1863 Letters

Washington, DC - 1 January 1863

abraham lincoln -- Emancipation Proclamation. January 1, 1863

Washington, DC - 1 January 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL H. W. HALLECK.

Washington, DC - 2 January 1863

abraham lincoln -- to MAJOR-GENERAL CURTIS.

Washington, DC - 2 January 1863

John Sherman letter to William Sherman... We are watching with the most eager interest the progress of your expedition.

Washington, MD - 2 January 1863

I have spent a week in camp, down there opposite Fredericksburg, and seen what well men, and sick men, and mangled men endure

Washington, DC - 4 January 1863

abraham lincoln -- To Secretary of the Navy Welles

Washington, DC - 5 January 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO CALEB RUSSELL AND SALLIE A. FENTON.

Washington, DC - 5 January 1863

General Burnside -- letter to abraham lincoln

Washington, DC - 6 January 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL S. L CURTIS

Steamer Forest Queen - 6 January 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...You will have heard of our attack on Vicksburg and failure to succeed.

Washington, DC - 7 January 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL H. W. HALLECK

Washington, DC - 7 January 1863

General Halleck -- letter to General Burnside

Camp Near Falmouth, VA - 7 January 1863

donely shares his observations about the terrain and the people he sees in virginia. he also talks about his everyday life in camp.

Washington, MD - 7 January 1863

In accordance with verbal instructions heretofore given you - you will, after uniting with flag-officer Goldsborough, at Fort Monroe, proceed under his convey to Hatteras Inlet

Washington, DC - 8 January 1863

abraham lincoln -- reprimand to General Burnside

Napoleon, AR - 17 January 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...Vicksburg is as strong as Gibraltar, and is of vital importance to the cause of the South.

Camp Near Falmouth, VA - 20 January 1863

donely tells bitner about the movement of pennsylvania troops toward the rappahannock river and predicts there will be a battle within 48 hours.

Washington, DC - 21 January 1863

General Halleck -- to General Grant

Camp Before Vicksburg, LA - 25 January 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...I shall be glad to meet Gen. Banks on many accounts

Washington, DC - 26 January 1863

abraham lincoln -- letter to MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER.

Washington, OH - 27 January 1863

John Sherman letter to William Sherman... The newspapers are generally down on you...

Philadelphia, PA - 27 January 1863

Rebecca Gratz letter to Ann Boswell Gratz... Well, we have changed for the better, got an industrious, colored man in place of an idle white one.

Richmond, VA - 0 February 1863

TO-DAY I rode on ahead of my division, stopped for a moment at our old home, ran into the garden and gathered for my darling some lilies of the valley, planted by my sweet mother

Camp Before Vicksburg, LA - 1 February 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...Of course newspaper correspondents regard me as the enemy of their class.

Camp Fredericksburg, VA - 6 February 1863

robert lee writes his daughter agnes ...the roads are wretched, almost impassable

Washington, MD - 6 February 1863

Jeff's enclosure of $10 through Mr. Lane, from the young engineers for the soldiers in hospitals, the most needy cases, came safe of course I shall acknowledge it to Mr. Lane tomorrow.

Washington, MD - 9 February 1863

One reason they have to move from the Rappahannock, up there, is that wood is all gone for miles, forage is scarce to get, and I don't know as there is any need of their staying there, for any purpose.

Washington, MD - 13 February 1863

The letter of introduction to Mr. Webster, chief clerk, State department, will be very acceptable. If convenient, I should like Mr. Lane to send it on immediately.

Camp Before Vicksburg, LA - 18 February 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...We have reproached the South for arbitrary conduct in coercing their people at last we find we must imitate their example.

Washington, DC - 22 February 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO Rev. ALEXANDER REED

Camp Near Nashville, TN - 22 February 1863

shoemaker writes from tennessee and mentions his desire to remain in the army until he can be discharged honorably.

Richmond, VA - 23 February 1863

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...The weather is now very hard upon our poor bushmen.

