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MY DIARY NORTH AND SOUTH.
MY DIARY NORTH AND SOUTH.
BY WILLIAM HOWARD RUSSELL. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: BRADBURY AND EVANS, 11, BOUVERIE STREET. 1863. [ The right of Translation is reserved. ] LONDON: BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS TO RICHARD QUAIN, M.D., These Volumes are Dedicated IN TESTIMONY OF THE REGARD AND GRATITUDE THE AUTHOR....
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INTRODUCTORY.
INTRODUCTORY.
A book which needs apologies ought never to have been written. This is a canon of criticism so universally accepted, that authors have abstained of late days from attempting to disarm hostility by confessions of weakness, and are almost afraid to say a prefatory word to the gentle reader. It is not to plead in mitigation of punishment or make an appeal ad misericordiam , I break through the ordinary practice, but by way of introduction and explanation to those who may read these volumes, I may r
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CHAPTER I. Departure from Cork
CHAPTER I. Departure from Cork
Departure from Cork.—The Atlantic in March—Fellow-passengers—American politics and parties—The Irish in New York—Approach to New York. On the evening of 3rd March, 1861, I was transferred from the little steam-tender, which plies between Cork and the anchorage of the Cunard steamers at the entrance of the harbour, to the deck of the good steamship Arabia, Captain Stone; and at nightfall we were breasting the long rolling waves of the Atlantic. The voyage across the Atlantic has been done by so m
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CHAPTER II. Arrival at New York
CHAPTER II. Arrival at New York
Arrival at New York—Custom-house—General impressions as to North and South—Street in New York—Hotel—Breakfast—American women and men—Visit to Mr. Bancroft—Street-railways. The entrance to New York, as it was seen by us on 16th March, is not remarkable for beauty or picturesque scenery, and I incurred the ire of several passengers, because I could not consistently say it was very pretty. It was difficult to distinguish through the snow the villas and country houses, which are said to be so charmi
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CHAPTER III. St. Patrick’s day
CHAPTER III. St. Patrick’s day
“St. Patrick’s day” in New York—Public dinner—American Constitution—General topics of conversation—Public estimate of the Government—Evening party at Mons. B——’s. Monday, 18th. —“St. Patrick’s day in the morning” being on the 17th, was kept by the Irish to-day. In the early morning the sounds of drumming, fifing, and bugling came with the hot water and my Irish attendant into the room. He told me: “We’ll have a pretty nice day for it. The weather’s often agin us on St. Patrick’s day.” At the ang
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CHAPTER IV. Streets and shops in New York
CHAPTER IV. Streets and shops in New York
Streets and shops in New York—Literature—A funeral—Dinner at Mr. H——’s— Dinner at Mr. Bancroft’s—Political and social features—Literary breakfast; Heenan and Sayers. March 20th. —The papers are still full of Sumter and Pickens. The reports that they are or are not to be relieved are stated and contradicted in each paper without any regard to individual consistency. The “Tribune” has an article on my speech at the St. Patrick’s dinner, to which it is pleased to assign reasons and motives which th
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CHAPTER V. Off to the railway station
CHAPTER V. Off to the railway station
Off to the railway station—Railway carriages—Philadelphia—Washington—Willard’s Hotel—Mr. Seward—North and South—The “State Department” at Washington—President Lincoln—Dinner at Mr. Seward’s. After our pleasant breakfast came that necessity for activity which makes such meals disguised as mere light morning repasts take their revenge. I had to pack up, and I am bound to say the moral aid afforded me by the waiter, who stood with a sympathising expression of face, and looked on as I wrestled with
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CHAPTER VI. A state dinner at the White House
CHAPTER VI. A state dinner at the White House
A state dinner at the White House—Mrs. Lincoln—The Cabinet Ministers—A newspaper correspondent—Good Friday at Washington. March 28th. —I was honoured to-day by visits from a great number of Members of Congress, journalists, and others. Judging from the expressions of most of the Washington people, they would gladly see a Southern Cabinet installed in their city. The cold shoulder is given to Mr. Lincoln, and all kinds of stories and jokes are circulated at his expense. People take particular ple
