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Library of Congress subject Headings, 21st edition, 19981864 English Newspapers -- Virginia -- RichmondOctober, 2005 Checker Grant Dickie, of the University of Richmond LibraryFile checked, not corrected: DO NOT return to vendor. Ur corrector note: Did not key "Wanted - colored girl" page 2, column 3. 1 article.
Daily Dispatch Vol. Xxvi — no.126Richmond, Va.Friday, May 27, 1864Priceone Cent Richmond Dispatch by Cowardin & Hammersley.
the Daily Dispatch is served to subscribers at six and A Quarter Cents Per Week, payable to the Carrier weekly.
Price for mailing, $4 a year, or $2.50 for six months, in advance.
the Semi-Weekly Dispatch is issued every Tuesday and Friday at $2.00, in advance.
the Weekly Dispatch is issued every Friday, and mailed to subscribers at $1 per annum.
Advertisements published until forbid, will be charged 50 cents per square of eight lines for the first insertion, and 25 cents for each continuance
Richmond Dispatch.
Friday morning..May 27 1864
The War news.
No startling news was received yesterday from any direction.
The two armies on the Southside remain in the positions held for several days, no new movement has taken place, and perfect quiet prevails.
The Yankee gunboats still infest the river, but seem to have suspended their waste of ammunition in shelling the woods.
Fort Clifton and other points on the shores of the James and the Appomattox.
Beast Batler, pent up in a narrow ship of land in the county of Chesterfield, has ample time to send lying dispatches to Washington of the extent of his operations; but should he attempt to widen his sphere of action by another advance upon GenBeauregard, he will doubtless find that officer ready to meet him.--Meantime the people must be patient.
Exciting news cannot be constantly coming, and the present full in events will prevent a surfer of the popular appetite when the storm breaks loose afresh.
From Gen.Lee's army.
Persons who left the lines yesterday represent everything quiet in that direction.
The War Office had no news of interest last right, and beyond a report that some vitality was apparent on the enemy's right (our left) we have nothing to announce.
There was, indeed, a rumor last evening that the enemy made a feeble attempt on Wednesday right to capture our outer works, but was repulsed with a loss to him of sixty killed, while our loss was only one.
This racks confirmation, and probably emanated from that individual who has become so distinguished in this war, "the reliable gentleman." Another report is that McClellan is new with Grant, and acting as a restraint upon his impetuosity; in other word, those who believe this story pretend to see in it a reason why Grant does not offer batted to GeneralLee.
The report, however, may be but if so, and if McClellan has any in fnce over Grant's actions, the latter would hardly be apt to select the Peninsula as a line of operations.
McClellan tried that route once, and abandoned it in grief and despair; and the experiment cost him his camels, as well as the soubriquet of the "Young Napoleon."
The train last evening brought down one hundred and forty prisoners, taken by Mahone's command in Tuesdays fight.
The affair in Charles City county.
We have received some further particulars of the affair in Charles City county, to which brief allusion was made yesterday.
The expedition, which consisted of a portion of Gen.Fitz.Lee's cavalry division, started from Matthews Court House and proceeded to Hennon's wharf, on James river, a point nearly opposite Fort Powhatan.
At on Tuesday our men dismounted and pushed forward through the woods which.
He between the river road and the river, driving in the enemy's negro pickets, who fled incontinently to the fortifications.
Our troops then moved on the works, which are situated on a high bluff, and consist of strong fortifications, protected in front by a deep ditch and long abattis.
The attack was made upon the west front of the fort, and the negro troops, without making much resistance, ran down the bluff to the beach, where they remained during the fight.
The white troops, however, stood their ground.
Just as our men charged the works the gunboats in the river opened a furious fire upon them, which was hotly seconded by musketry from the fortifications.
It was immediately discovered that the enemy had thrown strong reinforcements across from Fort Powhatan, where a large force was stationed, and in this state of affairs our troops were withdrawn from the contest, with small loss in killed and wounded.
Two negroes were taken prisoners.
Thus ended an enterprise which was extremely hazardous on our part, when it is considered that the enemy had the advantage of strong fortifications and the aid of gunboats.
The ancient boundaries of Virginia.
The General Assembly, at its last session, passed resolutions referring to the attempts of the enemy to form a new State out of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and declaring that "it is the firm determination of the State, and known to be that of the Confederate Government, to assert and maintain the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the State of Virginia to the utmost limits of her ancient boundaries, at any and every cost." These resolutions having been communicated to Congress by the Governor, the House of Representatives yesterday unanimously adapted a joint resolution declaring that "in no event will this Government consent to a division or dismemberment of the State of Virginia, but will assert and maintain her jurisdiction and sovereignty to the utmost limits of her ancient boundaries, at any and every cost."
Confederate States Congress.
Senate.--The Senate met at M. yesterday.
Prayer by the Rev. Dr.Minnegerode, of the Episcopal Church.
The following bill was considered and passed:
The Congress of the Confederate States of Americadoenad That the pay of a General assigned to duty at the sent of Government, under the provisions of an act entitled "an act to provide a staff clered force for any General who may be assigned by the President to duty at the sent of Government," approved March 25, 1862, shall be the same as the pay of a general officer commanding-in-chief a parte army in the field.
The following bill, reported from the SenateFinance Committee, to authorize certificates of indebtedness to be given for property purchased or impressed, and for transportation, and to provide for payment of interest on said certificates in specie, was considered and passed:
Sec 1.
The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That when certificates of debt are issued in manner and form as now provided by law, in exchange for private property seized or impressed, or for purchases made for the use of the Confederate Government, they shall be issued at the election of the owner of said property either for its market value in specie at the time of its impressment, or for its value according to the average prices prevalling during the second and third quarters of the year 1860.
The said value shall be ascertained by appraisers, to be selected, and to act according to the provisions of the impressment law now in existence.
The interest upon the said certificates shall be paid in specie, or, if paid in Confederate Treasury notes, the amount thus paid shall be equal in value to the said specie.
Sec 2.
That the appraisers at large in each State for which they are appointed shall estimate and declare for each month the value in specie of the Confederate Treasury notes in such State, and the local appraisers shall ascertain the specie value of property impressed at market rates by first as certaining their value in Confederate Treasury notes, and then reducing them to a specie standard, according to the monthly valuation of the appraiser at large, as herein provide.
The interest upon the said certificates, if paid in the said notes, shall be paid according to the value of said notes in specie during the month in which the said interest fails due. Sec 3.
The certificate thus issued shall declare upon its face that it is payable in specie two years after the ratification of a treaty of peace with the United States of America, and the same may be converted at the pleasure of the holder, at par, in the untaxable six per cent bonds, authorized to be issued under an act entitled "An act to reduce the currency, and to authorize a new issue of notes and bonds," approved 17th February, 1864; but these certificate a can only be converted in sums which are multiples of one hundred dollars. The said certificated may be given by the Secretary of the Treasury, at his discretion, in exchange for property impressed or seized by the Confederate Government according to law. Sec.4.
All claims upon the Government for railroad transportation, shall be adjusted by payment of twothirds of the claim, as unedited in treasury notes; the remaining third shall be set down at the rates of the year 1860, and be paid in certificates issued in the form hereinbefore prescribed — And in case the railroad company should be willing to accept more than onethird in certificates, such additional amount of certificates shall be issued, as will discharge the same at the said rates of the year 1860. Sec 5.
That for the purpose of procuring specie to provide for the payment of the interest on the certificates hereinbefore mentioned, the sum of ten million dollars be, and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury, not otherwise appropriated, to be expended by the Secretary of the Treasury, is the purchase of cotton and its conversion into specie, to be applied exclusively to providing for the payment of the interest aforesaid.
The Senate then resolved into secret session.
The doors being opened Mr.Johnson, of Mo., submitted the following:
Resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the resolution passed by the two Houses fixing the day of adjournment for the 31st instant be and the same is hereby rescind.
Laid on the table.
The Senate then adjourned.
House of Representatives--Prayer by the RevDr.Jeter, of the Baptist Church.
MrHanly. of Ark, from the Military Committee, to whom had been referred a memorial of the Society of Friends, reported a bill to amend so much of the act of February 17, 1864, to organize forces to serve during the war as relates to the exemption of certain religious denominations.
The bill was taken up and passed.
[It places members of the Society of Friends on the same footing with those of other religious denominations exempted under the act.]
MrHanly, from the same committee, reported a bill to provide for the enrollment and conscription of certain non-commissioned officers and privates in the Trans-Mississippi Department.
Passed.
MrMiles, from the same committee, reported back Senate bill to authorize the appointment of General officers, with temporary rank and command, and to define and limit the power of assigning officers to command, with a recommendation that it lie upon the table.
It was so ordered.
MrMiles then reported a bill to authorize the President to confer temporary rank and command upon officers of the Provisional army who may be selected for special service.
Informally passed over.
MrLyon, from the Committee on Ways and Means, reported the general appropriation bill, which was ordered to be printed, and made the special order for Saturday.
MrLyon also reported a bill making appropriations for the postal service for the years 1862 and 1863.
Ordered to be printed and placed on the calendar.
MrBald win, of Va, presented a substitute for the bill.
Mr.Russell, of Va, from the Committee on the Judiciary, made a report in relation to the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. Laid on the table and ordered to be printed.
MrRussell also reported a bill to amend the army regulations with respect to gaming by disbursing officers and others entrusted with the public funds.
Placed on the calendar.
Also, Senate bill to provide for the appointment of a disbursing clerk in the War Department.
Passed.
Also, a bill to organize the Supreme Court of the Confederate States.
Placed on the calendar.
Also, joint resolutions in response to resolutions of the General Assembly of the State of Virginia, asserting her jurisdiction and sovereignty over her ancient boundaries.
Passed.
Mr.Hanley reported back the Senate bill to double the compensation and mileage of members of Congress for the present session.
The question being upon the passage of the bill, Mr.Marshall demanded the ayes and noes, which were ordered, and the bill was rejected — ayes 33, noes 45.
The House, in Committee of the Whole, (Mr.Sexton in the chair,) resumed the consideration of the bill to amend the tax laws.
