Benjamin Barton, an Alexandria watchmaker and silversmith who operated a shop at 324 King Street, related the movement of Union troops into Alexandria on May 24.

• Barton, Benjamin. The Letterbook of Benjamin Barton. Courtesy of the Virginia Historical Society. Richmond.
• Bellard, Alfred. Gone for a Soldier: The Civil War Memoirs of Private Alfred Bellard, Boston-Toronto, 1975.

...at daylight in the morning, without opposition - the Virginians leaving as the northern soldiers entered, - it would have been done without blood shed had not Col. Ellsworth too hastily taken down a Southern flag, flying over the Marshall House, south east corner of King and Pitt Streets,... James Jackson, the proprietor of the Hotel, met the Colonel on the stairway and in the altercation shot him dead, one of the soldiers accompanying Ellsworth, immediately shot Jackson dead, so two daring men fell at the onset: since then some few casualties have happened, yet our City remains quiet and we feel compairtively [sic] safe from harm: Sentries are placed in every part of town...

June 14, 1861

As a businessman, Benjamin Barton noted how Alexandria's commerce was affected by its use as a military base. His observation about the city's changing population, due largely to the influx of army personnel and civilians who migrated to Alexandria to support the Federal war effort, was echoed by many local residents.

...Alexandria has more of a business like appearance now...indeed it is quite a stirring place, of course most of the business has some connection with the National government, all the supplies of the armies, in this section of Virginia, arrive her by land and by water, the great number of steamboats, sloops, schooners and brigs required, arriving at this port, and passing up to Washington, has the appearance of a fleet opposite our City. Gaiety and amusements are going on as if there was no War- no devastation. There is a great change in the population, it is more than double in numbers, I meet so many strangers in the street that I feel like being in a strange city, very few of our old inhabitants are to be seen, many have gone away, others have nothing to call them from their homes - many have died; very few of our townsmen are in business now, none in wholesale trade, a few retail stores, owned by men of former days are scattered here and there...

August 1864

Private Alfred Bellard enlisted in the 5th New Jersey Infantry on August 9, and arrived in Alexandria on September 22, 1861.

...we sailed down the river, arriving at the foot of King St., Alex, in a drenching rain. Disembarking, we marched up King St. and halted at the Marshall House where Col. Ellsworth was shot. ...The stairs on which Ellsworth was shot had been taken away piecemeal. Walls broken, carpets carried off bit by bit, and the flag staf [sic] on top of the house from which the Stars and Bars had floated when the Zouaves took possession had been demolished. ....I secured a piece of carpet [and] flag staf...so that in after years I would have a vivid reminder of the night passed in the Marshall House.

September 22, 1861

A violent explosion of the powder magazine at Fort Lyon on June 9 was felt by residents throughout the area. Located near the present-day Huntington Metro station, this fort was one of the largest in the Defenses of Washington.

• Bissell, Lewis. The Civil War Letters of Lewis Bissell, Washington, D.C., 1981.

Tuesday the Ninth of June at about 2 O'clock in the afternoon...[there] came a stunning crash...Immediately shells were flying over out heads... We learned that the explosion has occurred in Fort Lyon.

Twenty six men and a lieutenant were detailed to remove the powder from some shells. The powder had become damp and caked...as the work did not proceed as fast as the lieutenant desired, he sent one of them for some priming wires...

It is supposed that some... powder was ignited and exploded the shell...This explosion blew in the magazine door and the whole magazine went up. There were about eight tons of powder besides several thousand rounds of fixed ammunition in the magazine.

Out of twenty six men, twenty-two were killed outright...In addition...fourteen were wounded. Three of these died the next day.

...Brig. Gen. Barry, Chief of Artillery, came to inspect the ruins. After him came Maj. Gen Heintzelman and about two p.m. "Uncle Sam's hired man" Abe Lincoln came with...Sec. Stanton also Gen. Slough.

About 4 p.m. the funeral procession formed at the gate. The ambulances, seventeen in number, each with two coffins, were followed by officers and men. They marched to mournful music played by the First Connecticut Artillery band...It was a sad sight to see the procession move towards the soldiers graveyard in Alexandria.

June 17, 1863

In 1863, Czar Alexander II dispatched the Russian fleet on a goodwill tour of the world. The ships sailed up the Potomac in late October to call on President Abraham Lincoln and remained at anchor above Alexandria for several months. The Russian sailors visited the Defenses of Washington south of the Potomac and their ships were open to soldiers from the nearby fortifications.

Tuesday Wilson Potter and myself went down to the city and boarded one of the Russian ships lying just above Alexandria...after that...we went to the water battery just below Alexandria [Battery Rodgers] where there is a fifteen inch Dahlgren gun which weighs 49449 pounds. At the largest part it measures a little over twelve feet in circumference.

A daguerrian artist had been there a day or two before. He took a picture of it with the head of one of the men sticking out of the muzzle... A small man can crawl clear to the bottom of the bore...

December 12, 1863

Edward Dicey, an English journalist, was a regular contributor to The Spectator and on the staff of the Daily Telegraph. His accounts of travel through Europe, the United States and the Near East was reported in these papers and published in several books. Read Dicey's memories of Alexandria during the Civil War, from his book Six Months in the Federal States.

• Dicey, Edward, Six Months in the Federal States, Vol. II. London: MacMillan and Co., 1863, pp 23-25.

Half an hour's sail brought us to Alexandria. Like most of the old Virginia and Maryland towns, it has a very English air about it: the red brick houses, the broad sleepy streets, the long straggling wharves might have been imported direct from Norfolk or Lincolnshire. The town itself was crammed with troops; but neither then nor on the other occasions when I visited it was there anything to be seen of the inhabitants. They had left the place for the most part, or lived in retirement. Closely connected as the little town is with Washington, it was bitterly "secesh;" and the citizens of Alexandria showed their dislike of the Federal army of occupation by every means in their power. The women, as may be supposed, displayed their animosity most outspokenly. Unless they were foully belied, they used to take pleasure in insulting the private soldiers with epithets which will not bear repetition. The common Yankee soldiers seemed to feel these insults from women with a susceptibility I felt it hard to account for. English soldiers, under like circumstances, would have retorted with language still more unmentionable, or would have adopted the spirit of General Butler's famous order without compunction. But the Americans appeared to writhe under these insults. The bad language of the Alexandria women was constantly complained of in the papers as a bitter personal injury. I remember one stalwart Massachusetts soldier in the hospital, who complained seriously, that when he was recovered, and went back to duty, he should be subjected again to the abuse of these Southern ladies; and said — "It was so hard to bear." It was here, by the way, that the first blood shed in the war was spilt by the murder of Lieutenant Ellsworth, when hoisting up the Union flag at the first outbreak of secession. A flag-staff, bearing the stars and stripes, had been erected on the house where he was killed; and, on that morning, it floated bravely in the sunlight, as though in honour of the approaching Union triumphs.

At the wharf, a train was waiting to convey our party. It was the first which had started, and the resumption of the traffic was the sign of returning peace and order. But the event excited no comment in that sullen, gloomy town, and only a few boys and negroes were collected together to witness our departure. Slowly we moved on through the dead streets till we reached the camps outside the town, and then passing onwards at an increased speed, we were soon in the hilly Virginia country, which a few days before had been occupied by the Confederate forces.

Corporal James Fenn of the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, like many soldiers stationed in the Defenses of Washington, availed himself of the opportunity to visit nearby Washington, D.C. and Mount Vernon.

• Fenn, James W. Diary of James W. Fenn, Fort Ward Museum collection.

Had a pass to Washington today. Visited the Capital [sic] the Patent Office the Smithsonian Institute and other public Buildings...saw the Goddess of Libirty [sic] which is to [be] raised on the Capital next fourth of July. Saw some of the most splendid paintings I ever saw in my life at the Capital and in the Smithsonian some of the most perfect marble statues.... In the Patent Office saw everything of intrest [sic], but one thing in particular. Washington's old Military suits that he wore when he resigned his commission at Anapolis [sic]... and the first printing Press that Franklin ever owned...I think it will [pay] any one spend a week in Washington, that has never seen the public buildings.

November 9, 1863

Yesterday was our National Thanksgiving.

Went down to Mount Vernon yesterday and saw the residence of the Father of this country, and the tomb where now lays the sacred dust of the virtueous [sic] and noble hero, and, of humanity. I felt like obeying the injunction of one of the old to take of [sic] my shoes for the place on which I stood was holy ground.... Ate my Thanksgiving dinner at Mount Vernon.

November 27,1863

As the war dragged on, many men who had enlisted in the Union Army early in the conflict were completing their terms of service. After three years, they were ready to return to civilian life, refusing to reenlist for the remainder of the war.

We have been detailed to work in the ditch until our time is up. We feel rather sore about it. It seems rather unjust, when we have [s]erved faithfully for three years to put us in the ditch the last two weeks...Because we would not reenlist to serve as dogs for three years more. I for one am very glad to know that I have not given my name any more...In two weeks if nothing prevents I shall once more be a free man.

May 7, 1864

The building of fortifications to protect the Federal capital, Washington, D.C., was accelerated following the Confederate victory at First Bull Run (Manassas). Corporal Frederick Floyd of the 40th New York Infantry, the "Mozart Regiment," described the completion of Fort Ward.

• Floyd, Frederick. History of the Fortieth (Mozart) Regiment New York Volunteers, Boston, 1909.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, a flag was raised within the enclosure, at which time 3000 soldiers jumped upon the ramparts and gave three hearty cheers for the stars and stripes, which floated in sight of the enemy on Munson's Hill, where they have a battery. The fort was built almost entirely by the Mozart Regiment, under the skillful direction of the army engineers, who declare no fort within the fortifications of Washington is more substantially constructed.

Anne and Elizabeth Frobel's home "Wilton Hill" was located on Old Fairfax Road (Franconia Road.) The sisters remained at Wilton Hill during the war and Anne described the daily events in her diary.

• Frobel, Anne S. The Civil War Diary of Anne S. Frobel, McLean, Virginia, 1986 and 1992.

...we rode to town to see and hear all we could...When we got in sight of the Orange depot we both exclaimed "What on earth is the matter...' Such a dense crowd thronged the streets, carriages filled with people, wagons, carts drays, wheelbarrows all packed mountain high with baggage of every sort, men, women, and children streaming along to the cars, most of the women crying, almost every face we saw we recognized and all looking as forlorn as if going to execution.

I believe every body from both from both town and country that could possibly get away left at this time, and for the first time, it dawned upon me that it was something more than pastime and O what a feeling of loneliness and utter despair came over us when we thought of every friend and acquaintance gone...

May 1861

...before breakfast was placed on the table cannon was heard roaring and thundering in the distance...The war cannon was incessant from early dawn until after sun was set...O such a day! May I never spend another...we did nothing from morning until night but wander from place to place, and listen so anxiously. About night fall it began to rain...Manassas was the first battle we know anything of...

July 21, 1861

...about two o'clock today..we were startled by a most violent thundering explosion, followed by another, in quick succession, the earth shook and trembled... I was so frightened...a shell burst very near, for a little stream of blue smoke came in one door and passed out the other... I looked up at Fort Lyon, which at that moment went up with a tremendous shock...It...looked...like the pictures of Vesuvus [sic] during an eruption... Everything flew up from the center and seemed to stand still for a moment...then...pieces of steel, stones, and dirt, came rattling, and thundering down...