Washington, MD - 23 February 1863

You are assigned to the command of the land forces destined to co-operate with the navy, in the attack upon New Orleans. You will use every means to keep your destination a profound secret

Philadelphia, PA - 0 March 1863

Rebecca Gratz letter to Ann Boswell Gratz... Your last letter was so full of interesting matter, and so graphic in describing the condition of Kentucky and its requirements...

Washington, DC - 7 March 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO SECRETARY SEWARD

Washington, DC - 20 March 1863

abraham lincoln -- REVOCATION OF SENTENCE OF T. W. KNOX

Mansfield, OH - 20 March 1863

John Sherman letter to William Sherman... When I went into the Senate I anticipated quiet and dignified leisure with ample time to read, reflect and study...

Carthage, TN - 21 March 1863

shoemaker congratulates bitner on his marriage. he also writes that his regiment is expecting an attack from general bragg's troops any day.

Washington, DC - 26 March 1863

abraham lincoln -- QUESTION OF RAISING NEGRO TROOPS

Washington, MD - 31 March 1863

Mother, it is quite a snow-storm here this morning the ground is an inch and a half deep with snow and it is snowing and drizzling but I feel very independent in my stout army-boots

Washington, DC - 1 April 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL D. HUNTER

Camp Before Vicksburg, LA - 3 April 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...I confess I am astonished at your industry and acquirements.

Washington, DC - 4 April 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL D. HUNTER AND ADMIRAL S. F. DUPONT.

Camp Before Vicksburg, LA - 10 April 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...Mr. Dana is here. He spent a few hours with me yesterday, and I went over with him many of the events of the past year

Philadelphia, PA - 15 April 1863

Rebecca Gratz letter to brother Benjamin Gratz... I am rejoiced that Kentucky is ably supported and I hope will be safe through all coming time...

Washington, MD - 15 April 1863

There is much said about their closing up the regimental companies that is, where there are ten companies of 40 men each, closing them up to five companies, of 80 men each.

In Camp, VA - 15 April 1863

If I am spared, my dear, all my life shall be devoted to making you happy, to keeping all that would hurt you far from you, to making all that is good come near to you.

Camp Before Vicksburg, LA - 23 April 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...If not too late, do, for mercy's sake, exhaust your influence to stop this consolidation of regiments.

Camp Before Vicksburg, LA - 26 April 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...To-morrow I start with my corps to bring up the rear of the movement against Grand Gulf, and, maybe, Jackson, Miss.

Washington, MD - 28 April 1863

Jeff asks me if I go to hospitals as much as ever. If my letters home don't show it, you don't get em.

Washington, MD - 5 May 1863

The condition of things here in the hospitals is getting pretty bad the wounded from the battles around Fredericksburg are coming up in large numbers.

Suffolk, VA - 5 May 1863

I am ordered instead to proceed at once with three of my brigades to Petersburg, via the "Jerusalem-Plank-Road," to intercept a cavalry raid.

Washington, DC - 7 May 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL J. HOOKER.

Mansfield, OH - 7 May 1863

John Sherman letter to William Sherman... The tone of popular opinion is more patriotic. There are fewer noisy Butternuts...

Richmond, VA - 8 May 1863

So far as we have learned here, the enemy seem to confine their operations to the country below Lake Providence and would appear to be endeavoring to carry out the avowed purpose of preventing the cultivation of the crops

Washington, DC - 9 May 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO SECRETARY SEWARD

Washington, DC - 11 May 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO SECRETARY STANTON

Washington, MD - 13 May 1863

I am late with my letter this week my poor, poor boys occupy my time very much I go every day, and sometimes nights.

Washington, DC - 14 May 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL J. HOOKER

Camp Drake Near Murfreesboro, TN - 19 May 1863

david fogelsanger daihl letter to henry bitner, may 9th 1863

Washington, MD - 19 May 1863

I have a very nice old black aunty for a washwoman, but she bears down pretty hard, I guess, when she irons them, and they showed something like the poor old city of Fredericksburg does, since Burnside bombarded it.

Carthage, TN - 25 May 1863

shoemaker writes about the sickness that is affecting soldiers in his regiment and describes his own battle with "acclimating fever."