The bill was debated until , when the Committee rose, reported progress, and the House took a recess until
Losses in Alexander's battalion light Artilliery
To the Editor of the Dispatch:
The following is a list of the casualties in Alexander's battalionlight artillery in the recent fights in Northern Virginia:
Moody's Battery, Mississippi.--Killed: Lieut D Burrows, Maryland; Sergt R B Smith.
Wounded Sergt T Hogan, slightly privatesMartinKenney, JasBrady, JnoStocks, C Delany, JnoRyan.
Smith's Battery, Virginia.--Wounded: PrivatesJno W Scott, WmSherwell, Samuel H Turner, ad slight.
Ficklin's Battery, South Carolina--Killed: Corporal J C Kenney, private J Aligood.
Wounded Capt J S Ackis.
private P Jordan.
Woolfolk's Battery, Virginia.--Killed: Corporal E H Revere.
Wounded: Private T J Harris, slight.
Taylor's Battery, Virginia--Capt O B Taylor wounded slightly, and privateGeoChambers, do.
Parker's Battery, Virginia.--Wounded: Lieut J Brown, severely in the face, doing well; Corp J W Uriander, slightly in arm; privates S H Parker, Jr, severely in arm (amputated) and in leg, flesh wound; Montraville Cannon, slightly in arm; C W L Holland, slightly in hand.
Sherman's field Marshals wounded.
--Sher man's operations around Reach, which were protracted through three days cost him quite dearly.
The enemy estimate their losses in front of Resaca at 4,000. FourGenerals were wounded — Hooker, (lighting Joe,) slightly; Kilpatrick, the raider, who did not get as near Richmond as Dahlgren painfully; Manson, a Kentuckian, well known in Louisville, seriously; and Willich, it is believed, mortally.
Willich is a German, and has figured in this army of the Cumberland, as it is called, ever since the war commenced.
He entered as a lieutenant; subsequently commanded a regiment of lager beer drinkers from Cincinnati, and fought at the battle of Murfreesboro' as a General where he was captured by GenPolk's division before breakfast.
He has probably fought his last battle now.
Horrible death.
--On Saturday last a deserter named ElijahHicks of Stokes county, and belonged to co A, 2d N C battalion, came to a most horrible death under the following circumstances: He had been confined in Richmond and was being taken to Salisbury for punishment When near Jamestown he had succeeded in cutting a hole through the back of the freight car in which he, with other prisoners, rode, sufficiently large to get through.
He pulled out the coupling pin to detach the rear cars, and then pushed himself through feet foremost, Unfortunately for him the train was rapidly going down grade, and instead of finding a space to drop into between the cars, the rear carried over him mangling his body horribly and causing instant death. --Goldshore' State Journal.
A monster Newspaper.
--A journal may base its claim for popularity on many different grounds.
It has been left to the French press to overwhelm the world with the gigantic size of their sheets.
The monster Grand Journal.--large enough to be read by four people at once — to be folded round the humble stall in the theatre until the occupier can fancy himself in a private box — large enough to roof a house, to paper the side of a room, to cut up into spills that would outlast the year long sittings of a club smoking room — such is the journal which the French nation delights to honor.
Every where may be seen the fluttering of its enormous sheets, as the public crowd round to gloat over the astonishing length of its columns.
We do not, however, hear that they also read, them.
Cherokee Warriors
--The Ashville (N. C.) News says a body of CherokeeIndians, numbering — under the command of Capt M H.Love, arrived here a few days since and went into camp.--They are a fine looking set of men, young, robot, and active.
Among them to a son of the celebrated chiefJunaluskee.
They have attained a high degree of perfection in drill, and go through all the evolutions with precision and accuracy.--Their shrill war whoop makes one involuntarily clap his band on his head to see if his scalp is safe.
Fire in Petersburg.
--A fire occurred in Petersburg, Va, on Tuesday , cuttingly destroying the snuff manufactory of MessrsLynch & Aiken, the barrel manufactory of MessrsBaghy & Stewart, the flour and grist mill of MessrsLynch & Dugger, and the extensive flour and corn miles belonging to MessrsCogbill & Weeks.
Capt.SylvanusCobb, Jr., the popular tale writer, is in command of a company from Norways, Maine, now doing garrison duty at Killory (Me.) Fort.
From GeneralLee's army. [from our own Correspondent.]Army of Northern Virginia. Hanover Junction, May25, 1864.
But little has transpired since the date of my past letter worthy of notice.
The enemy has advanced up to the north bank of the North Anna and has kept up an regular artillery fire from the hills overlooking river, for the purpose, doubtless of ascertaining the strength and direction or Gen.Lee's lines.
In one or two places he has thrown a force across the river, but it is not believed that he has as yet intended to make a serious effort to force his way to the south side, his chief object being to acquire as much information as possible in regard to the Confederate position, preparatory to ulterior operations.
In the course of his reconnaissance yesterday, he gained the south bank in front of Pickett's division, but was soon driven back with a loss of some forty prisoners, including an Adjutant, and almost including a Brigadier General, who was saved alone by the fleetness of his horse.
Since it is now well known to the enemy, there can be no harm in stating that our picket line extends along the south bank of the river, and that the success with which the enemy has forced this line at more points than one should occasion no uneasiness whatever.
As at Fredericksburg, so at this place, our due position is on the range of bills on the south side of the river, since a position along the banks of the river would not be so good, inasmuch as it would expose our men to a plunging fire from the enemy's well served artillery on the Caroline hills beyond.
Nor could any advantage we might gain be so well followed up if our lines were further advanced.
In other words, the public may rest assured that GenLee has placed his forces exactly where they should be placed.
The Federals have eyes as well as we, and Grant has very sharp eyes, and he and they know what is here stated just as well as we do.
But will Grant attempt to cross three rivers — the North Anna, Little river, and the South Anna — and move upon Richmond by this line, or will he march further around to the right and below the points of confluence of these streams, and endeavor to cross one--the Pamunkey --at or near Hanover Court-House?
The reconnaissances which he has made since his arrival here were undertaken, doubtless, to enable him to decide this very question.
It is reported that he moved a considerable force yesterday up the North Anna upon our left; if this be true it is not improbable that he has decided that it is better to attempt to effect the passage of a single stream than of three, each one of which presents a strong line of defence.
A great battle may be precipitated almost any day, but there is no special reason for believing that one will occur this week, and it may be postponed for some time longer
With the exception of an irregular shelling of the woods on the southside of the river by the enemy perfect quit has prevailed to day along the lines.
The weather is superb.
Sallest.
[from our own Correspondent.] Army of Northern Virginia. Near Hanover Junction, May25th, 1864.
My last letter told you of the change of base, and of the fact that our forces were in position around this place.
Yesterday evening about , Thomas's, McGowan's and Lane's brigades, of Wilcox's division, with Seales's of the same division in support and reserve, were sent forward to meet the enemy, who had crossed the North Anna river at Jericho Fard, a point about six miles above Hanover Junction.
Our forces came up with those of the enemy near Noel's turn-out.
Thomas, McGowan and Lane engaged them in front, while Scales was sent to take them in rear.
A sharp fight ensued, and the troops were rapidly pressing them back, when just as Scales was opening on their flank and rear, Thomas's brigade, for some unexplained reason, gave way, and thus the fruits of victory were lost.
We however captured some sixty prisoners, who say that when our men commenced giving back the enemy were already on the run, and our boys were within a very few yards of their batteries.
Our loss is put at about three hundred and fifty in this engagement.
During this same evening GenAnderson sent a force across the river at the Telegraph Road bridge, but this force meeting a superior force of the enemy was compelled to return this side.
Our loss however, was slight.
Yesterday evening Mahone, who was commanding Anderson's division assented Laidley's brigade of the enemy, who had crossed at Oxford Mills, capturing some sixty prisoners, among them an via of Gen L's.
About the same time the enemy attempted to make a lodgment for his sharpshooters in front of Rodes a division, but Rodes's skirmishers quickly drove them off.
To day there has been nothing done save slight skirmishing.
I still incline to the opinion that Grant is too much worsted to make an immediate fight, and the fact that he is entrenching and fortifying substantiates it.
As showing the extent to which the Yankee army has been cut up in the recent engagements, I give you the following figures in regard to the losses sustained by a Massachusetts regiment an the late fights.
They are official, and were taken from the pockets of an Adjutant who was captured:
The regiment went into action on the 6th with464Lost this day257Leaving for duty207Lost on the 12th101Lost on the 18th2482
It began the campaign with thirteen line and two field officers, and now has one field and two line officers.
Some of their prisoners say this is a fair example of the losses in all the regiments.
Among the promotions in the army are ColonelsTerry, of Va, and Evans, of Ga, to be Brigadier Generals.
Thursday, 12M. Very little infantry skirmishing to day. X.
The end of the Heenan and KingChampionship.
--On the 24th ult., ThomasKing, JohnCarmelHeenan.
ThomasSayere, JohnTyler, Jerry Noon, JohnMacdonald, JamesMace, and RobertTravers were tried at the Sussex (Eng) Quarter Sessions held at the Saire Hall, Lawes, on the charge of having riotously assembled and of having assaulted and beaten ThomasKing and JohnCarmelHeenan.
Mr.Roupell and Mr.Willoughby prosecuted.
King, Mace, Calvin, and Tyler were defended by SergeantTindalAtkinson and Mr. E Besley, while Mr.Sleigh and Mr.Gates represented Heenan, Sayers, and Macdonald.
SerjeantAtkinson and Mr.Sleigh said that their clients would plead 'Guilty.' with the exception of Mace, against whom there was no evidence.
The Chairman thought that it would be sufficient to call upon the defendants to enter into their own recognizance in the sum of 1007 each to appear and receive judgment when called upon.
The defendants entered into the required sureties and left the court.
Sharp practice.
--A thirsty, but a penniless soldier, belonging to a regiment encamped near — N C, procured a quart of brandy in a novel manner.
He provided himself with two canteens, one of which he filled with water, the other he kept empty.
