DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1861

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1861-09-02 -- 1861-09-05

Mon. 2.  Another proclamation was issued from headquarters forbidding any person to leave the city without first obtaining a pass from the military department, and this is obtainable only on the pledge of ever being loyal to the U.S. if ever caught in the act of violating this pledge the penalty is death.  These rigorous measures are resorted to on account of the many persons who left here daily to bring intelligence to the enemy.  Numerous arrests have been made.
Tues. 3.  The death of Jeff. Davis is reported but wants confirmation.  Reports of numerous skirmishes have reached us, in which no decided advantage was gained on either side, save a great naval victory of the U.S. troops at forts Hateras & Clark, where about 1000 rebels were taken prisoners.  Active preparations are made to improve our navy. 
Wed. 4  Hermann moved into new quarters, where he is to occupy two fine rooms and a kitchen above his office, I assisted him in moving and did nothing else of any importance during the rest of the day.  Prince Napoleon arrived here this evening, some preparations were made to receive him, yet he arrived sooner than was anticipated, and entered the Planter’s? House in cognito.  No excitement.
Thurs. 5.  A fight is reported to have taken place at Shelbina in it is said our troops were routed.  Also a terrible tragedy occurred on the H. & St. J. R.R. the secessionists burned timbers of the bridge across Platte River partly, and as the train passed over it was precipitated into the river.

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Mon. 2. Another proclamation was issued from headquarters forbidding any person to leave the city without first obtaining a pass from the military department, and this is obtainable only on the pledge of ever being loyal to the U.S. if ever caught in the act of violating this pledge the penalty is death. These rigorous measures are resorted to on account of the many persons who left here daily to bring intelligence to the enemy. Numerous arrests have been made. Tues. 3. The death of Jeff. Davis is reported but wants confirmation. Reports of numerous skirmishes have reached us, in which no decided advantage was gained on either side, save a great naval victory of the U.S. troops at forts Hateras & Clark, where about 1000 rebels were taken prisoners. Active preparations are made to improve our navy. Wed. 4 Hermann moved into new quarters, where he is to occupy two fine rooms and a kitchen above his office, I assisted him in moving and did nothing else of any importance during the rest of the day. Prince Napoleon arrived here this evening, some preparations were made to receive him, yet he arrived sooner than was anticipated, and entered the Planter’s? House in cognito. No excitement. Thurs. 5. A fight is reported to have taken place at Shelbina in it is said our troops were routed. Also a terrible tragedy occurred on the H. & St. J. R.R. the secessionists burned timbers of the bridge across Platte River partly, and as the train passed over it was precipitated into the river.