The Words of War

by Donagh Bracken

  JACKSON, July 12. – The enemy opened fire on six batteries upon our left at 8, a.m., and rained shells upon the city. The enemy finally made a charge, but the Washington Artillery and COBB’S Battery repulsed him with heavy loss. Three hundred prisoners and three stands of colors were taken by our troops. ADAMS’ and STOVALL’S brigades acted most gallantly. The enemy is moving around our right. Our scouts report that BURNSIDE, with two divisions, is crossing at Birdsong Ferry. Colonel WITHERS, an old citizen of Jackson, was killed in the trenches by a shell. General JOHNSTON, on the 10th instant, issued to the troops the following battle order, which was read along the line amid deafening shouts from the soldiers:

  Headquarters on the Field

  July 9, 1863

  ‘Fellow Soldiers! An insolent foe, flushed with hope by his recent success at Vicksburg, confronts you, threatening the people, whose homes and liberty you are here to protect, with plunder and conquest. Their guns may even now be heard at intervals, as they advance.

  ‘This enemy it is at once the mission and the duty of youbrave men to chastise and expel from the soil of Mississippi. The Commanding General confidently relies on you to sustain hispledge, which he makes in advance, and he will be with you inthe good work, even unto the end.

  ‘The vice of ‘he begs you to shun, and to frown on. If needs be, it will be checked by even the most summary remedies.

  ‘The telegraph has already announced a glorious victory over the foe, won by your noble comrades of the Virginia army on Federal soil; may he not, with redoubled hope, count on you, while defending your own firesides and household goods, to emulate the proud example of your brothers in the east?

  ‘The country expects, in this, the great crisis of its destiny, that every man will do his duty.’

  Latest News from General Lee’s Army

  HAGERSTOWN, July 11 – To the Savannah Republican. There was considerable skirmishing yesterday. The enemy are reported as advancing by the Boonsboro and Sharpsburg Pikes. Brigadier General Paul J. SEMMES died of his wounds at Martinsburg yesterday.

  MARTINSBURG, July 12 – The telegraph wires were cut near this place yesterday. Constant skirmishing is going on between LEE’S and HOOKER’S armies. The enemy occupies the line of the Antietam River. General LEE is near Hagerstown. Our army has been in line of battle since Friday evening. A fight is expected every day. The Potomac is falling at Williamsport.

  The Charleston Mercury

  July 15, 1863

  Telegraphic News

  Sufferings of the Vicksburg Garrison

  JACKSON, July 8 – A number of the Vicksburg heros arrived here to-day. I have conversed with a number of them, privates as well as officers. The privates praise General PEMBERTON in the highest terms. They say they went into Vicksburg prejudiced against him, but no man could have done more than he did. One man shed tears when he told me of what they had suffered, with no relief, and then for Vicksburg to fall. The Yankees were led to believe that if they took Vicksburg the war was ended, and they could all go home, and they would remark to our troops, ‘boys, we can all go home now.’ An officer who arrived from Vicksburg says that the garrison had been living on pea bread and mule meat for two weeks. He says that if it had been known that relief was coming, it would have held out longer. It is stated that all the officers of PEMBERTON urged him to surrender.

  THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG. APPROACH OF MCPHEARSON’S SAPPERS TO THE REBEL EARTH WORKS (DAVIS). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  The Charleston Mercury

  July 13, 1863

  From General Johnston’s Army

  The Jackson Mississippian of July 7th says:

  We are profoundly pained to learn, as we do on good authority, that the noble garrison at Vicksburg capitulated last Saturday morning, the 4th instant. There was no assault from the enemy, but some of his mines were sprung, which rendered further resistance useless. The terms of the capitulation are that the garrison, 17,500 in number, are to be moved out to some acceptable point on the Big Black to wait exchange. The officers were allowed to retain their side arms. We had up to this mournful event an excess of 30,000 prisoners, and an exchange will soon be effected.

  The Yankees sent word to all the planters on theMississippi River above Vicksburg, whose negros they have taken, to send or come after their negro women and children, stating that they cannot afford to feed them any longer. The negro men they retain, to be slaughtered in battle! The women and children must starve, or be thrown upon the mercy of their owners!

