1 50 6 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/62a9fbdaff43e8dc4709e34913c98387.jpg faf80cddc29fec32993ff5e8b368d694 PDF Text Text Part 3rd. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ed8b04cecdb4d590dd2e80cce3000d3e.jpg 08ca6b668616337d4f456951a03bb67c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8548fb02ddb156be92830344e161299c.jpg 592b19426bf4c9f589d8a2ede1706249 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1718211bc88e99587f92bc386a419f10.jpg 7a969de887a68cc790f5b9ae3daa4155 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5b3af029814341917f1c722f1ffae200.jpg eb237b5508abcf94d158d02f2ce5c38e PDF Text Text Bragg’s Retreat. from Shelbyville marks an epoch in my prison experience, from which shall be dated many varied hopes. Rosecrans out flanked Bragg on the right and on the left. Thus the rebels were routed and retreated toward Tulahoma, June __ “/63 At midnight ( ) we who were prisoners at Wartrace were ordered in double quick toward Tulahoma. Wartrace was evacuated to remain as a trace of the war. I sincerely hoped that we she might fall into Rosecran’s hands before they (the rebels) would get us back to Tulahoma. Very often on https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b47f10458c26bfe801b7061d78611cd0.jpg 83233acb87b3d044061c8ec1f03c8ada https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/318283c5a17c5b954d8aaa68319a02e8.jpg 3125dec11c3530959a7935fcc0bbbca3 PDF Text Text the retreat s<s>h</s>uch hopes were <s>made</s> raised to lively expectation; <s>by the rattling, rambling wagon trains as they mired and broke down in great confusion.</s> The rebels left Shelbyville in such a panic (I am told) that they ran their horses off of the bridge and high bluff there, into Duck River and many of them drowned. Their wagon trains and whole army were marked by the same wild excitement. I and the other prisoners were made <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-2-corduroy-road" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 2, Corduroy Road footnote" rel="noopener">Corduroy the road</a> via Roseville for the wagons. We worked just as we were made do it. We sought opportunity of escape but were closely guarded. Several thousand troops mostly Tennesseeans deserted the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4091547f64e7a9b1b3568f9ed11e3cc2.jpg 4abc0c511972589d3c104010d6195132 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/78039edcab04ef32b56cbc55df16f70b.jpg 53d6dfbabb61abc0d942edbf6ea3337c PDF Text Text Rebel ranks before Bragg’s army reached Tennessee river. We got nothing to eat till we arrived at Tulahoma, except some wheat which we plucked as we were marched through the fields. It afforded me exquisite pleasure to witness the confusion, loss and defeat of the rebel army of Tennessee, which had held the Union men of that State in duress so long. At Tulahoma I had the opportunity <s>delight</s> of seeing a grand concentration of their grey, ragged, confused multitude. <s>It lit up my whole nature with cheerfulness.</s> The roar of Rosecrans’ artillery had no terror for me. My soul vibrated to its https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9ea2f89c54ae6ca2587404e4381ddbe0.jpg 90a8f0ed4b15a05271d4fff8e69a37d9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/407342fa6c27a7864b84baa615d04ba7.jpg c99f07213e4e14aee65d3d4692f80dc1 PDF Text Text advancing thunders, as doth the heart to the sweet music of friends.—But alas, this sanguine hope must again be disappointed. My patience must be tried further and further still. I was placed aboard the cars and taken back to that dreaded prison at Chattanooga.—There were many prisoners crowded to this point, and the whole rebel bombast was in an uproar.— <div class="tooltip" title="While there was no standard designation for hospital flags, Civil War armies typically used either red or yellow flags to mark their hospitals, which were considered unacceptable targets for enemy fire.">Yellow flags were floating over the Chattanooga hospitals,</div> for they (the rebels) expected that some dashing Union cavalry would attack the place. By this Retreat the rebel power in Tenn. was circumscribed to the city of Chattanooga and the Knoxville line. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/78ffec1d85f382a492235d213606f752.jpg 33a2b912617d423a60602c206995953f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/462a04a6eb2c405020a215fb92d018c9.jpg 5ede24506df476788cd7ed2ec720c9b3 PDF Text Text During my imprisonment I have observed many rebel follies, but one was so manifest while they held Chattanooga that I mention it. viz— <div class="tooltip" title="As mentioned in a previous volume, Robert L. Caruthers was a judge, politician, and cofounder of the Cumberland School of Law that Woods attended. Although he was elected governor of Confederate Tennessee as Woods mentions, he never took office due to growing Union control in the state.">Hon. R.L. Caruthers</div> who had in times past been an excellent man rendered himself ridiculous by being elected Confederate governor of Tennessee when they only held Chattanooga. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-5-tennessee-and-missouri" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 5, Tennessee and Missouri footnote" rel="noopener">Clabe Jackson</a> committed a like folly by issuing a proclamation as governor of Missouri when his “traveling Legislature” was in Mississippi. The whole rebellion made itself an object of ridicule and contempt, by enacting “conscriptions,” and “tax-in-kind” for Tenn. Mo. +c. when these states were of <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-5-tennessee-and-missouri" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 5, Tennessee and Missouri footnote" rel="noopener">right and virtuely <s>out</s> from under rebel <s>jur usurpation</s> rule.</a> Such assumptions of power and such proceedings point to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1be82bcd1470645bb3bff8becc9018cf.jpg 5814ef0f6044e746451c809098375ed5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4f22b6a9b578392844cecff795a77219.jpg f920d8fa33ad9a6a8337481d15a706e8 PDF Text Text their supporters as fit subjects for the lunatic asylum, or penitentiary.—Under the excitement of the retreat Chattanooga was considered an unsafe place to keep prisoners; so we (about 200) were transferred to the Atlanta Prison. which was decidedly the best regulated military prison with which I became acquainted, in the South. It was a large lecture room in the heart of the city, and in sight of the depot. The lower rooms of the <s>bul</s> building were occupied by the commander and guard and the second and third stories by the prisoners, of whom there were several hundreds. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/486ee8fcb57c5970c1537892ca481b15.jpg c804b9ae80dc9bf1011eee6e67124fd1 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ce0ca47d1c80a8ae454cc81bceb3cff4.jpg 39455f595b411bdbf70e753e1572504a PDF Text Text Atlanta Ga. was an important rendezvous for Confederate purposes.—This prison building was inclosed nearly all round by a high plank wall, and the prisoners were allowed to remain in the yard thus formed, during the daytime. On the 4th of July 1863 I was <s>here</s> in this prison. —I felt disposed to celebrate the day, but I soon discovered that I was rather awkwardly situated to celebrate it in the old fashioned way. Then I celebrated it in spirit. I fasted and prayed. I penciled my prayer on the fly-leaf of my Bible and have preserved it till now (Sept. 8, 1865) Prayer O Lord thou art the architect https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/88eed24b3aaf70cf2a967ccc0494f9aa.jpg 982fba84b81b397862abf640fc24092a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7bd7a0a401907592e9d9595346f3360b.jpg 3c1a97af0b8c7037eb46a2694ffb8659 PDF Text Text of the Universe;—the director of all things, physical and spiritual.—Thou dost send thy blessings upon the just and unjust +. We are taught by thy word that thou dost chastise those whom thou lovest. The world is ready at thy command to wake to war and revolution, or to sing the songs of peace and happiness. Thy humble servant doth + on this memorable day recognize the power and right of God to rule and reign over all his creatures as doth please him. The will of the Lord be done.—Lord be not offended at thy servant in this his humble petition, and he will venture with full faith to thank the sincerely for all the blessings of this life and for the unspeakable gifts and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/66ad5c480bcdc8230926b8529df9dfb3.jpg 436625528fe109c9d5e0a95f8077eadc https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d327150ca25c89d04708461600d25183.jpg 6ab7bf50bbdf74a3869380424cedb655 PDF Text Text promises of <s>the Holy Ghost</s> Eternal Life <s>to come</s>, through the merits of our Lord and Savior. Thy Servant, as becometh all thy followers, asketh pardon for all past offenses against thy Holy Law.—Clothe thy Servant this day O Lord with the holy garments of righteousness. Oh, for the faith and zeal of the Holy ones of inspiration. Bless, Oh, bless those near, and dear unto thy unworthy servant. I ask not fame, long-life, nor riches, but wisdom, Lord, from thy plenteous grace. Lord I entreat thy smiles upon the land of thine own choosing. Give us again, the balmy breezes of peace, to waft our souls to thee. Save at last through Father, Son and Holy Ghost—Amen. Atlanta Ga. (Guard House) J.H.W— July 4th 1863.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b0923956de6263c73d7748746fc2b72d.jpg e7ad9a253017888de86d74df4f865720 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/530830d75bbf55a06c90dbb9577e4d17.jpg 4ad6bbf92bc8b50c7d550a1236efc187 PDF Text Text I did not realize, that at the very hour of my prayer and fasting, that Pemberton at Vicksburg was capitulating to Grant, and that Lee was reeling under the mighty thunders of Meade at Gettysburgh. After this day’s meditation my mind was calm, and from then I had but little fear of being put to death by the rebels or that they would ever succede <s>against the Union</s>. My greatest anxiety was to be where I could be counted one, in the service of my bleeding country. Yet [text underneath: indeed], I almost considered my imprisonment a means for the preservation of my life. I read daily of the thousands who were falling beneath the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9d2ef1b4158b516bfb33c26af24620f2.jpg 9a19136cd268ca6317e37de3c3988e99 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/310348b9d0777fd682bff59ce45a8109.jpg 6580fe85f9fcaeca1ad55afba3609bf4 PDF Text Text flag of Washington. I prayed that monuments of American gratitude might ever keep their memories alive. In Hospital There was a Barracks completed at Atlanta about the 8th of July 1863, to which the prisoners were all to be removed and the building we were in was to be fitted up immediately for hospital purposes. I heard some descriptions of the “Atlanta Barracks” which caused me to recoil at the thought<s> decide not</s> of going there. <s>if I could possible avoid it.</s> I thought my best, and only chance to escape it, was to get assigned to the hospital by some means. I had already been in prison so long that I was pale and weak. I feigned https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1c67759851cb3c9a8e78dd7d30617850.jpg bb7739947707917c149a1a14a81560a8 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/175ced57038ce1a802777c4000d01045.jpg d4bcde0b301df6beb9c7814e16c4235a PDF Text Text to be very sick indeed. By exciting my pulse and the action of my heart I just before the surgeon came to examine me, I so deceived him that he allowed me to remain with the sick. It was not common for the rebel surgeons to send a sick prisoner to the hospital until it was about certain that he was past recovery. There were several of this class left for the hospital with [text underneath: well as] myself. Among them were three or four Union Tennesseeans, old men, who were abused and neglected until they died on the floor where they lay.—The doctor said “let them go—they are damned Union men anyhow.” So I began https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cc987786853c8fd3c5dfb380994cb18d.jpg 105207444a2340cbc0f673d6a3bbc2d6 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/396fcf505014f5cb699268e24e28eb0e.jpg 608d47ef3a6983e4e2138f3f0a0d89ad PDF Text Text to think I was likely going to recieve but poor consolation myself by remaining in the hospital; <s>but I passed as a soldier and fared better.</s> The doctors soon forgot that I was a prisoner at all, I talked rather smoothly to them and gained their confidence. I kept myself just well enough to be up, and the doctors allowed me to walk about the streets for my health. I spent some time in the stores, printing offices +c, listening to rebel officers and taking notes.—I was too weak to travel or I might have made a journey. Thes hospital was well furnished with nice clean beds and our old dirty garments were https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c6e639245044feb2acba8adfde2e05d7.jpg 52768fd3cc657f2b1671ffdacaa7853b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/51a60ffc49f5ab946828a646b26f485a.jpg 04eae1ac95fd9f342c3f83678da0e0a7 PDF Text Text exchanged for new and clean ones. The hospital was soon filled with sick and wounded. There was in the city an association of the ladies, called the “Soldiers Relief Association” (?) Those “good angel women” visited the sick and brought them many nice things which the Confederacy did not issue,—milk, vegetables, +c. Many of those visiting ladies were young and pretty and <s>quite</s> disposed to conversation <s>talk when they could find a man capable of holding conversation.—I could do that—hence</s> The ladies showed considerable partiality <s>toward</s> for me: And in confidential talk with them I found that many of the Southern women loved the Union better than the Confederacy, <s>and</s>. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e0eaee272006898cdffa1e8387a02cd0.jpg 9624bf792913110f4722305245da732b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0f7beddb2e9e043e97c48ca0296afb58.jpg 2971a67e2ef55136983f0dd7e1f29bdc PDF Text Text <s>just here</s> My readers will allow me to make an apology for the zeal the Southern ladies manifested in the welfare of the rebel soldiery. Those soldiers were their husbands, sons and brothers—many of them unjustly and unfairly forced into the rebel service, and the women knew it. The Confederacy could neither clothe nor feed the <s>soldiers</s> them well. <div class="tooltip" title=" For more information on the experience, role, and motivations of Confederate women during the Civil War, see Drew Gilpin Faust’s book Mothers of Invention: Women of the Slaveholding South in the American Civil War (University of Northern Carolina Press, 1996).">Hence the women worked with their own hands to feed and clothe their husbands sons, and brothers rather than see them suffer.</div> I don’t believe <s>all</s> the zeal shown by the Southern ladies in clothing + feeding the soldiers signified <s>their</s> devotion to the rebel cause. I know the intelligent poor attributed their sorrows and partings to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/93a65bca1b9c22afc02bce7b6fec501e.jpg fc9d108b0f9deb05f495053898cfec8f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/576dbb05646124302cf3b4b575f9a422.jpg dc7c6ea17892863c82f237b2d03df31f PDF Text Text the <s>willfull</s> treason of secessionists. I can love the Southern lady still, who candidly confesses that her zeal was for <s>the sake</s> of comfort of her loved ones and not for the love of the Confederate cause. I was fairing so well in the hospital that I was uneasy for fear of being lest I should removed to some worse place <s>worse</s>.—Now earnestly, after <s>a man</s> one endures the hardships, and abuses of prison and makes his bed at night on the ground or floor, and maddens with hunger, four or five months he will be well prepared to appreciate a soft bed, clean clothes, good things to eat, and the sweet voice of <s>a kind lady</s> woman. —And Some ladies are very https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/636d4daeb8faed158a676ebc120cfd15.jpg 7d81be233e18056fa649269d10a0b94e PDF Text Text So it was with Mrs _________ living near, Atlanta, she said to me, that her husband had been forced from her, that she knew not where he was, but that she would be kind to me hoping that some woman would meet her husband and be kind to him. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6491446b3606d83c8aa920c1972249bd.jpg 09b9292f45259107660ec5d825ee72fb PDF Text Text thoughtful too. While their husbands +c. were at Vicksburg or Richmond wasting under fever and loneliness they could not administer to them, but they could lay their gentle hands on the brow of some Mississippi or Virginia lady’s loved one, <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-17-women-and-the-war" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 17, Women and the War footnote" rel="noopener">hoping that the kindness might be reciprocated.</a> But I must part with this interim of semi-pleasure and try again the prison cell. An order came for me, to be sent to Chattanooga, (Aug. 4/63) to await my trial. If you are in military custody you must <s>just</s> meet bravely whatever <s>you</s> may be imposed upon you; for I assure you, you will seldome have changes just as you desire. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8872e0bc659222041055c2bc26dff7f2.jpg aaead391b94fbdb9dfa46d377e287dd8 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/915a9a1823bef0c3f0db675b73d18b62.jpg 316e0cb81ea2b8e8fc00387d6ba61d21 PDF Text Text Chattanooga. The Guard House at Chattanooga was so forbidding in all its characteristics that I confinement there would almost produce weeping despondency. The treatment of prisoners there was scarcely better than at <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-18-pow-camps" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 18, POW Camps footnote" rel="noopener">Libby, Castle Thunder, or Andersonville.</a> In the first part of August 1863 Bragg held the country South of the Tennessee river and Rosecrans the country north of it. They were both making preparation for battle. There was a few weeks of quiet along the lines, which the rebel court siezed upon to bring deserters and accused Union men to trial. There were about two hundred of these, (and I was one of them) awaiting trial at Chattanooga. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f9794695735d777211301beb59053c11.jpg afb0360c443b69efcb80c6e8de498e40 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bcbb8ee61c9dae1e709f1b6d8f83c5c9.jpg f00accf532b3d40209a09c866fff2785 PDF Text Text The military prison was on the Main St.—It was a large, brick building three stories high. We were closely guarded and kept in the accumulated filth of the prison.—We suffered severely for food and water. Chattanooga is not well watered except by river water, and the presence of so large an army kept the wells all mudy. A very scanty supply of water would be brought into us once a day. The men were so dry they would crowd around the buckets as if their lives depended upon a drink. The sick and the weak <s>often</s> could not hold their own in the press, consequently, they suffered, till death would have been a welcom visitor; especially https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0513dd9dc04769e03fddafbc05690cea.jpg ff6752c8d5ce08d19317bbf42d7704e3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/94128d2ade0eb7d78ca41ab2681bfd85.jpg da150078b76e7d20256bc647cf56d788 PDF Text Text to those who were <s>sick and</s> in chains. There were a number of these prisoners under sentence of death. The clanking of the chains upon their emaciated and haggard forms, covered with lothesome vermin created in my mind, a double sensation of pity and horror. There was a dark dungeon in which those under sentence of death were locked: for men under sentence are more apt to “break the guard” than those who do not know what their punishment is to be. I have watched those most unfortunate victims, as their forlorn visages appeared through the grated windows. Their ghastly paleness and looks https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/147af0114b405f807546b176f74998ee.jpg e938aedd22837654b7db4ce1a0899994 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cced2ae97d76f3f8ce5a729b8b75c71f.jpg 02d681c8a87dad043623f6f4dab938ba PDF Text Text of despair haunted me like ghosts even in my waking hours. Their conditions were so much worse than my own, at that time, that I almost forgot my own imprisonment,—I thought myself fortunate while contemplating their most excruciating sufferings.—( <div class="tooltip" title="As mentioned in a previous volume, William Gannaway Brownlow was a Methodist preacher, Senator, and newspaper owner who was arrested and imprisoned by the Confederate government for treason. He returned to Tennessee after the war as the post-bellum governor of the state during Reconstruction.">Gov. Brownlow</div> saw some of these things at Knoxville while the rebels held him prisoner.)—I beheld these horrid scenes for fifteen long months and experienced them to their bitterest degree, <s>save the sting of a guilty conscience, which I never experienced in prison.</s> Oh Lord, deliver me from beholding again such sufferings among my fellow men as I https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/19ca4ffcdadb8fe21846fd91d2a165d6.jpg addf852622d0c6eb95fc437713fc2057 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/287a1a1c5eead3de80115dc44cc857f3.jpg c5a8a4fcba0de34c637d68f09c633261 PDF Text Text beheld at Chattanooga and Atlanta There were old men and young men, starved, abused and chained hand and foot, in a dungeon, without the light of day to cheer, or the voice of a friend to mitigate their fear. Men, who only a few months before sported in all the beauty, health, and comforts of happy homes, were dragged to prison, and tortured to death by this rebel process of starvation and chains.—All for what?—Just because they had refused to serve that <s>damnable humbug</s> abomination—the Southern Confederacy. I spent a portion of my time here administering to the unfortunate sick, They had sunk under the pressure of their imprisonment, and now https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d95759d176befc152fbe5d4eaf25e064.jpg a0a46488697f12f3ef6c248771d5bbc5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/152e0b68fdab83ee7ac0c38ff19a927a.jpg 6ad223007a1f06b89cc72023da1089cf PDF Text Text lay helpless on the filthy floor of the prison.—I could do no more for the poor fellows, than to get them water, bathe their heads, and encourage them. I have watched the sick thus until life slowly ebbed out. I have stood by them in prison and pushed the fighting, swearing crowds off of their dead bodies—<s>for</s> when men are confined under these circumstances, so<s>on</s> many together, you may see weeping, laughing, fighting, swearing, stealing and dying all at the same time. Amnesty to deserters was proclaimed by Jeff Davis in August 1863.—This proclamation was noised throughout all the land of rebeldom https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/45b2804289e54cbbf27a5714beeba98c.jpg 17498f3487d68c4b2adb59f71d9101d0 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f0155b5a801ea103f82cdc95135db15f.jpg 1cc551976aa0a748013d99c7315e8abd PDF Text Text as a great mercy showing the kind hand and Christian heart of Jeff. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-24-amnesty-for-deserters" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 24, Amnesty for Deserters footnote" rel="noopener">It pardoned all deserters from the Confederate service, who should report within a limited time.</a> Those who were in the Union lines were limited to forty (40) days. Those who were in prison and even under sentence were included in the Amnesty unless they were under arrest or sentence for the third or fourth offense.—The real object of the Amnesty was to induce Sixty thousand men back to the rebel service. It did not spring from a tender, merciful heart, as the officers and preachers would make believe. It was only treason’s desperate desire to feed the flowing https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a84c574fc6fc47cfca9cfc7ecb1d2122.jpg adf1fc71a1fd5b410d6951ccef9df199 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0b69350bbdb9ef9bc7c54d41f79bffb8.jpg 3795a592318090e9c1291bdaa98d5566 PDF Text Text river of blood with the fresh streams from the gushing wounds of of sixty thousand more <s>in battle slain.</s> Under this Amnesty, the Provost Martial of Chattanooga sent many of the prisoners to their respective regiments. I was sent among them, to the regiment to which they assigned me. It (36 Ala) was at Tyner Station twelve (12) miles from Chattanooga on the Knoxville road. The Colonel refused to recieve me, because my crime was mutiny and not desertion I was held a few days for trial. They guarded me very closely under a tree, where the Provost guard had their quarters.—One Lieut. Baker was the Pro. Martial. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cbc9b248ef60fdea8cfc00e814c63fb8.jpg f65d6a784ef7d09614d862579c61b89f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/da565ce043f85240ce05f95b6b0b3a52.jpg 1ae8fc400310eeb4a49acaf28ca1c90a PDF Text Text —He was a rebel of the meanest qualities, but more of him by and by. While I was at this place some of my League-friends who had so far escaped arrest and who had failed to get away from the rebel lines, would walk <s>awkwardly</s> by where I was under guard. They would talk with me and encourage me, (<s>for</s> some sentinels would allow them to speak to me when no officer was about). I selected a few of them to be my witnesses when my trial should be brought on. I was low spirited, and so sick and week that I could scarcely walk. Desponding and disheartened https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ddafb06130eb453e32f15ca8530de9de.jpg fc441fadaf7a9a0ef550707e1689a46c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9d9547e70f124453f971a6ffdbeff149.jpg c7037d6dffbb6ba73793b3dc14b38935 PDF Text Text I at last resolved to “Brek the Guard” and escape to the woods or die in the effort. Once from under their bayonets I intended if possible to make my way <s>ar</s> around Bragg’s pickets to the river, with the design of crossing over, on a raft, to Genl. Rosecrans. There is a state of despondency into which if a person fall life is a burden and dangers have no terror. It was Wednesday night at 11 o’clock—Aug. 12, 1863—that I arose from where I lay at the root of an oak, and fled from the guard. I had been sick several days and it was thought https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/72611c6a5c4ff38aab291cc7152725d5.jpg 3694b535514504f8273667cf39fe8bfb https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/01edde54b575276df72a681113621212.jpg abe44ada2550cb269e7c15ca2447910b PDF Text Text one sentinel over me was sufficient.—To decieve him I lay down about 7 o’clock, pretending to be very sick. To lesson suspicion if he should have any, I pulled off my coat and hung my hat on a limb—my shoes were untied upon my feet, for I desired to take them with me. The Provost Guard were all fast asleep, and while I turned <s>and groaned</s> upon my bed of leaves, the sentinel nodded. I saw that he was unsuspecting. I resolved at once to decieve him more. I put my finger down my throat to gag as though I were about vomiting—then starting recumbently as if to get a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/530c33c3f32a9dcc3504b1a5d37242fc.jpg 0497062517cc2fda408c99e105c8d65b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/87eb4ac4a68e6ec08660985e8498403f.jpg 8bd9afd7792bfb77f29a09dccdd34dfd PDF Text Text few paces from my bed. There was a fence nearby and when I had gotten a few steps from the sentinel, <s>my strength suddenly came to me,—my sickness was gone.</s> I <s>straightened up and</s> leaped the fence <s>like a wild gazelle and made for the middle of a cornfield.</s> Soon as the sentinel recovered he cried “halt” at the top of his voice—then leveled his piece, but the cap bursted—and while in excited haste he fingered for another—he cried out again in quivering fear—“You Woods”—“Stop Woods” (for he evidently expected to take my place under guard if I should escape). But before he could get another cap https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/96c07345dd325d36870ee0454b6ad4a2.jpg 6bcdb55ef94fdd1ff7702acf95454327 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5a9c682f23c2ac86ebee994ce8f9d562.jpg cc9cc02674b7e45cce661d7838462d8c PDF Text Text or arouse the guards I was lost in the darkness. I ran directly to a cornfield which was some distance off, from which, after resting and listening, I ventured into the mountains. In the excitement of the hour I had over-tasked my weakness—About the time the sentinel hollowed the third time, I stumbled and fell. On rising again from the ground, I thought best to take my shoes in my hands and run with lighter foot. I exhausted my strength and being feverish I thirsted for water. My tongue was dry as grass, but while groping my way through the dark I found some <div class="tooltip" title="Sassafras is an edible, leafy plant found throughout the eastern half of the United States. It has many purposes, particularly in tea and as a flavoring. It also has a range of suggested medicinal applications.">Sassafras</div> , the leaves which I ate and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bcbcd4eec0911d6ea81abad3705a0cee.jpg 4dbd271dd833aae7a2ced66c5177af3f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8de6008f2ea633b71b53c6a6845e89f6.jpg f098d5f9ddd057b892b08f4115ff8c42 PDF Text Text slaked my thirst. I secreted myself in the woods by day and traveled by night until Sunday 16th ___ without anything to eat or drink, except one drink of water and a bunch of green grapes and on the second day and some apple peelings which I found in the road on the third day. I obtained the drink by tieing an old tin [text underneath: handkerchief] to the end of a long pole, which I let down into a well, to <s>immerse the handkerchief. I then squeezed the water out of it into my mouth.</s> I expected to endure these inconveniences when I started, but I felt so disconsolate, while sick under guard that I preferred to die in the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/07a328e8e5d15737ac36a43d8a374c98.jpg 20b98dd6c69356e0d0660e3856124e07 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bebe2438d946e6883206aedb467d542d.jpg 4c757a6d7fbc7f8b0634132102ff39ae PDF Text Text woods rather than under the cold sympathy of the bayonet. I was pursued by cavalry. <s>and</s> Bragg’s army extended sixty miles up and down the river Hence I was convinced that my effort would be unavailing—and that persistence would very soon lead to me apprehension. The next Monday was the day set apart for my trial and as I found that escape would be almost impossible, I thought to return of my own accord, would be an argument in my favor.—I felt sure of worse treatment, if I should be caught and taken back to those in pursuit of me. I had endeavored to reach the river at different places, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f7a8ed1c9c465db42fe3ec876fd881dc.jpg cabbfdb38ee65542e05df1bf1b08d1eb https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e00ecb2e943aefae40359939b0fec7fe.jpg 82be32fd0fcb17959a26c1784a375124 PDF Text Text but found double lines of pickets to intercept me. So, in my extremity of weakness and hunger, I hit upon the thought of falling in with two unarmed soldiers, whom I solicited to escort me to the Provost Quarters which I had left. The provost guard and all concerned were much surprised at my voluntary return, and took it as a proof (?) <s>of</s> that I felt clear of the charges against me. Some of my friends were offended at me, and thought me foolish for returning but I being better acquainted with my strength and chances than they, I thought it the most prudent choice I could make. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d7ad4169c6d84e485153302660ab15ad.jpg 3d8a48f746e94521def11e7764dde8a3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/40b9552a10e39dd53d0e342529f5b84f.jpg cea00042a98ef968ca4ab31529e44318 PDF Text Text —There were many inquiries relative to the cause of my leaving—which I answered by supposing that fever must have been in my brain.—That I was insensible of what I had done <s>at</s> that on awaking from that state, I found myself in the mountains.—I then carelessly asked when I broke guard and how—I stated that I supposed <s>that</s> I had lost my hat and coat in the woods—<s>but</s> then they brought them to me, telling me, I had run off and left them.— But notwithstanding my apparent derangement, they brought me to trial on Monday Aug. 18th 1863. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/da3127126d30841e84a79b144de742e5.jpg f298112a6c969954e93444e242802de9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c1b1c06f61f8a67466ac87aff7a0237d.jpg 14e577002068c661c5d1281d62c75f5a PDF Text Text The Trial. was prosecuted at Tyner Station, (Tenn.)—Court Martial was convened in a large “Fly-tent.”—Col. ____ president,—A committee of three or five to hear the case—and Capt____ Judge Advocate. <div class="tooltip" title="Lewis T. Woodruff enlisted in Company K of the 3rd Alabama Infantry in May of 1861 where he stayed until he was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 36th Alabama on May 12, 1862, then promoted to Colonel March 11, 1863. He was promoted once again to Brigadier General after Woods’ imprisonment and was wounded through the thigh which led to his discharge in December of 1864.">Col.___ Woodruff 36 Ala.</div> was present as prosecutor. <div class="tooltip" title="Captain Andrew J. Derby of the 36th Alabama was elected captain in May, 1862 when the regiment was formed. He stayed in this capacity until his resignation on November 5, 1864 following the decline of his regiment and period of illness.">Capt A.J. Derby</div> — <div class="tooltip" title="'Silas" moseley="" enlisted="" in="" the="" 36th="" alabama="" may="" of="" 1862="" his="" service="" record="" reveals="" that="" he="" was="" asked="" to="" testify="" against="" hiram="" woods="" august="" 1863="" however="" john="" henning="" is="" not="" mentioned="" following="" testimony="" captured="" at="" nashville="" december="" 1864="" and="" then="" released="" after="" taking="" oath="" allegiance="" us="" january="" 1865="">Lt S. Mosely</div> and <div class="tooltip" title="E.W. Fox" s="" service="" record="" lists="" him="" as="" an="" ambulance="" teamster="" from="" 1863="" through="" 1864="" unfortunately="" fox="" reveals="" little="" else="" about="" his="" civil="" war="" experience="">E. Fox</div> were present as witnesses against me.—Some of the supposed members of the “League” were also intended to be brought before the court as witnesses against me; but they all escaped (safely I hope to the “Union lines”). I had a few witnesses <s>summoned</s> subpenaed for my defense—Pro. Mar. Baker said https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5d399f6d9e3e4615cbb3e00a073872ea.jpg 07b0725f2f049af8e07595bf1ef17c63 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/04e943950fa405528ea6ec19b07a4817.jpg 7331c7d2a463e3cf3fc59f7bf59a5b15 PDF Text Text tauntingly—“Enough to have you shot.” I was fearful that the testimony of my witnesses, would have but little weight with a per se rebel Court, who believed from what they had already heard that I was Union and that my witnesses were coworkers in the League:—but I was helpless in their hands and must go forward to dangers I knew not of; for behind me were <s>piercing</s> bayonets.—Life had but few attractions for me that day. There was nothing around me that appeared encouraging.—No friend that dared speak in my favor, if once I was found guilty of the Charges. Those, whom I knew to be https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/96dc0f6a198ad432d8a427e042bae1d3.jpg 68217e17cbb5c58eb53acefd0fcac47d https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3ba6ef8e15bfeee2ef8a7b17b62f2bef.jpg cb68550441a7a50c4df5502342a4c9e4 PDF Text Text my friends, were of necessity silent and unconcerned. It is doubtless true, that nature tunes our hearts to meet the inevitable calamities of life. So I sat with invincible gravity wrapped in stoic solitude forgetful of every tie of love and relationship, that binds man to this world. About 10 A.M. I was brought before the Court and the Charge and specifycations <s>were</s> was read—, Charge—Mutiny. Specifycation 1st—That on or about the 10th of April 1863, Private John H. Woods assigned to Co K. 36th Ala. organize a Secret Society, known as the “Home Circle” among the soldiers of the 36th, 38th and 18th Ala. Reg. Vols. for the express and wicked purpose of breaking up the Confederate Army of Mobile; + + https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6d174d708d2b300074ab1319aaf6dd21.jpg 774ea1a77ff73fafe424c9506458e7cd https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d0255ddbac6e7aba235093caedf6dd80.jpg c7d51d0d3011b582061c8bd3d4ceb999 PDF Text Text + all this at or near the city of Mobile Ala. + + + + + Specifycation 2d—That, private John H Woods Co. K. 36 Ala Regt Vols. on or about the 10th Apri. 1863, was accessory to, and knew of an intended Mutiny among the Soldiers of the 36th 38th and 18th Ala Regts. + + + and did not report the same to the proper officers and legal authorities which the intended Mutiny was designed to overthrow. + + at or near + Mobile Ala.—Woodruff Col. 36 Ala Reg. Capt. Derby Lt Mosely " Fox }witnesses According to the best of my recollection the above is the substance of the charge and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a8359dbb79e39ea48fddb01ceae5bcaf.jpg 24d2ccbac05d797c18dacca952d4956b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/db7df33a2e68511746154bcfed39682b.jpg 19f5e69bcc467ae56f664260acbdb3ef PDF Text Text Specifycations preferred against me. An official Copy of the Charge and Specifycations was handed me while in confinement at Wartrace Tenn. but in my flight from Atlanta Ga. in Aug. 1864, I left nearly all my papers behind and hence must write from memory and a very brief Diary which I brought through with me. —The Charge and Specifycations were read to me by the Judge advocate. I plead not guilty.— <div class="tooltip" title="A legal term, onus probandi means “the burden of proof,” or in this case, it was up to the prosecuting side to prove their allegations against him.">Onus Probandi</div> was therefore upon the prosecution, and I flattered myself that they would not be able with one witness (for they had but one who knew) to establish the Charge <s>clearly to the num</s> beyond a shadow of doubt https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/290847540940fccb9388e394c8e94edc.jpg 0c7475c2f9a59b17c20c4933f52b27ec https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fe7f0146385ad3324fdc994fa17034db.jpg e2526348c40896b4e363b10f597fa6fa PDF Text Text to the minds of the Court. Woodruff, being called up on the Court, gave testimony concerning the dissatisfaction among the soldiers at Mobile during the Spring of 1863.—He stated that the men gathered nightly in groups on the parade ground for several weeks,—that soon afterward they becme more insolent and disobedient.—The officers observing these signs, believed that some secret disloyalty to the Confederate Cause was at work among the conscripts [text underneath: soldiers]. 2dly Capt.—Derby testified to the truth of what Col. Woodruff had said. He had witnessed the same mysterious movements among the soldiers https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8f41638d5ae3b0874277e86380d452fd.jpg 710dd90a8def3cb2afcb98ff3f259ed3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9f3a29e7f9cc2c7e168e9a00a72c1a0d.jpg 7ade9defcbb6186413b3bb13cd0f0b27 PDF Text Text and thought the dissatisfactions mostly confined to the Conscripts. He believed there was a Union sympathy at the bottom of it. He also testified that he had met in Council with other officers to consult about the impending danger and to institute some means of finding it out fully,—that Lt. Mosely was used as an instrument to accomplish this.—Further this witness disposeth not. 3dly.—Fox testified that while on a scout to Pascagoula, about the 10th Apr. he heard the prisoner, advise and encourage disobedience among the soldiers. + + + + + + https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/afe7050ee16363d120d4711c5056474c.jpg 9739359c2fc8995dca26357319356963 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/74d102fc0161502225bc3735ac056489.jpg 23dbd7a0adf4c5f7099032176c5e38ea PDF Text Text Then <s>Lt.</s> Silas Mosely was sworn: <s>And to my surprise</s> He had his statement written upon severl sheets of <div class="tooltip" title="Foolscap (also known as foolscap folio) is a size of paper cut to about 8 x 13 inches that was commonly used for writing prior to the widespread acceptance of 8.5 x 11 letter size now used in the US. This paper was called “foolscap” due to a watermark of a fool’s cap that marked the paper.">foolcap [Foolscap]</div> , which had evidently been thouroughly examined already by the Court, and other officers.—I gathered this idea from the way the Court spoke of the contents of the document and their carless manner of listening to its reading. The prisoner objected to the reading process, but was overruled. Mosely read, that in February and March 1863, he thought he could discover a growing discontent among the soldiers of the 36th 38th and 18th Ala Regts then stationed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/53915de6b16fd405c5a53d831388542a.jpg f972465395d1a82ee84aaa815c5b03f9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ae59fb4ea711a66bca48660cdff9b47d.jpg 23c81f783c6adde49d01798147e9938a PDF Text Text near Mobile Ala.—that he could see this discontent depicted in their countenances He concluded that there must be some cause for it: and being deeply “patriotic” and loving the good of the Confederate cause, he made known his discovery and beliefs to the commanding officers—with the opinion that something <s>scheme</s> was brewing which might if not checked injure the Southern cause. The other officers then endeavored to learn something by watching and eves-dropping the soldiers at night.—They soon became convinced that Lt. Mosely’s fears were well-founded. But all their efforts to learn something definite https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d2d4bc07ff2311a9177663ec2a1ef6ff.jpg 610b61e81634510837794cb7fb9a3938 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0d5b0cf2160a25b3bd344ea83ed4bd35.jpg 3b66726946dffe59faacd29c59766484 PDF Text Text proved abortive, until in <s>about</s> March (1863) the officers in Council at Mobile appointed him (the witness) to find out definitely if possible, the cause of the dissatisfaction among the soldiers, and report accordingly. He was to recieve full protections by the officers against my danger or accusation which might threaten him. By a feint he was put under arrest—his sword taken from him and he was then honor bound to remain in a certain limit.—Thus he was able to mingle freely among the men—often complaining to them of the unjust treatment he had recieved at the hands of the field-officers +c. He https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/10875212bc105593cc1e2b05cefb74d8.jpg 4f0391d7c782f4df2023a010de8c0b6d https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b6c6fa196ad59df46309f9161aa99206.jpg 2fd3e3bedb62c8e4d43b835ad9bbe12f PDF Text Text stated that the men soon became very familiar with him and <s>threw out</s> expressed some of their <s>views, and</s> opinions, which showed the grounds of their discontent—<s>and as</s> It all <s>showed</s> revealed to him a fixed principle in their hearts against the Confederacy, he therefore readily agreed with them, saying that he, himself did not like the Confederate movement, but that he was afraid to let his feelings be known, for he did not know that any others believed <s>like</s> as he did. He said such a course gained the full confidence of the men, who assured him that there were a great number of them who did not intend to do the Confederacy any good, but all the harm https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9751cadef58ebbbe9b126923def2c949.jpg 0ade86b720596aa363922c94f93e3673 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5fb373fe4d6e4b1bf2976a81423aa348.jpg 30f1f95d4898190d761663f8389107c2 PDF Text Text possible—He told them “that was right—go it, but be careful.” He says that one _________ then asked him if he thought any kind of a “secret organization could be gotten up among those who felt as he did, which would or might work their liberation from this Confederate bondage—this military despotism?” He answered that he thought such a thing could be done + and he would be very glad if he could get some smart man among them to help him organize a secret society for that purpose; but then some one thought that such a society would be crushed unless they had some place to fly for help + + adding that https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0cd8cf2b3672750b60e2e092b06e818e.jpg 68cb94de29e394caf93abc6e504d87fc https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/30bfa35750ee670d1f6d1284a9948da0.jpg 90543b7da5e8860414e9b2ff83c62bd4 PDF Text Text they might have to go to the Union army to save their lives if they were to undertake it—He replied that as for him he had rather go to the Union army anyhow as to remain in the Confederate service, but here he says he cautioned them to keep their conversation a profound secret,—that he would be hung if the officers were to find out that he had been talking so against the Confederacy. This was all he could learn for some days, but at least one _____ ______ came to him and told him he believed there was a League already among the soldiers and that he thought quite a number who believed the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a6d98fa98ee225b482e3999d52f33c3d.jpg c59b976bc84f01bb808da17b7eeae4fc https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a789f00e6ee564bf6142370ca2a9c354.jpg fb0e37be53a257c4499c6baaba991b38 PDF Text Text Confederacy was unjust and oppressive, belonged to it— The witness says he affected to be very glad to hear that a secret society against “this Southern oppression” had already been formed, promising too that if he could find the place where they initiate new members, he would join and do all he possible could to help it.—He says he was soon taken where there was a group of men, strangers to him, and introduced to them in these words—“Here’s Lt Mosely—he’s all right”—Some one said—“do you want to ruin the blockade Lieut.?”—A few more expressions were passed and he was initiated into a League, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/88f671831cd088e01be8ebc811e2a0e5.jpg 2f6a799c27bab4732d7542555ba85439 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e896015743c02abdf50b6c515ccac930.jpg 9059145713a1b96b3f896c1306d7fe06 PDF Text Text called the “Home Circle” He worked faithfully with the Leaguers several days, marking report of his discoveries to Genl. Cumming and to the Colonels of the regiments. He says he ascertained the objects of the “Home Circle” “to be for the Union and against the Confederacy.” His next purpose was then to ascertain who was the originator of the League. He adds that in pursuit of this purpose—now being able to give all the secret signs of the League, he passed freely among all the “Directories” of it, and found out as well as he could the total strength. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/aea1b671d8bf82cf0287dd94cb447f2e.jpg 464e20d0df9ce82ac6a806312a533653 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/793d290da36ef6188f46fd828e9779c7.jpg 43a22187731bc07025dce0dd714d8613 PDF Text Text He states further, that when plans or dificult questions were introduced they were referred to the prisoner, now before this court, and that he had been frequently, himself directed to the prisoner, here present, for information concerning the origin of the Circle, and concerning the plans of operation. He could never find out positively who originated the League; but he said the “prisoner” invariably gave him the impression that it was introduced from Virginia-Tenn. or N.C. + + + + —He had held some long and secret conversations with, J.H. Woods https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8ec3344d94991147bb441c7deee38072.jpg 82928c2af4ad250ad66130c6d898feee https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/024ccaaf3f8a9a1945d8e63cda211283.jpg 63653a9fcb7f8c3186f5fa648ee4ea0e PDF Text Text the prisoner, concerning the principles, plans, and expectations of the “Home Circle” and in his possession (the prisoner’s) he (the witness) had seen copies of the Constitution, resolutions +c of the League.—that in his (the prisoner’s) hands he at one time saw a long list of names and resolutions,—“written in some kind of an outlandish handwriting, that no body could read” but the prisoner—That he had heard the prisoner instruct and lecture the members upon the principles and chances of the League.—He believed that whoever might have originated the organization https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/058c6c11e749ecfa31398244e5612ba9.jpg 9e7fc3ca5516f8480718aed6e84fba60 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9e1a663225c40493446ba2aab672bd4e.jpg 9220a454df1243637879da77d4017aa8 PDF Text Text (108) no one was so competent to propagate it and to lay its plans with success, as J.H. Woods the prisoner; whom he had heard say that he “had rather die and have the League succeed than to live and know his children must live under the Confederate usurpation” This Mosely further testifies that about eh 1st of Apr “/63, the Officers at Mobile acting upon the information which he had given concerning the progress of the league, thought it wise to scatter the troops, speedily and secretly as possible. Accordingly one regiment (18th Ala.) was ordered to cross the Bay to Pollard; and on the 7-8th of Apr. “/63, part of the 36th and 38th Ala. were sent https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3a05fc4e5cebebfc9101c945799bc835.jpg fa5275b7901bfb013bea6952976b5dd5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/97a99cbaadd2f5b4fe2369414252e13f.jpg de99d2a3b425650ca7215ea9c3f87097 PDF Text Text on a pretended scout toward Pascagoula, and the other part left at the camps.—He thinks the purposes of the League were thus delayed— —The prisoner was among the number who were on the scout, and by keeping up a correspondence between him and other Leaguers who had for various causes been left at Camps, I (Mosely) fou found out more fully the plans of the “Home Circle” viz—They were to meet soon in a general Convention to elect officers to lead them in action and to decide upon the day for the same.—They intended at a given signal to capture or kill the officers of the different regiments: the soldiers then https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f2843a41b1e780751873c42743c8d71c.jpg 0eba87ef8444607355a08808fb43c9e5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9799c602b8345705c15508207038b5ab.jpg e9e09e84c1828c78ca80910618d2bfaf PDF Text Text without commanders, were to be invited to join the League and help fight their way through to North Ala. where they had sent the organization, hence expected some recruits, as they <s>should</s> travers<s>ed</s> by ways to escape interception—They expected to capture arms and ammunition at Mobile and move rappidly northward—They even talked of pressing boats at Mobile and cars at Selma—intercepting communication and do much damage to the Confederacy and finally reach the Union lines, where they would offer their service, to the Federal government.—Another plan of the League says Mosely was to select a few trusty members to murder the officers https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fe01563c434af375a48851660e80788a.jpg 36d779d3614de373b4c30b8853835bf5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/986c33849c6a88b3d6dda2b49e0d6a03.jpg 6c3ec74a100e48d5c20ff35d391ecfaf PDF Text Text of the different regiments simultaneously—previously every Leaguer was to have his musket loaded—soon as the officers were dispatched a well known signal was to be sounded, which would rally the whole League force—They intended then to march triumphantly to the Gulf and signal the Union Fleet, before Confederate force could be brought against them. —While—Mosely was giving all this terrible testimony against me, the reader must not forget that I (the prisoner) sat near the Judge Advocate (for it was his duty to see that I had fair play), and a guard with fixed bayonet stood just behind me. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e9990bcd21a464f06a74af046406834e.jpg 2dac98005057b9257d96d12b4d3d555b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d9e72b85c4740603069ade8470c99656.jpg cffd1515822f85f69fc777f56f309743 PDF Text Text I heard all that was witnessed against me, with apparent astonishment, and as though I thought it too incredible to be believed. Now as the danger is overpassed, I must confess, at that very hour of trial, I felt inward delight at the thought that our League had already given the rebels some trouble.—They <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from the Bible, in John, Chapter 3, verse 8: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”">“knew not from whence it came nor whither it goeth”</div> —They knew neither the strength nor the extent of its influence. My blood leaped with secret pride through my veins, as the proceedings of the trial unfolded to my view, that the Still, small voice of the League had made traitors feel that they were hairhung over the gibbet of loyalty. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a4b46c6845cebe9cf7a6d0ec59270ce2.jpg 9e0b74bb7e1bd351d8c6fd2e2ead451b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cc8124c6a53002f8c553dc0d36f3a0ae.jpg 69bc2cd73b1d46db365d577f0f7ff291 PDF Text Text <s>which might stand forth to avenge the wrongs of their injustice.</s> —Mosely testified still further that while on the Scout to Pascagoula, the prisoner, one night did actually go toward the Colonel’s tent, with an ax in hand to <s>do the deed</s> dispatch the Colonel. He closed his testimony by refference to my arrest in Mobile on Apr. 14th 1863. The evidence against me <s>me</s> being given and recorded, the Court adjourned ‘till the next day. At which time I came before the Court, at an early hour.—All present as on preceding day.— I was allowed to cross examine the witnesses <s>agains</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/042d93eb72c3f6e77a12a96d5196d409.jpg adb10cd8fa54ff6240a5cf8a887bfe45 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/058fc387f632568777a759fd4f4442bc.jpg 846ecb1c8eaa392700f4d9d419ff6299 PDF Text Text who had testified against me. Capt. Derby <s>acknow</s> testified to <s>my</s> the prisoner’s good moral character and added that he had never had any trouble with <s>me</s> him—that <s>I</s> he had always obeyed his commands +c. On Cross Examination Mosely acknowledged that the officers had, employed him by promises of protection and perhaps of promotion, to obtain these statements which he had made against me. —Also that he had influenced some of the men to say things against the Confederacy which they would not have said otherwise. I insisted too that Mosely aught to be able to show some of the papers and writings https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7ea14b50ebac4f4090576e13d6177416.jpg 0eb96e7cfd229475b93073218b7e6706 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ca1409d974724dc00f9a5b271f276315.jpg 184b1e405a9b34c66e54e5f8d63d8907 PDF Text Text which he testifies he saw in my hands, or not being able to do, I contended that, <s>that and other items</s> his testimony was false. After this cross examination my witnesses were separately interrogated. The first never had known anything about a Secret Society at Mobile, except who he had heard since the prisoner’s arrest. Another had never known of the prisoner using any “disloyal language”, or of his encouraging disobedience among the Soldiers Others acknowledged that there was a Society gotten up among the soldiers in which select friends joined together https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/51b481e401d26292be862ffd61117e09.jpg e6bd9c138a93b7f43a392f48c10d5dd2 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/89992752062ce53f80d49c83e09b0543.jpg 298317edfab6bda362a7fce34cd84218 PDF Text Text to read and sing, and to encourage good moral habits, amid the wicked temptations of Camp-life, <s>which they were desirous of cultivating until they should again reach the social hoys of Home.</s> They witnessed that the Society had no<s>thing</s> object except cultivation of Social and moral sentiment among its members.—That it was called the “Home Circle” in <s>memory of their Homes, where the virtues, they seek to cheerish by this “friendly Society” will one day flourish with out such caution</s>.—That it was secret “to give its obligations an air of importance The prisoner was one of the most <s>virtueous and </s>zealous https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b6aeb8321ed05777f3aeca17104dc175.jpg 62fd239e7cc2a75f2abf5513bbe2e1e4 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4ad363a4bdd18177eefa29f6bc1697dd.jpg f886c2f6a9fbdf7ad56e69d652d658f0 PDF Text Text of all the members said the witness, and at one of the meetings offered the following resolution in Substance which will prove the object of the Society. “Resolved—That we, of the “Home Circle” lovers here, well as at our home of virtue, morality and benevolence, consider it our duty to minister to the wants of any sick member of this Society, and to counsel any <s>brother</s> member as though he were a brother.” My witnesses testified that this same Lt Mosely had cause all the dissatisfaction, with which I was charged and that he had tried to stir the men up to mutiny prior to the date upon which the officers had engaged him to spie into the mattar. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f8d4c014593fd48f936fba22d54c0b27.jpg 92d2e15f7af8cff825928638a1e38a0d https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/71e1879f9fc477fcf800a34356c2c94e.jpg 71efb537e45e10eafea1170669481879 PDF Text Text I argued that Mosely was the guilty man, and that the evidence proved that he had himself endeavored to excite a Mutiny, and failing in his diabolical designs, had sought to save himself by making an exaggerated and false statement to the officers getting them honor bound at the same time to protect him in his hypocracy and finally to promote him for his selfish duplicity. My Defense further was that I had been confined an unlawful length of time.—That illegality had marked the whole proceeding—that “hear-say evidence” and “hired evidence” was all that was arrayed against me. I contended that Mosely https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f22a52816d9dfdd2638b30d78620ba93.jpg c55b2238956b45f0fccc20d60a3b45de https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ddeeb18093bd556a1c9aec359c5c8d38.jpg 903791ffc0b25e9f056d24dcdb5d6133 PDF Text Text had endeavored to fasten the charge upon me, becaused he had so made the bargain for honor and promotion that he must needs fix it upon some one, and that one must be of some ability and originality or else his grand falsehood might not be more easily detected. All the witnesses deposed and my address closed and then a few moments pause was observed by the <s>whole</s> court as if in reflection upon what had been transacted. The court eyed me from head to foot.—(I supposed after four months’ imprisonment in ragged, dirty clothes I presented a very worthless aspect to the proud aristocracy of hopeful rebeldom.) https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9dec5047389fa789e3b8b60600ee00ec.jpg e8a198355f70932e8f2e34fe6d37362a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b0a177ede3c9e3d7f4bccb8404ed4e7e.jpg 8716e0835208ccc0997b663dbcba983b PDF Text Text I feigned to be anxious to know the de verdict of the Court, as though I were confident of acquittal. I know that one’s actions and face on such occasions will have their bearings upon a jury and upon spectators. I was then delivered over by the Court to Provost Martial Reed—Rev. Reed!!! in whose hands I suffered at Wartrace Tenn. some months before; but now (Aug. 19th/63) at Tyner Station. I was to be detained there under guard to await my sentence. No doubt, in the minds of the officials a few more days and my earthly pilgrimage would end,—from some, the expression was heard—“he’ll be dropped into an ignominious grave by a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2edc64b45711500650fa9468e9adb24c.jpg d7c4607e37df27348a52e2ef1f2cb1f0 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3f363216c3020b2715ae18ff1dae9272.jpg 94edc2cfb32643b80e42e37577799312 PDF Text Text voley of twelve.” I could see plainly what was in the winds of officers concerning me. I carefully noticed the manner, in which they talked to me and occasionally I could overhear remarks and instructions to the guards,—to “watch that man closely, he’s under sentence of death.”—Hence it was that the other prisoners there were allowed many privileges which were denied to me. I was guarded in a little cabin with a few others—When I reflected upon my critical situation, I could remember and fully appreciate the sad condition of those, whom I had seen under the sentence of death at Chattanooga.—I looked upon https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ac99b414b4258894c1e3df1b71f2094e.jpg 10bcde9c0c154760d998fe54a6f77f45 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a44ba9617886c586888815d83365246f.jpg 1e283f52b9b3824a91fa2705c886785e PDF Text Text their forlorn faces a few weeks before and thank God that I was not so helpless as they. But now, behold! Their execution is past, and I am virtuely where they were! These thoghts unbidden came, as if to paint my short existence and horrible end more vividly before my mind.—There was no gentle eye to look pity on me, and no lovely voice like a dove’s spirit to light upon my soul. Weary days rolled on, and dark dreamy nights, like some spectral gloom dragged away, with no animation bubt the dead monotony of military camps when armies <s>soldiers</s> are at <s>rest</s> bay. Providentially for me, on the 1863, the lumbering of Rosecrans’ artillery was heard, which https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/abe456a09b49512aa0716b8768477df4.jpg a995c70303e487e6f881ea223011cf11 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1a6f44a64fb565b9727aa623fe1b5fd1.jpg c6d1842a5229e6f7670c8c1d07e3d41c PDF Text Text suddenly startled Bragg and set his ashy columns in motion up and down the Tennessee. Now a kind of dreamy hope sprang in my mind, and I held my breath that I might hear the battle approaching nearer. The time had been when my heart was tender—when the shedding of human blood would have sickened me, but at that hour of suspense I could have cheerfully smiled at the sudden destruction of the “Confederate army,”—Could pestilence, earthquake, inundation, storm or utter annihilation at that instant everwhelmed Bragg’s volunteer army, I would joyfully have sung songs of thanks over their dying groans: not because I value my life above ten thousand, but because I desire greatly to see the triumph of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/439c2718abf4c437f3ce42b435f12cea.jpg b9ba8e8a3216e3cc9439d14692206779 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d5103376dca80384f7d8dabec28ff6c2.jpg b705cbd4d75038b23d574c8d649d7ce0 PDF Text Text the Union ‘ere I should leave the world:—I could scarcely be resigned to die without the sight. I was doomed to undergo further trial, physical, and mental. Many other prisoners were released because of the need of their help. I was sent under strong guard to Chickamauga (5—8 miles) to be conveyed from thence by rail to Atlanta. My heart began to faint within me, as I was gain, forced from the approaching colums, of which I hoped might deliver me. Late in the evening we arrived at Chickamauga, and I was “turned over” to the Provost Marshal there—He evidently was curious to converse some with “the man who had endeavored to ecite [incite] a mutiny in the Southern https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a7eda8304717ebb39aaa143bf2086db1.jpg a52418f805f10730c6f8636491ef5e7c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8f3a6f3062dc4915f022cdef8dc55b99.jpg 5f90efa42eb0890d3bd78d565258fa70 PDF Text Text ranks” for he came to me and asked me many questions.—He asked me if I had heard of the execution of a certain Captain who had been found guilty of some crime against the Confederacy. I told him I had, but at the same time I affected to be unconcerned about the subject, for I anticipated his design to find ou whether or not I knew of my own sentence. (It seemes that all the officers had instructions not to let me know my sentence lest I might endeavor to elude them.) He wondering, said, “I don’t see what induces men to commit these enormous crimes against the Confederacy:—there is something about it, I can’t understand.” I was then left to myself, to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4a83941134d494f7c0a9e4ab21457279.jpg 76526238a3e0b0ffe3ac0ab7f9160629 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4193cb4cb2447294c49d12c3d527cb43.jpg 11e66d693be620875ecc1ca92b011b2f PDF Text Text take another mights reflection. From the side remarks of that Provost Marshal I was fully convinced that my sentence was death: but I did not know when it was to come. The next morning it was ascertained that <s>a great</s> the Union army was still advancing, and that probably a great battle would be fought near Chicamauga. Then I was placed aboard the train to be conveyed to Atlanta for “safe keeping” again. I was there locked in the Atlanta prison, where I found a very large number of others, consisting of Conscripts, deserters from the rebel ranks, and Union men from nearly every Southern State: about 900 in all. There were also some Federal prisoners there. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9642daf7af89050cfcf8d98ae827a35d.jpg 46597ed556d6bb262db3f318cfb9dc09 PDF Text Text The rebel authorities and the slavers holders throughout the South were on tiptoe of excitement to know the results of the movements at Chickamauga. When the wires flashed the news of the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-70-battle-of-chickamauga" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 70, Battle of Chickamauga footnote" rel="noopener">Chicamauga battle (Sept 19-21 ’63)</a> throughout the South, claiming it as a decided victory for the South, wild exultations went forth from every rebel assembly and I did hear a few of the prisoners shouting over it; why they did I never cold tell. My heart was sad for I had fondly hoped that fruitful victory would perch upon the Union standard. But I had met with reverses ‘till I had leared [learned] well the scriptureal adage— <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from the Bible in Second Corinthians, Chapter 5, verse 20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”">“By ye reconciled.”</div> I still waited + hoped to see https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cf2920d0ef206954cfad5d96bc3357b1.jpg 4a7c7c756a432f3319005277df6a1674 PDF Text Text light + power <s>the light and power which should</s> break forth from the North to and burst asunder the chains, that bound us in dismal suspense <s>solitude.</s> About the 1st of Oct. “/63, I was called for, ironed and taken to Missionary Ridge (5-6 miles from Chattanooga), to be executed before <div class="tooltip" title="The Brigade that Woods is talking about here is the brigade to which he belonged, including the 18th, 36th, and 38th Alabama and the 1st Arkansas Battery. While Woods was correct on the name of the Brigade and Division, these regiments belonged to Buckner’s, rather than Breckinridge’s Corps.">“Clayton’s Brigade, Stweart’s Division, Breckenridge’s Corpse, Bragg’s Army.”</div> Clayton and all his subordinate officers were bitter against me because, it was among their, duped soldiery that I had endeavored to “excite a mutiny.” Then it is easily discerned that I had not only death in that dreadful form to meet, but also all the sharp and mocking taunts which bitter rebels alone are capable of giving to a dying man. <s>My</s> All this, my friendless condition—utter helpless as https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/15937b14639cb200716c46d129ead04d.jpg 29e8eba6d77d3dbc211f65764e0cbc53 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/60cec828a626167f6a00e8c53b828945.jpg f47c1b7a28cf9640e12ababc0265eb86 PDF Text Text a sparrow in the deadly Coya’s [coyote’s?] unrelenting power,—a few intruding thoughts of my relatives whom I had left in Missouri 6 years before,—And a few unbidden thoughts of wife and children <s>flitted</s> who were ignorant of my condition;—My <s>l</s> unnumbered grave, filled with my mangled and worthless clay, All lay outspread before my mind like a map well studied. But then it was imagination yet, and I frowned and threw it off, as doth a beast, when his fellow is slaughtered first. The officers at Atlanta had no doubt contracted some sympathy for me, as all keeps do for their obedient prisoners—Such a sympathy as a man has for a horse or an ox long possessed. So it was, that as a Lt. Bates fastened the irons upon my wrists https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9f35a9b83ed2d12e4a91e9cf61b3b5fe.jpg 41ed18f0908f1f4cde5ef12d5d44214c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0bf5506971bdcb227ec414c3f7d68719.jpg 99c3924f8adec225fdd6803018dee004 PDF Text Text he said—“This is hard, is n’t Woods?”—“but” he added, “I am obliged to do it. It is the order and I must obey.” I remarked carelessly with a compressed lip, that it did not hurt me much—that I thought the day would come when those who were thus treating me would suffer more than I. (For I verily believed then that the government of the United States would one day avenge the innocent blood of her true friends) I was thus thinking and the irons were fastened, when a boisterous, self-important Lieutenant of Tenn. Giles Co. (?) walked up with a guard to take charge of me on the way to “Mission Ridge” via Chickamauga train, (Chickamauga was the terminus of the road at that time) The guard, a man whom I knew an Alabamian—(Mr. Goss) was ordered https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bd0d9a41485937489cf6c129774ee6cc.jpg bfed0e62fa37d1a47af9f774ddbc882b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c019c8a661cd2edb3c3815716cdd53e1.jpg 10c233c45d7d74115d374c4ec11c09a0 PDF Text Text by the Lt to keep his eyes upon me. There were about 20 others prisoners taken at the same time, but they were to be released upon their arival at the army, for they had mostly agreed to be good soldiers if the authorities would but release them. When ordered to keep me close, Mr. Goss ventured to say to the Lieutenant that he was personally acquanited with the prisoner and that he had no fears of him attempting to escape, The Lieutenant haughtily answered <s>that he was not and did not</s> “I am not and do not wish to be.” Godd was very much affected to meet me under such circumstances:—he procured some whisky and drank it, I suppose to drown his kind<s>ly</s> feelings and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cb8fda1a366b09e805736133eb0358f0.jpg f43e9cd7412f23c3057751b4313ca962 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a31dc0f2165ec2ca6b186913a3c7c10e.jpg d5515b14af7fe54b8abcaed088386302 PDF Text Text thus fit him for any emergency; for he knew his place as a soldier. (My readers must bear in mind that military is the same absolute despotism whether in defense of the right or in the enforcement of the wrong). My Guard said to me after we were seated on the train—“Now Woods, I love you like a brother, but if you attempt to escape, I will shoot you.” I said, “make yourself easy Goss, I have nothing to fear. But he knew my sentence that I was <s>was</s> to be shot; so he watched me vigilantly.—We were on the cars all night and till the next evening when we were landed at Chickamauga, and turned over to the provost Marshal of that place, who confined us during the night in a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/05b3e346ca32d39bec7cde07e9f1fa08.jpg affbdffad1c5f20141b367b0a7178ca3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6d314c9d2fd80b7cca17fdde2251374e.jpg 109de462e3d0dfd87acee7f85a5a540e PDF Text Text guard house, with the others. We were <s>cheer</s> received of course with the salutations, which one hardened prisoner usually gives another. We were to be forwarded the next morning to Missionary Ridge. They had, had my case on hand a long time and all concerned desired to get me “shoved through.” During the night I was assisted by one of our noble Union <s>prisoners</s> prisoners, <s>“dreped</s> in blue” just “fresh from the Union side,” to remove the cuffs from my hands. For the benefit of any good person who may in the future fall into <s>im</s>prison I state, that the prisoners formed a circle around me while our “Yankee” took the cuffs off and some danced and laughed that the guards might not hear the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3bd37bb67c5921a0c0bdc3c947bd0dcc.jpg 8180f061d7417d8717d2b6b02496d14c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/60621cd564edbc03cf8c772f8c4abbb9.jpg 9b9c0dc9a6b3b5c3d63c383e4d60ae8c PDF Text Text noise, as the cuffs must needs be bent by heavy strokes ‘ere it could be removed. I thanked the crowd and after eating some “Ga. cow peas” for supper we lay down in the mud and took a very refreshing sleep. When I was called the next morning, I was sharply reprimanded by the officers for be taking off my cuffs. They said <s>asked</s> <s>if</s> some one had assisted me, in taking them off and demanded, who it was. I told them I did it of my own accord, for I well know the punishment which would be inflicted upon a Union prisoner for such a thing. I told the officers that I had no desire to escape, and that I only wanted to show them that I could remain <s>stay</s> without irons on. (This was one of the times, when https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/456b243ce3a00aaee94cf4947312b631.jpg 7fc0ce1bc722ff02656a2423543cba4a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5997a4fb16302936bd9c9bbd0c71ac25.jpg f09f9840cf595ce379f6234fb84f0589 PDF Text Text I thought it <s>religiously</s> right to tell a lie). Before they had time to reply to my reason I invited them to put them on again, and I am confident that my apparent indifference in the matter induced them to pur the same pair on again. I was glad of that for I knew I could, if opportunity was offered, pull them off <s>again.</s> <s>So my friends you see, I could have a little spark of gladness even at the idea of being ironed by the same pair, for I expected something worse.</s> In charge of another officer and guard I was sent afoot with others to the Ridge, about 6-8 miles from Chickamauga I had my rations and my clothes and blankets to carry, and having both hands fastened before me, I https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/abdef2522f3ec93f2e0195f3a2afd030.jpg 63d9610c2df4c2c14b8e4773ecbae3f5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/533d78362a32f10716718dba444dc184.jpg 9580a6bf9cfb0cf1f86492be408a9269 PDF Text Text <s>remember</s> it was no light task. It is here proper, that I should give you an idea of the “situation.”—The rebel army under Bragg, and the best officered and organized of any they ever had except perhaps the army of Lee around Richmond, was in line of battle behind their works, along the foot of Lookout Mountain and Mission’ Ridge Gen. Grant had recently been placed in command of the Union forces then holding the city of Chattanooga and the North of Tennessee river against the attempted siege of Bragg. <s>O</s> To guide, to plan and execute for the good of the Union, may be mentioned <s>Grant</s>, <div class="tooltip" title="Joseph Hooker (1814-1879) was a usually confident and competent general, although now he is remembered for his massive failure at Chancellorsville. Following this defeat, he and the XI and XII Corps of the Army of the Potomac were reassigned further west to Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland where he played a large role in the eventual Union victory at Chattanooga.">Hooker</div> Sherman, <div class="tooltip" title="'George" h="" thomas="" 1816-1870="" also="" proved="" his="" worth="" in="" battle="" earning="" the="" nickname="" ldquo="" rock="" of="" chickamauga="" rdquo="" after="" holding="" position="" even="" through="" union="" disaster="" at="" despite="" impressive="" military="" record="" is="" largely="" forgotten="" popular="" history="" war="">Thomas</div> and others, who were ready and waiting for Grant to say Onward! https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/98eca23d81b170dc0ed47182a77eb263.jpg df3028986c4b79a67acc070484e8a37d https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7709713eae3305b6b06d981cf37cb122.jpg 2989a52ab927e15544e1daf8b3017d44 PDF Text Text On the rebel side of the line may bee mentioned <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-80-confederate-generals" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 80, Confederate Generals" rel="noopener">Hardee, Hood, Polk Longstreet</a> and others under Bragg, who were considered the “big guns” of the South. From this <s>consise</s> statement any soldier can call <s>awake to in his mind</s> the appearance of two vast armies like angry thunder storms settling down for a moment <s>before each other</s> ready to burst with dreadful vengence <s>against</s> upon each other. <s>And</s> A soldier can easily recall the emotions which filled his breast when looking over the wide spread wings of and closing front of eager, threatening chafing armies. Such was the transcendent scene, and such were the emotions I enjoyed, though a fettered prisoner, when I was marched to the top of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/66000ae1f212f717fb58028ad587eb2c.jpg 4d5f1ee41a07c6709cd41e1d5edef150 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3a2e507b1781059c0d71ffee46e5e7a0.jpg a41cd7d01880eaeb82553cab58aad6f3 PDF Text Text Missionary Ridge, and halted for a rest. I cast my wishful eyes to the city of Chattanooga with hills covered with white tents—her streets and suburbs made dark by the solid columns of freemen keeping step to national Airs, beneath the waving banner of our country. You who were under its folds every hour did not appreciate as I did. Oh! I could not get to the city—but distance lends enchantment to the view. When I could see in the distance, the Union armies marching—the artilery shining—and when I thought of the loaves there in store I forgot me and lived awhile in joyous hope—<s>Then like the prodigal son at his father’s feet, I</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fd0e57199f38b5ed71101353fa7dba0a.jpg b834043d8ba4f3e36b4ec8b191664ad9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/38d986d9e5896f212a9883f9fde60170.jpg f56f802d8e45300ba0776f3b65ca6b87 PDF Text Text I would fain have knelt <s>at the foot of</s> to honor the Stars and Stripes. Yes, had I the power at that moment, gladly would I have heaved that mighty mountain from its base to roll its crushing debris over the rebel host at its foot, and would have then quickly walked upon the rising current of their mingled groans to embrace the emblems of my country. These I know are swelling words—and those were swelling emotions I entertained—“Mine was an urgent pressing case”—Not that I valued my own worthless life so highly, but to rejoice in complete victory with the true of my country was my absorbing desire. + + But when night came and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b53d22ad074dafa4d52e047d033e2139.jpg d045efb1b9000fe5ded21fb8091d5300 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5dee7e068addc9d1b289b7798ab5a283.jpg 7510920826bc9be5d75cf413cf47c566 PDF Text Text I must lay me down on a bed of rocks at the feet of that infamous Lt. Baker who had charge of me when I broke guard at Tyner’s Station, and who, I was conscious, wanted me shot, was humiliating indeed. In irons—in beating rain,—with double guard over me, and with the vast army of Bragg, between me and my country and it in sight, was like starving when friends and victuals were in reach, or like clinging in despair to a board in mid ocean while the Ship is drifting out of sight. Realize friends, realize if you can. But sleep will come with its dreams. And while in pattering rain and the constant tramp of the sentinels for company, I pillowed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7da3d7ecd45b7cd45f056e99320c17c0.jpg 00f093918a4af125ebb56288bca160c8 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4360168cac35e646bb88860f3c83d3c7.jpg 1e285e63b758285b12eb87a7348439d8 PDF Text Text my head upon a rock and dreamed of security. Security for myself for my country and for my friends and innocently thought I was in some peaceful district teaching school. I was retained under guard at the foot of Mission Ridge <s>fasing</s> facing toward Look-Out Mountain and Chattanooga—A splendid situation for <s>note</s>—a <s>taking</s> reporter. The Rebel Army under Bragg was intrenched just out from the foot of the Ridge + accross the Vally to Look Out Mountain. The Union Army, under Grant, was in Chattanooga and in the Valley: alternately menacing and being menaced.— Seventeen days and nights thus passed and on the eve of the 16th of 1863 3 P.M. I was <s>dele</s> notified by the Provost Marshal that the edict had gone forth that I was to be shot https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8c2c89bb00d739de7160e595c95aaf57.jpg e313727e797501e41bc9c87be8113abe https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/18d43c2ba2f7629feb794fac403ffd67.jpg 808b817863103af48653be2316784cb3 PDF Text Text on the morrow at 2 P.M. according to the sentence of the Court Martial before which I had been assigned. This was the first official intimation of my sentence, although I prejudged that death would be the sentence. I felt a flush through my system, upon the announcement to me, similar in feeling to that of an electric current from a Galvanic battery.—The Marshal <s>said</s> addressed me thus:—“Woods, it has now been proclaimed before the 36, 18 + 17 Ala. Regs. that you will be shot before then tomorrow a [at] 2 o’clock and I am ordered to so inform you: and here are two ministers (pointing to two men who had approached) to talk with you.” I answered rather earnestly, that it was very unjust, to give me such a short notice: for I believed, under the very law they pretended to respect, that I was entitled to a new trial before a Higher Court and that right I claimed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d145b806d98906ff05820dbab75835bf.jpg abf9f827a258f23d143e48a8defc11a2 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c4f567880857c77563a9e9cbc6e0508c.jpg 95bcb16a280ed1692c30980c4ae4540c PDF Text Text and enjoined upon him as the proper officer to so inform the Authorities.—He said nonsense—too late to talk about a new hearing. He would not interest himself any further in my behalf but gave me in charge of a guard to go aside with the Ministers “to make preparations for Eternity and to leave my last requests.” The ministers were <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-86-john-willoughby" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 86, John Willoughby footnote" rel="noopener">Rev. JH Willoughby</a> + Rev. ________, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, now in the Army. The former stated very seriously that they “had heard of my sentence and had come to counsel with me and to pray for me in my dying hour. That my time on Earth was about to close + that prepared or unprepared I must in all human probability die on tomorrow at 2 P.M. according to the sentence under the law.” He then began an series of questions to ascertain my age, standing, family relationship, whether a church member, married or single +c+c. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8e8c7a363ea16c8ab3469e53f5e01f4b.jpg 69201bc9e1febd8948e7b9827115221a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7fd84acc40d6703d85814f926cfcae81.jpg b099f3cb75b2103442a3b4b6563fb301 PDF Text Text All of which I answered patiently. —His sympathy evidently increased for me, in my condition, <s>rapidly</s>, when he learned that I was a member of the same church, that I had attended the Cumberland University at Lebanon Tenn. and that I had respectable relatives, some of whom, owned slaves, I told him I felt prepared to die whenever the proper authority should call for me,—that I thought God’s power <s>in my case was</s> is above the power of the Southern Confederacy, and that, notwithstanding the apparent certainty of my pending execution, I believed he would provide means for my escape. The ministers were surprised at my hope of escape from this sentence and said I should not trust in my shadow of hope, but should prepare for the <s>worst</s> dissolution. They then desired to pray with me, I told them I had no need of nor confidence in their prayers:—that it they https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/69ea9fdd22a2176d79eb27c98f077c84.jpg 1a7c609df52df96ad91019a892bf689e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/821834837dd15d6a89c0d1b5c04712c0.jpg 5090fa1b4b0b656bd4ca0957b63d3b92 PDF Text Text would go to Gen. A.P. Stewart, (whose Head Quarters were <s>no </s>in sight) and <s>tell</s> request him to come to see me I would take it as a favor. They assented and soon returned in company with Genl. Stewart, who on approaching recognized me and shook my hand affectionately. <div class="tooltip" title="General Alexander P. Stewart was a Major General who had previously been a professor of mathematics and experimental philosophy at Cumberland University before the war, joining the Confederate Army reluctantly. He was wounded shortly before this meeting with Woods at the Battle of Chickamauga.">General Stewart</div> had been my professor in Mathematics at the University before the war, and appeared glad to meet me, but expressed astonishment and sorrow when he saw the shackles upon my wrists and considered the doom to which I was to meet on the tomorrow. I requested him to give me audience and I could relieve his mind in regard to my condition and in regard to crime the <s>crime charge</s> for which I was arrested, tried + condemned. —I told him I had no fears of the execution of the sentence, if he or some other officer would only on see that I have a justice done to me:—that an undue prejudice was exercised against me https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/111e717a5cf882e78914f12f548c9bb3.jpg 1cc18380bdc114e23edb8aa8dd5fe5a9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/155323f9830b68d0b638d781110ebf39.jpg 01d26e59ac6919d507fee3facdb65ffa PDF Text Text simply because, <s>acr</s> an act had been committed by someone, and I had been accused of that act.—that I was innocent of crime and that if he would examine the evidence adduced on trial he would find <s>th</s> nothing <s>positive</s> against me except the evidence given by one Lt Mosely, the rest of the witnesses testifying in my favor except that Col. Woodruff, Cap. Derby and Sergt. Fox had testified that the act (the organizing of a Union League) had been accomplished by some one but they did not know by whom. I told him I denied the charges against me, that I had been treated cruelly through the prejudices of inconsiderate men; that I had been in prison a long time without any investigation; that being a conscript and a stranger I was not at any time during my imprisonment treated with any degree of respect, + was given no unbiased investigation, but that https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d3f8522d6797c13b48655072bf420ff4.jpg 96b570dab0fe1ee879c5e997c6985513 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8c7689d571c99215baadaba48d43bec2.jpg e99e3de21fdce94b80a2fe9756d0216d PDF Text Text after all this unjust and unlawfull process against an innocent men, the Court finally decided that it would not be giving credence to the oath and testimony of a Commissioned Confederate Officer, if they did not condemn me upon Mosely’s testimony; for my witnesses were only privates and for ought they knew were in the <s>Union</s> League with me,—The court further asserted that this great crime against the Confederacy had been committed by some one, and consequently an example must be made of some one to deter the <s>enemies</s> conscripts + others from committing further offense against the South.—In this brief relation I was affected just enough, and requested Gen. Stewart to act as my friend—that time to work is short,—that he knew me at College —knew my relatives in Tenn. (I refered him to a Grand Uncle—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-90-james-haynes" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 90, James Haynes footnote" rel="noopener">James Haynes and to his sons,—Milton + Amos who were now officers in the Confederate Army</a>)—He remembered all and how he had https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b755fbdb9a1528a0ccaa7d073ea2aaae.jpg b881437c4ecca1ec7f78c4b6559e5ee0 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b906b75dddd6746f7ce99aa5f0e5acf3.jpg db0e60201dd59904f8b121f73a4e4e94 PDF Text Text met with me <s>and</s> those relatives of mine in College, in Sabbath School, in <s>the</s> the public worship and perchance in some other most fraternal assemblies, Turning with moistened eye to the preachers he said, “Brethren, I know this young man knew him at College—He stood high. I know his relatives and friends—They are true to the South and don’t know anything of his condition. He will not die; He has been accused hastily by strangers.—Then turning to leave he said, “Woods, I will see what I can do for you: but it is almost a helpless case,—time is so short—no chance I fear to secure you a new trial,—and perhaps it would then only be the same scene repeated—the only chance is to try for a reprieve. He then bade me not to confide in him or in anything he could do—that military law was severe and unrelenting:—prepare yourself to meet the sentence, and it will only be a pleasing disappointment if I can be able to accomplish anything in your favor.” A parting word and he was gone. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e11378f6fbca7619f00b85a3fb300db2.jpg 2e97b6b73a5e7b1f58dab3ee44958b3a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2b0f90c85d43df3514295de114fc296d.jpg 176dce1ad7ca5c4870211caea480cbdb PDF Text Text The ministers now began anew and with much more friendship, to condole with <s>me</s> me. They congratulated me on the respectability of my family relationship—not doubting but what there might be some hope for me if some of those influential relations of mine were here, but adding that Gen. Stewart stands very high and can accomplish perhaps as much as any man. They then exhorted me to put no confidence in man. I answered that I had not, except as a means through which work might be done. Before they should depart they desired to pray—it could do no harm and I did not wish to offend any one just then, so I consented.—Willoughby prayed—that if this young man sho was guilty of the terrible crime of which he was charged and for which he is in all probability to so soon to be sent <s>in</s> to eternity, that <s>in</s> even now pardon might be granted—but if https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0e8dcfd0d24eec40b2a5f2fe78b5e39e.jpg b3f5b94f8ddce1d5a328adfd66465d84 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4ad9fe80634bad820c2308a6bf367abb.jpg 04ff58384f4bf5a131221db4f534a321 PDF Text Text as he says, he is not guilty of crime may some Providence intervene for his life—May in this case, he be spared the ignominious death pronounced against him.—May his parents, brothers, sisters, and especially his wife be rejoiced to hear of his safety instead of his death. + + +” + + + + <s>Then</s> Prayer being over, they desired me to trust them as friends. They would attend to my last requests I might have to leave for wife, parents or others—They again earnestly exhorted me to make no count on anything being done for my relief: And Willoughby now turns to me asking me to leave with him, to console my wife, and as a last request to my two little boys, “that if <s>they sl</s> this war should continue 20 yrs I desire them to engage in it to fight the hated Yankees.”—At this utterance I could scarcely restrain my wrath—Had I not been in the critical condition https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/78657d949718ec57455295e512c4a0a1.jpg 3a75feb312ebc4b27608c8e3b90277c9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6e66d30850fa4303683400ba7f9ac832.jpg 87ecdd7ad51b962976b2917b2b9a6c39 PDF Text Text I should most certainly have been justified in dealing the rebel preacher a <s>stunning</s> blow—But my hands were doubly tied. I must accept the situation and even give him a modest answer, which was that I did not desire to trammel the minds of my family by any such request—that I was very willing to leave the <s>direction</s> education of my children to their Ma.—<s>I however wrote a farewell letter</s> The preachers then left with an appointment to see me again before the execution.—I was taken back by the guard to where the other prisoners were—I prevailed <s>that</s> upon the Provost to take off the Shackles from my hands to allow me to write my “Farewell Letter”—I wrote this following: viz. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/29578d04463be6b9561dc13daab1be30.jpg b3db275ce304537da350a9931f9ad63f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b969fbe79f620719f703f45475005c77.jpg ecc3f5f9073ab269a3d74ba8a1e92b1f PDF Text Text That evening + next morning I sold off my blankets, clothing +c and placed the money for the same, with <s>other me</s> my Bible, pen, knife + other mementoes in the hands of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/dd7818d5985b4c90da4f47cfc502d5b2.jpg 53f4d1016fa01333d0693c8be5a41fb5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4edbb2646e6319f261cab00da0b50077.jpg 1c74d6e5aa0e76767b2a23bdb4b4027e PDF Text Text Rev. Willoughby (of Ala.) to convey them to my wife. Late this evening I was handkuffed again and a double guard placed over me for the night. I then lay down, pillowed my head upon a rock, and slept very sweetly; dreaming as I slept of future scenes, and enjoyments with my family at my old “Missouri Home”—Thought I was there, teaching School, riding horses, planning buildings; farms +c, and taking active part in the business of life. One most beautiful scene I witnessed this night in my dreams,—I thought I was alone traveler, going westwardly, viewing landscape, mountains, rives, everything, and dangers appeared to be mingled therewith—The day passed, the sun went down, a murky river rolled before me;—I plunged its tide, I went through it, came out safely on the other shore; and stood over https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b07e0e57c63b0b7a99007b1fa7dda4e0.jpg 40d8bbd2de478e513fb84c7d93f5de78 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3f8fa0d885c18650f2a204ad91308490.jpg 689fdbe90a827ab5403cecc3846d264e PDF Text Text upon a sunlit mountain, which arose with me in mid air, above all danger + confusion of Earth, from which lofty and happy eminence I took a birds-eye-view of the past and present—I was in an ecstasy.—But I awoke to find it all a dream, that I was in chains, guarded, hooted at by owls, <s>and</s> could distinctly hear men talking hoarsely and occasionally could hear <s>the</s> sound as of a pick striking rock, as if they were digging my grave.— Soon morning came. Its heavy fogs hung with sable sadness arround “Look Out Mountain and “Mission Ridge”—I felt somewhat refreshed by the nights’ sleep. I looked upon Camp and army routine, with indifference There was but little stir along the battle line of either army this day (the of October 1863)—Suspension prevailed.— over https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/55d83793b80fa4308cfbb1dd0b725f37.jpg 60062ee32a544ad1e65880b766df049e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0cb39bcae55c27b30c7e05ad20a757fd.jpg 3057865c8b5078e113508a805c75aa41 PDF Text Text Some of the guards who had [?] in charge were considerably affected at the thoughts of my expected execution, which was hourly looked for.—One man, Mr. when aside with me wept bitterly and said he had rather be shot himself than to assist in shooting me.—I thus ascertained that he was on the detail for execution—He told me every preparation was made and he felt there was no further hope for me. The day wore away, I ate my usual “piece” and bathed and drank from a beautiful spring near by. I desired the provost to unloose my hands ‘till I could finish my Farewell Letter, but he only remarked, “he would attend to that in time.”— At 12 ½ P.M. a courier galloped up, bearing a paper to the Provost who read the same and then coming to where I was under guard, said;—“Woods, your over https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/921f043b617cf436861c285c4ef00af2.jpg cf6feb90b65030c461463def2bc2ae52 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7c6a1179ef9cff103dc9ef06b616d91a.jpg df0da5299961f935c183273a51dd8c91 PDF Text Text execution is suspended until further orders;—and you may thank General Stewart for it, as well as your God.” I replied, that I was very thoughtful to all who had interceded in my behalf.—He continued, that if I would conduct myself properly there was some hope for me. The preachers (Willoughby + ) called 1 P.M. and encouraged me some.— My friends among the soldiers sought every opportunity to encourage me:—among them I can mention <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-99-woods-friends" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 99, Wood’ Friends" rel="noopener">J.D. Sasser, Ed Adderhalt, Jno. Rutledge, Ben. Wade, Smith, Abbott, Brown,—Goosby, Henry Sasser, Tom Curry</a> and many others of 36th Ala. Reg. C.A.S.A. and Hill— <div class="tooltip" title="This likely refers to J.H. Brickhouse, a private in the 38th Alabama. His service record reveals very little about his experience during the Civil War other than he was in service during the second half of 1863.">Brickhouse</div> and others of 38th 18th Ala. Regs. C.S.A. into which Regts. they with mysel had been conscripted in fall of 1862.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8cf13b6475edee7349b2988c03ebf23c.jpg de674b446870e5363e73ca491f286aa3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/54fae9afa6dd4e0e42466fad819d15c8.jpg 6fd94de0b933aea7c4fd0ab6a5125af0 PDF Text Text From this date forward I was cared for with more tenderness, I spent my time in reading and in making notes of observation around me; especially the situation of the Rebel lines— We (the prisoners) were moved in a day or two from the foot of the Ridge to near the top, near Bragg’s Hd. Qrs, and toward Chicamauga. but This move gave me a commanding view of Chatanooga, the valley below, of Look Out Mountain +c— I took a landscape Sketch with my pen + pencil, as it appeared from our prison quarters:—thus: [This page includes a drawing of the Confederate position and surrounding landscape as Woods saw it]. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ed1969138bb4c9a198185adb96d8a3a8.jpg bf33441a61a34ab24660352342fefbca https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9aee93b901e3771bfcc1d3200e12198c.jpg 23eaa17c590a189878148dad01365ebd PDF Text Text Active demonstrations began along both lines, soon after our removal up Missionary Ridge, On the of 1863, <div class="tooltip" title="The Battle of Look Out Mountain took place on November 24, 1863 in the final days of the Chattanooga Campaign. This battle began when Union general Joseph Hooker attacked high ground held by Braxton Bragg and resulted in a Union victory when Hooker succeeded in forcing Bragg to retreat back toward Missionary Ridge.">the battle of Look Out Mountains</div> was fought. It was the grandest scene I ever witnessed (of mens’ doings) The Union troops in solid phalanx from direction of Chatanooga, came to the foot of the mountain, and as they ascended it seemed that the very earth heaved them toward the top, as the clouds of heaven bowed down to kiss the flag they carried. —Very soon the retreating rebels, like a stream of ashes and lava came pouring down on the side of the Mountain toward Mission’ Ridge My heart was uplifted, and joyous in the hope that I might that night fall into the hands of my advancing friends. The shell + Shot came thick and fast and soon Bragg’s Head Quarters retreated;—the whole rebel army was in full retreat. They took as in flight https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ae10c9c5beb6a5f015fdf58aa503495d.jpg 095d49975613a9d764e5cafc9edc8261 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6c76a23002a560aa03381a60e7ab4f18.jpg 2c531e3e6c8ae7b7547bf7613bd08ce8 PDF Text Text back to Chicamauga, where we arrived about midnight. On this retreat I saw the clerk of the Court Martial (Mr ) before which I was tried + condemned. He said the Court <s>were</s> labored under much difficulty in passing sentence against me: on account of the testamony of the witnesses in my favor;—but said he, “they finally decided to condemn you, because a commissioned officer of the Confederacy had sworn positively <s>against</s> against you.”—They thought it would lower the dignity of the Confederacy not to give full credence to the testmony of its commissioned officers.— We arrived at Chicamuaga about <s>mor</s> dark and were soon set to work loading cars with bacon, hard tack +c to be shiped southward from danger of capture. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/91883f6cd0c11ad568ad704f09b3351d.jpg 66f56a47b1e834097bc4a2302a4a6a14 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/96926d96f35efb5a12c22e2b933d0d85.jpg 35e299ddb5cf2c4df4df1ccd95045a73 PDF Text Text We were thus afforded an opportunity of getting something to eat.—I had in the meantime gotten my irons off. About midnight we were <s>ord</s> ordered afoot under strong guard Southward along the Atlanta Rail Road—Two or three hundred of the bravest of the Union Soldiers who rushed up Missionary Ridge, were cut off from their Cumrades, and were borne <s>back off</s> off prisoners by the rebel ride. These prisoners were also with us. We marched under bayonet, from the fierce roar of conflict. Nothing exciting took place with us, as we passed the long line of stations along this road back to Atlanta. I made our feeble attempt on the way to excite a mutiny against the guards, but failed, because the Colonel of the Union troops, thought they might incur danger, and failing might, cause their exchange to be delayed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e58129a1b7225158783399d4cafd58d0.jpg 665afdfacbda2fd1c7434035b7919560 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/55dcc6971a68b497a3e205f5ffdfff58.jpg 379f61a3733511691b451dbc70a610c9 PDF Text Text At Kingston we were put aboard the cars and taken to Atlanta for safe keeping. I sighed heavily as I entered the prison enclosure, lying towards Peach Tree Creek, from the Atlanta Depot. I had been here several times <s>before</s> during my already long imprisonment. Here I had been almost starved for food and water.—Here I had lain on the mud sick and helpless without attendance The place had no attractions for me: but here I must remain indefinitely. Daily ingress and egress <s>was</s> went on with other prisoners, but I was destined to remain till winter, till the next Spring, yea till the next summer. In about two weeks, I was notified that I would be executed at the end of three weeks, unless I could secure the clemency of Jefferson Davis by petition. Upon receipt of this notice I wrote to Gen. A.P. Stewart C.S.A. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/91a67ac88254eff038590b2b780c7d8b.jpg de2dbd77b354aa3644fbd8db6bee14a6 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8ea278b97a2f101f3c3847407dac7a45.jpg 63ee7e2ce9b3f3485d0c181f666b6e0f PDF Text Text Asking his further intercessions, and sent the letter through the prison Gate. I wrote also to my wife’s Father (Samuel Caldwell of Oxford Ala.) who very kindly and energetically got a petition for my reprieve, largely signed by my acquaintances where I had taught School. He went to Richmond himself to <s>car b carry</s> lay the petition before Mr. Davis (Pres. CSA) He passed on his way by Atlanta and gained admittance to converse with me 15 minutes. He brought me some clothes, butter, cake +c sent by my wife all of which was quite a luxury. Mr Caldwell hurried forward to Richmond, and by convenience of rail road speed, and arrived there without delay. He obtained the additional help of <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-105-james-curry" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 105, James Curry footnote" rel="noopener">James Curry (of the Confederate Congress)</a> in gaining an audience with the Rebel Chief.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ccecc4e03b5c959c2dbd2a28d7a64b34.jpg 0682fa93a14ffe09c4cf9765b753fdaa https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/581caa1185e993b30d1cbc0a2ee593a9.jpg ffa59183a498a323adae4141fd1092ba PDF Text Text After some days of postponement and consideration the Mr Davis til gave his a favorable reply, and telegraphed to the Commander at Atlanta, 1863, that “the execution of JH Woods is pusponed until further orders. I felt that this suspension would be final, as my case had now been transfered to Richmond and the war coil of the Union were drawing more closely around the vital parts of the Confederacy. I did not think Davis would have time to look after me, so I expected to be safe from the dangers of the battlefield until I might get escape.— I wrote a letter to Gen. Stewart thanking him for any efforts he had made for me, and received his reply as follows: https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/03181cd35538827a19a681152ae0233e.jpg fdc50432fe99ddf3802d7f2de589ab59 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/da1f82eb7bc0b00db05c67f8cd552e5a.jpg 2b0eb9ebe3b4a7215bc34ffcf67337c1 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f11b4c062d81b6d7f0b4a85ca1d3f7e6.jpg 1e9bb4f69a30ecd3f898a1f8568f316e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6392e8a81a3c85b1478760b34d3effa1.jpg 95e10ffded09ac0146aa9083e1f8654d PDF Text Text During this winter (of “63 + “64) the there was a great deal of cold rain and as we had no shelter, for the great or part of the time, we were much exposed. Sickness was the consequence: Many of us contracted colds, coughs and other ailments from which we will probably never fully recover. I was so hoarse that I could not speak above a whisper for a month. Small Pox and other loathesome diseases were among the prisoners. Spring came and I we were still a prisoner. I was permitted to see a friend of mine, (Jas. Crow) at the gate, and through him could hear from my family occasionally. I planted a garden inside the “Dead Line” of the prison, by permission of the officers.—Hence spent much of my time watching plants grow. Planted peach trees, melons, corn + tomatoes.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/262021f22b2c5328db80557284a68b50.jpg 869cd295dcbfe44061b2def563bd499e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f608811551db22690c6ada922a1a05af.jpg cc938f1fcb60520efa9e564404395b95 PDF Text Text The 4th of July came, my 30th birthday, which brought to mind many reminiscences of past celebrations and enjoyments with friends.— I celebrated the day by reading, singing and thinking. I had ripe tomatoes from my prison garden upon this day: my corn was silking, and my melons looked promising. The approach of the Union Army under Sherman had been gradual, and the thunder of distant battle could now be daily heard. My heart revived again at the sound for I know it spoke of victory for the Union. Polk of the rebel army, was brou brought into the city dead from the battle of <div class="tooltip" title="The Battle of Lost Mountain occurred in June of 1864 immediately prior to the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain of July 27, 1864. As Woods mentions here, Confederate general Leonidas Polk was killed during this battle and the battle resulted in another Confederate retreat towards Atlanta.">Lost Mountain</div> and many such evidences I had of the victories of the Union. <s>On the 10th of July/64, a proclamation was made</s> I witnessed many cruelties to prisoners <s>wh</s> during this winter, Spring and summer. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/555610aaac4502abb01b82863589188d.jpg da45fb42c77e406e2b9931c10b1f7912 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f3c7f94b4bd23ab4dfcfb235ecb8a3ce.jpg a4c235d54b37005d90d8b9b24fe293a4 PDF Text Text On one occasion a Union Spie was placed in “stacks” and kept there until he fainted in the hot sun. He was under the name of John Moran. (Spies often go by fictitious names).—Another under the name of Hiram Smith, whose proper name was Hiram Glazier, was kept chained in a dark cell, and poorly fed. I was at this time allowed the privilege of the Stockade, and I was thus able secretly to do many kindness for three Union Spies.— I well remember two others, Cole, and Cobb, held as spies. <div class="tooltip" title="No records can be found for this man or for any of the men listed above.">Pleasant M Smallwood</div> , a Union man who had been conscripted into the rebel services and who escaped <s>afterwar</s> to the Union lines, was afterwards caught and hung by the rebels. I was permitted to <s>go</s> write his farewell letter to his wife, just before he was taken out of his the cell to the scaffold near the prison. He died as did many others a martyr for his country. The children of such aught to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d1c1e71049278a250f0152b5beaa1729.jpg e73fc39a529af49ef59897885e59b96e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8ce39b67e123b34f67cdd8555ab71ff7.jpg 4b1882b63769e9aff35fc7866b0727b0 PDF Text Text be pensioned by our government, but these like the Union men of the South generally (to this date [1814?]) <s>have</s> have not been appreciated nor rewarded in any way. On the 10th July 1864, A proclamation was made to the prisoners in the Atlanta Prison, that if they would agree to work, in the fortifycations around the city, they would be taken out of the prison and would be better fed. Several hundreds of us went out under that proclamation on the 11th of July.— Old Uncle John Stansil of Tenn. was too firm a Union man tho’ even to go out under this offer. He thought it looked like volunteering to do service for the rebelion: I reasoned with him that our government could excuse us for <s>avas</s> taking this means of escape, but he was firm and I bade him good bye. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b3e0426f2658c0de0d6b152dfed63c99.jpg c6cb2d85075ee8a50997f60611d9f856 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1b559ebe34620d9982f911ec038a7621.jpg e2d11338c73c2bdb66c70be9aafa720a PDF Text Text On the 11th of July 1864, I went out of the Atlanta Prison, but was not yet free. I was taken to the Regiment in which I had been place at Mobile. The Regiments (36th Ala. C.S.A.) was now a wreck, a mere remnant, so much had it been depleted by desertion and some by casualties in battle. What was <s>is</s> true of the whole Confederacy at that –A wreck, demoralized and forlorn. I was glad to see affairs thus, consequently enjoyed myself finely making observations. The Rebel lines were drawn in South of the Chatahoochee, forming a circle 7 miles out from the city. Battles were now being fought every day: and the scenes I witness could not be written in a large volume. I with the working squad, as https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d3dde8453095174de6bf94066f0bb3c8.jpg e12d81bc088fac32e5f91bf6d8d66f1b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e59be2a1484d13ee14f61667395e2f40.jpg 5356987ecfc589b43c0edb860750eba8 PDF Text Text they called us, were put to work in places between the battle lines—of extreme danger and the pickets were our guards and the Commanders our master. We worked of course, just as we were compelled. We were kept on the picket lines, digging new lines of Rifle Pits as the Rebel lines were <s>chan</s> changed from time to time. I became familiar with everything along the rebel lines, and as the Union lines were near (75 to 100 yds) at many, points I could learn many things concerning the Union Situation.—On the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-113-after-the-war" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 113, After the War footnote" rel="noopener">11th Aug. 1864</a> by <s>By</s> a secret understanding between a number of us, who were thus inside the rebel lines and some of the Union troops an armistice was partially obtained https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/11130d128c7eeee60bef363309a22b0d.jpg 94c939d7e9d28c429ed981f565b040e4 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/242e05be0d75fbf2a65d2d797180535c.jpg 7843373a7a3954a6fbd805e0cfddff11 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7953921b036eb35d2a689d3e182a536e.jpg 5038307e371d8879c3b411910767a065 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4ed58b2f6e25aa76c0a2bf1764b28122.jpg ad85d8e58a8218800ec55721f7cb6941 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ffa7d95459697685d977e70164ac870c.jpg 60afe65aaed601afba20394599bd66c4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Henning Woods Papers, 1856-1873 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Description An account of the resource This collection includes three memoir volumes and three diaries written by John Henning Woods, a Southern Unionist, Confederate conscript, and Civil War memoirist. Woods was born in Tennessee on July 4, 1834. After spending his childhood in Missouri, Woods married Mary Emma Caldwell, the daughter of a wealthy slaveholder and planter from Alabama in 1860. In 1861, Woods moved to Lebanon, Tennessee, to pursue his law degree at Cumberland University. Despite his ties to the South, Woods hated slavery and strongly supported the Union. Following the war's beginning and interruption of his education, he returned home to farm and teach. Due to his support for the Union, Woods chose to remain at home throughout the beginning of the war until his conscription into the Confederate army in October of 1862. While at first Woods fought to remain at home, the threat of imprisonment eventually sparked him to report to the army, where he was drafted into the 36th Alabama Infantry Regiment, Company K. As a part of this regiment, Woods was trained at Talladega and then posted around Mobile, Alabama. While at Mobile, Woods and a few fellow Unionist conscripts formed a secret Unionist organization called the Home Circle and planned a mutiny. Unfortunately, Woods was discovered prior to their planned mutiny and imprisoned to be tried. While awaiting his court martial, Woods was transported behind the army, following them through the Tullahoma Campaign and was then sent to Atlanta. His trial resulted in a sentence of death by firing squad; however, his execution was delayed due to the interference of a sympathetic general who had been his professor before the war. Woods saw the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga while imprisoned by the Confederate Army until he was once again sent to Atlanta following a stay of execution, furnished at the last minute from Jefferson Davis. He was then sent to work building trenches around Atlanta until he finally escaped Confederate officials on August 11, 1864, and made his way into Union lines. Following his escape, Woods made his way to Buffalo, New York, where he enlisted in the 93rd New York Infantry Regiment. He served out the rest of the war as a clerk for the Union Army until his discharge on May 11, 1865. Following the war, Woods returned home and continued to teach, moving to Lawrence County, Missouri sometime before 1885. In 1885, his wife Mary died and in 1889, he married Mae Laverall of Pennsylvania. Woods died on March 5, 1901, and is buried alongside both of his wives and his daughter in the Woodland Cemetery near Springfield, Missouri. The three volumes of Woods' memoir make up the largest portion of the collection. These three books focus on the years 1861-1864, describing his experiences of sectionalism, his opposition to secession and conscription, the process of forming an underground Unionist society in a Confederate regiment, his arrest for inciting a mutiny, and the resulting imprisonment and trial. The three journals cover a much broader range of topics and years, including genealogy, religion, marriage, slavery, and Woods' childhood. These three journals serve to contextualize the journals, as Woods referenced them during the writing process. Besides this, these journals also contain highly detailed drawings done by Woods during his imprisonment and a number of short entries in Pitman shorthand. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856/1873 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017-030 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Memoir Volume 3, John Henning Woods, c. 1865 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource c. 1865 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Type The nature or genre of the resource Memoirs Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017_030_Memoir_Vol3 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Description An account of the resource This final volume of Woods' memoir describes his imprisonment, trial, sentence, postponement of punishment, and his final stay of execution furnished from Jefferson Davis. archived https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1206e2a4fcf018fb1a0022bec8a11878.jpg d282e35b7ea6ff9fae42ac3bd5809ba8 PDF Text Text Part 2 J H W https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/70a8dab1bbae60d866c6e2a1c43a77a5.jpg 06db641dda612cace6b3c7cf8a68fb02 PDF Text Text My Services at Mobile. Although <s>nominally in the rebel army,</s> my name was by force of conscription placed upon the Rebel Muster rolls, I was virtually serving the Union. This was my sincere <s>intention</s> + desires, whatever the results. I very much deprecated the fact that I and other loyal men, were forced into the rebel drill camps <s>ranks</s>. Stationed at the city of Mobile as we were for [drice?] + <s>to do</s> post duty, the awkwardness of our condition did not as <s>so</s> plainly appear, as I knew it would, when <s>were</s> we should be ordered <s>sent</s> to active service in the field. While <s>I knew, so long as I were</s> on post, garrison, or <s>rear</s> Guard duty, I could render my services worse than a blank to the rebel cause, for I could have ample opportunity to overbalanse, every service, that https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/654d247175555f0762526269a67b1a17.jpg 4a67b8976be98f9039e680b074ff7675 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Our names had, without our consent, been placed upon the Confederate Rolls; but union, men should not be less esteemed for this: especially if it can be shown that they were, while in this servilance, really serving the Union Cause by planning and organizing secretly for the demoralizing and the overthrow of the Rebel <s>author</s> powers. These things we attempted to do, after we ascertained that conscripts were nearly all Union men. Hence I concieved the idea of organizing the loyal element in the South, for self-protection and of for the reclaming of their most sacred rights; which were being wrested from them by the rebelious Slave aristocracy. I should be forced to render, by some counter influence, which would in the finale, cost the rebel cause more than such forced service could be worth to them. How? In what way or ways? Well, in the course of a few weeks observations among the soldiers, I found that a great number, perhaps a majority of them were originally, and until now (Nov. “/62) really opposed to secession; consequently to the “Confederacy.”—Pres. Lincoln, although never in the midst of the Southrons during the war, believed the same fact, for he says—“There is much reason to believe that the Union men are the majority in many, if not in every one of the so-called seceded States.” Hence, I concieved the idea that all this loyal class had as </td> <td> I should be forced to render, by some counter influence, which would in the finale, cost the rebel cause more than such forced service could be worth to them. How? In what way or ways? Well, in the course of a few weeks observations among the soldiers, I found that a great number, perhaps a majority of them were originally, and until now (Nov. “/62) really opposed to secession; consequently to the “Confederacy.”—Pres. Lincoln, although never in the midst of the Southrons during the war, believed the same fact, for he says—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-2-unionists-of-confederacy" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 2, Unionists of Confederacy footnote" rel="noopener">“There is much reason to believe that the Union men are the majority in many, if not in every one of the so-called seceded States.”</a> Hence, I concieved the idea that all this loyal class had as </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7093666aaba2ca8d5e3a31c958a38015.jpg 9d66874641d1e6c0a8f6004b2616a8f3 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> I argued that we had committed no crime by being born in, or by emigrating to the South, and that we had as much right to our political opinions as those had who would abduct us from our allegiance. The number of loyal persons resident in the south I believed to be sufficient to [enlittle?] them to respect. We had waited patiently for some circumstance of relief from the unexpected dilema in which we were placed, and when our freedom of opinion + speech was denied us and when we, (as a class) were not even respected as men, but driven like brutes by the bayonet; what could we do but attempt by secret organization, to avoid the tyranny imposed upon us? By so doing we hoped to do valuable service for the Union at the same time. much right politically, and more in principle, to secede from, or to deny the right of the Confederate rule over them, than the dissatisfied Southerners had to secede from the Union. I believed that we, as Union men in the South, by misfortune or accident, and there abducted from our proper allegiance, were as every respectable a class in comparison with the republic of the United States. This reflection was the mother of many others on this subject. I had, too, read Lincoln’s first annual message to Congress, which assisted me in deciding to complete injustices of the secession bauble. From that message I quote—“The seceders insist that our Constitution admits of secession. They have assumed to make a </td> <td> much right politically, and more in principle, to secede from, or to deny the right of the Confederate rule over them, than the dissatisfied Southerners had to secede from the Union. I believed that we, as Union men in the South, by misfortune or accident, and there abducted from our proper allegiance, were as <s>every</s> respectable a class in comparison with the republic of the United States. This reflection was the mother of many others on this subject. I had, too, read Lincoln’s first annual message to Congress, which assisted me in deciding to complete injustices of the secession bauble. From that message I quote—“The seceders insist that our Constitution admits of secession. They have assumed to make a </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/73c642373c436930fe71597da4d6ced4.jpg 0b7357f14462adaf6134340d73b67942 PDF Text Text National Constitution of their own, in which of necessity, they have either discarded, or retained the right of Secession,++++. If they have discarded it, they thereby admit that on principle that it ought not to exist in ours:—if they have retained it, by their own construction of ours that shows, that to be consistent, they must secede from one another, whenever they shall find it the easiest way of settling their debts, or <div class="tooltip" title="This quote, continued from page 3, is also taken from Lincoln’s “Message to Congress in Special Session.”">effecting any other selfish or unjust object.”</div> —But I had heard leading secessionists on the Subject of “State rights,” by which they claimed to have become independent of the Union. I Have also heard their reasons for not allowing parts of the <s>so call</s> seceded states to secede back <s>again to</s> the Union, as many East Tennesseans, and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/36aec59f8118459aaa90f96c77027735.jpg bbf1eda1219c61b50b2446d8b76a7203 PDF Text Text West Virginians had desired. I once asked <div class="tooltip" title="Abraham Caruthers was a professor and judge at Cumberland University where Woods attended law school. Alongside his brother, Robert L. Caruthers, he was an innovator in law instruction and a co-founder of the Cumberland School of Law, which was one of the first law schools in the South at the time.">Judge Abe. Caruthers of Tenn.</div> What principle denied the right of secession <s>from</s> to a county, community, association or class of persons in any state. He answered the lack of State Sovereignty,—the want of state organizations. I soon saw clearly that the rebels would not grant peaceable secession to any of the subjects they claimed. They were not generous enough to accord to Union men the right of refusing or opposing their service: but knowing that Union men were in the rebel ranks, and there Unwillingly, my sense of duty dictated that some remedy should be tried for their relief. I believe that the number of Union men thus desiring relief was sufficient to create an extensive https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d9ee074868fed5fd9cccd6fc38ac6e34.jpg 35495ecc5bf6e68320de1a79f2c614dd PDF Text Text Secession from the rebel rule.—Call it desertion, mutiny, rebellion against the rebels, or whatever else you choose but its real object <s>character</s> must be to weaken the rebel cause and aid the Union: an object of which no loyal man will ever be ashamed. I was fully aware of the dangers and bearings in an attempt so “disloyal to the South,” but its very magnitude and the importance of the object sought prompted me to examine the premises, and finally to act.—The premises were—1st That the Union, is the government, to which Union men owe allegiance. 2ndly Union men are <s>were</s> here (in the South), and under rebel control. There were many evident difficulties, <s>rising</s> in the way to prevent the execution of the Conclusion; for the rebels, although, in an illicit and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/284fd90b575b22509d727d041ce5ef32.jpg c17e6c43c44865e600fe1065985161ff PDF Text Text unjust cause were in power and had means at their command, enabling them to execute civil or military judgement [sic] against us according to their own interpretation of right, and sectional interests. The Conclusion would plainly be that loyal men should serve their country, and hinder disloyal ones from serving against it. To execute this conclusion would surely be a consideration of the highest moment; and would justify dangerous, uncertain, or even desperate measures to attain the great and commendable object. But here we were, at Mobile, surrounded by the rebels, who have both the weapons of war, and the law of the land, in their own hands; however, when Union men can by any civilized means concen— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/46f53589e3a6f3e885265bbffbc39ab9.jpg fc52faa4d78af0cbd7bd40190e6e5a18 PDF Text Text trate power into their own hands, it would appear unnatural in them, did they not concentrate wield that power in their rightful defense, against the usurpation that forced them from their interests. We were far from the protecting power of our country, and were we, to openly avow our purpose of fealty to it, we might easily be punished or put to death before rescue could reach us. Others in Tennessee and elsewhere, tried it thus,—we know their fate. Then this means would most likely be a failure, and our own destruction would be the consequence. The Union could not even know that loyal men had thus and here, sacrificed their lives for her, voluntarily, and without persuasion or recompense. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8cb9b320b2ab537e3ea72f0298f87b78.jpg fae9a2d14bafd99edfb52f33741eea32 PDF Text Text By acting alone and upon individual responsibility, by deserting or escaping from the rebel lines, loyal men, through much danger and tribulation, might render a very efficient service to their country. This means, however loses half its virtue, by its having none of the power of cooperation, nor yet leaving behind it a growing influence.—There must be unity of action and circumstances; and <s>seeds</s> sentiments of patriotism’s [muse?] planted, anew else the work will be very limited and end with the actor. When influences are disseminated among the people <s>planted in good ground</s> they grow; and though the hand that cast them, be palsied in death, they still <s>will</s> ripen into good and glory for other days. Truth trodden under foot will rise again, because as it sinks beneath a tyrant’s heel https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/86e2fc1eae9b49484b00c039bba9dd9c.jpg ee2fbf6915de076d2ed0038b23439c98 PDF Text Text to precious seeds fall upon the virtuous inceptive heart of some stander-by and thence springs to light and life again, when the tyrant is dead or of his guard. Some secret means of concentrating the influence and advice of Union men throughout the rebel army, I believed would be a more effectual means of weakening the “Confederacy” than either “Open Avowal” or individual desertion; for it would effect all that both of these could, and be attended with many more extensive influences. This would plant a crop—diffuse influence which would spread and ripen into Union help. It would cheerish, keep alive, and cultivate the Union spirit whenever and wherever https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c58a68ad71b61fcb058ede4e67d1c946.jpg 1b1d6b21ed1e25b08feea354a5545a81 PDF Text Text opportunity so to do, might <s>may</s> be practicable and wise. This means would at once resolve itself into a “Union League,” which would have for its object the immediate and protracted exertion of each and all of its members to work in conjunction with the Federal Union against all her enemies, especially against this unprovoked rebellion. For the consumation of this I worked from the date of my conscription (Oct. 29/62) until April 14 “/63,—(The date of my arrest by the rebels at Mobile). <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-11-alfred-cumming" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 11, Alfred Cumming footnote" rel="noopener">When I was first sent to Mobile there were about 7,000 troops there.—Genl. Cumming’s Brig. a battery and some Cavl.</a> There were also quite a number of troops in Fla. and at Fort https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5a80d5243a369865fb52efadab96f866.jpg 7ac4142334c60508a8a37e18a2ad3400 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> JH Woods Book Mt Mo </td> <td> Morgan. I learned as well as I could the feelings of those troops to find if it were possible and practicable to kindle among them, or a respectable part of them, a Union Flame that might spread secretly and surely ‘till its sparks would catch from heart to heart, throughout the rebel States.