Friday, Jan. 17

Lucy came down on this evening train to remain until Monday.  She brought letters from Rufus who got back to Camp Arlington safely just two hours before his furlough expired, had been recognized as Senior Captain by his Colonel and appointed one of the executives (I believe it is) committee of the regiment.  Ephe writes from Camp Diamond that his regiment lacks but 20 men of being full.  They have orders to hold themselves in readiness to move and not to allow a man or officer to leave camp.


Peggy's comments:
Confirmation of imminent troop movement seems to be confirmed by letters from Julia's two nephews who were officers for the Union.

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 Nov. 27

Lizzie has been getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow.  I read Gazette.  It is apprehended that the rebels in western Virginia are organizing for guerrilla warfare.  William came home from Chillicothe.  He met on the cars Capt. Parril of the 53" regiment  He spoke of Ephe as a first rate officer and said he was beloved not only by the officers but by every man in the regiment and that he is very correct and efficient.  None of the officers of that regiment are drinking men.  Ephe came home sick with cold.


Peggy's comments:
I wonder if by reading the Cincinnati Gazette Julia was staying out of Lizzie's way as she was preparing for Thanksgiving!
Ephraim Dawes, Julia's nephew, seems to be frequently on leave from service with the 53rd Ohio.  This was somewhat typical in the early days of the Civil War.
Marietta's proximity to western Virginia--it was just across the Ohio River--caused anxiety for the Cutlers, even though the western Virginia was in the process of forming a new state, separate from Virginia.

Monday Nov. 18

Another hard frost.  Ephe came on the morning train on his way to Camp Diamond.  We gave him a barrel of apples.  
The papers for several days have been filled with the details of the taking of Forts Walker and Beauregard at Port Royal, Nov. 7".  The attack was begun by the rebels.  Sixteen armed vessels under Commandore Dupont were engaged in the fight which continued five hours when the rebels fled and our forces took possession.  It was on the part of the Federals strictly a naval fight.  The military taking no part.


Peggy's comments:
The success of the navy at Port Royal had a variety of consequences.  For more details, read this article which appeared in the magazine America's Civil War.

Saturday Nov. 16

Lucy came down on the cars and sister Sarah returned this morning to Marietta.  Lucy has been painting in water colors -- rosebuds.  Ephe came on the evening train and Lucy went to town with him.  He had heard of the alarm at Marietta and came home to see after his friends.  Col. Craig has been appointed Military Commandant at Marietta.  He has two companies entrenching themselves in the narrows below the mouth of the Muskingum where they have two cannon mounted.  The Adjutant Gen. Buckingham ordered another cannon in from Chillicothe, and Col. Pond with six hundred men came down fro Zanesville.  A lady, Mrs. Lovell, just from Charleston who is well acquainted with Jenkins and his secession friends says he has vowed to burn Gallipolis at all hazards and Marietta if he can.  Forewarned it is best to be forearmed.  This Jenkins is an ex-member of Congress.  He owns a valuable estate on the banks of the Ohio, raising on it some years 100,000 bushels of corn.  He is now at the head of a troop of cavalry 800 strong with whom he has been waging a guerrilla warfare upon his union neighbors in western Virginia and now threatens southern Ohio.  God has mercifully kept the war from us higherto.  We can but trust Him for the future.  Mr. Scott, our preacher, came on the cars and spends the night with us.  W. W. Peabody sent William a box with a dozen quails.


Peggy's comments:
A rambling post from Julia today, recording the comings and goings of her sister, niece and nephew.

Albert Jenkins is the ex-member of Congress to whom she refers.  He was a Democrat from Virginia who resigned his seat in Congress when Virginia seceded.  Read more about him here. 

Albert Jenkins

Thursday Nov. 7

Fighting is reported at Gauley between the army under Rosecrans and that under Floyd.  Nancy went home to spend a week visiting in Morgan County.  Marion came down this morning and Ephe also.   He is going to Pomeroy on regimental business.


Peggy's comments:
Nancy Carlin worked in the kitchen in the Cutler household.
Ephe Dawes is moving about as adjutant.
I'm still unsure as to Marion's role--a friend or relative who often accompanied Ephe's mother, Sarah Cutler Dawes.