June 1863

To day we see tents and camps spring up in every quarter Sherman's army coming in. The roads filled with soldiers as far back as we can see through the woods, coming-coming-coming, thousands and tens of thousands. I hardly thought the world contained so many men and the wagons, O the wagons, long lines of white wagons coming by roads and crossroads...

Tomorrow there is to be a 'grand review' of the 'grand' U.S. Army at Washington and great has been the stir of preparation...Rose Hill is literally covered with Sherman's army and such immerse, immense number of splendid horses and mules.

May1865

In November 1861, the 2nd New York Light Artillery arrived in Alexandria to garrison Forts Ellsworth and Ward. In letters to his family, Captain Howard Kitching detailed life in the forts.

• Kitching, John H. More Than a Conqueror: Memorials of Col. J. Howard Kitching, New York, 1873.

Now we are in Fort Ellsworth...It is a very fine piece of work on a splendid commanding position, overlooking Washington, Alexandria, and all the surrounding country, for fifteen or twenty miles. When we came in here...it was occupied by four hundred 'man -of-war's men:' in fact, a complete frigate's crew - and they have been spending the past two months in putting the fort in order, just as sailors do, sodding and whitewashing everything, and planting evergreens, until the inside of the works is the very picture of neatness.

Yesterday...five of us went out on the road leading to Fairfax Court House...and I have now a better idea of the state of things...The roads are all barricaded...single and double pickets on every hill, and at every bridge and house...

November 18, 1861

In December, Captain Kitching was transferred to Fort Worth, located near the Virginia Theological Seminary (Fairfax Seminary.)

Last evening at eleven o'clock, those of us who were up, were very much excited by discovering that the brigade under General Howard, numbering some five thousand men were leaving their camps and taking up their line of march toward Fairfax. So suddenly and so quietly was it done, that unless we had been watching for some movement, we would never have suspected but that the thousands in the valley below [Cameron Valley] were wrapped in sleep.

For the first time I saw an army, roused suddenly from sleep without any previous order, march out in perfect silence to meet the enemy. It was as beautiful sight as my eyes ever beheld. Our position is on a very high and steep hill...and as the different regiments left their camps and filed out into the plain below, their bayonets glistening in the unusually brilliant light of the moon, and the murmur of their whispered orders came up to us like the hum of a bee. I...realized for the first time the feeling which prompts men to such feats of daring on the battle-field.....from the moment when the first order to march was received, just sixteen minutes had elapsed. Four regiments of infantry and two batteries of light artillery having been got in readiness in that time...

December, 1861

Judith White Brockenbrough McGuire was the wife of the principal of Episcopal High School, and lived at a house on the school grounds on West Braddock Road, four miles west of City Hall. The family fled their home on May 24, 1861, as the Union Army occupied Alexandria. Like many Alexandrians, the McGuires were fervent secessionists and unable to remain in the occupied town. They moved to Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy, and never returned to live in Alexandria. During the war, the McGuire’s large home was used as a hospital and as a residence for several families of army surgeons. Mrs. McGuire’s poignant memoir was first published in 1867.

• Episcopal High School provides a brief history of the school.
• McGuire, Judith White Brockenbrough, Diary of a Southern Refugee During the War, by A Lady of Virginia. J. W. Randolph & English, Publisher, 1889 (third edition). This full version of Mrs. McGuire’s diary is available from Google Books.   

From Alexandria

On hearing the drums of war

… Our neighbors have left us. Every thing is broken up. The Theological Seminary is closed; the High School dismissed. Scarcely any one is left of the many families which surrounded us. The homes all look desolate; and yet this beautiful country is looking more peaceful, more lovely than ever, as if to rebuke the tumult of passion and the fanaticism of man. We are left lonely indeed; our children are all gone – the girls to Clarke, where they may be safer, and farther from the exciting scenes which may too soon surround us; and the boys, the dear, dear boys, to the camp, to be drilled and prepared to meet any emergency. Can it be that our country is to be carried on and on to the horrors of civil war?.... Why did we think it necessary to send off all that was so dear to us from our own home? I threw open the shutters, and the answer came at once, so mournfully! I heard distinctly the drums beating in Washington.

May 4, 1861, pp. 9-11 

On sewing for the Confederate soldier

…We are now hoping that Alexandria will not be a landing-place for the enemy, but that the forts will be attacked. In that case, they would certainly be repulsed, and we could stay quietly at home… For a long time before our society was so completely broken up, the ladies of Alexandria and all the surrounding country were busily employed sewing for the soldiers. Shirts, pants, jackets, and beds, of the heaviest material, have been made by the most delicate fingers. All ages, all conditions, meet now on one common platform. We must all work for our country. Our soldiers must be equipped. Our parlor was the rendezvous for our neighborhood, and our sewing-machine was in requisition for weeks. Scissors and needles were plied by all. The daily scene was most animated.

May 10, 1861, pp. 11-13  

On the Confederate flag

The Confederate flag waves from several points in Alexandria: from the Marshall House, the Market-house, and the several barracks. The peaceful, quiet old town looks quite warlike. I feel sometimes, when walking on King’s street, meeting men in uniform, passing companies of cavalry, hearing martial music, etc., that I must be in a dream.

May 10, 1861, pp. 11-13  

On packing up

We found Mrs. ___ packing up valuables. I have been doing the same, but after they are packed, where are they to be sent? Silver may be buried, but what is to be done with books, pictures, etc.? We have determined, if we are obliged to go from home, to leave every thing in the care of the servants.

May 10, 1861, pp. 11-13  

Busy every moment of time packing up, that our furniture may be safely put away in case of a sudden removal. The parlor furniture has been rolled into the Laboratory, and covered, to keep it from injury; the books are packed up; the pictures put away with care; house linen locked up, and all other things made as secure as possible.

May 15, p. 14

On spying the enemy

Mrs. J., Mrs. B., and myself, sat at the Malvern windows yesterday, spying the enemy as they sailed up and down the river. Those going up were heavily laden, carrying provisions, etc., to their troops. I think if all Virginia could see their preparations as we do, her vote would be unanimous for secession.

May 17, pp. 15-16

On viewing the parade-ground

Yesterday evening we rode to the parade-ground in Alexandria; it was a beautiful but sad sight. How many of those young, brave boys may be cut off, or maimed for life? I shudder to think of what a single battle may bring forth. The Federal vessel Pawnee now lies before the old town, with its guns pointing towards it. It is aggravating enough to see it; but the inhabitants move on as calmly as though it were a messenger of peace…. My ear is constantly pained with the sound of cannon from the Navy-Yard at Washington, and to-day the drum has been beating furiously in our once loved metropolis. Dr. S. says there was a grand dress parade – brothers gleefully preparing to draw their brothers’ blood.

May 21, p. 16

From Fairfax Court House

On the invasion by the Union Army

The day of suspense is at an end. Alexandria and its environs, including, I greatly fear, our home, are in the hands of the enemy. Yesterday morning, at an early hour, as I was in my pantry, putting up refreshments for the barracks preparatory to a ride to Alexandria, the door was suddenly thrown open by a servant, looking wild with excitement, explaining, “Oh, madam, do you know?” “Know what, Henry?” “Alexandria is filled with Yankees.” Are you sure, Henry?” said I, trembling in every limb. “Sure, madam! I saw them myself. Before I got up I heard soldiers rushing by the door; went out, and saw our men going to the cars.” “Did they get off?” I asked, afraid to hear the answer. “Oh, yes, the cars went off full of them, and some marched ont; and then I went to King Street, and saw such crowds of Yankees coming in! They came down the turnpike, and some came down the river; and presently I heard such noise and confusion, and they said they were fighting, so I came home as fast as I could.” I lost no time in seeking Mr. ____, who hurried out to hear the truth of the story. He soon met Dr. ____, who was bearing off one of the editors in his buggy. He more than confirmed Henry’s report, and gave an account of the tragedy at the Marshall House. Poor Jackson (the proprietor) had always said that the Confederate flag which floated from the top of his house should never be taken down but over his dead body.

May 25, from Fairfax Court House, p. 17-19

On leaving

The question with us was, what was next to be done? Mr. ___ had voted for secession, and there were Union people enough around us to communicate every thing of the sort to the Federals; the few neighbours who were left were preparing to be off, and we thought it most prudent to come off, too. Pickets were already thrown out beyond Shuter’s Hill, and they were threatening to arrest all secessionists. With a heavy heart I packed trunks and boxes, as many as our little carriage would hold; had packaging boxes fixed in my room for the purpose of bringing off valuables of various sorts, when I go down on Monday; locked up every thing; gave the keys to the cook, enjoining upon the servants to take care of the cows, “Old Rock,” the garden, the flowers, and last, but not least, J___’s splendid Newfoundland. Poor dog, as we got into the carriage how I did long to take him! …

May 25, from Fairfax Court House, p. 17-19

On tragedy at the market-house

As we drove by “The Seminary,” the few students who remained came out to say “Good-by.” One of them had just returned from Alexandria, where he had seen the bodies of Ellsworth and Jackson, and another, of which we had heard through one of our servants who went to town in the morning. When the Federal troops arrived, a man being ordered to take down the secession flag from above the market-house, and run up the “stars and stripes,” got nearly to the flag, missed his foothold, fell, and broke his neck. This remarkable circumstance was told me by two persons who saw the body.

May 25, from Fairfax Court House, p. 17-19

On not being able to return home one last time

I cannot get over my disappointment – I am not to return home! – the wagon was engaged. E. W. had promised to accompany me; all things seemed ready; but yesterday a gentleman came up from the Seminary, reporting that the public roads are picketed far beyond our house, and that he had to cross fields, etc., to avoid an arrest, as he had no pass. I know that there are private roads which we could take, of which the enemy knows nothing; and even if they saw me, they surely would not forbid ingress and egress to a quiet elderly lady like myself. But Mr. ___ thinks that I ought not to risk it…. I hear that the house has been searched for arms, and that J’s old rifle has been filched from its corner. It was a wonderfully harmless rifle, having been innocent even of the blood of squirrels and hares for some time past…. I believe that they took nothing but the rifle, and injured nothing but the sewing-machine.

May 29, p. 21

From Richmond 

On a report from home

I have seen W. H., who has just returned from Fairfax. Last week he scouted near our house, and gives no very encouraging report for us. Our hills are being fortified, and Alexandria and the neighborhood have become one vast barracks. The large trees are being felled, and even houses are falling by order of the invader! Our prospect of getting home becomes more and more dim…

July 4, from Richmond, p. 35

On her home being used as a hospital

Mr. McD., of the Theological Seminary, an Irish student, who was allowed to remain there in peace, being a subject of Great Britain, has just arrived at this house as a candidate for ordination. He says that our house has been taken for a hospital, except two or three rooms which are used as headquarters by an officer. Bishop Johns’ house is used as headquarters; and the whole neighborhood is one great barracks. The families who remained, Mrs B., the Misses H, and others, have been sent to Alexandria, and their houses taken. Mr. J’s and Mr. C’s sweet residences have been taken down to the ground to give place to fortifications, which have been thrown up in every direction. Vaucluse, too, the seat of such elegant hospitality, the refined and dearly-loved home of the F. family, has been leveled to the earth, fortifications thrown up across the lawn, the fine old trees felled, and the whole grounds, once so embowered and shut out from public gaze, now laid bare and open – Vaucluse no more! There seems no probability of our getting home, and if we cannot go, what then? What will become of our furniture, and all our comforts, books, pictures, etc!

