + <p>I was a listener to the conversation, and at this juncture + proffered a pair of scissors to assist in dividing the notes. + It took but a short time to cut off enough "money" to pay for + twenty canteens of the worst whisky I ever saw.</p> + + <p>At Huntsville we made a few prisoners, who said they were on + their way from Price's army to Forsyth, Missouri. They gave us + the important information that the Rebel army, thirty thousand + strong, was on the Boston Mountains the day previous; and on + the very day of our arrival at Huntsville, it was to begin its + advance toward our front. These men, and some others, had been + sent away because they had no weapons with which to enter the + fight.</p> + + <p>Immediately on learning this, Colonel Vandever dispatched a + courier to General Curtis, and prepared to set out on his + return to the main army. We marched six miles before nightfall, + and at midnight, while we were endeavoring to sleep, a courier + joined us from the commander-in-chief. He brought orders for us + to make our way back with all possible speed, as the Rebel army + was advancing in full force.</p> + + <p>At two o'clock we broke camp, and, with only one halt of an + hour, made a forced march of forty-one miles, joining the main + column at ten o'clock at night. I doubt if there were many + occasions during the war where better marching was done by + infantry than on that day. Of course, the soldiers were much + fatigued, but were ready, on the following day, to take active + part in the battle.</p> + + <p>On the 5th of March, as soon as General Curtis learned of + the Rebel advance, he ordered General Sigel, who was in camp at + Bentonville, to fall back to Pea Ridge, on the north bank of + Sugar Creek. At the same time he withdrew Colonel Jeff. C. + Davis's Division to the same locality. This placed the army in + a strong, defensible position, with the creek in its front. On + the ridge above the stream our artillery and infantry were + posted.</p> + + <p>The Rebel armies under Price and McCulloch had been united + and strongly re-enforced, the whole being under the command of + General Van Dorn. Their strength was upward of twenty thousand + men, and they were confident of their ability to overpower us. + Knowing our strong front line, General Van Dorn decided upon a + bold movement, and threw himself around our right flank to a + position between us and our base at Springfield.</p> + + <p>In moving to our right and rear, the Rebels encountered + General Sigel's Division before it had left Bentonville, and + kept up a running fight during the afternoon of the 6th. + Several times the Rebels, in small force, secured positions in + Sigel's front, but that officer succeeded in cutting his way + through and reaching the main force, with a loss of less than a + hundred men.</p> + + <p>The position of the enemy at Bentonville showed us his + intentions, and we made our best preparations to oppose him. + Our first step was to obstruct the road from Bentonville to our + rear, so as to retard the enemy's movements. Colonel Dodge, of + the Fourth Iowa (afterward a major-general), rose from a + sick-bed to perform this work. The impediments which he placed + in the way of the Rebels prevented their reaching the road in + our rear until nine o'clock on the morning of the 7th.</p> + + <p>Our next movement was to reverse our position. We had been + facing south--it was now necessary to face to the north. The + line that had been our rear became our front. A change of front + implied that our artillery train should take the place of the + supply train, and <i>vice versâ</i>. "Elkhorn Tavern" had + been the quartermaster's depot. We made all haste to substitute + artillery for baggage-wagons, and boxes of ammunition for boxes + of hard bread. This transfer was not accomplished before the + battle began, and as our troops were pressed steadily back on + our new front, Elkhorn Tavern fell into the hands of the + Rebels.</p> + + <p>The sugar, salt, and bread which they captured, happily not + of large quantity, were very acceptable, and speedily + disappeared. Among the quartermaster's stores was a wagon-load + of desiccated vegetables, a very valuable article for an army + in the field. All expected it would be made into soup and eaten + by the Rebels. What was our astonishment to find, two days + later, that they had opened and examined a single case, and, + after scattering its contents on the ground, left the balance + undisturbed!</p> + + <p>Elkhorn Tavern was designated by a pair of elk-horns, which + occupied a conspicuous position above the door. After the + battle these horns were removed by Colonel Carr, and sent to + his home in Illinois, as trophies of the victory.</p> + + <p>A family occupied the building at the time of the battle, + and remained there during the whole contest. When the battle + raged most fiercely the cellar proved a place of refuge. Shells + tore through the house, sometimes from the National batteries, + and sometimes from Rebel guns. One shell exploded in a room + where three women were sitting. Though their clothes were torn + by the flying fragments, they escaped without personal injury. + They announced their determination not to leave home so long as + the house remained standing.</p> + + <p>Among other things captured at Elkhorn Tavern by the Rebels, + was a sutler's wagon, which, had just arrived from St. Louis. + In the division of the spoils, a large box, filled with + wallets, fell to the lot of McDonald's Battery. For several + weeks the officers and privates of this battery could boast of + a dozen wallets each, while very few had any money to carry. + The Rebel soldiers complained that the visits of the paymaster + were like those of angels.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c13" id="c13"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XIII.</h4> + + <h5>THE BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Rebels make their Attack.--Albert Pike and + his Indians.--Scalping Wounded Men.--Death of General + McCulloch.--The Fighting at Elkhorn Tavern.--Close of a Gloomy + Day.--An Unpleasant Night.--Vocal Sounds from a Mule's + Throat.--Sleeping under Disadvantages.--A Favorable + Morning.--The Opposing Lines of Battle.--A Severe + Cannonade.--The Forest on Fire.--Wounded Men in the + Flames.--The Rebels in Retreat.--Movements of our Army.--A + Journey to St. Louis.</p> + + <p>About nine o'clock on the morning of the 7th, the Rebels + made a simultaneous attack on our left and front, formerly our + right and rear. General Price commanded the force on our front, + and General McCulloch that on our left; the former having the + old Army of Missouri, re-enforced by several Arkansas + regiments, and the latter having a corps made up of Arkansas, + Texas, and Louisiana troops. They brought into the fight upward + of twenty thousand men, while we had not over twelve thousand + with which to oppose them.</p> + + <p>The attack on our left was met by General Sigel and Colonel + Davis. That on our front was met by Colonel Carr's Division and + the division of General Asboth. On our left it was severe, + though not long maintained, the position we held being too + strong for the enemy to carry.</p> + + <p>It was on this part of the line that the famous Albert Pike, + the lawyer-poet of Arkansas, brought his newly-formed brigades + of Indians into use. Pike was unfortunate with his Indians. + While he was arranging them in line, in a locality where the + bushes were about eight feet in height, the Indians made so + much noise as to reveal their exact position. One of our + batteries was quietly placed within point-blank range of the + Indians, and suddenly opened upon them with grape and canister. + They gave a single yell, and scattered without waiting for + orders.</p> + + <p>The Indians were not, as a body, again brought together + during the battle. In a charge which our cavalry made upon a + Rebel brigade we were repulsed, leaving several killed and + wounded upon the ground. Some of Pike's Indians, after their + dispersal, came upon these, and scalped the dead and living + without distinction. A Rebel officer subsequently informed me + that the same Indians scalped several of their own slain, and + barbarously murdered some who had been only slightly + injured.</p> + + <p>On this part of the field we were fortunate, early in the + day, in killing General McCulloch and his best lieutenant, + General McIntosh. To this misfortune the Rebels have since + ascribed their easy defeat. At the time of this reverse to the + enemy, General Van Dorn was with. Price in our front. After + their repulse and the death of their leader, the discomfited + Rebels joined their comrades in the front, who had been more + successful. It was nightfall before the two forces were + united.</p> + + <p>In our front, Colonel Carr's Division fought steadily and + earnestly during the entire day, but was pressed back fully + two-thirds of a mile. General Curtis gave it what + re-enforcements he could, but there were very few to be spared. + When it was fully ascertained that the Rebels on our left had + gone to our front, we prepared to unite against them. Our left + was drawn in to re-enforce Colonel Carr, but the movement was + not completed until long after dark.</p> + + <p>Thus night came. The rebels were in full possession of our + communications. We had repulsed them on the left, but lost + ground, guns, and men on our front. The Rebels were holding + Elkhorn Tavern, which we had made great effort to defend. + Colonel Carr had repeatedly wished for either night or + re-enforcements. He obtained both.</p> + + <p>The commanding officers visited General Curtis's + head-quarters, and received their orders for the morrow. Our + whole force was to be concentrated on our front. If the enemy + did not attack us at daylight, we would attack him as soon + thereafter as practicable.</p> + + <p>Viewed in its best light, the situation was somewhat gloomy. + Mr. Fayel, of the <i>Democrat</i>, and myself were the only + journalists with the army, and the cessation of the day's + fighting found us deliberating on our best course in case of a + disastrous result. We destroyed all documents that could give + information to the enemy, retaining only our note-books, and + such papers as pertained to our profession. With patience and + resignation we awaited the events of the morrow.</p> + + <p>I do not know that any of our officers expected we should be + overpowered, but there were many who thought such an occurrence + probable. The enemy was nearly twice as strong as we, and lay + directly between us and our base. If he could hold out till our + ammunition was exhausted, we should be compelled to lay down + our arms. There was no retreat for us. We must be victorious or + we must surrender.</p> + + <p>In camp, on that night, every thing was confusion. The + troops that had been on the left during the day were being + transferred to the front. The quartermaster was endeavoring to + get his train in the least dangerous place. The opposing lines + were so near each other that our men could easily hear the + conversation of the Rebels. The night was not severely cold; + but the men, who were on the front, after a day's fighting, + found it quite uncomfortable. Only in the rear was it thought + prudent to build fires.</p> + + <p>The soldiers of German birth were musical. Throughout the + night I repeatedly heard their songs. The soldiers of American + parentage were generally profane, and the few words I heard + them utter were the reverse of musical. Those of Irish origin + combined the peculiarities of both Germans and Americans, with + their tendencies in favor of the latter.</p> + + <p>I sought a quiet spot within the limits of the camp, but + could not find it. Lying down in the best place available, I + had just fallen asleep when a mounted orderly rode his horse + directly over me. I made a mild remonstrance, but the man was + out of hearing before I spoke. Soon after, some one lighted a + pipe and threw a coal upon my hand. This drew from me a gentle + request for a discontinuance of that experiment. I believe it + was not repeated. During the night Mr. Fayel's beard took fire, + and I was roused to assist in staying the conflagration.</p> + + <p>The vocal music around me was not calculated to encourage + drowsiness. Close at hand was the quartermaster's train, with + the mules ready harnessed for moving in any direction. These + mules had not been fed for two whole days, and it was more than + thirty-six hours since they had taken water. These facts were + made known in the best language the creatures possessed. The + bray of a mule is never melodious, even when the animal's + throat is well moistened. When it is parched and dusty the + sound becomes unusually hoarse. Each hour added to the noise as + the thirst of the musicians increased. Mr. Fayel provoked a + discussion concerning the doctrine of the transmigration of + souls; and thought, in the event of its truth, that the wretch + was to be pitied who should pass into a mule in time of + war.</p> + + <p>With the dawn of day every one was astir. At sunrise I found + our line was not quite ready, though it was nearly so. General + Curtis was confident all would result successfully, and + completed the few arrangements then requiring attention. We had + expected the Rebels would open the attack; but they waited for + us to do so. They deserved many thanks for their courtesy. The + smoke of the previous day's fight still hung over the camp, and + the sun rose through it, as through a cloud. A gentle wind soon + dissipated this smoke, and showed us a clear sky overhead. The + direction of the wind was in our favor.</p> + + <p>The ground selected for deciding the fate of that day was a + huge cornfield, somewhat exceeding two miles in length and + about half a mile in width. The western extremity of this field + rested upon the ridge which gave name to the battle-ground. The + great road from Springfield to Fayetteville crossed this field + about midway from the eastern to the western end.</p> + + <p>It was on this road that the two armies took their + positions. The lines were in the edge of the woods on opposite + sides of the field--the wings of the armies extending to either + end. On the northern side were the Rebels, on the southern was + the National army. Thus each army, sheltered by the forest, had + a cleared space in its front, affording a full view of the + enemy.</p><a href="images/p156i1.jpg"><img src= + "images/p156i1_t.jpg" alt= + "SHELLING THE HILL AT PEA RIDGE." /></a> + + <p class="captn">SHELLING THE HILL AT PEA RIDGE.</p> + + <p>By half-past seven o'clock our line was formed and ready for + action. A little before eight o'clock the cannonade was opened. + Our forces were regularly drawn up in order of battle. Our + batteries were placed between the regiments as they stood in + line. In the timber, behind these regiments and batteries, were + the brigades in reserve, ready to be brought forward in case of + need. At the ends of the line were battalions of cavalry, + stretching off to cover the wings, and give notice of any + attempt by the Rebels to move on our flanks. Every five minutes + the bugle of the extreme battalion would sound the signal + "All's well." The signal would be taken by the bugler of the + next battalion, and in this way carried down the line to the + center. If the Rebels had made any attempt to outflank us, we + could hardly have failed to discover it at once.</p> + + <p>Our batteries opened; the Rebel batteries responded. Our + gunners proved the best, and our shot had the greatest effect. + We had better ammunition than that of our enemies, and thus + reduced the disparity caused by their excess of guns. Our + cannonade was slow and careful; theirs was rapid, and was made + at random. At the end of two hours of steady, earnest work, we + could see that the Rebel line was growing weaker, while our own + was still unshaken. The work of the artillery was winning us + the victory.</p> + + <p>In the center of the Rebel line was a rocky hill, eighty or + a hundred feet in height. The side which faced us was almost + perpendicular, but the slope to the rear was easy of ascent. On + this hill the Rebels had stationed two regiments of infantry + and a battery of artillery. The balance of their artillery lay + at its base. General Curtis ordered that the fire of all our + batteries should be concentrated on this hill at a given + signal, and continued there for ten minutes. This was done. At + the same time our infantry went forward in a charge on the + Rebel infantry and batteries that stood in the edge of the + forest. The cleared field afforded fine opportunity for the + movement.</p> + + <p>The charge was successful. The Rebels fell back in disorder, + leaving three guns in our hands, and their dead and wounded + scattered on the ground. This was the end of the battle. We had + won the victory at Pea Ridge.</p> + + <p>I followed our advancing forces, and ascended to the summit + of the elevation on which our last fire was concentrated. + Wounded men were gathered in little groups, and the dead were + lying thick about them. The range of our artillery had been + excellent. Rocks, trees, and earth attested the severity of our + fire. This cannonade was the decisive work of the day. It was + the final effort of our batteries, and was terrible while it + lasted.</p> + + <p>The shells, bursting among the dry leaves, had set the woods + on fire, and the flames were slowly traversing the ground where + the battle had raged. We made every effort to remove the + wounded to places of safety, before the fire should reach them. + At that time we thought we had succeeded. Late in the afternoon + I found several wounded men lying in secluded places, where + they had been terribly burned, though they were still alive. + Very few of them survived.</p> + + <p>Our loss in this battle was a tenth of our whole force. The + enemy lost more than we in numbers, though less in proportion + to his strength. His position, directly in our rear, would have + been fatal to a defeated army in many other localities. There + were numerous small roads, intersecting the great road at right + angles. On these roads the Rebels made their lines of retreat. + Had we sent cavalry in pursuit, the Rebels would have lost + heavily in artillery and in their supply train. As it was, they + escaped without material loss, but they suffered a defeat which + ultimately resulted in our possession of all Northern + Arkansas.</p> + + <p>The Rebels retreated across the Boston Mountains to Van + Buren and Fort Smith, and were soon ordered thence to join + Beauregard at Corinth. Our army moved to Keytsville, Missouri, + several miles north of the battle-ground, where the country was + better adapted to foraging, and more favorable to recuperating + from the effects of the conflict.</p> + + <p>From Keytsville it moved to Forsyth, a small town in Taney + County, Missouri, fifty miles from Springfield. Extending over + a considerable area, the army consumed whatever could be found + in the vicinity. It gave much annoyance to the Rebels by + destroying the saltpeter works on the upper portion of White + River.</p> + + <p>The saltpeter manufactories along the banks of this stream + were of great importance to the Rebels in the Southwest, and + their destruction seriously reduced the supplies of gunpowder + in the armies of Arkansas and Louisiana. Large quantities of + the crude material were shipped to Memphis and other points, in + the early days of the war. At certain seasons White River is + navigable to Forsyth. The Rebels made every possible use of + their opportunities, as long as the stream remained in their + possession.</p> + + <p>Half sick in consequence of the hardships of the campaign, + and satisfied there would be no more fighting of importance + during the summer, I determined to go back to civilization. I + returned to St. Louis by way of Springfield and Rolla. A + wounded officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Herron (who afterward wore + the stars of a major-general), was my traveling companion. Six + days of weary toil over rough and muddy roads brought us to the + railway, within twelve hours of St. Louis. It was my last + campaign in that region. From that date the war in the + Southwest had its chief interest in the country east of the + Great River.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c14" id="c14"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XIV.</h4> + + <h5>UP THE TENNESSEE AND AT PITTSBURG LANDING.</h5> + + <p class="toc">At St. Louis.--Progress of our Arms in the Great + Valley.--Cairo.--Its Peculiarities and Attractions.--Its + Commercial, Geographical, and Sanitary Advantages.--Up the + Tennessee.--Movements Preliminary to the Great Battle.--The + Rebels and their Plans.--Postponement of the + Attack.--Disadvantages of our Position.--The Beginning of the + Battle.--Results of the First Day.--Re-enforcements.--Disputes + between Officers of our two Armies.--Beauregard's + Watering-Place.</p> + + <p>On reaching St. Louis, three weeks after the battle of Pea + Ridge, I found that public attention was centered upon the + Tennessee River. Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Columbus, and + Nashville had fallen, and our armies were pushing forward + toward the Gulf, by the line of the Tennessee. General Pope was + laying siege to Island Number Ten, having already occupied New + Madrid, and placed his gun-boats in front of that point. + General Grant's army was at Pittsburg Landing, and General + Buell's army was moving from Nashville toward Savannah, + Tennessee. The two armies were to be united at Pittsburg + Landing, for a further advance into the Southern States. + General Beauregard was at Corinth, where he had been joined by + Price and Van Dorn from Arkansas, and by Albert Sidney Johnston + from Kentucky. There was a promise of active hostilities in + that quarter. I left St. Louis, after a few days' rest, for the + new scene of action.</p> + + <p>Cairo lay in my route. I found it greatly changed from the + Cairo of the previous autumn. Six months before, it had been + the rendezvous of the forces watching the Lower Mississippi. + The basin in which the town stood, was a vast military + encampment. Officers of all rank thronged the hotels, and made + themselves as comfortable as men could be in Cairo. All the + leading journals of the country were represented, and the + dispatches from Cairo were everywhere perused with interest, + though they were not always entirety accurate.</p> + + <p>March and April witnessed a material change. Where there had + been twenty thousand soldiers in December, there were less than + one thousand in April. Where a fleet of gun-boats, + mortar-rafts, and transports had been tied to the levees during + the winter months, the opening spring showed but a half-dozen + steamers of all classes. The transports and the soldiers were + up the Tennessee, the mortars were bombarding Island Number + Ten, and the gun-boats were on duty where their services were + most needed. The journalists had become war correspondents in + earnest, and were scattered to the points of greatest + interest.</p> + + <p>Cairo had become a vast depot of supplies for the armies + operating on the Mississippi and its tributaries. The commander + of the post was more a forwarding agent than a military + officer. The only steamers at the levee were loading for the + armies. Cairo was a map of busy, muddy life.</p> + + <p>The opening year found Cairo exulting in its deep and + all-pervading mud. There was mud everywhere.</p> + + <p>Levee, sidewalks, floors, windows, tables, bed-clothing, all + were covered with it. On the levee it varied from six to thirty + inches in depth. The luckless individual whose duties obliged + him to make frequent journeys from the steamboat landing to the + principal hotel, became intimately acquainted with its + character.</p> + + <p>Sad, unfortunate, derided Cairo! Your visitors depart with + unpleasant memories. Only your inhabitants, who hold titles to + corner lots, speak loudly in your praise. When it rains, and + sometimes when it does not, your levee is unpleasant to walk + upon. Your sidewalks are dangerous, and your streets are + unclean. John Phenix declared you destitute of honesty. Dickens + asserted that your physical and moral foundations were + insecurely laid. Russell did not praise you, and Trollope + uttered much to your discredit. Your musquitos are large, + numerous, and hungry. Your atmosphere does not resemble the + spicy breezes that blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle. Your energy + and enterprise are commendable, and your geographical location + is excellent, but you can never become a rival to Saratoga or + Newport.</p> + + <p>Cairo is built in a basin formed by constructing a levee to + inclose the peninsula at the junction of the Ohio and + Mississippi Rivers. Before the erection of the levee, this + peninsula was overflowed by the rise of either river. + Sometimes, in unusual floods, the waters reach the top of the + embankment, and manage to fill the basin. At the time of my + visit, the Ohio was rising rapidly. The inhabitants were + alarmed, as the water was gradually gaining upon them. After a + time it took possession of the basin, enabling people to + navigate the streets and front yards in skiffs, and exchange + salutations from house-tops or upper windows. Many were driven + from their houses by the flood, and forced to seek shelter + elsewhere. In due time the waters receded and the city remained + unharmed. It is not true that a steamer was lost in consequence + of running against a chimney of the St. Charles Hotel.</p> + + <p>Cairo has prospered during the war, and is now making an + effort to fill her streets above the high-water level, and + insure a dry foundation at all seasons of the year. This once + accomplished, Cairo will become a city of no little + importance.</p> + + <p>Proceeding up the Tennessee, I reached Pittsburg Landing + three days after the great battle which has made that locality + famous.</p> + + <p>The history of that battle has been many times written. + Official reports have given the dry details,--the movements of + division, brigade, regiment, and battery, all being fully + portrayed. A few journalists who witnessed it gave the accounts + which were circulated everywhere by the Press. The earliest of + these was published by <i>The Herald.</i> The most complete and + graphic was that of Mr. Reid, of <i>The Cincinnati Gazette.</i> + Officers, soldiers, civilians, all with greater or less + experience, wrote what they had heard and seen. So diverse have + been the statements, that a general officer who was prominent + in the battle, says he sometimes doubts if he was present.</p> + + <p>In the official accounts there have been inharmonious + deductions, and many statements of a contradictory character. + Some of the participants have criticised unfavorably the + conduct of others, and a bitterness continuing through and + after the war has been the result.</p> + + <p>In February of 1862, the Rebels commenced assembling an army + at Corinth. General Beauregard was placed in command. Early in + March, Price and Van Dorn were ordered to take their commands + to Corinth, as their defeat at Pea Ridge had placed them on the + defensive against General Curtis. General A. S. Johnston had + moved thither, after the evacuation of Bowling Green, Kentucky, + and from all quarters the Rebels were assembling a vast army. + General Johnston became commander-in-chief on his arrival.</p> + + <p>General Halleck, who then commanded the Western Department, + ordered General Grant, after the capture of Forts Henry and + Donelson, to move to Pittsburg Landing, and seize that point as + a base against Corinth. General Buell, with the Army of the + Ohio, was ordered to join him from Nashville, and with other + re-enforcements we would be ready to take the offensive.</p> + + <p>Owing to the condition of the roads, General Buell moved + very slowly, so that General Grant was in position at Pittsburg + Landing several days before the former came up. This was the + situation at the beginning of April; Grant encamped on the bank + of the Tennessee nearest the enemy, and Buell slowly + approaching the opposite bank. It was evidently the enemy's + opportunity to strike his blow before our two armies should be + united.</p> + + <p>On the 4th of April, the Rebels prepared to move from + Corinth to attack General Grant's camp, but, on account of + rain, they delayed their advance till the morning of the 6th. + At daylight of the 6th our pickets were driven in, and were + followed by the advance of the Rebel army.</p> + + <p>The division whose camp was nearest to Corinth, and + therefore the first to receive the onset of the enemy, was + composed of the newest troops in the army. Some of the + regiments had received their arms less than two weeks before. + The outposts were not sufficiently far from camp to allow much + time for getting under arms after the first encounter. A + portion of this division was attacked before it could form, but + its commander, General Prentiss, promptly rallied his men, and + made a vigorous fight. He succeeded, for a time, in staying the + progress of the enemy, but the odds against him were too great. + When his division was surrounded and fighting was no longer of + use, he surrendered his command. At the time of surrender he + had little more than a thousand men remaining out of a division + six thousand strong. Five thousand were killed, wounded, or had + fled to the rear.</p> + + <p>General Grant had taken no precautions against attack. The + vedettes were but a few hundred yards from our front, and we + had no breast-works of any kind behind which to fight. The + newest and least reliable soldiers were at the point where the + enemy would make his first appearance. The positions of the + various brigades and divisions were taken, more with reference + to securing a good camping-ground, than for purposes of + strategy. General Grant showed himself a soldier in the + management of the army after the battle began, and he has since + achieved a reputation as the greatest warrior of the age. Like + the oculist who spoiled a hatful of eyes in learning to operate + for the cataract, he improved his military knowledge by his + experience at Shiloh. Never afterward did he place an army in + the enemy's country without making careful provision against + assault.</p> + + <p>One division, under General Wallace, was at Crump's Landing, + six miles below the battle-ground, and did not take part in the + action till the following day. The other divisions were in line + to meet the enemy soon after the fighting commenced on General + Prentiss's front, and made a stubborn resistance to the Rebel + advance.</p> + + <p>The Rebels well knew they would have no child's play in that + battle. They came prepared for hot, terrible work, in which + thousands of men were to fall. The field attests our determined + resistance; it attests their daring advance. A day's fighting + pushed us slowly, but steadily, toward the Tennessee. Our last + line was formed less than a half mile from its bank. Sixty + pieces of artillery composed a grand battery, against which the + enemy rushed. General Grant's officers claim that the enemy + received a final check when he attacked that line. The Rebels + claim that another hour of daylight, had we received no + re-enforcements, would have seen our utter defeat. Darkness and + a fresh division came to our aid.</p> + + <p>General Buell was to arrive at Savannah, ten miles below + Pittsburg, and on the opposite bank of the river, on the + morning of the 6th. On the evening of the 5th, General Grant + proceeded to Savannah to meet him, and was there when the + battle began on the following morning. His boat was immediately + headed for Pittsburg, and by nine o'clock the General was on + the battle-field. From that time, the engagement received his + personal attention. When he started from Savannah, some of + General Buell's forces were within two miles of the town. They + were hurried forward as rapidly as possible, and arrived at + Pittsburg, some by land and others by water, in season to take + position on our left, just as the day was closing. Others came + up in the night, and formed a part of the line on the morning + of the 7th.</p> + + <p>General Nelson's Division was the first to cross the river + and form on the left of Grant's shattered army. As he landed, + Nelson rode among the stragglers by the bank and endeavored to + rally them. Hailing a captain of infantry, he told him to get + his men together and fall into line. The captain's face + displayed the utmost terror. "My regiment is cut to pieces," + was the rejoinder; "every man of my company is killed."</p> + + <p>"Then why ain't you killed, too, you d----d coward?" + thundered Nelson. "Gather some of these stragglers and go back + into the battle."</p> + + <p>The man obeyed the order.</p><a href= + "images/p170i1.jpg"><img src="images/p170i1_t.jpg" alt= + "NELSON CROSSING THE TENNESSEE RIVER." /></a> + + <p class="captn">NELSON CROSSING THE TENNESSEE RIVER.</p> + + <p>General Nelson reported to General Grant with his division, + received his orders, and then dashed about the field, wherever + his presence was needed. The division was only slightly engaged + before night came on and suspended the battle.</p> + + <p>At dawn on the second day the enemy lay in the position it + held When darkness ended the fight. The gun-boats had shelled + the woods during the night, and prevented the Rebels from + reaching the river on our left. A creek and ravine prevented + their reaching it on the right. None of the Rebels stood on the + bank of the Tennessee River on that occasion, except as + prisoners of war.</p> + + <p>As they had commenced the attack on the 6th, it was our turn + to begin it on the 7th. A little past daylight we opened fire, + and the fresh troops on the left, under General Buell, were put + in motion. The Rebels had driven us on the 6th, so we drove + them on the 7th. By noon of that day we held the ground lost on + the day previous.</p> + + <p>The camps which the enemy occupied during the night were + comparatively uninjured, so confident were the Rebels that our + defeat was assured.</p> + + <p>It was the arrival of General Buell's army that saved us. + The history of that battle, as the Rebels have given it, shows + that they expected to overpower General Grant before General + Buell could come up. They would then cross the Tennessee, meet + and defeat Buell, and recapture Nashville. The defeat of these + two armies would have placed the Valley of the Ohio at the + command of the Rebels. Louisville was to have been the next + point of attack.</p> + + <p>The dispute between the officers of the Army of the + Tennessee and those of the Army of the Ohio is not likely to be + terminated until this generation has passed away. The former + contend that the Rebels were repulsed on the evening of the 6th + of April, before the Army of the Ohio took part in the battle. + The latter are equally earnest in declaring that the Army of + the Tennessee would have been defeated had not the other army + arrived. Both parties sustain their arguments by statements in + proof, and by positive assertions. I believe it is the general + opinion of impartial observers, that the salvation of General + Grant's army is due to the arrival of the army of General + Buell. With the last attack on the evening of the 6th, in which + our batteries repulsed the Rebels, the enemy did not retreat. + Night came as the fighting ceased. Beauregard's army slept + where it had fought, and gave all possible indication of a + readiness to renew the battle on the following day. So near was + it to the river that our gun-boats threw shells during the + night to prevent our left wing being flanked.</p> + + <p>Beauregard is said to have sworn to water his horse in the + Tennessee, or in Hell, on that night. It is certain that the + animal did not quench his thirst in the terrestrial stream. If + he drank from springs beyond the Styx, I am not informed.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c15" id="c15"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XV.</h4> + + <h5>SHILOH AND THE SIEGE OF CORINTH.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Error of the Rebels.--Story of a + Surgeon.--Experience of a Rebel Regiment.--Injury to the Rebel + Army.--The Effect in our own Lines.--Daring of a + Color-Bearer.--A Brave Soldier.--A Drummer-Boy's + Experience.--Gallantry of an Artillery Surgeon.--A Regiment + Commanded by a Lieutenant.--Friend Meeting Friend and Brother + Meeting Brother in the Opposing Lines.--The Scene of the + Battle.--Fearful Traces of Musketry-Fire.--The Wounded.--The + Labor of the Sanitary Commission.--Humanity a Yankee + Trick.--Besieging Corinth.--A Cold-Water Battery.--Halleck and + the Journalists.--Occupation of Corinth.</p> + + <p>The fatal error of the Rebels, was their neglect to attack + on the 4th, as originally intended. They were informed by their + scouts that Buell could not reach Savannah before the 9th or + 10th; and therefore a delay of two days would not change the + situation. Buell was nearer than they supposed.</p> + + <p>The surgeon of the Sixth Iowa Infantry fell into the enemy's + hands early on the morning of the first day of the battle, and + established a hospital in our abandoned camp. His position was + at a small log-house close by the principal road. Soon after he + took possession, the enemy's columns began to file past him, as + they pressed our army. The surgeon says he noticed a Louisiana + regiment that moved into battle eight hundred strong, its + banners flying and the men elated at the prospect of success. + About five o'clock in the afternoon this regiment was + withdrawn, and went into bivouac a short distance from the + surgeon's hospital. It was then less than four hundred strong, + but the spirit of the men was still the same. On the morning of + the 7th, it once more went into battle. About noon it came out, + less than a hundred strong, pressing in retreat toward Corinth. + The men still clung to their flag, and declared their + determination to be avenged.</p> + + <p>The story of this regiment was the story of many others. + Shattered and disorganized, their retreat to Corinth had but + little order. Only the splendid rear-guard, commanded by + General Bragg, saved them from utter confusion. The Rebels + admitted that many of their regiments were unable to produce a + fifth of their original numbers, until a week or more after the + battle. The stragglers came in slowly from the surrounding + country, and at length enabled the Rebels to estimate their + loss. There were many who never returned to answer at + roll-call.</p> + + <p>In our army, the disorder was far from small. Large numbers + of soldiers wandered for days about the camps, before they + could ascertain their proper locations. It was fully a week, + before all were correctly assigned. We refused to allow burying + parties from the Rebels to come within our lines, preferring + that they should not see the condition of our camp. Time was + required to enable us to recuperate. I presume the enemy was as + much in need of time as ourselves.</p> + + <p>A volume could be filled with the stories of personal valor + during that battle. General Lew Wallace says his division was, + at a certain time, forming on one side of a field, while the + Rebels were on the opposite side. The color-bearer of a Rebel + regiment stepped in front of his own line, and waved his flag + as a challenge to the color-bearer that faced him. Several of + our soldiers wished to meet the challenge, but their officers + forbade it. Again the Rebel stepped forward, and planted his + flag-staff in the ground. There was no response, and again and + again he advanced, until he had passed more than half the + distance between the opposing lines. Our fire was reserved in + admiration of the man's daring, as he stood full in view, + defiantly waving his banner. At last, when the struggle between + the divisions commenced, it was impossible to save him, and he + fell dead by the side of his colors.</p> + + <p>On the morning of the second day's fighting, the officers of + one of our gun-boats saw a soldier on the river-bank on our + extreme left, assisting another soldier who was severely + wounded. A yawl was sent to bring away the wounded man and his + companion. As it touched the side of the gun-boat on its + return, the uninjured soldier asked to be sent back to land, + that he might have further part in the battle. "I have," said + he, "been taking care of this man, who is my neighbor at home. + He was wounded yesterday morning, and I have been by his side + ever since. Neither of us has eaten any thing for thirty hours, + but, if you will take good care of him, I will not stop now for + myself. I want to get into the battle again at once." The man's + request was complied with. I regret my inability to give his + name.</p> + + <p>A drummer-boy of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry was wounded + five times during the first day's battle, but insisted upon + going out on the second day. He had hardly started before he + fainted from loss of blood, and was left to recover and crawl + back to the camp.</p> + + <p>Colonel Sweeney, of the Fifty-second Illinois Infantry, who + lost an arm in Mexico and was wounded in the leg at Wilson + Creek, received a wound in his arm on the first day of the + battle. He kept his saddle, though he was unable to use his + arm, and went to the hospital after the battle was over. When I + saw him he was venting his indignation at the Rebels, because + they had not wounded him in the stump of his amputated arm, + instead of the locality which gave him so much inconvenience. + It was this officer's fortune to be wounded on nearly every + occasion when he went into battle.</p> + + <p>During the battle, Dr. Cornyn, surgeon of Major Cavender's + battalion of Missouri Artillery, saw a section of a battery + whose commander had been killed. The doctor at once removed the + surgeon's badge from his hat and the sash from his waist, and + took command of the guns. He placed them in position, and for + several hours managed them with good effect. He was twice + wounded, though not severely. "I was determined they should not + kill or capture me as a surgeon when I had charge of that + artillery," said the doctor afterward, "and so removed every + thing that marked my rank."</p> + + <p>The Rebels made some very desperate charges against our + artillery, and lost heavily in each attack. Once they actually + laid their hands on the muzzles of two guns in Captain Stone's + battery, but were unable to capture them.</p> + + <p>General Hurlbut stated that his division fought all day on + Sunday with heavy loss, but only one regiment broke. When he + entered the battle on Monday morning, the Third Iowa Infantry + was commanded by a first-lieutenant, all the field officers and + captains having been disabled or captured. Several regiments + were commanded by captains.</p> + + <p>Colonel McHenry, of the Seventeenth Kentucky, said his + regiment fought a Kentucky regiment which was raised in the + county where his own was organized. The fight was very fierce. + The men frequently called out from one to another, using + taunting epithets. Two brothers recognized each other at the + same moment, and came to a tree midway between the lines, where + they conversed for several minutes.</p> + + <p>The color-bearer of the Fifty-second Illinois was wounded + early in the battle. A man who was under arrest for misdemeanor + asked the privilege of carrying the colors. It was granted, and + he behaved so admirably that he was released from arrest as + soon as the battle was ended.</p> + + <p>General Halleck arrived a week after the battle, and + commenced a reorganization of the army. He found much confusion + consequent upon the battle. In a short time the army was ready + to take the offensive. We then commenced the advance upon + Corinth, in which we were six weeks moving twenty-five miles. + When our army first took position at Pittsburg Landing, and + before the Rebels had effected their concentration, General + Grant asked permission to capture Corinth. He felt confident of + success, but was ordered not to bring on an engagement under + any circumstances. Had the desired permission been given, there + is little doubt he would have succeeded, and thus avoided the + necessity of the battle of Shiloh.</p> + + <p>The day following my arrival at Pittsburg Landing I rode + over the battle-field. The ground was mostly wooded, the forest + being one in which artillery could be well employed, but where + cavalry was comparatively useless. The ascent from the river + was up a steep bluff that led to a broken table-ground, in + which there were many ravines, generally at right angles to the + river. On this table-ground our camps were located, and it was + there the battle took place.</p> + + <p>Everywhere the trees were scarred and shattered, telling, as + plainly as by words, of the shower of shot, shell, and bullets, + that had fallen upon them. Within rifle range of the river, + stood a tree marked by a cannon-shot, showing how much we were + pressed back on the afternoon of the 6th. From the moment the + crest of the bluff was gained, the traces of battle were + apparent.</p> + + <p>In front of the line where General Prentiss's Division + fought, there was a spot of level ground covered with a dense + growth of small trees. The tops of these trees were from twelve + to fifteen feet high, and had been almost mowed off by the + shower of bullets which passed through them. I saw no place + where there was greater evidence of severe work. There was + everywhere full proof that the battle was a determined one. + Assailant and defendant had done their best.</p> + + <p>It was a ride of five miles among scarred trees, over ground + cut by the wheels of guns and caissons, among shattered + muskets, disabled cannon, broken wagons, and all the heavier + débris of battle. Everywhere could be seen torn + garments, haversacks, and other personal equipments of + soldiers. There were tents where the wounded had been gathered, + and where those who could not easily bear movement to the + transports were still remaining. In every direction I moved, + there were the graves of the slain, the National and the Rebel + soldiers being buried side by side. Few of the graves were + marked, as the hurry of interment had been great. I fear that + many of those graves, undesignated and unfenced, have long + since been leveled. A single year, with its rain and its rank + vegetation, would leave but a small trace of those mounds.</p> + + <p>All through that forest the camps of our army were + scattered. During the first few days after the battle they + showed much irregularity, but gradually took a more systematic + shape. When the wounded had been sent to the transports, the + regiments compacted, the camps cleared of superfluous baggage + and <i>matériel</i>, and the weather became more + propitious, the army assumed an attractive appearance.</p> + + <p>When the news of the battle reached the principal cities of + the West, the Sanitary Commission prepared to send relief. + Within twenty-four hours, boats were dispatched from St. Louis + and Cincinnati, and hurried to Pittsburg Landing with the + utmost rapidity. The battle had not been altogether unexpected, + but it found us without the proper preparation. Whatever we had + was pushed forward without delay, and the sufferings of the + wounded were alleviated as much as possible.</p> + + <p>As fast as the boats arrived they were loaded with wounded, + and sent to St. Louis and other points along the Mississippi, + or to Cincinnati and places in its vicinity. Chicago, St. + Louis, and Cincinnati were the principal points represented in + this work of humanity. Many prominent ladies of those cities + passed week after week in the hospitals or on the transports, + doing every thing in their power, and giving their attention to + friend and foe alike.</p> + + <p>In all cases the Rebels were treated with the same kindness + that our own men received. Not only on the boats, but in the + hospitals where the wounded were distributed, and until they + were fully recovered, our suffering prisoners were faithfully + nursed. The Rebel papers afterward admitted this kind + treatment, but declared it was a Yankee trick to win the + sympathies of our prisoners, and cause them to abandon the + insurgent cause. The men who systematically starved their + prisoners, and deprived them of shelter and clothing, could + readily suspect the humanity of others. They were careful never + to attempt to kill by kindness, those who were so unfortunate + as to fall into their hands.</p> + + <p>It was three weeks after the battle before all the wounded + were sent away, and the army was ready for offensive work. When + we were once more in fighting trim, our lines were slowly + pushed forward. General Pope had been called from the vicinity + of Fort Pillow, after his capture of Island Number Ten, and his + army was placed in position on the left of the line already + formed. When our advance began, we mustered a hundred and ten + thousand men. Exclusive of those who do not take part in a + battle, we could have easily brought eighty thousand men into + action. We began the siege of Corinth with every confidence in + our ability to succeed.</p> + + <p>In this advance, we first learned how an army should + intrench itself. Every time we took a new position, we + proceeded to throw up earth-works. Before the siege was ended, + our men had perfected themselves in the art of intrenching. The + defenses we erected will long remain as monuments of the war in + Western Tennessee. Since General Halleck, no other commander + has shown such ability to fortify in an open field against an + enemy that was acting on the defensive.</p> + + <p>It was generally proclaimed that we were to capture Corinth + with all its garrison of sixty or seventy thousand men. The + civilian observers could not understand how this was to be + accomplished, as the Rebels had two lines of railway open for a + safe retreat. It was like the old story of "bagging Price" in + Missouri. Every part of the bag, except the top and one side, + was carefully closed and closely watched. Unmilitary men were + skeptical, but the military heads assured them it was a piece + of grand strategy, which the public must not be allowed to + understand.</p> + + <p>During the siege, there was very little for a journalist to + record. One day was much like another. Occasionally there would + be a collision with the enemy's pickets, or a short struggle + for a certain position, usually ending in our possession of the + disputed point. The battle of Farmington, on the left of our + line, was the only engagement worthy the name, and this was of + comparatively short duration. Twenty-four hours after it + transpired we ceased to talk about it, and made only occasional + reference to the event. There were four weeks of monotony. An + advance of a half mile daily was not calculated to excite the + nerves.</p> + + <p>The chaplains and the surgeons busied themselves in looking + after the general health of the army. One day, a chaplain, + noted for his advocacy of total abstinence, passed the camp of + the First Michigan Battery. This company was raised in + Coldwater, Michigan, and the camp-chests, caissons, and other + property were marked "Loomis's Coldwater Battery." The chaplain + at once sought Captain Loomis, and paid a high compliment to + his moral courage in taking a firm and noble stand in favor of + temperance. After the termination of the interview, the captain + and several friends drank to the long life of the chaplain and + the success of the "Coldwater Battery."</p> + + <p>Toward the end of the siege, General Halleck gave the + journalists a sensation, by expelling them from his lines. The + representatives of the Press held a meeting, and waited upon + that officer, after the appearance of the order requiring their + departure. They offered a protest, which was insolently + rejected. We could not ascertain General Halleck's purpose in + excluding us just as the campaign was closing, but concluded he + desired we should not witness the end of the siege in which so + much had been promised and so little accomplished. A week after + our departure, General Beauregard evacuated Corinth, and our + army took possession. The fruits of the victory were an empty + village, a few hundred stragglers, and a small quantity of war + <i>matériel</i>.</p> + + <p>From Corinth the Rebels retreated to Tupelo, Mississippi, + where they threw up defensive works. The Rebel Government + censured General Beauregard for abandoning Corinth. The + evacuation of that point uncovered Memphis, and allowed it to + fall into our hands.</p> + + <p>Beauregard was removed from command. General Joseph E. + Johnston was assigned to duty in his stead. This officer + proceeded to reorganize his army, with a view to offensive + operations against our lines. He made no demonstrations of + importance until the summer months had passed away.</p> + + <p>The capture of Corinth terminated the offensive portion of + the campaign. Our army occupied the line of the Memphis and + Charleston Railway from Corinth to Memphis, and made a visit to + Holly Springs without encountering the enemy. A few cavalry + expeditions were made into Mississippi, but they accomplished + nothing of importance. The Army of the Tennessee went into + summer-quarters. The Army of the Ohio, under General Buell, + returned to its proper department, to confront the Rebel armies + then assembling in Eastern Tennessee. General Halleck was + summoned to Washington as commander-in-chief of the armies of + the United States.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c16" id="c16"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XVI.</h4> + + <h5>CAPTURE OF FORT PILLOW AND BATTLE OF MEMPHIS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Siege of Fort Pillow.--General Pope.--His + Reputation for Veracity. --Capture of the "Ten + Thousand."--Naval Battle above Fort Pillow.--The John II. + Dickey.--Occupation of the Fort.--General Forrest.--Strength of + the Fortifications.--Their Location.--Randolph, + Tennessee.--Memphis and her Last Ditch.--Opening of the Naval + Combat.--Gallant Action of Colonel Ellet.--Fate of the Rebel + Fleet.--The People Viewing the Battle.--Their Conduct.</p> + + <p>While I was tarrying at Cairo, after the exodus of the + journalists from the army before Corinth, the situation on the + Mississippi became interesting. After the capture of Island + Number Ten, General Pope was ordered to Pittsburg Landing with + his command. When called away, he was preparing to lay siege to + Fort Pillow, in order to open the river to Memphis. His success + at Island Number Ten had won him much credit, and he was + anxious to gain more of the same article. Had he taken Fort + Pillow, he would have held the honor of being the captor of + Memphis, as that city must have fallen with the strong + fortifications which served as its protection.</p> + + <p>The capture of Island Number Ten was marked by the only + instance of a successful canal from one bend of the Mississippi + to another. As soon as the channel was completed, General Pope + took his transports below the island, ready for moving his men. + Admiral Foote tried the first experiment of running his + gun-boats past the Rebel batteries, and was completely + successful. The Rebel transports could not escape, neither + could transports or gun-boats come up from Memphis to remove + the Rebel army. There was a lake in the rear of the Rebels + which prevented their retreat. The whole force, some + twenty-eight hundred, was surrendered, with all its arms and + munitions of war. General Pope reported his captures somewhat + larger than they really were, and received much applause for + his success.</p> + + <p>The reputation of this officer, on the score of veracity, + has not been of the highest character. After he assumed command + in Virginia, his "Order Number Five" drew upon him much + ridicule. Probably the story of the capture of ten thousand + prisoners, after the occupation of Corinth, has injured him + more than all other exaggerations combined. The paternity of + that choice bit of romance belongs to General Halleck, instead + of General Pope. Colonel Elliott, who commanded the cavalry + expedition, which General Pope sent out when Corinth was + occupied, forwarded a dispatch to Pope, something like the + following:--</p> + + <p>"I am still pursuing the enemy. The woods are full of + stragglers. Some of my officers estimate their number as high + as ten thousand. Many have already come into my + lines."</p><a href="images/p188i1.jpg"><img src= + "images/p188i1_t.jpg" alt= + "THE CARONDELET RUNNING THE BATTERIES AT ISLAND NO. 10" /></a> + + <p class="captn">THE CARONDELET RUNNING THE BATTERIES AT ISLAND + NO. 10</p> + + <p>Pope sent this dispatch, without alteration, to General + Halleck. From the latter it went to the country that "General + Pope reported ten thousand prisoners captured below Corinth." + It served to cover up the barrenness of the Corinth occupation, + and put the public in good-humor. General Halleck received + credit for the success of his plans. When it came out that no + prisoners of consequence had been taken, the real author of the + story escaped unharmed.</p> + + <p>At the time of his departure to re-enforce the army before + Corinth, General Pope left but a single brigade of infantry, to + act in conjunction with our naval forces in the siege of Fort + Pillow. This brigade was encamped on the Arkansas shore + opposite Fort Pillow, and did some very effective fighting + against the musquitos, which that country produces in the + greatest profusion. An attack on the fort, with such a small + force, was out of the question, and the principal aggressive + work was done by the navy at long range.</p> + + <p>On the 10th of May, the Rebel fleet made an attack upon our + navy, in which they sunk two of our gun-boats, the <i>Mound + City</i> and the <i>Cincinnati</i>, and returned to the + protection of Fort Pillow with one of their own boats disabled, + and two others somewhat damaged. Our sunken gun-boats were + fortunately in shoal water, where they were speedily raised and + repaired. Neither fleet had much to boast of as the result of + that engagement.</p> + + <p>The journalists who were watching Fort Pillow, had their + head-quarters on board the steamer <i>John H. Dickey</i>, which + was anchored in midstream. At the time of the approach of the + Rebel gun-boats, the <i>Dickey</i> was lying without sufficient + steam to move her wheels, and the prospect was good that she + might be captured or destroyed. Her commander, Captain + Mussleman, declared he was <i>not</i> in that place to stop + cannon-shot, and made every exertion to get his boat in + condition to move. His efforts were fully appreciated by the + journalists, particularly as they were successful. The + <i>Dickey</i>, under the same captain, afterward ran a battery + near Randolph, Tennessee, and though pierced in every part by + cannon-shot and musket-balls, she escaped without any loss of + life.</p> + + <p>As soon as the news of the evacuation of Corinth was + received at Cairo, we looked for the speedy capture of Fort + Pillow. Accordingly, on the 4th of June, I proceeded down the + river, arriving off Fort Pillow on the morning of the 5th. The + Rebels had left, as we expected, after spiking their guns and + destroying most of their ammunition. The first boat to reach + the abandoned fort was the <i>Hetty Gilmore</i>, one of the + smallest transports in the fleet. She landed a little party, + which took possession, hoisted the flag, and declared the fort, + and all it contained, the property of the United States. The + Rebels were, by this time, several miles distant, in full + retreat to a safer location.</p> + + <p>It was at this same fort, two years later, that the Rebel + General Forrest ordered the massacre of a garrison that had + surrendered after a prolonged defense. His only plea for this + cold-blooded slaughter, was that some of his men had been fired + upon after the white flag was raised. The testimony in proof of + this barbarity was fully conclusive, and gave General Forrest + and his men a reputation that no honorable soldier could + desire.</p> + + <p>In walking through the fort after its capture, I was struck + by its strength and extent. It occupied the base of a bluff + near the water's edge. On the summit of the bluff there were + breast-works running in a zigzag course for five or six miles, + and inclosing a large area. The works along the river were very + strong, and could easily hold a powerful fleet at bay.</p> + + <p>From Fort Pillow to Randolph, ten miles lower down, was less + than an hour's steaming. Randolph was a small, worthless + village, partly at the base of a bluff, and partly on its + summit. Here the Rebels had erected a powerful fort, which they + abandoned when they abandoned Fort Pillow. The inhabitants + expressed much agreeable astonishment on finding that we did + not verify all the statements of the Rebels, concerning the + barbarity of the Yankees wherever they set foot on Southern + soil. The town was most bitterly disloyal. It was afterward + burned, in punishment for decoying a steamboat to the landing, + and then attempting her capture and destruction. A series of + blackened chimneys now marks the site of Randolph.</p> + + <p>Our capture of these points occurred a short time after the + Rebels issued the famous "cotton-burning order," commanding all + planters to burn their cotton, rather than allow it to fall + into our hands. The people showed no particular desire to + comply with the order, except in a few instances. Detachments + of Rebel cavalry were sent to enforce obedience. They enforced + it by setting fire to the cotton in presence of its owners. On + both banks of the river, as we moved from Randolph to Memphis, + we could see the smoke arising from plantations, or from + secluded spots in the forest where cotton had been concealed. + In many cases the bales were broken open and rolled into the + river, dotting the stream with floating cotton. Had it then + possessed the value that attached to it two years later, I fear + there would have been many attempts to save it for transfer to + a Northern market.</p> + + <p>On the day before the evacuation of Fort Pillow, Memphis + determined she would never surrender. In conjunction with other + cities, she fitted up several gun-boats, that were expected to + annihilate the Yankee fleet. In the event of the failure of + this means of defense, the inhabitants were pledged to do many + dreadful things before submitting to the invaders. Had we + placed any confidence in the resolutions passed by the + Memphians, we should have expected all the denizens of the + Bluff City to commit <i>hari-kari</i>, after first setting fire + to their dwellings.</p> + + <p>On the morning of the 6th of June, the Rebel gun-boats, + eight in number, took their position just above Memphis, and + prepared for the advance of our fleet. The Rebel boats were the + <i>Van Dorn</i> (flag-ship), <i>General Price, General Bragg, + General Lovell, Little Rebel, Jeff. Thompson, Sumter</i>, and + <i>General Beauregard</i>. The <i>General Bragg</i> was the New + Orleans and Galveston steamer <i>Mexico</i> in former days, and + had been strengthened, plated, and, in other ways made as + effective as possible for warlike purposes. The balance of the + fleet consisted of tow-boats from the Lower Mississippi, fitted + up as rams and gun-boats. They were supplied with very powerful + engines, and were able to choose their positions in the battle. + The Rebel fleet was commanded by Commodore Montgomery, who was + well known to many persons on our own boats.</p> + + <p>The National boats were the iron-clads <i>Benton, + Carondelet, St. Louis, Louisville</i>, and <i>Cairo</i>. There + was also the ram fleet, commanded by Colonel Ellet. It + comprised the <i>Monarch, Queen of the West, Lioness, + Switzerland, Mingo, Lancaster No. 3, Fulton, Horner</i>, and + <i>Samson</i>. The <i>Monarch</i> and <i>Queen of the West</i> + were the only boats of the ram fleet that took part in the + action. Our forces were commanded by Flag-officer Charles H. + Davis, who succeeded Admiral Foote at the time of the illness + of the latter.</p> + + <p>The land forces, acting in conjunction with our fleet, + consisted of a single brigade of infantry, that was still at + Fort Pillow. It did not arrive in the vicinity of Memphis until + after the battle was over.</p> + + <p>Early in the morning the battle began. It was opened by the + gun-boats on the Rebel side, and for some minutes consisted of + a cannonade at long range, in which very little was effected. + Gradually the boats drew nearer to each other, and made better + use of their guns.</p> + + <p>Before they arrived at close quarters the rams + <i>Monarch</i> and <i>Queen of the West</i> steamed forward and + engaged in the fight. Their participation was most effective. + The <i>Queen of the West</i> struck and disabled one of the + Rebel gun-boats, and was herself disabled by the force of the + blow. The <i>Monarch</i> steered straight for the <i>General + Lovell</i>, and dealt her a tremendous blow, fairly in the + side, just aft the wheel. The sides of the <i>Lovell</i> were + crushed as if they had been made of paper, and the boat sank in + less than three minutes, in a spot where the plummet shows a + depth of ninety feet.</p> + + <p>Grappling with the <i>Beauregard</i>, the <i>Monarch</i> + opened upon her with a stream of hot water and a shower of + rifle-balls, which effectually prevented the latter from using + a gun. In a few moments she cast off and drifted a short + distance down the river. Coming up on the other side, the + <i>Monarch</i> dealt her antagonist a blow that left her in a + sinking condition. Herself comparatively uninjured, she paused + to allow the gun-boats to take a part. Those insignificant and + unwieldy rams had placed three of the enemy's gun-boats <i>hors + de combat</i> in less than a quarter of an hour's time.</p> + + <p>Our gun-boats ceased firing as the rams entered the fight; + but they now reopened. With shot and shell the guns were + rapidly served. The effect was soon apparent. One Rebel boat + was disabled and abandoned, after grounding opposite Memphis. A + second was grounded and blown up, and two others were disabled, + abandoned, and captured.</p> + + <p>It was a good morning's work. The first gun was fired at + forty minutes past five o'clock, and the last at forty-three + minutes past six. The Rebels boasted they would whip us before + breakfast. We had taken no breakfast when the fight began. + After the battle was over we enjoyed our morning meal with a + relish that does not usually accompany defeat.</p> + + <p>The following shows the condition of the two fleets after + the battle:--</p><br /> + + <table summary="Condition of Confederate Fleet"> + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>General Beauregard</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">sunk.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>General Lovell</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">sunk.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>General Price</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">injured and captured.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>Little Rebel</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">" " "</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>Sumter</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">" " "</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>General Bragg</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">" " "</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>Jeff. Thompson</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">burned.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>General Van Dorn</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">escaped.</td> + </tr> + </table><br /> + <br /> + + <table summary="Condition of National Fleet"> + <caption> + THE NATIONAL FLEET. + </caption> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>Benton</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">unhurt.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>Carondelet</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">"</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>St. Louis</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">"</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>Louisville</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">"</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>Cairo</i>,</td> + + <td class="l">"</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>Monarch</i> (ram),</td> + + <td class="l">unhurt.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="r"><i>Queen of the West</i> (ram),</td> + + <td class="l">disabled.</td> + </tr> + </table><br /> + + <p>The captured vessels were refitted, and, without alteration + of names, attached to the National fleet. The <i>Sumter</i> was + lost a few months later, in consequence of running aground near + the Rebel batteries in the vicinity of Bayou Sara. The + <i>Bragg</i> was one of the best boats in the service in point + of speed, and proved of much value as a dispatch-steamer on the + lower portion of the river.</p> + + <p>The people of Memphis rose at an early hour to witness the + naval combat. It had been generally known during the previous + night that the battle would begin about sunrise. The first gun + brought a large crowd to the bluff overlooking the river, + whence a full view of the fight was obtained. Some of the + spectators were loyal, and wished success to the National + fleet, but the great majority were animated by a strong hope + and expectation of our defeat.</p> + + <p>A gentleman, who was of the lookers-on, subsequently told me + of the conduct of the populace. As a matter of course, the + disloyalists had all the conversation their own way. While they + expressed their wishes in the loudest tones, no one uttered a + word in opposition. Many offered wagers on the success of their + fleet, and expressed a readiness to give large odds. No one + dared accept these offers, as their acceptance would have been + an evidence of sympathy for the Yankees. Americans generally, + but particularly in the South, make their wagers as they hope + or wish. In the present instance no man was allowed to "copper" + on the Rebel flotilla.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c17" id="c17"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XVII.</h4> + + <h5>IN MEMPHIS AND UNDER THE FLAG</h5> + + <p class="toc">Jeff. Thompson and his Predictions.--A Cry of + Indignation.--Memphis Humiliated.--The Journalists in the + Battle.--The Surrender.--A Fine Point of Law and Honor.--Going + on Shore.--An Enraged Secessionist.--A Dangerous + Enterprise.--Memphis and her Antecedents.--Her Loyalty.--An + Amusing Incident.--How the Natives learned of the Capture of + Fort Donelson.--The Last Ditch.--A + Farmer-Abolitionist.--Disloyalty among the Women.--"Blessings + in Disguise."--An American Mark Tapley.</p> + + <p>The somewhat widely (though not favorably) known Rebel + chieftain, Jeff. Thompson, was in Memphis on the day of the + battle, and boasted of the easy victory the Rebels would have + over the National fleet.</p> + + <p>"We will chaw them up in just an hour," said Jeff., as the + battle began.</p> + + <p>"Are you sure of that?" asked a friend.</p> + + <p>"Certainly I am; there is no doubt of it." Turning to a + servant, he sent for his horse, in order, as he said, to be + able to move about rapidly to the best points for witnessing + the engagement.</p> + + <p>In an hour and three minutes the battle was over. Jeff, + turned in his saddle, and bade his friend farewell, saying he + had a note falling due that day at Holly Springs, and was going + out to pay it. The "chawing up" of our fleet was not referred + to again.</p> + + <p>As the <i>Monarch</i> struck the <i>Lovell</i>, sinking the + latter in deep water, the crowd stood breathless. As the crew + of the sunken boat were floating helplessly in the strong + current, and our own skiffs were putting off to aid them, there + was hardly a word uttered through all that multitude. As the + Rebel boats, one after another, were sunk or captured, the + sympathies of the spectators found vent in words. When, at + length, the last of the Rebel fleet disappeared, and the Union + flotilla spread its flags in triumph, there went up an almost + universal yell of indignation from that vast crowd. Women tore + their bonnets from their heads, and trampled them on the + ground; men stamped and swore as only infuriated Rebels can, + and called for all known misfortunes to settle upon the heads + of their invaders. The profanity was not entirely monopolized + by the men.</p> + + <p>This scene of confusion lasted for some time, and ended in + anxiety to know what we would do next. Some of the spectators + turned away, and went, in sullen silence, to their homes. + Others remained, out of curiosity, to witness the end of the + day's work. A few were secretly rejoicing at the result, but + the time had not come when they could display their sympathies. + The crowd eagerly watched our fleet, and noted every motion of + the various boats.</p> + + <p>The press correspondents occupied various positions during + the engagement. Mr. Coffin, of the Boston <i>Journal</i>, was + on the tug belonging to the flag-ship, and had a fine view of + the whole affair. One of <i>The Herald</i> correspondents was + in the pilot-house of the gun-boat <i>Cairo</i>, while Mr. + Colburn, of <i>The World</i>, was on the captured steamer + <i>Sovereign</i>. "Junius," of <i>The Tribune</i>, and Mr. + Vizitelly, of the London <i>Illustrated News</i>, with several + others, were on the transport <i>Dickey</i>, the general + rendezvous of the journalists. The representative of the St. + Louis <i>Republican</i> and myself were on the <i>Platte + Valley</i>, in rear of the line of battle. The <i>Platte + Valley</i> was the first private boat that touched the Memphis + landing after the capture of the city.</p> + + <p>The battle being over, we were anxious to get on shore and + look at the people and city of Memphis. Shortly after the + fighting ceased, Colonel Ellet sent the ram <i>Lioness</i>, + under a flag-of-truce, to demand the surrender of the city. To + this demand no response was given. A little later, Flag-Officer + Davis sent the following note to the Mayor, at the hands of one + of the officers of the gun-boat <i>Benton</i>:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>UNITED STATES FLAG-STEAMER BENTON,<br /> + OFF MEMPHIS, <i>June</i> 6, 1862.</p> + + <p>SIR:--I have respectfully to request that you will + surrender the city of Memphis to the authority of the United + States, which I have the honor to represent. I am, Mr. Mayor, + with high respect, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, + <i>Flag-Officer Commanding</i>.</p> + + <p>To his Honor, the Mayor of Memphis.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>To this note the following reply was received:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>MAYOR'S OFFICE, MEMPHIS, <i>June</i> 6, 1862.</p> + + <p>C. H. Davis, <i>Flag-Officer Commanding</i>:</p> + + <p>SIR:--Your note of this date is received and contents + noted. In reply I have only to say that, as the civil + authorities have no means of defense, by the force of + circumstances the city is in your hands. Respectfully, John + Park, <i>Mayor of Memphis</i>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>At the meeting, four days before, the citizens of Memphis + had solemnly pledged themselves never to surrender. There was a + vague understanding that somebody was to do a large amount of + fighting, whenever Memphis was attacked. If this fighting + proved useless, the city was to be fired in every house, and + only abandoned after its complete destruction. It will be seen + that the note of the mayor, in response to a demand for + surrender, vindicates the honor of Memphis. It merely informs + the United States officer that the city has fallen "by the + force of circumstances." Since that day I have frequently heard + its citizens boast that the place was not surrendered. "You + came in," say they, "and took possession, but we did not give + up to you. We declared we would never surrender, and we kept + our word."</p> + + <p>About eleven o'clock in the forenoon, the transports arrived + with our infantry, and attempted to make a landing. As their + mooring-lines were thrown on shore they were seized by dozens + of persons in the crowd, and the crews were saved the trouble + of making fast. This was an evidence that the laboring class, + the men with blue shirts and shabby hats, were not disloyal. We + had abundant evidence of this when our occupation became a + fixed fact. It was generally the wealthy who adhered to the + Rebel cause.</p> + + <p>As a file of soldiers moved into the city, the people stood + at a respectful distance, occasionally giving forth wordy + expression of their anger. When I reached the office of <i>The + Avalanche</i>, one of the leading journals of Memphis, and, of + course, strongly disloyal, I found the soldiers removing a + Rebel flag from the roof of the building. The owner of the + banner made a very vehement objection to the proceeding. His + indignation was so great that his friends were obliged to hold + him, to prevent his throwing himself on the bayonet of the + nearest soldier. I saw him several days later, when his anger + had somewhat cooled. He found relief from his troubles, before + the end of June, by joining the Rebel army at Holly + Springs.</p> + + <p>On the bluff above the levee was a tall flag-staff. The + Rebels had endeavored to make sure of their courage by nailing + a flag to the top of this staff. A sailor from one of the + gun-boats volunteered to ascend the staff and bring down the + banner. When he had ascended about twenty feet, he saw two + rifles bearing upon him from the window of a neighboring + building. The sailor concluded it was best to go no further, + and descended at once. The staff was cut down and the obnoxious + flag secured.