Wednesday Nov. 6

Ephe called on us this morning.  He looks very well.  William went to Chillicothe.  A rainy disagreeable day.  Fremont is removed and the West is indignant.  No sufficient cause has been assigned.  It is believed to be the work of wire working politicians who fear Fremont's popularity.  Men like Chase who wish to be President will not heseitate to sacrifice those who stand in their way.  Thus far nothing has transpired to impair confidence in Fremont.  His announcement to his command that he was no longer their leader is gentlemanly, feeling and patriotic.  If he has been wronged, God will right him.


Peggy's Comments:
The reporting during the Civil War often consisted of letters sent from reporters on the scene.  Reports were not always reliable or unbiased.
Two reports from the New York Times November 5, 1861:

Important From Missouri.; Excitement About The Rumored Removal Of Fremont

The following is a special dispatch to the St. Louis Republican: "A good deal of excitement has prevailed in camp for some days past, respecting the report of Gen Fremont's supersession, but Washington advices at headquarters mention nothing of the kind. Gen Fremont's removal would cause intense excitement, and no little trouble in camp. A number of officers declare that they will resign in that event, or insist upon creating him Dictator of the Southwest, independent of the Administration, which is bitterly denounced in camp for its vacillating and injudicious policy respecting this Department."

Our Washington Correspondence.; Storm In Washington--Fears For The Fleet-- Fremont Removed--The President's Reasons--The Tribune's Contraband Enterprise--Historical Names In Washington--M'clellan Not Going Into Winter Quarters At Washington.

WASHINGTON, Saturday Night, Nov. 3, 1861. One of the severest rain-storms ever known in this latitude has prevailed all day. Streets have been converted into made for dashing torrents; cellars, flooded; low lands, overflowed; and the Potomac itself brought up towards high-water mark with a rapidity almost unprecedented. A violent wind has accompanied the rain, giving rise to painful apprehensions in many breasts for the safety of our fleet that lately started in search of a harbor on the inhospitable Southern coast. The most cheerful view that we can take is the one I telegraphed you, to-night, that the fleet either made the harbor it was sailing for, or returned to Hatteras Inlet, and sought safety in Pimlico Sound. If this latter course was taken, the country will have new cause to be gratified by the success of the former naval expedition to Southern waters. So heavy a fall of rain must seriously impede the movement of the army in Virginia. It will be a week, at least, with the most favorable weather, before the roads are firm enough for an advance. The country may rest assured that Gen. MCCLELLAN means to advance, and to prosecute the war actively and unremittingly. He has no thought of going into Winter quarters in front of Washington. Further South it is not so cold, and MCCLELLAN's intention is to Winter in a milder region than even the South bank of the Potomac. I do not mean to say that he may not be disappointed. The natural elements may conspire against him and prevent his moving, as this storm has done. The political elements may restrain him. But it is not credible that a Cabinet edict will be issued against a movement. If left to himself, I have the best authority, for saving that Gen. MCCLELLAN will push the war vigorously and without pause. 