July 30, pp. 47-48

On the use of their home and belongings

Mrs. D’s house was occupied as barracks, and ours as a hospital. Miss ___ had accompanied our friend Mrs. ___ there one day during the last winter; it was used as a hospital, except the front rooms, which were occupied by General N. (a renegade Virginian) as headquarters… The ladies drove up to our poor old home, the road winding among stumps of trees, which had been our beautiful oak grove, but one tree was left to show where it had been; they inquired for Mrs. N. She was out, and they determined to walk over the house, that they might see the state of our furniture, etc. They went up-stairs, but, on opening the door of our daughter’s room, they found a lady standing at a bed, cutting out work. Mrs. ___ closed the door and turned to my chamber; this she found occupied by a family, children running about the room, etc.; these she afterwards found were the families of the surgeons. With no amiable feelings she closed that door and went to another room, which, to her relief, was unoccupied; the old familiar furniture stood in its place, and hanging over the mantel was my husband’s portrait. We left it put away with other pictures. The wardrobe, which we had left packed with valuables, stood open and empty; just by it was a large travelling-trunk filled with clothing, which, she supposed, was about to be transferred to the wardrobe. She turned away, and on going down-stairs met Mrs. N., who politely invited her into her (!) parlour. The piano, sofas, etc., were arranged precisely as she had been accustomed to see them arranged, she supposed by our servants, some of whom were still there. This furniture we had left carefully rolled together, and covered, in another room. The weather was cold, and the floor was covered with matting, but no carpet. Mrs. N. apologized, saying that she had lately arrived, and did not know that there was a carpet in the house until, the day before, she was “exploring” the third story, and found in a locked room some very nice ones, which the soldiers were now shaking, and “she should make herself comfortable.” She had just before been expressing holy horror at the soldiers in Alexandria having injured and appropriated the property of others. Mrs. ___ looked at her wonderingly! Does she consider these carpets her own? Our parlour curtains were upon the passage-table, ready to be put up. She found them, no doubt, while exploring the third story, for there we left them securely wrapped up to protect them from moths. Ah! There are some species of moths (bipeds) from which bars and bolts could not protect them. This we did not anticipate. We thought that Federal officers were gentlemen!

September 30, 1862, pp. 159-161

The first major engagement between Union and Confederate forces, The Battle of First Bull Run (Manassas), occurred on July 21, 1861. The cannon fire could be heard in Alexandria, a distance of 25 miles. The battle was a decisive victory for the Confederates, and the battered Union troops retreated toward Alexandria. Unionist John Ogden described the retreat from Bull Run in a letter to his daughter Mary written in 1862.

You will read of the retreat from Bull Run - that battle was Sunday, July 21, 1861. We heard the firing of cannon all day - heard it in church, The retreat of our men began about 5 P.M. I knew nothing of it till next morning, when squads of soldiers began to arrive in Alexandria from the battlefield. Two who breakfasted with us advised us to leave immediately, for they thought Beauregard would be in Alexandria before night. It was a cold and very stormy day - soon the town was full of soldiers. They were pitiable creatures as you can imagine - they came in squads without officers and knew not where to go. Many were so exhausted by their march from Centreville to the battlefield, then the fatigue of this battle and that long retreat (25 miles), through mud and rain that they could scarcely stand. Most of them had not eaten since Sunday morning; tired, hungry, footsore, drenched with the rain, they sat on doorsteps and curbstones from one end of our streets to the other. They arrived all Monday and Monday night - some came Tuesday and later still. The last to come in the worst condition - all had thrown away their knapsacks - many their guns- some men without coats or shoes.

August 1862

General John P. Slough was appointed military governor of Alexandria on August 25, 1862. His assignment to oversee the security of the city and administer martial law came after the Battle of Cedar Mountain and prior to Second Bull Run. The city was in disarray and large numbers of soldiers were creating disorder. Slough took immediate action by sending patrols through the city to force unruly soldiers to return to their camps. He also established curfews and closed all establishments selling alcoholic beverages. In response to complaints from merchants, he wrote:

• Slough, Gen. John P. From the Alexandria Gazette, Sept. 1862 and July 1865.

In response to complaints from merchants, he wrote:

...when the present Military Governor took command here, there was, as there had been days previous, a 'reign of terror' in Alexandria. The streets were crowded with intoxicated soldiery; murder was of almost hourly occurrence, and disturbances, robbery, and rioting were constant. The sidewalks and the docks were covered with drunken men, women and children and quiet citizens were afraid to venture into the streets, and life and property were at the mercy of the maddened throng - a condition of things perhaps never in the history of this country to be found in any other.

September 1862

The office of the military governor was abolished on July 7. General Slough wrote to the citizens of Alexandria and soldiers of its garrison:

A - to me - pleasant relationship is severed.

Believing that my services are no longer needed here, I have been, at my own request, relieved of my command as Military Governor of Alexandria.

I return to my home in the Rocky Mountains, there soon, I hope, to resume civilian pursuits.

If in the discharge of my duties here I have benefitted you, I am content. I have labored for this result. I shall ever remember with pleasurable emotions, my three years' sojourn in Alexandria.

I now say 'Good-bye' with earnest wishes for your happiness and prosperity.

July 17, 1865

Read of American war correspondent George Alfred Townsend's experience in Alexandria during the Civil War. Townsend was a noted war correspondent and novelist. During the Civil War he wrote for the New York Herald.

• Townsend, George Alfred, Campaigns of a Non-Combatant, — and His Romaunt Abroad During the War. Blelock & Company, New York, 1866.

Many hamlets and towns have been destroyed during the war. But of all that in some form survive, Alexandria has most suffered. It has been in the uninterrupted possession of the Federals for twenty-two months, and has become essentially a military city. Its streets, its docks, its warehouses, its dwellings, and its suburbs have been absorbed to the thousand uses of war.

Alexandria is filled with ruined people; they walk as strangers through their ancient streets, and their property is no longer theirs to possess...I do not know that any Federal functionary was accused of tyranny, or wantonness, but these things ensued as the natural results of civil war; and one's sympathies were everywhere enlisted for the poor, the exiled, and the bereaved.

Page 53

 

I rode through Washington Street, the seat of some ancient residences, and found it lined with freshly arrived troops. The grave—slabs in a fine old churchyard were strewn with weary cavalry—men, and they lay in some side yards, soundly sleeping. Some artillery—men chatted at doorsteps, with idle house—girls; some courtesans flaunted in furs and ostrich feathers, through a group of coarse engineers; some sergeants of artillery, in red trimmings, and caps gilded with cannon, were reining their horses to leer at some ladies, who were taking the air in their gardens; and at a wide place in the street, a Provost—Major was manoeuvring some companies, to the sound of the drum and fife. There was much drunkenness, among both soldiers and civilians; and the people of Alexandria were, in many cases, crushed and demoralized by reason of their troubles. One man of this sort led me to a sawmill, now run by Government, and pointed to the implements.

“I bought ’em and earned ’em,” he said. “My labor and enterprise set ’em there; and while my mill and machinery are ruined to fill the pockets o’ Federal sharpers, I go drunk, ragged, and poor about the streets o’ my native town. My daughter starves in Richmond; God knows I can’t get to her. I wish to h––l I was dead.”

Further inquiry developed the facts that my acquaintance had been a thriving builder, who had dotted all Northeastern Virginia with evidences of his handicraft. At the commencement of the war, he took certain contracts from the Confederate government, for the construction of barracks at Richmond and Manassas Junction; returning inopportunely to Alexandria, he was arrested, and kept some time in Capitol—Hill prison; he had not taken the oath of allegiance, consequently, he could obtain no recompense for the loss of his mill property. Domestic misfortunes, happening at the same time, so embittered his days that he resorted to dissipation. Alexandria is filled with like ruined people; they walk as strangers through their ancient streets, and their property is no longer theirs to possess, but has passed into the hands of the dominant nationalists. My informant pointed out the residences of many leading citizens: some were now hospitals, others armories and arsenals; others offices for inspectors, superintendents, and civil officials. The few people that remained upon their properties, obtained partial immunity, by courting the acquaintance of Federal officers, and, in many cases, extending the hospitalities of their homes to the invaders. I do not know that any Federal functionary was accused of tyranny, or wantonness, but these things ensued, as the natural results of civil war; and one’s sympathies were everywhere enlisted for the poor, the exiled, and the bereaved.

My dinner at the City Hotel was scant and badly prepared. I gave a negro lad who waited upon me a few cents, but a burly negro carver, who seemed to be his father, boxed the boy’s ears and put the coppers into his pocket. The proprietor of the place had voluntarily taken the oath of allegiance, and had made more money since the date of Federal occupation than during his whole life previously. He said to me, curtly, that if by any chance the Confederates should reoccupy Alexandria, he could very well afford to relinquish his property. He employed a smart barkeeper, who led guests by a retired way to the drinking—rooms. Here, with the gas burning at a taper point, cobblers, cocktails, and juleps were mixed stealthily and swallowed in the darkness. The bar was like a mint to the proprietor; he only feared discovery and prohibition. It would not accord with the chaste pages of this narrative to tell how some of the noblest residences in Alexandria had been desecrated to licentious purposes; nor how, by night, the parlors of cosey homes flamed with riot and orgie. I stayed but a little time, having written an indiscreet paragraph in the Washington Chronicle, for which I was pursued by the War Department, and the management of my paper, lacking heart, I went home in a pet.

Pages 54-56

Private Rosetta Wakeman (alias Private Lyons Wakeman) had disguised her gender and enlisted in the 153rd Regiment, New York State Volunteers. In a letter to her father, she provided a glimpse of army life in Alexandria.

• Wakeman, Rosetta. An Uncommon Soldier (The Civil War Letters of Sarah Rosetta Wakeman), 1994.

I can buy anything that I want here but I have to pay double what it is worth...The weather is cold and the ground is froze hard, but I sleep as warm in the tents as I would in a good bed...We have boards laid down for a floor and our dishes is tin...

December 1862

As the Battle of Gettysburg raged on July 2, Private Rosetta (Lyons) Wakeman told of the expected attack on Alexandria.

They are ablockading the City of Alexandria very strong for they expect Attack here. Our regiment has laid out in the field for some time every night, awatching for the rebels...There is three regiment of infantry here and one of Cavalry and some flying artillery...

July 2, 1863

Eighteen-year old Edgar Warfield, co-founder of the Old Dominion Rifles, was among the 800 local militiamen who left Alexandria on May 24, 1861 to fight for the Confederacy. As part of the 17th Virginia Regiment, Private Warfield served the duration of the conflict from First Manassas (Bull Run) to Appomattox. His memoirs recount his army experiences beginning with the events and mood in Alexandria prior to Union occupation.

Warfield was destined to outlive all of his comrades with whom he marched to war on May 24, 1861. As a civilian after the war, he opened a drugstore, was a fire chief, and a Master in the Masonic order. He held a keen interest in Confederate veterans activities, and was posthumously appointed a brigadier general. Edgar Warfield was in his nineties when he completed his Civil War memoirs, Manassas to Appomattox. Mr. Warfield was a much beloved Alexandria institution, known for his friendliness and devotion to his community, and to the Confederate cause.

