The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE  19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

                                                           

Title:               Canby-Roberts-Rumford family papers,

Dates:             1773-1981, 1801-1875 (bulk dates)  

Call No.:         Col. 687         

Acc. No.:        81x469

Quantity:        41 items

Location:        18 H 2 and map case 3, drawer 2

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

Members of the Canby family were early settlers of Wilmington, Delaware, having arrived in the 1740s.  James Canby (1781-1858) was a miller, banker, and a railroad president.  He married Elizabeth Roberts, the daughter of Robert and Catherine Deshler Roberts of Philadelphia.  They had a son named Samuel (1811-1875), who married Elizabeth Clifford Morris (1813-1892).  Their daughter Elizabeth Morris (Lilly) Canby (1848-1933) married the lawyer Charles Grubb Rumford on October 7, 1875 in Wilmington.

 

Charles Grubb Rumford was the son of Lewis Rumford and Mary Caldwell Gilpin.  He was born on August 12, 1841 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and died on November 24, 1901, in Wilmington.  He studied law under his uncle, Delaware Chief Justice Edward W. Gilpin.  Charles and Lilly had sons named Samuel Canby (1876-1950) and Lewis (1877-1961).

 

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

A small collection of papers relating to the Canby, Roberts, and Rumford families of Wilmington, Delaware.  It includes a diary kept by Charles Grubb Rumford in the year 1864, while he was serving in the Union Army.  In January, he was in the Washington, D.C. area, but his unit was then shipped to Louisiana; at the back of the volume, he notes expenditures.  A partial transcription of the diary is included.  Rumford was a lieutenant in the First Battery, Delaware Light Artillery, as evidenced by a printed roster (entitled “Soldiers Memorial”) of all the members of that outfit, and by his membership certificate in the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, which Rumford joined in 1890.

 

As well, the collection contains two certificates of shares in the United States Centennial International Exposition, one issued to Lilly M. Canby, and the other to Samuel Canby.  The certificates were issued in June 1875.  There is also a program from a children’s afternoon tea party and musical entertainment held at the Academy of Music on December 17, 1873, held to commemorate the Boston Tea Party of 1773; and a ticket to an adult program in the same place and on the same date, but in the evening.  The name E.C. Rumford is penciled on the back of the ticket.

 

The collection also contains a collection of calling cards and invitations, most from the first half of the 19th century.  The calling cards are those of Lilly M. Canby, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Rumford.  Most of the invitations were issued to members of the Roberts family, including Esther, Catherine, Hester, and Eliza.  Several invitations were extended to Hettie R. Canby and to James and Elizabeth (Roberts) Canby.  The invitations were handwritten, some on small cards, and some on decorated note paper.  Many of the invitations came from members of the Tatnall, Morton, Canby, Yarnall, and Pennock families.  In 1773, Robert Roberts had the back of a playing card printed with an invitation to join him at the Liberty Fishing House on the Schuylkill River.  The example in this collection was printed on the three of spades and was issued to Dr. Thomas Parke.  Two printed invitations were from members of the Wistar Party (possibly a men’s club in Philadelphia).  These invitations are neither to nor from members of any of the other families represented in this collection.

 

Lastly, the collection includes a name stamp for Samuel Canby and a blue and white box from China which contains ink paste to use with the stamp.  The stamp is carved from ivory or bone.  At some point, the box and stamp were listed in an inventory, and at that time, the items were identified as having belonged to Samuel Canby II who died in 1822.  With them is a photo of the page in the inventory listing the box and stamp.  (The location of the inventory is unknown.)

 

           

ORGANIZATION

 

The items are in accession number order, with oversize materials in Box 2 and a map case drawer.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

           

 

PROVENANCE

           

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Rumford II.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

People:

            Rumford, Charles Grubb, 1841-1901.

            Canby family.

            Roberts family.

            Rumford family.

 

Topics:

            Military Order of the Loyal Legion.

            United States.  Army.  Delaware Light Artillery, First Battery (1861-1865).

            Centennial Exhibition  (1876 :  Philadelphia, Pa.)

            Artillerymen - Diaries.

            Boston Tea Party, 1773 - Anniversaries, etc.

            China trade porcelain.

            Marking devices.

            Wilmington (Del.) - Social life and customs.

            Philadelphia (Pa.) - Social life and customs - 18th century.

            Philadelphia (Pa.) - Social life and customs - 19th century.

            Pleasant Hill (La.), Battle of, 1864

            United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Registers.

            United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Personal narratives.

            Diaries.

            Invitations.

            Calling cards.

            Playing cards.

            Stock certificates.

            Membership certificates.

           

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 18 H 2 and map case 3, drawer 2

 

 

Note: all accession numbers begin with 81.469

 

Box 1:

 

Folder 1:         Diary of Charles Grubb Rumford, 1864. 

Expenditures are noted at the back of the volume.  Written in pencil. (.1)

                        Note: partial transcription of this diary, covering only January-April, is found at the end of this finding aid.

 

Folder 2:         Boston Tea Party anniversary celebrations:

                        .6         “Admit Bearer to Academy of Music, December 17, 1873,” with times, illustrated with picture of the Boston Tea Party; penciled on back: E.C. Rumsford;

                        .7         program for “Children’s Tea Party and Musical Entertainment” at the Academy of Music, same date as above

[note: program is in two pieces]

 

Folder 3:         Invitation from Robert Roberts (.8)

                        “Robert Roberts presents his respects to Docr. Tho. Parke and desires his Company To-morrow at the Liberty Fishing House, on Schuylkill.  July 8, 1773.”