  THE REBELS MARCHING OUT AND STACKING ARMS, WITH GENERAL GRANT AND STAFF ON HORSEBACK (LEFT) MEETING THE MARCHING SOLDIERS (THEODORE DAVIS). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  The Jackson correspondent of the Mobile Register, writing on the same date, says:

  Our troops and stock are suffering greatly for the want of water. There is little or none between here and the Big Black, and unless Johnston can obtain sufficient advantages over the enemy to enable him to hold that river, or a portion of it, he will be compelled to fall back to Pearl River, where he can obtain it. The railroad bridge over Pearl River will be completed this week, and the cars once more running into the city of Jackson.

  For the last few hours the wagon trains of Johnston have been filing through the city to Pearl River. His army is reported to be falling back, and his rear skirmishing with the enemy. What an hour will bring forth I am unable to conjecture. Johnston is expected here, and is said to be here. A want of water forces this movement, and while it compels Johnston to fall back, it is equally as great an impediment to the advance of Grant.

  I hope that Gardner will be warned in time to get away from Port Hudson. If true that he has whipped Banks off, he will be enabled to do so; if not, then look out, for the fall of Vicksburg leaves idle a large portion of Grant forces, whose mission is to open the Mississippi River to the Gulf. As I have before stated, when the enemy shall have these places, and the open navigation of the Mississippi River, he will have found his prize valueless for the want of Southern trade, and when the West finds out that the sword will not bring back the trade of the South, then you will hear a cry raised for peace in the West more potent and powerful than heretofore.

  From The New York Times

  The New York Times July 8, 1863

  WASHINGTON, Tuesday, July 7, 1-P.M.

  The following dispatch has just been received

  U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON.

  FLAGSHIP Black Hawk July 4, 1863

  Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy

  SIR: I HAVE THE HONOR TO INFORM YOU THAT VICKSBURG SURRENDERED TO THE UNITED STATES FORCES ON THE 4TH OF JULY.

  Very respectfully,

  Your obedient servant,

  D. D. PORTER,

  Acting Rear Admiral.

  Unofficial Reports from Cairo

  Cairo, Ill., Tuesday, July 7.

  The dispatch boat has just arrived here from Vicksburg. She left at 10 o’clock on Sunday morning. The passengers announce that Gen. PEMBERTON sent a flag of truce on the morning of the 4th of July, and offered to surrender if his men were allowed to march out.

  Gen. GRANT is reported to have replied that no men should leave, except as prisoners of war. Gen. PEMBERTON then, after consultation with his commanders, unconditionally surrendered.

  This news is perfectly reliable.

  THE UNITED STATES GUNBOAT INDIANOLA, AN IRONCLAD, RUNNING THE BLOCKADE AT VICKSBURG. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  Special Dispatch to The New York Times

  Washington, Tuesday, July 7

  The Cabinet was in regular session to-day. Admiral PORTER’S Vicksburgh dispatch was received by Secretary WELLES, and read to the President. The news immediately spread throughout the city, creating intense and joyous excitement. Flags were displayed from all the Departments and crowds assembled with cheers. Secretary STANTON issued an order for a salute of one hundred guns.

  The fall of Vicksburgh, conjoinly with the Gettysburg successes, is regarded as the turning point in the war. The Presid
ent and high officials express a determination that the campaign shall not slacken off in consequence, but be carried on with renewed vigor. This sentiment is urged upon them by MESSRS. HAMLIN, WILSON, CHANDLER, WASHBURNE and other prominent loyalists now in town.

  The President congratulates himself on his inflexible resistance to the efforts once made to induce him to remove Gen. GRANT. He always believed in GRANT’S genius and energy, and is now rewarded for his decision in his favor. HON. ELIHU WASHBURNE, GRANT’S nearest personal friend, who defended him last Winter in the House, is overjoyed at the result of the siege.

  Rejoicing in New York

  Albany, Tuesday, July 7

  By order of the Adjutant-General, two salutes of thirty-four guns each were fired to-day—one in honor of our victorv in Pennsylvania, and the other for the fall of Vicksburgh. Tonight there is an impromptu demonstration by the citizens. Guns are exploding, bells ringing. and with music and fireworks. The demonstration will be kept up until a late hour by an immense gathering of both sexes.

