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Jan 22 1865 (Sunday)

Along the Confederate lines outside of Petersburg, Virginia, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan, Sixteenth Mississippi Regiment, reports that during the night he lost "nine men by desertion." He continues, "These desertions are becoming amazingly numerous, and...the main cause of this dissatisfaction...is the insufficiency of rations. Our men do not get enough to eat....Unless something is done soon to remove this evil..., I fear that the number of desertions will be greatly increased during the winter." General Finnegan forwards Duncan's complaint to A.P. Hill and add a complaint of his own. "The fact that there is now six months' pay due the troops is another serious subject of complaint, and should be removed at the earliest practicable moment. However, General Hill is unsympathetic to these charges. "I believe that the ration is insufficient, yet nevertheless other troops bear without complaint these evils they know we cannot help."

CAMP OF NINTH REGIMENT FLORIDA VOLUNTEERS, January 22, 1865. - Lieut. B. F. PARKER, Adjutant: SIR: The undersigned, company officers of the Ninth Florida Regiment, respectfully call the attention of the commanding officer of this regiment to the discontent of the men of their companies, which, noticeable for some time past, is now so general as to deserve serious consideration. They give it as their opinion that the recent desertions from the regiment are mainly the result of this discontent, and that the chief causes of this state of feeling are the insufficiency of rations and the failure of the paymaster to pay the men off. J. I. DOZIER, Captain, Commanding Company E. F. M. McMEEKIN, Second Lieutenant, Commanding Company B. JNO. D. HOPKINS, Second Lieutenant, Commanding Companies A and F. H. W. LONG, Second Lieutenant, Commanding Company K. N. G. H. GRINER, Brevet Second Lieutenant, Company K. H. H. HALE, First Lieutenant, Company C. J. W. PEARCE, Second Lieutenant, Company E. G. E. KELLAM, Lieutenant, Commanding Company I.

General Wheeler sends scouts out to determine the location of Sherman's forces outside of Savannah. Colonel Colcock reports, "Scouts have just reported to me that they went as far as...the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, about two miles this side of Salkehatchie bridge, and that as far as they could see in either direction the railroad track was torn up and the cross-ties piled and burning. This appears to me to indicate...that they will attempt to cross the river lower down or fall back to Savannah and move on toward Augusta." Wheeler relays the information to General McLaws. "I can hear of no movement of the enemy to-day; scouts report considerable force near Hardeeville; they also report the enemy clearing the road of the obstructions placed in the road by our forces."

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, January 22, 1865. - General WHEELER: GENERAL: A scout has just returned from Gillisonville and states that the enemy is in force at or near Pocotaligo (could not learn whose corps). Their advance picket is in four miles of Gillisonville; base picket at a bridge, supposed Coosawhatchie bridge; but little cavalry at Pocotaligo. All scouts, if any considerable numbers, are composed of infantry. This information derived from citizen who had been to Pocotaligo yesterday to take the oath. No news from toward Grahamville or Robertsville. Respectfully, G. G. DIBRELL, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Division.

Other activity reported on this date:
Skirmish near Little Rock, AR.

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Jan 23 1865 (Monday)

The arrival of Richard Taylor at Tupelo allows General Beauregard to officially accept John Bell Hood's resignation as commander of the Army of Tennessee. After ending his disasterous reign as an army commander, Hood leaves immediately for Richmond to meet with President Davis. He informs the President of his intention. "I wish to cross the Mississippi River to bring to your aid 25,000 troops. I know this can be accomplished, and earnestly desire this chance to do you so much good service. Will explain my plan on arrival."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Tupelo, Miss., January 23, 1865. - SOLDIERS: At my request I have this day been relieved from the command of this army. In taking leave of you accept my thanks for the patience with which you have endured your many hardships during the recent campaign. I am alone responsible for its conception, and strived hard to do my duty in its execution. I urge upon you the importance of giving your entire support to the distinguished soldier who now assumes command, and I shall look with deep interest upon all your future operations and rejoice at your successes. J. B. HOOD, General.

