March
March 1.
Last evening the seccond battalion of Ohio cavalry arrived at Independence — in the capacity of a patrol guard, and this morning a portion of Col. Parker's rebel force rode into the town and commenced firing upon the sentries and scouts of the Federals, but almost immediately retreated, followed by the Ohio boys, who kept up a sharp and spirited firing; but owing to the thick fog, it was comparatively ineffective, the rebels scattering to evade pursuit. One of the Federals was killed--private Hickins, of company L. Five rebel prisoners were taken, one of whom stated that Col. Parker was killed in the pursuit.--Louisville Journal, March 4.
The Mobile Register says: Since the late reverses to our arms, we notice quite a deplorable disposition to growl and grumble against the government of the Confederacy; to charge upon it the responsibility of these disasters, and to complain generally of the administration of affairs. This seems to us all wrong — transparently and absurdly wrong. It evidences no judgment, and is far from speaking well for the possession of those stable qualities of fortitude and patient determination which it is believed the Southern race possesses, and which are essential to our success in this war, and to the maintainance of a sustained career of national greatness in the future. If our confidence in the ability and rectitude of our government is so little that [44] it is to be overthrown by a few insignificant reverses; if our patriotism is of so poor a quality that it may feel disheartened by them, we are not the people to deserve, or to win, or to sustain our independence. It is as unjust to the government to charge it with the responsibility of losses as it would be to charge with cowardice and inefficiency the brave men who are directly their victims, and experience the misfortunes of war through stress of circumstances and overpowering numbers. We must make up our minds to bear a certain amount of disaster. It is impossible that such a war as this should be a career of uninterrupted successes. We are engaged with an enemy who marshals the most majestic military strength that modern times have witnessed. He assails us along land and coast frontiers of near five thousand miles in extent. Is it possible that our government should have the means or the prescience to make every post impregnable which the foe may choose to select for an assault with overwhelming force? The enemy is ranging along our lines on coast and frontier, and is prepared at any moment to concentrate an overwhelming force at any weak point he may detect. Our government has neither the men nor munitions, nor the supernatural foresight to enable it to have a powerful force at any position which the enemy may choose to select. With such a foe we must force ourselves to the conclusion — rendered doubly distasteful by our invariable successes in its outset — that the war is a war of “give and take.” We must take the bad with the good, and may conceive ourselves especially fortunate if the latter so far predominates that the war will be shortened as much by the successes of our arms as by the self-exhaustion of the enemy's efforts. We should not be disheartened if we hear of a succession of such small successes as have encouraged them, as a consequence of the grand advance and general offensive policy of the enemy. These effect little to directly weaken our vital strength, while they nerve the valor and determination of the nation to its best efforts and sternest resolve. We make them pay dearly for these small successes, and trace in blood every step that they advance upon our soil, and they do not weaken our vital strength, for our grand armies remain intact, and must be overthrown and destroyed ere the cause of the South will look gloomy. To keep the grand armies of Kentucky and Virginia strong, and to strengthen them, will be the policy of the government, and we may probably soon hear that the forces, which are popularly considered already too small at some points, are being weakened to reenforce the grand armies. It may be that some of these points, where the forces have been so weakened, will be successfully attacked. Grumblers will then have a fine text, of course. But let them not be heeded. The great armies are the true bulwarks of our safety. On them we must rely when the enemy attempt to pour their solid columns of a hundred or a hundred and fifty thousand men into the country. How could such forces be confronted with our troops scattered in squads of five thousand to twenty-five thousand at all the divers points on coast and inland frontier which the people adjacent thereto think should certainly be defended by the best efforts of the government? We must keep our great armies massed in such strength as to be able to give battle to the strongest armies of the enemy.
John Minor Botts, Valentine Heckler, Franklin Stearns, and others were arrested in Richmond, Va., and committed to prison for “treason” against the Southern Confederacy, having openly avowed their sympathy for the Union, and loudly proclaimed their denunciations of the rebellion. The Richmond Examiner of March third, gives the following minute account of the affair:
On Saturday night, Capt. Goodwin, by order of the government, proceeded with a party of select men to the farm of John Minor Botts, and took him and all of his papers and private correspondence, in custody. Leaving an officer in charge of the papers and house of Botts, Capt. Goodwin brought him prisoner to this city, and lodged him in McDaniel's negro-jail, situated in Blankinship's alley, some fifty yards north of Franklin street. Capt. Goodwin then went to the farms of Valentine Heckler and Franklin Stearns, and took both of these well-known Union men, and all of their papers and letters, and brought them to this city. Botts' and Heckler's letters and papers have not yet been examined. Stearns' have undergone only a cursory examination, and so far, [45] nothing of interest has been found among them, except several letters from his friend Botts, begging for money. We are under the impression that, as yet, the government is in possession of no positive information that would convict Botts of treason. But he is known to be the recognised leader of all the disaffected — all the low Germans of the Red Republican, Carl Schurz school, and of the vile remnant of the Union Party. Against Stearns' and Heckler's loyalty the government has been for a month in the possession of the most conclusive evidence; and it feels confident of its ability to prove that both of these men have been loud in their denunciations of what they have been pleased to term the “Rebellion,” and have, over and again, expressed their willingness to sacrifice their entire property to restore the dominion in the South of the United States Government. The man Wardwell, another party arrested, has, since the beginning of the war, been known to every citizen as a blatant and defiant Union man. Miller, who has also been lodged in jail, is the chief or high-priest of the secret Black or Red German Republican Societies of Richmond, some of whose members, it can be proved, have, since the reverse of our army at Fort Donelson, boasted that they had thousands of arms and abundance of ammunition concealed in the city, and that the men were enrolled who would use them on the first approach of the Yankee army. An Irishman, named John M. Higgins, has also been arrested and put in the same prison. Higgins is a connection of Col. Corcoran, of the Yankee army. Two of Higgins' aunts married two of Corcoran's uncles. A letter from Corcoran to Higgins, advising the latter to send his wife and family North, and containing assurances that he (Corcoran) would have them safely conveyed under flag of truce, has recently been intercepted by our government. Whether our government has any evidence of Higgins' intention to follow Corcoran's counsel has not trans pired. It is said that Stearns, the whisky man, on approaching the prison, surveyed it with a most contemptuous expression, and remarked: “If you are going to imprison all the Union men, you will have to provide a much larger jail than this.” Mr. Stearns will, we think, be not a little mistaken in his calculations. If the government use its power wisely and firmly, this great Union party, on which Stearns, and others like him, have based such great expectations, will, in a day, dwindle into ridiculously small proportions. By neglect, idle, ignorant, and vicious persons have been allowed with impunity to boast their treason in our streets. The rumor that the above-mentioned parties had been arrested was on every tongue yesterday morning, but no one could, with certainty, say whence the rumor originated, or whether it was authentic. And not until a late hour in the evening was it known to be a fact that the parties were confined in McDaniel's jail. Very soon after the information became generally diffused, a crowd collected in the vicinity, and the matter was freely discussed. Not a man was there but expressed himself in unmeasured terms of approbation of the course of the government. The only apprehension that seemed to be felt was, that the government would not be thorough and summary enough in its treatment of traitors. The universal Yankee sympathizers dangling from as many lamp-posts would have a most wholesome and salutary effect. While standing in the crowd, near the jail, our attention was attracted to a great quantity of burning paper flying out of one of the chimneys. It was immediately suggested that the prisoners, not having been properly searched, were destroying private and perhaps treasonable documents which they had about them. We have reason to believe that many other ar rests will be effected within the next twenty-four hours. We forego to mention names, lest we might throw some impediment in the way of the authorities. Now that the government appears really in earnest in the suppression of treason, it becomes every citizen who knows a man or set of men inimical to our country and cause to point them out.--Richmond Examiner, March 3.
The rebels have established powder-mills in Virginia, South-Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, and have an abundance of powder, such as it is — a very weak article and deficient in power. As an evidence of this, it may be stated that many of the Federal soldiers wounded at Fort Donelson picked the buckshot out of their merely skindeep wounds without the assistance of surgeons.--St. Louis Daily News.
