[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous Harper’s Weekly thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4306646/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Battles in Prospect – 1
The Song of Kilpatrick’s Troops – 1
Parties at the South – 1, 3
Sherman’s March through the Carolinas – 2, 5-8
A Little Effort – 3
Davis Asks to be Dictator – 3
The Health of New York – 3
Davis and Lee – 3-4
Trade with Rebels – 4
A Daniel Come to Judgment – 4
John McLenan – 4
An Error Corrected – 4
Julius Cæsar – 4
Domestic Intelligence – 4
Humors of the Day – 4-5
Soldiers’ Monuments – 8
The Burglary at the Meadows – 8-9
The Vampire’s Whist – 9-10
Questionings – 10
Interesting Items – 10, 12
Scenes in Columbia, South Carolina, the Morning After the Fire – 11
Last Words – 12
The Broughtons – 12-14
Shadow of Death – 14
General Kilpatrick’s Operations – 14-16
Fort Sumter – Side Toward Charleston – 17
Negro Recruits at Charleston – 17
Long Dock at Hilton Head – Landing of Recruits from Charleston – 17
Jeff Davis “Calmly Contemplating” – 20

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Battle Maps of the Civil War: The Eastern Theater, American Battlefield Trust

Continued from March 29 (reply #38).

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4306646/posts#38

Jean Edward Smith, Grant

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from March 31 (reply #58).

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4306646/posts?q=1&;page=51#58

Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, Volume Two

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The West Point Atlas of War: The Civil War, Chief Editor, Brigadier General Vincent J. Esposito

Continued from March 31 (reply #57).

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4306646/posts?q=1&;page=51#57

1

2

Douglas Southall Freeman, Lee, an abridgement by Richard Harwell

[Homer_J_Simpson]

All for the Union: The Civil War Diary and Letters of Elisha Hunt Rhodes, edited by Robert Hunt Rhodes

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from March 31 (reply #62)

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4306646/posts?q=1&;page=51#62

Nathan Bedford Forrest: A Biography, by Jack Hurst

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from March 30 (reply #50).

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4306646/posts#50

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Mary Chesnut’s Civil War, edited by C. Vann Woodward

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, April 1, 1865 (“The President yet remains with the army, and the indications are that a great and perhaps final battle is near.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2022/01/diary-of-gideon-welles-saturday-april-1.html

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, April 1, 1865 (“I think, however, we will this time reach the Southside Railroad, and if we do so, I should not be surprised if Lee evacuated his Petersburg lines”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/02/major-general-george-g-meade-to_17.html

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Saturday, April 1, 1865 (“In answer to my questions he said: ‘Luman, I think my wound is mortal. I can not live. I have tried to do my duty today.’”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2019/02/diary-of-captain-luman-harris-tenney_20.html

Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, April 1, 1865 (“Grant folded the slip of paper, and, looking at Meade, said, very quietly: “Very well, then I want Wright and Parke to assault to-morrow morning at four o’clock.” These dozen words settled the fate of Petersburg and of Richmond!”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/05/lieutenant-colonel-theodore-lyman-to_13.html

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, April 1, 1865 (“The camp here is the best we have had since leaving Vicksburg.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/02/diary-of-5th-sergeant-alexander-g_69.html

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 1, 1865 (“We have vague and incoherent accounts from excited couriers of fighting, without result, in Dinwiddie County, near the South Side Railroad.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2025/03/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-april-1.html

Lieutenant-Colonel Osmun Latrobe to Brigadier-General Martin W. Gary, April 1, 1865 (“Send out scouts immediately to discover if any change has been made in enemy’s force on this side.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/03/lieutenant-colonel-osmun-latrobe-to.html

General Robert E. Lee to John C. Breckinridge, April 1, 1865 (Gen. Lee’s field report on the day’s battle.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/05/general-robert-e-lee-to-john-c_8339.html

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from March 31 (reply #60).

