Saturday, January 31, 1863

Lucy spent the day here.  Kate went ~ afternoon to see Mrs. Greenwood.  She also called on Mrs. A. S. Bailey.  Lucy went to town on the evening train with Jemmie Means.

Friday, January 30, 1863

Gen. Burnside has been relieved of the command of the Army of the Potomac and Gen. Jos. Hooker takes his place.  I like Burnside -- he is a good man.  Perhaps Hooker has in his character the elements of Success.  God grant to prosper the right.

Peggy's comments:
Julia's brother, William P. Cutler wrote in his journal on January 26:

To-day it is said that Burnside has been relieved at his own request, and Hooker put in his place.  Our Potomac army is so far a failure, and seems to be demoralized by the political influences that have been brought to bear upon it.  All is confusion and doubt.  The President is tripped up by his generals, who seem to have no heart in their work.  God alone can guide us through this terrible time of doubt, uncertainty, treachery, imbecility and infidelity.  Thaddeus Stevens jokingly remarked that he thought there was a God when he was as young as Kellogg of Michigan, (who said we must remember him) but he had given it up lately.

Thursday, January 29, 1863

Kate returned this evening.  She has a very nice set of teeth.  Miss Mary Ann Harvey of Barlow came & spent the night & went to singing school with the girls.  Kate took tea at the Harts.  The Dr. has just received a letter from the Hills of the Lunatic Asylum.  He thinks Julia Greenwood will recover.

Peggy's comments:

Julia's niece Kate Dawes was 33 years old when she needed this very nice set of teeth.

Wednesday, January 28, 1863

Snow on the ground, an unpleasant day.  Kate went to Marietta.  Gen. Crooks’ command, the 11^th 12^th 36^th & 92^nd regiments O. V. I. have been ordered from the Kanawha to Tennessee.  The 36^th  is said to be in a state of insubordination disgraceful to themselves & officers.

Tuesday, January 27, 1863

The President approves & confirms the finding and sentences of the Court martial in the case of Fitz-John Porter, Major General of Volunteers.  He is cashiered & dismissed from Service of the United States.  Gen. Butler, who has been for several months in New Orleans, is now at the North having been relieved by Gen Banks.  Butler is an emancipationist.

Peggy's comments:

Colonel Fitz-John Porter was courtmartialed due to his failure to follow orders in the Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas).  Difficulties in communication often contributed to misunderstandings in command, however Fitz-John Porter disobeyed a direct order from General Pope to move his troops.  Among other reasons, Porter claimed it was too dark, the troops were too tired, and he was sure there were too many opposing troops.  This from the National Park Service.  Porter spent the next twenty years attempting to clear his name.  

Rufus Dawes, Julia's nephew, made a long, impassioned speech in the House of Representatives in March 5, 1883, objecting to a bill introduced for the relief of FitzJohn Porter.  Here is his concluding paragraph:

I have spoken not for General Pope.  History must attend to his case; it is not here for trial.  I have no concern as to the plots or machinations of General Irvin McDowell.  I know nothing of his personal schemes, plans, or purposes in that campaign.  I have spoken only as a soldier in the line of an army that obeyed cheerfully, toiled faithfully, and asked only to be led to battle to place their lives freely in peril for their cause and for their country.  I respect General Porter for his valor on other fields, but for his failure on this field I condemn him.  I hold, indeed, the general condition of jealousy, intrigue, and disaffection more responsible than Porter personally.  That he is the one victim in no sense abates the justice of the decree against him.  I remember that Benedict Arnold could not be restrained from leading the line in face of flaming death over the intrenchments of Saratoga and winning the finest victory of the Revolution.  But in a moment of chagrin and disappointment he cast away every jewel of honor, faith, and patriotism, and history brands him with eternal condemnation.  I draw no comparisons, and would make no harsh judgments; but the cold calculation of General Porter, to put it mildly, so contrasts with the earnest, unselfish enthusiasm of the friends and comrades of my young manhood who died in battle at Bull Run, the second, that I dedicate this protest against Senate bill 1844, for the relief of Fitz-John Porter, to their memory.