Washington, MD - 26 May 1863

We had some very hot weather here I don't know what I should have done without the thin grey coat you sent you don't know how good it does, and looks too

Washington, DC - 27 May 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL SCHOFIELD

Jackson, MS - 28 May 1863

It is reported that the last infantry coming leave Montgomery to-night. When they arrive I shall have about twenty-three thousand.

Walnut Hills Vicksburg, MS - 29 May 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...The move by way of Grand Gulf to secure a foothold on the hills wherefrom to assail Vicksburg, appeared to me too risky...

San Francisco, CA - 1 June 1863

mark twain writes to his mother and sister from san francisco

Raleigh, VA - 3 June 1863

shoemaker asks for news from home and says he is getting "habituated" to life as a soldier.

Washington, MD - 3 June 1863

Well, mother, I suppose you folks think we are in a somewhat dubious position here in Washington, with Lee in strong force almost between us and you Northerners.

Washington, DC - 4 June 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO SECRETARY STANTON

Washington, MD - 9 June 1863

It looks from some accounts as though the 9th Army Corps might be going down into East Tennessee (Cumberland Gap, or perhaps bound for Knoxville).

Jackson, MS - 10 June 1863

You do not give orders in regard to the recently appointed General Officers. Please do it.

Washington, DC - 12 June 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO ERASTUS CORNING AND OTHERS

Jackson, MS - 12 June 1863

I have not considered myself commanding in Tennessee since assignment here, and should not have felt authorized to take troops from that Department

Walnut Hills, MS - 15 June 1863

ulysses grant writes to father Jesse June 15th, 1863

Jackson, MS - 16 June 1863

Your despatch of 15th is received. I considered the order directing me to command here as limiting my authority to this Department.

In Camp, STATE - 18 June 1863

As I returned the salute of my men, many of them beardless boys, the terrible responsibility as their Commander almost overwhelmed me, and my heart was rent in prayer for guidance and help.

Richmond, VA - 19 June 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to frined A. Boteler... I saw the President this morning and he affords me every facility and and in carrying out my mischief

Jackson, MS - 20 June 1863

I much regret the carelessness of my reply of the 16th, to your telegram of the 15th.

Washington, DC - 22 June 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL J. M. SCHOFIELD

Washington, MD - 22 June 1863

Well, mother, we are generally anticipating a lively time here, or in the neighborhood, as it is probable Lee is feeling about to strike a blow on Washington, or perhaps right into it

Washington, DC - 23 June 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO SECRETARY OF WAR

Greencastle, PA - 24 June 1863

I don't want to hurrah. I want to go off all by myself and be sorry for them want to lie down in the grass, away off in the woods some where

Chambersburg, PA - 27 June 1863

The officers and men are all in excellent condition, bright and cheerful, singing songs and telling stories, full of hope and courage, inspired with absolute faith and confidence in our success.

In Camp, PA - 29 June 1863

Our whole army is now in Pennsylvania, north of the river.

Washington, DC - 30 June 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL D. HUNTER

Richmond, VA - 2 July 1863

Having accepted your patriotic offer to proceed as a military commissioner, under flag of truce, to Washington, you will herewith receive your letter of authority to the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States.

Richmond, VA - 2 July 1863

Numerous difficulties and disputes have arisen in relation to the execution of the cartel of exchange heretofore agreed on by the belligerents, and the commissioners for the exchange of prisoners have been unable to adjust their differences.

unknown - 3 July 1863

Let the batteries open.

Gettysburg, PA - 3 July 1863

Our line of battle faces Cemetery Ridge. Our detachments have been thrown forward to support our artillery which stretches over a mile along the crests of Oak Ridge and Seminary Ridge.

In Camp, PA - 4 July 1863

Well, it is all over now. The battle is lost, and many of us are prisoners, many are dead, many wounded, bleeding and dying. Your Soldier lives and mourns

Candy Creek Camp, MS - 5 July 1863

I considered my assignment to the immediate command in Mississippi as giving me a new position and limiting my authority to this Department

Headquarters, PA - 6 July 1863

I can't write you a love-letter to-day, my Sally, for with my great love for you and my gratitude to God for sparing my life to devote to you, comes the overpowering thought of those whose lives were sacrificed of the broken-hearted widows and mother

Portland, AL - 8 July 1863

My mother ill at her home on the plantation near here where I have come to see her.