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4306646/posts?q=1&;page=51#60

James Lee McDonough, William Tecumseh Sherman: In the Service of My Country, A Life

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from March 29 (reply #42)

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4306646/posts#42

William J. Cooper, Jr., Jefferson Davis, American

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Diary of Gideon Welles: Sunday, April 2, 1865 (“Sheridan has got west of Petersburg on the South Side Railroad, creeping from the west, at the same time Grant has ordered an advance of our lines.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2022/01/diary-of-gideon-welles-sunday-april-2.html

Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant to Colonel Theodore S. Bowers (“We are now up, and have a continuous line of troops, and in a few hours will be intrenched from the Appomattox, below Petersburg, to the river above.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2018/02/lieutenant-general-ulysses-s-grant-to_4.html

Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, April 2, 1865 (“MY DEAR MIMI: - THE REBELLION HAS GONE UP!”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/05/lieutenant-colonel-theodore-lyman-to_14.html

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, April 2, 1865 (“Regular camp routine is the order. We had company inspection this morning besides two hours’ drill.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/02/diary-of-5th-sergeant-alexander-g_71.html

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 2, 1865 (“An intense excitement prevails, at 2 P.M. It pervaded the churches. Dr. Hoge intermitted his services. Gen. Cooper and the President left their respective churches”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2025/03/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-april-2.html

Jefferson Davis to General Robert E. Lee, April 2, 1865 (“To move to-night will involve the loss of many valuables, both for the want of time to pack and of transportation.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/03/jefferson-davis-to-general-robert-e-lee.html

General Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis, April 2, 1865 (“I think it is absolutely necessary that we should abandon our position to-night.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/03/general-robert-e-lee-to-jefferson-davis.html

General Robert E. Lee to John C. Breckinridge, April 2, 1865 (“It is absolutely necessary that we should abandon our position tonight or run the risk of being cut off in the morning.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/05/general-robert-e-lee-to-john-c_7.html

General Robert E. Lee to John C. Breckinridge, April 2, 1865 (“if I can, I shall withdraw tonight north of the Appomattox, and if possible it will be better to withdraw the whole line tonight from James River”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/05/general-robert-e-lee-to-john-c_8.html

General Robert E. Lee, April 2, 1865 (Gen. Lee’s orders for the retreat from Petersburg.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/05/general-robert-e-lee-april-2-1865.html

Lieutenant Colonel Ely S. Parker to Major General George G. Meade, April 2, 1865 (Lt. Col. Parker forwards a dispatch from Gen. Sheridan’s headquarters.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/01/lieutenant-colonel-eli-s-parker-to_23.html

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from March 28 (reply #28).

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4306646/posts#28

David Herbert Donald, Lincoln

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Edwin M. Stanton to Abraham Lincoln, April 3, 1865 – 10:30 a.m. (“Commanding generals are in the line of their duty in running such risks; but is the political head of a nation in the same condition?”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2018/02/edwin-m-stanton-to-abraham-lincoln_4.html

Diary of Gideon Welles: Monday, April 3, 1865 (“Intelligence of the evacuation of Petersburg and the capture of Richmond was received this A.M., and the city has been in an uproar through the day.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2022/01/diary-of-gideon-welles-monday-april-3.html

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, April 3, 1865 (“We are now moving after Lee, and if we are successful in striking him another blow before he can rally his troops, I think the Confederacy will be at an end.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/02/major-general-george-g-meade-to_18.html

Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, April 3, 1865 (“I am to have a new command in Hancock’s Corps. Either veterans or a brigade of new Ohio troops. I shall probably prefer the latter, as it is not likely to continue a great while.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2022/04/brigadier-general-rutherford-b-hayes-to_37.html

Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes to Lieutenant-Colonel Russell Hastings, April 3, 1865 (“The Twenty-third is in a nice camp near town, doing provost duty. You could enjoy yourself with them as soon as you can hobble about a little.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2022/04/brigadier-general-rutherford-b-hayes-to_4.html