Yesterday Lieut. Orlando Houston, of Capt. Carlin's Second Ohio battery, while on a foraging [46] expedition ten miles west of Gen. Curtis's camp in Missouri, was attacked by three companies of Texas Rangers, and himself, eight men, and three horses captured. The balance of the Lieutenant's men retreated to camp, bringing in their wagons, forage, and a fine stallion which they captured. No lives were lost on the National side.--N. Y. Commercial, March 11.
The Raleigh (N. C.) State Journal of this date, has the following: “We have no more doubt of the ultimate independence of the South than we have that there is a heaven above us. The simple virtue of patience and endurance on the part of the people of the South will break down the war and the Government of the North, as surely as the war now rages. It is this truth which tends to strengthen the belief of our independence, and the short duration of the war, amongst the statesmen of Europe. Let us, then, continue to show to the world that subjugation is simply impossible, and the war will speedily end without the intervention of Europe. But we predict that our recognition as a government will shortly be announced.”
Yesterday the National steamer Mount Vernon captured the British schooner British Queen--which was attempting to run the blockade of Wilmington, N. C. She was sent with a prize crew to Philadelphia.
Gen. Curtis, at Camp Halleck, in Arkansas, in reply to a private communication from a citizen of that State, relative to the subordination of the National troops of his army, issued an address to the people of the South-west, in which he asserts that the legitimate object of war is peace, “that peaceable persons shall be protected,” and advises those in arms against the Government to disband and return to their proper employments, assuring them safety and the fullest protection.--(Doc. 71.)
March 2.
An engagement took place this day between the National gunboats Tyler and Lexington and a rebel battery at Pittsburgh, Tennessee, resulting in the defeat and total rout of the rebels, with a loss of five killed and missing and five wounded on the National side. The number of rebels killed was not known.--(Doc. 72.)
Gen. Frederick W. Lander died in his camp, at Paw Paw, Western Virginia, this afternoon, from congestion of the brain, superinduced by the debilitating effects of the wound he received near Edwards's Ferry, in his reconnoissance the day after the fall of Col. Baker. The country loses, in the death of Gen. Lander, one of its bravest and most energetic officers, and one who had given the highest promise of valuable service in this its time of greatest need.--N. Y. Tribune, March 3.
At Perryville, Md., a National color, the gift of Mrs. John D. Jones, of New York, was presented to the First battalion of the Eleventh regiment of United States infantry.
March 3.
The rebel Brig.-Gens. Simon Bolivar Buckner and Lloyd Tilghman, arrived at Boston, Mass., and were immediately sent to Fort Warren, in the harbor. It was not generally known that they were to arrive, but there was a crowd present large enough and noisy enough to make it decidedly unpleasant, both to the prisoners and the officers who had them in charge. They occupied a car situated in the middle of the long train. The crowd pressed round this car as soon as the Generals were discovered, and commenced hissing, groaning and howling in a manner calculated to give the occupants an impression not altogether favorable to the citizens of the “Yankee capital.” United States Marshal Keyes, Deputy-Sheriff Jones, and Capt. McKim, Assistant United States Quartermaster, went into the car attended by a number of policemen. They soon appeared with the two Generals, and conducted them to the front of the depot, followed by the crowd, which was rapidly swelling in numbers. The prisoners jumped into a hack in waiting there, and were followed by Marshal Keyes and Col. Cutts. Sheriff Jones mounted the box with the driver. As they drove off, the crowd amused itself by groaning vehemently for Jeff. Davis. The hack was driven rapidly to Union Wharf, where the prisoners and officers went on board the steamer May Queen, and started soon after for Fort Warren. The guard of soldiers did not leave the car in which they had arrived at the depot until the prisoners had been driven off in the hack. When they marched out into the street, some persons in the crowd which still lingered about the place were belligerently inclined. One fellow appealed to his comrade to know if they were going to let “rebels” run loose about the streets; to which appeal one of said comrades made bold to reply that they “warn't goina ter du nuthina er that sort.” A policeman made proclamation that the soldiers were good Union men and true, and the [47] crowd thereupon set up a mighty cheer, and poured in compliments upon the soldiers.--Boston Courier, March 5.
The Richmond Examiner of this date has the following: “ The Yankees in Richmond, who have been trading and peddling in the necessities of the war, are showing characteristic acuteness in eluding the draft for military service. Their management is to get some contract from the government, no matter how petty, and then plead the exemption of public contractors. Of course these creatures are close calculators, and are quite willing to take petty contracts, even at losing prices, to save thereby the unpleasantness of fighting, or the cost of obtaining a substitute. We can count on our fingers a score of instances of this management, by well-known Yankee merchants and tradesmen in Richmond. We hear of a Yankee dealer effecting the exemption of himself and workmen from military service, by some paltry contract for official upholstery; of another, a coachmaker, getting a contract for haversacks, or some other trifle; and of a third ‘ son of the Puritans,’ a bonnet-maker, or manmiliner, notoriously unsound on the Southern question, who has screwed himself into the employment of the government as a travelling agent to purchase leather.”
The Senate of the United States confirmed Gens. McDowell, Buell, Burnside, McClernand, C. F. Smith, Lew. Wallace, and Sigel, as majorgenerals, and the following as brigadiers: Speed of Tennessee, Col. Logan of Illinois, Col. McArthur of Iowa, Col. Lauman of Iowa, Col. Wallace of Indiana, Col. McCook of Ohio, Col. Berry of Maine, and Col. Ferry of Connecticut. Both Houses of Congress passed the bill giving generals in command of divisions, staffs-one assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of major; one inspector-general, with the rank of major; three aids, with the rank of captains, and making the senior officer in command of artillery the commander of all artillery in the division, and giving him a position on the staff of the general.
At ten o'clock this morning, the Twenty-seventh, Fifty-second, and Fifty-fifth Illinois regiments, hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the fortifications at Columbus, Ky. The gunboats Cincinnati, (flag-ship,) Louisville, Carondelet, St. Louis, and Lexington, four mortar-boats in tow of the steamer Lake Erie, and the Twenty--seventh Illinois, Col. Buford, Fifty-second Illinois, Col. Roberts, and Fifty-fifth, Major Sanger, Acting-Colonel, upon the transports Aleck Scott, Illinois, Magill, and Ike Hammett, left Cairo this morning at four o'clock, for Columbus. The fleet arrived at Lucas Bend, about two miles above Columbus, at six o'clock, and was drawn up in line-of-battle order. The drums beat to quarters, and the guns were manned, ready for action. Two tugs were sent in advance, reconnoitring, but failed to provoke a shot from the enemy. Everything about the works was quiet The glasses revealed stragglers on the bluffs and water-batteries, and in a few moments a flag was waved, but its character could not be made out. The fleet gradually neared the town, and lay in the stream off the Belmont battle-field; while scouts were sent out upon tugs toward the rebel works. The tugs approached cautiously until within a quarter of a mile of the batteries, and finding the works deserted, both set off at top speed for the honor of landing first. The scouts rushed on the double quick to the top of the bluff, and unfurled the Stars and Stripes, saluted by the crews of the gunboats as they steamed up to the town. The transports landed their troops, and Columbus was “occupied.” The works were entirely deserted, and the barracks, or rather rough board and log — cabins, were burned. An immense amount of coal, stores, and ordnance fell into the hands of the National troops. Many of the rebel cannon were thrown into the river, but six thirty — two--pounders, some howitzers, and an almost innumerable quantity of grape, canister, shell, and round-shot, were found in the batteries. The fortifications were very extensive, and the natural position was almost impregnable. Columbus was completely deserted, every building was thoroughly ransacked and its contents destroyed by the rebels. The rebels commenced leaving on Thursday last, and finished yesterday.--(Doc. 73.)
Gen. Banks's forces occupied Martinsburgh, Va., without opposition. Among the many prisoners taken was Rev. T. J. McNeigh, Chaplain of the Second Virginia infantry. He was captured by company K, Michigan cavalry, Capt. Mann, near Perryville.