</p> + + <p>With the city in our possession, we had leisure to look + about us. Memphis had been in the West what Charleston was in + the East: an active worker in the secession cause. Her + newspapers had teemed with abuse of every thing which opposed + their heresy, and advocated the most summary measures. Lynching + had been frequent and never rebuked, impressments were of daily + and nightly occurrence, every foundery and manufactory had been + constantly employed by the Rebel authorities, and every citizen + had, in some manner, contributed to the insurrection. It was + gratifying in the extreme to see the Memphis, of which we at + Cairo and St. Louis had heard so much, brought under our + control. The picture of five United States gun-boats lying in + line before the city, their ports open and their guns shotted, + was pleasing in the eyes of loyal men.</p> + + <p>Outside of the poorer classes there were some loyal persons, + but their number was not large. There were many professing + loyalty, who possessed very little of the article, and whose + record had been exceedingly doubtful. Prominent among these + were the politicians, than whom none had been more + self-sacrificing, if their own words could be believed.</p> + + <p>There were many men of this class ready, no doubt, to swear + allegiance to the victorious side, who joined our standard + because they considered the Rebel cause a losing one. They may + have become loyal since that time, but it has been only through + the force of circumstances. In many cases our Government + accepted their words as proof of loyalty, and granted these + persons many exclusive privileges. It was a matter of comment + that a newly converted loyalist could obtain favors at the + hands of Government officials, that would be refused to men + from the North. The acceptance of office under the Rebels, and + the earnest advocacy he had shown for secession, were generally + alleged to have taken place under compulsion, or in the + interest of the really loyal men.</p> + + <p>A Memphis gentleman gave me an amusing account of the + reception of the news of the fall of Fort Donelson. Many boasts + had been made of the terrible punishment that was in store for + our army, if it ventured an attack upon Fort Donelson. No one + would be allowed to escape to tell the tale. All were to be + slaughtered, or lodged in Rebel prisons. Memphis was + consequently waiting for the best tidings from the Cumberland, + and did not think it possible a reverse could come to the Rebel + cause.</p> + + <p>One Sunday morning, the telegraph, without any previous + announcement, flashed the intelligence that Fort Donelson, with + twelve thousand men, had surrendered, and a portion of General + Grant's army was moving on Nashville, with every prospect of + capturing that city. Memphis was in consternation. No one could + tell how long the Yankee army would stop at Nashville before + moving elsewhere, and it was certain that Memphis was uncovered + by the fall of Fort Donelson.</p> + + <p>My informant first learned the important tidings in the + rotunda of the Gayoso House. Seeing a group of his + acquaintances with faces depicting the utmost gloom, he asked + what was the matter.</p> + + <p>"Bad enough," said one. "Fort Donelson has surrendered with + nearly all its garrison."</p> + + <p>"That is terrible," said my friend, assuming a look of + agony, though he was inwardly elated.</p> + + <p>"Yes, and the enemy are moving on Nashville."</p> + + <p>"Horrible news," was the response; "but let us not be too + despondent. Our men are good for them, one against three, and + they will never get out of Nashville alive, if they should + happen to take it."</p> + + <p>With another expression of deep sorrow at the misfortune + which had befallen the Rebel army, this gentleman hastened to + convey the glad news to his friends. "I reached home," said he, + "locked my front door, called my wife and sister into the + parlor, and instantly jumped over the center-table. They both + cried for joy when I told them the old flag floated over + Donelson."</p> + + <p>The Secessionists in Memphis, like their brethren elsewhere, + insisted that all the points we had captured were given up + because they had no further use for them. The evacuation of + Columbus, Fort Pillow, Fort Henry, and Bowling Green, with the + surrender of Donelson, were parts of the grand strategy of the + Rebel leaders, and served to lure us on to our destruction. + They would never admit a defeat, but contended we had + invariably suffered.</p> + + <p>An uneducated farmer, on the route followed by one of our + armies in Tennessee, told our officers that a Rebel general and + his staff had taken dinner with him during the retreat from + Nashville. The farmer was anxious to learn something about the + military situation, and asked a Rebel major how the Confederate + cause was progressing.</p> + + <p>"Splendidly," answered the major. "We have whipped the + Yankees in every battle, and our independence will soon be + recognized."</p> + + <p>The farmer was thoughtful for a minute or two, and then + deliberately said:</p> + + <p>"I don't know much about war, but if we are always whipping + the Yankees, how is it they keep coming down into our country + after every battle?"</p> + + <p>The major grew red in the face, and told the farmer that any + man who asked such an absurd question was an Abolitionist, and + deserved hanging to the nearest tree. The farmer was silenced, + but not satisfied.</p> + + <p>I had a fine illustration of the infatuation of the Rebel + sympathizers, a few days after Memphis was captured. One + evening, while making a visit at the house of an acquaintance, + the hostess introduced me to a young lady of the strongest + secession proclivities. Of course, I endeavored to avoid the + topics on which we were certain to differ, but my new + acquaintance was determined to provoke a discussion. With a few + preliminaries, she throw out the question:</p> + + <p>"Now, don't you think the Southern soldiers have shown + themselves the bravest people that ever lived, while the + Yankees have proved the greatest cowards?"</p> + + <p>"I can hardly agree with you," I replied. "Your people have + certainly established a reputation on the score of bravery, but + we can claim quite as much."</p> + + <p>"But we have whipped you in every battle. We whipped you at + Manassas and Ball's Bluff, and we whipped General Grant at + Belmont."</p> + + <p>"That is very true; but how was it at Shiloh?"</p> + + <p>"At Shiloh we whipped you; we drove you to your gun-boats, + which was all we wanted to do."</p> + + <p>"Ah, I beg your pardon; but what is your impression of Fort + Donelson?"</p> + + <p>"Fort Donelson!"--and my lady's cheek flushed with either + pride or indignation--"Fort Donelson was an unquestioned + victory for the South. We stopped your army--all we wanted to; + and then General Forrest, General Floyd, and all the troops we + wished to bring off, came away. We only left General Buckner + and three thousand men for you to capture."</p> + + <p>"It seems, then, we labored under a delusion at the North. + We thought we had something to rejoice over when Fort Donelson + fell. But, pray, what do you consider the capture of Island + Number Ten and the naval battle here?"</p> + + <p>"At Island Ten we defeated you" (how this was done she did + not say), "and we were victorious here. You wanted to capture + all our boats; but you only got four of them, and those were + damaged."</p> + + <p>"In your view of the case," I replied, "I admit the South to + have been always victorious. Without wishing to be considered + disloyal to the Nation, I can heartily wish you many similar + victories."</p> + + <p>In the tour which Dickens records, Mark Tapley did not visit + the Southern country, but the salient points of his character + are possessed by the sons of the cavaliers. "Jolly" under the + greatest misfortunes, and extracting comfort and happiness from + all calamities, your true Rebel could never know adversity. The + fire which consumes his dwelling is a personal boon, as he can + readily explain. So is a devastating flood, or a widespread + pestilence. The events which narrow-minded mudsills are apt to + look upon as calamitous, are only "blessings in disguise" to + every supporter and friend of the late "Confederacy."</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c18" id="c18"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XVIII.</h4> + + <h5>SUPERVISING A REBEL JOURNAL.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Press of Memphis.--Flight of <i>The + Appeal</i>.--A False Prediction.--<i>The Argus</i> becomes + Loyal.--Order from General Wallace.--Installed in + Office.--Lecturing the Rebels.--"Trade follows the + Flag."--Abuses of Traffic.--Supplying the Rebels.--A Perilous + Adventure.--Passing the Rebel Lines.--Eluding Watchful + Eyes.</p> + + <p>On the morning of the 6th of June, the newspaper publishers, + like most other gentlemen of Memphis, were greatly alarmed. + <i>The Avalanche</i> and <i>The Argus</i> announced that it was + impossible for the Yankee fleet to cope successfully with the + Rebels, and that victory was certain to perch upon the banners + of the latter. The sheets were not dry before the Rebel fleet + was a thing of the past. <i>The Appeal</i> had not been as + hopeful as its contemporaries, and thought it the wisest course + to abandon the city. It moved to Grenada, Mississippi, a + hundred miles distant, and resumed publication. It became a + migratory sheet, and was at last captured by General Wilson at + Columbus, Georgia. In ability it ranked among the best of the + Rebel journals.</p> + + <p><i>The Avalanche</i> and <i>The Argus</i> continued + publication, with a strong leaning to the Rebel side. The + former was interfered with by our authorities; and, under the + name of <i>The Bulletin</i>, with new editorial management, was + allowed to reappear. <i>The Argus</i> maintained its Rebel + ground, though with moderation, until the military hand fell + upon it. Memphis, in the early days of our occupation, changed + its commander nearly every week. One of these changes brought + Major-General Wallace into the city. This officer thought it + proper to issue the following order:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>HEAD-QUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, RESERVED CORPS,<br /> + ARMY OF TENNESSEE, MEMPHIS, <i>June</i> 17,1862.</p> + + <p>EDITORS DAILY ARGUS:--As the closing of your office might + be injurious to you pecuniarily, I send two + gentlemen--Messrs. A.D. Richardson and Thos. W. Knox, both of + ample experience--to take charge of the editorial department + of your paper. The business management of your office will be + left to you.</p> + + <p>Very respectfully,<br /> + LEWIS WALLACE,<br /> + <i>General Third Division, Reserved Corps.</i></p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The publishers of <i>The Argus</i> printed this order at the + head of their columns. Below it they announced that they were + not responsible for any thing which should appear editorially, + as long as the order was in force. The business management and + the general miscellaneous and news matter were not interfered + with.</p> + + <p>Mr. Richardson and myself entered upon our new duties + immediately. We had crossed the Plains together, had published + a paper in the Rocky Mountains, had been through many + adventures and perils side by side; but we had never before + managed a newspaper in an insurrectionary district. The + publishers of <i>The Argus</i> greeted us cordially, and our + whole intercourse with them was harmonious. They did not relish + the intrusion of Northern men into their office, to compel the + insertion of Union editorials, but they bore the inconvenience + with an excellent grace. The foreman of the establishment + displayed more mortification at the change, than any other + person whom we met.</p> + + <p>The editorials we published were of a positive character. We + plainly announced the determination of the Government to assert + itself and put down and punish treason. We told the Memphis + people that the scheme of partisan warfare, which was then in + its inception, would work more harm than good to the districts + where guerrilla companies were organized. We insisted that the + Union armies had entered Memphis and other parts of the South, + to stay there, and that resistance to their power was useless. + We credited the Rebels with much bravery and devotion to their + cause, but asserted always that we had the right and the strong + arm in our favor.</p> + + <p>It is possible we did not make many conversions among the + disloyal readers of <i>The Argus</i>, but we had the + satisfaction of saying what we thought it necessary they should + hear. The publishers said their subscribers were rapidly + falling off, on account of the change of editorial tone. Like + newspaper readers everywhere, they disliked to peruse what + their consciences did not approve. We received letters, + generally from women, denying our right to control the columns + of the paper for our "base purposes." Some of these letters + were not written after the style of Chesterfield, but the + majority of them were courteous.</p> + + <p>There were many jests in Memphis, and throughout the country + generally, concerning the appointment of representatives of + <i>The Herald</i> and <i>The Tribune</i> to a position where + they must work together. <i>The Herald</i> and <i>The + Tribune</i> have not been famous, in the past twenty years, for + an excess of good-nature toward each other. Mr. Bennett and Mr. + Greeley are not supposed to partake habitually of the same + dinners and wine, or to join in frequent games of billiards and + poker. The compliments which the two great dailies occasionally + exchange, are not calculated to promote an intimate friendship + between the venerable gentlemen whose names are so well known + to the public. No one expects these veteran editors to emulate + the example of Damon and Pythias.</p> + + <p>At the time Mr. Richardson and myself took charge of <i>The + Argus, The Tribune</i> and <i>The Herald</i> were indulging in + one of their well-known disputes. It was much like the + Hibernian's debate, "with sticks," and attracted some + attention, though it was generally voted a nuisance. Many, who + did not know us, imagined that the new editors of <i>The + Argus</i> would follow the tendencies of the offices from which + they bore credentials. Several Northern journals came to hand, + in which this belief was expressed. A Chicago paper published + two articles supposed to be in the same issue of <i>The + Argus</i>, differing totally in every line of argument or + statement of fact. One editor argued that the harmonious + occupancy of contiguous desks by the representatives of <i>The + Herald</i> and <i>The Tribune</i>, betokened the approach of + the millennium.</p> + + <p>When he issued the order placing us in charge of <i>The + Argus</i>, General Wallace assured its proprietors that he + should remove the editorial supervision as soon as a Union + paper was established in Memphis. This event occurred in a + short time, and <i>The Argus</i> was restored to its original + management, according to promise.</p> + + <p>As soon as the capture of Memphis was known at the North, + there was an eager scramble to secure the trade of the + long-blockaded port. Several boat-loads of goods were shipped + from St. Louis and Cincinnati, and Memphis was so rapidly + filled that the supply was far greater than the demand.</p> + + <p>Army and Treasury regulations were soon established, and + many restrictions placed upon traffic. The restrictions did not + materially diminish the quantity of goods, but they served to + throw the trade into a few hands, and thus open the way for + much favoritism. Those who obtained permits, thought the system + an excellent one. Those who were kept "out in the cold," viewed + the matter in a different light. A thousand stories of + dishonesty, official and unofficial, were in constant + circulation, and I fear that many of them came very near the + truth.</p> + + <p>In our occupation of cities along the Mississippi, the + Rebels found a ready supply from our markets. This was + especially the case at Memphis. Boots and shoes passed through + the lines in great numbers, either by stealth or by open + permit, and were taken at once to the Rebel army. Cloth, + clothing, percussion-caps, and similar articles went in the + same direction. General Grant and other prominent officers made + a strong opposition to our policy, and advised the suppression + of the Rebellion prior to the opening of trade, but their + protestations were of no avail. We chastised the Rebels with + one hand, while we fed and clothed them with the other.</p> + + <p>After the capture of Memphis, Colonel Charles R. Ellet, with + two boats of the ram fleet, proceeded to explore the river + between Memphis and Vicksburg. It was not known what defenses + the Rebels might have constructed along this distance of four + hundred miles. Colonel Ellet found no hinderance to his + progress, except a small field battery near Napoleon, Arkansas. + When a few miles above Vicksburg, he ascertained that a portion + of Admiral Farragut's fleet was below that point, preparing to + attack the city. He at once determined to open communication + with the lower fleet.</p> + + <p>Opposite Vicksburg there is a long and narrow peninsula, + around which the Mississippi makes a bend. It is a mile and a + quarter across the neck of this peninsula, while it is sixteen + miles around by the course of the river. It was impossible to + pass around by the Mississippi, on account of the batteries at + Vicksburg. The Rebels were holding the peninsula with a small + force of infantry and cavalry, to prevent our effecting a + landing. By careful management it was possible to elude the + sentinels, and cross from one side of the peninsula to the + other.</p> + + <p>Colonel Ellet armed himself to make the attempt. He took + only a few documents to prove his identity as soon as he + reached Admiral Farragut. A little before daylight, one + morning, he started on his perilous journey. He waded through + swamps, toiled among the thick undergrowth in a portion of the + forest, was fired upon by a Rebel picket, and narrowly escaped + drowning in crossing a bayou. He was compelled to make a wide + detour, to avoid capture, and thus extended his journey to + nearly a half-dozen miles.</p> + + <p>On reaching the bank opposite one of our gun-boats, he found + a yawl near the shore, by which he was promptly taken on board. + The officers of this gun-boat suspected him of being a spy, and + placed him under guard. It was not until the arrival of Admiral + Farragut that his true character became known.</p> + + <p>After a long interview with that officer he prepared to + return. He concealed dispatches for the Navy Department and for + Flag-Officer Davis in the lining of his boots and in the + wristbands of his shirt. A file of marines escorted him as far + as they could safely venture, and then bade him farewell. Near + the place where he had left his own boat, Colonel Ellet found a + small party of Rebels, carefully watching from a spot where + they could not be easily discovered. It was a matter of some + difficulty to elude these men, but he did it successfully, and + reached his boat in safety. He proceeded at once to Memphis + with his dispatches. Flag-Officer Davis immediately decided to + co-operate with Admiral Farragut, in the attempt to capture + Vicksburg.</p> + + <p>Shortly after the capture of New Orleans, Admiral Farragut + ascended the Mississippi as far as Vicksburg. At that time the + defensive force was very small, and there were but few + batteries erected. The Admiral felt confident of his ability to + silence the Rebel guns, but he was unaccompanied by a land + force to occupy the city after its capture. He was reluctantly + compelled to return to New Orleans, and wait until troops could + be spared from General Butler's command. The Rebels improved + their opportunities, and concentrated a large force to put + Vicksburg in condition for defense. Heavy guns were brought + from various points, earth-works were thrown up on all sides, + and the town became a vast fortification. When the fleet + returned at the end of June, the Rebels were ready to receive + it. Their strongest works were on the banks of the Mississippi. + They had no dread of an attack from the direction of Jackson, + until long afterward.</p> + + <p>Vicksburg was the key to the possession of the Mississippi. + The Rebel authorities at Richmond ordered it defended as long + as defense was possible.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c19" id="c19"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XIX.</h4> + + <h5>THE FIRST SIEGE OF VICKSBURG.</h5> + + <p class="toc">From Memphis to Vicksburg.--Running the + Batteries.--Our Inability to take Vicksburg by + Assault.--Digging a Canal.--A Conversation with Resident + Secessionists.--Their Arguments <i>pro</i> and <i>con</i>, and + the Answers they Received.--A Curiosity of Legislation.--An + Expedition up the Yazoo.--Destruction of the Rebel Fleet.--The + <i>Arkansas</i> Running the Gauntlet.--A Spirited Encounter.--A + Gallant Attempt.--Raising the Siege.--Fate of the + <i>Arkansas</i>.</p> + + <p>On the 1st of July, I left Memphis with the Mississippi + flotilla, and arrived above Vicksburg late on the following + day. Admiral Farragut's fleet attempted the passage of the + batteries on the 28th of June. A portion of the fleet succeeded + in the attempt, under a heavy fire, and gained a position above + the peninsula. Among the first to effect a passage was the + flag-ship <i>Hartford</i>, with the "gallant old salamander" on + board. The <i>Richmond, Iroquois</i>, and <i>Oneida</i> were + the sloops-of-war that accompanied the <i>Hartford</i>. The + <i>Brooklyn</i> and other heavy vessels remained below.</p> + + <p>The history of that first siege of Vicksburg can be briefly + told. Twenty-five hundred infantry, under General Williams, + accompanied the fleet from New Orleans, with the design of + occupying Vicksburg after the batteries had been silenced by + our artillery. Most of the Rebel guns were located at such a + height that it was found impossible to elevate our own guns so + as to reach them. Thus the occupation by infantry was found + impracticable. The passage of the batteries was followed by the + bombardment, from the mortar-schooners of Admiral Farragut's + fleet and the mortar-rafts which Flag-Officer Davis had brought + down. This continued steadily for several days, but Vicksburg + did not fall.</p> + + <p>A canal across the peninsula was proposed and commenced. The + water fell as fast as the digging progressed, and the plan of + leaving Vicksburg inland was abandoned for that time. Even had + there been a flood in the river, the entrance to the canal was + so located that success was impossible. The old steamboat-men + laughed at the efforts of the Massachusetts engineer, to create + a current in his canal by commencing it in an eddy.</p> + + <p>Just as the canal project was agreed upon, I was present at + a conversation between General Williams and several residents + of the vicinity. The latter, fearing the channel of the river + would be changed, visited the general to protest against the + carrying out of his plan.</p> + + <p>The citizens were six in number. They had selected no one to + act as their leader. Each joined in the conversation as he saw + fit. After a little preliminary talk, one of them said:</p> + + <p>"Are you aware, general, there is no law of the State + allowing you to make a cut-off, here?"</p> + + <p>"I am sorry to say," replied General Williams, "I am not + familiar with the laws of Louisiana. Even if I were, I should + not heed them. I believe Louisiana passed an act of secession. + According to your own showing you have no claims on the + Government now."</p> + + <p>This disposed of that objection. There was some hesitation, + evidently embarrassing to the delegation, but not to General + Williams. Citizen number one was silenced. Number two advanced + an idea.</p> + + <p>"You may remember, General, that you will subject the parish + of Madison to an expenditure of ninety thousand dollars for new + levees."</p> + + <p>This argument disturbed General Williams no more than the + first one. He promptly replied:</p> + + <p>"The parish of Madison gave a large majority in favor of + secession; did it not?"</p> + + <p>"I believe it did," was the faltering response.</p> + + <p>"Then you can learn that treason costs something. It will + cost you far more before the war is over."</p> + + <p>Citizen number two said nothing more. It was the opportunity + for number three to speak.</p> + + <p>"If this cut-off is made, it will ruin the trade of + Vicksburg. It has been a fine city for business, but this will + spoil it. Boats will not be able to reach the town, but will + find all the current through the short route."</p> + + <p>"That is just what we want," said the General. "We are + digging the canal for the very purpose of navigating the river + without passing near Vicksburg."</p> + + <p>Number three went to the rear. Number four came forward.</p> + + <p>"If you make this cut-off, all these plantations will be + carried away. You will ruin the property of many loyal + men."</p> + + <p>He was answered that loyal men would be paid for all + property taken or destroyed, as soon as their loyalty was + proved.</p> + + <p>The fifth and last point in the protest was next advanced. + It came from an individual who professed to practice law in De + Soto township, and was as follows:</p> + + <p>"The charter of the Vicksburg and Shreveport Railroad is + perpetual, and so declared by act of the Louisiana Legislature. + No one has any right to cut through the embankment."</p> + + <p>"That is true," was the quiet answer. "The Constitution of + the United States is also a perpetual charter, which it was + treason to violate. When you and your leaders have no + hesitation at breaking national faith, it is absurd to claim + rights under the laws of a State which you deny to be in the + Union."</p> + + <p>This was the end of the delegation. Its members retired + without having gained a single point in their case. They were, + doubtless, easier in mind when they ascertained, two weeks + later, that the canal enterprise was a failure.</p> + + <p>The last argument put forth on that occasion, to prevent the + carrying out of our plans, is one of the curiosities of + legislation. For a long time there were many parties in + Louisiana who wished the channel of the Mississippi turned + across the neck of the peninsula opposite Vicksburg, thus + shortening the river fifteen miles, at least, and rendering the + plantations above, less liable to overflow. As Vicksburg lay in + another State, her interests were not regarded. She spent much + money in the corrupt Legislature of Louisiana to defeat the + scheme. As a last resort, it was proposed to build a railway, + with a perpetual charter, from the end of the peninsula + opposite Vicksburg, to some point in the interior. Much money + was required. The capitalists of Vicksburg contributed the + funds for lobbying the bill and commencing the road. Up to the + time when the Rebellion began, it was rendered certain that no + hand of man could legally turn the Mississippi across that + peninsula.</p> + + <p>The first siege of Vicksburg lasted but twenty days. Our + fleet was unable to silence the batteries, and our land force + was not sufficient for the work. During the progress of the + siege, Colonel Ellet, with his ram fleet, ascended the Yazoo + River, and compelled the Rebels to destroy three of their + gun-boats, the <i>Livingston, Polk</i>, and <i>Van Dorn</i>, to + prevent their falling into our hands. The <i>Van Dorn</i> was + the only boat that escaped, out of the fleet of eight Rebel + gun-boats which met ours at Memphis on the 6th of June.</p> + + <p>At the time of making this expedition, Colonel Ellet learned + that the famous ram gun-boat <i>Arkansas</i> was completed, and + nearly ready to descend the river. He notified Admiral Farragut + and Flag-Officer Davis, but they paid little attention to his + warnings.</p> + + <p>This Rebel gun-boat, which was expected to do so much toward + the destruction of our naval forces on the Mississippi, was + constructed at Memphis, and hurried from there in a partially + finished condition, just before the capture of the city. She + was towed to Yazoo City and there completed. The + <i>Arkansas</i> was a powerful iron-clad steamer, mounting ten + guns, and carrying an iron beak, designed for penetrating the + hulls of our gun-boats. Her engines were powerful, though they + could not be worked with facility at the time of her + appearance. Her model, construction, armament, and propelling + force, made her equal to any boat of our upper flotilla, and + her officers claimed to have full confidence in her + abilities.</p> + + <p>On the morning of the 15th of July, the <i>Arkansas</i> + emerged from the Yazoo River, fifteen miles above Vicksburg. A + short distance up that stream she encountered two of our + gun-boats, the <i>Carondelet</i> and <i>Tyler</i>, and fought + them until she reached our fleet at anchor above Vicksburg. The + <i>Carondelet</i> was one of our mail-clad gun-boats, built at + St. Louis in 1861. The <i>Tyler</i> was a wooden gun-boat, + altered from an old transport, and was totally unfit for + entering into battle. Both were perforated by the Rebel shell, + the <i>Tyler</i> receiving the larger number. The gallantry + displayed by Captain Gwin, her commander, was worthy of special + praise.</p> + + <p>Our fleet was at anchor four or five miles above + Vicksburg--some of the vessels lying in midstream, while others + were fastened to the banks. The <i>Arkansas</i> fired to the + right and left as she passed through the fleet. Her shot + disabled two of our boats, and slightly injured two or three + others. She did not herself escape without damage. Many of our + projectiles struck her sides, but glanced into the river. Two + shells perforated her plating, and another entered a port, + exploding over one of the guns. Ten men were killed and as many + wounded.</p> + + <p>The <i>Arkansas</i> was not actually disabled, but her + commander declined to enter into another action until she had + undergone repairs. She reached a safe anchorage under + protection of the Vicksburg batteries.</p> + + <p>A few days later, a plan was arranged for her destruction. + Colonel Ellet, with the ram <i>Queen of the West</i>, was to + run down and strike the <i>Arkansas</i> at her moorings. The + gun-boat <i>Essex</i> was to join in this effort, while the + upper flotilla, assisted by the vessels of Admiral Farragut's + fleet, would shell the Rebel batteries.</p> + + <p>The <i>Essex</i> started first, but ran directly past the + <i>Arkansas</i>, instead of stopping to engage her, as was + expected. The <i>Essex</i> fired three guns at the + <i>Arkansas</i> while in range, from one of which a shell + crashed through the armor of the Rebel boat, disabling an + entire gun-crew.</p> + + <p>The <i>Queen of the West</i> attempted to perform her part + of the work, but the current was so strong where the + <i>Arkansas</i> lay that it was impossible to deal an effective + blow. The upper flotilla did not open fire to engage the + attention of the enemy, and thus the unfortunate <i>Queen of + the West</i> was obliged to receive all the fire from the Rebel + batteries. She was repeatedly perforated, but fortunately + escaped without damage to her machinery. The <i>Arkansas</i> + was not seriously injured in the encounter, though the + completion of her repairs was somewhat delayed.</p> + + <p>On the 25th of July the first siege of Vicksburg was raised. + The upper flotilla of gun-boats, mortar-rafts, and transports, + returned to Memphis and Helena. Admiral Farragut took his fleet + to New Orleans. General Williams went, with his land forces, to + Baton Rouge. That city was soon after attacked by General + Breckinridge, with six thousand men. The Rebels were repulsed + with heavy loss. In our own ranks the killed and wounded were + not less than those of the enemy. General Williams was among + the slain, and at one period our chances, of making a + successful defense were very doubtful.</p> + + <p>The <i>Arkansas</i> had been ordered to proceed from + Vicksburg to take part in this attack, the Rebels being + confident she could overpower our three gun-boats at Baton + Rouge. On the way down the river her machinery became deranged, + and she was tied up to the bank for repairs. Seeing our + gun-boats approaching, and knowing he was helpless against + them; her commander ordered the <i>Arkansas</i> to be abandoned + and blown up. The order was obeyed, and this much-praised and + really formidable gun-boat closed her brief but brilliant + career.</p> + + <p>The Rebels were greatly chagrined at her loss, as they had + expected she would accomplish much toward driving the National + fleet from the Mississippi. The joy with which they hailed her + appearance was far less than the sorrow her destruction + evoked.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c20" id="c20"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XX.</h4> + + <h5>THE MARCH THROUGH ARKANSAS.--THE SIEGE OF CINCINNATI.</h5> + + <p class="toc">General Curtis's Army reaching Helena.--Its + Wanderings.--The Arkansas Navy.--Troops and their Supplies + "miss Connection."--Rebel Reports.--Memphis in Midsummer.--"A + Journey due North."--Chicago.--Bragg's Advance into + Kentucky.--Kirby Smith in Front of Cincinnati.--The City under + Martial Law.--The Squirrel Hunters.--War Correspondents in + Comfortable Quarters.--Improvising an Army.--Raising the + Siege.--Bragg's Retreat.</p> + + <p>About the middle of July, General Curtis's army arrived at + Helena, Arkansas, ninety miles below Memphis. After the battle + of Pea Ridge, this army commenced its wanderings, moving first + to Batesville, on the White River, where it lay for several + weeks. Then it went to Jacksonport, further down that stream, + and remained a short time. The guerrillas were in such strong + force on General Curtis's line of communications that they + greatly restricted the receipt of supplies, and placed the army + on very short rations. For nearly a month the public had no + positive information concerning Curtis's whereabouts. The + Rebels were continually circulating stories that he had + surrendered, or was terribly defeated.</p> + + <p>The only reasons for doubting the truth of these stories + were, first, that the Rebels had no force of any importance in + Arkansas; and second, that our army, to use the expression of + one of its officers, "wasn't going round surrendering." We + expected it would turn up in some locality where the Rebels did + not desire it, and had no fears of its surrender.</p> + + <p>General Curtis constructed several boats at Batesville, + which were usually spoken of as "the Arkansas navy." These + boats carried some six or eight hundred men, and were used to + patrol the White River, as the army moved down its banks. In + this way the column advanced from Batesville to Jacksonport, + and afterward to St. Charles.</p> + + <p>Supplies had been sent up the White River to meet the army. + The transports and their convoy remained several days at St. + Charles, but could get no tidings of General Curtis. The river + was falling, and they finally returned. Twelve hours after + their departure, the advance of the lost army arrived at St. + Charles.</p> + + <p>From St. Charles to Helena was a march of sixty miles, + across a country destitute of every thing but water, and not + even possessing a good supply of that article. The army reached + Helena, weary and hungry, but it was speedily supplied with + every thing needed, and put in condition to take the offensive. + It was soon named in general orders "the Army of Arkansas," and + ultimately accomplished the occupation of the entire State.</p> + + <p>During July and August there was little activity around + Memphis. In the latter month, I found the climate exceedingly + uncomfortable. Day after day the atmosphere was hot, still, + stifling, and impregnated with the dust that rose in clouds + from the parched earth. The inhabitants endured it easily, and + made continual prophesy that the <i>hot</i> weather "would come + in September." Those of us who were strangers wondered what the + temperature must be, to constitute "hot" weather in the + estimation of a native. The thermometer then stood at + eighty-five degrees at midnight, and ninety-eight or one + hundred at noon. Few people walked the streets in the day, and + those who were obliged to do so generally moved at a snail's + pace. Cases of <i>coup-de-soleil</i> were frequent. The + temperature affected me personally, by changing my complexion + to a deep yellow, and reducing my strength about sixty per + cent.</p> + + <p>I decided upon "A Journey due North." Forty-eight hours + after sweltering in Memphis, I was shivering on the shores of + Lake Michigan. I exchanged the hot, fever-laden atmosphere of + that city, for the cool and healthful air of Chicago. The + activity, energy, and enterprise of Chicago, made a pleasing + contrast to the idleness and gloom that pervaded Memphis. This + was no place for me to exist in as an invalid. I found the + saffron tint of my complexion rapidly disappearing, and my + strength restored, under the influence of pure breezes and busy + life. Ten days in that city prepared me for new scenes of + war.</p> + + <p>At that time the Rebel army, under General Bragg, was making + its advance into Kentucky. General Buell was moving at the same + time toward the Ohio River. The two armies were marching in + nearly parallel lines, so that it became a race between them + for Nashville and Louisville. Bragg divided his forces, + threatening Louisville and Cincinnati at the same time. + Defenses were thrown up around the former city, to assist in + holding it in case of attack, but they were never brought into + use. By rapid marching, General Buell reached Louisville in + advance of Bragg, and rendered it useless for the latter to + fling his army against the city.</p> + + <p>Meantime, General Kirby Smith moved, under Bragg's orders, + to the siege of Cincinnati. His advance was slow, and gave some + opportunity for preparation. The chief reliance for defense was + upon the raw militia and such irregular forces as could be + gathered for the occasion. The hills of Covington and Newport, + opposite Cincinnati, were crowned with fortifications and + seamed with rifle-pits, which were filled with these raw + soldiers. The valor of these men was beyond question, but they + were almost entirely without discipline. In front of the + veteran regiments of the Rebel army our forces would have been + at great disadvantage.</p> + + <p>When I reached Cincinnati the Rebel army was within a few + miles of the defenses. On the train which took me to the city, + there were many of the country people going to offer their + services to aid in repelling the enemy. They entered the cars + at the various stations, bringing their rifles, which they well + knew how to use. They were the famous "squirrel-hunters" of + Ohio, who were afterward the subject of some derision on the + part of the Rebels. Nearly twenty thousand of them volunteered + for the occasion, and would have handled their rifles to + advantage had the Rebels given them the opportunity.</p> + + <p>At the time of my arrival at Cincinnati, Major-General + Wallace was in command. The Queen City of the West was obliged + to undergo some of the inconveniences of martial law. Business + of nearly every kind was suspended. A provost-marshal's pass + was necessary to enable one to walk the streets in security. + The same document was required of any person who wished to hire + a carriage, or take a pleasant drive to the Kentucky side of + the Ohio. Most of the able-bodied citizens voluntarily offered + their services, and took their places in the rifle-pits, but + there were some who refused to go. These were hunted out and + taken to the front, much against their will. Some were found in + or under beds; others were clad in women's garments, and + working at wash-tubs. Some tied up their hands as if disabled, + and others plead baldness or indigestion to excuse a lack of + patriotism. All was of no avail. The provost-marshal had no + charity for human weakness.</p> + + <p>This severity was not pleasant to the citizens, but it + served an admirable purpose. When Kirby Smith arrived in front + of the defenses, he found forty thousand men confronting him. + Of these, not over six or eight thousand had borne arms more + than a week or ten days. The volunteer militia of Cincinnati, + and the squirrel-hunters from the interior of Ohio and Indiana, + formed the balance of our forces. Our line of defenses + encircled the cities of Covington and Newport, touching the + Ohio above and below their extreme limits. Nearly every hill + was crowned with a fortification. These fortifications were + connected by rifle-pits, which were kept constantly filled with + men. On the river we had a fleet of gun-boats, improvised from + ordinary steamers by surrounding their vulnerable parts with + bales of hay. The river was low, so that it was necessary to + watch several places where fording was possible. A pontoon + bridge was thrown across the Ohio, and continued there until + the siege was ended.</p> + + <p>It had been a matter of jest among the journalists at + Memphis and other points in the Southwest, that the + vicissitudes of war might some day enable us to witness + military operations from the principal hotels in the Northern + cities. "When we can write war letters from the Burnet or the + Sherman House," was the occasional remark, "there will be some + personal comfort in being an army correspondent." What we had + said in jest was now proving true. We could take a carriage at + the Burnet House, and in half an hour stand on our front lines + and witness the operations of the skirmishers. Later in the war + I was enabled to write letters upon interesting topics from + Detroit and St. Paul.</p> + + <p>The way in which our large defensive force was fed, was + nearly as great a novelty as the celerity of its organization. + It was very difficult to sever the red tape of the army + regulations, and enable the commissary department to issue + rations to men that belonged to no regiments or companies. The + people of Cincinnati were very prompt to send contributions of + cooked food to the Fifth Street Market-House, which was made a + temporary restaurant for the defenders of the city. Wagons were + sent daily through nearly all the streets to gather these + contributed supplies, and the street-cars were free to all + women and children going to or from the Market-House. Hundreds + walked to the front, to carry the provisions they had prepared + with their own hands. All the ordinary edibles of civilized + life were brought forward in abundance. Had our men fought at + all, they would have fought on full stomachs.</p> + + <p>The arrival of General Buell's army at Louisville rendered + it impossible for Bragg to take that city. The defenders of + Cincinnati were re-enforced by a division from General Grant's + army, which was then in West Tennessee. This arrival was + followed by that of other trained regiments and brigades from + various localities, so that we began to contemplate taking the + offensive. The Rebels disappeared from our front, and a + reconnoissance showed that they were falling back toward + Lexington. They burned the turnpike and railway bridges as they + retreated, showing conclusively that they had abandoned the + siege.</p> + + <p>As soon as the retirement of the Rebels was positively + ascertained, a portion of our forces was ordered from + Cincinnati to Louisville. General Buell's army took the + offensive, and pursued Bragg as he retreated toward the + Tennessee River. General Wallace was relieved, and his command + transferred to General Wright.</p> + + <p>A change in the whole military situation soon transpired. + From holding the defensive, our armies became the pursuers of + the Rebels, the latter showing little inclination to risk an + encounter. The battle of Perryville was the great battle of + this Kentucky campaign. Its result gave neither army much + opportunity for exultation.</p> + + <p>In their retreat through Kentucky and Tennessee, the Rebels + gathered all the supplies they could find, and carried them to + their commissary depot at Knoxville. It was said that their + trains included more than thirty thousand wagons, all of them + heavily laden. Large droves of cattle and horses became the + property of the Confederacy.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c21" id="c21"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXI.</h4> + + <h5>THE BATTLE OF CORINTH.</h5> + + <p class="toc">New Plans of the Rebels.--Their Design to + Capture Corinth,--Advancing to the Attack.--Strong Defenses.--A + Magnificent Charge.--Valor <i>vs.</i> Breast-Works.--The + Repulse.--Retreat and Pursuit.--The National Arms + Triumphant.</p> + + <p>The Bragg campaign into Kentucky being barren of important + results, the Rebel authorities ordered that an attempt should + be made to drive us from West Tennessee. The Rebel army in + Northern Mississippi commenced the aggressive late in + September, while the retreat of Bragg was still in progress. + The battle of Iuka resulted favorably to the Rebels, giving + them possession of that point, and allowing a large quantity of + supplies to fall into their hands. On the 4th of October was + the famous battle of Corinth, the Rebels under General Van Dorn + attacking General Rosecrans, who was commanding at Corinth.</p> + + <p>The Rebels advanced from Holly Springs, striking Corinth on + the western side of our lines. The movement was well executed, + and challenged our admiration for its audacity and the valor + the Rebel soldiery displayed. It was highly important for the + success of the Rebel plans in the Southwest that we should be + expelled from Corinth. Accordingly, they made a most determined + effort, but met a signal defeat.</p> + + <p>Some of the best fighting of the war occurred at this battle + of Corinth. The Rebel line of battle was on the western and + northern side of the town, cutting off our communications with + General Grant at Jackson. The Rebels penetrated our line, and + actually obtained possession of a portion of Corinth, but were + driven out by hard, earnest work. It was a struggle for a great + prize, in which neither party was inclined to yield as long as + it had any strength remaining to strike a blow.</p> + + <p>The key to our position was on the western side, where two + earth-works had been thrown up to command the approaches in + that direction. These works were known as "Battery Williams" + and "Battery Robbinette," so named in honor of the officers who + superintended their erection and commanded their garrisons at + the time of the assault. These works were on the summits of two + small hills, where the ascent from the main road that skirted + their base was very gentle. The timber on these slopes had been + cut away to afford full sweep to our guns. An advancing force + would be completely under our fire during the whole time of its + ascent. Whether succeeding or failing, it must lose + heavily.</p><a href="images/p234i1.jpg"><img src= + "images/p234i1_t.jpg" alt="THE REBEL CHARGE AT CORINTH." /></a> + + <p class="captn">THE REBEL CHARGE AT CORINTH.</p> + + <p>General Van Dorn gave Price's Division the honor of + assaulting these works. The division was composed of Missouri, + Arkansas, and Texas regiments, and estimated at eight thousand + strong. Price directed the movement in person, and briefly told + his men that the position must be taken at all hazards. The + line was formed on the wooded ground at the base of the hills + on which our batteries stood. The advance was commenced + simultaneously along the line.</p> + + <p>As the Rebels emerged from the forest, our guns were opened. + Officers who were in Battery Williams at the time of the + assault, say the Rebels moved in splendid order. Grape and + shell made frequent and wide gaps through their ranks, but the + line did not break nor waver. The men moved directly forward, + over the fallen timber that covered the ground, and at length + came within range of our infantry, which had been placed in the + forts to support the gunners. Our artillery had made fearful + havoc among the Rebels from the moment they left the protection + of the forest. Our infantry was waiting with impatience to play + its part.</p> + + <p>When the Rebels were fairly within range of our small-arms, + the order was given for a simultaneous volley along our whole + line. As the shower of bullets struck the Rebel front, hundreds + of men went down. Many flags fell as the color-bearers were + killed, but they were instantly seized and defiantly waved. + With a wild cheer the Rebels dashed forward up to the very + front of the forts, receiving without recoil a most deadly + fire. They leaped the ditch and gained the parapet. They + entered a bastion of Battery Williams, and for a minute held + possession of one of our guns.</p> + + <p>Of the dozen or more that gained the interior of the + bastion, very few escaped. Nearly all were shot down while + fighting for possession of the gun, or surrendered when the + parapet was cleared of those ascending it. The retreat of the + Rebels was hasty, but it was orderly. Even in a repulse their + coolness did not forsake them. They left their dead scattered + thickly in our front. In one group of seventeen, they lay so + closely together that their bodies touched each other. An + officer told me he could have walked along the entire front of + Battery Williams, touching a dead or wounded Rebel at nearly + every step. Two Rebel colonels were killed side by side, one of + them falling with his hand over the edge of the ditch. They + were buried where they died. In the attack in which the Rebels + entered the edge of the town, the struggle was nearly as great. + It required desperate fighting for them to gain possession of + the spot, and equally desperate fighting on our part to retake + it. All our officers who participated in this battle spoke in + admiration of the courage displayed by the Rebels. Praise from + an enemy is the greatest praise. The Rebels were not defeated + on account of any lack of bravery or of recklessness. They were + fully justified in retreating after the efforts they made. Our + army was just as determined to hold Corinth as the Rebels were + to capture it. Advantages of position turned the scale in our + favor, and enabled us to repulse a force superior to our + own.</p> + + <p>Just before the battle, General Grant sent a division under + General McPherson to re-enforce Corinth. The Rebels had cut the + railway between the two points, so that the re-enforcement did + not reach Corinth until the battle was over.</p> + + <p>On the morning following the battle, our forces moved out in + pursuit of the retreating Rebels. At the same time a column + marched from Bolivar, so as to fall in their front. The Rebels + were taken between the two columns, and brought to an + engagement with each of them; but, by finding roads to the + south, managed to escape without disorganization. Our forces + returned to Corinth and Bolivar, thinking it useless to make + further pursuit.</p> + + <p>Thus terminated the campaign of the enemy against Corinth. + There was no expectation that the Rebels would trouble us any + more in that quarter for the present, unless we sought them + out. Their defeat was sufficiently serious to compel them to + relinquish all hope of expelling us from Corinth.</p> + + <p>During the time of his occupation of West Tennessee, General + Grant was much annoyed by the wandering sons of Israel, who + thronged his lines in great numbers. They were engaged in all + kinds of speculation in which money could be made. Many of them + passed the lines into the enemy's country, and purchased + cotton, which they managed to bring to Memphis and other points + on the river. Many were engaged in smuggling supplies to the + Rebel armies, and several were caught while acting as + spies.</p> + + <p>On our side of the lines the Jews were Union men, and + generally announced their desire for a prompt suppression of + the Rebellion. When under the folds of the Rebel flag they were + the most ardent Secessionists, and breathed undying hostility + to the Yankees. Very few of them had any real sympathy with + either side, and were ready, like Mr. Pickwick, to shout with + the largest mob on all occasions, provided there was money to + be made by the operation. Their number was very great. In the + latter half of '62, a traveler would have thought the lost + tribes of Israel were holding a reunion at Memphis.</p> + + <p>General Grant became indignant, and issued an order + banishing the Jews from his lines. The order created much + excitement among the Americans of Hebraic descent. The matter + was placed before the President, and the obnoxious restriction + promptly revoked. During the time it was in force a large + number of the proscribed individuals were obliged to go + North.</p> + + <p>Sometimes the Rebels did not treat the Jews with the utmost + courtesy. On one occasion a scouting party captured two Jews + who were buying cotton. The Israelites were robbed of ten + thousand dollars in gold and United States currency, and then + forced to enter the ranks of the Rebel army. They did not + escape until six months later.</p> + + <p>In Chicago, in the first year of the war, a company of Jews + was armed and equipped at the expense of their wealthier + brethren. The men composing the company served their full time, + and were highly praised for their gallantry.</p> + + <p>The above case deserves mention, as it is an exception to + the general conduct of the Jews.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c22" id="c22"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXII.</h4> + + <h5>THE CAMPAIGN FROM CORINTH.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Changes of Commanders.--Preparations for the + Aggressive.--Marching from Corinth.--Talking with the + People.--"You-uns and We-uns."--Conservatism of a + "Regular."--Loyalty and Disloyalty.--Condition of the Rebel + Army.--Foraging.--German Theology for American Soldiers.--A + Modest Landlord.--A Boy without a Name.--The Freedmen's + Bureau.--Employing Negroes.--Holly Springs and its People.--An + Argument for Secession.</p> + + <p>Two weeks after the battle of Corinth, General Rosecrans was + summoned to the Army of the Cumberland, to assume command in + place of General Buell. General Grant was placed at the head of + the Thirteenth Army Corps, including all the forces in West + Tennessee. Preparations for an aggressive movement into the + enemy's country had been in progress for some time. Corinth, + Bolivar, and Jackson were strongly fortified, so that a small + force could defend them. The base of supply was at Columbus, + Kentucky, eighty-five miles due north of Jackson, thus giving + us a long line of railway to protect.</p> + + <p>On the first of November the movement began, by the advance + of a column from Corinth and another from Bolivar. These + columns met at Grand Junction, twenty-five miles north of Holly + Springs, and, after lying there for two weeks, advanced to the + occupation of the latter point. The Rebels evacuated the place + on our approach, and after a day or two at Holly Springs we + went forward toward the south. Abbeville and Oxford were taken, + and the Rebels established themselves at Grenada, a hundred + miles south of Memphis.</p> + + <p>From Corinth I accompanied the division commanded by General + Stanley. I had known this officer in Missouri, in the first + year of the war, when he claimed to be very "conservative" in + his views. During the campaign with General Lyon he expressed + himself opposed to a warfare that should produce a change in + the social status at the South. When I met him at Corinth he + was very "radical" in sentiment, and in favor of a thorough + destruction of the "peculiar institution." He declared that he + had liberated his own slaves, and was determined to set free + all the slaves of any other person that might come in his way. + He rejoiced that the war had not ended during the six months + following the fall of Fort Sumter, as we should then have + allowed slavery to exist, which would have rendered us liable + to another rebellion whenever the Southern leaders chose to + make it. We could only be taught by the logic of events, and it + would take two or three years of war to educate the country to + a proper understanding of our position.</p> + + <p>It required a war of greater magnitude than was generally + expected at the outset. In 1861 there were few people who would + have consented to interfere with "slavery in the States." The + number of these persons was greater in 1862, but it was not + until 1864 that the anti-slavery sentiment took firm hold of + the public mind. In 1861 the voice of Missouri would have + favored the retention of the old system. In 1864 that State + became almost as radical as Massachusetts. The change in public + sentiment elsewhere was nearly as great.</p> + + <p>During the march from Corinth to Grand Junction, I had + frequent opportunity for conversing with the people along the + route. There were few able-bodied men at home. It was the + invariable answer, when we asked the whereabouts of any + citizen, "He's away." Inquiry would bring a reluctant + confession that he had gone to the Rebel army. Occasionally a + woman would boast that she had sent her husband to fight for + his rights and the rights of his State. The violation of State + rights and the infringement upon personal prerogative were + charged upon the National Government as the causes of the war. + Some of the women displayed considerable skill in arguing the + question of secession, but their arguments were generally + mingled with invective. The majority were unable to make any + discussion whatever.</p> + + <p>"What's you-uns come down here to fight we-uns for?" said + one of the women whose husband was in the Rebel army. "We-uns + never did you-uns no hurt." (This addition of a syllable to the + personal pronouns of the second and third persons is common in + some parts of the South, while in others it will not be + heard.)</p> + + <p>"Well," said General Stanley, "we came down here because we + were obliged to come. Your people commenced a war, and we are + trying to help you end it."</p> + + <p>"We-uns didn't want to fight, no-how. You-uns went and made + the war so as to steal our niggers."</p> + + <p>The woman acknowledged that neither her husband nor herself + ever owned negroes, or ever expected to do so. She knew nothing + about Fort Sumter, and only knew that the North elected one + President and the South another, on the same occasion. The + South only wanted its president to rule its own region, but the + North wanted to extend its control over the whole country, so + as to steal the negroes. Hence arose the war.</p> + + <p>Some of the poorer whites manifested a loyal feeling, which + sprang from a belief that the establishment of the Confederacy + would not better their condition. This number was not large, + but it has doubtless increased with the termination of the war. + The wealthier portion of the people were invariably in sympathy + with the Rebel cause.</p> + + <p>After we reached Grand Junction, and made our camp a short + distance south of that point, we were joined by the column from + Bolivar. In the two columns General Grant had more than forty + thousand men, exclusive of a force under General Sherman, about + to move from Memphis. The Rebel army was at Holly Springs and + Abbeville, and was estimated at fifty thousand strong. Every + day found a few deserters coming in from the Rebels, but their + number was not large. The few that came represented their army + to be well supplied with shoes, clothing, and ammunition, and + also well fed. They were nearly recovered from the effects of + their repulse at Corinth, a month before.</p> + + <p>Our soldiers foraged at will on the plantations near our + camp. The quantities of supplies that were brought in did not + argue that the country had been previously visited by an army. + Mules, horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens, and other things + used by an army, were found in abundance.</p> + + <p>The soldiers did not always confine their foraging to + articles of necessity. A clergyman's library was invaded and + plundered. I saw one soldier bending under the (avoirdupois) + weight of three heavy volumes on theology, printed in the + German language. Another soldier, a mere boy, was carrying away + in triumph a copy of Scott's Greek Lexicon. In every instance + when it came to their knowledge, the officers compelled the + soldiers to return the books they had stolen. German theology + and Greek Lexicons were not thought advantageous to an army in + the field.</p> + + <p>One wing of our army was encamped at Lagrange, Tennessee, + and honored with the presence of General Grant. Lagrange + presented a fair example of the effects of secession upon the + interior villages of the South. Before the war it was the + center of a flourishing business. Its private residences were + constructed with considerable magnificence, and evinced the + wealth of their owners. There was a male and a female college; + there was a bank, and there were several stores and commission + houses.</p> + + <p>When the war broke out, the young men at the male college + enlisted in the Rebel army. The young women in the female + college went to their homes. The bank was closed for want of + funds, the hotels had no guests, the stores had few customers, + and these had no money, the commission houses could find no + cotton to sell and no goods to buy. Every thing was completely + stagnated. All the men who could carry muskets went to the + field. When we occupied the town, there were not three men + remaining who were of the arms-bearing age.</p> + + <p>I found in Lagrange a man who <i>could</i> keep a hotel. He + was ignorant, lazy, and his establishment only resembled the + Fifth Avenue or the Continental in the prices charged to the + guests. I staid several days with this Boniface, and enjoyed + the usual fare of the interior South. Calling for my bill at my + departure, I found the charges were only three dollars and + fifty cents per day.</p> + + <p>My horse had been kept in a vacant and dilapidated stable + belonging to the hotel, but the landlord refused to take any + responsibility for the animal. He had no corn or hay, and his + hostler had "gone to the Yankees!" During my stay I employed a + man to purchase corn and give the desired attention to the + horse. The landlord made a charge of one dollar per day for + "hoss-keeping," and was indignant when I entered a protest. + Outside of Newport and Saratoga, I think there are very few + hotel-keepers in the North who would make out and present a + bill on so small a basis as this.</p> + + <p>This taverner's wife and daughter professed an utter + contempt for all white persons who degraded themselves to any + kind of toil. Of course, their hostility to the North was very + great. Beyond a slight supervision, they left every thing to + the care of the negroes. A gentleman who was with me sought to + make himself acquainted with the family, and succeeded + admirably until, on one evening, he constructed a small toy to + amuse the children. This was too much. He was skillful with his + hands, and must therefore be a "mudsill." His acquaintance with + the ladies of that household came to an end. His manual + dexterity was his ruin.</p> + + <p>There was another hotel in Lagrange, a rival establishment, + that bore the reputation of being much the worse in point of + comfort. It was owned by a widow, and this widow had a son--a + lank, overgrown youth of eighteen. His poverty, on one point, + was the greatest I ever knew. He could have been appropriately + selected as the hero of a certain popular novel by Wilkie + Collins. No name had ever been given him by his parents. In his + infancy they spoke of him as "the boy." When he grew large + enough to appear on the street with other boys, some one gave + him the <i>sobriquet</i> of "Rough and Ready." From that time + forward, his only praenomen was "Rough." I made several + inquiries among his neighbors, but could not ascertain that he + bore any other Christian appellative.</p> + + <p>The first comprehensive order providing for the care of the + negroes in the Southwest, was issued by General Grant while his + army lay at Lagrange and Grand Junction. Previous to that time, + the negroes had been disposed of as each division and post + commander thought best, under his general instructions not to + treat them unkindly. Four months earlier, our authorities at + Memphis had enrolled several hundred able-bodied negroes into + an organization for service in the Quartermaster's Department, + in accordance with the provisions of an order from District + Head-Quarters. They threw up fortifications, loaded and + unloaded steamboats, and performed such other labor as was + required. In General Grant's army there was a pioneer corps of + three hundred negroes, under the immediate charge of an + overseer, controlled by an officer of engineers. No steps were + then taken to use them as soldiers.</p> + + <p>The number of negroes at our posts and in our camps was + rapidly increasing. Under the previous orders, they were + registered and employed only on Government work. None but the + able-bodied males were thus available. The new arrangements + contemplated the employment of all who were capable of + performing any kind of field labor. It was expected to bring + some revenue to the Government, that would partially cover the + expense of providing for the negroes.</p> + + <p>The following is the order which General Grant issued:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>HEAD-QUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,<br /> + DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,<br /> + LAGRANGE, TENNESSEE, <i>November</i> 14, 1862.<br /></p> + + <p>SPECIAL FIELD ORDER, NO. 4.</p> + + <p>I. Chaplain J. Eaton, Jr., of the Twenty-seventh Ohio + Volunteers, is hereby appointed to take charge of all + fugitive slaves that are now, or may from time to time come, + within the military lines of the advancing army in this + vicinity, not employed and registered in accordance with + General Orders, No. 72, from head-quarters District of West + Tennessee, and will open a camp for them at Grand Junction, + where they will be suitably cared for, and organized into + companies, and set to work, picking, ginning, and baling all + cotton now outstanding in fields.</p> + + <p>II. Commanding officers of all troops will send all + fugitives that come within the lines, together with such + teams, cooking utensils, and other baggage as they may bring + with them, to Chaplain J. Eaton, Jr., at Grand Junction.</p> + + <p>III. One regiment of infantry from Brigadier-General + McArthur's Division will be temporarily detailed as guard in + charge of such contrabands, and the surgeon of said regiment + will be charged with the care of the sick.</p> + + <p>IV. Commissaries of subsistence will issue, on the + requisitions of Chaplain Eaton, omitting the coffee ration, + and substituting rye. By order of Major-General U.S. Grant. + JNO. A. RAWLINS, A.A.G.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Chaplain Eaton entered immediately upon the discharge of his + duties. Many division and brigade commanders threw obstacles in + his way, and were very slow to comply with General Grant's + order. Some of the officers of the Commissary Department made + every possible delay in filling Chaplain Eaton's requisitions. + The people of the vicinity laughed at the experiment, and + prophesied speedy and complete failure. They endeavored to + insure a failure by stealing the horses and mules, and + disabling the machinery which Chaplain Eaton was using. Failing + in this, they organized guerrilla parties, and attempted to + frighten the negroes from working in the field. They only + desisted from this enterprise when some of their number were + killed.</p> + + <p>All the negroes that came into the army lines were gathered + at Grand Junction and organized, in compliance with the order. + There were many fields of cotton fully ripened, that required + immediate attention. Cotton-picking commenced, and was + extensively prosecuted.</p> + + <p>The experiment proved a success. The cotton, in the + immediate vicinity of Grand Junction and Lagrange was gathered, + baled, and made ready for market. For once, the labors of the + negro in the Southwest were bringing an actual return to the + Government.</p> + + <p>The following year saw the system enlarged, as our armies + took possession of new districts. In 1863, large quantities of + cotton were gathered from fields in the vicinity of Lake + Providence and Milliken's Bend, and the cultivation of + plantations was commenced. In 1864, this last enterprise was + still further prosecuted. Chaplain Eaton became Colonel Eaton, + and the humble beginning at Grand Junction grew into a great + scheme for demonstrating the practicability of free labor, and + benefiting the negroes who-had been left without support by + reason of the flight of their owners.</p> + + <p>As the army lay in camp near Lagrange for nearly four weeks, + and the enemy was twenty-five miles distant, there was very + little war correspondence to be written. There was an + occasional skirmish near the front, but no important movement + whatever. The monotony of this kind of life, and the tables of + the Lagrange hotels, were not calculated to awaken much + enthusiasm. Learning from a staff officer the probable date + when the army would advance, I essayed a visit to St. Louis, + and returned in season to take part in the movement into + Mississippi.</p> + + <p>At the time General Grant advanced from Lagrange, he ordered + General Sherman to move from Memphis, so that the two columns + would unite in the vicinity of Oxford, Mississippi. General + Sherman pushed his column as rapidly as possible, and, by the + combined movement, the Rebels were forced out of their defenses + beyond Oxford, and compelled to select a new line in the + direction of Grenada. Our flag was steadily advancing toward + the Gulf.</p> + + <p>Satisfied there would be no battle until our army had passed + Oxford, I tarried several days at Holly Springs, waiting for + the railway to be opened. I found the town a very pleasant one, + finely situated, and bearing evidence of the wealth and taste + of its inhabitants. When the war broke out, there were only two + places in the State that could boast a larger population than + Holly Springs.</p> + + <p>At the time of my arrival, the hotels of Holly Springs were + not open, and I was obliged to take a room at a private house + with one of the inhabitants. My host was an earnest advocate of + the Rebel cause, and had the fullest confidence in the ultimate + independence of the South.</p> + + <p>"We intend," said he, "to establish a strong Government, in + which there will be no danger of interference by any + abolitionists. If you had allowed us to have our own way, there + would never have been any trouble. We didn't want you to have + slavery in the North, but we wanted to go into the Territories, + where we had a perfect right, and do as we pleased about taking + our slaves there. The control of the Government belongs to us. + The most of the Presidents have been from the South, as they + ought to be. It was only when you elected a sectional + President, who was sworn to break up slavery, that we objected. + You began the war when you refused us the privilege of having a + national President."</p> + + <p>This gentleman argued, further, that the half of all public + property belonged to the South, and it was only just that the + State authorities should take possession of forts and arsenals, + as they did at the inception of the war. It was the especial + right of the South to control the nation. Slavery was + instituted from Heaven, for the especial good of both white and + black. Whoever displayed any sympathy for the negro, and wished + to make him free, was doing a great injustice to the slave and + his master, particularly to the latter.</p> + + <p>Once he said the destruction of slavery would be unworthy a + people who possessed any gallantry. "You will," he declared, + "do a cruel wrong to many fine ladies. They know nothing about + working with their hands, and consider such knowledge + disgraceful. If their slaves are taken from them, these ladies + will be helpless."</p> + + <p>This gentleman was the possessor of several negroes, though + he lived in a house that he did not own. Of course, it was a + great injustice to deprive him of his only property, especially + as the laws of his State sanctioned such ownership. He declared + he would not submit to any theft of that character. I do not + think I ever saw a person manifest more passion than was + exhibited by this individual on hearings one afternoon, that + one of his slaves had taken refuge in our camp, with the avowed + intention of going North.</p> + + <p>"I don't care for the loss," said he, "but what I do care + for is, to be robbed by a nigger. I can endure an injury from a + white man; to have a nigger defy me is too much."</p> + + <p>Unfortunate and unhappy man! I presume he is not entirely + satisfied with the present status of the "Peculiar + Institution."</p> + + <p>The cotton speculators at Holly Springs were guilty of some + sharp transactions. One day a gentleman residing in the + vicinity came to town in order to effect a sale of fifty bales. + The cotton was in a warehouse a half-dozen miles away.</p> + + <p>Remaining over night in Holly Springs, and walking to the + railway station in the morning, he found his cotton piled by + the track and ready for shipment. Two men were engaged effacing + the marks upon the bales. By some means they had obtained a + sufficient number of Government wagons to remove the entire lot + during the night. It was a case of downright theft. The + offenders were banished beyond the lines of the army.</p> + + <p>In a public office at Holly Springs our soldiers found a + great number of bills on the Northern Bank of Mississippi. They + were in sheets, just as they had come from the press. None of + them bore dates or signatures.</p> + + <p>The soldiers supplied all needed chirography, and the bills + obtained a wide circulation. Chickens, pigs, and other small + articles were purchased of the whites and negroes, and paid for + with the most astonishing liberality.</p> + + <p>Counterfeits of the Rebel currency were freely distributed, + and could only be distinguished from the genuine by their + superior execution.</p> + + <p>Among the women in Holly Springs and its vicinity snuff was + in great demand. The article is used by them in much the same + way that men chew tobacco. The practice is known as "dipping," + and is disgusting in the extreme. A stick the size of a common + pencil is chewed or beaten at one end until the fibers are + separated. In this condition it forms a brush.</p> + + <p>This brush is moistened with saliva, and plunged into the + snuff. The fine powder which adheres is then rubbed on the gums + and among the teeth. A species of partial intoxication is the + result.</p> + + <p>The effect of continued "dipping" becomes apparent. The gums + are inflamed, the teeth are discolored, the lips are shriveled, + and the complexion is sallow. The throat is dry and irritated, + and there is a constant desire to expectorate.</p> + + <p>I trust the habit will never become a Northern one.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c23" id="c23"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXIII.</h4> + + <h5>GRANT'S OCCUPATION OF MISSISSIPPI.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Slavery Question.--A Generous Offer.--A + Journalist's Modesty.--Hopes of the Mississippians at the + Beginning of the War.--Visiting an Editress.--Literature under + Difficulties.--Jacob Thompson and his Correspondence.--Plans + for the Capture of Vicksburg.--Movements of General + Sherman.--The Raid upon Holly Springs.--Forewarned, but not + Forearmed.--A Gallant Fight.</p> + + <p>The people of Holly Springs were much excited over the + slavery question. It was then early in December. The + President's proclamation was to have its effect on all States, + or portions of States, not represented in Congress on the first + of January following. The slaveholders desired to have the + northern district of Mississippi represented in Congress before + the first of January.</p> + + <p>Three or four days after my arrival at Holly Springs I was + with a small party of citizens to whom I had received + introduction. The great question was being discussed. All were + agreed that Northern Mississippi should be represented in + Congress at whatever cost.</p> + + <p>"Grant has now been in Mississippi nearly two weeks," said + the principal speaker; "we are clearly entitled to + representation."</p> + + <p>"Certainly we are," responded another; "but who will + represent us?"</p> + + <p>"Hold an election to-morrow, and choose our man."</p> + + <p>"Who will we send? None of us would be received. There isn't + a man in the district who could swear he has taken no part in + the Rebellion."</p> + + <p>"I have it," said the individual who first proposed an + election. Turning to me, he made a somewhat novel + proposition:</p> + + <p>"You can represent us in Congress. We've all been so d----d + disloyal that we can't go; but that is no reason why we should + not send a loyal men. Say yes, and we'll meet to-morrow, a + dozen of us, and elect you."</p> + + <p>Here was an opportunity for glory. Only four days in a State + from which I could go to Congress! I was offered all necessary + credentials to insure my reception. My loyalty could be clearly + and easily proved. My only duties would be to assist in + fastening slavery upon my congressional district. Much as I + felt honored at the offer of distinction, I was obliged to + decline it. A similar proposition was made to another + journalist. He, like myself, was governed by modesty, and + begged to be excused from serving.</p> + + <p>The desire of this people to be represented in Congress, was + a partial proof that they expected the national authority + restored throughout the country. They professed to believe that + our occupation would be temporary, but their actions did not + agree with their words.