Printed on back of playing card of three of spades

 

Folder 4:         Invitations to Eliza Roberts, 1798, 1801

                        .9         W. Warner & E. Tatnall invited Eliza Roberts to dinner on April 19, issued April 2, 1798;

                        .10       Sarah Morton and John R. Coates invite Eliza Roberts to dinner on fourth day next, issued June 6, 1801 [same as .16 below]

 

Folder 5:         Invitations to Robert and Catherine Roberts (all written on cards)

                        .11       Phebe Lewis and Robert Waln invite the Roberts to dinner, issued Oct. 6, 1787;

                        .12       Jemima Walter and James Morton invite Catharine Roberts to visit, issued October 27, on card with decorative gold border;

 the year 1803 is penciled in, however, .23 appears to be an invitation to the same event, but it bears the date 1806 [see also .20 and .23 below];

                        .13       Jane Bowne and Reuben Haines invite Catherine Roberts to dinner on the 13th, at 250 Pearl Street, New York, issued May 1, 1812 [same as .17 below];

                        .14       Margaret Canby and John Morton invite Catherine Roberts to visit on the 18th, B’wine, issued February 10, 1808;

                        .15       Jacob and Elizabeth Howell invite the Roberts to visit the next evening, no date, written within a printed oval border

 

Folder 6:         Invitations to Esther M. Roberts

                        .16       Sarah Morton and John R. Coates invite Esther Roberts to dinner on fourth day next, issued June 6, 1801 [same as .10 above];

                        .17       Jane Bowne and Reuben Haines invite Esther M. Roberts to dinner on the 13th, at 250 Pearl Street, New York, issued May 1, 1812 [same as .13 above];

                        .18       James Price invites Esther Roberts to tea on the 20th, Brandywine, April 7, 1826; written on note paper with embossed border, edged in pink; [same as .24];

                        .19       Margaret Morton invites Esther M. Roberts to tea on June 5, issued May 22, 1845, Wilmington; paper decorated with small flowers, with envelope;

                        .20       Jemima Walter and James Morton invite Esther M. Roberts to visit, issued October 27, no year, on card with decorative gold border [same as .12 above, where the year 1803 is penciled in, and .23, where the year 1806 is included]

 

Folder 7:         Invitation to Hester Roberts, 1819

                        .21       Sarah S. Morris and Elisha Tyson, Jr., invite Hester Roberts to dinner on the 19th, issued October 10, 1819, Philadelphia

 

Folder 8:         Invitation to Hettie R. Canby, no date

                        .22       Dr. & Mrs. Pennock at home, Wednesday evening, March 20th, Howellville, Delaware County, Pa., with calling card for Sallie W. Pennock [all items printed]

                                    [note: for additional Pennock family material, see Col. 847 in this repository]

 

Folder 9:         Invitations to James and Elizabeth Canby

                        .23       .20       Jemima Walter and James Morton invite James and Elizabeth Canby to visit, issued October 27, 1806, on card with decorative gold border; lower left corner is cut off  [same as .12 above, where the year 1803 is penciled in, and .20]

                        .24       James Price invites James and Elizabeth Canby to tea on the 20th, Brandywine, April 7, 1826; written on note paper with embossed border, edged in pink; [same as .18];

                        .25       Frances Canby and Richard Clement invite James and Elizabeth Canby to dinner at home of Samuel Canby on May 18, issued April 29, 1826

                        .26       Edward and Margery Tatnall invite James and Elizabeth Canby to tea on the 20th, Brandywine, May 6, 1830, with the names Eliza Sipple and Merrit Canby added in pencil at bottom, on light pink paper;

                        .27       Ashton and Mary Richardson invite James and Elizabeth Canby to tea on April 15, issued April 1, 1852, Ashley, with the names John Tatum and Lucy Richardson added in pencil at bottom; on decorated paper with matching envelope;

                        .28       Edward Tatnall invites James and Elizabeth Canby to tea on the 25th, Brandywine, Sept. 11, 1837, with the names Mary Tatnall and Ed Betts added in pencil at bottom; on decorated paper with coordinating envelope;

                        .29       Ellis Tatnall invites James Canby and wife [Elizabeth] to tea on the 23d, Philadelphia, October 1839, with the names John W. Tatum and Amy Yarnall Ellis added in pencil at bottom;

                        .30       Margaret Morton invites James and Elizabeth Canby to tea on June 5, Wilmington, May 22, 1845; with F. Drinker’s marriage added in pencil at bottom; on decorated paper, with coordinating envelope;

                        .31       Edward Tatnall invites James and Elizabeth Canby to dinner on the 30th, Brandywine, April 1846, with the names Annie Tatnall and W. Canby added in pencil at bottom;

 

Folder 10:       Wistar Party invitations

                        .32       William Sellers invites Thomas M. Ferris for January 30, with year 1897 penciled in; card decorated with image of Mr. Wistar [different from that on .33]; on back: penciled on back: name of Jos. Jakob, gun maker in Philadelphia

                        .33       Mr. Cary invites Mr. Vander Kemp for Saturday evening, issued January 16, 1854; card decorated with image of Mr. Wistar [different from that on .32]

 

Folder 11:       Calling cards

                        .34       Miss Lilly M. Canby;

                        .35       Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Rumford;

                        [no number]     envelope labeled “old wedding cards & invitation cards”

 

Folder 12:       Photo and genealogical notes

                        .38       photo (from circa 1980) of an inventory book, opened to the entry which describes a porcelain box and name stamp (.36 and .37 in this collection); the inventory entry reads “Box blue and white china, with the material [i.e. paste] and the stamp used for stamping names in books by Samuel Canby 2nd who died in 1822.”  The inventory seems to have been kept by a member of the Davids family, but the current location is unknown.

                        .39       genealogical notes (one page) about the members of the Roberts, Canby, and Rumford families whose papers are in this collection.

