1 10 60 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/88248513d694ef46df069d640d9427f6.pdf b6ac918b7d49ea282230b7973ac56a4e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Mobile Ala. May 26th 1865 My dear Mother The telegraph will tell you quickly of the sad catastrophe that yesterday befel Mobile- It will not inform you of the safety of your boy- For this you must await the slower motions of the mail though I use the first one, which closes at 10 o’clock this morning- About 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon there occurred I think one of the most terrific explosions on record – every house in the city was shaken as if there had been an earthquake + for a mile from the great disaster the crash of broken windows + plaster from the walls made each person for a moment suppose his own house tumbling into the cellar. I was in the office when my boys ran into the room crying, “Paymaster the house is falling on us”! I rushed up to the cupola which commands a fine view of the city + river. being (it was the signal station for the rebel army. ) A great mass of smoke + dust filled the air, over the military ordnance depot, which had blown up. Up + down the levee + its parallel street were horses running, buggies upset, army waggons upside down + men at their wits ends with fright + wonder. It was a scene of the wildest confusion I ever witnessed or expect to again. Descending to the street I went part way toward the burning ruin near enough to see the steamers wrapped flames close by it + hear the bursting shells that every instant warned the crowd away. [page 2] The side walks were covered with broken glass so that at every step I trod on it, even the sashes were thrown down + heavy doors barred + bolted flew into the street by force of the concussion + the roofs of large warehouses had fallen in. This was a half mile distant. Toward evening with two others I ventured nearer, + the scene became fairly appalling. Squares upon squares of warehouses were thrown flat to the ground, portions of walls only left standing + these so nearly demolished, that we standing in the street, we could look across whole blocks of what had been buildings. A heavy force was already at work overhauling the debris, + every now + then a dead or dying human body was dragged from under it. The shells were still bursting = the fragments flying in such fashion we did not deem it prudent to remain there long. I saw one poor negro girl just alive rescued from under a slate roof her babe had been killed in her arms. The loss of life must be great. how great will perhaps never be known for some were blown to atoms some burned to cinder, some drowned in the river + the mass of those in the vicinity of the explosion were laborers paroled prisoners returning to their houses, = colored persons from the country who were flocking as they thought from slavery into freedom instead of into destruction. hundreds perhaps whose names are “written in heaven” but of whom there exists no earthly register. The fire is not yet subdued or has broken out anew for as I write the bells are ringing the alarm + an engine rattles by. [page 3] Now I will leave this painful subject for something more agreable though it is difficult to detach my own thoughts from a calamity so near + of which the “end is not yet”. I wrote you of my shift to shore + comfortable quarters in Mr. Sage’s “Ice House”. There I ate slept + worked night + day having my bed in the same building + meals sent to me. But the seclusion was too complete for health or profit. I found it impossible to keep regular office hours because as it was known my work shop + dwelling were the same. officers did not hesitate to visit me on business before I was dressed, after I retired + at every hour of the day between. Not a meal could be taken without interruption and what was worse than all I had no one to share it with me + it feels stingy to be always eating alone. So I cast about for a boarding place but in vain found nothing to suit in fact nothing at all. every available spot in the city seeming to be covered by some earlier bird there. I gave up the search in despair. Thus fortune came to me. Last Sunday a gentleman called at the office introducing himself as “Mr. Meslier” and his friend as Brig. Gen. Cockerell of the confederate army late in command of the defenses at Blakely + Spanish Fort. the only man who stood between our army + the city of mobile + a most gallant rebel. And what do you think! he actually wished me to supply him with a suit of navy flannel. This I had no right to do + told him so, but was “so happy to clothe him in union blue that I would charge myself with the flannel” + in that way supply him He staid + talked with me an hour or more + pleased me much. He seems to have fought from principle (although I think in error) but having submitted the questions of southern rights to the decision of [page 4] arms + been thoroughly conquered he now yields himself cheerfully to the dominion of his conquerors + holds himself in duty bound to support the Union Government as faithfully as he has done the confederate. He believes too that the southern soldiers taken with “arms in their hands” will be found better citizens of the republic than the “skulkers” + that having once surrendered they may be trusted for ever after. He talked of the leading rebel generals with whom he had served in a manner most interesting to me and I was really sorry when he bade me “good morning” to go away. In course of the conversation, Mr. Meslier asked me if I knew an officer who would like board in a “nice private family”. I told him I wished that very thing myself. Next day he called again + instead of sending me to that other “nice private family” invited me to his own and here I am today