</p> + + <p>They were greatly mortified at the inability of their army + to oppose our advance, and frequently abused the Rebel + Government without stint. They had anticipated an easy victory + from the outset, and were greatly disappointed at the result, + up to that time.</p> + + <p>"Just see how it is," said a Mississippian one day; "we + expected to whip you without the slightest trouble. We threw + the war into the Border States to keep it off our soil. + Mississippi was very earnest for the Rebellion when Kentucky + was the battle-ground. We no more expected you would come here, + than that we should get to the moon. It is the fortune of war + that you have driven us back, but it is very severe upon the + cotton States."</p> + + <p>I ventured to ask about the possibilities of repudiation of + the Rebel debt, in case the Confederacy was fairly + established.</p> + + <p>"Of course we shall repudiate," was the response. "It would + be far better for the Confederacy to do so than to attempt to + pay the debt, or even its interest. Suppose we have a debt of a + thousand millions, at eight per cent. This debt is due to our + own people, and they have to pay the interest upon it. In + twelve years and a half they would have paid another thousand + millions, and still be as deeply in debt as ever. Now, if they + repudiate the whole, the country will be a thousand millions + richer at the end of twelve years and a half, than it otherwise + would."</p> + + <p>In Mississippi, as well as in other Southern States, I + frequently heard this argument. It is not surprising that the + confidence of the people in their currency was shaken at a very + early period.</p> + + <p>In its days of prosperity, Holly Springs boasted of two + rival papers, each of them published weekly. One of these died + just as the war broke out. The proprietor of the other, who was + at the same time its editor, went, with his two sons, into the + Rebel army, leaving the paper in charge of his wife. The lady + wielded the pen for nearly a year, but the scarcity of + printing-paper compelled her to close her office, a few months + before our arrival.</p> + + <p>One afternoon, I accompanied Mr. Colburn, of <i>The + World</i>, on a visit to the ex-editress. The lady received our + cards and greeted us very cordially. She spoke, with evident + pride, of her struggles to sustain her paper in war-time and + under war prices, and hoped she could soon resume its + publication. She referred to the absence of her husband and + sons in the Rebel service, and was gratified that they had + always borne a good record. She believed in the South and in + the justness of its cause, but was prompt to declare that all + the wrong was not on one side. She neither gave the South + extravagant praise, nor visited the North with + denunciation.</p> + + <p>She regretted the existence of the war, and charged its + beginning upon the extremists of both sides. Slavery was + clearly its cause, and she should look for its complete + destruction in the event of the restoration of national + authority. Through justice to itself, the North could demand + nothing less, and the South must be willing to abide by the + fortune of war.</p> + + <p>This woman respected and admired the North, because it was a + region where labor was not degrading.</p> + + <p>She had always opposed the Southern sentiment concerning + labor, and educated her children after her own belief. While + other boys were idling in the streets, she had taught her sons + all the mysteries of the printing-office, and made them able to + care for themselves. She was confident they would vindicate the + correctness of her theory, by winning good positions in life. + She believed slavery had assisted the development of the South, + but was equally positive that its effect upon the white race + was ruinous in the extreme.</p> + + <p>She had no word of abuse for the Union, but spoke of it in + terms of praise. At the same time she expressed an earnest hope + for the success of the Rebellion. She saw the evil of slavery, + but wished the Confederacy established. How she could reconcile + all her views I was unable to ascertain. I do not believe she + will take seriously to heart the defeat of the scheme to found + a slaveholders' government. In the suppression of the Rebellion + she will doubtless discover a brilliant future for "the land of + the cypress and myrtle," and bless the day that witnessed the + destruction of slavery.</p> + + <p>At Oxford, our forces found the residence of the ex-Hon. + Jacob Thompson, who has since figured prominently as the Rebel + agent in Canada. In his office a letter-book and much + correspondence were secured--the letters showing that the + design of a rebellion dated much further back than the first + election of Mr. Lincoln. Some of this correspondence was given + to the public at the time, and proved quite interesting. The + balance was sent to the War Department, where it was expected + to be of service. The books in Mr. Thompson's library found + their way to various parts of the Union, and became scattered + where it will be difficult for their owner to gather them, + should he desire to restore his collection. If "misery loves + company," it was doubtless gratifying to Mr. Thompson to know + of the capture of the library and correspondence of Jefferson + Davis, several months later.</p> + + <p>Our advance into Mississippi was being successfully pushed, + early in December, 1862. There was a prospect that it would not + accomplish the desired object, the capture of Vicksburg, + without some counter-movement. A force was sent from Helena, + Arkansas, to cut the railway in rear of the Rebel army. Though + accomplishing its immediate object, it did not make a material + change in the military situation. The Rebels continued to hold + Grenada, which they had strongly fortified. They could only be + forced from this position by a movement that should render + Grenada of no practical value.</p> + + <p>General Grant detached the right wing of his army, with + orders to make a rapid march to Memphis, and thence to descend + the Mississippi by steamboats to Vicksburg. This expedition was + commanded by General Sherman. While the movement was in + progress, General Grant was to push forward, on the line he had + been following, and attempt to join General Sherman at the + nearest practicable point on the Yazoo River above Vicksburg. + The fall of Vicksburg was thus thought to be assured, + especially as General Sherman's attack was to be made upon the + defenses in its rear.</p> + + <p>General Sherman moved, to Memphis with due celerity. The + garrison of that city was reduced as much as possible to + re-enforce his column. The Army of Arkansas, then at Helena, + was temporarily added to his command. This gave a force + exceeding twenty-eight thousand strong to move upon Vicksburg. + It was considered sufficiently large to accomplish the desired + object--the garrison of Vicksburg having been weakened to + strengthen the army in General Grant's front.</p> + + <p>I was in Holly Springs when General Sherman began to move + toward Memphis. Thinking there would be active work at + Vicksburg, I prepared to go to Columbus by rail, and take a + steamboat thence to Memphis. By this route it was nearly four + hundred miles; but it was safer and more expeditious to travel + in that way than to attempt the "overland" journey of fifty + miles in a direct line.</p> + + <p>There were rumors that the Rebels contemplated a raid upon + Holly Springs, for the purpose of cutting General Grant's + communications and destroying the supplies known to be + accumulated there. From the most vague and obscurely-worded + hints, given by a Secessionist, I inferred that such a movement + was expected. The Rebels were arranging a cavalry force to + strike a blow somewhere upon our line of railway, and there was + no point more attractive than Holly Springs. I attached no + importance to the story, as I had invariably known the friends + of the Rebels to predict wonderful movements that never + occurred.</p> + + <p>Meeting the post-commandant shortly afterward, I told him + what I had heard. He assured me there was nothing to fear, and + that every thing was arranged to insure a successful defense. + On this point I did not agree with him. I knew very well that + the garrison was not properly distributed to oppose a dash of + the enemy. There were but few men on picket, and no precautions + had been taken against surprise. Our accumulation of stores was + sufficiently large to be worth a strong effort to destroy them. + As I was about ready to leave, I concluded to take the first + train to Columbus.</p> + + <p>Less than forty-eight hours after my departure, General Van + Dorn, at the head of five thousand men, entered Holly Springs + with very slight opposition. He found every thing nearly as he + could have arranged it had he planned the defense himself. The + commandant, Colonel Murphy, was afterward dismissed the service + for his negligence in preparing to defend the place after being + notified by General Grant that the enemy was moving to attack + him.</p> + + <p>The accumulation of supplies at the railway depot, and all + the railway buildings, with their surroundings, were burned. + Two trains of cars were standing ready to move, and these + shared a similar fate. In the center of the town, a building we + were using as a magazine was blown up. The most of the business + portion of Holly Springs was destroyed by fire, communicated + from this magazine.</p> + + <p>During the first year of the war, Holly Springs was selected + as the site of a "Confederate States Arsenal," and a series of + extensive buildings erected at great expense.</p> + + <p>We had converted these buildings into hospitals, and were + fitting them up with suitable accommodations for a large number + of sick and wounded.</p> + + <p>After ordering our surgeons to remove their patients, the + Rebels set fire to the hospitals while the yellow flag was + floating over them. General Grant subsequently denounced this + act as contrary to the usages of war.</p> + + <p>The Rebels remained in Holly Springs until five o'clock in + the afternoon of the day of their arrival. At their departure + they moved in a northerly direction, evidently designing to + visit Grand Junction. At Davis's Mill, about half-way between + Holly Springs and Grand Junction, they found a small stockade, + garrisoned by two companies of infantry, protecting the railway + bridge. They sent forward a flag-of-truce, and demanded the + instant surrender of the stockade.</p> + + <p>Their demand was not complied with. That garrison, of less + than two hundred men, fought Van Dorn's entire command four + hours, repulsed three successive charges, and finally compelled + the Rebels to retreat. Van Dorn's northward movement was + checked, and our stores at Grand Junction and Lagrange were + saved, by the gallantry of this little force. General Grant + subsequently gave special compliment to the bravery of these + soldiers and their officers, in an order which was read to + every regiment in the Army of the Tennessee.</p> + + <p>Our plans were completely deranged by this movement of the + enemy. The supplies and ammunition we had relied upon were + destroyed, and our communications severed. It was impossible to + push further into Mississippi, and preparations were made for + immediate retreat. The railway was repaired and the heavy + baggage sent to the rear as speedily as possible. When this was + accomplished the army began to fall back. Oxford, Abbeville, + and Holly Springs were abandoned, and returned to the + protection of the Rebel flag. Northern Mississippi again became + the field for guerrilla warfare, and a source of supply to the + Rebels in the field. The campaign for the capture of Vicksburg + took a new shape from the day our lines were severed.</p> + + <p>A few days before the surrender of Vicksburg, General Grant, + in conversation with some friends, referred to his position in + Mississippi, six months before. Had he pressed forward beyond + Grenada, he would have been caught in midwinter in a sea of + mud, where the safety of his army might have been endangered. + Van Dorn's raid compelled him to retreat, saved him from a + possible heavier reverse, and prepared the way for the campaign + in which Vicksburg finally capitulated. A present disaster, it + proved the beginning of ultimate success.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c24" id="c24"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXIV.</h4> + + <h5>THE BATTLE OF CHICKASAW BAYOU.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Leaving Memphis.--Down the Great River.--Landing + in the Yazoo.-- Description of the Ground..--A Night in + Bivouac.--Plan of Attack.-- Moving toward the + Hills.--Assaulting the Bluff.--Our Repulse.--New + Plans.--Withdrawal from the Yazoo.</p> + + <p>On arriving at Memphis, I found General Sherman's expedition + was ready to move toward Vicksburg. A few of the soldiers who + escaped from the raid on Holly Springs had reached Memphis with + intelligence of that disaster. The news caused much excitement, + as the strength of the Rebels was greatly exaggerated. A few of + these soldiers thought Van Dorn's entire division of fifteen or + twenty thousand men had been mounted and was present at the + raid. There were rumors of a contemplated attack upon Memphis, + after General Sherman's departure.</p> + + <p>Unmilitary men thought the event might delay the movement + upon Vicksburg, but it did not have that effect. General + Sherman said he had no official knowledge that Holly Springs + had been captured, and could do no less than carry out his + orders. The expedition sailed, its various divisions making a + rendezvous at Friar's Point, twelve miles below Helena, on the + night of the 22d of December. From this place to the mouth of + the Yazoo, we moved leisurely down the Mississippi, halting a + day near Milliken's Bend, almost in sight of Vicksburg. We + passed a portion of Christmas-Day near the mouth of the + Yazoo.</p> + + <p>On the morning of the 26th of December, the fleet of sixty + transports, convoyed by several gun-boats, commenced the ascent + of the Yazoo. This stream debouches into the Mississippi, + fifteen miles above Vicksburg, by the course of the current, + though the distance in an airline is not more than six miles. + Ten or twelve miles above its mouth, the Yazoo sweeps the base + of the range of hills on which Vicksburg stands, at a point + nearly behind the city. It was therefore considered a feasible + route to the rear of Vicksburg.</p> + + <p>In a letter which I wrote on that occasion, I gave the + following description of the country adjoining the river, and + the incidents of a night bivouac before the battle:--"The + bottom-land of the Yazoo is covered with a heavy growth of tall + cypress-trees, whose limbs are everywhere interlaced. In many + places the forest has a dense undergrowth, and in others it is + quite clear, and affords easy passage to mounted men. These + huge trees are heavily draped in the 'hanging moss,' so common + in the Southern States, which gives them a most gloomy + appearance. The moss, everywhere pendent from the limbs of the + trees, covers them like a shroud, and in some localities shuts + out the sunlight. In these forests there are numerous bayous + that form a net-work converting the land into a series of + islands. When separated from your companions, you can easily + imagine yourself in a wilderness. In the wild woods of the + Oregon there is no greater solitude."</p> + + <p class="spacer">* * * * *</p> + + <p>"On the afternoon of the 27th, I started from the + transports, and accompanied our left wing, which was advancing + on the east side of Chickasaw Bayou. The road lay along the + crest of the levee which had been thrown up on the bank of the + bayou, to protect the fields on that side against inundation. + This road was only wide enough for the passage of a single + wagon. Our progress was very slow, on account of the necessity + for removing heavy logs across the levee. When night overtook + us, we made our bivouac in the forest, about three miles from + the river.</p> + + <p>"I had taken with me but a single blanket, and a haversack + containing my note-book and a few crackers. That night in + bivouac acquainted me with some of the discomforts of + war-making on the Yazoo. The ground was moist from recent + rains, so that dry places were difficult to find. A + fellow-journalist proposed that we unite our blankets, and form + a double bed for mutual advantage. To this I assented. When my + friend came forward, to rest in our combined couch, I found his + 'blanket' was purely imaginary, having been left on the steamer + at his departure. For a while we 'doubled,' but I was soon + deserted, on account of the barrenness of my + accommodations.</p> + + <p>"No fires were allowed, as they might reveal our position to + the watchful enemy. The night was cold. Ice formed at the edge + of the bayou, and there was a thick frost on the little patches + of open ground. A negro who had lived in that region said the + swamp usually abounded in moccasins, copperheads, and + cane-snakes, in large numbers. An occasional rustling of the + leaves at my side led me to imagine these snakes were + endeavoring to make my acquaintance.</p> + + <p>"Laying aside my snake fancies, it was too cold to sleep. As + fast as I would fall into a doze, the chill of the atmosphere + would steal through my blanket, and remind me of my location. + Half-sleeping and half-waking, I dreamed of every thing + disagreeable. I had visions of Greenland's icy mountains, of + rambles in Siberia, of my long-past midwinter nights in the + snow-drifted gorges of Colorado, of shipwreck, and of burning + dwellings, and of all moving accidents by flood and field! + These dreams followed each other with a rapidity that far + outstripped the workings of the electric telegraph.</p> + + <p>"Cold and dampness and snakes and fitful dreams were not the + only bodily discomforts. A dozen horses were loose in camp, and + trotting gayly about. Several times they passed at a careless + pace within a yard of my head. Once the foremost of the + <i>caballada</i> jumped directly over me, and was followed by + the rest. My comments on these eccentricities of that noble + animal, the horse, provoked the derision rather than the + sympathy of those who heard them.</p> + + <p>"A teamster, who mistook me for a log, led his mules over + me. A negro, under the same delusion, attempted to convert me + into a chair, and another wanted to break me up for fuel, to be + used in making a fire after daylight. Each of these little + blunders evoked a gentle remonstrance, that effectually + prevented a repetition by the same individual.</p> + + <p>"A little past daylight a shell from the Rebel batteries + exploded within twenty yards of my position, and warned me that + it was time to rise. To make my toilet, I pulled the sticks and + leaves from my hair and beard, and brushed my overcoat with a + handful of moss. I breakfasted on a cracker and a spoonful of + whisky. I gave my horse a handful of corn and a large quantity + of leaves. The former he ate, but the latter he refused to + touch. The column began to move, and I was ready to attend upon + its fortunes."</p> + + <p>General Sherman's plan was to effect a landing on the Yazoo, + and, by taking possession of the bluffs, sever the + communication between Vicksburg and the interior. It was + thought the garrison of Vicksburg had been greatly weakened to + re-enforce the army in General Grant's front, so that our + success would be certain when we once gained the bluffs.</p> + + <p>A portion of our forces effected a landing on the 26th, but + the whole command was not on shore till the 27th. Fighting + commenced on the 27th, and became more earnest on the 28th, as + we crowded toward the bluffs.</p> + + <p>In moving from the steamboat landing to the base of the + bluffs on the 28th, our army encountered the enemy at several + points, but forced him back without serious loss on either + side. It appeared to be the Rebel design not to make any + resistance of magnitude until we had crossed the lower ground + and were near the base of the line of hills protecting + Vicksburg.</p> + + <p>Not far from the foot of the bluffs there was a bayou, which + formed an excellent front for the first line of the Rebel + defenses. On our right we attempted to cross this bayou with a + portion of Morgan L. Smith's Division, but the Rebel fire was + so severe that we were repulsed. On our extreme right a similar + attempt obtained the same result.</p> + + <p>On our left the bayou was crossed by General Morgan's and + General Steele's Divisions at two or three points, and our + forces gained a position close up to the edge of the bluff.</p> + + <p>At eleven A. M. on the 29th, an assault was made by three + brigades of infantry upon the works of the enemy on this + portion of the line. General Blair and General Thayer from + Steele's Division, pushed forward through an abatis which + skirted the edge of the bayou, and captured the first line of + Rebel rifle-pits. From this line the brigades pressed two + hundred yards farther up the hillside, and temporarily occupied + a portion of the second line. Fifty yards beyond was a small + clump of trees, which was gained by one regiment, the + Thirteenth Illinois, of General Blair's Brigade.</p><a href= + "images/p270i1.jpg"><img src="images/p270i1_t.jpg" alt= + "GENERAL BLAIR'S BRIGADE ASSAULTING THE HILL AT CHICKASAW, BAYOU." /> + </a> + + <p class="captn">GENERAL BLAIR'S BRIGADE ASSAULTING THE HILL AT + CHICKASAW, BAYOU.</p> + + <p>The Rebels massed heavily against these two brigades. Our + assaulting force had not been followed by a supporting column, + and was unable to hold the works it captured. It fell back to + the bayou and re-formed its line. One of General Morgan's + brigades occupied a portion of the rifle-pits at the time the + hill was assaulted by the brigades from General Steele's + Division.</p> + + <p>During the afternoon of the 29th, preparations were made for + another assault, but the plan was not carried out. It was found + the Rebels had been re-enforced at that point, so that we had + great odds against us. The two contending armies rested within + view of each other, throwing a few shells each hour, to give + notice of their presence.</p> + + <p>After the assault, the ground between the contending lines + was covered with dead and wounded men of our army. A + flag-of-truce was sent out on the afternoon of the 29th, to + arrange for burying the dead and bringing away the wounded, but + the Rebels would not receive it. Sunrise on the 30th, noon, + sunset, and sunrise again, and they lay there still. On the + 31st, a truce of five hours was arranged, and the work of + humanity accomplished. A heavy rain had fallen, rendering the + ground unfit for the rapid moving of infantry and artillery, in + front of the Rebel position.</p> + + <p>On the evening of the 31st, orders were issued for a new + plan of attack at another part of the enemy's lines. A division + was to be embarked on the transports, and landed as near as + possible to the Rebel fortifications on Haines's Bluff, several + miles up the Yazoo. The gun-boats were to take the advance, + engage the attention of the forts, and cover the landing. + Admiral Porter ordered Colonel Ellet to go in advance, with a + boat of his ram fleet, to remove the obstructions the Rebels + had placed in the river, under the guns of the fort. A raft was + attached to the bow of the ram, and on the end of the raft was + a torpedo containing a half ton of powder.</p> + + <p>Admiral Porter contended that the explosion of the torpedo + would remove the obstructions, so that the fleet could proceed. + Colonel Ellet expressed his readiness to obey orders, but gave + his opinion that the explosion, while effecting its object, + would destroy his boat and all on board. Some officers and + civilians, who knew the admiral's antipathy to Colonel Ellet, + suggested that the former was of the same opinion, and + therefore desirous that the experiment should be made.</p> + + <p>Every thing was in readiness on the morning of the 1st of + January, but a dense fog prevented the execution of our new + plan. On the following day we withdrew from the Yazoo, and + ended the second attack upon Vicksburg. Our loss was not far + from two thousand men, in all casualties.</p> + + <p>General Sherman claimed to have carried out with exactness, + the instructions from his superior officers respecting the time + and manner of the attack. Van Dorn's raid upon General Grant's + lines, previous to Sherman's departure from Memphis, had + radically changed the military situation. Grant's advance being + stopped, his co-operation by way of Yazoo City could not be + given. At the same time, the Rebels were enabled to strengthen + their forces at Vicksburg. The assault was a part of the great + plan for the conquest of the Mississippi, and was made in + obedience to positive orders. Before the orders were carried + out, a single circumstance had deranged the whole plan. After + the fighting was ended and the army had re-embarked, + preparatory to leaving the Yazoo, General Sherman was relieved + from command by General McClernand. The latter officer carried + out the order for withdrawal. The fleet steamed up the + Mississippi to Milliken's Bend, where it remained for a day or + two. General McClernand directed that an expedition be made + against Arkansas Post, a Rebel fortification on the Arkansas + River, fifty miles above its mouth.</p> + + <p>After the first attack upon Vicksburg, in June, 1862, the + Rebels strengthened the approaches in the rear of the city. + They threw up defensive works on the line of bluffs facing the + Yazoo, and erected a strong fortification to prevent our boats + ascending that stream. Just before General Sherman commenced + his assault, the gun-boat <i>Benton</i>, aided by another + iron-clad, attempted to silence the batteries at Haines's + Bluff, but was unsuccessful. Her sides were perforated by the + Rebel projectiles, and she withdrew from the attack in a + disabled condition. Captain Gwin, her commander, was mortally + wounded early in the fight.</p> + + <p>Captain Gwin was married but a few weeks before this + occurrence. His young wife was on her way from the East to + visit him, and was met at Cairo with the news of his death.</p> + + <p>About two months before the time of our attack, an + expedition descended the Mississippi from Helena, and suddenly + appeared near the mouth of the Yazoo. It reached Milliken's + Bend at night, surprising and capturing the steamer + <i>Fairplay</i>, which was loaded with arms and ammunition for + the Rebels in Arkansas. So quietly was the capture made, that + the officers of the <i>Fairplay</i> were not aware of the + change in their situation until awakened by their captors.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c25" id="c25"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXV.</h4> + + <h5>BEFORE VICKSBURG.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Capture of Arkansas Post.--The Army returns to + Milliken's Bend.--General Sherman and the Journalists.--Arrest + of the Author.--His Trial before a Military Court.--Letter from + President Lincoln.--Capture of Three Journalists.</p> + + <p>The army moved against Arkansas Post, which was captured, + with its entire garrison of five thousand men. The fort was + dismantled and the earth-works leveled to the ground. After + this was accomplished, the army returned to Milliken's Bend. + General Grant arrived a few days later, and commenced the + operations which culminated in the fall of Vicksburg.</p> + + <p>Before leaving Memphis on the Yazoo expedition, General + Sherman issued an order excluding all civilians, except such as + were connected with the transports, and threatening to treat as + a spy any person who should write accounts for publication + which might give information to the enemy. No journalists were + to be allowed to take part in the affair. One who applied for + permission to go in his professional capacity received a very + positive refusal. General Sherman had a strong antipathy to + journalists, amounting almost to a mania, and he was determined + to discourage their presence in his movements against + Vicksburg.</p> + + <p>Five or six correspondents accompanied the expedition, some + of them on passes from General Grant, which were believed + superior to General Sherman's order, and others with passes or + invitations from officers in the expedition. I carried a pass + from General Grant, and had a personal invitation from an + officer who held a prominent command in the Army of Arkansas. I + had passed Memphis, almost without stopping, and was not aware + of the existence of the prohibitory order until I reached the + Yazoo.</p> + + <p>I wrote for <i>The Herald</i> an account of the battle, + which I directed to a friend at Cairo, and placed in the mail + on board the head-quarters' boat. The day after mailing my + letter, I learned it was being read at General Sherman's + head-quarters. The General afterward told me that his + mail-agent, Colonel Markland, took my letter, among others, + from the mail, with his full assent, though without his + order.</p> + + <p>I proceeded to rewrite my account, determined not to trust + again to the head-quarters' mail. When I was about ready to + depart, I received the letter which had been stolen, bearing + evident marks of repeated perusal. Two maps which it originally + contained were not returned. I proceeded to Cairo as the bearer + of my own dispatches.</p> + + <p>On my return to Milliken's Bend, two weeks later, I + experienced a new sensation. After two interviews with the + indignant general, I received a tender of hospitalities from + the provost-marshal of the Army of the Tennessee. The tender + was made in such form as left no opportunity for declining it. + A few days after my arrest, I was honored by a trial before a + military court, consisting of a brigadier-general, four + colonels, and two majors. General Sherman had made the + following charges against me:--</p> + + <p>First.--"<i>Giving information to the enemy.</i>"</p> + + <p>Second.--"<i>Being a spy.</i>"</p> + + <p>Third.--"<i>Disobedience of orders.</i>"</p> + + <p>The first and second charges were based on my published + letter. The third declared that I accompanied the expedition + without proper authority, and published a letter without + official sanction. These were my alleged offenses.</p> + + <p>My court had a protracted session. It decided there was + nothing in my letter which violated the provisions of the order + regulating war correspondence for the Press. It declared me + innocent of the first and second charges. It could see nothing + criminal in the manner of my accompanying the expedition.</p> + + <p>But I was guilty of something. There was a "General Order, + Number 67," issued in 1861, of whose existence neither myself + nor, as far as I could ascertain, any other journalist, was + aware. It provided that no person should write, print, or cause + to be printed "any information respecting military movements, + without the authority and sanction of the general in + command."</p> + + <p>Here was the rock on which I split. I had written a letter + respecting military movements, and caused it to be printed, + "without the sanction of the general in command." + Correspondents everywhere had done the same thing, and + continued to do it till the end of the war. "Order Number 67" + was as obsolete as the laws of the Medes and Persians, save on + that single occasion. Dispatches by telegraph passed under the + eye of a Government censor, but I never heard of an instance + wherein a letter transmitted by mail received any official + sanction.</p> + + <p>My court was composed of officers from General Sherman's + command, and was carefully watched by that distinguished + military chieftain, throughout its whole sitting. It wavered in + deciding upon the proper "punishment" for my offense. Should it + banish me from that spot, or should I receive an official + censure? It concluded to send me outside the limits of the Army + of the Tennessee.</p> + + <p>During the days I passed in the care of the provost-marshal, + I perused all the novels that the region afforded. When these + were ended, I studied a copy of a well-known work on theology, + and turned, for light reading, to the "Pirate's Own Book." A + sympathizing friend sent me a bundle of tracts and a copy of + the "Adventures of John A. Murrell." A volume of lectures upon + temperance and a dozen bottles of Allsop's pale ale, were among + the most welcome contributions that I received. The ale + disappeared before the lectures had been thoroughly + digested.</p> + + <p>The chambermaid of the steamboat displayed the greatest + sympathy in my behalf. She declined to receive payment of a + washing-bill, and burst into tears when I assured her the money + was of no use to me.</p> + + <p>Her fears for my welfare were caused by a frightful story + that had been told her by a cabin-boy. He maliciously + represented that I was to be executed for attempting to + purchase cotton from a Rebel quartermaster. The verdant woman + believed the story for several days.</p> + + <p>It may interest some readers to know that the proceedings of + a court-martial are made in writing. The judge-advocate (who + holds the same position as the prosecuting attorney in a civil + case) writes his questions, and then reads them aloud. The + answers, as they are given, are reduced to writing. The + questions or objections of the prisoner's counsel must be made + in writing and given to the judge-advocate, to be read to the + court. In trials where a large number of witnesses must be + examined, it is now the custom to make use of "short-hand" + writers. In this way the length of a trial is greatly + reduced.</p> + + <p>The members of a court-martial sit in full uniform, + including sash and sword, and preserve a most severe and + becoming dignity. Whenever the court wishes to deliberate upon + any point of law or evidence, the room is cleared, neither the + prisoner nor his counsel being allowed to remain. It frequently + occurs that the court is thus closed during the greater part of + its sessions. With the necessity for recording all its + proceedings, and frequent stoppages for deliberation, a trial + by a military court is ordinarily very slow.</p> + + <p>In obedience to the order of the court, I left the vicinity + of the Army of the Tennessee, and proceeded North.</p> + + <p>In departing from Young's Point, I could not obey a certain + Scriptural injunction, as the mud of Louisiana adheres like + glue, and defies all efforts to shake it off. Mr. Albert D. + Richardson, of The Tribune, on behalf of many of my + professional friends, called the attention of President Lincoln + to the little affair between General Sherman and myself.</p> + + <p>In his recently published book of experiences during the + war, Mr. Richardson has given a full and graphic account of his + interview with the President. Mr. Lincoln unbent himself from + his official cares, told two of his best stories, conversed for + an hour or more upon the military situation, gave his reasons + for the removal of General McClellan, and expressed his hope in + our ultimate success. Declaring it his inflexible determination + not to interfere with the conduct of any military department, + he wrote the following document:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>EXECUTIVE MANSION,<br /> + WASHINGTON, <i>March</i> 20, 1863.</p> + + <p>WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:</p> + + <p>Whereas it appears to my satisfaction that Thomas W. Knox, + a correspondent of <i>The New York Herald</i>, has been, by + the sentence of a court-martial, excluded from the Military + Department under command of Major-General Grant, and also + that General Thayer, president of the court-martial, which + rendered the sentence, and Major-General McClernand, in + command of a corps of that department, and many other + respectable persons, are of opinion that Mr. Knox's offense + was technical, rather than willfully wrong, and that the + sentence should be revoked: Now, therefore, said sentence is + hereby so far revoked as to allow Mr. Knox to return to + General Grant's head-quarters, to remain if General Grant + shall give his express assent; and to again leave the + department, if General Grant shall refuse such assent.</p> + + <p>A. LINCOLN</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>With this letter I returned to the army. General Grant + referred the question to General Sherman. In consideration of + our quarrel, and knowing the unamiable character of the latter + officer, I should have been greatly surprised had he given any + thing else than a refusal. I had fully expected to return + immediately when I left St. Louis, but, like most persons in a + controversy, wished to carry my point.</p> + + <p>General Sherman long since retrieved his failure at + Chickasaw Bayou. Throughout the war he was honored with the + confidence and friendship of General Grant. The career of these + officers was not marked by the jealousies that are too frequent + in military life. The hero of the campaign from Chattanooga to + Raleigh is destined to be known in history. In those successful + marches, and in the victories won by his tireless and never + vanquished army, he has gained a reputation that may well be + enduring.</p> + + <p>Soon after my return from Young's Point, General Grant + crossed the Mississippi at Grand Gulf, and made his daring and + successful movement to attain the rear of Vicksburg. Starting + with a force less than the one his opponent could bring against + him, he cut loose from his communications and succeeded in + severing the enemy's line of supplies. From Grand Gulf to + Jackson, and from Jackson to the rear of Vicksburg, was a + series of brilliant marches and brilliant victories. Once + seated where he had his antagonist's army inclosed, General + Grant opened his lines to the Yazoo, supplied himself with + every thing desired, and pressed the siege at his leisure. With + the fall of Vicksburg, and the fall, a few days later, of Port + Hudson, "the Father of Waters went unvexed to the Sea."</p> + + <p>While the army was crossing the Mississippi at Grand Gulf, + three well-known journalists, Albert D. Richardson and Junius + H. Browne, of <i>The Tribune</i>, and Richard T. Colburn, of + <i>The World</i>, attempted to run past the Rebel batteries at + Vicksburg, on board a tug at midnight. The tug was blown up and + destroyed; the journalists were captured and taken to the Rebel + prison at Vicksburg. Thence they were removed to Richmond, + occupying, while <i>en route</i>, the prisons of a half-dozen + Rebel cities. Mr. Colburn was soon released, but the companions + of his adventure were destined to pass nearly two years in the + prisons of the Confederacy. By a fortunate escape and a + midwinter march of nearly four hundred miles, they reached our + lines in safety. In books and in lecture-rooms, they have since + told the story of their captivity and flight.</p> + + <p>I have sometimes thought my little quarrel with General + Sherman proved "a blessing in disguise," in saving me from a + similar experience of twenty months in Rebel prisons.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c26" id="c26"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXVI.</h4> + + <h5>KANSAS IN WAR-TIME.</h5> + + <p class="toc">A Visit to Kansas.--Recollections of Border + Feuds.--Peculiarities of Kansas Soldiers.--Foraging as a Fine + Art.--Kansas and Missouri.--Settling Old Scores.--Depopulating + the Border Counties.--Two Examples of Grand Strategy.--Capture + of the "Little-More-Grape" Battery.--A Woman in + Sorrow.--Frontier Justice.--Trial before a "Lynch" + Court.--General Blunt's Order.--Execution of + Horse-Thieves.--Auction Sale of Confiscated Property.--Banished + to Dixie.</p> + + <p>In May, 1863, I made a hasty visit to Western Missouri and + Kansas, to observe the effect of the war in that quarter. Seven + years earlier the border warfare attracted much attention. The + great Rebellion caused Kansas and its troubles to sink into + insignificance. Since the first election of Mr. Lincoln to the + Presidency, Kansas has been rarely mentioned.</p> + + <p>I passed through this young State in the summer of 1860. I + was repeatedly told: "We have old grudges that we wish to + settle; if the troubles ever break out again in any part of the + United States, we hope to cross out our account." When the war + opened, the people of Kansas saw their opportunity for "making + square work," as they expressed it, with Missouri and the other + slave States. They placed two regiments of volunteers in the + field with as much celerity as was displayed in many of the + older and more populous States. These regiments were followed + by others until fully half the able-bodied population of Kansas + was in the service. In some localities the proportion was even + greater than this.</p> + + <p>The dash and daring of these Kansas soldiers became + proverbial. At Wilson Creek, two regiments from Kansas had + their first experience of battle, and bore themselves most + nobly. The conduct of other Kansas soldiers, on other + battle-fields, was equally commendable. Their bravery and + endurance was only equaled by their ability in foraging.</p> + + <p>Horses, mules, cattle, and provisions have, in all times, + been considered the legitimate spoils of war. The Kansas + soldiers did not confine themselves to the above, but + appropriated every thing portable and valuable, whether useful + or useless. Their example was contagious, and the entire army + soon learned to follow it.</p> + + <p>During General Grant's campaign in Mississippi in '62, the + Seventh Kansas Cavalry obtained a reputation for ubiquity and + lawlessness. Every man who engaged in plundering on his own + account, no matter to what regiment he belonged, invariably + announced himself a member of the Seventh Kansas. Every + countryman who was robbed declared the robbery was committed by + the Seventh Kansas "Jayhawkers." Uniting all the stories of + robbery, one would conclude that the Seventh Kansas was about + twenty thousand strong, and constantly in motion by fifty + different roads, leading to all points of the compass.</p> + + <p>One day a soldier of the Second Illinois Cavalry gave me an + account of his experience in horse-stealing.</p> + + <p>"Jim and I went to an old farmer's house, and told him we + wanted his horses. He said he wanted to use them himself, and + couldn't spare them.</p> + + <p>"'That don't make no sort of difference,' said I; 'we want + your horses more than you do.'</p> + + <p>"'What regiment do you belong to?'</p> + + <p>"'Seventh Kansas Jayhawkers. The whole regiment talks of + coming round here. I reckon I'll bring them.'</p> + + <p>"When I told him that," said the soldier, "he said I might + take the horses, if I would only go away. He offered me a pint + of whisky if I would promise not to bring the regiment there. + Jim and me drank the whisky, and told him we would use our + influence for him."</p> + + <p>Before the war was ended, the entire armies of the Southwest + were able to equal the "Jayhawkers" in foraging. The march of + Sherman's column through Mississippi, and afterward through + Georgia and South Carolina, fully proved this. Particularly in + the latter State, which originated the Rebellion, were the + accomplishments of the foragers most conspicuously displayed. + Our army left very little for another army to use.</p> + + <p>The desolation which was spread through the Southern States + was among the most effective blows at the Rebellion. The Rebels + were taught in the most practical manner, that insurrection was + not to be indulged in with impunity. Those who suffered most + were generally among the earliest to sue for peace. Sherman's + terse answer to the mayor of Atlanta, when the latter protested + against the banishment of the inhabitants, was appreciated by + the Rebels after our final campaigns. "War is cruelty--you + cannot refine it," speaks a volume in a few words.</p> + + <p>When hostilities commenced, the Kansas regiments were + clamorous to be led into Missouri. During the border war of '55 + and '56, Missourians invaded Kansas to control the elections by + force of arms, and killed, often in cold blood, many of the + quiet citizens of the Territory. The tier of counties in + Missouri adjoining Kansas were most anxious to make the latter + a slave State, and used every possible means to accomplish + their object.</p> + + <p>The Kansas soldiers had their wish. They marched through + Missouri. Those who had taken part in the outrages upon Kansas, + five years earlier, were made to feel the hand of retribution. + If they had burned the buildings of free-State settlers in '56, + they found their own houses destroyed in '62. In the old + troubles they contended for their right to make whatever + warfare they chose, but were astounded and horrified in the + latter days, when the tables were turned against them by those + they had wronged.</p> + + <p>Along the frontier of Missouri the old system of warfare was + revived. Guerrilla bands were formed, of which Quantrel and + similar men were the leaders. Various incursions were made into + Kansas by these marauders, and the depredations were worse than + ever.</p> + + <p>They culminated in the burning of Lawrence and the massacre + of its inhabitants.</p> + + <p>To break up these guerrilla bands, it became necessary to + depopulate the western tier of counties in Missouri, from the + Missouri River down to the thirty-eighth parallel of latitude. + The most wealthy of these was Jackson County. Before the war it + had a slave population of not far from four thousand, and its + fields were highly productive. Two years after the war broke + out it contained less than three hundred slaves, and its wealth + had diminished in almost as great proportion. This was before + any freedom had been officially declared to the slaves in the + Border States. The order of depopulation had the desired + effect. It brought peace to the border, though at a terrible + cost. Missouri suffered greatly, and so did Kansas.</p> + + <p>The most prominent officer that Kansas furnished during the + Rebellion, was Brigadier-General Blunt. At the beginning of the + war he enlisted as a private soldier, but did not remain long + in the ranks. His reputation in the field was that of a brave + and reckless officer, who had little regard to military forms. + His successes were due to audacity and daring, rather than to + skill in handling troops, or a knowledge of scientific + warfare.</p> + + <p>The battle of Cane Hill is said to have commenced by General + Blunt and his orderlies attacking a Rebel picket. The general + was surveying the country with his orderlies and a company of + cavalry, not suspecting the enemy was as near as he proved to + be.</p> + + <p>At the moment Blunt came upon the picket, the cavalry was + looking in another direction. Firing began, and the picket was + driven in and fell back to a piece of artillery, which had an + infantry support. Blunt was joined by his cavalry, and the gun + was taken by a vigorous charge and turned upon the Rebels. The + latter were kept at bay until the main force was brought up and + joined in the conflict. The Rebels believed we had a much + larger number than we really possessed, else our first assault + might have proved a sudden repulse. The same daring was kept up + throughout the battle, and gave us the victory.</p> + + <p>At this battle we captured four guns, two of which bore a + history of more than ordinary interest. They were of the old + "Bragg's Battery" that turned the scale at Buena Vista, in + obedience to General Taylor's mandate, "Give them a little more + grape, captain." After the Mexican war they were sent to the + United States Arsenal at Baton Rouge, whence they were stolen + when the insurrection commenced. They were used against us at + Wilson Creek and Pea Ridge.</p> + + <p>At another battle, whose name I have forgotten, our entire + force of about two thousand men was deployed into a skirmish + line that extended far beyond the enemy's flanks. The Rebels + were nearly six thousand strong, and at first manifested a + disposition to stand their ground. By the audacity of our + stratagem they were completely deceived. So large a skirmish + line was an indication of a proportionately strong force to + support it. When they found us closing in upon their flanks, + they concluded we were far superior in numbers, and certain to + overwhelm them. With but slight resistance they fled the field, + leaving much of their transportation and equipments to fall + into our hands. We called in our skirmishers and pressed them + in vigorous pursuit, capturing wagons and stragglers as we + moved.</p> + + <p>A year after this occurrence the Rebels played the same + trick upon our own forces near Fort Smith, Arkansas, and were + successful in driving us before them. With about five hundred + cavalry they formed a skirmish line that outflanked our force + of two thousand. We fell back several miles to the protection + of the fort, where we awaited attack. It is needless to say + that no assault was made.</p> + + <p>Van Buren, Arkansas, was captured by eighteen men ten miles + in advance of any support. This little force moved upon the + town in a deployed line and entered at one side, while a Rebel + regiment moved out at the other. Our men thought it judicious + not to pursue, but established head-quarters, and sent a + messenger to hurry up the column before the Rebels should + discover the true state of affairs. The head of the column was + five hours in making its appearance.</p> + + <p>When the circumstance became known the next day, one of our + officers found a lady crying very bitterly, and asked what + calamity had befallen her.</p> + + <p>As soon as she could speak she said, through her sobs:</p> + + <p>"I am not crying because you have captured the place. We + expected that." Then came a fresh outburst of grief.</p> + + <p>"What <i>are</i> you crying for, then?" asked the + officer.</p> + + <p>"I am crying because you took it with only eighteen men, + when we had a thousand that ran away from you!"</p> + + <p>The officer thought the reason for her sorrow was amply + sufficient, and allowed her to proceed with her weeping.</p> + + <p>On the day of my arrival at Atchison there was more than + ordinary excitement. For several months there had been much + disregard of law outside of the most densely populated portions + of the State. Robberies, and murders for the sake of robbery, + were of frequent occurrence. In one week a dozen persons met + violent deaths. A citizen remarked to me that he did not + consider the times a great improvement over '55 and '56.</p> + + <p>Ten days before my arrival, a party of ruffians visited the + house of a citizen about twelve miles from Atchison, for the + purpose of robbery. The man was supposed to have several + hundred dollars in his possession--the proceeds of a sale of + stock. He had placed his funds in a bank at Leavenworth; but + his visitors refused to believe his statement to that effect. + They maltreated the farmer and his wife, and ended by hanging + the farmer's son to a rafter and leaving him for dead. In + departing, they took away all the horses and mules they could + find.</p> + + <p>Five of these men were arrested on the following day, and + taken to Atchison. The judge before whom they were brought + ordered them committed for trial. On the way from the + court-house to the jail the men were taken from the sheriff by + a crowd of citizens. Instead of going to jail, they were + carried to a grove near the town and placed on trial before a + "Lynch" court. The trial was conducted with all solemnity, and + with every display of impartiality to the accused. The jury + decided that two of the prisoners, who had been most prominent + in the outrage, should be hanged on that day, while the others + were remanded to jail for a regular trial. One of the condemned + was executed. The other, after having a rope around his neck, + was respited and taken to jail.</p> + + <p>On the same day two additional arrests were made, of parties + concerned in the outrage. These men were tried by a "Lynch" + court, as their companions had been tried on the previous day. + One of them was hanged, and the other sent to jail.</p> + + <p>For some time the civil power had been inadequate to the + punishment of crime. The laws of the State were so loosely + framed that offenders had excellent opportunities to escape + their deserts by taking advantage of technicalities. The people + determined to take the law into their own hands, and give it a + thorough execution. For the good of society, it was necessary + to put a stop to the outrages that had been so frequently + committed. Their only course in such cases was to administer + justice without regard to the ordinary forms.</p> + + <p>A delegation of the citizens of Atchison visited Leavenworth + after the arrests had been made, to confer with General Blunt, + the commander of the District, on the best means of securing + order. They made a full representation of the state of affairs, + and requested that two of the prisoners, then in jail, should + be delivered to the citizens for trial. They obtained an order + to that effect, addressed to the sheriff, who was holding the + prisoners in charge.</p> + + <p>On the morning of the day following the reception of the + order, people began to assemble in Atchison from all parts of + the county to witness the trial. As nearly all the outrages had + been committed upon the farmers who lived at distances from + each other, the trial was conducted by the men from the rural + districts. The residents of the city took little part in the + affair. About ten o'clock in the forenoon a meeting was called + to order in front of the court-house, where the following + document was read:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>HEAD-QUARTERS DISTRICT OF KANSAS,<br /> + FORT LEAVENWORTH, <i>May</i> 22, 1863.</p> + + <p>TO THE SHERIFF OF ATCHISON COUNTY:</p> + + <p>SIR:--In view of the alarming increase of crime, the + insecurity of life and property within this military + district, the inefficiency of the civil law to punish + offenders, and the small number of troops under my command + making it impossible to give such protection to loyal and + law-abiding citizens as I would otherwise desire; you will + therefore deliver the prisoners, Daniel Mooney and Alexander + Brewer, now in your possession, to the citizens of Atchison + County, for trial and punishment by a citizens' court. This + course, which in ordinary times and under different + circumstances could not be tolerated, is rendered necessary + for the protection of the property and lives of honest + citizens against the lawless acts of thieves and assassins, + who, of late, have been perpetrating their crimes with + fearful impunity, and to prevent which nothing but the most + severe and summary punishment will suffice. In conducting + these irregular proceedings, it is to be hoped they will be + controlled by men of respectability, and that cool judgment + and discretion will characterize their actions, to the end + that the innocent may be protected and the guilty + punished.</p> + + <p>Respectfully, your obedient servant,<br /> + JAMES G. BLUNT,<br /> + <i>Major-General.</i></p> + </blockquote> + + <p>After the reading of the above order, resolutions indorsing + and sustaining the action of General Blunt were passed + unanimously. The following resolutions were passed separately, + their reading being greeted with loud cheers. They are examples + of strength rather than of elegance.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"<i>Resolved</i>, That we pledge ourselves not to stop + hanging until the thieves stop thieving.</p> + + <p>"<i>Resolved</i>, That as this is a citizens' court, we + have no use for lawyers, either for the accused or for the + people."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>A judge and jury were selected from the assemblage, and + embraced some of the best known and most respected citizens of + the county. Their selection was voted upon, just as if they had + been the officers of a political gathering. As soon as elected, + they proceeded to the trial of the prisoners.</p> + + <p>The evidence was direct and conclusive, and the prisoners + were sentenced to death by hanging. The verdict was read to the + multitude, and a vote taken upon its acceptance or rejection. + Nineteen-twentieths of those present voted that the sentence + should be carried into execution.</p> + + <p>The prisoners were taken from the court-house to the grove + where the preceding executions had taken place. They were made + to stand upon a high wagon while ropes were placed about their + necks and attached to the limb of a large, spreading elm. When + all was ready, the wagon was suddenly drawn from beneath the + prisoners, and their earthly career was ended.</p> + + <p>A half-hour later the crowd had dispersed. The following + morning showed few traces of the excitement of the previous + day. The executions were effectual in restoring quiet to the + region which had been so much disturbed.</p> + + <p>The Rebel sympathizers in St. Louis took many occasions to + complain of the tyranny of the National Government. At the + outset there was a delusion that the Government had no rights + that should be respected, while every possible right belonged + to the Rebels. General Lyon removed the arms from the St. Louis + arsenal to a place of safety at Springfield, Illinois. "He had + no constitutional right to do that," was the outcry of the + Secessionists. He commenced the organization of Union + volunteers for the defense of the city. The Constitution made + no provision for this. He captured Camp Jackson, and took his + prisoners to the arsenal. This, they declared, was a most + flagrant violation of constitutional privileges. He moved upon + the Rebels in the interior, and the same defiance of law was + alleged. He suppressed the secession organ in St. Louis, thus + trampling upon the liberties of the Rebel Press.</p> + + <p>General Fremont declared the slaves of Rebels were free, and + thus infringed upon the rights of property. Numbers of active, + persistent traitors were arrested and sent to military prisons: + a manifest tyranny on the part of the Government. In one way + and another the unfortunate and long-suffering Rebels were most + sadly abused, if their own stories are to be regarded.</p> + + <p>It was forbidden to display Rebel emblems in public: a cruel + restriction of personal right. The wealthy Secessionists of St. + Louis were assessed the sum of ten thousand dollars, for the + benefit of the Union refugees from Arkansas and other points in + the Southwest. This was another outrage. These persons could + not understand why they should be called upon to contribute to + the support of Union people who had been rendered houseless and + penniless by Rebels elsewhere. They made a most earnest + protest, but their remonstrances were of no avail. In default + of payment of the sums assessed, their superfluous furniture + was seized and sold at auction. This was a violation of the + laws that exempt household property from seizure.</p> + + <p>The auction sale of these goods was largely attended. The + bidding was very spirited. Pianos, ottomans, mirrors, sofas, + chairs, and all the adornments of the homes of affluence, were + sold for "cash in United States Treasury notes." Some of the + parties assessed declared they would pay nothing on the + assessment, but they reconsidered their decisions, and bought + their own property at the auction-rooms, without regard to the + prices they paid. In subsequent assessments they found it + better to pay without hesitation whatever sums were demanded of + them. They spoke and labored against the Union until they found + such efforts were of no use. They could never understand why + they should not enjoy the protection of the flag without being + called upon to give it material aid.</p> + + <p>In May, 1863, another grievance was added to the list. It + became necessary, for the good of the city, to banish some of + the more prominent Rebel sympathizers.</p> + + <p>It was a measure which the Rebels and their friends opposed + in the strongest terms. These persons were anxious to see the + Confederacy established, but could not consent to live in its + limits. They resorted to every device to evade the order, but + were not allowed to remain. Representations of personal and + financial inconvenience were of no avail; go they must.</p> + + <p>The first exodus took place on the 13th of May. An immense + crowd thronged the levee as the boat which was to remove the + exiles took its departure. In all there were about thirty + persons, half of them ladies. The men were escorted to the boat + on foot, but the ladies were brought to the landing in + carriages, and treated with every possible courtesy. A strong + guard was posted at the landing to preserve order and allow no + insult of any kind to the prisoners.</p> + + <p>One of the young women ascended to the hurricane roof of the + steamer and cheered for the "Confederacy." As the boat swung + into the stream, this lady was joined by two others, and the + trio united their sweet voices in singing "Dixie" and the + "Bonnie Blue Flag." There was no cheering or other noisy + demonstration at their departure, though there was a little + waving of handkerchiefs, and a few tokens of farewell were + given. This departure was soon followed by others, until St. + Louis was cleared of its most turbulent spirits.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c27" id="c27"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXVII.</h4> + + <h5>GETTYSBURG.</h5> + + <p class="toc">A Hasty Departure.--At Harrisburg.--<i>En + route</i> for the Army of the Potomac.--The Battle-Field at + Gettysburg.--Appearance of the Cemetery.--Importance of the + Position.--The Configuration of Ground.--Traces of + Battle.--Round Hill.--General Meade's + Head-Quarters.--Appearance of the Dead.--Through the Forests + along the Line.--Retreat and Pursuit of Lee.</p> + + <p>While in St. Louis, late in June, 1863, I received the + following telegram:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"HERALD OFFICE,<br /> + "NEW YORK, <i>June</i> 28.</p> + + <p>"Report at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the earliest + possible moment."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Two hours later, I was traveling eastward as fast as an + express train could carry me.</p> + + <p>The Rebel army, under General Lee, had crossed the Potomac, + and was moving toward Harrisburg. The Army of the Potomac was + in rapid pursuit. A battle was imminent between Harrisburg and + Baltimore.</p> + + <p>Waiting a day at Harrisburg, I found the capital of the + Keystone State greatly excited. The people were slow to move in + their own behalf. Earth-works were being thrown up on the south + bank of the Susquehanna, principally by the soldiers from other + parts of Pennsylvania and from New York.</p> + + <p>When it was first announced that the enemy was approaching, + only seventeen men volunteered to form a local defense. I saw + no such enthusiasm on the part of the inhabitants as I had + witnessed at Cincinnati during the previous autumn. + Pennsylvania sent many regiments to the field during the war, + and her soldiers gained a fine reputation; but the best friends + of the State will doubtless acknowledge that Harrisburg was + slow to act when the Rebels made their last great invasion.</p> + + <p>I was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac wherever I + could find it. As I left Harrisburg, I learned that a battle + was in progress. Before I could reach the field the great + combat had taken place. The two contending armies had made + Gettysburg historic.</p> + + <p>I joined our army on the day after the battle. I could find + no person of my acquaintance, amid the confusion that followed + the termination of three days' fighting. The army moved in + pursuit of Lee, whose retreat was just commencing. As our long + lines stretched away toward the Potomac, I walked over the + ground where the battle had raged, and studied the picture that + was presented. I reproduce, in part, my letter of that + occasion:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, <i>July</i> 6,1863.</p> + + <p>"To-day I have passed along the whole ground where the + lines of battle were drawn. The place bears evidence of a + fierce struggle. The shocks of those two great armies surging + and resurging, the one against the other, could hardly pass + without leaving their traces in fearful characters. At + Waterloo, at Wagram, and at Jena the wheat grows more + luxuriantly, and the corn shoots its stalks further toward + the sky than before the great conflicts that rendered those + fields famous. The broad acres of Gettysburg and Antietam + will in future years yield the farmer a richer return than he + has hitherto received.</p> + + <p>"Passing out of Gettysburg by the Baltimore turnpike, we + come in a few steps to the entrance of the cemetery. Little + of the inclosure remains, save the gateway, from which the + gates have been torn. The neat wooden fence, first thrown + down to facilitate the movement of our artillery, was used + for fuel, as the soldiers made their camp on the spot. A few + scattered palings are all that remain. The cemetery was such + as we usually find near thrifty towns like Gettysburg. None + of the monuments and adornings were highly expensive, though + all were neat, and a few were elaborate. There was + considerable taste displayed in the care of the grounds, as + we can see from the few traces that remain. The eye is + arrested by a notice, prominently posted, forbidding the + destruction or mutilation of any shrub, tree, or stone about + the place, under severe penalties. The defiance that war + gives to the civil law is forcibly apparent as one peruses + those warning lines.</p> + + <p>"Monuments and head-stones lie everywhere overturned. + Graves, which loving hands once carefully adorned, have been + trampled by horses' feet until the vestiges of verdure have + disappeared. The neat and well-trained shrubbery has + vanished, or is but a broken and withered mass of tangled + brushwood. On one grave lies the body of a horse, fast + decomposing under the July sun. On another lie the torn + garments of some wounded soldier, stained and saturated with + blood. Across a small head-stone, bearing the words, 'To the + memory of our beloved child, Mary,' lie the fragments of a + musket shattered by a cannon-shot.</p> + + <p>"In the center of a space inclosed by an iron fence, and + containing a half-dozen graves, a few rails are standing + where they were erected by our soldiers to form their shelter + in bivouac. A family shaft has been broken in fragments by a + shell. Stone after stone felt the effects of the <i>feu + d'enfer</i> that was poured upon the crest of the hill. + Cannon thundered, and foot and horse soldiers tramped over + the resting-place of the dead. Other dead were added to those + who are resting here. Many a wounded soldier lives to + remember the contest above those silent graves.</p> + + <p>"The hill on which this cemetery is located was the center + of our line of battle and the key to our position. Had the + Rebels been able to carry this point, they would have forced + us into retreat, and the battle would have been lost. To + pierce our line in this locality was Lee's great endeavor, + and he threw his best brigades against it. Wave after wave of + living valor rolled up that slope, only to roll back again + under the deadly fire of our artillery and infantry. It was + on this hill, a little to the right of the cemetery, where + the 'Louisiana Tigers' made their famous charge. It was their + boast that they were never yet foiled in an attempt to take a + battery; but on this occasion they suffered a defeat, and + were nearly annihilated. Sad and dispirited, they mourn their + repulse and their terrible losses in the assault.</p> + + <p>"From the summit of this hill a large portion of the + battle-ground is spread out before the spectator. In front + and at his feet lies the town of Gettysburg, containing, in + quiet times, a population of four or five thousand souls. It + is not more than a hundred yards to the houses in the edge of + the village, where the contest with the Rebel sharp-shooters + took place. To the left of the town stretches a long valley, + bounded on each side by a gently-sloping ridge. The crest of + each ridge is distant nearly a mile from the other. It was on + these ridges that the lines of battle on the second and third + days were formed, the Rebel line being on the ridge to the + westward. The one stretching directly from our left hand, and + occupied by our own men, has but little timber upon it, while + that held by the rebels can boast of several groves of + greater or less extent. In one of these the Pennsylvania + College is embowered, while in another is seen the + Theological Seminary. Half-way between the ridges are the + ruins of a large brick building burned during the engagement. + Dotted about, here and there, are various brick and frame + structures. Two miles at our left rises a sharp-pointed + elevation, known to the inhabitants of the region as Round + Hill. Its sides are wooded, and the forest stretches from its + base across the valley to the crest of the western ridge.</p> + + <p>"It must not be supposed that the space between the ridges + is an even plain, shaven with, the scythe and leveled with + the roller. It rises and falls gently, and with little + regularity, but in no place is it steep of ascent. Were it + not for its ununiformity and for the occasional sprinkling of + trees over its surface, it could be compared to a patch of + rolling prairie in miniature. To the southwest of the further + ridge is seen the mountain region of Western Maryland, behind + which the Rebels had their line of retreat. It is not a wild, + rough mass of mountains, but a region of hills of the larger + and more inaccessible sort. They are traversed by roads only + in a few localities, and their passage, except through, the + gaps, is difficult for a single team, and impossible for an + army.</p> + + <p>"The Theological Seminary was the scene of a fierce + struggle. It was beyond it where the First and Eleventh Corps + contended with Ewell and Longstreet on the first day of the + engagement. Afterward, finding the Rebels were too strong for + them, they fell back to a new position, this building being + included in the line. The walls of the Seminary were + perforated by shot and shell, and the bricks are indented + with numerous bullet-marks. Its windows show the effects of + the musketry, and but little glass remains to shut out the + cold and rain. The building is now occupied as a hospital by + the Rebels. The Pennsylvania College is similarly occupied, + and the instruction of its students is neglected for the + present.</p> + + <p>"In passing from the cemetery along the crest of the ridge + where our line of battle stood, I first came upon the + position occupied by some of our batteries. This is shown by + the many dead horses lying unburied, and by the mounds which + mark where others have been slightly covered up. There are + additional traces of an artillery fight. Here is a broken + wheel of a gun-carriage, an exploded caisson, a handspike, + and some of the accoutrements of the men. In the fork of a + tree I found a Testament, with the words, 'Charles Durrale, + Corporal of Company G,' written on the fly-leaf. The guns and + the gunners, have disappeared. Some of the latter are now + with the column moving in pursuit of the enemy, others are + suffering in the hospitals, and still others are resting + where the bugle's reveille shall never wake them.</p> + + <p>"Between the cemetery and the town and at the foot of the + ridge where I stand, runs the road leading to Emmetsburg. It + is not a turnpike, but a common dirt-road, and, as it leaves + the main street leading into town, it makes a diagonal ascent + of the hill. On the eastern side, this road is bordered by a + stone wall for a short distance. Elsewhere on both sides + there is only a rail fence. A portion of our sharp-shooters + took position behind this wall, and erected traverses to + protect them from a flanking fire, should the enemy attempt + to move up the road from Gettysburg. These traverses are + constructed at right angles to the wall, by making a 'crib' + of fence-rails, two feet high and the same distance apart, + and then filling the crib with dirt. Further along I find the + rails from the western side of the road, piled against the + fence on the east, so as to form a breast-work two or three + feet in height--a few spadesful of dirt serve to fill the + interstices. This defense was thrown up by the Rebels at the + time they were holding the line of the roads.</p> + + <p>"Moving to the left, I find still more severe traces of + artillery fighting. Twenty-seven dead horses on a space of + little more than one acre is evidence of heavy work. Here are + a few scattered trees, which were evidently used as a screen + for our batteries. These trees did not escape the storm of + shot and shell that was rained in that direction. Some of + them were perforated by cannon-shot, or have been completely + cut off in that peculiar splintering that marks the course of + a projectile through green wood. Near the scene of this + fighting is a large pile of muskets and cartridge-boxes + collected from the field. Considerable work has been done in + thus gathering the débris of the battle, but it is by + no means complete. Muskets, bayonets, and sabers are + scattered everywhere.</p> + + <p>"My next advance to the left carries me where the ground + is thickly studded with graves. In one group I count a dozen + graves of soldiers belonging to the Twentieth Massachusetts; + near them are buried the dead of the One Hundred and + Thirty-seventh New York, and close at hand an equal number + from the Twelfth New Jersey. Care has been taken to place a + head-board at each grave, with a legible inscription thereon, + showing whose remains are resting beneath. On one board the + comrades of the dead soldier had nailed the back of his + knapsack, which bore his name. On another was a brass plate, + bearing the soldier's name in heavily stamped letters.</p> + + <p>"Moving still to the left, I found an orchard in which the + fighting appears to have been desperate in the extreme. + Artillery shot had plowed the ground in every direction, and + the trees did not escape the fury of the storm. The long + bolts of iron, said by our officers to be a modification of + the Whitworth projectile, were quite numerous. The Rebels + must have been well supplied with this species of ammunition, + and they evidently used it with no sparing hand. At one time + I counted twelve of these bolts lying on a space not fifty + feet square. I am told that many shot and shell passed over + the heads of our soldiers during the action.</p> + + <p>"A mile from our central position at the cemetery, was a + field of wheat, and near it a large tract, on which corn had + been growing. The wheat was trampled by the hurrying feet of + the dense masses of infantry, as they changed their positions + during the battle. In the cornfield artillery had been + stationed, and moved about as often as the enemy obtained its + range. Hardly a hill of corn is left in its pristine + luxuriance. The little that escaped the hoof or the wheel, as + the guns moved from place to place, was nibbled by hungry + horses during the bivouac subsequent to the battle. Not a + stalk of wheat is upright; not a blade of corn remains + uninjured; all has fallen long before the time of harvest. + Another harvest, in which Death was the reaper, has been + gathered above it.</p> + + <p>"On our extreme left the pointed summit of a hill, a + thousand feet in elevation, rises toward the sky. Beyond it, + the country falls off into the mountain region that extends + to the Potomac and across it into Virginia. This hill is + quite difficult of ascent, and formed a strong position, on + which the left of our line rested. The enemy assaulted this + point with great fury, throwing his divisions, one after the + other, against it. Their efforts were of no avail. Our men + defended their ground against every attack. It was like the + dash of the French at Waterloo against the immovable columns + of the English. Stubborn resistance overcame the valor of the + assailants. Again and again they came to the assault, only to + fall back as they had advanced. Our left held its ground, + though it lost heavily.</p> + + <p>"On this portion of the line, about midway between the + crests of the ridges, is a neat farm-house. Around this + dwelling the battle raged, as around Hougoumont at Waterloo. + At one time it was in the possession of the Rebels, and was + fiercely attacked by our men. The walls were pierced by shot + and shell, many of the latter exploding within, and making a + scene of devastation. The glass was shattered by rifle + bullets on every side, and the wood-work bears testimony to + the struggle. The sharp-shooters were in every room, and + added to the disorder caused by the explosion of shells. The + soldiers destroyed what the missiles spared. The Rebels were + driven from the house, and the position was taken by our own + men. They, in turn, were dislodged, but finally secured a + permanent footing in the place.</p> + + <p>"Retracing my steps from the extreme left, I return to the + center of our position on Cemetery Hill. I do not follow the + path by which I came, but take a route along the hollow, + between the two ridges. It was across this hollow that the + Rebels made their assaults upon our position. Much blood was + poured out between these two swells of land. Most of the dead + were buried where they fell, or gathered in little clusters + beneath some spreading tree or beside clumps of bushes. Some + of the Rebel dead are still unburied. I find one of these as + I descend a low bank to the side of a small spring. The body + is lying near the spring, as if the man had crawled there to + obtain a draught of water. Its hands are outspread upon the + earth, and clutching at the little tufts of grass beneath + them. The soldier's haversack and canteen are still + remaining, and his hat is lying not far away.