 

 

Box 2:

 

.2                     printed roster (entitled “Soldiers Memorial”) of members of the First Battery, Delaware Light Artillery, including Charles Grubb Rumford as junior first lieutenant; the certificate was copyrighted in 1862 by J. Wesley Waterman & Co., color lithography by Ehrgott, Forbriger & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio

 

.3                     Military Order of the Loyal Legion membership certificate, for Charles Grubb Rumford, February 5 and March 1, 1890, signed by John P. Nicholson, recorder in chief, and Rutherford B. Hayes, commander in chief

 

.5                     certificate for one share in the United States Centennial International Exhibition, issued by the Centennial Board of Finance to Lilly M. Canby, June 22, 1875; the certificate is decorated with vignettes showing progress in agriculture (from harvesting by hand to harvesting by machine) and industry (from windmill to steam factories), and incidents from American history

                        [see also .4, which is flat, not rolled]

 

.36                   blue and white Chinese porcelain box, with paste still inside; written on bottom of the box is “Samuel Canby the 2nd died in 1822 [illegible] 68”

 

.37                   bone [possibly ivory] stamp for the signature of Samuel Canby

 

 

 

Map case 3, drawer 2:

 

 

.4                     certificate for one share in the United States Centennial International Exhibition, issued by the Centennial Board of Finance to Samuel Canby, June 22, 1875; the certificate is decorated with vignettes showing progress in agriculture (from harvesting by hand to harvesting by machine) and industry (from windmill to steam factories), and incidents from American history

                        [see also .5]


Diary of Charles Grubb Rumford, 1864.  (acc. 81x469.1): partial transcription of this diary, covering only January-April. 

 

Note: Rumford used little punctuation in his entries; some has been supplied, but may perhaps have been placed incorrectly.  Furthermore, he rarely began sentences with a capital letter.  Many abbreviations have been spelled out.

Not all entries have been completely transcribed, but gaps are noted.

 

 

Friday, January 1, 1864: called on M & K 11:30 dined there, met Capt.  [part of passage not transcribed]  took Miss Martin Easton Misses B to party Miss Adams, pleasant to meet old friends... walked back to WB very cold, reached camp around 3 ½ [illegible] but had a pleasant time. Tom was with me on this occasion

 

Saturday, January 2, 1864: [note: this entry is on the page for Jan. 4; the entry for Jan. 4 is on the page for Jan. 2]: Capt Peter and self Mr. Al[illegible] rode in ambulance left Couller[?] at 6 & H street. we then went to Mr. Brown, got passes for Miss M. E. & Fague. then rode via acquiduct [sic] to Arlington Heights. walked around the grounds, found it quite cold and dreary, had quite a gay time in all. did not see the ladies after we left them at 8 1/2. p.m. returned to camp & to rest. Henry Woods came - $8.00 per month.

 

Sunday, January 3, 1864: Officer of the Day...did not attend divine worship but had some amusement singing hymns... usual routine of duty for the rest of the day

 

Monday, January 4, 1864: nothing transpired worthy of note, snowed all day.

 

Tuesday, January 5, 1864: snow quite deep, cloudy in the morn, but finally cleared off. Capt Paul Jones & two friends from F.S. Lincoln were here. Tom, Capt & Peter in town at night 

 

Wednesday, January 6, 1864: usual routine of duty, battery inspection with Gen Barry & two English officers in afternoon of this day. did not amount to much, only inspected Rt Sect, considerable bombast displayed by our Lords from England 

 

Thursday, January 7, 1864: in camp. M & K came out all alone, with them the Capt & Tom came from court Mart. [i.e. martial?] Tom & I walked in with them, slid on a little pond and as always with them had a good laugh. M & S went to Church Commission thence to their houses [or homes], met Peter at National. took him thence to see the girls and returned to camp about 9.  am had some sewing done while M was here, thoughts of the future move is sad. snowing as we came on 

 

Friday, January 8, 1864: ground covered with snow when we awoke. Sharpless & self determine to build a sleigh, get timber, and started it, but for want of lumber and night coming on put off till “a more convenient season” viz, the morrow, at recitation that night

 

Saturday, January 9, 1864: Sharpless & I at the sleigh again, finish it at about 4 p.m. after supper Capt S & self rode in. bought two string of bells and took the ladies out riding, first went to Collumbia College Hospital, got out and had a chat with Mrs Finlay & Pomroy. thence to their house, thence to Georgetown, toll one way over the bridge, ended in a snowballing all around, all enjoyed it. Capt did not go with us. Andrew Jones drove us. Gin [i.e. Gen.?] Smith and Major Gist here for a few min

 

Sunday, January 10, 1864: Capt & Peter rode in to town to church. after church had a grand upset, besmeared with mud. sleigh broke, end of sleighing for the present. I was Battery officer and kept in camp. expect to move soon. 

 

Monday, January 11, 1864: doing nothing all day. a sharp thing against Sharpless. Lady's talking subscription for sanitary comm. Subscribed $1.  Tom & [illegible] paid for them with $5 but woman kept it. considered by all as a sharp practice on the old fellow, recitation as usual in the eve

 

Tuesday, January 12, 1864: Sharpless & self took 48 horses to Govt shoeing shop in the morning, returned to camp about 3 o'clock. Capt Peter, Sea, Sharp & self in. in the eve all but Sea called on Miss R's. left soon, met Sea at Willards. with Jones, Sharpless visited Old Abe….

 

Wednesday, January 13, 1864: remained in camp all day. nothing of importance, inspected section preparatory moving, recd a letter from LH. answered it. informed her of proposed move, recitation at night, retired early 

 

Thursday, January 14, 1864: in camp all day. Dr. Vaughn visited us in morning, company paid off by Major Austin. Tom, Capt & Peter at theater in eve. took the ladies. Sharpless, Sea & self in camp, having good times, recd letter from Harrison, at Martinsburgh W.Va. answered at once 

 

Friday, January 15, 1864: in camp all day. Mr. Gause & lady, sisters & Miss Cotter called in the morn, glad to see them, afternoon as all afternoons in camp, bought hat. recitation in eve. Gen Barry to hear us. gave some useful instruction, time of moving uncertain.  Vessel due 4 days ago. Tom & Peter in town [illegible]

 

Saturday, January 16, 1864: Peter left today 11:40 train, packed up. went in town after dinner, made several purchases, met Major Marvin, called on Misses RS with Sharpless. met Sea, Capt & Tom[?] at Metropolitan, called on HS. returned to camp about 8[?] ½ o’ck. … recd a letter from Rod. jacket $15.00. stockings $3.00. collars $2.00 

 

Sunday, January 17, 1864: in camp all day. Tom officer of the day. usual Sunday morning inspection, did not attend divine worship, sang in the evening, damp, dreary and looked like rain, not feeling well all day 

 

Monday, January 18, 1864: a rainy day in camp, recd a letter at noon stating Mrs. Porter, Emmie & Lizzie would be down on 6 p.m. train, went in to meet them, train did not get in till 8 o'clock, glad to see us. went to Jays, remained till 11. excused from recitation to meet them. 

