News from the Front: 

 

September 19, 1862                                                                                                                     Sharpsburg, Maryland                                                                                                                                     Abigail Elizabeth (A.E.) Reynolds                                                                                                               War Correspondent                                                                                                                                      New York World

Sharpsburg

–

September 17, 1862, may be recorded as one of the bloodiest days in the history of this Nation.  Opposing forces engaged in the fields, woods and mountainsides of this rural, southern Maryland soil, located just a few miles from the Virginia border, north of the Potomac River.  It is estimated that over 20,000 men, in both gray and blue, lie dead in the heat of the day.  Many a young man shall never again see the faces of home.  Many have lost their innocence this day.  Many a boy has suddenly and unexpectedly become a man.  Many a wife has become a widow, many a mother will sit in excruciating grief, and many a child will become an orphan, never to be held in the loving arms of a father again.

The following report is filed by this reporter, as witnessed, first hand, on the day of this bloody atrocity near a creek called Antietam The Union Army, under the command of General George McClellan, engaged the Southern Army, commanded by Robert E Lee, on the outskirts of Sharpsburg, Maryland, near Antietam Creek.  Under the clear, sun filled fall sky, the two armies clashed in the most horrific and thunderous manner, set upon the task of destroying, nay, annihilating one another, thus bringing to an end this terrible conflict of hatred. 

A few days earlier, I had the opportunity to engage General Ambrose Burnside.  He said that as soon as the Army caught up with General Lee, the conflict would be over, and the men of his command would find themselves home for Christmas.  This day would find General Ambrose’ Division almost destroyed under the heavy barrage of Confederate Cannon fire, under the command of A. P. Hill, CSA. 

Early on the morning of September 17, 1862, General Joseph Hooker, USA,  launched an attack on General Lee’s left flank.  The fighting was immense, with attacks and counter attacks on both sides. The Confederates eventually made a stand at theSunken Road, and seemed to hold for some time.  The Union forces eventually broke through the Confederate lines and the forces under Lee had to withdraw. 

General Burnside launched an attack near the bridge at Antietam Creek and was initially successful, but with General A. P. Hill’s counter attack, was driven back.  Hill reclaimed the real estate briefly commanded and controlled by Burnside.

I found myself pinned under protective cover at the sunken road, along side Alfred Waud, artist for Harpers Weekly, as we were reporting the events at the time.  Both Mister Waud and myself were a mere 10 feet from the Confederate right flank.

The Union encountered the Confederates in the afternoon sun at the Sunken Road, now called by the soldiers of both forces as "Bloody Lane”.  Hostility and death poured forth from both sides.  Men in Blue stood only a few yards away from the men in Gray, as volleys of hot fire poured in from both sides, ending the life of many good men.  Casualties were such that the blood of the fallen flowed like a river through this narrow patch of ground.

It appeared for a brief period that the Confederates had won the day, as the Union forces advanced and then retreated, repeating this action several times.  As men were carried off the field of battle, Confederate sharpshooters took careful aim at the ones tendering aid to their fallen comrades, thus mortally wounding the soldier, leaving the rescuer and the rescued fallen, rendering both men incapable of continuing the fight.  This barbaric action would be carried out over and over by both armies.

With each fallen Union soldier, Confederate yells and cheers were heard, sending chills down the spine of this reporter.  The hatred of the men from the south towards the north was never more prevalent than on this day.  It could be seen in their faces, upon their posture, and in the very tone of their voices.  

The fire power from both sides seemed to go on for eternity, its power of destruction relentless, as thousand from both North and South lay dead and rotting under the sun.  The smell of sulfur in the air could only be compared to that which Dante writes in his “Inferno”.  Hell itself can not be more hideous than the sights of this day’s action. 

Camp followers, women who stayed with their husbands or sons, stood helplessly by as the screams from the “field of glory” rose into the noonday air.  Their cries only barely heard above the sounds of battle, carried towards the heavens in desperation, asking only for mercy.

This reporter gained advantage to the devastation from the side of the Confederate forces.  I was so close to the fighting, that several balls of fire screamed past my ear, one penetrating the very hat upon my head.  I have experienced and witnessed conflict and fighting before, but nothing of this magnitude.

It seemed after two major assaults by Union forces against the Confederate position had been repelled, that the fighting had ended, but a third Union assault began almost as suddenly as the previous one had ended.  “How could this level if intense fighting continue?” was my thought.  “How can this go on?  How many more innocent lives shall be destroyed this day?”

This third assault seemed as if it was a desperate action by General McClellan’s forces.  It was a third attempt to move the Confederates from this vantage point, where so many had already died.  As I lay just 20 feet from the nearest Confederate soldier on the right flank, the desperation of both sides, the Union to overtake the Confederates, and the Confederates to hold back the

Union, was abundantly evident.  Soldiers were falling faster than before.  I found myself stained with the blood and flesh of the closest soldiers as balls of destruction easily sliced through their frail and vulnerable bodies of flesh and blood.   Soldiers once filled with dignity, hope, adventure, optimism, desire, love, now lay dead and lifeless, dreams once held close and dear, now dashed and forgotten.  The air, once filled with the fragrance of autumn’s harvest and warm, sun filled days, now was filled with the smell of death, sulfur, suffering, and cries of agony and defeat.  Smoke, not from kitchen fires preparing the meals for the workers, or the canning fires of the harvest, but smoke from decaying carnage, cannon and musket fire, now filled every nostril within miles of this horrific place.

The Confederate Army finally yielded this ground as the Union forces seemed to overwhelm the day.  The Union Army was victorious in men and fire power to overtake the disadvantaged forces of Robert E. Lee.  Out numbered nearly two to one, the Confederates this day held as long as possible, but in the end, were able to only deliver a devastating and critical blow to General McClellan’s Army, not total defeat.

September 18, saw more action by both sides, as skirmishes between the Union Armies and Lee’s retreating Armies took place.  Robert E. Lee has begun to withdraw his troops to the south, across the Potomac and back into

Northern Virginia.  The question remains, will General McClellan advance his entire Army at this time and pursue Lee to try and bring and quick end to this horrific conflict, or will “Lil’ Mac” hold back, allowing Lee to regroup and refit his Army for future action against the North?

 

September 20, 1862

Sharpsburg Maryland

Abigail Elizabeth (A.E.) Reynolds                                                                                                              War Correspondent                                                                                                                                       New York World

I have already sent the initial report of theBattle at Antietam Creek, near Sharpsburg Maryland.  This is a supplement to that report.  As I have already reported, General Burnside reported that he believed this would be the decisive battle and end the conflict once and for all.  With nearly 20,000 dead, it would seem that this has not happened.  General Burnside suffered immense losses and defeat to General A.P. Hill.

It would also seem that General McClellan has no desire to pursue General Lee into Virginia at this time, claiming he has lost a third of his Army on this blood drenched ground.