  Syracuse, Tuesday, July 7

  A grand impromptu celebration is taking place here, to-night, in honor of our victories. There is a mass-meeting in Hanover square. A salute of 100 guns is thundering. All the bells of the city are ringing. There is a parade by the Davis Guards, and fireworks, bonfires, and illuminations flame in all the principal streets. Such a scene of enthusiasm and rejoicing was never known.

  Utica, Tuesday, July 7

  The fall of Vicksburgh has been celebrated here by the ringing of bells, firing of cannon, and every display of popular joy.

  Rejoicing in New Jersey

  Burlington, N. J., Tuesday, July 7

  The glorious news of the surrender of Vicksburgh was received here amid the ringing of the church bells and a salute of one hundred guns. The most intense enthusiasm prevails. The Union League rooms and several private residences are are iluminated.

  Rejoicing in Massachusetts

  Boston, Tuesday, July 7

  The news of the surrender of Vicksburgh appeared to cause more joyous excitement in Boston than any previous event of the war. Bells were ringing, cheers and congratulations exchanged generally. At Newburyport the bells were rung, and a salute of one hundred guns fired. Dispatches from many quarters describe similar demonstrations of joy and gratitude for the glorious result.

  HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNION ARMY, COMMANDED BY GENERAL GRANT, ON THE BANKS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER NEAR VICKSBURG. STEAMBOATS IN THE BACKGROUNAD (LOVIE). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  Rejoicing in Philadelphia

  Philadelphia, Tuesday, July 7 – 2 P. M.

  The State House bell is ringing a joyful peal over the capture of Vicksburgh. All the fire-bells in the city are also now ringing, by direction of the Mayor, sent through the police telegraph.

  Philadelphia, Tuesday, July 7

  The newspaper offices are illuminated this evening. The Ledger building has stars placed along the entire front. The North American has the word “Victory.” The Bulletin and other offices are tastefully decorated in honor of the victory. Numerous private dwellings and other edifices are illuminated.

  Rejoicing in New Haven

  New Haven, Conn., Tuesday, July 7

  There is great rejoicing in this city over the news of the capture of Vicksburg. A National salute is now being fired upon the Public Square by direction of the Mayor.

  What the Historians Say

  The siege of Vicksburg occurred during May 18–July 4, 1863, in Warren County, Mississippi. It was the campaign objective of Grant’s 1863 Operations against Vicksburg.

  The principal commanders were Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant leading his Army of the Tennessee against Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton commanding the Confederate garrison. The estimated casualties were 4,550 and 31,275 respectively.

  In May and June of 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s armies converged on Vicksburg, entrapping a Confederate army under Lt. Gen. John Pemberton. On July 4, Vicksburg surrendered after prolonged siege operations. This was the culmination of one of the most brilliant military campaigns of the war. With the loss of Pemberton’s army and this vital stronghold on the Mississippi, the Confederacy was effectively split in half. Grant’s successes in the West boosted his reputation, leading ultimately to his appointment as Generalin-Chief of the Union armies.

  The Union victory effectively split the Confederacy in two and gave control of the Mississippi to the Union Army and Navy.

  12

  The Wilderness

  Grant Comes to the Eastern Theatre

  AUTHOR’S COMMENTARY

  The Wilderness was a frightening place. Because of the tangled mass of underbrush, neither army had a clear perspective on where the enemy was in strength. It was virtually impossible to maneuver large forces. It tested the nerves of the men in the field and certainly the officers who were trying desperately to adjust to the difficult situation.

  General Grant, who was in his first major encounter with General Lee on the Overland Campaign, had an additional concern added to his list–one which demonstrated a tolerance for the press not shared by most general officers in either the Union or Confederate armies.

  One night during the battle, General Grant, General Meade, and some staff officers were seated around a campfire discussing tactical procedures for the following day. One of the officers spied a shadowy figure hiding behind a nearby tree stump and quickly approached him. It was William Swinton of The New York Times who was scribbling the overheard plans as discussed by Grant, Meade, and their officers. Hauled before the officers, Swinton, who surely would have been shot if it were Sherman or Halleck he spied upon, was let off with a reprimand by Grant.