 

Tuesday, January 19, 1864: in town 11 a.m. saw our friends, took them to Congress. J.A. Byard speaker in Senate, visited all the rooms, dined at Jays, called on Misses R.S. went back to Jays to tea. then called on M & K. took them to see our friends, spent a pleasant evening and think the ladies were all pleased, kissed each other when they left 

 

Wednesday, January 20, 1864: officer of the day. friends at camp, lots of suggestions as to clothes and wished us to take 5 times as much as [illegible].  left around 9 o'clock & called on Mrs. R's  [illegible] delivered message  [two words illegible] whilst Tom went around to Jays, returned to camp whilst I was making rounds 

 

Thursday, January 21, 1864: rode in after dinner with Tom. called on our friends and Misses Rs. then to camp, took tea & then rode in took sisters & Mrs P to Remseys[?]. delightful evening, all enjoyed themselves hugely, bid them all good bye. Returned to camp about midnight, was inspected by Capt Campbell just before dinner. 

 

Friday, January 22, 1864: took the horses & harness to arsenal at daybreak, packed harness & returned to camp, busy in staff[?] commander of batteries choosing horses, rest turned in. sisters & Mrs Porter came out in afternoon.  Fixed our things, walked in with them, very tired.  made arrangements with Capt Woodbury of 4 NY Battery to take care of my horse  [rest of what written on this page is for Jan. 23 – see transcription on that date]

 

Saturday, January 23, 1864: up early, packed my goods and fixed generally all my things, awaiting orders. Mrs. P Emmie & Lizzie Mollie & Kate came out at dinner time, staied till 4. Tom rode in. I would not go because of a little trouble with M. girls stayed. Capt rode in with them. I nor Tom would not go. Corp Wells took my place, sad parting with one's relations & friends, first in tears, last no display but very sad. Tom, Mum[?], Sea & self went for tea to Sutlers. orders came at 11 p.m. to move at 6 am. tomorrow, the last of Washington for many a day. written in a grave  [illegible] as being shipped.  [the following is found at the bottom of the page for Jan. 22:] will not see the girls again, may perhaps never see them, but little missed if I never return 

 

Sunday, January 24, 1864: left camp early. 79 NY brought our guns down, shipped the 3 Batteries 2nd Company  [illegible] & started at 12 o'clock. M R came down to see us off. arrived in Baltimore about 3 1/2.  unshipped at depot, had guns drawn to Hendersons Wharf by horses, waited there for Arago to arrive  [illegible]  she is off the bay aground, go on board Charles Thomas & Tom & I slept in same state room, very tired and sleepy, got a bottle of whiskey $2.00

 

Monday, January 25, 1864: awoke early, breakfasted at  [illegible] with Capt & Porter. Arago came in about noon, shipped, left 1st and had all on board by 7 1/2 o’ck pm.  got supper & retired early, Capt. Whiting & friends also Mrs Ferris Miss Kate Rice & Mrs Warner Capt Massey of Gen Lockwoods stayed here, slept on board the “Arago.”  good & sound, nothing of note but very tired of waiting. 7th Mass shipped from 7 till 12.

 

Tuesday, January 26, 1864: commenced shipping Battery wagon & cargo about noon, went up & down the rations for 3 batteries, returned and saw them shipped, strayed around, got Supper at Guys [or Greys], after supper Tom & all the officers, Muss & I walked about the upper portion of the town, met some old friends F. Charles, Frank Buzby, and a few others.  Telegraphed to mother [or Mollie] "We leave tonight on the Arago". made some purchases, returned 11 ock

 

Wednesday, January 27, 1864: left Hendersons wharf after shipping horses & forage at 9 o'ck a.m. pulled out about 300 yds in the stream, there took aboard the men. Ned R brought me a letter from Emmie which I ans. [answered] by him. weighed anchor at 12 o'clock, ran till 2 a.m. of 28th. laid till morning. I was officer of the guard on board ship, splendid night, so calm 

 

Thursday, January 28, 1864: out at sea. passed two Russian ships, mail & pilot left us. water very calm, clear, nothing of note transpired on the trip today, as I believe the life of the sailor to be monotonous and rough, I prefer to battle with adversity on land 

 

Friday, January 29, 1864: clear as usual, battery officer of the day. slept most of the day. slightly sick in the morning, lost breakfast, drilled 7 Mass Infantry with muskets, took sedlitz powder, felt a little better at night, had the men of 2nd Com. singing & playing in cabin of the vessel, retired early 

 

Saturday, January 30, 1864: up early, clear and beautiful, felt sick 1st but soon got better.  read & slept all morning, after dinner 7 Mass drilled at Infantry &  [illegible] of 7 & 1st Del. worked the big guns on deck firing 4 shots [illegible] charge in the  [illegible] hot. after tea got Glee Club of 7th 2nd Com & 1st Del & had a good sing on quarter deck, all enjoyed it 

 

Sunday, January 31, 1864: a splendid sabbath morn, rainbow, then a storm, did not last long, an alarm put the ship around, found brakers on starboard 12 fathoms, porpoise sharks & pelicans to be seen in great plenty, officer shot at them. Tom & I not feeling well, slept [illegible] &c most of the day

 

 

Monday, February 1, 1864: off the Florida coast, nothing of interest transpires today, see several ships, more than for many days, also one steamer unknown   but makes off from us. Lighthouse off the coast, revolving light 

 

Tuesday, February 2, 1864: 6 a.m. pass Key West. 12 o'clock pass Dry Tortugas and past into the Gulf of Mexico, see a few vessels between us & land, sea very calm, all enjoy the trip, saw the forts, lighthouse &c at both the above named places 

 

Wednesday, February 3, 1864: very rough—and sick all day. slept most of the time, eat breakfast but not any other meal, rather an unpleasant day. taking all together, do not wish for a return, running 6 knots an hour, strong head winds 

 

Thursday, February 4, 1864: bale of cotton discovered taken on board at 4[?] a.m. made mouth of Mississippi at 9 o'clock, signaled for a pilot, took him on board and run till about 11 o'clock when we cast anchor to wait day light and change of tide, during the day things as usual. 