Prior to the start of this action, I was able to visit with some of the union troops and I met some of the young men who serve as the “drummer boys” for the units.  These brave lads, who do not carry weapons, but only their drums, are some of the bravest I have ever met.  They stand at their post, giving with great accuracy the commands that can only be heard through their beats and tempo upon the instruments of war they gallantly carry.   Leading the armies into battle, initially at the head of the columns, along side the officers, they count off the cadence of step.  Then, at the appropriate time, they change their tempos to reflect a new command: attack, retreat, left flank, right flank, and so on.  The yells of the commanders cannot be heard over the cries of other men and the sounds of fire power, but these drums can and are heard.  The men in rank and file, rely on this means of communicating commands to coordinate their actions.  By their presence and exposure, these lads are often the target of snipers and sharpshooters, and many have already fallen.

I met a young lad from the 14^th NY.  He was proudly dressed in his uniform and carrying his drum.  He had not yet seen the elephant.  This was his first battle.  I asked him if he was afraid.  He said no, his mother had given him a medal to carry that was supposed to protect him from harm and danger.  He said he knew his job and would be alright in the end.  His commander had promised him that he would be near him and safe as well.  After the battles end, I was walking through the fields of death, and found him face down in the dirt.  He had been killed, I was told, during the second assault on the sunken road.  His small, frail body already bloated, he was holding in his right hand the metal his mother had given him.  His legs were missing, and his Captain’s body lay next to him, with a large hole which his chest once occupied.  I was told that a cannon shell exploded very near them, killing the officer instantly and mortally wounding the young drummer boy.  I learned his name was Samuel Axelrod from Brooklyn, New York .  His mother and father are still at home.  I will send a letter with the metal his mother gave him for protection and a lock of his hair to them as soon as I am able.  Sam, as he was called, is now out of harm’s way, safe in the arms of God.  May he rest in peace from this day forward.

The women who follow.

It seemed as if hundreds of women; wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, stood helplessly by, watching and waiting, hoping, praying, longing for word of a loved one on the field of battle.  Many were standing, with terror in their eyes and tears streaming down their dirt stained faces, hoping their men would return unharmed in physical and mental stature.  Laura Scott and her eight year old daughter, Katherine, had traveled fromPennsylvania, in hopes of catching a glimpse of their husband and father.    They found him in a hospital tent, suffering from wounds and amputation, not sure whether he would live or die.

I met Nicholas, age five, and Abigail, age eight, along a fence row where they were told to wait for their mother and father. They had been there four days now with nothing left to eat and little water.  I was told their parents were with a Pennsylvania unit and that they were sure their parents would be back for them soon.  Alfred Waud of Harpers Weekly helped me take them to a shelter.  They are no doubt left as orphans from this horrific encounter of forces set upon the destruction of one another.

Jennie Bush and her daughter, seven year old Emma, were waiting for their husband and father.  There was no word.  Jennie works as a wash woman for the New York unit for which her husband is a Sergeant.  Jennie tells me that they are refugees.  The fled from Harpers Ferry, Virginia , at the start of hostilities to her parents home in New York, hoping to avoid the coming conflict.  Her husband, however, decided to join the Union Army.  She feels she can not go home to Harpers Ferry, and she has no funds to return home to New York.

A side note: As I was walking with Alfred Waud, we came upon two Union soldiers who were killed.  As we looked upon them, it became evident that these were indeed women, dressed as men, in blue, Union uniforms.  We had heard that this was occurring, but at last I have seen it for myself.  I do not know who they were or where they came from, and we could find no information upon their persons or in their possessions.  They will become part of the unknown dead at Antietam.

 

Bedford Pennsylvania

December 2, 1862

Abigail Elizabeth (A.E.) Reynolds                          War Correspondent                                                New York World

The night of December 1, 1862 saw a gathering of some of the most notable in the Federal Corps of Generals.  Several of our fighting men were making their way east to Washington City for the holiday season to be with family, friends, fellow soldiers and politicians.  Many stopped this night in the sleepy village of Bedford, Pennsylvania , far from the fighting and out of the travels of General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.  This safe harbor provided many officers and their traveling companions a respite from the cold winds of winter that were blowing through these Pennsylvania Mountains.

I had the good fortune of finding hospitality and lodging with Major General John Rawlins and his family.  Also in our small company of travelers were C.C. Rowe, War Correspondent for Matthew Brady Photography, Major General John Buford, and Major Thomas Britton, Surgeon General to General U.S. Grant who was accompanied by his daughter, Kathryn, a vivandiere.

We were treated as if we were royalty, seated around a large table in the dinning area comfortably near a warming fire.  A meal of fine ham, beans, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and freshly baked bread was set before us for the taking.  I was able to engage Hannah, General Rawlins oldest daughter in several games of chess.  Although she did not win any of them, she played a very fine and skillful game.  At the young age of 12, she is indeed becoming one of the lovely, fine ladies of theUnion.  Her younger sister, Rachael, is a vivacious charmer in her own right.

Around a glass of wine and a fine cigar, glasses were raised in toast to General U. S. (Sam) Grant.  The Union was toasted and by the end of the evening, the Generals were graciously toasting even their friends and comrades in the Southern Army.

Several visitors from this tiny hamlet came and went throughout the evening, questioning the Generals on many issues of the war.  Many a good story was shared of the glory upon the field of battle, as well as sorrow for the losses suffered so far in this endeavor to reunite the Nation. The most tragic story was of the great loss of life this past fall near Antietam Creek, outside Sharpsburg Maryland.

By late evening, all were exhausted and ready for sleep and the dreams of a better tomorrow.  At dawn, the Generals and their traveling companions will continue on their journey towards Washington City.  They will proceed to Cumberland, Maryland, to take the train to Baltimore , and then on to Washington.  

 

January 11, 1863                                                    Washington City                                                       Abigail Elizabeth (A.E.) Reynolds                         War Correspondent                                               New York World

News in Washington at the War Department is once again most disturbing, and at the same time most hopeful. Major General Ambrose Burnside has been replaced by Major General Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker, following General Burnside’s defeat at Fredericksburg , The Union Army, under the command of General Burnside, suffered horrendous casualties in futile frontal assaults on December 13, 1862 against entrenched Confederate defenders on the heights behind the city, bringing to an early end their campaign against the Confederate capital of Richmond. The Union Army has once again pulled back to position themselves for a future assault, this time with yet another new commander.

General Joseph Hooker has been described as a man of great courage and fortitude and somewhat questionable morals. However, General Hooker promises that he will refit the Army of the Potomac and move aggressively against General Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia at his most opportune appointment.

Can this, yet another change in the command structure of the North provide the necessary will and conviction to bring about the end of this terrible conflict? Only time will tell.

General Lee and his lieutenants have also vowed to end this terrible atrocity with the defeat of the Union Army. According to sources, the victory at Fredericksburg has given them the impetus to advance once again against Union forces, possibly moving into Maryland or Pennsylvania as early as May.

General Hooker has already issued orders to refit his army and to prepare to march into Virginia as early as April, thus cutting of Lee and his men from advancing further. General Hooker is hopeful of removing Lee from his entrenched position around Fredericksburg Virginia , forcing the gray fox to retreat. The Union General states he will eventually win the day, and the war, with a Union victory in Richmond.

