USA > Texas > The Confederate capital and Hood's Texas brigade > Part 26
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General Lee, with that illimitable grace of manner peculiar to him, promptly rejoined: "How can you say that, general ? Now I wish they were all at home, attending to their own busi- ness, and leaving us to do the same."
"He rarely ever slept in a house-never outside his lines. He never allowed his mess to draw from the commissary more than they were entitled to, and not unfrequently he sat down to dinner meagre in quality and scant in quantity. He was exceedingly abstemious in his own habits. He never used tobacco, and rarely took even a glass of wine. Whisky or brandy he did not drink, and did all in his power to discourage their use in others."
More than once he refused to promote an officer who drank too freely, saying: "I can not consent to place in the control of others one who can not control himself."
A good deal has been written about the famous dinner of sweet potatoes to which Marion, the American partisan, invited the British officer. General Lee considered himself fortunate when he had a good supply of sweet potatoes or a jug of butter- milk.
General Ewell said, "that being at General Lee's headquarters, before the evacuation of Petersburg, the general insisted upon his sharing his lunch, which he; found to be two sweet potatoes, of which he was very fond."
Upon another occasion, General Lee proposed to treat some of his officers, remarking, "I have just received a demijohn, which I know is of the best." The demijohn, tightly corked, was pro- duced, drinking vessels were brought out, and all gathered round in eager expectancy, when the general filled the glasses and cups to the brim --- not with old cognac or bourbon, but with fresh butter-milk, which a kind lady, knowing his taste, had sent him. He seemed greatly to enjoy the evident disappointment of some of the company, when they ascertained the true character of their treat. Luxuries, which friends sent for his mess-table, went regularly to the sick and wounded in the hospital, and he was accustomed to say: "I am content to share the rations of my men."
Being invited to dine, upon one occasion. where an elegant dinner was served, he declined the rich viands offered him, dined on bread and beef, and quietly said, in explanation, to the lady of the house: "I can not consent to be feasting while my poor . soldiers are nearly starving."
In November, 1863, the city council of the city of Rich-
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mond passed a resolution to purchase for him au elegant man- sion. as a small token of the esteem in which he was held by the city he had so long defended. His home, Arlington, near Wash- ington, was in the hands of the United States government. The White House, on York river, the home of Washington's easy wedded life, which had descended to Mrs. Lee as great-grand- daughter of Mrs. Washington, had been ruthlessly burned by Federal officers, his splendid estates had passed from under his control, and his salary, in Confederate scrip, was inadequate to support his invalid wife and daughters. These facts were known to the city authorities, hence their action.
When General Lee heard of it, he wrote to the president of the council: "I assure you, sir, no want of appreciation of the honor conferred upon me by this resolution, or insensibility to the kind feelings which prompted it, induces me to ask, as I respectfully do, that no further proceedings be taken with reference to the subject. The house is not necessary to the use of my family, and my own duties will prevent my residence in Richmond.
"I should therefore be compelled to decline the generous ofer, and I trust that whatever means the city council may have to spare for this purpose, may be devoted to the relief of the families of our soldiers in the field, who are more in want of assistance and more deserving than I myself."
Once, while going from Petersburg to Richmond, he was qui- etly occupying a seat on the train. The car was full, and a rol- licking set of young officers were laughing and making sport at somebody's expense. An old lady, on a visit to her wounded son in a hospital, walked down the car, but none of the gallants offered her a seat, but poked fun at her when she modestly asked for a place. When she reached General Lee lie courteously rose -- "Madam, take this seat."
Instantly several vacated their places, offering them to him. as they recognized their great leader, and sought to undo the stupid blunder they had committed in such a presence.
"Thank you," he replied, "I prefer to stand. I am glad to be able to vacate my place for this lady." Their chagrin was a severe lesson, which doubtless they never forgot, while the old lady was overpowered by his attention.
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CHAPTER XXII.