Washington, MD - 10 July 1863

The wounded are doing rather badly ; I am sorry to say there are frequent deaths the weather, I suppose, which has been peculiarly bad for wounds, so wet and warm (though not disagreeable outdoors).

Headquarters - 12 July 1863

Early in the morning I had been assured by Alexander that General Lee had ordered that every brigade in his command was to charge Cemetery Hill; so I had no fear of not being supported.

On The March - 12 July 1863

Oh, the pity of it, guarding these prisoners through their own country, depleted and suffering mentally and physically as we are, and being forced to march forward with a speed beyond their own and our endurance.

Washington, DC - 13 July 1863

abraham lincoln writes general grant with grateful acknowledgment for victory at vicksburg

Washington, MD - 15 July 1863

So the mob has risen at last in New York I have been expecting it, but as the day for the draft had arrived and everything was so quiet, I supposed all might go on smoothly ; but it seems the passions of the people were only sleeping

Richmond, VA - 15 July 1863

When I learned that prejudice and malignity had so undermined the confidence of the troops at Vicksburg in their commander as to threaten disaster, I deemed the circumstances such as to present the case foreseen in Special Order No. 275

Charleston, SC - 16 July 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to President Jefferson Davis... On reaching Wilmington the situation of Charleston became the engrossing subject of conversation and of interest

Washington, DC - 17 July 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL LANE

Mansfield, OH - 18 July 1863

John Sherman letter to William Sherman... How completely the tone of the press has changed in regard to you.

Washington, DC - 20 July 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GOVERNOR PARKER

Washington, DC - 20 July 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO GENERAL SCHOFIELD

Charleston, SC - 20 July 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to A.R. Boteler... the skill and daring of our people will be taxed to the utmost to repell the brutal hoards who are now hovering around.

Charleston, SC - 23 July 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to A.R. Boteler... finding it impossible to get out from this port I have remained here

Washington, DC - 24 July 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO POSTMASTER-GENERAL BLAIR

Richmond, VA - 24 July 1863

This is not the first intimation I have received that Holden is engaged in the treasonable purpose of exciting the people of North Carolina to resistance against their Government, and co-operation with the enemy

Washington, DC - 25 July 1863

abraham lincoln -- TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

Washington, DC - 25 July 1863

abraham lincoln -- HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR JOEL PARKER

Washington, DC - 27 July 1863

abraham lincoln --To GENERAL G. G. MEADE

Camp 18m. East Of Vicksburg, MS - 28 July 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...The railroad comes within four miles of my tent, and I have its exclusive use and a telegraph at my elbow.

Montgomery, AL - 30 July 1863

Coming on here from Portland there was no stateroom for me. My mother alone had one. My aunt and I sat nodding in armchairs, for the floors and sofas were covered with sleepers, too.

Washington, DC - 31 July 1863

abraham lincoln -- Letter to Moulton. Washington. July 31, 1863

Washington, DC - 31 July 1863

abraham lincoln -- Letter to Mrs. Lincoln. Washington. August 8, 1863

Mansfield, OH - 3 August 1863

John Sherman letter to William Sherman... With the officers of the army you stand very high.

Camp On Big Black, MS - 3 August 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...You and I may differ in our premises, but will agree in our conclusions.

Washington, DC - 4 August 1863

abraham lincoln --TO COUNT A. DE GASPARIN

Camp Orange, VA - 8 August 1863

The general remedy for the want of success in a military commander is his removal. This is natural, and in many instances proper.

Richmond, VA - 10 August 1863

I screamed again and again until my whole household came rushing in, and then came the negroes from the yard, all wakened by my piercing shrieks. This may have been a dream, but it haunts me.

Washington, MD - 11 August 1863

I feel so anxious to hear from George ; one cannot help feeling uneasy, although these days sometimes it cannot help being long intervals without one's hearing from friends in the army.