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CHAPTER VII. Barbers’ shops
CHAPTER VII. Barbers’ shops
Barbers’ shops—Place-hunting—The Navy Yard—Dinner at Lord Lyons’—Estimate of Washington among his countrymen—Washington’s house and tomb—The Southern Commissioners—Dinner with the Southern Commissioners—Feeling towards England among the Southerners—Animosity between North and South. March 30th. —Descended into the barber’s shop off the hall of the hotel; all the operators, men of colour, mostly mulattoes, or yellow lads, good-looking, dressed in clean white jackets and aprons, were smart, quick,
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CHAPTER VIII. New York Press
CHAPTER VIII. New York Press
New York Press—Rumours as to the Southerners—Visit to the Smithsonian Institute—Pythons—Evening at Mr. Seward’s—Rough draft of official dispatch to Lord J. Russell—Estimate of its effect in Europe—The attitude of Virginia. April 7th. —Raining all day, cold and wet. I am tired and weary of this perpetual jabber about Port Sumter. Men here who know nothing at all of what is passing send letters to the New York papers, which are eagerly read by the people in Washington as soon as the journals reach
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CHAPTER IX. Dinner at General Scott’s
CHAPTER IX. Dinner at General Scott’s
Dinner at General Scott’s—Anecdotes of General Scott’s early life—The startling dispatch—Insecurity of the Capital. April 10th. —To-day I devoted to packing up such things as I did not require, and sending them to New York. I received a characteristic note from General Scott, asking me to dine with him to-morrow, and apologising for the shortness of his invitation, which arose from his only having just heard that I was about to leave so soon for the South. The General is much admired by his coun
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CHAPTER X. Preparations for war at Charleston
CHAPTER X. Preparations for war at Charleston
Preparations for war at Charleston—My own departure for the Southern States—Arrival at Baltimore—Commencement of hostilities at Fort Sumter—Bombardment of the Fort—General feeling as to North and South—Slavery—First impressions of the City of Baltimore—Departure by steamer. April 12th. —This morning I received an intimation that the Government had resolved on taking decisive steps which would lead to a development of events in the South and test the sincerity of Secession. The Confederate genera
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CHAPTER XI. Scenes on board an American steamer
CHAPTER XI. Scenes on board an American steamer
Scenes on board an American steamer—The “Merrimac”—Irish sailors in America—Norfolk—A telegram on Sunday; news from the seat of war—American “chaff” and our Jack Tars. Sunday, April 14. —A night of disturbed sleep, owing to the ponderous thumping of the walking-beam close to my head, the whizzing of steam, and the roaring of the steam-trumpet to warn vessels out of the way—musquitoes, too, had a good deal to say to me in spite of my dirty gauze curtains. Soon after dawn the vessel ran alongside
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CHAPTER XII. Portsmouth
CHAPTER XII. Portsmouth
Portsmouth—Railway journey through the forest—The great Dismal Swamp—American newspapers—Cattle on the line—Negro labour—On through the Pine Forest—The Confederate flag—Goldsborough; popular excitement—Weldon—Wilmington—The Vigilance Committee. Monday, April 15. —Up at dawn. Crossed by ferry to Portsmouth, and arrived at railway station, which was at no place in particular, in a street down which the rails were laid. Mr. Robinson, the superintendent, gave me permission to take a seat in the engi
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CHAPTER XIII. Sketches round Wilmington
CHAPTER XIII. Sketches round Wilmington
Sketches round Wilmington—Public opinion—Approach to Charleston and Fort Sumter—Introduction to General Beauregard—Ex-Governor Manning—Conversation on the chances of the war—“King Cotton” and England—Visit to Fort Sumter—Market-place at Charleston. Early next morning, soon after dawn, I crossed the Cape Fear River, on which Wilmington is situated, by a steam ferry-boat. On the quay lay quantities of shot and shell. “How came these here?” I inquired. “They’re anti-abolition pills,” said my neighb
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CHAPTER XIV. Southern volunteers
CHAPTER XIV. Southern volunteers
Southern volunteers—Unpopularity of the press—Charleston—Fort Sumter—Morris’ Island—Anti-union enthusiasm—Anecdote of Colonel Wigfall—Interior view of the fort—North versus South. There was a large crowd around the pier staring at the men in uniform on the boat, which was filled with bales of goods, commissariat stores, trusses of hay, and hampers, supplies for the volunteer army on Morris’ Island. I was amused by the names of the various corps, “Tigers,” “Lions,” “Scorpions,” “Palmetto Eagles,”