Last week, in a vote of fourteen to two, the Confederate Senate passed a resolution calling for the establishment of the new position of General-in-Chief. When the House also passes the legislation which would strip President Davis of much of his military powers, with the intention that Robert E. Lee be named to the post, the decree is sent to the desk of President Davis. Varina Davis is outspoken in her defense of this public display of a lack of confidence in her husband. "If I were he, I would die or be hung before I would submit to the humiliation that Congress intended him."

AN ACT to provide for the appointment of a General-in-Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States. SECTION 1. The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact that there shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an officer, who shall be known and designated as General-in-Chief, who shall be ranking officer of the Army, and as such shall have command of the military forces of the Confederate States. SEC. 2. That the act providing a staff for the general who may be assigned to duty at the seat of Government is hereby repealed and that the General-in-Chief, who may be appointed under the provisions of this act, shall have a staff not less than that now allowed a general in the field, to be assigned by the President or to be appointed by him, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Approved, January 23, 1865.

Other activity reported on this date:
Skirmishes near Thompson's Plantation, LA.

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Jan 24 1865 (Tuesday)

Shortly after 3:00 a.m., General Gibbon sounds the alarm that "the enemy's gun-boats have passed our obstructions" and the Federal gun batteries north of the James River. At 8:00 a.m., Gibbon reports "all now depends on our gun-boats, and means should be ready to place other obstructions." However, when several of the raiding vessels run aground, the rest of the Confederate river squadron is forced to end their attempt to attack the Union supply depot at City Point. Colonel Wood reports, "The Richmond and Drewry grounded under the enemy's batteries; the latter has been destroyed. The others will come off, I think, at high water at 10." General Grant reports, "Four of the enemy's gun-boats came down the river..., one or two of them passing below the obstructions. For some reason they returned without passing far below." Grant is especially upset with the actions of Captain Parker, the commander of the James River Flotilla, and arranges for his removal. "With three days' notice of this danger, and a large fleet at his command..., he had but one gunboat, that a wooden one, and a torpedo-boat above the pontoon bridge at Aiken's Landing."

CHAFFIN'S BLUFF, January 24, 1865. - Capt. S.S. LEE, Office of Orders and Detail: The torpedo [boat] gotten afloat early this morning and is now with the fleet near Howlett's. It was the Drewry and not the Nansemond that was blown up. I understand that she was set on fire by the enemy's shells, and that her crew escaped before she blew up. Casualties in the fleet thus far--1 man killed and 8 wounded. All of the vessels are now afloat and under Battery Dantzler; and the flag officer expects to go through the obstructions at high tide to-night. The Fredericksburg was returned and is now with rest of the squadron. I think the enemy is now trying to lay other obstructions little farther down the river....W. L. BRADFORD, Lieutenant, Commanding Battery Semmes.

Dry weather, which "promises us dry land," spurs General Sherman back into action. He writes to Admiral Dahlgren. "I will go to-day to Pocotaligo and Coosawhatchie....Would be obliged if you would feel up Edisto or Stono, just to make the enemy uneasy on that flank, and to develop if he intends to hold fast to Charleston and Columbia both. Sherman believes that it will take another "five days for [General] Slocum to get out of the savannas of Savannah," and intends, "during that time" to keep General Howard's men "seemingly moving direct on Charleston, though with no purpose of going beyond the Salkehatchie."

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, Beaufort, S.C., January 24, 1865. - General SLOCUM, Left Wing: - DEAR GENERAL: Weather is now magnificent, and we must take all advantage possible of it. The roads here cut deep also, and your best plan is to move rapidly to Robertsville via Sister's Ferry, and don't lose an hour of time....We must get up on the Charleston and Augusta road in this spell of good weather. I go to Pocotaligo to-day, and will secure the Salkehatchie bridge, and make Hardee believe I am coming straight for Charleston. I shall expect to hear of you about Sister's Ferry in four days--say 29th. Yours, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General.