As General Hooker continues his plan, the War Department will do everything in its power to insure a Union victory at this most crucial time in the war. Another Union defeat such as recently suffered in Fredericksburg, and as well as the Union stalemate at Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg Maryland this past fall, would likely lead to a Confederate victory of the entire war. This would undoubtedly end not only the present fighting, but all hopes of forever preserving the Union.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania                                      July 2, 1863                                                                          A.E. Reynolds                                                           War Correspondent                                                New York World

I find myself caught in the midst of much angst and tribulation in the sleepy Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg.  Traveling here from Charleston in Western Virginia just a few days earlier, I arrived here to visit my old friend, Reverend Schumacher of the Gettysburg Seminary.  It was within two days of my arrival that news came of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia having been sighted near Chambersburg with possible movement towards Harrisburg .  Also news reached us that General Jubal Early, CSA, had taken York, Pennsylvania on the 28^th of June.  I was told by my Editor, Mr. Mortin Marbles, to delay my departure to Washington City and await further developments in the region.  On June 30, news that Lee had advanced near Gettysburg had reached us and we were notified that Gen John Buford, USA and his Calvary were near by and would attempt to engage the Confederates as soon as practical. 

On July the 1^st, General Buford engaged the Confederates just west of the Seminary on the Chambersburg Pike and the conflict began.  Fierce fighting with what appears to be heavy losses on both sides of the conflict has already occurred.  The Seminary has been turned into a surgeons butchering house.  The limbs of helpless lads are piling up on all sides of the building.  Both Federal and Confederate troops are care for here, or left to die on the slopes of the grounds.  Both Federal and Confederate Surgeons work side by side to crudely care for the injured.  The smell of death and cries of the dying are already felt every where throughout the town, but none so much as here in this place of the sacred and the profane.

Word has reached us that General John Reynolds, USA , fell in battle not far from this place in the fighting of July 1^st.  General Buford held the ground as long as possible before being ordered to withdraw to the Cemetery on the south side of the town.  Now the town and Seminary are in the hands of the Confederates yet the Federal Surgeons continue on in caring for the wounded, both from the North and South.

The sounds of weapons, artillery, horses and wagons, charging, fighting, dying men can be heard though out the entire town.  Civilians are huddled in their basements or have fled to neighboring town and farms in hopes of avoiding the catastrophe at hand.  Additional word has been received that there is already a civilian causality of one Jennie Wade, killed this morning by a snipers bullet as she was tending to her sick sister in the home on the edge of town near the Federal Lines.

I have attempted to venture towards the center of town with little success, constantly stopping to avoid being run over by racing horses pulling Confederate artillery towards the Cemetery.  It seems to me that a Cemetery is a strange place indeed to hold a defensive line by the Federals.  I am told that this is good ground however, because of its height and advantage to see over the entire area of Confederate advance.

As of yesterday, Generals Winfield Scott Hancock, John Buford and John Reynolds were commanding for the Federals.  General Reynolds is reported dead, General Buford has been pulled to the rear for reserve and General George Meade has arrived on the field to take command.  

General Hancock remains by General Mead’s side.   Who else is here we do not know, but we have been able to decipher that as many as 40,000 Confederates are here along with as many as 50,000 Federal troops.  More Federal troops appear to be arriving as the day wears on. 

General Lee is commanding the Confederates at this time with General Longstreet and others by his side.  How many Confederate commanders overall we do not know.

As this day is drawing to a close, the fighting continues and death remains a constant.  The stench of death is already rising high above this town and the heat and humidity of July presses in with oppressive heaviness.  There appears to be not advance on either side, and the bloody contest will continue when the sun rises over Pennsylvania in the morning.

As darkness falls on these killing fields, the fighting has at last, if only for a small respite, stopped.  Yet the cries of the fallen, wounded and dying can still be heard from the place where they fell.   Will this place ever hold peace for those who reside here again?  Will the fallen of battle find their eternal peace in this place?  I think not.

(By Sketch Artist Theodore Davis of Leslies Illustrated)

(By Sketch Artist Theodore Davis of Leslies Illustrated)

(By Sketch Artist Theodore Davis of Leslies Illustrated)

 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania                                      July 3, 1863                                                              A.E. Reynolds                                                           War  Correspondent                                               New York World

In my attempt to move about the town and to find what information I could as to the advance of the battle underway, I engaged a civilian pair within the Union camp at Cemetery Ridge, south of Gettysburg.  They were there seeking a pass from the provost to pass through Federal lines towards Washington City, in hopes of avoiding further conflict and encounter with Confederate troops.

The gentleman was Reverend Josiah Young of Boston.  Reverend Young had traveled to Gettysburg, arriving with his traveling companion, Misses Cora Hatch, also of Boston.

Reverend Young had traveled to this small Pennsylvania town to start a new congregation for the AME Zion Church.  He found that many of the Negroes had already fled north as a result of Confederate raids earlier in June that had taken approximately 40 Negroes back to Virginia to be sold as slaves.  Most of the 200 colored residents of this town had fled, leaving behind their homes and work for safer refuge.  Reverend Young, a freeman, expressed concern for his safety and that of his traveling companion, who proclaims herself a spiritualist and abolitionist, to the Provost in hopes of obtaining the required travel documents allowing them safe passage to Washington City.

The Provost advised Reverend Young that no passes were being issued at this time due to the engagement of the Confederate Army and that no passes would be available until the outcome had been decided.  With no safe place to go, Reverend Young stated he would remain within the confines of the Federal Lines.

At this time, there appears to be a short respite from the fighting.  The heat and humidity of the July sun has apparently taken its toll on both Armies. 

General Hancock feels that there will be little if any fighting this day as both Armies rest and prepare to continue the massacre of sacred lives on the 4^th, Independence Day.  Should that occur, many a soul will find its eternal independence on the 4^th, and Misses Hatch will have ample opportunity to display her abilities for grieving families.

 

 

(photo by C. C. Rowe of Alexander Gardner Photography, Washington City )                       A.E. Reynolds of the New York World with Reverend Josiah Young and Misses Cora Hatch

 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania                                      July 4, 1863                                                               A.E. Reynolds                                                            War Correspondent                                                 New York World

The citizenry of Gettysburg are rejoicing this day as Confederate forces have begun to withdraw from the town and countryside under orders from General Robert E. Lee, CSA, to retreat back into Virginia following the devastating loss of life during the third day of battle.

At approximately 3:00 pm on the 3^rd of July, under the command of General George Pickett, about 12,000 Confederate troops began a massive assault on the Federal position at Seminary Ridge, hitting the Union center.  The Union, under the immediate command of General Winfred S. Hancock, USA , sustained significant bombardment from Confederate canons, and then a rousing assault by General Pickett’s Brigade.  The Union was able to repulse the attack.  Confederate forces were decimated in the attack while Union casualties were not nearly as severe. 