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CHAPTER XV. Slaves, their masters and mistresses
CHAPTER XV. Slaves, their masters and mistresses
Slaves, their masters and mistresses—Hotels—Attempted boat-journey to Fort Moultrie—Excitement at Charleston against New York—Preparations for war—General Beauregard—Southern opinion as to the policy of the North, and estimate of the effect of the war on England, through the cotton market—Aristocratic feeling in the South. April 18th. —It is as though we woke up in a barrack. No! There is the distinction, that in the passages slaves are moving up and down with cups of iced milk or water for thei
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CHAPTER XVI. Charleston; the Market-place
CHAPTER XVI. Charleston; the Market-place
Charleston; the Market-place—Irishmen at Charleston—Governor Pickens: his political economy and theories—Newspaper offices and counting-houses—Rumours as to the war policy of the South. April 19th. —An exceeding hot day. The sun pours on the broad sandy street of Charleston with immense power, and when the wind blows down the thoroughfare it sends before it vast masses of hot dust. The houses are generally detached, surrounded by small gardens, well provided with verandahs to protect the windows
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CHAPTER XVII. Visit to a plantation
CHAPTER XVII. Visit to a plantation
Visit to a plantation; hospitable reception—By steamer to Georgetown—Description of the town—A country mansion—Masters and slaves—Slave diet—Humming-birds—Land irrigation—Negro quarters—Back to Georgetown. April 21st. —In the afternoon I went with Mr. Porcher Miles to visit a small farm and plantation, some miles from the city, belonging to Mr. Crafts. Our arrival was unexpected, but the planter’s welcome was warm. Mrs. Crafts showed us round the place, of which the beauties were due to nature r
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CHAPTER XVIII. Climate of the Southern States
CHAPTER XVIII. Climate of the Southern States
Climate of the Southern States—General Beauregard—Risks of the post-office—Hatred of New England—By railway to Sea Island plantation—Sporting in South Carolina—An hour on board a canoe in the dark. April 24th. —In the morning we found ourselves in chopping little sea-way for which the “Nina” was particularly unsuited, laden as she was with provisions and produce. Eyes and glasses anxiously straining seawards for any trace of the blockading vessels. Every sail scrutinised, but no ‘stars and strip
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CHAPTER XIX. Domestic negroes
CHAPTER XIX. Domestic negroes
Domestic negroes—Negro oarsmen—Off to the fishing-grounds—The devil-fish—Bad sport—The drum-fish—Negro quarters—Want of drainage—Thievish propensities of the blacks—A southern estimate of Southerners. April 27th. —Mrs. Trescot, it seems, spent part of her night in attendance on a young gentleman of colour, who was introduced into the world in a state of servitude by his poor chattel of a mother. Such kindly acts as these are more common than we may suppose; and it would be unfair to put a strict
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CHAPTER XX. By railway to Savannah
CHAPTER XX. By railway to Savannah
By railway to Savannah—Description of the city—Rumours of the last few days—State of affairs at Washington—Preparations for war—Cemetery of Bonaventure—Road made of oyster shells—Appropriate features of the Cemetery—The Tatnall family—Dinner-party at Mr. Green’s—Feeling in Georgia against the North. April 29th. —This morning up at 6 A.M. , bade farewell to our hostess and Barnwell Island, and proceeded with Trescot back to the Pocotaligo station, which we reached at 12·20. On our way Mr. Heyward
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CHAPTER XXI. The river at Savannah
CHAPTER XXI. The river at Savannah
The river at Savannah—Commodore Tatnall—Fort Pulaski—Want of a fleet to the Southerners—Strong feeling of the women—Slavery considered in its results—Cotton and Georgia—Off for Montgomery—The Bishop of Georgia—The Bible and Slavery—Macon—Dislike of United States’ gold. May Day. —Not unworthy of the best effort of English fine weather before the change in the kalendar robbed the poets of twelve days, but still a little warm for choice. The young American artist Moses, who was to have called our p
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CHAPTER XXII. Slave-pens
CHAPTER XXII. Slave-pens