The steamer Atlantic sailed from New York for Port Royal, S. C., with a large cargo of army stores, and about sixty persons, who accompany [48] Mr. Edward L. Pierce, the Government agent in charge of the plantations and contrabands at Port Royal. These persons were all recommended by the National Freedman's Relief Association, and its auxiliary, the Educational Committee, at Boston. Three fourths of the whole number are men who are to be the superintendents of the abandoned estates, and will direct the labors of the negroes, who are to be employed in such agricultural pursuits as cotton-culture and raising vegetables for their own support and for the use of the army at that point. Twelve or fifteen of the passengers are ladies, who will become teachers of an industrial school, which will be at once established at Port Royal, under the superintendence of Rev. M. French, of New York. Mrs. Senator Harlan of Iowa, is among the ladies, and will assist in some department of the work. Rev. Dr. Floy, of the Methodist Episcopal Church of New York, is passenger by the Atlantic. He goes to Port Royal for the purpose of preparing for missionary efforts among the negroes. A portion of the superintendents and teachers receive compensation from the associations in New York and Boston; but some are volunteers. Among the number are men of almost all trades, and some professions. There are several physicians and one or two clergymen. All the superintendents and teachers were requested to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, previous to going on board the steamer. Twenty — seven gentlemen and four ladies from Boston; twenty-one gentlemen and seven ladies from New York, and Miss Susan Walker, Mrs. Walter R. Johnson, and Miss Mary Donalson, from Washington and Philadelphia, subscribed to the oath. No man who would not, in case of necessity, fight for his country was permitted to go to Port Royal to assist in the management of the contrabands.--(Doc. 74.)
Four regiments of rebels, with a four-gun battery, attempted to flank Colonel Geary, near Lovettsville, Va., but were driven off without a skirmish.
An engagement took place between the National forces, under command of Gen. Pope, and the rebels, about two miles north of New Madrid, Mo. After a fight of between two and three hours, the National forces retired a short distance, having met with a slight loss from the fire of the rebel gunboats.--(Doc. 75.)
-an order, dated at St. Louis, Mo., was issued to-day by Maj.-Gen. Halleck, U. S.A., establishing regulations “for the conduct of restored intercourse between the loyal section of the Department of Missouri, and the counties on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers,” in Tennessee. By it, all vessels running in trade on those rivers, to and from St. Louis, are ordered to take out a special license for that purpose, and be subject to the revenue laws of the United States, and to the regulations and instructions of the Treasury Department. Surveyors and other officers of the customs, or, in their absence, the nearest military commander, were directed to see to the proper execution of the order.
The town of Fernandina, Fla., surrendered to-day to the United States forces under command of Commodore S. F. Du Pont and Brig.-Gen. H. G. Wright. The expedition for its reduction sailed from Port Royal, S. C., on the twenty-seventh of February, and after some delays, owing to the difficult and narrow channels, and frequent reconnoissances, the harbor was entered to-day by the United States steamer Ottawa, Lieutenant Commanding Thomas H. Stevens, and the place found deserted, the rebels being in full retreat, and all the fortifications abandoned.--(Doc. 76.)
March 4.
An intelligent gentleman, arrived in Richmond, Va., from the South, states that the whole country is in a blaze of patriotic enthusiasm. The late reverses have awakened a military spirit which throws into the shade the glorious demonstrations at the beginning of the war. The whole population is offering itself en masse for the defence of the county. It is said that nothing like the universal and fervid awakening of the people to the exigencies of the times has occurred before from the beginning of the war. Men of all ages are eager to unite in the holy work of driving back the foul invader from our Southern homes, and even the women, if they could procure arms, would buckle them on and hasten to the field. As it is, the prayers of mothers, wives and daughters, were sent up unceasingly to Heaven in behalf of “the case, the cause, the course,” that is giving strength even to the arm of old age, converting boys into veterans, and even the weak and timid into heroes. Let the government keep up with the energy of the people, and we have every reason to believe it will; let the government emulate the splendid boldness of the soldier, and the tide of [49] battle will soon be in our favor. Let all be prepared for sacrifices, to make bonfires of cotton and tobacco, and convert every Southern town to ashes, rather than to submit to a base and inhuman foe. In such a spirit, and with humble reliance on Heaven, our independence is as sure as the rising of to-morrow's sun.--Richmond Dispatch, March 5.
A General order was issued by Gen. McClellan, dismissing Col. James E. Kerrigan, of the Twenty-fifth regiment N. Y. S. V., from the service. The court-martial found him guilty of habitual neglect of duty; conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline; violation of the forty-fourth article of war in failing to attend a meeting of officers ordered by his brigadier-general; a violation of the ninth article of war; and sleeping outside the camp without leave.--N. Y. Commercial, March 5.
The Senate of the United States confirmed the nomination of Senator Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, as Brigadier-General, at the nomination of the President, and the Senator at once proceeded to organize a provisional government for Tennessee, over which he is to preside as Military Governor until a regular civil government is organized.--National Intelligencer.
Gen. Shields passed through Charlestown, Va., this day, on his way to take command of the late Gen. Lander's brigade.--Mrs. William H. Norris was arrested at her residence in Baltimore, Md., by orders from Washington, and conveyed to that city, on the charge of transmitting clothing to persons in the rebel army in Virginia.--Baltimore American, March 5.
Gen. Hitchcock has been compelled, on account of impaired health, which will not permit him to perform the responsible duties of the position in the field, to decline the appointment of Major-General, lately tendered by the President with the approval of the Senate. His letter to this effect utters strong Union sentiments, his fervent desire that the rebellion may be speedily overthrown, and his confident belief that this will soon take place, and the authority of the Federal Government everywhere be reestablished. He expresses great admiration of the recent brilliant achievements in the West, and of the military genius which they manifest--National Intelligencer, March 5.
March 5.
An order, dated at Jackson, Tenn., was issued by Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard, of the confederate army, assuming command of the rebel army of the Mississippi. The order declares that the Northern “invaders” must be “made to atone” for the reverses experienced by Southern arms, and terminates by calling the rebel cause as “just and sacred” as any that ever animated a nation.--(Doc. 77.)
In the Confederate Congress, Mr. Smith offered a resolution that the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads be instructed to inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to prevent the appointment, as postmasters, of persons between eighteen and forty-five years of age, where the compensation is under seventy-five dollars per annum; but such appointment shall be made with reference to those persons who, by bodily infirmity, age, or sickness, are exempt from military duty. The object of the mover of the bill was mainly set forth in the bill as it read. He wished to cut off from the benefit of the exemption law many persons, able-bodied and active young men, who sought these offices, some of which paid but ten dollars a year, only for the purpose of escaping military duty. In these offices, where so little exertion was required, persons could be placed who were unfit for the field, or, if necessary, some of the noble women of our country could be looked to to perform these duties.--Richmond Examiner, March 7.
This day the United States steamer Water Witch captured, off St. Andrew's Bay, west coast of Florida, the rebel schooner William Mallory, of Mobile, from Havana February twenty-eighth, and bound wherever she could make a port. She is a schooner of one hundred and eight tons burden, and is a remarkably fast sailer, having been chased five hours and fired at several times before she would heave to.--National Intelligencer, March 20.
A proclamation was issued by F. W. Pickens, rebel Governor of South-Carolina, calling for five volunteer regiments, to serve during the war, in response to a requisition for that number made upon the State by the President of the Confederate States. He urges upon the people the necessity of the call, in consequence of reverses to the Southern arms, and threatens to meet the demand by conscription, if the regiments are not formed by volunteers within fifteen days.--(Doc. 78.)