[rest of passage on this page is for Feb. 5, and is transcribed under that date]

 

Friday, February 5, 1864: enter Mississippi 10 a.m. pass forts about 12. Fort St. Phillip on the left and Jackson on the right bank.  At ¼ of 2 pm [illegible passage] Chas Morgan at 3 pm.  banks on left well cultivated.  Right barren.  except here & there a poor residence, people mostly Creoles, saw numerous orange groves & in places the ground well cultivated, about 30 miles from the city at sunset, made it at 9 p.m. cast anchor a little after 10 p.m. sunset as beautiful as ever I saw, at least harmonized with my feelings.  [the following is found on page for Feb. 4:]  wrote to Emmie & S.L.G. telling of our arrival &c. was officer of the day 

 

Saturday, February 6, 1864; off the [illegible – possibly just a word which has been crossed out] Crescent city, Capt Nelds[?] & Stover & Lt. Hotchkiss went on shore to report.  returned to the ship about 11. got under weigh & made fast to the wharf at foot of St. Andrews St after dinner 3 commandments reported again to Gen Banks. Tom and I went to Provost Marshalls.  called at Brooks house on Camp St.  saw Lt. Robinett & Rodney[?].  stayid a while thence to the wharf, did not unship anything today, read during the eve 

 

Sunday, February 7, 1864: as usual commenced [illegible] Sunday. Gen Arnold Chief of artillery on Gen Bank's staff on board ship.... [part of passage not transcribed]  the people of New Orleans do not appear to pay the least attention to the Sabbath, all places of business are in operation, theaters, opera, &c.

The chimes of the Catholic cathedral were plainly heard at intervals during the day.

not much like the Sundays of old 

 

Monday, February 8, 1864: commenced unshipping the batteries & stores early this morn. 1st [illegible, perhaps abbreviation for battery] was two hours & a half in unshipping their pieces. paid bill $18.00 to purser.  took dinner on board & immediately after pieces & stores were drawn by horses of Battery G[?] 5 U.S. artillery to Tivoli Circle where we encamped. We com. officers slept in Sibley[?] tent, rather close quarters, slept well however, in the eve Mr. Downing & Mr. Waple 9 Indiana [illegible] called, quite a pleasant chat with them. 

 

Tuesday, February 9, 1864: up early, breakfasted, then had 18[?] horses of 1 Maine artillery haltered and tied up. afterwards had the sergt picking out their teams. [part of passage not transcribed]  moved into a vacant house in the care of Mr. Ott.  This is a grand day here, people turn out in masks & fancy dresses, ending in a parade & ball, the first thing of the kind I ever saw except at Princeton NJ with students 

 

Wednesday, February 10, 1864: slept well in our new quarters, arranged the manner of the mess tents & pieces in park thus [diagram drawn].  [part of passage not transcribed]  the bells of churches ringing merrily. wrote to Rod Smith “private opinion given.”  large political meeting up town. [part of passage not transcribed] 

 

Thursday, February 11, 1864: Lt Russel of Gen Arnold's staff here in the morning. Capt sick in bed all day. Rod May here to tea. Tom & Rod to theater in the evening.  Muss Sea & self having a quiet evening at home, discussed various subjects 

 

Friday, February 12, 1864: much as usual. Lt Robbinett here in the afternoon after tea. Lt Porter, Lt Sharpless & self walked to St. Chas. hotel, got a bath, 25 cents, then Sharpless & I went to Varieties Theater 75 cts.  Saw ticket of leave man,  not much.  Lt Benson of 7 Mass & Mr. Allen formerly of 6 Mass Regt with us at the fight on Summerton Road Suffolk, Va.  retired about 12 o'clock 

 

Sat February 13: about camp all day in the evening. Sharpless & self walked uptown, got some oysters & had a little look at the town, went to St. [illegible], Estiment, and to see the riding circus, horses of wood revolved by machinery, women turning hand organ, then to T. Phillips, saw a person from Del.[?] McCulla.  Blanch there also.  returned to camp in good time. 

 

Sun February 14: in camp all day. Lt Monger here at noon. Lt. Robinett in the afternoon. Tom to tea with him. Mr.Downing spent the eve here, put 1st sergt & Chas under arrest, particular about some things. [part of passage not transcribed] nothing of any importance 

 

Mon February 15: much as usual, heavy rain in the morning, clear at night. Corp [illegible] reduced to the ranks. Rod May here after tea. Tom & I took walk with him. went to his room, had some music, back by 4. mail for our boys, this day did not get anything 

 

Tues February 16: went to market after breakfast. Lt R. 1 Infantry here, brought me invitation to Mrs Banks bal masque for 22d.  Sharpless sick with rheumatism,

walked to 7 Mass.

great day. Snowing & had to build a fire, coldest weather since we came down here & people say for last 30 years have not known it to be so cold 

 

Wed February 17: ice two inches thick, formed in the park. Batty officer of the day 

 

Thurs February 18: nothing of interest transpired this day 

 

Fri February 19: Batty officer of the day. exercised horses, in the eve Sea & Mr Downing & self took a look at the city by gas light.  found it like most places full of corruption, met some officers of Tevisis[?] Cavalry, quite sociable fellows but rather hard 

 

Sat February 20: Tom & I rode to Lake Pontchartrain in the morning, enjoyed it hugely, road made of small shells and very hard, after dinner drew 90 horses & turned over our old lot to Capt Stoner 7 Mass. recd letter from Jos A Green[?] Libby Prison Richmond Va. in the eve grand torch light procession for Michael Hahn.  found a man laying on pavement & had him taken care of. met officers of 2nd Conn. Tom with me 

