War Diaries (nonfiction)

Diary of Anne Frank.

War Diaries is a set of quotations written in diaries during wartime.

List of War Diaries

• See Category:War Diaries (nonfiction)

Work in progress

George Beck

http://www.pegasusarchive.org/pow/george_beck.htm

Inquire about "June 01, 1940" entry - looks like error, should be July, not June. More entries to review and excerpt from that point.

Isaac Harris

Isaac Harris Diary, U.S. Sanitary Commission

Date: June 12 - July 18, 1863

Friday June 12th 63

The rumors of a move seem to be premature and we are again subsiding to a comparative degree of comfort, yet there is so much mystery visible at Head QJ.larters, and at the Commissary Dept. so much activity that we are compelled to believe something is on th,e tapis. The Rebs on the other side of the river show themselves in greater numbers than before and are not so friendly. Some picket firing is going on, and the usual mid-day exchange of tobacco and papers is prohibited. What is up? At noon the Pontoon train, two batteries of light 12's and one of 3 in. Rifled pieces passed down by the Lacey House and behind the "Seven Sisters" Bluff, shortly followed by the Vermont Brigade of the 6th Corps. At three o'clock the three batteries opened on the Rebel rifle pits opposite Franklin's Crossing maintaining a heavy fire, which was replied to feebly by some Whitworth guns, half way up Mary's Heights. At Six the Vermonters took to the boats and pulled across, our guns continuing their fire until the boats touched the bank - then a yell - a rush, a rattle of musketry and the fight is over, and the Rebs on the run towards the city the Sisters giving them some 32's to hurry them along. By seven the bridge is laid and the troops cross and spread over the plain as far as the house where Bufort was killed. The fight was witnessed by thousands seated on the bluff, whom the Whitworth shells disturbed a bit. At the "Sisters" were a number of ladies who stood the fire splendidly and applauded every good shot by shouts and waving of handkerchiefs. Just before dark Mao, Swaim & I rode over to see how things were with the boys and returning Mac's horse was crowded off the bridge, causing both to swim for it, one to the North and the other to the South bank of the river. They were soon together again and we returned to camp undecided as to the meaning of the movement. Our small pox patient left his tent this P.M. while we were absent, and frightened the other niggers away, so that we are our own chefs for supper. No word from Acquia or Washington.

Saturday 13th

This morning at daylight, Swaim discovered that Washington -the small pox darkey - had died during the night. This caused much surprise as he was thought to be nearly well. It is probable that his leaving his tent yesterday, and the sudden change in the temperature during the night caused his sudden decease. His was the most revolting looking corpse I have ever [ .. } and everyone loathed to touch him, in fact, very few cared to approach his tent fearing the contagion, and the niggers, one and all, "vamoosed the ranche."

While Swaim started on horseback to bring back the boys to dig a grave, Green and I made a coffin and put poor Washington into it, while Fay marked and cut a head board to mark the grave. As soon as the grave was dug, the rascally niggers disappeared and we did not see them again until after the work was all done. Green conducted the funeral services and it was really affecting to watch the,. effect of his words upon the crowd of soldiers who, attracted by the novelty of seeing a "nigger buried", had gathered round. After dinner Swaim and I went over the river again to notice things. Obtained names of killed and wounded and forwarded list to Central Office. Everything very quiet, and no picket firing. The Rebs ,are in plain view along the "Sunken Road" and appear to be satisfied. Everyone is conscious of some great change about taking place, but what is it? Mac was informed at HdQrs. that nothing was going on, but we believe to the contrary. Our balloon has been up all day, and so has the Rebs' from which it is evident something is suspicious. In the evening Swaim, Fay and Bellows wrote to the friends of those killed and wounded yesterday, while Mac & I went out for information. About nine o'clock we found Capt Pitkin's men stripping the canvass roof from the forage shed, and P. informed us that Lee had started two days before for Maryland, and that yesterday's fight was for the purpose of bringing him back by threatening to advance on Richmond, but that he wouldn't come and so we were going after him. He promised us one car at one 'o'clock and we returned immediately to strike tents. How fortunate for Washington that he died this morning! Had he lived, we could not ~ tak~ him with us, and he would probably linger a few days until starvation or some Reb put an end to him.