Slave-pens; Negroes on sale or hire—Popular feeling as to Secession—Beauregard and speech-making—Arrival at Montgomery—Bad hotel accommodation—Knights of the Golden Circle—Reflections on Slavery—Slave auction—The Legislative Assembly—A “live chattel” knocked down—Rumours from the North (true and false) and prospects of war. May 4th. —In the morning I took a drive about the city, which is loosely built in detached houses over a very pretty undulating country covered with wood and fruit-trees. Man
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CHAPTER XXIII. Proclamation of war
CHAPTER XXIII. Proclamation of war
Proclamation of war—Jefferson Davis—Interview with the President of the Confederacy—Passport and safe-conduct—Messrs. Wigfall, Walker, and Benjamin—Privateering and letters of marque—A reception at Jefferson Davis’s—Dinner at Mr. Benjamin’s. May 9th. —To-day the papers contain a proclamation by the President of the Confederate States of America, declaring a state of war between the Confederacy and the United States, and notifying the issue of letters of marque and reprisal. I went out with Mr. W
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CHAPTER XXIV. Mr. Wigfall on the Confederacy
CHAPTER XXIV. Mr. Wigfall on the Confederacy
Mr. Wigfall on the Confederacy—Intended departure from the South—Northern apathy and Southern activity—Future prospects of the Union—South Carolina and cotton—The theory of slavery—Indifference at New York—Departure from Montgomery. May 8th. I tried to write, as I have taken my place in the steamer to Mobile to-morrow, and I was obliged to do my best in a room full of people, constantly disturbed by visitors. Early this morning, as usual, my faithful Wigfall comes in and sits by my bedside, and
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CHAPTER XXV. The River Alabama
CHAPTER XXV. The River Alabama
The River Alabama—Voyage by steamer—Selma—Our captain and his slaves—“Running” slaves—Negro views of happiness—Mobile—Hotel—The city—Mr. Forsyth. The vessel was nothing more than a vast wooden house, of three separate storeys, floating on a pontoon which upheld the engine, with a dining-hall or saloon on the second storey surrounded by sleeping-berths, and a nest of smaller rooms up-stairs; on the metal roof was a “musical” instrument called a “calliope,” played like a piano by keys, which acted
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CHAPTER XXVI. Visit to Forts Gaines and Morgan
CHAPTER XXVI. Visit to Forts Gaines and Morgan
Visit to Forts Gaines and Morgan—War to the knife the cry of the South—The “State” and the “States”—Bay of Mobile—The forts and their inmates—Opinions as to an attack on Washington—Rumours of actual war. May 12th. Mr. Forsyth had been good enough to invite me to an excursion down the Bay of Mobile, to the forts built by Uncle Sam and his French engineers to sink his Britishers—now turned by “C. S. A.” against the hated Stars and Stripes. The mayor and the principal merchants and many politicians
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CHAPTER XXVII. Pensacola and Fort Pickens
CHAPTER XXVII. Pensacola and Fort Pickens
Pensacola and Fort Pickens—Neutrals and their friends—Coasting—Sharks—The blockading fleet—The stars and stripes, and stars and bars—Domestic feuds caused by the war—Captain Adams and General Bragg—Interior of Fort Pickens. May 13th. I was busy making arrangements to get to Pensacola, and Fort Pickens, all day. The land journey was represented as being most tedious and exceedingly comfortless in all respects, through a waste of sand, in which we ran the chance of being smothered or lost. And the
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CHAPTER XXVIII. Bitters before breakfast
CHAPTER XXVIII. Bitters before breakfast
Bitters before breakfast—An old Crimean acquaintance—Earthworks and batteries—Estimate of cannons—Magazines—Hospitality—English and American introductions and leave-takings—Fort Pickens; its interior—Return towards Mobile—Pursued by a strange sail—Running the blockade—Landing at Mobile. May 16th. —The réveillé of the Zouaves, note for note the same as that which, in the Crimea, so often woke up poor fellows who slept the long sleep ere nightfall, roused us this morning early, and then the clang
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CHAPTER XXIX. Judge Campbell
CHAPTER XXIX. Judge Campbell
Judge Campbell—Dr. Nott—Slavery—Departure for New Orleans—Down the river—Fear of Cruisers—Approach to New Orleans—Duelling—Streets of New Orleans—Unhealthiness of the city—Public opinion as to the war—Happy and contented negroes. May 18th. —An exceedingly hot day, which gives bad promise of comfort for the Federal soldiers, who are coming, as the Washington Government asserts, to put down rebellion in these quarters. The mosquitos are advancing in numbers and force. The day I first came I asked