He then repaired to the house of Mr — a few miles from town, and asked if he could buy a quart of brandy.
He was answered in the affirmative — the brandy was produced, the price fixed upon, the empty canteen filled with the precious find, and then along across his shoulder.
He then began a search for the money where with to settle the bill.
With an eager manner he dived into first his right pantaloons pocket, then the left, and then with an air of disappointment, successively into his vest and coat pockets.
"By golly," says he, "I clear forgot to bring my pocket book !"
"Well," said Mr — you can't have the brandy without the money.
Suppose you leave the canteen with me and go after the pocket book !"
"It's a mighty long distance," said the soldier, "to walk, but if I can't do any better, I suppose I must." So saying he deposited the canteen in the hands of the unsuspecting vender of "old Nash," and walked off — sorrow in his countenance, in his heart joy.
About three days afterwards Mrs--who is a notable housekeeper, said to her husband, "Mr — that soldier hasn't come back to get his brandy.
Poor fellow, he must have been suddenly ordered to Plymouth, and I am sorry he has lost his canteen.
I think it best to pour out the brandy, lest it get a tinny taste." So saying she pulled out the cork, and applying her nose to the month of the canteen she smelt, not brandy, but a — rat The brandy was transformed to water.--Daily Conservative.
The Bakers' Loaves.
--The following story comes in very well just now:
A baker, whose leaves had been growing "smaller by degrees and beautifully less, " when going his rounds to serve customers, stopped at the door of one and knocked, when the lady within exclaimed, "Who's there" and was answered, the baker." "What do you want?" "To leave your bread." "well, you need not make such a fuss about it — put it through the keyhole !"
The Yankee Legislature of Arkansas has elected RajahBaker, a lawyer of Batesville, to the Yankee Senate in place of DrMitchell.
Additional from the North.
We have received Northern dates as late as the 21st inst, and give a summary of the news they contain:
Particulars of the Batters of Wednesday and Thursday--how the recruits are made to fight.
The Herald is full of accounts of the battles of Wednesday and Thursday, which are of very little interest to the Confederate reader as they are a batch of lies, with hardly a show of truth to relieve their monotony.
of Wednesday's fight the correspondent says:
While the rest of the army moved in force upon the enemy's line our corps holding the right, was to make a demonstration upon the enemy's left.
The troops were disposed in line of battle, with Potter's division holding the extremes right, Crittenden's division the centre, and Wileax's division the left, in contiguity with the right of Warfen's corps.
Each division constituted by f a column of attack, with the intention of assaulting the one my's line at three different points.
The regiments of each division were ed in same cases three, and in others four, regiments forming the front lines.
The artillery was entrenched behind works hastily constructed of timber from the neighboring woods covered with earth.
As the infantry advanced, our guns opened to cover the movement, and in a moment the whole line of our front was musical with the roar of our Parrotts and brass pieces.
The rebel line was distinctly in view, and sheltered by woods which rendered our fire considerably uncertain as to results.
However, our gunners blazed away with the utmost ardor, and tornadoes at shall and shrapnel tore through the opposite woods.
Ræners's battery opened the ball between and A M, with sir 10 inches arrows, supported by Thomas's 2d Maine battery the 11th Mass, and two pieces of the 7th Maine of the right The rebels were not show independent from their side, and the interchange of cannon shots soon became quite lively.
The advance was made through a severe fire from the enemy's artillery Our line, however, continued in progress to the shatters, and there remained until later in the day, when it was ordered back to the original position, no advantage being gained on either side, and affairs remaining at nightfall as they were al daylight.
The Fourth division, colored troops, under GenFerrero, were in the rear, and did not participate in the engagement to-day.
They have, however, been very officiant in guarding our trains against onslaughts from the rebel cavalry, who take every occasion to make a dash upon that very important portion of the column.
Owing to the quantity of artillery used to-day the injures of the wounded are of a meet ghastly character.
Many men were brought to the hospital literally shot to pieces.
The rebels generally threw shrapnel or spherical case, with a few solid shot.--Are they short of other kinds of artillery ammunition?
GenGrant was making an attempt to turn Lee's left flank, which was quite weak yesterday; but Lee, suspecting the manæuvre, had strengthened his left during the night, and we found them strongly posted this morning.
The Corcoran Legion, which joined us yesterday, probably suffered as severely as any corps in the engagement Col Murphy, commanding it, was wounded, and has had his arm amputated
The charge upon the first line of rebel works was an exciting scene.
With loud and defiant ye is the done mass of our men pushed forward towards the enemy's works, utterly regardless of the showers of deadly missiles waited in their midst, while the musketry of the rebels behind their embankments was almost as unbroken as the root of a square drum
The most of the troops engaged conducted them selves with commend bravery; a few, however, principally ram recruits, were determined to fall in the rear, and some had to be kept in the ranks by the file closing at the point of the beyond I am glad to state, to the honor of the second corps, that there were but few such.
A letter dated Spotsylvania, the 19th, gives an account of the attack made by Swell on that day.
Between and this afternoon desultory firing was heard on the Fredericksburg read, about a mile in Tyler's rear.
it was ascertained that the enemy had to lowed clash in the rear of our corps, and had actually thrown Rodes's division, of Ewell's corps, into Tyler's rear, and were emerging from the woods into the wagon road Long trains, loaded with ordained and commissary stores, had been passing all day, but fortunately none were within reach at the moment.
Agap in a train coming to the front was all that saved some of the wagons from capture.
The train was completely cut in two by the rebel column.
Part came into camp at full speed, and the remainder turned hastily in the road and drove curiously to the rear out of reach.
Tyler's division was precipitated on the rebel column as imperiously as the nature of the ground permitted, and after a sharp skirmish the latter were driven from the ground with seriousness The 1st Maine heavy artillery regiment, eighteen hundred strong and fighting as infantry, charged on the rebel line gallantly and swept everything before them after a sharp contest.
Our loss has not been ascertained, but this regiment appears to have suffered most.
A part of Hancock's corps was marched back to Tyler's support just at dark; but the rebels were not found in force.
It was probably a dash of theirs to annoy us by cutting our communication, with the possible hope of capturing a few wagons and stores.
The order was already given to abandon this road to Fredericksburg, and no teams ought to have been in transit over it. Hereafter the Massaponax church and Childsburgh dirt road will be used as our line of communication until the location of the army is substantially changed
Friday,May 20----The losses in the fight last evening are estimated at between five and six hundred and are confined mainly to few regiments The First Maryland veteran regiment were returning from their furlough home, and found themselves under fire before they suspected the presence of the enemy The colonel supposed the fire came from a regiment of our own troops, who had mistaken his for a rebel command, and called frantically on them to stop firing on their own friends One or two volleys undeceived him, and revealed the character of his concealed foe. The veterans were soon engaged with their old enemies, and assisted materially in breaking the rebel line and clearing the woods.
This regiment lost fifty killed and wounded out of three hundred.
The latest telegram dated May 20th, says:
The position occupied by Lee is a vast entrenched camp.
Its natural strength has been increased by the creation of fortifications, which were built long ago in anticipation of their need.
Lee manifests no disposition to come out of these defences.
Every opportunity has been afforded for him to do so, and the change in the position of our forces has been made with a view to compel him to accept battle beyond his fortifications.
Yesterday GenTorbett, with a division of our cavalry, took possession of Guiney's station, on the Fredericksburg railroad, in the rear of Lee's army, and destroyed all the buildings and supplies found there.
A chaplain came in yesterday from the hospital of the second corps on the Wildnerness battle field, and reported that over 400 wounded belonging to that corps are still in hospital there, and that they were entirely out of provisions and medical supplies.
Representations of the facts were made to the commander, and to day it is reported that they will be brought in.
Reinforcements have arrived.
Some of the fresh troops were longer on their way to the front than was anticipated or believed necessary, but they are here now, and will soon have an opportunity of retrieving their tardiness by acts of gallantry.
Bukler's Reverse on the Southside — his falling back.
The Herald contains a smoothed over account of Butler's defeat by Beauregard on Monday week We make the following extracts:
Ominous silence had prevailed since two A M. It was now after four.
The misty atmosphere gave a kind of terror to almost every object, and loomed up in unnatural proportions and outlines from the dark, hazy shadows of departing night.--All was vigilance and anxiety, except where here and there lay a weary soldier, slumbering on his moist and earthy pillow.
The assault of the enemy on our right was made with cavalry, artillery, and infantry.
At this point it becomes necessary to convey some idea of how our troops were posted on the extreme right.
Next the Cames river were two squadrons of colored cavalry, then came the Ninth New Jersey infantry, then the Twenty-third Massachsells, then the Twenty-fifth and Twenty seventh Massachusetts, all of Heckman's brigade, of Weltred's division, of Smith's corps.
Gilmore's corps held the left and the left centre.
Our line of battle was the fortifications, except on the extreme right, for they did not extend down to the river.
A narrow belt of limber screened our reserves from the view of the rebels on the right.
The rebels stole between our skirmishers around our right flank, and actually into the of the Ninth New Jeremy.--When they were first discovered by that regiment in its rear they haltered them to be some of our own troops.
One of the officers challenged them, however, demanding who they were.
The rebels repeated "friends," and still pressed on. "What regiment" demanded the officer "The Third Virginia," replied the rebels, pouring in a volley and rushing upon our men at the command "Charge bayonets." The Jerseys fought valiantly, though taken at so greats disadvantage, and soon repelled their assailants in the rear.
But the first volley from the rebels in our rear was the signal for the assault upon our front and fink.
Two brigades and two batteries of flying artillery bushed forward, passed our pickets, succeeded in capturing those on our right, and assaulted its front with great desperation, while the 2d South Carolina cavalry attacked his flank with a charge.
But owing to the log and the positions of our pickets, our artillery could not be used, while that of the enemy thundered away at our lines with the greatest, fusty their hugs shells berated among our men, wounding many.
The Union line was doubled up. One of Belger's catssens exploded.