• Warfield, Edgar. A Confederate Soldier's Memoirs, Richmond, 1936.

During these early months of 1861, we could almost see the skies grow steadily darker. War became practically a certainty. In Alexandria the training of volunteers went steadily forward, and one event after another gave evidence of how the public was changing over from a civilian to military status.

The annual celebration of the anniversary of the birth of George Washington took place as usual on February 22, but there was a significance to the event which had not been known before. In the parade marched the Loudoun Guards of Leesburg and the Warren Rifles of Front Royal, in addition to our own companies and to the Fire Department organizations...On the same day, in front of Lyceum Hall, a handsome Virginia State flag was presented to the Alexandria Riflemen by the ladies of the city... 

1861

After General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, Alexandria was again inundated with thousands of Union soldiers who arrived to participate in the Grand Review to be held in Washington on May 23 and 24 to signal the end of hostilities. Men who had left Alexandria to fight for the Confederacy were able to return home for the first time in four years.

...we landed at Wheat's Wharf between Queen and Princess Streets. Here the four of us separated, each to make his way home that we had left four years before. I was delayed so much between the wharf and home by the friends I met on the way that on reaching the intersection of King and Water [now Lee] Streets, I turned up the latter street, going south, and then made my way through Smoot's Alley to Fairfax Street, on which I had lived.

My oldest sister was just leaving home on her way to school. I called to her and we returned to the house. Before we entered she called my attention to two American flags over the front door. They had been put there the day before by the authorities, who anticipated my father's return and mine, so that we would have to walk under them on entering...We four were the first arrivals from the surrender at Appomattox.

April 18, 1865

Julia Wheelock came to Alexandria in September in search of her brother who had been wounded at the Battle of Second Bull Run (August 29-30.) After learning of her brother's death, Julia remained in the city and became an agent for the Michigan Relief Association. Her brother, Sergeant Orville Wheelock, is interred in the Alexandria National Cemetery, grave #250.

• Wheelock, Julia. The Boys in White, New York, 1870

As we pass up King street we pause a moment to look at the building where the brave young Ellsworth fell...Turning from King into Washington street, we notice a soldier in full uniform with a shouldered musket, pacing to and fro in front of what appeared to be a church. We are told...that it is the Southern M.E. Church, but now used as a hospital...I hastened to the next hospital - the Lyceum Hall - but..met with the same reply as before. We cross the street to the Baptist church, which is also used for a hospital...We had gone but a few steps when...we saw a soldier's funeral procession approaching - a scene I had never before witnessed, but one with which I was destined to become familiar...He is escorted to his final resting place...by comrades...with unfixed bayonets, and arms reversed, keeping time with their slow tread and solemn notes of the 'Dead March,'...

...we all went out to Fairfax Seminary Hospital...This is a large hospital and will accommodate several hundred patients. It is situated in a delightful place,...commanding a fine view of the country for miles around. It was formerly a theological seminary; hence Seminary Hospital... The country, before the war, must have been beautiful; but now, so desolate! Fences gone, buildings in ruin, shrubbery destroyed, fields uncultivated - all showing the sad effects of desolating war...

September 30, 1862

The transcribed pages that follow are from the diaries kept by Julia Wilbur, an abolitionist from Rochester, New York, who lived in Alexandria, Virginia, from October 1862 to February 1865. She moved to Washington, DC, where she lived until her death in 1895. The diaries are in the form of packets of paper that she assembled and dated as she went along, approximately 4 by 7 inches. The diaries go from 1844 to 1873. She also kept journals, which were smaller, pre-printed, leather-bound booklets, one per year through 1895.

In a cooperative effort between Haverford and Alexandria Archaeology, pages of the diaries were scanned in Summer 2013 (March 7, 1860, through the early 1870s). Alexandria Archeology volunteers transcribed from March 7, 1860, through July 3, 1866. Read the complete transcription, or select a year.

Diaries of Julia Wilbur, March 1860 to July 1866

• Wilbur diaries, 1860
• Wilbur diaries, 1861
• Wilbur diaries, 1862
• Wilbur diaries, 1863
• Wilbur diaries, 1864
• Wilbur diaries, 1865
• Wilbur diaries, 1866

Wilbur also kept parallel, smaller pocket diaries, the originals of which are at Haverford as well. They were separately transcribed, compiled, and annotated by Paula Whitacre for Alexandria Archeology in 2011-2012, using microfilmed versions in the Local History Collection at the Alexandria Public Library.

• Wilbur Pocket Diaries 

The Federal government was the primary employer of Alexandria's free blacks and former slaves, known as contrabands, who migrated to the city. Although they were employed in various capacities, many worked for the U.S. Military Railroad and as stevedores on the government docks for the Office of Commissary Subsistence, which distributed food, coal and hay. As the number of contrabands in the city swelled, the government instituted a $5 per week reduction in the wages of free black workers to be applied to the support of contrabands. The free black stevedores felt the cut was unfair and appealed to Colonel Bell, commanding officer of the Commissary Subsistence, and ultimately to Secretary of War Stanton, who denied their appeal.

Free Laborers. From a letter to Col. Bell, RG92, National Archives, Washington, D.C.

We...the free people of Alexandria that have been in your employment every since it was established...humbley [sic] appeal...for the addition of those five dollars that has been curtailed from our wages... we free born men...has always had our selves and families to look out for do not see why we...should pay a tax for them...while the Contrabands has all the attention from every private source[.] the government...provides house...and fuell [sic]for there wives and children and for the men themselves when out of employ[ment]... We think it hard that we should contribute to them who has all the attention[.]...we could just...get along when you gave us $25, but... as high as , it is very hard to get along at alls.[sic] [signed] your obedient servants.

Free Laborers Working as Stevedores in Alexandria
August 1863

The Local News was published from the office of the Alexandria Gazette during the suppression of that paper by Union forces. Selected articles from the first month of publication provide insight into how life was changing for City residents.

Most issues of The Local News can be read online, courtesy of the Library of Congress, “Chronicling America.” The October 12 and October 16 issues are courtesy of the Alexandria Library, Special Collections.

• The Local News (Alexandria, Virginia) October 7, 1861-February 10, 1862

Alexandria - There has been, we expect, few places more affected by the present war than Alexandria. Not six months ago, a thrifty growing city - with an energetic, prosperous, and happy population - unusually free from the crime and misery of cities generally, Alexandria occupied an enviable position, and in a social point of view, stood pre-eminently high. But a change - aye! - a sad change has come over the good old town. A large number of the oldest and most respected families are no longer ‘of us,’ having left their homes at the beginning of the war- their houses are closed or occupied by others, and their wonted life and cheerfulness has departed. The many pleasing promenades and places of familiar resort in the neighborhood are deserted, and the streets on which principally are residences of the citizens present a most desolate appearance. The wharves, too, where once were all was bustle and activity, are now, save when a transport or pungy arrives, almost bare, and on our broad majestic river no ships appear, save those used in the service of the Federal Government. But very few warehouses on the wharves are open or occupied, and Union Street, next to King, the principal business street of the city, is now, except as a burthen train passes, as quiet as on Sundays. Prince, Duke, Cameron, and Queen Streets have lost their vitality, and King alone resembles what it was wont to be. The numerous carts and drays that traversed the thoroughfares, and preformed the carrying of the city trade, have given way to the ponderous army wagon and somber ambulance and military costumes almost exclusively occupy the sidewalks. No loner in communication with the back country by three of the leading railroads in the State, the travel by rail is restricted to a jaunt from ‘Ichthyopolis’ to ‘Necropolis.’ The city government is no longer administered upon its chartered basis, the Mayor and police, night and day, having been deposed; and the sound of the watchman’s horn heard in the town at ten o’clock at night - ‘since time where of the memory of man runneth not to the contrary,’ is now silenced, the bugle’s signal and drum’s tattoo have taken their time- honored place. ‘Tempora mutantur’ - but how sad the change!

October 12, 1861

Our absent citizens would hardly know the environs of this town if they could be suddenly transported to them. The once wooded heights all around, are now destitute of trees, and the landscape, dotted with frowning fortifications, earthworks, and entrenchments, has that hard, cold, stern look, which is any thing but pleasant either in nature or design.

MILITARY SPIRIT. – Since the beginning of the war, and the constant appearance of soldiery, the military spirit has possessed and diffused itself widely and rapidly among our juvenile population; and there is scarcely a boy now who is not thoroughly acquainted with the manual and drill of heavy and light infantry. As for drummers, there will never again be a scarcity. There is a constant drumming kept up from morning till night. Every other boy has two sticks, and practices upon all the cellar doors, fences, and steps by which he passes, to the infinite annoyance of all within hearing. A nervous gentleman the other day was heard to wish “all the drums in h—l,” and trusted that after the war “a law would be passed, especially prohibiting the beating of the infernal machines.”

THE SLAUGHTER HOUSES. – Among the places of interest to the curious, in and around the city, are the Slaughter Houses, where daily large numbers of beeves, hogs, sheep, &c., are killed for the use of the Federal army. At the one at the upper end of King street, upwards of one hundred oxen are daily butchered in the most approved style. A number of butchers are kept constantly employed. Vast herds of cattle may be seen in the fields on the outskirts of the city, in fine condition for the use of the soldiers.

THE RAILROAD DEPOTS, formerly places of such bustle and activity, are now idle and deserted. The engine houses and work-shops are however still in use – the engines in the employ of the Federal Government, and the workshops kept in operation for repairing. We learn that the Government is fitting up the Depot of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.

IMPAIRED. – The upper end of Duke street that used to be a favorite drive on account of its smoothness, has been recently much “cut up” and rendered very uneven by the constant passage of heavy wagons, artillery, &c., and will require much repairing to place it in its former good condition.

It is said that since September estates and property valued at $800,000 have been confiscated in Virginia, and agents appointed to take care of the estates, until the present difficulties are settled.

October 15, 1861

Shuter’s Hill has been shorn of many of it attractions - a greater portion of the beautiful trees have been felled, the fences destroyed, roads made in every direction, and the hill is fortified at various points. Mr. Ashby’s residence, on the hill, has fared badly, having been despoiled of every moveable item it contained.

Aspen Grove, formerly one of the most beautiful residences in the city, has likewise suffered, being very much defaced. Nearly all the trees in front of the Mansion have been killed, the bark being rubbed or cut off, and the main building and outbuildings completely gutted, and so mutilated that [it] will require a large outlay to repair the damage done.

The Virginia House is in a shocking condition, being much defaced and very dirty.

Most of the vacant stores at the upper end of King Street, are now occupied mostly by blacks, who have opened eating houses, and a good business in this line is being done.

The office of the Provost Marshal, at the corner of King and Columbus Streets, looks rather the worse for use, and a little soap and water within, and some paint without would materially improve its appearance and conduce to comfort.

At the Court House, the Provost Judge holds his court, and dispenses justice in military style.

The jail contains a number of military prisoners, but Millan’s slave jail is the place of confinement generally for offending soldiers. It is said to be in a very filthy condition.”

