Tag Archives: Rev. Overton Bernard

8 August 1863: “In Portsmouth the doings of the Council are most unique and extraordinary, putting down all currency but Greenbacks, as they are called.”

Item Description: This diary entry illustrates the social and political conditions in Portsmouth, Virginia.  It also describes the city’s unusual use of the relatively new greenbacks for currency, instead of Confederate notes. IMAGE Item Citation: From folder 2 of the Overton … Continue reading

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2 January 1863: “…the ladies were under a guard of Federal Soldiers haing spent the night in Jail and part of the time in a Criminals Cell!!

Item Description: Rev. Overton Bernard recounts the changing social conditions brought about by Union occupation and notions of emancipation. A white slave owner’s son, wife, and his wife’s friends were briefly imprisoned after an enslaved or servant woman was slapped for her … Continue reading

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1 January 1863: “Today is the period fixed for Mr. Lincoln’s unwise and unconstitutional emancipation proclamation…Thousands of the Poor deluded Negroes have left their homes…”

Item Description: Rev. Overton Bernard depicts the impact of the Emancipation Proclamation on the enslaved African Americans. Item citation: From folder 2 of the Overton and Jesse Bernard Diaries #62-z,  Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Item transcription: … Continue reading

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10 November 1862: “Genl. McClellan has been removed–producing excitement in the Fedl Army–.”

Item description: Entry, dated 10 November 1862, in the diary of Rev. Overton Bernard. He reports the news of General George McClellan’s dismissal as General-in-Chief of the Union Army and relays the challenges to civilian travel within an occupied city. … Continue reading

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5 May 1862: “…to be evacuated by the Confederate troops!!”

Item Description: Rev. Overton Bernard states the rumors of a Confederate evacuation of Norfolk, Virginia, which would occur in less than a week from his diary entry. Image: Item Citation: From folder 2 of the Overton and Jesse Bernard Diaries #62-z,  Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, … Continue reading

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6 April 1862: “I was glad she [the CSS Virginia] did not go down, hope that we may have hereafter sufficient respect for the Sabbath not to commence an attack on that day.”

Item description: Rev. Overton Bernard recounts his visits to sick soldiers. Out of respect for the Sabbath, Bernard supports the decision not to to use the CSS Virginia in battle. [Transcription available below image] Item citation: From folder 2 of the … Continue reading

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26 March 1862: “Florida is hard pressed by the enemy both Fernandina and Jacksonville have been taken by the Lincolnites.”

Item Description: Rev. Overton Bernard discusses his son’s, Jesse Bernard, raising of volunteer troops in Florida. He sheds light on political maneuvering involved in securing military ranks.  Bernard’s entry also illuminates the impact of the war on Florida cities. Image:    Item Citation: From … Continue reading

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25 February 1862: “Lord look in mercy upon us in these sad reverses, brought about by our own negligence…”

Item Description: In this diary entry, Rev. Overton Bernard points to the disparities in sheer numbers between Union and Confederate troops. Entreating God’s protection over the Confederacy, he implies the Confederate losses emerged as a result of sinful behavior. Overton Bernard kept his … Continue reading

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21 January 1862: “Cameron has resigned as Secretary of War after having through his friends fleeced the Government…”

Item Description:  In this diary entry, Rev. Overton Bernard discusses the resignation of Union Secretary of War, Simon Cameron, as well as damage to Burnside’s Fleet. Item Citation: From folder 2 of the Overton and Jesse Bernard Diaries #62-z,  Southern Historical Collection, Wilson … Continue reading

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17 December 1861: “Some say England will submit to the insult offered to her flag…”

Item Description: In this diary entry, Rev. Overton Bernard anticipates Britain’s support for the Confederacy as a result of the Trent Affair. Item Citation: From folder 2 of the Overton and Jesse Bernard Diaries #62-z,  Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North … Continue reading

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