—Could this be done the rebel leaders would be confounded and would not know in critical hours whom to trust. Every day lives were being lost, learning and religion were being suspended by the consequences of war and the interest of the whole country from the lakes to the Gulf was retarded. Then, it behooved the philanthropist and patriot, well, to do quickly what could or might be done </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b5b1a9165d97bbe32b623035315f1087.jpg 9a8f3449fefa8183dbdb9a40a7d74160 PDF Text Text to stay the tide of blood, and sever the rebel strength, that suspends the best interests of the world: But the great difficulty to be overcome, requires caution and time, that the vantage be planned and planted wisely, lest the desired result be thwarted. Some important inquiries present themselves at this juncture of the investigation; for the <s>difficulties and</s> dangers are known, and the great results to be obtained are only seen dimly through the glass of possibility, over the tangled copses of difficulty. The means by which it is possible to aid our country in destroying this treason, must be organized, concentrated, and systemized, There must be an originator <s>undertaker</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b8fd4608a396ea662f1f1ab89f34bbf0.jpg 3042be1576fccffadc2931fcecd6d2f0 PDF Text Text For such purpose there can be no public assembly, no mass meeting of Union men, and no convention to organize, decide the plan and extent thereof. This must all originate with some head, <s>and that head must be the Undertaker Originator</s> or, else, the effort for the work will never be made at all, and thus would be lost to the Union, the strength and influence of thousands, good and loyal.—Their lives would ebb out in vain. Their dead bodies would moulder unblest, beneath a Southern sky, like a golden harvest unreaped for want of laborors. These thousands of loyal<s>ty must</s> men + women live in mental prision [prison?] and die in despair, and the country must lose their https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1a2837c18580bd1abada8342554bebf5.jpg 4a45030f70c8c78d3fe2b6ca1d648eca PDF Text Text moral influence and even count their enemies, unless something be speedily done for their release. Their political and military power will be worse than lost to the Union, for the rebels are compelling them to do the blackest deeds of treason, and they must yield obedience, or give up their lives, summarily, in the midst of dismal swamps where no friend or help is nigh to know their last testament or hear their plaintful [plaintive?] lamentation. This must not, be it can not be, while a stone is left unturned and a hand untied to turn it. Some one must stake his own life for the chance of planting the seed, which once planted would grow despite the difficulty and danger, and would bring forth fruit unto the down fall of the Southern Conspiracy. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c92710bf2c7bfaf24cc143d062dc56c5.jpg dbcd1886eb47a7f17a99040dbb0f673e PDF Text Text Who will be the undertaker? Who will boldly, yet secretly, fearlessly, yet carefully, in good faith, yet using policy, pledge his life, his fortune, and his sacred all to support, protect, and defend the Union of our Washington? I will undertake. I will be one of a few or many. I will plant the League. <div class="tooltip" title="“Deus vult” means “God wills it” in Latin. It has served as a long-time motto for Christians, originating in a statement by Saint Paul as recorded in the Bible and being used as a rallying cry for early Christian troops during the First Crusade.">“Deus vult.”</div> I’ll try the problem. I know, if my hand shall be first to plant it, my blood may be first to water the plant:—Others may live to cultivate it, while some may live to garner its fruits in the Union, lead by our noble Lincoln. What though death may menace one like a yawning fiend.—If I remain, I must bear these https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d6cfb7a60788c49908d42a90947dfdde.jpg d0da423e2ab3932939c2f6ebf8c48281 PDF Text Text chains and slavery:—Is life so sweet as to be purchased with such a price? I will meet death voluntarily rather than be forced <s>to</s> like a beast to the bloody slaughter. What, though I do die, for the Union’s sake, are there not thousands dying for the same every day by land and sea? Is life more sweet to me than to them, or is my life worth more to the world? Mine is worth but little indeed here, chained to the support of <s>wrong</s> Slavery and all its wrongs. But they (the Union soldiers) are where the government can take care and count of them. The “Stars and Stripes” floats above them. Their names are registered at Washington, and they recieve wages and honor for the dangers they bravely meet; while the government does not even know that I live. The rebels have stolen my name—Then https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/68d2e27efdb65436a9bc2f2ce6c1e811.jpg 81e8e3df3c72415ececab6b1dfa89039 PDF Text Text shall I go down under their [frown?] when they smiles could be gained as well? Shall my name be blotted on their books with what they call disgrace, when I might as easily aspire to what they call honor? Shall I give up principle to gain rebell praise by worshiping their traitorous flag? Shall I bow down to treason that the satelites of the devil may give me favor therefore? No. Emphatically no. I will not refuse to bless in secret, just because the recipients know not whom to thank. Neither will I forget nor forsake my country though traitors chain and hide me from her protection. Let me, rather serve truth, tho’ truth know not who her servant be.—This day—Jan. 1st 1863—I will be The Undertaker!! https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b7b2fda8c6c4a6cc3c572bef11c3689d.jpg db1fc4a3969e37368eb4a724b9d98884 PDF Text Text The Union League. If my readers have carefully considered the “Situation,” they will now be prepared to appreciate the condition of the Writer at the date of the Organization of the Union League, at the city of Mobile Ala. Jan. and Feb.—1863. The undertaking was as difficult as the marshalling of a might host on the eve of decided battle. Before proposing an organization, I thought it proper to diffuse a few insinuating lessons among some of my most confidential friends; which I did in conversations and by writings Camp life gives good opportunities for extensive and repeated conversations. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1e5b791986cbd32138b771116691eb51.jpg bfee03b414b61e3bb871402f4208b98d PDF Text Text It is well known by most persons that a larger proportion of the men who were in the rebel army, could neither read nor write. These necessarily employed some one to write for them. (Soldiers will write to their Dear ones at home, and generally write more affectionately than they appear when there.) I availed myself extensively of these two means of gaining friends, and of finding out what men really thought. I always shaped the conversation so as to induce inquiry in the mind. viz How came the war? What for? By whom? What is proposed by it? What will be the gain, and loss +c +c. When I wrote to their friends I always worded the missive so https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5ef0e7d2f6d40e883d4b18588fd008c5.jpg 7c92a88e0eace516e53e243ca8d34b17 PDF Text Text that it touched the hearts, and showed up the unjust cruelty of the sad partings. I wrote so that I did not openly avow the Union cause, but it was exceedingly convenient to draw out serious reflections about our once “happy country.” During Jan. and Feb. 1863, I wrote a few unpresuming pieces of poetry—had them printed on slips and circulated them among the soldiers in camp. There was not a political word in them, but they were so socially sentimented [sentimental?] that I hoped to increase the distaste for soldiering in such a cause, and generate in the mind the idea that nothing but ill continually, would come from all this war.—I had read somewhere that Thoughts slumber in the brain— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a251cf762ee7a9c58ce111c354400648.jpg e21679a1d6befdefdf545c38324fd691 PDF Text Text “awake but one And lo! what myriads rise” Human nature is such, that thoughts and reflections come up by association, and the actions do follow them.—g Those pieces were <s>first</s>, “Sweet Home”—“Wife’s Soliloquy”—“My Love”—“Oh Where is He” <s>+c</s>. They were read with pleasure and each soldier inclosed a copy to his “Dear Wife”—He read “Home” and cried and She read “Oh where is he.” and cried.—Every one, both he and she heartily wished the Confederacy and all its Officers, [?] in Hades.—In all the hundreds of letters I wrote to the “Dear Wives” I never penned a good word for the Confederacy, but her palpable wrongs I showed up in impressive style. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c0074e86521724efed0e3b48ef2c8f15.jpg ae4ea7473d6bf26713ed7c29cc76d0b0 PDF Text Text Most of the men approved of my style and would always remark—“That is just what I wanted”—“You can word it better than I can tell” you.—That’s just right” +c. The world is made of sand the ocean of drops, so is every great result brought about by the friction of small causes. The way prepared—the plans reviewed—the crisis came—the League must be organized and help attained. <s>In Feb. or March 1863 (I don’t remember the day—the rebels took my diary when I was arrested)</s>. I wrote a preamble, declarations and resolutions as a basis for a Union League. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-23-phonography" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 23, Phonography footnote" rel="noopener">It was written in Phonetics and phonotopy</a>—none could read it but I. I submitted the whole matter https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/912485a691e28bdbffc76086307d3d34.jpg 67340c00c7e356f742ffa9a9892f18c8 PDF Text Text to my friend <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-24-woods-and-abbott" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 24, Woods and Abbott footnote" rel="noopener">Hyram Woods.</a> He and I associated with us a Rev. Mr. Abbott. We took muted counsel together and assumed the title of “Directory.” I and the preacher were conscripts.—My friend H—W— was a volunteer but under circumstances that he could not well resist. Our preacher was by nature enthusiastic and zealous in whatever he believed to be right. He believed the Union to be right, and Secession wrong. He evaded the conscript law and preached Union to the people in the mountains of North Ala. He was finally conscripted and ordered to report—He disobeyed the order, and told them the Confederacy had no jurisdiction over him. He was arrested https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9cc12c00428eeae64822988e56753ec0.jpg 7359fd07b3ec8cc1bbf6c558c2501b40 PDF Text Text and confined in jail: Afterwards To avoid cruel treatment he asked to be assigned to some Regt. and was came to sent accordingly to Mobile; chained to another conscript—He was scarcely ever able to do any kind of “duty”—His health was always very bad, when the rebels wished him to do service—They did not make him pay well—and he was proud of it <s>it</s>. I sought opportunity to see my friends frequently and to make new ones,—drilling and going to the city on “duty” gave me such opportunity—(<s>So</s> I did not get sick every time they wanted me). My friend H—W— was nearly always indisposed, and inhabited the hospital frequently: but a more Jealous man in the pursuit of what he undertook could scarcely be found. He was a good https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6f4fe3466616ef63086a96737d6d8509.jpg 9397c5647752246bea07a0762ebae8fc PDF Text Text We three composed the embryo League and the Directory. We were dependent upon our own guidance for <s>our own</s> success. An Organization with an object so important, deserved the ministration of men of profundity and more sagacity at its <s>birth</s> origin. We could boast of no qualifycation except that of Zeal: <s>and</s> We knew, it hath been said that Zeal is the blind leader of the will. Looking to God for <s>the</s> wisdom, we hoped victory would “burst to light through the darkness of our control.” We mutually agreed upon a method of conducting the meetings of the League,—of receiving members, and defined the object and the extent to which we desired to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0bf3ff3a7887e260c56d45245832e631.jpg 2c8be8a52a7597d3c4f20ef9c2148cc6 PDF Text Text prosecute our cause. We thought to disguise the character of the League by its name, “The Home Circle” by which we hoped to feign (if betrayed) that the Society had no object further than that of social<s>ity</s> intercourse and friendship—to cultivate good habits—care for each other in sickness +c. This was the character under which we always introduced the League to candidates for admission. in the process of the introduction we could find out whether the applicant was “all right” politically. None, even of the members knew the origin of the “Secret Society”—The original Directory gave out from the beginning that https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/29f10130674e6d72f42d4063d1f6bd0d.jpg e8268d248cb673e29477b8e0e36e8f84 PDF Text Text it was an exotic. It was hailed with delight by the Union men. The intense interest with which they listened to the “Private lectures” when initiated proved the spell that blessed <s>bound</s> their souls with buoyant hope. Their spontaneous exclamations advertised the new delight that swelled their longing hearts.—“This is just what we have been wanting”—“I’m glad it’s started”—“How long has it been on hand” “How many belong to it” “push it on—let’s have all the Union men in it.”—“I want to shake the hand of the man who originated it”—“We’ll not go cowering under these rebel boasters <s>Slavers</s> much longer.” One in his gladness said he “could kiss the man’s feet who started it.” Another said—“I am so glad—I feel https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2efc884d60745eef91ee35dd274b6ddc.jpg 76f006f1200de44efa1dadf49894fbe1 PDF Text Text like I did when I first got religion” These exclamations were <s>as</s> straws which showed the way the wind was blowing. Organization of the Home Circle at Mobile Ala. Jan. + Feb. 1863 When in the course of events secession and treason, engendered by the institution of slavery, <s>has</s> have involved our country in dreadful war, and whereas, disunion—Slave-holders hold the reigns of power, in these Southern States, and by that power are forceably depriving Union men of the South, of their rights and citizenship under the United States, by arbitrary laws, compelling them to the support of the treasonable ef- https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e58d37640f09d87facd96f1d5ffc039f.jpg 8cc002f7fd2e8591e150d3f73e999274 PDF Text Text fort to establish a Southern Confederacy it therefore becomes necessary for all Union men thus oppressed to unite <s>join themselves together</s> in a Secret League for self-defense, and for the execution of design in concert. The Design is that Union men by concert of action, upon their own responsibility and moved by principles of patriotism, may cooperate with the Government of the United States, in her effort <s>duty and design of</s> to suppressing this unprovoked rebellion. Declaration. We, Union men of the South, whose homes <s>by chance, fell</s> have fallen to us in the rebel- https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7f7eae1eebbaae9bf8f617ddeb70b98d.jpg ebdfd90fcf99546940a4cc2413323ef5 PDF Text Text lious States, do declare that we ever have and still claim allegiance to the Union of our forefathers; and we now and henceforth disavow, any voluntary connection with this traitorous effort to establish a Southern Confederacy. The rebels have been reminded from time to time, by our words and actions, that we were unwilling to serve them in their unjust attempt against our country and interests, and we do refuse to recognize the “so called Confederacy” as a <s>lawful</s> government, but look upon it as usurpation and treason. We have given attention to “State rights,” but have failed to see that any rights of the South were https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ff36c70757ca781633d638e0d200aff1.jpg 8af12b04cbacd53009fe789262028d7d PDF Text Text either “trampled upon” or menaced by the general government of the U.S. Hence we declare that non-slave holders, have not even a pretext towards justifying or influencing them to take part with Slave-holders in this wicked rebellion; <s>then we must consider it blindest fully in them so to do.</s> We are not interested for the perpetuation of Slavery and and do not desire it: therefore we will not fight with secessionists for it; but we do sincerely hope that this rebellion maybe turned back like a destructive <s>upon itself treasonous</s> viper upon itself to the sudden abolition of Slavery, by God and the government; that these precipitate rebels may see that in their blind disloyalty they wrought their own humiliation. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1957168938440df887d9dd8e734113f3.jpg f2f714f34232f3815e3667fba597c9d0 PDF Text Text We are under no obligations to the “Confederacy,” and will not voluntarily fight its battles or otherwise serve it. We owe allegiance to the Union and <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-33-support-protect-defend" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 33, Support Protect Defend footnote" rel="noopener">“will support, protect and defend”</a> her in every possible and practicable manner even to the imminent peril of our lives. The determination of the “Confederacy to force Union men into her service, to aid in perpetuating Slaver, in which we <s>they</s> hold no interest, <s>but rather see it abolished, than pr continued,</s> is virtuely reducing us to object slavery ourselves. To constrain us to bear arms against the flag we love, is to force us to sley our friends and save our enemies, which is https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b264ea3de1feef3dedd6e6ee32150837.jpg 8ebb4e8253c14faa25b952d2c91a933d PDF Text Text as unnatural as it is unjust. Union men for the love of their country have been abused in divers ways,—hunted from their homes with dogs,—ironed and driven like beasts to the field of Slaughter,—hung and their families insulted by the rebel authorities: We do therefore most solemnly resolve that we will beat lasting hate against the “Southern Confederacy”, but we will never entertain any sympathy for it or for any <s>person or</s> measure in support thereof. We will fight against the “Confederacy” secretly:—to injure it—to weaken it,—to bring it into disrepute among its own deciples. We do this in self defense. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0f4f9edca227314e2843e42cd967a851.jpg 7f55e79a1ebcf1b6f18cbe33f60b1768 PDF Text Text to aid our country what we can, though she knows not our will, but we hoping she may approve, we, with steady faith and free bent minds, launch our lives in this uncertain peril, trusting in God for wisdom to guide us. (Parenthetical My Readers will please remember that I word these writings from memory, as the rebels took all my papers Diary +c, which I did not myself destroy when I was arrested Apr. 14 1863. So these brief instruments of the Secret Society are not verbatim of the original, but they contain the spirit fully and the words as far as I can remember them I will not give the names of men who joined with me in the League fearing that it might by some possibility https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/de039858c3339365c02cb0e58cbd37f2.jpg 814f246edb317d90d7ccc9085d611323 PDF Text Text bring them in to danger, as many of the paroled rebels are yet no better than vile assassins.) The Home Circle Articles of agreement. We, the members of this Secret Circle, are Union men who believe that the “so called Confederacy” is wrong and treasonable, and know it to be tyrrannical: We therefore owe it no service and will give it non voluntarily. We will use every secret means in our power, to injure the Confederate cause and to aid the Union. (We can not do it openly—). If forced into battle by the rebels, we will not fire upon our friends, the Union Soldiers, but into the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/73fbb93ba2aa3e99085d9556ae557cbd.jpg 2a39410cd46e150c7cf1c097fb5acd35 PDF Text Text ground or otherwise <s>for a blind</s>. We will encourage desertion from the rebel lines, and any disobedience which will give trouble to the “Confederacy” and annoy and dishearten rebel citizens. From henceforth, we consider ourselves secret Soldiers of the United States. We assume this honor in good faith because we are cut off from correspondence with our government; nevertheless we will only do those acts and things which we believe our government will, one day, approve. We make these agreements secretly, mutually, and intelligently, knowing that we are proposing to meet great dangers without <s>assurance of</s> pay, honor https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d9eaf6231f43983d5fc5284264232399.jpg a3d7f177c10309a146afaf6322b2fe29 PDF Text Text or protection, but feeling that a clear conscience and the smiles of heaven will be our reward. We unite in this League to stand by each other when and the principles we profess, when danger threatens or rebel frowns lower darly [darkly] on us.—Here we plight our faith in pursuance of right <s>as God has given us as understand to see that right.</s> Initiation—Oath. Each candidate for admition [admission] into this Secret Circle must take the following oath. We solemnly pledge upon our honor as men moved by a common necessity, withe our hands upon the Holy Bible before each other, and in the sight of God, that we will https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/65f85824ee2999a316b9b6169c5355a1.jpg 73b1030d50b378b4d80817f758d60589 PDF Text Text keep profoundly secret all the proceedings, designs, signs and passwords of <s>of</s> this League known as the Home Circle. —That we will individually, and collectively, labor zealously for the consumation of the designs and purposes of this League, and that we will never divulge any member’s name so long as danger may menace therefor. For the Support of this League the resolutions and Declaration We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred all. So help me God. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4d2163e200cb7426196e45fbb7398d32.jpg 4baafb0d83f9fcdb3a1051a2bc303bf9 PDF Text Text By Laws— The power of the Home Circle shall be vested in Directories which shall consist of three men in each Directory, whose duty it shall be to direct the meetings and proceedings of the respective Circle to which they belong; and to initiate members. The different Directories shall meet in general Convention to decide upon general plans of action. Every meeting must be so conducted that no large assembly shall be brought together at <s>the</s> one place. It shall be the duty of every member to be watchful of danger and to solicit all his well known Union friends and no others to become members. No new member shall <s>not</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3439d3ccfcdc61288ccaf66786d535a6.jpg f216a1eb19aadd3ffe36c4fa701120ca PDF Text Text be admitted, <s>who is</s> unless he is well known by one or more of the well known and intelligent members of the Circle where the initiation is proposed. When a meeting is being held all business must be immediately suspended on the approach of any individual, and some light conversation taken up; but if the person approaching gives the signs of the Circle he may be admitted, and if no doubt remains, the business of the Circle may be resumed. One or more of a Directory may with other members initiate new members anywhere and at any time when the instructions can be given without detection. New Directories of three, of congenial sentiments, may be https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/efc45c5943c1ad5444ccf0c116eb8a64.jpg 219f1ac2cf014f6a75f3f9ea579a4188 PDF Text Text formed by an older Directory wherever there is opportunity of receiving new members. No names of members, pass-signs or pass-words shall be written; neither shall any of the proceedings or writings of the Circle be written or drawn off,—except such a careful number of the Constitution, Declaration, resolutions and Oath as are actually necessary to spread the organization: which are then to be given in parts and destroyed. An estimate of the number of members initiated must be kept by the Directories Other rules may be introduced according to necessities, but the strictest secrecy must be preserved. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/128c81705f658e1ea0ff03809f3aa7b7.jpg 2668caafd56e8771a140082b2ea664e1 PDF Text Text The Work of initiating members into the Home Circle was facilitated by the extensive dissatisfaction which existed among the men; and Secrecy was made sure by the mutual and self-interest of the dissatisfied. Each Union man felt oppressed and sighing for relief he was anxious to take hold of any scheme that promised it. It is an old adage that “misery loves company” Rebel oppression induced Union men to make inquiry for a common <s>mean</s> means, to secure a common relief. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-43-camp-beulah" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 43, Camp Beulah footnote" rel="noopener">Four miles from Mobile in “Camp Beula,”</a> We were in “Winter quarters”—divided into “messes” of ten., Each “mess” having a little house or tent for quarters. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3aba0bde6fefe2dc36ee4218263a529a.jpg 9aa86e4c7bb1a2ac8ec716c4a7c118f6 PDF Text Text The “quarters” were nicely laid out with streets like a village—polieced [policed] thoughorly and a broad “parade ground” alongside. It is a fine, sandy, level, sweet-potatoe country down among the Alabama pines. There were broad <s>leve</s> fields for drilling and reviewing. The rebel authorities were building military prisons and fortifying the “Bay City” as if they expected some day, to see yonder “Yankee fleet” come sailing up the bay. They were planting torpedoes—building gun-boats and mounting “siege pieces.” Every soldier is acquainted with the “Duty” to be done at a Camp like this.—A detail for guard—a detail for work—drilling—parades and reviews. All to take up the time, yet you https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c72a310f0655fdae68a5ab275a8dd8ee.jpg eb2c1fe8ce54bcd1bba938c199384cd6 PDF Text Text may find a great deal of leasure for reading—writing—attending preaching and mingling with friends, or if you be of a contrary turn of mind you may find leasure for playing cards, <div class="tooltip" title="Taken from the common phrase “pressed into service,” this is likely a reference to some soldiers’ practice of stealing goods, including chickens, from locals, with the claim that it was necessary for the good of the Confederate army or cause. “Trafficking” in this context also likely refers to trading in banned goods in a dishonest manner."><s>stealing</s> “pressing chickens,” +c and for trafficing.</div> A man <s>of short reflection</s>, whose mind did not reach out into the future, could endure all this Camp life and even enjoy it. But thinking men—men who have aspiration, conscience, and ambition become restless and unhappy. Taking it all together Camp life is an excellent condition to make acquaintances. Each man soon has a number of confidential friends and each confidential has his. Then, as meetings are free https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7aaf2ad8df2d0aebff13af9f43952b4b.jpg f96a9ed250b2680111d061a9117656ff PDF Text Text and frequent among friends, there is no better place for secret combinations to grow and flourish. True, as military is stripped of that spirit of compromise and leniency, which belongs to civil law, it is dangerous to subject one’s self to the mercy of its courts: but it is, also true, that those who would attempt to excite a mutiny or secret combination to overthrow the power that binds and oppresses them, Stake their lives upon the success of the effort: They choose death, rather than bear submissively, the galling chains of Slavery. In this desire, I entertained of planting an influenced which perchance might trouble the Confederate imposition, even https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0c3215812c7f89088b3f4216c56e9ce7.jpg 51cac819ed194965a0376aed549e521d PDF Text Text more than regiments of armed men, I determined to give up my life if needs be, as a voluntary sacrifice upon the alter of the Union. I knew there was a possibility of accomplishing my designs and of saving my life too, but I was fully persuaded that the probabilities were against me. I devoutly asked the light and guidance of God in the undertaking; and I believe there is virtue in asking. We at first held our meetings very cautiously; frequently in some of the little houses where the “Mess” were members, but generally on the “parade ground.” We assembled in small numbers at different places on the parade ground about dark. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5b2adcd226ec24d40b43178ea823c9aa.jpg ee18a1489c4bec6476b4f8b308015ed1 PDF Text Text Forming small Circles of those present, the Directory and candidates for admission in the center, the initiations were performed, the instructions given and the meeting dispersed; perhaps to meet again at some other point in five or ten <s>m</s> minutes afterwards. In this way as many as twenty or thirty would be and were often instructed in a very short time. We frequently held meetings and initiated members in day-light even while <s>and the</s> officers were in sight. There was very soon a Directory in nearly every Company in two or three regiments. (38 and 36 Ala.) We sent the organization by a citizen, (whose sons were at Mobile and members). to North https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2550acbade5f9c2d7d6b61ed4a0214d7.jpg b6441f4a75fe2d5dce9e3ec2ce397817 PDF Text Text Alabama; and also by furloughed soldiers and letters to different parts of the rebel armies—to Va. N.C. Ga. +c. We never learned directly what success the League ever meet with other parts to which it was sent. I have heard it spoken of frequently by North Carolinians and North Georgians. I met a few of the members in prison at Atlanta a year after the organization at Mobile. These told me that the League to which they belonged was known by a different name and that they read the Second chapter of Joshua for encouragement. (Reader please see 2d Chap. Josh.). many of us did truely “bind the line of scarlet thread in https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2e44fb24ae1fe3819d91defcfe8d38c2.jpg 41a85daab6260082878ead3171682529 PDF Text Text <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-50-bible-quotation" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 50, Bible Quotation footnote" rel="noopener">the window”</a> for Lincoln’s spies as a sign. There was I am informed a mutiny among the rebel soldiers at Fort Jackson, below New Orleans, which <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-50-fort-jackson" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 50, Fort Jackson footnote" rel="noopener">gave the Union forces an easy victory on the 24th of Apr. 1862;</a> but I have never heard of any <s>League</s> Union League of earlier date than ours at Mobile. According to the best information I have, there was some organizations of the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-50-union-leagues" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 50, Union Leagues footnote" rel="noopener">Union League in New York and other northern States</a> <s>about</s> in the summer of 1863. I do not know what occasion gave rise to the idea in the North, but I am of the impression that the influence first planted at https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/211b55ea11bc93e4e0dd5fed1a045ffa.jpg a7af19186c81d13a7fa5eaa365dc5b33 PDF Text Text the South by the necessities of which I have spoken and then for mutual advantage transmitted by some member to some of the earliest captured Union soldiers, who upon their exchange carried the idea to the North from E. Tenn. or Va. We worked zealously and uninterruptedly in the Home Circle until about the 1st of Apr. “/63, when the rebel officers became aware that some extraordinary subject engrossed the minds of the men. The officers used many cunning devices to discover, what was to them a mystery. On several occasions the Leaguers had tried their alarm signals, to ascertain what https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3ca183b3ac103dd2382ac7c89357aa93.jpg c83b03d32579bfd547634669c8acb4db PDF Text Text force they could quickly rally. One night at 8 P.M.—the signal was given—the members gathered on the parade ground like portentous clouds before a storm. Some evidently thought active operations were about to begin,—as defiant shouts were raised by the more enthusiastic. A few of the officers were seen skulking about in disguise, to see what they might see.—They may have supposed that actual hostilities had commenced. “On or about” the 5th Apr. the rebel officers held a “war council” to determine for their own safety. They said the men had become impudent and discontented;—that they collected in bands at night and “[run?] the guard” and that they were unreliable to do guard https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fb01524f08810b238c3db9309eea29c6.jpg 56f32e2cfde2146502468e3b4b8da041 PDF Text Text duty, as they would let prisoners escape. Planters too were laying in complaints about their chickens and pigs being stolen. Some of the speculative planters in their wrath swore that they had as <div class="tooltip" title="“Lief” is an old-fashioned word for “gladly or willingly.” Originally from Old English and particularly popular in the early 1800’s, “lief” saw a resurgence in use around 1861 that may explain Woods’ use of it here.">lief</div> have the “Yankee Soldiers” there at once. (I thought I had rather). The officers regretted this state of affairs very much indeed They decided that their safety lay in scattering the companies <s>troops</s>. But to leave Mobile with all the pleasures they had there been enjoying almost col cooled their ardor in the “Southern cause” and one Colonel (36th Ala.) did actually resign, rather than leave his “Dear Wife” and negroes to fight in the inglorious cause of Slavery. Oh how their unpatriotic hearts swelled with desire to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b65cd0db855d563286408cdceba53f4d.jpg 5b287866da518af84ba2c706262805ef PDF Text Text enjoy their salaries at their homes. The soldiers had long since become enviously sick of the happiness the officers were enjoying with their accomplished wives and fair daughters. Oft they rose in close proximity past the “lines” on the review grounds, rustling their gaudy silks as if to mock the chafings of the men forced from home <s>soldier’s broken and longing heart.</s> These venial temptations may light up cheerfulness to some, but they only vex the lonely senseativeness of him whose imagination flies like swift-winged fancy. One dry, sultry day—“Camp Beula” Mobile—there was a general review of all the companies <s>troops</s>. I managed to be “excused”—then I placed me where spectators thronged. The officers were in self important style—their fine https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9a93820a4ad00d526e768553d2c7866e.jpg 064855f155b2cbd193342cf78abc7d6c PDF Text Text chargers prancing to the treasonable tune of Dixie and the soldiers murmuringly biding their time.—Wealthy ladies from the city and “fancies” from St. Michael Street in glittering <div class="tooltip" title="The barouche was a kind of horse-drawn carriage used for leisurely travel mainly in the summer. These carriages had an open top and two bench-style seats inside made to seat four people.">barouches</div> were gathered on the common At length the wily Buckner, <s>with</s> came with all his puffed <s>up</s> retinue.—The evolutions began and progressed untill the men were tired and faint. They were “double quicked” for miles to please the vain curiosity of spectators and the ambition of officials.—From some cause we had been given no rations of meat for three days. In the course of the review my attention was called to a conversation between some ladies and an officer. They seemed to be talk- https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/935b772a61b60c47fd3ed68ee2add838.jpg 3badf80855f80f78298b4fb2e0032f8f PDF Text Text ing lightly about the hardships, which soldiers have to bear.—One exclaimed—“See them double-quick” “How they come dow [down?].” “Ha, ha ha—one <s>soldier</s> fell.” The ladies seemed to be recieving great pleasure <s>from</s> by the fatiguing and vexing labors of the men in drilling <s>men</s>—The officer spoke saying—“I don’t think they ought to run them quite so much, for I understand they have had nothing to eat for several days but bread.”—The lady replied—“Then they ought not to run those fellows to death.”—Thus the disrespect and coldness of feeling, the wealthy ladies and officers entertained for the "rank and file.” I have seen them, on the field and passing through <s>in</s> prisons, and in hospitals, laugh at the poor soldiers lonely trouble https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/22d33a7a5081ff631e09c7732539aeb1.jpg 9d0ad93d0b897cc7f3dbd10df16ca758 PDF Text Text and mock at his feverish pain. A few men can read the cruel indifference of a “marble heart” to another’s woes, and ply the punitive mien it well deserves. On the 8th of Apr. 1863, the troops were, upon short notice, ordered to march—some in one direction, some in another. Men excited and officers in doubt, confusion ensured. The men <s>soldiers</s> had not been paid for some time, hence they used this as a pretext for their discontent. It was rumored in camps that the men were not going to leave Mobile without their wages were first paid.—Eleven dollars ($11.) per month was not much but then Confederate script was nearly at par. The chaplin came around https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7a2c08ce60d8df662c3dcc76eca5bed5.jpg 94c56aef36dfbedf424b32bc446956ed PDF Text Text among the men <s>soldiers</s> to persuade them to obey the orders. He told them that he was aware they needed their money to send to their families, but that it could not be attended to at that time—he said “we must all bear these ills for the good of our country” (meaning the Confederacy). The “Home Circle” had not fully completed its work and we, did not want to divide our strength without making an attack. In our last meetings we had decided upon a plan of action—We had determined for every member of the League to load his piece secretly for dress parade—then when the officers closed in line and marched to the Colonel for instructions, the signal was to be given. Then, quickly every member of the Circle with loaded https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/744b4315b5d64a550b3ebea333958f71.jpg 9005e3d747f665e479467d0c086cc1fe PDF Text Text gun was to rush forward and closing up around the affrighted officers, our Captain was to demand their surrender. In the event, they refused <s>our</s> our bayonets being set, a fight would have followed. This was to take place simultaneously in several Regts. If the officers could thus have been captured or killed, complete disorganization <s>would</s> of the regiments would have followed <s>in quick succession.</s> The League in perfect discipline and understanding would have remained in working order. A general invitation from our officers then would have secured to us the majority, probably of those <s>rem</s> uninitiated. The balance could have been captured or conquered ‘ere other rebel soldiers could be brought from a distance. The idea was to right for the Union https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/608642534442ee41a6bcddabe530cbbd.jpg 22ed7c2c3c1857f7be7667552dc3973d PDF Text Text and we intended to fight the first battle <s>right</s> there, bury our dead and march with our prisoners to the <s>Union</s> coast near Pascagoula—there signal the Union fleet—turn over our prisoners and offer our services regularly to the Federal commander. This plan was decided upon but no time appointed. Now by the order to march our plan was about to be thwarted.—<s>Our action was to have be simultaneous in all the regiments.</s> We now became apprehensive that the rebel officers had a spie in our ranks to betray us, and that this order to scatter the troops by marching them to different <s>poin</s> points, was only a stratigem to destroy our strength or to bring new troops to Mobile, to ar- https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/de5c19dcf1f1ca8028ed21d72cadffed.jpg d8a323fc6291106027ba849b1bf6f3aa PDF Text Text rest or displace us, hence the excitement on the morning of the 8th, but through the efforts of the chaplin of the 36th Ala. and the treacherous spie in our ranks with the promise of the officers that we would all be come back in a few days and then be paid, we acquiesced, as we <s>thought</s> hoped only to get a better opportunity. A part of the troops were left in camps as if to insure our return. We were marched beyond Dog-river toward Pascagoula I was a private, but on account of my qualifycations I was assigned a position as a clerk to make out Muster and Payrolls and some of the officers had solicited me to accept a position in the ordinance department. I stood fair among https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c4ba855e772daef69e6eefe8eee57914.jpg 607ab10e9345156dd264e91fccfed612 PDF Text Text the officers and knew many of their plans, and up to this time I did not believe they knew the cause of the dissatisfaction among the men. We initiated a few new members on the march toward Pascagoula, and those remaining at Camps worked zealously while we were gone. I was very much interested in the march for I thought it had gained friends to the Circle. We hoped we had a majority in two regiments—Some in others. We delayed action, in order to gain strength. Our delay was fatal. The rebel officers had taken advantage of it <s>our delay</s>, to scatter the troops and to bring new ones to Mobile. On the evening of the 13th Apr. we returned and camped https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/854d7a3b9c2a4c4115dbf8c26446c1bc.jpg 8b4681c0c5fc5534a3ffec71e2c84877 PDF Text Text near <s>the old</s> Our winter quarters. On the morning of the 14th. Some of our Directories met for consultation and decided that action must not be delayed much longer; And while we were yet hoping to concentrate our strength in action, an order came for all to be ready to take ship, accross Mobile Bay to Bpollard, thence by rail to the seat of war at Tulahoma Tenn. Again excitement ran high and there was signs of precipitation. I was busily consulting with the Directories, when a Lt Silas Mosely, a pretended friends, but in reality the Spie in our midst, treacherously invited me and my friend H.W—to go with him to the City, where he https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/09e6b330e7301e17172dc82f61c13fd0.jpg 85e903728168a7cdadad0223cb9c696e PDF Text Text pretended some of our confidential friends were waiting to see us. I hesitated, I yielded, I went.—On the way as we neared the depot on Dauphin St. I felt as though some dark-winged augur hovered over me. The hand that Judas-like <s>sh should</s> would soon betray me was at my side and I knew it not. We went on to the Post Office where after some little purposed delays of our disguised enemy, guards and officer approached and informed me and my friend H—W—<s>Hiram Woods</s> that we were prisoners. We were taken down the street, below the Battle House to the military prison, at 11 A.M. Apr. 14, 1863. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9936221913bc172a69a0bb4ccc7c65b3.jpg 3c5f04a304b829bb1bf4c1cb418b4144 PDF Text Text My Imprisonment at Mobile Many of my readers, doubless know by experience, what imprisonment means. In every army, whether its aims be good or bad, there are those <s>from</s> who from some cause give offense to the military power over them. They are sought, arrested imprisoned, <s>and</s> tried and punished. All good people everywhere will agree, that insubordination to or desertion from a good cause is a crime; but few if any can decide that desertion from a bad cause is a crime. It should rather be considered a virtue to forsake the Service of the evil and unjust. It is no disgrace to be imprisoned for conscience’s sake, by the hands of the evil. Since this cruel rebellion many https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1e0068ac99becb02ee88644dc66276de.jpg d104ce03b29b8bc72d2f039836bdbfcb PDF Text Text thousands of our best and loyal citizens have been imprisoned, condemned, and punished by the rebel authorities; for alleged opposition to the “Confederacy.” Their arrest, imprisonment, and punishment, was advertised by the rebels as being ignominious. I wish hear to impress upon the minds of all, that military crimes even in a good cause are quite different from civil crimes.—Murder, theft, fraud +c are crimes per se, and their disgrace can never be effaced from the culprits character in any just and intelligent community. But “military necessity” makes things right in time of war, which are wrong in time of war, which are wrong in times of peace, and vice versa.—for instance in time of war it becomes a virtue in https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/34bc1cf515ce1c7cf059ca4856074959.jpg 1a8825d13e3cfcc540c93ca5fddc329b PDF Text Text a man to leave his wife and home to the charities of the people, to enter the military service as a volunteer in a good cause. In time of peace it would be a crime to leave one’s family unprovided for. In times of war, desertion and mutiny are the higest crimes and are punishable with death.—Yet there may be circumstances and times which would justify both of these military crimes. In forced Service—draft and conscription there are often domestic obligations and claims of conscience, which the mutineer or deserter may plead in bar against punishment. Those pleas might give self justifycation, yet be rejected by the courts-martial. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cda28dac14d0f1e724deae66abd691c8.jpg 71e59da54fdc4fc368901908881b66e0 PDF Text Text Thus, often in military, he, who feels justified and innocent of any crime, is actually accused imprisoned, tried and punished in the most ignomminious manner. This is heart rending to the friends and relatives of the quasi criminal but the accused person himself when he feels justified, can bear his punishment with much more patience than he, who feels himself guilty of real crime: yet I have heard many a prisoner say that if he was quilty, he could bear the punishment better. In the case of our own soldiers who have by military authority been wrongfully accused and punished, or where there were sufficient mitigations connected with the crime of which they have been accused, as far as the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6a6978914bd3ae714d8d0b4717deaa5d.jpg 907899fdba024db51d30172b782be179 PDF Text Text people or the government can discern such cases imputed disgrace should be removed, and they should be honored as though they had suffered in the execution of the most meritorious commands. For it is only by the toleration and cultivation of this desire to act according to conviction of duty, that moral responsibility can be secured to man. Yet while I hold these exceptions to general rules, I believe in the main all should acquiese in the power over them, even against conscience, especially when acquiescence would result in less evil<s>l</s> than disobedience. In voluntary service the presumtion for acquiescence is stronger, or even obligatory. I do not desire that one word https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6fb5ea1828e4ae8f889e3f766b48498d.jpg 0ede8f2dffe49380bc04b299bf25a6e0 PDF Text Text I say shall be construed in favor of deserters from a good cause into which they volunteered, but I do desire to encourage an<s>d</s> inclination in the American people to discern between willful crime civil or military, and those offenses <s>wh</s> against regulations, in which the mitigations may outweigh the offense itself. In this war against the rebellion, every true loyal person has hailed desertion from the rebel army as a virtue, and would readily honor the deserter there from. On the other hand he woul decide it a great crime to deserte from the Union ranks. So I decide it. In this narrative I must consider that to disobey the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b5377682f88626cbb97bc2bc9e64938e.jpg f02612bb0f5323bc4f13c7fa735a7489 PDF Text Text confederate laws was a virtue yet I suppose most of the people who were caught in the Confederate bounds, considered obedience there to a virtue. Hence those there, who disobeyed against Confederate authority were the victims of the execrations of the rebels; and the victim if overtaken and imprisoned was sure to suffer the full expiation for his offence. So it was with us in the Mobile prison, we were subjected to many abuses and cruelties at the hands of officers and guards in charge of the prison. Prior to my imprisonment I had been compelled to stand guard a few times around this https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d79775b5c8209f20656f0218394961e9.jpg 5da230da363cd4f19336f2465953269e PDF Text Text same prison house, but my sympathy was for the inmates rather than their keepers. Many of the prisoners were vicious and unworthy men, but I sympathized with them because I knew full well that every trouble to the rebel cause was doing service for the Union. I don’t mean by this that the government of the United States should feel under obligations to that class north or South, who unintentionally injured and weakened the Confederate cause; for many of these I suppose would have committed the same offenses against the Union, had they been in her armies. But I do hold that the United States does owe a modest respect to those, who in the South, pressed by every https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7b425f4b69176bd6abb2556c9ddbadd4.jpg e65bad16ce8813c16bb9d1dc2a6c2851 PDF Text Text rebel influence, were yet firm for the Union, and voluntarily with an intelligent eye to ther the good of the Union, <s>sought and</s> gave trouble to the Confederacy. Having these reflections, I felt proud of my imprisonment. I felt proud of the character with which the rebels thought to disgrace me. I was a prisoner charged with disloyalty to the Southern Confederacy. I was proud of the charge, but I <s>thou</s> thought it best policy not to let my real feelings be known openly. I consoled many worthy prisoners by arguing this question with them—telling them that a crime against the Confederacy was only a local crime and a local disgrace at worst:—that our actions would one https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bd3720fc799baee7ee2e77982370c45e.jpg d904300102cf190403506970f559bf13 PDF Text Text day be honorable among the great majority of the American people. Believing that my imprisonment would result in good to myself and enable me to extend my thread of influence for the Union, I resolved to content myself the best I could. When Capt.____ arrested us, he marched us directly to the military prison between the Battle House and the depot on the Second Street from the Bay.—Mosely, also who betrayed us, was with us and the Capt.___ pretended to arrest him too in order to deieve us—that we might not divine from whence our betrayal came: and Mosely supposed that if by https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fe1c85c508f01aa1f6e8e3e0cb5d8c04.jpg 38e147ad936072529929026a859c4116 PDF Text Text any chance the members of the League become aware that he was the traitor his own life might not be safe any where. When we were brought into the prison office—I and my friend were taken up to the second story. As we were ordered out of the office the Captain remarked that Mosely was a commissioned officer and must be taken to another place. We immediately saw the ruse, and agreed that we were “sold.” I resolved forthwith to be calm and unconcerned as though I apprehended no danger. My friend was much alarmed, but I told him to be calm and we would “play off” https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/85179fc2b5fd0790592e061cade46de9.jpg 86e94eb5f367336d245d0778ef51203b PDF Text Text on them yet. We found quite a number of prisoners in the room to <s>wh</s> which we were taken. They hailed us with the prisoner’s <s>exclamation</s> salutation—“Fresh fish.” Some of the prisoners were asleep others were eating Soup,—some were reading and some were playing vards. They did not gather around us as is common for prisoners to do when new ones are brought in <s>in</s> Immediately after the officer and guard disappeared below the stairs, I told my friends that <s>on</s> we must destroy all papers and writings about us which might be taken from us and used as evidence against us; for we both had a copy of the Declaration +c of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/811efe6105195e85c201ecf43ad3ac19.jpg f869525fa6c51a212e41794fa12c7a96 PDF Text Text the “Home Circle” and I had a memorandum of the number of members of the League. There was a little blaze on the hearth where some of the prisoners had been lighting their pipes, so we burned our papers quickly. The ashes were still blazing in the hearth when an officer and a guard opened our door and called for the two men who had just been “put in” <s>a few minutes ago.</s> We were then taken down to the prison Office where we were to searched from head to foot by order of the Provost Martial, who wished to see all our papers and writings; for this Mosely had repared to the Provist’s office. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8242ecd585385442d8235118eb152145.jpg dbf50d125c5cdd610606341c6551a5a5 PDF Text Text to immediately after our confinement, to talk over his brilliant exploit, and told that we had papers. no doubt We were stripped and searched thoroughly. They took my Diary, an account book and two or three of my wife’s letters which I chanced to have in my pocket. Every thing in our possession was taken. We were then both hand-cuffed and taken to the third story of the prison and consigned to a room where there were a number of other prisoners in irons.—The door was locked and we were left to the first musings of prison life. My friend and I congratulated ourselves that we had burned our papers so opportunely. Prisoners will assist each https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/89fa74c01ab571e7554d12eb9504bf3e.jpg 66870f9f90ce94fcda396be5676d5d61 PDF Text Text each other when they can without danger of rendering their own condition worse <s>more intolerable excruciating.</s> It happened that my friend was acquanited with one of the prisoners in the room. He was a young man who from some cause had deserted the Confederate service very soon after he entered <s>got into it</s>, but being caught he was tried, and condemned to be shot, but his sentence was commuted to thirty nine lashes and imprisonment during the war. He had been in this prison six or seven months and had of course learned “the ropes” of prison life. He was glad to see my https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2e4c989411012594f6fdaf75f668ffba.jpg 58aa4068a6223d223eab2fb3df6fc90c PDF Text Text friend and to make my acquaintance, and very soon informed us that he could take our irons off without a key. He showed us how he could take his own off and then replace them when he heard the officers or guard approaching. He said he and the other prisoners were going to keep the officer ignorant of their arts untill they might have some chance to escape. With his help we took our cuffs off, for it is very vexatious indeed to eat, rest, or sleep with handcuffs on. When a prisoner is ironed it is evidence that a heavy charge stands against him which if sustained https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e2814347523be735530857921d234f87.jpg 962994f4f477b173a46385318ed765af PDF Text Text may cost him his life. This thought kept constantly before the mind by the irons on the hands causes <s>the our</s> one’s condition when ironed, to be doubly painful. We were given bread and coffee, made of parched meal, for supper; and then we laid us down upon the floor, (for we had no bed nor blanket). Most of the prisoners had become used to this kind of life and thought it very good fare. I and my friends slept but little that night. We turned often and in <s>sighings</s> thinking we passed the hours away. The morning light brought us relief, for the darkness of the night seemes to mark the line that bade our most sanguin hopes an eternal https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8ee130292f327bd4f7698431ca4224aa.jpg ddae51026566f45300300b81ffb8bd76 PDF Text Text farewell; and the mid-night hour is when the troubled mind can see spectral visions of future despair in all its hopeless forms. While we shut our eyes to invite unconsciouness, in halfway dreams unseemly imps of evil birth, assayed to discourage us, but then, anon their mocking shades were dispersed by bright spirits of friends that whispered in our ears—hope,—faith and all that catalogue of consolation, which keeps the christian alive. We arose early in the morning <s>of the morning</s> (15th Apr.) and looked out from our prison hight upon the noble river as she wends her way to the Sea. In prision — <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from the Bible, Genesis chapter 1, verse 5: “And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.rdquo;">“the evening and the morning were the first day.”</div> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d16f2e3e558e4177f8d67d39403aa3d4.jpg d6f0cfea3fca344311e94de9635db716 PDF Text Text Reflections in prison—Mobile. I looked about me awhile to become capable of appreciating my situation as a prisoner. Then I tried to turn my thoughts into a channel suitable to my condition. With pencil and paper I began my prison diary. I noted where I was.—The prison building was a three Story brick-high and commodious. It had in former year been used as a negro market by Southern planters and negro-traders. It fronted toward the river eastward. From the windows of the third Story we could <s>have</s> have a fine view of the city, River Bay, and of the steamers plying between Selma and Mobile. It was not far from one of the Hospitals. The depot, wharf, <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-83-the-battle-house" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 83, Battle House footnote" rel="noopener">Battle-House,</a> and Dauphin and St. Michael Sts. were all in sight. So we had a view of nearly every https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d8bb8ad73cfd1fa94bd108b37e41a0a4.jpg c09d85d82a3012b5b3e5c07f5ac02689 PDF Text Text grand movement about the City.—Our position would have been a good one for a correspondent of some M.S. or Phila. paper. Dauphin Street is the most business part of the city and Saint-Michael is where “fast men” and rebel officers used to resort to find fancy, painted angels. The wharf was day and night thronged with steamers and gun-bo boats. Vast amounts of Sugar, grain +c. were piled about the landings: And Mobile’s bricked-walled presses were stored with great quantities of ammunition. Shot and Shell.—The Confederacy was “inexhaustable” then—her script was almost at par, and Ala. Notes signed by <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-84-john-gill-shorter" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 84, John Gill Shorter footnote" rel="noopener">Jno. Gill Shorter</a> were nearly good as gold. Jeff. Davis had many friends there; and <div class="tooltip" title="Sterling Price (1809-1867) was the 11th governor of Missouri and a Confederate general. While largely successful as a governor, he is now remembered for his failure at the Battles of Pea Ridge and Westport in the Western theater during the war. It is unclear what Woods means in this sentence.">Sterling Price</div> was there to see the future prospects. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e0d8aee201be24ef9e4d566261f3858f.jpg 797cce5b1db48e6d0780ac42079e781b PDF Text Text Officers in disgusting profusion met at the Battle-House, and discoursed of the delectable future of the new born Confederacy. While I scanned the scenes around, from my lofty seat in that Historic window, I was impressed with the strength of the monster I had offended: but I should not waste my time in useless sighs over what I could not change for the better. I must call in my winged mind from the sense and hopes of youth and center it where the shades appoint my fate. A friends on the 16th brought our clothes, books +c which we left at the Camps. We learned a few outside items from him. The prisoners were assembled every morning in the walled yard for “roll-call.” The hand-cuffs were https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d524e27bad37bc1595993d0ad16e7535.jpg 5bab0a6bcbb9ca8249a964c97c97ff07 PDF Text Text not fastened upon me and my friend any more, for the officers became favorably impressed toward us, and the Regiment to which we were held responsible was was gone to Tennessee. In the yard was a good pump at which we could wash and get water, by asking the officer or guard. We were fed three times per day—breakfast, corn bread and meal-coffee;—dinner, corn-bread beef, and rice-soup;—Supper, cornbread and meal-coffee. Every day the same and usually plenty of it. I had now my Bible and songbook, writing paper +c. There is nothing so well <s>to aff</s> suited to afford a prisoner comfort as a Bible and Song-book. It seemed I could find richer https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1649e15e41611191199e312471bd156a.jpg 9e2c599cd970d3da9f6b57e4e695dbc1 PDF Text Text pasture in the Bible and make to myself sweeter notes than ever before. I read my Bible with such avidity that the early sun found me reading, and the last lingering twilight left me studying of Paul Silas, and John. There were at this time and place about 80 prisoners, mostly for desertion from the rebel service;—a few Union prisoners captured off the Gulf coast. There was an old gentleman, Cowdry—from N.Y. State and one Brown, from Tenn. with whom I had many conversations—Mr. Cowdry was held as a spie. He was a thourough Union man and ought to be rewarded for his patriotism. The rebels (I think) had conscripted Brown at Chattanooga, but be it said to his credit he was https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/36fa2f7c4ac506218aa0f9333803234d.jpg a7e9749149115866a5a3ec376c9642b9 PDF Text Text making them pay for all the Service they got out of him. <s>He was my</s> Many of the prisoners escaped,—those who remained would assist those who wished to risk an effort to escape. I have known the more daring to descend from on the outside from the upper windows by ropes made of strips of their blankets. They have often gone down in the dark by near the guards without being seen:—sometimes the guards were bribed If a prisoner attempts to escape and does not succeed, it only subjects him to closer confinement and makes new proof to sustain charges against him: Hence not more than one out of every twenty ever try to escape: for most prisoners feel more safe to remain quiet, stand a trial and risk the pun- https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ee68a9709e2fd5230f387ed9227950aa.jpg bc7b86dc06bf51892a9f4227ddcef8e2 PDF Text Text punishment, than to make an effort to get away and run the risk of being recaptured. And in a country like the South during the war, where officers and conscripting scouts were in all parts it is extremely difficult to evade recapture. It was the business of these conscripting scouts to catch deserters and other Union men. In prison some men by their flexible character suit themselves to their condition;— <div class="tooltip" title="This appears to be a quote from Rufus Sage’s poem from 1843 called “The Wanderer’s Grave.” The poem is a response to Sage’s experience in finding the spot where a previous frontiersman had died 11 years before his visit and is a reflection on the empty nature of the wilderness. The exact line that this quote is taken from is in the second stanza: “And sickness prey’d upon his frame/ And told its tale of woe/ While sorrow mark’d his pallid cheeks/ And sank his spirit low.” For a complete version of this poem, click <a href="https://www.poetrynook.com/poem/wanderers-grave"> here</a>.">‘till “sorrow marks their pallied cheeks” for death.</div> My education was limited, but it was life and comfort to me in prison. It was company indeed. Those whose thoughts welled up like a spring of life in their own soulds found solace, while the ignorant could see https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ee19efc31c251dd6d4754ceddb123e28.jpg 195cbfe9ea4a925e4254859d53d0b069 PDF Text Text naught but present gloom. Confinement, (with a student) sharpens sensibility and cultivates hope patience and the imagination. The lonely prisoner feels that if a sister’s, mother’s, or wife’s soft hand could press his cheek he could bear his deprivations better. But these tender friends hundreds of miles away, know not that he peeps through prison barrs to see the light of day. The enchanting distance and the prisoner’s condition transforms his wife into an angel of light, and a sister or parent into the joy of loving kindness. The imagination with almost incredible facility reviews the whole of life.—“All I’ve thought, wished or known.” As in each a dream I saw my https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7ccb8883938965c85c8a488be194c2d2.jpg 7d99b5d8ea67a922ac82169cb8c7d040 PDF Text Text childhood, singing joyfully along my accustomed walks, or my youthful days, when I lustily drove with louder sound the panting team. In my mind, these fond memories of field, prarie, and woods, were decorated anew with celestial charmes. As in a glass, I saw myself, fourteen years before, as I appeared at “Spring River Academy” reciting on the Map of Ala. the site of Mobile.—Then, little did I think, that in 1863, I should sit, a prisoner, in this iron-barred window, and view the city and watch the rolling-river bear onward her foaming floods to rock the Union fleet on yonder Gulf. In unsuspecting youth, I read of wars and prison chains; but now, for myself, I behold the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3e66be07d1a7fd0e8adacfdf54d28d51.jpg 6cbfbbbd034d1617dbf6364ecfbdf2ec PDF Text Text gathering wrecks of the former, and feel and hear the clankings of the latter. I had read animated, historic narration, of “Weary Wanderers,” unfortunate adventures, of prisoned martyrs and lost loved ones, who were “Away from home <s>and</s> away from friends, And all the heart holds dear,” <s>Were</s> In sea-girt isles or dismal fens, Or prisons dark and drear; Naked, and sick <s>hungry</s> and <s>sick</s> hungry too —No hand to save was near, Nor voices kind from loved one’s lips <div class="tooltip" title="While the first two lines of this poem are from Sage’s “The Wanderer’s Grave,” the rest appears to be Woods’ own writing.">To soothe the aching heart.