During the attack, General Hancock was seriously wounded and taken from the field after the fighting had concluded for care.  His condition is believed to be fatal; however no word has been received as yet to the extent or outcome of his injuries.  Union losses are believed to be less than two thousand men.

Confederate forces suffered nearly fifty percent casualties. Among those are several principle officers including Generals Armistead, Garnett and Kemper, Trimble and Pettigrew.  Pickett's three brigade commanders and all thirteen of his regimental commanders were casualties during the assault on the Union center.

There is speculation that these losses will undoubtedly be the end of the Army of Northern Virginia and that the Confederacy will not be able to recover after this devastating loss.  Rumor has it that Mr. Lincoln will seek to bring an end to the war, pursuing a policy of reestablishing the Union through peaceful negotiations with Richmond. General Meade has ordered a pursuit of Lee’s army into Maryland and into Virginia if necessary to end this bloody conflict.  All prayers are with the Federal forces in hope that this defeat of the Confederate Army will now bring with it a swift conclusion to these hostilities and a restoration of the Union and peace for all people.

 

 

(Photo by C.C. Rowe, Alexander Gardner Photography) General Winfield S. Hancock, USA

 

(By Sketch Artist Theodore Davis of Leslies Illustrated)

 

Washington City                                                       July 9, 1863                                                              Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds                                     War Correspondent                                                 New York World

VICKSBURG FALLS.

Word has arrived at the War Department that the Confederate City of Vicksburg fell on July 4, 1863, the day following the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg, to the hands of Federal Troops under the command of Major General Ulysses S. Grant.  Grant began his blockade of Vicksburg in late March and has laid siege to the city for almost sixty days.  Daily bombardment of the city resulted in numerous casualties of Confederate troops with minor casualties of Union soldiers, according to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.  Confederates surrendered to Grant’s Army after exhausting their resources.  About ten thousand Confederate troops are now in the custody of the Federals.

Approximately fifteen hundred civilians had remained in Vicksburg after General Grant had offered the civilians free passage to safety prior to the siege.  Vicksburg had completely exhausted all its resources as well including food and medical supplies.  Many of the remaining residents were forced from their homes to find shelter in surrounding caves due to the intense and regular bombardment of the city.  General Grant reportedly states that he will offer amnesty to all civilians that will pledge allegiance to the Union.  The Union Army has made the city its new headquarters in the Mississippi delta region.

 

Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds                                    War Correspondent                                               New York World                                                      New York, New York

Washington City                                                      July 9, 1863

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting one of the heroines of the present conflict while present in this government city.  Her name is Miss Clara Barton and she is a true angel of mercy upon the field of valor.  I wish to share with you some of my impressions of Miss Barton and the work she is doing.   Perhaps in doing so, her story will inspire other women of the Union to avail themselves of similar, sacrificial offering, for the eventual settlement of the present hostilities that are gripping this nation.

Miss Barton is extremely reticence to tell her story and much of what I have learned and gathered has come from sources that know Miss Barton and have the utmost respect for her work.

Miss Barton is a quiet woman with a great deal of personal strength, courage and determination.  She attributes her educational achievements to her family.  The youngest of five siblings, she was taught much from her older sisters and brothers.  Her family, strong abolitionists encouraged her in every endeavor.  Her interest in caring for the injured, sick, and less fortunate has been instilled in her from her early childhood by the reports of her great-aunt, Martha Ballard, an exceptional midwife   Miss Ballard reportedly served in Hallowell, Maine and delivered over one thousand infants. 

Miss Barton states that her father taught her: "As a patriot, serve your country with all you have, even with your life if need be; as the daughter of an accepted Mason, seek and comfort the afflicted everywhere; and as a Christian, honor God and love mankind."

Today, Miss Barton is continuing to care for our wounded soldiers and meeting their needs on the field of battle.  She readily collects and supplies the much needed materials to care for the wounds and illnesses that are befalling our fighting men.  She carries her materials and wares directly to the front, where they are most urgently needed, often getting through when and where the Army cannot.

Miss Barton has established an agency to obtain and distribute supplies to wounded soldiers and has received a pass from Army Headquarters to ride in army ambulances to provide comfort to the soldiers and nurse them back to health.  She has obtained permission to travel behind the lines, reaching some of the grimmest battlefields of the war.

During the Battle of Antietam Creek in September, 1862, Miss Barton was nearly killed when a bullet passed through the sleeve of her dress, killing the wounded man she was attending. Although lacking medical training, at the insistence of a wounded soldier, she extracted a bullet from his cheek, using only her pocket knife.

In April of this year, Miss Barton traveled toHilton Head, South Carolina, in preparation for the anticipated bombardment of Charleston. While there she was able to join her brother, Captain David Barton, an Army Quartermaster and fifteen year old nephew, Steven E. Barton, serving in the military telegraph office.

In May she met Mister Frances D. Gage and has assisted him in the care and education of former slaves and freedmen. At this present time, Miss Barton has begun to develop an interest in the growing cause for equal rights among women and the Negro.

At the time of our meeting, Miss Barton has been in Washington City attempting to procure more supplies for the Army in South Carolina as well as materials to be used in the education and care of the newly freed Negros.  She states that she shall return to the South within the week, and hopes that many will respond to her request and needs. 

Miss Barton is indeed an extraordinary woman who has placed herself in unselfish service to her neighbor and stranger alike.  The men on the battle field find great comfort when they look up and see her approaching in her Navy blue dress, bonnet, and bright red bow.

You may contact Miss Barton through regular Army channels by addressing correspondence to her at “Miss Clara Barton, War Department, Washington City.”  Donations of cloth, medicine, and food may also be sent in care of the Army to Miss Barton.

Miss Clara Barton (right) with A.E.Reynolds, New York World                                                        (Photo by C.C. Rowe, Alexander Gardner Photography, Washington City)

 

Washington City                                                  July 15, 1863                                                           Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds                                   War Correspondent                                                New York World

According to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, the Confederate Army returned to Virginia, through Maryland, following their defeat in Gettysburg this past week.  Several skirmishes have occurred in and around Hagerstown, Funkstown and Williamsport Maryland.  The Confederate Calvary has been harassed by Federals in pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.  Reports indicate that the majority of Lee’s army was held in check at the banks of the Potomac River in Williamsport Maryland, unable to ford the river due to the high amounts of rainfall over the past several days and the swollen river conditions. 

Union forces reportedly engaged Confederates in withdraw on July 4^th and 5^th near Fairfield and Monterrey Springs Pennsylvania.  Several additional Federal losses were reported on the Union Cavalry with several fighting men wounded and reported prisoner of the Confederates. 

On July 6, Federal units once again launched an attack on the Confederate positions near Hagerstown Maryland.  Reports indicate that as soon as the attack was commenced, the Federals once again retreated, fearing additional losses.    Reports are that Federal loses were as high as ten to one against the Confederates.

From July 7 until July 13, cannonading and small skirmishes continued throughout the region with Confederate forces pinned against the swollen Potomac in Williamsport.