The traffic carried on by the colored population with the soldiers, in pies, cakes, small beer, is considerable, the average profits of each seller being about five dollars per day- many make four or five times that much. Horses and wagons are in great requisition for the transport of edibles to the camps; and any morning long trains of these wagons may be seen wending their way out to the different roads, to the camps of the Federal Soldiers.

Notwithstanding the orders prohibiting the sale of liquor to the soldiers, many persons are engaged in the sale of this forbidden article, and large quantities of bad liquors are disposed of daily to the troops, and its effects are often visible in the streets.

Duke Street is not the principal thoroughfare for travel and transportation; the exceedingly rough condition of King Street rendering it difficult of passage.

The Orange and Alexandria Depot is being fitted up with gas, and is to be used by the Federal Government for their purposes. Trains are kept constantly running on the road for some distance up.

The residences of many of our citizens are closed but some are being opened and reoccupied. Those of our population who spend the summer and fall months in the surrounding country, are returning to their city homes.

The bell of the Friendship Engine House has been tolled for several nights for the purpose of attracting a sufficient number of the members to hold a meeting, but a quorum, we believe, cannot be obtained. The president of the company and a number of its members are absent from the city.

The lot of the Virginia House is now used as a cattle yard, where the cattle for the use of the Federal army are kept at night. Most of the cattle are very fine, and it is a sight to see them gathered in this yard at nights.

October 16, 1861

FURTHER HELP FOR THE POOR. – It has been suggested, and the suggestion is a most excellent one, that the ladies of the city should co-operate with the “Relief Association,” in adding to the comforts of the necessitous, and deserving among our townspeople during the coming winter. There is doubtless in the garrets and clothes’ rooms of the city, numbers of thread-bare, patched or other off-cast garments, which under the skilful fingers of the ladies could be made to do good service in clothing poor children, that otherwise might suffer for the want of such articles. We know that the benevolence of the ladies of Alexandria needs only the suggestion, to secure their assistance in this excellent work. The Volunteer Relief Association will rejoice to have their cooperation.

I. LOUIS KINZER, ATTORNEY AT LAW, Alexandria, Va. Will attend to the prosecution of Claims for damages sustained by citizens of Alexandria and vicinity, by the use and occupation or destruction of their property by the U. S. Troops.

DOWNTOWN ITEMS. – At the upper Coal Wharves where a considerable amount of Coal has accumulated, there is some activity. Vessels are loading, and there are generally two or three arrivals and departures daily. But few Canal Boats are coming down; the majority of them being stopped at Georgetown. Unloading the boats, and loading the vessels, gives employment to a number of hands. The wharf of the American Coal Company, the Fish Wharf, the Steamship, and adjoining wharves, are used by the Government. Large sheds will, it is understood, be erected on the American Coal Company’s Wharf, for storing provisions, &c., and a switch from the Railroad on Union street is to extend out on the wharf to facilitate the transportation of articles to the camps of the Federal soldiers beyond the western limits of the city. Along the lower wharves everything is exceedingly dull and quiet. There are scarcely any vessels in the docks, and save occasionally some lone fisherman striving patiently to secure his daily food, these once busy localities are entirely deserted.

The Pioneer Mills are no longer in operation – the Caulker’s hammer and Carpenter’s adze, are no longer heard at Hunter’s Ship Yard, and the Plaster Mill is still.

Craven’s Saw Mill is in active operation, furnishing our citizens with sawed and split wood; and at the lower Ship Yard, (Goodhand’s) there is work sufficient to keep several hands constantly employed.

Union Street – the Howard street of Alexandria, is now, from Cameron street down, as quiet as Gibbon or Pendleton, and as little business transacted.

The Quartermaster’s Department and Federal Storehouses at the Steamship Depot and Warehouses adjoining, are places of bustle and excitement.

On the lot adjoining Jamieson’s Bakery on the South, stabling for five or six hundred horses has been erected, and the principal stand for the army wagons is here established.

The Old Custom House has been converted into a Bakery, and thousands of loaves of bread are daily turned out from the apartments of the Appraiser and Surveyor – while the Collector’s room, whitened by the flour, is used by the Chief Baker and his assistants as a counting room – “To what base uses, &c.”

Green’s extensive Cabinet Manufactory is no longer in operation, and the familiar sound of the bell is no longer heard at 7, 12, and 6 o’clock, as formerly.

The old Gazette, for the second time (once during the war of 1812,) since its foundation, has suspended publication, and is no longer the welcome visitor at the houses of so many of our citizens. From the office of that old familiar and popular journal is now issued the humble sheet, indicating its aim and object in its name – THE LOCAL NEWS.

The Relief Engine House is now occupied by the military, the apparatus having been removed, and a few houses in the vicinity are occupied by the officers of some of the regiments stationed in and around the city.

The Headquarters of the General in command of the Federal troops here, is at the corner of Prince and St. Asaph streets, formerly occupied by Mrs. Page, as a boarding house. The General’s family and suite occupy the residence of Mr. Charles Baldwin, nearly opposite the Headquarters.

TUNNEL TOWN. – This noted locality exhibits, probably, in a less degree than any other part of our city the effects of horrida bella. Generally quiet, except in times of high political excitement, its quietude is now seldom disturbed, except perhaps when a drunken soldier entering its precincts, commits some act unworthy a man of war then woe to the offender – for very jealous of their rights, and sensitive in a high degree, no offence is allowed to go unpunished – and he is a t once taken in hand by those in authority among the “Boys,” and due punishment inflicted; consequently we have heard of fewer outrages or depredations in Tunnel Town than in other parts of the city. Still Tunnel Town is not what is was ante bellum. Many of the “Boys have gone off to the war, and their presence and voices are missed in the assemblies convened daily at either mouth of the Tunnel. The great poll, too, around which so often all Tunnel Town has gathered, is cut down and gone, and a few stones alone mark the place where it once so proudly stood. The lack of political excitement has also tended to cast into the shade this quarter of our city, but it is hoped that the day is not distant when Tunnel Town may assume its wonted importance, and its people be as cheerful and happy as in days gone by.

October 17, 1861

MILITARY COURT TODAY….

The only civil case before the Court, was that of Mr. R. R. Snyder, of this city, charged with an assault with intent to kill Thomas Dwyer.

 … Mr. Dwyer entered the store of Mr. Snyder, and having completed some purchases, conversation turned on the war, in which Mr. Snyder grew quite violent, wished all the Yankees hung, reproached Dwyer with being a traitor to Virginia, arid turning against the people who bad supported him, &c, whereupon somewhat of an altercation occurred, in which Snyder struck Dwyer in the face, whereupon Dwyer declared that he would appeal to the authorities. Snyder said he would have him assassinated if he did so and, seizing Dwyer by the collar, forced him

into his (Snyder's) office-room, and there, holding a large knife at Dwyer's throat, compelled him to promise not to complain to the authorities, which Dwyer promised, and then Snyder let him go.

Mr. Dwyer hoped the Court; would treat Mr. Snyder as leniently as possible…. Mr. Snyder was then sentenced to pay a fine of $500; to give bonds to keep the peace in the sum of $5,000, and to stand committed to jail until the fine was paid.

October 19, 1861

We would again suggest that our resident citizens save their copies of the Local News – as, they will furnish a useful record here-after of town matters, marriages, deaths, and local incidents – besides containing a brief history of the operations of the war and the events of the times.

AN INJURED VESSEL. – The Schooner “Lady Ann,” of Jersey City, was yesterday the centre of attraction on the city wharves, in consequence of the injuries sustained by her in passing the Confederate batteries upon the Potomac river. A portion of the cabin carried off, a breach in her rail, damages to a mast and shrouds constituted the injuries she received – an account of the firing by the batteries will be found in another column.

The schooner was moored to Shinn’s wharf, and during yesterday, it is not an exaggeration to say, she was visited by thousands – including a number of ladies. All day long a crowd remained on the wharf, and kept the vessel’s captain and men busy narrating the particulars of the disaster.

The rumors mentioned and theories made by the crowd would fill a “triple sheet,” but as twilight came down, the crowd began to diminish until the vessel and her injuries were left “alone in their glory.” 

October 21, 1861

FIRE DEPARTMENT. – The engines and hose carriages of the Relief Fire Company were on yesterday morning returned to their engine house, on Prince street, from the carriage factory of Mr. Prettyman. The U. S. military forces now retain possession of but one engine and house – that of the Star Fire Company.

October 25, 1861

A LARGE SHED. – Workmen are busily engaged at the American Coal Company’s Wharf, foot of Oronoco street, in erecting a commodious shed, covering about half an acre. The wharf is now used by the U. S. Government, and the shed is intended for the storage of provisions, &c.

CHANGE IN RAILROAD. – Workmen in the employ of the United States are now at work changing the grade of the switch connecting the Orange and Alexandria Railroad on Union street, with the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad on Water street.

DRESS PARADE. – There was a dress parade of a portion of the U. S. troops, in this place, and its vicinity, on Thursday afternoon.

CAMP FIRES. – From any eminence, or tall building, in town, every night, the camp fires of the U. S. forces occupying all the heights in the neighborhood of this place, both in Maryland and Virginia, can be seen burning brightly.

FLAG RAISING. – The United States flag, the presentation of which to the Union Club, we noticed yesterday, was raised on the pole at the Market Square, this morning, at 10 o’clock.

After the Star Spangled Banner by the Band of the Cameron Light Guard, S. F. Beach addressed the assemblage in a short speech, the flag was then hoisted, and the Band having played Hail Columbia and Yankee Doodle, the assemblage separated.

THE RIVERSIDE OF ALEXANDRIA. – Silence reigns undisturbed at the wharves of the city south of King street – a few coasting vessels, and a number of pungies, are laying up “in ordinary” until the Potomac is opened. An occasional a vessel drops alongside a wharf – having been permitted to pass the works of the Confederates on the river – but this occurs seldom, and generally the only signs of life in the vicinity is a passing stroller – a few “sedentary fishermen,” and the U. S. Brig Perry lying quietly in the distance.

At King street, the hourly arrival of steamers from Washington – makes that point a busy scene compared with the wharves on either side.

North of King street, the U. S. storehouses and the soldiers and employees about them, prevent the somber appearance of desolation which reigns on the other side from having sway, but even here within the past few days business has been less active.

At the Coal Wharves, there is a small show of briskness – but that too has almost died out since the closing of the Potomac.

The U. S. steamer Pensacola is anchored off the foot of Princess street.

THE MARKETS. – There is, of course, nothing at all doing in a wholesale way in the regular city trade – the entire business of the town, except occasionally army and sutler’s supplies being confined to the limited retail business necessary to supply the inhabitants of this city, and its immediate suburbs – a little trade, too, had been, until the closing of the river, maintained with lower Maryland, by means of wood vessels and oyster boats, but that has now ceased.

THE CITY MARKET. – As usual upon Saturday, the City Market this morning was quite brisk, supplies being larger than on any other day during the week. Buyers were quite numerous, and supplies very good considering the times.

THE FUEL MARKET. – The Fuel Market is brisk for retail business, with a limited supply; coal coming down the Canal slowly, and but little Wood passing the Confederate batteries on the lower Potomac.