</div> —And behold, it was my future-self of whom I read.—Thus were my reveries—thus were my prison dreams. A prisoner will reflect too about the probable punishments https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8d87cfc78d536b4cf59cc8778663786b.jpg 8cc9fcb4b3050b215c79e61ca2b219f9 PDF Text Text which a court may adjudge him to suffer.—Up to this date (Apr 1863) I had not seen any one shot or hung, but a few weeks before my imprisonment, I witnessed a heart-rending sight. viz— Three men had deserted the rebel service. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-93-desertion" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 93, Desertion footnote" rel="noopener">They were caught, brought to trial and sentenced to be whipped, three times,—Six (?) days intervening,—thirty nine (39) lashes each tim [time] on the naked back—,then to have their heads shaved—to be branded with the letter D on the hip,—then imprisonment with ball and chain at hard labor.</a> On the day of the execution of the sentence—the troops about Mobile, were marched to the parade ground, and formed into a hollow square to witness the tragic scene. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7a63e78467e6cdad6e3d610198ba7376.jpg 4b5de9b46b6e7eecca3b710c792ec940 PDF Text Text Our League friends talked much about rescuing the victims and waging a general fight against the rebel officers; but our organization was not perfect, and we had to bear the sight. The three were taken, singly tied to a stock in the center of the square, with the hands overhead. They were stripped and given thirty nine (39) lashes each with a forked raw-hide whip, by a stout drummer, who (I was told) recieved $125 to do it. The blood ran in streames down the hips and the flesh lay open like slices of beef-steak. The men hollowed and prayed most piteously, but the officers seemed to glory in it as did Southern masters in whipping their negroes. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e3f16b02d83f5712a85c017af0c7cb06.jpg 65a4092f08a5bcd3eee5e358a31f1a9c PDF Text Text It was very common for the rebels to brand deserters with a red-hot iron. This was done by binding the victim, face downward, upon a table; then the red-hot iron is firmly pressed to the naked hip until it burns the letter D in the flesh. Having witnessed such <s>scen</s> scenes of punishment, my prison reflections, that similar or worse ones would be my own, created unpleasant feelings I assure you: but In my darkest hour, the bright star of hope beamed upon my way. The 19th Apr. “/63 was my first Sabbath in prison. The church and Sabbath bells rang invitingly through the city; but I <s>cou</s> didn’t (couldn’t) go.—Others in style, <s>and</s> with friends, arm in arm, pressed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6d0a59f57206db5bc87c4c5399c5aec3.jpg 71a2d07fe18cac0015f2a25a8a22a70e PDF Text Text hard by our prison, on their way to church.—As for me my Bible was my preacher (and much better than the rebel preachers), and I was the congregation. I believe that God was with me rather than with the proud city. I sang, read, and wrote a few verses entitled “My first Sabbath in prison.” In a similar manner I passed many subsequent Sabbaths, weeks, and months. By our quiet demeanor, I and my friend were appointed prison Cooks, which position we readily accepted, as we would be allowed more liberties, better victuals, and some authority about the yard and cook-house. When prisoners are kept, <s>for</s> successive weeks at a prison they are apt to form an attachment https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4be0bdcb038e44364547e429494b8db2.jpg a33782ead804b0b3906796c40ee32c40 PDF Text Text for that prison above others and for the officers. They accumulate many little conveniences about the corner where they sleep which they regret to leave, when they are only to be transferred to some other prison.—We feared to fall into the hands of strange officers and guards; but my experience has proven to me that prisoners are oftener benefited by change, than injured. Change of prison and officers gives many useful lessons of experience:—observations—new scenes,—acquaintances,—and protects the health of diverting the mind. A man need not fail to treasure materials of thinking and knowledge just because <s>just becau</s> he is a prisoner—for, even though he be put to death https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/29840a52aa97b59d8ad7266f2fc07022.jpg e3589dd036a20e68e5c993b16be2db3e PDF Text Text or disgrace; his experience written in a book may be way-marks for his own children in subsequent years. I have seen officers and guards abuse prisoners one day—the next day they were prisoners themselves among those whom they abused. How do you suppose they were treated then by the other prisoners? I have seen their lacerated faces and pounded bodies pay for the abuses they had given when in authority. Let this be a lesson to <s>precipitant</s> inconsiderate people everywhere. I was kept in the Mobile prison about six weeks. In the latter part of May, <s>my Diary</s> <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-98-dabney-maury" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 98, Dabney Maury footnote" rel="noopener">Genl. Maury (Comds Mobile)</a> ordered that my friend, three others and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b837c3a440dc98a506d626c39bcda094.jpg ff9fb6b379f82610ec2ed25119b018ba PDF Text Text (P. 80) myself should be sent to our the commands in Tennessee to which we were assigned. We did not know whether we were to be released or tried: but all the same, whatever our wishes, we had to go. We were marched aboard of a Steamer, to cross Mobile Bay for Pollard <s>on the Fla. side:</s>—thence to take the cards, via of Montgomery, Atlanta, Chattanooga, to Tulahoma Tenn. The Ride was tedious but was at the expense of the rebel authorities; and we tried to stamp improvement upon the wings of passing events. Our little party of five prisoners bade goodbye to Mobile and our prison friends. We were soon aboard <s>of</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/34dcc8914d374f7fa7f9a89d045d790e.jpg d83c99303ef57062ec135b1d8805e45f PDF Text Text <s>a Steamer</s> plowing accross the isle-studded-Bay <s>for Pollard.</s> The guards allowed us more privileges than we expected. We walked about the boat wherever we could get a fine view. I cast my eyes wishfully toward the Gulf; as if perchance I might catch a glimpse of the Stars and Stripes, floating patiently beyond Fort Morgan; but my vision was too short. I then consoled myself that I was only going nearer the Union lines in the other direction Two of our party—G and F were shrewd young fellows, and evidently had learned many city arts in New Orleans and other cities. By their cunning they manipulated about $5.000 on the way to Montgomery. As they were “pressing” it from a drunken rebel editor https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/52fae865c81845f8cad9577895c872bd.jpg e2b44b453d865aecdf86b07aa89461a2 PDF Text Text I thought it my religious duty to let them alone. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-101-benjamin-dill" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 101, Benjamin Dill footnote" rel="noopener">The Confederacy had felt this editor’s helping hand in many a high sounding Editorial in the “Memphis Appeal.”</a>—Hence as those two boys were prisoners I believed it would be <s>pretty good</s> operating against the Confederacy for the boys to “press” the Editor’s full ($6.000) six thousand dollars undisturbed (for he had exhibited that amount to them). The “boys” then having plenty of money were very liberal and the whole party fared sumptuously, on cakes fruit +c. At Pollard they secured a new supply of whisky for the Editor and against dark, he and a portion of the guard were real drunk. We were now rattling toward https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ec5228a28ae0a017fb70fc2fb94ddf0f.jpg f671b804a3e449190c52346b3cd7396a PDF Text Text Montgomery fast as steam could take us—The boys <s>want</s> “Went through” the Editor and then leaping off of the cars escaped from the guard. Our prison party was now reduced to three: and we desired to escape too, but we thought best to wait till we should get nearer the Union army. At day-light next morning we found ourselves in Montgomery. We had in one day and night left all of the <s>sha</s> orange shades and “green-bay-trees”—(and this was congenial as the sight of those tropic scenes was only a vexation to us, who could not enjoy them) In Montgomery, by the lights early dawn I had a distant view of the edifice which the first rebel https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1a9a26e0005f6f3640342647453136c2.jpg ec19a4d9ca152416e0c1b9b952134059 PDF Text Text Congress desecrated by their <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-103-confederate-congress" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 103, Confederate Congress footnote" rel="noopener">treasonable broodings</a> When we arrived in Atlanta new scenes oppened to our view, but I shall defer my description of those scenes until my return thither from Tenn: <s>w</s> We were only kept in Atlanta prison three days and then sent forward to Chattanooga where we were kept a week. I shall also leave a description of the cruel and inhuman fare which prisoners recieved at this city, for passing notice on my return. I met with many good Union men, prisoners, from Tennessee and other places, both at Atlanta and Chattanooga. I always sought to advise with these prisoners, to learn the news from https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d6533d8646a028cf0e4a4bc17a49c796.jpg 02604cf084de71547b5a867101070839 PDF Text Text different quarters. On the 2d of June 1863 I found myself at Tulahoma, The rebel <div class="tooltip" title="'Braxton" bragg="" 1817-1876="" was="" a="" general="" in="" the="" confederate="" army="" who="" served="" mostly="" out="" western="" theater="" highly="" disagreeable="" man="" trait="" that="" also="" made="" him="" poor="" however="" at="" this="" point="" war="" he="" command="" of="" entire="" tennessee="">Genl. Bragg</div> and his army of “Southern chivalry” were in this section of country: And here I began to see more of the works of rebel power. On the 3d of June, I was taken to Wartrace about 30 miles towards Murfreesboro.’ Wartrace was at this time to me, an unseemly place, perhaps the more so because of my critical and unpleasant situation. I was barred up here with about fifty other prisoners in an old frame on the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-104-wartrace-alabama" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 104, Wartrace Alabama footnote" rel="noopener">north east side of the depot.</a> It was in the immediate vicinity https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7b4716d964a8ea5e376a6b43273bf9cf.jpg d185e1480c28557ba0bbcba076537377 PDF Text Text of the “front” and the rebel authorities were doing great things throughout the hilly country round about. The courts-martial was in Session nearby and many a deserter was getting sentence of death at their hands. A few new made mounds marked the spots where some of these victims had very recently been shot.—Bragg’s army was fortified at Shelbyville, and other points only eight or ten miles around, to oppose the advance of <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-105-rosecrans-and-hardee" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 105, Rosecrans and Hardee footnote" rel="noopener">Genl. Rosecrans</a> from Murfreesboro.’ <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-105-rosecrans-and-hardee" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 105, Rosecrans and Hardee footnote" rel="noopener">Rebel Genl. Hardee’s</a> Head Quarters were a few miles north-east of Wartrace and during the days of “quiet” along the lines, he made details of his soldiers to harvest the people’s wheat, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f0a76a2d7f82a6b2599c4a6ae5f137d8.jpg 80b3d7bb4d54e26198583a4f8c7761fb PDF Text Text but he had not supposed that Genl. Rosecrans would come along in time to trash it. The Guard-House was strictly guarded, so there was but little chance for our escape. We suffered much from hunger, thirst and abuse while in prison at Wartrace.—We were allowed to go one at a time to the spring for water, with an escort of two guards. Hence our supply of water was always deficient. One for every ten was allowed to go out near by to cook, but lack of vesels to cook in and confusion in issuing rations to us always kept us hungry. We were so closely confined without exercise or pure air that it was quite deleterious to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6eb51303c99642c664113dfbf85c2984.jpg e3705a247ca78f482d95a7eefa90833a PDF Text Text our health: and <s>the</s> our condition was fitted to demoralize all the graces of human nature. We could hear canonading distinctly toward Murfreesboro’ and we would have been inexpressably glad any hour for Rosecrans to have moved forward to our relief. But during the intervil of quiet Bragg was instituting a reign of terror among the deserters from the rebel lines who were so unfortunate as to be caught. There were several of them in prison under sentence of death. One was a tall graceful young man. No friends were there to mitigate the solemn loneliness of the suspended hours of death, by words of kindness or acts of gentleness. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c9f33d7d36753f512b600366800d3997.jpg f4a83b5399ef93b044ec699f39a61010 PDF Text Text Others, prisoners and guards, hardened by bloody scenes of war, were laughing at his silent tears and heavy heart. Late one evening a rebel chaplin came to pray with the sentenced young man,—to advise him to give up all hope of life in this world and look beyond the tomb. The preacher informed the young man that he would be shot the next day—that all the preparations were made and no hope of life was left him—that he had violated the interests of the Southern <s>his country, the</s> Confederacy, and must die ignominiously therefor. That night that young man <s>with</s> and a number of others put <s>his</s> their trust in knives by which they cut through the floor and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7816e303e678c89d24976ede022a9ce8.jpg 75b3b2b4a152d6b97d3ca773b706148d PDF Text Text escaped.—I hope he reached the Union lines safely. His escape however was quite a disappointment to the rebel officials and especially to the Provost Martial, Colonel Reed, a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher!!! I laughed with gladness at their disappointment, but I knew by actual experience that those of us remaining [text underneath: the balance of] us would have to suffer for the escaped. Chafed by their escape <s>of some of the prisoners,</s> the preacher Provost <s>Martial</s> determined to have revenge upon those <s>of us who</s> remained. He accordingly transferred us to another house,—a brick and gave more stringent orders concerning us. One evening https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ac523a42b917e8017d28c5313b2f3c31.jpg fb60acfe2b414348b6ce6e2652722cec PDF Text Text this same Provost Martial came into the prison, his face all ablaze with wicked anger;—he wrested a musket from one of the guards and struck me a blow in the breast because I was near a window, where I had gone to get fresh air. He then ordered the prisoners to lie down (at dusk), and commanded the guards that “if a man (prisoner) moves blow a ball through his head or drive your bayonets through his heart.” Fitting language indeed for a preacher of the Gospel of peace. My faithful friend who was arrested with me at Mobile, being overcome by hard fare and continued anxiety, took sick here and was sent to the hospital. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cc1edfa7d3a70719342a6ecb9ff7141a.jpg 95752a3cf961d5aefe22437adba460ca PDF Text Text On the 22d of June 1863 Provost Martial Reed, handed me a copy of the Charge preferred against me by the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/2-111-lewis-woodruff" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 2, Page 111, Lewis Woodruff footnote" rel="noopener">Colonel Woodruff of the 36th Ala. Regt.</a> to which I had been assigned at Mobile. I state heare that it has been my intention to insert her all the official proceedings in my case, but the copy of the charges against me, I left behind when I made my escape—The proceedings of the court, testimony against me +c I have never obtained. Hence I shall just give the import of these things from memory. “Charge—Mutiny Specifycation—1st—That <s>Private</s> J.H.Woods, <s>Co K 36th Ala. Regt. C.S.A.</s> did on or about the 10th of Apr. 1863 organize https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0d94003bfd2426dad2befc04a645ffea.jpg 9864ee1b0a596a723863becb7689cd1a PDF Text Text a Secret Society, known as the Home Circle for the express and wicked purpose of breaking up the Confederate army of Mobile ++++ + + + All this at and near Mobile “Specifycation 2d.—That sd. Prvt. JHWoods knew of an intended Mutiny at or near Mobile, and did not report the same to the officers.+ + + + + —Woodruff Col. 36th Ala. Regt. Lt Silas Mosely Capt A J Derly Edwin Fox } witnesses + + + A few days afterwards I was taken before the Court Martial near Hardee’s Hd.Qr’s. but my trial was postponed. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5a94daee6e51482003be4d6bcceb2507.jpg 70ea4b4a527e5ad3fcc01643a82c4ef8 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/20fcd655211306f11f4fdacd10c7626e.jpg a8ae35475411054d0cf7620066dbe5f4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Henning Woods Papers, 1856-1873 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Description An account of the resource This collection includes three memoir volumes and three diaries written by John Henning Woods, a Southern Unionist, Confederate conscript, and Civil War memoirist. Woods was born in Tennessee on July 4, 1834. After spending his childhood in Missouri, Woods married Mary Emma Caldwell, the daughter of a wealthy slaveholder and planter from Alabama in 1860. In 1861, Woods moved to Lebanon, Tennessee, to pursue his law degree at Cumberland University. Despite his ties to the South, Woods hated slavery and strongly supported the Union. Following the war's beginning and interruption of his education, he returned home to farm and teach. Due to his support for the Union, Woods chose to remain at home throughout the beginning of the war until his conscription into the Confederate army in October of 1862. While at first Woods fought to remain at home, the threat of imprisonment eventually sparked him to report to the army, where he was drafted into the 36th Alabama Infantry Regiment, Company K. As a part of this regiment, Woods was trained at Talladega and then posted around Mobile, Alabama. While at Mobile, Woods and a few fellow Unionist conscripts formed a secret Unionist organization called the Home Circle and planned a mutiny. Unfortunately, Woods was discovered prior to their planned mutiny and imprisoned to be tried. While awaiting his court martial, Woods was transported behind the army, following them through the Tullahoma Campaign and was then sent to Atlanta. His trial resulted in a sentence of death by firing squad; however, his execution was delayed due to the interference of a sympathetic general who had been his professor before the war. Woods saw the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga while imprisoned by the Confederate Army until he was once again sent to Atlanta following a stay of execution, furnished at the last minute from Jefferson Davis. He was then sent to work building trenches around Atlanta until he finally escaped Confederate officials on August 11, 1864, and made his way into Union lines. Following his escape, Woods made his way to Buffalo, New York, where he enlisted in the 93rd New York Infantry Regiment. He served out the rest of the war as a clerk for the Union Army until his discharge on May 11, 1865. Following the war, Woods returned home and continued to teach, moving to Lawrence County, Missouri sometime before 1885. In 1885, his wife Mary died and in 1889, he married Mae Laverall of Pennsylvania. Woods died on March 5, 1901, and is buried alongside both of his wives and his daughter in the Woodland Cemetery near Springfield, Missouri. The three volumes of Woods' memoir make up the largest portion of the collection. These three books focus on the years 1861-1864, describing his experiences of sectionalism, his opposition to secession and conscription, the process of forming an underground Unionist society in a Confederate regiment, his arrest for inciting a mutiny, and the resulting imprisonment and trial. The three journals cover a much broader range of topics and years, including genealogy, religion, marriage, slavery, and Woods' childhood. These three journals serve to contextualize the journals, as Woods referenced them during the writing process. Besides this, these journals also contain highly detailed drawings done by Woods during his imprisonment and a number of short entries in Pitman shorthand. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856/1873 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017-030 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Memoir Volume 2, John Henning Woods, c. 1865 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource c. 1865 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Type The nature or genre of the resource Memoirs Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017_030_Memoir_Vol2 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Description An account of the resource The second of Woods' three memoir volumes covers his early service with the 36th Alabama, the creation of the "Home Circle," and his discovery and imprisonment. archived https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c95577422159667c44283692a0f2910f.jpg 5e89582885151c24b13b2507e8471635 PDF Text Text Woods’ Defense or The Union Man’s Plea before a Secession Court By John Henning Woods Mt. Vernon, Mo. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/65bed6cc7a561067802d5ccfec146932.jpg 41f443effaed5c7a760b821a9874d9d6 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1865 By John Henning Woods In the Clerk’s Office of the District court of the District of _____ </td> <td> Preface This work is original true, and purely American,—and makes no other claim to merit. I have undertaken the Production reluctantly, after many solicitations of friends; hoping to propagate some truths not published heretofore;—and <div class="tooltip" title="This is a direct quote from Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address given shortly before the end of hostilities: “With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right” For a complete version of this speech, visit http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres32.html">that it may encourage firmness in the right</div> —Add to the useful lessons of the war—Confirm in the ways of Independence, virtue and patience. I doubt not that the sentiment herein expressed will meet the experience and approval of those who have been subjected to like trials with myself. Holding up the claim of true patriotism, I submit to the investigation of </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a43dd028140e0a3919edbc644fdd784e.jpg 770f98fc15e0f400f1df26d0d1be7cdd PDF Text Text candid people. —Autobiographical in its character,—yet it is marked by that earnestness and frankness which needs no apology I hope none will be so unmindful of the circumstances of its origin as to attribute a spirit of self importance to its humble Author. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8d352ce8dd447c6055ca648e5393725a.jpg 5772649f14c0fd088e5d6db34a0a8274 PDF Text Text Dedication Mt Vernon Mo. July 4th 1865 To The Union people of the Rebellious States of the Union [text underneath: Andrew Johnson President of the United States of America,] who stood firm for the Union in the very midst of the contagious mania of secession—who were [text underneath: was] persecuted and calumniated by Southern demagogues,—<s>and</s> “sneered at” and hated by Northern <div class="tooltip" title="“Copperheads” was slang term for anti-war Democrats residing in the North during the war.">“Copperheads”</div> —this Book is most respectfully dedicated by the Author John H. Woods https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d580f46b74398ece22ea775992f47c52.jpg 8083fd706bda7d668d564c63359d9f16 PDF Text Text Introduction That the facts herein related may be understood, and the spirit of the Composition, appreciated I give a brief Autobiography of the Author. John H. Woods was born on the 4th of July 1834 in Madison [text underneath: Haywood] Co. <s>West</s> Tennessee,— —Removed to South West Missouri, in 1836—where his mind received its impress until he went to Lebanon Tenn. in 1857, where he entered the Literary Department of “Cumberland University”—But his limited means being exhausted, he went to “White Plains” Alabama in 1859, and taught at “Chosey Spring Academy” until the summer of 1860—He was joined in Matrimony with https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6abe0531374ff9306e86ab4cc90a7473.jpg d8d201376cc7e7c9795271480a5dda3d PDF Text Text Miss Mary Emma Caldwell—the daughter of an Alabama “planter,” on the 1st day of January 1860, at 2 P.M.— Five months after his marriage, he returned to Lebanon Tenn. and entered the Law Department of the University—in which he graduated and received Diploma a few days after the battle of Fort Sumpter, Apr. 14th 1861. On the 7th of May 1861 he again arrived in Ala. for the purpose of removing to his home in Mo.—But the excitement consequent upon the War, forbade. He taught at Oxford Ala. until the 29th of October 1862—was then conscripted and sent to Mobile Ala.—where he arrived on the 7th of November, and was assigned to the 36th Ala Vols. 8th November to serve in the “Confederate Army”—(A https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cffff5f53051f6da907a2735812e7b78.jpg ecafd9e02d6eb7bebca5f79a209520eb PDF Text Text (A contingency too repugnant to his feelings, to need comment here) On the 14th day of April 1863 at 11 A.M.—he with his friend <div class="tooltip" title="Hiram Woods was also a Private in Company K of the 36th Alabama. According to his service record, he enlisted as a volunteer in May of 1861 and served as a nurse at a nearby hospital during the summer of 1862. The pension application of his widow, Nancy E. Woods, shows that he survived the war and died on August 25, 1877."><s>Hiram Woods</s> of Ala.</div> was arrested and impprisoned at Mobile, (through the treachery of <div class="tooltip" title="Silas Moseley enlisted in the 36th Alabama in May of 1862. His service record reveals that he was asked to testify against Hiram Woods in August 1863; however, John Henning Woods is not mentioned. Following his testimony, Moseley was captured at Nashville in December of 1864 and then released after taking the Oath of Allegiance to the US in January 1865.">Lt. Silas Mosby</div> ) for Organizing a Union Legue, among the Confederate soldiers and citizens.— ++ After six weeks incarceration, he was transferred to Tulahoma Tenn. for trial—but on the approach of the Union forces—Our Prisoner was sent to the rear—to Atlanta Ga. About the 1st of August 1863 he was sent up to Tyner Station,—12 miles from Chattanooga, for trial—and was brought before the General Court Martial sitting at that place, and tried for Mutiny, and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e220c8690a5c159ecec5e4824a45b9e0.jpg c35a071aa3d3d16ec2d8560f576aaeb0 PDF Text Text disloyalty to the South, on the 17th and 18th of August 1863 —He was held some days at the Station for sentence, but Genl. Rosencrans came thundering upon Bragg from the opposite side of the Tennessee + and the Mutineer was again sent to Atlanta for “Safe keeping,” just before the battle of Chicamauga, Septr. 19th-21st 1863. In the first part of October, he was called for at the Atlanta prison—ironed and taken to Missionary Ridge, 5 miles from Chattanooga Tenn. to be executed, by being shot before Bragg’s army on the 17th day of October 1863, at 2 P.M. +++ ++ The execution of the sentence was suspended through the intercessions of <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-7-alexander-stewart" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 7, Alexander P. Stewart footnote" rel="noopener">Genl. Alex. P. Stewart,</a> “until further orders”— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7cd40dd5db147ac1d8dcdafc84b873e2.jpg f111f6a1167ff7a3d106a57db63efd7e PDF Text Text Bragg was driven from Mission’ Ridge on the 25th of November 1863—and the Suspended Mutineer, was once more sent to Atlanta for safe keeping—where he lingered in prison until an amnesty proclamation by Gen. Joseph E. Johnson, released him, from the dreadful Suspense of seven months of the 11th of July 1864—to report to the Regt to which he was assigned in 1862 ++ The whole of the Confederate Army under, Joe E. Johnson had been driven by Gen. Sherman, to the South side of the Chattahoochie, near Atlanta +++ On the 11th of August 1864, at 3 P.M. Our Conscript escaped from the Rebel lines 3 miles below Atlanta, to Gen. Sherman’s protection; where friends congratulated him and bade him God<s>’s</s> speed. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/18a0cc6849a1d4cc22780cabc3969cfc.jpg d4ffb2fd35752b00da1410fba17bf163 PDF Text Text On the 28th of August 1864, he reached Nashville Tenn. where he took the Oath of Allegiance, to the U.S.—(A contingency very compatible with his conscience) He went from Nashville to Buffalo N.Y. where he enlisted in the United States Service, on the 2 September 1864.—from thence to Elmira N.Y.—where he was very soon assigned to duty as a Clerk—and <s>he</s> continued there until discharged from the United States’ Service on the 11th of May 1865, “by direction of the Secretary of of War—dated Apr. 30, 1865. ++ +++Now the war for the Union is brought to a favorable conclusion—Our Soldier no more a prisoner in the dungeons of the South—and no longer a voluntary servant in the service of his country—with https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/14bb8e05c8ed23b3afee5d84e1588a5d.jpg a0db0f92cf38660ae86e8af803bb842b PDF Text Text swelling thoughts of meeting friends bids military labors adieu:— —Meets kind friends in conversation awhile—lingers a moment there, regretting to part—then leaves for Missouri on the 22d. of May 1865 via N.Y. city on the 29th of May at 9 A.M. And arrives safely at his old home in Lawrence Co Mo.—at his father’s, on the 3d of June 1865 at 3 P.M.,—After an absence of nearly eight years of Collegiate duties, travels, pleasures, dangers and <s>de</s> deprivations.—but now the smiles of friends, the surrounding beauties,—the reign of peace, and the promises of returning prosperity, repay the ills of life and call forth the best emotions of the soul ++ +++ https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/99aba932df747bf066f1e552bef50e69.jpg 49e4cb1e91f2712a8e3e7586777647ac PDF Text Text —Then here the heart must swell To think of safety giv’n; The face does oft unbidden tell This sweet foretaste of Heav’n. This love shall n’er grow dull, While beauty’s scenes appear; To Show God’s grace replete and full In this propitious year. Sing, now ye friends of my youth For I’ve come home again, —I stood contending for the truth, In a malicious land—. Praise Him who taketh care, And shields his chosen one He knows our good and will prepare A way to reach our home.— Written from Notes of Diaries + Mt. Vernon Mo. June 12/65 J.H.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3e7a07d0f40fa3398b66e35ce97fd01c.jpg a8b7fbfa5cdb6c7bf8e8022148f6838e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/67391bee0899958d3ce1b53af6e2153b.jpg 7b38439b66062df7b5c25e2fcf44d860 PDF Text Text The War for the Union. I shall preamble this chapter with the Statement of a few general principles, which may lead the reader’s mind to appreciate more fully the condition of Our Country at the beginning of the War in 1861. In the world there has always been a <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from John Quincy Adams’ inaugural address in March of 1825 in his discussion of the state of the Union following the War of 1812 and French Revolution. For a complete version of the speech, click <a href="http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres22.html"> here</a>.">“Baneful weed of party strife”</div> —the fruits of which have been exhibited in all ages;—by domestic discord;—by diverse community interests,—by social disagreements,—by dishonesty which avarice prompts,—by intolerance, which over-zeal in religion begets,—And by political contentions, revolutions, Wars, secessions, coertions [coercions] https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/edda2becbf43ecedb20e2833d39371a0.jpg f191b900c7de3cd2d92594a27905b8a7 PDF Text Text and dire desolations, which the varied interests and teachings of a wide extended country produce. In every Organized power there is a Subduing force, which implies, that there is, also, a rebellious force, ever waiting for concentration of its counterparts to subvert the Organized power. In the Civil War, just concluded, the government of the United States is the organized power. The Free States with the loyal of the other states was the Subduing force. The Slave States with their counterpart in the Free States, was the rebellious force. The United States had assurance of friendship from foreign nations—The fretful distemper of the South, believed also, that they had sympathy abroad. To considerable degree both realized their anticipations, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/127a4b03e4e269a108d017416a21637b.jpg 3b5835c694e4f97394cf32a06ef70f5d PDF Text Text but neither fully. Slavery. Four scores and nine year ago “our fathers brought forth upon this Continent a new nation, (US) concieved [sic] in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition, that all men are created free and equal.” The institution of Slavery was recieved [sic] into the organic laws of the nation, with other conditions found in the Original Colonies. It has ever been a Sore bone of Contention in the country, interrupting the peace and harmony of the States. Those most devoted to the national interests, seeing this cause of disturbance and believing it, intrinsically, al [a] blot upon the national escutcheon, sought some remedy.—They sought by social and moral suasion to eradicate the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a6ac45c1937fcea8bfcd37462228eeb9.jpg 0bb7b5519c6ad6190c87cd3fbae5da5a PDF Text Text bitter roots of Slavery.—This mode, however, proved slow and inefficient—Legislation on the subject, was frequently spoken of as a better means to free the country of the <div class="tooltip" title="This language appears is a variety of places from the time. It is most likely that Woods is quoting it from Lincoln’s speech at the Bloomington Convention in Bloomington, Illinois, May 29, 1856. For a full version of the speech, click <a href="http://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/lincoln3/1:10?rgn=div1;view=fulltext"> here</a>.">“Social, moral, and political evil.”</div> But Legislation on the Subject, was extremely dificult and was resorted to with great caution, by the legislative and executive powers:—yet when on the 6th of Novem. 1860, Abraham Lincoln was chosen to the executive chair,—it being known to the devotees of Slavery, that he was opposed to its extension and even to its existence, they who loved the Union less and Slavery more, declared it a sufficient cause of War, secession, and subversion.—They looked at the steady growth of Abolitionism and Northern improvement, through the exaggerating glasses of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f571e7f460f5bf0feeb043f9a85574a9.jpg 58f40a53bcfce85433217edbaa81da5e PDF Text Text Southern bigotry.—They could no longer contain their jealous fears.— All over the South political and religious leaders sought to array those States against the general government.—They <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-17-fired-the-southern-heart" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 17, ‘Fired the Southern Heart’ footnote" rel="noopener">“fired the Southern heart”</a> until, anon, secession brought them to a new and responsible atitude. —They were now originating the base design of a Southern Confederacy, founded upon the corrupting institution of Slavery. This spirit grew until on the 21st of Apr. 1861 Jefferson Davis, representing the “so called Southern Confederacy” stood upon the platform of his Usurpation, at Montgomery Ala.—hoisted the traitorous flag, and proposed to his dupes to march as a conqueror to Washington. He thought it not wicked to crush out https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f6deabba1523c487be353be361b7e4df.jpg c4c476c7916229a679787a7bbb9eb552 PDF Text Text the Union fires which still<s>e</s> burned in some of the Southern hearts. He thought it not tyranny to force Union men to fight against their conscience and their country —Soon the South was blinded by the God of Slavery duped, decieved, committed, lost. Many mourned their error and would return, but willful traitors held the balance of power, and would not let them go. for they, themselves were at a point where <div class="tooltip" title="It is unclear what Woods is quoting here.">“Destiny marked them for glory or despair.”</div> If they failed they would be a hiss and a by-word, and a continual reproach to themselves.—If they should succeed they hoped to become the ruling power of the Continent,—extending their government and Slavery, even https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d9cd0015a34b82de1e0aa0de8dcf50b4.jpg 12e81fe6d08bd646e8ab992cd6f524d1 PDF Text Text to the Northern states.— <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-19-william-yancey" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 19, William L. Yancey footnote" rel="noopener">Yancy</a> told them that Cotton was king, and that all nations must bow down to him. He told them that France and England would soon be their allies and even the Indian tribes. Their preachers taught them churches that God was on the side of the South, and that Slavery was of Divine Appointment. Davis taught the people <s>of the South</s> that the resources of the South were inexhaustible and that the valor of Southern men was unequaled. He called to his aid the wealth <s>of</s> the South, piled up for a hundred years by the blood of slaves.—Wealth has its influence, and sycophants were bought. Then whole armies arrayed themselves against the Federal Union. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9da07b1095d29035e41e42421a722da9.jpg 299dc337eea66c9b4ef835f87fc683e6 PDF Text Text All the golden links of memory, that once bound the people to their country, were severed, by arbitrary ordinances, and peremptory orders. —The 4th of July was ignored and the inauguration of Davis to be celebrated in its stead. The names of Washington Webster, and Jackson must lose their enchanting power, when the names of Davis, Yancy, <div class="tooltip" title=" Robert Toombs (18101885) was a Georgian proponent of slavery who resigned from service as Confederate Secretary of State to join the Confederate States Army early in the war. He served as a brigadier general, including service at Antietam, until he resigned in 1863.">Toombs,</div> <div class="tooltip" title=" Robert Rhett (1800-1876) was also a supporter of slavery from South Carolina who served in the Confederate Congress through the end of the war. He was also a newspaper editor, publishing the Charleston Mercury throughout the war.">Rhett</div> and <div class="tooltip" title="Louis Wigfall (1816-1874) was a pro-slavery Texan who also served in the Confederate Senate and as a brigade commander in the Texas Brigade of the Confederate Army.">Wigfall</div> are emblazoned on secession’s scroll; for they thought it no crime to tear down the ensigns of our glorious heritage, nor to trample its emblems beneath their unhallowed feet. The<s>y</s> influence they <s>brou</s> brought to bear was insubordination and rebellion. They produced that stormcloud in the South, that waked us by its dreadful shock of arms. The political horizon https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b3b701c60c1037f54b8de249bee9e610.jpg b16bea7ca10195ba3af720b7b21f7c08 PDF Text Text of the whole country was exiled in tremulous suspense. No conciliatures [conciliations?] of the North could appease the madness of the South.—In their stupendous folly the Southrons were willfully deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity, and they were wreckless of the consequences. By Sophistry, Inflamatory orations, and by defamations they lead the Southern heart into unpropitious paths. Thus the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-21-lernaean-hydra" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 21, Lernaean Hydra footnote" rel="noopener">Hydra,</a> Secession grew until very soon the people found themselves the fettered subjects of conscription and tyranny. The project of breaking up the government was a desperate one and its deciples resorted to desperate means to accomplish it.—Christianity lost its power to sway the savage breast and intelligence became blind to the truth. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e62de1e6a111da7eda826b52a79f6276.jpg 028b418d6ca1926e3c5bd48d4f8e29b2 PDF Text Text When the standard of rebellion is once raised, it calls to its support men of the most desperate principles, who vie with each other for notoriety, <s>by</s> in the use of dark treasonable words and acts of inhuman kind. Such, Davis made leaders of his chivalric bands.— <div class="tooltip" title="Prior to the start of the war, Wade Hampton III (1818-1902) was one of the richest slave holdiers in the South. He served as a member of the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives before joining the war effort and ultimately serving as a lieutenant general of cavalry.">Hampton,</div> <div class="tooltip" title="Nathan Bedford Forrest (1821-1877) was also a commander of cavalry and rich planter who was known on both sides for his tactical ability. After the war, he became a strong supporter and member of the Ku Klux Klan.">Forrest,</div> <div class="tooltip" title=" Earl Van Dorn (1820-1863) was a relative of Andrew Jackson and career soldier who served as a Major General in the Trans-Mississippi region. Following a successful career as both a commander and a cavalryman, he was murdered in 1863 as result of a personal problem.">Van Dorn,</div> and <div class="tooltip" title="Thomas C. Hindman (1828-1868) was also a Major General during the war who was a prominent slaveholder and one of Arkansas’ loudest secessionists. After a stint in Mexico following the war, Hindman attempted to return to politics until his assassination in September of 1868.">Hindman</div> have all added their names to the shameful roll of crime, as proof. The Southern press advertised that the North were mercenary and cowardly, and that the Southern cavaliers could whip them ten to one. So in 1862 +1863 the whole Secession element seemed to be bouyant. Union men South were hushed. They scarcely dared to keep alive the loyal fires in their hearts.—Their only relief was in prayer; and even in this they https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/696feb328e2a596a91a493614d3ca068.jpg 84d3b1d80125cac991ad229d669afad2 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Mary Wood </td> <td> were watched by mercinary detectives until the house of worship became a den of murderers, breathing aloud their fiendish cruelties against the adherents of the Union. If a Union prayer went up, it must go up in silence there, while a loud amen must be uttered for the rebel enterprise [text underneath: theirs.] This is a tyranny, which some of our Union friends have not known. The masses at the North know comparatively nothing of the demoralizing and crushing weight of the rebellion upon the loyal at the South. They can only see it now dimly in the glass of History. The South sent her agents to foreign ports to solicit intervention and recognition—keeping at the same time seditious hirelings at home to beguile the </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6b679dd096b834c0fd3cb87151d0d4dc.jpg f961574d8e87df3b142bf325a8e82b0d PDF Text Text people from the ways of truth. A military force—sons of slaveholders, well prejudiced in the cause they had espoused, compelled acquiescence at the point of the bayonet. Thus the loyal of the South were constrained to fight against their country <div class="tooltip" title="This is a direct quote from the Declaration of Independence’s list of grievances against the British Government: “He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.”">“to become the executioners of their friends and brethren or fall themselves by their hands”</div> —They prayed for help from the beginning, but the help was slow to arrive.—Some of them died in despair as they hid themselves in the [fastnesses?] of the mountains, or languished in prison cells. Many perished at the hands of their incorrigible neighbors. A few made their escape and were rescued after they had suffered imprisonments starvation and persecution. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c0ffd4acb118632539af613718e955b5.jpg f8396e8278c117d7aad976553d7912b2 PDF Text Text I’ve seen them with eyes uplifted praying for relief from their tortures. I’ve seen them gaze silently toward the north, for some friendly sign of help, till their eyes grew dim, and they sank upon the ground sighing over their fate, till dull sleep only racked them for another day of deep despair. Union men + women have been hung to please the mob. They have been hunted with dogs and shot like beasts. Union Women, South, have been forced to betray their husbands and sons or be themselves <s>b</s> insulted and hung for not telling. This state of affairs fast discouraged the Union sentiment at the South, and encouraged the disloyal at the north.—Secession was jubilant over the prospects of speedily establishing a nation https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/da48736b03b5b2d939f94d17d8bbad64.jpg fabaa5e3620d1c3023392da4a81764ab PDF Text Text whose foundation <s>would be</s> would be slavery; Their boastings and praises of the Confederacy grew louder and more suasive, until most of the Southern Women, <s>parrot-like</s> yielded their voices. They volunteered their aid to help the Southern soldier. They made him clothes. They presented him with refreshments. They smoothed his pillow and pressed his cheek with kindness in the hospital. But let no word be said against <s>wo</s> them for all this, for those were their husbands, fathers, sons [text underneath: a woman]. The South had her days of prayer and thanksgiving, on which her clergy discoursed of “Southern rights and of “Southern Chivalry”—of “Northern duplicity” and “Yankee villany”—The hoary fathers cried Amen and Amen.—While the pious mothers muttered “My daughter shall never come to labor, nor take a Yankees hand.” https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6f861aaae3db796a460b6d5712ed1a61.jpg e9337c5ef5d51e3b5ff80c7407e5626a PDF Text Text The young cavaliers joined the Confederate army and were “off to the War”—The Young goddesses went to see them—bear off the “Stars and bars” the handy-work of their own lilly hands.—They waived their white handkerchiefs and saw their paramous [paramours] no more forever: for they fell they died ingloriously—<s>on the</s> retreating from “the last ditch.” For while the ship of Rebellion had her hoisted sails inflated with the winds of promise.—Now as she madly careers [careens?] on revolution’s untempered billows keep an eye on her, till she meets the breakers, she knows not of. There is a rock in the untried waters—there she will stave her timbers. —Let her rail—while we turn and counsel with, Justice, Equality, Education, Loyalty, and all the best interest of our country + humanity [text underneath: Uncle Sam]. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a8ccea58d4216ffe0a3987186edda156.jpg a854b5deecd76417263623bec8e5f7f2 PDF Text Text The War for the Union In the prosecution of this thread of History, I take it as a foregone truth 1st That God is just. 2nd That the United States is a government planted by His own almighty hand, and watered by the blood of our Washington and <s>his follow</s> of our forefathers. 3rd That the Declaration of Independence is sacred to every true American. 4th That the Union is the palladium of our liberties. 5th That Webster was right when he said—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-28-protective-tariff-1828" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 28, Protective Tariff of 1828 footnote" rel="noopener">“The Federal Union now and forever, one and inseparable.”</a> 6th That Andrew Jackson was right when he defied the nullifying tories of Carolina and told them that—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-28-protective-tariff-1828" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 28, Protective Tariff of 1828 footnote" rel="noopener">“The Union, it must, it shall be preserved.”</a> 7th That Lincoln was right when he announced to the Mayor https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/23eb942b25ae277ead9031d02a86b719.jpg db423a1f7c76eab4a665ff28c9701902 PDF Text Text of New York City—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-29-lincoln-nyc" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 29, Lincoln in New York City footnote" rel="noopener">“There is nothing that could ever bring me to willingly consent to the destruction of this Union +++ except it be the purpose for which the Union itself was formed.”</a> That he was right in his “Emancipation proclamation,” and in his “Amnesty proclamation” That his Administration was right. 8th That Andrew Johnson was right in his Great Speech in Congress Feb. 6-7th 1861—in which he says—“When this Union is interred I want no more honorable winding sheet than that brave old flag, and no more glorious grave than to be interred in the tomb of the Union.” For it I have stood; for it I will continue to stand. I care not whence the blows come.” That he is right now and in the right place. May Heaven help him <s>continue</s> right. +++ Then, if <s>these</s> are right, their contraries are wrong. Secession, Slavery, nullification https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7c435acd5b3d428d47c2947dc312de1a.jpg 29b3ffb3f717403dbef67a2433f80922 PDF Text Text And the attempted Southern Confederacy were all wrong. Yancy + Co. were wrong in “firing the Southern heart” for rebellion. Davis is a traitor for presiding over a “provisional government” to be built up on the dissolution of the Union, and a murderer in that, that he has caused the slaughter of five hundred thousand <s>human</s> of our countrymen. Nevertheless right must confront wrong. Patriotism must meet treason. Reason must oppose sophistry. The Constitution must stand against rebellion. The good must suffer with the evil. Tears and blood must flow to redeem the land (it may be) from her iniquities [text underneath: from the curse of]. +++ In 1860 the Slave-holders of the Southern States were energetically advocating Secession, and maturing policies for the organiza- https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e14b210ed0e57ac2d2e11e72f0684545.jpg 77af9cf23fdec5caa320fa20f58d6f65 PDF Text Text tion of a “Southern Confederacy” and they were making preparation to support their cause by force of arms. The government of the United States was quite unprepared to meet such a contingency. The people were untaught in the arts of war and were incompetent to appreciate the horrors of a Civil Strife. The government neither had money nor arms necessary to engage successfully in a contest which would inevitably involve millions on either side. The storm of war was coming, though, and no honorable conciliation of Congress or Peace Convention was able to avert it. Worse yet, for the government;—She was under the control of a closing administration which was averse to initiating a strong policy against the insurgents. President Buchanan, either desired to shift responsibility upon the shoulders of his successor,—per https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/967c29112b9dbd71a3f431c32a8f26cb.jpg ef0b40fc372e5fa0e46282f398fbdb64 PDF Text Text perhaps he was blind to the true status of the country, or else he entertained a friendship for the cause of Slavery, which bedimed [bedimmed] his Union fires. Week after week his inaction gave strength and time to the rebels, which they used in taking advantage of the coming administration. The Southern States, one after another, cut themselves off from correspondence with the Government by ordinances of Secession. They, then taught the ignorant rabble to believe, that they were in a “new nation” created by the plastic designs of heaven.—They organized forces—they seized the government forts and armories. Professors in Southern schools left their high calling, to prostitute their talents, to drilling their students for <s>rebl</s> rebellion:—Political demagogues and their truckling followers, urged the people to close their ears to everything, but Secession and “Southern Independence.”—Ministers too came down https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/af4d39b697b67ffda4484261c3449b13.jpg c82a8f9f45ea23cd7f7c8a94231863ef PDF Text Text from their sacred desks, to teach their churches in the ways of murder and lawlessness. +++ +++There was an element in the South that cried—hold your traitorous hands—You are attempting to destroy the best government in the world—You will entail unthought [sic] of miseries upon yourselves,—You will lose the rights you enjoy and bring disgrace and want upon your posterity. You will bring yourselves to dishonorable graves, and your wives and daughters will go weeping and none to comfort them—. But those who taught thus were called submissionists,—abolitionists, They were abused, they were killed. Many true patriots were stired [stirred] by the threatening aspect—by the inefficient action of the government and by the madness of the South. The Crittenden resolutions were drawn up and submitted to the dissatisfied Southrons—But they would have none of it. They avowed they would not have an abolition https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0ca3494f2853bc9ee90592dd5565a419.jpg 704108d3d46c9bacd9f4d762325d1fe2 PDF Text Text president to rule over them. Andrew Johnson + <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-34-william-brownlow" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 34, William G. Brownlow footnote" rel="noopener">Parson Brownlow</a> explicitly showed them the follies of Secession—that the Devil was the first secessionist—and that the spirit was as wicked as it was unjust.—that there was a remedy in the Union for every real or supposed grievance and none out of it,—that they had their “Southern rights” and could only keep them by remaining loyal to the Union. But they said Johnson and Brownlow were <s>an</s> abolitionists,—and traitors to the South—and they would have hanged them <s>and</s> but they could not. ++++ Hon. Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated president of the United States on the 4th of March 1861.—He assured the people that he would only do his duty under the Constitution, and asked them to remain faithful to their allegiance. He told the<s>m</s> South plainly that if they disavowed their connection with and their obligations to the Federal Union, that he would be in duty https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/28977eeb43b458b625e2b6040522d1c5.jpg 2db7e90e863e11d77c1983efab26d1b8 PDF Text Text bound, to shape his conduct toward them, according to the interests of the country. He was sagacious and eclectic in his character, and capacitated to meet the crisis. He announced his determination to sustain the government and enforce the laws in all the States.—In the close of his Inaugural Address he said—“That in view of the Constitution and the laws of the Union is unbroken; and to the extent of my ability, I shall take care, as the Constitution expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union shall be faithfully executed in all the states, Doing this which I deem to be a simple duty on my part, I shall perfectly perform it, so far as is practicable, unless my rightful masters, the American people, shall withhold the requisition, or, in some authoritative manner direct the contrary.” On the 12-13th. Apr. 1861, the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/afef48d61c7931f6656ecfcc6821c762.jpg 23dd5a0d90b5ad2d844c8195642f9898 PDF Text Text Rebels under Beauregard, with the advise of their Congress, fired upon Fort Sumpter, off Charlston, and on the 14th the garrison under Maj Anderson U.S.A. surrendered the fort. Then and there the great drama was opened. A War fierce + long, between Slavery and its Abolition was introduced. To preserve the Union acording to the Constitution, was the bassis of the United States armies—the hope of abolishing or of weakening the institution of Slavery was a strong incentive to action, with many of the people of the Northern States. The doctrines of State rights—the name being under a republican president, and the imaginary idea that slaver was endangered thereby, and a sectional and <s>bigoted disposition</s> disobedient disposition were sufficient pretexts with the Slave-devotees to commence war against the General government. The hope of perpetuating Slavery was their https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/aefd96cd1cc3a2f11685e8274148ddfa.jpg 6928ea382ea8f662a0aef35f2d845703 PDF Text Text moving pulse.—In the Northern States it was designated “The War for the Union” In the <s>Souther</s> Southern States it was called “The War for Southern rights” President Lincoln told his dissatisfied countrymen that they could have no conflict without being themselves the aggressors—that they had no oath registered in heaven to destroy this government, while he had the most solemn one to “preserve to protect and defend it.”—He told them that they should be friends, not enemies to the country. He reminded them of the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-37-mystic-chords" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 37, “Mystic Chords of Memory” footnote" rel="noopener">“Mystic cords of memory, stretching, from every battle-field and patriot grave”</a> that should yet swell the chorus of the Union. Parties at the north and threats from the South would all have conspired to thwart the success of our Great President, but he moved on in the even tenor of his way, and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/45c5d0e39cf780d63906a072384e3e76.jpg d4287d581f512326c1545967fb77a041 PDF Text Text gathered into his cabinet wise counsel whose light was the harbinger of success.—Wm H. Seward, Sec. of State, was considered the leading spirit of the United States, and he was hated by the rebels accordingly. —There was, and yet is, no better test of a man’s loyalty to the government, than to know that he was hated <s>and</s> maligned, tried, or sentenced by the rebels. The Southern people had overwrought ideas of their own fighting qualities, while they imputed cowardice and inability to the North. The Richmond Examiner has the following. “—++ The North has no drill their cowardly, motly crew of starving foreigners that it proposes to send South,++++ who is to drill and command the Seventy five thousand militia sheep.”—The rebels were deceiving themselves. President Lincoln found officers fully competent. He made his successive calls—1st https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c015a0162c42c1c3acb2906077c3bc4d.jpg ef970b5b143da802eadd3f0380373911 PDF Text Text Seventy five thousands men, then a hundred thousand—three hundred thousand,—five hundred thousand, until he mustered an army whose strength and discipline surpassed any military pageant of modern times. Those armies were moved too, to the calls of their country by as pure motives as ever patriots knew.— —Their valor? Where will you find nobler valor? Let Genl. Grant tell of it. Let the hundreds of battle-fields of this war tell of their valor. —Here let it be remembered that when parties are arrayed against each other, in a country wide and densely peopled, even the criminal party is always able to bring many stubborn adherents and some garbled reasonings to its support. The rebels had their armies of hundreds of thousands, raised by volunteer enlistments—by inflammatory incitements, and by sweeping conscription. Their armies were drilled and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fabb26c3e927d36e1dfa4e5a2494ca83.jpg ae5c8d5b61094bc4f8f85e1533256081 PDF Text Text commanded by perjured officials and disappointed politicians.—To proove this fact, let Lee and <div class="tooltip" title="This note refers to John C. Breckinridge (1821-1875), former US Senator from Kentucky, Vice President and Confederate Brigadier General and Secretary of War.">Breckinridge</div> be submitted to the people.—But after all,—what power could expect to successfully contend against the armies of the Union. With <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-40-lincolns-generals" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 40, Lincoln’s Generals footnote" rel="noopener">Scott</a> to be revered and counseled,—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-40-lincolns-generals" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 40, Lincoln’s Generals footnote" rel="noopener">Freemont</a> to give impetuosity to action,—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-40-lincolns-generals" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 40, Lincoln’s Generals footnote" rel="noopener">Butler</a> to execute with rigor and firmness,—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-40-lincolns-generals" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 40, Lincoln’s Generals footnote" rel="noopener">Halleck</a> and others to lead and discipline,—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-40-lincolns-generals" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 40, Lincoln’s Generals footnote" rel="noopener">Porter, Dupont and Farragut</a> to keep watch on the high seas,—And with that unsurpassed trio of Generals,—Grant, Sherman and <div class="tooltip" title="This references Philip Sheridan (1831-1888), Union general of cavalry and close friend of General Grant. He is particularly known for his role in burning the Shenandoah Valley during the last few months of the war and forcing Lee’s surrender at Appomattox.">Sheridan</div> , who “planned to fight, and fought to win, and who dedicated every ++ energy to the service in which they were engaged,” none but a power in mad desperation would attempt to overthrow the United States. The irresistibility of our armies can never be forgotten, nor doubted by those who have marked time with them in marching, or, who https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c32b2b7465154b6610b8f6b7c95eb5d2.jpg 0641a26f29edfd6d76357c901ef118b9 PDF Text Text have quickened their steps with bayonet set, in the thundering, crashing charge over the abates of the despicable rebels. Our Uniform of bright and symbolic blue, inspires every true soldier with new zeal for his country.—Our arms of glittering steel and our Glorious banners waving on high, gave sublime and national inspiration to those noble sons who kept time to the music of our airs. Our men, for the most part, alive with patriotic devotion, put on the blue at their country’s call, and stood beneath that honored flag with swelling joy and pride.—Some have proven false to the trust reposed in them, and have ignobly deserted the flag! Let those who did so, without mitigation, be cast out, with rebel sympathizers to have no share in the true soldier’s meed [mead?] of praise;—let loyal Southrons come, enlist, and take their places on the rolls of honor. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3b74e4152f81691722d2969d7b32445f.jpg b35fec6aa983d5e4bd115348cc56daf5 PDF Text Text This examination of the “signs of the times” brings us rapidly in mind to the <s>period of</s> time, when we may expect something more than legislation, and <s>and a</s> newspaper war. Every preparation is made and the War for the Union is progressing rappidly toward fiercer scenes. At first riots came like swells of discontent<s>ed winds</s> in cities where scenes of strife were little expected—at Baltimore,—St Louis and in Kentucky where the people expected to remain neutral; they were stirred by the first sights [text underneath: witnesses of the first scenes] of blood. Then skirmishing began <s>along the</s> to extende<s>d</s> the line from the Atlantic to the <s>Western</s> territories. Pickets were posted confronting each other with the missels of death. In the vicinities of encampments, military supplanted civil law. Prohibitions were put upon <s>free</s> trade and travel.—Skirmishers https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b39be68c7ed2c2d3f5d103bc9a2efbf9.jpg b77dc1e963512c70a6e6f11f412aa761 PDF Text Text are deployed and forward movements made. Defenses are being thrown up, and obstructions planted. Fighting is soon to commence, increase, and grow more intense. Columns are, already massing in threatening display along the whole disputed line.—The skirmishers are fighting—listen—a hundred guns in quick succession:—and now, and then a canon wakes the inhabitants around. A few dead and mangled bodies lie bleading on the field. Blood is running down. Some wounded on both sides are being carried to the rear.—Women at a great distance stand in dread suspense, as the skirmish is heard from afar.