Richmond, VA - 11 August 1863

I am glad that you concur so entirely with me as to the wants of our country in this trying hour

Richmond, VA - 13 August 1863

Robert E. Lee letter to his soldiers ...a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer.

St George, Bermu, ENG - 13 August 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to A.R. Boteler... I have as you will see arrived here in despite of Yankee crusiers who gave us a close chase all the way

Washington, MD - 14 August 1863

You will send up your troops as rapidly as possible. There is no difficulty in landing them.

Washington, DC - 17 August 1863

abraham lincoln -- Letter to James H. Hackett. Washington. August 17, 1863

Washington, MD - 18 August 1863

We are expecting to hear of more rows in New York about the draft ; it commences there right away

Washington, MD - 25 August 1863

while so many fall that we know, or, what is about as bad, get sick or hurt in the fight, and lay in hospital, it seems almost a miracle that George should have gone through so much, South and North and East and West

Washington, DC - 26 August 1863

abraham lincoln -- The Letter to James C. Conkling. August 26, 1863

Richmond, VA - 27 August 1863

The disasters in Mississippi were both great and unexpected to me. I had thought that the troops sent to the State, added to those already there, made a force large enough to accomplish the destruction of Grant's army.

Mansfield, OH - 29 August 1863

John Sherman letter to William Sherman... General Ord stopped with me last Sunday on his way East.

Richmond, VA - 31 August 1863

I have wished for several days past to return to the army, but have been detained by the President.

Washington, MD - 1 September 1863

I have been thinking to-day and all yesterday about the draft in Brooklyn, and whether Jeff would be drafted ; you must some of you write me just as soon as you get this I want to know

unknown - 2 September 1863

I know but little of the condition of our affairs in the West, but am inclined to the opinion that our best opportunity for great results is in Tennessee.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 3 September 1863

Behold me, installed in solemn state! having thus far lost no limb. Betimes, at seven this morning, I was duly at the Alexandria ferryboat with horses, Silas and Albert.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 6 September 1863

I promised to tell you how I invited General Meade to go with me and see General Sykes. If I didn't know any thing, I looked like a Commander-in-Chief, for I had the best horse and the best accoutrements

Richmond, VA - 7 September 1863

He had an odd habit of falling into a state of incessant winking as soon as he became the least startled or agitated. In such times he seemed persistently to be winking one eye at you.

Washington, MD - 8 September 1863

Mother, one's heart grows sick of war, after all, when you see what it really is ; every once in a while I feel so horrified and disgusted it seems to me like a great slaughter-house and the men mutually butchering each

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 9 September 1863

In my last I forwarded a landscape with Headquarters of the 3d Corps in the verdant background. In this, I will describe the Review, at which, as the Gauls say, "I assisted."

Camden, SC - 10 September 1863

Lee has proved to be all that my husband prophesied of him when he was so unpopular and when Joe Johnston was the great god of war.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 11 September 1863

The conversation of the officers is extremely entertaining, as most of them have been in a good many battles. They say that General Meade is an extremely cool man.

Headquarters - 13 September 1863

OLD Peter is to go to Tennessee to reenforce Bragg. He has placed his plans before the Secretary of War.

Washington, MD - 15 September 1863

Burnside has managed splendidly so far, his taking Knoxville and all together it is a first-class success.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 17 September 1863

Perhaps you would like to hear about our little cavalry performance. Of course there was not hard fighting, and a hundred or so will cover all the killed and wounded; nevertheless, as the whole was new to me

Philadelphia, PA - 21 September 1863

Rebecca Gratz letter to brother Benjamin Gratz... I hoped when the traitor Morgan was defeated Kentucky would have rest and the law abiding community restored to order...

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 22 September 1863

Yesterday came General Buford, commander of the second Cavalry Division, and held a pow-wow.

Richmond, VA - 23 September 1863

I have read with emotion the deep grief therein expressed for the ruin and devastation caused by the war which is now being waged by the United States

Washington, MD - 29 September 1863

As to Burnside, I suppose you know he is among his friends, and I think this quite important, for such the main body of East Tennesseans are, and are far truer Americans anyhow than the Copperheads of the North.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 29 September 1863

I see such flocks of generals now, that I do not always take the pains to describe them. On Sunday there arrived General Benham, one of the dirtiest and most ramshackle parties I ever saw.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 1 October 1863

Yesterday we had a sword presentation (nothing else to do now, you know) .