Monday, January 26, 1863

Lucy came down on the evening train.  She brought a letter from Gov. Dennison to William which says Gov. Tod authorized him to say that a commission for Major of the 53” O. V. I. would be forwarded to Ephraim.  We are glad -- for we know he deserves the promotion.

Ephraim Cutler Dawes

Sunday, January 25, 1863

I was too unwell to go to Sabbath school or meeting to-day -- sore throat.

The 39^th &  63^d in which there are a good many Washington Co. Boys, are at Corinth Miss.  They distinguished themselves in the late battle with the rebel Forrest.

Saturday, January 24, 1863

Singing School in the afternoon & evening.  George Cutter who has not been well for two weeks went home today.  Annie has a bad cold & could not go out this evening, her first absence from singing school.  She is making some improvement.

Peggy's comments:

Julia failed to mention in her journal that today was her birthday.  She was 49.  In her January 24, 1862 entry she did mention her birthday, after a lengthy description of the situation concerning flood waters.

Friday, January 23, 1863

We sent the buggy up for Lizzie and Mrs. Burgess & Maggie who came & spent the day.  The first time they have been out since they were sick with diptheria.  Lizzie Bailey was here to tea.  Mr. Hitchcock began a second course of lessons in vocal music this evening.  Kate, Lizzie, Annie, Nancy & George went.

Thursday, January 22, 1863

It is stated in a Southern paper that of the 10,000 Missourians led by the rebel Gen Price in May last, not more than 2500 are left fit for service, survivors of the casualties of battles & camps.

The rebel Gen Bragg estimates his loss at Murphreesboro at 9000.  Breakenridge’s division lost 1800 killed outright.  So all the sorrow & loss is not ours -- they are getting their punishment.

Wednesday, January 21, 1863

Betsey Bailey called.  I called up to see Mrs. W. D. Bailey whose children have been sick - found them convalescing.  

The snow which fell three inches deep is melting fast but the river is slowly falling.  It has not been more than half way up the banks and not over any of the bridges.

Tuesday, January 20, 1863

Very rainy disagreeable day.  The Gazzette anticipates a great flood & warns its readers who live near the river to make suitable preparations.

Monday, January 19, 1863

A pleasant day but cold.  Kate went to Marietta to get some dentistry done.  Arkansas Post on White River was taken by McClernand with several thousand rebel prisoners & a large amount of Stores.  

Julia Greenwood started to Columbus this morning in charge of Mr. & Mrs. Edgell & Mr. Charles Dickey.  Mrs. Dawes went home on evening train. 

Sunday, January 18, 1863

Mr. Curtis preached.  Mr. Stone and Mr. Browning came up to help with choir.

Two men staid here last night from Noble Co.  Mr. Jordan is Vallandigham Democrat & his soninlaw Mr. Tilton a Republican.  They almost quarreled over [Benj Brown’s]  late speech in Congress.  They have a lot of cattle.

Peggy’s notes:

The name of the person who gave the speech is difficult to read.  I believe it is Benj Brown, but I cannot find a reference to such a person in the House of Representatives.

Clement Vallandigham was a member of the House of Representatives from Ohio from 1858-March 1863, a leader of the Copperheads who wanted a negotiated peace with the Confederates.  Julia would have considered him a traitor.  In May of 1863 he would give a speech saying the war was “a war for the freedom of the blacks and the enslavement of the whites.” 

Saturday, January 17, 1863

Lucy went back to town.  They sent today for Isabel Breakenridge to take care of Mrs. Greenwood but could not get her until next week.  Mrs. Breakenridge has had several years experience as assistant and as matron in insane asylums.  Mrs. Dawes came down on the evening train.  She will stay till Monday.  Mr. Joel Deming dined here.

Friday, January 16, 1863

The rain which has fallen here for a day or two seems to have been a snow storm farther west & south.  Trains on the M. &. C. R.Road were stopped by it -- snow at Blanchester thirty inches deep with two large engines they made but three miles an hour & laid up for the night. Kate has spent the day on the sofa quite prostrated by the painful excitement of yesterday.  Lucy came on the cars to spend the night. 