—“News” “What is it”—everyone. “Twenty, thirty, forty killed—“Twice the number wounded—the enemie’s loss not known—supposed to be much greater than ours.—“ https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/94ac2ab579791e1069d6b31cceb4be7d.jpg 44583218ce62497a13c2a423f99fa5e7 PDF Text Text The people cry and mourn.—O ‘tis awful now, to have the land deluged in blood.—They are not accustomed to such scenes yet. But the bands must <s>not</s> [text underneath: cannot] be loosened, now nor the Union be broken up. President Lincoln, declares the Southern ports <s>all</s> blockaded, and the land forces move forward to press the rebels to the “last ditch.” The precursors of dreadful carnage passed, <s>away,</s> and on the 21st of July 1861 we had a shock of battle, which prepared <s>the hearts of the</s> people for the worse. They said “if the worst must come let it come and [text underneath: quickly,] we’ll meet it valiantly.” + + <s>I am proud to</s> record <s>here that</s> Our government true to her ancient virtues, appointed days of thanks and supplication. Throughout the whole war there was a steady [throne?] of virtue, which continually supplicated the great source of all blessings, and brought https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0b14ac2a685a86a08f870e5ec290889e.jpg bbea7324a6f66bc14f23ba2b807b2519 PDF Text Text his bounties down. War indeed is proverbially demoralizing. “It suspends the rules of moral obligation.” Crime of every grade is increased in an accelerated ratio<s>n</s>. Men become more dishonest and treacherous. Women become more libidinous and more heartless.—But still a faithful few wrestled in prayer till God forbore to destroy the country. It was perhaps never believed by loyal men, that the government was doomed to subversion or was even in very great danger of discomfiture, but it was believed that she might be like the sturdy oak in the stom [storm], shaken. I think no intilligent loyal man, supposed for one moment that our arms would not be successful in the end. —But the storm of War was not over. Almost every breze wafted to our ears the clash of contending arms. The armies were of the same blood, and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/50d4432520b744b8087dc06341087c50.jpg b05d885eb0dcf1ae0a6c0c8151e9a080 PDF Text Text were educated to the same stubborn determination for <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-46-victory-or-death" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 46, Victory or Death footnote" rel="noopener">victory or death.</a> It was here that steel met steel, and the Greek met the Greek—This was the tug of War. Then we could not rely for success upon our superior valor nor upon <s>their</s> the enemie’s cowardice. Valor, in a bad cause, becomes desperation or cowardice. The justice of our cause,—our numerical strength and inexhaustible resources, were the unmistakeable predications of our hope. What of conscious right the Union Soldier had to nerve him for the bloody contest, the rebel soldier balanced with sectional pride and fiendish fury.—Many, long, loud, bloody were their battles, so fiercely did they contest every inch of the ground. Peal after peal of thundering sound; roar after roar of ocean grandeur. The awful cannonading and concentrated musketry shook the solid mountains, as if an earth- https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c3eff0969444e6cc7d27f3c8923de162.jpg be76668f0d18128a3fc6c215cba51303 PDF Text Text quake were breaking forth from this restless depths.—Crashing the forests,—bursting the solid rocks the battles rolled on like an endless tide of destruction.—Look on ye Spectators from mid air; Look on ye nations from afar. See that mighty mass of murky cloud from America’s battle-plain rise? See the very skies lit up with the frightful glare of leaping flames that wrap cities in fire?—There is dying there!! The fields are covered with dead men’s bones; their flesh lies scattered ‘round, and the rivers run red with their blood.—Those who have escaped the blind missels of death, rush madly to and fro, as if deranged by the unearthly sounds of dying groans, and mocking at the agony of their mangled comrades, they look fiercely ‘round to drive their dripping blades through the hearts of other victims.—Oh, Woman, gather yourselves on you mountain hight and gaze with keen https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a02a64b8cd8877b495b63d6bf0e02aac.jpg 0b29be7f6b70b6ebb90f7e76241b1fbe PDF Text Text vision to learn your fate; or, at your homes, when the sound of the battle cometh, close thy doors and intuitively weep over your new made widowhood; And little children, ye sit sadly musing, has some ill-augur already borne to your tender hearts the news of your orphanage? On the 25th of Feb. 1864, the date of the battle of Tunnel Hill Ga. our armies had fought over 8 eight hundred and thirty two (832) leading battles and skirmishes; and as every battle is only a repetition of the scenes above discribed, nearly every family through the whole length and bredth of the land—from the Gulf to the Lakes were drinking the bitter dregs of bereavement. From every household a father, husband, son, a brother, or friend had fallen a victim to war’s ruthless rage. Every where, we were met with the hopeless <s>ejaculation</s> interogations —O where is he? Where may his body be found? https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/af920e13504e0d816ca05cc12939f348.jpg b631d9d0c6c780a8132d826c050433bb PDF Text Text Thousands will wait, watch and pray And ask, O where is he? Look to their honored graves, to their patriotic devotion; look to the warm gratitude of a grateful nation, recording in history as an everlasting monument to their memories. Look to these and to the [text underneath: children (of?) the] father’s <s>very</s> image. You have these left, look to them and be consoled President Lincoln Administered with wisdom and firmness, and the success of his policies, gained for him friends, even among his former enemies The strong holds of secession were being broken up. Vicksburg Chattanooga, and Atlanta all fell into the hands of their rightful masters,—The United States’ Authorities.—They are smitten monuments of their departed worth. President Lincoln proclaimed that the Slaves, henceforth were free, and one hundred and thirty thousand of them made their https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/388bbb6a414b2ad126205fccd41def54.jpg 9becb564ec83e728625755ad575f5a58 PDF Text Text made their escape from the land of bondage, to do service in the Union cause. They fought, and fought bravely, hand to hand against <s>with</s> the very masters who had bound them with chains and hunted them with dogs.—They fought for their lives.—They fought for their liberties. Let the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-50-battle-of-port-hudson" target="_blank" title="clcik to view Memoir 1, Page 50, Battle of Port Hudson footnote" rel="noopener">battles of Port Hudson</a> tell it.—Let them have their liberties. The rebel armies became demoralized and disheartened, and desolved [dissolved] before our invincible hosts, like rotten banks before the rolling flood. The executive abilities of Mr. Lincoln, put to silence and confusion the boasted plans of Jeff. Davis. The Davis conspiracy was “playing out” The rebel leaders found themselves suddenly in a very dependant condition. They neither had bread for their clamoring subjects nor men to <s>fill</s> recruit their depleted ranks. Thousands of the Union https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/743cf9cdde3687567cb2545822fce9d6.jpg 62d0accd59899917c5628168810d66fb PDF Text Text men, whom they had held in duress so long, were escaping, and giving the benefit of their experience and observations to the government they loved. These facts enraged the rebel leaders. (But still we left them, and their curses, and threats have died in harmless invectives). On the 4th of April 1864 President Lincoln speaks on this wise ++ “I attempt no compliment to my own sagacity. I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me. Now at the end of three years struggle the nation’s condition is not what either party + devised or expected. God alone can claim it. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-51-lincoln-on-slavery" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 51, Lincoln on Slavery footnote" rel="noopener">If he now wills the removal of a great wrong (slavery) and wills also that we of the North, as well as you of the South, shall pay fairly for our complicity in that wrong, impartial history will find therein, new cause to attest and revere, the justice and goodness of God.”</a> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/54e56102d8a8eae995717576d650f391.jpg 22a60c2ba055db62407694124f70945c PDF Text Text So it was that often, when our armies felt most assurance they failed: yet success crowned their unparalleled march, from Dalton to Savannah, and from Charleston to Richmond, cutting in their course every rebel resource. Mr. Lincoln’s administration was fraught with consequences so encouraging, that the people determined upon his reelection, and accordingly in November 1864 he was reelected by an overwhelming majority, over Genl. MClellen.—There were now new political parties viz.—Radical and conservatives. The Radical party <s>were</s> embraced those who were of for unconditional Union and crushing measures against the rebellion. <s>The Conservative</s> Lincoln was the candidate of this party. The Conservative party included all those who were for respecting the Southern Confederacy, for compromising with the rebellion and for using gentle https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ba8ec3df322ab4c6dee2f5bb5fdffdd5.jpg 740ab8d2e14fca0f34ecb8f425efa6d9 PDF Text Text means toward rebellion and slavery. By this party, Genl. McClellen had allowed himself to be brought out as a Candidate for the Presidency. —But the reelection of Lincoln cut off the last hope the rebels entertained of their recognition as an independant nation. Their actions now as belligerants assumed a spirit of despair and desperation. They had long contemplated the burning of Northern cities and the assassination of President Lincoln. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-53-confederate-plots" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 53, Confederate Plots footnote" rel="noopener">In 1863 there was standing advertisement in the rebel papers, for Ten or Thirty thousand brave Southrons (sons of slave holders) to go in disguise, to the Northern States, “to carry the torch” to the Northern man’s house “that he might see <s>taste</s> the fruits of abolitionism in the flames of his own burning dwelling.”</a> Mr. Lincoln took the presidential chair for the second term March 1865. He was now able to rest a little from the extreme labors https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7eb5cd7edb0a39e55579a5203f05d713.jpg 56659ac90ade7fa4409c52b7b1bce12f PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> He calmly uttered his second Inaugural in the close of which he said—“With malice toward none, with good will for all let us strive to know the right” and bring our country through God, to fill the high purpose for which it was made. </td> <td> and anxieties of his first Administration; for the rebel power was nearly subdued. Richmond was occupied by the Union forces in April and every indication pointed to a speedy overthrow of the last of the Confederate armies. Mr. Lincoln was just lifting his grateful heart to heaven for the great blessings vouch-safed to our Country, when on the 14th of Apr. 1865 he fell by the assassin’s accursed hand. ++ Every one mourns for him as for a dear relative. His whole life Administration, and death are without analogy. Rising from + humble yet most honorable origin, he climed the golden ladder of truth and usefulness, till on its sun-lit top he stood gazing up into Heaven.—God permitted him to step from this world all covered with political and social glory. His name, his memory shall be eternally embalmed in the bosom of the American people. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e5aaf5bb586698a0940b123f215f9590.jpg 9e0ec5ad13d552be34ceb4a778711115 PDF Text Text Mrs. Lincoln, may be described in all the attractions of a devoted companion of the late president, now, a widow, standing at the head of that long line of sad and weeping widows of this war. ++ —Their prayers go up like sweet incense for our bereaved country. Our whole nation is draped in the habiliments of deep grief, yet we must look beyond, God bids us hear his voice through his Providences. Like the children of Israel who mourned thirty days for Moses, we mourn for Lincoln. But as they turned again to Joshua as the instrument of God to lead them onto Canaan, so must we turn to Andrew Johnson, who will lead us through the closing scenes of The War for the Union. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/dbf9031540f32007af7638aebcba4ace.jpg a440152b7f8596b2a52abea2ce8ce905 PDF Text Text Andrew Johnson Succeeded to the presidency, on the 15th Apr. 1865. He comes to the high trust not only with abilities, firmness, and patriotism rarely equaled, but also, individually schooled for the very crisis. He is fully sensible of his responsibility. It is not dificult to see the exactness that must be practiced, and the nice discriminations, which must be made, in the closing scenes of the War. President Lincoln had established policies which must be carried to completion, else disappointment and dissatisfaction would ensue. The War had virtuely borne the expected and desired fruits of victory, before Lincoln’s departure, and it now remains for Johnson to follow up the victory and husband the fruits thereof. 1st The Assassins of the [Comented?] Lincoln, must be apprehended, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c5367a576ffcd9f5b59ebe47bdfaeb7e.jpg d94cb815bb4c8e5016a9881a12b33e35 PDF Text Text tried, and doomed. 2nd The Rebel Armies must all be overcome, and compelled to yield to the Constitution and to the ensigns of the Union.—They must be dispersed. 3rd Treason must be made adious [arduous?], and willful traitors must attone with their own blood, for the blood they have shed. These must be done or the claims of justice will remain unrequited. The rebellious people of the <s>Slave</s> Southern states are subdued, and the loyal there are anxious to resume their duties as citizens under the government, from which they had been so cruelly cut off, but it is necessary to restore them cautiously. Those who were slaves and property at the beginning of the War, are now free citizens; but they must needs be educated to appreciate their https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a233a2e90792977ee9472fa75e4132c0.jpg 998c4b4fad7a386f9e7d426a88c95b13 PDF Text Text sudden transitiation [transition] from darkness and slavery to light and liberty. Loyal Southrons have been abducted from their allegiance by the rebel despotism. They have been shut up in prisons and in irons, where their government <s>can</s> could neither know their condition at the time, the cause thereof, nor appreciate their desires.—Some of them fell martyrs to the Union. Their families are in want. Many driven from their homes are now, unable to return. These must be heard and relieved in the extremity to which their patriotism induced them. Soldiers who have fought and fallen in the battles of the Union must have preferences shown them in the bestowal of the honors and trust of the Country.—Their families must be loved and protected. The<s>y</s> loyal must be <s>p</s> respected and the disloyal must be watched. The Nation’s https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/22a53b5dcf5dda2473438f6435c9d2c1.jpg 565d0d6498a57a65ba246d8b14d2de35 PDF Text Text great sacrifice of blood and treasure upon the altar of Liberty must not be lost. To save the fruits of four hundred bloody battle fields, and to requite the demands of Justice, is the arduous duty claiming the attention of our government. Lee had surrendered to Genl. Grant on the 9th of Apr. 1865. From this date Jeff. Davis fell from his usurped seat, and became a cringing criminal. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-59-capture-of-jeff-davis" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 59, Capture of Jeff Davis footnote" rel="noopener">On the 10th of May 1865 the skulking traitor was overtaken by Col. Prichard and conveyed to Ft. Monroe</a>, where he was safely ensconced in the casemate, and where it is sincerely hoped he may be racked with lively visions of “Andersonville” “Libby,” and “Castle Thunder” Atlanta Prison and then in addition, be tortured with the ghastly pictures of the mangled bodies and the dangling corpses of the five thousand whose death sentence he aproved. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5c4063be27ba6d349b0282481be44273.jpg f06a954c1c8a0c878d81a1a430672b48 PDF Text Text Now let him quaff the bitter cup that he filled for so many thousand innocent souls. Let him now see the throbbing heart and quivering lips of wives mothers and sisters, whose petitions for the lifes of their sentenced husbands, sons and brothers, his officials rejected with scorn. Let his own wife feel what others have felt, and bear in her aristocratic heart, what others have borne in humility. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-60-the-confederate-surrender" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 60, Confederate Surrender footnote" rel="noopener">On the 26th of May 1865 the last army of the “so called <s>Confederacy</s> Southern Confederacy” surrendered.</a>—Proud day for America. Our flag waves again from the lakes to the gulf, and from the Atlantic to the far off Pacific. The assassins are arraigned, and many of the [bading?] traitors are awaiting trial and sentence. The So called Southern Confederacy is played out, and its “Treasury Notes” are a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/06d52ce2c2c51c74dd077b75b950ea63.jpg 5fbc02fd44b67a751013191a73231ef6 PDF Text Text “dead beat.” The fool that said in his heart “there is no Union” may learn his error soon at Washington. The Union is safe. Her Ship of State is anchored in the harbor, with her loyal freight aboard and her “Green-backs are good.” Once more we enjoy “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The Victory is ours, and fairly won; after four year of dreadful conflict. The United States is known and respected by all nations, and recieves in every department the fruitful smiles of heaven. Her mighty ships and significant ensigns are careering over the curling waves of every ocean. The Voice of her eloquent sons is heard throughout the world’s wide domain. The great principles of political and religious liberty, are firmly secured upon the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b54cf4010d14d49cc19168202920abeb.jpg 2997e8fd571629a74bf494088410321e PDF Text Text rocks of truth and equity. —But, all these great blessings have been bought with a price, and our rejoicings must be tempered with the <s>deep</s> loss we feel. The perpetuation of the experiment of republican government, has cost us billions of dollars. Five hundred thousand men have watered the tree of liberty with their blood, and three hundred thousand more <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from General Ulysses S. Grant’s congratulatory address General Orders No. 108 to the Federal armies on June 2, 1865. For a complete version of this address, click <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1865/06/05/news/lieut-general-our-armies-grant-armies-united-states-their-gloriousservices.html "> here</a>.">“of our gallant comrades have fallen and sealed the precious legacy with their lives.”</div> <a http:="" digitalsc="" lib="" vt="" edu="" exhibits="" show="" john-henning-woods="" 1-62-civil-war-lyrics="" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 62, Civil War Lyrics footnote" rel="noopener">Their bones lie mouldering in unmarked graves</a> or bleaching on the battle-field’s lonely glades.—But O weeping wives, mothers sisters, dry up your tears,—your sorrowing cannot ransom them from <a http:="" digitalsc="" lib="" vt="" edu="" exhibits="" show="" john-henning-woods="" 1-62-civil-war-lyrics="" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 62, Civil War Lyrics footnote" rel="noopener">“the cold, cold ground.”</a> Be consoled that they died their country to save. Remember “the tears of a grateful country will https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4884d686cf1abfe699b0936920660e28.jpg 41375b99bfd039e61bbc56e880a7cd4c PDF Text Text <div class="tooltip" title="This quote, continued from page 63, comes from General Grant’s congratulatory address of June 2, 1865, found <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1865/06/05/news/lieut-general-our-armies-grant-armies-united-states-their-gloriousservices.html"> here</a>.">bedew their memories, and a great people will ever cheerish and support their stricken families.”</div> Your tears and throes are <s>but</s> that part of the price the Women of America have paid for the blessings we enjoy. Those of us, who remain alive must show ourselves worthy of the blessings, purchased with such a great price:—the tears of our beloved women and the blood of our patriot men. Women do you value that river of shed blood? Men do you appreciate that sacred fountain of flowing tears?—Then reciprocally smile—You are copartners in the nation’s glory.—By love, intelligence and virtue you can lead society on until you bask together in the bright essence of perfection.—Hark! What sound is that? Our soldiers are coming home!!! https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fe263f893968e1be134917852e4a0bac.jpg a8d07d3a3f6892b0ab1f47f2f0e82560 PDF Text Text Coming Home. The soldiers now are marching back, To homes of peace and love; God bless the wounded in his track With blue coat stained with blood. Our banner floats, Our armies shout, We drove the rebel host; We drove them from their bastions out, And laid their strongholds waste. They boasted once, like braggarts do, —They’d beat the Union arms; But to their words and ways untrue, Their fate,—folly, conforms. For they had bound in error’s chain A race of darkened minds; On whom they’d fix the slavery ban, Of lasting, cruel kind. But wisdom speaks through glorious light Abasement to the foe; The wrong must yield unto the right, Before they further go. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d56d0f681e40112f1e3e0fe76db88cae.jpg 3ce5277bcb1064f4c169440a91814ff6 PDF Text Text Our country’s free, and slaves no more Shall pander wicked lust; As Slavery did “in days of yore,” —Set hearts in jealous trust. (Their indolence must ebb out soon As amalgamation’s done Then go to work you “grey” buffoon Your Southern rights you’ve won.) Our nation now must rise anew, Above the ills gone by; With well-earned promise in her view Base traitors she’ll e’er defy. Here are the braves, the country’s pride —In dangers oft they’ve been; In smoke, and fire, the battle tide, There’s where they oft’ were seen. Then haste to grasp those hard, brown hands And feel them press your own; They’ve battered down, the strength of him, Who thought to build a throne. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/18ba152cc15e7ead2a6fd31b7f74e16e.jpg 82c4bd5f9a0ce49d00010e473378f5a7 PDF Text Text Woods’ Defense My Character, Education and Political Views Mt Vernon Mo. July 4th 1865 Friends and Countrymen; Give attention, while I make a brief Defense of my course of life, <s>so far as it has been in opposition to Secession, Slavery and Rebellion.</s> —Listen, while I relate an experience which none can ever write, but I alone.—Mine is the voice of one who has seen his grave.—Of one whose coffin was ready to recieve his mangled form. I speak as one that was dead but lives again. Hark, then, while a Union man pleads before a Rebel Court. But, first allow me to recur to the events and impressions of my childhood, Youth and manhood which lead me to oppose secession, Slavery, and the “so called https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1bd7b5238e4160fd48831bc8e43f9988.jpg e0724157487c8d54b051c8e3680a9a1d PDF Text Text patriotic heart with gladness, and every loyal tongue with praises. —Since 1776, the 4th of July has been hailed annually with national delight, and patriots have basked in the sun-shine of its sacred recollections. Great and good men, on this memorable day, have dedicated their lives to the cause of Liberty. On the orations of Washington <div class="tooltip" title="Daniel Webster (1782-1852) was a Northern politician and orator who served as a Congressman, Senator, US Secretary of State, and presidential candidate for the Whig party. He played a crucial role in the debates over the Nullification Crisis in the 1830s, as well as the Compromise of 1850.">Webster,</div> <div class="tooltip" title="A close friend of Webster and Lincoln’s role model, Henry Clay (1777-1852) was also a prominent Whig Congressman, Secretary of State, and presidential candidate from Kentucky. Clay had a hand in many of the great events of the early 19th century, including America’s entrance into and ultimate resolution of the War of 1812, the Nullifications Crisis, and Missouri Compromise.">Clay</div> and <div class="tooltip" title="Edward Everett (1794-1865) was a Northern orator, pastor, and politician who is now largely remembered for speaking at the dedication of the Gettysburg Soldiers’ Cemetery alongside Lincoln in 1863. Outside of his career as an orator, Everett also served as the governor of Massachusetts, a Congressman, and diplomat to England.">Everett,</div> we are taught to perpetuate this anniversary of American Independence. <div class="tooltip" title="Second president, John Adams, and third president, Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4, 1826.">Two of our most worthy presidents have died upon this 4th of July</div> —and this gives an additional interest to the day. May I not indulge the thought, that, while on the 4th of July 1834, patriots discoursed of the deeds of our forefathers,—of the nation they had brought forth and of its perpetuity,—the tutelar spirits of <div class="tooltip" title="'John" jay="" was="" a="" founding="" father="" of="" the="" united="" states="" from="" new="" york="" he="" second="" governor="" and="" first="" chief="" justice="" supreme="" court="" also="" an="" abolitionist="" author="" i="">The Federalist papers alongside Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.> Jay</div> or Jefferson ministered to the impress of my new life? For then it was that I came forth https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/58d744f164de767f3afe447b32686610.jpg e397044d5a0664e88e361235e32281a0 PDF Text Text to be rocked in the cradle of liberty.—Is it vain to fancy that the spirit of patriotism breathed upon me? But, then, my infancy knew nothing of the glorious day, nor of what its celebration signalized to coming generations, far down the stream of time. Yet, anon in youth I learned to sing— “My country ‘tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing.” Of my Youth. Independence Day with all its sacred reminiscences, was my volume of political inspiration. I studied with interest the history of liberty. The discovery of the Western Continent (in 1492-1539),—the Settlement of Jamestown (in 1607),—the landing of the Pilgrim fathers (1620),—the Confederation of the Colonies, and the organization of the Federal Union, (in 1776-88), the American Revolution,—Washington’s Administration— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ba7153f74be5f1dc0c794db905169954.jpg e771031a36a34f61484bbc592adc51d1 PDF Text Text <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-70-burrs-conspiracy" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 70, Burr’s Conspiracy footnote" rel="noopener">Burr’s Conspiracy (,1806),</a>—the War of 1812,—the State of the Country,—the War with Mexico, and then peace—All these events attracted my attention, and moulded my character to venerate and love our moddle government, to which I never had but one objection, viz—its toleration of African slavery. Of my Manhood. I have cultivated an intense desire to know and see for myself I have ever desired to be useful but, then, I looked upon my abilities with distrust. I could scarcely hope to rise above mediocrity. I knew too, that mediocrity of talents well employed would generally insure respectability. Intiutively, I have been lead to believe that a genius <s>was</s> is only necessary to teach a genius, and that a common mind is by far best suited to instruct the masses of mankind. To love religion and my country https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/85d250956927afee222ef4e09890d999.jpg 4dfb6863ef11bd3618eee60c45f7b89e PDF Text Text became a passion with me.—To obey and practice the virtues of my parental discipline was a daily duty with me. I had employed my earlier years upon my father’s farm, but in 1855, I chose the exalted position of an humble school teacher, hoping thereby to improve my own knowledge and to be useful to society at the same time. I had neither glittering wealth, not illustrious ancestry to introduce me to the halls of fame;—then I must be content to seek some secluded spot,—some sequestered vale, where I might do daily unassuming good, which is felt but never makes its author known. +++ Once while I thought of History past, present and future—of usefulness and idleness—of honor and disgrace,—of patriotism and treason,—of exaultation and humility,—of happiness and sorrow,—of citizenship and imprisonment, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/dee0639fe4d8e610cfabaa0b280fceb3.jpg a112456a7fd14d2c6a17480752a8fe40 PDF Text Text —of duty and wickedness,—of right and wrong, and liberty and bondage—I fell asleep in a reverie and Dreamed that I saw myself standing on some bright elevation, taking notes of passing events. I was alone. All the world, besides, was detached from me. I saw mankind in every condition—The high—the low.—the rich the poor,—the free, the bond,— I saw mountains gigantic rise And vales outspread in loveliness lay, With war’s dreaded confusion nigh, And arms in battle array. I saw the glittering blades of steel, And heard the cannon’s terrific roar; My eyes looked upon it all— My heart beat faster than before. Then in my dream a letter was handed me from above. I tooke the letter—the hand that gave it disappeared. I opened its white folds, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/17bb453039037cb533f4a6643923970d.jpg 1d77fcde0e6057d6ce8ba7e898af5f42 PDF Text Text and read “Remember that fame will be they downfall.”+++ +++ However superstitious the recital of dreams may appear to some—I regarded this one as a lesson to me, and looked forward for time to interprit it. Time passed on. I left the scenes of my youth and childhood, in 1857. I lauched [launched] my hopeful boat, upon the rolling sea of time. At the University, at Lebanon Tenn. I extended my knowledge of the world—of literature,—politics and human nature. I learned to love the “stars and stripes”—I had seen no other flag—and under its waving folds, I was want to walk in the gardens of the Union. It is written in the Constitution, that “the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privaleges and immunities of citizens in the several states” (Sec 2, art. 4) https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/09c2b3cdea1e6b3e8da880b43006f344.jpg c74499d5f039eccdbf8487fb64a4adff PDF Text Text By this is specified a right to travel from state to state without relinquishing our citizenship in the Union. Again, it is written—“No state shall enter into any treaty alliance or Confederation; grant letters of marque or reprisal, coin money, emit bills of credit, make anything but gold and silver coin a legit tender in payment of debts, pass any bill of attainder, expost facto law, or law imparing the obligations of contacts ++++ No state + without the consent of Congress ++ shall keep troops or ships of war in times of peace—enter into any agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded or in such iminent danger as will not admit of delay.” (Sec 10 Art. 1st.)—These are wise and just <s>and wise</s> provisions of our Constitution—The whole people are interested in each state. It is plain that https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ea3fa75b4a49bbf93137c04e0aa16c36.jpg 4118b784c634bc50d411437e27b91ffb PDF Text Text the general government, has reserved to itself an interest in the State organizations. State Sovereignty only exists to a limited extent—A State bears a like relation to the Union, that a county does to a State, and has her geographical limits, and state government granted by the <s>Federal</s> United States Constitution for the more convenient and just legislation, adjudication and execution of the interests of the peoples. He who impartially studies the organization and principles of our government can but entertain the highest estimation of its wise, equitable, and eclectic character. The power of our nation is <s>a</s> threefold <s>word</s> and not easily broken—The Legislative, judicial and executive departments all supporting, correcting and justifying each other. These compose a Union worthy of perpetuation. Each state and part thereof https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c617b8ff26c0061c6baa5dbe1869af7e.jpg 2587025c9ba05098071f13331be3d4c8 PDF Text Text is represented in the Federal Head by citizens of that particular state or part, chosen by the majority thereof, whose interests under the constitution, those chosen representatives, swear (or affirm) to protect and improve. True, sometimes a county of a state must forego the preference of its majority to acquiesce in the will of the State majority.—So, often, a State must give up her measure or man, to acquiesce in the will of the Union. Perchance, it may be that the same state which gains the majority victory over her own county, must yield that same victory into the hands of the majority of all the States, which may be equivalent to a victory in favor of the defeated county.—But this possible result <s>can</s> of a state minority superseding a state <s>maj</s> majority, can only be when the election is upon some national issue. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1e6ba8140ce390b5be757d1a6bdfe924.jpg d12993acf7e695ee9c89eebd4abb7e70 PDF Text Text Prudence dictates to us that <s>a</s> the best government the world has ever known, should not be subverted, for small and occasional imperfections. How, and where could you hope to find a government nearer perfect than this Union? Its equal has not even been concieved in the most profound statesman’s imagination. A pure democracy is only fit for a very small colony, and can never be successfully applied to a vast, imposing nation whose domains spread from ocean to ocean. Petty nations in juxtaposition increase<s>s</s> parties and competition which inevitably breaks forth in war; hence a large nation with identity of interests, and with but few of no rivals is best suited to the peace of the world. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-77-lincoln-in-philadelphia" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 77, Lincoln in Philadelphia footnote" rel="noopener">Every political feeling I have entertained sprang from the Declaration of Independence,</a> and when in 1860—I, Congressmen https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/62f2ec4883c1eb0dc456701b011f371b.jpg 898ee8b66bde83bc7814317dac7efbd8 PDF Text Text and Cabinet members of the Slave states plotted treason by night at Washington, and while usurping assemblies at the South, planned the complete overthrow of the government, I was unconditionally for the American Union. I was no party <s>lover</s> man. I voted for <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-78-the-1856-election" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 78, 1856 Election footnote" rel="noopener">Filmore in 1857,</a> and never before nor since have I cast a political vote. I was conscientiously for Hon. Abraham Lincoln in 1860, but <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-78-the-1856-election" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 78, 1856 Election footnote" rel="noopener">I was in a locality where a Republican scarcely dared to express himself by vote or word.</a> I was then a student at Lebanon Tenn. surrounded by a great number of young unfledged fire-eaters from the Gulf States I had many warm discussions with these sectional and boastful scions of slavery.—They often called me an abolitionist,—a Yankee—and untrue to the South. These names were given and considered as insults by Slave-holders and generally, if a man who happened https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b7447cd50bbb5bcb32b819b04e21a82b.jpg c15a08cc3de7315b1a5838c4d2693f9f PDF Text Text to be at the South, did not resent such appellations, he would soon be subjected to a kind of mob ordeal by a <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-79-election-of-1860" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 79 Election of 1860 footnote" rel="noopener">Vigilance Committee,</a> <s>who would generally give him orders to be gone quickly or.</s> <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-79-election-of-1860" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 79 Election of 1860 footnote" rel="noopener">The presidential Canvass, between Lincoln, Douglas, Bell and Breckinridge,</a> was exciting and angry. <s>and very</s> There were complex and vital questions in agitation, so that well-designing men scarcely knew which course to pursue. To act under the excitement of the hour they were liable to throw the weight of their character against the interests of their country, for all parties sought to impress that they were right. To stand still was to see the game of treason played before our eyes without remonstrance. This being the case, thousands at the South put on the traitors garb, and thus covered their loyal heart; not knowing it when they did it. They https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9582484eaa61b802cb2ce34a5c1c50f6.jpg c6660814db08b7962206623e852dbb9f PDF Text Text did it ignorantly, not willfully. I verily believe I have seen some men in the South, enlist in the rebel cause, who really thought that the county or state they lived in was their country. Such are to be pittied and pardoned. In this dark hour of confusion, I resolved to stand or fall upon the side of the Union: And true to that resolution I have always rejoiced over the Union’s victories and wept over her defeats.—But surrounded as I was by secessionists, I was compelled to rejoice and weep in secret. I listened with pain and anxiety, at Lebanon and Nashville to the fierce storm of contention which menaced the Union, and afterwards broke forth in such distressing streams of blood of men and tears of women. Stephen A Douglas and a few other patriots endeavored through the South <s>th</s> to <s>hush</s> stay https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/07bb612ae64b510802167778aef0c077.jpg 0c2bb7425041dd5a9afb63c8e61155db PDF Text Text the unfounded discontent of Slavery-worshippers: but at the same time Wm L Yancy and others of the infernal clique of Slavery, were prowling through the states, even some of the “Free States,” breathing secession and treason, which they decietfully covered with seductive sophistry. Tennessee was in commotion She was the battle-ground of the contending spirits. Soon, alas, some of her sons who were at first for the Union, began to fall under the blasting breath of treason. R. L Caruthers, at first advised the South to wait and see if Lincoln would <s>disobey</s> violate the Constitution—(just on his return from the Peace Convention). <s>About</s> only a few months before that Gus. A. Henry had delivered a great Union speech.—Robt. Hatton <s>was</s> just returned from the United States congress, was so intensely Union, that the Southern Students at Lebanon insulted him and his family at his own door.—Andrew Ewing of Nashville said if https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e60276051d903c0e4cccb45d09b8fd8c.jpg df286e0c05ba7fc66ae64520dea973e6 PDF Text Text the Union were desolved he would retire to private life, like a stricken deer to the water-side.—And Foote,—Yes, Henry S Foote, in Nashville met Yancy manfully, and proved him a traitor and called him a traitor. (I suppose his speech on that occasion was not published for it was <s>about</s> delivered near midnight). Then, judge what was my surprise, when more than a year afterwards, I looked out from my imprisonment far down South, to see who of Tennessee’s statesmen, had stood against the storm of treason—But none of these, I’ve mentioned were able to stand,—they fell and becam satelites of Jeff. Davis + Co.—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-82-confederate-loyalties" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 82, Confederate Loyalties footnote" rel="noopener">Foote, Henry and Ewing, were in the rebel congress—Hatton was a General in the rebel army, and the Hon. RL Caruthers,</a> consented to be elected governor or Tennessee, circumscribed to the fortified limits of Chattanooga under Bragg—(Andrew Johnson was the loyal governor and occupied Nashville at the time). <s>under Bragg</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8e0f0f8116b7c3c8c82b76df752d9b84.jpg 16c37982bf44f225f8dd96f7f808a888 PDF Text Text In all the Southern States, when the haggard forms of secession, and rebellion, <s>and treason</s> began to rear their destroying visages in our happy country; Union men, stood, as it were, dum-founded, at the brazen face of treason, as it stalked through respectable society in the hateful garb of secession, perfumed with the nauseating malaria of Slavery and “Southern rights” Loyal men everywhere <s>They</s> hesitated, whether to approach treason <s>it</s> with reason + compromise, or to strike it down at once with fire and sword. <div class="tooltip" title="At the beginning of the war, John C. Fremont was appointed as the general in command of the Department of the West; however he was demoted by Lincoln following his declaration of martial law and forced emancipation in Missouri at the beginning of the war.">Freemont desired to strike it with the blow of extermination.</div> Lincoln wished to strike a moderate blow. (Jeff. Davis did not want treason struck at all, and he even had men put to death for opposing it.) Lincoln’s influence, under the vairious opposing circumstances, was the only power, that would strike successfully <s>at all.</s> <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-83-james-buchanan" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 83, James Buchanan footnote" rel="noopener">Buchanan did nothing against treason because he listened to Davis.</a> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/53ed2b1673f01f3a7e5db83b336ec345.jpg 1f72ab33e4e3ba41ea98a85c9aa618eb PDF Text Text Freemont could not have turned his exterminating strokes upon <s>treason</s> it, because the people were not ready to emancipate the slaves As the people decided on the 6th of Nov. 1860 that Lincoln <s>was</s> should be their president and as he saw <s>that the</s> on the 4th of March 1861, that the people would best support him in the execution of moderate measures against the rebellion, he inaugurated that policy which would insure the cooperation of the greatest strength against the South. It is not meet nor my intention, to tax <s>your</s> the patience of the reader here, by citing history which may be found in other books, but I will hasten my narrative, just by the statements of facts, and allusions to incidents which may prepare the reader’s mind to appreciate <s>a</s> the Condition of a Union man far in the interior of the rebel States, with the liberty of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9f249b943df4a0a726d7738a7fa76c97.jpg 7a2f18ba26d0a596ca8d1494d3485e79 PDF Text Text speech and press denied him, <s>not</s> with not even the privilege of praying publicly for his country. In this intolerant crisis of the country South Carolina rebels opened actual hostilities to the government by firing upon fort Sumpter. The fort was surrendered to the Confederate (rebel) authorities. It was a victory for the rebels—a defeat for the Union.—Traitors rejoiced and praised Southern chivalry and the consumit [consummate] skill of Gen. Beauregard. They looked not to, they thought not of the consequences ahead. But they regailed themselves according to the shortsighted instincts which slavery always begets in the hearts of its disciples. Saddened by contemplation of the dark cloud of war, which was lowering over our <s>po</s> national horizon, I took<s>e</s> my leave of Tennessee, in May 1861, to go to Alabama to remove my little family to my home in Missouri https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/17d24dceadf780cb206bc946d31657c3.jpg 8c54a9245cc01160bc8b60b6186fc26d PDF Text Text for I hoped Mo. would remain loyal to the Union. By way of Nashville—Chattanooga—Dalton and Rome Ga. I sped on my way Southward. I heard the boasting voices of treason at every depot.—Union men were to be hanged, or otherwise suppressed.—The rebels were organizing and drilling their “Southern Chivalry” to wipe out the “Union Shriekers ” as they called loyal men.—Often they called them “tories” or “traitors to the South” Down in the cotton States slave-holders held the reigns of power, and Union men were constrained to close their mouths for no claims but “Southern rights” could be advocated there. <s>Every way</s> Whichsoever way I turned, I saw there, the detestable secession flag flaunting in the breeze. This and the continual<s>ly</s> niggardly boastings of secessionists, to which I was doomed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7a73f38bace9f077057a48e3d0accce1.jpg 155ff910508ea02b249f267084b4cc86 PDF Text Text to listen, increased if possible the <s>my</s> Union fires upon the altar of my heart. As my Union feelings were sharpened, so<s>n</s> my inveterate hatred of the whole Confederate scheme, increased in the same ratio.—But what could I do? I was only a private individual in a strange <s>land</s> community, and to me the enemies land, where I was neither known nor feared. Oh, then, how I longed for the character and inspiration of Moses, that I might lead the Union people out of secession bondage, as he did the children of Israel from Egyptian darkness.—Everywhere I could see and find Union people with their eyes vacantly gazing, and their hearts sad. They looked like sentenced inmates of some awful penitentiary.—Despondingly, hundreds were every day giving up to become the half-willing tools of treason. I arrived in Alabama on the 7th of May 1861, just when, a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bb66a64662c15301f9986f1947fc003e.jpg bab481f286a5e088551dfd0b09629cae PDF Text Text full tide of selfishness, and apparent success was bearing the rebel government on to unjust and dangerous grounds against the Federal Union. There design was to send their volunteers to Virginia to resist the Union forces, and if possible to draw the border Slave states into their fate. I looked in vain for the justice of their cause. I could never even see a shadow, of reason for their declaration of war upon the Union. All their actions evinced their design to establish an independent Confederacy at the South which would bind each state thereof forever to perpetuate slavery. Every act,—every resolution of their Provisional Congress [fist?] at Montgomery, then at Richmond looked to this consumation. They made but little alteration in the Constitution of the United States except on the subject of Slavery. Doing this they tooke the <s>same</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f12b549d810c392608f9e78172364dc8.jpg 2e940a64145c551db414576b3546cfe6 PDF Text Text old Constitution of our father’s. I had an abiding faith that the whole Confederate plot would come to naught and disgrace in the end. The rebellion was almost wholy confined to slave-holders. No others could at first see any <s>grounds</s> sufficient causes of war The poor people, the laboring class of the South never would have gotten up a rebellion. They loved the sacred recollections of the past as well as northern men. <s>I</s> I began my observations immediately, for I was cut off from the privilege of removing to Missouri. Obstacles were thrown in my way, and the mere fact of a man preparing to go north was almost sure to excite a mob against him. I finally contented myself there as best I could. I said but little, but watched narrowly what went on around me: https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b8345633c755dfd4f5e38b94bb22c219.jpg 59420245cf5d5e388801f8e7156c5697 PDF Text Text hoping that by some good chance I might be thrown into the Union lines and then, I supposed that the information<s>s</s>, which I could get might be of some benefit to the government. The crisis was rappidly closing in. There were now established Union lines and Confederate lines, and this to some extent fixed a Union man’s fate in the South: for rebel leaders were <s>making</s> calculating <s>about</s> their fighting and agricultural forces Every able bodied white man within their military lines was counted in that fighting force; and every negro and the poor families of whites were enumerated in the agricultural forces. The whole Southern country was at that time bountifully supplied with the necessaries of life and ease. They had their manufactures, <s>from</s> and luxuries from foreign ports—The consequences of a blockade had not entered into their thoughts. But they were so important in https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/786c422487562ef9810a404560f413be.jpg 2c8538b95165737cd03d7ef3de55d26c PDF Text Text in their own estimation that they supposed the whole world would accede to their behests, like slaves upon their plantations. My Observations, and Views— On the Situation—South. In 1859 I visited Alabama to teach school. The Southern States were in a happy case. They were prosperous. Although, the sparks of jealous discontent, against the Abolitionists of the North, had been irritating the body politic, yet, they had not burst forth into flames of revolution. Socially, I found a high degree of enjoyment among the people.—The rich were rolling in the arms of luxurious ease, while the poor were reclinging [reclining?], on the lap of plenty. The slaves were very well contented with their condition—they took no thought for the ‘morrow. Property was valuable, money plentiful and business brisk. Education and religion received considerable attention. No one far or near interrupted the people in the administration of their https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/72178e9c136fa2a770702f8cc60d3cd2.jpg f67ca3075b2d38beb90bea4e40e1c140 PDF Text Text state affairs. No menacing armies with fife and drum played the dead or battle march in all the land. Peace and correspondence was perfect with all the world. The people even loved their country some, for they celebrated the 4th of July 1859 and 1860, at both of which celebrations near White Plains Ala. I had the pleasure of reading the Declaration of Independence, to a large and interested audience. To my feelings there were some unbecoming exhibitions of joy over the hanging of John Brown —In 1861 when I returned to the South from Tenn. how changed the scene. The Southrons are a jealous people, and the election of Lincoln a republican, to the presidency of the United States, caused their wicked jealousy to kindle illbegotten sparks of discontent into bloody flames of revolution. Politicians, preachers and planters with unparalleled madness and fanaticism rushed headlong into destructive measures, drawing in their train what they could of power https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2b554e7eeba5e1ed7ccf7280fa2868fd.jpg fa8ad0668b673c35323e884718f2bb90 PDF Text Text and wealth. The calm peace of the Sabbath had flown. Schools were broken up. The men were rallying around a strange flag, and the women lost the beauty of their faces, for “The Dove of Peace had felt a traitor’s dart.” I sought to find the true cause of the gathering storm, which threatened the whole country with blood and woe. I looked to the North—I looked to the South—to the East, and to the West. I found that Slavery , the American Abomination, was the direct cause of the wicked conspiracy against our glorious Union. Abolitionism was only a remote cause of this Southern jealousy. Slavery was the Mother of <s>Ab</s> whole progeny of black-evils, and abolitionism was born of a white parent to repel these black-evils from decent society. Slavery was the cause of the rebellion, for without slavery, there is https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/45152738d38021dca4bddb9bfb82e675.jpg e82d43f65b6e0da7e4dffe479b580769 PDF Text Text no sufficient proof that a rebellion would have been. Lincoln’s election was the pretext of jealous and disappointed demagogues to begin hostilities against the government. By this kind of men, supported by the slave-holders generally, the Southern States were declared out of the Union, and independant of the Northern States, by ordinances of secession. The two sections—North and South, were, in reality dependent upon each other. The North was interested in getting the rice, cotton and sugar of the South. The South was interested in the North, for the very <div class="tooltip" title="It is unclear what Woods is quoting here.">“kives [knives] and combs in the Southern man’s pocket,—the hat upon his head,—the shoes upon his feet—the clothes upon his back—the razor with which he shaved”</div> —his household furniture,—his table ware and implements of husbandry came principally from the North. Even where there are manufacturing establishments in the South, they are, nevertheless the creatures https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bdb87b00ddd2dcd57c2096b148ac37ec.jpg 08e9dda921661b30cbd10265baf1850a PDF Text Text of Northern skill, impelled by Northern machinery and worked by Northern men or men who acquired the necessary instruction at the north. The very types by which the <s>South</s> rebel papers published their slanderous epithets against the North, came from there and the textbooks of the schools were the handy-work of republicans. Hence secession would <s>dr</s> entail loss upon both sections for a while, and conclude in humility to the South. The way<s>s</s> of the transgressor is hard and the rebel leaders found it so, for some of the people had Union in their heads—a few had “Union forever” in their hearts and even the indispensable gold and silver coin was impressed with the “Stars and Stripes” E pluribus unum. The dificulties, which secession invited, were more fully shown to them in the winter of 1860—1, by the sudden fall in the price of property <s>and</s> the rise in provisions and the scarcity of money in the Southern states. Negroes and land went https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e486c84835f390755d857c261f755cbd.jpg 8e801d1f739e86da56239901e44c9e01 PDF Text Text down to one third their usual value. Gold and silver were hidden and the banks suspended specie payments. Anarchy, demoralization blood and desolation were the inevitable offspring of Secession, but slave-holders could not see it; for it seemed that <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar (Act 3, Scene 2, Page 5) in Antony’s famous speech “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” Antony’s original line reads “O judgement! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,/ And men have lost their reason.” For a complete version of this speech and play, click <a href="http://shakespeare.mit.edu/julius_caesar/full.html"> here</a>.">“truth had fled to brutish beasts, and men had lost their reason.”</div> —Against all justice and right and with no reasonable chance of success they (the rebels) determined to go out of the Union, into their rickety boats of “State rights” and hoist their <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-96-william-brownlow" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 96, William Brownlow footnote" rel="noopener">“miserable cabbage leaf of a palmetto flag.”</a>—They were exhorted by good men—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-96-william-brownlow" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 96, William Brownlow footnote" rel="noopener">“Except ye<s>a</s> abide in the ship ye earned be saved.”</a> Now there are always two parties where the people are accustomed to acquiesce in the vote of the majority. So, there were two parties at the South,—the rich and the poor. The wealthy were the secessionists—the poor were the more loyal party. In this division property—especially slaves, became the test: a test, so far as I know, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/23b7abd30da0d99b6b1cc1a0d0e5c5af.jpg 269961bc22fbd5275543fcfa0b449f8b PDF Text Text which never marked party distinction before in this country;—Socially, at the South, more than elsewhere, property has for more than half a century, marked a distinction in society. The wealthy have long considered themselves, by nature, better than the poor, and to my surprise the poor learned to recognize the imposition as a truth. Thus, partly by their own lethargy, they were assigned a social position but little superior to that of the Slave. Politically, for the most part they had equality with the wealthy, but even that power was often wielded against themselves The wealthy held the offices—the poor voted for them, and abode their decissions. True, the rich and the poor attended the same churches—so did the slaves, but the wealthy lady much preferred that her children should sit by an odoriferous nurse, than that they should sit by the poor. The poor took back seats—the negroes (except the nurses) took a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/66d4a5621ed68b825e36f3adb8207b05.jpg e93622f14124ba6a04001601ea3d19b3 PDF Text Text seats behind the doors or peeped through the windows from the outside. The wealthy possessed the advantages of education over the poor—thus they had a reasonable pretext to be the political and social advisers. They claimed and expected obedience from their slaves and to a limited extent from the poor. I desired no sudden revolution on this Social situation for all were happy in the place which they verily believed God had assigned them. But now we see that this social and political condition at the south, afforded the rebel leaders a pliable mass, upon whom to <s>intru</s> impose their fabric of treason in 1861. They planned, they boasted, they dragged the poor into their ruin. The Slave-holders were and are responsible for the horrors of this dreadful war. Many of the poor on account of relationship were willful supporters of the rebellion, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/eeff3eb3bd51eedcb5cde1ed5b0be268.jpg b677746f270431028c1fb77aea5b0f2a PDF Text Text but the majority of the non-slaveholders, are clear of the blood of this desolation—They had trials to bear and temptations to stand against, which the loyal North can only see dimly through the glass of history. I was there. I know a thing or two. I know what I say. Hear me through. Then I stood and now I stand upon the doctrine set forth by Pres. Lincoln in his Inaugural—that <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address. For a complete version of the speech, click <a href="http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres31.html"> here</a>.">“in view of the Constitution and the laws the Union is unbroken.”</div> Jeff Davis thought that the Ordinances of secession had desolved the Union,—that “there is no Union.” He said, <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-99-bloodless-revolution" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 99, Bloodless Revolution footnote" rel="noopener">“When the South says she will secede and become a distinct nationality, the North will be glad to let us go and that peaceably. It will be a bloodless revolution.”</a> The rebels repeatedly avered that they would <div class="tooltip" title="While it is unclear what Woods is quoting here, the phrase “fight ‘till the last man is killed” is a very common one among sources from the period. The term “black republican” refers to abolitionist Republicans (also known as Radical Republicans) and was first used in the build up toward the Election of 1860, particularly in Stephen Douglas’ debates with Lincoln.">“fight ‘till the last man is killed before they would submit to a black republican president.”</div> The blockade of the ports of S.C. Ga. Fla. Miss. La. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/17bc62d5b5087a35ce836192d12fda77.jpg e9428cd4bcffa8c98c28bf8bc3b27676 PDF Text Text and Tex. was declared on the 19th of Apr. 1861, and the mail facilities, throughout the South became interrupted on the passages of the Secession Ordinances. Secessionists generally mistook the darkness of Jeff. Davis for light, and like him believed that the North would not fight. They laughed at President Lincoln’s first calls for troops, and hissed at his command to <s>for</s> the <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from Lincoln’s Declaration calling for 75,000 volunteers to put down the rebellion, April 15, 1861. Rather than suppress the rebellion, this request for volunteers is part of what prompted the last four states, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Arkansas to secede. For a complete version of this proclamation, click<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_Lincoln%27s_75,000_volunteers"> here</a>.">“insurgent combinations of “the Southern States to disperse and retire to their respective abodes within twenty days from this date”</div> (15th Apr 1861.) They called his Inaugural a <div class="tooltip" title="It is unclear what Woods is quoting here.">“vile piece of Duplicity,”</div> and lost no time in organizing their armies. Rebel Volunteers Were of the wealthy and their dupes.—Ho for Charleston, Richmond, or Pensacola was their cry. They were rallied to their standard very easily, at first, for they supposed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6466718560697a9152431ea8db72b292.jpg d13bede89bfec18ed028dabff87e052c PDF Text Text that only a pleasure excursion lay out before them, and that they would soon return with their brows decked with the laurels of victory over the “Yankee Nation.” On their return they expected to recieve the approving smiles of the ladies fair, and hear the applaudits [plaudits] of welcom, from an everlasting slave-aristocracy. Many of the poor, gulled by the excitement, imagined they owned slaves too, for I have often heard persons who never owned <s>were worthe the</s> a negro, say—“We are going to fight for our Southern rights—the Yankees want to free our negroes” (Some of this kind made the worst guerrillas and bushwhackers—they were rebels had were devoid of principle, and war was their pretext for robbery.) None <s>went without an</s> were overlooked. All were solicited to join the “holy crusade” against the government of our fathers. I was solicited, even to take a commission: but I posatively refused: And my wife, be it to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6e97718d568da27c2a1eabcfa1659c6b.jpg 0a51a09e87350af9438922b71e8d445f PDF Text Text her honor, although a native Southern lady, sustained me in my opposition to the rebellion, and urged me never to volunteer into their service. She deserves a eulogy for her firmness in the right. Most of the ladies of leading families decoyed more hesitating young men <s>to</s> into the rebel ranks, than the politicians themselves.—It was often said by them—“volunteer, or you need not try to marry here.” After the Provisional rebel Congress was organized and Jeff Davis appointed president—the leaders considered it a fixed fact that they had a new and powerful nation, and they acted accordingly. When in the course of events the rebels became aware, that “the government at Washington” was making ample preparations to defend her sacred interests, against their usurpations, they called their most infatuated heads together in conclave at Richmond to invent https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a72d6a6de7135cecf568f869a2ad1bfd.jpg f5780af5378ac98441bc17e97b33cd85 PDF Text Text material for their own army. Repeated calls for Volunteers were made, and every new call was accompanied by the promulgation of new sophistries, to convince the poor that they had vital interests in the “Confederacy” They were told that it was a disgrace for the South to submit to Abe. Lincoln, <div class="tooltip" title="While some saw Lincoln’s humble beginnings as a merit, others saw it as evidence of his lack of qualifications for office. Many of those who saw Lincoln for the first time were struck by his ungainly appearance and awkward manner. As a result, descriptions such as the one that Woods includes here were quite common.">“a black republican, and an awkward rail-splitter,”</div> —that the “Independance of the South” was now a foregone conclusion,—that those who did not enter the holy cause of the Confederacy volunteerly, must, surely live hereafter in disgrace. They were bullied, taunted, flattered and threatened. The rebels thought the pride of the South forbid that they <s>rebels</s> (the Southerners) should be staggered at the hosts of “blue coats” mustering in the North to subjugate them. The fact was they <div class="tooltip" title="This is very common language for the time. It is unclear what exactly Woods is quoting here.">“could not be subjugated nor whipped”</div> These were some of the sophistries imposed upon a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2b2ab235f51b84f6c85948b336f2c076.jpg 436c2f464f81aaedaf532c419b331018 PDF Text Text class of the Southern population who held no interest in Slavery. Great efforts were made to convince them that they were as much interested in the <s>negro</s> perpetuation of Slavery as the slave-holders were, but to sensible men it was useless effort. Recruiting agents, approached every man as though he were a secessionist<s>s</s>, telling him that he was the property of the “Southern Confederacy”—that he must volunteer and help <s>to</s> drive back the “abolition hordes” that were being precipitated upon the South—that these “hordes” were coming to free the negros to make them equal with the whites,—that the negroes would marry and intermarry with them!!