As “Lee’s Adjutant”, Walter Taylor, wrote to his girlfriend, 150 years ago today he had to leave church service early because he received word that, groundhog-like, the Union army had aroused itself from winter slumber and was on the move. Would the spring bloodletting come early that year? Colonel Taylor apologized to his beloved Bettie that he was left safe and sound at headquarters and then went on to express his concern that if General Sherman’s army proved uncontrollable, Richmond might eventually have to be abandoned.
[To Bettie]
Edge Hill
Sunday afternoon
5 Feby 65
Instead of a quiet comfortable Sunday, we have had one of considerable excitement, and even now the indications are that Grant is once more moving on us. I was late getting to Church, as we had Capt Semmes (Alabama) & Col Ives as morning visitors, and had scarcely become well engaged in the services when I received information that the Yankees were moving. I hurried home and was soon followed by the General who has now, with his two aides, gone toward the scene of action, whilst I have been left at Hd Qrs to attend to matters here. What will my little pet, who thinks so much of those always at the front, say of this? Should not I also go where there is danger? A soldier, dear Bettie, must obey orders – though mine keep me here now, they have often heretofore carried & will frequently hereafter carry me into positions most uncomfortably hot. From the reports that have reached me, it appears the enemy are moving to attack us in force – whether he has been reinforced by Genl Thomas I cannot say but all things considered I wd rather that he should fight now than later. We are in very good condition and by the help of God will render a good account of ourselves. …
These plagued Yankees give me much trouble. I have been compelled to divide my time and attention between you and them and fear they have rec’d the greatest portion. It seems now that they are on a raid towards our railroads – Southside & Danville. I have just recd orders from Genl Lee to direct certain movements. You see somebody has to be at Head Qrs. …
But to what I was about to say: we will have a trying spring campaign. You know I am very sanguine always. I don’t expect anything except success, but ’tis possible Sherman may trouble us here a great deal. I have often spoken to you in a semi-serious way about what should be done if Richmond should be lost. I am now altogether serious. Don’t you follow Ma’s example & conclude that because I propose certain steps in event such a disaster should occur, therefore I look for the fall of the City. I dare not say a word to Mother now about it, because of her way of arriving at conclusions so rapidly. Understand me then. I hope & expect that we shall hold our own, but they may not be able to control Sherman and possibly we may have to make very important changes in the campaign and shift our position. I don’t think this probable, only possible. …[1]
- [1]Tower, R. Lockwood with John S. Belmont, eds.Lee’s Adjutant: The Wartime Letters of Colonel Walter Herron Taylor, 1862-1865. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 1995. Print. page 218-220.↩