Tuesday 16th

A noisy anxious crowd reported for duty this morning at 8 o'clock. Noisy because they could not help it and anxious because they would not. The dty is full of rumors from a battle on the Rapidan to the Rebs being in Maryland. Everything at odds and ends at HdQrs. so we are turned loose with orders to report at 2 P.M. As everyone is anxious to secure a good place in the coming operations each man is pulling his individual wire. I am promised my choice of positions and locations, and S~ Mac & I determine to hang together; but find there is too much to be done and that it is impossible. Mac is ordered to the front with the trains and Swalm. & I elect to go to Harrisburg and meet Mac as soon as possible. Dined with Dr. and Mrs. Caldwell and left on 6.30 P.M. train with Swaim and Knapp. At Baltimore learn that the Rebs are on the Northern Central R.R. near York, which obliges us to go to Philada. arriving at 1 A M. at the "Continental."

Wednesday 17th

Left on 7.30 A.M. train and arrived at Harrisburg at 1 P.M. Went to Jones House -dinner, and then to pick up news. The dty all excitement and anxiously expecting the N. Y. Militia to arrive and save them from the Rebs who are reported as being everywhere. In the evening went to Sanford's Opera House (?) where a two hundred pound woman sang ["] The Captain with the Whiskers" and made faces at every bearded man in the room. At twelve o'clock went to the capitol, introduced to Gov. Curtin, made up a dispatch and telegraphed it to New York and Washington. Returned to the Hotel at 2 A.M. and went to bed with head-ache and well used up.

• http://archives.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/files_war/I-BaldwinC-1998-1.pdf

Thursday 18th

Not well this morning -.head-ache and no appetite. Swaim says I have the "shakes" or will have them in a couple of hours. Collins from N.Y. reports for duty and is sent to Washington with dispatches. No reliable news from the Rebs, but plenty of rumors. Kept my room and bed nearly all day; but the arrival of the 8th and 71st N.Y. Regts was too much for me, so I got up and went out to their camp and met some old friends- Schenk among the number. Gen's Couch and Milroy arrived in the evening and were serenaded by the band of the 23rd Brooklyn Regt. which had also arrived. Went to the Capitol at 11 P.M. with Swaim to get the news and make up dispatches for N.Y. & Washington.

Saturday 20th

Felt quite well this morning. Collins returned from Washington last night and started for Philada. on flrst train. Rebs reported at Chambersbr'g and our boys ordered to meet them. Rec'd invitation to attach myself to Genl. Knipe's Staff, accepted, and left for Shippensburg at 4 P.M. with the Genl., Col Gowan and Dr. Rogers. Delightful ride, beautiful country and pretty girls who turn out en masse to see the soldiers. This Cumberland Valley would be just the place to tie up for a life time, but that everybody eats bread and apple butter and apparently nothing else. We found comfortable quarters at the "Black Boar Tavern" and had the monotony of the campaign broken by a passage at arms between Col. Gowan and the Quarter Master 71st N.Y.S.M. The Q.M. drew his sword on G. while we were at table, and G threw a well filled plate which the Q.M. dodged but before he could recover his guard, G. had closed with him, wrested his sword away and whipped him out of the dining room with it throwing it after him, the rest of us shaking with laughter. The Rebs are reported to have occupied Chambersburg eleven miles South of here. The Genl. is anxious about his Militia, who have advanced no further than Carlisle. At ten P.M. the fever comes on again and occasions a spirited argument between Col G. and Dr. Rogers. G. insists that I have the small pox while the Dr. says it is only a "shake". They cannot agree except to leave the decision to a game of "Seven-up". As G. wins in a square game I suppose I must have the small pox, to which the Dr. assents and doses me with five grains of Q]Jinine and Spiritus frumenti ad lib