—This is a phase of the dark picture which drove many from their Union hold. While the rebels were thuse [thus] decieving thousands, I could look around there, and find the worst of negro equality in the very places https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a03ffe16e7e216241622f5faeedf45a5.jpg 922fb0ad10db2aad8dd565137c9f181c PDF Text Text where slavery existed. There they had their own children, half brothers and half-sisters in bondage. The most abominable amalgamation and negro equality that ever did or will exist was on the slave states, and with and by the slaveholders. I was there, though, and must endure what I saw + heard, for it was accounted sacrilege to say a word against the “Southern institution” or in favor of the Union. I heard my country abused, and her sacred memories mocked. I have heard the rebels pray in their churches, that the hoofs of their horses, might trample the flesh of Union men into the earth,—that the flesh of Union men might be devoured on the battlefields by vultures—that their blood might enrichen the Southern soil, to raise cotton upon by slave-labor—finally that the Union armies might by well aimed shot and shell from Southern guns, be sent howling back in dismay to their dreary Northern homes. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/816231331bba8f482937bb2b91ae9d9b.jpg 8c11d121a27afea88ffe180d554911f1 PDF Text Text They prayed with many loud Amens, for the bright exaltation of the “righteous Confederacy,” and for the signal overthrow of the “vile despotism at Washington.” These hateful proceedings tried my reins. What should I do? What could I do? Reader, what would you have done? I did this—I fell to praying too, but silently for the Union—and whenever the rebels prayed against the country, and for the “Confederacy” +c—I prayed the Lord not to answer their prayers.—I really believe I prayed with faith enough to overbalance a whole rebel congregation at a time. So my friends if prayers, faithful and sincere, were any service to the Union, I did my full share during the two years that my soul and body was imprisoned among the rebels.—Now you can just think as you please about this method of fighting the rebels with prayer, but I think it a very good method https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f2e13930ef73bf8690a5ab7850866f50.jpg f979b746123fce98096457ddb2c05fb7 PDF Text Text when one is chained hadnd and foot. <s>We can bre</s> I could breathe a prayer when I could not strike with a sword or <s>speak</s> wield my pen for my country. With the aid of all those abducted from their allegiance by undue influence, the rebels were able to do a staving business for they now, were able to rally to their standard about two thirds of the southern populations. (This does not apply to Mo. Ky. and Md.)—A full ti<s>e</s>de of success seemed to roll forward in their favor. They sang their songs of rejoicings and talked of the miraculous favor of God upon the “Southern Confederacy” which had so suddenly become a mighty nation, whose Bonds were at a premium in England +c.—Every streak of good luck they had, it was accounted the smile of heaven upon their “glorious cause.”—They even made very good secessionists of some of the Slaves. They rejoiced that https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6166d45f9f7370d044d99c64b189ea15.jpg 41429527c3db23d0a4628b9a810a5073 PDF Text Text they had very nearly crushed the Union feeling in the South. They had abused Lincoln, Brownlow, and Andy. Johnson, and they were really thankful to God, that they had gotten so many of the wool-hats (poor) to enlist during the war, for they verily believed that the wealthy ought to remain at home to make the negroes work. They noticed, also, narrowly what happened to the Union forces—if their trains came in collision if their cities got burned or a ship went down, it was forthwith published as an<s>d</s> evidence of God’s displeasure against the Union: and they wondered that the Northern people were so dull that they could not see it too.—But all their braggadocio and hypocritical ejaculating did not weaken my faith, neither did it <s>stop</s> compromise Lincoln’s <div class="tooltip" title="This language is also common throughout the period and cannot be traced back with certainty to a particular document that Woods would have quoted from.">“vigorous prosecution of the War.”</div> <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-108-fort-henry" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 108, Fort Henry footnote" rel="noopener">The rebel general who surrendered Fort Henry Tenn.</a> made a very frank acknowledgement https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3fb1df6d605494061d6b58578d8e36b2.jpg 9d6abcf36bfd05d0e22e1779e0c7d2b1 PDF Text Text in his official report of that Surrender—viz—That he could not hold out against the floods of Heaven and the Yankee force both. A few other such acknowledgements were made by leading rebels, but the great majority of them, pretended to believe, even when the tide of battle turned against them in the last year of the war, that God was on the side of slavery and would never let it be abolished. In 1862 it was thought necessary by the rebel Congress then at Richmond, to institute some new method of recruiting their <s>ranks</s> depleted volunteer ranks, Thus far, in the war, a large part of the poor of the South had stood aloof from the contest, to the great annoyance of the wealthy who had sons or relatives already volunteers in the service. Some of their friends—the first volunteers, who went off in such glee and blind contempt for truth, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b7ca9e50e578697a753747e921729630.jpg 57a549278a84905a2e732915f3edcd65 PDF Text Text were now dead, without the joy of seeing the Union desolved, or of seeing the “Confederacy recognized <s>established</s>”—These premature graves, gave the surviving rebels new interest in their cause—Avenge their blood was their cry. If any man in the South heretofore, said they, cheerished any desire for “reconstruction with the Abolition government” let them no longer cheerish such desire. It would be an insult, said they, to the noble blood of our boys, “who <s>w</s>have fallen in deffense of the rights of their homes and firesides” That blood was shed, and they did not wish that it should prove in vain, hence others must go and sacrifice their lives upon the altar of Slavery,—if one was lost all must be lost; so that a few old grey headed rebels, a few maimed rebel solders and a host of weeping women and children and slaves without end might thereby enjoy the ineffable delights of “Southern rights.” https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4e36d8eb3543b738ecc607bfaac21838.jpg b21b1e2435a250979373e74b88565c84 PDF Text Text —Oh “Southern rights.” What are they—Why, the right to perpetuate slavery—The right to abuse slavery—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-111-lincolns-second-inaugura" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 111, Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address footnote" rel="noopener">The right to eat bread in the sweat of the negroe’s face</a>—The right to slash—pull teeth—drown—catch with dogs or any other cruelty which would secure implicit obedience of the slaves—the right to cut off every avenue of education from slaves—the right to disavow the sacredness of the matrimonial tie or parental, and filial affection and responsibility among the slaves, in the continual trafic which separates husband, wife,—parent and child unconditionally,—The right to limit or forbid the negroe’s worship of God, by placing patrols of young masters around their congregations, to cause them to disperse to their quarters at certain hours,—the right of <s>patrolling</s> “Young masters” to patrol negro quarters on Sabbath days to find negroes, men and women, without passes, to whip during the Holy Sabbath hours,—the right to bind them naked and mock at the men’s howling, and laugh at the women’s https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d7694118f8efaa2da5f0fb4457c7f2b3.jpg c0c474cace051f7e748d6641cc161c1b PDF Text Text nude squirmings beneath the “strap”—Yea, the concentrated right of concentrated abomination of multiplying slaves by raising mulattoes, including this right of having one’s own half-blooded children in bondage with the exquisite right of inheriting half brothers and sisters as property. Oh Planters are you not proud of this bill of Southern rights? You know this is what you claimed viz the perpetuation of Slavery as it was at the beginning of the war. Every “right” I have mentioned above is included in the single phrase, “perpetuation of Slavery.” Ye rebels, you desired to establish a government whose obligations would be to perpetuate slavery and thus all these subordinate “rights” under it and inseperable from it. You wished a government, who would brand as a crime, any word or speech or legislation against the perpetuation of slavery, or any of these rights under it or connected with it. Oh heirs, <s>you</s> who had slave property in expectancy, did you look with pride to the day when you should inherit https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7781649be1cabd5a99ff56d4b0093369.jpg 2a481526f9ad98605162138144ed3e03 PDF Text Text a dozen mulattoes, half-brothers and sisters and neighbors children—: dont blush for nothing young Southern lady—it is so, you know it too,—I have seen you refuse the wealthy young planter because he was about to inherit as property, quite too large a number of his own dear relatives. I am no fanatic when I write these truths, it is the very time to strike the abomination of Slavery a final blow. Ye heirs and you, ye, planters, who wanted me to volunteer, who wanted the poor of the South to volunteer to defend these glorious Southern rights of yours—who begged us to forget the glory of the sacred past,—who taunted us <s>to</s> as “croakers”, “tories”, and “Lincolnites” becaused we loved the Union, and would not volunteer into your hell-born and hell-bound ranks—I say hide your faces for utter shame when ye blindly talked of <s>nor</s> Abolitionists, and negro equality—Oh couldn’t you see, that you were the very manufacturers of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d879e3ed593e3f67ef83f5fa263d911e.jpg 88ce924ac8f651b58425c9a161e133d7 PDF Text Text the most degrading negro equality,—and you wished me, Union men poor men to volunteer to help you perpetuate your signally doomed curse. You claim that you had other Southern rights, but I know whatsoever questions you entertained of others rights, they were all covered over in the blackness of Slavery. The intoxicated man lays him down upon the beach and knows not that danger is nigh or waking he madly rushes on to destruction and disgrace, so it was that the Southrons, intoxicated by the insinuating and stupefying odors of Slavery lay down in imagined wealth, and security, ‘till its virus, in poisonous throes waked them to war and disgrace—Thank heaven, I was not ingulfed with them I did not, I would not Volunteer.—That new move of recruiting,—that kingly way of rasing armies by Conscription was hit upon by the rebel government. The first Conscript law (1862) https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bf1e14edd40f1928617ee98e45c7014b.jpg 0591d3e55b89838d250c7712944e834c PDF Text Text required that every ablebodied man between the ages of twenty and thirty-five years, within the “Confederate States” should be enrolled for military service in the “Confederate Army” <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-115-first-conscript-law" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 115, First Conscript Law footnote" rel="noopener">There were a few exemptions.</a> (The States of Mo. Ky Tenn. and West Va. were counted by the rebels at that time to be in the ‘Confederacy’). This law appeared unjust and very arbitrary to what few Union men there were, who had stood manfully against every other rebel seduction and imposition. The secessionists-slaveholders were, however, much elated at the passage of the Conscript law, for they had become quite uneasy because a class of the poor refused to volunteer—They thought this conscript law fully carried into effect would <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-115-terrapins" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 115, Terrapins footnote" rel="noopener">make the “tarripins [terrapins] walk.”</a> Now, (May 1862) I was to be forced into the rebel service. How should or could I avoid it. Others, <s>now</s> who had firmly refused ‘till now, were volunteering to avoid the inconvenience (with rebels disgrace) of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/45a1216d7bbd12a335c273a8a31aaa48.jpg 338968d87f5ae1e8ed792e96c93189b5 PDF Text Text being forced into the rebel service without choice of officers or command.—this was the provision of the law that conscripts should be sent, where ever recruits were wanting to fill the depleted ranks. Conscripts were coaxed, driven and dragged to the various conscript camps. With much regret for myself and all Union men I saw, that our firmness was about to be in vain and that we were about to be forced to bear arms against our country our friends and brethren. I did not, I could not regard the “Confederacy” as my country nor secessionists as my friends. I viewed them as my enemies and the enemies and the enemies of my country. I looked upon the “Confederacy” as a vile conspiracy against the very best interests of the world. To be forced into this wicked, unprovoked conspiracy, to put on the black, detestable garments of treason—to walk beneath the flaunting rebel flag https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/95dc878bf48a47e81765cb321cfdde1d.jpg 9e8f1e5cb48b4fda4129b2a94f22e9ac PDF Text Text —to be held there by military heartlessness while my own friends, proudly, dutifuly marching under the Stars and Stripe, must of needcessity fire upon me,—to be compelled to endure all this and more beyond expression, in the service of a rotten, Ulcerated negro Confederacy, was almost enough to drive a man of conscientiousness into desperation. I am only one of thousands, thus treated. What I say of my self applies to all under like circumstances. This Conscript injustice operated upon the Union man, not upon the slave-holder.—I make this explanation.—In the border slave states there were many of the Slave holders who were Union and now and then a slave-holder in the Gulf States who was a Union man. I heard one in Alabama say, that he would gladly free his negroes to sustain the Union. I am informed that another in Tenn. said https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c7846c336d70fcb9b0a0a757ad6ed69f.jpg 754a30f2e3ed577e845d4eb4bcc63ebb PDF Text Text he would gladly send his negro men to fight in the Union army rather than see the <s>Conf</s> secession cause succeed. If such were not Union men I don’t know where to find them among slave-holders. Then ex-Slave-holders who were and are Union, will not be offended at me for exposing <s>the</s> to a very small extent the debasing influences of Slavery, and I feel sure that I shall sooner or later recieve the approbation of every intelligent Union man, for my opposition to the rebel cause: when they see plainly that Slavery was the foundation of the rebellion,—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-118-slaveholding-stats" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 118, Slaveholding Stats footnote" rel="noopener">that not over one third of the Southern population were directly interested in Slaves,</a> pecuniarly, and that morally all were injured by the presence of the institution. I do not and did not in all my actions and feelings against the secessionists, desire their political sympathy or good will, es- https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/85ee282905935210c00450b6dbd0d4c6.jpg 663b79d95af0aa255f02857cc3b6a611 PDF Text Text pecially, when I saw that to secure that good will I must compromise between truth and falsehood, and between loyalty and treason. Under the exigencies by which I was surrounded in Ala. in 1862 I looked upon myself, <s>as a party</s> and who were Union with me, as a party against the “Confederacy” and its conscription. To justify myself in a semi-secret policy against the rebels, I studied carefully the policy of the Children of Israel, when <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-119-bible-quotations" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 119, Bible Quotations footnote" rel="noopener">“they borrowed of the Egyptians, jewels of silver + gold and raiment”</a> + <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-119-bible-quotations" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 119, Bible Quotations footnote" rel="noopener">“They spoiled the Egyptians.”</a>—I studied the policy of Abraham when he denied his wife before Abimelech, <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-119-bible-quotations" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 119, Bible Quotations footnote" rel="noopener">“because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place.”</a> The rebels did slay men for their principle’s sake. I thought to decieve them as to the full extent of my desire against them.—I informed them, that I was not of a military turn,—and that it was https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/35ed5790e22f321a9f29b676b33df2b7.jpg a7c2d962775aede0bc54ef3f418fd5bd PDF Text Text not my calling. I sought a business <s>that would neith</s> in which I might neither assist the secession cause directly no indirectly and one wh which would at the same time exempt me from Conscription. I taught school at Oxford Ala. (teachers were exempt for awhile) I thought myself lucky in being a teacher, and my wife was rejoiced and said—“Your education has saved you at last.” for I had revealed my mind and determination fully to her, and to her only. I had to teach school under much embarrassment for there was a prejudice in the minds of the wealthy against any ablebodied man who had not volunteered. I obtained my school with the requisite number of pupils by proposing very liberal terms, viz. giving tuition gratis or at half price to children of widows and poor people. I, thus evaded Conscription https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c0653cbfcb69387e026bcb97c5be583f.jpg 370bfe212038351170f7a115163d674a PDF Text Text several months despite their prejudices and influences, and I hope I influenced some others to evade conscription too. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-121-alien-enemies-act" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 121, Alien Enemies Act footnote" rel="noopener">Now there had been a space of forty days, prior to the passage of the Conscription Act, in which “Alien enemies” (Union men) might leave the “Confederate States”</a> but this merciful law, was almost a nullity except to those who were near the lines. The poor who were principally interested in getting away, possessed not the means—they had neither wagon nor teams. There being also danger of interruption and detention on the way, many good Union men far in the interior, were cut off from the benefit thus offered. If a man should attempt, And fail to get out within the forty days, then his attempt would be a public advertisement, which would subject a man him to many abuses and insults from the Secession community. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/48921090d8a7f100a76225cc12fd59bd.jpg 714a0111fa464bf8e21ad46dff259312 PDF Text Text Yet had I, or had the Union men generally known that <s>Cons.</s> sweeping Conscription was going to be the order of the day, or that the rebellion was going to assume such gigantic and cruel proportions, we would have risked more, and made more vigorous efforts to escape from the impending bondage and ruin. Personally I entertained a very great desire to be where I could Volunteer into the Union Service, to help avenge the insults I had already heard and seen heaped up against this country of our fathers. But so it was—perhaps <div class="tooltip" title="This is also a quote from the Bible, Genesis Chapter 50, Verse 20: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” This particular verse is spoken by Joseph within his decision to forgive his brothers following their attempt to murder him.">“God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day.”</div> I shall not here enter into any lengthy disquision [discussion?], running back through history, Blackstone and the Bible to show to which I, under all circumstances, owed allegiance the Union or the <s>when</s> rebel intended Confederacy. I shall only https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8c2b21a33e0154e61e77d5dd8526370d.jpg 2e3e1236a816b5b656c97af39b04ab09 PDF Text Text slightly trace the events of a few latter years that decided me, which to serve. Union or Slavery. Loyal men could not recognize the right of the rebels to enact Conscription or any other laws to force men to support the enemies of their own country. And when such law was passed its fell like galling oppression upon those whose sense of patriotism and duty had restrained them from volunteering into the rebel service. I would gladly recommend citizens who were thus oppressed to the kind favor of the government. If a man was a victim of the Conscript law it is prime facie evidence <s>that he was</s> of his loyalty to the Union. The rebels themselves so considered it, hence they looked with distrust upon all the conscripts and subjected them to many unnatural insults and flatteries. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0513431a53f9f19501c7ab7f47ac18df.jpg 1ed95419d65eeb530a7d390915866a87 PDF Text Text There were very many interesting quearies [queries] suggested to the unfortunate Conscripts, by their dependent and forlorn situation. They were driven, bound with chains or otherwise, like herds of cattle <s>for</s> to the slaughterfield. When a man through conscience volunteers to meet danger or death, he can do it with more cheerfulness than he who is forced into danger or death contrary to his conscience. Hence it was that at first conscripts were not supposed by the rebels to be capable of doing valiant battle on the Confederate side, but this war has proved that white men, free Americans, can be yoked down to obedience like a mule or negro, Now what should a man do in such a case. Suppose he falls, by no fault of his into the hands of a band of murderers who clame his most obedient service or his blood? Must he https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4645b56ede319db100954041e57fcca6.jpg fc3825c76cb241943435aeec0b3f0aec PDF Text Text lightly throw away his life or must he obey for policy’s sake? An hour of escape may come, then all reason dictates, to obey, decieve, and finally escape. Thus I have stood at the depot and watched the conscripts as they sullenly left their families with only a hoarse good bye—their wives and children weeping in agony of dispair, evidently believing it the last glimse they would ever catch of husband and father. Here for the information of such as never thought of it before, I make mention, that the sorrowing of the poor, at their sad partings was mu<s>t</s>ch more pungent and intense than such partings of the wealthy. I pronounce positively, that the “Confederacy” was nothing more nor less than a gigantic Clan of willful murderers, to whose usurped power their victims were under no moral obligations whatever. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d38d343deb1cb0c7b46d4659c99b6369.jpg b61fc3c1d9d5bb2f656168e64942924d PDF Text Text —With the same propriety, <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-126-murrell-and-joaquin" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 126, Murrell and Joaquin footnote" rel="noopener">Murrell or Joaquin</a> might have compelled honest men to perform their bloody deeds, or treat them as “traitors and tories” for not doing them. Politically, on account of numbers and wealth the rebels forced an acknowledgment of the rights of belligerents. At the same time the government could not and would not recognize the “So called Confederacy” as a nation. All loyal men North or South claimed that the “Constitution of the United States was the Supreme law of the land” any secession law to the contrary notwithstanding.—If the rebels were no nation, then they were only banded outlaws of a nation: as such I was justifyable in decieving them, in disobeying their mandates, and in <s>poisoning</s> gathering influence and strength for the Union. I was voluntarily and gratuitously in https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8f3a7eed236102180e8258442ca13481.jpg b644f029ac9b6071cd2a2d3fbd649a0d PDF Text Text in the service of my country, in So doing. I have now written of a series of thoughts, suggested to my mind, from the passage of the Conscript Act until I was myself Conscripted on the 29th of October 1862, at my school house in Oxford Ala. (Conscription consists in taking one’s Descriptive list) I was ordered, at the time, to report at the depot, in Oxford, on the next Monday at 8 A.M. to take the train with others for Taladega. (thirty miles away <s>further South)</s>. I spent the Saturday previous, in preparing to leave my family. I filed my papers and put away my books.—My school lacked three days of being out, but I <s>had</s> was given no time to finish or to make out my school record I spent the Sabbath in silent https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cee293496d1575c13f17e2d510192303.jpg e51b2711b0518f6f4f1aeebafd3baabc PDF Text Text thought. Our parting on Monday morning, the 3rd of November 1862, was attended with no great sensation, for our minds and hearts had been prepared by degrees to bear it silently. And then, in such partings, the star of hope, always comes in as a mollifier of grief, and whispers in her ear “–He’ll come back again.” To strengthen that hope, of my speedy return, I made no preparations for a long journy —taking only one suit of apparel and my winter shawl.—My pencil and diary were in my pocket, and my thoughts were in my head. I et in haste my breakfast, and while she wept <s>up</s> above stairs I “reported” at the depot. With her eyes fixed upon that star of hope Emma soliloquizes—He may get back in a few weeks or months at most. Perhaps he may be pronounced unfit for or exempt from <s>service</s> military service: but I know https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/42ced6cc150a32282870ee321c76c0bf.jpg 938398cf8413ba9d024acee3ca36a2c9 PDF Text Text the chances are against me, for he is to go to war against his conscience, to be constrained to bear arms against his friends.—Will he do it, or will he subject himself, rather, to imprisonment and death by refusing? Danger is his lot, whether he obeys or disobeys “these laws.” If he obey he may recieve honor awhile,—if he disobey, the wrath of the Confederacy will be against him. —If he obey he must enter the uncertain battlefield, and the incidents of Camp life. If he disobey he will suffer imprisonment, trial and punishment, or if he attempts escape to the Union lines danger encompass him on every side.—But then I’ll try to have faith—I’ll pray—I hope he will.—I must trust him in the hands of providence—he told me to—I will. All Aboard, is heard at the depot—I step upon the passenger train, with apparent https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/517bc183e42431a5c1a1c1fb01cd3d48.jpg 5ca130a48cffd749a01bcd451b896fae PDF Text Text alacrity—(none shall know that I care) and anon we are speeding involuntarily, from our homes, with an “agent” to carry the “rolls” and to take care of us as though we were so many mules of negroes for the Mobile market. —Nearly out of sight of our late homes—with rattling, thundering sound the trains heaves on faster.—I step quickly to the platform of the rear car—quickly, one more glance—one more sight of that face in tears, watching from that curtained window. Yes ‘tis the last lingering glance. —Shall that friendly smile never more beam upon me?—Hat in mid air waves the distant goodbye.—The white handkerchief <s>wet</s> bedewed with precious tears, most gracefully responds, in gentleness as it reclines upon that warm, devoted heart. Then, again soliloquizing and weeping alone,—He is gone! He’s gone! She, relenting says <s>No more sh</s> all <s>I hear</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f2a9035ae3916160a7007978d55faaef.jpg d6ed466d65ea301d1df23a7838bf6ee0 PDF Text Text Shall I hear no more, the kind sound of his voice? —No more to me, his cheering smiles of love appear? Then, I can only weep, while others may rejoice. —Forgetful I’ll pine, ‘till he again is here. —While she<s>e</s> weeps , for relief, she buries her face in the pillow’s white folds, and there in sighing visions beguiles her heart in sightless sleep. In alluring dreams, recounting bliss that’s gone, she sighs away the night, only to ‘wake to the sad loneliness of many consecutive days. Week after week,—year after year rolls slowly and cruelly on but from then (1862) ‘till now (1865)”he has not come back again.” Oh, those cruel cars don’t bring him, when they are coming, And to see them swiftly going <s>re</s>minds me,—how they took him. “How changed all things around since he went away—When he comes, he’ll scacely [scarcely] know me, And these he’ll not know.” https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b5b20bc7d008435c9af90bc3d14870c7.jpg 6f76f9fde6822eed610771709f5fd4e3 PDF Text Text From Oxford to Mobile. In times of war, and danger,—in times of loss and sorrow,—and times of cruel partings; men are oft stern and heartless, shedding not a tear at woman’s most plaintive cries;—It may be proper for these are critical times when unfeeling coolness must nerve to action and keep alive some executive power. So very soon after the parting I let lose <s>the</s> my thoughts of home, and turned my attention to political and military scenes, that might learn the chances of the “Confederacy” both pro and con. We arrived at Taladega about 10 AM. Here I beheld “Confederate Officers,” very many—dressed finely—with plenty of money. They expressed themselves very glad to see the Conscripts coming in—They thought if these Conscripts would only make good fighters, they could soon have an army sufficient to stand against all https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e11cb42722af6128277ceb0ed8f1a459.jpg 1787cbfda5320a310b759445ac9ed36d PDF Text Text the forces Lincoln could bring against them. They thought, <s>they</s> (the conscripts) might be induced to fight if they were carefully assigned to fighting regiments. Well these were trying moments, to hear ourselves talked of as if we were cattle. And it was very hard indeed to give implicit obedience to the impertinent orders of those half-fledged rebel imps, <s>who</s> of bigotry, placed in command over us. Now I wish it distinctly understood that I can meet danger fearlessly in a good cause, and obey any reasonable order of superiors, or bear any sufferable inconveniences, in and under right and legal authority for the sake of order, Then it was not the dangers nor the humiliation that hurt me, for that I could have, and have cheerfully borne under the “Stars and Stripes”, but to bear it all against my will, in treason’s cause by compulsion, it touched https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b379680e05f3b43c3697b54158fe30d2.jpg a1cafe3c4422bd4cb33677f18996b239 PDF Text Text beyond my physical powers. <div class="tooltip" title="Modern records show us that Woods was taken to Camp Buckner, a conscript and instruction camp in Talladega, Alabama. This camp was commanded by Major William J. Walthall and was located around the site of what is now Wren Manor, currently along Sloan Avenue and the grounds of the Talladega Municipal Golf Course.">We were taken to the “Conscript Camps.” nearby, where we were examined by a kind of mock medical board, who pronounced us fit for military service, and sent us to the Commander’s ( ) Headquarters;</div> where were were called separately, and our names registered in Alphabetical order, with the descriptive list, in large <s>ledger</s> Record books. It was published in rebel papers that these Records were to be carefully preserved for ages to come, by the “Confederate Government” for refferences in, by which record children to the third and forth generation should feel the dishonor that their father was a Conscript, <s>or the honor</s> The records of volunteers were to be sacredly preserved too, but it was to be sung as an honor, far down the course of time by coming generations that “my, forefathers were volunteers in the “Glorious Confederate Army.” https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/74b35579af96f22f7a0e660f26d7eb49.jpg 6506566a25588619bfb162cb5d3dc0d7 PDF Text Text By the glass of reason, I then thought I could see how these records of honor and dishonor were to be preserved, and what would in future be accounted honor. But these glimpses of the future did not shine with lustre enough to drive away the actual crisis of that present moment.—Death may force a convulsive groan although the Christian<s>s</s> sees the elysian plains beyond. After the “Record” was satisfied, we were distributed to different Companies, in charge of cadets from Tuscaloosa and other places. There were already thousands of conscripts in the Camp being drilled for regiments in the field. Late in the evening we had the insult of being compelled to eat “Confederate rations,” but use and needcessity soon made us<s>e</s> willing to accept “rations” whenever and wherever we could get them, without the liberty, to question https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b91b8390d102505a54470b98d98b876b.jpg 7fefb7c0b9bd1211cac5855e94887c5b PDF Text Text either the quantity, quality or justice thereof. We were in companies, did our cooking and washing, and “piled up” in tents at night. There was a guard kept around the whole encampment lest some conscript might depart to report no more. On the 4th (Nov /62) we were drilled and ordered around most unmercifully.—We could and would have borne it all cheerfully in a good cause, with a good end in view. —That night some of the men undertook to find comfort in an old fashioned prayer meeting, but very soon “Officers” came and broke it up, for they said they did not like these noisy meetings—that it put the devil in the men and that some of them escaped nearly every night during the meetings. On the morning of the 5th, while I was sitting on the ground thoughtfully musing, with no paper, or book to read and no friend with whom https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fe2d03bb4048a946064a4fc07cc2c0dd.jpg 74e3543a46293fb8fc2b728cb9dc1abc PDF Text Text to converse, contrasting in my mind my condition then with what it had been in other years, we were all <s>startl</s> greeted with the order—“Company—fall into line” When in lines, we were told that an order for two hundred men had come to be sent to Mobile to the 40th and 36th Ala. Regts.—These were to be obtained from certain companies. Those wishing to go were allowed to step five paces in front. Some stept forward,—they were hence forthe to have the privileges of volunteers by this act. I desired to get away from this dirt Camp. I had read of Mobile though and thet dark, dismal swamps of Dog river below, I knew too, that even conscripts fared better after they were regularly in a regiment, but I could not step forward, not withstanding all that, for I did not wish to do a single voluntary act in the “Confederate cause” https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a2e75550234f926087ea2eb899dfcc01.jpg 5155a5cd1c8875830eb9933d555ee112 PDF Text Text So I stood still with eyes right and left, to see who was going next for the Officer says come now, there’s only one more wanting—just one, and he walks up to me, from some cause, and says, you—step out. Then I was Conscripted again. I did not wait so see what the consequence, might if I <s>refuse</s> should refuse, but yielding to his jentle pressure, I stepped—. The two hundred were marched to the depot, where we were put aboard the train for Selma. Quickly the cars sped away with their sullen freight from thence unwept, unhonored and unsung. At Selma, late at night—take rations for the morrow. On the morning of the 6th just before the breake of day, we were ordered aboard the beautiful Steamer ( ) bound for Mobile. As she floated down the Alabama, she proudly https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0433ba098cb9511be7861149effdeb9f.jpg 0389651d49e6d004bb58cd3441f034ee PDF Text Text played “Dixie’s Land”, just as though Jeff Davis’ resources were inexhaustable.—“Dixie’s Land” possessed no charms for a Conscript, for we had but little music in our souls. Without being wrecked or rationed we landed at the Mobile wharf about 8 P.M. Nov. 7 “/65, and after being brought gently to terrafirma, by our keepers we were secured during the night, within the brick walls of an ancient cotton press. My Assignment to the 36th Ala Regt. The 8th of Nov. 1862, is long to be remembered by me, as the day of my assignment to a rebel regiment The regiment was only doing camp or garrison duty and drilling for more active service. <s>in the field when called upon.</s> Early in the morning we were marched from the cotton press on the bay, up Dauphin Street, to the Brigade Camps, <div class="tooltip" title="Based on the information that Woods has written here, it is likely that he was held in a cotton warehouse along what is now Water Street in modern Mobile along the Mobile River.">four miles westward of the city of Mobile.</div> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6f538a73ded43481c6a556af0b407977.jpg d2009e66d7e7c19a9e9473d0bdad0e9a PDF Text Text We were marched in line and halted before the Head Quarters of the <div class="tooltip" title="This references Colonel Robert H. Smith and Captain Andrew J. Derby of the 36th Alabama. Smith was appointed as Colonel of the regiment on May 13, 1862 remaining in this capacity until his resignation on March 16, 1863.">Colonel (Smith) of the 36th Ala.</div> —The Captains came and took from among the Two Hundred, 1 each the number to fill out his company. I with about twenty others were chosen into “Co K 36 Ala Reg. Vol. C.S.A. <div class="tooltip" title="Captain Andrew J. Derby of the 36th Alabama was elected captain in May, 1862 when the regiment was formed. He stayed in this capacity until his resignation on November 5, 1864 following the decline of his regiment and period of illness.">Capt Derby</div> ”—in which Co. we were given quarters. There, then, was to be our home during the war, and wherever the Co. should go, there we should be also. We felt very much relieved for we now knew, that we had a permanent military locality and we must make the best of it. The Co. Commissary, weighed us out some rations, and prepared us a very palatable repast of beef and sweet potatoes, which we consumed with a gusto, that becometh hungry men. We soon became acquainted with the “volunteers” and found that the majority of them not only, valued conscripts at par, but even thought they (conscripts) had acted https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bb2f43773acb4a7bf4e2ad2192c93553.jpg fc10edd62e678638d2c9002a037b396e PDF Text Text more wisely than volunteers had for they said they too might have remained at home a year longer, had they not been so easily persuaded. They consider they had <s>now</s> been deprived of the enjoyment of their homes for no good whatever. They could see no good being accomplished or likely to be by <s>then</s> all this military bustle. But they <s>we</s> are <s>all</s> told by leaders who ought to know, that there is a great incalculable good to grow out of all this. The “Confederacy” will be recognized sure if we will but keep fighting; and let <s>get</s> it once be recognized among the nations of the Earth, And we will have a government that will amply reward us for the blood and tears of all our friends shed during the war [text underneath: interval.] The men’s minds were unsettled—sometimes regretting, and then again looking upon the whole crisis as unavoidable. In those days the [page torn] https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ce976a70c58b489d1087a22f101fe97c.jpg 354ac3be0aec8402aa7ffae2c692baf1 PDF Text Text “so called Confederacy,” enjoyed its <s>strongest days</s> highest glory. There was no want for provision clothing, or munitions of war: but notwithstanding all this there was dissatisfaction in the minds of the soldiers, and I determined to increase that dissatisfaction to some practical use against the rebellion and in favor of the Union. I could see no sure chance for the recognition of the “Southern Confederacy” and I did not see any good to accrue from it as a nation, even if it should be recognized; so it was to me all folly, vanity and a wicked humbug. To exert my little mite of influence against the success of the rebellion was my daily burden but I knew I must do it, if at all, in some insinuating manner, to save [page torn] If and the fruits of my efforts… sudden suppression <s>capitation</s> by the military authority; to this end I bent all my energies. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9ac0f311ac8d6f521348e4ad67376280.jpg a232fcb7e39012c7e25191532218d9e1 PDF Text Text Mary Woods Mary Wood Mary Wood https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4a59decfea59118323ad77fdc1922686.jpg 73b434d34b871df13f9cf5978f87c1ec PDF Text Text Confederacy” and thus to imperil my life. It is sweet to go back to helpless innocence cradled upon the lap of love.—It is a critical moment, too, when the bud of promise unfolds its leaflets to light upon the parent stem.—The light of day will either blast it with deformity or impress it with beauty. I was born on the 4th of July—The birth day of “American Liberty.”—“Independance Day” <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/1-67-the-4th-of-july" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 1, Page 67, The 4th of July footnote" rel="noopener">“A day whose light circulates joy through the hearts of all true Americans, and terror through the hearts of all tyrants.”</a> A day to be had in everlasting rememberance by every lover of Liberty, and to be celebrated as the day of the emancipation of mankind and the regeneration of the world. Its events are replete with consequences so beneficial to mankind that it fills every Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Henning Woods Papers, 1856-1873 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Description An account of the resource This collection includes three memoir volumes and three diaries written by John Henning Woods, a Southern Unionist, Confederate conscript, and Civil War memoirist. Woods was born in Tennessee on July 4, 1834. After spending his childhood in Missouri, Woods married Mary Emma Caldwell, the daughter of a wealthy slaveholder and planter from Alabama in 1860. In 1861, Woods moved to Lebanon, Tennessee, to pursue his law degree at Cumberland University. Despite his ties to the South, Woods hated slavery and strongly supported the Union. Following the war's beginning and interruption of his education, he returned home to farm and teach. Due to his support for the Union, Woods chose to remain at home throughout the beginning of the war until his conscription into the Confederate army in October of 1862. While at first Woods fought to remain at home, the threat of imprisonment eventually sparked him to report to the army, where he was drafted into the 36th Alabama Infantry Regiment, Company K. As a part of this regiment, Woods was trained at Talladega and then posted around Mobile, Alabama. While at Mobile, Woods and a few fellow Unionist conscripts formed a secret Unionist organization called the Home Circle and planned a mutiny. Unfortunately, Woods was discovered prior to their planned mutiny and imprisoned to be tried. While awaiting his court martial, Woods was transported behind the army, following them through the Tullahoma Campaign and was then sent to Atlanta. His trial resulted in a sentence of death by firing squad; however, his execution was delayed due to the interference of a sympathetic general who had been his professor before the war. Woods saw the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga while imprisoned by the Confederate Army until he was once again sent to Atlanta following a stay of execution, furnished at the last minute from Jefferson Davis. He was then sent to work building trenches around Atlanta until he finally escaped Confederate officials on August 11, 1864, and made his way into Union lines. Following his escape, Woods made his way to Buffalo, New York, where he enlisted in the 93rd New York Infantry Regiment. He served out the rest of the war as a clerk for the Union Army until his discharge on May 11, 1865. Following the war, Woods returned home and continued to teach, moving to Lawrence County, Missouri sometime before 1885. In 1885, his wife Mary died and in 1889, he married Mae Laverall of Pennsylvania. Woods died on March 5, 1901, and is buried alongside both of his wives and his daughter in the Woodland Cemetery near Springfield, Missouri. The three volumes of Woods' memoir make up the largest portion of the collection. These three books focus on the years 1861-1864, describing his experiences of sectionalism, his opposition to secession and conscription, the process of forming an underground Unionist society in a Confederate regiment, his arrest for inciting a mutiny, and the resulting imprisonment and trial. The three journals cover a much broader range of topics and years, including genealogy, religion, marriage, slavery, and Woods' childhood. These three journals serve to contextualize the journals, as Woods referenced them during the writing process. Besides this, these journals also contain highly detailed drawings done by Woods during his imprisonment and a number of short entries in Pitman shorthand. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856/1873 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017-030 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Memoir Volume 1, John Henning Woods, c. 1865 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource c. 1865 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Type The nature or genre of the resource Memoirs Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017_030_Memoir_Vol1 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Description An account of the resource The first of three memoir volumes begins with an overview of Woods' life and political opinions prior to and during the beginning stages of the war, ending with his conscription and forced assignment into the Confederate army. archived https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/69034fed2c36968e400126616ea9cb34.jpg e1e1170d7d9514a0c3cdacec34c8d37e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/db2cb5b28c88c3f47f9817cbb8f774dd.jpg 9b37e5089bffce75ab0050f896c2d7a2 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/db7a675686855b6a59c9bc38415ba470.jpg 0b5ea74877e1205759bf592beafd9d40 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c6e7324a9845ae9de69a618bc38f0c76.jpg 48fbc845606b545c9a70db8cf7700db0 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1657df0032c52ac6d5b39d7715e9cb58.jpg 03a58a7a978369e9e174e2d7afb102d1 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e5629e89141e1dff71819822ca4667ea.jpg 30c78aa32cebc49c5b20e19a55c86505 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Henning Woods Papers, 1856-1873 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Description An account of the resource This collection includes three memoir volumes and three diaries written by John Henning Woods, a Southern Unionist, Confederate conscript, and Civil War memoirist. Woods was born in Tennessee on July 4, 1834. After spending his childhood in Missouri, Woods married Mary Emma Caldwell, the daughter of a wealthy slaveholder and planter from Alabama in 1860. In 1861, Woods moved to Lebanon, Tennessee, to pursue his law degree at Cumberland University. Despite his ties to the South, Woods hated slavery and strongly supported the Union. Following the war's beginning and interruption of his education, he returned home to farm and teach. Due to his support for the Union, Woods chose to remain at home throughout the beginning of the war until his conscription into the Confederate army in October of 1862. While at first Woods fought to remain at home, the threat of imprisonment eventually sparked him to report to the army, where he was drafted into the 36th Alabama Infantry Regiment, Company K. As a part of this regiment, Woods was trained at Talladega and then posted around Mobile, Alabama. While at Mobile, Woods and a few fellow Unionist conscripts formed a secret Unionist organization called the Home Circle and planned a mutiny. Unfortunately, Woods was discovered prior to their planned mutiny and imprisoned to be tried. While awaiting his court martial, Woods was transported behind the army, following them through the Tullahoma Campaign and was then sent to Atlanta. His trial resulted in a sentence of death by firing squad; however, his execution was delayed due to the interference of a sympathetic general who had been his professor before the war. Woods saw the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga while imprisoned by the Confederate Army until he was once again sent to Atlanta following a stay of execution, furnished at the last minute from Jefferson Davis. He was then sent to work building trenches around Atlanta until he finally escaped Confederate officials on August 11, 1864, and made his way into Union lines. Following his escape, Woods made his way to Buffalo, New York, where he enlisted in the 93rd New York Infantry Regiment. He served out the rest of the war as a clerk for the Union Army until his discharge on May 11, 1865. Following the war, Woods returned home and continued to teach, moving to Lawrence County, Missouri sometime before 1885. In 1885, his wife Mary died and in 1889, he married Mae Laverall of Pennsylvania. Woods died on March 5, 1901, and is buried alongside both of his wives and his daughter in the Woodland Cemetery near Springfield, Missouri. The three volumes of Woods' memoir make up the largest portion of the collection. These three books focus on the years 1861-1864, describing his experiences of sectionalism, his opposition to secession and conscription, the process of forming an underground Unionist society in a Confederate regiment, his arrest for inciting a mutiny, and the resulting imprisonment and trial. The three journals cover a much broader range of topics and years, including genealogy, religion, marriage, slavery, and Woods' childhood. These three journals serve to contextualize the journals, as Woods referenced them during the writing process. Besides this, these journals also contain highly detailed drawings done by Woods during his imprisonment and a number of short entries in Pitman shorthand. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856/1873 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017-030 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource White Journal, John Henning Woods, 1856-1873 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856/1873 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Type The nature or genre of the resource Diaries Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017_030_WhiteJournal Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Description An account of the resource Spanning from 1856 to July of 1873, this journal provides an autobiography describing Woods' family and life from childhood. It also contains poetry, notes in shorthand, a few diary entries from during the war, and a brief description of his life following the war. archived https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/dd83a23e84428d697b7bb41ce7ea325f.jpg 8047d54d5bdbacd903f0e540cc0eefce PDF Text Text Virtuous Acts. Ezekl. XVIII q To be just + do that which is lawful and right.—To not oppress.—To restore to the debtor his pledge. To spoil none by violence;—To give his bread to the hungry and to cover the naked with a garment. To not give forth upon usury To execute true judgement between man + man. To walk in my (the Lord’s) statutes; <s>to deal</s> <div class="tooltip" title="This verse is an adaptation of Ezekial, Chapter 18 “The One Who Sins Will Die,” Verses 5-9.">To deal truly.</div> XLIV q 23 v—And they (the Priest, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me (God).) Shall teach my people the difference, between the holy and profane, + cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/42581c0ce95fe08e0dce9e73e19adb26.jpg 5222e980c4b49df53959be33702d07b5 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Genealogical Tree. [Note: The following transcriptions has been adapted from a drawing of a literal tree with individual names on the branches and trunk and a date scale from 1830 to 1864 on the left. The names and information below have been identified by their corresponding branch.] Base of trunk: TREE. Left of base of trunk: DAUGHTER OF HENNING PAGE Right of base of trunk: SON OF [page torn] VER WOODS. Length of trunk: Miss Martha PACE Married to John B WOODS, in Tenn. 1830} Removed to Mo. Laurence Co. 4 m's from Mt Vernon, where they now live, 1864. Lowest branch on right: Born in Tenn. 1832. 1st S’n [son]. Wm L. WOODS. d. “/49 Lowest branch on left: B’n [born] 4th July 1834 2nd S’n. JOHN, H. WOODS Married in Ala. to, in 1860. Merging branch from left: Miss M.E. Caldwell Second lowest branch on right: 1st. d’t’r [daughter]. b’n 1837. in Mo.—CORNELIA, A. WOODS. Married to in 1862 Merging branch from right: Marion Lebow. Second lowest branch on left: 2nd d’r. b. 1839 in Mo. S. CARRIE WOODS. Mar’d to in Mo. 1861 Merging branch from left: Calvin, WOODS. Second highest branch on right: 3d dtr. b. 1842—NANCY, J. WOODS. in Mo. Second highest branch on left: 3rd. d. S’n b. 1845 N<s>ANCY</s>, D. WOODS in Mo. Top branch on right: b. 1846.—DANIEL, E. WOODS.—in Mo. Top branch on left: b. 1850.—Wm LEEROY. d’d 1854. </td> <td> Genealogy—implies a tracing upon back of one’s stock blood or lineage.—A + <div class="tooltip" title="This refers to the genealogy of Jesus as included in Matthew, Chapter 1 “The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah,” Verses 1-17.">Genealogy of Christ 1st q. Math.</div> —This Genealogical Tree is an rude origination of my own; representing my father’s (JB Woods) family. The parents as sources, uniting by marriage + thus forming the trunk, while children as they are born form the respective branches as they grow in years. As children are married, the member </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8772f24efe1ab913c6148a7c74a04d00.jpg 74870b8f9eddde253508a333dd34f125 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> of the strange family, becomes, as it were, engrafted or inoculated by adoption into the “Genealogical Tree” described or family described thereby. When a source, or bud from another family or Tree, is ingrafted, (united by marriage) there will be henceforth two bloods coursing in the engrafted branch: + these two bloods growing up from the Trunk for another Tree, (family) So it has been since the day of Adam + Eve [page torn] </td> <td> It would be quite complex, indeed to trace the Genealogy of the whole human race, or even of one simple line branch or blood, especially would it be so, were we to take into consideration the matrimonial ties + relationships connected with any family of long duration.—I suggest that this study would be an interesting if not also a profitable theme for the historian + [sculptor?]. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/961d4ec26361c4571fa50a1f3ac7c9dc.jpg 6a8926cfc181a49fe559cf7739fbd133 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> To represent a single family, viz parents, children + even grand children, is simple enough and if properly executed would in the form of a Genealogical Tree, be a family map convenient for refference As in the Tree drawn, it may readily be discovered that it is laid off with a [scale?] of an eighth (1/8 in) inch to [the?] year calculating from the roots (mariage) of the tree (family) upward to the year in [which?] the sketch is taken. </td> <td> The scales for a Genealogical Tree may be of different lengths, like the scale of miles used in Geography Care should be taken that the Scale representing the years on any Tree extend from the uniting point of the two roots (parents) <s>and</s> upward to the present, or time of drawing.—Then let the scale be marked with [fine?] lines as a ruler, dividing the yrs. exactly so that as branches shoot out from the trunk they may be brought out exactly </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8864017fbde11484e505f7b1655c894a.jpg 4dba7ba0f12272cc1c020abed37897eb PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> opposite the year on the scale in which it, (branch, child) was born.—The years being previously set down along the Scale in plain figures.—The months and days of one’s birth or death may easily be designated by neat plain writing in the lines representing the branches, well as the name, which should be [written?] in very plain letters.— I obtained the idea of The Genealogical Tree from reading Blackston’s </td> <td> Commentaries <s>of</s> on <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/blue-4-william-blackstone" target="_blank" title="click to view Blue Journal, Page 4, William Blackstone footnote" rel="noopener">Cm. Law Subject of Real Estates</a> handed down to heirs by lines of direct + collateral bloodship +c. and then noticing in the Scriptures that families, persons and nations are often represented by the figure of a Tree. As—“Thy mother is like a (tree) a vine + + planted by the waters + + [full?] of branches + +.” Ezi-XIX, 10. —+ It contemneth the rod of my son as every Tree. XXI 10 v Ezekiel +c+c. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/af1ca1dc1b0b0307212362254af9d628.jpg 626ad029cd914c5b5a3a35bb10b6812a PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> I think this Idea of the Genealogical Tree, may be improved upon, till it would be as popular + useful for family reference as a Geographical Map for a Land plot would be to the historian + [recorder?]. —An acquaintance with the Genealogy of the Human Race, would be highly interesting to every student of natural science: and would be of almost incalculable benefit to proffessional men + to the Historian. </td> <td> The Genealogy of one’s own family relationship would be as interesting + as profitable and the study of Geography + the thorough acquaintance with the Map of one’s own Plantation or Country. As a Refference no one would question the utility of a “Land plot + Deeds.” or a “family [Record?].” By the one titles [of?] tenements heredidaments + one’s own unalienable rights are perpetuated, + without which </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/db2da45856516a87bacc64caf925ee2c.jpg af4cd0d0258280ab0a4a7ac0dd604b2d PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> there could be no [carried?] [seizin?] of hereditary property, one of the oldest settled principles of Enlightened Law. By the other the all important dates of one’s birth, marriage + death are preserved for the inspection of heirs inheritors, courts, and jurists. Indeed without this branch of science, there could be no [corred?] transmission of the history of the world, in all its Great Creation. </td> <td> We in these latter ages could have known but little of the ages of our ancestors and of the birth + origin of these teaming millions of the human race. Our minds would have been dark as heathen superstition. The doors of our <s>minds</s> comprehensions would have been penetrated only by some [?] twilight of rude tradition; the brightest of which would have been bedimed [bedimmed] by the ashes of gray + doubtful antiquity.— </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cdd450764e0ed58ff43e099a319d7c69.jpg 4cfe99817e9f0e99f9ea3fd43e60c9f1 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Without a knowledge of Genealogy, we would be but little superior to the beasts + fowls, who breathe the common air, eat of the spontaneous vegetations, then lie down to rest upon the earth, whereever night overtakes, unconscious that once a progenitor long ago, fed + rested upon the identical spot. —In the entire absence of this branch of science there would probably have </td> <td> been but little system or order of Society; save what might be forced by sheer needcessity; Then such combinations would have been limited to selfishness cruelty; momentary + imagineary pleasures. But happy for society it<s>s</s> is otherwise + favorable. For “there shall come forth a rod cut of the stem of Jessee and a branch shall grow out of his roots, + And the Spirit of the </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7716d7444e619e31a6e09e646be799bd.jpg 844df30618d840ff2322387425dabe52 PDF Text Text Lord shall rest <s>up</s> upon him.” Isaiah XI, 1,2 “+That they might be called the trees of righteousness” Isaiah LXI, 3 v. Atlanta Barracks Ga. April 22nd 1864 }By J.H.Woods XXX q 4 v Isaiah—“Hanes—” q v—“Their strength is to sit still.” q v—“Now go, write it before them in a table, + note it in a book, that it may be for [their?] time to come for ever + ever.” Jeremiah XVIIq 7 v—Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord + + for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters—3. v.—+ My mountain in the field.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b482c041232c24ad6a21e2ca8457f7fc.jpg 53d712366321e7d8e8525087a215dc95 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Genealogical Tree of the Family [Down the inner margin] Consisting of the parents, 8 children. 3 dead, 2 married. + 5 grandchildren. [Note: The following transcriptions has been adapted from a drawing of a literal tree with individual names on the branches and trunk and a date scale from 1830 to 1864 on the left. The names and information below have been identified by their corresponding branch.] Base of trunk: Samuel and Polly Caldwell of Length of trunk: Mary Corr-married to Samuel Caldwell, in S.C.}Removed to Ala. Benton Co. in 1843. Chockolocko Valley Ala. Lowest branch on left: JOHN CALDWELL Bn. S.C. Married in Ala. To Blackburn. Merging branch from left: Miss M. TINDLE. Lowest branch on right: Bn. in S.C. ELIZ. Caldwell. Died in Ala. Second lowest branch on left: 2nd dtr. bn. 1842. MARY E. CALDWELL, to Merging branch from left: Mr. J.H. Woods Second lowest branch on right: 3rd. dtr. bn. Ala. S. FRANCIS, Caldwell Highest branch on left: 4th dr. b. 1847 MALINDA. Caldwell. Merging branch from left: Budy John. Second highest branch on right: 2nd Sn. b. SAMUEL Caldwell. Highest branch on right: 5th d. AMANDA, C </td> <td> When I became acquainted with this family: They lived in Chockolocko Valley, in Benton, (now Calhoun) Co. Ala. on what was known as the “Jim Wright place,” it having been formerly owned by Wright.—This valley of land lies between to ranges of mountains + is about 3 m. wide with Chockolocko Creek running thro’ it and empting into the Coosa or Tallapoosa River near Taladega Ala.—The family inculcates all those rural virtues which [makes?] up pleasant + useful society in the country: and cosist [consists] of Parents 8 children. 2 sons Jno. 1st child who lived with his father on the plantation till 20 yrs. old when he married Miss Margaret Tindle of Randolph Co Ala.—then still lived on his father’s place until he entered the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/blue-9-john-caldwell" target="_blank" title="click to view Blue Journal, Page 9, John Caldwell footnote" rel="noopener">Confederat service in Cavalry under John T Morgan Col. Com’nd. Capt Dye’s Co.—+ died Mar. 1863.</a> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/13b596db707db5dbeb9525868fc67e22.jpg 70432516c94602a6222467aa92215812 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> + Sam’l 2nd Sn + 6th child 6 daughters. Elizabeth 1st, d’d when about 8 or 10 yrs old. Mary Emily 2nd. dtr. who was born in Ala. Calhoun Co near Teague’s Cross roads AI 1842. Obtained a good English education + a very good Domestic training: And married to Mr. J. H. Woods of Mt Vernon Missouri in the yr 1860 on 1st day of Jan. at the residence of her father.— Sarah Francis,—3rd. dtr.— Malinda,—4rth dtr.—Infant drt. decd (name unknown) 5th dtr. + Amanda, 6th dtr. Mr. Sam’l Caldwell is by business a planter + by hard labor + economy has accumulated a good property although in humble circumstances when he commenced in life He has met with many disappointments, troubles + mutch bad luck but by perseverance + industry over comes them all, in succession. </td> <td> Mrs. Polly Caldwell, was reared in S.C. in easy circumstances, her father possesing a very good property: which gave her access to good society + gave her a knowledge of the business of life, as well as a fixed habit of laudable pride for mantenance of virtuous character + a reasonable pride of dress + appearance which, virtues with many others, social moral + domestic she taught her daughters so impressively that the strongest of temptations have never been able to seduce them from the pathes of <s>ver</s> fema<s>i</s>le virtue, usefulness and good report. Not one of the family, parents, sons or daughters [uses?] profane language, intoxicating drink or tobacco.— They are of the Old Presbyterian persuasion They encourage, education industry + benevolence. + have considerable desire for money making. Almost obstinate in their beliefs. -Atlanta Ga June 30 164. }By J.H.Woods </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ba7e36a5ad2196c6ab94b4ba1a7357ac.jpg 76c3a46bace77e33da72661a5361459e PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Dedicated to Mrs. Mary Emma Woods. By J.H. Woods Blest be the tie that binds, Our hearts in mutual love; This worship of congenial minds, Is like to that above. We share each others woes, And mutual troubles bear; So for each other often flows “The sympathyzing tear.” [Note: The following transcriptions has been adapted from a drawing of a literal family tree with individual names on the branches and trunk and a date scale from 1857 to 1864 on the left. The names and information below have been identified by their corresponding branch.] Base of trunk: OF Left of base of trunk: 2nd Daughter of Sam’l and Polly Caldwell Oxford Calhoun Co. Ala. Right of base of trunk: 2nd S’n. of Jno. B. and Martha Woods. Mt Vernon, Lawrence Co. Mo.