  Swinton was not unknown to Grant. He had previously misrepresented himself to Grant, through an intermediary, to be not a correspondent of the press but rather a literary gentleman who wished to write a history of the war when it was over. Grant discovered Swinton’s true identity when a Richmond newspaper, which Grant read with regularity, contained a verbatim report of instructions he had given a subordinate officer while crossing the Rapidan River.

  May 9, 1864 – From the Charleston Mercury

  Latest from the Seat of War

  The Battles on the Rapidann

  Continued Success of Our Arms

  Official Despatches from Gen. Lee

  General Jenkins Killed, and Generals Longstreet and

  Pegram Severely Wounded

  Fighting Continued All Day Friday and Saturday

  Movements on James River

  ORANGE C.H., May 6 – We have the following additional particulars of the fighting on Thursday:

  HETH’S and WILCOX’S divisions were engaged. They checked and drove back three corps and two divisions of the enemy.

  LANE’S North Carolina brigade last night surprised and captured three hundred prisoners.

  From 3 p.m. until nightfall there was very heavy musketry fighting. But little artillery was engaged.

  COOK’S brigade fought well and suffered a heavy loss.

  THOMAS’ and McGOWAN’S brigades (the latter consisting entirely of South Carolina troops) also suffered considerably. ROSSER, with his single brigade, fought WILCOX’S whole division of Yankee cavalry, driving them back at all points.

  The fighting has been resumed this (Friday) morning. It is reported and believed that we are driving them. About 300 more prisoners have been received here, and more are on the way.

  Gen. BENNING was slightly wounded this morning, in the arm, and Gen. PEGRAM in the knee.

  The battle field is about twenty-five miles below here.

  The Richmond ambulance committee have arrived here. The Press correspondent left for the battle field this morning.

  Later – The Battle on Friday

  ORANGE C.H., May 6 – 9 p.m. – The attack of the enemy this morning was very violent, but it was repulsed in every instance. A strong effort was made to turn our right. We drove them on our left; but their line resisted stubbornly on the right.
LONGSTREET, however, finally forced them to give way.

  MAP OF THE BATTLE FIELDS OF THE WILDERNESS, MAY 5, 6, AND 7, 1864. SHOWS FIELD OF OPERATIONS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC COMMANDED BY MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE B. MEADE. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  General LONGSTREET received a severe wound in the shoulder, and General JENKINS, of South Carolina, was mortally wounded. Col. BROWN, of Georgia, of the Virginia Artillery, was killed.

  Amongst the other casualties reported are the following:

  Colonel JAMES D. NANCE, South Carolina regiment, killed; Colonel MILLER, 12th South Carolina regiment, killed; Lieutenant Colonel BOOKTER, 12th South Carolina regiment, mortally wounded; Lieutenant Colonel FRANKLIN GAILLARD, 2nd South Carolina regiment (and formerly editor of the Columbia Carolinian) killed.

  The fighting was principally with musketry, the ground being unsuitable for the use of artillery. The battle was fought near the ‘Wilderness,’ and the enemy has been pushed back nearly to Chancellorsville. Everything looks well. The Yankee General WADSWORTH, who was the Abolition candidate for Governor, against SEYMOUR, in the last New York election, was killed. Up to this time seventeen hundred prisoners have been received here.

  General Lee’s Official Despatch

  Richmond, May 6 – The following has just been received at the War Office:

  Headquarters

  Army Northern Virginia, May 6

  To the Secretary of War

  Early this morning, as the divisions of General HILL, engaged yesterday, were being relieved, the enemy advanced, creating some confusion; but the ground lost was recovered as soon as our fresh troops got into position, and the enemy was driven back to the original line. Afterwards, we turned the left of his fresh line and drove it from the field, leaving a large number of dead and wounded in our hands – amongst them General WADSWORTH.

  A subsequent attack forced the enemy into his entrenched lines on the Brook Road, extending from the Wilderness Tavern, on the right, to Trigg Mill. Every advance on his part, thanks to a merciful God, has been repulsed.