Tuesday Dec. 31

Kate and little Annie went to town to spend New Years.  Ephe came down on the evening train to tell us goodby.  He goes on Thursday back to camp, expects in a few days to be removed to Camp Dennison.  This ends the most eventful year, 1861.  God grant the succeeding year may have a more triumphant and happy close.

End of 1861.

Monday Dec. 30

William started to Chillicothe this morning.  Maggie here to dinner.  Papers give account of the capture of 15,000 rebels by Gen. Pope of Missouri, with 1000 stand of arms, &c.


Peggy's comments:
Here is a letter sent to Major General Halleck from General Pope on Dec. 20, and General Halleck's reply:

SEDALIA, MO., December 20, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK:

Just arrived here. Troops much embarrassed with nearly 2,000 prisoners and great quantity of captured property. Unless otherwise directed, to-day I will directed the troops to reoccupy their position at La Mine.

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., December 20, 1861.

Brigadier General JOHN POPE, Sedalia, Mo.:

I congratulate you and your command on the brilliant success of your expedition. I hope it will prove the forerunner of still greater success.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

Source:

ehistory at the Ohio State University, The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Vol. VIII, p. 452, http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=008/0452, cited Dec. 29, 2011.


And this from the NY Times:

The Prisoners Taken By Gen. Pope.  

(NY Times, Dec. 24, 1861)

OTTERVILLE, Mo., Monday, Dec. 23. Part of the prisoners captured by Gen. Pope at Black Water last Thursday, passed down last night on a special train. Among those sent down are Col. MAGOFFIN, brother of Gov. MAGOFFIN, of Kentucky; Col. ROBINSON, who had command of the rebel force at Black Water, and who was in the battles of Dug Springs, Wilson's Creek, and Lexington; Col. ALEXANDER, who says he fought in all the battles; Lieut.Col. ROBINSON, Major HAINS, Dr. SMITH, one of the wealthiest men and largest slaveholders in Missouri, who has done everything in his power to give aid and comfort to the enemy; MCKEON, Sheriff of Benton County, who, it is said, by misrepresentation, gained admittance into one of our camps, made a diagram of it, and left that night -- (the rebels made an attack and killed sixteen or seventeen of our men;) Dr. MOORE, of Syracuse, is among the prisoners also, and many others who have gained notoriety by their zeal and labors in the secession army. Many of the prisoners wore a kind of uniform, and have served with Gen. PRICE for several months. They all say they have been well treated by the Nationals, and seem to think they will soon be released by Gen. PRICE. The wagons, horses and mules were turned over to the Quartermaster at Sedalia. The troops are again in position at Loraine. We were absent on this expedition just five days. In this time we marched about two days in a direct line from this place, and scoured the country through which we passed for a distance of forty or fifty miles on each side of the route, taking about 1,500 prisoners, 1,000 horses and mules, 1,000 stand of arms, 100 wagons, and a quantity of stores, supplies and clothing. Gen. POPE has received the following dispatch from Gen. HALLECK: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Dec. 20, 1861. To Gen. John Pope: I congratulate your command on the brilliant success of your expedition. I hope it will be the fore runner of still greater successes. (Signed) H.W. HALLECK, Maj.-Gen. Com'g. This prompt appreciation of their labors and frank acknowledgment of their services, by Gen. HALLECK, has completed the happiness of the officers and men of this command, and they will move off with alacrity whenever they are ordered out on another expedition, and will do everything in their power to deserve the commendations of the General commanding.

Sabbath Dec. 29

Mr. William Condit preached, full congregation.  Prof. E. P. Walker died at Athens yesterday.  He was a young man of fine talents, has been about a year professor in Marietta College.  He died of consumption.


Peggy's comments:
E. P. Walker was a young man who  had come from Ames township in Ohio.  He graduated from Marietta College in 1856 at the top of his class.  He impressed one of his teachers as a young man of "unusual self-reliance."