We lost a sun, Battery E, of the 3d New York, lost one of their twenty pounders by the destruction of their houses, and the and den approach of the enemy upon them through the fog. One line was viridin to the dreadful pressure, when to ! the battle is renewed with increased intensely on the extreme right.
Col.Drake's brigade has arrived, and the 112th New York is chastising the enemy and coming to the rescue of Hookman.
Most of Burke's artillery was now ordered to the rear, and was parked beyond Palmers creek, about a mile and a quarter off. Artillery could not be need, so dease was the fog, and this fact is the explanation of the disposition of our cannon.
There was a full in the strife now. Our troops had changed their positions rendering the advantages hitherto derived by the enemy from the fog useless.
It was now about . The rattle of skirmishing still continued and spread more generally along the whole line.
The enemy's artillery thundered away, and the exploding shells compelled as to move off our ammunition trains and militia forces in the rear.
Wounded men struggled along to places of security; others where borne to hospitals this by their companions, but shells soon began to drop into some of these, and our most advanced hospitals were abandoned, but not until the wounded were removed.
In the evening the order to fall back to a new position was given by Gen.Butler, and his column is now in an attitude to defy the whole power of Lee's army if it should he drive upon him.
While the battle was going on, which I have above described, an attack was made on our rear guard in the direction of Petersburg.
The skirmishing grew warm, but the gunboats up the Appomattox took part in the engagement, and compelled the enemy to right at a great disadvantage.
The result was his repulse.
Our less in this affair was about fifty men. In the battle of the morning we probably lost two thousand killed, wounded and missing; but in the battle with GenGilmore, which occurred subsequently, our loss was comparatively trifling, perhaps two hundred.
The loss in guns was, so far as I have learned, four pieces.
We lost no wagons or other material of war.
Our galus were the developing of the enemy's strength in our front, and compelling him to retain a large army in a position of little value in the real struggle.
The enemy's losses are estimated at from two thousand to four thousand men; three thousand is probably near the mark.
Of these, six hundred are prisoners, while about one thousand of our men are prisoners.
It is certain that the rebel loss is in excess of ours, and that their first temporary success was no equivalent for the sanguinary records afterwards made upon their columns by our army.
A Contemplated Raid by "rebel pirates."
A dispatch from Philadelphia, dated the 20th inst, gives the following piece of astounding intelligence:
A letter from an officer on an American war vessel, dated Dover.
Eng May 4 contains the following important information.
It has been known to us through rebel naval officers that the Alabama was coming here, and that the combined rebel pirates are to make a demonstration on our Northern coast as soon as they can get ready.
The detention of the Rappahannock and non arrival of the Alabama here postponed it for a month.
This comes direct from rebel officers aboard the vessels, through our spies.
Sherman's movements — the Whereabouts of Johnston.
A telegram from Nashville, dated the 20th, says:
Gen.Sherman is in possession of Kingston, Rome.
Cassville and the line of the Etowan.
The army had heavy skirmishing with the enemy all the way from Resaca.
The railroad and telegraph have been repaired to the present position of the army.
The troops are in good condition and spirits.
Johnston is believed to be at Atlanta.
Five hundred and thirteen prisoners, captured at Resaca arrived here yesterday and to-day.
Among them are thirteen officers, belonging to Polk's, Hardee's, and Hood's corps.
They will be sent North to morrow.
HughTrally a native of Ray county, Tenn, was hung to day by order of the military commandant, charged with bush whacking and murdering Union citizens.
Trally was captured in Waite county, East Tennessee, where he was acting as guide to the rebel GeneralWheeter.
He betrayed no emotion on the scaffold and avowed that he died a true rebel soldier, and not guilty of shedding innocent blood.
The river is three feet deep on the shoals and is now falling.
A scene in the Yankee Congress.
The Washington correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette thus describes the scene in the YankeeHouse of Representatives when Mr.Harris, of Maryland, delivered the speech which first let some light into that "convocation of politic worms:"
Finally a tall, light boarded, bald headed Marylander, sitting on the extreme wing of the Opposition side, of pleasing presence, but unmistakable "chivalric" air, gets the floor.
He is not an eloquent speaker, but he makes up in fluency and defiant boldness what he lacks in grace.
His first sentence fixes everybody's attention. "I indorse every word the gentleman from Ohio, Mr.Long, has uttered, and will stand by and defend it for weal or woe" "Ab, ha!
he's got one manly backer, at least," is the involuntary exclamation one hears on every side.
Stepping out into the aisle, and moving defiantly down toward the Administration members, as he warms with the subject, he continued in the same strain.
He is willing to go with his friends anywhere on that issue.
Cannot a man say he is for peace, the saving of life and treasure?
He is for peace.
He is a Union man — a better Union man than anybody on the other side of the chamber — for he is a Peace Union man. If we can't have use Government, let us have two, and let them be splendid ones.
He is a slaveholder, or was, till Ben.Butler stole all his slaves.
His father was a slaveholder before him, and a good Christian; and when a man talks here of slavery being the sum of all villainies he calls him and his father villains, and he tells that man, whoever he may be, that he is a liar and scoundrel.
The scene is a curious one.
This man is standing in the House of Representatives of the United States, surrounded by the Democrats and the Border State men of what claims to be a layal opposition. He is talking the boldest treason, yet they have clustered in delighted circles around him; almost every man's face wore a grateful smile, and at every extremely extravagant declaration they burst into open laughter and applause.
Meantime the Administration men crowd over till the front of the Clerk's desk ed, and an angry group is formed among the chuckling Democrats right under the Speaker's hand.
He continues enlogizing the rebels, than whom, he says, a braver set of men, a more gallant or honorable set of men, never existed on God's earth; abusing the Administration, declaring that be would never vote a dollar or a man to be used by that tyrant, the President; denouncing the war for the Union as the most stupendous folly that ever disgraced any people; and now and again striking an attitude and shouting to the opposite side, if this be treason, make the most of it.
Finally, there comes the startling passage:
"The South asks you to leave them in peace; but no, you say you will bring them into subjection.
That is not done yet, and God Almighty grant that it may never be. I hope you will never subjugate the South"
"Mr.Chairman," cried a stentorian voice from a group standing near the defiant Marylander.
Members turned to look, a little space is formed about him, and MrHarris waits, "I ask if it is proper for a member to pray God Almighty."--A perfect storm of "Order, order, order," latterly drowned out the remainder of the sentence.
Mr.Harris resumes with the same game cook air, when the stentorian voice breaks in again, fairly hoarse with passion: "I demand to know whether"-- "Order, order, order," from the Democrat side, while the members spring from their seats, and there is a general movement towards the actors in the excited scene. "I rise to a point of order," shouts the same excited voice. "Well, what's your point of order?
Let's hear it," shipsHarris, turning contemptuously upon him.
"The gentleman rises to a point of order.
The gentleman from Maryland will suspend.
Gentlemen in the states will take their seats.
The Chair will not recognize any one till order is restored," says the Speakerpro tem and the gavel thumps vigorously on the table, while the crowd slowly scatters, and members reluctantly go back to their seats.
Among them, walking up the centre aisle, in an old, rough looking Pennsylvanian with bushy, grizzled head, and rugged features, and face fairly livid with rage.
He shouts again the moment he reaches his seat, "I rise to a point of order"
"the gentleman will state his point of order."
"My poult of order is this, sir; what right, sir, has he to pray to God Almighty to defeat, sir — to defeat the American armies" The words came struggling out, unconnected, hot with rage.
"What sort of a point of order is that, I'd like to know?" heersMr.Harris.
"I want to know (order, order, order, and an unconscionable din) whether a member has a right to utter, treason (order, order, order,) in these hall's " Mr.Tracy's voice, never very gentle at beat, rises with the and the last words are ly screamed, while everybody starts to his feet, and the excitement grows intense.
In the midst of the hubbub, Washburns is seen pushing his way down, till he can catch the eye of the Speaker.
He is accustomed to being beard when he speaks; and his bull dog way generally wins in a contest of this kind.
There's a good deal of swagger in it; but he never allows himself to be cowed.
"I demand that the language of the gentleman from Maryland be taken down at the clerk's desk, in accordance with the rule." "Too late, order, go on, never mind, go ahead," came up from the Democratic side.
But Washburn holds the floor, and the shouting of the whole rebel army lasted of this little detachment, wouldn't mage his little sturdily demands the reading of the rate.
The Chair rules that the point is well taken; the words of the Marylander are reported from the clerk's desk:
"The South ask you to leave them in peace; but no, you any you will bring them into subjection.--That is not done yet, and God.
Almighty grant that it never may be. I hope you will sever subjugate the South."
Harris meanwhile has been sending, with head thrown back and arms the very picture of a crowing game cock, or of the traditional Irishman, anxious for somebody "id on the tip of me coat rall" "Well in that all. " he cries; "That's right ! I say that over again what have you to say about it? " And the Democrats not quite sobered ret to a since of the simalion, again rear at the exuberant fun of this beautiful spectacle.
The Speaker declares the language out of order, and announces that the gentleman from Maryland having violated the rule, can only proceed under it by unanimous consent.
"For one I protest against say man using such language in this hall," says Washburne, in his dogged way.
"You mean you're afraid of it"? exclaims Harris, leaning forward and putting on his most offensive sneer.
Shouts of order from the Administration side drown out his voice as be is about to proceed, and the Speaker commands him to take his scar.--As he does it, losing the self controlled scantness he has hitherto displayed, and quivering with rage, be shakes his fist at Washburne, and hisses "You G — d d — n villain, you! " The crowding and conclusion, however, prosecuted Washburne and most of the Unionisms from seeing or hearing.
FernandoWood, with his only face and pursuable way comes to the resene, Nobody has, in all this storm of attack on the estimable gentleman and worthy representative from Ohio, really stated what be did say. Mr.Wood proposes to show, and to make sure of accuracy he reads the original manuscript:
"I now believe there are but two alternatives — either an acknowledgement of the South as an independent nation or their complete subjugation and extermination as a people.
Of these alternatives, I prefer the former"
"Now," says Mr.Wood, assuming, like Harris, the defiant role, "now, sir, I endorse every word of that.
