February 2, 1864---The U.S.S. UNDERWRITER

FEBRUARY 2, 1864:  

Confederate Marines fighting at New Bern capture the U.S.S. UNDERWRITER. Fired upon by other U.S. Navy ships, they are quickly captured, and the UNDERWRITER is returned to Union control.

February 1, 1864---The Battle of New Bern, N.C.

FEBRUARY 1, 1864:            

The Battle of New Bern, North Carolina (The Second Battle of New Bern). New Bern, and indeed most of the North Carolina coastline, had been reclaimed by the Yankees in 1862 in one of Ambrose Burnside’s few truly successful offensives. On this day, the Confederate Army tried to retake New Bern. In what developed into a three day battle, Union forces were able to hold onto New Bern and the coastline, while inflicting casualties on the Rebel troops led by the hapless General George Pickett. Union losses were 13 killed, 26 wounded, and 400 MIA (mostly captured); Confederate losses totaled about 300 overall. 

January 31, 1864---"If fall we must, to fall nobly . . ."

JANUARY 31, 1864:             

Alvah Benjamin Spencer, a Georgian stationed in Virginia, writes to his fiancée, sharing his feelings about the war. His letter reads in part: 

. . . I've just been talking with a member of my company who has just returned from home on furlough, and his recital of the many happy scenes through which he there passed, has made me more than ever anxious to visit our own beloved state once more . . . The quiet of our encampment has been somewhat disturbed for the last day or tow [sic], by reports that the enemy was moving his forces, seemingly, preparatory to an advance; but I believe the excitement has all subsided and we again once more at rest. The unusual long spell of pleasant weather recently, caused the enemy to collect his army at Culpepper 'C.H.' for review, and I suppose that was the cause of all our uneasiness. I do sincerely hope that the weather may grow worse and worse until we get furloughs; for with pleasant weather all our hopes are blasted. We know too well what the spring campaign will be. Still we doubt not our success . . . The prospect of the war lasting two years longer is truly a sad thought; but we all know that Submission is death, consequently we are all resolved, if fall we must, to fall nobly when duty calls us . . .

January 30, 1864---"It is not right to shoot a man."

JANUARY 30, 1864:  

A Confederate soldier stationed in Virginia, Joseph J. Hoyle, writes to his wife Sarah about the execution of a deserter. His letter reads in part:

 My Dear wife:

. . . Dear Sarah, I had to witness one of the most affecting sights to day, I believe I ever did in my life before. That was the shooting a man in our regiment for desertion. The whole brigade was marched out in a square to see it. Although I was out I could not look at him when they shot him, so I turned my eyes off him when they went to fire. I felt very solemn indeed, and all appeared very serious. I will agree with you now that it is not rite [sic] to shoot a man. Dear Sarah . . .  As ever yours in hope and love. My own dear Sarah. 

Joe

January 29, 1864---Frederick Douglass addresses the troops

JANUARY 29, 1864:           

At Fair Haven, Connecticut, Frederick Douglass delivered an address to the assembled men of the 29^th and 30^th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry regiments (U.S.C.T.). In part, he said,

You are the pioneers of the liberty of your race. With the United States cap on your head, the United States eagle on your belt, the United States musket on your shoulder, not all the powers of darkness can prevent you from becoming American citizens. And not for yourselves alone are you marshaled — you are pioneers — on you depends the destiny of four millions of the colored race in this country . . . If you rise and flourish, we shall rise and flourish. If you win freedom and citizenship, we shall share your freedom and citizenship.