Saturday Dec. 28

Lucy, Ephe and William went to town this morning.  Miss Nye went yesterday.
Mason and Slidell have been given up to British protection.  In this our time of bitter trial when we are called to cope with one of the most gigantic rebellions and to settle the question about accursed slavery, haughty England, false to all her professions, sides with the south and seeks to humiliate and embarrass us.  I think we shall remember the insult.  England feels strong -- and insolent.  Her time of trouble may come.


Peggy's comments:
Julia never waivers in her absolute commitment and devotion to the Union, but I'm somewhat surprised by the bitterness in her comments about "haughty England'.

Friday Dec. 27

Lucy has painted a very pretty card rack.  William says there will be no war with England.  He hopes that Rufus may be at home on a furlough.  His Colonel has given him leave for fifteen days.  If consent of Headquarters can be obtained he will be at home in a day or two.  He told William that if a battle was expected soon he could not get a furlough nor did he wish to be absent in that case.  Ephe came on the evening train.  William sent him word to come.


Peggy's comments:
Family visits were definitely impacted by the Civil War.  Rufus and Ephraim Dawes, Julia's nephews, were serving in separate regiments.  Rufus was with the 6th Wisconsin which was part of the Army of the Potomac.  He had been camped for some months near Washington, DC, and was about to receive 10 days leave. Ephraim was with the 53rd Ohio and was with his unit in Ohio.

Julia's brother William Cutler was home from Washington, as Congress was in recess.

Thursday Dec. 26

Sarah and Marion went home this morning.  Miss Nye spends another day with us. This evening William came home from Washington.  There is a recess of two weeks in the House of Representatives.  He brought Lizzie and the children some very pretty specimens of the bead work of the Tuscarora Indians.

Wednesday Dec. 25 Christmas Day 1861

Sarah and myself were invited to dine at W. D. Bailey's, where we met Mrs. Emerson and Miss Sarah Emerson.  Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Hollister, Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Bailey, Mrs. Maria B. Shipman and Miss Betsey Bailey,--a very fine dinner and a pleasant time.  In the evening at home we had a Christmas tree, the first I ever saw.  Lucy arranged the Christmas gifts upon a cedar tree firmly secured in a piece of plank and placed upon a table in the center of the parlor.  The plank was covered with green moss and the tree lighted with wax tapers.  Those presents which were too large for the branches were arranged under the tree on the table.
Maggie and Lizzie, Mrs. Emerson, Miss Emerson, Mrs. W. D. Bailey and the little Baileys were here.  When all was ready the door was opened and the surprise complete.  Our own children did not know till they saw what the evening's entertainment was to be, and were perfectly jubilant over it.  We had apples and popped corn and music and a merry Christmas.  All said it was the best they ever had, only "too short" the children affirmed.


Peggy's comments;
Julia describes the Christmas merriment so well!  And with such pleasure to write of their first Christmas tree.  Merry Christmas!

Tuesday Dec. 24

The papers are full of the Mason and Slidell affair.  England is rampant; threatens to fight, says Mason and Slidell must be returned.  Many northern papers advocate fighting England sooner than surrender the traitors.  


Sister Sarah, Marion Robertson and Miss Mary C. Nye came on the evening train to spend Christmas with us.


Peggy's comments:
Mason and Slidell were Confederate envoys who had been captured aboard a British vessel.  The British were threatening war unless they were released.  Lincoln was endeavoring to find a solution to the problem which would not bring on war with Britain.  For more about the so-called Trent Affair (Trent was the name of the ship), read a description here.

Sarah Cutler Dawes was Julia's sister, Marion Robertson and Mary Nye were friends.

Monday Dec. 23, 1861

Cold and disagreeable.  Lucy has a very bad cold.  Busy painting card rack for Maggie.

Sabbath Dec. 22

Cousin Temple came and preached for us today.  I was glad to have an opportunity to hear him.  His manner in the pulpit is dignified and impressive, his sermon excellent in tone and sentiment; his style good.  I think he will do good.  He is said to be very popular.  His letter from Major Emery notifying him of his appointment t the chaplaincy of the Maine 9" says his appointment was without a discenting voice.  His commission is from Israel Washburn Jr., Governor of Maine.  If his health is continued I have no doubt he will be useful and acceptable to his charge at Hilton Head.  He will also have an opportunity to improve in a knowledge of men and things.  George took him up this evening to town as he is expecting to leave early in the morning for New York, whence he will sail immediately for his post. 
It began raining this afternoon.  Our pleasant weather is over.