Lieutenant-Colonel Ely S. Parker to Major-General Andrew A. Humphreys, April 3, 1865 (“You will hereafter report to Major-General Meade, commanding Army of the Potomac, for orders. On the morrow, however, you will follow the route of march designated for you by General Sheridan.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/01/lieutenant-colonel-eli-s-parker-to_24.html

Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, April 3, 1865 (“General Meade, to my great satisfaction, said he would ride in and take a look at the place we so long had seen the steeples of.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/05/lieutenant-colonel-theodore-lyman-to_15.html

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Monday, April 3, 1865 (“Wrote the sad news home, also wrote Richard Bail’s people.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2019/03/diary-of-captain-luman-harris-tenney.html

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Monday, April 3, 1865 (“We are enjoying our fine camp ground, and to prevent our becoming stale, we have to keep up regular drill for our next campaign.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/02/diary-of-5th-sergeant-alexander-g_22.html

Diary of Corydon E. Fuller: Monday, April 3, 1865 (“Old men acted like boys, and young men are half crazed with delight.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/08/diary-of-corydon-e-fuller-monday-april.html

Diary of Julia Ward Howe: Monday, April 3, 1865 (“. . . . Richmond was taken this morning. Laus Deo!”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2018/04/diary-of-julia-ward-howe-monday-april-3.html

General Robert E. Lee to Lieutenant-General Richard S. Ewell, April 3, 1865, 6:30 p.m. (“Notify me of your approach to the bridge and passage of the Appomattox by courier to Amelia Court House or wherever I may be.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/05/general-robert-e-lee-to-lieutenant.html

Diary of Malvina S. Waring, April 3, 1865 (“We barely escaped with the skin of our teeth! The flight from Richmond was even more hasty and exciting than the exodus from Columbia”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2024/10/diary-of-malvina-s-waring-april-3-1865.html

Diary of Judith Brockenbrough McGuire: April 3, 1865 (“While the sacred elements were being administered, the sexton came in with a note to General Cooper, which was handed him as he walked from the chancel, and he immediately left the church.” Must read entry on the fall of Richmond.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/04/diary-of-judith-brockenbrough-mcguire_21.html

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, April 4, 1865 – 8 a.m. (“General Weitzel telegraphs from Richmond that of railroad stock he found there 28 locomotives, 44 passenger and baggage cars, and 106 freight cars.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2018/02/abraham-lincoln-to-edwin-m-stanton.html

Diary of Gideon Welles: Tuesday, April 4, 1865 (“The President still at City Point, or its vicinity, holding interviews with the generals and having an eye to the close, which is near.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2022/01/diary-of-gideon-welles-tuesday-april-4.html

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, April 4, 1865 (“As to Mobile, in my judgment, it is going to be a long siege.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/09/brigadier-general-thomas-kilby-smith-to_10.html

Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, April 4, 1865 (Lt. Col. Lyman writes of the road to Appomattox, and includes maps.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/05/lieutenant-colonel-theodore-lyman-to_16.html

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, April 4, 1865 (“We are enjoying full rations again, and also our new clothing.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/02/diary-of-5th-sergeant-alexander-g_23.html

Francis Lieber to Senator Charles Sumner, April 4, 1865 (“By a State-rebellion the States went out; by State-revolution, against the temporary de facto government, they might come back.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/08/francis-lieber-to-senator-charles_14.html

Diary of Corydon E. Fuller: Tuesday, April 4, 1865 (The illumination of Washington D.C.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/08/diary-of-corydon-e-fuller-tuesday-april.html

George William Curtis to Charles Eliot Norton, April 4, 1865 (“The merchants and brokers in Wall Street came out of their dens and sang Old Hundred and John Brown.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/03/george-william-curtis-to-charles-eliot_29.html

Reverend James Freeman Clarke to Anna Huidekoper Clarke, April 4, 1865 (“Abolition of slavery, fall of Charleston, fall of Richmond, — when they arrive they are like things foreordained from the foundation of the world.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/01/reverend-james-freeman-clarke-to-anna.html

Jefferson Davis to the People of the Confederate States of America (On the evacuation of Richmond by the government.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/03/jefferson-davis-to-people-of.html