Wednesday 24th

Remained at the Hotel all the morning expecting Harrington and others over to dine with me. Bob Hood alone came and reported the other boys as unable to obtain passes as they had marching orders. Gave H. a square meal which he thought would last him for a month. During the afternoon wrote home and to several friends, and went over the river to fmd the 13th & 23rd on the march for Carlisle. Rebs reported advancing and living off the country. It must make those old Dutch down the Valley swear to have their apple butter carted off; but it serves them right. There !.s no fight in them; they are all, men women and children on the "make11 and have no gratitude for those who are here to protect them. To charge a man twenty-five cents for a slice of bread smeared over with apple butter and thus expect him to fight for you is a mistaken idea - very! I have seen men sell water on the streets in this city today to soldiers in the ranks at five cents a cup-full. And I have also seen the same men have the contents of their buckets poured over them as soon as all the boys had had a drink. Did it serve them right? The usual trip to the Capitol

Friday 26th A rainy day. Busy with my report to Washington - writing letters and making requisitions for stores which the Medical Director advises us to have on hand at this point as being convenient in case of an action in the Cumberland Valley. Thus far our duties have been very light in fact, we have had nothing to do but amuse ourselves and why we should be retained here is a mystery as we might be so much better employed in the Potomac Army and at much less expense. However, "obey orders and break owners"! Spent the evening with Adjt McKee and Col. Stube, and then made the usual trip to the Capitol.

Sunday 28th A quiet day! Wrote to Mrs. Briggs in the afternoon. After supper took a long walk East of town and amused myself talking to some country people. Wrote to O.G. in the evening. The bridge at ~Columbia burned by the Rebs about 9 o'clock. Saw the light distinctly from the roof of the Hotel. Wounded Rebel Scout brought in this evening which makes the people fairly stand on their heads with excitement and fear. The wealthy citizens have been moving their goods all day and special and extra trains have been run East to accommodate them. Those who are unable to get away are very bitter in their denunciation of the fortunate ones and it is not difficult to see why.

Monday 29th All excitement this morning as usual. The citizens are beginning to organize home guards, and the veterans of 1812 are parading about the streets with fife and drum to gather recruits. It is a funny sight to see these old fellows and how determined they look, as if a good sized "Johnny" would be only half a mouthful for any one of them; and then the way they carry their muskets is enough to make a dog laugh. Mr. Lewis of Philada. arrived this evening to see about goods from Phila. Showed him about town, reported progress and sent him back to Phila. with dispatches at 3 A.M.

Friday July 3rd Smith up by daylight and off to the Depot to look after his stores. It is difficult to understand the actions of people in Phila. They have already triplicated our original requisition, and more stores are to come. We do not need them here and probably never shall, and moreover when they are required as they will be, at Gettysburg they will have to return to Philada. as the R.R. between here and G. is broken. Rented a storehouse and spent the day in moving stores from Depot thither. Smith returned to Phila. on 4 P.M. train. In the evening wrote home, and bored for an hour by four gentlemen from Phila. who are looking for a wounded man. Had a call from Joe Legget. Rec'd sad news from Mac. The Rebs captured him and his train a day or two since [ .. ] Somewhere near Frederic City Md. It will go hard with poor Mac if they hold him long. As for one of his men - Leonard, they are welcome to keep him for stealing the box of raisins I secured from the abandoned Sutler's wagon on the road from Falmouth to Acquia. Continued fighting at Gett[y]sburg reported but too much success on our side to believe all of it.