If the Union Cavalry could have kept the Confederates in check, perhaps General George Meade would have been able to advance his infantry troops towards Williamsport and again engage the defeated Confederate Army, ending the bloody conflict that has been ripping at the heart of the Nation.  However, General Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia have escaped back into Virginia and the south, thus slipping the hounds of the Federal Army, to fight another day.

General Meade has not yet given an answer to Secretary Stanton as to his slow response to the Confederate withdraw.  It appears that the will of the Union Generals to fight and win this war has once again been challenged.

 

 

Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds                                     WarCorrespondent                                                  New York World                                                      New York, New York

August 7, 1863

Gettysburg Pennsylvania

AFTERMATH OF A BATTLE

It has been a little over one month since the Union and Confederate Armies clashed in horrific conflict over the sacred farm lands surrounding this sleepy Pennsylvania community.  Over 100,000 soldiers gathered on both sides of the conflict, to slaughter and annihilate one another in bloody pursuit of victory.  Each was hoping to bring an answer to the question of whether the Southern States have the right to independent rule and sovereignty as an independent nation.  After three horrific days of battle, the question remains largely unanswered.  But in its wake, lie more than 50,000 casualties, and the destruction of a quiet community.

I have returned to this small Pennsylvania town, just north of the Mason-Dixon Line , to observe the effects of such a battle on the citizens who remain here.  I wish that I had not returned, for the sights, sounds and smells of the past atrocity still vividly remain; and the suffering is more than any person can, or should, endure.  The heroic folks of this community are, however, enduring.  They are surviving, reconstructing, tending to the wounded left behind and burying the fallen, despite their own losses and suffering.

Everywhere I go, the bodies of fallen soldiers are stacked, some ten to twenty feet high, waiting for a proper burial.  Others are tossed into shallow graves, unmarked and unknown, where they fell.  The carcasses of dead animals, mules, horses, dogs and a variety of farm animals lie in heaps waiting to be destroyed by fire.  The stench of death is so strong in the August heat that there is no escaping it anywhere within fifty miles of Gettysburg.  Civilians everywhere wear a mask scented with lavender or other fragrances, attempting to counter the rotting odors of decaying flesh.

Children scurry along the battle grounds, looking for keepsakes left behind by the fallen and retreating soldiers.  There is the sound of an occasional explosion, which brings the heartbeat of every mother to a standstill until the child, just killed by a previously unexploded shell, has been identified.  So far, over twenty children have lost their lives in this fashion since the fighting ended.  

Disease is beginning to take its toll as well.  The rotting flesh of man and animal has attracted disease carrying rodents and insects to this town.  Many have already succumbed to the effects of dysentery and fever.  The local cemetery is reaching its maximum capacity, and efforts are underway by a local attorney to secure property for a national cemetery in which to bury the Union dead.

Every public building, church and school alike, is still being used to house the injured soldiers who have thus far survived.  Surgeons from both the Union and Confederacy have remained to care for the wounded.  Rumor has spread that these dedicated men will be leaving soon, as more of the soldiers are moved to Washington City to continue their recovery.  The process is slow, however.  Confederate soldiers, now prisoners of war, will be removed to Union prison camps in Maryland and Ohio as soon as possible.   The surgeons will be leaving as well, leaving the remaining care, which will be quite significant, to the local physicians, too few in numbers to be of considerable value.  The towns’ people will be left to care for one another as best as they can.

There have been no church services since the battle began on July 1.  All of the churches are being used to house and care for the wounded and disabled.  Services will not resume until well after the last casualty has been properly cared for and removed to better quarters.

I spoke briefly with Reverend Schumaker of the Lutheran Seminary here in Gettysburg.  He stated that the classroom building used from the first day as a hospital is still in use and that classes may not resume until late in the fall.  He further stated that the amputated limbs, piled as high as 40 feet around the building, continue to be a source of great concern, attracting undesirable varmints from the countryside.  Rats, raccoons, skunks, wild dogs, and birds have descended upon this once holy and sacred ground.

Families of the fallen are arriving daily, in search of their loved ones.  Visitors and refugees alike arrive in a steady stream seeking help, lodging, and information.  The towns resources seem stretched beyond the breaking point, yet these simple folks continue on, rebuilding and reclaiming their community.  The tears, cries, and wailing are beyond any description.  The suffering of a broken heart and dream most likely should not to be compared to the suffering the soldiers endured in the brutality of this war.  Yet, the suffering of loved ones is equal to, if not greater than, the suffering of the fallen soldier.  For the loved one often must sit alone, emptily and helplessly, as their loved one suffers and either lives, or dies.

It is my hope to return to Washington City within the week and leave this place of devastation, destruction, and sorrow behind.  Will this town ever recover?  The local residents say that it will.  Life continues on, in spite of the tragedies encountered.  Is life the same as before?  Absolutely not, for nothing remains as it was; and everyone, for better or worse, is forever changed by the circumstances of war, and of life.  I shall forever more appreciate the daily gift of life, the glory of a sunrise and the majesty of a sunset, the joy and laughter of a small child at the surprise of life, the robin on winged flight, the petals of a new flower, the first frost and the purity of freshly fallen snow, the joy of birth and new life, and the rejoicing of a life, lived fully and wonderfully, as the soul enters into the heavenly realms.

The madness of the present conflict will eventually come to an end.  Order will be restored, both across the nation, and in the many small towns like Gettysburg that have already suffered the hardships of war or who will yet encounter the scourge of the war machine.  May the end come quickly, before more destruction, devastation, and sorrow are thrust upon the populace of this nation.

 

Bedford Pennsylvania                                             December 6, 1863                                                   Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds                                    War Correspondent                                                New York World                                                       New York, New York

The night of December 6, 1863 saw a gathering of some of the most notable of the Federal Generals as well as the distinguished presence of President Lincoln and one of his Pinkerton men.  Several of our fighting men were making their way east to Washington City for the holiday season to be with family, friends, fellow soldiers and politicians.  Many stopped this night in the sleepy village of Bedford,Pennsylvania far from the fighting and out of the travels of General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.  This safe harbor provided many officers and the President as well as their traveling companions a respite from the cold winds of winter that were blowing through these Pennsylvania Mountains.

The President scheduled this evening to meet with many of his Corp Generals to discuss the past year with victories specifically at Gettysburg and Vicksburg.  The President also met this evening with General US “Sam” Grant to discuss the coming year and significant events that are in the planning stages.

I had the privilege of spending some time with the President and General Grant both formally and informally. At this time I am unable to report details of our conversation due to the sensitivity of our discussions.  Rumor does report however that significant changes in the strategy and command of the war may be forth coming within the next few weeks.  Mr. Lincoln advised that he will return to Washington City in the next several days to meet with his cabinet and the Secretary of War, Edwin Scranton, to share his thoughts concerning his meeting with General Grant.