 

Sun February 21: not feeling well, took a sidlitz powder and remained on my bunk most of the day. in the afternoon took our pieces to foot of Canal St & placed them in position to celebrate tomorrow, wrote to Emmie in the eve. also to Jos Green. retired early 

 

Mon February 22: Washington's birthday, marched with the men to foot of Canal St where our pieces were in position with 40 others, all the musicians in town under Gilmore. played several pieces whilst at a signal from him the artillery was discharged by electrical wires. Mrs Bank's Bal Masque in the eve. I did not attend but Tom did. considered a grand success, election day for Governor. Hahn elected 

 

Tues February 23: battery officer of the day. fitted harness & collars to our new horses and did not go away from camp till eve when Sea & self went as far as 2d Conn spent an hour very pleasantly, retired early, had horse shod for which paid $1.00. J. H. Husbands promoted to corporal 

 

Wed February 24: harnessed & hitched our horses for 1st time, all worked well, had a little drill.

In afternoon Tom & I rode long shell road and down Camp St. in eve Muss & self went to Downing's. then around a little, called at Hypolite and had the best broiled oysters I ever ate. propose to try again 

 

Thurs February 25: drilling again, went as far as Carrollton. quite warm work, out all morning, horses worked better than on the day before. Tom had a fall from his horse & injured ankle. Rod May here in the eve. did not go out in the eve.  Mailed a letter to Lizzie Emmie 

 

Fri February 26: battery officer of the day. did not drill, cleaned pieces & harness & prepared in Gen [i.e. general] for review. Rod here to dinner. Capt & I took a walk after tea. visited a few friends, retired early 

 

Sat February 27: left camp 8 1/2 a.m. & proceeded by the river road to the review grounds near Carrollton where we were reviewed by Gen Banks with 4[?] other batteries after which Gen Lee reviewed a division of cavalry, a battle flag was presented to him by Judge Al[illegible] on behalf of the ladies. Gen Bank's daughter was made Child of Division & rode by the side of Col Dudley, all passed well, plenty of the fair sex present, no one hurt 

 

Sun February 28: in all day. sleeping after dinner, after tea Lea Sharpless & self took a walk. Lea left us & returned to camp. Muss & I then tramped around till midnight.  Saw[?] some friends 

 

Mon February 29: inspection for muster. Williams & Bean here, quite sick in the morn, lost a plug, property condemned in the afternoon, battery officer in the eve. did not go out. retired early 

 

Tuesday, March 1, 1864: up to reveille[?], to commissary & dentists. rec'd a letter from Emmie, wrote to Lizzie. Capt arranged battery officers. I prepared rations for our mess, had a tooth filled at Dr. Clark's, took bath after tea. bought bottle of brandy, raining all day. number of articles inspected & condemned 

 

Wed March 2: received orders, left park at 9 a.m. waited a long time at foot of Canal St. crossed Mississippi, about 4 o'clock to Algiers, loaded on cars, started for Brashear City about 6 p.m. arrived at one a.m. crossed Bayou Teche. moved l mile towards Franklin & encamped at 4 p.m. slept soundly, fatigued, heavy dew 

 

Thurs March 3: started after breakfast to buy provisions, took McCray & got a ham $2.30 at sutlers. returned to camp, found battery hitched & ready to move, also Lt Barn[?] Wil Del. we march about 10 miles & encamped about two miles beyond Patterson mill[?], a beautiful place, plenty of accommodations, Posted heavy guard, well armed, a little afraid of Rebs. on the banks of Teche

 

Fri March 4: up early, breakfasted & broke camp, a horse of battery became so cross that no one could approach, so to get rid of him we shot him. we marched to Franklin 16 miles where we went into camp, pitched our tents on the Bayou Teche, horses little fatigued 

[includes diagram of the camp]

 

Sat March 5: battery officer of the day. had picket rope, pieces, cook tent &c arranged. J.P. Wells sick, visited Franklin in the eve also Wells. 153 NY Regt arrived, band came up Teche on Red Chief playing Armies of the Vale very beautifully, wrote to mother & Miss Mary L. Mansfield of Middletown Del, the residence of Cora, quite cold at night & hot at midday 

 

Sun March 6: inspection of battery in the morn [this word has line drawn through most of it] afternoon. Over[with line drawn through it] Eve Tom & I walked into Franklin, found no place of worship open, returned to camp   

 

Mon March 7: like most days in camp, not much doing 

 

[skip to what should have been March 15-18 to find the entries for March 8-11]

 

Tues March 8: another hot day. clouds at times, boys fishing in Bayou Teche [rest of passage not transcribed]

[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 15] 

 

Wed March 9: rain all day. hail storm whilst at breakfast, battery officer of the day. witnessed with Capt Muss Mr. Swain a document of Greggs. out most all day & quite wet, to see John Wells in the eve. not any better.  Paid wash[?] bill &c

[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 16] 

 

Thurs March 10: cloudy & tried to rain, did a little in my tent, not feeling well all day. took seidlitz

read some from Bleak House, at night an unaccountable fire in my tent, burnt hat under pipe, [illegible] cup, &c.  awoke at 1 a.m. & found said things turned to smoke, [illegible] said fire [illegible] caugh from a candle which. 

