Item Description: Letter from Charles P. Mallet to his son Charles B. Mallet.  Written over the course of a few weeks, he describes the Confederate retreat from Chapel Hill and the Union occupation.  He describes the pillaging and foraging going on in the area and the Union Army has assigned guard to protect the personal property of civilians in Chapel Hill.

Item Citation: Folder 3, in the C. B. Mallet Papers, #3165, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Item Transcription:

My Dear Son,

My last letter to you was sent by mail via High Point, informing you that I was about sending off Dr Closs, with a load of flour for you, saving one Blb. which I had marked for W.G. Broadfoot and one Blb. contributed by a farmer for the town, but rumour after rumour came so fast upon us that Closs would not risk his team and I was obliged to give it up. And afterwards when I found that it might either be given to Johnson’s Army or taken by the Yankees, I prepared the former and gave to 18 Division eighteen Blbs. of flour and to Wheeler forty bus. of corn and about 1000. lb fodder – I will give you a brief sketch of matters as they have fallen under my observation.

Saturday 8th your Bro. Peter came over from Greensboro bringing intelligence of the cutting of the Danville road, and also of the N.C. road and further that Gen. Johnson had notified Gov. Vance that he would be compelled to uncover the Capitol on Sunday – we learned also that Gov. Swain and Gov. Graham had gone with a flag of truce to Genl. Sherman. Sunday 9th rumours of Johnson falling back was sustained by the passing of trains of artillery wagons and all other indications of retreat. Monday 10th we have the first intimation of the surrender of Gen. Lee, which altho coming very strait we could not believe – all day, troops, wagons, &c were passing. Peter went to Greensboro. I made inquiry about Hokes Division and found they were in the rear of all the infantry and that Wheelers Cavalry brought up the rear. Tuesday 11th. about 300 mules in a drove with an interminable length of Army Wagons and Artillery. Wednesday 12th. one continuous column of infantry 8 abreast all in good condition and spirits passed along. Thursday 13th Hokes Division passed through. I saw the Genl. he was staggered by the report of Lee’s disaster but unwilling to believe it, expressing at the same time much anxiety about Johnson’s; that night John and Herbert staid with us both looking wel and in good health and spirits having left their commands encamped at New Hope, five miles back, and making twenty four miles of March for Herbert. His mother provided a warm bath for him and other comforts; which enabled him to proceed to overtake his co. on Friday morning 14th after parting with John and Herbert at the corner of that my attention was called to a cavalry company- The officers at the head of the Column beckoned me, and made enquiry about all the roads I knew anything about, and halted in my turn I asked who command it was. A Capt. in front answered. Gen. Wheeler’s staff and Escort. I asked if Gen. Wheeler was along-when a small man rough and weather beaten rode up took off his hat–Gen. Wheeler at your service sir– I took off my hat and reintroduced myself. He said you speak of a military road will you point it out on the map: dismounted and in a moment had a Map spread out, was down upon his knees in the sand and with a pencil traced out the line of the old Cornwallis road, which, did not cross New Hope at all. I asked him to take supper with me and bring his friend, which he said he would be pleased to do, as he desired further information from me. He came up with a Capt. Steele from Tennessee who proved to be an old friend of Fridges. We had a very pleasant evening. He is a mild pleasant little Gentleman about 26 year of age. but is roughly clad, and with a small faded wool hat upon his head that no man at first sight would have classed him above a private.

I urged upon him to remain all night, which he declined like a Gentleman and soldier – saying he always preferred to be in the midst of his men and to fare as they fared and this causes the enthusiastic love of the men towards him when we parted he offered me a hand, such as I had never shaken as being that of a man it was ever more delicate to the touch than that of a boy-he went out to his encampment and that night we had a most prodigious fall of rain. Saturday 15 met Genl Wheeler by appointment at his office, found him in the wet clothes of the previous night, and whilst there learned that Gov. Swain had reached home. Gen. Wheeler expressed a desire to see him, and I walked over with him, and found several gentlemen with him but in compliment to Gen. Wheeler, he began the story of his Experience in the Yankee camp he and Gov. Graham– and after talking full hour and a half the Gen. withdrew seemingly disappointed he asked me what sort of man the ex Gov. could be; for that he had not yet learned what business he had and how he succeeded, certainly said I have learned nothing of the least importance to me. 16th Easter Major McNiell of 46th a friend of Dear Richies passed through: leaving Durhams that morning and also Dr. John DeRossett who confirmed the reported capture of Gen. Lee, brought a passport from Gen. Kilpatrick to Gen. Atkins at this place; Gen. Wheeler told me early that his scouts had all come in reporting that the Yankees had disappeared from every position they held the day before. He ordered the Piney Prospect Hill barracaded and sent two Regiments down there for a parting fight. He promised to dine with me at half past 12 o’clock: was evidently uneasy: punctual to the minute he and Capt. Steel made their appearance and to the credit of my wife we had a very excellent dinner-(he neither drinks, smokes, or chews)- Whilst at dinner and before and after I urged upon not to make a resistance it would do the cause no good, and our village much harm- and without saying a word wrote a brief order and dispatched a courrier after a very few minutes he and the captain went off at half speed and by 3 o’clock there was not one of his men in or about the village, I was at Church in the afternoon. Mr. Mickle called out, and when I met him in the street, found that another paroled prisoner from Lees Army had come in, and reported the Yankees approaching in force on the town road, which of course produced great excitement. The citizens met and appointed a committee to meet them and ask a safeguard; between sun down and dark some forty or fifty under a Lieut —came dashing into the village and inquired for Wheelers men—some few separated from the others and behaved badly, took away some watches &c; but when the Lt was informed he called them off, and returned to the Head Quarters, appointing 8 oclock the next morning to meet the Army, and make our terms. I was on the committee, and if Gov Swain did nothing more on his mission, he procured favorable terms for Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Monday 17. the committee met the column on the Hill were very courteously received by Genl. Atkins who upon being assured that all of Wheelers men had gone, and that no resistance would be made, called a halt, and informed us, that his orders were positive to respect all private property; (provisions and forage excepted)—Seeing many of the men break the lines, I remarked to Genl that those men would rush in and pillage before the regular guard could be arranged; he then gave orders to a Michigan Col. to take his Regt with speed into the village and protect every house that desired it; and by the time we came back through the efforts of your Brother and some others guards were soon established and besides the watches and some bacon hams I have heard of nothing to complain of up to the present writing, and whilst I write, my safeguard is indulging in a sound snoring sleep in my large easy chair now