In addition, I had the good fortune of finding hospitality and lodging with Major General John Rawlins, General Grant’s Chief of Staff, and his family.  Also in our small company of travelers were C.C. Rowe, War Correspondent for Alexander Gardner Photography, Major General John Buford, Colonel John Hartranft, and Major Thomas Britton, Surgeon General to General U.S. Grant.  Generals William Averell and George Crook from West Virginia also arrived.  General George Custer arrived late in the evening with urgent word from Washington City for President Lincoln.

Throughout the evening we were treated as if we were royalty, seated around a large table in the dinning area comfortably near a warming fire.  Many delights from sugar cookies to fine candies were available to all.  I was able to engage Hannah, General Rawlins oldest daughter in several games of chess.  Although she did not win any of them, she played a very fine and skillful game.  At the young age of 13, she is indeed becoming one of the lovely, fine ladies of the Union.  Her younger sister, Rachael, is a vivacious charmer in her own right.

Around a glass of wine and a fine cigar, glasses were raised in toast to President Lincoln and General U. S. “Sam” Grant.  The

Union

was toasted and by the end of the evening, the Generals were graciously toasting even their friends and comrades in the Southern Army.

Several visitors from this tiny hamlet came and went throughout the evening, questioning the President and Generals on many issues of the war.  Many a good story was shared of the glory upon the field of battle, as well as sorrow for the losses suffered so far in this endeavor to reunite the Nation. The most tragic story was of the great loss of life this past summer at Gettysburg Pennsylvania.  Many shared their pleasure at President Lincoln’s remarks at the dedication of the National Cemetery of Gettysburg this past November. 

By late evening, all were exhausted and ready for sleep and the dreams of a better tomorrow.  At dawn, the Generals and their traveling companions will continue on their journey towards Washington City.  They will proceed to Cumberland, Maryland, to take the train to Baltimore, and then on to Washington.   Mr. Lincoln will travel first to Philadelphia, then Baltimore and finally onto Washington City by the 15^th of December. 

 

BROOKSVILLE FLORIDA                                     January 19,1864                                                      Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds                                     War Correspondent                                                  The New York World

Early on the morning of January 16, a column of Federal soldiers marched into this small southern community in order to rid the population of any Confederate defenders.  At first it appeared that the small band of 150 Confederates under the command of Lt Col Robert Neipert, CSA, were of no match to the vast and seemingly endless number of Union soldiers quickly moving into the region.

Col. Neipert however was able to send immediate word to General Michael Hardy, CSA to seek reinforcements.  General Hardy responded without delay and straight away sent over 1000 Confederates into the foray to confront the nearly 2000 Union troops.  By late Friday, January 16, the Confederates were well reinforced and ready to engage the Union threat. 

Early on the morning of January 17, lines had been clearly drawn between Confederate and Union.  An attack was launched by the Union and the Confederates instantaneously found themselves in the defensive position.   Several times the lines broke and the Confederates had to pull back and regroup. 

Around noon there seemed to be a brief ceasefire while the Union soldiers regained their footing and rations were delivered.  The Confederates took advantage of this situation to regroup and organize their lines once again.

Fighting again broke out around two in the afternoon.   This time the Confederate lines held and began the hard task of driving the Union back.  The Union thus began a slow retreat and the Union Colonel in command had to order the withdrawal of his men back to the other side of the town.

By four thirty in the afternoon the guns were once again silenced.  The Union had regrouped on the far side of town entrenching at this point as best as possible.  The Confederate Army once again occupied the town itself.  Aside from a few small skirmishes around the perimeter of the community, both Armies took their leave of the field of battle to attend to the care of their men and prepare for another day.

As the evening wore on, both Armies quickly recovered as much equipment and rations as possible.  The men were told to rest as much as possible in the hours ahead ready for the next day’s engagements, which were surely to come.  Neither Army seemed prepared or ready to make an offer of peace, withdraw or surrender.

As the night faded away into the morning light, the sight and smells of a camp ready for action was clearly seen.  The sounds of troop movements, both on horse back and on foot were heard from both the Union and the Confederate camps.  Cannon rumbling in the distance were clear.  There was no doubt by man or beast that action would be seen this day.  As the Sunday morning broke calm, clear and crisp, the men of both Armies were clearly on the move with the intent of not gathering for worship this day, but instead of sending one another to meet their maker in person.

Yesterday saw the casualties’ small in numbers in comparison to previous battles observed by this correspondent, but there was a smell and electricity in the air this day that gave one the sense that more blood than any would desire would be spilled on the battle field.

Shortly after noon, the first cannons could be heard lofting their deadly fire into the Union lines from the Confederate stronghold just to the west of town.  The Union advanced at first seemed slow, almost nonexistent, but then as slowly as it began, the Union advance quickened and before long the Confederate lines were fully engaged in close combat with overwhelming numbers of blue uniforms.  Within a span of just a few short hours, the Confederate lines had broken and a full retreat of the Army of the South had begun. 

Soon the sounds of cannon and musket fire had ended and the remaining sounds were of wounded and dying men crying out for mercy and help.  The local angels of mercy began their tedious task of tending to the wounded, both in blue and gray, and the surgeons knife and saw began its cruel task of amputating limbs that had been shattered in the situation.

Soon the Union forces were again organized and prepared to move once again against Confederate positions further to the east.  Little more seems to be left in the fight for the south to gain here in the swamps and heat of the Florida everglades and country side.  Perhaps Richmond will order what is left of this Southern Army to retreat into the North in attempt to bring relief to Robert E Lee in Virginia.

Everywhere one looks there seems to be little hope now that the government in Richmond can endure much longer and must entreat the Washington government for peaceful settlement to the current conflict.

 

Brooksville, Florida      

JANUARY 17, 1864                                                 Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds                                    War Correspondent                                                The New York World

During the lull between engagements on this warm Florida evening in Brooksville, I had the opportunity to engage the Confederate Commander, General Michael Hardy, at his headquarters.  My impressions of General Hardy are not particularly flattering as this was the first time meeting the gentleman.  Given that the circumstances of our meeting were following a difficult day of battle with a superior force, I shall excuse his lack of polish and shortness of speech to the stress he undoubtedly experienced at the time and shall look forward to the possibility of speaking with the General at some future date under more favorable conditions.

I did have the opportunity to talk with the General about a few issues and shall attempt to share some of our discussion.  I did find the General most willing to share some of his views with a Northern Correspondent refreshing, if somewhat short.

I asked the General how he felt with regards to the Negroes being recruited and armed in the North.  He responded that the colored are no match for the white man when it comes to arms and fighting.  He further stated that the black man will drop his weapon and run and the first sign of engagement.  I asked if it were true that the South was arming some of its slaves to fight and he stated that not under his command would any Negros hold a weapon.

I then inquired if he knew that General John Buford had died in Washington late in December and he said that he had not heard that but that it was good news to hear of another Yankee General gone to his maker.

In reference to the question of General McClellan running against Mr. Lincoln in this years election, his only response was that anyone would be better than the Ape that currently resides in Washington City and that McClellan would undoubtedly sue for a peaceful end to the butchery currently practiced by the North.