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CHAPTER XXX. The first blow struck
CHAPTER XXX. The first blow struck
The first blow struck—The St. Charles hotel—Invasion of Virginia by the Federals—Death of Col. Ellsworth—Evening at Mr. Slidell’s—Public comments on the war—Richmond the capital of the Confederacy—Military preparations—General society—Jewish element—Visit to a battle-field of 1815. May 24th. —A great budget of news to-day, which with the events of the week may be briefly enumerated. The fighting has actually commenced between the United States steamers off Fortress Monroe, and the Confederate ba
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CHAPTER XXXI. Carrying arms
CHAPTER XXXI. Carrying arms
Carrying arms—New Orleans jail—Desperate characters—Executions—Female maniacs and prisoners—The river and levee—Climate of New Orleans—Population—General distress—Pressure of the blockade—Money—Philosophy of abstract rights—The doctrine of state rights—Theoretical defect in the constitution. May 31st. —I went with Mr. Mure to visit the jail. We met the sheriff, according to appointment, at the police court. Something like a sheriff—a great, big, burly, six-foot man, with revolvers stuck in his b
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CHAPTER XXXII. Up the Mississippi
CHAPTER XXXII. Up the Mississippi
Up the Mississippi—Free negroes and English policy—Monotony of the river scenery— Visit to M. Roman —Slave quarters—A slave-dance—Slave-children—Negro hospital—General opinion—Confidence in Jefferson Davis. June 2nd. —My good friend the Consul was up early to see me off; and we drove together to the steamer J. L. Cotten. The people were going to mass as we passed through the streets; and it was pitiable to see the children dressed out as Zouaves, with tin swords and all sorts of pseudo-military
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CHAPTER XXXIII. Ride through the maize-fields
CHAPTER XXXIII. Ride through the maize-fields
Ride through the maize-fields—Sugar plantation; negroes at work—Use of the lash—Feeling towards France—Silence of the country—Negroes and dogs—Theory of slavery—Physical formation of the negro—The defence of slavery—The masses for negro souls—Convent of the Sacré Cœur—Ferry-house—A large landowner. June 3rd. At five o’clock this morning, having been awakened an hour earlier by a wonderful chorus of riotous mocking-birds, my old negro attendant brought in my bath of Mississippi water, which, Nile
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CHAPTER XXXIV. Negroes—Sugar-cane plantations
CHAPTER XXXIV. Negroes—Sugar-cane plantations
Negroes—Sugar-cane plantations—The negro and cheap labour—Mortality of blacks and whites—Irish labour in Louisiana—A sugar-house—Negro children—Want of education—Negro diet—Negro hospital—Spirits in the morning—Breakfast—More slaves—Creole planters. June 5th. —The smart negro who waited on me this morning spoke English. I asked him if he knew how to read and write.—“We must not do that, sir.” “Where were you born?”—“I were raised on the plantation, Massa, but I have been to New Orleens;” and the
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CHAPTER XXXV. War-rumours, and military movements
CHAPTER XXXV. War-rumours, and military movements
War-rumours, and military movements—Governor Manning’s slave plantations—Fortunes made by slave-labour—Frogs for the table—The forest—Cotton and sugar—A thunderstorm. June 7th. —The Confederate issue of ten millions sterling, in bonds payable in twenty years, is not sufficient to meet the demands of Government; and the four millions of small Treasury notes, without interest, issued by Congress, are being rapidly absorbed. Whilst the Richmond papers demand an immediate movement on Washington, the
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CHAPTER XXXVI. Visit to Mr. M‘Call’s plantation
CHAPTER XXXVI. Visit to Mr. M‘Call’s plantation
Visit to Mr. M‘Call’s plantation—Irish, and Spaniards—The planter—A Southern sporting man—The creoles—Leave Houmas—Donaldsonville—Description of the City—Baton Rouge—Steamer to Natchez—Southern feeling; faith in Jefferson Davis—Rise and progress of prosperity for the planters—Ultimate issue of the war to both North and South. June 8th. —According to promise, the inmates of Mr. Burnside’s house proceeded to pay a visit to-day to the plantation of Mr. M‘Call, who lives at the other side of the riv
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MY DIARY NORTH AND SOUTH.
MY DIARY NORTH AND SOUTH.
MY DIARY NORTH AND SOUTH. BY WILLIAM HOWARD RUSSELL. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON: BRADBURY AND EVANS, 11, BOUVERIE STREET. 1863. [ The right of Translation is reserved. ] LONDON: BRADBURY AND EVANS PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS....