October 26, 1861

AN AUTUMNAL SUNDAY.—Yesterday was the first clearly defined autumnal Sunday of 1861. The fall has been growing upon us, but now the faded leaves, not yet clothed with the rich beauty of Indian summer, the half-bare trees, the cool winds that forerun tho snow, are all upon us, and tell that the last glories of the summer will soon be swept away by the icy breath of winter. Services were held in all the churches now open, and at most of them the attendance at all the services was excellent. Just before noon, solemn music filled the air, and a military cortege passed through the principal streets, paying the last honors to an officer of the U.S. forces, and escorting the remains to the steamer, en route for the North. At other hours of the day, two less imposing funerals that the destroying angel had visited upon city homes. The day was quieter than usual, the chilly atmosphere having the effect of keeping large numbers in doors.

The special correspondent of the New York Times, who communicates to that paper, intelligence from the country around Washington, under date of October 25, says:—"Neither the females nor children of Alexandria will be allowed to insult the Federal troops with impunity in future.— The females will risk confinement in the guard house, and the parents will be made responsible for the good behavior of their offspring."

October 28, 1861

A special dispatch to the New York Times, under the head of  “arms concealed in Alexandria” says: “Provost Marshal Griffith, of Alexandria, has ascertained that a number of United States muskets have been, since the battle of Bull Run, concealed in houses in Alexandria, where they were placed by the Federal retreating troops. These muskets are being gradually reclaimed."

THE SUBURBS.—Those portions of this town which Mrs. Partington calls the "outsquirts," and which, in the Alexandria vernacular, were known as Bulltown, Lafentown, the village of Fishtown, Nailor's Hill. Hayti, West End, &c, have changed their aspects with the changes of the times. There have of late been none of the daily improvement which, in many of those localities, marked that the town was filling up to the full breadth authorized by its chartered limits. Custis street, which passes on the other side of the canal, is still a myth, and seems likely to remain so for a long time. Dilapidated houses are no longer repaired, nor do comely residences continue to take the places formerly occupied by unsightly huts. The graveyards are not more quiet than many of those localities. We trust, however, that it may not be long ere the stayed march of improvement may be resumed.

FENCES.—-One of the aspects of the time is the almost total absence of fencing in some portions of the region within the city limit Beside the general desolation which ever follows in the path of war, the scarcity of fuel has, no doubt, led considerable depredations on material fit for burning, and, in sum cases, proprietors have caused their fences to be taken down and stored away, rather than risk their almost certain destruction.

IMPROVED SIDEWALK.—The sidewalk on the west side of Washington street, near Wolfe, has received a much needed improvement. The old and rotten plunking, which had become dangerous, has been removed, and a solid compost footway laid. It will prove a great convenience for all traveling in that direction.

October 30, 1861

BREAD.—The amount of bread manufactured at the United States Military Bakery (old Custom-House) would astonish those who are not familiar with such matters. — For several hours each morning the drop, in front of the bakery or. Union street, is constantly occupied by loaves of bread passing over it in a constant stream, into the cars, until car after car is loaded.

THE city authorities of Alexandria, Va., by their corporate powers are authorized to assess revenues, impose taxes, fines, licenses, &c, to collect the same, and appropriate them, for the just and necessary expenditures of the Corporation—'in which they are not to be obstructed by military or other persons, unless—otherwise ordered by competent authority. W. R. MONTGOMERY, Brig. Gen and Military Governer of Alex'a., Va.

October 31, 1861

SUPPLY STORE.—The Supply Store of the Relief Association was opened to-day at the spacious establishment, lately occupied by James A. English, on Fairfax street, opposite the Market Square. A good supply of Bacon. Salt Pork, Flour, Meal, &c, were on hand, and some two hundred persons bad their needs supplied. We are happy to chronicle the inauguration of this most excellent charity. The Orphan Asylum and the Supply Store are the noblest institutions of the city.

THE MANSION HOUSE.—We learn that the Mansion House Hotel, of this city, will shortly be occupied by the forces of the United States as a Military Hospital. The Hotel is the most commodious, and one of the most splendid, buildings in this city.

November 1, 1861

The Court then took up the case of Sergeant Coglan, of the 'Lincoln Cavalry," charged with shooting at Mr. John Kerr. Messrs. Quinsby, John L. Smith, John Kerr, and A. J. Walker were examined as witnesses in the case. It appeared in evidence that the accused was in the Shoe Store of John L. Smith, Saturday night last, somewhat intoxicated; that after ordering a pair of boots, he approached Mr. John Kerr, who was sitting in the store, and asked 'Are there many secessionists in this town ?" to which Kerr replied that "he believed there were a few," when the accused took out his pistol, and further asked 'Are you a secessionist?" to which Kerr replied that "he was an old man and did not take part." The accused then turned to Walker who had just come in, and inquired "What are you?" Walker answered "lam a Shoemaker?" As the accused turned to Walker, Kerr started to pass into the residence of Mr. Smith by a back door. The accused seeing Kerr move, cocked his pistol, and called to him to halt. Kerr did not halt, and as he passed the door, the accused fired his pistol, the ball passing through the partition above Kerr's head. A guard was then called, and the accused arrested.

The accused soldier said he had been drinking, and was unconscious of the action, that he had never been in Alexandria before, but he supposed that while in delirium, produced by drink, he had been thinking of injuries done him whilst a resident of Georgia and of the talk of the soldiers in regard to Alexandria being a secession place, and this led him, unconsciously to commit the deed.

The Court said that no man, soldier or otherwise, had a right to ask anybody their sentiments, and that it intended to protect all peaceable people in carrying on their business, but as it was evident there was no personal malice in this case, he would postpone its further consideration until to-morrow, to
give time for the accused to present witnesses to his character.

November 4, 1861

THE WHARF AFTER THE FLOOD —The Potomac subsided considerably on Sunday, but on Monday sunk to within a short distance of its ordinary high water level. The strand along the river, however, exhibited as many evidences of the passing of the waters as the land of Egypt after the Nile's embrace. The embankment of the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad, crossing the low grounds near the “-gut," was somewhat washed by the influx of waters, but may easily be repaired. Fishtown, as usual, has been partly floated away—piles of timber, grass and detritus mark the path of the waters. The bed of the Orange Railroad, from Queen to Prince street, has been damaged, and will, at some points, soon require to be relayed. At the foot of all the streets, there is a deposit of rich mud, varying from five inches to half an inch in thickness. Some of the lower store floors are coated in a like manner. Some of the timbers of the Long Wharf have been torn away, and Hunter's Wharf, near the lower plaster mill, is almost bare of planking. The other wharves have suffered but slightly. This morning, however, the traces of the flood were in most places nearly obliterated.

Small vessels continue occasionally to come up the river, either by hugging the Maryland shore, passing the batteries in the night, or being allowed to sail by unmolested.

November 5, 1861

HUNTING CREEK BRIDGE.—This structure which was torn up soon after the U. S. forces occupied this city, but which has lately been reconstructed by Federal workmen, suffered somewhat by the recent flood. A portion of the causeway on each side of the wood work is washed away, and it will require some filling in to place the bridge in as good condition as it was before the storm. This work, will, we presume, be done at once.

FOOT-BALL.—This game seems of late, to have become universally popular in this city. On all the streets, in market, on the wharf—, on the commons, every where—foot-ball— foot-ball. Men play it, boys play it, and just now it seems to be "the thing." Pipes and Foot-Balls are having their day. We suggest, however, that the game be discard in all the business streets—so that passers-by—especially ladies, be cot incommoded by dashing balls and gangs of lads running at full tilt.

November 6, 1861

MEETING—A regular meeting of the Union Association of this place, was held at the Lyceum Hall, last night, Stephen Shinn in the Chair, and 0. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. The band of the Cameron Light Guard was in attendance, and opened the meeting by playing "The Red, White and Blue." ….

Lewis McKenzie then addressed the meeting;, complimenting the Band, and insisting that such fine music would certainly put an end to many of the secessionists in the town who now looked so sour that it was painful to behold them. He said that one good effect at least of the present unfortunate war would be to put an end to what he considered the greatest nonsense and humbug of the age, the term "sacred soil" applied to Virginia. He had visited Massachusetts, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, and other States, and examined their soil, and saw no reason why the soil of Virginia was more sacred than in any of the other States.— This war would obliterate the cry of sacred soil—a cry which had had its influence in causing the State to secede. To the preachers and women, especially to the former, he attached much blame for the dissolution of the Union. He next alluded to the flag, and said, he never expected that the time would come when the Stars and Stripes would be looked upon with scorn, as that flag was now by many. He then reverted to the "sacred soil," and repeated that it was the veriest humbug and nonsense. After again complimenting the band, which he pronounced the finest he had ever heard—he concluded' and upon the suggestion of the President, a motion to adjourn was put and carried, and the meeting adjourned.

November 7, 1861

Traveler's descriptions of the Alexandria waterfront were compiled by Alexandria Archaeology in 2009. For Civil War era accounts, see pages 92-100.

• Traveler's Accounts of the Historic Alexandria Waterfront

The Union Army occupied Alexandria from the first days of the Civil War to the last. They used the town as a base for supplies, troop transfer, and other logistics, as well as to protect Washington, DC. Alexandria also became an important center for care of the wounded and sick. By the end of the war, more than 30 military hospitals were located in Alexandria, with 6,500 beds.

First person accounts from the hospitals have been gathered from soldiers, nurses and relief workers. Read them along with the history of the hospital discussed in their accounts.

Clarissa Jones, Nurse

Clarissa Jones was the head nurse at the Baptist Church hospital in Alexandria. The following excerpt is from a letter from Nurse Jones, dated September 12, 1862, courtesy  The National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Frederick, Maryland. The letter was displayed at the Lyceum, in the 2014 exhibition Occupied City: Life in Civil War Alexandria. Nurse Clarissa Jones, writes of turning away Southern sympathizing women who try to bring things to the Confederate POW patients at the Baptist Church hospital.

We have 9 Sesesh prisoners in the Church opposite to which we belong, being under the same officers, etc. Certain females come daily with grapes, peaches & the like to give to them [Confederate POW patients] alone --- that is not allowable, for all the good things sent to the institution are equally divided, and this we explain, but not to their satisfaction. They become terribly worked up and in a majority of cases go off with their contributions. They do not understand what it is to be lady-like in their conversation or behavior. We have a flag over the door now to keep them out; they have a holy horror of the article and even to attend to their own sick will hardly subject themselves to the degradation of coming under it

September 12, 1862

Letters home from soldiers from New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin further describe conditions at Camp Convalescent. The work of Nurse Amy Bradley, a Special Relief Agent of the U.S. Sanitary Commission, was recounted in a publication in 1867, just two years after the war ended.

Amy Bradley, Nurse 

Amy Bradley, Special Relief Agent, U.S. Sanitary Commission, was assigned to Camp Convalescent in December 1862 and helped improve conditions after the camp was moved out of Alexandria.

She had entered the Civil War as a nurse with the Maine Volunteers, attached to the 5th Maine Regiment. Her efficiency and skills were noted and she eventually took on more responsibility. When the Maine troops moved south to the Peninsula, she offered to work for the Sanitary Commission. First, she served aboard the Ocean Queen, then in Washington, until December 1862, when she was asked to go to Camp Convalescent.