</p> + + <p>"A few paces distant is another corpse, with its hands + thrown upward in the position the soldier occupied when he + received his fatal wound. The clothing is not torn, no blood + appears upon the garments, and the face, though swollen, + bears no expression of anguish. Twenty yards away are the + remains of a body cut in two by a shell. The grass is + drenched in blood, that the rain of yesterday has not washed + away. As I move forward I find the body of a Rebel soldier, + evidently slain while taking aim over a musket. The hands are + raised, the left extended beyond the right, and the fingers + of the former partly bent, as if they had just been grasping + the stock of a gun. One foot is advanced, and the body is + lying on its right side. To appearances it did not move a + muscle after receiving its death-wound. Another body attracts + my attention by its delicate white hands, and its face black + as that of a negro.</p> + + <p>"The farm-house on the Emmetsburg road, where General + Meade held his head-quarters during the cannonade, is most + fearfully cut up. General Lee masked his artillery, and + opened with one hundred and thirty pieces at the same moment. + Two shells in every second of time fell around those + head-quarters. They tore through the little white building, + exploding and scattering their fragments in every direction. + Not a spot in its vicinity was safe. One shell through the + door-step, another in the chimney, a third shattering a + rafter, a fourth carrying away the legs of a chair in which + an officer was seated; others severing and splintering the + posts in front of the house, howling through the trees by + which the dwelling was surrounded, and raising deep furrows + in the soft earth. One officer, and another, and another were + wounded. Strange to say, amid all this iron hail, no one of + the staff was killed.</p> + + <p>"Once more at the cemetery, I crossed the Baltimore + turnpike to the hill that forms the extremity of the ridge, + on which the main portion of our line of battle was located. + I followed this ridge to the point held by our extreme right. + About midway along the ridge was the scene of the fiercest + attack upon that portion of the field. Tree after tree was + scarred from base to limbs so thickly that it would have been + impossible to place one's hand upon the trunk without + covering the marks of a bullet. One tree was stripped of more + than half its leaves; many of its twigs were partially + severed, and hanging wilted and nearly ready to drop to the + ground. The trunk of the tree, about ten inches in diameter, + was cut and scarred in every part. The fire which struck + these trees was that from our muskets upon the advancing + Rebels. Every tree and bush for the distance of half a mile + along these works was nearly as badly marked. The rocks, + wherever they faced our breast-works, were thickly stippled + with dots like snow-flakes. The missiles, flattened by + contact with the rock, were lying among the leaves, giving + little indication of their former character.</p> + + <p>"Our sharp-shooters occupied novel positions. One of them + found half a hollow log, standing upright, with a hole left + by the removal of a knot, which gave him an excellent + embrasure. Some were in tree-tops, others in nooks among the + rocks, and others behind temporary barricades of their own + construction. Owing to the excellence of our defenses, the + Rebels lost heavily."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>A few days after visiting this field, I joined the army in + Western Maryland. The Rebels were between us and the Potomac. + We were steadily pressing them, rather with a design of driving + them across the Potomac without further fighting, than of + bringing on an engagement. Lee effected his crossing in safety, + only a few hundred men of his rear-guard being captured on the + left bank of the Potomac.</p> + + <p>The Maryland campaign was ended when Lee was driven out. Our + army crossed the Potomac further down that stream, but made no + vigorous pursuit. I returned to New York, and once more + proceeded to the West.</p> + + <p>Our victory in Pennsylvania was accompanied by the fall of + Vicksburg and the surrender of Pemberton's army. A few days + later, the capture of Port Hudson was announced. The struggle + for the possession of the Mississippi was substantially ended + when the Rebel fortifications along its banks fell into our + hands.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c28" id="c28"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h4> + + <h5>IN THE NORTHWEST.</h5> + + <p class="toc">From Chicago to Minnesota.--Curiosities of + Low-Water Navigation.--St. Paul and its Sufferings in Earlier + Days.--The Indian War.--A Brief History of our Troubles in that + Region.--General Pope's Expeditions to Chastise the Red + Man.--Honesty in the Indian Department.--The End of the + Warfare.--The Pacific Railway.--A Bold + Undertaking.--Penetrating British Territory.--The Hudson Bay + Company.--Peculiarities of a Trapper's Life.</p> + + <p>Early in September, 1863, I found myself in Chicago, + breathing the cool, fresh air from Lake Michigan. From Chicago + to Milwaukee I skirted the shores of the lake, and from the + latter city pushed across Wisconsin to the Mississippi River. + Here it was really the blue Mississippi: its appearance was a + pleasing contrast to the general features of the river a + thousand miles below. The banks, rough and picturesque, rose + abruptly from the water's edge, forming cliffs that overtopped + the table-land beyond. These cliffs appeared in endless + succession, as the boat on which I traveled steamed up the + river toward St. Paul. Where the stream widened into Lake + Pepin, they seemed more prominent and more precipitous than + elsewhere, as the larger expanse of water was spread at their + base. The promontory known as "Maiden's Rock" is the most + conspicuous of all. The Indians relate that some daughter of + the forest, disappointed in love, once leaped from its summit + to the rough rocks, two hundred feet below. Her lover, learning + her fate, visited the spot, gazed from the fearful height, and, + after a prayer to the Great Spirit who watches over the Red + Man--returned to his friends and broke the heart of another + Indian maid.</p> + + <p>Passing Lake Pepin and approaching St. Paul, the river + became very shallow. There had been little rain during the + summer, and the previous spring witnessed no freshet in that + region. The effect was apparent in the condition of the + Mississippi. In the upper waters boats moved with difficulty. + The class that is said to steam wherever there is a heavy dew, + was brought into active use. From St. Paul to a point forty + miles below, only the lightest of the "stern-wheel" boats could + make any headway. The inhabitants declared they had never + before known such a low stage of water, and earnestly hoped it + would not occur again. It was paralyzing much of the business + of the State. Many flouring and lumber mills were lying idle. + Transportation was difficult, and the rates very high. A + railway was being constructed to connect with the roads from + Chicago, but it was not sufficiently advanced to be of any + service.</p> + + <p>Various stories were in circulation concerning the + difficulties of navigation on the Upper Mississippi in a low + stage of water. One pilot declared the wheels of his boat + actually raised a cloud of dust in many places. Another said + his boat could run easily in the moisture on the outside of a + pitcher of ice-water, but could not move to advantage in the + river between Lake Pepin and St. Paul. A person interested in + the railway proposed to secure a charter for laying the track + in the bed of the Mississippi, but feared the company would be + unable to supply the locomotives with water on many portions of + the route. Many other jests were indulged in, all of which were + heartily appreciated by the people of St. Paul.</p> + + <p>The day after my arrival at St. Paul, I visited the famous + Falls of the Minnehaha. I am unable to give them a minute + description, my visit being very brief. Its brevity arose from + the entire absence of water in the stream which supplies the + fall. That fluid is everywhere admitted to be useful for + purposes of navigation, and I think it equally desirable in the + formation of a cascade.</p> + + <p>The inhabitants of St. Paul have reason to bless the + founders of their city for the excellent site of the future + metropolis of the Northwest. Overlooking and almost overhanging + the river in one part, in another it slopes gently down to the + water's edge, to the levee where the steamers congregate. Back + from the river the limits of the city extend for several miles, + and admit of great expansion. With a hundred years of + prosperity there would still be ample room for growth.</p> + + <p>Before the financial crash in '57, this levee was crowded + with merchandise from St. Louis and Chicago. Storage was not + always to be had, though the construction of buildings was + rapidly pushed. Business was active, speculation was carried to + the furthest limit, everybody had money in abundance, and + scattered it with no niggard hand. In many of the brokers' + windows, placards were posted offering alluring inducements to + capitalists. "Fifty per cent. guaranteed on investments," was + set forth on these placards, the offers coming from parties + considered perfectly sound. Fabulous sums were paid for wild + land and for lots in apocryphal towns. All was prosperity and + activity.</p> + + <p>By-and-by came the crash, and this well-founded town passed + through a period of mourning and fasting. St. Paul saw many of + its best and heaviest houses vanish into thin air; merchants, + bankers, land-speculators, lumbermen, all suffered alike. Some + disappeared forever; others survived the shock, but never + recovered their former footing. Large amounts of property went + under the auctioneer's hammer, "to be sold without limit." Lots + of land which cost two or three hundred dollars in '56, were + sold at auction in '58 for five or six dollars each. Thousands + of people lost their all in these unfortunate + land-speculations. Others who survived the crash have clung to + their acres, hoping that prosperity may return to the + Northwest. At present their wealth consists mainly of Great + Expectations.</p> + + <p>Though suffering greatly, the capital and business center of + Minnesota was by no means ruined. The speculators departed, but + the farmers and other working classes remained. Business + "touched bottom" and then slowly revived. St. Paul existed + through all the calamity, and its people soon learned the + actual necessities of Minnesota. While they mourn the departure + of the "good times," many of them express a belief that those + happy days were injurious to the permanent prosperity of the + State.</p> + + <p>St. Paul is one of the few cities of the world whose + foundation furnishes the material for their construction. The + limestone rock on which it is built is in layers of about a + foot in thickness, and very easy to quarry. The blocks require + little dressing to fit them for use. Though very soft at first, + the stone soon hardens by exposure to the air, and forms a neat + and durable wall. In digging a cellar one will obtain more than + sufficient stone for the walls of his house.</p> + + <p>At the time of my visit the Indian expedition of 1863 had + just returned, and was camped near Fort Snelling. This + expedition was sent out by General Pope, for the purpose of + chastising the Sioux Indians. It was under command of General + Sibley, and accomplished a march of nearly six hundred miles. + As it lay in camp at Fort Snelling, the men and animals + presented the finest appearance I had ever observed in an army + just returned from a long campaign.</p> + + <p>The Sioux massacres of 1862, and the campaign of General + Pope in the autumn of that year, attracted much attention. + Nearly all the settlers in the valley of the Minnesota above + Fort Snelling were killed or driven off. Other localities + suffered to a considerable extent. The murders--like nearly all + murders of whites by the Indians--were of the most atrocious + character. The history of those massacres is a chronicle of + horrors rarely equaled during the present century. Whole + counties were made desolate, and the young State, just + recovering from its financial misfortunes, received a severe + blow to its prosperity.</p> + + <p>Various causes were assigned for the outbreak of hostilities + on the part of the Sioux Indians. Very few residents of + Minnesota, in view of the atrocities committed by the Indians, + could speak calmly of the troubles. All were agreed that there + could be no peace and security until the white men were the + undisputed possessors of the land.</p> + + <p>Before the difficulties began, there was for some time a + growing discontent on the part of the Indians, on account of + repeated grievances. Just previous to the outbreak, these + Indians were summoned to one of the Government Agencies to + receive their annuities. These annuities had been promised them + at a certain time, but were not forthcoming. The agents, as I + was informed, had the money (in coin) as it was sent from + Washington, but were arranging to pay the Indians in Treasury + notes and pocket the premium on the gold. The Indians were kept + waiting while the gold was being exchanged for greenbacks. + There was a delay in making this exchange, and the Indians were + put off from day to day with promises instead of money.</p> + + <p>An Indian knows nothing about days of grace, protests, + insolvency, expansions, and the other technical terms with + which Wall Street is familiar. He can take no explanation of + broken promises, especially when those promises are made by + individuals who claim to represent the Great Father at + Washington. In this case the Sioux lost all confidence in the + agents, who had broken their word from day to day. Added to the + mental annoyance, there was great physical suffering. The + traders at the post would sell nothing without cash payment, + and, without money, the Indians were unable to procure what the + stores contained in abundance.</p> + + <p>The annuities were not paid, and the traders refused to sell + on credit. Some of the Indians were actually starving, and one + day they forced their way into a store to obtain food. Taking + possession, they supplied themselves with what they desired. + Among other things, they found whisky, of the worst and most + fiery quality. Once intoxicated, all the bad passions of the + savages were let loose. In their drunken frenzy, the Indians + killed one of the traders. The sight of blood made them + furious. Other white men at the Agency were killed, and thus + the contagion spread.</p> + + <p>From the Agency the murderers spread through the valley of + the St. Peter's, proclaiming war against the whites. They made + no distinction of age or sex. The atrocities they committed are + among the most fiendish ever recorded.</p> + + <p>The outbreak of these troubles was due to the conduct of the + agents who were dealing with the Indians. Knowing, as they + should have known, the character of the red man everywhere, and + aware that the Sioux were at that time discontented, it was the + duty of those agents to treat them with the utmost kindness and + generosity. I do not believe the Indians, when they plundered + the store at the Agency, had any design beyond satisfying their + hunger. But with one murder committed, there was no restraint + upon their passions.</p> + + <p>Many of our transactions with the Indians, in the past + twenty years, have not been characterized by the most + scrupulous honesty. The Department of the Interior has an + interior history that would not bear investigation. It is well + known that the furnishing of supplies to the Indians often + enriches the agents and their political friends. There is + hardly a tribe along our whole frontier that has not been + defrauded. Dishonesty in our Indian Department was notorious + during Buchanan's Administration. The retirement of Buchanan + and his cabinet did not entirely bring this dishonesty to an + end.</p> + + <p>An officer of the Hudson Bay Company told me, in St. Paul, + that it was the strict order of the British Government, + enforced in letter and spirit by the Company, to keep full + faith with the Indians. Every stipulation is most scrupulously + carried out. The slightest infringement by a white man upon the + rights of the Indians is punished with great severity. They are + furnished with the best qualities of goods, and the quantity + never falls below the stipulations. Consequently the Indian has + no cause of complaint, and is kept on the most friendly terms. + This officer said, "A white man can travel from one end to the + other of our territory, with no fear of molestation. It is + forty years since any trouble occurred between us and the + Indians, while on your side of the line you have frequent + difficulties."</p> + + <p>The autumn of '62 witnessed the campaign for the + chastisement of these Indians. Twenty-five thousand men were + sent to Minnesota, under General Pope, and employed against the + Sioux. In a wild country, like the interior of Minnesota, + infantry cannot be used to advantage. On this account, the + punishment of the Indians was not as complete as our + authorities desired.</p> + + <p>Some of the Indians were captured, some killed, and others + surrendered. Thirty-nine of the captives were hanged. A hundred + others were sent to prison at Davenport, Iowa, for confinement + during life. The coming of Winter caused a suspension of + hostilities.</p> + + <p>The spring of 1863 opened with the outfitting of two + expeditions--one to proceed through Minnesota, under General + Sibley, and the other up the Missouri River, under General + Sully. These expeditions were designed to unite somewhere on + the Missouri River, and, by inclosing the Indians between them, + to bring them to battle. If the plan was successful, the + Indians would be severely chastised.</p> + + <p>General Sibley moved across Minnesota, according to + agreement, and General Sully advanced up the Missouri. The + march of the latter was delayed on account of the unprecedented + low water in the Missouri, which retarded the boats laden with + supplies. Although the two columns failed to unite, they were + partially successful in their primary object. Each column + engaged the Indians and routed them with considerable loss.</p> + + <p>After the return of General Sibley's expedition, a portion + of the troops composing it were sent to the Southwest, and + attached to the armies operating in Louisiana.</p> + + <p>The Indian war in Minnesota dwindled to a fight on the part + of politicians respecting its merits in the past, and the best + mode of conducting it in the future. General Pope, General + Sibley, and General Sully were praised and abused to the + satisfaction of every resident of the State. Laudation and + denunciation were poured out with equal liberality. The contest + was nearly as fierce as the struggle between the whites and + Indians. If epithets had been as fatal as bullets, the loss of + life would have been terrible. Happily, the wordy battle was + devoid of danger, and the State of Minnesota, her politicians, + her generals, and her men emerged from it without harm.</p> + + <p>Various schemes have been devised for placing the Sioux + Indians where they will not be in our way. No spot of land can + be found between the Mississippi and the Pacific where their + presence would not be an annoyance to somebody. General Pope + proposed to disarm these Indians, allot no more reservations to + them, and allow no traders among them. He recommended that they + be placed on Isle Royale, in Lake Superior, and there furnished + with barracks, rations, and clothing, just as the same number + of soldiers would be furnished. They should have no arms, and + no means of escaping to the main-land. They would thus be + secluded from all evil influence, and comfortably housed and + cared for at Government expense. If this plan should be + adopted, it would be a great relief to the people of our + Northwestern frontier.</p> + + <p>Minnesota has fixed its desires upon a railway to the + Pacific. The "St. Paul and Pacific Railway" is already in + operation about forty miles west of St. Paul, and its + projectors hope, in time, to extend it to the shores of the + "peaceful sea." It has called British capital to its aid, and + is slowly but steadily progressing.</p> + + <p>In the latter part of 1858 several enterprising citizens of + St. Paul took a small steamer in midwinter from the upper + waters of the Mississippi to the head of navigation, on the Red + River of the North. The distance was two hundred and fifty + miles, and the route lay through a wilderness. Forty yoke of + oxen were required for moving the boat. When navigation was + open in the spring of 1859, the boat (the <i>Anson + Northrup</i>) steamed down to Fort Garry, the principal post of + the Hudson Bay Company, taking all the inhabitants by surprise. + None of them had any intimation of its coming, and were, + consequently, as much astonished as if the steamer had dropped + from the clouds.</p> + + <p>The agents of the Hudson Bay Company purchased the steamer, + a few hours after its arrival, for about four times its value. + They hoped to continue their seclusion by so doing; but were + doomed to disappointment. Another and larger boat was built in + the following year at Georgetown, Minnesota, the spot where the + <i>Northrup</i> was launched. The isolation of the fur-traders + was ended. The owners of the second steamer (the + <i>International</i>) were the proprietors of a stage and + express line to all parts of Minnesota. They extended their + line to Fort Garry, and soon established a profitable + business.</p> + + <p>From its organization in 1670, down to 1860, the Hudson Bay + Company sent its supplies, and received its furs in return, by + way of the Arctic Ocean and Hudson's Bay. There are only two + months in the year in which a ship can enter or leave Hudson's + Bay. A ship sailing from London in January, enters the Bay in + August. When the cargo is delivered at York Factory, at the + mouth of Nelson's River, it is too late in the season to send + the goods to the great lakes of Northwestern America, where the + trading posts are located. In the following May the goods are + forwarded. They go by canoes where the river is navigable, and + are carried on the backs of men around the frequent and + sometimes long rapids. The journey requires three months.</p> + + <p>The furs purchased with these goods cannot be sent to York + Factory until a year later, and another year passes away before + they leave Hudson's Bay. Thus, returns for a cargo were not + received in London until four years after its shipment from + that port.</p> + + <p>Since American enterprise took control of the carrying + trade, goods are sent from London to Fort Garry by way of New + York and St. Paul, and are only four months in transit. Four or + five months will be required to return a cargo of furs to + London, making a saving of three years over the old route. + Stupid as our English cousin sometimes shows himself, he cannot + fail to perceive the advantages of the new route, and has + promptly embraced them. The people of Minnesota are becoming + well acquainted with the residents of the country on their + northern boundary. Many of the Northwestern politicians are + studying the policy of "annexation."</p> + + <p>The settlement at Pembina, near Pembina Mountain, lies in + Minnesota, a few miles only from the international line. The + settlers supposed they were on British soil until the + establishment of the boundary showed them their mistake. Every + year the settlement sends a train to St. Paul, nearly seven + hundred miles distant, to exchange its buffalo-robes, furs, + etc., for various articles of necessity that the Pembina region + does not produce. This annual train is made up of "Red River + carts"--vehicles that would be regarded with curiosity in New + York or Washington.</p> + + <p>A Red River cart is about the size of a two-wheeled dray, + and is built entirely of wood--not a particle of iron entering + into its composition. It is propelled by a single ox or horse, + generally the former, driven by a half-breed native. Sometimes, + though not usually, the wheels are furnished with tires of + rawhide, placed upon them when green and shrunk closely in + drying. Each cart carries about a thousand pounds of freight, + and the train will ordinarily make from fifteen to twenty miles + a day. It was estimated that five hundred of these carts would + visit St. Paul and St. Cloud in the autumn of 1863.</p> + + <p>The settlements of which Fort Garry is the center are + scattered for several miles along the Red River of the North. + They have schools, churches, flouring and saw mills, and their + houses are comfortably and often luxuriously furnished. They + have pianos imported from St. Paul, and their principal church, + has an organ. At St. Cloud I saw evidences of extreme + civilization on their way to Fort Garry. These were a + whisky-still, two sewing-machines, and a grain-reaper. No + people can remain in darkness after adopting these modern + inventions.</p> + + <p>The monopoly which the Hudson Bay Company formerly held, has + ceased to exist. Under its charter, granted by Charles II. in + 1670, it had exclusive control of all the country drained by + Hudson's Bay. In addition to its privilege of trade, it + possessed the "right of eminent domain" and the full political + management of the country. Crime in this territory was not + punished by the officers of the British Government, but by the + courts and officers of the Company. All settlements of farmers + and artisans were discouraged, as it was the desire of the + Company to maintain the territory solely as a fur preserve, + from the Arctic Ocean to the United States boundary.</p> + + <p>The profits of this fur-trade were enormous, as the Company + had it under full control. The furs were purchased of the + Indians and trappers at very low rates, and paid for in goods + at enormous prices. An industrious trapper could earn a + comfortable support, and nothing more.</p> + + <p>Having full control of the fur market in Europe, the + directors could regulate the selling prices as they chose. + Frequently they issued orders forbidding the killing of a + certain class of animals for several years. The fur from these + animals would become scarce and very high, and at the same time + the animals would increase in numbers. Suddenly, when the + market was at its uppermost point, the order would be + countermanded and a large supply brought forward for sale. This + course was followed with all classes of fur in succession. The + Company's dividends in the prosperous days would shame the best + oil wells or Nevada silver mines of our time.</p> + + <p>Though its charter was perpetual, the Hudson Bay Company was + obliged to obtain once in twenty-one years a renewal of its + license for exclusive trade. From 1670 to 1838 it had no + difficulty in obtaining the desired renewal. The last license + expired in 1859. Though a renewal was earnestly sought, it was + not attained. The territory is now open to all traders, and the + power of the old Company is practically extinguished.</p> + + <p>The first explorations in Minnesota were made shortly after + the discovery of the Mississippi River by Marquette and + Hennepin. St. Paul was originally a French trading post, and + the resort of the Indians throughout the Northwest. Fort + Snelling was established by the United Suites Government in + 1819, but no settlements were made until 1844. After the + current of emigration began, the territory was rapidly + filled.</p> + + <p>While Minnesota was a wilderness, the American Fur Company + established posts on the upper waters of the Mississippi. The + old trading-house below the Falls of St. Anthony, the first + frame building erected in the territory, is yet standing, + though it exhibits many symptoms of decay.</p> + + <p>At one time the emigration to Minnesota was very great, but + it has considerably fallen off during the last eight years. The + State is too far north to hold out great inducements to + settlers. The winters are long and severe, and the productions + of the soil are limited in character and quantity. In summer + the climate is excellent, attracting large numbers of + pleasure-seekers. The Falls of St. Anthony and the Minnehaha + have a world-wide reputation.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c29" id="c29"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXIX.</h4> + + <h5>INAUGURATION OF A GREAT ENTERPRISE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Plans for Arming the Negroes along the + Mississippi.--Opposition to the Movement.--Plantations Deserted + by their Owners.--Gathering Abandoned Cotton.--Rules and + Regulations.--Speculation.--Widows and Orphans in + Demand.--Arrival of Adjutant-General Thomas.--Designs of the + Government.</p> + + <p>I have elsewhere alluded to the orders of General Grant at + Lagrange, Tennessee, in the autumn of 1862, relative to the + care of the negroes where his army was then operating.</p> + + <p>The plan was successful in providing for the negroes in + Tennessee and Northern Mississippi, where the number, though + large, was not excessive. At that time, the policy of arming + the blacks was being discussed in various quarters. It found + much opposition. Many persons thought it would be an + infringement upon the "rights" of the South, both + unconstitutional and unjust. Others cared nothing for the + South, or its likes and dislikes, but opposed the measure on + the ground of policy. They feared its adoption would breed + discontent among the white soldiers of the army, and cause so + many desertions and so much uneasiness that the importance of + the new element would be more than neutralized. Others, again, + doubted the courage of the negroes, and thought their first use + under fire would result in disgrace and disaster to our arms. + They opposed the experiment on account of this fear.</p> + + <p>In South Carolina and in Kansas the negroes had been put + under arms and mustered into service as Union soldiers. In + engagements of a minor character they had shown coolness and + courage worthy of veterans. There was no valid reason why the + negroes along the Mississippi would not be just as valuable in + the army, as the men of the same race in other parts of the + country. Our Government determined to try the experiment, and + make the <i>Corps d'Afrique</i> a recognized and important + adjunct of our forces in the field.</p> + + <p>When General Grant encamped his army at Milliken's Bend and + Young's Point, preparatory to commencing the siege of + Vicksburg, many of the cotton plantations were abandoned by + their owners. Before our advent nearly all the white males able + to bear arms had, willingly or unwillingly, gone to aid in + filling the ranks of the insurgents. On nearly every plantation + there was a white man not liable to military service, who + remained to look after the interests of the property. When our + army appeared, the majority of these white men fled to the + interior of Louisiana, leaving the plantations and the negroes + to the tender mercy of the invaders. In some cases the + fugitives took the negroes with them, thus leaving the + plantations entirely deserted.</p> + + <p>When the negroes remained, and the plantations were not + supplied with provisions, it became necessary for the + Commissary Department to issue rations for the subsistence of + the blacks. As nearly all the planters cared nothing for the + negroes they had abandoned, there was a very large number that + required the attention of the Government.</p> + + <p>On many plantations the cotton crop of 1862 was still in the + field, somewhat damaged by the winter rains; but well worth + gathering at the prices which then ruled the market. General + Grant gave authority for the gathering of this cotton by any + parties who were willing to take the contract. The contractors + were required to feed the negroes and pay them for their labor. + One-half the cotton went to the Government, the balance to the + contractor. There was no lack of men to undertake the + collection of abandoned cotton on these terms, as the + enterprise could not fail to be exceedingly remunerative.</p> + + <p>This cotton, gathered by Government authority, was, with a + few exceptions, the only cotton which could be shipped to + market. There were large quantities of "old" cotton--gathered + and baled in previous years--which the owners were anxious to + sell, and speculators ready to buy. Numerous applications were + made for shipping-permits, but nearly all were rejected. A few + cases were pressed upon General Grant's attention, as deserving + exception from the ordinary rule.</p> + + <p>There was one case of two young girls, whose parents had + recently died, and who were destitute of all comforts on the + plantation where they lived. They had a quantity of cotton + which they wished to take to Memphis, for sale in that market. + Thus provided with money, they would proceed North, and remain + there till the end of the war.</p> + + <p>A speculator became interested in these girls, and plead + with all his eloquence for official favor in their behalf. + General Grant softened his heart and gave this man a written + permit to ship whatever cotton belonged to the orphans. It was + understood, and so stated in the application, that the amount + was between two hundred and three hundred bales. The exact + number not being known, there was no quantity specified in the + permit.</p> + + <p>The speculator soon discovered that the penniless orphans + could claim two thousand instead of two hundred bales, and + thought it possible they would find three thousand bales and + upward. On the strength of his permit without special limit, he + had purchased, or otherwise procured, all the cotton he could + find in the immediate vicinity. He was allowed to make shipment + of a few hundred bales; the balance was detained.</p> + + <p>Immediately, as this transaction became known, every + speculator was on the <i>qui vive</i> to discover a widow or an + orphan. Each plantation was visited, and the status of the + owners, if any remained, became speedily known. Orphans and + widows, the former in particular, were at a high premium. Never + in the history of Louisiana did the children of tender years, + bereft of parents, receive such attention from strangers. A + spectator might have imagined the Millennium close at hand, and + the dealers in cotton about to be humbled at the feet of babes + and sucklings. Widows, neither young nor comely, received the + warmest attention from men of Northern birth. The family of + John Rodgers, had it then lived at Milliken's Bend, would have + been hailed as a "big thing." Everywhere in that region there + were men seeking "healthy orphans for adoption."</p> + + <p>The majority of the speculators found the widows and orphans + of whom they were in search. Some were able to obtain permits, + while others were not. Several officers of the army became + interested in these speculations, and gave their aid to obtain + shipping privileges. Some who were innocent were accused of + dealing in the forbidden fiber, while others, guilty of the + transaction, escaped without suspicion. The temptation was + great. Many refused to be concerned in the traffic; but there + were some who yielded.</p> + + <p>The contractors who gathered the abandoned cotton were + enabled to accumulate small fortunes. Some of them acted + honestly, but others made use of their contracts to cover large + shipments of purchased or stolen cotton, baled two or three + years before. The ordinary yield of an acre of ground is from a + bale to a bale and a half. The contractors were sometimes able + to show a yield of ten or twenty bales to the acre.</p> + + <p>About the first of April, Adjutant-General Thomas arrived at + Milliken's Bend, bringing, as he declared, authority to + regulate every thing as he saw fit. Under his auspices, + arrangements were made for putting the able-bodied male negroes + into the army. In a speech delivered at a review of the troops + at Lake Providence, he announced the determination of the + Government to use every just measure to suppress the + Rebellion.</p> + + <p>The Rebels indirectly made use of the negroes against the + Government, by employing them in the production of supplies for + their armies in the field. "In this way," he said, "they can + bring to bear against us all the power of their so-called + Confederacy. At the same time we are compelled to retain at + home a portion of our fighting force to furnish supplies for + the men at the front. The Administration has determined to take + the negroes belonging to disloyal men, and make them a part of + the army. This is the policy that has been fixed and will be + fully carried out."</p> + + <p>General Thomas announced that he brought authority to raise + as many regiments as possible, and to give commissions to all + proper persons who desired them. The speech was listened to + with attention, and loudly cheered at its close. The general + officers declared themselves favorable to the new movement, and + gave it their co-operation. In a few days a half-dozen + regiments were in process of organization. This was the + beginning of the scheme for raising a large force of colored + soldiers along the Mississippi.</p> + + <p>The disposition to be made of the negro women and children + in our lines, was a subject of great importance. Their numbers + were very large, and constantly increasing. Not a tenth of + these persons could find employment in gathering abandoned + cotton. Those that found such employment were only temporarily + provided for. It would be a heavy burden upon the Government to + support them in idleness during the entire summer. It would be + manifestly wrong to send them to the already overcrowded camps + at Memphis and Helena. They were upon our hands by the fortune + of war, and must be cared for in some way.</p> + + <p>The plantations which their owners had abandoned were + supposed to afford the means of providing homes for the + negroes, where they could be sheltered, fed, and clothed + without expense to the Government. It was proposed to lease + these plantations for the term of one year, to persons who + would undertake the production of a crop of cotton. Those + negroes who were unfit for military service were to be + distributed on these plantations, where the lessees would + furnish them all needed supplies, and pay them for their labor + at certain stipulated rates.</p> + + <p>The farming tools and other necessary property on the + plantations were to be appraised at a fair valuation, and + turned over to the lessees. Where the plantations were + destitute of the requisite number of mules for working them, + condemned horses and mules were loaned to the lessees, who + should return them whenever called for. There were promises of + protection against Rebel raids, and of all assistance that the + Government could consistently give. General Thomas announced + that the measure was fully decided upon at Washington, and + should receive every support.</p> + + <p>The plantations were readily taken, the prospects being + excellent for enormous profits if the scheme proved successful. + The cost of producing cotton varies from three to eight cents a + pound. The staple would find ready sale at fifty cents, and + might possibly command a higher figure. The prospects of a + large percentage on the investment were alluring in the + extreme. The plantations, the negroes, the farming utensils, + and the working stock were to require no outlay. All that was + demanded before returns would be received, were the necessary + expenditures for feeding and clothing the negroes until the + crop was made and gathered. From five to thirty thousand + dollars was the estimated yearly expense of a plantation of a + thousand acres. If successful, the products for a year might be + set down at two hundred thousand dollars; and should cotton + appreciate, the return would be still greater.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c30" id="c30"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXX.</h4> + + <h5>COTTON-PLANTING IN 1863.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Leasing the Plantations.--Interference of the + Rebels.--Raids.--Treatment of Prisoners.--The Attack upon + Milliken's Bend.--A Novel Breast-Work.--Murder o four + Officers.--Profits of Cotton-Planting.--Dishonesty of + Lessees.--Negroes Planting on their own Account.</p> + + <p>It was late in the season before the plantations were leased + and the work of planting commenced. The ground was hastily + plowed and the seed as hastily sown. The work was prosecuted + with the design of obtaining as much as possible in a single + season. In their eagerness to accumulate fortunes, the lessees + frequently planted more ground than they could care for, and + allowed much of it to run to waste.</p> + + <p>Of course, it could not be expected the Rebels would favor + the enterprise. They had prophesied the negro would not work + when free, and were determined to break up any effort to induce + him to labor. They were not even willing to give him a fair + trial. Late in June they visited the plantations at Milliken's + Bend and vicinity.</p> + + <p>They stripped many of the plantations of all the mules and + horses that could be found, frightened some of the negroes into + seeking safety at the nearest military posts, and carried away + others. Some of the lessees were captured; others, having + timely warning, made good their escape. Of those captured, some + were released on a regular parole not to take up arms against + the "Confederacy." Others were liberated on a promise to go + North and remain there, after being allowed a reasonable time + for settling their business. Others were carried into captivity + and retained as prisoners of war until late in the summer. A + Mr. Walker was taken to Brownsville, Texas, and there released, + with the privilege of crossing to Matamoras, and sailing thence + to New Orleans. It was six months from the time of his capture + before he reached New Orleans on his return home.</p> + + <p>The Rebels made a fierce attack upon the garrison at + Milliken's Bend. For a few moments during the fight the + prospects of their success were very good. The negroes + composing the garrison had not been long under arms, and their + discipline was far from perfect. The Rebels obtained possession + of a part of our works, but were held at bay by the garrison, + until the arrival of a gun-boat turned the scale in our favor. + The odds were against us at the outset, but we succeeded in + putting the enemy to flight.</p> + + <p>In this attack the Rebels made use of a movable breast-work, + consisting of a large drove of mules, which they kept in their + front as they advanced upon the fort. This breast-work served + very well at first, but grew unmanageable as our fire became + severe. It finally broke and fled to the rear, throwing the + Rebel lines into confusion. I believe it was the first instance + on record where the defenses ran away, leaving the defenders + uncovered. It marked a new, but unsuccessful, phase of war. An + officer who was present at the defense of Milliken's Bend + vouches for the truth of the story.</p> + + <p>The Rebels captured a portion of the garrison, including + some of the white officers holding commissions in negro + regiments. The negro prisoners were variously disposed of. Some + were butchered on the spot while pleading for quarter; others + were taken a few miles on the retreat, and then shot by the + wayside. A few were driven away by their masters, who formed a + part of the raiding force, but they soon escaped and returned + to our lines. Of the officers who surrendered as prisoners of + war, some were shot or hanged within a short distance of their + place of capture. Two were taken to Shreveport and lodged in + jail with one of the captured lessees. One night these officers + were taken from the jail by order of General Kirby Smith, and + delivered into the hands of the provost-marshal, to be shot for + the crime of accepting commissions in negro regiments. Before + morning they were dead.</p> + + <p>Similar raids were made at other points along the river, + where plantations were being cultivated under the new system. + At all these places the mules were stolen and the negroes + either frightened or driven away. Work was suspended until the + plantations could be newly stocked and equipped. This + suspension occurred at the busiest time in the season. The + production of the cotton was, consequently, greatly retarded. + On some plantations the weeds grew faster than the cotton, and + refused to be put down. On others, the excellent progress the + weeds had made, during the period of idleness, rendered the + yield of the cotton-plant very small. Some of the plantations + were not restocked after the raid, and speedily ran to + waste.</p> + + <p>In 1863, no lessee made more than half an ordinary crop of + <i>cotton</i>, and very few secured even this return. Some + obtained a quarter or an eighth of a bale to the acre, and some + gathered only one bale where they should have gathered twelve + or twenty. A few lost money in the speculation. Some made a + fair profit on their investment, and others realized their + expectations of an enormous reward. Several parties united + their interest on three or four plantations in different + localities, so that a failure in one quarter was offset by + success in another.</p> + + <p>The majority of the lessees were unprincipled men, who + undertook the enterprise solely as a speculation. They had as + little regard for the rights of the negro as the most brutal + slaveholder had ever shown. Very few of them paid the negroes + for their labor, except in furnishing them small quantities of + goods, for which they charged five times the value. One man, + who realized a profit of eighty thousand dollars, never paid + his negroes a penny. Some of the lessees made open boast of + having swindled their negroes out of their summer's wages, by + taking advantage of their ignorance.</p> + + <p>The experiment did not materially improve the condition of + the negro, save in the matter of physical treatment. As a slave + the black man received no compensation for his labor. As a free + man, he received none.</p> + + <p>He was well fed, and, generally, well clothed. He received + no severe punishment for non-performance of duty, as had been + the case before the war. The difference between working for + nothing as a slave, and working for the same wages under the + Yankees, was not always perceptible to the unsophisticated + negro.</p> + + <p>Several persons leased plantations that they might use them + as points for shipping purchased or stolen cotton. Some were + quite successful in this, while others were unable to find any + cotton to bring out. Various parties united with the + plantation-owners, and agreed to obtain all facilities from the + Government officials, if their associates would secure + protection against Rebel raids. In some cases this experiment + was successful, and the plantations prospered, while those + around them were repeatedly plundered. In others, the Rebels + were enraged at the plantation-owners for making any + arrangements with "the Yankees," and treated them with + merciless severity. There was no course that promised absolute + safety, and there was no man who could devise a plan of + operations that would cover all contingencies.</p> + + <p>Every thing considered, the result of the free-labor + enterprise was favorable to the pockets of the avaricious + lessees, though it was not encouraging to the negro and to the + friends of justice and humanity. All who had been successful + desired to renew their leases for another season. Some who were + losers were willing to try again and hope for better + fortune.</p> + + <p>All the available plantations in the vicinity of Vicksburg, + Milliken's Bend, and other points along that portion of the + Mississippi were applied for before the beginning of the New + Year. Application for these places were generally made by the + former lessees or their friends. The prospects were good for a + vigorous prosecution of the free-labor enterprise during + 1864.</p> + + <p>In the latter part of 1863, I passed down the Mississippi, + <i>en route</i> to New Orleans. At Vicksburg I met a gentleman + who had been investigating the treatment of the negroes under + the new system, and was about making a report to the proper + authorities. He claimed to have proof that the agents appointed + by General Thomas had not been honest in their administration + of affairs.</p> + + <p>One of these agents had taken five plantations under his + control, and was proposing to retain them for another year. It + was charged that he had not paid his negroes for their labor, + except in scanty supplies of clothing, for which exorbitant + prices were charged. He had been successful with his + plantations, but delivered very little cotton to the Government + agents.</p> + + <p>The investigations into the conduct of agents and lessees + were expected to make a change in the situation. Up to that + time the War Department had controlled the whole system of + plantation management. The Treasury Department was seeking the + control, on the ground that the plantations were a source of + revenue to the Government, and should be under its financial + and commercial policy. If it could be proved that the system + pursued was an unfair and dishonest one, there was probability + of a change.</p> + + <p>I pressed forward on my visit to New Orleans. On my return, + two weeks later, the agents of General Thomas were pushing + their plans for the coming year. There was no indication of an + immediate change in the management. The duties of these agents + had been enlarged, and the region which they controlled + extended from Lake Providence, sixty miles above Vicksburg, to + the mouth of Red River, nearly two hundred miles below. One of + the agents had his office at Lake Providence, a second was + located at Vicksburg, while the third was at Natchez.</p> + + <p>Nearly all the plantations near Lake Providence had been + leased or applied for. The same was the case with most of those + near Vicksburg. In some instances, there were several + applicants for the same plantation. The agents announced their + determination to sell the choice of plantations to the highest + bidder. The competition for the best places was expected to be + very active.</p> + + <p>There was one pleasing feature. Some of the applicants for + plantations were not like the sharp-eyed speculators who had + hitherto controlled the business. They seemed to be men of + character, desirous of experimenting with free labor for the + sake of demonstrating its feasibility when skillfully and + honestly managed. They hoped and believed it would be + profitable, but they were not undertaking the enterprise solely + with a view to money-making. The number of these men was not + large, but their presence, although in small force, was + exceedingly encouraging.</p> + + <p>I regret to say that these men were outstripped in the + struggle for good locations by their more unscrupulous + competitors. Before the season was ended, the majority of the + honest men abandoned the field.</p> + + <p>During 1863, many negroes cultivated small lots of ground on + their own account. Sometimes a whole family engaged in the + enterprise, a single individual having control of the matter. + In other cases, two, three, or a half-dozen negroes would unite + their labor, and divide the returns. One family of four persons + sold twelve bales of cotton, at two hundred dollars per bale, + as the result of eight months' labor. Six negroes who united + their labor were able to sell twenty bales. The average was + about one and a half or two bales to each of those persons who + attempted the planting enterprise on their own account. A few + made as high as four bales each, while others did not make more + than a single bale. One negro, who was quite successful in + planting on his own account, proposed to take a small + plantation in 1864, and employ twenty or more colored laborers. + How he succeeded I was not able to ascertain.</p> + + <p>The commissioners in charge of the freedmen gave the negroes + every encouragement to plant on their own account. In 1864 + there were thirty colored lessees near Milliken's Bend, and + about the same number at Helena. Ten of these persons at Helena + realized $31,000 for their year's labor. Two of them planted + forty acres in cotton; their expenses were about $1,200; they + sold their crop for $8,000. Another leased twenty-four acres. + His expenses were less than $2,000, and he sold his crop for + $6,000. Another leased seventeen acres. He earned by the + season's work enough to purchase a good house, and leave him a + cash balance of $300. Another leased thirteen and a half acres, + expended about $600 in its cultivation, and sold his crop for + $4,000.</p> + + <p>At Milliken's Bend the negroes were not as successful as at + Helena--much of the cotton crop being destroyed by the "army + worm." It is possible that the return of peace may cause a + discontinuance of the policy of leasing land to negroes.</p> + + <p>The planters are bitterly opposed to the policy of dividing + plantations into small parcels, and allowing them to be + cultivated by freedmen. They believe in extensive tracts of + land under a single management, and endeavor to make the + production of cotton a business for the few rather than the + many. It has always been the rule to discourage small planters. + No aristocratic proprietor, if he could avoid it, would sell + any portion of his estate to a man of limited means. In the + hilly portions of the South, the rich men were unable to carry + out their policy. Consequently, there were many who cultivated + cotton on a small scale. On the lower Mississippi this was not + the case.</p> + + <p>When the Southern States are fairly "reconstructed," and the + political control is placed in the hands of the ruling race, + every effort will be made to maintain the old policy. + Plantations of a thousand or of three thousand acres will be + kept intact, unless the hardest necessity compels their + division. If possible, the negroes will not be permitted to + possess or cultivate land on their own account. To allow them + to hold real estate will be partially admitting their claim to + humanity. No true scion of chivalry can permit such an + innovation, so long as he is able to make successful + opposition.</p> + + <p>I have heard Southern men declare that a statute law should, + and would, be made to prevent the negroes holding real estate. + I have no doubt of the disposition of the late Rebels in favor + of such enactment, and believe they would display the greatest + energy in its enforcement. It would be a labor of love on their + part, as well as of duty. Its success would be an obstacle in + the way of the much-dreaded "negro equality."</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c31" id="c31"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXXI.</h4> + + <h5>AMONG THE OFFICIALS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Reasons for Trying an Experiment.--Activity + among Lessees.--Opinions of the Residents.--Rebel Hopes in + 1863.--Removal of Negroes to West Louisiana.--Visiting + Natchez.--The City and its Business.--"The Rejected + Addresses."</p> + + <p>In my visit to Vicksburg I was accompanied by my + fellow-journalist, Mr. Colburn, of <i>The World</i>. Mr. + Colburn and myself had taken more than an ordinary interest in + the free-labor enterprise. We had watched its inception eight + months before, with many hopes for its success, and with as + many fears for the result. The experiment of 1863, under all + its disadvantages, gave us convincing proof that the production + of cotton and sugar by free labor was both possible and + profitable. The negro had proved the incorrectness of the + slaveholders' assertion that no black man would labor on a + plantation except as a slave. So much we had seen accomplished. + It was the result of a single year's trial. We desired to see a + further and more extensive test.</p> + + <p>While studying the new system in the hands of others, we + were urged to bring it under our personal observation. Various + inducements were held out. We were convinced of the general + feasibility of the enterprise, wherever it received proper + attention. As a philanthropic undertaking, it was commendable. + As a financial experiment, it promised success. We looked at + the matter in all its aspects, and finally decided to gain an + intimate knowledge of plantation life in war-time. Whether we + succeeded or failed, we would learn more about the freedmen + than we had hitherto known, and would assist, in some degree, + to solve the great problem before the country. Success would be + personally profitable, while failure could not be + disastrous.</p> + + <p>We determined to lease a plantation, but had selected none. + In her directions for cooking a hare, Mrs. Glass says: "First, + catch your hare." Our animal was to be caught, and the labor of + securing it proved greater than we anticipated.</p> + + <p>All the eligible locations around Vicksburg had been taken + by the lessees of the previous season, or by newly-arrived + persons who preceded us. There were several residents of the + neighboring region who desired persons from the North to join + them in tilling their plantations. They were confident of + obtaining Rebel protection, though by no means certain of + securing perfect immunity. In each case they demanded a cash + advance of a few thousands, for the purpose of hiring the + guerrillas to keep the peace. As it was evident that the + purchase of one marauding band would require the purchase of + others, until the entire "Confederacy" had been bought up, we + declined all these proposals.</p> + + <p>Some of these residents, who wished Northern men to join + them, claimed to have excellent plantations along the Yazoo, or + near some of its tributary bayous. These men were confident a + fine cotton crop could be made, "if there were some Northern + man to manage the niggers." It was the general complaint with + the people who lived in that region that, with few exceptions, + no Southern man could induce the negroes to continue at work. + One of these plantation proprietors said his location was such + that no guerrilla could get near it without endangering his + life. An investigation showed that no other person could reach + the plantation without incurring a risk nearly as great. Very + few of these owners of remote plantations were able to induce + strangers to join them.</p> + + <p>We procured a map of the Mississippi and the country + bordering its banks. Whenever we found a good location and made + inquiry about it at the office of the leasing agents, we were + sure to ascertain that some one had already filed an + application. It was plain that Vicksburg was not the proper + field for our researches. We shook its dust from our feet and + went to Natchez, a hundred and twenty-five miles below, where a + better prospect was afforded.</p> + + <p>In the spring of 1863, the Rebels felt confident of + retaining permanent possession of Vicksburg and Port Hudson, + two hundred and fifty miles apart. Whatever might be the result + elsewhere, this portion of the Mississippi should not be + abandoned. In the belief that the progress of the Yankees had + been permanently stopped, the planters in the locality + mentioned endeavored to make as full crops as possible of the + great staple of the South. Accordingly, they plowed and + planted, and tended the growing cotton until midsummer came. On + the fourth of July, Vicksburg surrendered, and opened the river + to Port Hudson. General Herron's Division was sent to + re-enforce General Banks, who was besieging the latter place. + In a few days, General Gardner hauled down his flag and gave + Port Hudson to the nation. "The Father of Waters went unvexed + to the Sea."</p> + + <p>The rich region that the Rebels had thought to hold was, by + the fortune of war, in the possession of the National army. The + planters suspended their operations, through fear that the + Yankees would possess the land.</p> + + <p>Some of them sent their negroes to the interior of Louisiana + for safety. Others removed to Texas, carrying all their human + property with them. On some plantations the cotton had been so + well cared for that it came to maturity in fine condition. On + others it had been very slightly cultivated, and was almost + choked out of existence by weeds and grass. Nearly every + plantation could boast of more or less cotton in the field--the + quantity varying from twenty bales to five hundred. On some + plantations cotton had been neglected, and a large crop of corn + grown in its place. Everywhere the Rebel law had been obeyed by + the production of more corn than usual. There was enough for + the sustenance of our armies for many months.</p> + + <p>Natchez was the center of this newly-opened region. Before + the war it was the home of wealthy slave-owners, who believed + the formation of a Southern Confederacy would be the formation + of a terrestrial paradise. On both banks of the Mississippi, + above and below Natchez, were the finest cotton plantations of + the great valley. One family owned nine plantations, from which + eight thousand bales of cotton were annually sent to market. + Another family owned seven plantations, and others were the + owners of from three to six, respectively.</p> + + <p>The plantations were in the care of overseers and agents, + and rarely visited by their owners. The profits were large, and + money was poured out in profusion. The books of one of the + Natchez banks showed a daily business, in the picking season, + of two or three million dollars, generally on the accounts of + planters and their factors.</p> + + <p>Prior to the Rebellion, cotton was usually shipped to New + Orleans, and sold in that market. There were some of the + planters who sent their cotton to Liverpool or Havre, without + passing it through the hands of New Orleans factors. A large + balance of the proceeds of such shipments remained to the + credit of the shippers when the war broke out, and saved them + from financial ruin. The business of Natchez amounted, + according to the season, from a hundred thousand to three + hundred thousand bales. This included a great quantity that was + sent to New Orleans from plantations above and below the city, + without touching at all upon the levee at Natchez.</p> + + <p>Natchez consists of Natchez-on-the-Hill and + Natchez-under-the-Hill. A bluff, nearly two hundred feet high, + faces the Mississippi, where there is an eastward bend of the + stream. Toward the river this bluff is almost perpendicular, + and is climbed by three roads cut into its face like inclined + shelves. The French established a settlement at this point a + hundred and fifty years ago, and erected a fortification for + its defense. This work, known as Fort Rosalie, can still be + traced with distinctness, though it has fallen into extreme + decay. It was evidently a rectangular, bastioned work, and the + location of the bastions and magazine can be readily made + out.</p> + + <p>Natchez-under-the-Hill is a small, straggling village, + having a few commission houses and stores, and dwellings of a + suspicious character. It was once a resort of gamblers and + other <i>chevaliers d'industrie</i>, whose livelihood was + derived from the travelers along the Mississippi. At present it + is somewhat shorn of its glory.</p> + + <p>Natchez-on-the-Hill is a pleasant and well-built city, of + about ten thousand inhabitants. The buildings display wealth + and good taste, the streets are wide and finely shaded, and the + abundance of churches speaks in praise of the religious + sentiment of the people. Near the edge of the bluff there was + formerly a fine park, commanding a view of the river for + several miles in either direction, and overlooking the + plantations and cypress forests on the opposite shore. This + pleasure-ground was reserved for the white people alone, no + negro being allowed to enter the inclosure under severe + penalties. A regiment of our soldiers encamped near this park, + and used its fence for fuel. The park is now free to persons of + whatever color.</p> + + <p>Natchez suffered less from the war than most other places of + its size along the Mississippi. The Rebels never erected + fortifications in or around Natchez, having relied upon + Vicksburg and Port Hudson for their protection. When Admiral + Farragut ascended the river, in 1862, after the fall of New + Orleans, he promised that Natchez should not be disturbed, so + long as the people offered no molestation to our gun-boats or + army transports. This neutrality was carefully observed, except + on one occasion. A party which landed from the gun-boat + <i>Essex</i> was fired upon by a militia company that desired + to distinguish itself. Natchez was shelled for two hours, in + retaliation for this outrage. From that time until our troops + occupied the city there was no disturbance.</p> + + <p>When we arrived at Natchez, we found several Northern men + already there, whose business was similar to our own. Some had + secured plantations, and were preparing to take possession. + Others were watching the situation and surveying the ground + before making their selections. We found that the best + plantations in the vicinity had been taken by the friends of + Adjutant-General Thomas, and were gone past our securing. At + Vidalia, Louisiana, directly opposite Natchez, were two fine + plantations, "Arnuldia" and "Whitehall," which had been thus + appropriated. Others in their vicinity had been taken in one + way or another, and were out of our reach. Some of the lessees + declared they had been forced to promise a division with + certain parties in authority before obtaining possession, while + others maintained a discreet silence on the subject. Many + plantations owned by widows and semi-loyal persons, would not + be placed in the market as "abandoned property." There were + many whose status had not been decided, so that they were + practically out of the market. In consequence of these various + drawbacks, the number of desirable locations that were open for + selection was not large.</p> + + <p>One of the leasing agents gave us a letter to a young widow + who resided in the city, and owned a large plantation in + Louisiana, fifteen miles from Natchez. We lost no time in + calling upon the lady.</p> + + <p>Other parties had already seen her with a view to leasing + her plantation. Though she had promised the lease to one of + these visitors, she had no objections to treating with + ourselves, provided she could make a more advantageous + contract.</p> + + <p>In a few days we repeated our visit. Our rival had urged his + reasons for consideration, and was evidently in favor. He had + claimed to be a Secessionist, and assured her he could obtain a + safeguard from the Rebel authorities. The lady finally + consented to close a contract with him, and placed us in the + position of discarded suitors. We thought of issuing a new + edition of "The Rejected Addresses."</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c32" id="c32"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXXII.</h4> + + <h5>A JOURNEY OUTSIDE THE LINES.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Passing the Pickets.--Cold Weather in the + South.--Effect of Climate upon the Constitution.--Surrounded + and Captured.--Prevarication and Explanation.--Among the + Natives.--The Game for the Confederacy.--Courtesy of the + Planters.--Condition of the Plantations.--The Return.</p> + + <p>Mr. Colburn went to St. Louis, on business in which both + were interested, and left me to look out a plantation. I + determined to make a tour of exploration in Louisiana, in the + region above Vidalia. With two or three gentlemen, who were + bound on similar business, I passed our pickets one morning, + and struck out into the region which was dominated by neither + army. The weather was intensely cold, the ground frozen solid, + and a light snow falling.</p> + + <p>Cold weather in the South has one peculiarity: it can seem + more intense than the same temperature at the North. It is the + effect of the Southern climate to unfit the system for any + thing but a warm atmosphere. The chill penetrates the whole + body with a severity I have never known north of the Ohio + River. In a cold day, the "Sunny South" possesses very few + attractions in the eyes of a stranger.</p> + + <p>In that day's ride, and in the night which followed, I + suffered more than ever before from cold. I once passed a night + in the open air in the Rocky Mountains, with the thermometer + ten degrees below zero. I think it was more endurable than + Louisiana, with the mercury ten degrees above zero. On my + plantation hunt I was thickly clad, but the cold <i>would</i> + penetrate, in spite of every thing. An hour by a fire might + bring some warmth, but the first step into the open air would + drive it away. Fluid extract of corn failed to have its + ordinary effect. The people of the vicinity said the weather + was unusually severe on that occasion. For the sake of those + who reside there hereafter, I hope their statement was + true.</p> + + <p>Our party stopped for the night at a plantation near + Waterproof, a small village on the bank of the river, + twenty-two miles from Natchez. Just as we were comfortably + seated by the fire in the overseer's house, one of the negroes + announced that a person at the door wished to see us.</p> + + <p>I stepped to the door, and found a half-dozen mounted men in + blue uniforms. Each man had a carbine or revolver drawn on me. + One of my companions followed me outside, and found that the + strange party had weapons enough to cover both of us. It had + been rumored that several guerrillas, wearing United States + uniforms, were lurking in the vicinity. Our conclusions + concerning the character of our captors were speedily made.</p> + + <p>Resistance was useless, but there were considerations that + led us to parley as long as possible. Three officers, and as + many soldiers, from Natchez, had overtaken us in the afternoon, + and borne us company during the latter part of our ride. When + we stopped for the night, they concluded to go forward two or + three miles, and return in the morning. Supposing ourselves + fairly taken, we wished to give our friends opportunity to + escape. With this object in view, we endeavored, by much + talking, to consume time.</p> + + <p>I believe it does not make a man eloquent to compel him to + peer into the muzzles of a half-dozen cocked revolvers, that + may be discharged at any instant on the will of the holders. + Prevarication is a difficult task, when time, place, and + circumstances are favorable. It is no easy matter to convince + your hearers of the truth of a story you know to be false, even + when those hearers are inclined to be credulous. Surrounded by + strangers, and with your life in peril, the difficulties are + greatly increased. I am satisfied that I made a sad failure on + that particular occasion.</p> + + <p>My friend and myself answered, indiscriminately, the + questions that were propounded. Our responses did not always + agree. Possibly we might have done better if only one of us had + spoken.</p> + + <p>"Come out of that house," was the first request that was + made.</p> + + <p>We came out.</p> + + <p>"Tell those soldiers to come out."</p> + + <p>"There are no soldiers here," I responded.</p> + + <p>"That's a d--d lie."</p> + + <p>"There are none here."</p> + + <p>"Yes, there are," said the spokesman of the party. "Some + Yankee soldiers came here a little while ago."</p> + + <p>"We have been here only a few minutes."</p> + + <p>"Where did you come from?"</p> + + <p>This was what the lawyers call a leading question. We did + not desire to acknowledge we were from Natchez, as that would + reveal us at once. We did not wish to say we were from + Shreveport, as it would soon be proved we were not telling the + truth. I replied that we had come from a plantation a few miles + below. Simultaneously my companion said we had just crossed the + river.</p> + + <p>Here was a lack of corroborative testimony which our captors + commented upon, somewhat to our discredit. So the conversation + went on, our answers becoming more confused each time we spoke. + At last the leader of the group dismounted, and prepared to + search the house. He turned us over to the care of his + companions, saying, as he did so:</p> + + <p>"If I find any soldiers here, you may shoot these d--d + fellows for lying."</p> + + <p>During all the colloquy we had been carefully covered by the + weapons of the group. We knew no soldiers could be found about + the premises, and felt no fear concerning the result of the + search.</p> + + <p>Just as the leader finished his search, a lieutenant and + twenty men rode up.</p> + + <p>"Well," said our captor, "you are saved from shooting. I + will turn you over to the lieutenant."</p> + + <p>I recognized in that individual an officer to whom I had + received introduction a day or two before. The recognition was + mutual.</p> + + <p>We had fallen into the hands of a scouting party of our own + forces. Each mistook the other for Rebels. The contemplated + shooting was indefinitely postponed. The lieutenant in command + concluded to encamp near us, and we passed the evening in + becoming acquainted with each other.</p> + + <p>On the following day the scouting party returned to Natchez. + With my two companions I proceeded ten miles further up the + river-bank, calling, on the way, at several plantations. All + the inhabitants supposed we were Rebel officers, going to or + from Kirby Smith's department. At one house we found two old + gentlemen indulging in a game of chess. In response to a + comment upon their mode of amusement, one of them said:</p> + + <p>"We play a very slow and cautious game, sir. Such a game as + the Confederacy ought to play at this time."</p> + + <p>To this I assented.</p> + + <p>"How did you cross the river, gentlemen?" was the first + interrogatory.</p> + + <p>"We crossed it at Natchez."</p> + + <p>"At Natchez! We do not often see Confederates from Natchez. + You must have been very fortunate to get through."</p> + + <p>Then we explained who and what we were. The explanation was + followed by a little period of silence on the part of our new + acquaintances. Very soon, however, the ice was broken, and our + conversation became free. We were assured that we might travel + anywhere in that region as officers of the Rebel army, without + the slightest suspicion of our real character. They treated us + courteously, and prevailed upon us to join them at dinner. Many + apologies were given for the scantiness of the repast. + Corn-bread, bacon, and potatoes were the only articles set + before us. Our host said he was utterly unable to procure + flour, sugar, coffee, or any thing else not produced upon his + plantation. He thought the good times would return when the war + ended, and was particularly anxious for that moment to arrive. + He pressed us to pass the night at his house, but we were + unable to do so. On the following day we returned to + Natchez.</p> + + <p>Everywhere on the road from Vidalia to the farthest point of + our journey, we found the plantations running to waste. The + negroes had been sent to Texas or West Louisiana for safety, or + were remaining quietly in their quarters. Some had left their + masters, and were gone to the camps of the National army at + Vicksburg and Natchez. The planters had suspended work, partly + because they deemed it useless to do any thing in the + prevailing uncertainty, and partly because the negroes were + unwilling to perform any labor. Squads of Rebel cavalry had + visited some of the plantations, and threatened punishment to + the negroes if they did any thing whatever toward the + production of cotton. Of course, the negroes would heed such + advice if they heeded no other.</p> + + <p>On all the plantations we found cotton and corn, principally + the latter, standing in the field. Sometimes there were single + inclosures of several hundred acres. The owners were desirous + of making any arrangement that would secure the tilling of + their soil, while it did not involve them in any trouble with + their neighbors or the Rebel authorities.</p> + + <p>They deplored the reverses which the Rebel cause had + suffered, and confessed that the times were out of joint. One + of the men we visited was a judge in the courts of Louisiana, + and looked at the question in a legal light. After lamenting + the severity of the storm which was passing over the South, and + expressing his fear that the Rebellion would be a failure, he + referred to his own situation.</p> + + <p>"I own a plantation," said he, "and have combined my + planting interest with the practice of law. The fortune of war + has materially changed my circumstances. My niggers used to do + as I told them, but that time is passed. Your Northern people + have made soldiers of our servants, and will, I presume, make + voters of them. In five years, if I continue the practice of + law, I suppose I shall be addressing a dozen negroes as + gentlemen of the jury."</p> + + <p>"If you had a negro on trial," said one of our party, "that + would be correct enough. Is it not acknowledged everywhere that + a man shall be tried by his peers?"</p> + + <p>The lawyer admitted that he never thought of that point + before. He said he would insist upon having negroes admitted + into court as counsel for negroes that were to be tried by a + jury of their race. He did not believe they would ever be + available as laborers in the field if they were set free, and + thought so many of them would engage in theft that negro courts + would be constantly busy.