Finally I asked if he had heard that General Grant may soon assume the command of the Army of the Potomac to which he replied that Grant is too drunk most of the time to win a card game, let alone a battle.

General Hardy then excused himself and withdrew from the interview.  The Provost gave us a pass to see us safely through their lines to the Union position, where we retreated forthwith and found safety as well as hospitality.

Within the next few days, we shall attempt to return North to the safety of the Union and the gaiety of Mrs. Lincoln’s parties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An editorial by

Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds

War Correspondent

June 3, 1863

The New York World

I had the privilege last month of attending the Association of New York Clergy Prayer Breakfast at the Metropolitan Methodist Church on 44^th Street, NW .  In attendance were a number of distinguished pastors, ministers, priest, and theologians.  Several of the guests made reference to the Children of Israel wandering in the desert for forty years after being led out of the bondage of Egypt , before arriving at the Promised Land.  Others referenced the forty days and nights of rain upon the land in the story of Noah and the Ark.

After the meeting, I queried a couple of the theologians on the meaning of these passages, why they were referenced and did the number forty have any significance in the scriptures.  I was told that these particular passages had significance in the sense of the current struggles of the nation to define itself.  Further, they have significance in the fight for freedom against slavery.  The Negro looks to God as the great deliver, just as the children of Israel looked to God for deliverance from the tyranny of Pharaoh. The number forty holds significance in that God takes “as long as necessary” to accomplish His will. Forty in the Bible means literally “as long as it takes”.

The great struggle we are currently in seems to be taking, to some, longer than necessary.  To others, the conflict is still in its infancy.  The reasons for the conflict are also as varied and many as are the opinions of the conflict itself.  The one question, though, that is always on the lips of those we encounter is, “How much longer will the fighting go on?”  There, of course, is no simple or reasonable answer to this question.  We know that it will go on, and that it will take as long as it takes.  Forty years?  Forty days?  No one has that answer.  Or perhaps we do.

The current administration in Washington City has made it clear that the current policy is to pursue an end to this war only after the Confederacy has been totally destroyed and the southern states have reunited as part of the Union .  According to Mr. Lincoln, there will be no peace until the south lays down its arms.  But what are the costs, the price, and the profit of such a policy?  What would the cost, price and profit be of a different policy?

Let us look briefly at the cost.  So far, we have seen a number of significant defeats of the Union forces.  To date, over 400,000 men, both from the North and South are dead.  The rights and civil liberties of the citizens of both the North and South have been eroded, perhaps never to be reclaimed in the future, following the end of these current atrocities.  Bankers, financiers, and politicians appear to making a sizable profit through this war on both sides, while the middle class and poor appear to be losing ground economically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Civil Liberties, once believed to be sacred and protected, have been eroded.  The writ of Habeas Corpus has been suspended in order to quiet those in dissension with the current Washington Administration.  Anyone seen remotely as “sympathetic” to the southern cause is immediately imprisoned without reason, without recourse, without expeditious hearings, without representation. 

The draft has been imposed, forcing the working class into the fight, while the wealthy are able to “buy off” their sons’ service for Three Hundred Dollars, sending instead the poor to fight in their place.

The press is constantly under scrutiny and slander by the Washington elite, who wish that only materials from the “minister of propaganda” were allowed to be published, while the first amendment is trampled under foot, editors and reporters are accused of spying and unpatriotic sympathy, if anything of the truth is published which goes against the current sentiments of the Administration.

War atrocities occur daily, as homes and communities are burned, supplies and stores are raided, consumed or destroyed, civilians are treated as soldiers, shot, arrested, beaten, children are left fatherless and in many cases, motherless as well.  Orphanages are being formed daily and, even then, are bulging at their very seams with the unwanted and abandoned children who are the real victims in this war.

The rich continue to become rich at the expense of the poor.  The factories of the North and their owners are increasingly more powerful, wealthier and more wasteful of the human spirit, as well as the daily commodities needed for survival, let alone prosperity.

The South is ever more isolated from the world, and the North, leaving little promise of a brighter tomorrow.  England and France , to date, have agreed to remain neutral and stay out of the conflict, thus further isolating the South.  The blockades of the Union Navy have totally disrupted the trade and commerce of the South, leaving it with no way to expeditiously sell its cotton and other commodities, leaving the South virtually bankrupt in its need to fund the war machine.  Some say this is a good thing.  But is it?  What will the ultimate cost be when peace is restored?  And will there ever be peace?

I believe there will peace again and the Union will be preserved, just as Mr Lincoln and his cabinet has designed, unless there is a change in the Administration next year. The war will continue as long as it is able to be profitable to the banks, the factory owners and the politicians.  When there are no more profits to be made, the North will sue for peace.

The reality is that the War Machine of the North is far superior to that of the South.  Prior to the war, I had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the south and I can tell you this: there are no significant factories in the south.  Without factories, there can be no manufacturing of weapons and other necessities for war.  Since the war, and as recent as April of this year, my travels into the south proved once again the lack of resources needed to sustain a lengthy war. 

I saw soldiers who were barefoot and dressed in rags.  I saw farms, homes, entire communities is disarray, devastated by the presence of both armies.  I saw wounded without medical care, suffering and dying.  I saw homeless mothers and their children, begging for any piece of food that may be available.  I saw the elderly, waiting for their turn to enter into the “promised land”.  I saw the Negro, still praying and hoping for the coming of the Jubilee and the Deliverance of Father Abraham.  I saw fear, hopelessness and devastation on the faces of many.  I also saw arrogant pride and sense of honor to the homeland and a fierce determination to fight on, “as long as it takes”.

If there is no change in Washington City next election year, the War will come to an end.  The Union will be reunited, the south destroyed.  The rich will become richer off the sufferings of those who will have lost everything they had worked generations for.

When will the end come?  I do not know. But it will come.  It will come because the resources of the North are endless, compared to those of the South.  The War Machine in the North continues to grow while the few resources of the South dwindle away, irreplaceable due to the blockades.

The pain and suffering will continue as long as profits can be made, as long as political agendas can be realized, as long as people are willing to do whatever their government demands of them.

This war really is not about states rights, or slavery, or even about the preservation of the Union .  This war is ultimately about Greed in the North and misinformed Honor, Loyalty and Pride in the South.

The one remaining right that each of us has is the right to vote.  Next year, we will be asked to cast our vote for one of two candidates for the Presidency of the United States.  It is a precious thing, our vote.  In this nation, the people have the right to decide who will lead us, who will establish the policies that will guide us into the future, who will best represent the interests of all the people, not just the wealthy, or the political.  It is not too early to begin thinking who will best deserve your vote.  For, whoever is elected to the Presidency of the United States will determine the final outcome of this war and the future of the South.

It is my desire, and I believe the desire of most Americans, to see the end of this war come quickly.  I believe it is also the desire of the people of this land, in both the North and the South to see the government once again be about the people.  It is to be a government “of the people, for the people and by the people…”  And it is time for that government to be restored.   It is time for the greedy of the North to acknowledge they have enough wealth at the expense of the common man, and it is time for the prideful of the South to humble themselves and seek a peaceful solution to the present conflict.