[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 17] 

 

Fri March 11:  [first part of passage not transcribed]

2 regiments of negro troops just passed  [rest of passage not transcribed]

[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 18] 

 

[entries for March 12-14 are on proper pages]

 

Sat March 12: horses exercised, took the sorrel horse which was picked up. the day was consumed mostly in cleaning & arranging pieces for review, battery officer of the day mounted at sunset 

 

Sun March 13: grand review of 7 batteries of St Arty [i.e. state artillery?] by Major Gen. Franklin occupied the morning, passed off well, slept after dinner. Souther returned from hospital at New Orleans after tea. Capt, Tom & self rode in an old tub to Capt. Nim’s[?] battery & back spent eve making preparations for the move, Dudley's Brigade moved to the front.  [illegible] all evening & late [illegible] night

 

Mon March 14: making still further preparation for moving, anxiously awaiting orders, bought stores & whiskey from [illegible] orders came at night, up town with Tom. expect mail 

 

[entries for March 15-18 are on pages for March 8-11]

 

Tues March 15: up at 4 1/2 a.m. pack goods & leave camp at 6 1/2. much delay in starting, marched through a beautiful country & encamped about 3 pm on the Bayou Teche on a sugar plantation, had a long talk with the owner, in eve the men made candy from molasses taken from sugar house, plantation in utter ruin, slept well, thickly inhabited 

[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 8] 

 

Wed March 16: broke camp at 7 ½, marched about 18 miles, country much as we have seen, encamped at 4 p.m. 5[?] miles beyond New Iberia on shores of lake Lasse[?], plenty of wild ducks & horses also cattle seen on this day's march, one soldier fell dead by the roadside today, very dusty but good air. splendid place to camp, mounted as battery officer of the day

[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 9]   

 

Thurs March 17: St Patrick's day. up at 5 a.m. broke camp at 7 ½, very desolate country, stagnant pools to be found in abundance, haults [halts] abound and troops straggling more than on either of the other days, encamped on Teche a little short of Vermilionville.  recd mail, 1 from mother, 2 from Lizzie, note from [illegible], 1 from Emmie, & 2 from Rod, also paper, some 200 letters for battery returned[?].  quite exhausted & to prepare for the coming morrow 

[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 10] 

 

Fir March 18: broke camp 6 o'clock moved soon after, passed Vermilion Bayou at 7 am, through Vermilionville (Lafayette) a little after, not much of a place, thence across prairie, large stagnant ponds, plenty of ducks, passed carrion [illegible] Bayou saw 3 graves of 25 NY Battery, effects of fight there, passed about 5 miles further & encamped on a little stream called Grande Coleau [or Coteau] Bayou, at 3 o'clock pitched tent and went to slaughter house to buy liver, men foraging a little, pleasant march of 5 miles but hot

[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 11] 

 

[the entries return to their proper pages]

 

Sat March 19: up at 3 a.m. moved from camp at 5 ½ am [part of passage not transcribed] passed through Opelousas where there were many able bodied men. saw a woman holding a small U.S. flag, rain shower overtook us and made us feel quite cool.  [rest of passage not transcribed]

 

Sun March 20: a day of rest, remained in camp all day. both man and beast needed it. Had had pieces oiled. boys foraging, some sugar & veal principle products. am [part of passage not transcribed]  took a fresh supply of forage & provision for 4 days  

 

Mon March 21: up at 4 a.m. broke camp at 6 am, took the line of march at 8 am. the morn was rainy and very unpleasant and cold.  Roads very heavy  [part of passage not transcribed]  went into camp at 3 pm on Courils[?] plantation on Bayou Boeuf, pitched tents in a rain storm, rained all night but never slept better 

 

Tues March 22: [part of passage not transcribed]  took up line of march, day very cold, in fact painfully so. found roads much worse than yesterday, marching slow and very tiresome   [part of passage not transcribed]  horses much fatigued & sore from the chafing of harness

 

Wed March 23:  [part of passage not transcribed] took up line [of – omitted] march  [part of passage not transcribed]  went into camp at Chaneyville, a beautiful place, the country was fertile but poorly cultivated, negro & white men few. plenty of sugar and cotton along the road 

 

[entries for March 24-25 were not transcribed]

 

Sat March 26:  [most of passage not transcribed]  did not rest well at night, quite a tendency to diarhoea [sic]. recd letters from Lizzie & Emmie 

 

Sun March 27: still at Alexandria   [part of passage not transcribed]  orders came to move at 9 o'clock tomorrow  [part of passage not transcribed]  

 

[entry for March 28 not transcribed]

 

Tues. March 29: [most of passage not transcribed]   reports of fighting ahead, the day was exceedingly disagreeable & we suffer with eyes full of dust 

 

Wed March 30: [part of passage not transcribed]  made a steady march through a dense pine forest and went into camp at 2 p.m. in an open place just across a little stream   [part of passage not transcribed]   

 

Thurs March 31: [part of passage not transcribed]   took of line of march [part of passage not transcribed]   came to Cane River which we crossed on pontoon bridge, after crossing, my section was placed in position to command the road & bridge & so left till the bridge was taken up [part of passage not transcribed]

 

 

Friday, April 1, 1864: up & gathered forage for horses.  Left camp at 11 am.  Made a march of 15 miles with a hault [sic], very dusty & windy  [part of passage not transcribed]  I then went to brigade headquarters for rations & had much difficulty getting provisions, returned at 12 p.m. pickets commenced firing, turned section out to their posts.  Did not [illegible passage]

 

Sat April 2: [part of passage not transcribed]  nothing transpired to create an alarm, rested well.  Men had a cow[?]

 

Sun April 3: [part of passage not transcribed]  do not particularly admire serving with cavalry unless with horse artillery, have had a tough time, but enjoyed it.  Find a pleasant camp on my return & plenty to eat.

 

Mon April 4: [part of passage not transcribed]  started for Grand E Core the landing on Red River but was stopped by pickets, returned & relieved Tom in battery officer duties.  [part of passage not transcribed; and part of passage has been crossed out]   

 

Tues April 5: [part of passage not transcribed]  rode to Grand E Core the landing on Red River saw some Reb prisoners taken on the march being shipped to N. Orleans  [rest of passage not transcribed]  

 

Wed April 6: [part of passage not transcribed]   we marched all day through pine woods, very little water, but plenty of dust, saw prisoners taken to the rear, expect a fight tomorrow, hope it may be [illegible].  Hot at night

 

Thurs April 7: [part of passage not transcribed]  made a rapid march of 21 miles, heard firing at 1 p.m. thunder storm about same time, made Mt. Pleasant about 2 ½ o’ck. Went into camp & saw many wounded cavalry being brought in from a skirmish a few miles out.  Rebs reported 15000. expect a brush in the morn. Gen Banks & Arnold came in at night, we lost 60 killed & wounded & 2 Co prisoner 87 [illegible]