</p> + + <p>Generally speaking, the planters that I saw were not violent + Secessionists, though none of them were unconditional Union + men. All said they had favored secession at the beginning of + the movement, because they thought it would strengthen and + perpetuate slavery. Most of them had lost faith in its ultimate + success, but clung to it as their only hope. The few Union men + among them, or those who claimed to be loyal, were friends of + the nation with many conditions. They desired slavery to be + restored to its former status, the rights of the States left + intact, and a full pardon extended to all who had taken part in + the Rebellion. Under these conditions they would be willing to + see the Union restored. Otherwise, the war must go on.</p> + + <p>We visited several plantations on our tour of observation, + and compared their respective merits. One plantation contained + three thousand acres of land, but was said to be very old and + worn out. Near it was one of twelve hundred acres, + three-fourths covered with corn, but with no standing cotton. + One had six hundred acres of cotton in the field. This place + belonged to a Spaniard, who would not be disturbed by + Government, and who refused to allow any work done until after + the end of the war. Another had four hundred acres of standing + cotton, but the plantation had been secured by a lessee, who + was about commencing work.</p> + + <p>All had merits, and all had demerits. On some there was a + sufficient force for the season's work, while on others there + was scarcely an able field-hand. On some the gin-houses had + been burned, and on others they were standing, but disabled. A + few plantations were in good order, but there was always some + drawback against our securing them. Some were liable to + overflow during the expected flood of the Mississippi; others + were in the hands of their owners, and would not be leased by + the Government. Some that had been abandoned were so thoroughly + abandoned that we would hesitate to attempt their cultivation. + There were several plantations more desirable than others, and + I busied myself to ascertain the status of their owners, and + the probabilities concerning their disposal.</p> + + <p>Some of the semi-loyal owners of plantations were able to + make very good speculations in leasing their property. There + was an earnest competition among the lessees to secure + promising plantations. One owner made a contract, by which he + received five thousand dollars in cash and half the product of + the year's labor.</p> + + <p>A week after the lessee took possession, he was frightened + by the near approach of a company of Rebel cavalry. He broke + his contract and departed for the North, forfeiting the five + thousand dollars he had advanced. Another lessee was ready to + make a new contract with the owner, paying five thousand + dollars as his predecessor had done. Four weeks later, this + lessee abandoned the field, and the owner was at liberty to + begin anew.</p> + + <p>To widows and orphans the agents of the Government displayed + a commendable liberality. Nearly all of these persons were + allowed to retain control of their plantations, leasing them as + they saw fit, and enjoying the income. Some were required to + subscribe to the oath of allegiance, and promise to show no + more sympathy for the crumbling Confederacy. In many cases no + pledge of any kind was exacted.</p> + + <p>I knew one widow whose disloyalty was of the most violent + character. On a visit to New Orleans she was required to take + the oath of allegiance before she could leave the steamboat at + the levee. She signed the printed oath under protest. A month + later, she brought this document forward to prove her loyalty + and secure the control of her plantation.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c33" id="c33"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h4> + + <h5>OH THE PLANTATION.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Military Protection.--Promises.--Another + Widow.--Securing a Plantation.--Its Locality and + Appearance.--Gardening in Louisiana.--How Cotton is + Picked.--"The Tell-Tale."--A Southerner's Opinion of the Negro + Character.--Causes and Consequences.</p> + + <p>Parties who proposed to lease and cultivate abandoned + plantations were anxious to know what protection would be + afforded them. General Thomas and his agents assured them that + proper military posts would soon be established at points + within easy distance of each other along the river, so that all + plantations in certain limits would be amply protected. This + would be done, not as a courtesy to the lessees, but as a part + of the policy of providing for the care of the negroes. If the + lessees would undertake to feed and clothe several thousand + negroes, besides paying them for their labor, they would + relieve the Government authorities of a great responsibility. + They would demonstrate the feasibility of employing the negroes + as free laborers. The cotton which they would throw into market + would serve to reduce the prices of that staple, and be a + partial supply to the Northern factories. All these things + considered, the Government was anxious to foster the + enterprise, and would give it every proper assistance. The + agents were profuse in their promises of protection, and + assured us it would be speedily forthcoming.</p> + + <p>There was a military post at Vidalia, opposite Natchez, + which afforded protection to the plantations in which General + Thomas's family and friends were interested. Another was + promised at Waterproof, twenty miles above, with a stockade + midway between the two places. There was to be a force of + cavalry to make a daily journey over the road between Vidalia + and Waterproof. I selected two plantations about two miles + below Waterproof, and on the bank of the Mississippi. They were + separated by a strip of wood-land half a mile in width, and by + a small bayou reaching from the river to the head of Lake St. + John. Both plantations belonged to the same person, a widow, + living near Natchez.</p> + + <p>The authorities had not decided what they would do with + these plantations--whether they would hold them as Government + property, or allow the owner to control them. In consideration + of her being a widow of fifteen years' standing, they at length + determined upon the latter course. It would be necessary to + take out a lease from the authorities after obtaining one from + the owner. I proceeded at once to make the proper + negotiations.</p> + + <p>Another widow! My first experience in seeking to obtain a + widow's plantation was not encouraging. The first widow was + young, the second was old. Both were anxious to make a good + bargain. In the first instance I had a rival, who proved + victorious. In the second affair I had no rival at the outset, + but was confronted with one when my suit was fairly under way. + Before he came I obtained a promise of the widow's plantations. + My rival made her a better offer than I had done. At this she + proposed to desert me. I caused the elder Weller's advice to be + whispered to him, hoping it might induce his withdrawal. He did + not retire, and we, therefore, continued our struggle. + <i>He</i> was making proposals on his own behalf; I was + proposing for myself and for Mr. Colburn, who was then a + thousand miles away.</p> + + <p>My widow (I call her mine, for I won at last) desired us to + give her all the corn and cotton then on the plantations, and + half of what should be produced under our management. I offered + her half the former and one-fourth the latter. These were the + terms on which nearly all private plantations were being + leased. She agreed to the offer respecting the corn and cotton + then standing in the field, and demanded a third of the coming + year's products. After some hesitation, we decided upon + "splitting the difference." Upon many minor points, such as the + sale of wood, stock, wool, etc., she had her own way.</p> + + <p>A contract was drawn up, which gave Colburn and myself the + lease of the two plantations, "Aquasco" and "Monono," for the + period of one year. We were to gather the crops then standing + in the field, both cotton and corn, selling all the former and + such portion of the latter as was not needed for the use of the + plantations. We were to cultivate the plantations to the best + of our abilities, subject to the fortunes of flood, fire, and + pestilence, and the operations of military and marauding + forces. We agreed to give up the plantations at the end of the + year in as good condition as we found them in respect to stock, + tools, etc., unless prevented by circumstances beyond our + control. We were to have full supervision of the plantations, + and manage them as we saw fit. We were to furnish such stock + and tools as might be needed, with the privilege of removing + the same at the time of our departure.</p> + + <p>Our widow (whom I shall call Mrs. B.) was to have one-half + the proceeds of the corn and cotton then on the plantations, + and seven twenty-fourths of such as might be produced during + the year. She was to have the privilege of obtaining, once a + week, the supplies of butter, chickens, meal, vegetables, and + similar articles she might need for her family use. There were + other provisions in the contract, but the essential points were + those I have mentioned. The two plantations were to be under a + single management. I shall have occasion to speak of them + jointly, as "the plantation."</p> + + <p>With this contract duly signed, sealed, and stamped, I went + to the "Agent for Abandoned Plantations." After some delay, and + a payment of liberal fees, I obtained the Government lease. + These preliminaries concluded, I proceeded to the locality of + our temporary home. Colburn had not returned from the North, + but was expected daily.</p> + + <p>The bayou which I have mentioned, running through the strip + of woods which separated the plantations, formed the dividing + line between the parishes "Concordia" and "Tensas," in the + State of Louisiana. Lake St. John lay directly in rear of + "Monono," our lower plantation. This lake was five or six miles + long by one in width, and was, doubtless, the bed of the + Mississippi many years ago.</p> + + <p>On each plantation there were ten dwelling-houses for the + negroes. On one they were arranged in a double row, and on the + other in a single row. There was a larger house for the + overseer, and there were blacksmith shops, carpenter shops, + stables, corn-cribs, meat-houses, cattle-yards, and + gin-houses.</p> + + <p>On Aquasco there was a dwelling-house containing five large + rooms, and having a wide veranda along its entire front. This + dwelling-house was in a spacious inclosure, by the side of a + fine garden. Inside this inclosure, and not far from the + dwelling, were the quarters for the house-servants, the + carriage-house and private stable, the smoke-house and the + kitchen, which lay detached from the main building, according + to the custom prevailing in the South.</p> + + <p>Our garden could boast of fig and orange trees, and other + tropical productions. Pinks and roses we possessed in + abundance. Of the latter we had enough in their season to + furnish all the flower-girls on Broadway with a stock in trade. + Our gardener "made his garden" in February. By the middle of + March, his potatoes, cabbages, beets, and other vegetables + under his care were making fine progress. Before the jingle of + sleigh-bells had ceased in the Eastern States, we were feasting + upon delicious strawberries from our own garden, ripened in the + open air. The region where plowing begins in January, and corn + is planted in February or early March, impresses a New + Englander with its contrast to his boyhood home.</p> + + <p>When I took possession of our new property, the state of + affairs was not the most pleasing. Mrs. B. had sent the best of + her negroes to Texas shortly after the fall of Vicksburg. Those + remaining on the plantations were not sufficient for our work. + There were four mules where we needed fifty, and there was not + a sufficient supply of oxen and wagons. Farming tools, plows, + etc., were abundant, but many repairs must be made. There was + enough of nearly every thing for a commencement. The rest would + be secured in due season.</p> + + <p>Cotton and corn were in the field. The former was to receive + immediate attention. On the day after my arrival I mustered + thirty-four laborers of all ages and both sexes, and placed + them at work, under the superintendence of a foreman. During + the afternoon I visited them in the field, to observe the + progress they were making. It was the first time I had ever + witnessed the operation, but I am confident I did not betray my + inexperience in the presence of my colored laborers. The + foreman asked my opinion upon various points of plantation + management, but I deferred making answer until a subsequent + occasion. In every case I told him to do for the present as + they had been accustomed, and I would make such changes as I + saw fit from time to time.</p> + + <p>Cotton-picking requires skill rather than strength. The + young women are usually the best pickers, on account of their + superior dexterity. The cotton-stalk, or bush, is from two to + five or six feet high. It is unlike any plant with which we are + familiar in the North. It resembles a large currant-bush more + nearly than any thing else I can think of. Where the branches + are widest the plant is three or four feet from side to side. + The lowest branches are the longest, and the plant, standing by + itself, has a shape similar to that of the Northern spruce. The + stalk is sometimes an inch and a half in diameter where it + leaves the ground. Before the leaves have fallen, the rows in a + cotton-field bear a strong resemblance to a series of untrimmed + hedges.</p> + + <p>When fully opened, the cotton-bolls almost envelop the plant + in their snow-white fiber. At a distance a cotton-field ready + for the pickers forcibly reminds a Northerner of an expanse + covered with snow. Our Northern expression, "white as snow," is + not in use in the Gulf States. "White as cotton" is the form of + comparison which takes its place.</p> + + <p>The pickers walk between the rows, and gather the cotton + from the stalks on either side. Each one gathers half the + cotton from the row on his right, and half of that on his left. + Sometimes, when the stalks are low, one person takes an entire + row to himself, and gathers from both sides of it. A bag is + suspended by a strap over the shoulder, the end of the bag + reaching the ground, so that its weight may not be an + inconvenience. The open boll is somewhat like a fully bloomed + water-lily. The skill in picking lies in thrusting the fingers + into the boll so as to remove all the cotton with a single + motion. Ordinary-pickers grasp the boll with one hand and pluck + out the cotton with the other. Skillful pickers work with both + hands, never touching the bolls, but removing the cotton by a + single dextrous twist of the fingers. They can thus operate + with great rapidity.</p> + + <p>As fast as the bags are filled, they are emptied into large + baskets, which are placed at a corner of the field or at the + ends of the rows. When the day's work is ended the cotton is + weighed. The amount brought forward by each person is noted on + a slate, from which it is subsequently recorded on the + account-book of the plantation.</p> + + <p>From one to four hundred pounds, according to the state of + the plants, is the proper allowance for each hand per day.</p> + + <p>In the days of slavery the "stint" was fixed by the + overseer, and was required to be picked under severe penalties. + It is needless to say that this stint was sufficiently large to + allow of no loitering during the entire day. If the slave + exceeded the quantity required of him, the excess was sometimes + placed to his credit and deducted from a subsequent day. This + was by no means the universal custom. Sometimes he received a + small present or was granted some especial favor. By some + masters the stint was increased by the addition of the excess. + The task was always regulated by the condition of the cotton in + the field. Where it would sometimes be three hundred pounds, at + others it would not exceed one hundred.</p> + + <p>At the time I commenced my cotton-picking, the circumstances + were not favorable to a large return. The picking season begins + in August or September, and is supposed to end before + Christmas. In my case it was late in January, and the winter + rain had washed much of the cotton from the stalks. Under the + circumstances I could not expect more than fifty or + seventy-five pounds per day for each person engaged.</p> + + <p>During the first few days I did not weigh the cotton. I knew + the average was not more than fifty pounds to each person, but + the estimates which the negroes made fixed it at two hundred + pounds. One night I astonished them by taking the weighing + apparatus to the field and carefully weighing each basket. + There was much disappointment among all parties at the result. + The next day's picking showed a surprising improvement. After + that time, each day's work was tested and the result announced. + The "tell-tale," as the scales were sometimes called, was an + overseer from whom there was no escape. I think the negroes + worked faithfully as soon as they found there was no + opportunity for deception.</p> + + <p>I was visited by Mrs. B.'s agent a few days after I became a + cotton-planter. We took an inventory of the portable property + that belonged to the establishment, and arranged some plans for + our mutual advantage. This agent was a resident of Natchez. He + was born in the North, but had lived so long in the slave + States that his sympathies were wholly Southern. He assured me + the negroes were the greatest liars in the world, and required + continual watching. They would take every opportunity to + neglect their work, and were always planning new modes of + deception. They would steal every thing of which they could + make any use, and many articles that they could not possibly + dispose of. Pretending illness was among the most frequent + devices for avoiding labor, and the overseer was constantly + obliged to contend against such deception. In short, as far as + I could ascertain from this gentleman, the negro was the + embodiment of all earthly wickedness. Theft, falsehood, + idleness, deceit, and many other sins which afflict mortals, + were the especial heritance of the negro.</p> + + <p>In looking about me, I found that many of these charges + against the negro were true. The black man was deceptive, and + he was often dishonest. There can be no effect without a cause, + and the reasons for this deception and dishonesty were + apparent, without difficult research. The system of slavery + necessitated a constant struggle between the slave and his + overseer. It was the duty of the latter to obtain the greatest + amount of labor from the sinews of the slave. It was the + business of the slave to perform as little labor as possible. + It made no difference to him whether the plantation produced a + hundred or a thousand bales. He received nothing beyond his + subsistence and clothing. His labor had no compensation, and + his balance-sheet at the end of the month or year was the same, + whether he had been idle or industrious. It was plainly to his + personal interest to do nothing he could in any way avoid. The + negro displayed his sagacity by deceiving the overseer whenever + he could do so. The best white man in the world would have + shunned all labor under such circumstances. The negro evinced a + pardonable weakness in pretending to be ill whenever he could + hope to make the pretense successful.</p> + + <p>Receiving no compensation for his services, beyond his + necessary support, the negro occasionally sought to compensate + himself. He was fond of roasted pork, but that article did not + appear on the list of plantation rations. Consequently some of + the negroes would make clandestine seizure of the fattest pigs + when the chance of detection was not too great. It was hard to + convince them that the use of one piece of property for the + benefit of another piece, belonging to the same person, was a + serious offense.</p> + + <p>"You see, Mr. K----," said a negro to me, admitting that he + had sometimes stolen his master's hogs, "you see, master owns + his saddle-horse, and he owns lots of corn. Master would be + very mad if I didn't give the horse all the corn he wanted. + Now, he owns me, and he owns a great many hogs. I like hog, + just as much as the horse likes corn, but when master catches + me killing the hogs he is very mad, and he makes the overseer + whip me."</p> + + <p>Corn, chickens, flour, meal, in fact, every thing edible, + became legitimate plunder for the negroes when the rations + furnished them were scanty. I believe that in nine cases out of + ten the petty thefts which the negroes committed were designed + to supply personal wants, rather than for any other purpose. + What the negro stole was usually an article of food, and it was + nearly always stolen from the plantation where he belonged.</p> + + <p>Sometimes there was a specially bad negro--one who had been + caught in some extraordinary dishonesty. One in my employ was + reported to have been shot at while stealing from a + dwelling-house several years before. Among two hundred negroes, + he was the only noted rascal. I did not attribute his + dishonesty to his complexion alone. I have known worse men than + he, in whose veins there was not a drop of African blood. The + police records everywhere show that wickedness of heart "dwells + in white and black the same."</p> + + <p>With his disadvantages of position, the absence of all moral + training, and the dishonesty which was the natural result of + the old system of labor, the negro could not be expected to + observe all the rules prescribed for his guidance, but which + were never explained. Like ignorant and degraded people + everywhere, many of the negroes believed that guilt lay mainly + in detection. There was little wickedness in stealing a pig or + a chicken, if the theft were never discovered, and there was no + occasion for allowing twinges of conscience to disturb the + digestion.</p> + + <p>I do not intend to intimate, by the above, that all were + dishonest, even in these small peculations. There were many + whose sense of right and wrong was very clear, and whose + knowledge of their duties had been derived from the + instructions of the white preachers. These negroes "obeyed + their masters" in every thing, and considered it a religious + obligation to be always faithful. They never avoided their + tasks, in the field or elsewhere, and were never discovered + doing any wrong. Under the new system of labor at the South, + this portion of the negro population will prove of great + advantage in teaching their kindred the duties they owe to each + other. When all are trained to think and act for themselves, + the negroes will, doubtless, prove as correct in morals as the + white people around them.</p> + + <p>Early in the present year, the authorities at Davies' Bend, + below Vicksburg, established a negro court, in which all petty + cases were tried. The judge, jury, counsel, and officers were + negroes, and no white man was allowed to interfere during the + progress of a trial. After the decisions were made, the + statement of the case and the action thereon were referred to + the superintendent of the Government plantations at that + point.</p> + + <p>It was a noticeable feature that the punishments which the + negroes decreed for each other were of a severe character. Very + frequently it was necessary for the authorities to modify the + sentences after the colored judge had rendered them. The cases + tried by the court related to offenses of a minor character, + such as theft, fraud, and various delinquencies of the freed + negroes.</p> + + <p>The experiment of a negro court is said to have been very + successful, though it required careful watching. It was made in + consequence of a desire of the authorities to teach the + freedmen how to govern themselves. The planters in the vicinity + were as bitterly opposed to the movement as to any other effort + that lifts the negro above his old position.</p> + + <p>At the present time, several parties in Vicksburg have + leased three plantations, in as many localities, and are + managing them on different plans. On the first they furnish the + negroes with food and clothing, and divide the year's income + with them. On the second they pay wages at the rate of ten + dollars per month, furnishing rations free, and retaining half + the money until the end of the year. On the third they pay + daily wages of one dollar, having the money ready at nightfall, + the negro buying his own rations at a neighboring store.</p> + + <p>On the first plantation, the negroes are wasteful of their + supplies, as they are not liable for any part of their cost. + They are inclined to be idle, as their share in the division + will not be materially affected by the loss of a few days' + labor. On the second they are less wasteful and more + industrious, but the distance of the day of payment is not + calculated to develop notions of strict economy. On the third + they generally display great frugality, and are far more + inclined to labor than on the other plantations.</p> + + <p>The reason is apparent. On the first plantation their + condition is not greatly changed from that of slavery, except + in the promise of compensation and the absence of compulsory + control. In the last case they are made responsible both for + their labor and expenses, and are learning how to care for + themselves as freemen.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c34" id="c34"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h4> + + <h5>RULES AND REGULATIONS UNDER THE OLD AND NEW SYSTEMS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Plantation Record.--Its Uses.--Interesting + Memoranda.--Dogs, Jail, and Stocks.--Instructions to the + Overseer.--His Duties and Responsibilities.--The Order of + General Banks.--Management of Plantations in the Department of + the Gulf.--The two Documents Contrasted.--One of the Effects of + "an Abolition War."</p> + + <p>Nearly every planter in the South required the manager of + his plantation to keep a record of all events of importance. + Books were prepared by a publishing house in New Orleans, with + special reference to their use by overseers. These books had a + blank for every day in the year, in which the amount and kind + of work performed were to be recorded by the overseer. There + were blanks for noting the progress during the picking season, + and the amount picked by each person daily. There were blanks + for monthly and yearly inventories of stock, tools, etc., + statements of supplies received and distributed, lists of + births and deaths (there were no blanks for marriages), time + and amount of shipments of cotton, and for all the ordinary + business of a plantation. In the directions for the use of this + book, I found the following:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"On the pages marked I, the planter himself will make a + careful record of all the negroes upon the plantation, + stating their ages as nearly as possible, and their cash + value, at the commencement of the year. At the close, he will + again enter their individual value at that time, adding the + year's increase, and omitting those that may have died. The + difference can then be transferred to the balance-sheet. The + year's crop is chargeable with any depreciation in the value + of the negroes, occasioned by overwork and improper + management, in the effort, perhaps, to make an extra crop + independent of every other consideration. On the other hand, + should the number of children have greatly increased during + the year; the strength and usefulness of the old been + sustained by kind treatment and care; the youngsters taught + to be useful, and, perhaps, some of the men instructed in + trades and the women in home manufactures, the increased + value of the entire force will form a handsome addition to + the side of <i>profits</i>."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>On the pages where the daily incidents of the plantation + were recorded, I frequently discovered entries that illustrated + the "peculiar institution." Some of them read thus:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><i>June 5th</i>. Whipped Harry and Sarah to-day, because + they didn't keep up their rows.</p> + + <p><i>July 7th</i>. Aleck ran away to the woods, because I + threatened to whip him.</p> + + <p><i>July 9th</i>. Got Mr. Hall's dogs and hunted Aleck. + Didn't find him. Think he is in the swamp back of + Brandon's.</p> + + <p><i>July 12th</i>. Took Aleck out of Vidalia jail. Paid + $4.50 for jail fees. Put him in the stocks when we got + home.</p> + + <p><i>July 30th</i>. Moses died this morning. Charles and + Henry buried him. His wife was allowed to keep out of the + field until noon.</p> + + <p><i>August 10th</i>. Sent six mules and four negroes down + to the lower plantation. They will come back to-morrow.</p> + + <p><i>September 9th</i>. John said he was sick this morning, + but I made him go to the field. They brought him in before + noon. He has a bad fever. Am afraid he won't be able to go + out again soon.</p> + + <p><i>September 20th</i>. Whipped Susan, because she didn't + pick as much cotton as she did yesterday.</p> + + <p><i>September 29th</i>. Put William in the stocks and kept + him till sunset, for telling Charles he wanted to run + away.</p> + + <p><i>October 8th</i>. William and Susan want to be married. + Told them I should not allow it, but they might live together + if they wanted to.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>(The above memorandum was explained to me by one of the + negroes. The owner of the plantation did not approve of + marriages, because they were inconvenient in case it was + desired to sell a portion of the working force.)</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><i>October 1st</i>. Took an inventory of the negroes and + stock. Their value is about the same as when the last + inventory was taken.</p> + + <p><i>December 3d</i>. Finished picking. Gave the negroes + half a holiday.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Nearly every day's entry shows the character and amount of + work performed. Thus we have:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><i>February 10th</i>. Fifteen plows running, five hands + piling logs, four hands ditching, six hands in + trash-gang.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>In the planting, hoeing, and picking seasons, the result of + the labor was recorded in the same manner. Whippings were more + or less frequent, according to the character of the overseer. + Under one overseer I found that whippings were rare. Under + other overseers they were of common occurrence.</p> + + <p>The individual who prepared the "<i>Plantation Record</i>" + for the publishers, gave, in addition to directions for its + use, instructions for the overseer's general conduct.</p> + + <p>I copy them below, preserving the author's language + throughout.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>THE DUTIES OF AN OVERSEER.</p> + + <p>It is here supposed that the overseer is not immediately + under his employer's eye, but is left for days or weeks, + perhaps months, to the exercise of his own judgment in the + management of the plantation. To him we would say--</p> + + <p>Bear in mind, that you have engaged for a stated sum of + money, to devote your time and energies, for an entire year, + <i>to one object</i>--to carry out the orders of your + employer, strictly, cheerfully, and to the best of your + ability; and, in all things, to study his + interests--requiring something more than your mere presence + on the plantation, and that at such times as suits your own + pleasure and convenience.</p> + + <p>On entering upon your duties, inform yourself thoroughly + of the condition of the plantation, negroes, stock, + implements, etc. Learn the views of your employer as to the + general course of management he wishes pursued, and make up + your mind to carry out these views fully, as far as in your + power. If any objections occur to you, state them distinctly, + that they may either be yielded to or overcome.</p> + + <p>Where full and particular directions are not given to you, + but you are left, in a great measure, to the exercise of your + own judgment, you will find the following hints of service. + They are compiled from excellent sources--from able articles + in the agricultural journals of the day, from Washington's + Directions to his Overseers, and from personal + experience.</p> + + <p>"I do, in explicit terms, enjoin it upon you to remain + constantly at home (unless called off by unavoidable + business, or to attend Divine worship), and to be constantly + with your people when there. There is no other sure way of + getting work well done, and quietly, by negroes; for when an + overlooker's back is turned the most of them will slight + their work, or be idle altogether. In which case correction + cannot retrieve either, but often produces evils which are + worse than the disease. Nor is there any other mode than this + to prevent thieving and other disorders, the consequences of + opportunities. You will recollect that your time is paid for + by me, and if I am deprived of it, it is worse even than + robbing my purse, because it is also a breach of trust, which + every honest man ought to hold most sacred. You have found + me, and you will continue to find me, faithful to my part of + the agreement which was made with you, whilst you are + attentive to your part; but it is to be remembered that a + breach on one side releases the obligation on the other."</p> + + <p>Neither is it right that you should entertain a constant + run of company at your house, incurring unnecessary expense, + taking up your own time and that of the servants beyond what + is needful for your own comfort--a woman to cook and wash for + you, milk, make butter, and so on. More than this you have no + claim to.</p> + + <p>Endeavor to take the same interest in every thing upon the + place, as if it were your own; indeed, the responsibility in + this case is greater than if it were all your own--having + been intrusted to you by another. Unless you feel thus, it is + impossible that you can do your employer justice.</p> + + <p>The health of the negroes under your charge is an + important matter. Much of the usual sickness among them is + the result of carelessness and mismanagement. Overwork or + unnecessary exposure to rain, insufficient clothing, improper + or badly-cooked food, and night rambles, are all fruitful + causes of disease. A great majority of the cases you should + be yourself competent to manage, or you are unfit for the + place you hold; but whenever you find that the case is one + you do not understand, send for a physician, if such is the + general order of the owner. By exerting yourself to have + their clothing ready in good season; to arrange profitable + in-door employment in wet weather; to see that an abundant + supply of wholesome, <i>well-cooked food</i>, including + plenty of vegetables, be supplied to them <i>at regular + hours</i>; that the sick be cheered and encouraged, and some + extra comforts allowed them, and the convalescent not exposed + to the chances of a relapse; that women, whilst nursing, be + kept as near to the nursery as possible, but at no time + allowed to suckle their children when overheated; that the + infant be nursed three times during the day, in addition to + the morning and evening; that no whisky be allowed upon the + place at any time or under any circumstances; but that they + have, whilst heated and at work, plenty of pure, <i>cool</i> + water; that care be taken to prevent the hands from carrying + their baskets full of cotton on their head--a most injurious + practice; and, in short, that such means be used for their + comfort as every judicious, humane man will readily think of, + you will find the amount of sickness gradually lessened.</p> + + <p>Next to the negroes, the stock on the place will require + your constant attention. You can, however, spare yourself + much trouble by your choice of a stock-minder, and by + adopting and enforcing a strict system in the care of the + stock. It is a part of their duty in which overseers are + generally most careless.</p> + + <p>The horse and mule stock are first in importance. Unless + these are kept in good condition, it is impossible that the + work can go on smoothly, or your crop be properly tended. Put + your stable in good order; and, if possible, inclose it so + that it can be kept under lock. Place a steady, careful old + man there as hostler, making him responsible for every thing, + and that directly to yourself. The foreman of the plow-gang, + and the hands under his care, should be made answerable to + the hostler--whose business it is to have the feed cut up, + ground, and ready; the stalls well littered and cleaned out + at proper intervals; to attend to sick or maimed animals; to + see that the gears are always hung in their proper place, + kept in good order, and so on.</p> + + <p>It is an easy matter to keep horses or mules fat, with a + full and open corn-crib and abundance of fodder. But that + overseer shows his good management who can keep his teams fat + at the least expense of corn and fodder. The waste of those + articles in the South, through shameful carelessness and + neglect, is immense; as food for stock, they are most + expensive articles. Oats, millet, peas (vine and all), + broadcast corn, Bermuda and crab-grass hay, are all much + cheaper and equally good. Any one of these crops, fed whilst + green--the oats and millet as they begin to shoot, the peas + to blossom, and the corn when tasseling--with a feed of dry + oats, corn, or corn-chop at noon, will keep a plow-team in + fine order all the season. In England, where they have the + finest teams in the world, this course <i>is invariably + pursued</i>, for its economy. From eight to nine hours per + day is as long as the team should be at actual work. They + will perform more upon less feed, and keep in better order + for a <i>push</i> when needful, worked briskly in that way, + than when kept dragging a plow all day long at a slow pace. + And the hands have leisure to rest, to cut up feed, clean and + repair gears, and so on.</p> + + <p>Oxen. No more work oxen should be retained than can be + kept at all times in good order. An abundant supply of green + feed during spring and summer, cut and fed as recommended + above, and in winter well-boiled cotton-seed, with a couple + of quarts of meal in it per head; turnips, raw or cooked; + corn-cobs soaked twenty-four hours in salt and water; shucks, + pea-vines, etc., passed through a cutting-box--any thing of + the kind, in short, is cheaper food for them in winter, and + will keep them in better order than dry corn and shucks or + fodder.</p> + + <p>Indeed, the fewer cattle are kept on any place the better, + unless the range is remarkably good. When young stock of any + kind are stinted of their proper food, and their growth + receives a check, they never can wholly recover it. Let the + calves have a fair share of milk, and also as much of the + cooked food prepared for the cows and oxen as they will eat; + with at times a little dry meal to lick. When cows or oxen + show symptoms of failing, from age or otherwise, fatten them + off at once; and if killed for the use of the place, <i>save + the hide carefully</i>--rubbing at least two quarts of salt + upon it; then roll up for a day or two, when it may be + stretched and dried.</p> + + <p>Hogs are generally sadly mismanaged. Too many are kept, + and kept badly. One good brood sow for every five hands on a + place, is amply sufficient--indeed, more pork will be cured + from these than from a greater number. Provide at least two + good grazing lots for them, with Bermuda, crab-grass, or + clover, which does as well at Washington, Miss., as anywhere + in the world, with two bushels of ground plaster to the acre, + sowed over it. Give a steady, trusty hand no other work to do + but to feed and care for them. With a large set kettle or + two, an old mule and cart to haul his wood for fuel, + cotton-seed, turnips, etc., for feed, and leaves for bedding, + he can do full justice to one hundred head, old and young. + They will increase and thrive finely, with good grazing, and + a full mess, twice a day, of swill prepared as follows: Sound + cotton-seed, with a gallon of corn-meal to the bushel, a + quart of oak or hickory ashes, a handful of salt, and a good + proportion of turnips or green food of any kind, even clover + or peas; the whole thoroughly--mind you, <i>thoroughly</i> + cooked--then thrown into a large trough, and there allowed + <i>to become sour before being fed</i>.</p> + + <p>Sheep may be under the charge of the stock-minder; from + ten to twenty to the hand may be generally kept with + advantage.</p> + + <p>Sick animals require close and judicious attention. Too + frequently they are either left to get well or to die of + themselves, or are bled and dosed with nauseous mixtures + indiscriminately. Study the subject of the diseases of + animals during your leisure evenings, which you can do from + some of the many excellent works on the subject. <i>Think</i> + before you <i>act</i>. When your animal has fever, nature + would dictate that all stimulating articles of diet or + medicine should be avoided. Bleeding may be necessary to + reduce the force of the circulation; purging, to remove + irritating substances from the bowels; moist, light, and + easily-digested food, that his weakened digestion may not be + oppressed; cool drinks, to allay his thirst, and, to some + extent, compensate for diminished secretions; rest and quiet, + to prevent undue excitement in his system, and so on through + the whole catalogue of diseases--but do nothing without a + reason. Carry out this principle, and you will probably do + much good--hardly great harm; go upon any other, and your + measures are more likely to be productive of injury than + benefit.</p> + + <p>The implements and tools require a good deal of looking + after. By keeping a memorandum of the distribution of any set + of tools, they will be much more likely to be forthcoming at + the end of the month. Axes, hoes, and other small tools, of + which every hand has his own, should have his number marked + upon it with a steel punch. The strict enforcement of one + single rule will keep every thing straight: "Have a place for + every thing, and see that every thing is in its place."</p> + + <p>Few instances of good management will better please an + employer than that of having all of the winter clothing spun + and woven on the place. By having a room devoted to that + purpose, under charge of some one of the old women, where + those who may be complaining a little, or convalescent after + sickness, may be employed in some light work, and where all + of the women may be sent in wet weather, more than enough of + both cotton and woolen yarn can be spun for the supply of the + place.</p> + + <p>Of the principal staple crop of the plantation, whether + cotton, sugar, or rice, we shall not here speak.</p> + + <p>Of the others--the provision crops--there is most commonly + enough made upon most plantations for their own supply. + Rarely, however, is it saved without great and inexcusable + waste, and fed out without still greater. And this, to their + lasting shame be it said, is too often the case to a + disgraceful extent, when an overseer feels satisfied that he + will not remain another year upon the place. His conduct + should be the very opposite of this--an honorable, + right-thinking man will feel a particular degree of pride in + leaving every thing in thorough order, and especially an + abundant supply of all kinds of feed. He thus establishes a + character for himself which <i>must</i> have its effect.</p> + + <p>Few plantations are so rich in soil as not to be improved + by manure. Inform yourself of the best means, suited to the + location and soil of the place under, your charge, of + improving it in this and in every other way. When an + opportunity offers, carry out these improvements. Rely upon + it there are few employers who will not see and reward such + efforts. Draining, ditching, circling, hedging, road-making, + building, etc., may all be effected to a greater or less + extent every season.</p> + + <p>During the long evenings of winter improve your own mind + and the knowledge of your profession by reading and study. + The many excellent agricultural periodicals and books now + published afford good and cheap opportunities for this.</p> + + <p>It is indispensable that you exercise judgment and + consideration in the management of the negroes under your + charge. Be <i>firm</i>, and, at the same time, <i>gentle</i> + in your control. Never display yourself before them in a + passion; and even if inflicting the severest punishment, do + so in a mild, cool manner, and it will produce a tenfold + effect. When you find it necessary to use the whip--and + desirable as it would be to dispense with it entirely, it + <i>is</i> necessary at times--apply it slowly and + deliberately, and to the extent you had determined, in your + own mind, to be needful before you began. The indiscriminate, + constant, and excessive use of the whip is altogether + unnecessary and inexcusable. When it can be done without a + too great loss of time, the stocks offer a means of + punishment greatly to be preferred. So secured, in a lonely, + quiet place, where no communication can be held with any one, + nothing but bread and water allowed, and the confinement + extending from Saturday, when they drop work, until Sabbath + evening, will prove much more effectual in preventing a + repetition of the offense, than any amount of whipping. Never + threaten a negro, but if you have occasion to punish, do it + at once, or say nothing until ready to do so. A violent and + passionate threat will often scare the best-disposed negro to + the woods. Always keep your word with them, in punishments as + well as in rewards. If you have named the penalty for any + certain offense, inflict it without listening to a word of + excuse. Never forgive that in one that you would punish in + another, but treat all alike, showing no favoritism. By + pursuing such a course, you convince them that you act from + principle and not from impulse, and will certainly enforce + your rules. Whenever an opportunity is afforded you for + rewarding continued good behavior, do not let it + pass--occasional rewards have a much better effect than + frequent punishments.</p> + + <p>Never be induced by a course of good behavior on the part + of the negroes to relax the strictness of your discipline; + but, when you have by judicious management brought them to + that state, keep them so by the same means. By taking + frequent strolls about the premises, including of course the + quarter and stock yards, during the evening, and at least + twice a week during the night, you will put a more effectual + stop to any irregularities than by the most severe + punishments. The only way to keep a negro honest, is not to + trust him. This seems a harsh assertion; but it is, + unfortunately, too true.</p> + + <p>You will find that an hour devoted, every Sabbath morning, + to their moral and religious instruction, would prove a great + aid to you in bringing about a better state of things among + the negroes. It has been thoroughly tried, and with the most + satisfactory results, in many parts of the South. As a mere + matter of interest it has proved to be advisable--to say + nothing of it as a point of duty. The effect upon their + general good behavior, their cleanliness, and good conduct on + the Sabbath, is such as alone to recommend it to both planter + and overseer.</p> + + <p>In conclusion:--Bear in mind that <i>a fine crop</i> + consists, first, in an increase in the number, and a marked + improvement in the condition and value, of the negroes; + second, an abundance of provision of all sorts for man and + beast, carefully saved and properly housed; third, both + summer and winter clothing made at home; also leather tanned, + and shoes and harness made, when practicable; fourth, an + improvement in the productive qualities of the land, and in + the general condition of the plantation; fifth, the team and + stock generally, with the farming implements and the + buildings, in fine order at the close of the year; and young + hogs more than enough for next year's killing; <i>then</i>, + as heavy a crop of cotton, sugar, or rice as could possibly + be made under these circumstances, sent to market in good + season, and of prime quality. The time has passed when the + overseer is valued solely upon the number of bales of cotton, + hogsheads of sugar, or tierces of rice he has made, without + reference to other qualifications.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>In contrast with the instructions to overseers under the old + management, I present the proclamation of General Banks, + regulating the system of free labor in the Department of the + Gulf. These regulations were in force, in 1864, along the + Mississippi, from Helena to New Orleans. They were found + admirably adapted to the necessities of the case. With a few + changes, they have been continued in operation during the + present year:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>HEAD-QUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, NEW ORLEANS, + <i>February</i> 3, 1864.</p> + + <p>GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 23.</p> + + <p>The following general regulations are published for the + information and government of all interested in the subject + of compensated plantation labor, public or private, during + the present year, and in continuation of the system + established January 30, 1863:--</p> + + <p>I. The enlistment of soldiers from plantations under + cultivation in this department having been suspended by order + of the Government, will not be resumed except upon direction + of the same high authority.</p> + + <p>II. The Provost-Marshal-General is instructed to provide + for the division of parishes into police and school + districts, and to organize from invalid soldiers a competent + police for the preservation of order.</p> + + <p>III. Provision will be made for the establishment of a + sufficient number of schools, one at least for each of the + police and school districts, for the instruction of colored + children under twelve years of age, which, when established, + will be placed under the direction of the Superintendent of + Public Education.</p> + + <p>IV. Soldiers will not be allowed to visit plantations + without the written consent of the commanding officer of the + regiment or post to which they are attached, and never with + arms, except when on duty, accompanied by an officer.</p> + + <p>V. Plantation hands will not be allowed to pass from one + place to another, except under such regulations as may be + established by the provost-marshal of the parish.</p> + + <p>VI. Flogging and other cruel or unusual punishments are + interdicted.</p> + + <p>VII. Planters will be required, as early as practicable + after the publication of these regulations, to make a roll of + persons employed upon their estates, and to transmit the same + to the provost marshal of the parish. In the employment of + hands, the unity of families will be secured as far as + possible.</p> + + <p>VIII. All questions between the employer and the employed, + until other tribunals are established, will be decided by the + provost-marshal of the parish.</p> + + <p>IX. Sick and disabled persons will be provided for upon + the plantations to which they belong, except such as may be + received in establishments provided for them by the + Government, of which one will be established at Algiers and + one at Baton Rouge.</p> + + <p>X. The unauthorized purchase of clothing, or other + property, from laborers, will be punished by fine and + imprisonment. The sale of whisky or other intoxicating drinks + to them, or to other persons, except under regulations + established by the Provost-Marshal-General, will be followed + by the severest punishment.</p> + + <p>XL The possession of arms, or concealed or dangerous + weapons, without authority, will be punished by fine and + imprisonment.</p> + + <p>XII. Laborers shall render to their employer, between + daylight and dark, <i>ten</i> hours in summer, and + <i>nine</i> hours in winter, of respectful, honest, faithful + labor, and receive therefor, in addition to just treatment, + healthy rations, comfortable clothing, quarters, fuel, + medical attendance, and instruction for children, wages per + month as follows, payment of one-half of which, at least, + shall be reserved until the end of the year:--</p> + + <table summary="Wages reserved for laborers"> + <tr> + <td class="l">For first-class hands</td> + + <td class="dec">$8.00</td> + + <td>per month.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">For second-class hands</td> + + <td class="dec"> 6.00</td> + + <td>" "</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">For third-class hands</td> + + <td class="dec"> 5.00</td> + + <td>" "</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">For fourth-class hands</td> + + <td class="dec"> 3.00</td> + + <td>" "</td> + </tr> + </table> + + <p>Engineers and foremen, when faithful in the discharge of + their duties, will be paid $2 per month extra. This schedule + of wages may be commuted, by consent of both parties, at the + rate of one-fourteenth part of the net proceeds of the crop, + to be determined and paid at the end of the year. Wages will + be deducted in case of sickness, and rations, also, when + sickness is feigned. Indolence, insolence, disobedience of + orders, and crime will be suppressed by forfeiture of pay, + and such punishments as are provided for similar offenses by + Army Regulations. Sunday work will be avoided when + practicable, but when necessary will be considered as extra + labor, and paid at the rates specified herein.</p> + + <p>XIII. Laborers will be permitted to choose their + employers, but when the agreement is made they will be held + to their engagement for one year, under the protection of the + Government. In cases of attempted imposition, by feigning + sickness, or stubborn refusal of duty, they will be turned + over to the provost-marshal of the parish, for labor upon the + public works, without pay.</p> + + <p>XIV. Laborers will be permitted to cultivate land on + private account, as herein specified, as follows:</p> + + <table summary="Amount of land allowed to laborers"> + <tr> + <td class="l">First and second class hands, with + families</td> + + <td class="l">1 acre each.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">First and second class hands, without + families</td> + + <td class="l">1/2 " "</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">Second and third class hands, with + families</td> + + <td class="l">1/2 " "</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="l">Second and third class hands, without + families</td> + + <td class="l">1/4 " "</td> + </tr> + </table> + + <p>To be increased for good conduct at the discretion of the + employer. The encouragement of independent industry will + strengthen all the advantages which capital derives from + labor, and enable the laborer to take care of himself and + prepare for the time when he can render so much labor for so + much money, which is the great end to be attained. No + exemption will be made in this apportionment, except upon + imperative reasons; and it is desirable that for good conduct + the quantity be increased until faithful hands can be allowed + to cultivate extensive tracts, returning to the owner an + equivalent of product for rent of soil.</p> + + <p>XV. To protect the laborer from possible imposition, no + commutation of his supplies will be allowed, except in + clothing, which may be commuted at the rate of $3 per month + for first-class hands, and in similar proportion for other + classes. The crops will stand pledged, wherever found, for + the wages of labor.</p> + + <p>XVI. It is advised, as far as practicable, that employers + provide for the current wants of their hands, by perquisites + for extra labor, or by appropriation of land for share + cultivation; to discourage monthly-payments so far as it can + be done without discontent, and to reserve till the full + harvest the yearly wages.</p> + + <p>XVII. A FREE-LABOR BANK will be established for the safe + deposit of all accumulations of wages and other savings; and + in order to avoid a possible wrong to depositors, by official + defalcation, authority will be asked to connect the bank with + the Treasury of the United States in this department.</p> + + <p>XVIII. The transportation of negro families to other + countries will not be approved. All propositions for this + privilege have been declined, and application has been made + to other departments for surplus negro families for service + in this department.</p> + + <p>XIX. The last year's experience shows that the planter and + the negro comprehend the revolution. The overseer, having + little interest in capital, and less sympathy with labor, + dislikes the trouble of thinking, and discredits the notion + that any thing new has occurred. He is a relic of the past, + and adheres to its customs. His stubborn refusal to + comprehend the condition of things, occasioned most of the + embarrassments of the past year. Where such incomprehension + is chronic, reduced wages, diminished rations, and the mild + punishments imposed by the army and navy, will do good.</p> + + <p>XX. These regulations are based upon the assumption that + labor is a public duty, and idleness and vagrancy a crime. No + civil or military officer of the Government is exempt from + the operation of this universal rule. Every enlightened + community has enforced it upon all classes of people by the + severest penalties. It is especially necessary in + agricultural pursuits. That portion of the people identified + with the cultivation of the soil, however changed in + condition by the revolution through which we are passing, is + not relieved from the necessity of toil, which is the + condition of existence with all the children of God. The + revolution has altered its tenure, but not its law. This + universal law of labor will be enforced, upon just terms, by + the Government under whose protection the laborer rests + secure in his rights. Indolence, disorder, and crime will be + suppressed. Having exercised the highest right in the choice + and place of employment, he must be held to the fulfillment + of his engagements, until released therefrom by the + Government. The several provost-marshals are hereby invested + with plenary powers upon all matters connected with labor, + subject to the approval of the Provost-Marshal-General and + the commanding officer of the department. The most faithful + and discreet officers will be selected for this duty, and the + largest force consistent with the public service detailed for + their assistance.</p> + + <p>XXI. Employers, and especially overseers, are notified, + that undue influence used to move the marshal from his just + balance between the parties representing labor and capital, + will result in immediate change of officers, and thus defeat + that regular and stable system upon which the interests of + all parties depend.</p> + + <p>XXII. Successful industry is especially necessary at the + present time, when large public debts and onerous taxes are + imposed to maintain and protect the liberties of the people + and the integrity of the Union. All officers, civil or + military, and all classes of citizens who assist in extending + the profits of labor, and increasing the product of the soil + upon which, in the end, all national prosperity and power + depends, will render to the Government a service as great as + that derived from the terrible sacrifices of battle. It is + upon such consideration only that the planter is entitled to + favor. The Government has accorded to him, in a period of + anarchy, a release from the disorders resulting mainly from + insensate and mad resistance to sensible reforms, which can + never be rejected without revolution, and the criminal + surrender of his interests and power to crazy politicians, + who thought by metaphysical abstractions to circumvent the + laws of God. It has restored to him in improved, rather than + impaired condition, his due privileges, at a moment when, by + his own acts, the very soil was washed from beneath his + feet.</p> + + <p>XXIII. A more majestic and wise clemency human history + does not exhibit. The liberal and just conditions that attend + it cannot be disregarded. It protects labor by enforcing the + performance of its duty, and it will assist capital by + compelling just contributions to the demands of the + Government. Those who profess allegiance to other Governments + will be required, as the condition of residence in this + State, to acquiesce, without reservation, in the demands + presented by Government as a basis of permanent peace. The + non-cultivation of the soil, without just reason, will be + followed by temporary forfeiture to those who will secure its + improvement. Those who have exercised or are entitled to the + rights of citizens of the United States, will be required to + participate in the measures necessary for the + re-establishment of civil government. War can never cease + except as civil governments crush out contest, and secure the + supremacy of moral over physical power. The yellow harvest + must wave over the crimson field of blood, and the + representatives of the people displace the agents of purely + military power.</p> + + <p>XXIV. The amnesty offered for the past is conditioned upon + an unreserved loyalty for the future, and this condition will + be enforced with an iron hand. Whoever is indifferent or + hostile, must choose between the liberty which foreign lands + afford, the poverty of the Rebel States, and the innumerable + and inappreciable blessings which our Government confers upon + its people.</p> + + <p>May God preserve the Union of the States!</p> + + <p>By order of Major-General Banks.</p> + + <p>Official:<br /> + GEORGE B. DRAKE,<br /> + <i>Assistant Adjutant-General</i>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The two documents have little similarity. Both are + appropriate to the systems they are intended to regulate. It is + interesting to compare their merits at the present time. It + will be doubly interesting to make a similar comparison twenty + years hence.</p> + + <p>While I was in Natchez, a resident of that city called my + attention to one of the "sad results of this horrid, Yankee + war."</p> + + <p>"Do you see that young man crossing the street toward ----'s + store?"</p> + + <p>I looked in the direction indicated, and observed a person + whom I supposed to be twenty-five years of age, and whose face + bore the marks of dissipation. I signified, by a single word, + that I saw the individual in question.</p> + + <p>"His is a sad case," my Southern friend remarked.</p> + + <p>"Whisky, isn't it?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, I don't mean that. He does drink some, I know, but + what I mean is this: His father died about five years ago. He + left his son nothing but fourteen or fifteen niggers. They were + all smart, young hands, and he has been able to hire them out, + so as to bring a yearly income of two thousand dollars. This + has supported him very comfortably. This income stopped a year + ago. The niggers have all run away, and that young man is now + penniless, and without any means of support. It is one of the + results of your infernal Abolition war."</p> + + <p>I assented that it was a very hard case, and ought to be + brought before Congress at the earliest moment. That a + promising young man should be deprived of the means of support + in consequence of this Abolition war, is unfortunate--for the + man.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c35" id="c35"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXXV.</h4> + + <h5>OUR FREE-LABOR ENTERPRISE IN PROGRESS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Negroes at Work.--Difficulties in the + Way.--A Public Meeting.--A Speech.--A Negro's Idea of + Freedom.--A Difficult Question to Determine.--Influence of + Northern and Southern Men Contrasted.--An Increase of + Numbers.--"Ginning" Cotton.--In the Lint-Room.--Mills and + Machinery of a Plantation.--A Profitable Enterprise.</p> + + <p>On each of the plantations the negroes were at work in the + cotton-field. I rode from one to the other, as circumstances + made it necessary, and observed the progress that was made. I + could easily perceive they had been accustomed to performing + their labor under fear of the lash. Some of them took advantage + of the opportunity for carelessness and loitering under the new + arrangement. I could not be in the field at all times, to give + them my personal supervision. Even if I were constantly + present, there was now no lash to be feared. I saw that an + explanation of the new state of affairs would be an advantage + to all concerned. On the first Sunday of my stay on the + plantation, I called all the negroes together, in order to give + them an understanding of their position.</p> + + <p>I made a speech that I adapted as nearly as possible to the + comprehension of my hearers. My audience was attentive + throughout. I made no allusions to Homer, Dante, or Milton; I + did not quote from Gibbon or Macaulay, and I neglected to call + their attention to the spectacle they were presenting to the + crowned heads of Europe. I explained to them the change the war + had made in their condition, and the way in which it had been + effected. I told them that all cruel modes of punishment had + been abolished. The negroes were free, but they must understand + that freedom did not imply idleness. I read to them the + regulations established by the commissioners, and explained + each point as clearly as I was able. After I had concluded, I + offered to answer any questions they might ask.</p> + + <p>There were many who could not understand why, if they were + free, they should be restricted from going where they pleased + at all times. I explained that it was necessary, for the + successful management of the plantation, that I should always + be able to rely upon them. I asked them to imagine my + predicament if they should lose half their time, or go away + altogether, in the busiest part of the season. They "saw the + point" at once, and readily acknowledged the necessity of + subordination.</p> + + <p>I found no one who imagined that his freedom conferred the + right of idleness and vagrancy. All expected to labor in their + new condition, but they expected compensation for their labor, + and did not look for punishment. They expected, further, that + their families would not be separated, and that they could be + allowed to acquire property for themselves. I know there were + many negroes in the South who expected they would neither toil + nor spin after being set free, but the belief was by no means + universal. The story of the negro at Vicksburg, who expected + his race to assemble in New York after the war, "and have white + men for niggers," is doubtless true, but it would find little + credence with the great majority of the freedmen of the + South.</p> + + <p>The schedule of wages, as established by the commissioners, + was read and explained. The negroes were to be furnished with + house-rent, rations, fuel, and medical attendance, free of + charge. Able-bodied males were to receive eight dollars a + month. Other classes of laborers would be paid according to the + proportionate value of their services. We were required to keep + on hand a supply of clothing, shoes, and other needed articles, + which would be issued as required and charged on account. All + balances would be paid as soon as the first installment of the + cotton crop was sent to market.</p> + + <p>This was generally satisfactory, though some of the negroes + desired weekly or monthly payments. One of them thought it + would be better if they could be paid at the end of each day, + and suggested that silver would be preferable to greenbacks or + Confederate money. Most of them thought the wages good enough, + but this belief was not universal. One man, seventy years old, + who acted as assistant to the "hog-minder," thought he deserved + twenty-five dollars per month, in addition to his clothing and + rations. Another, of the same age, who carried the breakfast + and dinner to the field, was of similar opinion. These were + almost the only exceptions. Those whose services were really + valuable acquiesced in the arrangement.</p> + + <p>On our plantation there was an old negress named "Rose," who + attended the women during confinement. She was somewhat + celebrated in her profession, and received occasional calls to + visit white ladies in the neighborhood. After I had dismissed + the negroes and sent them to their quarters, I was called upon + by Rose, to ascertain the rate at which she would be paid. As + she was regularly employed as one of the house-servants, I + allowed her the same wages that the other women received. This + was satisfactory, so far, but it was not entirely so. She + wished to understand the matter of perquisites.</p> + + <p>"When I used to go out to 'tend upon white ladies," said + Rose, "they gave me ten dollars. Mistress always took half and + let me keep the other half."</p> + + <p>"Well, hereafter, you may keep the ten dollars + yourself."</p> + + <p>"Thank you."</p> + + <p>After a pause, she spoke again:</p> + + <p>"Didn't you say the black people are free?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"White people are free, too, ain't they?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Then why shouldn't you pay me ten dollars every time I + 'tend upon the black folks on the plantation?"</p> + + <p>The question was evidently designed as a "corner." I evaded + it by assuring Rose that though free, the negroes had not + attained all the privileges that pertained to the whites, and I + should insist on her professional services being free to all on + the plantation.</p> + + <p>The negroes were frequently desirous of imitating the + customs of white people in a manner that should evince their + freedom. Especially did they desire to have no distinction in + the payment of money, on account of the color of the + recipient.</p> + + <p>After this Sunday talk with the negroes, I found a material + improvement. Occasionally I overheard some of them explaining + to others their views upon various points. There were several + who manifested a natural indolence, and found it difficult to + get over their old habits. These received admonitions from + their comrades, but could not wholly forget the laziness which + was their inheritance. With these exceptions, there was no + immediate cause for complaint.</p> + + <p>During the earlier part of my stay in that region, I was + surprised at the readiness with which the negroes obeyed men + from the North, and believed they would fulfill their promises, + while they looked with distrust on all Southern white men. Many + owners endeavored in vain to induce their negroes to perform + certain labor. The first request made by a Northern man to the + same effect would be instantly complied with. The negroes + explained that their masters had been in the habit of making + promises which they never kept, and cited numerous instances to + prove the truth of their assertion. It seemed to have been a + custom in that region to deceive the negroes in any practicable + manner. To make a promise to a negro, and fail to keep it, was + no worse than to lure a horse into a stable-yard, by offering + him a choice feed of corn, which would prove but a single + mouthful. That the negroes had any human rights was apparently + rarely suspected by their owners and overseers. The distrust + which many of the negroes entertained for their former masters + enabled the lessees to gain, at once, the confidence of their + laborers. I regret to say that this confidence was abused in a + majority of cases.</p> + + <p>I gave the negroes a larger ration of meat, meal, and + potatoes than had been previously issued. As soon as possible, + I procured a quantity of molasses, coffee, and tobacco. These + articles had not been seen on the plantation for many months, + and were most gladly received. As there was no market in that + vicinity where surplus provisions could be sold, I had no fear + that the negroes would resort to stealing, especially as their + daily supply was amply sufficient for their support. It was the + complaint of many overseers and owners that the negroes would + steal provisions on frequent occasions. If they committed any + thefts during my time of management, they were made so + carefully that I never detected them. It is proper to say that + I followed the old custom of locking the store-houses at all + times.</p> + + <p>Very soon after commencing labor I found that our working + force must be increased. Accordingly, I employed some of the + negroes who were escaping from the interior of the State and + making their way to Natchez. As there were but few mules on the + plantation, I was particularly careful to employ those negroes + who were riding, rather than walking, from slavery. If I could + not induce these mounted travelers to stop with us, I generally + persuaded them to sell their saddle animals. Thus, hiring + negroes and buying mules, I gradually put the plantation in a + presentable condition. While the cotton was being picked the + blacksmith was repairing the plows, the harness-maker was + fitting up the harnesses for the mules, and every thing was + progressing satisfactorily. The gin-house was cleaned and made + ready for the last work of preparing cotton for the market. Mr. + Colburn arrived from the North after I had been a planter of + only ten days' standing. He was enthusiastic at the prospect, + and manifested an energy that was the envy of his + neighbors.</p> + + <p>It required about three weeks to pick our cotton. Before it + was all gathered we commenced "ginning" the quantity on hand, + in order to make as little delay as possible in shipping our + "crop" to market.</p> + + <p>The process of ginning cotton is pretty to look upon, though + not agreeable to engage in. The seed-cotton (as the article is + called when it comes from the field) is fed in a sort of + hopper, where it is brought in contact with a series of small + and very sharp saws. From sixty to a hundred of these saws are + set on a shaft, about half an inch apart. The teeth of these + saws tear the fiber from the seed, but do not catch the seed + itself. A brush which revolves against the saws removes the + fiber from them at every revolution. The position of the gin is + generally at the end of a large room, and into this room the + detached fiber is thrown from the revolving brush.</p> + + <p>This apartment is technically known as the "lint-room," and + presents an interesting scene while the process of ginning is + going on. The air is full of the flying lint, and forcibly + reminds a Northerner of a New England snow-storm. The lint + falls, like the snow-flakes, with most wonderful lightness, + but, unlike the snow-flakes, it does not melt. When the cotton + is picked late in the season, there is usually a dense cloud of + dust in the lint-room, which settles in and among the fiber. + The person who watches the lint-room has a position far from + enviable. His lungs become filled with dust, and, very often, + the fine, floating fiber is drawn into his nostrils. Two + persons are generally permitted to divide this labor. There + were none of the men on our plantation who craved it. Some of + the mischievous boys would watch their opportunity to steal + into the lint-room, where they greatly enjoyed rolling upon the + soft cotton. Their amusement was only stopped by the use of a + small whip.</p> + + <p>The machinery of a cotton-gin is driven by steam or horse + power; generally the former. There is no water-power in the + State of Louisiana, but I believe some of the lakes and bayous + might be turned to advantage in the same way that the tide is + used on the sea-coast.</p> + + <p>All the larger plantations are provided with steam-engines, + the chimneys of which are usually carried to a height + sufficient to remove all danger from sparks. There is always a + corn-mill, and frequently a saw-mill attached to the gin, and + driven by the same power. On every plantation, one day in the + week is set apart for grinding a seven-days' supply of corn. + This regulation is never varied, except under the most + extraordinary circumstances. There is a universal rule in + Louisiana, forbidding any person, white or black, smoking in + the inclosure where the gin-house stands. I was told there was + a legal enactment to this effect, that affixed heavy penalties + to its infringement. For the truth of this latter statement I + cannot vouch.</p> + + <p>With its own corn-mill, saw-mill, and smithery, each + plantation is almost independent of the neighborhood around it. + The chief dependence upon the outside world is for farming + tools and the necessary paraphernalia for the various branches + of field-work. I knew one plantation, a short distance from + ours, whose owner had striven hard to make it self-sustaining. + He raised all the corn and all the vegetables needed. He kept + an immense drove of hogs, and cured his own pork. Of cattle he + had a goodly quantity, and his sheep numbered nearly three + hundred. Wool and cotton supplied the raw material for + clothing. Spinning-wheels and looms produced cloth in excess of + what was needed. Even the thread for making the clothing for + the negroes was spun on the plantation. Hats were made of the + palmetto, which grew there in abundance. Shoes were the only + articles of personal wear not of home production. Plows, hoes, + and similar implements were purchased in the market, but the + plantation was provided with a very complete repair-shop, and + the workmen were famous for their skill.</p> + + <p>The plantation, thus managed, yielded a handsome profit to + its owner. The value of each year's cotton crop, when delivered + on the bank of the river, was not less than forty thousand + dollars. Including wages of the overseer, and all outlays for + repairs and purchase of such articles as were not produced at + home, the expenses would not exceed five or six thousand + dollars. Cotton-planting was very profitable under almost any + management, and especially so under a prudent and economical + owner. Being thus profitable with slave labor, it was natural + for the planters to think it could prosper under no other + system. "You can't raise cotton without niggers, and you must + own the niggers to raise it," was the declaration in all parts + of the South.