If you are going to expel him for it, you may as well expel me too." And he ephorates his desire to be made a martyrs.
It isn't long, till the matter strikes him as being more serious, and he make occasion to change" mind.
Some questions arising as to what Mr.Long did say, Mr.Colfax proposes to postpone the discussion till the Globe Appears with the official report. --Everybody agrees.
Local Matters.
The election yesterday.
--Yesterday a general election was held throughout that portion of the State not in the occupation of the enemy for State officers.
In this city the election was a quiet affair, not a fourth of the usual vote being polled.
All the old incumbents were re-elected, there being no opposition except for the office of Commissioner of the Revenue for the 3d District, where Wm.H.Beveridge ran against MosesD.Ellyson. Mr.Ellyson was elected by a small majority.
In the county the old incumbents of the offices of Commonwealth's Attorney, Clerk of Circuit Court, Clerk of County Court, and Commissioner of the Revenue for District No. 2, are re- elected without opposition.
For Sheriff it is believed that P.H.Huff man has beat JohnA.Hutcheson.
At , an hour before the closing of the polis at the Court-House, Huffman was one hundred ahead, and at Dickman's, on the Brook road, thirty ahead.
For Justices of the Peace, JohnNettles, JamesE.Riddick, and ElijahBaker, are certainly elected.
At , at the Court-House, G.W.Thomas was 93; JohnE.Friend, 87; and JohnC.Hughes, 74.
For Constable, Robinson stood 104, Sutherland164.
For Overseers of the Poor, MilesC.Eggleston and SamuelG.Flournoy were re-elected without opposition.
The highest number of votes cast at the Court House was 240, for Mr.Folkes.
Grave charges.
--A.P.Brigman and J.C.Jackson, of Co. I, 1st S. C., were on Wednesday sent down from Gen.Lee's army on the charge of "robbing a church." They were committed to Castle Thunder to await trial.
On the same day H.Gabbart, co. F. 4th Texas, was sent down from the same source, charged with "cowardice, and also with shooting a man." He was also committed to the Castle.
Bold Thief.
--On Monday , about , while Mrs.Cardwein, who lives near the Second Market scale-house, was sitting at work in her house, a negro entered the room, and snatching up a pair of men's shoes, made off. Mrs. C. ran to the door and raised an alarm, when the negro dropped one of the shoes and ran off with the other.
Mrs. C. is a poor widow, whose husband, a shoemaker, was accidentally killed two mouths by a pistol in the hands of his son, a boy ten years old.
Drunk.
--OfficerAdams yesterday arrested PeterAllen for stealing a sabre.
At the time of the arrest Allen was quite drunk, and resisted the officer violently.
He was, after a scuffle, landed in the cage and locked up.
OfficerBibb was sent for last evening to take charge of a fellow who had gotten drunk on election whiskey and fallen asleep on the steps leading to the third ward poll.
But Bibb finding on rousing him that he could navigate started him off to his home.
Averill's raiders.
--N.F.Graham, W.S.Welsh, J.J.Johnson, W.S.Newton, and C.A.Thatcher, Yankee Surgeons, and J.D.Irvine, Chaplain, who were captured at the time of the defeat of Averill's raiders near Saltville, Va, recently, were brought to the city yesterday and lodged in the Libby.
Transferred.
--Brig. Gen.JohnH.Winder, for three years post commandant of the Department of Henrico, including this city, is to be transferred to the command of the military post of Goldsboro', N. C. Who is to fill the place made vacant by this transfer, has not transpired.
Gen.Kemper is spoken of.
Special trains,
conveying wounded soldiers South, will leave the city (going by way of Danville) at to-day and to-morrow.
Ladies living along the routs are requested to meet them at the depots with refreshments.
Prisoners.
--About one hundredYankees, captured in skirmishes the North Anna on Wednesday and yesterday morning, were brought to the city yesterday.
Mayor's Court.
--The most interesting case before this court yesterday morning, was that of LewisH.Allen, a boy about fourteen years of age, who was charged with forging the name of Mr.JohnH.Baptist to an order on the post-office for letters, and receiving the said letters.
It appeared that accused and an older boy on last Sunday obtained some twenty-five or thirty letters from box 332 on an order purporting to be signed by Mr.Baptist, but which was a forgery.
The forgery having been discovered, and the accused presenting a similar order on Wednesday he was arrested, when he confessed having committed the forgery, and obtained the letters, in which he protested that there was only $10. OfficerSeal, who has possession of the first forged order being absent the case was continued, and the boy admitted to ball in the sum of $500.
Peter, slave of E.H.Smith, who had been caught by the watchmen on the night before breaking into JohnO'Neal's cake stand near the First market, and who when arrested violently resisted the officers, was ordered to be whipped.
The case of JosephNeedham, charged with stealing a horse worth $2,000 from EdwardGriffin, was continued till tomorrow.
The Legislature of Missouri, at its recent session, incorporated twenty-one individuals and three associates for the purpose of enumerating immigration to that State.
By Telegraph.
[reports of the Press Association.Inferred according to act of Congress in the year 1863, by J. S. Theamet, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the Confederate States for the Northern District of Georgia.
From North Georgia. Atlanta, May26.
--A reporter from the front arrived late last evening.
Wheeler attacked CassvilleTuesday, defeated Woolford's cavalry brigade, burned 160 and brought off 80 wagons, and 150 prisoners.--The Yankees are running cars to Cass Station.
Scouts report that threeYankee corps have crossed the Etowah on the road to Dallas, and are still crossing.
They march in close order, with no straggling, and are ready at any time for a fight.
McPherson occupied DallasTuesday . There was alight skirmishing that afternoon and Wednesday with Polk's corps.
The Yankees levy heavy contributions an they march, and burn all the mills, factories, and residences.
Where the owners have left they destroy everything.
[Second Dispatch.] Atlanta, May26.
--The army having advanced from the line of the railroad westward, our information comes more irregular.
The firing heard last evening and again to-day is supposed to have been about thirty miles from here, between Marietta and Dallas.
The Press reporters have gone to the front.
Gov.Brown is here with the State reserve troops.
There is a feeling of hopeful confidence among all parties.
No communications have been received from GenJohnston's army to day.
From Yankeedom. Mobile, May26.
--A special dispatch to the Tribune, dated Senatobia, May 24th, says that the Chicago Tribune, of the 19th, and the Memphis Bulletin, of the 21st, have been received there.
Grant's loss is put down at 20,000 wounded, of whom 12,700 had arrived in Washington; 15,000 were left at Fredericksburg and Belle Plains.
Grant's losses, exclusive of Burnside's, foot up 45,000.
They claim the capturing of 8,000 prisoners, forty guns, and twenty colors.
Sigel is reported to have been badly thrashed by Breckinridge.
The Courier reports that it is not so, but says that Sigel gained a victory, losing 600 men, and Breckinridge losing 1,000.
Nothing definite from Banks.
From the army of Northern Virginia. Ashland, May26.
--Both armies are still confronting each other in line of battle around Hanover Junction.
Nothing of interest is believed to have transpired to day further than skirmishing.
A General Prayer Meeting Recommended. Macon, Ga, May26.
--The following resolution was adopted unanimously this morning at the City Prayer Meeting:
Resolved, That the Christians of this meeting request the city editors to send the following as a Press telegram all over our land: The Christians of Macon, Ga., ask their brethren everywhere in the Confederacy to unite with them in prayer for our country daily at
I. Brigadier GeneralJamesL.Kemper, will take immediate command of the Receive Forces of the State of Virginia.
He will complete their organization, and place them at once in service.
To this end, he is authorized to employ all Enrolling Officers, who are hereby directed to obey his instructions.
He will establish his Headquarters at such point as he may deem best.
Officers of the Quartermaster, Commissary, Ordnance and Medical Departments are required to furnish all necessary facilities.
All Officers from the State of Virginia of the Invalid Corps, and such of the Regular Forces as are for any reason unassigned, will immediately report to Gen.Kemper, who in authorized to assign them temporarily to duty with the Reserves.
By command of the Secretary of War.JohnW.Riely,Ass't Adj't Gen.Bureau of conscription,May16, 1864.
Enrolling officers in the State of Virginia will obey such instructions as may be addressed to them by Brig. Gen.Kemper, in the matter indicated in Special Orders No. 113, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office.
The commandant of conscripts for the State of Virginia will forthwith issue such instructions to his officers as will ensure the vigorous execution of these orders.
John. S.Preston,Colonel and Superintendent.Headq'rs reserve of State of Va.,RichmondMay16th, 1864.
General Orders, no. I.--
I. In pursuance of paragraph 1 of Special Orders, No. 113, I hereby assume command of the Reserve Forces of Virginia, with my Headquarters in the city of Richmond until otherwise announced.
II.
The Reserve Troops already organized will, immediately upon the receipt of this Order, proceed by companies to such one of the places of rendezvous hereinafter named, an may be most accessible, and the Captains commanding are hereby especially charged with the duty of assembling their commands with the utmost dispatch.
III.
The men composing the Reserve Forces in counties in which their organization has not been already affected, will assemble promptly at their respective Court Houses where they will at once be organized by the Enrolling officers, and immediately thereafter the companies so organized will proceed to such point of rendezvous as may be most convenient of access.
IV.
The established places of rendezvous in the State of Virginia are announced as following: Abingdon, Dublin Depot, Lynchburg, Staunton, Gordonsville, Burkesville, Petersburg and Richmond, where officers of this command will be found, to whom they will report.
V. Companies or detachments of the reserve forces already on duty, guarding bridges, lines of communication, &c., will not be effected by this order; they will continue upon such service until relieved, and their commanding officers are lastructed to report promptly to these headquarters the numbers of such troops, the points where serving, the companies to which they belong, and the orders under which they were assigned to duty.
VI.
The reserve troops being called into active service in the field, are advised of the propriety of providing the masives with blankets, subsistence, &c., until arrangements can be made for their regular supply and inasmuch as delay may be insured in their being furnished with arms, it is specially enjoined span all to bring with them to their rendezvous such serviceable arms and ammunition as they may have in their possession.