The public mind of the entire South is fast recovering from its causeless panic occasioned by [50] the unfortunate affairs at Roanoke Island and Fort Donelson. Considerate men see that much ultimate good may come of them by inuring us to defeats that must often occur in a war with a power possessed of superior numbers and superior resources of all kinds, by curing us of that rashness which our continued successes had begotten, and, most of all, by stimulating enlistments, and thus increasing the number and efficiency of our armies. It is now almost certain that by the last of April we shall have a larger disposable force in the field than that of our enemies; for they must retain two hundred thousand men in Maryland to guard and retain that State and the city of Washington, one hundred thousand in Kentucky and Missouri to hold those States, some twenty thousand in their various forts, and probably eighty thousand in their fleets. Thus their stationary force being four hundred thousand, even if their armies number seven hundred thousand, they will have a disposable force of only three hundred thousand with which to invade our interior; and, in long incursions, this will be diminished at least one third by the forces detailed to keep up communication with their base of operations. Besides, by deferring their invasion of the South until the warm season, they will soon decimate their ranks by the malarious diseases of our climate. Heretofore we have had to fight against superior numbers, but so soon as they quit their vessels, march into the country and meet us in the open field, we shall out-number them, if we please, in every conflict. They cannot probably hold Nashville longer than the rainy season keeps the Cumberland River flooded. We know not how large an army they have there, but believe it cannot be very large. Should we be mistaken, and they attempt to hold it permanently, we ought, in a few weeks, to make prisoners of their whole army. Their present occupation of that city, of Fort Donelson, and of Clarksville so divide their land and naval forces as to disable them from attacking and taking Columbus, and proceeding down the Mississippi to Memphis and the cotton region. If, with their whole land and naval force, and their eager appetite for cotton, they durst not attempt to descend that river, they will surely not now venture to do so with a crippled and divided navy and army. It may yet turn out that the fall of Fort Donelson and of Nashville will be a great gain to us, and a great misfortune to them. The whole country, from the Ohio to Nashville, is inhabited by brave men and zealous secessionists. They cannot make that city a base of operations from which to invade the cotton States, for in a few weeks, probably days, the Cumberland River will become unnavigable for the smallest gunboats, and they would be cut off from their Northern supplies and resources. If they attempt it, even with a force of a hundred thousand men, we should at once surround them with a force of a hundred and fifty thousand, and capture their whole army. This would end the war; and we should not be surprised that it should end somewhat in this way. The North, under a weight of debt and want of cotton, is become desperate, and will rashly quit its woven walls ere long and march far into our interior. Then we will make prisoners of their armies, and gloriously and triumphantly wind up the war. Let faint-hearted people recollect that we never yet met them with equal numbers, in the open field, without defeating them; and that under the levy en masse which is going on in the South, if they invade us by land after the first of April, we will meet them with superior numbers. Our bad roads will prevent their invading us sooner.--Richmond Dispatch, March 5.
Bunker Hill, Va., was occupied by the National forces.--Reverdy Johnson was to-day elected United States Senator by the Maryland Legislature for six years from March, 1863.
A reconnoitring party of the Sixty-third regiment of Pennsylvania, Heintzelman's division, was ambushed this morning beyond the Occoquan, Va., two or three miles in advance of the Union pickets, and received the fire of a party of concealed rebels, who instantly fled through the woods. Capt. Chapman and Lieut. Lyle were killed, and two privates were wounded, one of them mortally.
The National pickets at Columbus, Ky., were this day driven in by the rebel cavalry, who fled upon being shelled by the gunboats.
An order was issued, dated at Jackson, Tennessee, by Major-Gen. Bragg, of the confederate army, designating different rendezvous for troops coming within his division, assuming authority of the railroads in the limits of his command, and declaring martial law in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. All prisoners of war at Memphis were ordered to be transferred to Mobile and thence to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for confinement.
[51]
March 6.
A squad of Van Allen's cavalry today captured a rebel picket, five in number, near Bunker. Hill, Va. They belonged to the Second Virginia infantry. They were carried before the Division Provost-Marshal, Lieut.-Col. Andrews, of the Massachusetts Second, for examination.
The confederate Congress passed the following substitute for the original bill offered by Mr. Foote, of Tennessee, to authorize the destruction of cotton, tobacco, and other property in military emergencies: Be it enacted by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That it shall be the duty of all military commanders in the service of the confederate States to destroy all cotton, tobacco, or other property that may be useful to the enemy, if the same cannot be safely removed, whenever, in their judgment, the said cotton, tobacco, and other property is about to fall into the hands of the enemy. The following clause was struck out of the original bill on a motion to amend: The owners thereof shall receive just compensation therefor from the confederate government, under such laws and regulations as may hereafter be established by Congress. It will be seen that the question of the compensation of owners of the property destroyed is cut off.--Richmond Examiner, March 7.
President Lincoln transmitted to Congress a message, recommending the adoption of a joint resolution that “the United States ought to cooperate with any State which may adopt a gradual abolishment of slavery, giving to such State pecuniary aid, to be used by such State in its discretion to compensate for the inconveniences, public and private, produced by such change of system.” The President does not urge the adoption of the resolution, but says that the proposition is made “as an offer only,” and declares his conviction that the emancipation of slavery must be gradual, not sudden. He says the “war has been an indispensable mean” for the preservation of the Union, and the present proposition is made as something which promises “great efficiency toward ending the struggle.” --(Doc. 79.)
Smithfield, Va., was this day occupied by a strong force of United States troops.--Capts. Bell, McKean, Du Pont, Goldsborough, and Farragut were confirmed by the Senate of the United States as flag-officers of the Navy. President Lincoln, in addition to the officers promoted for gallant conduct, nominated Brig.-Gen. Thomas to be a major-general, as a recognition of his eminent services in Kentucky.
The Ninety-eighth regiment of New York State volunteers arrived at New York, en route for the seat of war. It is commanded by Col. William Dutton, a graduate of West-Point, and a classmate of Gen. McClellan.
An adjourned meeting of citizens of Charleston, S. C., was held at the City Hall, at seven o'clock P. M., to organize the free market of the city, in order to supply the families of soldiers and sailors with provisions and necessaries, free of charge, during the existing war.--Charleston Mercury, March 6.
A squadron of the First regiment of Michigan cavalry surprised a party of rebel cavalry at Berryville, Va., routing them, killing three and capturing nine horses, without the loss of a man.--Baltimore American, March 7.
March 7.
The Eighth regiment of Vermont volunteers, under the command of Col. Stephen Thomas, passed through New York on the way to the seat of war. It is composed of one thousand and sixty men, fully uniformed, armed with Enfield rifles, and equipped. They have been recruited from among the hardy sons of the Green Mountain State, and are unusually strong and robust, mostly between the ages of twenty and thirty-five years. Accompanying the regiment are two light batteries of six rifled six-pounders each, the two companies numbering one hundred and seventy-five men each. They are commanded respectively by Capt. Geo. W. Duncan and Capt. Sales.
In the English House of Commons, Mr. Gregory, pursuant to notice, called the attention of the House to the blockade of the Southern ports, and moved for a copy of any correspondence on the subject, subsequent to the papers already before the House. He expressed his strong sympathy for the struggle going forward in the confederate States, and declared that a separation of the South from the North, and a reconstruction of the Union, were the only means by which they could hope to see slavery abolished in America.
The rebel steamer Sumter still remained at Gibraltar, the United States gunboat Tuscarora watching her.
A brisk cannonading took place on the Lower Potomac at four o'clock this morning, when the Freeborn, Satellite, Island Belle, and [52] the Resolute opened fire on the line of batteries extending from opposite Liverpool Point to Boyd's Hole, including three at Aquia Creek. The rebels returned the fire, but without striking any of the National vessels. Proceeding up to Wade's Bay in the afternoon, in which direction heavy firing had been heard during the day, the Island Belle and the Satellite again opened fire on the railroad depot and some trains of cars filled with rebel troops that were constantly arriving from Fredericksburg. The depot was riddled by the shot and shell. The enemy returned the fire from a battery on the water-line and another on a hill a little back. Their shots fell thickly around the vessels, but not one of them took effect. The troops at Aquia Creek were constantly receiving reinforcements. The batteries at Cockpit Point and Shipping Point opened fire on Professor Lowe's balloon, when in the air near Budd's Ferry, but the balloon was not hit on either side.
Gov. Andrew Johnson, with his staff, accompanied by Messrs. Etheridge and Maynard, left Washington this evening for Nashville, to enter upon their charge of the new government of Tennessee.
The Richmond Examiner, of this date, has the following: “ What has become of the enormous number of arms stored in Southern arsenals at the beginning of this war? Into what proportions have the cargoes said to have been brought in from time to time, by rumor, dwindled through official count? They are certainly not in the hands of soldiers now in the field, nor are they still in the arsenals, nor have they been captured by the enemy. Admit that in the hands of prisoners taken by the enemy there were twenty thousand stand, that half as many more have been broken or lost in marches and hospitals, the total that should be subtracted from the original sum is still too small to account for the present scarcity of muskets and of bayonets. But a vast quantity have undoubtedly gone with the sixty days men, the four months men, the six months men; a still greater loss is attributable to the many useless and unprofitable assemblages of the militia. It is certain only that the ordnance department has not the arms for the new levies. There are many more soldiers at the government's command than muskets. It could find employment for five hundred thousand stand of arms that it has not in possession or in prospect. Under these circumstances no wiser measure could have been adopted by the government than the call for the guns in the hands of the citizens as private property. There are a million of guns possessed by the citizens of the South in this manner, and the country has a right to every one of them now. Most shotguns will carry a ball, and all of them are good for buckshot. They are as effective as any smooth bore, and are much better made than the musket. Troops armed with double-barreled shot-guns need no bayonets; for any line that attempted to charge them would be annihilated by the second load, which will always be retained, and can be delivered at twenty paces. It is hoped that the government will inexorably enforce its regulation; and no sincere patriot will be unwilling to assist its execution to the utmost of his power.”