Saturday the "Fourth" And a great nuisance it is! What a pity these patriotic fellows are not down at the "front" burning powder at Lee instead of keeping decent people awake all night! Ware, one of the "Press Gang", came in at daylight and must have a bottle of Congress Water as he had been very busy all night. Then a Mr. Shippen arrived from Pittsburg with a load of stores. Endeavored to get teams to haul them to Storehouse but could not. Leaving Shippen to watch - which he accepted with poor grace - I took 25 ¢ worth of personal appearance. Rained from 10 until 5 o'clock. Managed to get our team in the afternoon and hauled goods to Storehouse. Just as this was finished a Mr. Rulon of Phila. reported with 4 cases and 1 trunk for Co. "D" Grey Reserves. These people it seems, take us for Commission men and expect us to take charge of and look after any lot of old gingerbread which may come along, and not only expect it, but rather demand it. Mr. Rulon appeared somewhat dejected when he was informed that as he had hands and tongue he had better [use] both and take care of his goods himself. However, as he is a poor dolt I gave him a lift and had the goods placed in the Storehouse. Went to the Capitol. Bed by 1 o'clock.

Monday 6th Two hospitals have finally been established in town, one in the old Cotton Factory and the other on East Walnut St. The C.F. under charge of Dr. Crane has 85 patients mostly foot sore Militia, and in East Walnut St. in charge of Dr. Steller are 118 sick. None of the cases are serious and are well provided for by Govt. However, supplied them with some few necessaries, such as Farina and Jellies. Numbers of wounded and sick principally Rebels are reported to be at Shippensburg and Chambersburg, and sadly deficient in Hospital material. Rec'd message from Gov. Curtin to call on him and did so at once. Requested me to take supplies for 1000 patients to Carlisle. Made selection of stores at once and telegraphed to Philada. for some one to relieve me as I cannot leave the stores here alone during Swaim's absence. Wrote to Knapp and Douglass. Turned in at 12.30 with directions to l1e called at 4. Swaim returned at 2 A.M. and reported a great victory for our arms at Gettysburg, but with a terrible loss of killed and wounded, and no hospital accommodations. Reported my interview with the Gov. and rec'd instructions from S. to follow Gen Couch's command wherever they went and supply Hospitals in the towns and villages through which they passed, drawing on the stock at Harrisburg or any other San. Com. Depot or where this was impossible by purchase.

Friday July 1Oth Up at 5 o'clock after a hard night, but found some bird was earlier than I, and had found his worm in my spurs which he had taken off my boots while I was asleep. There being a number of lazy birds still on the floor, one of them must have had a good time looking for lli spurs. Met Joe Leggit just in from his Regt. which he had left beyond Waynesboro on the march. Left at 7.30 and reached Chambersburg at 10 A.M. Hardy's horse lame, changed with him, and he pushed on to overtake his Regt. ~hile I stopped for the day to rest the horse and visit the Hospitals. Found 70 Reb. patients under charge of Dr.(?) Hamilton M. Gamble- 20th Va. Inf. (Reb) & nephew of Gov. Gamble of Mo. Hospital in horrible condition and without supplies of any kind, the patients lying on the bare floors, without covering of any kind, and even without dressing for their wounds, and the entire place infested with vermin. The sight was sickening, in fact, the most horrible I have yet met with. Telegraphed to Swaim to send complete ,outfit for the Hospital and then wrote particulars. Rec'd. answer to my dispatch that goods would be along on morning train. Informed Dr. Gamble who returned profuse thanks on behalf of his patients.

Saturday July 11th Saw Dr. G. at breakfast. He informed me that he had never regularly studied medicine, but after acting as Hospital Steward one year, he had been appointed Surgeon. When the Rebs evacuated Chambersburg he voluntarily remained with his patients. He is certainly a gentleman, whatever may be his professional failings. Gave him the last Atlantic Monthly and New York papers. Hardy's horse being quite fresh, started for Waynesboro at 7.30 A.M. It was a lonely ride, and I came near having an adventure - I met a man on the road, who invited me to go to his house to have a "drink". I declined, for a certain something told me not to go, so pushing on reached Waynesboro at 1 o'clock, my horse completely used up. Joe l.eggit came over the road two hours later, met the same man, started for his house with him but thinking it too far to go just for a drink, returned to the_main road and was run for two miles by a squad of Johnnies. Joe's horse brought him through safe, but I cannot but think where my three-legged brute would have left me. Met Genl. Knipe in town and learned positions of the Regts. Rode on and overtook the 13th at 4 o'clock in camp. Returned the horse to Hardy and concluded to go afoot rather than be bothered with a useless horse. Making my mess arrangements with Harrington and Varin I was once more with the old 13th. Began to march at 6 P.M. the Rebs reported but a short distance in advance and retreating. Forded Antietam Creek the Rebs having set fire to the bridge which was still burning. Water waist deep but not cold. Marched to Sleitersburg and laid down on the ground to sleep about midnight.