The order transferring the Western Military Department from Gen. Fremont’s to Gen. HUNTER's command, was sent West some days since, and has doubtless reached Gen. Fremont camp before this. The determination of the President to relieve Gen. Fremont of the command, had the hearty approval of every member of the Cabinet. The order was accompanied by no conditions whatever, such as that it was "not to be delivered if Fremont was in presence of the enemy." The President was thoroughly satisfied that Col. MULLIGAN and his army of 3,500 men were sacrificed at Lexington by the incompetency and inefficiency of Fremont; and the escape of PRICE, unpunished, into Arkansas, -- an event foreseen by all military men as certain for weeks past, -- put an end to the hope and promise of Fremont and his friends, that he would, if allowed a chance, "bag" PRICE and retrieve his reputation. The Government has lost now not only MULLIGAN's army, but the enormous expense of Fremont’s campaign, with near 50,000 men into Southwest Missouri, in the fruitless pursuit of the victorious PRICE. If Fremont should go forward into Arkansas, his army, being drawn away from its base, would be cut off and lost; if he returns with it to St. Louis, PRICE will follow his retreating footsteps, and reconquer the greater part of the State; if he leaves enough of his army at Springfield to keep PRICE, MCCULLOCH and Gen. A.S. JOHNSTON out of the State, he will go back to St. Louis stripped of the means to operate effectively on any other field, -- having lost two battles, one General, (LYON,) one Colonel, (MULLIGAN,) and 3,500 men, and spent many millions of dollars, since he assumed command in Missouri, and only ended in putting the State where Gen. LYON had placed it last June. It is upon this record of ineffectual service, connected with voluminous and undoubted evidence of extravagant expenditures and confusion in the accounts of the Department, that the President has felt impelled to remove Gen. Fremont. Some doubts are expressed as to the course Fremont will pursue. It is thought by some that he will demand a Court of Inquiry with a view to vindicate his reputation; while others, who know him better, say he will resign in dudgeon, and let the country henceforth take care of itself. There is even another still smaller class, who think that Fremont will disobey the President's orders and put Gen. HUNTER under arrest for impeaching his military capacity. I confess my anxiety that Gen. Fremont should deport himself as a good soldier and loyal citizen, and pursue the first course -- demand an investigation and relieve himself, if possible, from the charges made against him. He owes so much as that to his friends. The example should inspire him of the illustrious Lieut.-Gen. SCOTT -- the great Captain who has just laid aside the harness of war, enjoying the unbounded love and admiration of the American people. Gen. SCOTT returned from the conquest of Mexico under arrest, and with his glories obscured by a cloud of calumnies. He disproved and lived them down. So may Fremont-- if he is innocent. If he resists the Government, he will sink to infamy and be classed with BENEDICT ARNOLD and AARON BURR. I am sorry to see you giving credit to the Tribune's assertion that it received Gen. STONE's and Gen. THOMAS' reports "in regular course from the War Department." It did no such thing. Gen. STONE's report was published in the Tribune before it ever reached the War Department, even before Gen. MCCLELLAN had read and considered it; whereat the latter was justly indignant. The War Department emphatically denies the Tribune's assertion also, so far as it relates to Gen. THOMAS' report -- the publication of which is so injurious to the public service. The Tribune twits the TIMES with lack of "enterprise" in not having secured these reports first. If the War Department and Gen. MCCLELLAN are to be believed, it is only an "enterprise" such as sometimes leads men into serious restrictions of their personal liberty that won the Tribune's recent successes. The TIMES can well afford to let the parties implicated in the guilt settle the question of veracity. Among the visitors at Washington, whose presence revives historical associations, is THOMAS H. CLAY, oldest son of HENRY CLAY, who is here to promote the interests of the Unionists in Kentucky with the Government. He is very like his illustrious father in feature, as he is in spirit. He has been, from the first, one of the boldest opponents of secession in Kentucky, and has done much, in his effective labors, to redeem the name of his great sire from the contamination of these degenerate times. It has been proposed, I learn, to return THOMAS H. CLAY to the United States Senate in place of BRECKINRIDGE. A sounder patriot could not fill a seat in the Senate; and the old friends of HENRY CLAY, again visiting Washington, would be startled to see a face so like their ancient idol's occupying a place in the Senate.

Saturday, Nov. 2

Rainy all day.  Several employees settling accounts with William.  Letters from both Ephraim and Rufus.  The Ohio 53' is filling up slowly but expects to be complete soon.  Rufus gives us a picture of the celebrities, DeJoinville, Seward, M'Clellan, M'Dowell, &c. - quite interesting.


Lieut. Gen. Scott in consequence of his infirmities and age has resigned his position as Commander of the Army and that duty by unanimous consent of the Cabinet now devolves upon McClellan.  May God whom he has tried to honor, bless and prosper him.  I believe that he has been raised up to be the instrument of good to this people.


Peggy's comments:
Many people thought that the war would be settled by one large battle.  Gen. Scott, aged 75, thought it would be a long and drawn out conflict.  Union hopes were pinned on General McClellan.  For further discussion on the change in command, see the Civil War Daily Gazette blog.