Desertions in the Ranks-General Hood Still the Idol of the Texans -Ex- tracts from Letters -- Presentation of Golden Stars from a Lady of Texas to the Bravest Privates of the Brigade -Review of the Troops by Presi- dent Davis, Generals Lee, Longstreet and others -- Health of the Soldiers -Eulogy to a Private Soldier-Fight at Hatcher's Run -- Disasters in the Valley-Sheridan's Raid-General Lee Confers with Regard to Evacua- tion of Richmond and Petersburg-Decides to Attack Fort Stedinan- Friends Advise Leaving Virginia-General Grant Attacks General Lee- Leaving Winter Quarters-Confederates Repulsed at Five Forks -- Death of General A. P. Hill-General Lee's Message to the President that Rich- mond Must be Evacuated-Texas Brigade the last to Leave the Lines North of the James River-Retreat from Petersburg-Richmond at Evacuation -- Consternation of the People-Departure of the Government Officials-Burning of Confederate Stores and Private Property-Plunder- ing of the Rabble-Federal Troops Enter Richmond-Proclamation to the People-Wild Frenzy of Delight at the North.
The Texas brigade still retained its spirit and courage, al- though the officers were a good deal worried to find that some of their men were coolly taking "French leave," becoming discour- aged from hunger, privation, poor supply of clothing, and decid- ing to give up the fight, and return to their necessitous fami- lies.
President Davis says: "This absence, without leave, could not be called desertion, as the men did not go over to the enemy."
In spite of the harsh criticism of their own senator, Wigfall, the Texans still had confidence in the military genius of General Hood, aud freely discussed his disasters in the West, affirming positively, if he had commanded the same material as his own brigade, he would not have been so unsuccessful. He was still their idol, and they reverently gathered up his faded laurels and crowned him anew their hero, and the greatest of Confederate leaders, save Generals Lee and Jackson.
They had followed upon too many hard-fought battle-fields his low. thrilling "forward!" where victory had so signally followed their efforts, to learn now that he was incompetent as a military leader. They knew better, and only blamed his undisciplined army, which had never been united under any one commander, as the Army of Northern Virginia was under General Lee.
Everything remained very quiet along the lines below Rich- mond, until during the night of February 3d, an order came
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from headquarters, for the brigade "to be ready for action at daylight."
During the "wee sma hours" Colonel Winkler ate his frugal breakfast, and was soon away, leaving me with the harrowing fear of another attack.
The morning, however, wore away. All was quiet in the di- rection of the camp. Towards noon a messenger was seen ap- proaching by my servant, who had been on the alert, who bore the following note: "So far there is not the shadow of a pros- pect for a fight. Our own scouts, who are rarely ever deceived, say that at sunset last evening, the Federal lines were as hereto- fore, except that on one portion infantry were doing picket duty, where cavalrymen had hitherto stood. Having not learned the cause of last night's alarm, expect to have the pleas- ure of dining with you at the usual hour."
Thus ended this small excitement, and everything at camp and headquarters resumed its usual quiet routine.,
Extract of letters to Mrs. Littlefield, by her husband: "NEAR RICHMOND, February 17, 1865.
"Will send this by Colonel Dancy, who spent last night with us, and starts for Texas to-morrow. We have been enjoying the visits of friends who come out to see us. General Jack Baylor is with us nearly every Saturday, and stays until Monday. He is fine company. Colonel Powell and lady dined with us a day or two ago. He married a Baltimore lady at the provost marshal's office as he passed through that city, an exchanged prisoner. She is quite a nice laily. Have little news of interest. We are dreading the coming campaign. It will be hotly contested. The consolidation bill has passed. but I do not believe it will be put into practical effect this spring. Negroes will be put in the army. We must cheerfully acquiesce in the laws of our land. I hope it will work well, but will be the death blow to slavery. Now, this is a war for life, liberty and happinesss for the whites. Our troops are in fine spirits and doing well. Many have de- serted and returned to their homes; am glad to say none left from Company E. Will go to Richmond to-morrow for a Presbyte- rian minister to come out and stay a few days in camp.