— Length of trunk: MARY, EMMA, CALDWELL;—married to, in Ala. 1st Jan. JOHN, HENNING, WOODS, of Mo. Right branch: Bn 4th Dec.—John Francis Left branch: Brn. 11th Aug. 1862. Sam’l Blackburn. Right of tree: GOOD-WILL, FIDELITY. Left of tree: KINDNESS, AND GENTILITY. [End transcription of family tree] There is a striking analogy between the respective parentage of John + Mary, in life, training, education, family habits and religious beliefs.—By J.H. Woods.— Atlanta Ga. July 1st 1864.— </td> <td> Youthful Intentions. From youth Intended To roam o’er the world, To seek of life’s treasure, Some glittering pearl. But no mansions of the great, As I traveled o’er the state Could so kindly invite me As my paternal seat.&mash; On the stage I rode briskly, Away toward toward the East, Thinking to find for my soul, Some richer feast. As I swiftly sped away, I’d but few words to say. But I thought of my home As to westward it lay. New scenes all along, To my mind did arise That I thought not so strong, How the traveler [lies?]. Tho’ the thoughts did oft. appear As I journied swiftly where I’d no more view the scenes Of my childhood’s early years. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8ec51dac647de178f7c21837e1da67bd.jpg 9399d092343f35f1e9effd5ae1c8b63d PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> On cars still more swiftly I flew from my friends; To where the bright science Enchantments do lend To seek + find wealthy [lore?] And to think the thoughts of yore To learn wisdom from books O’er which scholars love to pore. So now, I’d left kindred, And sweet-hearts so dear My joys must be blended With what I see + hear, Tho’ friends and sweets are dear— And their words are kind + true; I’ll listen to the cheer Of the classic, classic [peer?]. —Atlanta Ga. March-1864 } By <div class="tooltip" title="This is likely a clever play off of Woods’ name, as “Sylvius” is Latin for “of the woods or forest.”">(Jon. Sylvius.).</div> ” J.H. Woods I’ll curb mind and passion, To drink with the sage; <s>Tho’ health + youth invite me</s> And forego youthful fashion The pleasures of my age; Tho’ health + youth still invite me, To drink of Nature’s <div class="tooltip" title="A small stream.">rill</div> I’ll listen to the strains, Of that classic scholar’s skill. </td> <td> Use begets second nature And mind sharpeneth mind <s>So</s> we grow by emulation; And words of reason kind. So we learn the fates of life, That from friends we oft must part, Tho’ we’d listen to the strains, Of young-life’s tender heart. Time rolls on, age is stealing, Upon the youthful face; And the furrows of evening, Doth spoil the infant grace. But the soul grows on still While the heart God doth fill Then I’ll listen to the strain, Manhood’s heart doth boldly trill. But now schooldays ended, From out [your?] college wall; And <div class="tooltip" title="Hymen (also known as Hymenaios) is the ancient Greek god of marriages and wedding hymns.">Hymen</div> is coming, To mythical life to call. Tho’ the gentle sciences bright, With all her golden hill; —Must I listen to the strains Which the hearts of Lovers fill? Yes life must be blended Beneath the blue sky; And all are dependent, For good society. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/209934565e677fb1b76a010c8c47ad15.jpg 96303658878a8247957e522defd29f3a PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Though God Creation’s king, Doth bid me manly be; I’ll listen to the strains, He has kindly given me. —I sought ‘mong earth’s flowers, In Virtue’s greenest shade; At her home’s lovely bowers, Where she’d worked + played. Others, I’d received with delight And thought on fascinations bright. I’ll listen to the claims Of her virtue so upright. Others sing most sweetly, And talk in lovely strains; And appear most neatly. With pearls + diamond chains. Tho’ wealth in all its splendor (sway) Would chase my love away; I’ll listen to the words; That her virtue doth betray. Many there be that’s lovely, And winning in their ways; With sparkling eyes most lively. And fashons of the day. Tho’ their diamonds brightly shine, And their lips doth sweetly part; I’ll listen to the strains Of her virtuous, tender heart. </td> <td> There be some kind + cheerful, Full of love and sport; With eyes not dim nor tearful; And minds with useful forte But what of all those buds of light And those leaves of hope + bliss; I’ll listen to the strains, She in love doth kindly lisp. Other names as sweetly sounding, And faces too a bright; With virtuous souls to crown them, In Heaven’s holy light. And tho’ by One all are made And that all very good; I’ll listen to the sounds Of her plaintive, tender mood. To me She seems granted, A companion in love; In this world she’s planted, To live for that above. Tho’ ther’s girls of worth + praise Wise + good in all their ways; I’ll hearken to the love, Which her tender heart doth raise. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1fe2b9f4f1c0e02b96c2e7744b9ea965.jpg 3deedc73055567529e75d06f9c792be8 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Her name to me is sacred. Her life and her [weal?] And all that here pertaneth, —Earth’s or Heaven’s appeal. Then sing gentle queens of life, Tho’ I see you all in love, I’ll adore still thy name My Mary Emma, Dove. —Atlanta Ga. May 29th 1864}By J.H. Woods </td> <td> To Mary. 1 &emsp; Mary my heart is <div class="tooltip" title="To compose or put into writing.">inditing</div> For thee a <s>good</s> familiar matter; Of which my hand is writing To thee in love’s [missive?] <s>kind</s> letter. 2 &emsp; When first I saw thy form so charming Form of virgin’s [living?] nature; Verily I was ripe + warming For just thy lovely feature. 3 &emsp; Long to me the Fates were saying, Waits for thee a sweetest maiden She and thee intuitive praying —Still you’ve kept your notions hidden, 4 &emsp; ‘Tis strange as many’d been seeking, I had not been taken sooner; But I stood their wooes + heatings Untill that propitious summer, Found me then thoughtfully teaching In the Chockolocko valley Where Alabama’s loves were greeting My heart with theirs to talley. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/77d23efce9ef9c52a1a483bda32b81a7.jpg 159dae6c6e800385fd1f95816d0b01eb PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> I’d passed divers [diverse] states a flying To escape the darts of Cupid; But inspite of all my trying, I’s caught by love’s waters limped. On that morn, you saw me coming Our eyes met with congenial glance; I saw your form nymph-like moving Sweet as the stream “Chosey-Branch”— At that pure + wholesome spring-(ing) In which the scholars [lov’d?]; Ah, then, little were you thinking What my lone’ spirit crav’d. You saw me still [nearing?] coming Then what thoughts came o’er you? —Off I saw you gently moving —Kindred thoughts,—the sequel <s>is</s> true. Your name I wrote, your glance reciving Your kindness to others found, Which kept for you my love increasing Till our lives, the Nuptials crown’d. I loved your body, all its turning, To me with interest laden; I loved thy soul, sought its pardon —Then rest with me in Heaven!! </td> <td> I called you,—My scholars naming Sacred tie, Scholar,—teacher;— But I called you love when reclining —Dearer tie, Mary, Your Lover. Some sweet hours we’ve spent a loving —The day set for Nuptial Union Is come:—invited friends collecting, —We vowed in sweet communion. Now the tie,—wife,—husband sounding, The dearest of all is form’d; While hopeful ones in love surrounding —Stand we ‘mazed, or halfway charm’d We entered life anew,—passing In the way <div class="tooltip" title="This is likely a reference to Micah, chapter 2, verse 13: “The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the Lord at their head.”">bliss + breaker;</div> As goes time with others tossing.— —I’ll n’er, n’er forsake you. For a threefold cord is making, To bind us still more faithful; While of good and ill we’re testing, —Now to cheer—then to humble. New names, listen, Pa, Ma, calling, —Answer Mary,—you they mean “You too , Mister, you’re fogetting The child you’ve seen.”— </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/06c38b958e5f3f25bbe4e46274119471.jpg dee9cdeaf79412e5c1f2c2676926d216 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Yet we’re not happy,—striving, —Doubtful what course to take. Our minds from this to that a flying, With hearts oft dark—p’rchance [perchance] elate. Joy on, grieve on, we must be trying, The varied scenes of life, Till like our friends ‘round us dying We’ll bid adieu, My loving wife. Atlanta Ga. April—1864} By J.H. Woods </td> <td> May &emsp; 21 &emsp; $3.00 &emsp; &emsp; &ensp; 22 &emsp; 2.00 “ &emsp; &emsp; 25 &emsp; $2.00 &emsp; &emsp; &ensp; 26 &emsp; $2.00 June &emsp; 3 &emsp; $4.00 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/09385943509676a4db4d3dd45a08cdb8.jpg 639d051888f3ef739b91f60f2891e020 PDF Text Text Young yellow man Cr. Adolphus [Lewn?] (yellow man—Cr. one watch/(silver) https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8e3d19e227d67db5831562e93d80112c.jpg 608f1e10d139b4ebeb4eda0b4d3f2297 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Residence of Samuel Caldwell As seen from a Southview in the year 1860. [Note: This page contains a detailed drawing of the Caldwell plantation, including the following labels and captions. The captions within the drawing have been transcribed moving from the top down, left to right.] NEGRO’S Houses.— ORCHARD Residence and the Well. Yard, gates and [shade?] Trees +c. GARDEN. Calf lots +c. Beautiful woodland in front of the family Residence. Walnut Tree Lots, cribs and stables. Shop GIN HOUSE Luxurious growth of timbers viz. Mulberry, wild cherry, hickories The oaks + pine trees also, plum, haw-thorn, the Big huckleberry, Muscadine and grape vine +c.—July 4th 1860 (—64 now). LAND IN CULTIVATION. Producing cotton, corn and wheat as well as other products—South. </td> <td> The Plantation upon which this Residence stands, is one of considerable note, beauty + merit;— <div class="tooltip" title="Based on Woods’ description of this location, Caldwell&rsquos house would have been in the current Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area.">Lying in Chockolocko Valley 3 miles east of White Plains, Calhoun (Benton) Co. Ala.</div> —It was settled in 18…..by……………+ sold by him to……………..in 18….. Mr. James Wright bought + improved + lived upon the place from 18…. to 18…., when he sold it to Mr. Samuel Caldwell, who improved + lived on the Plantation ‘till New Year’s day 1862.—When he gave possession of the place to Mr Tom. Williams who obtained the plantation by virtue of a lien for security to indemnify. The Family left the old residence, which time had almost rendered sacred on account of the many home reminiscences of the Dear old homestead, very reluctantly + with many farewell glances to the many conveniences of the place: as well as many sighs at the thought of leaving the luxuries of the orchards + gardens There were in the minds of each of the family (no doubt) m visions of the vanishing feast of melons, fruits viz. peaches, apples, plums, grapes and the rich muscadines. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8fd8c4232d15dba0de8c1c3d8cbec739.jpg 4a8f8cfc18f7dd19702ba1702a64ab4d PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Thought of childhood walks + plays, observations and enjoyment came to the children’s minds like sacred mementoes of the past. But of all the attachments of the plantation, none was so strong with me + my companion as the pleasant associations of “Our Mountain” in the field to the left of the road leading to White Plains;—Upon its verdant, brow she + I had taken many a pleasant + profitable perambulation. Its muscadine, chestnuts + grapes often invited + received our visits, when leasure afforded opportunity. From the top of this mountain we could have a complete view of Chockolocko Valley, in all its <s>sun</s> indiscribable beauty.—I had a dream in 1859 connected with this mountain which gives the mountain peculiar interest to me. (See Dream). The whole plantation contains 960 acres of land conveniently situated, as to [timber?] tilible land + water. </td> <td> The Residence being on the Wedowee Road, breaks the common monotony of country life, by the frequent travelers to. + fro.—And, hence affords many opportunityies for acquaintances + incidents which may not be witnessed on more retired country sites. Mr.—Caldwell took great pride in raising cotton, it seems that he turned nearly all of his agricultural, force + skill to the production of the native staple.—even to the neglect of wheat and corn.—With a force of about 16 or 18 field hands he cultivated, gathered, gined [ginned] + packed and halled to market as high a one hundred (100) bales of cotton per yr. besides enough generaly, of breadstuffs + other necessaries of planters life + business. Society with the wealthier classes in this valley (Chockolocko) or section of country, well as throughout the Southern States is very edifying + good </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ae409674d3d377994d77e5e95cb42ba2.jpg b48b25c46326402748eb8a60d9806964 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> even <s>A</s> having the airs of <s>many</s> accomplishments and taste of refinement.—There are many things to [auxilerate?] good habits, taste, chastity + education among the richer classes; So there seems a counterbalancing in the <s>weal</s> society of the wealthier, against the acknowledged evils of wealth. viz. Education is stimulated manners are refined by frequent contact with equals of rivals and superiors.—Emulation springs up in the habits of the young gent and thoughtful young lady which animates then to laudable exertion and care in their morale; culture, habits + gain.—The detrimental effects of the wealthier society, may be readily seen when we observe the continual association of the wealthy with their slaves As <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/blue-20-samuel-houston" target="_blank" title="click to view Blue Journal, Page 20, Samuel Houston footnote" rel="noopener">Sam. Houston of Tex.</a> says.—“The negro imbibes many of the white’s best qualities, while the white more readily imbibes many </td> <td> of the negroes’ worst qualities, by their association.” The children learn very soon to talk after the vulgar expressions of their nurses + house servants.—And it may easily be inferred that many habits not most amiable to virtue + taste may be taken up by children. especially is it so with boys + young men who soon revel voluptuously in miscegenmatic indulgences with slave feminines, which fact would be too abominable to be allowed by high-minded society, were it not already so common as to be passed lightly or unnoticed; And which in its effects would be sickening in the extreme were it not so glaring + audacious as to forbid the minister to look into its demoralizing effects upon society.—And so insinuating + obscene in its very face-expression that it baffles + defies the moralist + the lecturer, and shames into silence the amiable, virtue loving female. Have I said too mutch? Nay. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/442a98e9a7aaea290814cccd6f0edc43.jpg 68edc2b63b74e205f9523582ac39082c PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> not enough, but should I dare for one sentence to face an evil, a sin so, hideous in its deformity as to put to blush + flight + silence the boldest + truest lovers of the God exalted white-race? I’ll desist from further comment now;—and turn to the society of another distinct class in these Gulf States viz the poor, the laboring whites. (I must say here by way of parenthesis, that when the wealthy do maintain their virtues, in the face of all the seductive influences of temptations that they are then as gold refined + their character thenceforward should be appreciated + confided in, as precious light of Deity shining through the darkness of human controle tried + proven.—). I’ll assert that the majority of the poorer classes are capable of honesty + sincere virtues; and as they are driven by their necessities + yet observable mercies, to see + feel their dependence upon God + good Society, they are </td> <td> made to become the ancestors if not the direct material oft, which is properly considered the “Bone + sinewe” of usefulness + of a good country. Their habits of labor gives anatomical strength, which is very necessary element in making up healthy + prosperous society. Their seclusion from the wicked associations of revelry + sensual gratifycation protects their morale, + prepares them as innocent lambs for the Church militant. So the many in this class of society enjoy by providence, what the few do in the wealthier society gain by withstanding the temptations of Satan. True the jewels of education are not worn + possessed often by the common people, but then if those jewels or refinements are wanting so, also are the hypocrisies <s>dece</s> affectations + sycophantry so common to the recipients of educations, absent in all their sinful nature from the lives + characters of the poor.— </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/74eec594527573a4d17a41776f822045.jpg b03dce6a145672cafa8bf6e433297b62 PDF Text Text But there are two oposite extremes which drive those mad in sin + vice who fall into their blandishments.—Superfluous wealth, + beggared poverty alike detail wild wrecklessness; that by luxurious reveling + sensual gratifycations; this by idle dispondency + highway outlawry. —Look to the media or connecting link for the most promising results for the good of the world and the glory of God. Barracks Atlanta July 7th 1864 }By J.H.Woods Mary E. Woods To John H. Woods https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1a22df30d6e10be77f50e29e66905b1f.jpg 3c7a88dfb98e715d5454b81bd3009fb9 PDF Text Text [Note: This page contains a detailed drawing of the Atlanta Barracks, including the following labels and captions. The labels within the drawing have been transcribed moving from the top down, left to right.] Top of page: View of the Atlanta Barracks Ga. Left margin: Confederates were kept here by the authorities for Court Marshal for desertion of other violations of Military. Right margin: Union prisoners captured were kept in the West Division. Bottom: taken by John H. Woods from Sight on July 4, 1864.— Erected in the Summer of 1863 by Confed. Govrn. Lamp post.—Stocks. Prisoners wanting out.&mash; CELL. GATE. HOSPITAL Solitary Confinement. VIEW OF BARRACKS. at Atlanta Ga. July 4th 1864. DUNGEON 8 or 10 confined in it. Playing cards.—Gate Well PRISONERS. FEDERAL PRISONERS’ DIVISION. WELL 14 ft. hg. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f8b404e4a4217e99d4770252e83619bb.jpg 6ceeb2dde9622d815c4c7adb0533a9f9 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> The Barracks represented on the preceeding page are situate on the north side (I believe) of <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/blue-24-atlanta-barracks" target="_blank" title="click to view Blue Journal, Page 24, Atlanta Barracks footnote" rel="noopener">the main part of the city of Atlanta Ga.—</a>The walls surrounding the inclosure of about 2 ½ acres; is of thick plank doubled + nailed + is 12 or 14 ft high. There is a walk constructed on the top of the wall + sentinel boxes for the guard who continually pace their rounds with watchful eye. This Inclosure was constructed in the summer of 1863 by authority of the Confederate government for the confinement for deserters and those who violate military rule, indeed many were confined here for very frivolous charges viz Disloyalty to the Confederacy, for expressing Union </td> <td> sentiments. +c. Prisoners captured from the Union army by the Secessionists, were also kept here Treatment.—The treatment of prisoners when confined in this prison was very various.—There is two Divisions to the inclosure—The Confederates were confined in the East division and the Federal prisoners in the West side—I was confined here about 9 months myself hence I’ve a good chance to know about it.—I’ve seen as many as 800 to 900 Confederates in here at one time viz the winter of “/63 + 64.—And as high as 2 or 3000 Federal prisoners —Awhile the Federal + Confederate prisoners were allowed to converse, trade + mingle together.—They were afterwards prohibited, apparently because the officers imagined that </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7fc4ab0775e988f958edb423f60956f7.jpg f1fb169b46853445f9b64c9a5542d91e PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> they were to friendly;—for it could readily be seen that the Confederates put great confidence in the representations of the Federals + that they sought often, interviews with them as of a teacher to learn. These appearances displeased Confed. Leaders because they are jealouse of the growing intelligence of the Confederate tools (for such I must call all who willingly serve secessionists).— Many scenes might be witnessed in the Barracks But little was pleasing, yet many things are worth criticizing.—Wickedness of the most direful character was exhibited here among the Confed. pris.—The men of came in depressed + cowed some scared, others driven to wreckless desperation, in which they seemed to forget friends + all sacred recollections.—Other some very wisely threw themselves in this their extremity upon the mercy of God + generly </td> <td> came out of prison better + wiser men.—Edibles were oft scarce + monotonous, + if perchance a prisoner was so fortunate as to recv. a good lunch from home, he would be teased out of all the pleasure of it by the hingre [hunger] ones around him; or maybe his provisions would be stolen from him.—I have seen men here from all the Southern states + many of the Northern, and of every description.—Ignoramuse, common men, witty men, men of intelligence, teachers preachers, Doctors, lawyers and all in one mingled unhappy mass crowed together with but little liberty save the liberty of the mind which no man can claim. The feelings of the prisoners of course varied according to the hopes + fears which they entertained of punishment or release without Court marshal.&mash;I’ve seen men hung + <s>shot for</s> others were shot near this imprison. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bb27f55728623e2d17d0a4db1e196696.jpg 2aa950d67baf4434203af0bf6e720c4b PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> after being confined lonesome + tedious months.—Persons frequently were allowed to come into see friends by submitting first to the formalities of military rule.&mash;According to my observation of the men confined in this + other prisons, there was about the same proportion of good men as there is outside of prison walls; for it must be remembered that a military prison is not like a civil prison—in military mistakes are more often made in detaining the intended one + oft too, men are imprisoned on account of their oppinions or on account of some consciencious act which the military considers detrimental to its preeminence. I’ve seen true devotion + christian enjoyment in these Barracks + I’ve seen on the other hand the vilest wickedness + utter demoralization of the human heart. —I believe the majority of the men who are imprisoned </td> <td> for breach of the military are disposed to look with distrust upon that authority which imprisoned them. Gens. + others understanding this <s>des</s> fact were often very reluctant in releasing men who were in prison. Some tho’ there are who would still speak in recomendatory terms of the authority causing their confine + punishment. —Senseable men very often <s>look for</s> attribute irregularities to individuals + not to the governmental authorities. —Hanging of men in the Confederacy has generally ben executed upon those charged with being spies <s>for</s> against the Confederacy, and frequently upon those resident in those states declared by their ordinances + + in the Confederacy, who stubornly hold out for the Union of the U.S. In some instances under my knowledge + many that I’ve heard of, <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/blue-26-hanging-women" target="_blank" title="click to view Blue Journal, Page 26, Hanging Women footnote" rel="noopener">women have been hung</a> because they would not reveal where </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/df1a7f52b8b594357a0417e74d141257.jpg ed11d14d447e37fcae30207889c9bd78 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> their husbands or sons were when they were trying to avoid Conscription into the secession army. Men, soldiers were mercilessly shot by Courts marshal<s>s</s> because they had gone home from the army without furlough, or for desertion (Mil. phrase). —I’ve seen prisoners make their escape by night + by day from these Barax. Prisoners generally will assist each other, but oft there is one who will betray + reveal any plan of escape to the guards +c. —Men who felt assured that their punishments would be light oft expressed a satisfactions when the armies were in battles, that they were safe from the missiles of death.—Some are made more cautious, others more wreckless by imprisonment + punishment;—But the truth is I suppose, that the authorities who imprison + punish do not seriously </td> <td> contemplate the injury the victim will sustain thereby, nor earnestly seek the benefit of them.— The prime object held in view is to deter others from participations in like breeches of the military will. A Chapter must have an end.— <s>March</s> July 4th Atlanta Barracks.&emsp; &emsp; J.H. Woods </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/43425415e279c719e1bf3d4935111c86.jpg 484b3d2f6621a1528136abb426d1a92f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b132e3e8cf2018a6b7c479cb089c79f2.jpg 6fa9644f98f35eca6190302cb225e742 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Henning Woods Papers, 1856-1873 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Description An account of the resource This collection includes three memoir volumes and three diaries written by John Henning Woods, a Southern Unionist, Confederate conscript, and Civil War memoirist. Woods was born in Tennessee on July 4, 1834. After spending his childhood in Missouri, Woods married Mary Emma Caldwell, the daughter of a wealthy slaveholder and planter from Alabama in 1860. In 1861, Woods moved to Lebanon, Tennessee, to pursue his law degree at Cumberland University. Despite his ties to the South, Woods hated slavery and strongly supported the Union. Following the war's beginning and interruption of his education, he returned home to farm and teach. Due to his support for the Union, Woods chose to remain at home throughout the beginning of the war until his conscription into the Confederate army in October of 1862. While at first Woods fought to remain at home, the threat of imprisonment eventually sparked him to report to the army, where he was drafted into the 36th Alabama Infantry Regiment, Company K. As a part of this regiment, Woods was trained at Talladega and then posted around Mobile, Alabama. While at Mobile, Woods and a few fellow Unionist conscripts formed a secret Unionist organization called the Home Circle and planned a mutiny. Unfortunately, Woods was discovered prior to their planned mutiny and imprisoned to be tried. While awaiting his court martial, Woods was transported behind the army, following them through the Tullahoma Campaign and was then sent to Atlanta. His trial resulted in a sentence of death by firing squad; however, his execution was delayed due to the interference of a sympathetic general who had been his professor before the war. Woods saw the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga while imprisoned by the Confederate Army until he was once again sent to Atlanta following a stay of execution, furnished at the last minute from Jefferson Davis. He was then sent to work building trenches around Atlanta until he finally escaped Confederate officials on August 11, 1864, and made his way into Union lines. Following his escape, Woods made his way to Buffalo, New York, where he enlisted in the 93rd New York Infantry Regiment. He served out the rest of the war as a clerk for the Union Army until his discharge on May 11, 1865. Following the war, Woods returned home and continued to teach, moving to Lawrence County, Missouri sometime before 1885. In 1885, his wife Mary died and in 1889, he married Mae Laverall of Pennsylvania. Woods died on March 5, 1901, and is buried alongside both of his wives and his daughter in the Woodland Cemetery near Springfield, Missouri. The three volumes of Woods' memoir make up the largest portion of the collection. These three books focus on the years 1861-1864, describing his experiences of sectionalism, his opposition to secession and conscription, the process of forming an underground Unionist society in a Confederate regiment, his arrest for inciting a mutiny, and the resulting imprisonment and trial. The three journals cover a much broader range of topics and years, including genealogy, religion, marriage, slavery, and Woods' childhood. These three journals serve to contextualize the journals, as Woods referenced them during the writing process. Besides this, these journals also contain highly detailed drawings done by Woods during his imprisonment and a number of short entries in Pitman shorthand. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856/1873 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017-030 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Blue Journal, John Henning Woods, 1864 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Type The nature or genre of the resource Diaries Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017_030_BlueJournal Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Description An account of the resource Covering the period of Woods' imprisonment from March to July of 1864, this diary contains thorough entries on genealogy, Woods' thoughts on slavery, poetry, detailed drawings, and descriptions of home and prison. archived https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c214cad980ad65140ebd781743e71724.jpg a9ae6d4dc1b06299a904b5abf67a1737 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-01-07 1861-01-08 1861-01-09 PDF Text Text January, Monday, 7. 1861. Raining. Left White Plains Ala. + my wife on my way to Lebanon Tenn. to spend 5 m in Law School + graduate. At Tom. Williams’ tonight,—Jacksonville Traveling to Lebanon Tuesday, 8. Left Jacksonville for Rome Ga. $5 by stage 52 m. Great political excitement at [Etawah?] House Rome, at night. Wednesday, 9. Left Rome for Kingston Ga. Weather pleasant + nearly clear.—At 2 o’clk in eve, left Kingston for Chattanooga Tenn. by R.R.—distance 79 miles.—At Calooda Spring at dusk + lightening + heavy rain. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/dc76ec9222bac9aeb1a3a41213846810.jpg c64c925cef44dada5a61088057069c3b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-01-10 1861-01-11 1861-01-12 1861-01-13 1861-01-14 1861-01-15 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> January, Thursday, 10. 1861. Arrived at Nashville from Chattanooga at 8 this morning. Rode on cars all previous night. Legislature in session at Nashville.. Warm + clear Friday, 11. Arrived at Lebanon from Nashville 9 A.M.— Cool + cloudy. Meet friends + acquaintances +c. At Lebanon Tenn Saturday, 12. At Col. Hancock’s, Leb. Ten Ground Frozen. Clear. “ P.O.—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-2-secession" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 2, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi Secession" rel="noopener">Hear of the secession of Ala. Florida + Miss.—Disturbances at Charleston S.C.</a> </td> <td> January, Sunday, 13. 1861. Frost. Clear A.M. I’ve been to Church today + heard <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-2-poindexter" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 2, James Preston Poindexter footnote" rel="noopener">Poindexter preach. He prays that the Union may be preserved +c. </a> Monday, 14. Raining this morning—I go to studiy <div class="tooltip" title="Phonography is the practice of representing each individual sound of a language with a particular character, rather than allowing one character to represent more than one sound, such as the English “c,” “g,” and vowels. Many dictionaries still use phonography to record accurate pronunciations. In his personal diaries and journals, Woods uses an old system of shorthand called Pitman that uses shapes and pen strokes to represent individual sounds. It is likely that he learned Pitman while in law school.">phonography</div> today + will spend time on it till the session open on the 21st. inst. Recd. letter today of Sis. Cornelia’s marriage on Dec. 25, 1860. Tuesday, 15. Heavy rain ‘till 12 o’k and thundering ½ past one + still raining. Waters up + warm. 8 oclock at night. I resolve this eve. that I will spend a short time every night before retiring, in reflection upon the day past. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1f6469fda99e3f0de54477597e7b50da.jpg 6beb1bba79b4db934c8b3866fd1a9bcb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-01-16 1861-01-17 1861-01-18 1861-01-19 1861-01-20 1861-01-21 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> January, Wednesday, 16. 1861. Blew up cold last night.—Cold. Cloudy not freezing though, but appearance of snow. —At night 9 o’clock. I’ve read medicine, studied phonography + read law today. Retire. Thursday, 17. Morning frosty + clear. 8 o’clock at night. Thinking of the spent day.—My mind much troubles today, thinking of my wife + the future. I pray and retire. Friday, 18. Rain last night. Warm + clouds breaking away this morning —Wrote Mary Emma a long letter to-day: + am very anxious to hear from her +c. 9 o’clock. Retire. </td> <td> January, Saturday, 19. 1861. Frosty. Clear + calm. —My heart is sad, My live grows weary. I am lonely, And need company. —Recd. a letter from father to-day. He’s for the Union.—9, Retire. Sunday, 20. Frost, clear, calm. —At preeching + heard Rev. Poindexter preach.—His comparison of Christ’s love for the Church viz. Huband + wife. Sung tonight for Mrs. Hancock. Monday, 21. Cool, clear, AM. + cloudy P.M. 2’ in eve.—Left Col. Hancock’s + commenced boarding with N. Greene, Jun.—@ $14 + wash. $1 ¼. —Chums viz. Hynex, Gipson + Moffett. At Judge Green’s </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/68ecc20ebd26b339fb9bd74ebaa0c060.jpg b0806fef004027b83a11eb4ea70ac8af Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-01-22 1861-01-23 1861-01-24 1861-01-25 1861-01-26 1861-01-27 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> January, Tuesday, 22. 1861. Up at day light.—1st. morn. at Judge Greene’s. —Dreamed of seeing Mary Emma.— Very pretty morn. 10 o’clk, at Law Class 11 o’clk. at night.—Retire. Wednesday, 23. Up at 5 o’clk.— —Cloudy.—Music on the <div class="tooltip" title="The melodeon was a 19th-century reed organ, also known as the pump organ. These musical instruments were commonly located in churches and private homes during the Civil War era.">mellodian</div> by Mrs or Mr. Greene for morning worship at 7 o’clk. 10 at night.—Raining Commenced reviewing “Law Suit” to-day under <div class="tooltip" title="Abraham Caruthers was a professor and judge at Cumberland University where Woods attended law school. Alongside his brother, Robert L. Caruthers, he was an innovator in law instruction and a co-founder of the Cumberland School of Law, which was one of the first law schools in the South at the time.">Abe Caruthers.</div> Thursday, 24. 12 o’clock. Recited 1st. lesson to Judge Ab. Caruthers.—Heard <div class="tooltip" title="Andrew Ewing (1813-1864) was a Tennessee politician and lawyer. He served as a Democrat in Congress from 1849 to 1851 and then as a delegate to the 1860 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore. Even though Woods identifies him here as against secession, he later served in the Civil War as a judge in Confederate General Braxton Bragg’s military court.">Andrew Ewing,</div> on the Union + for it. 10 o’clk at night. Cool + clear.—Lesson studied. Wife thought of.—Retire. </td> <td> January, Friday, 25. 1861. Up at day-light Cloudy + cold. At Law Class [1 h?] after 9.—Wrote letter to Russell Meet with old class-mates at P.O. +c. 11 o’clk at night. Talked much to day +c. Saturday, 26. 10 o’clock at night This morn. there was snow on the ground, but melted away mostly today. Read some law today + spent some time gabbing. —At <div class="tooltip" title="The Amasagassean Society was one of three literary societies that existed at Cumberland University, made up largely of of students from the college of arts and literature. This society held public debates every week around social and political topics.">Amasagassean Society</div> tonight + am secretary +c. Retire. Sunday, 27. 11 o’clk at night. Morn. cool.—Went to Sabbath School + preaching. One new idea originated with me to-day viz An innocent girl seduced is yet good enough for a widower +c. Letter to W. Williams Ala.—Retire. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ae33870bdb009f4af0fe1d713bce5823.jpg b8e34b470dc1131efecd6fd24fbed24e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-01-28 1861-01-29 1861-01-30 1861-01-31 1861-02-01 1861-02-02 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> January, Monday, 28. 1861. Up at 6.—Clear + pleasantly cool. 9 at night Recited Law lesson [bene?] to Ab. Caruther —Read some secession speeches + am against them. Tuesday, 29. Up at 6. Breakfast at 8. Clear + pleasant. 11 at night. Lessons studied. —I’ve felt sad all day + wandering thoughts +c. Good-night. Wednesday, 30. 6 o’clock A.M. Clear + lovely morn —10 at night Lesson prepared —Nothing of interest today.—I feel melancholy.—recd. 3 letters for SL Russell Retire. </td> <td> January, Thursday, 31. 1861. Cool + cloudy. Read + studied politics today some —Read a letter from my father. —In politics I stand for the Union 10 at night.— February, Friday, 1. Well, I was up at day-light this morn. It has been rainy day.— Hopes of the country more flattering, but not much hope of reconciliation yet.—100 ½ Saturday, 2. Rainy— Spent much of the day in foolish talk + in political <div class="tooltip" title="“Confab” is a shortened version of the word “confabulate” which means to chat informally.">confab,</div> suffering myself too much swayed by custom. At debate at 7 P.M. 10 ½ P.M. Retire </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a6bf488427f6a8641933a9b1bae4b3d8.jpg a3b16ea46eebb5c89746e53d9f217778 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-02-03 1861-02-04 1861-02-05 1861-02-06 1861-02-07 1861-02-08 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> February, Sunday, 3. 1861. Got up too late this morning viz. 7. Cloudy + cool. Went to M.E Church + heard <div class="tooltip" title="This may refer to John Denison Baldwin (1809-1883), a Massachusetts politician, minister, and editor. Baldwin was an abolitionist and close friend of “Radical Republican” Charles Sumner, and served as the representative for Massachusetts in the US Senate throughout the war.">Dr. Baldwin</div> preach. + from him I quote;—“Learn the habit of doing right.” I retire at 10, P.M. Monday, 4. I write at 12 oclk tonight To recitation this morning. Heard <div class="tooltip" title="It is unclear who Woods is referring to in this sentence.">M. Clain Jordan [Stokes?] + Howard</div> speak on Union +c. Need a letter for Russell Dr. Baldwin’s tonight Tuesday, 5. Warm for the season. Cannons heard firing at Nashville, some secession news I suppose. </td> <td> February, Wednesday, 6. 1861. The news comes today that Texas has seceded from the Union. Star after star, is leaving the constellation of the United States.—They have the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-6-right-to-secede>right to secede" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 6, Right to Secede footnote" a="" rel="noopener"> but it is not wise to use that right.</a> Thursday, 7. Up at 6.—I was unwell last night + today. 10 o’clock P.M. I’ve been unwell today.—Went to sleep after dinner + woke thinking tomorrow morning Friday, 8. Warm for the season —Report is that Va. has voted to cling to the Union, but it is not altogether reliable. Read a letter from Cons. Asenath Haynes today.—I am unwell + disponding.—I’ll retire 8 oclk.—good bye. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e5415776a032c43a1b5c7d9dbbc1ca7a.jpg d4e98deaa8e7a3ee34897dc88fe8f6c0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-02-09 1861-02-10 1861-02-11 1861-02-12 1861-02-13 1861-02-14 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> February, Saturday, 9. 1861. I feel better this morn.—To day the Tenn. election comes off for Convention or No convention. Attend Amassagassean Society to night.— Sunday, 10. Warm, cloudy + windy this morning.— At preaching at Baptist Church.—Heard Rev. Griffets. Sensations came over me for one who is absent. Had Sunday political argument. Monday, 11. Up at day-light. Cloudy + warm. —The news is that <div class="tooltip" title="Following the secession decisions of the first seven, Deep South states, the Upper South states such as Tennessee all gathered their legislature to discuss secession. Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Carolina all decided not to secede in the first few months of 1861, later deciding to leave the Union after the battle at Fort Sumter.">Tenn. has voted against Convention.</div> At recitation from 9, till 11 A.M. Recd. letter from Mary Emma today. I trust God.—Retire. </td> <td> February, Tuesday, 12. 1861. Pleasant this morn. To recitation going, I saw Miss Silla Toliver sitting at her window! —She is a young lady whom I loved in 1858 + that love’s not gone tho’ she’s been seduced!— Wednesday, 13. I take a lonely walk at day-break. —At class at 9. Converse with <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-7-lyon" target="_blank" title="clcik to view Day by Day Journal, Page 7, Theodric C. Lyon footnote" rel="noopener">Theodric C. Lyon</a> on the Union —Windy + cloudy to-night.—My room-mate gone to wedding.—10.—Retire. Thursday, 14. Cloudy + rainy. Go to class, but the Judge is sick. Recv. 1 letter from Sis. Nannie + one from Emma—and she touched my heart.—I answer them both immediately. 9 ½ oclk. <div class="tooltip" title="Ennui is a feeling of listlessness and boredom that results from a lack of activity and excitement.">Enui</div> [ennui] + retire. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/deeac45575be0952a4c7ed7e7707ecb5.jpg b37b11c2595f2f39e0a81a8401360862 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-02-15 1861-02-16 1861-02-17 1861-02-18 1861-02-19 1861-02-20 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> February, Friday, 15. 1861. Raining this morn. —I go to recitation but Judge is sick +c. Argue with Lyon about Washington not being a commercial city.—10 at night. I’me lonely.—Retire. Saturday, 16. Snowing this morning and continued at intervals all day.—The ground just covered. 7 oclk. at “Amassagassean Society” + made a speech in favor of monarchy. 12 o’clk.—Retire. Sunday, 17. Snowing this morning, but it does not lye long. Go to preaching at Methodist Ch. + hear <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-8-pitts" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 8, Fountain E. Pitts footnote" rel="noopener">Fountain E Pitts. I study. I reflect. I sigh for brighter hope in the future</a> </td> <td> February, Monday, 18. 1861. Up at day-light. <s>A</s> Cool + frosty. At law recitation from 9 ½ to 11 ½ o’clock. After noon read <div class="tooltip" title="This likely refers to Quaker and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier’s book The Prose Works of John Greenleaf Whitter which was published in three volumes and focused on the Civil War, slavery, and the political strife of the mid-nineteenth century.">3rd Greenleaf</div> .—Take walk with Moffett (room-mate) Walk with Mrs. Green 10 Retire Tuesday, 19. Cloudy + rainy this morning.— To class at 9 A.M.—+ tried 2 cases in Moot Court and [gained?] them. Recd 1 letter from father 10 ½ o’clk P.M.—To bed. Wednesday, 20. I was up this morn. before day (for I don’t rest well these nights.) This morn at day-break I heard the quails + I saw 2 bright stars one in East + other in West about same light. —Wrote father letter +c. 9 o’clock.—Retire. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1285d54943f660c25bf7cdea28ff8b6c.jpg a2bd0c3f60262fb6d186e470c3f0371e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-02-21 1861-02-22 1861-02-23 1861-02-24 1861-02-25 1861-02-26 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> February, Thursday, 21. 1861. Pleasant for the season. I notice the people plowing in their gardens. Attended recitation studied my lesson for tomorrow. I’me lonely 9 ½ at night.—Retire. Friday, 22. Washington’s birth day. The wind blows like a March wind. I write 1 letter to S.L. Russell Ala. today + send him my likeness At celebration tonight Saturday, 23. The bells rang the alarm of fire at 3 this morn.—I went some cabins burned down.—threw water.—they saved the dwelling. —Letter from E.E. Evans of Edwardsport Ind. + answered it.—Thunder. Rain Debate. 10—retire. Cloudy + rainy. Go to class, but the Judge is sick. Recv. 1 letter from Sis. Nannie + one from Emma—and she touched my heart.—I answer them both immediately. 9 ½ oclk. Enui [ennui] + retire. </td> <td> February, Sunday, 24. 1861. Up early.—Snowing a little.—I went to Sabbath scool this morning + joined Judge Green’s class.—At preaching hear Poindexter at 11. + Crutcher at night. Read som law today. Monday, 25. Hear the 5 o’clock bell this morning + get up accordingly.—Read Story on conflicts of law —Breakfast at 8.—Go to recitation at 9. 9 ½ P.M.—Read law + some latin. Tuesday, 26. Beautiful morning. —Recd a letter from Sister Cornelia + answered it + sent a likeness to Mother. Talk politics, read and study. 9 o’clock. I’ll retire. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7dcf1765e03bdffde3788ed163b9be1c.jpg fb5578ddda1a12d01867f1b46cbf84e0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-02-27 1861-02-28 1861-03-01 1861-03-02 1861-03-03 1861-03-04 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> February, Wednesday, 27. 1861. Pleasant as spring. —Breakfast at 8. Recite law at 9 to 11. Dine at 1. Read Hatton’s and Andrew Johnson’s speeches for the Union. Read law at night. Thursay, 28. Up at day-light. Beautiful morn. People commencing to garden freely. Read Andrew Johnson’s speech, + endorse most of it. March, Friday, 1. Beautiful spring morn. I go + hear Judge Green [Sen?]. give Equity lecture. I saw wild Geese going North today.— I read secession paper + talk politics +c. At prayer meeting tonight Cast up my Accts for Feb. </td> <td> March, Saturday, 2. 1861. Hail spring like morn —Recv a letter from S.L. Russell,—+ ans. it.—Visit N. Hancock + settle acct. +c. Hear of persons laying off corn-ground. —At Debate to-night Sunday, 3. Up at daylight. Clouding up, wind blowing.—Go to Sunday school.—Recite an interesting lesson. Hard wind blows the ladies dresses nearly over their heads. 11 ½ at night—Retire. Monday, 4. Cool this morn, but not freezing.—Peach blooms beginning to show.—Hear General <div class="tooltip" title="Robert L. Caruthers was a judge, politician, and cofounder of the Cumberland School of Law that Woods attended. Although he was elected governor of Confederate Tennessee, he never took office due to growing Union control in the state.">Rob, Caruthers</div> speak to day of the “Peace Conference” from which he’d just returned. 9 o’clock P.M.—I’me forlorn + melancholy.—R </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6597b028a3b554e1ea7b38953e26b890.jpg f465b2e6c8c0508ace9ca2a822c0f83f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-03-05 1861-03-06 1861-03-07 1861-03-08 1861-03-09 1861-03-10 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> March, Tuesday, 5. 1861. Up at day-light. A little snow on the ground. At recitation from 9 ‘till 11.—Recd 2 letters. One from Emma + 1 from W. Williams. Wrote 2 letters, 1 to Emma + 1 <s>th</s> to her sis.—10 P.M. Wednesday, 6. Ground frozen. Write a letter to Dr. P.D. [Sims?] of Chattanooga. Spent some of the day to bad advantage Flowers are in bloom. Plums + peach blooms showing. Thursday, 7. 5 ½ A.M.—Pleasant. I knew the law lesson well. Bad case about to come off among the boys —Saw peach blooms out in full. 10 o’clock P.M.—Retire. </td> <td> March, Friday, 8. 1861. A little cloudy.—Wind rises + blows very hard, + drives the dusk. Recv. a letter from father + ans. it.—Send law license to Plowman. I was instrumental in stoping a *[duel today.] Thunder. Saturday, 9. Cool + clear. Write a speech for debate in Amassagassean Society.—Recv. one letter from Couz. Wm Ervin.— 11 o’clock—To bed Sunday, 10. Frosty. Peach blo [page torn] covered +c [page torn] </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e3c4d7e60507386a16b48b10fdf3aa4f.jpg 5937cbb66113e1e6baaf445b7f9bed1e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-03-11 1861-03-12 1861-03-13 1861-03-14 1861-03-15 1861-03-16 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> March, Monday, 11. 1861. Pleasanter.— At class, I sit by a window in the 3rd story of Cumberland University building. Recd a letter from father + one of Nancy + ans. them.—Retire at 10. Tuesday, 12. Up at early dawn. Have a case in moot court this morn. Recd. 1st No. of “Day Book”.—Get acquantainted with Mrs. Poindexter.—Read law. Study about home.— Wednesday, 13. When day begins to p [page torn] up my [page torn] </td> <td> March, Thursday, 14. 1861. Up at daylight. Cloudy + turning colder.—I read some in <div class="tooltip" title="Heroines of the Crusades is about the history of women in the Crusades of the Middle Ages, which was first published in 1854 by Celestia Angenette Bloss.">Heroines of Crusades.</div> Go to recitation.—Read Parson on Contracts after noon. Very cold tonight. Friday, 15. Frosty.—Cloudy. At recitation,—I answer a ques. that no one else in the class seemed to be able to ans.—Dinner.—Sing—Read.—Go to prayer-meeting.—9 P.M.—Retire. Saturday, 16. Warm + Cloudy [page torn] my les [page torn] </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/666f760a534ba05d0686ca48ed8ed6e2.jpg 7ca9d911fd734113dfc07cc0946ec09e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-03-17 1861-03-18 1861-03-19 1861-03-20 1861-03-21 1861-03-22 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> March, Sunday, 17. 1861 Cloudy. I go to Sunday School. Write a letter to Emma. At night I go to Baptist Church. <div class="tooltip" title="'This" is="" a="" quote="" from="" the="" bible="" found="" in="" proverbs="" chapter="" 27="" verse="" 6:="" ldquo="" faithful="" are="" wounds="" of="" friend="" but="" kisses="" an="" enemy="" deceitful="" rdquo="" king="" james="">“The wounds of a friend are wholesome + but + kisses of ruinous enemies</div> Monday, 18. Up at 5. Cloudy + cool.—Recd. a letter from SL Russell + ans it +c. Tuesday, 19. Heavy frost,—ground [page torn] Clear [page torn] </td> <td> March, Wednesday, 20. 1861. Up at peep of day. Cloudy. Blows up very hard + cold + snows. The peach blooms look rather bashful, while the snow is falling.—My case in Moot Court all right.—To my room, read, dinner, read. Unwell + retire at 8 oclk. Thursday, 21. Up and take my walk ‘here it is daylight. Ground frozen hard. Hear that the Convention of Arkansas has gone for the Union. Wrote a letter this eve. to Cous Asenath Haynes. At Methodist prayer meeting. Friday, 22. Warmer, appearance of rain.—Recitation, my papers on an ejectment case examined by Judge H. + found to be nearly correct. I have fever in my head, hence I did not study this eve.—Go to prayer meeting. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c3350233d6c1f007f0becd83f1d617c0.jpg 8b15b8d35bf0ef7940291d9d4da91e91 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-03-23 1861-03-24 1861-03-25 1861-03-26 1861-03-27 1861-03-28 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> March, Saturday, 23. 1861. I didn’t rest well last night.—Dreamed of seeing Emma, + father. Rained some this morning. Wind high. Cloudy. At debate. Speak. Sunday, 24. Pretty morn. I go to Sunday School. Hear Rev. Young preach + at night F.E Pitts. I’ve an aching void, That none ‘ere can fill My life an anxious hope Are drinking sadness. Monday, 25. Up at 5.—I take regularly my morning walk, thinking + plucking virgin flowers.—I kiss a peach bloom, to the pureity of Emma.—Apple blooms. beginning to show. Recited 1st lesson in <div class="tooltip" title="This is a reference to James Kent, who wrote the Commentaries on American Law, first published in 1826 as a four-volume tome.">4th Kent</div> very windy evening. </td> <td> March, Tuesday, 26. 1861. I studied very hard yesterday,—rested badly last night,—had sad dreams +c. Wind high + Cloudy this morn. Dust flying.—Recd a letter from Sis. Carrie, + ans. it. Wednesday, 27. Cleared off in the night + is cooler this morning. I saw a butterfly yesterday + 2 today. <s>Recd a letter from Sis. Carrie today,+</s> Study hard but to much disadvantage Thursday, 28. Up early. I take my morning walk as usual. At night go to the Methodist prayer meeting. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/43f5aca2707a454a2522d7e4eb5adf67.jpg da51bd12e31e4de37a2a98afcee666bd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-03-29 1861-03-30 1861-03-31 1861-04-01 1861-04-02 1861-04-03 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> March, Friday, 29. 1861. I dreamed much last night. <s>S</s> Very windy + dusty + cloudy.— Recv. a letter from Emma dated 18, pres. inst. + answer it.—Just at night a storm lightning + thunder. Saturday, 30. I feel meditative this morn. Read in 4th, Kent.—Learn to play drafts.—Write letter to SL Russell. After supper, go to the Society fill my place as Secretary, the last night my term +c, + am elected Librarian.—10 oclock P.M. Retire Sunday, 31. Up to <s>be</s> meet the clear rising Sun<s>d</s> of day. Rejoicing throwing light in his pathway. A Sunday School, then Methodist meeting At night hear <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-15-universalism" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 15, Universalism footnote" rel="noopener">Rev. Young against Universalism</a> </td> <td> April, Monday, 1. 1861. Cloudy this morning + raining a little, still I take my morning ramble before the town awakens. I pluck a bunch of apple blooms + kiss away their tears. A letter from father + Cornelia Hear <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-15-hatton" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 15, Robert Hopkins Hatton footnote" rel="noopener">Hatton</a> make a Union speech Tuesday, 2. Raining this morning. Some confusion this morn among the boys on account of the <div class="tooltip" title="“Shivaree” was a noisy group of people celebrating a wedding or a newly wedded couple.">shiveree</div> last night. Made Gibson a little mad at me tonight. Wednesday, 3. Pleasant morning. Knew my lesson extra well.—Wheatfields, meadows + trees all verdant. At night attended the Baptist prayer meeting. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/588b6a5d1f21e594555844b7af22c587.jpg 0be0df853efb992036fba1837cc959cf Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-04-04 1861-04-05 1861-04-06 1861-04-07 1861-04-08 1861-04-09 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> April, Thursday, 4. 1861. Arose early + took my morning walk.—Look with delight upon the blooming field + green trees. Read recite, + prepare a case. Go up to the Amisagessean Hall + spend 2 hrs. in <s>among the</s> library. Methodist prayer meeting. Friday, 5. Cloudy, but pleasant. Recited Read Constitution of the Southern Confederacy. Take a long walk + read <div class="tooltip" title="Paradise Regained was an epic poem written in 1671 by John Milton that echoes Milton’s earlier, more famous work, Paradise Lost.">Milton’s Paradis regained</div> while in the groves +c. Saturday, 6. Very pleasant morning. Read + think. Prepare for the debate. Enjoy myself swinging some +c.—Go to the Society + take my position as Librarian. Speak on <div class="tooltip" title="Roman Catholicism.">Romanism.</div> </td> <td> April, Sunday, 7. 1861. Rain, lightened + thundered last night, but nearly clear this morn. Go to S. School + then to preaching at C.J. Church At night go to hear Rev Young on Universalism. Lightening in North west. Monday, 8. Raining. 5 o’clk. <s>Up</s> to be at my studies. Recite 1st lesson in <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-16-lomax" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 16, John Tayloe Lomax footnote" rel="noopener">Lomax on Executors. </a> Rained nearly all day. Read Day Book. I stand for the Union Policy yet. Tuesday, 9. Not up so early this morn. Cloudy. Breakfast at 7 A.M. Read. Recite. Write a letter to Sm’l Caldwell. Dine at 1 P.M. Read. Supper at sunset. Study. Retire at 10 oclock P.M. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b788f2aeba488440de96274cc595c6cf.jpg 38d4db688438255e2a5541e55d586db8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-04-10 1861-04-11 1861-04-12 1861-04-25 1861-04-26 1861-04-27 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> April, Wednesday, 10. 1861. A beautiful day.—Cloudy in the evening. Much excitement around P.O. + everywhere on account of serious apprehensions of war between the U.S. + Southern Confederacy. Thursday, 11. Cloudy + Rainy. Recitation in Lomax. Attend Chancery Court held by Judge Riddley. Recd a letter of the 6, inst from SL Russell + ans. it. Allowed myself to be drawn into a child’s quarrel +c. Friday, 12. Cloudy. A few hard *[words with Moffet.] At prayer meeting at C.P. church. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-17-sumter" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 17, Battle of Fort Sumter footnote" rel="noopener">Battle of Fort Sumpter</a>. </td> <td> April, Thursday, 25. 1861. Beautiful morn. Judges talks about the right of secession +c Much excitement,—College about breaking up. News, that <http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-17-fort-pickens' target='_blank' title='click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 17, Fort Pickens'>fort Pickens is taken by Con. Sts.—+ <div class="tooltip" title="There were a few little skirmishes following Fort Sumter; however, none of these battles are widely recognized now. It is also possible that Woods may be referencing the riots that broke out in Baltimore as Union soldiers traveled south through the city. The first actual battle after Fort Sumter occurred on July 21 at Bull Run.">fighting in Maryland + Va.</div> Drill +c. +c. Friday, 28. Bright morn. Martins + birds singing. Trees green. +c.—News that armies North + South are concentrating at Washington. Excitement. Companies enrolling.—Recd. letter from Francis + Emma + ans. Saturday, 27. Soft pleasant morn. Companies drilling Ladies making uniforms for the volunteers. I fear the Records libraries +c will be burned at Washington by the contending armies.—Rain + Storm.—Read <div class="tooltip" title="This may refer to two different books: The Peace Manual: Or, War and its Remedies by George Cone Beckwith, published in 1847, or The Manual of Peace; Exhibiting the Evils and Remedies of War by Thomas C. Upham, published in 1836, both of which were published by the American Peace Society of Boston.">“Peace Manual.”</div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/61897ccc8cf243913bc0cd62790b8897.jpg 3bc80a4a7805e82274ce08fb74047b79 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-04-28 1861-04-29 1861-04-30 1861-05-01 1861-05-02 1861-05-03 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> April, Sunday 28. 1861. Bright morn.—Cool. Read “Peace Manual.” Go to church, + Poindexter prayes a prayer for war + I prayed for it not to be answered.—In evening hear Rev. Roylston address the volunteers.—We don’t pray for enemies, but that they should die +c. Monday, 29. Clear + cool. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-18-harney" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 18, William S. Harney footnote" rel="noopener">Hear of Harney being captured by Virginia troops.</a> Rulers trying to come to terms of peace also. +c. No recitation, the Senior Law Class having adjourned <div class="tooltip" title="A Latin phrase that means ending without another starting date in mind.">sine die</div> las Friday.—Read Peac Man. Tuesday, 30. Cloudy—Dreamed of war last night +c. Read <div class="tooltip" title="This refers to James Parton’s Life of Andrew Jackson, first published in 1860.">Parton on Jackson,</div> Peace Manual Newspaperss +c.—A lonesome day to me. —I ate some strawberries last Sunday. Wrote letter to Evans [JM?] </td> <td> May, Wednesday, 1. 1861. Up at sun-up. Clear. Not much exciting news today. Some think the war between N + S will be compromised. Wrote letter to father.—Visit Hancock’s tell them good bye.—Prepare to leave tomorrow. Thursday, 2. Clear. Some frost. <s>L</s> Flag by ladies of Lebanon to the company. Leave Lebanon for Nashville at 12 ½, At Nashville [against?] dark See trees, May-apple blooms +c +c. + the Hermitage. On way to White Plains Friday, 3. Clear. Excitement continually Left Nashville for Chattanooga at 8 ½ on Nashville + Chattanooga RR. At Chattanooga on Road to Atlanta, at 1 ½ in night Mr—tells that on last Wednesday there was snow in N.Y. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/80d07755f09d25023b41fc22dcfaded1.jpg 0b57d7d3784c0b459702232926784944 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-05-04 1861-05-05 1861-05-06 1861-05-07 1861-05-08 1861-05-09 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> May, Saturday, 4. 1861 Clear—cool.—Arrived at Kingston at 6 AM, left for Rome at 2 P.M, + arrived there at 4 ½.—Remained all nights at Etawa House.—See companies drill—pretty women walk in [sts?]. +c. Tenn. Seceded. +c. Sunday, 5. Left Rome for Cross Plains Ala. at 7 this morn.—Rain all day. Taripen Creek up so stage can’t cross. At Mr. Graham’s tonight. —Saw today cotton, corn-growing.—wheat + oat heading Monday, 6. Cloudy + cool. Waters still up.—All day at Mr. Graham’s creek being up. Whiling away time is very unpleasant to me. Rain + hail A.M.—Breaking off this evening. Talk with children +c then go to bed. Ark. seceded. </td> <td> May, Tuesday, 7. 1861. Up at Sun-up. Clear + cool Leave Mr Graham’s at 12 o’clock for White Plains (or Mr Caldwell’s) distance 23 m —Arrive at Mr Caldwell’s at Sundown + Meet Emma. + her folks.—See a happy evening Va. joined the C.S.A. Wednesday, 8. Clear, pleasant + cool. Talk with Emma about going to Mo.—Cotton + corn up + being worked. Rye + wheat heading. At S. Caldwell’s Thursday, 9. Clear. <s>cool</s> warm. Go up to White Plains —See acquaintances +c. —Walk about the plantation, to look at cotton corn +c. Wrote a letter to Judge Green + one to father. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f01f3d199eabf3d9ce6f3b76cbc32f9a.jpg 1b4a450f5130c4731c7c217f9816a5d2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-05-10 1861-05-11 1861-05-12 1861-05-13 1861-05-14 1861-05-15 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> May, Friday, 10. 1861. Sleep to late this morn. —Cloudy + warm Go to the muster at Elston’s—make a little speech to the volunteers. I feel some what lost because I canot hear the news regularly here. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-20-fight-at-st-louis" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 20, Fight at St. Louis footnote" rel="noopener">Fight at St Louis</a> +c Saturday, 11. Cloudy +c. Go to the muster again today + <s>make</s> deliver an addres to the audience, upon the Southern view of our political affairs <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-20-robert-anderson" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 20, Robert Anderson footnote" rel="noopener">Maj. Anderson at Phila.</a> Sunday, 12. Up early.—Clear + balmy morn. Read my Bible + other books. At Mr. Caldwell’s all day.—Read. Sing +c with Emma + the girls </td> <td> May, Monday, 13. 1861. Cloudy + cool for the season. Go to P.O. + read Day. Bk Wrote 1 letter to [Van Evine?] + 1 to Russell. Tuesday, 14. Pleasant + foggy. Helped to make <div class="tooltip" title="When potato plants are 10-12 inches high, they require that a little hill be built around their stem to keep the developing tuber covered.">potatoe hills</div> Read. Hoe +c People in suspense about the war + about the Africans. <s>I</s> Wednesday, 15. Pleasant. Read in ‘peace man’l’ Make up potatoe hills Spend p’rt [part] of the day fishing +c. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/91534576d35faf65350d7723a9c5a76e.jpg 0cdb03706b011fa97f1d69458017cc1d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-05-16 1851-05-17 1861-05-18 1861-05-19 1861-05-20 1861-05-21 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> May, Thursday, 16. 1861. Cool + pleasant. Went to White Plains. Read. Write 1 letter to SL Russell. See acct. of the troubles in Mo + feel for my state +c. Friday, 17. Cool.—I hoe + replant corn +c Saturday, 18. Cloudy.—Go into Emma’s flower garden, nurse +c. Hoe corn Talk of the state of the country +c </td> <td> May, Sunday, 19. 1861. Raining this morning. I feel quite common. Remain at Emma’s home, reading, Singing + talking. I feel restless. Monday, 20. Raining in the morn. I went to the P.O. + recd. letters remailed from Lebanon. 1 fr’m [from] father + 2 fr’m Emma. Read news +c. Rain again in eve. Conven. N.C. convenes Tuesday, 21. Cloudy + cool. Write 1 letter to father + 1 to Judge Green. Nurse, read + talk the balance of the day. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f62dde95333640ad1c17eec944dc8622.jpg f1c56ec389a5c441da05f441dbc3e318 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-05-22 1861-05-23 1861-05-24 1861-05-25 1861-05-26 1861-05-27 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> May, Wednesday, 22. 1861. Very cool for the times of the year. Wheat in the [?] + oats fully heading, corn (highest) knee high. Thursday, 23. Very cool +c. Go to P.O. To Mrs. Smith’s school Read +c. See accts. of the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-22-tenn-mo" target="_blank'" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 22, Tennessee and Missouri footnote">disturbances in Mo. + in Tenn. at Knoxville</a> Friday, 24. Clear + cool. Hoe corn nearly all day. </td> <td> May, Saturday, 25. 