John Park, Mayor of Memphis, Tenn., this day issued the following proclamation:
to the people of Memphis: Much has been said in regard to the burning of our city. I have, as John Park, (not the Mayor,) to say this to our citizens: That I will, under any and all circumstances, protect the city from incendiaries, and he who attempts to fire his neighbor's house — or even his own, whereby it endangers his neighbor — I will, regardless of judge, jury, or the benefit of clergy, hang him to the first lamp-post, tree, or awning. I have the means under my control to carry out the above individual proclamation.
An excitement occurred in the town of Dover, Del., this day. It appears that two companies of Home Guards had been raised in the town, one called the Hazlet Guards, and the other simply denominated Home Guards. The Hazlet Guards were equipped by the State, but the other organization by the Government. The Government called on the Hazlet Guards to give up their arms, which they refused to do. Persisting in this determination, two hundred Government troops were immediately sent to the town from Cambridge, Md., under the command of Col. Wallace. Five of the ringleaders were arrested, but three were afterward released, Capts. Pennington and Wise only remaining in custody. The town numbers about two thousand persons, and the whole place is now under strict martial law.--N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, March 11.
The rebel chief, Quantrel, with a party of his troops, entered Aubry, Kansas, this day, killing five Unionists, and carrying off fifteen horses.--N. Y. Times, March 11.
The United States Senate this day confirmed the following as Brigadier-Generals of Volunteers: [53] Major Laurance Graham, of Second cavalry; Eleazer Paine, of Illinois; William A. Richardson, of Illinois; Daniel Butterfield, of New York; W. T. Ward, of Kentucky; Major George Sykes, of the Thirteenth infantry; Captain David Stanley, of the Tenth cavalry; Thomas A. Davies, of New York; Col. Philip St. George Cooke, Second cavalry; Major George Stoneman, Fourth cavalry; Capt. Joseph B. Plummer, First regiment of infantry, for gallant conduct at Springfield and Fredericktown, Mo. The Senate also confirmed Henry Van Renssalear to be Inspector-General, with the rank of Colonel, and Thomas Hillhouse, of New York, to be Assistant Adjutant-General of Volunteers, with the rank of Major.
March 8.
This day, about one o'clock in the afternoon, an attack was made upon a foraging party of the Fourth Ohio cavalry, Mitchell's division, five miles south of Nashville, Tennessee, by Morgan's rebel cavalry, which resulted in their taking eighteen of the National wagons, teamsters, and mules, and burning one wagon. The rebels took Capt. Braden, of Gen. Dumont's staff, prisoner. At three o'clock P. M., the Fourth Ohio cavalry and Loomis's battery pursued the rebels, capturing four men, killing four, and retaking all the wagons and prisohers. Morgan escaped with two men. A sergeant of the Thirty-seventh Indiana regiment, of Col. Turchin's brigade, was shot in the arm.--Louisville Journal, March 12.
Two companies of the Massachusetts Twenty-sixth regiment, under the command of Col. E. F. Jones, made a reconnoissance from Ship Island, to Mississippi City, La., where they were attacked by a body of rebel cavalry, and compelled to retreat to their boats.--(Doc. 80.)
The Memphis Argus of this date has the following: “Major-Gen. Bragg's ‘General Order No. 2,’ transferred to our columns from the Jackson Whig of yesterday, announces that martial law is to be established in Memphis. The establishment of martial law seems to be a favorite movement of Gen. Bragg's, and, however much the people may dislike its provisions, or fail to discover the necessity for their enforcement, it is the duty of all good citizens to bear the inconveniences they entail. Soldiers from the army, as we understand, are to be detailed for the purpose, and we trust a provost — marshal will be drawn from the same source. Martial law is virtually subjecting the people to the will of one man, who can exercise his powers arbitrarily or with moderation. It is not every citizen unacquainted with military matters, who should be vested with the almost autocratic powers of a provost-marshal in a time like this, for certainly no man is fitted to learn its duties and enforce them at the same time. If we must live under martial law, let its enforcement be by a regular army officer, a stranger to our people, who, knowing his duty thoroughly, performs it because it is his duty, having neither friends among our citizens to shield nor enemies to punish. It is only by a thorough knowledge of duty and the strictest impartiality in its discharge, that martial law can be borne without a murmur by the people.”
The rebel troops, composed of three Texan, one Georgia, and one Mississippi regiment, and the Hampton Legion, formerly encamped back of and below Occoquan, Va., evacuated that place, destroying everything they could not carry on their backs. The National troops took possession, and were welcomed by a part of the inhabitants with great joy. Every boat in the vicinity, and anything that would float, was destroyed. The rebels told the villagers they were going to fall back to the Rappahannock.
Last night, Col. Geary left Lovettsville, Va., with his whole command, and marched through Wheatland and Waterford, taking prisoners at both places, and putting the scattered forces of the rebels to flight. Shortly after sunrise, this morning, he took possession of Fort Johnston at Leesburg, which was christened by the officers Fort Geary. He then entered the town, with flags flying and bayonets fixed. The rebel troops, who had thought this one of their greatest strongholds, could be discerned through a glass retreating. Gen. Hill, the rebel officer in command, fell back on Middleburg. The command took many prisoners and stores, and are in possession of the bank, post-office, and public buildings. Forts Beauregard and Evans were also taken.
The battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, was ended after three days severe fighting, between the Unionists under Gen. Curtis, and the rebels led by Ben. McCulloch. On Thursday, the sixth, the rebels commenced the attack on Gen. Curtis's right wing, assailing and pursuing the rear-guard of a detachment under Gen. Franz Sigel, to the Union main lines on Sugar Creek Hollow, but withdrew and ceased action, at about four o'clock in the afternoon, [54] when the Union reinforcements came up. During the night Gen. Curtis became convinced that the enemy had moved on so as to attack his right or rear. He, therefore, early on the next morning, ordered a change of front to the right, his right, which then became his left, still resting on Sugar Creek Hollow. This placed his line across Pea Ridge, with his new right resting on the head of Big Sugar Creek. He also ordered an immediate advance of his cavalry and light artillery, under the command of Col. Osterhaus, with orders to attack and break the lines of the enemy. This movement was in progress, when the rebels at eleven o'clock in the morning commenced an attack on the right of the Union lines. The fight continued mainly at these points during the day, the enemy having gained the point held by the command of Col. Carr, at the head of Big Sugar Creek, but was entirely repulsed with the fall of the commander, McCulloch, in the centre, by the forces under Col. Davis. The plan of attack on the centre was gallantly carried forward by Col. Osterhaus, who was immediately sustained and supported by Col. Davis's entire division, supported also by General Sigel's command, which had remained till near the close of the day on the left. Col. Carr's division held the right, under a galling, continuous fire, all day. In the evening, firing having entirely ceased in the centre, and the right being now on the left, Gen. Curtis reinforced the right by a portion of the second division, under General Asboth. Before the day closed, Gen. Curtis, being convinced that the rebels had concentrated in main force on the right, commenced another change of front, forward, so as to face the enemy where he had deployed on the Union right flank. This change had only been partially effected, but was in full progress, when at sunrise today, firing was renewed by the centre and right of Curtis's troops, which was immediately answered by the rebels with renewed energy along the whole extent of their line. The left of the Union troops, under the command of Gen. Sigel, moved close to the hills occupied by the enemy, driving him from the heights and advancing steadily toward the head of the hollows. Here Gen. Curtis ordered the centre and right wing forward, the right turning the left of the enemy and the Nationals firing on his centre. This final position of the rebels was in the arc of a circle. A charge of infantry extending throughout the whole line, completely routed the entire rebel force and they fled in confusion, but in comparative safety, through the deep and almost impassable defiles of Big Sugar Creek. The Union loss in this battle amounted to two hundred and twelve killed, nine hundred and twenty-six wounded, and one hundred and seventy-four missing, in all one thousand three hundred and twelve. The rebel loss was very large, but it is probable that its exact extent will never be known.--(Doc. 81.)