Peggy's comments:
Temple Cutler was Julia's cousin.

Saturday Dec. 21

The doctor here this morning.  He thinks Sarah will get well without his further attention.  I finished painting a letter pouch for Mrs. Bailey and Lucy made it up.  It is for a Christmas present and is pretty.

Friday Dec. 20

The doctor brushed out Sarah's throat.  It is still badly swollen; but we think it is better.  she begins to take interest in her plays again and has no fever; but her breathing last night was like the noise of a steam engine.

Thursday Dec. 19, 1861

Lizzie and Kate took care of Sarah last night.  The doctor was here again today.  Sarah seems a little better, she begins to articulate more distinctly.  Her throat was so badly swollen that she could swallow and speak only with difficulty.


The papers say that Charleston, S. C. has been in great part burned, it is supposed accidentally.  The loss is estimated at 5,000,000 of dollars.  A few weeks ago they discussed the question whether it were not better to burn their own city than to have it fall into the hands of government.  God has not given them the choice.  It looks like a special Providence and a severe rebuke.


Peggy's comments:
The fire at Charleston began in a factory and some thought it an accident  But because  many Southerners feared a slave insurrection, it was easy for rumors to begin that Negroes had started the fires.

As Julia writes, there had also been talk that the residents would prefer to burn their city rather than have it taken over by the US Federal government.

From the NY Times, December 18, 1861:

The City Of Charleston, S. C.; Map Showing The District Ravaged By The Great Conflagration. The Charleston Conflagration Full Particulars From The Charleston Papers Of Saturday. The Loss Estimated At Seven Millions. About Six Hundred Buildings Destroyed On The First Day. The Origin And Progress Of The Fire. Our Dispatches From Fort Monroe. Notes On Diagram Of Charleston. The Charleston Conflagration.