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c36" id="c36"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h4> + + <h5>WAR AND AGRICULTURE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Official Favors.--Division of Labor.--Moral + Suasion.--Corn-gathering in the South.--An Alarm.--A Frightened + Irishman.--The Rebels Approaching.--An Attack on + Waterproof.--Falstaff Redivivus.--His Feats of Arms.--Departure + for New Orleans.</p> + + <p>Our cotton having been ginned and baled, we made + preparations for shipping it to market. These preparations + included the procurement of a permit from the Treasury agent at + Natchez, a task of no small magnitude. An application for the + permit required, in addition to my own signature, the names of + two property-owning citizens, as security for payment of the + duties on the cotton. This application being placed in the + hands of the Treasury agent, I was requested to call in two + hours. I did so, and was then put off two hours longer. Thus I + spent two whole days in frequent visits to that official. His + memory was most defective, as I was obliged to introduce myself + on each occasion, and tell him the object of my call.</p> + + <p>A gentleman who had free access to the agent at all times + hinted that he could secure early attention to my business on + payment for his trouble. Many persons asserted that they were + obliged to pay handsomely for official favors. I do not + <i>know</i> this to be true. I never paid any thing to the + Treasury agent at Natchez or elsewhere, beyond the legitimate + fees, and I never found any man who would give me a written + statement that he had done so. Nevertheless, I had much + circumstantial evidence to convince me that the Treasury + officials were guilty of dishonorable actions. The temptation + was great, and, with proper care, the chances of detection were + small.</p> + + <p>Armed with my permit, I returned to the plantation. Mr. + Colburn, in my absence, had organized our force, lately engaged + in cotton-picking, into suitable parties for gathering corn, of + which we had some three hundred acres standing in the field. In + New England I fear that corn which had remained ungathered + until the middle of February, would be of comparatively little + value. In our case it was apparently as sound as when first + ripened.</p> + + <p>Corn-gathering in the South differs materially from + corn-gathering in the North. The negroes go through the field + breaking the ears from the stalks without removing the husk. + The ears are thrown into heaps at convenient distances from + each other, and in regular rows. A wagon is driven between + these rows, and the corn gathered for the crib. Still unhusked, + it is placed in the crib, to be removed when needed. It is + claimed that the husk thus remaining on the corn, protects it + from various insects, and from the effect of the weather.</p> + + <p>Every body of laborers on a plantation is called a "gang." + Thus we had "the picking-gang," "the corn-gang," "the + trash-gang," "the hoe-gang," "the planting-gang," "the + plow-gang," and so on through the list. Each gang goes to the + field in charge of a head negro, known as the driver. This + driver is responsible for the work of his gang, and, under the + old <i>régime</i>, was empowered to enforce his orders + with the whip, if necessary. Under our new dispensation the + whip was laid aside, and a milder policy took its place. It was + satisfactory with the adults; but there were occasions when the + smaller boys were materially benefited by applications of + hickory shrubs. Solomon's words about sparing the rod are + applicable to children of one race as well as to those of + another. We did not allow our drivers to make any bodily + punishment in the field, and I am happy to say they showed no + desire to do so.</p> + + <p>As I have before stated, our first organization was the + picking-gang. Then followed the gin-gang and the press-gang. + Our gin-gang was organized on principles of total abstinence, + and, therefore, differed materially from the gin-gangs of + Northern cities. Our press-gang, unlike the press-gangs of New + York or Chicago, had nothing to do with morning publications, + and would have failed to comprehend us had we ordered the + preparation of a sensation leader, or a report of the last + great meeting at Union Square. Our press-gang devoted its time + and energies to putting our cotton into bales of the proper + size and neatness.</p> + + <p>The corn-gang, the trash-gang, and the plow-gang were + successively organized by Mr. Colburn. Of the first I have + spoken. The duties of the second were to gather the corn-stalks + or cotton-stalks, as the case might be, into proper heaps for + burning. As all this débris came under the generic name + of "trash," the appellation of the gang is readily understood. + Our trash-gang did very well, except in a certain instance, + when it allowed the fire from the trash to run across a field + of dead grass, and destroy several hundred feet of fence. In + justice to the negroes, I should admit that the firing of the + grass was in obedience to our orders, and the destruction of + the fence partly due to a strong wind which suddenly sprang up. + The trash-gang is usually composed of the younger children and + the older women. The former gather and pile the stalks which + the latter cut up. They particularly enjoy firing the heaps of + dry trash.</p> + + <p>It was on Saturday, the 13th of February, that our + press-gang completed its labors. On the afternoon of that day, + as we were hauling our cotton to the landing, the garrison at + Waterproof, two miles distant, suddenly opened with its + artillery upon a real or supposed enemy. A gun-boat joined in + the affair, and for half an hour the cannonade was vigorous. We + could see the flashes of the guns and the dense smoke rising + through the trees, but could discover nothing more. When the + firing ceased we were somewhat anxious to know the result. Very + soon a white man, an Irishman, who had been a short time in the + vicinity to purchase cotton, reached our place in a state of + exhaustion. He told a frightful story of the surprise and + massacre of the whole garrison, and was very certain no one but + himself had escaped. He had fortunately concealed himself under + a very small bridge while the fight was going on. He called + attention to his clothes, which were covered with mud, to prove + the truth of his statement.</p> + + <p>For a short time the situation had an unpleasant appearance. + While we were deliberating upon the proper measures for safety, + one of our negroes, who was in Waterproof during the firing, + came to us with <i>his</i> story. The fight had been on our + side, some guerrillas having chased one of our scouting parties + to a point within range of our guns. Our men shelled them with + artillery, and this was the extent of the battle. The story of + the Irishman, in connection with the true account of the + affair, forcibly reminded me of the famous battle of Piketon, + Kentucky, in the first year of the war.</p> + + <p>On the next day (Sunday) I rode to Waterproof, leaving + Colburn on the plantation. Just as I arrived within the lines, + I ascertained that an attack was expected. The most stringent + orders had been issued against allowing any person to pass out. + Ten minutes later a scout arrived, saying that a force of + Rebels was advancing to attack the post. The gun-boat commenced + shelling the woods in the rear of Waterproof, and the artillery + on land joined in the work. The Rebels did not get near enough + to make any serious demonstration upon the town. The day passed + with a steady firing from the gun-boat, relieved by an + occasional interval of silence. Toward night the small garrison + was re-enforced by the arrival of a regiment from Natchez. On + the following day a portion of General Ellet's Marine Brigade + reached Waterproof, and removed all possibility of further + attack.</p> + + <p>In the garrison of Waterproof, at the commencement of this + fight, there was a certain officer who could have sat for the + portrait of Falstaff with very little stuffing, and without + great change of character. Early in the war he belonged to an + Eastern regiment, but on that occasion he had no commission, + though this fact was not generally known. Nearly as large as + Hackett's Falstaff, he was as much a gascon as the hero of the + Merry Wives of Windsor. He differed from Falstaff in possessing + a goodly amount of bravery, but this bravery was accompanied + with an entire absence of judgment.</p> + + <p>In the early part of the fight, and until he was too drunk + to move, this <i>preux chevalier</i> dashed about Waterproof, + mounted on a small horse, which he urged to the top of his + speed. In one hand he flourished a cane, and in the other a + revolver. He usually allowed the reins to lie on his horse's + neck, except when he wished to change his direction. With his + abdomen protruding over the pommel of the saddle, his stirrups + several inches too short, one boot-leg outside his pantaloons + and the other inside, a very large hat pressed nearly to his + eyes, and a face flushed with excitement and whisky, he was a + study John Leech would have prized. Frequent and copious + draughts of the cup which cheers and inebriates placed him + <i>hors de combat</i> before the close of the day.</p> + + <p>From the crest of the levee, he could at any time discover + several lines of battle approaching the town. Frequently he + informed the commandant that the Rebels were about to open upon + us with a dozen heavy batteries, which they were planting in + position for a long siege. If the enemy had been in the force + that this man claimed, they could not have numbered less than + fifty thousand. When unhorsed for the last time during the day, + he insisted that I should listen to the story of his + exploits.</p> + + <p>"I went," said he, "to the colonel, this morning, and told + him, sir, to give me ten men, and I would go out and feel the + enemy's position. He gave me the men, and I went. We found the + enemy not less than a thousand strong, sir, behind Mrs. + Miller's gin-house. They were the advance of the whole Rebel + army, sir, and I saw they must be driven back. We charged, and, + after a desperate fight, drove them. They opposed us, sir, + every inch of the way for two miles; but we routed them. We + must have killed at least a hundred of them, sir, and wounded + as many more. They didn't hurt a man of us; but the bullets + flew very thick, sir--very. I myself killed twelve of them with + my own hand, sir. This is the way it was, sir. This revolver, + you see, sir, has six barrels. I emptied it once, sir; I + reloaded; I emptied it again, sir. Two times six are twelve, + sir. I killed twelve of them with my own hand. Let it be + recorded.</p> + + <p>"On my way back, sir, I set fire to the gin-house, so that + it should no more be a shelter for those infernal Rebels. You + yourself, sir, saw that building in flames, and can testify to + the truth of my story."</p> + + <p>In this strain the warrior gave the history of his moments + of glory. The portion I have written was true in some points. + He found three men (instead of a thousand), and pursued them a + few hundred yards. He discharged his revolver at very long + range, but I could not learn that his shots were returned. He + fired the gin-house "to cover his retreat," and gained the + fortifications without loss. I do not know his locality at the + present time, but presume he remained, up to the close of the + war, where storms of shot and shell continually darkened the + air, and where lines of battle were seen on every side.</p> + + <p>The siege being raised, I returned to the plantation. From + Waterproof, during the fight, I could see our buildings with + perfect distinctness. I had much fear that some Rebel scouting + party might pay the plantation a visit while the attack was + going on. I found, on my return, that Colburn had taken the + matter very coolly, and prevented the negroes becoming alarmed. + He declared that he considered the plantation as safe as + Waterproof, and would not have exchanged places with me during + the fight. The negroes were perfectly quiet, and making + preparations for plowing. While the fight was in progress, my + associate was consulting with the drivers about the details of + work for the ensuing week, and giving his orders with the + utmost <i>sang froid</i>. In consideration of the uncertainty + of battles in general, and the possibility of a visit at any + moment from a party of Rebel scouts, my partner's conduct was + worthy of the highest commendation.</p> + + <p>Before leaving Waterproof I had arranged for a steamer to + call for our cotton, which was lying on the river bank. + Waterproof lay at one side of the neck of a peninsula, and our + plantation was at the other side. It was two miles across this + peninsula, and sixteen miles around it, so that I could start + on horseback, and, by riding very leisurely, reach the other + side, long in advance of a steamboat. The steamer came in due + time. After putting our cotton on board, I bade Mr. Colburn + farewell, and left him to the cares and perplexities of a + planter's life. I was destined for New Orleans, to sell our + cotton, and to purchase many things needed for the prosecution + of our enterprise.</p> + + <p>On my way down the river, I found that steamboat traveling + was not an entirely safe amusement. The boat that preceded me + was fired upon near Morganzia, and narrowly escaped + destruction. A shell indented her steam-pipe, and passed among + the machinery, without doing any damage. Had the pipe been cut, + the steam would have filled every part of the boat.</p> + + <p>I was not disturbed by artillery on the occasion of my + journey, but received a compliment from small-arms. On the + morning after leaving Natchez, I was awakened by a volley of + musketry from the river-bank. One of the bullets penetrated the + thin walls of the cabin and entered my state-room, within two + inches of my head. I preserved the missile as a souvenir of + travel.</p> + + <p>On the next day the Rebels brought a battery of artillery to + the spot. A steamer received its greeting, but escaped with a + single passenger wounded.</p> + + <p>A gentleman who was on this boat had a very narrow escape. + He told me that he was awakened by the first shot, which passed + through the upper works of the steamer. He was occupying the + upper berth in a state-room on the side next the locality of + the Rebels. His first impulse was to spring from his + resting-place, and throw himself at full length upon the floor. + He had hardly done so, when a shell entered the state-room, and + traversed the berth in the exact position where my friend had + been lying.</p> + + <p>Having narrowly escaped death, he concluded not to run a + second risk. He returned to St. Louis by way of New York. + Wishing to visit New Orleans some time later, he sailed from + New York on the <i>Electric Spark</i>, and enjoyed the luxury + of a capture by the pirates of the "Confederate" steamer + <i>Florida</i>. After that occurrence, he concluded there was + little choice between the ocean and river routes.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c37" id="c37"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h4> + + <h5>IN THE COTTON MARKET.</h5> + + <p class="toc">New Orleans and its Peculiarities.--Its Loss by + the Rebellion.--Cotton Factors in New Orleans.--Old Things + passed away.--The Northern Barbarians a Race of + Shopkeepers.--Pulsations of the Cotton Market.--A Quarrel with + a Lady.--Contending for a Principle.--Inharmony of the + "Regulations."--An Account of Sales.</p> + + <p>The first impression that New Orleans gives a stranger is + its unlikeness to Northern cities. It is built on ground that + slopes downward from the Mississippi. As one leaves the river + and walks toward the center of the city, he finds himself + descending. New Orleans is a hundred miles from the mouth of + the Mississippi and only six miles from Lake Pontchartrain, + which is an arm of the sea. The river at the city is ten feet + above Lake Pontchartrain, so that New Orleans is washed by + water from the Mississippi and drained into the lake. The water + in the gutters always runs from the river, no matter what may + be its height. The steamers at the foot of Canal Street appear + above the spectator, when he stands a mile or two from the + landing.</p> + + <p>There is no earthy elevation of any kind, except of + artificial construction, in the vicinity of New Orleans. The + level surface of the streets renders the transportation of + heavy bodies a work of the utmost ease. The greatest amount of + merchandise that can be loaded upon four wheels rarely requires + the efforts of more than two animals. The street-cars, unlike + those of Northern cities, are drawn by a single mule to each + car, and have no conductors. The cemeteries are above ground, + and resemble the pigeon-holes of a post-office, magnified to a + sufficient size for the reception of coffins. There is not a + cellar in the entire city of New Orleans.</p> + + <p>Musquitos flourish during the entire winter. In the summer + there are two varieties of these insects. The night-musquito is + similar to the insect which disturbs our slumbers in Northern + latitudes. The day-musquito relieves his comrade at sunrise and + remains on duty till sunset. He has no song, but his bite is + none the less severe. He disappears at the approach of winter, + but his tuneful brother remains. Musquito nettings are a + necessity all the year round.</p> + + <p>The public walks of New Orleans are justly the pride of the + inhabitants. Canal Street is probably the prettiest street in + America. Along its center is a double row of shade-trees, a + promenade, and the tracks of the street railway. These + shade-trees are inclosed so as to form a series of small parks + for the entire length of the street. On each side of these + parks is a carriage-way, as wide as the great thoroughfare of + New York. Canal Street is the fashionable promenade of New + Orleans. In the days of glory, before the Rebellion, it + presented a magnificent appearance.</p> + + <p>Among the prettiest of the parks of New Orleans is Jackson + Square, containing a fine equestrian statue of General Jackson. + The pedestal of the statue is emblazoned with the words:</p> + + <p>"THE UNION--IT MUST AND SHALL BE PRESERVED."</p> + + <p>The French element in New Orleans is apparent on every side. + The auctioneers cry their wares in mingled French and English, + and the negroes and white laborers on the levee converse in a + hybrid language. In the French quarter, every thing is French. + The signs on the shops and the street corners, the conversation + of the inhabitants and the shouts of the boys who play on the + sidewalks, are in the vernacular of <i>La Belle France</i>. In + Jackson Square, notices to warn visitors not to disturb the + shrubbery, are posted in two languages, the French being first. + On one poster I saw the sentence: "<i>Ne touche pas à + les fleurs</i>," followed by the literal translation into + English: "Don't touch to the flowers." I was happy to observe + that the caution was very generally heeded.</p> + + <p>Before the war, New Orleans was a city of wonderful wealth. + Situated at the outlet of the great valley, its trade in + cotton, sugar, and other products of the West and South, was + immense. Boats, which had descended from all points along the + navigable portion of the Mississippi, discharged their cargoes + upon its levee. Ships of all nations were at the wharves, + receiving the rich freight that the steamers had brought down. + The piles of merchandise that lay along the levee were + unequaled in any other city of the globe. Money was abundant, + and was lavishly scattered in all directions.</p> + + <p>With the secession of the Gulf States, the opening of + hostilities, and the blockade of the Mississippi at its mouth + and at Cairo, the prosperity of New Orleans disappeared. The + steamers ceased to bring cotton and sugar to its wharves, and + its levee presented a picture of inactivity. Many of the + wealthy found themselves in straitened circumstances, and many + of the poor suffered and died for want of food. For a whole + year, while the Rebel flag floated over the city, the business + of New Orleans was utterly suspended.</p> + + <p>With the passage of the forts and the capture of New Orleans + by Admiral Farragut, the Rebel rule was ended. Very slowly the + business of the city revived, but in its revival it fell into + the hands of Northern men, who had accompanied our armies in + their advance. The old merchants found themselves crowded aside + by the ubiquitous Yankees. With the end of the war, the glory + of the city will soon return, but it will not return to its old + channels. More than any other city of the South, New Orleans + will be controlled by men of Northern birth and sentiments. The + day of slave-auctions in the rotunda of the St. Charles has + passed away forever.</p> + + <p>New Orleans has a class of men peculiar to the South, whose + business it is to sell cotton for the planters. These gentlemen + are known as "factors," and, in former times, were numerous and + successful. Whatever a planter needed, from a quire of paper to + a steam-engine, he ordered his factor to purchase and forward. + The factor obeyed the order and charged the amount to the + planter, adding two and a half per cent, for commission.</p> + + <p>If the planter wanted money, he drew upon the factor, and + that individual honored the draft. At the end of the season, it + often occurred that the planter was largely in debt to the + factor. But the cotton crop, when gathered, being consigned to + the factor, canceled this indebtedness, and generally left a + balance in the planter's favor.</p> + + <p>The factor charged a good commission for selling the cotton, + and sometimes required interest upon the money he advanced. In + the happy days before the war, the factor's business was highly + lucrative. The advances to the planters, before the maturity of + the cotton crop, often required a heavy capital, but the risk + was not great. Nearly every planter was considerably indebted + to his factor before his cotton went forward. In many cases the + proceeds of the entire crop would but little more than cover + the advances which had been made.</p> + + <p>In New Orleans nearly all cotton is sold "by sample." + Certain men are licensed to "sample" cotton, for which they + charge a specified sum per bale. A hole is cut in the covering + of each bale, and from this hole a handful of cotton is pulled. + Every bale is thus "sampled," without regard to the size of the + lot. The samples are taken to the sales-room of the commission + house, where they are open to the inspection of buyers. The + quality of the cotton is carefully noted, the length of the + fiber or staple, the whiteness of the sample, and its freedom + from dust or fragments of cotton-stalks. Not one bale in twenty + is ever seen by the buyers until after its purchase. Frequently + the buyers transfer their cotton to other parties without once + looking upon it Sometimes cotton is sold at auction instead of + being offered at private sale, but the process of "sampling" is + carried out in either case.</p> + + <p>In '63 and '64, New Orleans could boast of more cotton + factors than cotton. The principal business was in the hands of + merchants from the North, who had established themselves in the + city soon after its occupation by the National forces. Nearly + all cotton sent to market was from plantations leased by + Northern men, or from purchases made of planters by Northern + speculators. The patronage naturally fell into the hands of the + new possessors of the soil, and left the old merchants to pine + in solitude. The old cotton factors, most of them Southern men, + who could boast of ten or twenty years' experience, saw their + business pass into the hands of men whose arrival in New + Orleans was subsequent to that of General Butler. Nearly all + the old factors were Secessionists, who religiously believed no + government could exist unless founded on raw cotton and + slavery. They continually asserted that none but themselves + could sell cotton to advantage, and wondered why those who had + that article to dispose of should employ men unaccustomed to + its sale. They were doomed to find themselves false prophets. + The new and enterprising merchants monopolized the cotton + traffic, and left the slavery-worshiping factors of the olden + time to mourn the loss of their occupation.</p> + + <p>At the time I visited New Orleans, cotton was falling. It + had been ninety cents per pound. I could only obtain a small + fraction above seventy cents, and within a week the same + quality sold for sixty. Three months afterward, it readily + brought a dollar and a quarter per pound. The advices from New + York were the springs by which the market in New Orleans was + controlled. A good demand in New York made a good demand in New + Orleans, and <i>vice versâ</i>. The New York market was + governed by the Liverpool market, and that in turn by the + demand at Manchester. Thus the Old World and the New had a + common interest in the production of cotton. While one watched + the demand, the other closely observed the supply.</p> + + <p>Some of the factors in New Orleans were fearful lest the + attention paid to cotton-culture in other parts of the world + would prove injurious to the South after the war should be + ended. They had abandoned their early belief that their cotton + was king, and dreaded the crash that was to announce the + overthrow of all their hopes.</p> + + <p>In their theory that cotton-culture was unprofitable, unless + prosecuted by slave labor, these men could only see a gloomy + picture for years to come. Not so the new occupants of the + land. Believing that slavery was not necessary to the + production of sugar and cotton; believing that the country + could show far more prosperity under the new system of labor + than was ever seen under the old; and believing that commerce + would find new and enlarged channels with the return of peace, + they combated the secession heresies of the old residents, and + displayed their faith by their works. New Orleans was throwing + off its old habits and adopting the ideas and manners of + Northern civilization.</p> + + <p>Mrs. B., the owner of our plantation, was in New Orleans at + the time of my arrival. As she was to receive half the proceeds + of the cotton we had gathered, I waited upon her to tell the + result of our labors. The sale being made, I exhibited the + account of sales to her agent, and paid him the stipulated + amount. So far all was well; but we were destined to have a + difference of opinion upon a subject touching the rights of the + negro.</p> + + <p>Early in 1863 the Rebel authorities ordered the destruction + of all cotton liable to fall into the hands of the National + forces. The order was very generally carried out. In its + execution, some four hundred bales belonging to Mrs. B. were + burned. The officer who superintended the destruction, + permitted the negroes on the plantation to fill their beds with + cotton, but not to save any in bales. When we were making our + shipment, Mr. Colburn proposed that those negroes who wished to + do so, could sell us their cotton, and fill their beds with + moss or husks. As we paid them a liberal price, they accepted + our offer, and we made up three bales from our purchase. We + never imagined that Mrs. B. would lay any claim to this lot, + and did not include it in the quantity for which we paid her + half the proceeds.</p> + + <p>After I had made the payment to her factor, I received a + note from the lady in reference to the three bales above + mentioned. She said the cotton in question was entirely her + property; but, in consideration of our careful attention to the + matter, she would consent to our retaining half its value. She + admitted that she would have never thought to bring it to + market; but since we had collected and baled it, she demanded + it as her own. I "respectfully declined" to comply with her + request. I believed the negroes had a claim to what was saved + from the burning, and given to them by the Rebel authorities. + Mrs. B. was of the opinion that a slave could own nothing, and + therefore insisted that the cotton belonged to herself.</p> + + <p>Very soon after sending my reply, I was visited by the + lady's factor. A warm, though courteous, discussion transpired. + The factor was a Secessionist, and a firm believer in the human + and divine right of slavery. He was a man of polished exterior, + and was, doubtless, considered a specimen of the true Southern + gentleman. In our talk on the subject in dispute, I told him + the Rebels had allowed the negroes to fill their beds with + cotton, and it was this cotton we had purchased.</p> + + <p>"The negroes had no right to sell it to you," said the + factor; "neither had you any right to purchase it."</p> + + <p>"If it was given to them," I asked, "was it not theirs to + sell?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly not. The negroes own nothing, and can own + nothing. Every thing they have, the clothes they wear and the + dishes they use, belongs to their owners. When we 'give' any + thing to a negro, we merely allow it to remain in his custody, + nothing more."</p> + + <p>"But in this case," said I, "the gift was not made by the + owner. The cotton was to be destroyed by order of your + Confederate Government. That order took it from Mrs. B.'s + possession. When the officer came to burn the cotton, and gave + a portion to the negroes to fill their beds, he made no gift to + Mrs. B."</p> + + <p>"Certainly he did. The cotton became hers, when it was given + to her negroes. If you give any thing to one of my negroes, + that article becomes my property as much as if given to + me."</p> + + <p>"But how is it when a negro, by working nights or Saturdays, + manages to make something for himself?"</p> + + <p>"That is just the same. Whatever he makes in that way + belongs to his master. Out of policy we allow him to keep it, + but we manage to have him expend it for his own good. The negro + is the property of his master, and can own nothing for + himself."</p> + + <p>"But in this case," I replied, "I have promised to pay the + negroes for the cotton. It would be unjust to them to fail to + do so."</p> + + <p>"You must not pay them any thing for it. Whatever you have + promised makes no difference. It is Mrs. B.'s property, not + theirs. If you pay them, you will violate all our customs, and + establish a precedent very bad for us and for yourself."</p> + + <p>I assured the gentleman I should feel under obligation to + deal justly with the negroes, even at the expense of violating + Southern precedent. "You may not be aware," I remarked, "of the + magnitude of the change in the condition of the Southern negro + during the two years just closed. The difference of opinion + between your people and ourselves is, no doubt, an honest one. + We shall be quite as persistent in pushing our views at the + present time as you have been in enforcing yours in the past. + We must try our theory, and wait for the result."</p> + + <p>We separated most amiably, each hoping the other would + eventually see things in their true light. From present + indications, the weight of public opinion is on my side, and + constantly growing stronger.</p> + + <p>My sales having been made, and a quantity of plantation + supplies purchased, I was ready to return. It was with much + difficulty that I was able to procure permits from the Treasury + agent at New Orleans to enable me to ship my purchases. Before + leaving Natchez, I procured all the documents required by law. + Natchez and New Orleans were not in the same "district," and + consequently there was much discord. For example, the agent at + Natchez gave me a certain document that I should exhibit at New + Orleans, and take with me on my return to Natchez. The agent at + New Orleans took possession of this document, and, on my + expostulating, said the agent at Natchez "had no right" to give + me instructions to retain it. He kept the paper, and I was left + without any defense against seizure of the goods I had in + transit. They were seized by a Government officer, but + subsequently released. On my arrival at Natchez, I narrated the + occurrence to the Treasury agent at that point. I was informed + that the agent at New Orleans "could not" take my papers from + me, and I should not have allowed him to do so.</p> + + <p>I was forcibly reminded of the case of the individual who + was once placed in the public stocks. On learning his offense, + a lawyer told him, "Why, Sir, they can't put you in the stocks + for <i>that</i>."</p> + + <p>"But they have."</p> + + <p>"I tell you they can't do it."</p> + + <p>"But, don't you see, they have."</p> + + <p>"I tell you again they can't do any such thing."</p> + + <p>In my own case, each Treasury agent declared the other + "could not" do the things which had been done. In consequence + of the inharmony of the "regulations," the most careful shipper + would frequently find his goods under seizure, from which they + could generally be released on payment of liberal fees and + fines. I do not know there was any collusion between the + officials, but I could not rid myself of the impression there + was something rotten in Denmark. The invariable result of these + little quarrels was the plundering of the shippers. The + officials never suffered. Like the opposite sides of a pair of + shears, though cutting against each other, they only injured + whatever was between them.</p> + + <p>Not a hundredth part of the official dishonesty at New + Orleans and other points along the Mississippi will ever be + known. Enough has been made public to condemn the whole system + of permits and Treasury restrictions. The Government took a + wise course when it abolished, soon after the suppression of + the Rebellion, a large number of the Treasury Agencies in the + South. As they were managed during the last two years of the + war, these agencies proved little else than schools of + dishonesty. There may have been some honest men in those + offices, but they contrived to conceal their honesty.</p> + + <p>To show the variety of charges which attach to a shipment of + cotton, I append the sellers' account for the three bales about + which Mrs. B. and myself had our little dispute. These bales + were not sold with the balance of our shipment. The cotton of + which they were composed was of very inferior quality.</p> + + <table summary="Account sales"> + <caption> + <i>Account Sales of Three Bales of Cotton for Knox & + Colburn.</i><br /> + By PARSLEY & WILLIAMS. + </caption> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt">Mark,</td> + + <td class="item"> 3 bales.</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt">"K. C."</td> + + <td class="item"> + Weight, } 1,349 + @...............</td> + + <td class="doll">$0</td> + + <td class="cent">60</td> + + <td class="doll">$809</td> + + <td class="cent">40</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item">533--406--410 }</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item">Auctioneers' commission, 1 pr. + ct.....</td> + + <td class="doll">8</td> + + <td class="cent">09</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item">Sampling + .............................</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent">30</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item">Weighing + .............................</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent">50</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item"> + Watching..............................</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent">50</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item">Tarpaulins + ...........................</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent">50</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item">Freight, $10 pr. bale + ................</td> + + <td class="doll">30</td> + + <td class="cent">00</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"></td> + + <td class="item">Insurance, $2.50 pr. bale + ............</td> + + <td class="doll">7</td> + + <td class="cent">50</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item">4 c. pr. lb. (tax) on 1,349 lb + .......</td> + + <td class="doll">53</td> + + <td class="cent">96</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item">1/2 c. " " " " + .......................</td> + + <td class="doll">6</td> + + <td class="cent">74</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"></td> + + <td class="item">Permit and stamps + ....................</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent">65</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"></td> + + <td class="item">Hospital fees, $5 pr. + bale............</td> + + <td class="doll">15</td> + + <td class="cent">00</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"></td> + + <td class="item">Factors' commission, 1 pr. + ct.........</td> + + <td class="doll">8</td> + + <td class="cent">09</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item"> </td> + + <td class="doll">--</td> + + <td class="cent">--</td> + + <td class="doll">131</td> + + <td class="cent">83</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt"> </td> + + <td class="item"> </td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + + <td class="doll">----</td> + + <td class="cent">--</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="cmmnt">E.O.E.</td> + + <td class="item"> Net + proceeds.....................</td> + + <td class="doll"> </td> + + <td class="cent"> </td> + + <td class="doll">$677</td> + + <td class="cent">57</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="foot" colspan="6">NEW ORLEANS, La., <i>February + 22</i>, 1864.</td> + </tr> + </table> + + <p>It will be seen by the above that the charges form an + important portion of the proceeds of a sale. The heaviest items + are for Government and hospital taxes. The latter was levied + before the war, but the former is one of the fruits of the + Rebellion. It is likely to endure for a considerable time.</p> + + <p>I knew several cases in which the sales of cotton did not + cover the charges, but left a small bill to be paid by the + owner. Frequently, cotton that had been innocently purchased + and sent to market was seized by Government officials, on + account of some alleged informality, and placed in the public + warehouses. The owner could get no hearing until he made + liberal presents of a pecuniary character to the proper + authorities.</p> + + <p>After much delay and many bribes, the cotton would be + released. New charges would appear, and before a sale could be + effected the whole value of the cotton would be gone.</p> + + <p>A person of my acquaintance was unfortunate enough to fall + into the hands of the Philistines in the manner I have + described above. At the end of the transaction he found himself + a loser to the extent of three hundred dollars. He has since + been endeavoring to ascertain the amount of traffic on a + similar scale that would be needed to make him a millionaire. + At last accounts he had not succeeded in solving the + problem.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c38" id="c38"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h4> + + <h5>SOME FEATURES OF PLANTATION LIFE.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Mysteries of Mule-trading.--"What's in a + Name?"--Process of Stocking a Plantation.--An Enterprising + White Man.--Stratagem of a Yankee.--Distributing Goods to the + Negroes.--The Tastes of the African.--Ethiopian Eloquence.--A + Colored Overseer.--Guerrillas Approaching.--Whisky <i>vs</i>. + Guerrillas.--A Hint to Military Men.</p> + + <p>On my return from New Orleans to the plantation, I found + that Colburn had been pushing our business with a rapidity and + skill that secured the admiration of everyone around us. He had + increased our working force, and purchased a goodly number of + mules. We had seventeen plows in operation, and two teams + engaged in gathering corn, on the day before my arrival. The + "trash-gang" was busy, and other working parties were occupied + with their various duties. We were looking to a brilliant + future, and echoed the wish of Jefferson Davis, to be "let + alone."</p> + + <p>The enterprise of a lessee at that time, and in that + locality, was illustrated by his ability to supply his + plantation with mules. There were many who failed in the + effort, but my associate was not of the number. There were but + few mules in the Natchez market--not enough to meet a tenth of + the demand. Nearly every plantation had been stripped of + working animals by one army or the other. Before our arrival + the Rebels plundered all men suspected of lukewarmness in the + cause. When the National army obtained possession, it took + nearly every thing the Rebels had left. All property believed + to belong to the Rebel Government was passed into the hands of + our quartermaster.</p> + + <p>A planter, named Caleb Shields, had a large plantation near + Natchez, which had not been disturbed by the Rebels. His mules + were branded with the letters "C.S.," the initials of their + owner. As these letters happened to be the same that were used + by the Confederate Government, Mr. Shields found his mules + promptly seized and "confiscated." Before he could explain the + matter and obtain an order for their return, his animals were + sent to Vicksburg and placed in the Government corral. If the + gentleman had possessed other initials, it is possible (though + not certain) he might have saved his stock.</p> + + <p>Mules being very scarce, the lessees exercised their skill + in supplying themselves with those animals. On my first arrival + at the plantation, I took care to hire those negroes who were + riding from the interior, or, at all events, to purchase their + animals. In one day I obtained two horses and four mules. An + order had been issued for the confiscation of beasts of burden + (or draught) brought inside the lines by negroes. We obtained + permission to purchase of these runaway negroes whatever mules + they would sell, provided we could make our negotiations before + they reached the military lines.</p> + + <p>Immediately after my departure, Mr. Colburn stationed one of + our men on the road near our house, with orders to effect a + trade with every mounted negro on his way to Natchez. The plan + was successful. From two to a half-dozen mules were obtained + daily. During the two weeks of my absence nearly fifty mules + were purchased, placing the plantation in good order for active + prosecution of our planting enterprise. At the same time many + lessees in our vicinity were unable to commence operations, + owing to their inability to obtain working stock.</p> + + <p>The negroes discovered that the mule market was not well + supplied, and some of the more enterprising and dishonest sons + of Ham endeavored to profit by the situation. Frequently mules + would be offered at a suspiciously low price, with the + explanation that the owner was anxious to dispose of his + property and return home. Some undertook nocturnal expeditions, + ten or twenty miles into the interior, where they stole + whatever mules they could find. A few of the lessees suffered + by the loss of stock, which was sold an hour after it was + stolen, and sometimes to the very party from whom it had been + taken. We took every care to avoid buying stolen property, but + were sometimes deceived.</p> + + <p>On one occasion I purchased a mule of a negro who lived at + Waterproof. The purchase was made an hour before sunset, and + the animal was stolen during the night. On the following + morning, Colburn bought it again of the same party with whom I + had effected my trade. After this occurrence, we adopted the + plan of branding each mule as soon as it came into our hands. + All the lessees did the same thing, and partially protected + each other against fraud.</p> + + <p>White men were the worst mule-thieves, and generally + instructed the negroes in their villainy. There were several + men in Natchez who reduced mule-stealing to a science, and were + as thoroughly skilled in it as Charley Bates or the Artful + Dodger in the science of picking pockets. One of them had four + or five white men and a dozen negroes employed in bringing + stock to market. I think he retired to St. Louis, before the + end of May, with ten or twelve thousand dollars as the result + of three months' industry.</p> + + <p>Some of the lessees resorted to questionable methods for + supplying their plantations with the means for plowing and + planting. One of them occupied a plantation owned by a man who + refused to allow his own stock to be used. He wished to be + neutral until the war was ended.</p> + + <p>This owner had more than sixty fine mules, that were running + loose in the field. One day the lessee told the owner that he + had purchased a lot of mules at Natchez, and would bring them + out soon. On the following night, while the owner slept, the + lessee called some trusty negroes to his aid, caught seventeen + mules from the field, sheared and branded them, and placed them + in a yard by themselves. In the morning he called the owner to + look at the "purchase."</p> + + <p>"You have bought an excellent lot," said the latter + individual. "Where were they from?"</p> + + <p>"All from St. Louis." was the response. "They were brought + down two days ago. I don't know what to do about turning them + out. Do you think, if I put them with yours, there is any + danger of their straying, on account of being on a strange + place?"</p> + + <p>"None at all. I think there is no risk."</p> + + <p>The lessee took the risk, and expressed much delight to find + that the new mules showed themselves at home on the + plantation.</p> + + <p>Several days later the owner of the plantation discovered + the loss of his mules, but never suspected what had become of + them. Two weeks afterward, the Rebels came and asked him to + designate the property of the lessee, that they might remove + it. He complied by pointing out the seventeen mules, which the + Rebels drove away, leaving the balance unharmed.</p> + + <p>I landed at the plantation one Sunday evening, with the + goods I had purchased in New Orleans. I was met with the + unwelcome information that the small force at Waterproof, after + committing many depredations on the surrounding country, had + been withdrawn, leaving us exposed to the tender mercies of the + indignant chivalry. We were liable to be visited at any moment. + We knew the Rebels would not handle us very tenderly, in view + of what they had suffered from our own men. A party of + guerrillas was reported seven miles distant on the day + previous, and there was nothing to hinder their coming as near + as they chose.</p> + + <p>Accordingly, we determined to distribute the goods among the + negroes as early as possible. On Monday morning we commenced. + There was some delay, but we succeeded in starting a very + lively trade before seven o'clock.</p> + + <p>Shoes were in great demand, as the negroes had not been + supplied with these articles for nearly three years. A hundred + pairs were speedily issued, when the balance was laid aside for + future consideration. There were some of the negroes whose feet + were too large for any shoes we had purchased. It was a curious + fact that these large-footed negroes were not above the + ordinary stature. I remember one in particular who demanded + "thirteens," but who did not stand more than five feet and five + inches in his invisible stockings.</p> + + <p>After the shoes, came the material for clothing. For the men + we had purchased "gray denims" and "Kentucky jeans;" for the + women, "blue denims" and common calico. These articles were + rapidly taken, and with them the necessary quantity of thread, + buttons, etc. A supply of huge bandana kerchiefs for the head + was eagerly called for. I had procured as many of these + articles as I thought necessary for the entire number of + negroes on the plantation; but found I had sadly miscalculated. + The kerchiefs were large and very gaudy, and the African taste + was at once captivated by them. Instead of being satisfied with + one or two, every negro desired from six to a dozen, and was + much disappointed at the refusal. The gaudy colors of most of + the calicoes created a great demand, while a few pieces of more + subdued appearance were wholly discarded. White cotton cloth, + palm-leaf hats, knives and forks, tin plates, pans and dishes, + and other articles for use or wear, were among the + distributions of the day.</p> + + <p>Under the slave-owner's rule, the negro was entitled to + nothing beyond his subsistence and coarse clothing. Out of a + large-hearted generosity the master gave him various articles, + amounting, in the course of a year, to a few dollars in value. + These articles took the name of "presents," and their reception + was designed to inspire feelings of gratitude in the breast of + the slave.</p> + + <p>Most of the negroes understood that the new arrangements + made an end of present-giving. They were to be paid for all + their labor, and were to pay for whatever they received. When + the plan was first announced, all were pleased with it; but + when we came to the distribution of the goods, many of the + negroes changed their views. They urged that the clothing, and + every thing else we had purchased, should be issued as + "presents," and that they should be paid for their labor in + addition. Whatever little advantages the old system might have, + they wished to retain and ingraft upon their new life. To be + compensated for labor was a condition of freedom which they + joyfully accepted. To receive "presents" was an apparent + advantage of slavery which they did not wish to set aside.</p> + + <p>The matter was fully explained, and I am confident all our + auditors understood it. Those that remained obstinate had an + eye to their personal interests. Those who had been sick, idle, + absent, or disabled, were desirous of liberal gifts, while the + industrious were generally in favor of the new system, or made + no special opposition to it.</p> + + <p>One negro, who had been in our employ two weeks, and whose + whole labor in that time was less than four days, thought he + deserved a hundred dollars' worth of presents, and compensation + in money for a fortnight's toil. All were inclined to value + their services very highly; but there were some whose + moderation knew no bounds.</p> + + <p>A difficulty arose on account of certain promises that had + been made to the negroes by the owner of the plantation, long + before our arrival. Mrs. B. had told them (according to their + version) that the proceeds of the cotton on the plantation + should be distributed in the form of presents, whenever a sale + was effected. She did not inform us of any such promise when we + secured the lease of the plantation. If she made any agreement + to that effect, it was probably forgotten. Those who claimed + that this arrangement had been made desired liberal presents in + addition to payment for their labor. Our non-compliance with + this demand was acknowledged to be just, but it created + considerable disappointment.</p> + + <p>One who had been her mistress's favorite argued the question + with an earnestness that attracted my attention. Though past + sixty years of age, she was straight as an arrow, and her walk + resembled that of a tragedy queen. In her whole features she + was unlike those around her, except in her complexion, which + was black as ink. There was a clear, silvery tone to her voice, + such as I have rarely observed in persons of her race. In + pressing her claim, she grew wonderfully eloquent, and would + have elicited the admiration of an educated audience. Had there + been a school in that vicinity for the development of + histrionic talent in the negro race, I would have given that + woman a recommendation to its halls.</p> + + <p>During my absence, Mr. Colburn employed an overseer on our + smaller plantation, and placed him in full charge of the work. + This overseer was a mulatto, who had been fifteen years the + manager of a large plantation about seven miles distant from + ours. In voice and manner he was a white man, but his + complexion and hair were those of the subject race. There was + nothing about the plantation which he could not master in every + point. Without being severe, he was able to accomplish all that + had been done under the old system. He imitated the customs of + the white man as much as possible, and it was his particular + ambition to rank above those of his own color. As an overseer + he was fully competent to take charge of any plantation in that + locality. During all my stay in the South, I did not meet a + white overseer whom I considered the professional equal of this + negro.</p> + + <p>"Richmond" was the name to which our new assistant answered. + His master had prevented his learning to read, but allowed him + to acquire sufficient knowledge of figures to record the weight + of cotton in the field. Richmond could mark upon the slate all + round numbers between one hundred and four hundred; beyond this + he was never able to go. He could neither add nor subtract, nor + could he write a single letter of the alphabet. He was able, + however, to write his own name very badly, having copied it + from a pass written by his master. He had possessed himself of + a book, and, with the help of one of our negroes who knew the + alphabet, he was learning to read. His house was a model of + neatness. I regret to say that he was somewhat tyrannical when + superintending the affairs of his domicile.</p> + + <p>As the day of our distribution of goods was a stormy one, + Richmond was called from the plantation to assist us. Under his + assistance we were progressing fairly, interrupted occasionally + by various causes of delay. Less than half the valuable + articles were distributed, when our watches told us it was + noon. Just as we were discussing the propriety of an + adjournment for dinner, an announcement was made that banished + all thoughts of the mid-day meal.</p> + + <p>One of our boys had been permitted to visit Waterproof + during the forenoon. He returned, somewhat breathless, and his + first words dropped like a shell among the assembled + negroes:</p> + + <p>"<i>The Rebels are in Waterproof</i>."</p> + + <p>"How do you know?"</p> + + <p>"I saw them there, and asked a lady what they were. She said + they were Harrison's Rebels."</p> + + <p>We told the negroes to go to their quarters. Richmond + mounted his horse and rode off toward the plantation of which + he had charge. In two minutes, there was not a negro in the + yard, with the exception of the house-servants. Our goods were + lying exposed. We threw some of the most valuable articles into + an obscure closet.</p> + + <p>At the first alarm we ordered our horses brought out. When + the animals appeared we desisted from our work.</p> + + <p>"The Rebels are coming down the road," was the next bulletin + from the front.</p> + + <p>We sprang upon our horses and rode a hundred yards along the + front of our "quarter-lot," to a point where we could look up + the road toward Waterproof. There they were, sure enough, + thirty or more mounted men, advancing at a slow trot. They were + about half a mile distant, and, had we been well mounted, there + was no doubt of our easy escape. "Now comes the race," said + Colburn. "Twenty miles to Natchez. A single heat, with animals + to go at will."</p> + + <p>We turned our horses in the direction of Natchez.</p> + + <p>"Stop," said I, as we reached the house again. "They did not + see us, and have not quickened their pace. Strategy, my boy, + may assist us a little."</p> + + <p>Throwing my bridle into Colburn's hand, I slid from my + saddle and bounded into the dwelling. It was the work of a + moment to bring out a jug and a glass tumbler, but I was + delayed longer than I wished in finding the key of our closet. + The jug contained five gallons of excellent whisky (so + pronounced by my friends), and would have been a valuable prize + in any portion of the Confederacy.</p> + + <p>Placing the jug and tumbler side by side on the veranda, in + full view from the road, I remounted, just as the Rebels + reached the corner of our quarter-lot.</p> + + <p>"We have pressing engagements in Natchez," said Colburn.</p> + + <p>"So we have," I replied; "I had nearly forgotten them. Let + us lose no time in meeting them."</p> + + <p>As we rode off, some of the foremost Rebels espied us and + quickened their pace. When they reached the house they + naturally looked toward it to ascertain if any person was + there. They saw the jug, and were at once attracted. One man + rode past the house, but the balance stopped. The minority of + one was prudent, and returned after pursuing us less than fifty + yards. The whisky which the jug contained was quickly absorbed. + With only one tumbler it required some minutes to drain the + jug. These minutes were valuable.</p> + + <p>Whisky may have ruined many a man, but it saved us. Around + that seductive jug those thirty guerrillas became oblivious to + our escape. We have reason to be thankful that we disobeyed the + rules of strict teetotalers by "keeping liquor in the + house."</p> + + <p>I was well mounted, and could have easily kept out of the + way of any ordinary chase. Colburn was only fairly mounted, and + must have been run down had there been a vigorous and + determined pursuit. As each was resolved to stand by the other, + the capture of one would have doubtless been the capture of + both.</p><a href="images/p440i1.jpg"><img src= + "images/p440i1_t.jpg" alt= + ""STRATEGY, MY BOY!"" /></a> + + <p class="captn">"STRATEGY, MY BOY!"</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c39" id="c39"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h4> + + <h5>VISITED BY GUERRILLAS.</h5> + + <p class="toc">News of the Raid.--Returning to the + Plantation.--Examples of Negro Cunning.--A Sudden Departure and + a Fortunate Escape.--A Second Visit.--"Going Through," in + Guerrilla Parlance.--How it is Accomplished.--Courtesy to + Guests.--A Holiday Costume.--Lessees Abandoning their + Plantations.--Official Promises.</p> + + <p>As soon as satisfied we were not followed we took a + leisurely pace, and in due time reached Natchez. Four hours + later we received the first bulletin from the plantation. About + thirty guerrillas had been there, mainly for the purpose of + despoiling the plantation next above ours. This they had + accomplished by driving off all the mules. They had not stolen + <i>our</i> mules, simply because they found as much cloth and + other desirable property as they wished to take on that + occasion. Besides, our neighbor's mules made as large a drove + as they could manage. They promised to come again, and we + believed they would keep their word. We ascertained that my + strategy with the whisky saved us from pursuit.</p> + + <p>On the next day a messenger arrived, saying all was quiet at + the plantation. On the second day, as every thing continued + undisturbed, I concluded to return. Colburn had gone to + Vicksburg, and left me to look after our affairs as I thought + best. We had discussed the propriety of hiring a white overseer + to stay on the plantation during our absence. The prospect of + visits from guerrillas convinced us that <i>we</i> should not + spend much of our time within their reach. We preferred paying + some one to risk his life rather than to risk our own lives. + The prospect of getting through the season without serious + interruption had become very poor, but we desired to cling to + the experiment a little longer. Once having undertaken it, we + were determined not to give it up hastily.</p> + + <p>I engaged a white man as overseer, and took him with me to + the plantation. The negroes had been temporarily alarmed at the + visit of the guerrillas, but, as they were not personally + disturbed, their excitement was soon allayed. I found them + anxiously waiting my return, and ready to recommence labor on + the following day.</p> + + <p>The ravages of the guerrillas on that occasion were not + extensive. They carried off a few bolts of cloth and some + smaller articles, after drinking the whisky I had set out for + their entertainment. The negroes had carefully concealed the + balance of the goods in places where a white man would have + much trouble in finding them. In the garden there was a row of + bee-hives, whose occupants manifested much dislike for all + white men, irrespective of their political sentiments. Two + unused hives were filled with the most valuable articles on our + invoice, and placed at the ends of this row. In a clump of + weeds under the bench on which the hives stood, the negroes + secreted several rolls of cloth and a quantity of shoes. More + shoes and more cloth were concealed in a hen-house, under a + series of nests where several innocent hens were "sitting." + Crockery was placed among the rose-bushes and tomato-vines in + the garden; barrels of sugar were piled with empty barrels of + great age; and two barrels of molasses had been neatly buried + in a freshly-ploughed potato-field. Obscure corners in stables + and sheds were turned into hiding-places, and the cunning of + the negro was well evinced by the successful concealment of + many bulky articles.</p> + + <p>It was about two o'clock in the afternoon when I arrived at + the plantation. I immediately recommenced the issue of goods, + which was suspended so hastily three days before. From two + o'clock until dark the overseer and myself were busily engaged, + and distributed about two-thirds of our remaining stock. Night + came. We suspended the distribution and indulged in supper. + After giving the overseer directions for the morrow, I + recollected an invitation to spend the night at the house of a + friend, three miles away, on the road to Natchez.</p> + + <p>I ordered my horse, and in a few moments the animal was + ready, at the door. I told the overseer where I was going, and + bade him good-night.</p> + + <p>"Where are you going, Mr. K----?" said the negro who had + brought out the horse, as he delivered the bridle into my + hands.</p> + + <p>"If any one calls to see me," said I, "you can say I have + gone to Natchez."</p> + + <p>With that I touched a spur to my horse and darted off + rapidly toward my friend's house. A half-dozen negroes had + gathered to assist in saddling and holding the horse. As I + sprang into the saddle I heard one of them say:</p> + + <p>"I don't see why Mr. K---- starts off to Natchez at this + time of night."</p> + + <p>Another negro explained the matter, but I did not hear the + explanation. If he gave a satisfactory reason, I think he did + better than I could have done.</p> + + <p>Immediately after my departure the overseer went to bed. He + had been in bed about fifteen minutes when he heard a trampling + of horses' feet around the house. A moment later there was a + loud call for the door to be opened. Before the overseer could + comply with the request, the door was broken in. A dozen men + crowded into the house, demanding that a light be struck + instantly. As the match gave its first flash of light, one of + the visitors said:</p> + + <p>"Well, K----, we've got you this time."</p> + + <p>"That," said another, "is no K----; that is Walter Owen, who + used to be overseer on Stewart's plantation."</p> + + <p>"What are you doing here?" demanded another.</p> + + <p>Mr. Owen, trembling in his night-clothes, replied that he + had been engaged to stay there as overseer.</p> + + <p>"Where is K----, and where is Colburn?"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Colburn hasn't been here since last Monday. Mr. K---- + has gone to Natchez."</p> + + <p>"That's a ---- lie," said one of the guerrillas. "We know he + came here at two o'clock this afternoon, and was here at dark. + He is somewhere around this house."</p> + + <p>In vain did Owen protest I was not there. Every room and + every closet in the house was searched. A pile of bagging in a + garret was overhauled, in the expectation that I was concealed + within it. Even the chimneys were not neglected, though I doubt + if the smallest of professional sweeps could pass through them. + One of the guerrillas opened a piano, to see if I had not taken + refuge under its cover. They looked into all possible and + impossible nooks and corners, in the hope of finding me + somewhere. At last they gave up the search, and contented + themselves with promising to catch both Colburn and myself + before long.</p> + + <p>"We want to go through those d--d Abolitionists, and we will + do it, too. They may dodge us for a while, but we will have + them by-and-by."</p> + + <p>Not being privileged to "go through" me as they had + anticipated, the gentlemanly guerrillas went through the + overseer. They took his money, his hat, his pantaloons, and his + saddle. His horse was standing in the stable, and they took + that also. They found four of our mules, and appropriated them + to their own use. They frightened one of the negroes into + telling where certain articles were concealed, and were thus + enabled to carry off a goodly amount of plunder. They + threatened Mr. Owen with the severest punishment, if he + remained any longer on the plantation. They possessed + themselves of a "protection" paper which Mrs. B. had received + from the commander at Natchez several months before, and were + half inclined to burn her buildings as a punishment for having + sought the favor of the Yankees. Their stay was of only an + hour's duration.</p> + + <p>From our plantation the robbers went to the one next above, + where they were more fortunate in finding the lessees at home. + They surrounded the house in the same manner they had + surrounded ours, and then burst open the doors. The lessees + were plundered of every thing in the shape of money, watches, + and knives, and were forced to exchange hats and coats with + their captors. One of the guerrillas observed an ivory-headed + pencil, which he appropriated to his own use, with the + remark:</p> + + <p>"They don't make these things back here in the woods. When + they do, I will send this one back."</p> + + <p>These lessees were entertaining some friends on that + evening, and begged the guerrillas to show them some + distinction.</p> + + <p>"D--n your friends," said the guerrilla leader; "I suppose + they are Yankees?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, they are; we should claim friendship with nobody + else."</p> + + <p>"Then we want to see what they have, and go through them if + it is worth the while."</p> + + <p>The strangers were unceremoniously searched. Their united + contributions to the guerrilla treasury were two watches, two + revolvers, three hundred dollars in money, and their hats and + overcoats. Their horses and saddles were also taken. In + consideration of their being guests of the house, these + gentlemen were allowed to retain their coats. They were + presented with five dollars each, to pay their expenses to + Natchez. No such courtesy was shown to the lessees of the + plantation.</p> + + <p>On the following morning, I was awakened at an early hour by + the arrival of a negro from our plantation, with news of the + raid. A little later, Mr. Owen made his appearance, wearing + pantaloons and hat that belonged to one of the negroes. The + pantaloons were too small and the hat too large; both had long + before seen their best days. He was riding a mule, on which was + tied an old saddle, whose cohesive powers were very doubtful. I + listened to the story of the raid, and was convinced another + visit would be made very soon. I gave directions for the + overseer to gather all the remaining mules and take them to + Natchez for safety.</p> + + <p>I stopped with my friend until nearly noon, and then + accompanied him to Natchez. On the next morning, I learned that + the guerrillas returned to our plantation while I was at my + friend's house. They carried away what they were unable to take + on the previous night They needed a wagon for purposes of + transportation, and took one of ours, and with it all the mules + they could find. Our house was stripped of every thing of any + value, and I hoped the guerrillas would have no occasion to + make subsequent visits. Several of our mules were saved by + running them into the woods adjoining the plantation. These + were taken to Natchez, and, for a time, all work on the + prospective cotton crop came to an end.</p> + + <p>For nearly three weeks, the guerrillas had full and free + range in the vicinity of the leased plantations. One after + another of the lessees were driven to seek refuge at Natchez, + and their work was entirely suspended. The only plantations + undisturbed were those within a mile or two of Vidalia. As the + son of Adjutant-General Thomas was interested in one of these + plantations, and intimate friends of that official were + concerned in others, it was proper that they should be well + protected. The troops at Vidalia were kept constantly on the + look-out to prevent raids on these favored localities.</p> + + <p>Nearly every day I heard of a fresh raid in our + neighborhood, though, after the first half-dozen visits, I + could not learn that the guerrillas carried away any thing, for + the simple reason there was nothing left to steal. Some of the + negroes remained at home, while others fled to the military + posts for protection. The robbers showed no disposition to + maltreat the negroes, and repeatedly assured them they should + not be disturbed as long as they remained on the plantations + and planted nothing but corn. It was declared that cotton + should not be cultivated under any circumstances, and the + negroes were threatened with the severest punishment if they + assisted in planting that article.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c40" id="c40"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XL.</h4> + + <h5>PECULIARITIES OF PLANTATION LABOR.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Resuming Operation.--Difficulties in the Way.--A + New Method of Healing the Sick.--A Thief Discovered by his + Ignorance of Arithmetic.--How Cotton is Planted.--The Uses of + Cotton-Seed.--A Novel Sleeping-Room.--Constructing a + Tunnel.--Vigilance of a Negro Sentinel.</p> + + <p>On the 24th of March a small post was established at + Waterproof, and on the following day we recommenced our + enterprise at the plantation. We were much crippled, as nearly + all our mules were gone, and the work of replacing them could + not be done in a day. The market at Natchez was not supplied + with mules, and we were forced to depend upon the region around + us. Three days after the establishment of the post we were able + to start a half-dozen plows, and within two weeks we had our + original force in the field. The negroes that had left during + the raid, returned to us. Under the superintendence of our + overseer the work was rapidly pushed. Richmond was back again + on our smaller plantation, whence he had fled during the + disturbances, and was displaying an energy worthy of the + highest admiration.</p> + + <p>Our gangs were out in full force. There was the trash-gang + clearing the ground for the plows, and the plow-gang busy at + its appropriate work. The corn-gang, with two ox-teams, was + gathering corn at the rate of a hundred bushels daily, and the + fence-gang was patting the fences in order. The shelling-gang + (composed of the oldest men and women) was husking and shelling + corn, and putting it in sacks for market. The gardener, the + stock-tenders, the dairy-maids, nurserymaids, hog-minders, and + stable-keepers were all in their places, and we began to forget + our recent troubles in the apparent prospect of success.</p> + + <p>One difficulty of the new system presented itself. Several + of the negroes began to feign sickness, and cheat the overseer + whenever it could be done with impunity. It is a part of the + overseer's duty to go through the quarters every morning, + examine such as claim to be sick, determine whether their + sickness be real or pretended, and make the appropriate + prescriptions. Under the old system the pretenders were treated + to a liberal application of the lash, which generally drove + away all fancied ills. Sometimes, one who was really unwell, + was most unmercifully flogged by the overseer, and death not + unfrequently ensued from this cause.</p> + + <p>As there was now no fear of the lash, some of the + lazily-inclined negroes would feign sickness, and thus be + excused from the field. The trouble was not general, but + sufficiently prevalent to be annoying. We saw that some course + must be devised to overcome this evil, and keep in the field + all who were really able to be there.</p> + + <p>We procured some printed tickets, which the overseer was to + issue at the close of each day. There were three colors--red, + yellow, and white. The first were for a full day's work, the + second for a half day, and the last for a quarter day. On the + face of each was the following:--</p> + + <p>AQUASCO & MONONO<br /> + PLANTATIONS.<br /> + 1864.</p> + + <p>These tickets were given each day to such as deserved them. + They were collected every Saturday, and proper credit given for + the amount of labor performed during the week. The effect was + magical. The day after the adoption of our ticket system our + number of sick was reduced one-half, and we had no further + trouble with pretended patients. Colburn and myself, in our new + character of "doctors," found our practice greatly diminished + in consequence of our innovations. Occasionally it would happen + that one who was not really able to work, would go to the field + through a fear of diminished wages.</p> + + <p>One Saturday night, a negro whom we had suspected of + thievish propensities, presented eight full-day tickets as the + representative of his week's work.</p> + + <p>"Did you earn all these this week?" I asked.</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir," was the reply; "Mr. Owen gave them to me. I + worked every day, straight along."</p> + + <p>"Can you tell me on which days he gave you each ticket?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. I knows every one of them," said the negro, his + countenance expressing full belief in his ability to locate + each ticket.</p> + + <p>As I held the tickets in my hand, the negro picked them out. + "Mr. Owen gave me this one Monday, this one Tuesday," and so + on, toward the end of the week. As he reached Friday, and saw + three tickets remaining, when there was only another day to be + accounted for, his face suddenly fell. I pretended not to + notice his embarrassment.</p> + + <p>"Which one did he give you to-day?"</p> + + <p>There was a stammer, a hesitation, a slight attempt to + explain, and then the truth came out. He had stolen the extra + tickets from two fellow-laborers only a few minutes before, and + had not reflected upon the difficulties of the situation. I + gave him some good advice, required him to restore the stolen + tickets, and promise he would not steal any more. I think he + kept the promise during the remainder of his stay on the + plantation, but am by no means certain.</p> + + <p>Every day, when the weather was favorable, our work was + pushed. Every mule that could be found was put at once into + service, and by the 15th of April we had upward of five hundred + acres plowed and ready for planting. We had planted about + eighty acres of corn during the first week of April, and + arranged to commence planting cotton on Monday, the 18th of the + month. On the Saturday previous, the overseer on each + plantation organized his planting-gangs, and placed every thing + in readiness for active work.</p> + + <p>The ground, when plowed for cotton, is thrown into a series + of ridges by a process technically known as "four-furrowing." + Two furrows are turned in one direction and two in another, + thus making a ridge four or five feet wide. Along the top of + this ridge a "planter," or "bull-tongue," is drawn by a single + mule, making a channel two or three inches in depth. A person + carrying a bag of cotton seed follows the planter and scatters + the seed into the channel. A small harrow follows, covering the + seed, and the work of planting is complete.</p> + + <p>A planting-gang consists of drivers for the planters, + drivers for the harrows, persons who scatter the seed, and + attendants to supply them with seed. The seed is drawn from the + gin-house to the field in ox-wagons, and distributed in + convenient piles of ten or twenty bushels each.</p> + + <p>Cotton-seed has never been considered of any appreciable + value, and consequently the negroes are very wasteful in using + it. In sowing it in the field, they scatter at least twenty + times as much as necessary, and all advice to use less is + unheeded. It is estimated that there are forty bushels of seed + to every bale of cotton produced. A plantation that sends a + thousand bales of cotton to market will thus have forty + thousand bushels of seed, for which there was formerly no + sale.</p> + + <p>With the most lavish use of the article, there was generally + a surplus at the end of the year. Cattle and sheep will eat + cotton-seed, though not in large quantities. Boiled cotton-seed + is fed to hogs on all plantations, but it is far behind corn in + nutritious and fattening qualities. Cotton-seed is packed + around the roots of small trees, where it is necessary to give + them warmth or furnish a rich soil for their growth. To some + extent it is used as fuel for steam-engines, on places where + the machinery is run by steam. When the war deprived the + Southern cities of a supply of coal for their gasworks, many of + them found cotton seed a very good substitute. Oil can be + extracted from it in large quantities. For several years, the + Cotton-Seed Oil Works of Memphis carried on an extensive + business. Notwithstanding the many uses to which cotton-seed + can be applied, its great abundance makes it of little + value.