Sunday 12th Reveille at 4 o'clock and started on the march at once without breakfast. Very warm and a great deal of straggling. At 10 A.M. we meet the pickets of the 6th Corps and are now with the Potomac Army. Reached Cavetown at 11 A.M. with not more than 75 men in the Regt. "A" Co. had Comdng. Officer and one private to whom an eloquent address was made on the duty of a soldier. Nothing to eat and most of the boys went into town to get food. A terrible thunder shower came up about noon. lightning very heavy. Two men of Co. F 56th N.Y. killed and a number injured by the lightning. The men had collected under some large Maples to escape the rain, and one of these being struck the two men who were leaning against the tree were killed and everyone under the tree more or less affected by the shock. Of course there was a general stampede from the trees. Went into town with Harrington about 4 o'clock and managed to get a square meal. Raining hard. Towards night the Regt. moved on to high ground into an orchard and camped for the night. Met Dr. Rogers and "smiled". Boys grumbling a great deal on account of having no rations. All we have eaten today is what we have picked up at the houses on the road and in town. Slept on the wet ground under a shelter tent with Harrington, Bob Copeland and Henry.

Thursday 16th Breakfast at Steiner's and brushed up and started for Baltimore on 1.15 train with Mr. Richardson. Stopped at Monocacy junction two hours where I met the Regt. again, waiting for transportation. Mr. Richardson left me at Relay House to go to Washington. Baltimore at 5.30. Went to Eutaw House and saw Hayward and Clark. Left for Phila. at 10.30 P.M. At Havre de Grace a lieut. of the 2nd Del. who had delirium jumped from the train into the river and was drowned. > 'Mr. Richardson' probably a clergyman who, in 1858, Horace Mann for admission to in Washington to help with there in 1863.

Friday July 17th Rev. James Richardson [1817-1863] ~ad recommended Isaac Harris to Antioch College. Richardson was wartime relief efforts and died jersey City at 6 A.M. Terrible reports of the riots. Am advised not to go over to N.Y. as I have my uniform on. Try it however, and slip across town without trouble, but with my pistol cocked, in my coat pocket ready to have one shot at least. Over home by 8 o'clock in time for breakfast. Change my clothes and go to N.Y. to see what is going on. The trouble about over. > The infamous and bloody New York draft/race riots had begun on July 13th.

• http://archives.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/files_war/I-BaldwinC-1998-1.pdf

Anonymous girl (American Civil War)

Young Girl’s Pocket Diary, June – July, 1863, CCHS (transcribed by Frank Kline)

–The unknown young girl wrote on Monday, June 29:

“The Rebels are going in every house and stealing all they can”

• https://housedivided.dickinson.edu/sites/blogdivided/category/type/letters-diaries/

Henry Hitchcock

December 22, 1864 (Thursday)

Early in the morning General Sherman enters Savannah, stops at Pulaski House to secure lodging and establish his Savannah headquarters. Major Henry Hitchcock wrote about this first day in a letter to his wife on Christmas Eve (Marching with Sherman, pp. 198-199):

"We went first to the "Pulaski House," the hotel where Capt. Sherman used to stay when on duty here many years ago. Very soon a number of the leading citizens called to pay their respects, amont them a brother of Gen. Hardee, --Dr. Arnold, the Mayor,-- etc., etc., and were all very kindly received. Besides, came Mr. Chas. Green, a wealthy banker, a British subject, who has the finest house in the city, and not only invited but urged the General very earnestly to take up his quarters there -- which he finally consented to, on condition that we suply our own mess and set our own table. We "occupied and possessed" it at once and are now in it. It is a fine house, two-story double, larger than your Mother's, and very handsomely furnished before the war --- looks a little warn now. In the wide hall are some very handsome pieces of statuary, banana trees, growing in tubes, etc., and several fine pictures in the varous rooms, books of engravings, etc."