JamesL.Kemper.Brigadier General.my 23
Richmond Dispatch.
Friday morning.....May 27, 1864.
The Situation.
Our readers will find our columns this morning more than usually barren of interest.
Scarcely a rumor was afloat throughout the day yesterday.
This state of the political atmosphere may possibly represent the calm that usually precedes the storm, and may at any moment be followed by events of portentous magnitude.
Certain it is, that it cannot long continue.
Whatever may be the movements of the great armies which lie within cannon sound of the city, it is impossible that a collision can be long postponed.
Until that crisis shall have arrived, our friends must arm their souls with patience, under the comfortable assurance that when the day and hour shall have come, the horrors which they bear will be sufficient to satisfy this most sanguinary appetite.
In the meantime, we feel that our cause is in the hands of a man in whom we can place the most implicit reliance.
The neutrality of the British Government.
We have frequently taken occasion to point out to our readers the true character of that neutrality in this contest which the British Government so loudly professes, and which to the Confederate States, has been neither more nor less than war in disguise.
Even the disguise has been of the most flimsy character, and, at present, since the open declaration of Russell in the House of Lords, seems to have been laid aside altogether.
We, at last, after a long and strange infatuation, understand our true position relative, if not to Great Britain, at least, to the British Ministry.
They regard our cause with decided hostility.
They are profoundly anxious that in the present struggle slavery may be overthrown.
They perfectly well know that slavery cannot be overthrown, but in the overthrow of the Confederate States.
In perfect consistence with this declaration, they have, from the beginning of the war, taken every opportunity that presented itself to strike us a blow, without making an open declaration of hostilities.--There can be little doubt that Palmerston, ever ready to bully weak States and bombard their capitals, and equally ready to make any concession, however mean, to States that have the power to enforce their demands, would long since have lent his assistance to "crush the rebellion" had he not felt that it would be trying the temper of the English nation too severely, and had it not been inconsistent with the established policy of the British Government, which compels him to let the war go on until both parties shall have become exhausted.
As he could not venture openly to take sides, he has taken care to throw all the weight of his influence against that side which he dislikes, and in favor of that which he affects.--During the war between Spain and her revolted American Colonies, as has been pointedly stated by the LondonIndex, a large fleet of privateers was openly built, armed, and manned in the ports of the United States, to cruise against the merchant ships of Spain, and they succeeded so well that, for a time, they almost destroyed the Spanish trade with all parts of the world.
During the Texan war many ships were built, armed, and manned for Texas, in New York and New Orleans, and a recruiting station was opened in the very navy-yard of Gosport.
During the war of Grecian independence, the Mediterranean swarmed with cruisers fitted out in the United States, to fight against the Turks.
No attempt, so far as we know, was ever made to put an end to this practice by the Government of the United States, and the fact approbation which it received, ought to have deprived that Government of all right to complain of other nations in the same particular.
Yet we find the British Government active in assisting the Yankee Government to prevent so much as a schooner from being filled out in British ports to cruise against the Yankees. "He that would have equity must do equity." Most assuredly he is not entitled to it who is guilty of the very offence which he charges as criminal against others.
We have, we say, often alluded to the character of the neutrality professed by the British Government.
But there is one aspect of the case which, although presented in England, has never been pressed here as it might have been.
The Confederate States have always maintained that they had a right to dissolve at their pleasure all connection with the Government of the late Union.--This right is a corollary from their quality of sovereignty as plain and as easily proved as any corollary from any geometrical proposition.
From the moment, therefore, of such separation, it is plain that the Confederate States, and that portion of the continent called the United States constitute two peoples. Yet the British Ministry have repeatedly, in the speeches from the throne, taken occasion to call this war "the civil war now raging in the United States." By such a form of expression they take upon themselves to decide, in favor of the Yankees, the very matter which is in dispute between us; for if this be a civil war, then, unquestionably, we are rebels.
Is this neutrality?
Is it not rather an open decision in favor of the one party against the other?
Is it not a plain and palpable interference with the internal affairs of a people with whom they profess to be on at least friendly terms?
Horses, &c., for Sale.
Married
At Level Paris, on the 26th last, of the Rev M. Capt.JamesM.Clark C S A, to MissLucieWakliffs, daughter of Capt. J F Childrey, of Henrico co, Va.
Died
On the 18th of April, at his late residence, in Henrico county, nine miles from Richmond, of chronic diarrihœt and rheumatism, Tarpley Firby, in the fiftieth year of his age.
It's sufferings were very severe.
He leaves one child and a sister and brothers to mourn their irreparable loss.
Rest, sweet papa; ah, my dear papa, Since we are forced to part; 'Twas that dear Jesus from above That took you from my heart.
Dearest papa, you have left me, I thy loss most deeply feel; But 'tis God that has bereft me-- He can all our sorrows heal.
Yesterday morning, at , at her residence on
17th st, near Central railroad workshops, in the 58th year of her age, Mrs.MaryReilly.
Her funeral will take place this afternoon, at . Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.
Philadelphia papers please copy.
Killed in battle, near Drewry's Bluff, on the morning of the 16th inst, while in a vigorous charge on the enemy, Hard T Bruce, son of Jas A Bruce, of Chesterfield county, in the 23d year of his age, a member of co C, 9th Va regiment.
His remains were removed and interred on the 18th in his family burying ground.
Obituary.
MajorFrazer--MajorPhilipFoukeFrazer, of the 27th regiment Virginia infantry, was killed in the battle near Wilderness Run, on Friday, the 6th of May.
He was shot through the head with a musket ball, and died while being conveyed from the field.
The Lieutenant Colonel of his regiment, who commanded on the occasion, writes of him:
"His regiment loses a gallant officer — our country a noble and devoted patriot.
I lament his loss as a generous friend; but it is my consolation, and will be yours, that he fell to the front of battle, in the fearless discharge of his duty"
At the beginning of the war he came with Gen.Jackson from the Virginia Military Institute to Richmond, where he remained several months in camp as a drill master.
He went thence to join a company from his native county (Greenbrier) as a private, but was elected its third lieutenant, being then only sixteen years of age. On the reorganization of the regiment he was elected captain of the same company, which capacity he served nearly two years. About a year ago he was promoted Major.
On several occasions, even while captain, he led his regiment into battle.
He was in every battle with Gen.Jackson except those around Richmond, at which time he was absent on sick furlough.
In the battle of Second Manassas he was painfully wounded.
In the battle of the Wilderness he fell near the spot where his former heroic and beloved leader, GeneralJackson, received his mortal wound, and on the very field where Jackson's arm was buried.
His name, from childhood, among those who knew him best, has been linked with all that is kind, generous, loving, and true.
His comrades in arms, while he lived, often test fled to his merits as a brave and good soldier — his services as a capable, efficient, and gallant officer, and now that he is dead, none, save his own bereaved family, more deeply mourn his loss than they.
At the time of his death he was just nineteen--a boy in years but a man in valor and patriotism.
For Rent and Sale.
Negroes for Sale and Hire.
For Sale.
--An excellent House Servant; cook, washer and ironer, at the jail of Messrs S N Davis & Co.
my 27--2t*
For Hire
--An excellent house servant or nurse.
Inquire of the Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives.
my 25--3t*
Special Notices
Wants.
Wanted — to Hire
--A negro man for service on the battery for a few days.
Apply immediately.
my 27--2t
Runaways
Two hundred Dollars Reward.
--For the apprehension of Nelson, belonging to the estate of Wm A Binford, who ran away about the 12th inst, from MrsLucy C Binford.
He is a bright mulatto, with straight hair, and is well set. He is about nineteen years of age, and was raised in Hanover county, at the head of the Mechanicsville Turnpike, which neighborhood he may be lurking about.
I will pay the above reward of $200 for his apprehension and delivery to MessrsDickinson, Hill & Co, or to myself.
J B Keesee,Adm'r of Wm A Binford, dec'd,Henrico county. my 26--2tFifty Dollars Reward.
--Left my farm, on
Mechanicsville Turnpike and the Chickahominy, on the 11th inst, (supposed to have been taken up as a straggler by our soldiers,) Major a mulatto boy, about 14 years of age. He had sore eyes when he left, one of which was much affected. Robert F Morriss.my 25--4t*50 Dollars Reward.
--Ranaway from the Subscriber, on the 22d inst, my negro boy Sawney, who is about 17 years old, 5 feet4 inches high, of a light gingerbread color, blue eyes, with a thick head of hair; was raised in Orange county, by a Mr.Garnett, to which place he may attempt to make his way; or he may be lurking about Richmond and its vicinity.
The above reward of $50 will be paid for his delivery to me, or if secured in any jail so I get him again.
R A Patterson.Henrico co, May23, 1864. my 24--6t
Notice.
--One Thousand Dollars Reward.--I offer the above reward for the delivery to me, or confinement in jail so that I get them again, of four negroes:
William, a black man about 55 to 60 years old, short and stout built.
Mary, his wife, bright colored, and about 40 to 45 years old, and limps in walking.
Shirley, their child, about 6 or 7 years old, chubby faced, and the color of his mother.
Also, Napoleon, about 55 years old, light colored, moves very slow.
Or I will pay in proportion for either of them.
T W Pairo,Navy Yard, Rocketts, will identify any of the above, if caught and carried to Richmond.
H T Pairo,Prince Edward county Va. My Post-Office is Prospect Hill. my 21--ts
Amusements
Lost Strayed, &c.
Headq'rs camp of Instruction,Richmond, May24, 1864.