1861. Pleasant Hoed corn +c Sunday, 26. Pleasant + clear Sing + read some in <div class="tooltip" title="This refers to Charles Anthon’s Classical Dictionary, which focused on the names, geography, art, and mythology of Greek and Roman society.">Anthon’s classical Dic.</div> Monday, 27. Cool Getting tolerably dry + no appearance of rain Corn + cotton are small for the season </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c34b813f3b4dfdf8df307d9e511b44cd.jpg 74a354af9ea3e1f4a86553a1e39407e3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-05-28 1861-05-29 1861-05-30 1861-05-31 1861-06-01 1861-06-02 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> "May, Tuesday, 28. 1861. Pleasant. Hoe corn +c. Wednesday, 29. The ground is very hard + dry.—Some are cutting wheat. Huckleberries Rasp-berries, mulberries + due berries are ripe Thursday, 30. Getting warmer Huckle-berries ripe Due-berries + tame cherries getting ripe Rcd. a letter from SL Russell + ans. it. " </td> <td> May, Friday, 31. 1861. Warm + getting very dry. Hoe corn. Write a letter to father +c. Visited Rec. SL Smith + wife. June, Saturday, 1. At Parson Smith’s, Spent the night + morn very pleasantly. Read speech of <div class="tooltip" title="Edward Everett (1794-1865) was a Northern orator, pastor, and politician who is now largely remembered for speaking at the dedication of the Gettysburg Soldiers’ Cemetery alongside Lincoln in 1863. Outside of his career as an orator, Everett also served as the governor of Massachusetts, a Congressman, and diplomat to England.">Ed. Everett</div> in New York Observer + approve it +c. Plowed corn +c. Sunday, 2. Getting warm +dry. Read with the children in Testament. Go to Chosey Spring to hear JMLD Smith preach.—See some of my old students +c. Read in Bible </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a1b319c8ba911640b1dca58f6d5d29e1.jpg 3d6bb68fbc145fe3fb4c72e4401b15f5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-06-03 1861-06-04 1861-06-05 1861-06-06 1861-06-07 1861-06-08 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> June, Monday, 3. 1861. Warm. Go to the Plains No fresh news. Go to the X Roads + find persons who are opposed to the Southern Confederacy Tuesday, 4. Cloudy. Rain. Plowing today. Cut + bound wheet a little in the eve. Wednesday, 5. Fogy. + warm Plow water-melon patch.—Go with my wife + Francis Huckle-berry hunting Go to X Roads, learn of human nature +c </td> <td> June, Thursday, 6. 1861. Warm.—Go to White Plains Recv. 1 letter from Sis Nan 1 fr’m father. 1 from Coz. Calvin, 1 from Judge Green. Bind + shock wheat P.M.— Friday, 7. Cool + pleasant, but the ground is getting very dry. Corn small for the season. Oats nearly ripe. Bound + shocked wheat all day. Saturday, 8. Flying clouds. Go to the Plains + make arrangements to <s>go</s> start to Mo. Go to muster ground at Elston’s:—hear Judge Martin speak see friends +c. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/88c39b613ae1c4bd8f9a6c31e8ea443b.jpg 2d8c787db22391e70ad0758c68bcfdd6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-06-09 1861-06-10 1861-06-11 1861-06-12 1861-06-13 1861-06-14 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> June, Sunday, 9. 1861. Morning cloudy. At Emma’s father’s [W.N. Hanna] goes to the C.F. Camp-ground to fit it up for his volunteer company.—Pat-rolers [patrollers] out +c. Evening hard rain + hail. Monday, 10. Pleasant. Help to set out Sweet potatoe slips water-melon vines blooming.—Go visiting with wife to Borders + William’s [Sc?] corn [tasting?] Beans for dinner Tuesday, 11. Clear + cool Bind oats A.M. Go to muster ground in the P.M. </td> <td> June, Wednesday, 12. 1861. Cool. Bind oats A.M. Help hall oats P.M. Thursday, 13. A little cloudy. Help hall oats A.M. Write to Sis Carrie + Bro Calvin. Go to P.O. Friday, 14. Cool + pleasant Go to White Plains mail a line to SL Russell Visit Mrs. Smith’s school Hope mother-in-law string beans for dinner </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/811c92f66945fbdf9bce6d76f7ee2f97.jpg 641e160af405fad1e6937c55c5c579b9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-06-15 1861-06-16 1861-06-17 1861-06-18 1861-06-19 1861-06-20 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> June, Saturday, 15. 1861. Cloudy, but no rain.—ground getting dry. Bound + shocked oats. <s>A</s> In evening gathered Dew-berries with the girls +c.—Argue some + learn a lesson of human nature. Sunday, 16. Clear + pleasant breeze. Remain at home with Emma + take a short walk to the shady grove for social converse. Monday, 17. Cool. At home writing +c. </td> <td> June, Tuesday, 18. 1861. Cool + pleasant. To-day WR Hanna’s company of volunteers left for Montgomery. Read +c. Wednesday, 19. Warmer. Hope <s>to</s> hall wheat all day. Thursday, 20. Warm. Halling wheat. At night.—Read the war news +c. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e93e7e4bf5e07db132cf7bdbf73b909f.jpg e9e60dbcf9a60e939abf19cffecdfa8a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-06-21 1861-06-22 1861-06-23 1861-06-30 1861-07-01 1861-07-02 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> June, Friday, 21. 1861. Warm + clear Do nothing A.M. Thrash some wheat in the afternoon Saturday, 22. Warm + dry. Fan, wheat AM Shell some corn +c. Sunday, 23. Bright emblem of eternal rest. Sing + read. </td> <td> June, Sunday, 30. 1861. Clear + no appearance of rain. Remained at father-in-law’s all day reading writing +c. July, Monday, 1. A little cloudy. I help hall up the oats.—Some appearance of rain. Tuesday, 2. Cool + appearance of dry weather. Hall oats, again + finish,—hall wheat to [garner?] +c Saw the comet to night, a brilliant star with a long tail Sing + read. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d7bc6359b009308ecb83f3005e4f60dc.jpg f49f8b41e0d69b4931fa4f30f905e40a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-07-03 1861-07-04 1861-07-05 1861-07-06 1861-07-07 1861-07-08 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> July, Wednesday, 3. 1861. Cloudy + wind from the South East. Visited Mr. Smith’s school + dined with Mr. Crankfield Thursday, 4. Cloudy. Go to White Plains Mail a letter to father My 27th birth-day Squirel for dinner +c Raining nicely This the day <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-28-lincoln-message" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 28, Lincoln" s="" message="" july="" 4="" 1861="" footnote="" rel="noopener">Pres. Lincoln publishes his message.</a> (See 11) Friday, 5. Cloudy + some rain Read + managed about the cows, horses hogs +c in pasture </td> <td> July, Saturday, 6. 1861. Fogy.—Go to the mountains with [Jno?] + Mr. Caldwell after white oak to bottom chairs +c.—Help bottom chairs +c. Sunday, 7. Read + go to church. Monday, 8. Cool. Unwell this morn. Thunder cloud,—lightning strikes a tree within 15 yds of my window. this eve, + rain. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/679ef0929e6e02e088c6e84d306294ec.jpg 8818ac69cb4dcc413cd23a6430b41646 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-07-09 1861-07-10 1861-07-11 1861-07-12 1861-07-13 1861-07-14 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> July, Tuesday, 9. 1861. Fog rising in the valley Corn +c in a thriving case since the rains. Shell corn. Unwell after-noon Wednesday, 10. Pleasant. I had a chill AM + fever P.M. Lightening + thunder in the E + [M.E.?] Thursday, 11. Cool Go to White Plains to get medicine to break the chills +c.— Put article for School in Dr Evins’ hands Read the latest news + synopsis of Lincoln’s message of the 4th, +c. </td> <td> July, Friday, 12. 1861. Very cool for the season —I’m taking quinine to break the chills +c. —I feel very sad + reflective on acct. of my country’s condition. Saturday, 13. Still cool,—clouding up a little. Write Russell a letter. Remain at Home with Emma + the babe all day Eat some this year’s peaches +c. Sunday, 14. Pleasant + clear. Dress,—Read Bible,—+ take a walk carying my babe with me to the shade. Read +c all day </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b1d1bdef09e4f686c3b476b5983a1472.jpg 892187756d90d9993cc5c1ff361cd44c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-07-15 1861-07-16 1861-07-17 1861-07-18 1861-07-19 1861-07-20 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> July, Monday, 15. 1861. So cool that a coat + fire feels very comfortable. —Go to White Plains + see E. Smyth’s company organize +c. See about school money +c. Tuesday, 16. Cloudy. Go to Jacksonville to see [Dadson?] +c Raining Wednesday, 17. Raining this morning —Water-melons getting ripe,—tomatoes cucumbers +c. </td> <td> July, Thursday, 18. 1861. Raining.—Go to White Plains to recv. the school money for + +. 1860. Recv. $115.75, but lose 88 [at?] on it.—Crankfield gets $24.08 + 24.08 for Borders.— Caldwell $74.08 others balance +c. Friday, 19. Cloudy. Remain in the house most of the day.— Saturday, 20. Pleasant. Help mind up the broken wagon —Hall some apples + make cider </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/17d881428b36c3aaea1f552b8f6b2242.jpg f73b9acb3819754950892d5cea501a51 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-07-21 1861-07-22 1861-07-23 1861-07-24 1861-07-25 1861-07-26 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> July, Sunday, 21. 1861. Scattering clouds. Read Bible + sing +c. The <div class="tooltip" title="As the first large battle of the Civil War, this battle is most well-known for the picnickers that came from Washington, D.C. to witness it, the inconsistent uniforms and flags, and chaotic retreat of the Federal army. The battle occurred on July 21, 1861 and provided the first hint of how massive and long the war would become.">Great Battle at Manassas Junction in Va.</div> Monday, 22. Cloudy + raining. Go to Davisville + Mary goes with me. + we get wet coming back. Tuesday, 23. Cloudy. We hoe corn and make cider. </td> <td> July, Wednesday, 24. 1861. Very cool for the season. Go down to Hanna’s tan-yard. Read the news of the greates battle between the Federal troops and the Confederates in Va. Thursday, 25. Pleasant. Go to Jacksonville + White Plains See Judge Jo. Walker of Montgomery + others Friday, 26. Warmer. At home trying to study + teach Emma + the children.—I feel much depressed. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/92677b40bfd67418a703f47a567b7857.jpg 2c71218c67048cc414feff74cf3ec95f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-07-27 1861-07-28 1861-07-29 1861-07-30 1861-07-31 1861-08-01 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> July, Saturday, 27. 1861. Cool + pleasant in the morning. [3?] There is a great deal of anxiety in the mind of people about the war. Go to Esq. Thompson’s after School money + recv. $14.35.—Roast-en-ears for Supper Sunday, 28. Very pleasant morn. We have a fine treat of good water-melons this morning.+ in the evening. Read + sing with Emma. +c. Monday, 29. Pleasant A.M. + warm P.M. In Mary’s room all day teaching [+c?] </td> <td> July, Tuesday, 30. 1861. Cool.—getting dry Teaching children + Emma again. Wrote letter to father. Wednesday, 31. Warmer. Reading in Federalist + teaching the children + Emma. August, Thursday, 1. Pleasant. Read news of the Battle at Manassas +c Teach Emma in E Grammar + Arithmetic. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6cb993f285e3a5eeb39504d8f3fa5254.jpg e358cf061615a88c3ce37f09894a6af3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-08-02 1861-08-03 1861-08-04 1861-08-05 1861-08-06 1861-08-07 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> August, Friday, 2. 1861. Cloudy + thundering away off this morn. Study +c all day Rains a little this eve. Saturday, 3. Warm. I feel dejected Read +c.—Finish reading the Federalist + commence <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-33-grimshaw" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 33, William Grimshaw footnote" rel="noopener">History of England (Grimshaw’s)</a>. Sunday, 4. Pleasant breeze + a little cloudy Read Bible +c. Have some fine water-melons again this morn. Spent a monotonous day +c. </td> <td> August, Monday 5. 1861. Cloudy + some prospect of rain. Election day but I feel but little interest in it +c. See the rain bow in the east.—Eat peaches +c +c. Rumors from the war Tuesday, 6. Cloudy + fogy. Read His. Eng. and teach Emma + the children. Wednesday, 7. Cloudy + some rain. Reading, teaching +c. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d6ce8271ad4d29f4c2e0d085b79d3b12.jpg 16189f2f65706bf3dda6c4ae0ac70b64 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-08-08 1861-08-09 1861-08-10 1861-08-11 1861-08-12 1861-08-13 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> August, Thursday, 8. 1861. Raining. Go to White Plains Border’s +c. Friday, 9. Raining I read +c. Saturday, 10. Cloudy. Emma, studying E Grammar + arithmetic I reading history of Eng. + teaching <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-34-battle-wilsons-creek" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 34, Battle of Wilson" s="" creek="" footnote="" rel="noopener">Battle near Springfield Mo.</a> </td> <td> August, Sunday, 11. 1861. Flying clouds. + warm Read Bible +c with Emma. Eat water-melon musk-melons, peaches +c. Monday, 12. Very rainy day Read + teach. Tuesday, 13. Raining A.M. Teaching Emma + the other children at home </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8f51d0f42079beb5eca23cb350399e66.jpg 6bd0a16cafdac008bf8d6c05853243eb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-08-14 1861-08-15 1861-08-16 1861-08-17 1861-08-18 1861-08-19 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> August, Wednesday, 14. 1861. Cleared off after several days rain Teaching +c. Thursday, 15. Cloudy + so cool that a coat is comfortable. Read war news +c. Friday, 16. Clear + warmer. Go out into the mountains after pine.—From the top of the mountain I can see the Chockolocko Valley + the mountains to Oxford + below. 25-40. </td> <td> August, Saturday, 17. 1861. Raining.— Became acquainted with Barkley + Brown from Taladega. Read of the battle in Mo. between <div class="tooltip" title="The Battle of Wilson’s Creek was fought between Union forces led by Nathaniel Lyon and Franz Sigel, Confederate troops led by Ben McCulloch, and the Missouri State Guard led by Sterling Price.">Lyon + M Culloch.</div> Sunday, 18. Somewhat cloudy Read Bible with Em. Eat some fine water-melon.— Finish History of England. Monday, 19. Cloudy + warm. Write a letter to Sis. Carrie. I’me much confused. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/269f6a96463e5843895b617c080ea93a.jpg 637cc8d590740db8447d95c6c2b3e2d8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-08-20 1861-08-21 1861-08-22 1861-08-23 1861-08-24 1861-08-25 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> August, Tuesday, 20. 1861. Still cloudy. Spent portion of the day idlely. Corn. reading <div class="tooltip" title="The Spirit of Laws was published in 1748 by Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu as one of the first examples of comparative law studies. The book inspired many of the American Founding Fathers, supporting the early ideas of constitutional government, the separation of powers, and the end of slavery.">Montesquieu’s spirit of Laws.</div> Wednesday, 21. Fogy —Sun shining in morning.—Raining P.M. Reading Montesquieu + teaching Emma. Thursday, 22. Clear + warm A.M. Read +c. War news.—The Great battle in Mo. which occured about the 8th Aug. Raining P.M. </td> <td> August, Friday, 23. 1861. Raining Reading Montesquieu + teaching Emma. Very hard rain P.M. Saturday, 24. Raining this morn. Read +c. Clear off in the evening. Sunday, 25. Clear + very cool this morning. Spent the day idly. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ddf1538529bc6a60da9caa433ea90396.jpg 8a8763d821862a31c8d5a5663bfe8084 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-08-26 1861-08-27 1861-08-28 1861-08-29 1861-08-30 1861-08-31 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> August, Monday, 26. 1861. Cool + pleasant. Fodder ready to pull + some have gathered 2 weeks agoo. Went down to Tan-yard:—take items +c. Tuesday, 27. Cloudy + fogy. Reviewing Geometry + Reading., teaching +c. The war news seems to be suspended +c. Wednesday, 28. Cloudy. At Home +c. </td> <td> August, Thursday, 29. 1861. Raining Go to White Plains Read latest war-news +c. Friday, 30. Cloudy. Commenced pulling fodder +c. Saturday, 31. Clear + wind from the North. Pulling fodder with Mr. + John + Samuel Caldwell + tied up 230 bundles in eve. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/030708312874afa5c31f6addec21fff9.jpg 2efcf72ae3640ae120df6b6e76cded26 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> September, Sunday, 1. 1861. Clear + pleasant. Read Bible + Sing. Eat watermelons Muscadines +c. Monday, 2. Clear + pleasant. Pull + bind fodder. hear of the <div class="tooltip" title="This likely refers to the Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries, fought on August 28-29, 1861, along the Outer Banks. This battle was the first example of a combined army-navy operation of the war and the Union’s success prevented Confederates from using the forts along Hatteras Inlet as bases for commerce raiding activity.">U.S. troops gaining 1 or 2 victories in N.C.</div> Tuesday, 3. Clear—cool. Pulling foder +c again While at work think of writing a history of secession Think of the time I’me losing in forming public character </td> <td> September, Wednesday, 4. 1861. Clear—pleasant. Pulled fodder +c. Thursday, 5. Clear. Measured up the toll-wheat to M. Kinley viz. 19 2/3 [bun?]. Pull + bind fodder —Thunder P.M. +c. In evening rains wets our fodder +c. Friday, 6. Rained nearly all night + still raining this morn. (Do nothing). Take a ride with Emma mucadine hunting + go to the top of the mountain. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-09-01 1861-09-02 1861-09-03 1861-09-04 1861-09-05 1861-09-06 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a6795e4d607e0003625b670c64ff2955.jpg fe4251340337f7a439ff0a377671ee13 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> September, Saturday, 7. 1861. Raining yet. I helped to raise Gin-House. Tied up some fodder. Sunday, 8. Cloudy + rainy. Read +c. Monday, 9. Fogy but appearance of breaking off. Pull fodder + [stack?] Got to plains. Have some sweet potatoes for supper </td> <td> September, Tuesday, 10. 1861. Fogy +c. Pull fodder. Go with Emma to get some grapes. —Mr. Caldwell goes to Jacksonville +c. Wednesday, 11. Clear + pleasant Mr. Caldwell starts to Talledega.—I let him have $10. Pull fodder +c. Thursday, 12. Clear. Pull fodder. Recv. a letter from Sister Carrie (Ark.) Read war news +c. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-09-07 1861-09-08 1861-09-09 1861-09-10 1861-09-11 1861-09-12 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d34a58e5320edd022b207b7f4bd30b54.jpg 02bb837dcd66f5c2a50e59b1e1665bb9 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> September, Friday, 13. 1861. Clear A.M. Pull + bind fodder. —Cotton open ready to pick out. Saturday, 14. Cloudy this morn Stack some fodder. —Go to Chosey Spring, talk of the war government +c. —Go with Emma muscadine hunting. Sunday, 15. Clear + pleasant. Read Bible. Write a letter to Sis. Carrie Ark. —Walk with Emma through the cotton-field. </td> <td> September, Monday, 16. 1861. Bright + pleasant morn. —Pull + tie fodder. Rains a shower in the evening. Tuesday, 17. Fogy + cool. Hunt a cow in the mountains for Mr. C. Find muscadines on Shoal Creek. Wednesday, 18. Flying clouds + a brisk gale. Tie some fodder </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-09-13 1861-09-14 1861-09-15 1861-09-16 1861-09-17 1861-09-18 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5e0dd3a467f2fe0772c4ef2521937f33.jpg 96da612235f1b8588e85c019b20b7eb5 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> September, Thursday, 19. 1861. Clear. Write lines to Carrie Recv.a letter form Jas. A Woods of Wartrace, stating that he had a letter to me with $50 in it. —Hunt cow in mountain Friday, 20. Clear + cool. Stacked some fodder —Went to White Plains + enrolled my name on Muster roll Write a letter to Jas A. Woods. Saturday, 21. Cloudy. —Gathered some apples;—went to tan-yard + to Chockolocko to get muscadines </td> <td> September, Sunday, 22. 1861. Cloudy + cool. Read Bible Go with Jno. C. after muscadines. Teach Emma some grammer +c. Monday, 23. Clear + very cool Go up to White Plains Help kill and skin a [beef?].—(Eat some late peaches and eater-melons +c). Tuesday, 24. Cool as November. Miss Lee Williams + Miss Julia Cobb visit +c. Emma goes to the [burying?].—I mind the baby. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f7c4ad14249aa540812e6983e434cbb4.jpg 4abdccceca1f4b7a13895fe4a98f9a6c PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> September, Wednesday, 25. 1861. Cool + pleasant with brisk gale from South East + flying clouds. Chop fire-wood. Go down Chockolocko after muscadines. Teach Emma +c. Thursday, 26. Cloudy + drisling rain. Chop fire-wood Read latest war-news. Friday, 27. Cloudy. Brisk wind from North-west + very cool. Nurse little Jno. Go to Tan-yard. </td> <td> September, Saturday, 28. 1861. Clear + very cool: almost cool enough for frost. —Helped haul wood Eat some good water melons +c. Sunday, 29. Morn fair but very cool.—I looked for frost but found it not. Monday, 30. Cool + clear. Go to White Plains—read war news +c. Teach Emma at night. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/536fd549ad66bf567b6503ebeed895e2.jpg 686b527cc6e3ff06b1bce5e6b395373c PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> October, Tuesday, 1. 1861. Cool + a little cloudy I carry the baby + walk around the field-[mountains?] Teach Emma +c Wednesday, 2. Raining this morn. Finish looking over my Geometry. —Commence to review Latin. Go squirrel hunting + shoot a gun, for the 3rd time in my life. Thursday, 3. Cloudy.—I am anxiously waiting to the hear the news to-day. Evening.—I read the news—of the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-43-battle-lexington-mo" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 43, First Battle at Lexington, Missouri footnote" rel="noopener">battle at Lexington, Mo.</a> —I help gather corn + hall wood. </td> <td> October, Friday, 4. 1861. Clear + warm AM I see the Gin-[screw?] raised to-day. Lightening to-night in the west. Saturday, 5. Pleasant. This is muster-day + I go + take command of one platoon +c. Hear of a fleet sent from N.Y. to land on Southern coast +c. Sunday, 6. Fogy + warm. Read Bible. Teach Emma +c. Old man [Brock?] calls to stay all night, —He has been to Mo. + <div class="tooltip" title="This likely refers to John and William Fulbright, two brothers who are known for constructing the first cabin of a settlement that is now the city of Springfield, Missouri in 1830.">knew Fulbright men Springfield.</div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e2d81676ba8f0e084530c4efecc5c248.jpg 51b83ac21454fc98999e7ebb14915177 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> October, Monday, 7. 1861. Raining + warm Review my Latin some Nurse the babe while Emma spun. Clears off—cool in P.M. Tuesday, 8. Almost cool enough for frost. Go to Teague’s X Roads then back + to the White Plains + back At night teach Emma in her arithmetic Wednesday, 9. Cool. Mind the Babe. Eat watermelons Hear rumors of fighting in Mo. Ky. Va. +c. </td> <td> October, Thursday, 10. 1861. Cloudy. I mind the babe, Read +c. Get the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-44-jacksonville-republican" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 44, The Jacksonville Republican" rel="noopener">Jacksonville Republican</a> + the latest news +c Hull some walnuts Friday, 11. Rainy. I go to Mr. Crankfields + get the school accts. of my 3rd Session at Chosey Spring. Write notes +c. Teach Emma in arithmetic Saturday, 12. Some frost this morn. Study Latin. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4af4824b9fd609834ba728061d012b92.jpg e9901978a4ba16a5538c08e24ba7a6a2 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> October, Sunday, 13. 1861. Cool + pleasant Sing, read Bible and teach Emma. —Walk about the plantation. Monday, 14. Cool. I feel rather in suspense. Nurse and study. Tuesday, 15. Almost cold enough for frost, perhaps there was +c. Nurse + study. Go fishing in the evening. </td> <td> October, Wednesday, 16. 1861. Cloudy + cool. Fish for breakfast. Study Latin. Pick burrs out of the wool for Emma. Go fishing in evening. Study Latin at night +c. Thursday, 17. Raining + warm. Study, read news +c. Friday, 18. Cloudy. Hall corn + pine. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f0b7b2c9b897bcd6db53ea273bf39935.jpg 21ac48d44ff07eb78f9a105b1b69f021 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> October, Saturday, 19. 1861. Warm + cloudy. Go to muster. Hear that the beligerents are <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-46-fighting-fairfax>fighting at Fair-Fax Va." target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 46, Fighting at Fairfax Va." rel="noopener">fighting at Fair-Fax [sic] Va.</a> Write letters to J.A. Woods + N.D. Hancock Lebanon Tenn. Sunday, 20. Warm I drive the cows to pasture as usual. Read Bible + Washington with Emma. Monday, 21. Rained all night last night. + is this morn. Feed horses +c. Hunt cow-bell +c. The waters are up smartly from the rams. </td> <td> October, Tuesday, 22. 1861. Rainy yet. A.M. Chop fire wood, teach Emma in her Arithmetic + then take a walk with Emma,—Eat grapes, watermelons +c. Wednesday, 23. Very smoky this morning. Study, teach Emma + chop fire-wood. Thursday, 24. Big frost this morn + Davis says he saw ice.—Go to Plains read war-news and go to Polands house raising. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2d59e1b2ae8c0fcdeb0c77a2d9685965.jpg 6ef03cf2153aff153d138af0ae3a5a3f PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> October, Friday, 25. 1861. Warmer Go with Mr. C. to Davisville after a wagon. Hall some corn. Saturday, 26. Raining Study Latin Chop wood +c. Sunday, 27. Clear + pleasant Read +c. </td> <td> October, Monday, 28. 1861. Turning warm Go to White Plain Mail 2 letters 1 to Mrs. Russell + 1 to Aunt Elvira, Tenn. —[Pull?] some corn Tuesday, 29. Fair Pull + hall corn Teach Emma at night by fire-light Wednesday, 30. Gather corn all day. Se memoran. [See memorandum?] </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/dc7288b72b10fbafb7cbcba78333f678.jpg 6d392a1c6c6a22710553037c1c229a2d PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> October, Thursday, 31. 1861. Big frost, Cold. Gather corn; Jno halls 7 loads See Mem. I eat a good [bate?] of watermelons today. Read some war news at noon + recv. a letter from Sis Carrie. November, Friday, 1. Raining this mor. Rains all day. I read Latin +c Pain in my shoulder. Write a letter to Sis Carrie, Ark. Saturday, 2. Cloudy + cool We hall 1 load corn to Mr. C’s crib. I send up my excuse to muster ground. </td> <td> November, Sunday, 3. 1861. Some frost. Read bible with Emma. + in evening read His. of Washington with her + walk about some. Monday, 4. Very fogy. I + Mr. C. pull corn all day. Mr C. goes to __ Teague’s. Teach Emma in arithmetic some. Tuesday, 5. Cool We pull + hall corn all day. Jno. goes to pay his tax in P.M. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/68dafb786552a18b978ad8ee8e742ce4.jpg 42efeb6752be33cd84a3c36781a64226 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> November, Wednesday, 6. 1861. Very windy last night + windy + smoky to-day. We are pulling corn. Thursday, 7. We build a crib this morn. Mr. C. goes to Post office. I + Jno. hall 3 loads wood. I help to kill a hog P.M. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-49-battle-belmont" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 49, Battle of Belmont footnote" rel="noopener">Battle Belmont Confed.' [Rld?].—95 missing + wound. 488.</a> Friday, 8. Flying clouds We dug the sweet potatoes + hall them up. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-49-trent-affair" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 49, Trent Affair footnote" rel="noopener">Mason + Slidell taken by Federals @ Bermuda</a> from Brit. [British] Ves. [vessel] <div class="tooltip" title="Union sympathizers destroyed 5 bridges in Confederate-held eastern Tennessee in late 1861 as a part of a larger plan to burn 9 total bridges. The plan was actually approved by Abraham Lincoln and was originally intended to rally nearby Unionists as a way of injuring the Confederate war effort and control of the state.">Bridges (5) burned in East Tenn.</div> </td> <td> November, Saturday, 9. 1861. Looks some like rain. We go to the Battalion muster near Croso-Plains Recv a letter from Mrs. Russell.—Rains + thunders in evening. Sunday, 10. Cloudy. Read with Emma + walk about the plantation +c. Monday, 11. Clouds breaking off Halling corn </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/21c9a24e404b84fc78aabd233499d1fc.jpg e6b6515cd0ffcabb5500652c5a0867a3 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> November, Tuesday, 12. 1861. Very warm. Hall corn. Wednesday, 13. Warm as summer Hall corn. + cover pens, cribs +c. Thursday, 14. Warm. I study in my books some + mind babe In eve. go to Sam’s + [?] +c. Read war news. </td> <td> November, Wednesday, 27. 1861. Warmer.—Cloudy <div class="tooltip" title="Woods is referring to the bows of a wagon, which were the ribs that provided the shape and support for the canvas roof.">Bend my bows.</div> Mind babe + Read +c. Thunder + rain PM. Thursday, 28. Warm + rainy. Go to Post office, get the latest news +c— Friday, 29. Cloudy + warm Road-working-day. It rains, thunders +c. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f1a05d926d6c30c85ef8d4c9f03dfeb3.jpg 6475a6ef6ac315fdfade75b1af5f4a25 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> November, Saturday, 30. 1861. Cooler, but cloudy. We go to the muster + volunteers were called for. Davis gets his fodder I see, wild-geese + cranes going south. December, Sunday 1. Frost. read Bible +c. I spend a lonely day. —Warm + cloudy this eve.—I see bats flying about. Monday, 2. Raining. Go to Reason Davis and get deer-skin, chop fire-wood +c. </td> <td> December, Tuesday, 3. 1861. It Turned cold last night. Trade conditionally with Roddam for his pony.—Chop + hall wood + kill a hog. Wednesday, 4. Ground frozen little Bend my bows (wagons) help Mr. C. make steeples rings +c for our homes. Thursday, 5. Warmer, but frost. I go to Plains + get latest news +c. Read of Union-men being hung in E. Ten. women scared +c. —<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-51-jeff-davis-message" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 51, Jefferson Davis" s="" message="" footnote="" rel="noopener">I read Jeff. Davis’ message,</a> letters from volunteers +c. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f9c494c873c78fdb2430e4a39e3d4364.jpg 3a494c78d986a562271155d2d209705e PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> December, Friday, 6. 1861. Still warmer. —We make the heap to kill hogs.—and then I + Mr. C. fix my homes + make my bow-frame. At night have an argument with Mr. C. Saturday, 7. Bright + pleasant Mind the babe + study Latin +c. Sunday, 8. Warm + cloudy Read Bible. + Life Washington with Emma. </td> <td> December, Monday, 9. 1861. Pleasant. Count up School acct for settlement +c. Emma is unwell and I spend the day mostly in minding the babe. Tuesday, 10. It appears like summer almost. Read + study, mind the babe +c. Wednesday, 11. Warm. Emma still unwell. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c4796c1b8cf7af621de8f4cde966a9e2.jpg b25fc4ae750dd73903d901c400eef4b3 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> December, Thursday, 12. 1861. It turned cold last night. We kill hogs to-day. Friday, 13. Frost + ice I chop wood help to salt + kill pork +c. Saturday, 14. Pleasant. I + Mr. C go to Borders’ to settle School acct. <div class="tooltip" title="A large portion of Charleston burned through the night of December 11, 1861, destroying some of its most famous landmarks. The origins of the fire are still unknown.">Hear of Charleston being burned</div> </td> <td> December, Sunday, 15. 1861. Frost. I read my Bible + sing some. Monday, 16. Pleasant Hall + chop wood Tuesday, 17. Pleas. [Pleasant] Go to Davisville after my wagon </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1fc8ffa2f2b9c2ed107b4cb5d873e770.jpg 04fcca33057a1669bd9d9c6f7851d57a PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> December, Wednesday, 18. 1861. Very warm during the day + cold at night. We make ax-handles + fix breeching. Thursday, 19. Do. I go to White Plains get last news +c. Beat sausage meet etc. Friday, 20. Rainy I go to Roddam’s to buy his pony. Make some [trace?] bands. </td> <td> December, Saturday, 21. 1861. Warm I go to muster at White Plains. —Trade for Roddam’s pony. —I read the news that Eng. is going to call the U.S. to account Sunday, 22. Rainy, but warm I pass a melancholy day, reflecting of moving +c. I have read my Bible +c. Monday, 23. Colder. Wind from North + rain. Chop wood, help Mr. C. make bow-frame + measure up 35 [Ton?] corn to Roddam. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/26b81dcfa2b852105248a9f4749d47c7.jpg 429975d1b4fb53bfeb5a31ceb2a57406 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> December, Tuesday, 24. 1861. Ground frozen. I’me unwell. Measure balance Roddam’s corn 30 [Bu.?] 13 fr’m Jno’s + 17 fr’m Mr. C’s crib. I hear that the Federals were [gaining?] Wednesday, 25. “Christmas-gift.” Clouding up. Appearance of snow. I go to Plains to hear the war-news Hall some fire-wood. Thursday, 26. Turning warmer I go to Teague’s X Roads + swap for [Pruit’s?] mare + give $20. to boot —Read news from the war: <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/day-55-dranesville" target="_blank" title="click to view Day by Day Journal, Page 55, Conflict at Dranesville footnote" rel="noopener">Southern men whiped at Dranisville [Dranesville]</a> +c. </td> <td> December, Friday, 27. 1861. Turning colder I remained at home minding babe, making box +c.—Emma unwell. Think of going to Oxford. Saturday, 28. Pretty cold, ice +c I hall 37 Bn. Corn (+ Jno) to Jno Davis minus a peck. Hall wood +c. Sunday, 29. Warmer + cloudy. Read Book of Job. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/aa8acffe1de9ac61baed26bef9831267.jpg 9582c3f15333f0b9382efff9dbc0797c PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> December Monday, 30. 1861. Cool. I go to Jacksonville to demand of T. Williams 2 negroes, claimed by Mrs. Caldwell.—I come near having a fight with Williams.—I council with lawyers +c. Tuesday, 31. Cloudy + cool. Go to [Fountain’s?] to buy his [check lines?]. —Cap. Hanna arrived from the army this morn. 2.0 to bury his son, killed at btl Dranesville. </td> <td> Memoranda 1861 Jan, 7. Left White Plains Ala. Jan. 11. Arrived at Lebanon Tenn.—Trip cost me $20.75. “ “ Stopping with Nelson Hancock, at $12 per month Jan. 21st. Left Nelson Hancock’s + commenced boarding with N. Green Jr. at $14. + $1.40 washing per. [mind?]. Jan. 23, Sold my Skiddle Course Law Books save 2 Books viz. Story on Bailments + contracts. to G.E. Leay for $34.00—Original cost to me viz 40.—Sold at 1/5 discount viz $6. Took Leay’s receipt for Books. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f4dca60517145e9d236df0df60baa60f.jpg 3a01dcc3a5977cdc8c020dcf57abfed5 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Memoranda 1861 Feb. 9. Wrote a letter to SL Russell + remail to him 2.—1 fr’m Ashburn whose letter had $10. in it + one from AJ [Ward?]. Feb, 13. Gave Lewis Butler one Ten dollar Georgia Bill, to buy me 1 copy of <div class="tooltip" title="Joseph Story (1779-1845) was a Supreme Court judge and professor of law at Harvard. He published Commentaries on the Conflict of Laws in 1834 as one of the first standardizing works on conflict law and one of the first American books of law to be used in English courts.">Story’s Conflicts of Laws</div> @ $5.85 —(as he Butler is going to Nashville). The change to be paid back to me. March 1st. <s>v</s> Paid Judge Green part of my board viz $70. (at $3 ½ per week for 20 weeks), + took his recpt. ____ Apr. 16, Great excitement about the war. Boys leaving college. —R’cd. letter from Emma with $20.00 + loaned C.R. Gibson $2.00 for his exigences exigencies] home. </td> <td> Memoranda May 2. Leave Lebanon Tenn. for White Plains Ala. — Arive at White Plains on the eve. of the 7th. May 20/61 Recv. letters remailed from Lebanon to White Plains, by Judge Green, who informed me that he had taken $20 out of one of the letters, leaving me still [Dr?] to him $10. May 2 (21). The law books which I bought during my last session at Lebanon cost me $23.20 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9c4e3fa46c4f777f3f3622093219b68f.jpg b7fa2435a4b05b428beaea60af6e1df0 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Memoranda In June. I bought $1.[?] worth of pinck calico for Margaret Caldwell for which she owes me July 13. Jno. Cladwell borrows $5. of me—And Sam’l Caldwell $20. Paid July 18, 1861. July 18, “/61.—I + others go to Plains to recv. the school funds for this Township for 1861 + We recv. $115.75, but I lost 88 [c5?] out of it in calculating the per dime July 19.—There is now $31.22 coming to me out of the School money in my hand because we could not change a $50. bill. Recd. another $1.77 on above The whole of the above recvd. +c </td> <td> Memoranda Sep. 2. 1861. 1st stack fodder contains 483 bunches Sep 4,— 2nd stack contains 517 bundles. Sep. 7th. 3rd stack ([injure?]) contains 650 binds. Sep. 14. 4th stack contains 550 binds fodder. Sep 20 5th Stack contains 395 bundles. ______ Octr. 29. 1861 Carn Acct. 1st We halled 2 loads with Smiths wagon from big field which Pa. got + 2nd I load from other field which John got. The above was halled som time ago. See over </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a3b7a47510de4f027d94f10140718be4.jpg f5358cb3bad69f133497487ce9ca917e PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Memoranda Oct 29. I + Mr C. halled load the day we brought the wagon home which he got. To day we hall 4 loads, no. 2 + his father 2. Oct 30th We hall in 6 loads of corn 3 to Mr. C + 3 to Jno’s crib. Oct 31 We hall 7 loads to day 4 for Jno + 3 for Mc. C. Nov. 2nd 1861 We hall one load corn before Jno. goes to muster to Mr C’s crib. Novem. 5, We hall 4 loads corn from big field + 3 from long field of which Jno. got 4 + Mr. C. 3. </td> <td> Memoranda Nov. 6, We pull + hall from long field 6 loads corn.—Finish our 2/3 Jno. got 1 load + Mr. C, 5, to-day. [Synop?] Corn 4 loads (irreg.) <table> <tbody> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Jno of ab.</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>“ to day</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>“ &emsp; “</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>_____</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>“ &emsp; “</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>“ &emsp; “</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>35 Total</td> <td>Jno's</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>20 Mr.C's</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Novem 11, We hall 7 loads corn* [rent] to pine pen Nov. 12 Hall 6 loads.—5 from Big f. + 1 fr. l.f. to pine pen. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9b1c04a36b12342ff9ae5914923d7c90.jpg 1f8f1dd744e11bb0b3ea021a67c1626c PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Memoranda Nove. 13 we hall 4 loads from l.f. + finish + cover pine pen Total in + pen + shuck pen,= 17 loads heaped up ______ Novem. 16,”/61 Close trade with Davis for a 2 Horse wagon, to be put up in the best order,—1 3/8 tire, 3 in. box.—[Excessive?] of the double [tre?] + irons, except, [hammer?] + plate on [toungue?].—$7 [?] —I’me to pay towards wagon 50 bn corn @ 50 cts delivered, balance money, wagon to be done by 25 Dce. </td> <td> Cash Account—April <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date</th> <th>&emsp;</th> <th>Rec'd</th> <th>Paid</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1st</td> <td>From March</td> <td>25.80</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2nd</td> <td>For 1 pt oil</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>,20</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Apr. 4</td> <td>Balance on G. Leay's acct</td> <td>16,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5,</td> <td>1 Shirt + collor</td> <td>....</td> <td>2.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5,</td> <td>By. To Barber</td> <td>....</td> <td>,55</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Recd of Emma</td> <td>20,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>16,</td> <td>Loaned Gibson</td> <td>...</td> <td>2.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Autograph Book</td> <td>...</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Judges likenesses</td> <td>...</td> <td>,75</td> </tr> <tr> <td>16,</td> <td>Story on Constitution</td> <td>...</td> <td>6.75</td> </tr> <tr> <td>19</td> <td>Pos. Stamps</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>10 Photographs</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>25</td> <td>.......</td> <td>...</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>2 Drinks cider</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>27</td> <td>Dilpoma C.U.</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>5,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Tin Case</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>,50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>28</td> <td>A Carpet Sack</td> <td>....</td> <td>,50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>__</td> <td>Loned + lost</td> <td>__</td> <td>6.20</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$61.80</td> <td>$27,55</td> </tr> <tr> <td>30.</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>34.25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$61.80</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7443c691599ee0c62304757ca24125ae.jpg 0cc0a9dcc3be13919212378e5ca9e7fe PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Cash Account—May <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date</th> <th>&emsp;</th> <th>Rec'd</th> <th>Paid</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1st</td> <td>On hand from A.</td> <td>$34.25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Show mended</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>,15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Fair to Nash.</td> <td>...</td> <td>2.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>For washing</td> <td>...</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Cake + Drink</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>[Bill?] & Commerical House</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>1,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>Hack to Depo</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>,25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>From Nashville to Chattanooga</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>6,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>“ Supper</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Fare to Kingston</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>2,75</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Break + Din.</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Fare to Rome from Kingston (2) x Plains</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Fare *[from Rome to] [socks?]</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>4.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Bed + Break at Etawa [Etowah] Rome</td> <td>...</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Of Emma</td> <td>5.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>P'd to Graham</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>4,50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9</td> <td>Envelops</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>,50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Shirt + Drawers</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>1,75</td> </tr> <tr> <td>13</td> <td>Of S. Caldwell</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td><s>40.00</s></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>*[price] $100</td> <td>40,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>15</td> <td>[?] Porter</td> <td>_____</td> <td>2,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>79,25</td> <td>32,00</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td> Cash Acct.—May <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date</th> <th>&emsp;</th> <th>Rec'd</th> <th>Paid</th> </tr> <tr> <td>20,</td> <td>a Letter to me by Emma remailed by Judge Green with for me $20</td> <td>$20</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Rcd. by Jdg. Green__</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$20,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>25</td> <td>Sold for Emma's Cow for her for $20,00</td> <td><s>20</s></td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>27</td> <td>Emma a dress</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>2,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Self p'r Shoes</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>2,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>31</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>____</td> <td>62,45</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>119,25</td> <td>$119,24</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/520a1355ca01407f5874455aa305506a.jpg 6711a98513f4f55870d6858d3aa6bc8b PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td> Cash Account—June. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>&emsp;</th> <th>Rec'd</th> <th>Paid</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>$62.45</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3rd.</td> <td>Bonnet for Emma</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.60</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>Hoops *[for] Em.</td> <td>...</td> <td>1.60</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Of S. Caldwell on Bug.</td> <td>15.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Calico-Baby dresses.</td> <td>...</td> <td><s>1</s>.75</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>1 Trunk</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>2.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>12</td> <td>Envelops + Loan</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td><s>1</s>.15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ldquo;</td> <td>Letter to Ark.</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Paper</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>14</td> <td>Pants+ Shirt</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>3.25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Pos on letter</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>__</td> <td>Loan S Caldwell</td> <td>_____</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>11,20</td> </tr> <tr> <td>30</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>66,25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$77.45</td> <td>77,45</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c735a396a5a8aacd0894b236f389ec65.jpg 52c9670c7316607be338f9304405f684 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Cash Account—July. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>&emsp;</th> <th>Rec'd</th> <th>Paid</th> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>66,25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Pos. on letter</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>11</td> <td>Medicine</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>,50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Pins</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>13</td> <td>Loan to Jno. Caldwell</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$5.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&ldquo</td> <td>Loan to Sam'l Caldwell</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>20.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>15</td> <td>Pos on letters</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>18</td> <td>Of S. Caldwell</td> <td>31,22</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Lesson S Funds</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>,90</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>[Blocking?]</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>22</td> <td>Dress + 2 yds.</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>3,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Shoes f Mary</td> <td>1,75</td> </tr> <tr> <td>26</td> <td>[Heifner?] S'kl. [School?] M'ng [Meeting?]</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.71</td> </tr> <tr> <td>27</td> <td>Thompson, Change</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.60</td> </tr> <tr> <td>30</td> <td>School money</td> <td>3.50</td> <td><s>3.50</s></td> </tr> <tr> <td>31</td> <td>Pos. on letter to Ark.</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>0.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>31</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>_____</td> <td>67.76</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$100.77</td> <td>100.77</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td> Cash Account—August. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>&emsp;</th> <th>Rec'd</th> <th>Paid</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1st</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>67.76</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>Of Smith on Russell's note</td> <td>41,89</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8,</td> <td>Letter to Gibson</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>To Borders +c</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.58</td> </tr> <tr> <td>19,</td> <td>Pos on letter</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>0.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Thread</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>27</td> <td>Of Gibson by letter—</td> <td>2,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>29</td> <td>Bt. 1 Shirt</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>1.75</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>“ Hair Pins</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.30</td> </tr> <tr> <td>31</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>____</td> <td>108.82</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$111,65</td> <td>111.65</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f194e7c30d05ae4c5ec154e5f6b9c097.jpg 9068b8cff3ee702a9b70a07c5600bf12 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Cash Account—September. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>&emsp;</th> <th>Rec'd</th> <th>Paid</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1st</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>108.82</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Shoe mending</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>,75</td> </tr> <tr> <td>11</td> <td>Loaned Mr. Caldwell</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>10,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>19</td> <td>Postage on letter to Carrie</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>20</td> <td>Postage</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&ldquo</td> <td>Hat</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>1.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>23</td> <td>Paper 1 gr</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>,30</td> </tr> <tr> <td>26</td> <td>Recd. back of S. Caldwell</td> <td>5.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>27</td> <td>1 pr. Shoes</td> <td>...</td> <td>2.2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>30</td> <td>1 Bunch thread</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>1,10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Loaned Davis</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.20</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>On Jno's letter</td> <td>...</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>By Balance</td> <td>____</td> <td>97.47</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$113.82</td> <td>113.82</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td> Cash Account—October. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>&emsp;</th> <th>Rec'd</th> <th>Paid</th> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$0.05</td> <td>$0.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>Cash on hand</td> <td>97.47</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5th</td> <td>6 yds. Domestic</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td><s>.70</s></td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Side Combs</td> <td>...</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Indigo + Madder</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.40</td> </tr> <tr> <td>10</td> <td>Davis back</td> <td>,20</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Em'a Thimble</td> <td>....</td> <td>,10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>14.</td> <td>Russell's money</td> <td>55,00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>18</td> <td>Bal. board. N. Green</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>9.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Pos. Let. Term.</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>20</td> <td>Chesnuts</td> <td>....</td> <td>.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Seh'l M. Mouland</td> <td>...</td> <td>.55</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Aunt Sally *[for] [furt?]</td> <td>...</td> <td>.25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>“ “ Counterpane</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>25</td> <td>1 Knife</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>28</td> <td>2 Letter Pos.</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>31st</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>_____</td> <td>140.17</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$152.67</td> <td>152.67</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3afd01275776d9ef4f4b6be80091f945.jpg f5ac1d5ae400e6c473f836646b88949d PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> Cash Account—November. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>&emsp;</th> <th>Rec'd</th> <th>Paid</th> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>[Acts.]</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1st</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>$140.17</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>Pos. let. Sis. Ark</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9</td> <td>1 oz. Indigo</td> <td>...</td> <td>..10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Cake + Beer</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Loan [Pruet?]</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.60</td> </tr> <tr> <td>11</td> <td>Loan S. Caldwell</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>20.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>15</td> <td>[Pruet?] p'd Ind.</td> <td>.60</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>4 S'k. flax thr'd</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.40</td> </tr> <tr> <td>21</td> <td>Gave Old Uncle Moses Parnell</td> <td>...</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>25</td> <td>Letter paper</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>30</td> <td>2 Blind Bridles</td> <td>____</td> <td>1.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>On hand</td> <td>.&ensp;.&ensp;.</td> <td>117.02</td> </tr> <tr> <td>__</td> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>140.77</td> <td>140.77</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td> March—Bills Payable. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>Name.</th> <th>Amount.</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1st.</td> <td>As in Feb,</td> <td>25.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Receivable.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1st.</td> <td>As in Feb, Save br. to Seay</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$18. + Cr to Russell</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$10, from Amt.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>the Amt. Recv'bl</td> <td>$165.09</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9ca48c7cb2dfb273cc050a7b05257b6c.jpg 80d83b25240f86b8942d7911c68429e1 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> April—Bills Payable. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>Name.</th> <th>Amount.</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1st.</td> <td>As in March</td> <td>25.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Receivable.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1st.</td> <td>Acct. on Leav</td> <td>$16.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Note “ Russell</td> <td>40.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Loaned Young</td> <td>2.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Acct on Evans</td> <td>3.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>“ *[shorthand]</td> <td>23.69</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td> May—Bills Payable. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>Name.</th> <th>Amount.</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1st.</td> <td>As in April</td> <td>$25.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Receivable.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1st.</td> <td>Note on Russell</td> <td>40.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Loan to Young</td> <td>7.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Acct on Evans</td> <td>3.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>“ “ *[Shorthand], as in April</td> <td>23.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Loan to Gibson</td> <td>$2.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>New loan [fr.?]</td> <td>$71,19</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f4372e845c97bcce1e9e66b6a1a751ef.jpg 7ecaab69a00d15c8eeca220d9b27bfbd PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> June—Bills Payable. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>Name.</th> <th>Amount.</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1st</td> <td>Tuition at Leb.</td> <td>$13.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Board with Judge Green</td> <td>10.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Receivable.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>Borrowed by C R Gibson</td> <td>$2.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Acct on Evans</td> <td>3.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>Note on Russell</td> <td>40.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>“</td> <td>S. Caldwell in Acct.</td> <td>43.00</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td> July—Bills Payable. &emsp;Receivable. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>Name.</th> <th>Amount.</th> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Tuition @ Leb.</td> <td>$23.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Board with Judge Green</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Same as in June after $15. is taken off S Caldwell's</td> <td>73.00</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/69308655b62ec87acfc126d19efda30f.jpg fef2a645118816d00032b7e1fd0fdc7b PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> August—Accounts Payable. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>Name.</th> <th>Amount.</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Aug 1st.</td> <td>As in July. See.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Receivable.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Aug 1.</td> <td>On S Caldwell remainder on Acct.</td> <td>$18.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Jno. Caldwell loaned money</td> <td>6.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Gibson + Evans</td> <td>5.00</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td> September—Accounts Payable. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>Name.</th> <th>Amount.</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1st.</td> <td>To Judge Greene</td> <td>9.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>$23.00 which was to be p'd to Caruthers is injust, Hence I pay it not.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Receivable.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1st.</td> <td>Acct. on S. Caldwell</td> <td>20.23</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>“ Jno. Caldwell</td> <td>6.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Evans</td> <td>3.00</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f8f8b1f9de2dd3696b7a257430eca65e.jpg 94a3972d03581609bc7b8718cb406222 PDF Text Text <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Left Page</th> <th>Right Page</th> </tr> <tr> <td> October—Bills Payable. <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Date.</th> <th>Name.</th> <th>Amount.</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>Judge Green's Acct. ordered to be settled.</td> <td>9.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Receivable.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>Acct. on S. Caldwell</td> <td>26.23</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>“ on Jno. Caldwell....</td> <td>6.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>“ on E.E. Evans...</td> <td>3.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>—Little Gib.</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&emsp;</td> <td>Old acct. Poland's</td> <td>2.+</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td> &emsp; &emsp; 3 &emsp; &emsp; 1 5 13.00 &emsp; 14 &emsp; 3 &frac12 &emsp; 42 &emsp; 7 &ensp; &emsp; 49 &emsp; 20 &ensp; [Wt hagst?] 4 33 &frac13 110 42 32 33 26 35 280 lbs. 8 22,40 &emsp; $114 55 70 52 590 260 340 20 444 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7541fc3930aee6b87c3872e3abf1c6b7.jpg 32a727e6707ea9f51499e7a98c71baac Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Henning Woods Papers, 1856-1873 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Description An account of the resource This collection includes three memoir volumes and three diaries written by John Henning Woods, a Southern Unionist, Confederate conscript, and Civil War memoirist. Woods was born in Tennessee on July 4, 1834. After spending his childhood in Missouri, Woods married Mary Emma Caldwell, the daughter of a wealthy slaveholder and planter from Alabama in 1860. In 1861, Woods moved to Lebanon, Tennessee, to pursue his law degree at Cumberland University. Despite his ties to the South, Woods hated slavery and strongly supported the Union. Following the war's beginning and interruption of his education, he returned home to farm and teach. Due to his support for the Union, Woods chose to remain at home throughout the beginning of the war until his conscription into the Confederate army in October of 1862. While at first Woods fought to remain at home, the threat of imprisonment eventually sparked him to report to the army, where he was drafted into the 36th Alabama Infantry Regiment, Company K. As a part of this regiment, Woods was trained at Talladega and then posted around Mobile, Alabama. While at Mobile, Woods and a few fellow Unionist conscripts formed a secret Unionist organization called the Home Circle and planned a mutiny. Unfortunately, Woods was discovered prior to their planned mutiny and imprisoned to be tried. While awaiting his court martial, Woods was transported behind the army, following them through the Tullahoma Campaign and was then sent to Atlanta. His trial resulted in a sentence of death by firing squad; however, his execution was delayed due to the interference of a sympathetic general who had been his professor before the war. Woods saw the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga while imprisoned by the Confederate Army until he was once again sent to Atlanta following a stay of execution, furnished at the last minute from Jefferson Davis. He was then sent to work building trenches around Atlanta until he finally escaped Confederate officials on August 11, 1864, and made his way into Union lines. Following his escape, Woods made his way to Buffalo, New York, where he enlisted in the 93rd New York Infantry Regiment. He served out the rest of the war as a clerk for the Union Army until his discharge on May 11, 1865. Following the war, Woods returned home and continued to teach, moving to Lawrence County, Missouri sometime before 1885. In 1885, his wife Mary died and in 1889, he married Mae Laverall of Pennsylvania. Woods died on March 5, 1901, and is buried alongside both of his wives and his daughter in the Woodland Cemetery near Springfield, Missouri. The three volumes of Woods' memoir make up the largest portion of the collection. These three books focus on the years 1861-1864, describing his experiences of sectionalism, his opposition to secession and conscription, the process of forming an underground Unionist society in a Confederate regiment, his arrest for inciting a mutiny, and the resulting imprisonment and trial. The three journals cover a much broader range of topics and years, including genealogy, religion, marriage, slavery, and Woods' childhood. These three journals serve to contextualize the journals, as Woods referenced them during the writing process. Besides this, these journals also contain highly detailed drawings done by Woods during his imprisonment and a number of short entries in Pitman shorthand. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856/1873 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017-030 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Day By Day Journal, John Henning Woods, 1861 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Type The nature or genre of the resource Diaries Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017_030_DaybyDayJournal Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Description An account of the resource Spanning from January 1 through December 31, 1861, this journal contains a short description of Woods' daily activities, including his thoughts on the political situation, notes in shorthand, and monetary accounts. archived