</p> + + <p>The planting-gang which we started on that Monday morning, + consisted of five planters and an equal number of harrows, + sowers, etc. Each planter passed over about six acres daily, so + that every day gave us thirty acres of our prospective cotton + crop. At the end of the week we estimated we had about a + hundred and seventy acres planted. On the following week we + increased the number of planters, but soon reduced them, as we + found we should overtake the plows earlier than we desired. By + the evening of Monday, May 2d, we had planted upward of four + hundred acres. A portion of it was pushing out of the ground, + and giving promise of rapid growth.</p> + + <p>During this period the business was under the direct + superintendence of our overseers, Mr. Owen being responsible + for the larger plantation, and Richmond for the smaller. Every + day they were visited by Colburn or myself--sometimes by both + of us--and received directions for the general management, + which they carried out in detail. Knowing the habits of the + guerrillas, we did not think it prudent to sleep in our house + at the plantation. Those individuals were liable to announce + their presence at any hour of the night, by quietly surrounding + the house and requesting its inmates to make their + appearance.</p> + + <p>When I spent the night at the plantation, I generally slept + on a pile of cotton-seed, in an out-building to which I had + secretly conveyed a pair of blankets and a flour-bag. This bag, + filled with seed, served as my pillow, and though my bed lacked + the elasticity of a spring mattress, it was really quite + comfortable. My sleeping-place was at the foot of a huge pile + of seed, containing many hundred bushels. One night I amused + myself by making a tunnel into this pile in much the same way + as a squirrel digs into a hillside. With a minute's warning I + could have "hunted my hole," taking my blankets with me. By + filling the entrance with seed, I could have escaped any + ordinary search of the building. I never had occasion to use my + tunnel.</p> + + <p>Generally, however, we staid in Waterproof, leaving there + early in the morning, taking breakfast at the upper plantation, + inspecting the work on both plantations, and, after dinner, + returning to Waterproof. We could obtain a better dinner at the + plantation than Waterproof was able to furnish us. Strawberries + held out until late in the season, and we had, at all times, + chickens, eggs, and milk in abundance. Whenever we desired + roast lamb, our purveyor caused a good selection to be made + from our flock. Fresh pork was much too abundant for our + tastes, and we astonished the negroes and all other natives of + that region, by our seemingly Jewish propensities. Pork and + corn-bread are the great staples of life in that hot climate, + where one would naturally look for lighter articles of + food.</p> + + <p>Once I was detained on the plantation till after dark. As I + rode toward Waterproof, expecting the negro sentinel to + challenge and halt me, I was suddenly brought to a stand by the + whistling of a bullet close to my ear, followed by several + others at wider range.</p> + + <p>"Who comes there?"</p> + + <p>"A friend, with the countersign."</p> + + <p>"If that's so, come in. We thought you was the Rebels."</p> + + <p>As I reached the picket, the corporal of the guard explained + that they were on duty for the first time, and did not well + understand their business. I agreed with him fully on the + latter point. To fire upon a solitary horseman, advancing at a + walk, and challenge him afterward, was something that will + appear ridiculous in the eyes of all soldiers. The corporal and + all his men promised to do better next time, and begged me not + to report them at head-quarters. When I reached the center of + the town, I found the garrison had been alarmed at the picket + firing, and was turning out to repel the enemy. On my assurance + that I was the "enemy," the order to fall into line of battle + was countermanded.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c41" id="c41"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XLI.</h4> + + <h5>THE NEGROES AT A MILITARY POST.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Soldiers at Waterproof.--The Black Man in + Blue.--Mutiny and Desertion.--Their Cause and Cure.--Tendering + a Resignation.--No Desire for a Barber.--Seeking + Protection.--Falsehood and Truth.--Proneness to + Exaggeration.--Amusing Estimates.</p> + + <p>The soldiers forming the garrison at Waterproof, at that + time, were from a regiment raised by Colonel Eaton, + superintendent of contrabands at Vicksburg. They were recruited + in the vicinity of Vicksburg and Milliken's Bend, especially + for local defense. They made, as the negro everywhere has made, + excellent material for the army. Easily subordinate, prompt, + reliable, and keenly alert when on duty (as their shooting at + me will evince), they completely gave the lie to the Rebel + assertion that the negro would prove worthless under arms.</p> + + <p>On one point only were they inclined to be mutinous. Their + home ties were very strong, and their affection for their wives + and children could not be overcome at once. It appeared that + when this regiment was organized it was expected to remain at + Milliken's Bend, where the families of nearly all the men were + gathered. The order transferring them to Waterproof was + unlooked for, and the men made some complaint. This was soon + silenced, but after the regiment had been there three or four + weeks, a half-dozen of the men went out of the lines one night, + and started to walk to Milliken's Bend. They were brought back, + and, after several days in the guardhouse, returned to duty. + Others followed their example in attempting to go home, and for + a while the camp was in a disturbed condition. Desertions were + of daily occurrence.</p> + + <p>It was difficult to make them understand they were doing + wrong. The army regulations and the intricacies of military law + were unknown to them. They had never studied any of General + Halleck's translations from the French, and, had they done so, + I doubt if they would have been much enlightened. None of them + knew what "desertion" meant, nor the duties of a soldier to + adhere to his flag at all times. All intended to return to the + post after making a brief visit to their families. Most of them + would request their comrades to notify their captains that they + would only be absent a short time. Two, who succeeded in + eluding pursuit, made their appearance one morning as if + nothing had happened, and assured their officers that others + would shortly be back again. Gradually they came to understand + the wickedness of desertion, or absence without leave, but this + comprehension of their obligations was not easily acquired.</p> + + <p>A captain, commanding a company at Waterproof, told me an + amusing story of a soldier "handing in his resignation." As the + captain was sitting in front of his quarters, one of his men + approached him, carrying his musket and all his accoutrements. + Without a word the man laid his entire outfit upon the ground, + in front of the captain, and then turned to walk away.</p> + + <p>"Come back here," said the officer; "what do you mean by + this?"</p> + + <p>"I'se tired of staying here, and I'se going home," was the + negro's answer, and he again attempted to move off.</p> + + <p>"Come back here and pick these things up," and the captain + spoke in a tone that convinced the negro he would do well to + obey.</p> + + <p>The negro told his story. He was weary of the war; he had + been four weeks a soldier; he wanted to see his family, and had + concluded to go home. If the captain desired it, he, would come + back in a little while, but he was going home then, "<i>any + how</i>."</p> + + <p>The officer possessed an amiable disposition, and explained + to the soldier the nature of military discipline. The latter + was soon convinced he had done wrong, and returned without a + murmur to his duty. Does any soldier, who reads this, imagine + himself tendering his resignation in the above manner with any + prospect of its acceptance?</p> + + <p>When the first regiment of colored volunteers was organized + in Kansas, it was mainly composed of negroes who had escaped + from slavery in Missouri. They were easily disciplined save + upon a single point, and on this they were very obstinate. Many + of the negroes in Missouri, as in other parts of the South, + wear their hair, or wool, in little knots or braids. They + refused to submit to a close shearing, and threatened to return + to their masters rather than comply with the regulation. Some + actually left the camp and went home. The officers finally + carried their point by inducing some free negroes in + Leavenworth, whose heads were adorned with the "fighting cut," + to visit the camp and tell the obstinate ones that long locks + were a badge of servitude.</p> + + <p>The negroes on our plantation, as well as elsewhere, had a + strong desire to go to Waterproof to see the soldiers. Every + Sunday they were permitted to go there to attend church, the + service being conducted by one of their own color. They greatly + regretted that the soldiers did not parade on that day, as they + missed their opportunities for witnessing military drills. To + the negroes from plantations in the hands of disloyal owners, + the military posts were a great attraction, and they would + suffer all privations rather than return home. Some of them + declared they would not go outside the lines under any + consideration. We needed more assistance on our plantation, but + it was next to impossible to induce negroes to go there after + they found shelter at the military posts. Dread of danger and + fondness for their new life were their reasons for remaining + inside the lines. A portion were entirely idle, but there were + many who adopted various modes of earning their + subsistence.</p> + + <p>At Natchez, Vicksburg, and other points, dealers in fruit, + coffee, lemonade, and similar articles, could be found in + abundance. There were dozens of places where washing was taken + in, though it was not always well done. Wood-sawing, + house-cleaning, or any other kind of work requiring strength, + always found some one ready to perform it. Many of those who + found employment supported themselves, while those who could + not or would not find it, lived at the expense of Government. + The latter class was greatly in the majority.</p> + + <p>I have elsewhere inserted the instructions which are printed + in every "Plantation Record," for the guidance of overseers in + the olden time. "Never trust a negro," is the maxim given by + the writer of those instructions. I was frequently cautioned + not to believe any statements made by negroes. They were + charged with being habitual liars, and entitled to no credence + whatever. Mrs. B. constantly assured me the negroes were great + liars, and I must not believe them. This assurance would be + generally given when I cited them in support of any thing she + did not desire to approve. <i>Per contrâ</i>, she had no + hesitation in referring to the negroes to support any of her + statements which their testimony would strengthen. This was not + altogether feminine weakness, as I knew several instances in + which white persons of the sterner sex made reference to the + testimony of slaves. The majority of Southern men refuse to + believe them on all occasions; but there are many who refer to + them if their statements are advantageous, yet declare them + utterly unworthy of credence when the case is reversed.</p> + + <p>I have met many negroes who could tell falsehoods much + easier than they could tell the truth. I have met others who + saw no material difference between truth and its opposite; and + I have met many whose statements could be fully relied upon. + During his whole life, from the very nature of the + circumstances which, surround him, the slave is trained in + deception. If he did not learn to lie it would be exceedingly + strange. It is my belief that the negroes are as truthful as + could be expected from their education. White persons, under + similar experience and training, would not be good examples for + the young to imitate. The negroes tell many lies, but all + negroes are not liars. Many white persons tell the truth, but I + have met, in the course of my life, several men, of the + Caucasian race, who never told the truth unless by + accident.</p> + + <p>I found in the plantation negroes a proneness to + exaggeration, in cases where their fears or desires were + concerned. One day, a negro from the back country came riding + rapidly to our plantation, declaring that the woods, a mile + distant, were "full of Rebels," and asking where the Yankee + soldiers were. I questioned him for some time. When his fears + were quieted, I ascertained that he had seen three mounted men, + an hour before, but did not know what they were, or whether + armed or not.</p> + + <p>When I took the plantations, Mrs. B. told me there were + twenty bales of cotton already picked; the negroes had told her + so. When I surveyed the place on the first day of my + occupation, the negroes called my attention to the picked + cotton, of which they thought there were twenty or twenty-five + bales. With my little experience in cotton, I felt certain + there would be not more than seven bales of that lot. When it + was passed through the gin and pressed, there were but five + bales.</p> + + <p>We wished to plant about fifty acres of corn on the larger + plantation. There was a triangular patch in one corner that we + estimated to contain thirty acres. The foreman of the + plow-gang, who had lived twenty years on the place, thought + there were about sixty acres. He was surprised when we found, + by actual measurement, that the patch contained twenty-eight + acres. Another spot, which he thought contained twenty acres, + measured less than ten. Doubtless the man's judgment had been + rarely called for, and its exercise, to any extent, was + decidedly a new sensation.</p> + + <p>Any thing to which the negroes were unaccustomed became the + subject of amusing calculations. The "hog-minder" could + estimate with considerable accuracy the weight of a hog, either + live or dressed. When I asked him how much he supposed his own + weight to be, he was entirely lost. On my demanding an answer, + he thought it might be three hundred pounds. A hundred and + sixty would not have been far from the real figure.</p> + + <p>Incorrect judgment is just as prevalent among ignorant + whites as among negroes, though with the latter there is + generally a tendency to overestimate. Where negroes make wrong + estimates, in three cases out of four they will be found + excessive. With whites the variation will be diminutive as + often as excessive. In judging of numbers of men, a column of + troops, for example, both races are liable to exaggerate, the + negro generally going beyond the pale-face. Fifty mounted men + may ride past a plantation. The white inhabitants will tell you + a hundred soldiers have gone by, while the negroes will think + there were two or three hundred.</p> + + <p>I was often surprised at the ability of the negroes to tell + the names of the steamboats plying on the river. None of the + negroes could read, but many of them would designate the + different boats with great accuracy. They recognized the + steamers as they would recognize the various trees of the + forest. When a new boat made its appearance they inquired its + name, and forgot it very rarely.</p> + + <p>On one occasion a steamer came in sight, on her way up the + river. Before she was near enough for me to make out the name + on her side, one of the negroes declared it was the <i>Laurel + Hill</i>. His statement proved correct. It was worthy of note + that the boat had not passed that point for nearly a year + previous to that day.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c42" id="c42"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XLII.</h4> + + <h5>THE END OF THE EXPERIMENT.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Nature of our "Protection."--Trade Following + the Flag.--A Fortunate Journey.--Our Last Visit.--Inhumanity of + the Guerrillas.--Driving Negroes into Captivity.--Killing an + Overseer.--Our Final Departure.--Plantations Elsewhere.</p> + + <p>We did not look upon the post at Waterproof as a sure + protection. There was no cavalry to make the promised patrol + between Waterproof and the post next below it, or to hunt down + any guerrillas that might come near. A few of the soldiers were + mounted on mules and horses taken from the vicinity, but they + were not effective for rapid movements. It was understood, and + semi-officially announced, that the post was established for + the protection of Government plantations. The commandant + assured me he had no orders to that effect. He was placed there + to defend the post, and nothing else. We were welcome to any + protection his presence afforded, but he could not go outside + the limits of the town to make any effort in our behalf.</p> + + <p>There was a store at Waterproof which was doing a business + of two thousand dollars daily. Every day the wives, brothers, + or sisters of men known to belong to the marauding bands in the + vicinity, would come to the town and make any purchases they + pleased, frequently paying for them in money which the + guerrillas had stolen. A gentleman, who was an intimate friend + of General Thomas, was one of the proprietors of this store, + and a son of that officer was currently reported to hold an + interest in it. After a time the ownership was transferred to a + single cotton speculator, but the trading went on without + hinderance. This speculator told me the guerrilla leader had + sent him a verbal promise that the post should not be disturbed + or menaced so long as the store remained there. Similar scenes + were enacted at nearly all the posts established for the + "protection" of leased plantations. Trading stores were in full + operation, and the amount of goods that reached the Rebels and + their friends was enormous.</p> + + <p>I have little doubt that this course served to prolong the + resistance to our arms along the Mississippi River. If we had + stopped all commercial intercourse with the inhabitants, we + should have removed the inducement for Rebel troops to remain + in our vicinity. As matters were managed, they kept close to + our lines at all the military posts between Cairo and Baton + Rouge, sometimes remaining respectfully quiet, and at others + making occasional raids within a thousand yards of our + pickets.</p> + + <p>The absence of cavalry, and there being no prospect that any + would arrive, led us to believe that we could not long remain + unmolested. We were "in for it," however, and continued to plow + and plant, trusting to good fortune in getting safely through. + Our misfortune came at last, and brought our free-labor + enterprise to an untimely end.</p> + + <p>As I stated in the previous chapter, Colburn and myself made + daily visits to the plantation, remaining there for dinner, and + returning to Waterproof in the afternoon. On Monday, May 2d, we + made our usual visit, and returned to the post. A steamer + touched there, on its way to Natchez, just after our return, + and we accepted the invitation of her captain to go to that + place. Our journey to Natchez was purely from impulse, and + without any real or ostensible business to call us away. It + proved, personally, a very fortunate journey.</p> + + <p>On Tuesday evening, a neighbor of ours reached Natchez, + bringing news that the guerrillas had visited our plantation on + that day. I hastened to Waterproof by the first boat, and found + our worst fears were realized.</p> + + <p>Thirty guerrillas had surrounded our house at the hour we + were ordinarily at dinner. They called our names, and commanded + us to come out and be shot. The house was empty, and as there + was no compliance with the request, a half-dozen of the party, + pistols in hand, searched the building, swearing they would + kill us on the spot. Had we been there, I have no doubt the + threat would have been carried out.</p> + + <p>Failing to find us, they turned their attention to other + matters. They caught our overseer as he was attempting to + escape toward Waterproof. He was tied upon his horse, and + guarded until the party was ready to move. The teams were + plowing in the field at the time the robbers made their + appearance. Some of the negroes unloosed the mules from the + plows, mounted them, and fled to Waterproof. Others, who were + slow in their movements, were captured with the animals. Such + of the negroes as were not captured at once, fled to the woods + or concealed themselves about the buildings.</p> + + <p>Many of the negroes on the plantation were personally known + to some of the guerrillas. In most cases these negroes were not + disturbed. Others were gathered in front of the house, where + they were drawn up in line and securely tied. Some of them were + compelled to mount the captured mules and ride between their + captors.</p> + + <p>Several children were thrown upon the mules, or taken by the + guerrillas on their own horses, where they were firmly held. No + attention was paid to the cries of the children or the + pleadings of their mothers. Some of the latter followed their + children, as the guerrillas had, doubtless, expected. In + others, the maternal instinct was less than the dread of + captivity. Among those taken was an infant, little more than + eight months old.</p> + + <p>Delaying but a few moments, the captors and the captives + moved away. Nineteen of our negroes were carried off, of whom + ten were children under eleven years of age. Of the nineteen, + five managed to make their escape within a few miles, and + returned home during the night. One woman, sixty-five years + old, who had not for a long time been able to do any work, was + among those driven off. She fell exhausted before walking three + miles, and was beaten by the guerrillas until she lay senseless + by the roadside. It was not for several hours that she + recovered sufficiently to return to the plantation and tell the + story of barbarity.</p> + + <p>From a plantation adjoining ours, thirty negroes were + carried away at the same time. Of these, a half-dozen escaped + and returned. The balance, joined to the party from our own + plantation, formed a mournful procession. I heard of them at + many points, from residents of the vicinity. These persons + would not admit that the guerrillas were treating the negroes + cruelly. Those who escaped had a frightful story to tell. They + had been beaten most barbarously with whips, sticks, and + frequently with the butts of pistols; two or three were left + senseless by the roadside, and one old man had been shot, + because he was too much exhausted to go further. I learned, a + few days later, that the captured negroes were taken to + Winnsboro; a small town in the interior, and there sold to a + party of Texas traders.</p> + + <p>From our plantation the guerrillas stole twenty-four mules + at the time of their visit, and an equal number from our + neighbors. These were sold to the same party of traders that + purchased the negroes, and there was evidently as little + compunction at speculating in the one "property" as in the + other.</p> + + <p>Our overseer, Mr. Owen, had been bound upon his horse and + taken away. This I learned from the negroes remaining on the + plantation. I made diligent inquiries of parties who arrived + from the direction taken by the guerrillas, to ascertain, if + possible, where he had been carried. One person assured me, + positively, that he saw Mr. Owen, a prisoner, twenty miles + away. Mrs.</p> + + <p>Owen and five children were living at Waterproof, and, of + course, were much alarmed on hearing of his capture.</p> + + <p>It was on Thursday, two days after the raid, that I visited + the plantation. Our lower plantation had not been disturbed, + but many of the negroes were gone, and all work was suspended. + It was of no use to attempt to prosecute the planting + enterprise, and we immediately prepared to abandon the + locality. The remaining negroes were set at work to shell the + corn already gathered. As fast as shelled, it was taken to + Waterproof for shipment to market. The plows were left rusting + in the furrows, where they were standing at the moment the + guerrillas appeared. The heaps of cotton-seed and the + implements used by the planting-gang remained in <i>statu + quo</i>. The cotton we planted was growing finely. To leave + four hundred acres thus growing, and giving promise of a fine + harvest, was to throw away much labor, but there was no + alternative.</p> + + <p>On Saturday, four days after the raid, the corporal of a + scouting party came to our plantation and said the body of a + white man had been found in the woods a short distance away. I + rode with him to the spot he designated. The mystery concerning + the fate of our overseer was cleared up. The man was murdered + within a thousand yards of the house.</p> + + <p>From the main road leading past our plantation, a path + diverged into the forest. This path was taken by some of the + guerrillas in their retreat. Following it two hundred yards, + and then turning a short distance to the left, I found a small + cypress-tree, not more than thirty feet high. One limb of this + tree drooped as it left the trunk, and then turned upward. The + lowest part of the bend of this limb was not much higher than a + tall man's head.</p> + + <p>It was just such a tree, and just such a limb, as a party + bent on murder would select for hanging their victim. I + thought, and still think, that the guerrillas turned aside with + the design of using the rope as the instrument of death. Under + this tree lay the remains of our overseer. The body was fast + decomposing. A flock of buzzards was gathered around, and was + driven away with difficulty. They had already begun their work, + so that recognition under different circumstances would not + have been easy. The skull was detached from the body, and lay + with the face uppermost. A portion of the scalp adhered to it, + on which a gray lock was visible. A bit of gray beard was + clinging to the chin.</p> + + <p>In the centre of the forehead there was a perforation, + evidently made by a pistol-bullet. Death must have been + instantaneous, the pistol doing the work which the murderers + doubtless intended to accomplish by other means. The body had + been stripped of all clothing, save a single under-garment. + Within a dozen yards lay a pair of old shoes, and close by + their side a tattered and misshapen hat. The shoes and hat were + not those which our overseer had worn, but were evidently + discarded by the guerrillas when they appropriated the apparel + of their victim. I caused a grave to be dug, and the remains + placed in a rude coffin and buried. If a head-stone had been + obtainable, I would have given the locality a permanent + designation. The particulars of the murder we were never able + to ascertain.</p> + + <p>Three days later we abandoned the plantation. We paid the + negroes for the work they had done, and discharged them from + further service. Those that lived on the plantation previous to + our going there, generally remained, as the guerrillas had + assured them they would be unmolested if they cultivated no + cotton. A few of them went to Natchez, to live near their + "missus." Those whom we had hired from other localities + scattered in various directions. Some went to the Contraband + Home at Davis's Bend, others to the negro quarters at Natchez, + others to plantations near Vidalia, and a few returned to their + former homes. Our "family" of a hundred and sixty persons was + thus broken up.</p> + + <p>We removed the widow and children of our overseer to + Natchez, and purchased for them the stock and goodwill of a + boarding-house keeper. We sent a note to the leader of the + guerrilla band that manifested such a desire to "go through" + us, and informed him that we could be found in St. Louis or New + York. Before the end of May we passed Vicksburg on our Journey + Due North.</p> + + <p>Most of the plantations in the vicinity of Natchez, + Vicksburg, and Milliken's Bend were given up. Probably a dozen + lessees were killed, and the same number carried to Texas. Near + Vicksburg, the chivalric guerrillas captured two lessees, and + tortured them most barbarously before putting them to death. + They cut off the ears of one man, and broke his nose by a blow + from a club. Thus mutilated, he was compelled to walk three or + four miles. When he fell, fainting from loss of blood, he was + tied to a tree, and the privilege of shooting him was sold at + auction. They required his companion to witness these + brutalities. Whenever he turned away his eyes, his captors + pressed the point of a saber into his cheek. Finally, they + compelled him to take a spade and dig his own grave. When it + was finished, they stripped him of his clothing, and shot him + as he stood by the brink of the newly-opened trench.</p> + + <p>Blanchard and Robinson, two lessees near Natchez, both of + them residents of Boston, were murdered with nearly the same + fiendishness as exhibited in the preceding case. Their fate was + for some time unknown. It was at length ascertained from a + negro who was captured at the same time, but managed to escape. + That "slavery makes barbarians" would seem to be well + established by the conduct of these residents of Louisiana.</p> + + <p>In the vicinity of Baton Rouge and New Orleans there were + but few guerrillas, and the plantations generally escaped + undisturbed. In all localities the "army-worm" made its + appearance in July and August, and swept away almost the entire + crop. Many plantations that were expected to yield a thousand + bales did not yield a hundred, and some of them made less than + ten. The appearance of this destructive worm was very sudden. + On some plantations, where the cotton was growing finely and + without a trace of blight, the fields, three days later, + appeared as if swept by fire. There was consequently but little + cotton made during the season.</p> + + <p>The possibility of producing the great staples of the South + by free labor was fully established. Beyond this there was + little accomplished.</p> + + <p>My four months of cotton-planting was an experience I shall + never regret, though I have no desire to renew it under similar + circumstances. Agriculture is generally considered a peaceful + pursuit. To the best of my recollection I found it quite the + reverse.</p> + + <p>For the benefit of those who desire to know the process of + cotton culture, from the planting season to the picking season, + I give the following extract from an article written by Colonel + T. B. Thorpe, of Louisiana, several years ago. After describing + the process of preparing the ground and planting the seed, + Colonel Thorpe says:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>If the weather be favorable, the young plant is discovered + making its way through in six or ten days, and "the scraping" + of the crop, as it is termed, now begins. A light plow is + again called into requisition, which is run along the drill, + throwing the <i>earth away from the plant;</i> then come the + laborers with their hoes, who dexterously cut away the + superabundant shoots and the intruding weeds, and leave a + single cotton-plant in little hills, generally two feet + apart.</p> + + <p>Of all the labors of the field, the dexterity displayed by + the negroes in "scraping cotton" is most calculated to call + forth the admiration of the novice spectator. The hoe is a + rude instrument, however well made and handled; the young + cotton-plant is as delicate as vegetation can be, and springs + up in lines of solid masses, composed of hundreds of plants. + The field-hand, however, will single one delicate shoot from + the surrounding multitude, and with his rude hoe he will trim + away the remainder with all the boldness of touch of a + master, leaving the incipient stalk unharmed and alone in its + glory; and at nightfall you can look along the extending + rows, and find the plants correct in line, and of the + required distance of separation from each other.</p> + + <p>The planter, who can look over his field in early spring, + and find his cotton "cleanly scraped" and his "stand" good, + is fortunate; still, the vicissitudes attending the + cultivation of the crop have only commenced. Many rows, from + the operations of the "cut-worm," and from multitudinous + causes unknown, have to be replanted, and an unusually late + frost may destroy all his labors, and compel him to commence + again. But, if no untoward accident occurs, in two weeks + after the "scraping," another hoeing takes place, at which + time the plow throws the furrow <i>on to the roots</i> of the + now strengthening plant, and the increasing heat of the sun + also justifying the sinking of the roots deeper in the earth. + The pleasant month of May is now drawing to a close, and + vegetation of all kinds is struggling for precedence in the + fields. Grasses and weeds of every variety, with vines and + wild flowers, luxuriate in the newly-turned sod, and seem to + be determined to choke out of existence the useful and still + delicately-grown cotton.</p> + + <p>It is a season of unusual industry on the cotton + plantations, and woe to the planter who is outstripped in his + labors, and finds himself "overtaken by the grass." The plow + tears up the surplus vegetation, and the hoe tops it off in + its luxuriance. The race is a hard one, but industry + conquers; and when the third working-over of the crop takes + place, the cotton-plant, so much cherished and favored, + begins to overtop its rivals in the fields--begins to cast + <i>a chilling shade of superiority</i> over its now + intimidated groundlings, and commences to reign supreme.</p> + + <p>Through the month of July, the crop is wrought over for + the last time; the plant, heretofore of slow growth, now + makes rapid advances toward perfection. The plow and hoe are + still in requisition. The "water furrows" between the + cotton-rows are deepened, leaving the cotton growing as it + were upon à slight ridge; this accomplished, the crop + is prepared for the "rainy season," should it ensue, and so + far advanced that it is, under any circumstances, beyond the + control of art. Nature must now have its sway.</p> + + <p>The "cotton bloom," under the matured sun of July, begins + to make its appearance. The announcement of the "first + blossom" of the neighborhood is a matter of general interest; + it is the unfailing sign of the approach of the busy season + of fall; it is the evidence that soon the labor of man will, + under a kind Providence, receive its reward.</p> + + <p>It should perhaps here be remarked, that the color of + cotton in its perfection is precisely that of the blossom--a + beautiful light, but warm cream-color. In buying cotton + cloth, the "bleached" and "unbleached" are perceptibly + different qualities to the most casual observer; but the dark + hues and harsh look of the "unbleached domestic" comes from + the handling of the artisan and the soot of machinery. If + cotton, pure as it looks in the field, could be wrought into + fabrics, they would have a brilliancy and beauty never yet + accorded to any other material in its natural or artificial + state. There cannot be a doubt but that, in the robes of the + ancient royal Mexicans and Peruvians, this brilliant and + natural gloss of cotton was preserved, and hence the + surpassing value it possessed in the eyes of cavaliers + accustomed to the fabrics of the splendid court of Ferdinand + and Isabella.</p> + + <p>The cotton-blossom is exceedingly delicate in its + organization. It is, if in perfection, as we have stated, of + a beautiful cream-color. It unfolds in the night, remains in + its glory through the morn--at meridian it has begun to + decay. The day following its birth it has changed to a deep + red, and ere the sun goes down, its petals have fallen to the + earth, leaving inclosed in the capacious calyx a scarcely + perceptible germ. This germ, in its incipient and early + stages, is called "a form;" in its more perfected state, "a + boll."</p> + + <p>The cotton-plant, like the orange, has often on one stalk + every possible growth; and often, on the same limb, may + sometimes be seen the first-opened blossom, and the bolls, + from their first development as "forms," through every size, + until they have burst open and scattered their rich contents + to the ripening winds.</p> + + <p>The appearance of a well-cultivated cotton-field, if it + has escaped the ravages of insects and the destruction of the + elements, is of singular beauty. Although it may be a mile in + extent, still it is as carefully wrought as is the mold of + the limited garden of the coldest climate. The cotton-leaf is + of a delicate green, large and luxuriant; the stalk indicates + rapid growth, yet it has a healthy and firm look. Viewed from + a distance, the perfecting plant has a warm and glowing + expression. The size of the cotton-plant depends upon the + accident of climate and soil. The cotton of Tennessee bears + very little resemblance to the luxuriant growth of Alabama + and Georgia; but even in those favored States the + cotton-plant is not everywhere the same, for in the rich + bottom-lands it grows to a commanding size, while in the more + barren regions it is an humble shrub. In the rich alluvium of + the Mississippi the cotton will tower beyond the reach of the + tallest "picker," and a single plant will contain hundreds of + perfect "bolls;" in the neighboring "piney-woods" it lifts + its humble head scarcely above the knee, and is + proportionably meager in its produce of fruit.</p> + + <p>The growing cotton is particularly liable to accidents, + and suffers immensely in "wet seasons" from the "rust" and + "rot." The first named affects the leaves, giving them a + brown and deadened tinge, and frequently causes them to + crumble away. The "rot" attacks the "boll."</p> + + <p>It commences by a black spot on the rind, which, + increasing, seems to produce fermentation and decay. Worms + find their way to the roots; the caterpillar eats into the + "boll" and destroys the staple. It would be almost impossible + to enumerate all the evils the cotton-plant is heir to, all + of which, however, sink into nothingness compared with the + scourge of the "army-worm."</p> + + <p>The moth that indicates the advent of the army-worm has a + Quaker-like simplicity in its light, chocolate-colored body + and wings, and, from its harmless appearance, would never be + taken for the destroyer of vast fields of luxuriant and + useful vegetation.</p> + + <p>The little, and, at first, scarcely to be perceived + caterpillars that follow the appearance of these moths, can + absolutely be seen to grow and swell beneath your eyes as + they crawl from leaf to leaf. Day by day you can see the + vegetation of vast fields becoming thinner and thinner, while + the worm, constantly increasing in size, assumes at last an + unctuous appearance most disgusting to behold. Arrived at + maturity, a few hours only are necessary for these modern + locusts to eat up all living vegetation that comes in their + way. Leaving the localities of their birth, they will move + from place to place, spreading a desolation as consuming as + fire in their path.</p> + + <p>All efforts to arrest their progress or annihilate them + prove unavailing. They seem to spring out of the ground, and + fall from the clouds; and the more they are tormented and + destroyed, the more perceptible, seemingly, is their power. + We once witnessed the invasion of the army-worm, as it + attempted to pass from a desolated cotton-field to one + untouched. Between these fields was a wide ditch, which had + been deepened, to prove a barrier to the onward march of the + worm. Down the perpendicular sides of the trench the + caterpillars rolled in untold millions, until its bottom, for + nearly a mile in extent, was a foot or two deep in a living + mass of animal life. To an immense piece of unhewn timber was + attached a yoke of oxen, and, as this heavy log was drawn + through the ditch, it seemed absolutely to float on a crushed + mass of vegetable corruption. The following day, under the + heat of a tropical sun, the stench arising from this decaying + mass was perceptible the country round, giving a strange and + incomprehensible notion of the power and abundance of this + destroyer of the cotton crop.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The change that has been effected by the result of the + Rebellion, will not be confined to the social system alone. + With the end of slavery there will be a destruction of many + former applications of labor. Innovations have already been + made, and their number will increase under the management of + enterprising men.</p> + + <p>In Louisiana several planters were using a "drill" for + depositing the cotton-seed in the ground. The labor of planting + is reduced more than one-half, and that of "scraping" is much + diminished. The saving of seed is very great--the drill using + about a tenth of the amount required under the old system.</p> + + <p>One man is endeavoring to construct a machine that will pick + cotton from the stalks, and is confident he will succeed. + Should he do so, his patent will be of the greatest value. + Owners of plantations have recently offered a present of ten + thousand dollars to the first patentee of a successful machine + of this character.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c43" id="c43"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XLIII.</h4> + + <h5>THE MISSISSIPPI AND ITS PECULIARITIES.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Length of the Great River, and the Area it + Drains.--How Itasca Lake obtained its Name.--The Bends of the + Mississippi.--Curious Effect upon Titles to Real Estate.--A + Story of Napoleon.--A Steamboat Thirty-five Years under + Water.--The Current and its Variations.--Navigating Cotton and + Corn Fields.--Reminiscences of the Islands.</p> + + <p>As railways are to the East, so are the rivers to the West. + The Mississippi, with its tributaries, drains an immense + region, traversed in all directions by steamboats. From the + Gulf of Mexico one can travel, by water to the Rocky Mountains, + or to the Alleghanies, at pleasure. It is estimated there are + twenty thousand miles of navigable streams which find an outlet + past the city of New Orleans. The Mississippi Valley contains + nearly a million and a quarter square miles, and is one of the + most fertile regions on the globe.</p> + + <p>To a person born and reared in the East, the Mississippi + presents many striking features. Above its junction with the + Missouri, its water is clear and its banks are broken and + picturesque. After it joins the Missouri the scene changes. The + latter stream is of a chocolate hue, and its current is very + rapid. All its characteristics are imparted to the combined + stream. The Mississippi becomes a rapid, tortuous, seething + torrent. It loses its blue, transparent water, and takes the + complexion of the Missouri. Thus "it goes unvexed to the + sea."</p> + + <p>There is a story concerning the origin of the name given to + the source of the Mississippi, which I do not remember to have + seen in print. A certain lake, which had long been considered + the head of the Great River, was ascertained by an exploring + party to have no claim to that honor. A new and smaller lake + was discovered, in which the Mississippi took its rise. The + explorers wished to give it an appropriate name. An old + <i>voyageur</i> suggested that they make a name, by coining a + word.</p> + + <p>"Will some of you learned ones tell me," said he, "what is + the Latin word for <i>true</i>?"</p> + + <p>"<i>Veritas</i>," was the response.</p> + + <p>"Well, now, what is the Latin for <i>head</i>"</p> + + <p>"<i>Caput</i>, of course."</p> + + <p>"Now," suggested the <i>voyageur</i>, "write the two words + together, by syllables."</p> + + <p>A strip of birch bark was the tablet on which + "<i>ver-i-tas-ca-put</i>" was traced.</p> + + <p>"Read it out," was his next request.</p> + + <p>The five syllables were read.</p> + + <p>"Now, drop the first and last syllables, and you have a name + for this lake."</p> + + <p>In the Indian vernacular, "Mississippi" is said to signify + "Great Water." "Missouri," according to some authorities, is + the Indian for "Mud River," a most felicitous appellation. It + should properly belong to the entire river from St. Louis to + the Gulf, as that stream carries down many thousand tons of mud + every year. During the many centuries that the Mississippi has + been sweeping on its course, it has formed that long point of + land known as the Delta, and shallowed the water in the Gulf of + Mexico for more than two hundred miles.</p> + + <p>Flowing from north to south, the river passes through all + the varieties of climate. The furs from the Rocky Mountains and + the cereals of Wisconsin and Minnesota are carried on its bosom + to the great city which stands in the midst of orange groves + and inhales the fragrance of the magnolia. From January to June + the floods of its tributaries follow in regular succession, as + the opening spring loosens the snows that line their banks.</p> + + <p>The events of the war have made the Mississippi historic, + and familiarized the public with some of its peculiarities. Its + tortuosity is well known. The great bend opposite Vicksburg + will be long remembered by thousands who have never seen it. + This bend is eclipsed by many others. At "Terrapin Neck" the + river flows twenty-one miles, and gains only three hundred + yards. At "Raccourci Bend" was a peninsula twenty-eight miles + around and only half a mile across. Several years ago a + "cut-off" was made across this peninsula, for the purpose of + shortening the course of the river. A small ditch was cut, and + opened when the flood was highest.</p> + + <p>An old steamboat-man once told me that he passed the upper + end of this ditch just as the water was let in. Four hours + later, as he passed the lower end, an immense torrent was + rushing through the channel, and the tall trees were falling + like stalks of grain before a sickle.</p> + + <p>Within a week the new channel became the regular route for + steamboats.</p> + + <p>Similar "cut-offs" have been made at various points along + the river, some of them by artificial aid, and others entirely + by the action of the water. The channel of the Mississippi is + the dividing line of the States between which it flows, and the + action of the river often changes the location of real estate. + There is sometimes a material difference in the laws of States + that lie opposite each other. The transfer of property on + account of a change in the channel occasionally makes serious + work with titles.</p> + + <p>I once heard of a case where the heirs to an estate lost + their title, in consequence of the property being transferred + from Mississippi to Louisiana, by reason of the course of the + river being changed. In the former State they were heirs beyond + dispute. In the latter their claim vanished into thin air.</p> + + <p>Once, while passing up the Mississippi, above Cairo, a + fellow-passenger called my attention to a fine plantation, + situated on a peninsula in Missouri. The river, in its last + flood, had broken across the neck of the peninsula. It was + certain the next freshet would establish the channel in that + locality, thus throwing the plantation into Illinois. Unless + the negroes should be removed before this event they would + become free.</p> + + <p>"You see, sir," said my informant, "that this great river is + an Abolitionist."</p> + + <p>The alluvial soil through which the Mississippi runs easily + yields to the action of the fierce current. The land worn away + at one point is often deposited, in the form of a bar or tongue + of land, in the concave of the next bend. The area thus added + becomes the property of whoever owns the river front. Many a + man has seen his plantation steadily falling into the + Mississippi, year by year, while a plantation, a dozen miles + below, would annually find its area increased. Real estate on + the banks of the Mississippi, unless upon the bluffs, has no + absolute certainty of permanence. In several places, the river + now flows where there were fine plantations ten or twenty years + ago.</p> + + <p>Some of the towns along the Lower Mississippi are now, or + soon will be, towns no more. At Waterproof, Louisiana, nearly + the entire town-site, as originally laid out, has been washed + away. In the four months I was in its vicinity, more than forty + feet of its front disappeared. Eighteen hundred and seventy + will probably find Waterproof at the bottom of the Mississippi. + Napoleon, Arkansas, is following in the wake of Waterproof. If + the distance between them were not so great, their sands might + mingle. In view of the character Napoleon has long enjoyed, the + friends of morality will hardly regret its loss.</p> + + <p>The steamboat captains have a story that a quiet clergyman + from New England landed at Napoleon, one morning, and made his + way to the hotel. He found the proprietor superintending the + efforts of a negro, who was sweeping the bar-room floor. + Noticing several objects of a spherical form among the + <i>débris</i> of the bar-room, the stranger asked their + character.</p> + + <p>"Them round things? them's <i>eyes</i>. The boys amused + themselves a little last night. Reckon there's 'bout a pint-cup + full of eyes this mornin'. Sometimes we gets a quart or so, + when business is good."</p> + + <p>Curious people were those natives of Arkansas, ten or twenty + years ago. Schools were rare, and children grew up with little + or no education. If there was a "barbarous civilization" + anywhere in the United States, it was in Arkansas. In 1860, a + man was hung at Napoleon for reading <i>The Tribune</i>. It is + an open question whether the character of the paper or the + man's ability to read was the reason for inflicting the death + penalty.</p> + + <p>The current of the Mississippi causes islands to be + destroyed in some localities and formed in others. A large + object settling at the bottom of the stream creates an eddy, in + which the floating sand is deposited. Under favorable + circumstances an island will form in such an eddy, sometimes of + considerable extent.</p> + + <p>About the year 1820, a steamboat, laden with lead, was sunk + in mid-channel several miles below St. Louis. An island formed + over this steamer, and a growth of cotton-wood trees soon + covered it. These trees grew to a goodly size, and were cut for + fuel. The island was cleared, and for several successive years + produced fine crops of corn. About 1855, there was a change in + the channel of the river, and the island disappeared. After + much search the location of the sunken steamer was ascertained. + By means of a diving-bell, its cargo of lead, which had been + lying thirty-five years under earth and under water, was + brought to light. The entire cargo was raised, together with a + portion of the engines. The lead was uninjured, but the engines + were utterly worthless after their long burial.</p> + + <p>The numerous bends of the Mississippi are of service in + rendering the river navigable. If the channel were a straight + line from Cairo to New Orleans, the current would be so strong + that no boat could stem it. In several instances, where + "cut-offs" have been made, the current at their outlets is so + greatly increased that the opposite banks are washed away. New + bends are thus formed that may, in time, be as large as those + overcome. Distances have been shortened by "cut-offs," but the + Mississippi displays a decided unwillingness to have its length + curtailed.</p> + + <p>From St. Louis to the Red River the current of the + Mississippi is about three miles an hour. It does not flow in a + steady, unbroken volume. The surface is constantly ruffled by + eddies and little whirlpools, caused by the inequalities of the + bottom of the river, and the reflection of the current from the + opposite banks. As one gazes upon the stream, it half appears + as if heated by concealed fires, and ready to break into + violent ebullition. The less the depth, the greater the + disturbance of the current. So general is this rule, that the + pilots judge of the amount of water by the appearance of the + surface. Exceptions occur where the bottom, below the deep + water, is particularly uneven.</p> + + <p>From its source to the mouth of Red River, the Mississippi + is fed by tributaries. Below that point, it throws off several + streams that discharge no small portion of its waters into the + Gulf of Mexico. These streams, or "bayous," are narrow and + tortuous, but generally deep, and navigable for ordinary + steamboats. The "Atchafalaya" is the first, and enters the Gulf + of Mexico at the bay of the same name. At one time it was + feared the Mississippi might leave its present bed, and follow + the course of this bayou. Steps were taken to prevent such an + occurrence. Bayou Plaquemine, Bayou Sara, Bayou La Fourche, + Bayou Goula, and Bayou Teche, are among the streams that drain + the great river.</p> + + <p>These bayous form a wonderful net-work of navigable waters, + throughout Western Louisiana. If we have reason to be thankful + that "great rivers run near large cities in all parts of the + world," the people of Louisiana should be especially grateful + for the numerous natural canals in that State. These streams + are as frequent and run in nearly as many directions as + railways in Massachusetts.</p> + + <p>During its lowest stages, the Mississippi is often forty + feet "within its banks;" in other words, the surface is forty + feet below the level of the land which borders the river. It + rises with the freshets, and, when "bank full," is level with + the surrounding lowland.</p> + + <p>It does not always stop at this point; sometimes it rises + two, four, six, or even ten feet above its banks. The levees, + erected at immense cost, are designed to prevent the + overflowing of the country on such occasions. When the levees + become broken from any cause, immense areas of country are + covered with water. Plantations, swamps, forests, all are + submerged. During the present year (1865) thousands of square + miles have been flooded, hundreds of houses swept away, and + large amounts of property destroyed.</p> + + <p>During the freshet of '63, General Grant opened the levee at + Providence, Louisiana, in the hope of reaching Bayou Mason, and + thence taking his boats to Red River. After the levee was cut + an immense volume of water rushed through the break. Anywhere + else it would have been a goodly-sized river, but it was of + little moment by the side of the Mississippi. A steamboat was + sent to explore the flooded region. I saw its captain soon + after his return.</p> + + <p>"I took my boat through the cut," said he, "without any + trouble. We drew nearly three feet, but there was plenty of + water. We ran two miles over a cotton-field, and could see the + stalks as our wheels tore them up. Then I struck the plank + road, and found a good stage of water for four miles, which + took me to the bayou. I followed this several miles, until I + was stopped by fallen trees, when I turned about and came back. + Coming back, I tried a cornfield, but found it wasn't as good + to steam in as the cotton-field."</p> + + <p>A farmer in the Eastern or Middle States would, doubtless, + be much astonished at seeing a steamboat paddling at will in + his fields and along his roads. A similar occurrence in + Louisiana does not astonish the natives. Steamers have + repeatedly passed over regions where corn or cotton had been + growing six months before. At St. Louis, in 1844, small boats + found no difficulty in running from East St. Louis to + Caseyville, nine miles distant. In making these excursions they + passed over many excellent farms, and stopped at houses whose + owners had been driven to the upper rooms by the water.</p> + + <p>Above Cairo, the islands in the Mississippi are designated + by names generally received from the early settlers. From Cairo + to New Orleans the islands are numbered, the one nearest the + former point being "One," and that nearest New Orleans "One + Hundred and Thirty-one." Island Number Ten is historic, being + the first and the last island in the great river that the + Rebels attempted to fortify. Island Number Twenty-eight was the + scene of several attacks by guerrillas upon unarmed transports. + Other islands have an equally dishonorable reputation. Fifty + years ago several islands were noted as the resorts of robbers, + who conducted an extensive and systematic business. Island + Number Sixty-five (if I remember correctly) was the rendezvous + of the notorious John A. Murrell and his gang of + desperadoes.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c44" id="c44"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XLIV.</h4> + + <h5>STEAMBOATING ON THE MISSISSIPPI IN PEACE AND WAR.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Attempts to Obstruct the Great River.--Chains, + Booms, and Batteries.--A Novelty in Piloting.--Travel in the + Days Before the Rebellion.--Trials of Speed.--The Great + Race.--Travel During the War.--Running a Rebel Battery on the + Lower Mississippi.--Incidents of the Occasion.--Comments on the + Situation.</p> + + <p>No engineer has been able to dam the Mississippi, except by + the easy process which John Phenix adopted on the Yuma River. + General Pillow stretched a chain from Columbus, Kentucky, to + the opposite shore, in order to prevent the passage of our + gun-boats. The chain broke soon after being placed in + position.</p> + + <p>Near Forts Jackson and Philip, below New Orleans, the Rebels + constructed a boom to oppose the progress of Farragut's fleet. + A large number of heavy anchors, with the strongest cables, + were fixed in the river. For a time the boom answered the + desired purpose. But the river rose, drift-wood accumulated, + and the boom at length went the way of all things Confederate. + Farragut passed the forts, and appeared before New Orleans; + "Picayune Butler came to town," and the great city of the South + fell into the hands of the all-conquering Yankees.</p> + + <p>Before steam power was applied to the propulsion of boats, + the ascent of the Mississippi was very difficult.</p> + + <p>From New Orleans to St. Louis, a boat consumed from two to + four months' time. Sails, oars, poles, and ropes attached to + trees, were the various means of stemming the powerful current. + Long after steamboats were introduced, many flat-boats, loaded + with products of the Northern States, floated down the river to + a market. At New Orleans, boats and cargoes were sold, and the + boatmen made their way home on foot. Until twenty years ago, + the boatmen of the Mississippi were almost a distinct race. At + present they are nearly extinct.</p> + + <p>In the navigation of the Mississippi and its tributaries, + the pilot is the man of greatest importance. He is supposed to + be thoroughly familiar with the channel of the river in all its + windings, and to know the exact location of every snag or other + obstruction. He can generally judge of the depth of water by + the appearance of the surface, and he is acquainted with every + headland, forest, house, or tree-top, that marks the horizon + and tells him how to keep his course at night. Professional + skill is only acquired by a long and careful training.</p> + + <p>Shortly after the occupation of Little Rock by General + Steele, a dozen soldiers passed the lines, without authority, + and captured a steamboat eighteen miles below the city. Steam + was raised, when the men discovered they had no pilot. One of + their number hit upon a plan as novel as it was successful.</p> + + <p>The Arkansas was very low, having only three feet of water + in the channel. Twenty-five able-bodied negroes were taken from + a neighboring plantation, stretched in a line across the river, + and ordered to wade against the current. By keeping their + steamer, which drew only twenty inches, directly behind the + negro who sank the deepest, the soldiers took their prize to + Little Rock without difficulty.</p> + + <p>For ten years previous to the outbreak of the Rebellion, + steamboating on the Mississippi was in the height of its glory. + Where expense of construction and management were of secondary + consideration, the steamboats on the great river could offer + challenge to the world. It was the boast of their officers that + the tables of the great passenger-boats were better supplied + than those of the best hotels in the South. On many steamers, + claret, at dinner, was free to all. Fruit and ices were + distributed in the evening, as well as choice cups of coffee + and tea. On one line of boats, the cold meats on the + supper-table were from carefully selected pieces, cooked and + cooled expressly for the cenatory meal. Bands of music + enlivened the hours of day, and afforded opportunity for + dancing in the evening. Spacious cabins, unbroken by machinery; + guards of great width, where cigars and small-talk were + enjoyed; well-furnished and well-lighted state-rooms, and + tables loaded with all luxuries of the place and season, + rendered these steamers attractive to the traveler. Passengers + were social, and partook of the gayety around them. Men talked, + drank, smoked, and sometimes gambled, according to their + desires. The ladies practiced no frigid reserve toward each + other, but established cordial relations in the first few hours + of each journey.</p> + + <p>Among the many fine and fast steamers on the Western waters, + there was necessarily much competition in speed. Every new boat + of the first class was obliged to give an example of her + abilities soon after her appearance. Every owner of a steamboat + contends that <i>his</i> boat is the best afloat. I have rarely + been on board a Mississippi steamer of any pretensions whose + captain has not assured me, "She is the fastest thing afloat, + sir. Nothing can pass her. We have beaten the--, and the--, and + the--, in a fair race, sir." To a stranger, seeking correct + information, the multiplicity of these statements is + perplexing.</p> + + <p>In 1853 there was a race from New Orleans to Louisville, + between the steamers <i>Eclipse</i> and <i>A.L. Shotwell</i>, + on which seventy thousand dollars were staked by the owners of + the boats. An equal amount was invested in "private bets" among + outside parties. The two boats were literally "stripped for the + race." They were loaded to the depth that would give them the + greatest speed, and their arrangements for taking fuel were as + complete as possible. Barges were filled with wood at stated + points along the river, and dropped out to midstream as the + steamers approached. They were taken alongside, and their loads + of wood transferred without any stoppage of the engines of the + boats.</p> + + <p>At the end of the first twenty-four hours the <i>Eclipse</i> + and <i>Shotwell</i> were side by side, three hundred and sixty + miles from New Orleans. The race was understood to be won by + the <i>Eclipse</i>, but was so close that the stakes were never + paid.</p> + + <p>In the palmy days of steamboating, the charges for + way-travel were varied according to the locality. Below Memphis + it was the rule to take no single fare less than five dollars, + even if the passenger were going but a half-dozen miles. Along + Red River the steamboat clerks graduated the fare according to + the parish where the passenger came on board. The more fertile + and wealthy the region, the higher was the price of passage. + Travelers from the cotton country paid more than those from the + tobacco country. Those from the sugar country paid more than + any other class. With few exceptions, there was no "ticket" + system. Passengers paid their fare at any hour of their journey + that best suited them. Every man was considered honest until he + gave proof to the contrary. There was an occasional Jeremy + Diddler, but his operations were very limited.</p> + + <p>When the Rebellion began, the old customs on the Mississippi + were swept away. The most rigid "pay-on-entering" system was + adopted, and the man who could evade it must be very shrewd. + The wealth along the Great River melted into thin air. The + <i>bonhommie</i> of travel disappeared, and was succeeded by + the most thorough selfishness in collective and individual + bodies. Scrambles for the first choice of state-rooms, the + first seat at table, and the first drink at the bar, became a + part of the new <i>régime</i>. The ladies were little + regarded in the hurly-burly of steamboat life. Men would take + possession of ladies' chairs at table, and pay no heed to + remonstrances.</p> + + <p>I have seen an officer in blue uniform place his muddy boots + on the center-table in a cabin full of ladies, and proceed to + light a cigar. The captain of the boat suggested that the + officer's conduct was in violation of the rules of propriety, + and received the answer:</p> + + <p>"I have fought to help open the Mississippi, and, by ----, I + am going to enjoy it."</p> + + <p>The careless display of the butt of a revolver, while he + gave this answer, left the pleasure-seeker master of the + situation. I am sorry to say that occurrences of a similar + character were very frequent in the past three years. With the + end of the war it is to be hoped that the character of + Mississippi travel will be improved.</p> + + <p>In May, 1861, the Rebels blockaded the Mississippi at + Memphis. In the same month the National forces established a + blockade at Cairo. In July, '63, the capture of Vicksburg and + Port Hudson removed the last Rebel obstruction. The + <i>Imperial</i> was the first passenger boat to descend the + river, after the reopening of navigation.</p> + + <p>Up to within a few months of the close of the Rebellion, + steamers plying on the river were in constant, danger of + destruction by Rebel batteries. The Rebel Secretary of War + ordered these batteries placed along the Mississippi, in the + hope of stopping all travel by that route. His plan was + unsuccessful. Equally so was the barbarous practice of burning + passenger steamboats while in motion between landing-places. On + transports fired upon by guerrillas (or Rebels), about a + hundred persons were killed and as many wounded. A due + proportion of these were women and children. On steamboats + burned by Rebel incendiaries, probably a hundred and fifty + lives were lost. This does not include the dead by the terrible + disaster to the <i>Sultana</i>. It is supposed that this boat + was blown up by a Rebel torpedo in her coal.</p> + + <p>It was my fortune to be a passenger on the steamer <i>Von + Phul</i>, which left New Orleans for St. Louis on the evening + of December 7th, 1863. I had been for some time traveling up + and down the Mississippi, and running the gauntlet between + Rebel batteries on either shore. There was some risk attending + my travels, but up to that time I escaped unharmed.</p> + + <p>On the afternoon of the 8th, when the boat was about eight + miles above Bayou Sara, I experienced a new sensation.</p> + + <p>Seated at a table in the cabin, and busily engaged in + writing, I heard a heavy crash over my head, almost instantly + followed by another. My first thought was that the chimneys or + some part of the pilot-house had fallen, and I half looked to + see the roof of the cabin tumbling in. I saw the passengers + running from the cabin, and heard some one shout:</p> + + <p>"The guerrillas are firing on us."</p> + + <p>I collected my writing materials and sought my state-room, + where I had left Mr. Colburn, my traveling companion, soundly + asleep a few minutes before.</p> + + <p>He was sitting on the edge of his berth, and wondering what + all the row was about. The crash that startled me had awakened + him. He thought the occurrence was of little moment, and + assented to my suggestion, that we were just as safe there as + anywhere else on the boat.</p> + + <p>Gallantry prevented our remaining quiet. There were several + ladies on board, and it behooved us to extend them what + protection we could. We sought them, and "protected" them to + the best of our united ability. Their place of refuge was + between the cabin and the wheel-house, opposite the battery's + position. A sheet of wet paper would afford as much resistance + to a paving-stone as the walls of a steamboat cabin to a + six-pound shot. As we stood among the ladies, two shells passed + through the side of the cabin, within a few inches of our + heads.</p> + + <p>The shots grew fewer in number, and some of them dropped in + the river behind us. Just as we thought all alarm was over, we + saw smoke issuing from the cabin gangway. Then, some one + shouted, "<i>The boat is on fire</i>!"</p> + + <p>Dropping a lady who evinced a disposition to faint, I + entered the cabin. A half-dozen men were there before me, and + seeking the locality of the fire. I was first to discover + it.</p> + + <p>A shell, in passing through a state-room, entered a pillow, + and scattered the feathers through the cabin. A considerable + quantity of these feathers fell upon a hot stove, and the smoke + and odor of their burning caused the alarm.</p> + + <p>The ladies concluded not to faint. Three minutes after the + affair was over, they were as calm as ever.</p> + + <p>The Rebels opened fire when we were abreast of their + position, and did not cease until we were out of range. We were + fifteen minutes within reach of their guns.</p><a href= + "images/p498i1.jpg"><img src="images/p498i1_t.jpg" alt= + "RUNNING BATTERIES ON THE VON PHUL." /></a> + + <p class="captn">RUNNING BATTERIES ON THE VON PHUL.</p> + + <p>Our wheels seemed to turn very slowly. No one can express in + words the anxiety with which we listened, after each shot, for + the puffing of the engines. So long as the machinery was + uninjured, there was no danger of our falling into Rebel hands. + But with our engines disabled, our chances for capture would be + very good.</p> + + <p>As the last shot fell astern of the boat and sent up a + column of spray, we looked about the cabin and saw that no one + had been injured. A moment later came the announcement from the + pilot-house:</p> + + <p>"Captain Gorman is killed!"</p> + + <p>I ascended to the hurricane deck, and thence to the + pilot-house. The pilot, with his hat thrown aside and his hair + streaming in the wind, stood at his post, carefully guiding the + boat on her course. The body of the captain was lying at his + feet. Another man lay dying, close by the opening in which the + wheel revolved. The floor was covered with blood, splinters, + glass, and the fragments of a shattered stove. One side of the + little room was broken in, and the other side was perforated + where the projectiles made their exit.</p> + + <p>The first gun from the Rebels threw a shell which entered + the side of the pilot-house, and struck the captain, who was + sitting just behind the pilot. Death must have been + instantaneous. A moment later, a "spherical-case shot" followed + the shell. It exploded as it struck the wood-work, and a + portion of the contents entered the side of the bar-keeper of + the boat. In falling to the floor he fell against the wheel. + The pilot, steering the boat with one hand, pulled the dying + man from the wheel with the other, and placed him by the side + of the dead captain.</p> + + <p>Though, apparently, the pilot was as cool and undisturbed as + ever, his face was whiter than usual. He said the most trying + moment of all was soon after the first shots were fired. + Wishing to "round the bend" as speedily as possible, he rang + the bell as a signal to the engineer to check the speed of one + of the wheels. The signal was not obeyed, the engineers having + fled to places of safety. He rang the bell once more. He + shouted down the speaking-tube, to enforce compliance with his + order.</p> + + <p>There was no answer. The engines were caring for themselves. + The boat must be controlled by the rudder alone. With a dead + man and a dying man at his feet, with the Rebel shot and shell + every moment perforating the boat or falling near it, and with + no help from those who should control the machinery, he felt + that his position was a painful one.</p> + + <p>We were out of danger. An hour later we found the gun-boat + <i>Neosho</i>, at anchor, eight miles further up the stream. + Thinking we might again be attacked, the commander of the + <i>Neosho</i> offered to convoy us to Red River. We accepted + his offer. As soon as the <i>Neosho</i> raised sufficient steam + to enable her to move, we proceeded on our course.</p> + + <p>Order was restored on the <i>Von Phul</i>. Most of the + passengers gathered in little groups, and talked about the + recent occurrence. I returned to my writing, and Colburn gave + his attention to a book. With the gun-boat at our side, no one + supposed there was danger of another attack.</p> + + <p>A half-hour after starting under convoy of the gun-boat, the + Rebels once more opened fire. They paid no attention to the + <i>Neosho</i>, but threw all their projectiles at the <i>Von + Phul</i>. The first shell passed through the cabin, wounding a + person near me, and grazing a post against which Colburn and + myself were resting our chairs. This shell was followed by + others in quick succession, most of them passing through the + cabin. One exploded under the portion of the cabin directly + beneath my position. The explosion uplifted the boards with + such force as to overturn my table and disturb the steadiness + of my chair.</p> + + <p>I dreaded splinters far more than I feared the pitiless + iron. I left the cabin, through which the shells were pouring, + and descended to the lower deck. It was no better there than + above. We were increasing the distance between ourselves and + the Rebels, and the shot began to strike lower down. Nearly + every shot raked the lower deck.</p> + + <p>A loose plank on which I stood was split for more than half + its length, by a shot which struck my foot when its force was + nearly spent. Though the skin was not abraded, and no bones + were broken, I felt the effect of the blow for several + weeks.</p> + + <p>I lay down upon the deck. A moment after I had taken my + horizontal position, two men who lay against me were mortally + wounded by a shell. The right leg of one was completely severed + below the knee. This shell was the last projectile that struck + the forward portion of the boat.</p> + + <p>With a handkerchief loosely tied and twisted with a stick, I + endeavored to stop the flow of blood from the leg of the + wounded man. I was partially successful, but the stoppage of + blood could not save the man's life. He died within the + hour.</p> + + <p>Forty-two shot and shell struck the boat. The escape-pipe + was severed where it passed between two state-rooms, and filled + the cabin with steam. The safe in the captain's office was + perforated as if it had been made of wood. A trunk was broken + by a shell, and its contents were scattered upon the floor. + Splinters had fallen in the cabin, and were spread thickly upon + the carpet. Every person who escaped uninjured had his own list + of incidents to narrate.</p> + + <p>Out of about fifty persons on board the <i>Von Phul</i> at + the time of this occurrence, twelve were killed or wounded. One + of the last projectiles that struck the boat, injured a boiler + sufficiently to allow the escape of steam. In ten minutes our + engines moved very feebly. We were forced to "tie up" to the + eastern bank of the river. We were by this time out of range of + the Rebel battery. The <i>Neosho</i> had opened fire, and by + the time we made fast to the bank, the Rebels were in + retreat.</p> + + <p>The <i>Neosho</i> ceased firing and moved to our relief. + Before she reached us, the steamer <i>Atlantic</i> came in + sight, descending the river. We hailed her, and she came + alongside. Immediately on learning our condition, her captain + offered to tow the <i>Von Phul</i> to Red River, twenty miles + distant. There we could lie, under protection of the gun-boats, + and repair the damages to our machinery. We accepted his offer + at once.</p> + + <p>I can hardly imagine a situation of greater helplessness, + than a place on board a Western passenger-steamer under the + guns of a hostile battery. A battle-field is no comparison. On + solid earth the principal danger is from projectiles. You can + fight, or, under some circumstances, can run away. On a + Mississippi transport, you are equally in danger of being shot. + Added to this, you may be struck by splinters, scalded by + steam, burned by fire, or drowned in the water. You cannot + fight, you cannot run away, and you cannot find shelter. With + no power for resistance or escape, the sense of danger and + helplessness cannot be set aside.</p> + + <p>A few weeks after the occurrence just narrated, the steamer + <i>Brazil</i>, on her way from Vicksburg to Natchez, was fired + upon by a Rebel battery near Rodney, Mississippi. The boat was + struck a half-dozen times by shot and shell. More than a + hundred rifle-bullets were thrown on board. Three persons were + killed and as many wounded.</p> + + <p>Among those killed on the <i>Brazil</i>, was a young woman + who had engaged to take charge of a school for negro children + at Natchez. The Rebel sympathizers at Natchez displayed much + gratification at her death. On several occasions I heard some + of the more pious among them declare that the hand of God + directed the fatal missile. They prophesied violent or sudden + deaths to all who came to the South on a similar mission.</p> + + <p>The steamer <i>Black Hawk</i> was fired upon by a Rebel + battery at the mouth of Red River. The boat ran aground in + range of the enemy's guns. A shell set her pilot-house on fire, + and several persons were killed in the cabin.</p> + + <p>Strange to say, though aground and on fire under a Rebel + battery, the <i>Black Hawk</i> was saved. By great exertions on + the part of officers and crew, the fire was extinguished after + the pilot-house was burned away. A temporary steering apparatus + was rigged, and the boat moved from the shoal where she had + grounded. She was a full half hour within range of the Rebel + guns.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c45" id="c45"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XLV.</h4> + + <h5>THE ARMY CORRESPONDENT.</h5> + + <p class="toc">The Beginning and the End.