Notice.--In accordance with the provisions of General Order No. 25, A and I G office, last series, the owners of the following slaves will call at this camp and prove their claims, as required by act of Congress:
Allan — Belongs to Thos P Yerby, near Fredericksburg; sent by MajorBridgford, May16. JosWilkins — Belongs to DrWilkins, of Chesterfield county; captured near Drewry's Bluff, May16. Thos L Battle — Belongs to Wm Battle, of Edgecomb county, N C; captured near Drewry's Bluff, May16. GilbertHarris — Belongs to MosbyDuval, of Henrico county; arrested near this city, in Henrico county, May7. IsaacPerkins — Belongs to Ed Mazzle, of Goochland county; arrested near this city, in Henrico co, May7. Bill — Belongs to DavidRussell, of Hyde county, N C; captured at Drewry's Bluff, May16. JohnWilliams — Belongs to D S Gibbs, of Hyde county, N C; captured at Drewry's Bluff, May16. Lewis — Belongs to John P Parsley, of Hanover county, Va; captured and sent by MajorTurner, May16; in a supposed runaway.
Dabney — Belongs to AlexFontaine, of Hanover county; captured by GenHunton's brigade, May12. Robert — Belongs to AlbertAlken, of Henrico co; captured and sent by MajorTerrett, Marine Corps, near Chafin's Bluff, May11. Oliver — Belongs to HenryCox, of Henrico county; captured by Capt J B Simms, near Drewry's Bluff, May13. Washington — Belongs to HenryCox, of Henrico county; captured by Capt J B Simms, near Drewry's Bluff, May13. Henry — Belongs to EdwardWilliams, of Chesterfield; captured by Capt J B Simms, near Drewry's Bluff, May13. Bill — Belongs to RobtCrump; captured at Meadow bridge, May5. By order of Major T G Peyton,L O Pettus, Lieut and Adj't.my 25--6t
Official
Bureau of conscription, Richmond, march 18, 1864.
Circular no. 8.--
I. General Orders No. 25, Adjutant and inspector General's office, March1st, 1864, is herewith made a part of this circular, and commandants of conscripts are enjoined to proceed to the rapid and vigorous execution of its provisions, under the instructions and interpretation herein prescribed.
II.
Under the terms of the 8th section of the act of Congress published in General Orders No. 25. Adjutant and inspector General's office, and the terms of Circular No. 55, of the Bureau, last series, commandants will proceed to organize the service in their respective States.
In addition to the organization therein provided for, and in further pursuance of paragraph II, of the said General Orders No. 26, commandants will forthwith organize in each county a Board, to consist of not more than three of the most reliable and intelligent citizens, between the ages of 45 and 50 years, and who have been enrolled and detailed for the service.
These Boards will be charged with aiding the local enrolling officer in obtaining information concerning all applications for execution and detail for agricultural or other industrial pursuits, and also in furnishing all other information which may be needed in the duties imposed upon the enrolling officers.
The local and Congressional enrolling officer will be required to supervise the action of these Boards, and promptly report to the commandant unfitness or delinquencies on the part of the persons detailed for them.
So long as the duties are properly performed, the persons so employed will be exempted from other service.
Care will be used in the beginning to select proper men; and in view of the grave duties herein devolved upon the enrolling officer, he will, at his discretion, require the written opinion of the Board on claims for exemption or applications for detail, and may call on them for special information concerning matters pertinent to the service.
In every case referred by the local or Congressional district enrolling officer to the commandants, an opinion as to the merit must be endorsed or accompany the case, and the like rule will be rigidly observed by commandants in referring to this Bureau.
III.
Commandants will order the immediate enrollment and examination of all persons within the prescribed ages, who are found in the employment of any department of the Government, and who are not specially exempted by the act of Congress; and such as are found fit for service in the field, may be detailed until the 10th day of April next, provided an application is made according to the terms of the 6th paragraph of General Orders No. 26, herein cited.
IV.
Commandants of conscripts will forthwith transmit to this Bureau recommendations for physicians to be employed in accordance with paragraph IX, General Order No. 26, herein cited.
Much complaint reaches this Bureau concerning irregularities in the medical examinations.
Loose or irregular examinations must not be permitted, and commandants will promptly report any well ascertained delinquency in the matter.
V.Forms for consolidated reports by the commandants of conscripts will be forwarded; also, forms for the records of the congressional district and local enrolling officers.
These records must be accurately kept, and the reports based on them must be in a clear and intelligible form, or they will be returned for revision and correction.
VI.
Persons and classes enumerated in the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, and 6th articles of section 10th, except those referred to in the latter clause of the 4th article of the said 10th section of the act of Congress recited, shall be exempted.
All other persons referred to in said act shall be detailed.
VII.
Exemptions by Examining Boards.
1. Persons who shall be determined by the Board of Examination to be incapable of performing active service in the field, and any of the duties mentioned in the 8th section of the said act of Congress, from causes of a permanent nature, shall be exempted from military service by the said board, who shall grant certificates thereof, which shall specify the causes of the incapacity, reciting in full the nature and degree of the disease or other incapacity, and the probable duration of the disability caused by it; and the parties shall not be subject to future examination, unless specially ordered by the Board of the Congressional District in which such parties reside, or by the commandant of conscripts for the State, or by this Bureau.
2. When, in the opinion of enrolling officers, the causes for which exemption was granted to a person, after examination by the medical board, have classed to exist, they will make a report to the Board, stating the name of the person, when enrolled, when examined, and the disease or other cause of disability, with the reasons for believing it to have disappeared, and that the person is capable of performing active service in the field, or some of the duties mentioned in the said 8th section of the act aforesaid.
The Examining Board will then order the party to be brought before it for a re-examination.--When a person is re-examined by the Board, his former certificate shall be surrendered and cancelled.
If again found unfit for duty, a new certificate of exemption shall be issued to him. 3.
Every certificate of exemption granted by a Board of Examination shall be approved by the Congressional district enrolling officer, who shall protect the person exempted from molestation by the officers of conscription, and from re-examination, unless the Board of Examination, or the Commandant of Conscripts, or the Bureau of Conscription shall order the same.
VIII.
Exemption of Specified Classes and individuals.
1. Application for exemption under the 3d and 6th articles of the 10th section of the act aforesaid, shall be made to the enrolling officer of the county in which the applicant resides, who will thoroughly investigate the case, and if satisfied, by competent evidence, that exemption should be allowed, shall issue a certificate thereof, which must be submitted to the enrolling officer of the Congressional district for his approval.
2. Applications for exemptions under the fifth article of the 10th section of the act aforesaid shall be made to the commandant of conscripts for the State, who will grant the certificate of exemption authorized by law, to continue during compliance with the condition is prescribed by said act. Exemption, except for the President, Treasurer, Auditor, and Superintendent, shall not be allowed to any officers and employees of a railroad company, unless the President or Superintendent shall certify, on oath, that the parties applied for are indispensable to the efficient operation of such railroad; that the number of persons exempted on said railroad shall act exceed one for each mile thereof in actual use for military transportation; that the exempts for such road shall be reported by name and description once a month to the commandants of conscripts for the State through which such road passes, or to the Bureau of Conscription, together with the names and descriptive list of any who may leave the employment of the railroad company, or who may cease to be indispensable to the efficient operation of the said road.
3. The exemption of overseers or agriculturalists on each farm or plantation upon which there are now, and were on the 1st day of January last, fifteen able-bodied hands between the ages of sixteen and fifty, will be allowed for the space of twelve months, and the certificate of exemption shall be granted by the officer taking the bond required by law, upon being informed by the commandant for that State that the bond is approved.
4. The bond required to be given upon the exemption of an overseer or agriculturist, under the 4th article of section 10th of the said act, shall be taken by the enrolling officer of the county or district in which such party resides, with, the advice and assistance of the temporary Board aforesaid.
It shall be payable to the Confederate States of America, in a penalty double the estimated value of the products to be delivered to the Government, and conditioned for the faithful performance of the requirements of the 4th article of the 10th section of the said act. The value of the said products shall be assessed by the enrolling officer, who shall take the said bond, with the assistance of the said temporary Board, according to the market value thereof at the time and place of assessment.
The said bond may be secured by a deposit of the amount of the penalty thereof in notes issued from the Treasury Department of the Confederate States, with any of the depositaries of the said Treasury, or by personal security, the nature of the security to be at the option of the principal obligor in the said bond.
Should the person so exempted elect to give personal security, the sureties tendered by him shall justify their sufficiency under oath before some justice of the peace, but shall not be accepted unless the enrolling officer taking the said bond, under the advice of the said temporary Board, shall deem them sufficient.
Such bonds shall, after due execution, be transmitted to the commandant of conscripts for the State, for file in this office, to be surrendered to the obligors when the conditions thereof are fully complied with; and the receipt of any quartermaster or commissary, specifying that the amount of produce required by the bond has been duly delivered and accepted, will entitle the person to have the bond cancelled; and copies of such receipts should be forwarded to the commandant of conscripts, to be by him forwarded to the Quartermaster General or the Commissary General, through this Bureau.
IX.
exemption on account of religious Faith.
Persons entitled to exemption as provided for in paragraph XII, General Orders No. 25, A and I G O, current series, will, on application, receive certificates thereof from the congressional enrolling officer, on producing satisfactorily evidence that they have complied with the requirement of the law. X. exemption of officers of Confederate and State Governments.
Certificates of exemption for officers of the Confederate and State Governments will be given by the commandants for the States.
XI.
Investigation of Applicants for exemption.
1. All other applications for exemption shall be made in writing to the enrolling officer of the county or district in which the applicant resides; shall be supported by his affidavit and other sworn testimony, and dealt with according to the provisions of paragraph III, of General Orders No. 26, A and I G O, current series.
2. Every application for exemption should be carefully, minutely, and thoroughly investigated by the local enrolling officer, with the aid of the temporary board to be organized under the 2d clause of paragraph II of this circular, and be thereafter transmitted to the commands of conscripts for the State, with a report of facts, and their respective opinions on the recruits of the application.
The report of facts should be somewhat in detail, setting forth in regular order the facts developed in the investigation, giving briefly the reasons for the opinion expressed, and instead of being put in the form of an endorsement, will be made on a separate sheet of paper.
The investigation should not be confined to an examination of the application and the papers that accompany it, or merely into the truth of the statements therein made, but should be directed with a view of appertaining all the facts and circumstances of the case, and the exact condition of the parties with relation therein.
XII.
Details. Agricultural Details.