General Winfield Scott, 1861

General George B. McClellan

Tuesday Oct. 22

Ephe came to tell us goodbye and has gone again to Camp Dennison.  Marion went back to town today.  She is rather expecting Mr. Hunter this week.  
Kate and I went to call at Augustus Bailey's and also went to the graveyard where I planted some roses &c. on Manasseh's grave. Mrs. Moses Scott has just heard of the death of her brother, Douglas Tilton, at Somersville, Va. He was a member of Capt. Moore's Company and died in hospital.  It is also said that 1st Lieut. Joseph Kelly of the same Company was buried on the same day at the same place.  Our army have retaken Lexington in Missouri.  


Peggy's comments:
Ephraim is rejoining his unit, the 53rd Ohio, which has not yet seen active duty.

Marion is a friend (or maybe a relative?) of Sarah Dawes, but I don't know about Mr. Hunter.

Kate and Julia planted roses on the grave of Manasseh Cutler, Julia's brother who died at age 12 in 1822.

Monday Oct. 21

Ephe came down this morning and Kate went to town with him returning in the evening.  The train was delayed two hours which made it after eight before she got home.  She bought herself a set of Motley's Dutch Republic and a rocking chair with money William gave her.


Peggy's comments:
Ephraim Dawes, Julia's nephew, is still on leave from the 53rd Ohio.

Motley's Dutch Republic refers to a three volume set of books, The Rise of the Dutch Republic:  A History  by John Lothrop Motley.  I can picture Kate sitting in her new rocking chair, reading about the establishment of a Dutch Republic.

Saturday, Oct. 19

We are anxious to hear from Rufus.  His brigade we find from the newspapers, is now in M'Dowell's division and is at Vienna.  A battle has been expected for several days, but the rebels do not seem anxious to fight.  We get no letters now.  Ephe came home unexpectedly on the evening train on a furlough until Tuesday.  He looks very well and seems to be in good spirits.  The regiment is filling up slowly but he thinks it will will succeed, hopes it will be full in two weeks.  Unexpected difficulties have occurred to retard the increase of numbers.  Sarah and Lucy went home with Ephe shortening their visit here.


Peggy's comments:
Rufus was still near Washington, DC at Arlington Heights.  Reading his book Service with the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, I find no evidence that he sent to Vienna to the Battle of Ball's Bluff which occurred October 21,1861.

Ephe Dawes, Rufus's brother, was the Adjutant of the 53rd Ohio Volunteers.  The regiment needed to reach a quota before it was accepted and assigned into service.

Lucy was Ephe's sister and Sarah was his mother.

Wednesday, Oct. 16

Sent a letter to Clara today.  It is a long time since we have heard from Pana, and I fear that they are in trouble.  Mr. Jenney of Marietta with his son came to see William about getting the latter in at West Point.  But Mr. Thompkins, the former Congressman, had filled the vacancy for this district so there is no opening.  Mr. Stewart, Cashier at Athens sent by train a present of quails to William, very acceptable as his appetite is capricious.   A letter from Amesville says "Dr. L. Fulton has just returned from Camp Diamond where he saw Ephe, who, he says is very much liked by the soldiers and is the right man for that place".


Peggy's comments:
Clara Walton is Julia's younger sister.  She married a minister and lived in Pana, Illinois which was about 500 miles west of Marietta, Ohio.  Clara had 5 children, 2 of whom died in infancy.  Julia talks about hardships Clara faced, but is rarely specific.

Tuesday Oct. 8

Ephraim started this morning on the train for Camp Diamond near Jackson.  God keep him uncontaminated by the vices which attend armies and safe in life and limb.  It seems hard to have him go but he has decided to do so.  May God abundantly bless him.  He expected to cast his first vote on his way to the depot.  This is election day.  The Republicans and Union Democrats united on a ticket taking their candidates from all the old parties.  The Union candidate for Gov. is David Tod a loyal Democrat.  
The weather is fair again.  Lucy and I went to the point and made a few more purchases and got our daguerreotypes taken and ordered the omnibus to take us to the cars at five o'clock.  So, getting our bundles ready we came home on the evening train.  We found Mr. Douglas Putnam and Rev. M. Merwin on the cars, both coming down to see William.  Mr. Merwin spent the night.