From Women’s Work in the Civil War: A Record of Heroism, Patriotism, and Patience , by L.P. Brockett and Mrs. Mary Vaughn (1867):

Numerous attempts had been made to improve the condition of the camp, but owing to the small number and inefficiency of the officers detailed to the command, it had constantly grown worse. The convalescents, numbering nine or ten thousand, were lodged, in the depth of a very severe winter, in wedge and Sibley tents, without floors, with no fires, or means of making any, amid deep mud or frozen clods, and were very poorly supplied with clothing, and many of them without blankets.

Under such circumstances, it was not to be expected that their health could improve. The stragglers and deserters and the new recruits were even worse off than the convalescents. The assistant surgeon and his acting assistants, up to the last of October, 1862, were too inexperienced to be competent for their duties.….In December, 1862, while the men were yet in Camp Misery, Miss Bradley was sent there as the Special Relief Agent of the Sanitary Commission, and took up her quarters there. As we have said the condition of the men was deplorable. She arrived on the 17th of December, and after setting up her tents, and arranging her little hospital, cook-room, store-room, wash-room, bath-room, and office, so as to be able to serve the men most effectually, she passed round with the officers, as the men were drawn up in line for inspection, and supplied seventy-five men with woolen shirts, giving only to the very needy. In her hospital tents she soon had forty patients, all of them men who had been discharged from the hospitals as well; these were washed, supplied with clean clothing, warmed, fed and nursed. Others had discharge papers awaiting them, but were too feeble to stand in the cold and wet till their turn came. She obtained them for them, and sent the poor invalids to the Soldiers' Home in Washington, en route for their own homes. From May 1st to December 31st, 1863, she conveyed more than two thousand discharged soldiers from the Rendezvous of Distribution to the Commission's Lodges at Washington; most of them men suffering from incurable disease, and who but for her kind ministrations must most of them have perished in the attempt to reach their homes. In four months after she commenced her work she had had in her little hospital one hundred and thirty patients, of whom fifteen died….

On the 8th of February, 1864, the convalescents were, by general orders from the War Department, removed to the general hospitals in and about Washington, and the name changed from Camp Distribution to Rendezvous of Distribution, and only stragglers and deserters, and the recruits awaiting orders, or other men fit for duty were to be allowed there. For nearly two months Miss Bradley was confined to her quarters by severe illness. On her recovery she pushed forward an enterprise on which she had set her heart, of establishing a weekly paper at the Rendezvous, to be called "The Soldiers' Journal," which should be a medium of contributions from all the more intelligent soldiers in the camp, and the profits from which (if any accrued), should be devoted to the relief of the children of deceased soldiers. On the 17th of February the first number of "The Soldiers' Journal" appeared, a quarto sheet of eight pages; it was conducted with considerable ability and was continued till the breaking up of the Rendezvous and hospital, August 22, 1865, just a year and a half. The profits of the paper were twenty-one hundred and fifty-five dollars and seventy-five cents….  

Oliver Ormsby, New York Soldier 

Letter from Oliver Ormsby, 149th New York State Volunteer Infantry, to his parents. This letter was written after the camp was moved out of Alexandria.

Camp Convalesant, Va.
June 20, 1863

Dear Parents;

.... All of the paroled prisoners are living now in Sibly tents. They sent 2 to 3000 convalescents from the hospital at Washington the other day so we had to leave the barracks and put up the tents. They put 4 of us to a tent. Our tents are round Sibly tents. They are about 16 feet across and 14 feet high.
We draw and cook our own rations now and the men like it better than when they had to eat at the mess house. Col. McKelvy who commands here has the contract for feeding the men at 37 cents a day. What he gives them doesn't cost him over 20 cents so you can see the profits amount to something as he has the contract for 5000 men.

.... you needn't send any towels for I have one good one. I can buy paper and envelopes for a penny each.

Oliver

William Taylor, Pennsylvania Soldier 

Letter from William Taylor, 100th Pennsylvania Regiment, to his wife Jane. The Regiment, according to his letters in the William & Mary Digital Archive , soon went to “Camp of Recruits” nearby for guard duty. This letter was written from the first Camp Convalescent, near Shuter's Hill in Alexandria.

Camp Convalescent  Sept. 28, 1862 
Alexandria, VA 

Dear Jane 

A Sabbath in Virginia….We got here last night after dark. Came from Balti in the morning and had about 6 miles to march to this camp. It is on the corn field alongside of Fort Ellsworth where I was in last year with D. Wallace. We were advised to select the softest spot one could find and make ourselves comfortable.  No one said supper. Henderson, Willie and I spread our blankets together and slept very soundly.  We put a gum blanket on the ground a wool one over it, and that made the bed: then we put two wool blankets; next two gum ones and crept in. It rained during the night but we just pulled our heads in like a turtle in its shell and felt none the worse; we woke up in the morning as dry as if we had been in the house.  The gum blankets are excellent things and we fear no wet.

If we can hold out against the cold as well, we are all right. 

Our fare is very plain, but we have plenty, and very good appetites and I am as well as ever I was in my life, and likely to continue so.

My greatest fear is for lice. I have kept clean so far, but some of them have not. As to taking care, of course we will do all we can, and will be able to take care to a great extent of everything except bullets shells, etc.  But of these things we have seen nothing yet.  When they do come I hope I will have help to take care of me than I could of myself, and if I fall may it be at may post and in a way that my wife and children may never be ashamed to hear of it….

My knapsack is the heaviest one in our party.  Many of the things I have are not worth the trouble of carrying, but as I can do it with ease I wont throw them away yet.  It is very warm today.  When you write direct to the "100 Regt Burnside's Division to be forwarded" as I don't know were we will be tomorrow.  I will write again as soon as I get time. With much love and many kisses.

Yours ever
William 

William Wallace, Wisconsin Soldier 

William Wallace, 3rd U.S. Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry was wounded in the hand at the Battle of Cedar Mountain in August, 1862. As his wound was not considered life-threatening, it was ten days before he reached Grace Church Hospital in Alexandria, where he was treated for several weeks. Wallace was transferred to Camp Convalescent, near Fort Ellsworth, where the abysmal living conditions aggravated an old rheumatic fever condition which led to his discharge in 1863. After recuperating at home in Wisconsin, he rejoined his unit in 1864 and participated in Gen. William T. Sherman's "March to the Sea."

Published in “William Wallace's Civil War letters: the Virginia campaign" Wisconsin Magazine Of History . Volume: 57 /Issue: 1 (1973-1974). 

(see also Grace Church General Hospital)

Post Hospital near Alexandria
September 18th, 1862

Dear Sarah

All the sick and wounded that are able to walk at all was sent from Washington and Alexandria to this camp to make room for those that has been wounded in the late fights in Maryland [South Mountain, Crampton’s Gap, Antietam]. I left along with the rest but is very sick yet, though I am able to walk round through camp, and as poor as a rake. I think there must be as many as 6000 convalescents in this camp. As they are able they are sent off daily to their regimens. I don’t know when I will get to mine if ever, for my complaint is such that I maybe a long time before I get better. Our doctor in the regiment said long ago that I was effected with disease of the heart [rheumatic fever]. The Drs in the hospitle in Grace Church said so too, but said I might get better by proper treatment. I would have told you before of it but I did not like to worry your mind about it, neither now need you trouble yourself for it will do no good. I left Grace Church Hospital on the 16th along with 33 more. We are about one mile out along side of Fort Elsworth. We are all in tents but has nothing to lay on but dirty blue clay, but very little to eat, but it is the best Sam can afford just now after losing so much about Manassas at the late fights….

Post Hospital near Alexandria
October 15th, 1862

Dear Sarah,

I hope you will not be offended at me not writing to you oftener, The truth is I was not able to write I was so sick but thank God I am able to walk around with the aid of a staf. I had a sore spell of rheumatic pains in my head for ten days but has got quite rid of them now….I am so thin of flesh. We get very bad attendance here. I have not seen the Dr. in five days but I begin to think I get along better without him. We don’t get any vegetables of any sort at all. From 3 to 4 dies here daily. We are in tents, five in each tent, no beds, has to lay on the hard ground, which is not a very comfortable bed for sick folks, but we must put up with it now.
 

Post Hospital near Alexandria
October 22nd, 1862

Dear Sarah,

…I feel considerably better from what I have been when I was confined to my tent. Now I can walk about a little. The weather is very cold, especially at nights. I got two blankets over me, and I sleep warm…

William

Post Hospital near Alexandria
October 27th, 1862

Dear Sarah

I am on the mending scale all the time but not near well yet as our food is not the best to recruit sick folks. For dinner today I have one pint of bean soup with a little vinegar in it and some dry bread but still after all I mend. It is a pitiable sight to see 62 men waiting at the kettles, waiting for their meals in single file, some on crutches, some on stafes and mostly all looking like death wet and cold. It is enough to make a well man sick looking at them. But they can’t keep us long here for it is to cold. Better quarters must soon be provided for us.

William

Post Hospital near Alexandria
October 31st, 1862
Dear Sarah,

I am getting better from the effects of the fever. My hair is all coming out. Yesterday and all the night before I was awful sick. I eat nothing for this last 24 hours….

William Wallace


Post Hospital near Alexandria
November 24th, 1862

My Dear

I have not been half well all last week. I was confined to my tent for a few days but yesterday and today I am able to be out and doing something, This is Monday and of course wash day. I got my washing done and dried. It consisted of two shirts, 2 handkerchiefs, one pillow case, one towel and one pair of socks. Let me be well or ill I have to keep clean. So long as a man is able to walk he has to do his own washing or else be eaten up with lice which is very plenty in camp, in fact it is the plentiest thing we have. We dont get our cooking done not half the time for want of wood but who is to blame I am unable to say. But one thing I do know it is one of the meanest places I have come across in my travels. They need not talk of the misery of the rebels, let them come down here and it will open their eyes.

We had a great deal of very heavy rain all last weak and cold too which don’t agree very well with sick folks. If we get wet it has to dry while the clothes on us. Then at night it freezes. Great Guns! This morning our canteens was all froze tight so that we could not get a drop of water out. Had to wait till there was a fire kindled. We had coffee this morning at 8 and no dinner at all. We may get a little bit for supper if the wood comes. If not we will have to go to bed supperless as usual.

William

William Wallace, Wisconsin Soldier

William Wallace, 3rd U.S. Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry was wounded in the hand at the Battle of Cedar Mountain in August, 1862. As his wound was not considered life-threatening, it was ten days before he reached Grace Church Hospital in Alexandria, where he was treated for several weeks. Wallace was transferred to Camp Convalescent, near Fort Ellsworth, where the abysmal living conditions aggravated an old rheumatic fever condition which led to his discharge in 1863. After recuperating at home in Wisconsin, he rejoined his unit in 1864 and participated in Gen. William T. Sherman's "March to the Sea."

Published in “William Wallace's Civil War letters: the Virginia campaign" Wisconsin Magazine Of History . Volume: 57 /Issue: 1 (1973-1974). 

(see also Camp Convalescent)

Grace Church Hospital
Alexandria, Virginia
August 15th, 1862

My dear Wife,

I am still alive and kicking, as old Billy used to say. I am well except my fingers but they are doing as well as can be expected, for a ball wound is worse than a cut with a knife or any other edged tool, I did not have to get it off so I will be all right in a few weeks again.  All the wounded that could come from Cullpepper was sent here. All that got legs or arm amputated had to stay at Culpepper for the shaking of the cars would be bad on them. Anson Titus of Kekoskee and me is the only two out of our company in the hospital….I arrived here on the cars on the morning of the 13th. We had 30 cars in the train all loaded with the wounded and several other trains arrived previous to ours and still more to come.