By President Lincoln's War Order No. 2, he has ordered the Army of the Potomac to be divided into army corps, to be commanded by commanders of corps, selected according to seniority of rank, as follows: First corps, consisting of four divisions, to be commanded by Major-Gen. Sumner. Second corps, consisting of three divisions, to be commanded by Major-Gen. McDowell. Third corps, consisting of three divisions, to be commanded by Brig.-Gen. Heintzelman. Fourth corps, consisting of three divisions, to be commanded by Brig.-Gen. Keyes. Fifth--Gen. Banks's and Gen. Shields's commands, the latter late Gen. Lander's, to be a fifth corps, to be commanded by Major-Gen. Banks.
Capt. Bell; of the Third Pennsylvania cavalry, was promoted to Major of the Third Illinois cavalry, now in Gen. Halleck's department.
Gen. Beauregard, from his headquarters at Jackson, Tenn., issued an order calling upon the planters of the South to send their plantation-bells to the nearest railroad depot, to be melted into cannon for the defence of their plantations.--(Doc. 90.)
March 9.
Early yesterday afternoon, the rebel iron-plated steamer Merrimac came out of Norfolk harbor, moved slowly down the channel leading to Newport News, and steamed direct for the United States sailing frigates Cumberland and Congress, which were lying at the mouth of the James River. The Cumberland opened fire on her, but the balls had no effect. In the meantime the rebel steamers Yorktown and Jamestown, came down the James River and joined in the engagement. The Merrimac ran against the Cumberland, striking her about midships and laying open her sides. This movement was repeated, and then the steamer started for the Congress. The latter surrendered, and in the evening it was fired. The Minnesota attempted to engage in the conflict, but run aground not far from Newport News. [55] The St. Lawrence fired a number of shots, but was unable to get near the rebel steamers. The gunboat Oregon was disabled by a shot in her boiler, and the gunboat Zouave was also damaged to some extent. The new Ericsson iron-clad battery, the Monitor, arrived in the roads at ten o'clock in the evening, and at once went to the protection of the Minnesota. This morning the contest was renewed, and from eight o'clock to twelve o'clock, the two iron-clad steamers fought, part of the time touching each other. At last the Merrimac retired, having sustained serious injuries. The Monitor was uninjured.--(Doc. 82.)
A brigade of United States troops from Cairo, Ill., occupied Point Pleasant, Mo., about ten miles below New Madrid, thus cutting off the communication of the rebels with the main confederate army further down the Mississippi River. At Point Pleasant the National troops took possession of a rebel transport loaded with flour, and scuttled her.--Cincinnati Gazette.
The citizens of Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tenn., burned a large quantity of confederate stores, to prevent their falling into the hands of the rebel troops under A. Sydney Johnston, who were in full retreat from Murfreesboroa.
Cockpit Point, Va., was occupied by the National troops. About two P. M., the rebels commenced to retreat, and fired their tents and other property difficult of removal. They also burned their steamer George Page, and all the other craft which they had in the creek. The National gunboats opened fire on the battery about three o'clock P. M., and at half-past 4 a force was landed, and ran up the Union flag over the rebel works.--(Doc. 83.)
Great excitement existed throughout the seaboard cities and towns of the Northern States, concerning the possibility of the rebel gunboat Merrimac's escaping from Hampton Roads and visiting them.
This morning at daybreak, the camp of Gen. McCook, situated on the Franklin Turnpike, three miles south of Nashville, Tenn., was attacked by a party of rebels, and a corporal of the First Wisconsin regiment killed.--Louisville Journal, March 12.
A skirmish took place to-day at Burk's Station, near Fairfax Court-House, Va., between a detachment of the Lincoln cavalry, consisting of fourteen men, under command of Lieut. Hidden, and about one hundred and fifty rebel infantry. The cavalry charged upon the rebels and drove back the majority of them, with the loss, however, of Lieut. Hidden. The remainder fought desperately on both sides, three rebels being killed, five wounded and eleven taken prisoners. The members of the Lincoln cavalry were commanded by Corporal Eugene Lewis, after Lieut. Hidden fell.--(Doc. 84.)
Two powder-mills, on the opposite side of the river, at New Orleans, were blown up, and five workmen were killed. The loss of property was principally in machinery. There was only about three thousand pounds of powder on hand.--New Orleans Crescent, March 10.
March 10.
Lieut. J. D. Joak, of the First Iowa cavalry, with thirty men, encountered a band of marauders posted in a log-house and barn in Lafayette County, Mo. The enemy were defeated after a short engagement, in which they had nine killed and three wounded. The National loss was one killed and four wounded.--N. Y. World, March 21.
An expedition, sent out from Sedalia, Mo., by Brig.-Gen. McKean, into Bates County, returned with forty prisoners of war, recruits from Gen. Price's army, a quantity of arms, ammunition, and other effects.
In the United States Senate a joint resolution, in accordance with the suggestion in the President's Special Message, tendering the aid of the Government to the States of Maryland and Delaware, and favoring voluntary emancipation, was offered by Mr. Wilson, of Massachusetts, but objected to by Mr. Saulsbury, of Delaware, and laid over. The Confiscation bill was taken up, and Mr. Browning, of Illinois, made a speech in opposition to it. At the conclusion of his speech a joint resolution of thanks to Commodore Foote was passed. The House bill, providing a new Article of War, prohibiting officers of the army from returning fugitive slaves, was debated at considerable length, and finally passed as it came from the House, twenty-nine to nine.
The gunboat Whitehall, lying at Hampton Roads, Va., took fire at two o'clock this morning, and was totally destroyed. Three of her guns, all of which were shotted, went off at intervals, and a shell burst in the air, scattering its fragments about Fort Monroe, without, however, doing any damage. Another gun was saved by the harbor crew. The Whitehall was formerly a Fulton ferry-boat, at New York.
[56] This day Col. James Carter, with his regiment of loyal Tennesseeans, left Camp Cumberland Ford, and went through the mountains, some forty odd miles, to Big Creek Gap, some four miles above Jacksboro, Tenn., where they had a fight with the rebel cavalry. Two of the rebels were killed, four badly wounded, and fifteen taken prisoners, among whom was Lieut.-Col. White. Col. Carter also obtained all of the tents for three companies, their camp equipage, and provisions, and some arms. Twenty-seven of the rebels' horses were killed, and fifty-nine captured, with seven mules and four wagons. Lieut.-Col. Keigwin, of the Forty-ninth regiment Indiana volunteers, accompanied Colonel Carter, and rendered most efficient service. The National casualties were Lieutenant Myers and one private slightly wounded.--Louisville Journal, March 24.
This morning the National forces, amounting to upwards of two thousand, proceeded to Centreville, Va., and occupied the village about four o'clock in the afternoon. It was altogether deserted. The rebels had destroyed as much of their property as they could not carry away, by fire and otherwise. The bridges, railroad track and depot, in that vicinity were extensively damaged, and nothing but wreck and desolation were apparent.--N. Y. Herald, March 12.
In the confederate House of Representatives, a resolution was passed advising the planters to withdraw from the cultivation of cotton and tobacco, and devote their energies to raising provisions and cattle, hogs and sheep.
Charles Williams, of Fredericksburg, Va., and Samuel P. Carreet, of Washington City, were arrested for disloyalty in Richmond, Va., this day.--Brunswick, Ga., was this day occupied by the National forces.
March 11.
Manassas, Va., being evacuated by the rebel troops, this day the National forces took peaceable possession. Previous to their retreat the rebels attempted to destroy such of their stores as they could not carry with them. Bridges were burnt, the railroad tracks were broken up, and a large amount of commissary stores and other property was destroyed by fire. They left behind them, however, eighty army wagons, six caissons in good order, a large quantity of army clothing, good supplies of medical stores, besides many other useful articles. The forts were all dismantled, but the huts, sufficient to accommodate twenty-five or thirty thousand men, and built in a substantial manner, were left unharmed.--(Doc. 85.)