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 4, 1865 (“The War Department was burned after I returned yesterday; and soon after the flames were arrested, mainly by the efforts of the Federal troops.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2025/03/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-april-4.html

[Homer_J_Simpson]

1

2

Home Letters of General Sherman, edited by M.A. DeWolfe Howe, 1909

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Johnny Green of the Orphan Brigade: The Journal of a Confederate Soldier, Edited by A.D. Kirwan

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Edwin M. Stanton to Abraham Lincoln, April 5, 1865 – 6 p.m. (“About two hours ago Mr Seward was thrown from his carriage his shoulder bone at the head of the joint broken off, his head and face much bruised and he is in my opinion dangerously injured.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2018/02/edwin-m-stanton-to-abraham-lincoln_3.html

Edwin M. Stanton to Abraham Lincoln, April 5, 1865 (“The Surgeon General reports that Mr Seward is now quite Easy & that there appears no dangerous sy[m]ptom in his Case.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2018/02/edwin-m-stanton-to-abraham-lincoln.html

Diary of Gideon Welles: Wednesday, April 5, 1865 (“he jumped from the vehicle, was taken up badly injured, with his arm and jaw broken, and his head and face badly bruised.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2022/01/diary-of-gideon-welles-wednesday-april_3.html

Major-General Philip H. Sheridan to Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant, April 5, 1865—3 p.m. (“I send you the inclosed letter, which will give you an idea of the condition of the enemy and their whereabouts.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/03/major-general-philip-h-sheridan-to.html

Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, April 5, 1865 (“I am assigned to a new command of cavalry, infantry, and artillery — mostly West Virginia troops.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2022/04/brigadier-general-rutherford-b-hayes-to.html

Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, April 5, 1865 (The road to Appomattox, continued, with another map.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/05/lieutenant-colonel-theodore-lyman-to_18.html

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, April 5, 1865 (“The regimental chaplains are occupying the pulpits of the different churches of Goldsboro and conducting nightly meetings.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/02/diary-of-5th-sergeant-alexander-g_24.html

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 5, 1865 (“The white citizens felt annoyed that the city should be held mostly by negro troops.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2025/03/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-april-5.html

Colonel W. B. Taylor to Brammia ———, April 5, 1865 (The letter Sheridan enclosed in his dispatch to Grant.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/03/colonel-w-b-taylor-to-brammia-april-5.html

Diary of Judith Brockenbrough McGuire: April 5, 1865 (“General Ord is said to be polite and gentlemanly, and seems to do every thing in his power to lessen the horrors of this dire calamity.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/04/diary-of-judith-brockenbrough-mcguire_22.html

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Diary of Gideon Welles: Thursday, April 6, 1865 (“Too few men of that description are sent to Congress. Noisy, blatant, superficial declaimers and mere party intriguers are favorites.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2022/01/diary-of-gideon-welles-thursday-april-6.html

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, April 6, 1865 (“The next two months will demonstrate whether we can manœuver Lee out of Richmond and whip him in open battle.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/major-general-william-t-sherman-to_4.html

Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, April 6, 1865 (The road to Appomattox, continued.)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/05/lieutenant-colonel-theodore-lyman-to_19.html

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, April 6, 1865 (“News comes that General Grant has taken Richmond with five thousand prisoners and five hundred pieces of artillery.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/02/diary-of-5th-sergeant-alexander-g_85.html

Obituary of Private Theodore “Thede” Tenney, Co. H, 2nd Ohio Cavalry, April 6, 1865

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2019/02/obituary-of-private-theodore-thede.html

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 6, 1865 (“The military authorities are still reticent regarding the fate of those remaining in Richmond. We are at their mercy, and prepared for our fate.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2025/03/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-april-6.html

Diary of Judith Brockenbrough McGuire: April 6, 1865 (“Mr. Lincoln has visited our devoted city to-day. His reception was any thing but complimentary.”)

https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/04/diary-of-judith-brockenbrough-mcguire_25.html