"February 22d .-- Again. I have the pleasure of saying all well at Richmond. Various propositions are being discussed by the troops, and the public; the most important is 'negro soldiers.' All are in favor of it, willing to 'cast the bread upon the waters,' hoping we will find it again. All is night with us. We can- not fathom the future, and shrink from speculating on our fate or future locality; all depends on events now transpiring. Sher-
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man must be whipped, or he will run all over the Confederacy. General Hood is in Richmond, but has not yet called on his old brigade; his men have the same faith in him, and idolize him as much as ever. Colonel Sexton was out Saturday and stayed un- til Monday. We have a pleasant camp and much company, but how I long for home. What would I not give to see you once more-everything but honor. We have our trials but not above measure.
"The greatest campaign of the war will soon commence; how it will go, God only knows. We have our part to perform, do our duty faithfully, trusting to God. Must acknowledge I dread coming events, but we have no alternative."
Two events occurred during the time spent in winter quarters of interest.
One was the presentation of five golden stars sent from Texas by a lady, who stated they were made of goli too precious for ordinary use-the gift of some lost loved one she considered sacred, and wished to bestow them as testimonials to the bravest privates of the Texas brigade.
A committee was appointed to designate who should be enti- tled to wear these stars, and their presentation was an impres- sive scene, the committee declaring that amongst so many val- iant mien, it was the most difficult task of their lives. I was present at the ceremony aud kept for years a newspaper clipping of the occasion, but at this time am unable to give the names of those favored, which is a matter of deep regre :.
The other event of importance was a review of the troops on the north side of the James river, by President Davis. Generals Longstreet, Field and others, which was a most imposing moili- tary spectacle. Everything was in trim, the men with their pol- ished muskets glistening in the sunshine, clothing as neat as pos- sible under the circumstances, gallant officers :iding along their front, handsomely accoutered. receiving the salutes of the men, and ever and anon pausing to acknowledge a demonstration of respect, while the bands played their most inspiring and exhil- arating airs.
This was the only time I ever saw General Longstreet, whose whole hearing was soldierly and expressive of determined and persistent action.
The review was such a brilliant pageant, and excited so much admiration for the military, it was hard to realize all these men and officers were living upon the scantiest ratitos possible.
At this time the men were drawing oue pound of bacon for a mess of eight men, and four in proportion, yet, strange to say, they were athletic and strong. No dyspepsia troubled their
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dreams, no liver complaint paralyzed their energies and befud- died their brains, and at no time during life, of the four years' struggle, was their physical health so perfect.
Rheumatism sometinies gave them twinges of pain from the ex- posure they had suffered, but a novel method of cure often over- came the malady. A huge fire would be made in the tent chim- ney, the patient's cot placed so his feet were directly in front, and soon the good effects of "baking the feet" before the fire was manifest, and he was able to resume his duties. If one man had two pairs of shoes, and his comrade was in need, one pair was always handed over to the other. In like manner all articles of clothing were shared, drawing them together in the bonis of brotherly love and common suffering. There was no marmuting at their seeming destitution. They literally fivel above the dis- agreeables of the present, "with a heart for every fate." Too much eulogy can never be given to the privates of the Confeder. ยท ate ranks.
A writer of the period beautifully expresses his sentiments thus:
"The hero of this war is the private soldier. the humble and honest patriot of the South, in his dirt-stained clothes, who toils through pain and hunger and peril: who has to reward but in the satisfaction of good deeds; who throws his poor. unknown life away at the cannon's mouth, and dies in that single flash of glory. How many of these heroes have been faid in unmarked ground, the nameless graves of self-devotion. But the ground where they rest is in the sight of heaven. Nothing kisses their graves but the sunlight; nothing mourns for them but the sob- sing wind; nothing adorns their dust but the wild flowers that have grown on the bloody crust of the battle-Seld. But not a Southern soldier has fallen in this war without the account of heaven, and death makes its registry of the rare and brave on the silver page of immortal life."
When the troops on the north side of the James had been or- dered to be in readiness for an attack on the morning of February 4th, it indicated some movement of the enemy, which became manifest on the south side of the river on February 6th, when Pegram's division of General Lee's army was attacked by cavalry and infantry in large numbers. "The battle raged fiercely for hours, over a space of ground not more that fre hundred yards in width. Every effort of the Federais to break through the Confederate lines, was repulsed. Mahone's vision came up and reported late in the afternoon, and was forried between the other two, when the three divisions made a spirite : advance. ani drove the enemy, in the greatest disorder, from the field to his
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fortifications on Hatcher's Run. The pursuit was continued un- til after dark. General Pegram fell in the last charge, just be- fore Mahone's division came up."