1. The officers of conscription will give the most careful attention to the provisions of paragraph IV G O No. 26, A and I G O, current series, in connection with the last clause of the 4th article of the 10th section of the act of Congress cited.
This paragraph embraces the whole system of details provided by law to maintain the industrial productions of the country, in view of the public defence.
2. The investigation of every case presented must be the most precise and accurate which can be obtained by the enrolling officer, (with the co-operation of the temporary boards,) and all action must be in direct view of the necessities indicated.
Commandants will institute such modes of inquiry and report as will furnish the fullest testimony.
The policy of the law is to enforce the largest amount of production in every case in which the detail is made.
The schedule of terms hereto appended will, it is believed, meet a majority of the cases that are likely to be presented.
Where it is doubtful whether the case is covered by the classification, commandants will in general decide by reference to the plain intent of the law, or refer the matter to this bureau, with full testimony and opinion.
In all details there must be satisfactory evidence of the accessibly, as expressed in General Orders No. 25, current series.
Schedule of terms.
3. Where there are two or more farms contiguous, or within five miles of each other, measuring from the homesteads, having on each five or more hands, amounting in the aggregate to fifteen hands, or where one person has two or more plantations within five miles of each other, having an aggregate of fifteen or more hands, there may be detailed one person as overseer or manager of the two or more farms: Provided, there is on neither of the farms a white male adult declared by the enrolling officer and the temporary board capable of managing the forms with a reasonable efficiency, not liable to military duty; and provided the person detailed was, on the first day of January, 1864, either owner, manager or overseer residing on one of the farms: and provided the owners of said farms shall execute a joint and several bond, on the terms prescribed for the owners of fifteen hands except that such persons shall not be a lowed the privilege of commutation provided in the 4th article of the 10th section of the act recited.
4. Where details are allowed to persons having less than fifteen, and five, or more than five hands, they shall enter into like obligation as prescribed for the owner of fifteen or more hands, except that for each hand less than fifteen, down to five, there shall be supplied five pounds less meat, thus each of fourteen hands, ninety five; thirteen hands, ninety; twelve hands, eighty-five; * * * * six hands, fifty-five; five hands, fifty pounds. 5.
Where details are allowed to persons having less than five hands, they shall enter into like obligations to sell all their surplus productions to the Government.
6. All details herein prescribed to be allowed are subject to revocation by the commandant of conscripts, on the report of the enrolling officer that the person detailed is not habitually, industriously, and in good faith engaged in the occupation for which the detail is granted.
Enrolling officers are required to be unusually vigilant in supervising such details.
Omission in this duty will constitute grave dereliction.
7. Enrolling officers are required to exercise the utmost caution to recommending details in the classes enumerated.
It is by no means intended to grant them indiscriminately, but to limit them as much as is consistent with the public good.
All pertinent circumstances will be carefully inquired into Among these are fitness for the field; ability or aptitude for the purposes of the detail; condition of the family; whether any, or how many, are in the military service; public good, justice, equity or necessity, &c. XIII.
Details for public Necessity.
Applications for detail, such as are not required for the service of any of the military bureaux, or for service any of the departments of the Government, including service with contractors, will be made, accompanied by a descriptive list, to the enrolling officer of the appropriate county or district, and be supported by the affidavit of the applicant and other testimony under oath.
The enrolling officer will institute a minute and searching investigation into all the circumstances of the case, the results of which will be set forth on a separate sheet of paper.
The district enrolling officer may, if he approves the application, grant a detail for sixty days, and forward the papers, through the commandant, to the Bureau for its action.
If the application is refused, the reason in full will be endorsed; and, in case of appeal, the papers forwarded to this Bureau, through the same channels.
If the persons for whose detail application is made are engaged in performing the duties on account of which details are asked they will be allowed to remain until final action.
If otherwise, they should be sent to camps of instruction.
XIV.
Details for Persons between 45 and 50 for Government work.
Applications for the detail of persons between forty five and fifty years of age, for service in any of the military bureaux or in any of the departments of the Government, will be made, accompanied by a descriptive list, to the local or district enrolling officer; and it must set forth the nature of the duties to be performed, the necessity for the detail, and the period for which it is required.
The district enrolling officer, after investigation, made and reported as directed in preceding paragraph, may, if he approve the application, grant a detail for a period not exceeding sixty days, and forward the papers to the commandant for his action.
An appeal from the action of the enrolling officers and the commandant, may be taken to this Bureau.
XV.
Details of Artisans, Mechanics, Etc. 1.
Applications for the detail for service in any of the military bureaus, or for any of the departments of the Government (including contractors,) of artisans, mechanics, or persons of scientific skill, to perform indispensable duties, should be made, with descriptive list, to the enrolling officer.
The skill of the party, the duties to be performed, and why his services are indispensable, and the period for which the detail is required, must be distinctly set forth.
Application for the employees of contractors must in addition, contain a certificate from the officer contracted with, or the head of the department, that the services of the particular parties are required for the performance of indispensable Government work — The district enrolling officer may grant the detail for sixty days, and forward the papers through the commandant (each expressing his opinion,) to this bureau, for its action.
If the application is refused, reasons in full will be endorsed, and in case of appeal, papers forwarded to this bureau.
If the parties applied for are at work, they will be allowed to remain until action is taken.
If otherwise, they shall be sent to the camps of instruction.
Applications for the detail of contractors themselves must also contain the certificate of the head of the bureau required by the 11th section of the act. XVI.
All other applications for exemption or detail, not otherwise provided, will be made to the enrolling officer, and forwarded through the proper channels.
XVII.
Great care should be exercised in exempting or detailing able-bodied men between eighteen and forty-five. No case should be acted on until after minute and thorough investigation as to the alleged private or public necessity, advantage, convenience, justice, or equity, and as to whether persons not liable to service in the field may not be obtained.
XVIII.
Reports. 1. Examining boards, in addition to the lists directed in paragraph VIII, General Orders No. 26, A and I G O, current series, will furnish district enrolling officers with lists of men in their districts found fit for military service, but unfit for service in the field, specifying in each case what duties they are capable of performing.
Congressional District officers to furnish similar lists to county enrolling officers, the object being to enable persons needing detailed men to see who are the subjects of detail, and to choose from them.
2. Enrolling officers will forward to the commandant of conscripts, monthly, a report of all persons enrolled by them, and the action taken in each case.
These reports will be consolidated by the commandant, with reference to the distinctions made in the act of Congress, and the regulations for the enforcement in duplicate, one copy of which will be forwarded to this bureau and one kept on file in the office of the commandant.
XIX.
Enrollment of Reserved Classes.
1. Commandants of conscripts will proceed to enrol all persons between the ages of seventeen and eighteen and forty-five and fifty years, in execution of General Orders No. 33, A and I G O, current series; which is herewith made a part of this Circular: Adjutant and Insp'r Gen'ls Office,Richmond, Va, March15, 1864. General Orders, No. 33.--1.
The Bureau of Conscription will proceed to enrol all persons between the ages of seventeen and eighteen years, and between the ages of forty-five and fifty years, under the 5th section of the Act of Congress to organize forces to serve during the war. 2.
Persons liable to enrollment will present themselves to the enrolling officer in the States east of the Mississippi river within thirty days from the day when the notice shall be given in the district or county by the enrolling officer for persons of this class to appear for enrollment.
The failure to comply with this notice will subject the defaulter to a liability to be called into the general service with the class of persons between 18 and 45, unless he shall have a valid excuse therefore, to be judged of by the Bureau of Conscription. 3.
Any person liable to enrollment under this act may join any company for local defence which has been formed under General Orders No. 86, issued 26thJune, 1863, for the war, or any other company for local defence which has been accepted into the service, and which, by the terms of its enlistment, is liable to serve anywhere within the State; or persons of this class may form new companies for local defence and special service, under General Orders No. 86, 1863, for the war, and select their own officers.
By order, S Cooper, Adj't and Insp'r General.
2. Commandants will keep a separate and distinct roll of persons between the ages of seventeen and eighteen and forty-five and fifty. 3.
Commandants of conscripts will assign to duty, as a supporting force for conscription service, such persons as may be recommended by the examining boards as unfit for the field, but as competent for this service; and when as many as sixty-four such persons are to assigned they will be organized into a company, alert their officers, and return the muster mile to the commandants and if there is not a sufficient number to form a company in such congressional District, then the commandant may a sufficient number of persons leaving 40 and 30 years of age, alone compose a company for each Congressional District.
A numbering officer, of the rank of Colonel, will be assigned by this bureau or organize such companies 1st's regiment, if these be the requires number of companies or into a battalion, if these be less than ten companies, or into two battalion, if decided preferable.
XX.
General instructions.
1. Commandants will always bear in mind that General Orders No. 26, is not only the basis battalion a large portion of these instructions.
They will habitually recur to his provisions to and in the application of the other provisions of this 2.
Commandants will, of course, refer cases of difficulty to this Bureau; but references which two on their face that they are rather to avoid due to responsibility or labor, will be returned without a marks.
3. The duty of the commandants of conscripts is in accordance with these instructions, to maintain and invigorate the industrial productions of the Confederacy, and supply its armies with men. This city must be performed, or our struggle for independence and liberty will fall.
By order of Col J S Pemton, Supt.C S Duffieed, A A Gen.my 14--tsAuction Sales.--this day.
Auction Sales.--Future days.
By the Governor of Virginia.
--A Proclamation.--Whereas, the Court House of the county of King and Queen has been destroyed by the public enemy, and for that reason the place of holding the said court has heretofore been required to be held at the house of ThomasWyatt, near Pace's Chapel, in said county, and the court of said county having requested that for the greater convenience of the people the place may be again changed: Therefore, I, WilliamSmith, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, do hereby require the justices composing the county court of said county, hereafter to hold its sessions at the town of Stevensville, in said county, until otherwise required by law.
Given under my hand as Governor, and under the loss seal of the Commonwealth, at Richmond, this eighteenth day of May, 1863, and in the 88th year of the Commonwealth.
WmSmith. By the Governor:Geo W Munford,Sec'y of the Commonwealth.my 19--3t