Thursday, January 15, 1863

A very rainy day.  Mr. B. C. Bailey came for some of us to go and spend the day with Julia Greenwood who is still very bad at the house of Mrs. Joel Deming.  Kate went.  

Our army at Vicksburg was repulsed with heavy loss although they fought bravely.  The place is strongly fortified, & well defended by the rebels.

Wednesday, January 14, 1863

Annie came running to me on her return from Singing School asking me to guess what good news Kate had received.  I said “a letter from Ephe” -- & I guessed right.  It was written on Christmas day -- from Tallehatchie.  How inexpressibly great the relief is, to know he is safe.  Let us thank God & take courage.  

I had palpitations this morning.

Tuesday, January 13, 1863

Kate received a letter from Rufus this morning & Lizzie one from William who arrived safely in Washington.  They are both anxious about Ephe as we all are.  We don’t even know where the 53” is, or whether he ever joined his regiment.  Yesterday’s paper states that the rebels lately hung ten Federal Officers near Holly Springs.  God grant he is not one of them.

Monday, January 12, 1863

Mrs. Terril here helping us about lard & sausage meats.  Nancy washed.  George Cutter went to Marietta this after noon and Charlie Gates came home with him--

Julia Greenwood was Friday taken down to Mr. Joel Demings.  She is very crazy.

Sunday, January 11, 1863

Roads muddy -- Congregation not large.  The melodion which was purchased with the money contributed on Thanksgiving was used in the Church to day for the first time -- Mrs. Stone of Belpre came up & played it -- Mr. Browning & Mr. Loring Stone were also here and assisted the choir.

Saturday, January 10, 1863

Little Sarah’s birthday she is seven years old.  Rainy day --  Mr. Hitchcock here to dinner had singing school before noon.  Kate went up to see Maggie.  Julia Greenwood is no better.  It is a sad case -- She is a devoted Christian, and a modest refined girl -- the only daughter and Theodore was the only son of their parents.

Peggy's comments:

Little Sarah is Julia's niece, the daughter of William and Lizzie Cutler.  She is pictured here with her older sister, Annie.

Friday, January 9, 1863

Mr. W. B. Bailey butchered nine hogs for us.  

Pleasant.  

We are reported to have been repulsed at Vicksburg.  Our last letter from Ephe was dated Holly Springs, Dec. 5th.  We are very anxious about him.

No letters yet from William.  We heard that in consequence of a reported raid on the Baltimore road, he went on the Bostona by way of Wheeling --  Mr. Hitchcock came to tea & to spend the night.  Singing School.

Thursday, January 8, 1863

Singing School to continue all this week.  Mrs. Loring Cole & Sarah called.  Cold -- Snowing -- Kate & I went to circle at William Scott’s.  Lieut. Timothy Condit, a graduate of Marietta College, a talented & worthy young man, was killed at Murphiesboro,  Tenn. His body expected home today.  A very sad case -- His mother a widow, & mainly dependent on him is lying very low w Typhoid fever also his sister --  Julia Greenwood, sister of the late Capt. T. E. Greenwood, is reported to have gone deranged from trouble & the excitement attending a protractive Methodist meeting.

Timothy Condit

Wednesday, January 7, 1863

Kate & I went to see Maggie who is sick with diptheria -- Lizzie there in afternoon.  The papers are full of details of fighting at the [South] Rosecrans defeated Bragg at Murpheesboro after five days hard fighting & captured the place last Sunday -- Our loss from 7 to 10,000.  Gen Sullivan also defeated Forrest’s rebel cavalry at Cross Roads -- a brilliant affair -- Gen Sherman fighting at Vicksburg -- 

Peggy's comments:
The victory by Rosecrans was a most welcome one for the Union after the many recent losses.  An excellent article is here, published by the NY Times Disunion blog.

Tuesday, January 6, 1863

Rainy morning, fair & pleasant afternoon & blustering evening.  Kate, Annie, Sarah & Nancy went to Mr. Hitchcocks singing school at 3 o’clock P. M. & again in the evening -- excepting Sarah who could not go out at night.  I wrote to Clara enclosing $40 a New Years present from William.