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CHAPTER I. Down the Mississippi
CHAPTER I. Down the Mississippi
Down the Mississippi—Hotel at Vicksburg—Dinner—Public meeting—News of the progress of the war—Slavery and England—Jackson—Governor Pettus—Insecurity of life—Strong Southern enthusiasm—Troops bound for the North—Approach to Memphis—Slaves for sale—Memphis—General Pillow. Friday, June 14th. —Last night with my good host from his plantation to the great two-storied steamer General Quitman, at Natchez. She was crowded with planters, soldiers and their families, and as the lights shone out of her win
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CHAPTER II. Camp Randolph
CHAPTER II. Camp Randolph
Camp Randolph—Cannon practice—Volunteers—“Dixie”—Forced return from the South—Apathy of the North—General retrospect of politics—Energy and earnestness of the South—Firearms—Position of Great Britain towards the belligerents—Feeling towards the Old Country. June 18th. On looking out of my cabin window this morning I found the steamer fast alongside a small wharf, above which rose, to the height of 150 feet, at an angle of 45 degrees, the rugged bluff already mentioned. The wharf was covered with
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CHAPTER III. Heavy Bill
CHAPTER III. Heavy Bill
Heavy Bill —Railway travelling —Introductions —Assassinations —Tennessee —“Corinth” —“Troy” —“Humbolt” —“The Confederate Camp” —Return Northwards —Columbus —Cairo —The Slavery Question —Prospects of the War —Coarse Journalism. June 19th. It is probable the landlord of the Gayoso House was a strong Secessionist, and resolved, therefore, to make the most out of a neutral customer like myself—certainly Herodotus would have been astonished if he were called upon to pay the little bill which was pres
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CHAPTER IV. Camp at Cairo
CHAPTER IV. Camp at Cairo
Camp at Cairo—The North and the South in respect to Europe—Political reflections—Mr. Colonel Oglesby—My speech—Northern and Southern soldiers compared—American country-walks—Recklessness of life—Want of cavalry—Emeute in the camp—Defects of army medical department—Horrors of war—Bad discipline. June 21st. Verily I would be sooner in the Coptic Cairo, narrow streeted, dark bazaared, many flied, much vexed by donkeys and by overland route passengers, than the horrid tongue of land which licks the
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CHAPTER V. Impending battle
CHAPTER V. Impending battle
Impending battle—By railway to Chicago—Northern enlightenment—Mound City—“Cotton is King”—Land in the States—Dead level of American society—Return into the Union—American homes—Across the prairie—White labourers—New pillager—Lake Michigan. June 23rd. —The latest information which I received to-day is of a nature to hasten my departure for Washington; it can no longer be doubted that a battle between the two armies assembled in the neighbourhood of the capital is imminent. The vague hope which fr
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CHAPTER VI. Progress of events
CHAPTER VI. Progress of events
Progress of events—Policy of Great Britain as regarded by the North—The American Press and its comments—Privacy a luxury—Chicago—Senator Douglas and his widow—American ingratitude—Apathy in volunteering—Colonel Turchin’s camp. I shall here briefly recapitulate what has occurred since the last mention of political events. In the first place the South has been developing every day greater energy in widening the breach between it and the North, and preparing to fill it with dead; and the North, so
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CHAPTER VII. Niagara
CHAPTER VII. Niagara
Niagara—Impression of the Falls—Battle scenes in the neighbourhood—A village of Indians—General Scott—Hostile movements on both sides—The Hudson—Military school at West Point—Return to New York—Altered appearance of the city—Misery and suffering—Altered state of public opinion, as to the Union and towards Great Britain. At eight o’clock on the morning of the 27th I left Chicago for Niagara, which was so temptingly near that I resolved to make a detour by that route to New York. The line from the
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CHAPTER VIII. Departure for Washington
CHAPTER VIII. Departure for Washington
Departure for Washington—A “servant”—The American Press on the War—Military aspect of the States—Philadelphia—Baltimore—Washington—Lord Lyons—Mr. Sumner—Irritation against Great Britain—“Independence” day—Meeting of Congress—General state of affairs. July 3rd. —Up early, breakfasted at five a.m., and left my hospitable host’s roof, on my way to Washington. The ferry-boat, which is a long way off, starts for the train at seven o’clock; and so bad are the roads, I nearly missed it. On hurrying to
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CHAPTER IX. Interview with Mr. Seward
CHAPTER IX. Interview with Mr. Seward