In the afternoon of December 22, 1864, as recorded in Sherman's Memoirs, published 1875:

"Within an hour of taking my my quarters in Mr. Green's house, Mr. A.G. Browne, of Salem, Massachusetts, United States Treasury agent for the Department of the South, made his appearance to claim possession, in the name of the Treasury Department...".

During this discussion, Browne suggests that Sherman send a telegram to president Lincoln offering him the city of Savannah as a Christmas present. Sherman writes out the message (below), which is then sent by ship to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, from where it is wired to the white house. (Click on photo for larger image):

Sherman Telegram to Lincoln "To his excellency President Lincoln. I beg to present you as a Christmas Gift the City of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition and also about 25,000 bales of cotton".

December 24, 1864 (Friday) Sherman issues Special Field Order No. 139:

"Savannah, being now in our possession, the river partially cleared out, and measures having been taken to remove all obstructions, will at made be made a depot for future operations:"

Whereupon Sherman followed with specifics about possession of public buildings, fact that no rents were to be paid, and also orders for the stationing of troops in and about the city. On the same day Sherman also issued Special Field Order No. 143, stating:

"During war, the military is superior to civil authority, and where interests clash, the civil must give way; yet, where there is no conflict, every encouragement should be given to well-disposed and peaceful inhabitants to resume their usual pursuits."

"...Not more than two newspapers will be published in Savannah; their editors and proprietors will be held to the strictest accountability, and will be punished severely, in person and property, for any libelous publication, mischievous matter, premature news, exaggerated statements, or any comments whatever upon the acts of the constituted authorities; they will be held accountable for such articles, even though copied from other papers."

• http://www.lakesidepress.com/Savannah-CivilWar/1864-1865.html

Fanny Yates Cohen

December 25, 1864: Fanny Yates Cohen, a 24-year-old Savannah woman, writes in her diary:

"Christmas is here again...A season of sadness & gloomy retrospection for us of the South, one of joy & gayety to the people of the North. This is the saddest Christmas that I have ever spent and my only pleasure during the day has been in looking forward to spending my next Christmas in the Confederacy."

• http://www.lakesidepress.com/Savannah-CivilWar/1864-1865.html

Cornelius C. Platter

Below is an entry from Cornelius C. Platter Civil War Diary for Saturday, January 7, 1865. Parades were common in occupied Savannah, both to boost morale of the citizenry and to give soldiers something to do. Note that Sherman reviewed this 'grand review'.

To day [Today] the grand review of the 15th Corps came off. and it was indeed a grand affair. We were reviewed by Genl [General] Sherman. Our Div [Division] was formed on Liberty St. Had to wait Several hours before the reviewing officer passed - It was quite cool, which made it rather unpleasant - The reviewing Officer was stationed[illegible] ...A vast concourse of Citizens and soldiers were present to see the Corps pass. It was near 4 oclock when we returned to camp. Had Dress parade before the Battalion was dismissed. Gen [General] Logan arrived to - day [today] in time to see his Corps on review. Recd [Received] a mail this evening -- Rec'd [Received] two letters. One from Lizzie and the other from home from Lib - folks at home very anxious to hear from me. Col [Colonel] Adams & Lt [Lieutenant] Howell gave us a call this evening Heard that Gen [General] Brown has recalled the Georgia State Troops & ordered the stars and stripes to be hoisted in the State -- Retired late -

Below are excerpts from Cornelius C. Platter Civil War Diary for Friday, January 27 through Sunday, January 29, 1865. These entries cover: receipt of orders to move out of Savannah; the above West Broad Street fire; and information about where the army is going once it is out of Savannah.

