Author: Emilie E. Palmer
Date: 11 September 1862
Location: Emilie E. Palmer 1859 Diary, Record Group 19/2, Oberlin College Archives
Document Type: Autograph Document
Introduction:
Here Palmer details a pivotal moment in Ohio’s role in the war. From 1 September 1862 to 13 September 1862, Confederate forces attempted to take control of Cincinnati, Ohio, in what is now known as the Confederate Heartland Offensive. For Palmer, hearing that a major city in her own state was at risk meant that the war was not a distant threat; the violence was closer to home than ever. This also meant that all able men in Ohio were now engaged in the fighting. Palmer was now surrounded by other women who could not take part in the war directly, and anxiously awaited news of both the fate of her friends and the city of Cincinnati.
Document Text:
Sept. 11th
It seems a long time since yesterday at this time. Uncle went with me to see about getting a school;1 we did not get home until nine o’clock, Then we heard the news Cincinati [sic] is in imminent danger, the rebels are marching on rapidly with the intention of burning the city.2 The Gov.3 has called every able bodied man to take up arms and proceed directly to Cincinati [sic]. They must provide themselves with everything but transportation. Horace was going. We spent the morning in [illegible] him off. Between one and two hundred soldiers left the station. A large crowd was there to see them off. It seems lonesome now. Everybody is gone. Hulburt and Lothaim are gone with the rest. I rec’d a letter from Dan this afternoon, they are in Louisville.
Transcribed by Frances Casey
1Palmer mentions that she is “in the schoolroom in Liberty, Ohio with only eight scholars.” It was common for young unmarried women to teach school during this time. (29 September 1862, Emilie E. Palmer Diary).
2In September 1862, Confederate forces captured Lexington, Kentucky, and the Confederacy set its sights on capturing Cincinnati, Ohio. (“Siege of Cincinnati,” Ohio History Central, Web Address, accessed 29 June 2015).
3Governor David Tod sent all available troops in Ohio to defend the city. Over 15,000 men from sixty-five counties arrived in Cincinnati. The troops resisted the Confederate advance within two days. (“Siege of Cincinnati,” Ohio History Central).