Interview with Mr. Seward—My passport—Mr. Seward’s views as to the war—Illumination at Washington—My “servant” absents himself—New York journalism—The Capitol—Interior of Congress—The President’s Message—Speeches in Congress—Lord Lyons—General M‘Dowell—Low standard in the army—Accident to the “Stars and Stripes”—A street row—Mr. Bigelow—Mr. N.P. Willis. When the Senate had adjourned, I drove to the State Department and saw Mr. Seward, who looked much more worn and haggard than when I saw him las
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CHAPTER X. Arlington Heights and the Potomac
CHAPTER X. Arlington Heights and the Potomac
Arlington Heights and the Potomac—Washington—The Federal camp—General M‘Dowell—Flying rumours—Newspaper correspondents—General Fremont—Silencing the Press and Telegraph—A Loan Bill—Interview with Mr. Cameron—Newspaper criticism on Lord Lyons—Rumours about M‘Clellan—The Northern army as reported and as it is—General M‘Clellan. July 8th. —I hired a horse at a livery stable, and rode out to Arlington Heights, at the other side of the Potomac, where the Federal army is encamped, if not on the sacred
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CHAPTER XI. Fortress Monroe
CHAPTER XI. Fortress Monroe
Fortress Monroe—General Butler—Hospital accommodation—Wounded soldiers—Aristocratic pedigrees—A great gun—Newport News—Fraudulent contractors—General Butler—Artillery practice—Contraband negroes—Confederate lines—Tombs of American loyalists—Troops and contractors—Durevy’s New York Zouaves—Military calculations—A voyage by steamer to Annapolis. July 14th. —At six o’clock this morning the steamer arrived at the wharf under the walls of Fortress Monroe, which presented a very different appearance f
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CHAPTER XII. The “State House” at Annapolis
CHAPTER XII. The “State House” at Annapolis
The “State House” at Annapolis—Washington—General Scott’s quarters—Want of a staff—Rival camps—Demand for horses—Popular excitement—Lord Lyons—General M‘Dowell’s movements—Retreat from Fairfax Court House—General Scott’s quarters—General Mansfield—Battle of Bull’s Run. July 19th. —I baffled many curious and civil citizens by breakfasting in my room, where I remained writing till late in the day. In the afternoon I walked to the State House. The hall door was open, but the rooms were closed; and
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CHAPTER XIII. Skirmish at Bull’s Run
CHAPTER XIII. Skirmish at Bull’s Run
Skirmish at Bull’s Run—The Crisis in Congress—Dearth of Horses—War Prices at Washington—Estimate of the effects of Bull’s Run—Password and Countersign—Transatlantic View of “The Times”—Difficulties of a Newspaper Correspondent in the Field. July 20th. —The great battle which is to arrest rebellion, or to make it a power in the land, is no longer distant or doubtful. M‘Dowell has completed his reconnaissance of the country in front of the enemy, and General Scott anticipates that he will be in po
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CHAPTER XIV. To the scene of action
CHAPTER XIV. To the scene of action
To the scene of action—The Confederate camp—Centreville—Action at Bull Run—Defeat of the Federals—Disorderly retreat to Centreville—My ride back to Washington. Punctual to time, our carriage appeared at the door, with a spare horse, followed by the black quadruped on which the negro boy sat with difficulty, in consequence of its high spirits and excessively hard mouth. I swallowed a cup of tea and a morsel of bread, put the remainder of the tea into a bottle, got a flask of light Bordeaux, a bot
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CHAPTER XV. A runaway crowd at Washington
CHAPTER XV. A runaway crowd at Washington
A runaway crowd at Washington—The army of the Potomac in retreat—Mail-day—Want of order and authority—Newspaper lies—Alarm at Washington—Confederate prisoners—General M‘Clellan—M. Mercier—Effects of the defeat on Mr. Seward and the President—M‘Dowell— General Patterson . July 22nd. —I awoke from a deep sleep this morning, about six o’clock. The rain was falling in torrents and beat with a dull, thudding sound on the leads outside my window; but, louder than all, came a strange sound, as if of th
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CHAPTER XVI. Attack of Illness
CHAPTER XVI. Attack of Illness
Attack of Illness—General M‘Clellan—Reception at the White House—Drunkenness among the Volunteers—Visit from Mr. Olmsted—Georgetown—Intense Heat—M‘Clellan and the Newspapers—Reception at Mr. Seward’s—Alexandria—A Storm—Sudden Death of an English Officer—The Maryland Club—A Prayer and Fast Day—Financial Difficulties. July 27th. —So ill to-day from heat, bad smells in the house, and fatigue, that I sent for Dr. Miller, a great, fine Virginian practitioner, who ordered me powders to be taken in “mi
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CHAPTER XVII. Return to Baltimore
CHAPTER XVII. Return to Baltimore