Friday Jany 27th 1865

Up early -- There is a strong probability afloat that we will move tomorrow. So Joe and I spent the forenoon in making out reports so as to be ready to move. The last of the 20th Corps move out today and the 3d Brigade moved out after them. Recd [Received] a large mail today. got 3 letters. One from home. one from Lizzie and the other announcing Dave Murphys arrival at Columbus, O. This will be our last mail for sometime as we will not join our Corps untill [until] we get near Branchville S.C. Nothing definite is known concerning the coming campaigns. It is said we will take the same amount of rations as we did on the Savannah campaign - Wrote several letters and will send them North by Leut [Lieutenant] Robinson who will start North as soon as a[illegible] leaves -- Packed up this eve and will be ready to start at 7 AM tomorrow morning - the time we are ordered to be ready to move. Retired late.

Saturday Jany 28th 1865

After retiring last night was awakened at 11 1/2 A.M. by the explosions of shells in the Rebel arsenel [arsenal] which was destroyed by fire - at times the explosions were terrific. A great many buildings were burned and a number of lives, were lost. The 'fire engines" could do but very little to extinguishe [extinguish] the flames on account of the bursting of the shells. Was up early - packed and loaded up and left at the time ordered. 81st bringing up the rear of the Brigade - rear of the Div [Division] and the rear of Shermans army. We passed through the city and took the Louisville Road and traveled briskly untill [until] sundown making 18 mile and camped 2 mile east of Eden - We passed through a low marsh country and as the roads were impassable, we marched on the RR [unclear: ( C and A RR)] the rails and this having been removed so that wagons could travel over it. This has been a cold raw day. Lt. [Lieutenant] Robinson left this morning in the "America" for the North. There are various rumors afloat as to our probable destination but the general impression is that we will make for Wilmington N.C. Our Div Div [Div [Division] ] will cross the Savannah at Sisters Ferry. The 14th and 21st Corps are ahead of us. Retired early.

Sunday Jany 29th 1865

This has not seemed much like Sunday. "Broke up" camp at 6 1/2 am and traveled until sundown, camping 1 mile south of Springfield - having marched 14 mile over the most miserable roads imaginable - Country very poor. only saw two houses to day -- No forage - The 81st being in the advance we had plenty of work to do, making "corduroy" . The country to day [today] was swampy and unproductive -- Heard to day [today] Genl [General] Shermans order concerning the coming campaigns - Army of the Tenn under Genl [General] Howard to concentrate at on Pocataligo S.C. The army of the Cumberland under [illegible] to concentrate at Robertville S.C. -- both armies to load their wagons with the same amount of supplies as on the "Savannah Campaign" and then both armies to march onwards. Retired late.

• http://www.lakesidepress.com/Savannah-CivilWar/1864-1865.html

Josephine Clay Habersham

July 8, 1863

News sad enough, but not believed, that Vicksburg has fallen! It seems impossible after the repeated assurances that Pemberton's sustenance would last much longer. It would be dreadful, but it is not credited. Against this, we hear that Lee has fought with Meade (Hooker's Army) and beat and captured 40,000 prisoners! 14 Pity they hadn't just happened to chance to get killed instead. [Comment: Lee's 3-day assault at Gettysburg ended July 3 and he retreated back to Virginia. Vicksburg surrended July 4 and this news did not reach Savannah unitl July 8. Evidently the real outcome at Gettysburg had not yet reached Savannahians; see August 1, 1863.]

