By Elaine Grublin
The following excerpt is from the diary of Stephen Greenleaf Bulfinch.
March 2d (Sunday) 1862
Public events approach a crisis. Clarksville & Nashville, Tenn. have been surrendered to the Union forces, and from the Potomac we hear, – after some days’ embargo of the telegraph, – of the advance of General Banks’s Division into Virginia, probably to be accompanied by the rest of the great army. On the other hand, Davis has just been inaugurated president for six years, of the Southern states. We have not ceased to be astonished at public sentiment in England taking so much the Southern side; but signs of a change are visible.
Sunday March 16th, 1862
The war continues with great advantage on our part, especially at the west; but a week since the achievements of the rebel iron-plated steamer “Merrimack” or “Virginia” startled the land. Happily she was met and driven back by the “Monitor.” We are looking with intense interest for further intelligence.
Look for post #12 in April and read Bulfinch’s comments on the anniversary of the attack on Fort Sumter and the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.