Peggy's comments:

Clara was Julia and William's younger sister, Clara Walton, who lived in Pana, Illinois.

Monday, January 5, 1863

Mrs Dawes & Lucy returned to town this morning.  I wrote to Mrs. N. Carter enclosing 40 dollars from William.  He went down to Parkersburg on the evening train & will head to morrow morning for Washington by way of the N. W. O. & O & B railroad --

Singing school at school house begun to-night, taught by Mr. Myron Hitchcock.  Kate, Annie and I went-

Peggy's comments:

The person to whom Julia sent $40 is hard to read in the original, but I believe it is Nancy Carter, Julia's half sister who was a 72-year-old widow.

Mr. Myron Hitchcock is listed in an undated article about music in Marietta published in Historical Marietta.  In the article, it states that both he and his brother ran singing schools.  It also states that Myron became a soldier and died during the Civil War.

Sunday, January 4, 1863

A very unpleasant blustering day -- went to Sabbath school through the rain, full class --  Children delighted with the festival & anxious to come to the School.  Mr. Curtis preached.  Congregation small not more than 25.  Monthly concert of prayer for Missions in the evening about the same number present.

Saturday, January 3, 1863

Lucy, Annie, & I went up to the church to see the decorations.  We called at Lyman Hartz.  Mrs. Dawes & Lizzie spent the afternoon at the Burgess’ --  Mrs. G. W. Bailey called and brought her verbenas to put in Kate’s pit.  The President issued his Emancipation proclamation on the 1^st of January.  May God bless him & it and our bleeding country.

Peggy's comments:
For a contemporary article about the Emancipation Proclamation, see the January 10, 1863 article in Harper's Weekly.

For more about the Emancipation Proclamation, see the recent  Disunion article in the NY Times.

Friday, January 2, 1863

Cannon at Parkersburg -- President signed bill for Western Virginia.  William went to Marietta, paid out several hundred dollars on debts, bills, &c.  He is in good spirits and feels that his affairs are prosperous for which we desire to thank God.  Sarah C. Dawes & Lucy came home with him to stay till Monday & also Mr. George Norris who spends the night here.  Major T. N. Cook  Pay Master the U. S. Army reported to be a defaulter to the amount of a quarter of a million.

Peggy's comments:
Western Virginia applied for statehood and the bill had passed Congress.  President Lincoln signed the bill into law on December 31, 1862 and a vote by the people would be held on March 26.

Thursday, January 1, 1863

With the beginning of a new year, Julia began writing in a fresh journal.  It was a small, leatherbound pocket journal that had been printed and designed for 1862.

Daily 

Pocket Diary

1862

FOR THE PURPOSE OF

REGISTERING EVENTS OF PAST, PRESENT

OR FUTURE OCCURRENCE

CALCULATED FOR ONE YEAR

NEW YORK:

PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY

KIGGINS & KELLOGG,

Publishers, Booksellers, Stationers and Blank Book

Manufacturers,

123 & 125 WILLIAM STREET,

BETWEEN JOHN AND FULTON 

Julia crossed out the "2" in 1862 and penciled in a "3".  She wrote an explanatory introduction in the space for January 1. 

This Pocket Diary was designed for 1862 but I use it for 1863 the year of jubilee I trust to thousands of the enslaved~

Julia Cutler's 1863 Journal

First page of the journal

It was originally designed for use in 1862; Julia crossed out the numbers of each date.

For the remainder of the year, Julia crossed out the date and put the correct 1863 date, leaving the day of the week which was the correct day for 1863.

Thursday, January 1, 1863

We celebrated Newyears day by a festival for the Sabbath School in the Church which was tastefully decorated with evergreens.  The date 1863 above the pulpit & the words “Glory to God in the highest--” on the wall above the choir.  A table beautifully arranged & bountifully supplied was set before the pulpit--Good music from the Belpre Sabbath School, good speeches & a good time generally -- day propitious --went to an oyster supper with A. S. Baileys in the evening.