Tuesday 18th has dawned upon us after as quiet a night as I have ever known at Chapel Hill–I learn from the Captain in charge of the guards that dispatches have come in this morning announcing the death of Lincoln–having been shot in the theatre– and that Jonson has certainly capitulated. I am disposed to believe the later, as he is certainly cut off from his supplies and surrounded on all sides, and the Yankees are now sending trains without let or hindrance through from Wilmington to Hillsboro over. Wednesday morning 19th last night there was more moving in the village- our dogs kept up a continued barking, and I learn this morning, that a general stampede of negroes took place many families left without a servant. All of Mr. Water’s except her maid. All of Wm A. Wrights – The Doctors two girls, Elsey and Betty– Fridges Fred and very many others, mine are all here yet. Altho the guard I have spends his whole time in the kitchen, and I am looking for their move- they went off to Durhams there to take the train to Wilmington. W. A. Wright left here Sunday morning with a New two horse wagon with all his own and his wifes and  daughters clothes, and valuables- and about $10,000, in coin. The horses and wagon had been brought into camp and the presumption is the whole has fallen into the enemies hands. Judge Person left. here on Capt. Ashe’s poney- which is now in the camp, and the Judge not heard from- Additional and confirmatory reports of Johnson’s capitulation- And Lincoln’s Assassinations at a Theatre in Washington. And just while I write an officer states. That Peace has been declared. Articles begin by Gen. Breckenridge, and Johnson and Sherman have proceeded to Washington so that I fear the Yankees will remain here until they are heard from. 19th Afternoon I have been W.A. Wright, he is much depressed says that he is ruined loosing not only his own effects, but that of others intrusted to him; Thus far the Yankees have confined themselves to foraging on Town and County for provisions have molested no house where a guard has been staitioned, have not even looked into our smoke house or store room; they billet upon me a man and two horses, which may consume all I leave at command, on the lot– and thus far have not discovered what I have in another place– atltho they have found a very large amt of bacon; and silver, clothing and blankets could I have foreseen I would not have taken any thing off my lot. for they have passed over and around my home deposits without seeming to be on the search. I learn from the officers that quite a storm was raised by Hampton and Wheeler. who opposed the surrender or capitulation or reconstruction. I have felt thankful that the Holden party of N.C. have lost the opportunity of disgracing the State by a separate state action, I feel conquered but not subdued. Might has overcome right- my opinions and feelings are the same, and will go down with me to the grave.—– just now two very good looking fellows came to the door- I called my guard- they sat down in the porch and after a while said they were informed that a young lady here played on the piano- they were fond of music and asked if she would play for them. I told them I thought the request unreasonable and could not consent, they did not behave amiss and went off I have not heard of a fowl hog- sheep or cow being taken, horses and mules they search for; since the forgoing, I have been down to Judge Battles to make inquiry about Miss Mary Smith, her place was stripped of evry thing, she and her brother had and some of their negroes have gone off after betraying them and aiding Yankees to find what had been secreted. A guard was at last sent out but too late, I will afford Miss Mary an opportunity of sending a letter to Miss Maria by the bearer of this my negroes are still on the lot but I have no idea they will remain after so many have gone, it is my intention to send a special message and only want to see what will be the course of my man Moses; Thursday 20th April This is the fourth day of Yankee occupation- evrything as quiet and ordely as could be expected. We had taken all possible care that no whiskey should be found, and I am satisfied that things would have been wose had Wheeler given them battle- a squad rode up and insisted that Wheeler was secreted in my house, which was the last place he was at in the village. My guard would not allow them to enter for search- he said they would make it a pretext for plunder- he is taking his usual mornings knap in my large chair, his rifle and revolver on the marble stand in the corner. My only mode of getting information is by sending my guard (who is a very clean youth from Michigan and says that he has not particle of plunder of any hince) into the different camps and this afternoon he brings in a report contradicting the rumour of Lincoln’s death.