Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary

Have the pleasure of seeing Generals Grant and Parks, Bernard and others whose names I have forgotten also in Grants Staff the son of A. Lincoln. I after Drew rations for the 2nd Cav. Division and issued one day H. Bread to 3rd Brig.

The troops are all ordered back to Burke's Station to get supplies and wait the development of new plans of operation. Our wounded were sent to City Point by Rail.

Thursday, April 13, 1865

The rain which has been almost incessant for the past week or ten days has ceased and now a clear sky and balmy air seem to promise fair weather and good roads for the remainder of the campaign in Virginia. Drew 3 days supply for the 2nd Division and prepare to move back to Notaway Court House. Fitzhugh Lee came in yesterday with his staff and gave himself up to our officers in accordance with the conditions of the surrender of Sun.

Friday, April 14, 1865

Move from Burksville to Notaway C. H. over bad roads and go into camp with the promise of a weeks rest and plenty of supplies of all kinds. receive all our mail which was delayed by our recent movements. receive a letter from Baker, Mary T., Hattie. R. and a dozen photographs. Poor ones. Very pleasant today and every one is jubilant over our good fortune and what is generally considered the close of the war. And our homes seem almost in sight.

Saturday, April 15, 1865

Commenced raining last night and has rained all day and our condition is most miserable. Nothing transpires to vary the monotony today and even the expected train of cars fails to come and consequently we receive no mail. Captain Loveland reports for duty and takes command of the Regiment. St. Simmons also returns on the 14th.

Sunday, April 16, 1865

The news reach us that Lincoln, Seward and son were assassinated but is not confirmed and not generally believed. Our joy is too great to be dimmed by any rumor which may be flying about camp. No one can have any idea of our joy who has not been placed in like circumstances. Draw and issue ration for the 2nd Cav. Division and takes till 12 o'clock at night.

Monday, April 17, 1865

To our sorrow the news of the assassination were confirmed beyond a doubt and every face wears longer than ever before in contrast to the general rejoicing yesterday.

We start at 10 o'clock from Burksville on our way to Petersburg. It is a pleasant day and renders our march one of pleasure and of profit too as our supply of forage and other necessaries has been rather limited. Arrive at Wilson station at 7 o'clock which is half way between Burksville and Petersburg.

Tuesday, April 18, 1865

Start from our camp at Wilson's station at 6 this morning and move slowly on our way, hindered by a Battery of artillery which is sticking in the mud at every bad place. We arrive at the Coeade city in good time to go in to camp in good shape and have a good sunset view of the place. Our camp is on the top of a hill overlooking the town and renders our camp very pleasant. We view with much wonder the works which protected our enemy from our fire so long.

Wednesday, April 19, 1865

Mounted my horse early this morning and start for the city to see what the effect of our shelling was and to get a good idea of the condition of things there. The city is but little impaired only in the vicinity of the Petersburg and Richmond Bridge across the Appomatox. Here stray shells and considerable havoc but not so much as at Fredericksburg or some other places that have been in our path. A barge comes loaded with stores for our Corps.

Thursday, April 20, 1865

The feeling of the people in this vicinity are strong in our favor compared to what it was while we were just over the hill beyond sending in our compliment in the shape of shot and shell. They now seem to be glad that the Yankees have taken possession of their city and commenced to put matters to rights. Had an introduction to a rebel Captain who received me very cordially at his home in the city. Good feeling exists already between the soldiers who used only a week ago to shoot at each other every chance they could get.

Friday, April 21, 1865

Visit the city that has stood out against our forces so long and take a good survey of the condition of its defenses. The "Natives" seem to have lost all their dread and fear of the Yankees for the ladies turn out in vast numbers to promenade the streets and keep their little noses at the angle in which nature left them and this we consider as a very good symptom for Miss Rebel's nose will "firm up" at anything which displeases her.

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