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 4 October 1863

Yesterday there was a poor farmer, that filled me with admiration. He had travelled a thousand miles from his place in Indiana to get the body of his only son, killed in our cavalry skirmish of the 13th September.

Washington, MD - 6 October 1863

Mother, I think Rosecrans and Burnside will be too much for the Rebels down there yet.

Washington, MD - 11 October 1863

I am continually moving around among the hospitals. One I go to oftenest the last three months is Armory-square, as it is large, generally full of the worst wounds and sickness, and is among the least visited.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 11 October 1863

Uncle Lee has concluded that we have stared long enough at each other, and so is performing some fancy antics, though whether he means to fight, or retreat after a feint, or merely take a walk, I know not.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 12 October 1863

our great object is Uncle Lee's army (one might properly say our only object), we have to watch and follow his movements, so as, 1st, to catch him if possible in a good corner; or, 2d, to prevent his catching us in a bad corner

Washington, MD - 13 October 1863

Mother, I so much want to see you, even if only for a couple of weeks, for I feel I must return here and continue my hospital operations.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 16 October 1863

The Rebels toward evening went feeling along our line about three miles from here with cavalry and artillery, and kept up a desultory cannonade

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 19 October 1863

we saw a spectacle such as few even of the old officers had ever beheld; namely, 2500 waggons, all parked on a great, open, prairie-like piece of ground, hundreds of acres in extent.

Washington, MD - 20 October 1863

I pay $10 a month; this includes gas, but not fuel.

Washington, MD - 21 October 1863

If you have not been, and are not now in condition to obey it, you will be able to show such want of ability.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 23 October 1863

we drove in great state to General Halleck's office; where General Meade went in and held a solemn pow-wow; the two came forth presently and walked over to the White-House, where they held another pow-pow with the President.

Camden, SC - 24 October 1863

James Chesnut is at home on his way back to Richmond; had been sent by the President to make the rounds of the Western armies; says Polk is a splendid old fellow.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 26 October 1863

Did I tell you that Lee passed through Warrenton and passed a night. He was received with bouquets and great joy.

Washington, MD - 27 October 1863

I have finally made up my mind that Mr. Lincoln has done as good as a human man could do. I still think him a pretty big President.

Camden, SC - 27 October 1863

Young Wade Hampton has been here for a few days, a guest of our nearest neighbor and cousin, Phil Stockton.

Richmond, VA - 1 November 1863

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I am sorry you find such difficulty in procuring yarn for socks, etc.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 1 November 1863

Buford was here last night, and said he thought he could just "boolge" across the river and scare the Rebels to death; which would certainly be a highly desirable event, for we should have quite a chance of a visit home.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 3 November 1863

some two weeks, I have had a tent-mate, a Swede, one of those regular Europeans, who have been forever in the army, and who know no more about campaigning than a young child.

Richmond, VA - 5 November 1863

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I had not been on horseback for five days previously and feared I should not get through.

unknown - 5 November 1863

When I heard the report around camp that I was to go into East Tennessee, I set to work at once to try and plan the means for making the move with security and the hope of great results.

Camden, SC - 5 November 1863

For a week we have had such a tranquil, happy time here. Both my husband and Johnny are here still. James Chesnut spent his time sauntering around with his father

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 7 November 1863

This morning, forward march! horse, foot, and artillery, all streaming towards Dixie; weather fresh and fine, nothing to mar but a high wind, and, in some places, clouds of dust.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 9 November 1863

Two regiments, the 6th Maine and 7th Wisconsin, just at sundown, as the light was fading, charged up a long, naked slope, in face of the fire of a brigade and of four cannon, and carried the works at the point of the bayonet.

Washington, DC - 11 November 1863

abraham lincoln -- Note to Secretary Stanton. Washington. November 11, 1863

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 13 November 1863

Here we continue to dwell in our pine wood, in grave content, consuming herds of cattle and car-loads of bread with much regularity.