 

[the entry for April 8 takes up the pages for April 8 and 9, and the entry for April 9 is found in the memorandum section at the end of the diary]

 

Fri April 8: [part of passage not transcribed]   heard firing at intervals all day. [part of passage not transcribed]   Rebs contested our advance, killing Col Webb of Maine[?] & wounding many cav & infantry  [part of passage not transcribed]   at sunset we rec'd orders to go to the front, started at once in Cp[?] marching order, went about 4 miles when we found the road completely blocked with wagons, cavalry, infantry, all fleeing & disorganized. Capt sent me to the front to state the position of things. I went about 6 miles to Gen Arnold & recd orders to "remain till further orders."  fighting going on at that time, Gen Banks, Arnold, Franklin, Emory & staffs in the saddle on the field, returned with orders & remained till 12 o'clock, when we started in rear of 1 Div cav train. we lost in the fight Nims, Balt, Chicago Mercantile, 1st Indiana, 1 sect. of G of 5th, 1 sect. of grasshoppers.  this fight was heavy & the train lost some 160 wagons.

 

[the following passage is found in the memorandum section, following Dec. 31:]

we marched through the road we came stopping for a few min [minutes] to get our traps[?] on at our camp, & marched all night & brought up at our old camp at Pleasant Hill at 8.20 a.m. tired.  we were all tired out and needed sleep, had our Gen kept troops near each other & train kept we would have had a victory at Mansfield, than the total defeat which we [word crossed out] rec'd. the panic was not much exceeding the 1st Bull Run 

 

[Sat April 9 – in memorandum section, immediately following the passage above and starting at bottom of page, continuing onto next page:]

we were followed by our infantry who made a stand a short distance from Pleasant Hill. Gen Smith drew up his forces in line of battle, we were then ordered back & we made a forced march of 22 miles & went into camp at about 12 p.m. well tired, reports came in that we got the best of the Rebs. but had a very hard fight.  Balt. L. 5th US Art. were compelled to leave their guns, but Rebs did not get them 

 

[the following passages are on their proper pages;]

 

Sun April 10: up & under weigh at 6 am.  made a rapid march to Grand E Core where we went into camp on Red River having made above 20 miles.  Men, horses and selves very tired, the army is somewhat disorganized & I believe if the Rebs should dash upon us many would throw themselves in the river rather than fight.  Our cav [cavalry] disgraced themselves. 19 Corps covered themselves with honor as did Gen Smith command. 13th did not do as well 

 

[Monday, April 11 – passage not transcribed]

 

Tues April 12: [passage not transcribed] mail, I got no letters  [most of passage not transcribed]

 

[Wednesday-Thursday, April 13-14 – passages not transcribed]

 

Fri April 15: [most of passage not transcribed]   Capt in a tantrum all day. nothing goes to suit him—letter from K would be of advantage to us 

 

Sat April 16: [passage not transcribed]  negro troops clashing as they have been for two days past, in front of our battery, give us a good position & range of 1000 yds or so.  No one here. Gen Smith reviewed his troops on our right flank, he quite a favorite 

 

Sun April 17: [passage not transcribed]   Capt as usual, not as he used to be. tantrum still affecting him. a quiet day put me in mind of Bradford on a Sunday—but no ladies 

 

Mon April 18: [passage not transcribed]  Capt flying about the fortifications, did not rest well at night, heard firing but no attack up to 12 ock

 

Tues April 19: had an alarm about 3 a.m. reported by Gen B's spies that enemy were going to attack us. sent Muss and his section on Pleasant Hill road, infantry in line of battle, all false, rec'd orders to be ready to move at an hours notice & have everything packed to go against enemy, dreamed of M—pleasant but never can be reality, would that it were.  Not well at night, expect to move soon

 

[Wednesday, April 20: passage not transcribed]

 

Thurs April 21: [passage not transcribed]  expecting orders which came about 3 p.m.  to move at 5 p.m. by which hour Battery not ready  [rest of passage not transcribed]

 

Fri April 22: we moved on and forded Cane River about 2 miles from camp.  [most of passage not transcribed]

 

Sat April 23: at head of date: White House shelled April 23, 1863

[passage not transcribed]  we soon met the enemies, skirmishers driving them before us. we found 4 pieces of artillery in position & were ordered to drive them back, came into position & succeeded but they made it hot for us striking a limber and caisson, wreaking[?] spare wheel for me. Troops drove them from the crossing, crossed & I with 1 piece pushed on "reported to Capt Hibbard" 6 miles at a run. [passage not transcribed]  joined our battery at camp in Piney Hill woods  

 

Sun April 24: up a 6 a.m. made a forced march till 5 p.m. lost the road which occasioned much delay but finally getting strait again we made a point about 20 miles from Alex [Alexandria] where we encamped for the night  [passage not transcribed]

 

[Monday, April 25: passage not transcribed]

 

Tues April 26: [passage not transcribed]  rec'd official notice of the death of Thomas D[?]Gregg private in our battery of typhoid, left us on Apr 3rd died at New O  [rest of passage not transcribed]

 

Wed April 27:  [passage not transcribed]  gunboats firing - all night  [rest of passage not transcribed]

 

Thurs April 28: [passage not transcribed]   rec'd orders to leave camp at once which we did & moved down Opelousas road went[?] in Battery.  laid there expecting an attack which did not come.  Right & center sect [section] sent right & left, mine kept to the rear where we bivouaced [sic] for the night    

 

Fri April 29: [passage not transcribed]   another great scare, yesterday and this morn

 

[Saturday, April 30: passage not transcribed]

 

 

Sunday, May 1, 1864: [passage not transcribed]   visited hospital, found all improved.  had a scare that night, ordered to be prepared to move but nothing occurring we slept well till morning, by order I destroyed 65 case shot, 5 shell & 10 canister by throwing them in the Red River

 

 

[transcription of this diary ends here, but there are entries for every date for the rest of the year]