Other activity reported on this date:
General Forrest is named commander of the District of Mississippi, East Louisiana, and West Tennessee.
Skirmish at Bogg's Mills, AR.
Skirmish near Fayetteville, AR.
Skirmish near Bayou Goula, LA.


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Jan 25 1865 (Wednesday)

In an attempt to make it safely back to Richmond, the Rebel gunboats run past Fort Brady at 3:00 a.m. General Wild reports at 5:00 a.m.: "Five boats went up this morning....They went up separately, each by its own power, apparently....They traveled slowly up and made no return fire. The only sign of life aboard was the setting of a lantern on the bows of the third boat." Before noon, General Grant reports that the "present danger from the rebel navy in James River is at an end." He continues, "During the night the rebel gunboats ran back up the river, and were shelled from our batteries....We know one was blown up by a shot from Battery Parsons, but I am not entirely satisfied that another was sunk, though it may be so."

FORT BRADY, VA., January 26, 1865. - First Lieut. C. A. TRUESDELL, Adjutant First Connecticut Artillery.SIR: About 3 a.m...was apprised by Captain Bach's pickets of the return of the boats...; waited until they came directly opposite, fired, and knocked over the smoke-stack of the leading one; thought she was sinking, but the next boat took her in tow. Sent one shot at each of the rams and iron-clads, five in all, from the same piece as they passed by....Worked them as rapidly and surely as possible, and succeeded in sending some 125 solid shot at them before steaming out of range. Struck them time after time, as the sound showed, but the shots crumbled or glanced off....Consider the rebel boats to have been much crippled in their passage down and up. Looking at the caliber and position of my guns, the weakness of my parapet, and the severity of the enemy's fire, cannot but deem it fortunate that the affair turned out so favorably....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. PIERCE, Captain, First Connecticut Artillery.

Braxton Bragg reports that "the heavy fleet is gone" from the North Carolina coast, "leaving some twenty light wooden gun-boats inside the bar at and below Fort Fisher." Since there appears to be little to worry about from the Union force occupying Fort Fisher, Bragg turns his attention to strengthening nearby Fort Anderson. He sends Colonel Gordon to "inspect the command there, and report upon its conditions." Bragg explains: "Numerous reports have reached the commanding general of drunkenness, straggling, plundering, and demoralization of every sort....These statements are freely made, and the commander, General Hébert, is represented as being himself compromised." Bragg also tries to summon General Hoke to investigate the charges. However, Hoke reports himself "unable to get about much on account of a carbuncle on my face." From Fort Fisher, General Terry reports, "no essential change." He continues, "Fort Fisher is being put into a defensible condition....The enemy are busily working on Fort Anderson, and from the number of camp-fires seen I think that they have some force there."

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Wilmington, January 25, 1865. - Maj. Gen. R. F. HOKE, Sugar Loaf: Reports of a painful character reach me from citizens on the west of the river in regard to the conduct of our troops. Large numbers of Hagood's brigade are represented as straggling off home, plundering indiscriminately as they go. I wish you would visit this part of your division and inform yourself. I will have the other part of the command inspected....BRAXTON BRAGG.

Other activity reported on this date:
Skirmish with Indians at Gittrell's Ranch, Colorado Territory.
Skirmish in Simpsonville, KY.
Union reconnaissance to the Salkehatchie River, SC.
Union expedition to Evans' Island, TN.
Skirmish near Fort Powhatan, VA.

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Jan 26 1865 (Thursday)

The first elements of the 14,000 men in General Schofield's Twenty-third Corps begin arriving at Alexandria, Virginia. Secretary Stanton gets a message from the telegraph operator at the Baltimore and Ohio Depot. "Fifth train of troops arrived at 5 o'clock, and the sixth train at 7 o'clock this p.m. Troops unloaded and put in barracks." To speed up the transfer, Colonel Parsons, the Chief of Rail and River Transportation, orders that all westbound trains along the route be stopped, "except regular passenger trains, until all the troops have passed." Once all his men have reached Alexandria, Schofield's troops will be placed on transports for the final leg of their journey to either Beaufort, South Carolina or Wilmington, North Carolina.