Peggy's comments:
Ephraim Dawes, Julia's nephew is beginning his service with the 53rd Ohio.  The election was for Governor and for the General Assembly in Ohio.  I find the merging of political parties quite fascinating.  Here's a bit of information from Ohio History Central :




"By the end of the decade, the Democratic Party, as well as the nation as a whole, was being divided along regional lines. In the Election of 1860, the Democratic Party split into the Northern Democratic Party and the Southern Democratic Party. Tod was one of Ohio's delegates to the Northern Democratic national convention in 1860, and he ultimately served as chairman of the convention. He was instrumental in assuring Stephen Douglas's nomination as the Northern Democratic presidential candidate in the Election of 1860. Republican Abraham Lincoln won the presidency, and the nation soon was at war. Rather than join with the Peace Democrats in opposing the war, Tod chose to become part of the Union Party, a new party consisting of pro-war Democrats and Republicans, and supported Lincoln's administration. As a result, the Union Party chose Tod as its gubernatorial candidate in 1861. Tod easily defeated Democrat Hugh J. Jewett and became the state's governor in 1862."


In addition to the election of David Tod as Governor, the General Assembly also election representatives.  
     Senate:  26 Republican/Union Democrats
                        8 Democrats
     House:  74 Republican/Union Democrats
                    23 Democrats


I've recently discovered a Business Directory for Marietta for 1860.  Julia probably had her daguerrotype taken at Cadwalader's.  Other businesses included several dry goods stores, watchmakers, shoe makers, tailors, druggists, tobacco stores, saddle makers, clothin for gents, glass & queensware shops, leather shops, a churn & furniture store, milliners, books & stationers.  There was even an "ice cream saloon"! 

Monday Oct. 7

Still raining.  We are all busy fixing Ephraim's things.  He is going tomorrow to Camp Diamond to enter upon his duties as adjutant of the 53" regiment.  He received his appointment of first lieutenant from Gov. Dennison a few days ago with directions to report himself to Col. Appler immediately.  He put on his uniform today and looks quite soldierly.  He had his likeness taken which is good.  And has been arranging his matters to leave, making farewell calls &c.  He went down on the evening train to say goodby to Kate, Uncle William &c.  Mrs. Gates called.  She has knit Ephe a pair of socks.  Lucy has arranged and packed all his things.  He is very nicely fixed.


Peggy's comments:
Ephraim Dawes, Julia's nephew,  has received his appointment from the Governor of Ohio.  Here he is, looking "quite soldierly".

Ephraim Cutler Dawes

From her entry, I assume that Julia is still visiting in Marietta and that Ephraim has taken the cars to visit Uncle William Cutler at the Old Stone House near Constitution.  

Mrs. Gates is Betsey Gates, the mother of Mary Gates and Charley Gates.  The Gates family lived in Marietta and were friends of the Cutler and Dawes families.  As a matter of fact, Rufus Dawes, Ephraim's older brother who is serving with the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers near Washington, DC, would soon begin writing to young Mary Gates.

Thursday Oct. 3

I have been painting a piece in water colors today -- roses and honeysuckles.  I am out of practise and do not paint so smoothly as formerly.  Ephraim went down to Camp Diamond today.  It seems that the rebels are actually retreating from the Potomac.  It is thought that Kentucky is now to witness a terrible struggle between the contending armies.


Peggy's comments:
I do wish that some of Julia's paintings had survived!  Roses and honeysuckles!

Camp Diamond was in Jackson, Ohio, which was west of Constitution where Julia lived.

Here are articles from Harper's Weekly regarding Kentucky in the fall of 1861.

Wednesday Oct. 2

The girls have been very busy all day fixing Ephe's things.  He expects to join his regiment in a few days.