As a theologian friend of mine stated recently, “What does God require of thee O man, but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God?”  It seems as if this would be a good place to start on the journey towards healing.

 

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

In the field

Williamsport -Martinsburg- Winchester

July 25, 1863                                                To: Abigail E. Reynolds                         New York World

My Dear Miss Reynolds,

I am writing to let you know not to listen to the politicians or some of the political generals on making your judgments on what happens in the field.  I am a West Point graduate and career officer. I have trained cavalry and served out West in the Navajo War before the present blood letting. This government is sadly fighting a war with in the war.  The Radical Republicans in Congress and in the presidents cabinet are all living under a terrible  naive near childish view of war.  They think the armies must make grand head on assaults in Napoleonic fashion and that this war can be won quickly in one great battle.  They think they know more than the generals on how to run a war.  We have suffered two years of their interferance in sacking good competent officers from regimental to army command level who are Democrat in favor of those who support their political views or they become too impatient for victory and thus can not keep a commander of the Army of thePotomac in the field for long.  You can not win a horse race by constantly changing the rider. The Radicals know nothing of logistics, supply, tactics and strategy or even the basics of the every day maintenance needs of a regiment in the field. I have seen this all first hand and been a victim of it. I saw the terrible result of meddling politicians on the Penninsula all too clearly.  Washington and not McClellan ( a fellow Democrat) was responsible for that fiasco. They would not let him have the troops he needed because of their irrational fear Washington City did not have enough defenders.  They bled troops away from the campaign and did not order the navy to go through with joint support as planned.

I brought the Union its first cavalry victory at Kellys Ford, yet recently I seem to be one of the very political Gen. Hooker's "scape goats" for his performance at Chancellorsville .  I was relieved of my command in the AoP cavalry for suposedly poor performance and was sent this past May 23 to WV as sort of a punishment to turn infantry to cavalry  and create a semi-independent command that is now designated the 4th Seperate Brigade with which I am to take a major part in ridding the new state of the Confederate presence.  In May I converted the 2nd, 3rd, and 8th WV Infantry to mounted infantry basically in 48 hours by mounting them on green horses.  I have always been short on supplies especially horse shoes and horses can not travel over the rugged roads of this region without shoes without breaking down very soon.  I am also plagued by the lack of ordnance stores and often widely scattered detachments.  Men and horses must and are continually drilled in between long patrols of the region. 

During the recent Gettysburg campaign after the battle while out in the field below the Winchester area in Greenbriar or Pocohontas County  I received an urgent dispatch to cut off Lee's retreat toward Williamsport, that recent rains had flooded the Potomac to such an extent that he was trapped and could not yet ford the river.   I headed my brigade northward by train and a forced march.  It was my hope to find and join up with Gen. John Buford, whom I admire as probably the only great cavalry leader this army has.  But as often happens in war what you hope for evaporates like water in a hot frying pan.  As much as we hurried we missed Lee by just a little less than 24 hours.  I knew Buford and my command could have held them til Meade arrived to finish him.  Now we are involved in marches and counter marches keeping an eye on the Confederates in the area as they continue South. 

 I expect the Radicals in Washington will want Meade's head on a platter for "not destroying Lee"  But these idiots will not realize that an army as hard fought as the AoP does not recover over night let alone for an immediate chase of a retreating army.  Those units that I have seen are exhausted, ill supplied yet push on.  Supplies have not caught up and without supplies an army slows to a crawl or stalls. The politians do not understand that an army on the defensive has its supplies right with it or at least a shorter line of supply than an army on the offensive pushing after it with a long and vulnerable supply line.  Most of Virginia's farms have been ravaged by both armies so even living off the land is not much of an option. This makes the pursuit slow.  I am beginning to wonder at this point if I will ever be adequatly supplied so I can carry out my duties in this back water if the AoP is having so much trouble with their own.  About the only advantage I have is the farms here have not suffered as much as those in the Old Dominion and many of the boys are excellent hunters, but that just covers food.  We need horse shoes, fodder, ammunitions and to replace a lot of the Enfields with Sharps or Spencer carbines more proper weapons for the cavalry.  But I suspect the AoP will get more of the same from these Radical meddlers.  They will expect miracles and their ranting to the Press will make the general public want miracles while remaining willfully ignorant of the reality of modern warfare. I suppose I should consider myself lucky now to be mostly beyond the Radicals' reach in the mountains of  Virginia in a semi-independent command with only Gen. Benjamin Kelly to answer to.

Your Obediant Servant,

Brig. Gen. William Woods Averell           4th Seperate Brigade              Commanding

 

 

January 20, 1864

To the Honorable Morton Marbles

Editor, The New York World                  New York, New York

Dear Morton,

I am taking this opportunity to share with you a dispatch from Brooksville Florida where I have observed the engagement of Union forces against a less superior Confederate Army.  We came upon this engagement quite by accident, not expecting to run into Confederate and Union soldiers at all on our journey to this warm winter respite.  It was, as you are aware, my desire to see family and escape for a few weeks the turmoil I have witnessed over the past two years.  This has turned out to not be the case.

We left Washington City about Mid December by train and traveled to Roanoke.  There we met up with a small Union division comprised of Negroes with their white officers.  They were somewhat disorganized or so it seemed at first.  After a short while though, I began to see their organization and discipline and was most favorably impressed by their abilities. 

They invited us to join them further south, as both rail and coach were unavailable at this point.  I was informed upon my inquiry that they were a unit from the 54^th Massachusetts under the command of one Lieutenant John Price, and they were to return and report to the 54^th sometime after the first of the year.  They said they could accompany us as far as South Carolina and then we would be on our own.  I greatly appreciated their escort as there were no more means of public transportation at the moment.

We arrived at a small town in South Carolina and took our leave with two horses supplied by Lt Price.   We were very grateful for this wonderful gift and for having had the opportunity to share Christmas and New Years with these happy souls on their way to defend the freedom and the Union that had sent them Jubilee just a year earlier.

We arrived near Tallahassee Florida around the 10^th of January and immediately had our horses confiscated by a band of Confederate ruffians.  We then continued our journey on foot and an occasional ride in a wagon from local farmers until we arrived near Brooksville on the 15^th.  Hearing that both Confederate and Union soldiers were in the area, we made ourselves the guest at the local Inn and stayed to see what might transpire.  That is how we were able to attend to and send these dispatches.

The Confederate General offered us two mules to replace the horses taken by the ruffians in Tallahassee.   We thanked him but have been able instead to find public transportation suitable for our travels.  We have been told that once we arrive in St Augustine, we shall be able to pick up a ship going north and may be able to go all the way to Williamsburg Virginia.

As soon as we are able to reach anywhere in the north occupied by Union forces, we shall send immediate word of our presence and make further reports as deemed appropriate.  If possible, please forward expenses to our office in Washington City to be assumed by me upon my arrival there.

I will look forward to our meeting again soon.

With much fondness, I remain,

Abigail