ORDERS. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Washington, D.C., January 26, 1865. The corps will embark at Alexandria as soon as practicable and move as follows, viz, the Third Division, Major-General Cox commanding, will embark first and move at once to the vicinity of Wilmington, N. C., landing at Federal Point or higher up the river, as may be found expedient. The Second Division, Major-General Couch commanding, will move to Beaufort and land there unless contrary orders be received at that place. The First Division, Brigadier-General Ruger commanding, will touch at Fortress Monroe for orders from the major-general commanding or Lieutenant-General Grant. It is expected the division will go to Beaufort or Wilmington....By command of Major-General Schofield: J. A. CAMPBELL, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

Other activity reported on this date:
Congress passed a resolution of thanks to General Alfred H. Terry and his men for the capture of Fort Fisher.
Skirmish at Paint Rock, AL.
Skirmish with Indians at Moore's Ranch, Colorado Territory.
Skirmish near Pocotaligo, SC.


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Jan 27 1865 (Friday)

General D.H. Hill arrives in Augusta, Georgia, and is given command of the District of Georgia. Hill immediately sends a complaint to General Hardee about the local cavalry recruiting camps. "I never saw such a set of scarecrows....What we need is efficient cavalry, not immense bands of plunderers scattered over the country. Nine-tenths of the so-called cavalry never see and cannot be induced to see an armed Yankee." Hill also complains to Joe Wheeler about the conduct of General Iverson's cavalry. "Delay is now everything to us, as we are hourly looking for troops from the West....Please impress upon him the great importance of checking the Yankees....With determined men in their front the Yankees cannot advance more than five miles per day." With some of the lead elements of Hood's army beginning to arrive, Hill organizes a defensive line around the city. He reports, "I have adopted the line of Big Horse Creek....It is a fair line for temporary defense, but can be turned....The engineers are fearfully slow and the work makes no progress.....If I can muster but twenty men I expect to make a fight."

GREEN'S CUT, January 27, 1865--8 p.m. - Brigadier-General IVERSON, Commanding Cavalry. - GENERAL: Troops are reaching Augusta from Hood's army. It is of infinite importance that you should delay them by fighting them vigorously. The whole of Georgia is full of bitter complaints of Wheeler's cavalry. I hope that your stout and gallant resistance will redeem the odium cast upon the command....Let me know your line of retreat, and keep me constantly posted in regard to all movements....I cannot use too strong language in urging upon you the importance of delaying the enemy by fighting them. If you but draw a line of battle every mile you will compel him to do the same, and thus give us time, which is everything to our success. I once heard General Jackson say that with one regiment he would engage to keep any force marching on one road from advancing more than five miles per day. If you divide your command and hold each road you can check the Yankees until our forces come up. Augusta depends upon this delay. Yours, truly and respectfully, D. H. HILL, Major-General. P. S.--Don't let it be known to citizens that re-enforcements are coming up.

After spending the last several months burning all the crops and foodstuffs in the Shenandoah Valley, General Sheridan requests permission to distribute food to the hungry civilians remaining in the area. "From Winchester to Staunton, a distance of ninety-two miles, was so much desolated as to make it necessary to issue at the present time a small number of rations....The people of this section are now so poor that there is no way that a tax fund can be created....The number now issued to will reach probably 800, but will increase." Henry Halleck forwards Sheridan's letter to Secretary Stanton, who officially denies the request. "While the men of Virginia are either serving in the rebel ranks, or, as bushwhackers, are waylaying and murdering our soldiers, our Government must decline to support their wives and children."