Tuesday Oct. 1

The water has begun to fall.  A great deal of valuable lumber (from head waters probably) has been carried down with the drift.  Our neighbors have made a good business of catching it and are busy today with their teams securing it.  The rise was unprecedented at this tie of year, rising from 18 to 20 feet in 24 hours.  Kate and Lucy went to town today on the morning train.  They wish to prepare Ephraim's things for his prospective campaign.  May God bless and keep him.  
Yesterday Mr. Burgess came down here quite alarmed.  He had a visit from a Virginia secessionist named Creel, who pretended to be a Union man and asked impertinent questions &c.  Lieut. Miller sent two of his soldiers to sleep there last night.
William has been riding a good deal today.  The weather is fine and he enjoys it very much.
Lucy and Kate came home on train.  Ephraim with them.  Brought me a nice blanket shawl costing nine dollars, which William very kindly gave me.  
Will M'Clure told the girls that he knew this Creel who was at Mr. Burgess yesterday.  His relatives are all secessionists but this man himself is an abolitionist and a union man, but very odd which accounts for his asking so many questions.  So . . . . . . [the next two lines have been scrubbed out with pencil.]


Old Mrs. Reppert died suddenly this morning in Harmar.  I sent Mrs. Graves a bouquet by Lucy today which she liked much, and a basket of grapes to Sarah.


Peggy's comments:
Family members helped prepare items useful to soldiers as they headed off for service.  Ephraim Dawes, much loved by his sisters Kate and Lucy, was no doubt well supplied.

Mr. Burgess was a retired Presbyterian minister, a rather flamboyant seventy-seven year old man who was the step-father of Lizzie Cutler (William's wife).  Mr. Burgess and Lizzie's mother lived on property that bordered the Cutler land.

Once again, something has been obliterated in Julia's original journal.  I speculate that she might have written something about  families who still lived in the area decades later and someone who had access to the journal (her niece Sarah Cutler?) may not have wanted Julia's comments to be made public.

According to an article by Kathy Dahlie on Civil War fashions, blanket shawls were the first women't fashions to be mass produced.  Plain or checked were popular for travel.  

Monday Sept. 30

This morning Ephe and Lucy came down on the cars.  The back-water is over the bridge, in the turnpike.  We sent a horse over for Lucy.  Ephe crossed on the fence.  William rode out today twice and felt the better for it.  The river very low when it began to rain Thursday.  The elm stump and log near our landing were then out of water, high and dry.  Today the water was nearly up to the buggy bed on the turnpike bridge.  It has risen a few inches this afternoon but is probably at a stand tonight.  I never remember so high a river in September.  
Today's Gazette states that the rebels have evacuated Munson's Hill near Washington, a strategic position which commanded the encamp of 60,000 of our troops.  Do they despair of taking Washington or is it a ruse to deceive M'Clellan and draw him into another Bull Run trap?  May He have wisdom and courage to direct him aright.  Perhaps the rebels contemplate some new move against Rosecrans or toward Kentucky and Cincinnati.  Gen. Mitchell who is now in command of the Department of Ohio is throwing up intrenchments on the hills near Cincinnati and it is said that he is desirous to collect a large army at that point.  Some Ohio regiments among them the 14" (Col. Steadman's) have been sent to Kentucky, which having by the actions of her legislature, thrown off her neutrality is now ranged on the side of Government.  Federal troops have been sent there to protect Union men and to repel the rebel forces which are in possession of Bowling Green and other points.  There will be stirring times in Kentucky.  
Fremont is still denounced by many.  I think meanly and unjustly.  I hope he may have an opportunity to silence his enemies.  His position in Missouri is a difficult one.  Now he has taken the field.  May He who directs all things, and without whose blessing it is vain to fight, give him the victory.


Peggy's comments:
Ephraim Dawes, Julia's nephew, is preparing for service with the Union army.  With William at last recovering from typhoid, Ephraim is not so needed at home.

The Old Stone House in which Julia and brother William and his family lived is no longer standing so it is difficult to picture the particulars that Julia describes.  Here is a painting of the Old Stone House:

The Old Stone House, Constitution, Ohio

Here is a map of Munson's Hill and an illustration and description of Munson's Hill from Harper's Weekly.

Fremont was a Union general who had issued a proclamation freeing slaves in Missouri.  This caused political difficulties for Lincoln who believed that Fremont had not only overstepped his authority but that his proclamation might tip Missouri toward the Confederacy.  In addition, the various regiments under Fremont's command in Missouri were not communicating well and appeared quite disorganized.