FORTRESS MONROE, Monday, Dec. 16, VIA BALTIMORE, Tuesday, Dec. 17. I have received a copy of to-day's Norfolk Day Book, by a flag of truce. It contains the follow-important intelligence: THE GREAT CONFLAGRATION. CHARLESTON, Saturday, Dec. 14, 1861. The Charleston Courier gives a list of between two and three hundred sufferers by the recent fire, and says the loss is estimated at $7,000,000. Mr. RUSSELL, in whose sash and blind factory the fire originated, says the cause was the negligence and treachery of negroes. The Mercury of the 14th gives a list of five hundred and seventy-six buildings which were totally destroy-by fire on Wednesday alone. One negro woman was burned to death. The Mills House was several times on fire, and considerably damaged. AUGUSTA, Friday, Dec. 13. The Charleston Mercury of this A.M. says that the fire destroyed five churches. The Cathedral, St. Peter's, (Episcopal,) the Cumberland-street, (Methodist,) and the Circular Church, also the Institute Hall, St. Andrew's Hall, Apprentices' Library Hall, the Southern Express office, the Palmetto Savings Institution, the Art Association Hall, the Cotton Press and CAMERON & Co.'s foundery are destroyed. RICHMOND, Saturday, Dec. 14. The largest sum reported subscribed in the Day Book for the Charleston sufferers is one hundred dollars. The Richmond Dispatch of the 14th contains a message of JEFFERSON DAVIS on the Charleston conflagration. He expresses great distress of mind, considerable pity, and proposes to pay a part of what Congress owes South Carolina, as a means of aiding the sufferers, but has no funds to give away. A kindly disposed rebel soldier is reported to have said that the fire in Charleston is well known to have resulted from the negroes setting fire to various buildings at the same time. RICHMOND, Sunday, Dec. 15. The Legislature has adopted measures to aid the Charleston sufferers. DISPATCH TO THE ASSOCIATES PRESS. FORTRESS MONROE, Monday, Dec. 16, Via BALTIMORE, Tuesday, Dec. 17. Capt. MILLWARD went to Craney Island to-day with a flag of truce, and was met by Lieut. SMITH off the island. No passengers came down from Norfolk. The Norfolk and Richmond papers give full particulars of the extensive conflagration in Charleston, S.C. The fire broke out at about 9 o'clock in the evening of the 11th inst., in RUSSELL & OLDS' sash and blind factory, at the foot of Hazel-street, extending to the machine shop of CAMERON & Co. Before midnight the fire had assumed an appalling magnitude, and Meeting-street, from Market to Queen, was one mass of flame. As tenement after tenement was enveloped in flames, the panic became awful, and thousands of families evacuated their houses and filled the streets. The buildings in the lower part of the city, where the fire broke out, were principally of wood, and extremely inflammable, which accounts for the remarkably rapid progress of the fire. At midnight the Circular Church and Institute Hall were burning, and the proximity of the flames to the Charleston Hotel and the Mills House, caused them to be evacuated by their inmates. At 1 o'clock the fire tended more southward, toward the corner of Archdale and Queen streets, to the rear of the Charleston Hotel and to the end of Hayne-street; crossing Market-street, the fire spread down East Bay to Cumberland street, and across to the Mills House, including in its destruction the Circular Church, Institute Hall and the Charleston Hotel. All the buildings on King-street, from Clifford nearly to Broad, were destroyed before 3 o'clock. Gen. RIPLEY, who superintended the movements of the troops who arrived on the scene at about this time ordered several buildings on the route of the conflagration to be blown up. After some delay the order was executed, but not before the theatre, Floyd's coach factory, opposite the Express office, the old Executive building, and all the houses from this point to Queen-street had caught fire, and were destroyed. At about 4 o'clock the wind changed the direction of the flames towards Broad-street. Soon after St. Andrew's Hall took fire, and subsequently the cathedral, the spire of which fell shortly after 5 o'clock. The fire made a clear sweep through the city, making its track from East Bay to King-street. The Charleston Courier of the 13th inst. gives a list of between 200 and 300 sufferers, and says that the loss is estimated at from five to seven millions of dollars. A resolution was unanimously adopted by the Confederate Congress, appropriating two hundred and fifty thousand dollars as an advance on account of the claims of South Carolina upon the Confederate States. We give herewith a diagram of that part of Charleston which has been ravaged by the great fire. All of that section of the city colored black has not been destroyed; but the whole region from Hazel to Broad-street, and from East Bay to the Catholic Cathedral, near Friend-street, seems to have been assaulted with more or less fury by the devouring element. The papers of the city give a list of 576 buildings which were burnt on Wednesday alone, and estimate the value of the property destroyed as high as seven millions of dollars. This estimate of value is undoubtedly in the usual Carolina style of exaggeration; and the 576 buildings must include a large proportion of ricketty old shells and negro shanties. Still, it is as evident now as it was from the first accounts, that the business and trading parts of the town, and a great part of its public edifices and churches, are in ashes. The number of the latter now given as being destroyed exceeds the number mentioned in the first reports; but not half the public buildings in the burnt district are enumerated in the dispatch. The list of two or three hundred sufferers alluded to by the telegraph must refer to the property owners alone; for there was a resident population of from seven to ten thousand whites, blacks and mongrels comprised within the burnt district. (In another dispatch, indeed, it is mentioned that thousands of families had evacuated their houses and filled the streets.) The telegrams we had on Saturday said that the fire had crossed Broad-street, and was sweeping southward; but our dispatches to-day make no mention of any ravages south of that street; so that it is likely that it was confined within the limits indicated in our diagram. Charleston is built on a piece of land very much resembling that part of Manhattan Island on which this City is situated. There is a river on either side, as with us, and the land there as here begins with a narrow point looking out on the bay, and widening as you go up town. Immediately on the Battery there (as used to be the case here) are the residences of the opulent. From these to Broad-street are the houses of middle-class people, many of them wooden -- with the sinks of iniquity and various trading, liquor and junketing shops on the east side, as with us -- only here these are a little higher up. Broad-street, as its name implies, is a wide avenue, occupied in considerable part by the better class of stores, and by various banks, public buildings and residences. Then comes the wholesale and retail part proper of the city, with public edifices, churches and shanties interspersed, and beyond that is the outskirts -- somewhat resembling the suburbs of Williamsburg. On the bay east of the burnt district, are the wharves and the offices of the cotton and rice factors, which the fire did not reach. From this brief description the reader will see exactly the nature and relative importance of the burnt part of the town. And by the aid of the diagram and the telegraphic dispatches we publish this morning, he can form some faint idea of the destruction that has overtaken the wretched Dity of Charleston. The leaders of the rebellion were themselves going to fire the town on the approach of the National forces; so the present destruction only forestalls their action.