once more enjoying the luxury of a home. The family consists of Mr + Mrs Meslier daughter about twenty + another twelve or fourteen, + son of my own age. Mrs Meslier is an excellent woman, of northern descent + cultivated. Mr Meslier is french + the whole family have spent much time in Europe were wealthy + a short time ago had I am told one of the prettiest houses in Alabama. But it was burned over their heads and the estate now left them for the present avails them nothing. Like a majority of southern people the success of our armies + change in currency has made them almost penniless. Yet we manage to live well enough in a pleasant house. Both father + son have been officers in the rebellion lately paroled. So you see I am in a nest of "Confeds" and in great danger of becoming a rebel myself to judge by the "company I keep". But I know them no longer as [page 1, top] rebels, they are friends, and I wish never to hear the name so much as mentioned among us here. They are punished severely enough already. Upon our northern traitors who have had their good things let the curse of the future descend. Your aff. Cornelius. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, May 26th, 1865 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877) Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother to tell of the Mobile magazine explosion and how he found a living situation with a paroled Confederate general and his family. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-05-26 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/00019a61cec67832fc60c84adedfd360.pdf c8a2b734ffb263cecd22f3db30a541a1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Hilton Head, S.C. March 20, 1864 My Dear Mother, I propose to begin this week well, by starting a letter for you on the first day, that the mail may not catch me napping as it did last week. The day is almost gone, it lacks but 20 minutes of the signal for putting out lights, but perhaps before then I may let you part way into this day’s doings, and make ready to let myself into blankets. The first sound that broke the stillness of our sabbath morning air was heavy firing of artillery with two or three volleys of musketry in the direction of Seabrook, a picket station + steamboat landing four or five miles distant at the entrance of the division stream between our men and the rebel lines. The firing continued for an hour or more, and put us all to our wits ends to know what it meant, though too confident of our position to be rendered at all uneasy by it. The upshot of the matter was this. Five small boat loads of rebels approached Seabrook with an evident intention to “feel their way” ashore, but found more yankees than they expected in the decimated state of the Union Army since the Florida disaster. Our pickets formed in line and gave them a good raking with musket balls, where they turned right about + made tracks for the other side of Jordan groaning loud enough to satisfy our men with the effect of their fire. A gun-boat then steamed up and shelled the rebels back to a respectful distance. About 6 o’clock this afternoon while writing in the adjutant’s tent + listening to the talk of the officers, a message came from the commander of the district for Col. Duryee to repair at once [Page 2] to his quarters. He left, expecting a night in the saddle, and ordering Col. Meeker in case of a telegram from him, to man every gun on the fortifications + be ready for action. So you see we have a little stir here that seems like a breath, if not a “blast of war.” But we anticipate nothing serious. The withdrawal of so many troops from Port Royal makes the enemy in our vicinity more daring than usual and from occasional skirmishes with our pickets + picket boats we judge they are feeling our strength a little. Our commanders are cautious as they have reason to be. I have not been to church today. Our chapel (which is only ours by sufferance) passed into Roman Catholic hands for today, + our little altar became a table for the Priest of Rome + his “Mass”. Mr. Mitchell went there , but could not enter on account of the throng about the door caused however not by the crowd within, but, according to Mr. O’Brien by the too hasty devotion of those first entering, who dropped forthwith upon their knees and blocked the passage so that his Holiness had full half the house to himself, many poor sinners remaining without. There being no church, I took an independent and walked round my “square”, which isn’t square at all but oblong + quite shapeless, one mile across the plain to where the road issuing between Battery + “nat’ral born” sand knolls, strikes the beach, and another mile back by the water side. There is a remnant of a wood + a whole swamp left within the Entrenchments where by bog jumping + tearing trousers in the thicket one may gather wild blossoms from flowering shrubs. I ventured far enough into the slough to pick a handful of sweet scented blooms, white + yellow, brought them home with me, filled a small milk- can with water, + for the first time since my sojourn in the South, make [Page 3] boast of a Bouquet on my table. It is not quite as if some fairer hand than mine had placed it there, but it is right pleasant and makes me fonder of my tented home than ever. The little space is full of fragrance like the perfume from a Hyacinth. After dinner, I read a little, wrote a little, took a nap, and some time during the day have taken in several chapters from the Book of Samuel being lead to it the verse for today in my “Chaplet of Flowers. After supper I finished the necessary business writing for the day, and took another two mile walk on the shore. Returning past the General Hospital, I was reminded of a prayer meeting held there this evening, and directed by the