John C. Fremont

Wednesday, Sept. 25

Such repeated reverses are very depressing and I almost feel as if God had forsaken us.   If He indeed contends with us it is in vain to fight.  
Mr. Stephen Newton called to see William today, also Major Andrews who was taking Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Clark to Parkersburg.
This evening Ephraim returned from Portsmouth.  Col. Appler promises him the adjutancy of the 53" regiment.  I hope it is for the best but I am sorry to have him placed in a situation of peril, yet God can keep him there.  We leave him and Rufus in His hands.
Mr. Haskins and Mr. Wm. Buell came here to get letters of recommendation for some appointment.  Ephe went back to town with them.
There are further details of the affair at Lexington, Mo.  A large sum of money fell into the hands of the rebels.  It is now said that those who should have reinforced the brave Mulligan are now beseiging Price at Lexington and Fremont is about to take the field.  May the blessing of God go with him and give victory to his arms.


Peggy's comments:
Like many people, Julia believed that the cause of the Union was just and that God could not possibly support the institution of slavery.  It is difficult for her to reconcile her belief in a just God with the recent Union losses.

She also worries about her nephews, Rufus and Ephraim Dawes, who were in harm's way.

And as to the affair at Lexington, Missouri:   money did fall into the hands of the rebels but in a few weeks, the money would be returned to the local bank.

Thursday Sept. 12

I do not remember whether I have noticed in my journal the proclamation of Gen. Fremont in Missouri confiscating the property of rebels and declaring their slaves freemen.  It has made quite a sensation.  The opponents of slavery are much pleased with it as a movement in the right direction.  Some reports say that the government at Washington will sustain Fremont's action, others that they are displeased with it.  
Gen. M'Clellan's proclamation enforcing the observance of the holy Sabbath by the army under his command is hailed gladly by the Christian public as an omen for good, as it is a welcome relief to the soldiers from fatiguing labors.
The city of Philadelphia by its council has caused to be prepared an elegant sword ornamented with amethysts and diamonds to be presented to Gen. Robert Anderson with this inscription, "The City of Philadelphia to Robert Anderson U.S.A., May 22, 1861, A loyal city to a loyal soldier, the hero of Fort Sumpter".  The city council have also ordered for Gen. M'Clellan a strait sword set with diamonds and pearls, on the handle will be the figure of an American eagle attacking a serpent, the representation of secession.  The two swords will cost about $1100.
Ephe received today letters from Lt. Col. Fulton and Quarter Master J. Fulton of the 53'" regiment O.V.M. tendering their influence to appoint him Adjutant of that regiment and asking him to come at once to Portsmouth.  This he cannot do on account of William's dangerous illness.  It is a disappointment to Ephe but I hope all will end well.


Peggy's comments:

U. S. General Fremont found great disorder in Missouri.  On August 31, 1861, he declared martial law and also declared that the slaves of all secessionists were free men.  An article in the NY Times the next day hailed this proclamation as "the first great step. . .taken to show the world that we are in earnest in our attempts to crush the rebellion."


General McClellan's Proclamation was published in newspapers (see the following reference from Harper's Weekly, September 21, 1861):
The following order has been promulgated:

SPECIAL ORDER NO. 7.

HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 1861.

The Major-General Commanding desires and requests that in future there may be a more perfect respect for the Sabbath on the part of his command. We are fighting in a holy cause, and should endeavor to deserve the benign favor of the Creator. Unless in the case of an attack by the enemy, or some other extreme military necessity, it is commended to commanding officers that all work shall be suspended on the Sabbath; that no unnecessary movements shall be made on that day; that the men shall, as far as possible, be permitted to rest from their labors ; that they shall attend Divine service after the customary morning inspection, and that officers and men alike use their influence to insure the utmost decorum and quiet on that day. The General Commanding regards this as no idle form. One day's rest is necessary for man and animals. More than this, the observance of the holy day of the God of Mercy and of Battles is our sacred duty.

Geo. B. McCLELLAN, Major-General Commanding.

S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General

Many other cities and states gave gifts of appreciation to General Robert Anderson, the United States commander at Fort Sumter when it was attacked by southern forces.  Here is a picture of the sword that Julia describes from A Pictorial History of the Civil War in the United States by Benson J. Lossing.

Ephraim Dawes, William's nephew, was eager to be of greater use in service to his country but would not enlist until after William recovered from typhoid.