Wednesday Dec. 18

Little Sarah had a very sick night.  I never took off my dress during the night.  About four in the morning Lizzie called George and started him for doctor who came on the morning train, also Kate.  The doctor confirmed what we began to suspect that Sarah had diphtheria.  Mrs. Burgess and Maggie called down to see Sarah.  Lucy came on the evening train.


Peggy's comments:
Lizzie Cutler is Sarah's mother and Mrs. Burgess is Sarah's grandmother.  Lucy Dawes is her cousin.

Tuesday Dec. 17

Getting ready for Christmas and painting in water colors.  About noon little Sarah who has been playing about like a kitten began to complain of  sore throat.  At bedtime she was sick with high fever.  We think perhaps she is taking the measles.


Peggy's comments:

Little Sarah is Sarah Julia Cutler, the 6 year old daughter of Julia's brother William.

Monday Dec. 16

Cousin Temple Cutler came on the morning train to see us.  He looks in fine health and is so except a bad cold.  It was very pleasant to meet him again.  He is as genial as ever.  He expects to leave soon for Hilton Head. The appointment of Chaplain was unsolicited and unexpected by him but not unwelcome.  He feels as if he wished to bear a part in this great struggle and as a minister a chaplaincy was the only place he felt at liberty to occupy.  He says he does not know whether he has courage but he does know he would rather be shot right down than be a coward. In the afternoon George took the buggy and conveyed Temple and Kate to town.


Peggy's comments:
Temple Cutler was Chaplain for the 9th Maine Infantry.

Sabbath Dec. 15

Mr. Scott preached.  We had sabbath School and Bible Class before meeting.  Mr. Scott says that Cousin Temple and Rhoda are in Marietta.  He is on his way to Hilton Head, S. C.  He is coming down to see us Monday.


Peggy's comments:
Temple Cutler was the seventh child of Julia's uncle, also named Temple Cutler.  He graduated from Marietta College in 1857 and would have been known to Julia and her family.

Saturday Dec. 14

Kate went out to Moore and Cutler's store at the Tunnel Station to get coffee, tea &c. which will be sent in by train.  She went on horseback and got back before dinner. Lizzie Bailey here to tea.  Kate taught her how to crochet mittens.  
All the news papers and all the people are discussing the President's message, and the Secretary's reports.  The great question is what policy shall be adopted respecting slavery?  May God lead to a right decision.


Peggy's comments:
The Tunnel Station was a railroad station about three miles north of where Julia Cutler lived.

Secretary of War Cameron advocated the freeing and arming of slaves.  Lincoln took a more conservative approach in his speech to the nation on December 3, 1861.  This speech is fascinating in many ways, including the depth of detail.  In the speech, Lincoln refers to the Confiscation Act which stated that all slaves of the Confederate government who escaped to the United States would be employed by the United States.  The compensation was not clearly defined.  He also talks about a plan for  "colonization" advocated by many people as a solution to the slavery "problem".  The idea was to transport former slaves (and others of African descent) to a place where the climate was more suitable.  In most plans, an unspecified Caribbean Island was the proposed place.

Friday Dec. 13

Kate and Lizzie spent the day at A. S. Bailey's.  I have been painting in water colors, getting ready for Christmas.

Thursday Dec. 12

Lizzie and I took dinner at G. W. Baileys.  There were about a dozen there.  It was a surprize party got up by Mrs. Bailey to compliment her husband on his birthday.  A very good dinner and pleasant party.