I had to have the ragged portions of my fingers burned off with costic. It was mortifying for want of proper care. The doctor had not time to see to it, they were so busy amputating limbs. It is quite sore now when I am writing. I have to bear it up with the left one so you see I don’t make good writing. I can walk through the city every day. Our doctor is very attentive to us all. We have everything that we can wish for, each man has is own bed and plenty of attendance. The seats is all out of the church and the beds set in rows 2 feet apart. Every man has his bed numbered, the date of his division, company and reg’t, nature of disease, etc. at the head of his be. The number of mine is 1598. The bed steads is all iron. We have the gas burning al night and we can rise and lie down whenever we like.

…. When I came to the hospital, I was striped naked and put in to a cold bath and was then furnished with clean shirt and drawers etc. You need not trouble yourself about me for I am as well taken care of as I can be.

August 15, 1862

Grace Church Hospital
Alexandria, Virginia
August 22nd, 1862

Dear Sarah,

My fingers are healing up fast.… They keep me running errands so I have a chance to see the patients and am not bound up to the hospital like those who got their limbs hurt. I am going to try and get a pass to visit Washington. It is only 6 or 8 miles from here. We get plenty to eat of the good things of life. I occupy my spare hours in reading Baxter’s Saints Rest and it is a good book for any person to read. Religious books of various kinds is furnished the hospitals gratuitous. …

August 22, 1862

Grace Church Hospital
Alexandria, Virginia
September 1st, 1862

Dear Sarah,

My finger is nearly well…

A good many rebel prisoners is arriving here and the miserablest looking set you ever saw, but not-withstanding they fight desperate, though they get little for it in the way of pay…..

September 1, 1862

George Washington Bellows, Michigan Soldier

George Washington Bellows, a member of the Third Michigan Infantry, wrote this not long after he arrived in Alexandria in February, 1864. Bellows was admitted with an "intermittent fever" (malaria) and treated with cathartics and quinine sulfate. He was transferred to Fairfax Seminary Hospital at the end of March, after two to three weeks in Grosvenor Hospital.

• Men of the 3rd Michigan Infantry: The Life Stories of the 1,411 Soldiers who Served in the 3rd Michigan Infantry Between April of 1861 and June of 1864. Third Michigan Blogspot, posted  by Steve Soper, August 19, 2007.

…while our Regt was at or near Alexandria, Va., through hardship and exposure I again took a violent cold which seemed to settle on my lungs and in fact over my whole body. I was sent to the Grosvenor Hospital in Alexandria.

Edwin Bentley, Surgeon

From a copy of a handwritten memo dated April 21, 1875. (Alexandria Library, Special Collections, Vertical files.)

Bentley, Edwin Surg. U.S. Vols. 3rd Div Gen. Hospital Alexandria informed that his application for the rebel house opposite Grosvenor Hospital has been referred to Brg. Gen. Slough endorsed, authority granted to take possession of the within named house for use as a general hospital 

Edward D. French

Edward D. French, a member of the Zoaves, died at the King Street Hospital after being shot in the lung. The following are typescripts of two letters written at the hospital to members of his family. 

Letter from Fanny Campbell to Mrs. French, September 22, 1862. This letter, written by Fanny Campbell at the King Street Hospital to Edward's mother, describes the circumstances of his death. 

Letter from Charles V. Sands to Miss Sarah J. French, September 22, 1862. This letter was written from a fellow wounded soldier, Charles V. Sands, to Edward's sister Sarah

Death Record. Edward D. French's death record shows that he died in Alexandria of Vulnus Sclopet (gunshot wound), and that he was wounded at Bull Run. (New York State Archives, Cultural Education Center, Albany, New York; New York Civil War Muster Roll Abstracts, 1861-1900; Archive Collection #: 13775-83; Box #: 45; Roll #: 886-887).

Mary Phinney von Olnhausen, Nurse 

Mary Phinney von Olnhausen arrived in Alexandria in August 1862, just after the Battle of Cedar Mountain and was assigned to the Mansion House General Hospital, the city's largest military hospital. She wrote with frustration of the treatment the wounded received when the Mansion House was filled beyond capacity after the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862.

• Von Olnhausen, Mary P. Adventures of an Army Nurse in Two Wars, Boston, 1904. Online courtesy University of California Library.

After the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, she wrote:

The whole street (Fairfax Street) was full of ambulances and the sick lay outside on the sidewalks from nine in the morning till five in the evening. Of course places were found for some; but already the house was full; so most had to be packed back again and taken off to Fairfax Seminary, two miles out. I have been so indignant all day. - not a thing done for them, not a wound dressed...They reached town last evening, lay in the cars all night without blankets or food, were chucked into ambulances, lay about here all dy, and to-night were put back into ambulances and carted off again. I think every man who comes a soldiering is a fool!

Surgeon in charge Dr. Summers did not support female nurses and was known to make life miserable for them, but Dorothea Dix placed them there anyway. Von Olnhausen wrote:

The surgeon told me he had no room for me, and a nurse told me he said he would make the house so hot for me, I would not stay long. When I told Miss Dix I could not remain without a room to sleep in, she, knowing the plan of driving me out, said "My child (I was nearly as old as herself), you will stay where I have placed you." 

In May 1863, rumors ran rampant of a possible Confederate attack on the northern Virginia area, especially Alexandria.

For the last week all sorts of rumors have been afloat of the invasion of Alexandria: preparations have been making all around, rifle pits dug everywhere...even the bridge made ready to be destroyed at a moment's notice, and no one permitted to go out of town....Rifle pits are dug across all streats [sic] leading to the commissary departments, for here lie all the stores for the whole Army of the Potomac. Just at the corner of our hospital and just under my window one is dug, and a battery of four guns planned...and since I began to write up comes the orderly, counts every man in the hospital able to shoulder a gun, and arms them all, so that at a moment's warning they may be ready.

Judson, Soldier/Patient

From a letter from a patient/soldier named Judson, at Mansion House, to Sarah Stillman, Rochester, NY, Aug. 23, 1862:

My health at present is quite good with the exception of now and then a day. I am not [now?] taking care of the wounded, dressing and treating their wounds and doing such things as need to be done.

J.B. Porter, Surgeon

Surgeon J.B. Porter felt he was falsely accused by patients at the hospital. He requested a hearing before a Court of Inquiry, as reported in the New York Times on March 22, 1862.

“The Mansion Hospital at Alexandria; Vindication of Dr. J.B. Porter.” The New York Times, March 22, 1862. 

General Orders No. 85 – ….The Court find that certain inmates of Mansion House Hospital at Alexandria, Va., furnished by Col. J.H. Mansfield, agent of the State of Wisconsin, and Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of said State, certain letters alleging certain matters against Surgeon J.B. PORTER, USA….The Court took these letters as the basis of their inquiry and, on the evidence, under oath of the complainants themselves, the evidence has failed to substantiate the statements set forth in these letters, except in a few instances outside of the control of the hospital department common to the Army on the Virginia side of the Potomac: for a short period in the month of December, 1861, the flour furnished to the Alexandria bakery was of inferior quality.

No witness has testified to Dr. PORTER’s striking patients, or otherwise punishing them….The Court finds that the conduct of Dr. John B. PORTER towards the patients has been distinguished by kindness and consideration for the wants of the sick….

Fragment of letter from a patient

Found during restoration of the Carlyle House

Mansion House Hospital
Alexandria, Va May 1864

Dear Suse,
I have [illegible] yours. No letters of any kind. I don't know when I will
leave here. My time is out on the 28 of September. We expect to be [illegible]
here some more [illegible] I Get it [illegible] No more is possible

Gabe

Official card for patient S.D. Newcomb

Found during restoration of the Carlyle House. A small piece of cardstock which may be either a hospital admission ticket or a bed label. The piece is in poor condition, with most of the writing faded. 

Bed Number: 133
Name: S D Newcomb
Company: 1st Bat, 93 [illegible]
Regiment: 93 [illegible]
Disease or Injury: [illegible] used wound right ankle
Date of Admission: May 28th, 1864
Date of Discharge:
Where Sent and by what Authority:

Joseph Richardson, Patient

Excerpt from a letter by Joseph Richardson, a patient at Sickel. Images of Alexandria, Arcadia Publishing, pg. 72. The original letter is in the collection of the Library of Congress.

It is useless for you to worry about me for I always do as well as and a great deal better than those in the same occupation. I always have friends wherever I go and can get along.

Robert Marshman, Patient

Excerpt from a letter by B.F. Sells, at Camp near Bealton Station, Virginia, December 25, 1863. He writes about a patient at Sickel. Hill, N.N., History of Coshocton County, Ohio: Its Past and Present, 1740-1881. Newark, Ohio, A.A. Graham & Co., 1881, pg. 375.

I have just received official information of the death of another member of my company, Private Robert Marshman died at Second Division Hospital, December 21, from a gunshot wound received at the Battle of Mine Run, the 27th of November, 1863. Private Marshman was a prompt and efficient soldier, always ready and willing for duty—he had no superior and few equals.

Joshua Ingalls, Soldier/Patient

Steve Dornbos' Civil War Ancestors. Oral History, hospital bed cards and research from the family of Joshua Ingalls, provided by great-great-grandson Stephen Dornbos (War stories told to my grandfather, Frank Edmond, who passed them down).

2 Jan 1839 - 28 Nov 1929.  Description: 5'5", light hair, blue eyes, and light complexion. Occupation: Farmer.  Company A, 149th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment “2nd Bucktails". 

Enlisted as Private in Wellsboro, PA on 8 August 1862 at age 23.  Mustered in at Harrisburg, PA on 21 August 1862.  Was paid a $25 bounty upon mustering in. Absent sick in Windmill Point General Hospital in Windmill Point, VA in May-June 1863. Missed Battle of Gettysburg while absent sick.

Wounded (GSW through right chest; bullet entered about 2" above right nipple and exited at base of right shoulder blade) on 23 May 1864 at North Anna River, VA. 

Recalled spending the night wounded on the battlefield.  The next day, he was approached by a surgeon who decided to leave him there for dead due to the severity of his wound.  Upon hearing this, Joshua said to the doctor, “I’ll outlive you, Old Man!”   The surgeon relented, and Joshua did indeed outlive him. 

Transferred from a Field Hospital to Finley General Hospital in Washington, DC on 29 May 1864.  Admitted to Third Division General Hospital in Alexandria, VA on 20 July 1864. Treated with a simple water dressing while at Third Division General Hospital.  Remembered pulling a large piece of his uniform out of his exit would while in the hospital. Furloughed from Third Division General Hospital 27 July to 27 August 1864.  Charged $11.20 for transportation home and back during his furlough. 

Admitted to Sickel General Hospital in Alexandria, VA on 2 May 1865.  Discharged from Sickel General Hospital as Private on 5 June 1865. 

His wound made farm labor difficult the rest of his life. Moved with family to Branch, Marion County, KS in 1873.  Moved with family back to Covington, Tioga County, PA in 1880.  Was a member of G.A.R. Post #48, Mansfield, PA. Died of septic infection at age 90.  Buried in Prospect Cemetery, Mansfield, Tioga County, PA.