Sabbath August 4

Last night, about 11 o'clock William got home unexpectedly as we supposed he did not leave Washington until Friday and coming by way of Harrisburg we did not expect him before Monday night as he never travels on the Sabbath.  But he left Thursday and so got home Saturday night. He has been sick but is better now.  We were very thankful to see him safe at home again.  About midnight a very long train of cars passed down which went up today in two detachments having on board the 22nd Ohio regiment.  Oren Newton preached today a patriotic sermon.  I was sick and did not hear it.

Saturday Aug 3

Yesterday, the 1s and 2nd Ohio Regiments whose time was out, but who staid to help at the fight at Manassas, had a grand reception at Cincinnati.

Friday Aug. 2

Another oppressively warm day.  Mrs. Joanna Shipman, Mrs. Maria Shipman, Mrs. Fanny Bailey, Mrs. W. D. Bailey and Miss Betsey Bailey were here to tea.  Lucy and Kate came on the evening train.  They brought a dispatch from William saying he would start home this morning being quite unwell.  Congress will adjourn next Monday.

Thursday Aug. 1, 1861

Kate and Lucy went to town hoping to meet Rufus.  A very warm day.  Lizzie and Marion went to circle at A. S. Bailey's.  Next circle to be at William Scott's three weeks from today.  A young girl was killed by lightning at Widow Fleming's in Barlou.  Her name was Catherine Clark.

Wednesday July 31

Lucy came down this morning to spend the day.  Kate went up and brought Maggie down.  Ephe and Mr. Chatfield (whose strength has improved since he came) went to Marietta this morning.  the 18" Regiment passed on their way to Camp Putnam, where they are to be mustered out of service.  The boat looked gay with their banners but the men themselves looked weary and oppressed by the heat, crowded as they were on open barges under a scorching sun.
First green corn for dinner today.


Peggy's comments:
I'm glad to read that Maggie is well enough to come for a visit.  And I'm reminded of the pleasures of the first corn.

Tuesday July 30

The Gazette says the Sixth Regiment of Wisconsin troops passed through Chicago on the evening of the 28" en route to Harrisburg, Pa., where they are to receive their arms.  Rufus' company is in this regiment and we hope that he will get a furlough to visit us as he has proposed to do.


Peggy's comments:
Rufus R. Dawes was Julia's nephew.  They were heading toward Washington to join the Army of the Potomac.

Rufus R. Dawes

Monday July 29

I made blackberry wine.
Capt. Pierce's men left on a special train this morning.  They waved and cheered as they passed.  About noon the fire Zouaves of Marietta, Capt. Shaw, were distributed.  Ephe went to Camp Cole to invite that squad to dinner.  He found but one man and he could not leave.  Kate spent the afternoon with Maggie.  Later accounts put a better face on the Manassas affair.  Loss on our side less than at first supposed, gallantry of our troops well established.  Much dissatisfaction is felt with Gen. Patterson for not preventing Gen. Johnston reinforcing Bouregard at Manassas.  Gen. Banks supersedes Patterson.


Peggy's Comments:
Frustration and second-guessing was beginning to happen about the conduct and decision-making of Union generals.  Here are some eye-witness accounts and here's a summary of a Congressional report regarding the Battle at Manassas.