This day Jeff. Davis sent a message to the rebel Congress, stating that he had suspended Gens. Floyd and Pillow from their commands until they could give more satisfactory accounts of their action at Fort Donelson. He is dissatisfied with their reports. The message states that neither of them say that reinforcements were asked for, nor do they show that the position could not have been evacuated and a whole army saved as well as a part of it. It is also not shown by what authority two senior generals abandoned their responsibility by transferring the command to a junior officer.--(Doc. 46.)
This afternoon Assistant Surg. A. C. Rhoads, of the Pocahontas, by permission of his commanding officer, landed with a boat's crew near Brunswick, Ga., for the purpose of procuring some fresh beef for the ships. Having accomplished his object, the boat was returning to the Pocahontas, but had scarcely gone twenty yards from the beach, when they were suddenly fired upon by a body of rebels concealed in a thicket, and two men, John Wilson and John Shuter, were instantly killed, and seven wounded, one, William Delaney, mortally, and two severely, namely, William Smith, second, (first-class fireman,) and Edward Bonsall, (coxswain.) After the rebels had fired their first volley they called out, in most offensive language, to surrender; but this demand was refused by Dr. Rhoads, who, with the assistance of Acting Paymaster Kitchen and his wounded boat's crew, pulled as rapidly as they could toward the Pocahontas, the enemy continuing their fire. In a few minutes a shell from one of the eleven guns of the Mohican dropped among them, and quite near to another company of about sixty men, who were advancing rapidly. The rebels scattered and fled in all direction. Several shells were also fired at a locomotive and train observed in the distance, and it is supposed with effect--Flag-Officer Du Pont's Report.
In the rebel Congress at Richmond, Va., a vote of thanks was passed to Capt. Buchanan, his officers and crew, for their gallantry in the action in Hampton Roads, Va.
Gen. Grant was this day presented with a sword by the officers of his command, at Fort Henry. The sword is of most exquisite workmanship, and manufactured at great expense [57] The handle is ivory, mounted with gold, and the blade of the finest texture and steel. There ar two scabbards--one of fire-gilt and the other gilt, mounted at the band. Accompanying the sword is a beautiful sash and belt, all inclosed in a fine rosewood case. The inscription on the sword was simply as follows: “Presented to Gen. U. S. Grant by G. W. Graham, C. R. Lagou, C. C. Marsh, and John Cook, 1861.” --Gen C. F. Smith has taken command of the army ir the field, Gen. Grant remaining at Fort Henry. The latter has applied to Gen. Halleck to be relieved of his command altogether.
Col. Geary, Acting Brigadier-General of troops at Leesburg, Va., made a personal reconnoissance yesterday as far as Carter's Mills. The trail of the retreating enemy was blackened with the ruins of granaries, ashes of hay and grain-stacks, fences, etc. He found the bridge over Goose Creek had been burned. The rebels have completely fallen back. The command continues to make captures of rank secessionists. The loyal feeling is growing, and many persons come forward to take the oath of allegiance daily. Col. Geary, with some of his officers and a detachment of the First Michigan cavalry, rode to Ball's Bluff to-day and buried the whitened bones of the brave Union soldiers who fell upon that field in October last. Impressive remarks preceded this humane act, and a monument of gross rebel neglect was hidden from human sight.--N. Y. Times, March 12.
The occupation of Manassas, Va., by the National troops, was celebrated throughout the loyal States in every manifestation of joy and patriotism.
President Lincoln assumed the active duties of Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States. His first order, issued January twenty-second, but only now made public, directs a general movement of the land and naval forces against the rebels on the twenty--second day of February. The army and naval forces designated for this movement are especially directed to be ready, and the Secretaries of War and of the Navy, the General-in-Chief, McClellan, and all other commanders and subordinates are notified that they will be held to a strict and full accountability for the prompt execution of the order. The second order directs the organization of the Army of the Potomac into five corps, and designates the commanders of each. The third order states that Gen. McClellan, having personally taken the field, he is relieved of the command of all other military departments except that of the Department of the Potomac. The two departments of Generals Halleck and Hunter, with a portion of that now under Gen. Buell, are consolidated and designated as the Department of the Mississippi, and placed under the command of General Halleck. The country west of the Department of the Potomac, and east of the Department of the Mississippi, is designated the Mountain Department, and placed under command of General Fremont. This department will include Western Virginia and East-Tennessee north of Knoxville. Commanders of departments are notified to report directly to the Secretary of War, and that prompt, full and frequent reports will be expected of them.--(Doc. 86.)
March 12.
The forts in the harbor of New York, were this evening garrisoned by order of Edwin D. Morgan, Governor of the State.--The Union Defence Committee of New York met at noon and passed a series of resolution complimentary to the officers, soldiers and seamen of the United States, for their participation in the recent victories of the National arms.--N. Y. Evening Post, March 12.
Winchester, Va., was occupied by the Union forces under the command of Gens. Hamilton and Williams. Company A, of the Wisconsin Third, Captain Bertrain, and a company from Connecticut, followed by Capt. Coles's company of Maryland, and a squadron of Michigan cavalry, were the first to enter the town. Two slight skirmishes occurred on the march. The troops encountered a strong fort one mile out, which was evacuated by Jackson last night. The people generally were intensely delighted, and hail the coming of the Union army as a harbinger of peace and future prosperity. The regiments, as they passed, were cheered and greeted from the houses with various tokens of welcome, which were responded to warmly by officers and men.--(Doc. 87.)
Serg. Wade, with a squad of the Carolina light dragoons, captured two of the enemy, about one mile from the Evansport batteries. The prisoners proved to be Lt. Wm. T. Baum, of Philadelphia, belonging to Gen. Hooker's staff, and Mr. Gregg, telegraph operator, of the same division of the Federal army.--Norfolk Day Book, March 19.
A battalion, comprising the First Nebraska regiment and a portion of Curtis's Iowa cavalry [58] regiment, under the command of Colonel W. W. Lowe, attacked a force of rebels six hundred strong, this morning, defeating them and taking possession of the town of Paris, Tenn., but being apprised that a large force of rebels was within a few hours' marching distance, they retired, bringing away a number of prisoners. Company A lost five men killed, among them the Sergeant-Major. A second battalion, under command of Lieut.-Col. Patrick, crossed the river to-day to reenforce them.--(Doc. 88.)
In the United States Senate, Mr. Davis presented petitions from citizens of Kentucky, asking Congress to disregard all schemes for emancipation and attend to the business of saving the country.
The town of Berryville, Va., was occupied by the National troops yesterday, Gen. Gorman directing the advance. The enemy had five hundred cavalry there on their arrival; but the signal ordered a charge of the New York cavalry upon them, supporting the onset with a sufficient force of artillery and infantry. The enemy did not wait to fight, but retreated toward Winchester. Twice last night were the pickets of Gen. Gorman's brigade compelled to fall back by the charges of Ashby's cavalry. This morning Gen. Gorman made a reconnoissance in force to within two miles of Winchester, drawing the rebel posse into an ingenious trap. They were again charged upon by the Union cavalry, losing four men killed and wounded. The arms, horses, and equipments, of the four victims, were captured.--N. Y. Herald, March 13.
The Florence (Ala.) Gazette, of this date, has the following: “We learned yesterday that the Unionists had landed a large force at Savannah, Tenn. We suppose they are making preparations to get possession of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. They must never be allowed to get this great thoroughfare in their possession, for then we would indeed be crippled. The labor and untiring industry of too many faithful and energetic men have been expended on this road to bring it up to its present state of usefulness to let it fall into the hands of the enemy to be used against us. It must be protected. We, as a people, are able to protect and save it. If unavoidable, let them have our river, but we hope it is the united sentiment of our people, that we will have our railroad.”
Jacksonville, Fla., was occupied by the National forces.--(Doc. 89.)
March 13.
About nine o'clock this morning six companies of the Seventh regiment New York Volunteers, encamped at Newport News, Va., started on a reconnoissance on the Williamsport road, running parallel with the James River. Col. Van Schak was in command. At about ten miles distant from camp they came across three hundred and fifty rebel cavalry pickets stationed at the junction of the Williamsport and Great Bethel roads. When the enemy were discovered, the troops were deployed into line and charged upon them. The latter, after firing a few shots at the Union skirmishers, and setting fire to the houses they had lately occupied, turned and fled. Some provisions, etc., were found, which were distributed among the troops.--N. Y. World, March 17.