--The Lake Erie + Piracy.--A Rochester Story.--The First War + Correspondent,--Napoleon's Policy.--Waterloo and the + Rothschilds.--Journalistic Enterprise in the Mexican War.--The + Crimea and the East Indian Rebellion.--Experiences at the + Beginning of Hostilities.--The Tender Mercies of the + Insurgents.--In the Field.--Adventures in Missouri and + Kentucky.--Correspondents in Captivity.--How Battle-Accounts + were Written.--Professional Complaints.</p> + + <p>Having lain aside my pen while engaged in planting cotton + and entertaining guerrillas, I resumed it on coming North, + after that experiment was finished. Setting aside my capture in + New Hampshire, narrated in the first chapter, my adventures in + the field commenced in Missouri in the earliest campaign. + Singularly enough, they terminated on our Northern border. In + the earlier days of the Rebellion, it was the jest of the + correspondents, that they would, some time, find occasion to + write war-letters from the Northern cities. The jest became a + reality in the siege of Cincinnati. During that siege we + wondered whether it would be possible to extend our labors to + Detroit or Mackinaw.</p> + + <p>In September, 1864, the famous "Lake Erie Piracy" occurred. + I was in Cleveland when the news of the seizure of the <i>Philo + Parsons</i> was announced by telegraph, and at once proceeded + to Detroit. The capture of the <i>Parsons</i> was a very absurd + movement on the part of the Rebels, who had taken refuge in + Canada. The original design was, doubtless, the capture of the + gun-boat <i>Michigan</i>, and the release of the prisoners on + Johnson's Island. The captors of the <i>Parsons</i> had + confederates in Sandusky, who endeavored to have the + <i>Michigan</i> in a half-disabled condition when the + <i>Parsons</i> arrived. This was not accomplished, and the + scheme fell completely through. The two small steamers, the + <i>Parsons</i> and <i>Island Queen</i>, were abandoned after + being in Rebel hands only a few hours.</p> + + <p>The officers of the <i>Parsons</i> told an interesting story + of their seizure. Mr. Ashley, the clerk, said the boat left + Detroit for Sandusky at her usual hour. She had a few + passengers from Detroit, and received others at various + landings. The last party that came on board brought an old + trunk bound with ropes. The different parties did not recognize + each other, not even when drinking at the bar. When near + Kelly's Island in Lake Erie, the various officers of the + steamer were suddenly seized. The ropes on the trunk were cut, + the lid flew open, and a quantity of revolvers and hatchets was + brought to light.</p> + + <p>The pirates declared they were acting in the interest of the + "Confederacy." They relieved Mr. Ashley of his pocket-book and + contents, and appropriated the money they found in the safe. + Those of the passengers who were not "in the ring," were + compelled to contribute to the representatives of the Rebel + Government. This little affair was claimed to be "belligerent" + throughout. At Kelly's Island the passengers and crew were + liberated on parole not to take up arms against the Confederacy + until properly exchanged.</p> + + <p>After cruising in front of Sandusky, and failing to receive + signals which they expected, the pirates returned to Canada + with their prize. One of their "belligerent" acts was to throw + overboard the cargo of the <i>Parsons</i>, together with most + of her furniture. At Sandwich, near Detroit, they left the + boat, after taking ashore a piano and other articles. Her + Majesty's officer of customs took possession of this stolen + property, on the ground that it was brought into Canada without + the proper permits from the custom-house. It was subsequently + recovered by its owners.</p> + + <p>The St. Albans raid, which occurred a few months later, was + a similar act of belligerency. It created more excitement than + the Lake Erie piracy, but the questions involved were + practically the same. That the Rebels had a right of asylum in + Canada no one could deny, but there was a difference of opinion + respecting the proper limits to those rights. The Rebels hoped + to involve us in a controversy with England, that should result + in the recognition of the Confederacy. This was frequently + avowed by some of the indiscreet refugees.</p> + + <p>After the capture of the <i>Parsons</i> and the raid upon + St. Albans, the Canadian authorities sent a strong force of + militia to watch the frontier. A battalion of British regulars + was stationed at Windsor, opposite Detroit, early in 1864, but + was removed to the interior before the raids occurred. The + authorities assigned as a reason for this removal, the desire + to concentrate their forces at some central point. The real + reason was the rapid desertion of their men, allured by the + high pay and opportunity of active service in our army. In two + months the battalion at Windsor was reduced fifteen per cent, + by desertions alone.</p> + + <p>Shortly after the St. Albans raid, a paper in Rochester + announced a visit to that city by a cricket-club from Toronto. + The paragraph was written somewhat obscurely, and jestingly + spoke of the Toronto men as "raiders." The paper reached New + York, and so alarmed the authorities that troops were at once + ordered to Rochester and other points on the frontier. The + misapprehension was discovered in season to prevent the actual + moving of the troops.</p> + + <p class="spacer">* * * * *</p> + + <p>With the suppression of the Rebellion the mission of the war + correspondent was ended. Let us all hope that his services will + not again be required, in this country, at least, during the + present century. The publication of the reports of battles, + written on the field, and frequently during the heat of an + engagement, was a marked feature of the late war. "Our Special + Correspondent" is not, however, an invention belonging to this + important era of our history.</p> + + <p>His existence dates from the days of the Greeks and Romans. + If Homer had witnessed the battles which he described, he + would, doubtless, be recognized as the earliest war + correspondent. Xenophon was the first regular correspondent of + which we have any record. He achieved an enduring fame, which + is a just tribute to the man and his profession.</p> + + <p>During the Middle Ages, the Crusades afforded fine + opportunities for the war correspondents to display their + abilities. The prevailing ignorance of those times is shown in + the absence of any reliable accounts of the Holy Wars, written + by journalists on the field. There was no daily press, and the + mail communications were very unreliable. Down to the + nineteenth century, Xenophon had no formidable competitors for + the honors which attached to his name.</p> + + <p>The elder Napoleon always acted as his own "Special." His + bulletins, by rapid post to Paris, were generally the first + tidings of his brilliant marches and victories. His example was + thought worthy of imitation by several military officials + during the late Rebellion. Rear-Admiral Porter essayed to excel + Napoleon in sending early reports of battles for public + perusal. "I have the honor to inform the Department," is a + formula with which most editors and printers became intimately + acquainted. The admiral's veracity was not as conspicuous as + his eagerness to push his reports in print.</p> + + <p>At Waterloo there was no regular correspondent of the London + press. Several volunteer writers furnished accounts of the + battle for publication, whose accuracy has been called in + question. Wellington's official dispatches were outstripped by + the enterprise of a London banking-house. The Rothschilds knew + the result of the battle eight hours before Wellington's + courier arrived.</p> + + <p>Carrier pigeons were used to convey the intelligence. During + the Rebellion, Wall Street speculators endeavored to imitate + the policy of the Rothschilds, but were only partially + successful.</p> + + <p>In the war between Mexico and the United States, "Our + Special" was actively, though not extensively, employed. On one + occasion, <i>The Herald</i> obtained its news in advance of the + official dispatches to the Government. The magnetic telegraph + was then unknown. Horse-flesh and steam were the only means of + transmitting intelligence. If we except the New Orleans + <i>Picayune, The Herald</i> was the only paper represented in + Mexico during the campaigns of Scott and Taylor.</p> + + <p>During the conflict between France and England on the one + hand, and Russia on the other, the journals of London and Paris + sent their representatives to the Crimea. The London + <i>Times,</i> the foremost paper of Europe, gave Russell a + reputation he will long retain. The "Thunderer's" letters from + the camp before Sebastopol became known throughout the + civilized world. A few years later, the East Indian rebellion + once more called the London specials to the field. In giving + the history of the campaigns in India, <i>The Times</i> and its + representative overshadowed all the rest.</p> + + <p>Just before the commencement of hostilities in the late + Rebellion, the leading journals of New York were well + represented in the South. Each day these papers gave their + readers full details of all important events that transpired in + the South. The correspondents that witnessed the firing of the + Southern heart had many adventures. Some of them narrowly + escaped with their lives.</p> + + <p>At Richmond, a crowd visited the Spottswood House, with the + avowed intention of hanging a <i>Herald</i> correspondent, who + managed to escape through a back door of the building. A + representative of <i>The Tribune</i> was summoned before the + authorities at Charleston, on the charge of being a Federal + spy. He was cleared of the charge, but advised to proceed North + as early as possible. When he departed, Governor Pickens + requested him, as a particular favor, to ascertain the name of + <i>The Tribune</i> correspondent, on arrival in New York, and + inform him by letter. He promised to do so. On reaching the + North, he kindly told Governor Pickens who <i>The Tribune</i> + correspondent was.</p> + + <p>A <i>Times</i> correspondent, passing through Harper's + Ferry, found himself in the hands of "the Chivalry," who + proposed to hang him on the general charge of being an + Abolitionist. He was finally released without injury, but at + one time the chances of his escape were small.</p> + + <p>The New Orleans correspondent of <i>The Tribune</i> came + North on the last passenger-train from Richmond to Aquia Creek. + One of <i>The Herald's</i> representatives was thrown into + prison by Jeff. Davis, but released through the influence of + Pope Walker, the Rebel Secretary of War. Another remained in + the South until all regular communication was cut off. He + reached the North in safety by the line of the "underground + railway."</p> + + <p>When the Rebellion was fairly inaugurated, the various + points of interest were at once visited by the correspondents + of the press. Wherever our armies operated, the principal + dailies of New York and other cities were represented. + Washington was the center of gravity around which the Eastern + correspondents revolved. As the army advanced into Virginia, + every movement was carefully chronicled. The competition + between the different journals was very great.</p> + + <p>In the West the field was broader, and the competition, + though active, was less bitter than along the Potomac. In the + early days, St. Louis, Cairo, and Louisville were the principal + Western points where correspondents were stationed. As our + armies extended their operations, the journalists found their + field of labor enlarged. St. Louis lost its importance when the + Rebels were driven from Missouri. For a long time Cairo was the + principal rendezvous of the journalists, but it became less + noted as our armies pressed forward along the Mississippi.</p> + + <p>Every war-correspondent has his story of experiences in the + field. Gathering the details of a battle in the midst of its + dangers; sharing the privations of the camp and the fatigues of + the march; riding with scouts, and visiting the skirmishers on + the extreme front; journeying to the rear through regions + infested by the enemy's cavalry, or running the gauntlet of + Rebel batteries, his life was far from monotonous. Frequently + the correspondents acted as volunteer aids to generals during + engagements, and rendered important service. They often took + the muskets of fallen soldiers and used them to advantage. On + the water, as on land, they sustained their reputation, and + proved that the hand which wielded the pen was able to wield + the sword. They contributed their proportion of killed, + wounded, and captured to the casualties of the war. Some of + them accepted commissions in the army and navy.</p> + + <p>During the campaign of General Lyon in Missouri, the + journalists who accompanied that army were in the habit of + riding outside the lines to find comfortable quarters for the + night. Frequently they went two or three miles ahead of the + entire column, in order to make sure of a good dinner before + the soldiers could overtake them. One night two of them slept + at a house three miles from the road which the army was + following. The inmates of the mansion were unaware of the + vicinity of armed "Yankees," and entertained the strangers + without question. Though a dozen Rebel scouts called at the + house before daylight, the correspondents were undisturbed. + After that occasion they were more cautious in their + movements.</p> + + <p>In Kentucky, during the advance of Kirby Smith upon + Cincinnati, the correspondents of <i>The Gazette</i> and <i>The + Commercial</i> were captured by the advance-guard of Rebel + cavalry. Their baggage, money, and watches became the property + of their captors. The correspondents were released, and obliged + to walk about eighty miles in an August sun. A short time + later, Mr. Shanks and Mr. Westfall, correspondents of <i>The + Herald,</i> were made acquainted with John Morgan, in one of + the raids of that famous guerrilla. The acquaintance resulted + in a thorough depletion of the wardrobes of the captured + gentlemen.</p> + + <p>In Virginia, Mr. Cadwallader and Mr. Fitzpatrick, of <i>The + Herald</i>, and Mr. Crounse, of <i>The Times</i>, were captured + by Mosby, and liberated after a brief detention and a complete + relief of every thing portable and valuable, down to their + vests and pantaloons. Even their dispatches were taken from + them and forwarded to Richmond. A portion of these reports + found their way into the Richmond papers. Stonewall Jackson and + Stuart were also fortunate enough to capture some of the + representatives of the Press. At one time there were five + correspondents of <i>The Herald</i> in the hands of the Rebels. + One of them, Mr. Anderson, was held more than a year. He was + kept for ten days in an iron dungeon, where no ray of light + could penetrate.</p> + + <p>I have elsewhere alluded to the capture of Messrs. + Richardson and Browne, of <i>The Tribune</i>, and Mr. Colburn, + of <i>The World</i>, in front of Vicksburg. The story of the + captivity and perilous escape of these representatives of + <i>The Tribune</i> reveals a patience, a fortitude, a daring, + and a fertility of resource not often excelled.</p> + + <p>Some of the most graphic battle-accounts of the war were + written very hastily. During the three days' battle at + Gettysburg, <i>The Herald</i> published each morning the + details of the fighting of the previous day, down to the + setting of the sun. This was accomplished by having a + correspondent with each corps, and one at head-quarters to + forward the accounts to the nearest telegraph office. At + Antietam, <i>The Tribune</i> correspondent viewed the battle by + day, and then hurried from the field, writing the most of his + account on a railway train. From Fort Donelson the + correspondents of <i>The World</i> and <i>The Tribune</i> went + to Cairo, on a hospital boat crowded with wounded. Their + accounts were written amid dead and suffering men, but when + published they bore little evidence of their hasty + preparation.</p> + + <p>I once wrote a portion of a letter at the end of a + medium-sized table. At the other end of the table a party of + gamblers, with twenty or thirty spectators, were indulging in + "Chuck-a-Luck." I have known dispatches to be written on + horseback, but they were very brief, and utterly illegible to + any except the writer. Much of the press correspondence during + the war was written in railway cars and on steamboats, and much + on camp-chests, stumps, or other substitutes for tables. I have + seen a half-dozen correspondents busily engaged with their + letters at the same moment, each of them resting his port-folio + on his knee, or standing upright, with no support whatever. On + one occasion a fellow-journalist assured me that the broad + chest of a slumbering <i>confrere</i> made an excellent table, + the undulations caused by the sleeper's breathing being the + only objectionable feature.</p> + + <p>Sometimes a correspondent reached the end of a long ride so + exhausted as to be unable to hold a pen for ten consecutive + minutes. In such case a short-hand writer was employed, when + accessible, to take down from rapid dictation the story of our + victory or defeat.</p> + + <p>Under all the disadvantages of time, place, and + circumstances, of physical exhaustion and mental anxiety, it is + greatly to the correspondents' credit that they wrote so well. + Battle-accounts were frequently published that would be no mean + comparison to the studied pen-pictures of the famous writers of + this or any other age. They were extensively copied by the + press of England and the Continent, and received high praise + for their vivid portrayal of the battle-field and its scenes. + Apart from the graphic accounts of great battles, they + furnished materials from which the historians will write the + enduring records of the war. With files of the New York dailies + at his side, an industrious writer could compile a history of + the Rebellion, complete in all its details.</p> + + <p>It was a general complaint of the correspondents that their + profession was never officially recognized so as to give them + an established position in the army. They received passes from + head-quarters, and could generally go where they willed, but + there were many officers who chose to throw petty but annoying + restrictions around them. As they were generally situated + throughout the army, they were, to some extent, dependent upon + official courtesies. Of course, this dependence was injurious + to free narration or criticism when any officer had conducted + improperly.</p> + + <p>If there is ever another occasion for the services of the + war correspondent on our soil, it is to be hoped Congress will + pass a law establishing a position for the journalists, fixing + their status in the field, surrounding them with all necessary + restrictions, and authorizing them to purchase supplies and + forage from the proper departments. During the Crimean war, the + correspondents of the French and English papers had a + recognized position, where they were subject to the same rules, + and entitled to the same privileges, as the officers they + accompanied. When Sir George Brown, at Eupatoria, forbade any + officer appearing in public with unshaven chin, he made no + distinction in favor of the members of the Press.</p> + + <p>Notwithstanding their fierce competition in serving the + journals they represented, the correspondents with our army + were generally on the most friendly terms with each other. + Perhaps this was less the case in the East than in the West, + where the rivalry was not so intense and continuous. In the + armies in the Mississippi Valley, the representatives of + competing journals frequently slept, ate, traveled, and smoked + together, and not unfrequently drank from the same flask with + equal relish. In the early days, "Room 45," in the St. Charles + Hotel at Cairo, was the resort of all the correspondents at + that point. There they laid aside their professional + jealousies, and passed their idle hours in efforts for mutual + amusement. On some occasions the floor of the room would be + covered, in the morning, with a confused mass of boots, hats, + coats, and other articles of masculine wear, out of which the + earliest riser would array himself in whatever suited his + fancy, without the slightest regard to the owner. "Forty-five" + was the neutral ground where the correspondents planned + campaigns for all the armies of the Union, arranged the + downfall of the Rebellion, expressed their views of military + measures and military men, exulted over successes, mourned over + defeats, and toasted in full glasses the flag that our soldiers + upheld.</p> + + <p>Since the close of the war, many of the correspondents have + taken positions in the offices of the journals they represented + in the field. Some have established papers of their own in the + South, and a few have retired to other civil pursuits. Some are + making professional tours of the Southern States and recording + the status of the people lately in rebellion. <i>The Herald</i> + has sent several of its <i>attachés</i> to the European + capitals, and promises to chronicle in detail the next great + war in the Old World.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c46" id="c46"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XLVI.</h4> + + <h5>THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THE SOUTH.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Scarcity of the Population,--Fertility of the + Country.--Northern Men already in the South.--Kansas Emigrants + Crossing Missouri.--Change of the Situation.--Present + Disadvantages of Emigration.--Feeling of the + People.--Property-Holders in Richmond.--The Sentiment in North + Carolina.--South Carolina Chivalry.--The Effect of + War.--Prospect of the Success of Free Labor.--Trade in the + South.</p> + + <p>The suppression of the Rebellion, and the restoration of + peace throughout the entire South, have opened a large field + for emigration. The white population of the Southern States, + never as dense as that of the North, has been greatly + diminished in consequence of the war. In many localities more + than half the able-bodied male inhabitants have been swept + away, and everywhere the loss of men is severely felt. The + breaking up of the former system of labor in the cotton and + sugar States will hinder the progress of agriculture for a + considerable time, but there can be little doubt of its + beneficial effect in the end. The desolation that was spread in + the track of our armies will be apparent for many years. The + South will ultimately recover from all her calamities, but she + will need the energy and capital of the Northern States to + assist her.</p> + + <p>During the progress of the war, as our armies penetrated the + fertile portions of the "Confederacy," many of our soldiers + cast longing eyes at the prospective wealth around them. "When + the war is over we will come here to live, and show these + people something they never dreamed of," was a frequent remark. + Men born and reared in the extreme North, were amazed at the + luxuriance of Southern verdure, and wondered that the richness + of the soil had not been turned to greater advantage. It is + often said in New England that no man who has once visited the + fertile West ever returns to make his residence in the Eastern + States. Many who have explored the South, and obtained a + knowledge of its resources, will be equally reluctant to dwell + in the regions where their boyhood days were passed.</p> + + <p>While the war was in progress many Northern men purchased + plantations on the islands along the Southern coast, and + announced their determination to remain there permanently. + After the capture of New Orleans, business in that city passed + into the hands of Northerners, much to the chagrin of the older + inhabitants. When the disposition of our army and the + topography of the country made the lower portion of Louisiana + secure against Rebel raids, many plantations in that locality + were purchased outright by Northern speculators. I have + elsewhere shown how the cotton culture was extensively carried + on by "Yankees," and that failure was not due to their + inability to conduct the details of the enterprise.</p> + + <p>Ten years ago, emigration to Kansas was highly popular. Aid + Societies were organized in various localities, and the + Territory was rapidly filled. Political influences had much to + do with this emigration from both North and South, and many + implements carried by the emigrants were not altogether + agricultural in their character. The soil of Kansas was known + to be fertile, and its climate excellent. The Territory + presented attractions to settlers, apart from political + considerations. But in going thither the emigrants crossed a + region equally fertile, and possessing superior advantages in + its proximity to a market. No State in the Union could boast of + greater possibilities than Missouri, yet few travelers in + search of a home ventured to settle within her limits.</p> + + <p>The reason was apparent. Missouri was a slave State, though + bounded on three sides by free soil. Few Northern emigrants + desired to settle in the midst of slavery. The distinction + between the ruling and laboring classes was not as great as in + the cotton States, but there was a distinction beyond dispute. + Whatever his blood or complexion, the man who labored with his + hands was on a level, or nearly so, with the slave. Thousands + passed up the Missouri River, or crossed the northern portion + of the State, to settle in the new Territory of Kansas. When + political influences ceased, the result was still the same. The + Hannibal and St. Joseph Railway threw its valuable lands into + the market, but with little success.</p> + + <p>With the suppression of the late Rebellion, and the + abolition of slavery in Missouri, the situation is materially + changed. From Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana, there is a large + emigration to Missouri. I was recently informed that forty + families from a single county in Ohio had sent a delegation to + Missouri to look out suitable locations, either of wild land or + of farms under cultivation. There is every prospect that the + State will be rapidly filled with a population that believes in + freedom and in the dignity of labor. She has an advantage over + the other ex-slave States, in lying west of the populous + regions of the North. Hitherto, emigration has generally + followed the great isothermal lines, as can be readily seen + when we study the population of the Western States. Northern + Ohio is more New Englandish than Southern Ohio, and the + parallel holds good in Northern and Southern Illinois. There + will undoubtedly be a large emigration to Missouri in + preference to the other Southern States, but our whole + migratory element will not find accommodation in her limits. + The entire South will be overrun by settlers from the + North.</p> + + <p>Long ago, <i>Punch</i> gave advice to persons about to + marry. It was all comprised in the single word, "DON'T." + Whoever is in haste to emigrate to the South, would do well to + consider, for a time, this brief, but emphatic counsel. No one + should think of leaving the Northern States, until he has + fairly considered the advantages and disadvantages of the + movement. If he departs with the expectation of finding every + thing to his liking, he will be greatly disappointed at the + result.</p> + + <p>There will be many difficulties to overcome. The people now + residing in the late rebellious States are generally + impoverished. They have little money, and, in many cases, their + stock and valuables of all kinds have been swept away. Their + farms are often without fences, and their farming-tools worn + out, disabled, or destroyed. Their system of labor is broken + up. The negro is a slave no longer, and the transition from + bondage to freedom will affect, for a time, the producing + interests of the South.</p> + + <p>Though the Rebellion is suppressed, the spirit of discontent + still remains in many localities, and will retard the process + of reconstruction. The teachings of slavery have made the men + of the South bitterly hostile to those of the North. This + hostility was carefully nurtured by the insurgent leaders + during the Rebellion, and much of it still exists. In many + sections of the South, efforts will be made to prevent + immigration from the North, through a fear that the old + inhabitants will lose their political rights.</p> + + <p>At the time I am writing, the owners of property in Richmond + are holding it at such high rates as to repel Northern + purchasers. Letters from that city say, the residents have + determined to sell no property to Northern men, when they can + possibly avoid it. No encouragement is likely to be given to + Northern farmers and artisans to migrate thither. A scheme for + taking a large number of European emigrants directly from + foreign ports to Richmond, and thence to scatter them + throughout Virginia, is being considered by the Virginia + politicians. The wealthy men in the Old Dominion, who were + Secessionists for the sake of secession, and who gave every + assistance to the Rebel cause, are opposed to the admission of + Northern settlers. They may be unable to prevent it, but they + will be none the less earnest in their efforts.</p> + + <p>This feeling extends throughout a large portion of Virginia, + and exists in the other States of the South. Its intensity + varies in different localities, according to the extent of the + slave population in the days before the war, and the influence + that the Radical men of the South have exercised. While + Virginia is unwilling to receive strangers, North Carolina is + manifesting a desire to fill her territory with Northern + capital and men. She is already endeavoring to encourage + emigration, and has offered large quantities of land on liberal + terms. In Newbern, Wilmington, and Raleigh, the Northern + element is large. Newbern is "Yankeeized" as much as New + Orleans. Wilmington bids fair to have intimate relations with + New York and Boston. An agency has been established at Raleigh, + under the sanction of the Governor of the State, to secure the + immediate occupation of farming and mining lands, mills, + manufactories, and all other kinds of real estate. Northern + capital and sinew is already on its way to that region. The + great majority of the North Carolinians approve the movement, + but there are many persons in the State who equal the + Virginians in their hostility to innovations.</p> + + <p>In South Carolina, few beside the negroes will welcome the + Northerner with open arms. The State that hatched the secession + egg, and proclaimed herself at all times first and foremost for + the perpetuation of slavery, will not exult at the change which + circumstances have wrought. Her Barnwells, her McGraths, her + Rhetts, and her Hamptons declared they would perish in the last + ditch, rather than submit. Some of them have perished, but many + still remain. Having been life-long opponents of Northern + policy, Northern industry, and Northern enterprise, they will + hardly change their opinions until taught by the logic of + events.</p> + + <p>Means of transportation are limited. On the railways the + tracks are nearly worn out, and must be newly laid before they + can be used with their old facility. Rolling stock is disabled + or destroyed. Much of it must be wholly replaced, and that + which now remains must undergo extensive repairs. Depots and + machine-shops have been burned, and many bridges are bridges no + longer. On the smaller rivers but few steamboats are running, + and these are generally of a poor class. Wagons are far from + abundant, and mules and horses are very scarce. The wants of + the armies have been supplied with little regard to the + inconvenience of the people.</p> + + <p>Corn-mills, saw-mills, gins, and factories have fed the + flames. Wherever our armies penetrated they spread devastation + in their track. Many portions of the South were not visited by + a hostile force, but they did not escape the effects of war. + Southern Georgia and Florida suffered little from the presence + of the Northern armies, but the scarcity of provisions and the + destitution of the people are nearly as great in that region as + elsewhere.</p> + + <p>Until the present indignation at their defeat is passed + away, many of the Southern people will not be inclined to give + any countenance to the employment of freed negroes. They + believe slavery is the proper condition for the negro, and + declare that any system based on free labor will prove a + failure. This feeling will not be general among the Southern + people, and will doubtless be removed in time.</p> + + <p>The transition from slavery to freedom will cause some + irregularities on the part of the colored race. I do not + apprehend serious trouble in controlling the negro, and believe + his work will be fully available throughout the South. It is + natural that he should desire a little holiday with his release + from bondage. For a time many negroes will be idle, and so will + many white men who have returned from the Rebel armies. + According to present indications, the African race displays far + more industry than the Caucasian throughout the Southern + States. Letters from the South say the negroes are at work in + some localities, but the whites are everywhere idle.</p> + + <p>Those who go to the South for purposes of traffic may or may + not be favored with large profits. All the products of the + mechanic arts are very scarce in the interior, while in the + larger towns trade is generally overdone. Large stocks of goods + were taken to all places accessible by water as soon as the + ports were opened. The supply exceeded the demand, and many + dealers suffered heavy loss. From Richmond and other points + considerable quantities of goods have been reshipped to New + York, or sold for less than cost. Doubtless the trade with the + South will ultimately be very large, but it cannot spring up in + a day. Money is needed before speculation can be active. A year + or two, at the least, will be needed to fill the Southern + pocket.</p> + + <p>So much for the dark side of the picture. Emigrants are apt + to listen to favorable accounts of the region whither they are + bound, while they close their ears to all stories of an + unfavorable character. To insure a hearing of both sides of the + question under discussion, I have given the discouraging + arguments in advance of all others. Already those who desire to + stimulate travel to the South, are relating wonderful stories + of its fertility and its great advantages to settlers. No doubt + they are telling much that is true, but they do not tell all + the truth. Every one has heard the statement, circulated in + Ireland many years since, that America abounded in roasted pigs + that ran about the streets, carrying knives and forks in their + mouths, and making vocal requests to be devoured. + Notwithstanding the absurdity of the story, it is reported to + have received credit.</p> + + <p>The history of every emigration scheme abounds in narratives + of a brilliant, though piscatorial, character. The interior + portions of all the Western States are of wonderful fertility, + and no inhabitant of that region has any hesitation in + announcing the above fact. But not one in a hundred will state + frankly his distance from market, and the value of wheat and + corn at the points of their production. In too many cases the + bright side of the story is sufficient for the listener.</p> + + <p>I once traveled in a railway car where there were a dozen + emigrants from the New England States, seeking a home in the + West. An agent of a county in Iowa was endeavoring to call + their attention to the great advantages which his region + afforded. He told them of the fertility of the soil, the amount + of corn and wheat that could be produced to the acre, the + extent of labor needed for the production of a specified + quantity of cereals, the abundance of timber, and the + propinquity of fine streams, with many other brilliant and + seductive stories. The emigrants listened in admiration of the + Promised Land, and were on the point of consenting to follow + the orator.</p> + + <p>I ventured to ask the distance from those lands to a market + where the products could be sold, and the probable cost of + transportation.</p> + + <p>The answer was an evasive one, but was sufficient to awaken + the suspicions of the emigrants. My question destroyed the + beautiful picture which the voluble agent had drawn.</p> + + <p>Those who desire to seek their homes in the South will do + well to remember that baked pigs are not likely to exist in + abundance in the regions traversed by the National armies.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c47" id="c47"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XLVII.</h4> + + <h5>HOW DISADVANTAGES MAY BE OVERCOME.</h5> + + <p class="toc">Conciliating the People of the South.--Railway + Travel and its Improvement.--Rebuilding Steamboats.--Replacing + Working Stock.--The Condition of the Plantations.--Suggestions + about Hasty Departures.--Obtaining Information.--The + Attractions of Missouri.</p> + + <p>The hinderances I have mentioned in the way of Southern + emigration are of a temporary character. The opposition of the + hostile portion of the Southern people can be overcome in time. + When they see there is no possible hope for them to control the + National policy, when they fully realize that slavery is ended, + and ended forever, when they discover that the negro will work + as a free man with advantage to his employer, they will become + more amiable in disposition. Much of their present feeling + arises from a hope of compelling a return to the old relation + of master and slave. When this hope is completely destroyed, we + shall have accomplished a great step toward reconstruction. A + practical knowledge of Northern industry and enterprise will + convince the people of the South, unless their hearts are + thoroughly hardened, that some good can come out of Nazareth. + They may never establish relations of great intimacy with their + new neighbors, but their hostility will be diminished to + insignificance.</p> + + <p>Some of the advocates of the "last ditch" theory, who have + sworn never to live in the United States, will, doubtless, + depart to foreign lands, or follow the example of the Virginia + gentleman who committed suicide on ascertaining the + hopelessness of the Rebellion. Failing to do either of these + things, they must finally acquiesce in the supremacy of + National authority.</p> + + <p>The Southern railways will be repaired, their rolling stock + replaced, and the routes of travel restored to the old status. + All cannot be done at once, as the destruction and damage have + been very extensive, and many of the companies are utterly + impoverished. From two to five years will elapse before + passengers and freight can be transported with the same + facility, in all directions, as before the war.</p> + + <p>Under a more liberal policy new lines will be opened, and + the various portions of the Southern States become accessible. + During the war two railways were constructed under the auspices + of the Rebel Government, that will prove of great advantage in + coming years. These are the lines from Meridian, Mississippi, + to Selma, Alabama, and from Danville, Virginia, to + Greensborough, North Carolina. A glance at a railway map of the + Southern States will show their importance.</p> + + <p>On many of the smaller rivers boats are being improvised by + adding wheels and motive power to ordinary scows. In a + half-dozen years, at the furthest, we will, doubtless, see the + rivers of the Southern States traversed by as many steamers as + before the war. On the Mississippi and its tributaries the + destruction of steamboat property was very great, but the loss + is rapidly being made good. Since 1862 many fine boats have + been constructed, some of them larger and more costly than any + that existed during the most prosperous days before the + Rebellion. On the Alabama and other rivers, efforts are being + made to restore the steamboat fleets to their former + magnitude.</p> + + <p>Horses, mules, machinery, and farming implements must and + will be supplied out of the abundance in the North. The want of + mules will be severely felt for some years. No Yankee has yet + been able to invent a machine that will create serviceable + mules to order. We must wait for their production by the + ordinary means, and it will be a considerable time before the + supply is equal to the demand. Those who turn their attention + to stock-raising, during the next ten or twenty years, can + always be certain of finding a ready and remunerative + market.</p> + + <p>The Southern soil is as fertile as ever. Cotton, rice, corn, + sugar, wheat, and tobacco can be produced in their former + abundance. Along the Mississippi the levees must be restored, + to protect the plantations from floods. This will be a work of + considerable magnitude, and, without extraordinary effort, + cannot be accomplished for several years. Everywhere fences + must be rebuilt, and many buildings necessary in preparing + products for market must be restored. Time, capital, energy, + and patience will be needed to develop anew the resources of + the South. Properly applied, they will be richly rewarded.</p> + + <p>No person should be hasty in his departure, nor rush blindly + to the promised land. Thousands went to California, in '49 and + '50, with the impression that the gold mines lay within an + hour's walk of San Francisco. In '59, many persons landed at + Leavenworth, on their way to Pike's Peak, under the belief that + the auriferous mountain was only a day's journey from their + landing-place. Thousands have gone "West" from New York and New + England, believing that Chicago was very near the frontier. + Those who start with no well-defined ideas of their destination + are generally disappointed. The war has given the public a + pretty accurate knowledge of the geography of the South, so + that the old mistakes of emigrants to California and Colorado + are in slight danger of repetition, but there is a possibility + of too little deliberation in setting out.</p> + + <p>Before starting, the emigrant should obtain all accessible + information about the region he intends to visit. Geographies, + gazetteers, census returns, and works of a similar character + will be of great advantage. Much can be obtained from persons + who traveled in the rebellious States during the progress of + the war. The leading papers throughout the country are now + publishing letters from their special correspondents, relative + to the state of affairs in the South. These letters are of + great value, and deserve a careful study.</p> + + <p>Information from interested parties should be received with + caution. Those who have traveled in the far West know how + difficult it is to obtain correct statements relative to the + prosperity or advantages of any specified locality. Every man + assures you that the town or the county where he resides, or + where he is interested, is the best and the richest within a + hundred miles. To an impartial observer, lying appears to be + the only personal accomplishment in a new country. I presume + those who wish to encourage Southern migration will be ready to + set forth all the advantages (but none of the disadvantages) of + their own localities.</p> + + <p>Having fully determined where to go and what to do, having + selected his route of travel, and ascertained, as near as + possible, what will be needed on the journey, the emigrant will + next consider his financial policy. No general rule can be + given. In most cases it is better not to take a large amount of + money at starting. To many this advice will be superfluous. + Bills of exchange are much safer to carry than ready cash, and + nearly as convenient for commercial transactions. Beyond an + amount double the estimated expenses of his journey, the + traveler will usually carry very little cash.</p> + + <p>For the present, few persons should take their wives and + children to the interior South, and none should do so on their + first visit. Many houses have been burned or stripped of their + furniture, provisions are scarce and costly, and the general + facilities for domestic happiness are far from abundant. The + conveniences for locomotion in that region are very poor, and + will continue so for a considerable time. A man can "rough it" + anywhere, but he can hardly expect his family to travel on flat + cars, or on steamboats that have neither cabins nor decks, and + subsist on the scanty and badly-cooked provisions that the + Sunny South affords. By all means, I would counsel any young + man on his way to the South not to elope with his neighbor's + wife. In view of the condition of the country beyond Mason and + Dixon's line, an elopement would prove his mistake of a + lifetime.</p> + + <p>I have already referred to the resources of Missouri. The + State possesses greater mineral wealth than any other State of + the Union, east of the Rocky Mountains. Her lead mines are + extensive, easily worked, very productive, and practically + inexhaustible. The same may be said of her iron mines. Pilot + Knob and Iron Mountain are nearly solid masses of ore, the + latter being a thousand feet in height. Copper mines have been + opened and worked, and tin has been found in several + localities. The soil of the Northern portion of Missouri can + boast of a fertility equal to that of Kansas or Illinois. In + the Southern portion the country is more broken, but it + contains large areas of rich lands. The productions of Missouri + are similar to those of the Northern States in the same + latitude. More hemp is raised in Missouri than in any other + State except Kentucky. Much of this article was used during the + Rebellion, in efforts to break up the numerous guerrilla bands + that infested the State. Tobacco is an important product, and + its culture is highly remunerative. At Hermann, Booneville, and + other points, the manufacture of wine from the Catawba grape is + extensively carried on. In location and resources, Missouri is + without a rival among the States that formerly maintained the + system of slave labor.</p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a name="c48" id="c48"></a> + + <h4>CHAPTER XLVIII.</h4> + + <h5>THE RESOURCES OF THE SOUTHERN STATES.</h5> + + <p class="toc">How the People have Lived.--An Agricultural + Community.--Mineral and other Wealth of + Virginia.--Slave-Breeding in Former Times.--The Auriferous + Region of North Carolina.--Agricultural Advantages.--Varieties + of Soil in South Carolina.--Sea-Island Cotton.--Georgia and her + Railways.--Probable Decline of the Rice Culture.--The Everglade + State.--The Lower Mississippi Valley.--The Red River.--Arkansas + and its Advantages.--A Hint for Tragedians.--Mining in + Tennessee.--The Blue-Grass Region of Kentucky.--Texas and its + Attractions.--Difference between Southern and Western + Emigration.--The End.</p> + + <p>Compared with the North, the Southern States have been + strictly an agricultural region. Their few manufactures were + conducted on a small scale, and could not compete with those of + the colder latitudes. They gave some attention to stock-raising + in a few localities, but did not attach to it any great + importance. Cotton was the product which fed, clothed, + sheltered, and regaled the people. Even with the immense + profits they received from its culture, they did not appear to + understand the art of enjoyment. They generally lived on large + and comfortless tracts of land, and had very few cities away + from the sea-coast. They thought less of personal comfort than + of the acquisition of more land, mules, and negroes.</p> + + <p>In the greatest portion of the South, the people lived + poorer than many Northern mechanics have lived in the past + twenty years. The property in slaves, to the extent of four + hundred millions of dollars, was their heaviest item of wealth, + but they seemed unable to turn this wealth to the greatest + advantage. With the climate and soil in their favor, they paid + little attention to the cheaper luxuries of rational living, + but surrounded themselves with much that was expensive, though + utterly useless. On plantations where the owners resided, a + visiter would find the women adorned with diamonds and laces + that cost many thousand dollars, and feast his eyes upon parlor + furniture and ornaments of the most elaborate character. But + the dinner-table would present a repast far below that of a New + England farmer or mechanic in ordinary circumstances, and the + sleeping-rooms would give evidence that genuine comfort was a + secondary consideration. Outside of New Orleans and Charleston, + where they are conducted by foreigners, the South has no such + market gardens, or such abundance and variety of wholesome + fruits and vegetables, as the more sterile North can boast of + everywhere. So of a thousand other marks of advancing + civilization.</p> + + <p>Virginia, "the mother of Presidents," is rich in minerals of + the more useful sort, and some of the precious metals. Her list + of mineral treasures includes gold, copper, iron, lead, + plumbago, coal, and salt. The gold mines are not available + except to capitalists, and it is not yet fully settled whether + the yield is sufficient to warrant large investments. The gold + is extracted from an auriferous region, extending from the + Rappahannock to the Coosa River, in Alabama. The coal-beds in + the State are easy of access, and said to be inexhaustible. The + Kanawha salt-works are well known, and the petroleum regions of + West Virginia are attracting much attention.</p> + + <p>Virginia presents many varieties of soil, and, with a better + system of cultivation, her productions can be greatly + increased. (The same may be said of all the Southern States, + from the Atlantic to the Rio Grande.) Her soil is favorable to + all the products of the Northern States. The wheat and corn of + Virginia have a high reputation. In the culture of tobacco she + has always surpassed every other State of the Union, and was + also the first State in which it was practiced by civilized man + to any extent. Washington pronounced the central counties of + Virginia the finest agricultural district in the United States, + as he knew them. Daniel Webster declared, in a public speech in + the Shenandoah Valley, that he had seen no finer farming land + in his European travel than in that valley.</p> + + <p>Until 1860, the people of Virginia paid considerable + attention to the raising of negroes for the Southern market. + For some reason this trade has greatly declined within the past + five years, the stock becoming unsalable, and its production + being interrupted. I would advise no person to contemplate + moving to Virginia with a view to raising negroes for sale. The + business was formerly conducted by the "First Families," and if + it should be revived, they will doubtless claim an exclusive + privilege.</p> + + <p>North Carolina abounds in minerals, especially in gold, + copper, iron, and coal. The fields of the latter are very + extensive. The gold mines of North Carolina have been + profitably worked for many years. A correspondent of <i>The + World</i>, in a recent letter from Charlotte, North Carolina, + says:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>In these times of mining excitement it should he more + widely known that North Carolina is a competitor with + California, Idaho, and Nebraska. Gold is found in paying + quantities in the State, and in the northern parts of South + Carolina and Georgia. For a hundred miles west and southwest + of Charlotte, all the streams contain more or less gold-dust. + Nuggets of a few ounces have been frequently found, and there + is one well-authenticated case of a solid nugget weighing + twenty-eight pounds, which was purchased from its ignorant + owner for three dollars, and afterward sold at the Mint. + Report says a still larger lump was found and cut up by the + guard at one of the mines. Both at Greensboro, Salisbury, and + here, the most reliable residents concur in pointing to + certain farms where the owners procure large sums of gold. + One German is said to have taken more than a million of + dollars from his farm, and refuses to sell his land for any + price. Negroes are and have been accustomed to go out to the + creeks and wash on Saturdays, frequently bringing in two or + three dollars' worth, and not unfrequently negroes come to + town with little nuggets of the pure ore to trade.</p> + + <p>The iron and copper mines were developed only to a limited + extent before the war. The necessities of the case led the + Southern authorities, however, after the outbreak, to turn + their attention to them, and considerable quantities of the + ore were secured. This was more especially true of iron.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>North Carolina is adapted to all the agricultural products + of both North and South, with the exception of cane sugar. The + marshes on the coast make excellent rice plantations, and, when + drained, are very fertile in cotton. Much of the low, sandy + section, extending sixty miles from the coast, is covered with + extensive forests of pitch-pine, that furnish large quantities + of lumber, tar, turpentine, and resin, for export to Northern + cities. When cleared and cultivated, this region proves quite + fertile, but Southern energy has thus far been content to give + it very little improvement. Much of the land in the interior is + very rich and productive. With the exception of Missouri, North + Carolina is foremost, since the close of the war, in + encouraging immigration. As soon as the first steps were taken + toward reconstruction, the "North Carolina Land Agency" was + opened at Raleigh, under the recommendation of the Governor of + the State. This agency is under the management of Messrs. Heck, + Battle & Co., citizens of Raleigh, and is now (August, + 1865) establishing offices in the Northern cities for the + purpose of representing the advantages that North Carolina + possesses.</p> + + <p>The auriferous region of North Carolina extends into South + Carolina and Georgia. In South Carolina the agricultural + facilities are extensive. According to Ruffin and Tuomey (the + agricultural surveyors of the State), there are six varieties + of soil: 1. Tide swamp, devoted to the culture of rice. 2. + Inland swamp, devoted to rice, cotton, corn, wheat, etc. 3. + Salt marsh, devoted to long cotton. 4. Oak and pine regions, + devoted to long cotton, corn, and wheat. 5. Oak and hickory + regions, where cotton and corn flourish. 6. Pine barrens, + adapted to fruit and vegetables.</p> + + <p>The famous "sea-island cotton" comes from the islands along + the coast, where large numbers of the freed negroes of South + Carolina have been recently located. South Carolina can + produce, side by side, the corn, wheat, and tobacco of the + North, and the cotton, rice, and sugar-cane of the South, + though the latter article is not profitably cultivated.</p> + + <p>Notwithstanding the prophecies of the South Carolinians to + the contrary, the free-labor scheme along the Atlantic coast + has proved successful. The following paragraph is from a letter + written by a prominent journalist at Savannah:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>The condition of the islands along this coast is now of + the greatest interest to the world at large, and to the + people of the South in particular. Upon careful inquiry, I + find that there are over two hundred thousand acres of land + under cultivation by free labor. The enterprises are mostly + by Northern men, although there are natives working their + negroes under the new system, and negroes who are working + land on their own account. This is the third year of the + trial, and every year has been a success more and more + complete. The profits of some of the laborers amount to five + hundred, and in some cases five thousand dollars a year. The + amount of money deposited in bank by the negroes of these + islands is a hundred and forty thousand dollars. One joint, + subscription to the seven-thirty loan amounted to eighty + thousand dollars. Notwithstanding the fact that the troops + which landed on the islands robbed, indiscriminately, the + negroes of their money, mules, and supplies, the negroes went + back to work again. General Saxton, who has chief charge of + this enterprise, has his head-quarters at Beaufort. If these + facts, and the actual prosperity of these islands could be + generally known throughout the South, it would do more to + induce the whites to take hold of the freed-labor system than + all the general orders and arbitrary commands that General + Hatch has issued.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The resources of Georgia are similar to those of South + Carolina, and the climate differs but little from that of the + latter State. The rice-swamps are unhealthy, and the malaria + which arises from them is said to be fatal to whites. Many of + the planters express a fear that the abolition of slavery has + ended the culture of rice. They argue that the labor is so + difficult and exhaustive, that the negroes will never perform + it excepting under the lash. Cruel modes of punishment being + forbidden, the planters look upon the rice-lands as valueless. + Time will show whether these fears are to be realized or not. + If it should really happen that the negroes refuse to labor + where their lives are of comparatively short duration, the + country must consent to restore slavery to its former status, + or purchase its rice in foreign countries. As rice is produced + in India without slave labor, it is possible that some plan may + be invented for its cultivation here.</p> + + <p>Georgia has a better system of railways than any other + Southern State, and she is fortunate in possessing several + navigable rivers. The people are not as hostile to Northerners + as the inhabitants of South Carolina, but they do not display + the desire to encourage immigration that is manifested in North + Carolina. In the interior of Georgia, at the time I am writing, + there is much suffering on account of a scarcity of food. Many + cases of actual starvation are reported.</p> + + <p>Florida has few attractions to settlers. It is said there is + no spot of land in the State three hundred feet above the + sea-level. Men born with fins and webbed feet might enjoy + themselves in the lakes and swamps, which form a considerable + portion of Florida. Those whose tastes are favorable to + timber-cutting, can find a profitable employment in preparing + live-oak and other timbers for market. The climate is very + healthy, and has been found highly beneficial to invalids. The + vegetable productions of the State are of similar character to + those of Georgia, but their amount is not large.</p> + + <p>In the Indian tongue, Alabama signifies "Here we rest." The + traveler who rests in the State of that name, finds an + excellent agricultural region. He finds that cotton is king + with the Alabamians, and that the State has fifteen hundred + miles of navigable rivers and a good railway system. He finds + that Alabama suffered less by the visits of our armies than + either Georgia or South Carolina. The people extend him the + same welcome that he received in Georgia. They were too deeply + interested in the perpetuation of slavery to do otherwise than + mourn the failure to establish the Confederacy.</p> + + <p>Elsewhere I have spoken of the region bordering the lower + portion of the Great River of the West, which includes + Louisiana and Mississippi. In the former State, sugar and + cotton are the great products. In the latter, cotton is the + chief object of attention. It is quite probable that the change + from slavery to freedom may necessitate the division of the + large plantations into farms of suitable size for cultivation + by persons of moderate capital. If this should be done, there + will be a great demand for Northern immigrants, and the + commerce of these States will be largely increased.</p> + + <p>Early in July, of the present year, after the dispersal of + the Rebel armies, a meeting was held at Shreveport, Louisiana, + at which resolutions were passed favoring the encouragement of + Northern migration to the Red River valley. The resolutions set + forth, that the pineries of that region would amply repay + development, in view of the large market for lumber along Red + River and the Mississippi. They further declared, that the + cotton and sugar plantations of West Louisiana offered great + attractions, and were worthy the attention of Northern men. The + passage of these resolutions indicates a better spirit than has + been manifested by the inhabitants of other portions of the + Pelican State. Many of the people in the Red River region + profess to have been loyal to the United States throughout the + days of the Rebellion.</p> + + <p>The Red River is most appropriately named. It flows through + a region where the soil has a reddish tinge, that is imparted + to the water of the river. The sugar produced there has the + same peculiarity, and can be readily distinguished from the + sugar of other localities.</p> + + <p>Arkansas is quite rich in minerals, though far less so than + Missouri. Gold abounds in some localities, and lead, iron, and + zinc exist in large quantities. The saltpeter caves along the + White River can furnish sufficient saltpeter for the entire + Southwest. Along the rivers the soil is fertile, but there are + many sterile regions in the interior. The agricultural products + are similar to those of Missouri, with the addition of cotton. + With the exception of the wealthier inhabitants, the people of + Arkansas are desirous of stimulating emigration. They suffered + so greatly from the tyranny of the Rebel leaders that they + cheerfully accept the overthrow of slavery. Arkansas possesses + less advantages than most other Southern States, being far + behind her sisters in matters of education and internal + improvement. It is to be hoped that her people have discovered + their mistake, and will make earnest efforts to correct it at + an early day.</p> + + <p>A story is told of a party of strolling players that landed + at a town in Arkansas, and advertised a performance of + "Hamlet." A delegation waited upon the manager, and ordered him + to "move on." The spokesman of the delegation is reported to + have said:</p> + + <p>"That thar Shakspeare's play of yourn, stranger, may do for + New York or New Orleans, but we want you to understand that + Shakspeare in Arkansas is pretty ---- well played out."</p> + + <p>Persons who wish to give attention to mining matters, will + find attractions in Tennessee, in the deposits of iron, copper, + and other ores. Coal is found in immense quantities among the + Cumberland Mountains, and lead exists in certain localities. + Though Tennessee can boast of considerable mineral wealth, her + advantages are not equal to those of Missouri or North + Carolina. In agriculture she stands well, though she has no + soil of unusual fertility, except in the western portion of the + State. Cotton, corn, and tobacco are the great staples, and + considerable quantities of wheat are produced. Stock-raising + has received considerable attention. More mules were formerly + raised in Tennessee than in any other State of the Union. A + large portion of the State is admirably adapted to grazing.</p> + + <p>Military operations in Tennessee, during the Rebellion, were + very extensive, and there was great destruction of property in + consequence. Large numbers of houses and other buildings were + burned, and many farms laid waste. It will require much time, + capital, and energy to obliterate the traces of war.</p> + + <p>The inhabitants of Kentucky believe that their State cannot + be surpassed in fertility. They make the famous "Blue Grass + Region," around Lexington, the subject of especial boast. The + soil of this section is very rich, and the grass has a peculiar + bluish tinge, from which its name is derived. One writer says + the following of the Blue Grass Region:--</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>View the country round from the heads of the Licking, the + Ohio, the Kentucky, Dick's, and down the Green River, and you + have a hundred miles square of the most extraordinary country + on which the sun has ever shone.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Farms in this region command the highest prices, and there + are very few owners who have any desire to sell their property. + Nearly all the soil of the State is adapted to cultivation. Its + staple products are the same as those of Missouri. It produces + more flax and hemp than any other State, and is second only to + Virginia in the quality and quantity of its tobacco. Its yield + of corn is next to that of Ohio. Like Tennessee, it has a large + stock-raising interest, principally in mules and hogs, for + which there is always a ready market.</p> + + <p>Kentucky suffered severely during the campaigns of the Rebel + army in that State, and from the various raids of John Morgan. + A parody on "My Maryland" was published in Louisville soon + after one of Morgan's visits, of which the first stanza was as + follows:--</p> + + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="ln"> + John Morgan's foot is on thy shore,<br /> + Kentucky! O Kentucky! + </div> + + <div class="ln"> + His hand is on thy stable door,<br /> + Kentucky! O Kentucky! + </div> + + <div class="ln"> + He'll take thy horse he spared before, + </div> + + <div class="ln"> + And ride him till his back is sore, + </div> + + <div class="ln"> + And leave him at some stranger's door,<br /> + Kentucky! O Kentucky! + </div> + </div> + + <p>Last, and greatest, of the lately rebellious States, is + Texas. Every variety of soil can be found there, from the + richest alluvial deposits along the river bottoms, down to the + deserts in the northwestern part of the State, where a wolf + could not make an honest living. All the grains of the Northern + States can be produced. Cotton, tobacco, and sugar-cane are + raised in large quantities, and the agricultural capabilities + of Texas are very great. Being a new State, its system of + internal communications is not good. Texas has the reputation + of being the finest grazing region in the Southwest. Immense + droves of horses, cattle, and sheep cover its prairies, and + form the wealth of many of the inhabitants. Owing to the + distance from market, these animals are generally held at very + low prices.</p> + + <p>Shortly after its annexation to the United States, Texas + became a resort for outcasts from civilized society. In some + parts of the Union, the story goes that sheriffs, and their + deputies dropped the phrase "<i>non est inventus</i>" for one + more expressive. Whenever they discovered that parties for whom + they held writs had decamped, they returned the documents with + the indorsement "G.T.T." (gone to Texas). Some writer records + that the State derived its name from the last words of a + couplet which runaway individuals were supposed to repeat on + their arrival:--</p> + + <div class="poetry"> + When every other land rejects us,<br /> + This is the land that freely takes us. + </div> + + <p>Since 1850, the character of the population of Texas has + greatly improved, though it does not yet bear favorable + comparison to that of Quaker villages, or of rural districts of + Massachusetts or Connecticut. There is a large German element + in Texas, which displayed devoted loyalty to the Union during + the days of the Rebellion.</p> + + <p>An unknown philosopher says the world is peopled by two + great classes, those who have money, and those who haven't--the + latter being most numerous. Migratory Americans are subject to + the same distinction. Of those who have emigrated to points + further West during the last thirty years, a very large + majority were in a condition of impecuniosity. Many persons + emigrate on account of financial embarrassments, leaving behind + them debts of varied magnitude. In some cases, Territories and + States that desired to induce settlers to come within their + limits, have passed laws providing that no debt contracted + elsewhere, previous to emigration, could be collected by any + legal process. To a man laboring under difficulties of a + pecuniary character, the new Territories and States offer as + safe a retreat as the Cities of Refuge afforded to criminals in + the days of the ancients.</p> + + <p>Formerly, the West was the only field to which emigrants + could direct their steps. There was an abundance of land, and a + great need of human sinew to make it lucrative. When land could + be occupied by a settler and held under his pre-emption title, + giving him opportunity to pay for his possession from the + products of his own industry and the fertility of the soil, + there was comparatively little need of capital. The operations + of speculators frequently tended to retard settlement rather + than to stimulate it, as they shut out large areas from + cultivation or occupation, in order to hold them for an + advance. In many of the Territories a dozen able-bodied men, + accustomed to farm labor and willing to toil, were considered a + greater acquisition than a speculator with twenty thousand + dollars of hard cash. Labor was of more importance than + capital.</p> + + <p>To a certain extent this is still the case. Laboring men are + greatly needed on the broad acres of the far-Western States. No + one who has not traveled in that region can appreciate the + sacrifice made by Minnesota, Iowa, and Kansas, when they sent + their regiments of stalwart men to the war. Every arm that + carried a musket from those States, was a certain integral + portion of their wealth and prosperity. The great cities of the + seaboard could spare a thousand men with far less loss than + would accrue to any of the States I have mentioned, by the + subtraction of a hundred. There is now a great demand for men + to fill the vacancy caused by deaths in the field, and to + occupy the extensive areas that are still uncultivated. + Emigrants without capital will seek the West, where their stout + arms will make them welcome and secure them comfortable + homes.</p> + + <p>In the South the situation is different. For the present + there is a sufficiency of labor. Doubtless there will be a + scarcity several years hence, but there is no reason to fear it + immediately. Capital and direction are needed. The South is + impoverished. Its money is expended, and it has no present + source of revenue. There is nothing wherewith to purchase the + necessary stock, supplies, and implements for prosecuting + agricultural enterprise. The planters are generally helpless. + Capital to supply the want must come from the rich North.</p> + + <p>Direction is no less needed than capital. A majority of + Southern men declare the negroes will be worthless to them, now + that slavery is abolished. "We have," say they, "lived among + these negroes all our days. We know them in no other light than + as slaves. We command them to do what we wish, and we punish + them as we see fit for disobedience. We cannot manage them in + any other way."</p> + + <p>No doubt this is the declaration of their honest belief. A + Northern man can give them an answer appealing to their reason, + if not to their conviction. He can say, "You are accustomed to + dealing with slaves, and you doubtless tell the truth when + declaring you cannot manage the negroes under the new system. + We are accustomed to dealing with freemen, and do not know how + to control slaves. The negroes being free, our knowledge of + freemen will enable us to manage them without difficulty."</p> + + <p>Every thing is favorable to the man of small or large + capital, who desires to emigrate to the South. In consideration + of the impoverishment of the people and their distrust of the + freed negroes as laborers, lands in the best districts can be + purchased very cheaply. Plantations can be bought, many of them + with all the buildings and fences still remaining, though + somewhat out of repair, at prices ranging from three to ten + dollars an acre. A few hundred dollars will do far more toward + securing a home for the settler in the South than in the West. + Labor is abundant, and the laborers can be easily controlled by + Northern brains. The land is already broken, and its + capabilities are fully known. Capital, if judiciously invested + and under proper direction, whether in large or moderate + amounts, will be reasonably certain of an ample return.</p> + + <p>FINIS.</p> + </div><!--END OF TEXT--> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12068 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/12068-h/images/p110i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p110i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a2490f9 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p110i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p110i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p110i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6d4e1ae --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p110i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p156i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p156i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8c2e9b7 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p156i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p156i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p156i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..bb46cc3 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p156i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p170i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p170i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d992313 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p170i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p170i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p170i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..71bf7a5 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p170i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p188i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p188i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..91892fe --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p188i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p188i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p188i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f5e90c6 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p188i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p234i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p234i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8c129cf --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p234i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p234i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p234i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3c8815f --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p234i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p270i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p270i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8160d51 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p270i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p270i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p270i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..631b3d4 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p270i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p440i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p440i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2e02b6f --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p440i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p440i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p440i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6b548e9 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p440i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p44i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p44i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d32c992 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p44i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p44i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p44i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f57cb34 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p44i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p498i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p498i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4c24864 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p498i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p498i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p498i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..94c2b99 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p498i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p54i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p54i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f7b6fb9 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p54i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p54i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p54i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2e89160 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p54i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p5i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p5i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..89869c4 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p5i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p5i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p5i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7290ab2 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p5i1_t.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p90i1.jpg b/12068-h/images/p90i1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3ed95ba --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p90i1.jpg diff --git a/12068-h/images/p90i1_t.jpg b/12068-h/images/p90i1_t.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c650350 --- /dev/null +++ b/12068-h/images/p90i1_t.jpg |