August 1, 1863

July has been a gloomy month for our beloved Confederacy! Beginning with every cheerful aspect, everybody confident, yet early in July Vicksburg surrendered. Lee's invasion was unfortunate; he had to recross the Potomac. Fort Hudson surrendered, Jackson evacuated and burnt, and all the country round about devastated. Morgan the Raider captured with many men. Bragg had to retreat from the fertile country of East Tennessee and fall upon Chattanooga without fighting and overcoming Rosencranz. Charleston invested! To be sure, so far, we have repulsed the enemy there, but can Fort Wagner stand much more? All this is a heavy gloomy list. Reports, too, of coming raids in Alabama and Northern Georgia. So much for July. Yet we are not despondent. Reverses will but nerve to greater energy and self sacrifice the Southern arm and the Southern heart.

From the diary of Josephine Clay Habersham, as quoted in Ebb Tide, page 57.

October 31, 1863 diary entry of Josephine Clay Habersham, as quoted in Spencer King's book Ebb Tide:]

Saturday. Went to the Shops, frightened at the prices of things—disgusted. Anna King takes it more quietly, being used to it—the flaying— $195.00 for a dress I could have got two years ago for just $9.00. One hundred and ninety-five dollars for a dress for Anna, for they would not cut ten yards for her. Sixty dollars for a straw bonnet for me—untrimmed! Dr. J. C. has been taking his meals with us. I was writing to Joseph Clay when Neyle came in, said he had seen the President, and I had better go to the Masonic Hall to the "Shaking of hands." We did so—were much pleased with the affability of the President. He has a good, mild, pleasant face, not very remarkable, but thoughtful and, altogether, looks as a President of our struggling Country should look—care worn and thoughtful, and firm, and quiet.

• http://www.lakesidepress.com/Savannah-CivilWar/1864-1865.html

Franz Halder

Bad weather has grounded the Luftwaffe and now we must stand by and watch countless thousands of the enemy getting away to England under our noses.

May 30, 1940 diary entry

The Führer confirms my impressions of yesterday. He would like an understanding with Great Britain. He knows that war with the British will be hard and bloody, and knows also that people everywhere today are averse to bloodshed.

July 14, 1940

18th May, 1940: Every hour is precious. F H.Q. sees it quite differently. Führer keeps worrying about south flank. He rages and screams that we are on the way to ruin the whole campaign. He won't have any part in continuing the operation in a westward direction, let alone to the south-west, and still clings to the plan for the north-westerly drive.

24th May, 1940: The left-wing, which consists of armoured and motorized forces and has no enemy in front of it, will be stopped dead in its tracks upon direct order from the Führer. The finishing off of the encircled enemy army is to be left to the Luftwaffe.

26th May, 1940: Brauchitsch is very nervy. I can sympathize with him, for these orders from the top make no sense. In one area they call for a head-on attack against a front retiring in orderly fashion, and elsewhere

they freeze the troops to the spot where the enemy rear could be cut into at any time. Von Rundstedt, too, cannot stand it, and has gone up forward to Hoth and Kleist to look over the land for the next armoured moves.

30th May, 1940: Bad weather has grounded the Luffwaffe and now we must stand by and watch countless thousands of the enemy getting away to England under our noses.

13th July: The Führer is is greatly puzzled by Britain's persisting unwillingness to make peace. He sees the answer (as we do) in Britain's hope on Russia, and therefore counts on having to compel her by main force to agree to peace. Actually that is much against his grain. The reason is that a military defeat of Britain will bring about the disintegration of the British Empire. This would not be of any benefit to Germany. German blood would be shed to accomplish something that would benefit only Japan, the United States, and others.

14th July: The Führer confirms my impressions of yesterday. He would like an understanding with Great Britain. He knows that war with the British will be hard and bloody, and knows also that people everywhere today are averse to bloodshed.

• https://spartacus-educational.com/GERhalder.htm
• https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Franz_Halder
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Halder_Diaries
• http://militera.lib.ru/db/0/pdf/halder_eng4.pdf (PDF)

Fiction cross-reference

• Gnomon algorithm
• Gnomon Chronicles

Nonfiction cross-reference

• War (nonfiction)
• War Diary notes (nonfiction)