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/4240561/posts
All for the Union: The Civil War Diary and Letters of Elisha Hunt Rhodes, edited by Robert Hunt Rhodes
Diary of a Confederate Soldier: John S. Jackman of the Orphan Brigade, Edited, with an introduction, by William C. Davis
Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, June 4, 1864 (“There has been continued fighting, though represented as not very important. Still there is heavy loss, but we are becoming accustomed to the sacrifice. Grant has not great regard for human life.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/04/diary-of-gideon-welles-saturday-june-4.html
Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, June 4, 1864 – 8 a.m. (“I had immediate and entire command on the field all day, the Lieutenant General honoring the field with his presence only about one hour in the middle of the day.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/10/major-general-george-g-meade-to_24.html
Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Saturday, June 4, 1864 (“My brigade in advance drove a small squad of Rebels from Warm Springs — said to be McNeil’s and Marshall’s Cavalry.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/06/diary-of-colonel-rutherford-b-hayes_55.html
Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, June 4, 1864 (“The General took three or four of us and went on a sort of tour to his Generals; after a brief visit to General Hancock (who had a battery roaring away close to his Headquarters) and a few words with General Wright, we paid a long visit to “Baldy” Smith”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/12/lieutenant-colonel-theodore-lyman-to_20.html
Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 4, 1864 (“We got up a mock charge this afternoon, which came pretty near scaring the Rebel skirmishers out of their boots and made a good deal of fun for us.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2018/11/captain-charles-wright-wills-june-4-1864.html
Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Saturday, June 4, 1864 (“General Grant issued an order to-day for the army to act on the defensive. Good!”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/11/diary-of-2nd-lieutenant-lemuel-abbott_22.html
Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: June 4, 1864 (“Paymaster came round and paid off the First Louisiana. Sent letters home and money to have children’s pictures taken.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2017/01/diary-of-2nd-lieutenant-george-g-smith_19.html
John C. Fremont’s Acceptance of the Radical Democratic Party’s Nomination for President of the United States, June 4, 1864
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/04/john-c-fremonts-acceptance-of-radical.html
Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: June 4, 1864 (“Some men took occasion while out after wood, to overpower the guard and take to the pines. Not yet been brought back.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2017/07/diary-of-1st-sergeant-john-l-ransom_20.html
From the 39th (“The rebels, who were lying in wait for them, charged down on them furiously. The fight was terrible but it did not last long. Our men stood firm and finally charged on, and drove them in disorder. The Iowa 7th lost heavily in this fight.” https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/legislator?personID=5072&ga=13)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2008/08/from-39th.html
Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: June 4, 1864 (“It is suspected that Sherman will be ordered from Georgia to reinforce Grant! It seems Lincoln would give up his hopes of heaven, and plunge into hell, for the PRESIDENCY.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2021/09/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-june-4.html
Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: June 4, 1864 (“J. had had a sharp skirmish with an advance party of Averill, and on [John] McCausland’s coming up with 4 regiments, they retreated.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/06/diary-of-margaret-junkin-preston-june-4.html
Diary of Judith Brockenbrough McGuire: June 4, 1864 (“the heaviest cannonading I ever heard continued all day, until after dark. The fighting was between Bethesda Church and Cold Harbour.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/02/diary-of-judith-brockenbrough-mcguire_17.html
Continued from June 3 (reply #60).
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4240561/posts?q=1&;page=51#60
Jean Edward Smith, Grant
Continued from June 3 (reply #61).
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4240561/posts?q=1&;page=51#61
Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, Volume Two
Continued from May 23 (reply #26)
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4239134/posts#26
Nathan Bedford Forrest: A Biography, by Jack Hurst
With Lincoln in the White House: Letters, Memoranda, and Other Writings of John G. Nicolay, 1860-1865, edited by Michael Burlingame
Inside Lincoln’s White House: The Complete War Diary of John Hay, edited by Michael Burlingame and John R. Turner Ettlinger
Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, June 5, 1864 – 9 p.m. (“I think Grant has had his eyes opened, and is willing to admit now that Virginia and Lee’s army is not Tennessee and Bragg’s army.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/10/major-general-george-g-meade-to_25.html
Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Sunday, June 5, 1864 (“Rumors of Jackson, McCausland, and General Morgan, all hurrying to Staunton to oppose Hunter or our command.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/06/diary-of-colonel-rutherford-b-hayes_60.html
Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, June 5, 1864 (“General Meade sent for me and said, as if asking for a piece of bread and butter: ‘Lyman, I want you to take this letter from General Grant and take it by a flag of truce, to the enemy’s lines.’”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/12/lieutenant-colonel-theodore-lyman-to_24.html
Amasa Walker to Exene Stoughton, June 5, 1864 (“You have doubtless heard that our son Robert was killed at the battle of Newmarket last month.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2019/06/lieutenant-colonel-francis-amasa-walker.html
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Amasa Walker to Lucy Stoughton, June 5, 1864 (“He fell at the head of his company and in advance of the general line, while charging the enemy.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2019/06/lieutenant-colonel-francis-amasa-walker_11.html
Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Sunday, June 5, 1864 (“Golly! this is stubborn fighting again! I’m proud of both armies. I wonder what the Johnnies think of us as fighters now? I’m sure they fight hard enough for me.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/11/diary-of-2nd-lieutenant-lemuel-abbott_23.html
Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: June 5, 1864 (“Exchange rumors to the effect that transports are enroute for Savannah for the purpose of taking us home. Stick right to my washing however.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2017/07/diary-of-1st-sergeant-john-l-ransom_21.html
Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: June 5, 1864 (“In the third charge the colors went to the ground, the corporal of the color-guard, who was carrying them, being shot down. I jumped and picked up the flag, waving it and holding it up.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/12/diary-of-private-charles-h-lynch-june-5.html
Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: June 5, 1864 (“The sudden booming of artillery, shelling our department boys, intrenching at Bottom’s Bridge, was heard until bedtime. I have heard no results of yesterday’s operations.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2021/09/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-june-5.html
Diary of Judith Brockenbrough McGuire: June 5, 1864 (Judith McGuire’s daughter-in-law made an arduous journey from Charlottesville to Richmond.)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/02/diary-of-judith-brockenbrough-mcguire_18.html
Diary of Gideon Welles: Monday, June 6, 1864 (“Some talk with Blair respecting Chase and Seward, who, though not assimilating and unlike in many respects, continue to get along.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/04/diary-of-gideon-welles-monday-june-6.html
Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, June 6, 1864 (“Do not be deceived about the situation of affairs by the foolish despatches in the papers. Be not over-elated by reported successes, nor over-depressed by exaggerated rumors of failures.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/10/major-general-george-g-meade-to_26.html
Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Monday, June 6, 1864 (“The railroad can be destroyed by troops marching parallel to it very fast. Easier to destroy than to build up, as our Rebel friends are learning to their cost.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/06/diary-of-colonel-rutherford-b-hayes_87.html
Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 6, 1864 (“Well, I am calculating that this campaign will end about the 15th of July, in Atlanta.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2018/12/captain-charles-wright-wills-june-6-1864.html
Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Monday, June 6, 1864 (“A flag of truce was sent out in front of our division to-day; don’t know what it was for; has been quiet all day”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/11/diary-of-2nd-lieutenant-lemuel-abbott_24.html
Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: June 6, 1864 (“Wirtz comes inside no more, in fact, does very few rebels. The place is too bad for them.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2017/07/diary-of-1st-sergeant-john-l-ransom_22.html
Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: June 6, 1864 (“We have met with a defeat in the Valley, near Staunton, which place has probably fallen.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2021/09/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-june-6.html
Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: June 6, 1864 (“Mr. P. took me down to the hospital this morning, to see some wounded cadets, one of whom was wounded in seven places, and will probably die.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/06/diary-of-margaret-junkin-preston-june-6.html
Continued from April 23 (reply #3)
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4233090/posts#3
Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals
Continued from May 31 (reply #37).
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4240561/posts#37
David Herbert Donald, Lincoln
Diary of Gideon Welles: Tuesday, June 7, 1864 (“The Convention to-day is the absorbing theme but there is something from the army relative to the late fights that disturbs me. We have had severe slaughter.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/05/diary-of-gideon-welles-tuesday-june-7.html
The 1864 Republican Platform: Adopted June 7, 1864
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-1864-republican-platform-adopted.html
Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Tuesday, June 7, 1864 (“Hunter flogged the Rebels badly and took Staunton yesterday. Eighteen miles today.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/06/diary-of-colonel-rutherford-b-hayes_4.html
Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, June 7, 1864 (“After extraordinary delays an armistice was concluded between six and eight P.M. this evening. It was very acceptable for burying the dead but the wounded were mostly dead too, by this time”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/12/lieutenant-colonel-theodore-lyman-to_25.html
Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 7, 1864 (“We started the Johnnies not more than a mile from here, and skirmished with them, driving them to the Kenesaw range of mountains”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2018/12/captain-charles-wright-wills-june-7-1864.html
Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Tuesday, June 7, 1864 (“Another flag of truce was sent out to-day, I think to get permission to bury our dead between the lines of which there are many plainly to be seen and they are commencing to smell bad”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/11/diary-of-2nd-lieutenant-lemuel-abbott_25.html
Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: June 7, 1864 (“Nearly all the old prisoners who were captured with me are dead. Don’t know of over 50 or 60 alive out of 800.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2017/07/diary-of-1st-sergeant-john-l-ransom_23.html
Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: June 7, 1864 (“A man from New Kent County, coming through the lines, reports that Gen. Grant was quite drunk yesterday, and said he would try Lee once more”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2021/09/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-june-7.html
Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: Monday, June 7, 1864 - First Entry (“A courier arrived, as they came through the place, with news of an engagement a few miles from Staunton, in which Gen. [William E. ‘Grumble’] Jones was killed.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/06/diary-of-margaret-junkin-preston-monday.html
Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: Monday, June 7, 1864 – Second Entry (The Yankees are heading for Lexington.)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/06/diary-of-margaret-junkin-preston-monday_11.html
Diary of Gideon Welles: Wednesday, June 8, 1864 (“The President was renominated to-day at Baltimore. A contest took place in regard to Missouri, and the wrong delegates were admitted by an almost unanimous vote.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/05/diary-of-gideon-welles-wednesday-june-8.html
Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Wednesday, June 8, 1864 (“Marched ten miles in a northeast direction to Staunton, a fine town of five thousand inhabitants or so. General Hunter here. He had a good victory.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/06/diary-of-colonel-rutherford-b-hayes.html
Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, June 8, 1864 (“We know nothing of Grant but conjecture that he must be doing well. We are now in Crook’s division, Hunter’s Army, I suppose.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/07/colonel-rutherford-b-hayes-to-lucy-webb_5.html
Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, June 8, 1864 (“The march, destruction of railroads and stores, so far, have made this a most useful expedition.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/07/colonel-rutherford-b-hayes-to-sardis.html
Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Wednesday, June 8, 1864 (“I have no doubt but what Grant intends to hold this line, but I think it far from his intentions to attack the rebs here again.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/11/diary-of-2nd-lieutenant-lemuel-abbott_26.html
Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: June 8, 1864 (“More new prisoners. There are now over 23,000 confined here, and the death rate 100 to 130 per day, and I believe more than that. Rations worse.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2017/07/diary-of-1st-sergeant-john-l-ransom_26.html
Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: June 8, 1864 (“Received a letter from Custis. He is at Gen. Custis Lee’s headquarters on ordnance duty. A pretty position, if a shell were to explode among the ammunition!”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2021/09/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-june-8.html
Diary of Private Louis Leon: June 8, 1864 (“Being questioned by the provost marshal, she said she could straddle a horse, jump a fence and kill a Yankee as well as any rebel.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2024/03/diary-of-private-louis-leon-june-8-1864.html
Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: June 8, 1864 (“A cadet, who will probably die, is to be removed to our house from the V. M. I. hospital this morning. I am about to have the library carpet lifted, and the room prepared for him; he is too ill to be taken upstairs.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/06/diary-of-margaret-junkin-preston-june-8.html
Diary of Gideon Welles: Thursday, June 9, 1864 (“Concluded to retire the marine officers who are past the legal age, and to bring in Zeilin as Commandant of the Corps.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/05/diary-of-gideon-welles-thursday-june-9.html
Governor William Dennison to Abraham Lincoln, June 9, 1864 (Gov. William Dennison of Ohio officially informs President Lincoln of his renomination.)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/02/governor-william-dennison-to-abraham.html
Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, June 9, 1864 – 9 p.m. (Gen. Meade has a lying reporter paraded through camp and thrown off the base.)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/10/major-general-george-g-meade-to_28.html
Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, June 9, 1864 (“You will only need to make preparations for three servants, two male, one female, four horses, a small dog and myself.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2014/08/brigadier-general-thomas-kilby-smith-to_20.html
Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, June 9, 1864 (“Unless my next move brings on a battle, the balance of the campaign will settle down to a siege. . . .”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/11/lieutenant-general-ulysses-s-grant-to_19.html
Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, June 9, 1864 (“Johnston’s army is still at my front and can fight or fall back, as he pleases. The future is uncertain, but I will do all that is possible.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/major-general-william-t-sherman-to_22.html
Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, June 9, 1864 (“I have just visited the very extensive hospitals here. They are filled with patients, two-thirds Secesh, one-third our men. Nothing could be finer.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2020/07/colonel-rutherford-b-hayes-to-lucy-webb.html
Major Charles Fessenden Morse: June 9, 1864 (“Their pickets and ours are on perfectly good terms: the men off duty meet each other between the lines, exchange papers, and barter sugar and coffee for tobacco.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/06/major-charles-fessenden-morse-june-9.html
Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Thursday, June 9, 1864 (“shells all go over us and explode far in our rear among the camp-followers and hospitals where it is said to be more dangerous than here at the front, they suffer greatly from shells there.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2016/11/diary-of-2nd-lieutenant-lemuel-abbott_27.html
Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: June 9, 1864 (“It is said that a grand break will occur soon, and nearly the whole prison engaged in the plot. Spies inform the rebels of our intentions.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2017/07/diary-of-1st-sergeant-john-l-ransom_27.html
Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: June 9, 1864 (“My little garden now serves me well, furnishing daily in cabbage, lettuce, beets, etc. what would cost $10.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2021/09/diary-of-john-beauchamp-jones-june-9.html
Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: June 9, 1864 (“Part of Crooke’s command came as far as Brownsburg, and there they turned around and went back to Staunton, we hear. It is quite mysterious, for it seems to have accomplished nothing.”)
https://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2015/06/diary-of-margaret-junkin-preston-june-9.html