This was the only important military event for several weeks. and the quiet remained unbroken, but the situation was watched with eager anxiety.
Towards the latter part of February, General Sheridan had again began to "ride up" the valley of the Shenandoah, leaving Hancock in command at Winchester. On reaching Waynesboro, a battle occurred between Early's and Custer's divisions, which resulted in the rout of the Confederates.
Sheridan captured about thirteen hundred prisoners, nearly all of Early's little command, which indeed fell an easy prey to the magnificent cavalry. Early himself escaped with difficulty. Some of his staff officers, and his personal baggage, were cap- tured.
Charlottesville surrendered the next day, and from this point Sheridan moved, on March 6th, in two columns, south yard, toward the James. One division, under General Devan, took a directly southern course to Scottsville, destroying all mills. mer- chandise and bridges on the line of march and along the Rivanna river to Columbia. The other division proceeded down the rail- road to Lynchburg, destroying it as far as Amherst, a distance of forty miles.
From Scottsville, Devan's division proceeded westward along the bank of the James, destroying every lock on the canal as far as Dungaldsville, twenty miles from Lynchburg. Not being able to cross the James on account of high water, Sheridan moved round the north side of Richmond, and crossing at Deep Bottom, joined General Meade's army south of Petersburg.
The destruction accomplished by this raid was immense. A Federal correspondent, who accompanied the expedition, boasted that "two million dollars worth of provisions and war material were destroyed in a single day."
Pollard says: "The damage to the Kanawa and James River canal was irreparable: as to the railroads between Waynesboro and Charlottesville, Charlottesville and Amherst Court House, and Louisa Court House and the South Anna, and between Chesterfield Station and the Chickahominy river, every bolige, nearly every culvert, and scores of miles of the railroad itself. has been completely destroyed; and in thirteen counties traversed by this expedition, mills of various kinds, tobacco warehouses. manufactured and leaf tobacco, and various other kinds of private .property, were pillaged or destroyed."
"About the the middle of February," says Jones, in his Life
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of General Lee: "in the early part of March, as well as my mecs- ory can fix the date," says President Davis; "General Lee beid a conference at Richmond with the President, with regard to his evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg, and retiring towaris Danville, where supplies could be collected and a junction ciade with General Joseph H. Johnston, The combined forces wasti then be hurled against Sherman, defeating him, before Grant could come to his relief, hoping that when that general was drawn from his base of supplies, at City Point, that he too might be defeated, and Virginia delivered from the invaders."
A communication from General Hood had been submitted to General Lee by President Davis some time before, advocating the retreat of the Army of Northern Virginia into Middle Tennessee, should Virginia have to be evacuated, but the idea was not at all entertained by General Lee.
Naturally averse to retreating at any time, and loath to abau- don his native State to the Federals, should the emergency arise, he deemed it best to proceed towards that part of the country from which his supplies were drawn, and trusting to re-enfurcs- ments from the more Southern States and Trans-Mississippi De- partment, in case of signal success. after a junction was elected with Johnston's army in North Carolina.
General Lee realized how much he would lose, in the event of withdrawal from the Confederate capital, as here was located the principal workshops and foundries for the manufacture an:1 repair of arms and preparation of ammunition, but as there were smaller establishments in the South elsewhere, this dificaky could, in a measure, be overcome.
He also disclosed the fact that it would not be possible to an- dertake the evacuation. in the quiet manner he desired, until the roads became firmuer, and in their present condition his draught horses were too wreak to undergo the fatigue.
Supplies were ordered to be collected at depots along the : ro- posed route, and the quartermaster-general instructed to furnish, if possible, larger rations of corn, to improve the condition of the horses, to the quartermaster at Petersburg.
After this conference, he presented the President with the clan of a sortie against the enemy's works to the right of his tine. near Fort Stedman, at Hare's Hill. This was designed, if suc- cessful, to capture and hold the works on Grant's right, as well as three forts on the commanding ridge in his rear, and westi form a breach in his army, threaten bis communication with bis base at City Point, compel him to move liis forces, and rettere the Confederate right, which was being constantly threatened by the extension of Grant's left.