Return to Baltimore—Colonel Carroll—A Priest’s view of the Abolition of Slavery—Slavery in Maryland—Harper’s Ferry—John Brown—Back by train to Washington—Further accounts of Bull Run—American Vanity—My own unpopularity for speaking the truth—Killing a “Nigger” no murder—Navy Department. On the 17th August I returned to Baltimore on my way to Drohoregan Manor, the seat of Colonel Carroll, in Maryland, where I had been invited to spend a few days by his son-in-law, an English gentleman of my acqua
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CHAPTER XVIII. A tour of inspection round the camp
CHAPTER XVIII. A tour of inspection round the camp
A tour of inspection round the camp—A troublesome horse—M‘Dowell and the President—My description of Bull’s Run endorsed by American officers—Influence of the Press—Newspaper correspondents—Dr. Bray—My letters—Capt. Meagher—Military adventurers—Probable duration of the war—Lord A. Vane Tempest—The American journalist—Threats of assassination. August 26th. —General Van Vliet called from General M‘Clellan to say that the Commander-in-Chief would be happy to go round the camps with me when he next
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CHAPTER XIX. Personal unpopularity
CHAPTER XIX. Personal unpopularity
Personal unpopularity—American naval officers—A gun levelled at me in fun—Increase of odium against me—Success of the Hatteras expedition—General Scott and M‘Clellan—M‘Clellan on his camp-bed—General Scott’s pass refused—Prospect of an attack on Washington—Skirmishing—Anonymous letters—General Halleck—General M‘Clellan and the Sabbath—Rumoured death of Jefferson Davis—Spread of my unpopularity—An offer for my horse—Dinner at the Legation—Discussion on Slavery. August 31st. —A month during which
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CHAPTER XX. A Crimean acquaintance
CHAPTER XX. A Crimean acquaintance
A Crimean acquaintance—Personal abuse of myself—Close firing—A reconnaissance—Major-General Bell—The Prince de Joinville and his nephews—American estimate of Louis Napoleon—Arrest of members of the Maryland Legislature—Life at Washington—War cries—News from the Far West—Journey to the Western States—Along the Susquehannah and Juniata—Chicago—Sport in the prairie—Arrested for shooting on Sunday—The town of Dwight—Return to Washington—Mr. Seward and myself. September 11th. —A soft-voiced, round-fa
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CHAPTER XXI. Another Crimean acquaintance
CHAPTER XXI. Another Crimean acquaintance
Another Crimean acquaintance—Summary dismissal of a newspaper correspondent—Dinner at Lord Lyons’—Review of artillery—“Habeas Corpus”—The President’s duties—M‘Clellan’s policy—The Union Army—Soldiers and the patrol—Public men in America—Mr. Seward and Lord Lyons—A Judge placed under arrest—Death and funeral of Senator Baker—Disorderly troops and officers—Official fibs—Duck-shooting at Baltimore. October 5th. —A day of heat extreme. Tumbled in upon me an old familiar face and voice, once Forster
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CHAPTER XXII. General Scott’s resignation
CHAPTER XXII. General Scott’s resignation
General Scott’s resignation—Mrs. A. Lincoln—Unofficial mission to Europe—Uneasy feeling with regard to France—Ball given by the United States cavalry—The United States army—Success at Beaufort—Arrests—Dinner at Mr. Seward’s—News of Captain Wilkes and the Trent—Messrs. Mason and Slidell—Discussion as to Wilkes—Prince de Joinville—The American press on the Trent affair—Absence of thieves in Washington—“Thanksgiving Day”—Success thus far in favour of the North. November 1st. —Again stagnation; not
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CHAPTER XXIII. A Captain under arrest
CHAPTER XXIII. A Captain under arrest
A Captain under arrest—Opening of Congress—Colonel Dutassy—An ex-pugilist turned Senator—Mr. Cameron—Ball in the officers’ huts—Presentation of standards at Arlington—Dinner at Lord Lyons’—Paper currency—A polyglot dinner—Visit to Washington’s Tomb—Mr. Chase’s Report—Colonel Seaton—Unanimity of the South—The Potomac blockade—A Dutch-American Crimean acquaintance—The American Lawyers on the Trent affair—Mr. Sumner—M‘Clellan’s Army—Impressions produced in America by the English Press on the affair
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CHAPTER XXIV. News of the death of the Prince Consort
CHAPTER XXIV. News of the death of the Prince Consort
News of the death of the Prince Consort—Mr. Sumner and the Trent Affair—Dispatch to Lord Russell—The Southern Commissioners given up—Effects on the friends of the South—My own unpopularity at New York—Attack of fever—My tour in Canada—My return to New York in February—Successes of the Western States—Mr. Stanton succeeds Mr. Cameron as Secretary of War—Reverse and retreat of M‘Clellan—My free pass—The Merrimac and Monitor—My arrangement to accompany M‘Clellan’s head-quarters—Mr. Stanton refuses h
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