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D.C., January 27, 1865. - Major-General SHERIDAN, Winchester: - GENERAL: I am directed to reply that it is within the authority of a commanding officer to afford temporary relief to those whom the fortunes of war have placed in his hands or under his immediate protection, but that no authority can be given for the subsistence of rebel families outside of our lines, nor even within, any longer than till they can be removed or sent to their friends and natural protectors. The disloyal people of the Shenandoah south of Winchester and outside of our lines have been, and are now, at full liberty to join friends in the rebel service or in other places in the rebel territory. The disloyal within our lines should be sent South to feed upon the enemy. Loyal refugees should be temporarily assisted and sent North where they can earn a livelihood....For these and other sufficient reasons the Secretary of War has declined to approve your application, except to the limited extent above mentioned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff.

Other activity reported on this date:
Skirmish at Elrod's Tan-Yard, AL.
Union expedition to Kimball's Plantation, AR.
Skirmish with Indians at Lillian Springs Ranch, Colorado Territory.
Skirmish at Ennis' Cross-Roads, SC.
The boilers of the steamer Eclipse exploded and the ship was destroyed at Johnsonville, TN.


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Jan 28 1865 (Saturday)

The recent fair and dry weather convinces General Sherman to push up the date of his departure for South Carolina. He informs General Foster. "I am pushing my efforts to secure a departure by Monday or Tuesday next....I suppose the enemy simply is watching me and keeps his main force where it can be thrown rapidly on exposed points." Sherman writes to General Howard, his Right-Wing commander. "You should push matters now that weather is fair, and better leave behind those who are not ready, as do what you may some will not be ready....Your right flank should aim for Midway and Columbia." He continues, "You may now move your two corps to points in front, north of the railroad, and be ready to march by all the roads leading north..., with your wagons to close up the moment they are loaded....Have your two corps all ready to move by separate roads, viz, one following substantially the Salkehatchie and the other the Coosawhatchie....You had better begin this movement to-morrow."

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, Pocotaligo Depot, January 28, 1865. - Major-General SLOCUM, Commanding [Left] Wing: - GENERAL: The order of march and general orders will be the same as on the Georgia march. Until we reach the Charleston and Augusta road I want the most rapid possible movement--Kilpatrick to keep to your left front....Work hard to load your wagons, and report to me here at Pocotaligo Depot your readiness to move on Tuesday if possible. I think you can find two or more good roads and these will improve as we go north, unless the weather changes. It is very important that we hurry to our first point before Hood gets across and makes junction about Columbia. If you are all ready on Tuesday you may act on the supposition that Howard is equally so. Let Kilpatrick see this letter. I will shift over to see you, up about the edge of Barnwell District. I am, &c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding.

After traveling to Richmond, Virginia, to meet with President Davis for a second time and to deliver President Lincoln's letter, Francis Blair returned to the Union lines on a flag-of-truce boat last Wednesday. Eager to begin negotiations, Davis appoints Vice-President Alexander Stephens, Assistant-Secretary of War John Campbell, and Senator Robert Hunter to the peace commission and gives them their instructions. "In conformity with the letter of Mr. Lincoln..., you are requested to proceed to Washington City for an informal conference with him upon the issues involved in the existing war, and for the purpose of securing peace to the two countries."

JANUARY 28, 1865. To-day Mr. Blair tells me that on the 21st instant he delivered to Mr. Davis the original [letter]..., and left it with him; that at the time of delivering it Mr. Davis read it over twice in Mr. Blair's presence, at the close of which he (Mr. Blair) remarked that the part about "our one common country" related to the part of Mr. Davis' letter about "the two countries," to which Mr. Davis replied that he so understood it. A. LINCOLN.

Other activity reported on this date:
C.S.S. torpedo boat Saint Patrick attacked the steamer U.S.S. Octorara in Mobile Bay, AL.
Skirmish with Indians near Valley Station, Colorado Territory.
Action at Athens, TN.

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