sound of a hymn, found my way to where the saints were gathered. It was in the great dining hall, a nucleus, of the Hospital chaplain, three or four ladies + as many officers, and perhaps a hundred “rank + file” gathered in one end, with nearly as many more strung along toward the outer door. Among the last I took my seat, being a late comer, + an early goer, from necessity. The meeting was very interesting, and it was particularly pleasant to hear the singing lead by a full-voiced lady. Generally I much prefer a good male leader but the rarity of the other in these parts makes it valuable. I would not have you think the singing was the chief attraction. It strengthens me to breathe an atmosphere like that, and if anywhere in the world we need to “meet together for prayer” it is just there, where constant contact with Godless war inclines us to forget God. Wednes Tuesday March 23. The fat mail bag just staggered into camp on the shoulders of a stout soldier, and pending the distribution I will finish this, that the carrier may not return empty handed. The “Line storm” struck us like a thunderbolt Monday night, “weeping + wailing [Page 4] for 36 hours thereafter. A dismal cold storm it was, but the clearing away this morning before a clear bracing norther is delightful. When I have said my little say to you, I intend a trip for the “benefit of my health”, and as big a draught of oxygen as the Dutchmen take of Lager-bier. For two days past, I have alternately hugged a hot stove + slept in damp blankets till the result is anything but enviable. It makes a fellow feel slightually stiff + top heavy. No real damage done however. The rebels keep up a little irritation along the picket lines, drawing a stray shot from night to night, causing double guard on our side + double vigilance, that is all. A son of the rebel General Finnigan has been recognized on this island, + fired at once by a sentinel. He is lurking about in the capacity of a spy and it is thought the hostile demonstrations maybe with intention of facilitating Finnigan’s escape. It is a difficult matter to ferret him out, and about as difficult for him to get out of the scrape himself. If taken we may have the privilege of “hanging a spy”. Last evening quite an excitement started into life with a ring from the fire-bell. Post Headquarters were on fire. Fortunately the flame was subdued before reaching the windows or the damage would have been serious in such a wild windy night. So you see the light intermittent fever of Hilton Head keeps us from entire stagnation. Here come the precious documents. I must stop short, + “read, mark + inwardly digest,” the few that pertain to me. The feast is over + it was a feast though I shall still have room for the dessert in the barrel. Perhaps it may arrive in time to acknowledge this mail so I will leave my letter open. The handkerchief is welcome. Please thank you “Willis” for the “Palladiums” + “Pictorials.” His sister must be a marvellous good one. To be sure, if he thinks it would give her pleasure to arrange + frame the China Leaves, I have no sort of objections though I supposed the pretty [Page 1, margins] ones all disposed of. But you had better have the names of places + dates with each, as they give the leaves their principal value. This lastly the way is in reply to Harry. You need not be “surprised” at all at my being “home- sick some times, since it does not in the slightest interfere with my contentedness here. It is a very mild form of the disease, comes seldom and then only as a gentle reminder that I have a home to love + be “sick” for if I choose. There hath no tempta- tion taken me except such as is common to man”. I am no whit less happy than I have been from the first. Your aff. Cornelius Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data manuscript letter Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, 6th C.V.I., March 20, 1864 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-03-20 Subject The topic of the resource Civil War, combat, religion, camp life, Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother of camp life, religious observances in camp, skirmishes with Confederate pickets, and the general state of the Union army after the Florida campaign. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/abb152fedc2f50f1a700d3a307167031.jpg bb6100b2d0b4f854896151295373f616 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Journal, Back Cover https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/ca3b2f80fb00369e88c616da46983e9a.jpg 184a44a0a3a437c4ca4d2b339635e48e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Journal, Page 57 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/bfd32cb2e46420de55beaebe179b602b.jpg b9f28925cd5eb330218f93116ecdfe6a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Journal, Page 56 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/1b51d97cd83c9c82eb1cdca5ee5b9cac.jpg 4e45740ce185fa93e352bf427b0f6c34 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Journal, Page 55 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/ecd3a8b7bde39440f344a03c3a57f4cf.jpg 1658e61d1939fe57073fedf5cdc17ede Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Journal, Page 54 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/205e22cb9e46b83f6ff40e2afde1412d.jpg 3962d3a0aa2272eb87ef77005ada2a14 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Journal, Page 53 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/19e3311e61df08c1b75b58ac434dd569.jpg dba4521d291fe490d9fa140355b47ac0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Journal, Page 52 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/4af3be996828d2bb580d796ee1582c8f.jpg 6c5032388af31c6c31a04383868cc244 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Journal, Page 51