Mansfield, OH - 14 November 1863

John Sherman letter to William Sherman... On Tuesday next I start for Gettysburg to take part in the pageant of a dedication of the battle-field...

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 15 November 1863

A little before one o clock came a telegraph that four officers of the "Ghords" were coming in the train, and that we were to send an officer, with ten men, also four led horses, to bring them up.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 19 November 1863

By Brandy Station we came across a line of rifle-pits that the Rebs had thrown up, probably on the Saturday night of their retreat, so as to cover the trains falling back on the Rapid Ann.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 25 November 1863

I write a line, merely to say that the entire army is under marching orders, for daylight to-morrow; the men in high spirits.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 27 November 1863

From Rapid Ann Station to Morton's Ford, the Rebels have a strong line of entrenchments, but, beyond that, it is practicable to force a crossing, because the north bank commands the south.

unknown - 28 November 1863

I am not at all confident that General Bragg has had a serious battle at Chattanooga, but there is a report that he has, and that he has fallen back to Tunnel Hill.

Richmond, VA - 28 November 1863

Our pleasant home sojourn was soon broken up. Johnny had to go back to Company A, and my husband was ordered by the President to make a second visit to Bragg's Army.

Richmond, VA - 30 November 1863

I must describe an adventure I had in Kingsville. Of course, I know nothing of children : in point of fact, am awfully afraid of them.

Richmond, VA - 30 November 1863

Anxiety pervades. Lee is fighting Meade. Misery is everywhere.

Richmond, VA - 2 December 1863

Bragg begs to be relieved of his command. The army will be relieved to get rid of him. He has a winning way of earning everybody's detestation. Heavens, how they hate him !

Richmond, VA - 4 December 1863

In the street a barrel of flour sells for one hundred and fifteen dollars.

Richmond, VA - 5 December 1863

Wigfall was here last night. He began by wanting to hang Jeff Davis. My husband managed him beautifully. He soon ceased to talk virulent nonsense

Richmond, VA - 9 December 1863

Come here, Mrs. Chesnut, said Mary Preston to-day, " they are lifting General Hood out of his carriage, here, at your door."

London, ENG - 10 December 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to A.R. Boteler... I trust that my friends will not forget me or believe that even amidst the enjoyments of my present existance that I can for a moment be oblivious of the friends I have left behind

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 10 December 1863

ll the officers are inclined to be petulant and touchy, for they think that winter quarters are coming and are all stretching out for "leaves," which they know only a part can get.

Richmond, VA - 10 December 1863

Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Lyons came. We had luncheon brought in for them

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 12 December 1863

I am more and more struck, on reflection, with General Meade's consistency and self-control in refusing to attack.

Richmond, VA - 14 December 1863

Drove out with Mrs. Davis. She had a watch in her hand which some poor dead soldier wanted to have sent to his family.

Washington, MD - 15 December 1863

The last word I got from home was your letter written the night before Andrew was buried Friday night, nearly a fortnight ago.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, VA - 16 December 1863

The peaceful dolce far niente of the forenoon was suddenly broken by a telegraph, announcing a Russian invasion nothing less than a legion of Muscovite naval officers pouring down, to the number of twenty -four, in a special train, on our devoted hea

Richmond, VA - 19 December 1863

I have directed a supply of arms, say 25,000, to be sent to you across the Missi. & have telegraphed to Genl. Johnston to correspond with you so as to secure your cooperation in giving protection & transportation to the arms

Richmond, VA - 19 December 1863

A box has come from home for me. Taking advantage of this good fortune and a full larder, have asked Mrs. Davis to dine with me.

Richmond, VA - 24 December 1863

As we walked, Brewster reported a row he had had with General Hood.

Richmond, VA - 25 December 1863

Yesterday dined with the Prestons. Wore one of my handsomest Paris dresses (from Paris before the war).

Lancaster, OH - 29 December 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...I hear you have gone on to New York, and therefore I must go off without seeing you.

Lancaster, OH - 30 December 1863

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...I have been importuned from many quarters for my likeness, autographs, and biography.