Wednesday Dec. 11

William started this morning to Washington to attend Congress.  We shall miss him very much this winter.  May the Lord watch over and keep him, preserve him from all evil and give him wisdom and make him useful to his country.
Kate, little Sarah and I went down and spent the afternoon at Mrs. M'Clure's.  They have just received letters from her sons in the 36" regiment now at Summersville.  She has heard from Andrew.  He was not in the battle of Belmont, has not been in service since the battle of Sringfield, in which he was engaged.  Theodore is in Paducah, Ky.  Has got well of typhoid fever and was lately engaged in a skirmish near that place.


Peggy's comments:
William Cutler served  in the 37th Congress, representing Washington and Muskingum Counties in Ohio.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

Lizzie, William and I went to Mr. Burgess' to dinner, had a fine roast turkey.  Lucy came down on the evening train to spend the night.

Monday Dec. 9

Mr. Wakefield left this morning.  Kate went up to Mr. Burgess' and found Lizzie Poage sick with measles.


Peggy's comments:
Lizzie Poage was the young 13 year old granddaughter of Mrs. Burgess.  Lizzie's mother died shortly after Lizzie was born.

Sabbath Dec. 8

Had Sabbath School at ten o'clock, Mr. Wakefield preached a very good sermon.  William says he is one of our very best preachers.

Saturday Dec. 7

Maggie expected a party from town to spend the day.  They disappointed her.  Kate and Lucy and little Annie there to dinner.  Mr. Wakefield came with William on the cars.  He will preach tomorrow.  Lucy and Maggie went up on the evening train.


Peggy's comments:
Maggie is Lizzie Cutler's sister who lived with their mother, Mrs. Burgess.  Maggie was 26 years old in 1861.

Friday Dec. 6

Another fine day.  Maggie and Mrs. Burgess called before breakfast.  William and Lizzie with the children have gone to take dinner with Mrs. Burgess.  Lucy came down on the evening train. Today's paper says Parson Brownlow with 3000 Union troops has gained a victory in east Tennessee.

Thursday Dec. 5

A pleasant day, finished the quilt.  Kate and Lizzie called on Mrs. Lyman Hart and Mrs. G. W. Bailey.  William returned from Chillicothe this evening.  Letters from Ephraim and Rufus.  Ephe is busy on his final report, which must be sent to Adjutant Gen. Buckingham on the 12" Dec.  Rufus is well and describes "Thanksgiving in Camp".

Wednesday Dec. 4, 1861

We quilted busily all day.  Very cold.  Cousin Temple Cutler, who has been preaching the last two years at Skowhegan, Maine, has been elected chaplain of the ninth Maine regiment now at Hilton Head.  His church say that if he goes he will find a place there when he returns.  He will probably go.   Our great grandfather, the Rev. Thomas Balch, was appointed Chaplain by the "Committee of War" to the Expedition sent to Cape Breton in 1744, in which service he spent sixteen months.  Grandfather was also Chaplain to Col. Francis and also to Gen. Titcomb's regiments in the Revolution.

Tuesday Dec. 3

Kate and Lizzie went to Marietta, a cold day.  They made purchase of materials for Christmas presents.  They saw Gen. Rosecrans who stopped a few hours in town.  He was on his way to Wheeling which place will be headquarters for the winter.  The battery at Fort Haskins fired a salute of eleven guns and Col. Craig had the men in Camps Putnam and Tupper turn out to escort him through town, 2000 or more in number.  The regimental band attended him to the boat, the "Prima Donna".

Monday Dec. 2

It is said that this is the anniversary of the day upon which John Brown of Harpers Ferry fame was hung.  Who can say how much that event had to do with the present state of our country.  Mr. Hollister here again working on the foundation of father's monument.  William went to Chillicothe this morning.  Kate put a quilt on the frames.

Sabbath Dec. 1, 1861

This has been a rainy unpleasant day.  We were ready to go to meeting but were prevented by the storm.  It was proposed to have the Sabbath School at ten o'clock today and hereafter, instead of after service as formerly, and to have in connection with it a Bible class which Mr. Scott is to teach.