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The hazardous undertaking was intrusted to General Gordon, and at four o'clock, on the morning of March 25th, he cautiously advanced, his pioneers cutting with their axes the obstruction of fence rails wrapped with telegraph wire, their ends sharpened and driven in the ground.
The surprise was complete, and but little trouble was found in capturing the first line of works, many prisoners, and several hundred yards of breastworks. In the darkness, some of the men ran to the forts in the rear and gave the alarm, when soon the Federals were up and on the alert, quickly massing both ar- tillery and infantry, but could not dislodge the Confederates.
"A detachment was now sent to seize the commanding ground and works in the rear, where the batteries would soon make an opening in Grant's line."
The guides to this detachment misled it, in the darkness of the foggy dawn, far from the point to which it was directed. This detached force was all either killed or captured, and never re- joined the main army, while General Gordon's position now was exceedingly critical.
The captured fort and works were subjected to a most terrible enfilading fire of shell, grape and canister, and, in the face of a brilliant success, their intrepid leader was compelled to with- draw.
General Gordon said of this attack afterwards: "This attack was regarded by General Lee and myself as most hazardous: but it seemed necessary to do more than sit quietly waiting for Gen- eral Grant to move upon our right, while each day was diminish- ing our strength by disease and death. Let me add, that the movement made at Hare's Hill must have proved successful but for the unforeseen and unavoidable miscarriage of our plans."
The people of Richmond and the troops were all in utter igno- rance of any conference with regard to the evacuation of Rich- mond; although some rumors were afloat to that effect, they were considered but the imagination of idle brains, so firm was the belief that the Confederate capital would be held at all bazards.
When Congress adjourned, Col. Stephen F. Darden, one of the Texas representatives, came out to our camp home to pay tis a farewell visit. Colonel Winkler was absent on the line attending to his duties, but he said he had decided, as an act of sincere friendship, to give some advice as to future movements.
I will never forget that bright, sunny afternoon, and his grave face and serious manner as he cautiously desired his communi- cations might be considered as confidential. He said he knew positively, but hadn't the liberty to give his authority, that sot only Richmond, but Virginia would be evacuated; that in the
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cvent of the army falling back, I would inevitably be left within the Federal lines. Said he: "I have thought the matter over very carefully, and have decided to come out this evening, give you all the facts, and offer, if you will accompany our delegation in Congress to Texas, to conduct you to a place of safety out of the threatened danger."
To me the idea seemed very absurd that Virginia would be abandoned, after so much blood and treasure had been expended in her defense.
I thought only one moment, then replied: "Colonel Darden, I thank you for the kindness, but could not be satisfied in any place of safety where I could get no news from the Texas brigade. I married during the war simply to have a better privilege of caring for Colonel Winkler, if sick or wounded, and now can not think of deserting in time of danger."
"But," he urged, "suppose you are left in Federal lines ?"
"Then I must trust in Providence."
When Colonel Winkler arrived, he disclosed his mission, but he approved of my decision, and said he expected I would leave the lines in a few days for a safer retreat, during the coming campaign.
My purpose was to spend the summer at the country home of my sister, twenty-five miles above the city, where I would be in communication with the army.
We both expressed our appreciation of his friendship; but after we had bid him good-bye for the last time as Confederates, we discussed the matter and concluded he was needlessly alarmed- members of the army always considering Congressmen as inclined to look upon the dark side of the cause.
One effect of his visit was to hurry my departure from the lines, and the next day we discussed with Major Littlefield the plan of being my escort, as my husband could not be spared from the direction of his men, with the probability of active operations at any time.
On March 29th, General Grant. quick to retaliate General Lee's attempt to penetrate his lines, began a movement towards the South Side railroad, General Sheridan's cavalry force moving out on the Jerusalem plank road. and reaching Dinwiddie Court House at 4 o'clock in the evening. Simultaneously with this move two corps of infantry had been ordered to march out in a parallel line, while, very secretly, the bulk of Graut's forces on the north side of the James had been transferred to his lines around Petersburg.
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