This afternoon, while twenty-six of the Union cavalry were foraging on the Strasburg road, three miles from Winchester, Va., they came upon a large barn, bearing evidence of having recently been occupied by Ashby's men. While the teams were loading with hay, about two hundred of the latter came near, and threw out two companies as skirmishers. The Union men covered the departure of their teams, and prepared to resist an attack, which was finally commenced. At length six Wisconsin pickets came up with rifles, and killed two of the enemy. One of the cavalry dashed upon the rebels, amid a shower of bullets, and killed one of them with his pistol. The enemy made no effort at a charge, but gradually advanced as the Nationals fell back in good order and unharmed.
Bishop Whittingham, of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Maryland and the District of Columbia. transmitted to all the clergymen of that church in parochial charge in the District, a prayer of thanksgiving for the late Federal victories, to be used on all occasions of public worship within eight days following the Sunday after its receipt.--Baltimore American, March 15.
Gen. Banks, at Winchester, Va., issued an order to the troops under his command, forbidding depredations of any kind whatsoever, and deeply regretting “that officers, in some cases, from mistaken views, either tolerate or encourage” such a course.
The War Department of the United States, this day ordered, that Joseph Holt and Robert Dale Owen be, and they are hereby appointed a special committee to audit and adjust all contracts, orders, and claims on the War Department, [59] in respect to ordnance, arms and ammunition, their determination to be final and conclusive, as respects this department, on all questions touching the validity, execution and sum due, or to become due upon such contract, and upon all other questions arising between contractors and the Government upon said contracts.
Gen. Halleck, at St. Louis, Mo., issued an order assuming the command of the Department of the Mississippi, which includes the present Department of Kansas and Missouri, and the Department of Ohio and country west of a north and south line drawn through Knoxville, Tenn., and east of the western boundaries of the States of Missouri and Arkansas. The headquarters of the Department of the Mississippi will remain until further orders at St. Louis.
Daniel Tyler, of Connecticut, was this day confirmed by the United States Senate, a Brigadier-General of Volunteers in the National army.
In the House of Representatives of the United States, a resolution was passed tendering the thanks of Congress to Gen. Curtis, and the officers and men under his command, for the brilliant victory at Pea Ridge, in Arkansas.
The bridge of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, at a point twenty miles from Jackson, Tenn., was totally destroyed by the third battalion of the Fifth Ohio cavalry, in command of Major Charles S. Hayes. The cavalry landed five miles above Savannah, and made a forced march of thirty miles into the rebel country. Just as the destruction of the bridge was completed, a party of rebel cavalry was discovered and pursued, and two of the party captured.--Cincinnati Commercial.
Lieut.-Col. Bennet, of the Fifty-first Pennsylvania regiment, Lieutenant Riley of the Forty-seventh New York, and S. H. Wills, Union Government Agent and Cotton Broker, were captured by the rebel pickets, on Edisto Island, and carried to Charleston, S. C., as prisoners of war.
Brig.-Gen. Gatlin, of the department of North-Carolina, issued an order, by direction of the rebel Secretary of War, requiring that all cotton, tobacco and naval stores, within that department, shall be removed west of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad; or, if distant from any railroad or navigable stream, put in such places of security that they cannot be reached by the enemy. Such of the above-mentioned products as are in exposed positions, must be removed at once, and those less exposed, removed or secured by the twenty-fifth instant, otherwise they will be destroyed by the military authorities. The General expresses a hope that the owners themselves will apply the torch rather than see the enemy gain possession of the much-coveted products.--Norfolk Day Book, March 19.
March 14.
An order was unanimously adopted, in the Massachusetts House to-day, authorizing the construction of one or two iron-clad steamers, on the plan of Ericsson's Monitor, for the protection of the harbors of the State.
Gen. Stoneman, Chief of Cavalry, with a force of about fifteen hundred cavalry and eight hundred infantry, made a reconnoissance this day, extending from Manassas up the Orange and Alexandria Railroad to Cedar Run. At that point they came across the rebel pickets, whom they drove over the run to a large force of the insurgents, who made no attempt to follow Gen. S., on his return toward Manassas. The rebels had burnt the Cedar Run bridge, and the bridge at Bristow, but not otherwise injured the railroad. The roads travelled over by the reconnoitring force were found strewed with hats, caps, muskets, blankets, ammunition, knapsacks, broken and abandoned loaded wagons, etc., confirming all other evidence that the retreat of the rebels was made under a panic.--(Doc. 92.)
Early this morning, after several days' skirmishing, and a number of attempts, by the rebel gunboats, to dislodge Gen. Pope, at Point Pleasant, Mo., the rebels evacuated their works at New Madrid, leaving all their artillery, field-batteries, wagons, mules, and an immense quantity of other property of the greatest value. The rebels abandoned their works so hurriedly as to leave all the baggage of the officers, and knapsacks of the men, behind. Their dead were unburied. Their suppers were on their tables, and their candles were burning in their tents. The operations of Gen. Pope's army, which led to the evacuation, were as follows: A heavy battery was established during the night of the twelfth inst., within eight hundred yards of the enemy's works, and opened fire at daylight on the thirteenth inst. During the whole day the National lines were drawn closer around the works of the enemy, under a furious fire of sixty pieces of artillery, and the fear of an assault upon their works at daylight induced them to flee during the night. Many prisoners were taken, and the colors of several Arkansas regiments. The National loss [60] during the siege was about fifty killed and wounded.--(Doc. 93.)
Gen. Mcclellan issued a brief, spirited, and most telling address to the Army of the Potomac. He tells his troops, and through them the people, the purpose of their inaction. They were to be disciplined, armed and instructed, and the formidable artillery they now have created, and other armies were to move on and accomplish certain results, in order that the Army of the Potomac might give the death-blow to the rebellion. These preliminary results are now accomplished, and the Army of the Potomac is pronounced a real army--“magnificent in material, admirable in discipline and instruction, excellently equipped and armed,” with commanders all that the General-in-Chief could wish. The period of inaction is passed, and the General promises to place his troops face to face with the rebels. He will gain success with the least possible loss, but does not disguise the fact that they have brave foes to meet. Further, he says that he will demand of the army heroic exertions, rapid and long marches, desperate combats and privations. The patience they have shown is wonderful, and their confidence in their General is unbounded. He trusts in them to save their country.--(Doc. 94.)
The battle of Newbern, North-Carolina, was fought this day between a combined land and naval force of the United States under Gen. Burn side and Commodore Goldsborough, and a rebel force under the command of Gen. Lawrence O'B. Branch. Day before yesterday, the National fleet left Roanoke Island, and entering the mouth of the Neuse River, landed the troops under cover of the gunboats yesterday morning at Slocum's Creek. The men then marched some twelve miles up the river, and bivouacked for the night on the railroad, while the gunboats proceeded further up, and shelled a rebel battery. This morning the march was again resumed, and the troops had proceeded but a short distance when the rebels were discovered. Their works consisted of a series of strong batteries, extending over a distance of two miles, and defended by about ten thousand men, with twenty-one guns in position, besides a formidable array of field artillery. The batteries of the enemy were taken one after the other — the last and most formidable one, where the rebels had concentrated their whole strength, by a gallant bayonet-charge, in which the Massachusetts Twenty-first and the Pennsylvania Fifty — first figured conspicuously. The rebels then fled across the Trent River, destroying the bridges behind them, and having a sufficiency of cars at hand, made their escape in the direction of Goldsborough, leaving everything behind them, and about three hundred of their number as prisoners. They attempted to burn the town of Newbern before leaving it, but succeeded in doing very little damage, the citizens extinguishing the fires as fast as kindled. The Neuse River was obstructed by sunken vessels and chevaux-de-frise, which interfered with the operations of the gunboats. The rebels also had scows filled with tar and turpentine, at Newbern, to send down the river to burn the fleet, but the tide did not serve them as they desired, and the project failed. The National troops captured three light batteries of field-artillery, forty-six heavy siege-guns, large stores of fixed ammunition, and three thousand stand of small arms, and among the prisoners were one colonel, three captains and four lieutenants. They left a number of dead on the field, but as they carried off a large part of their dead and wounded, their loss cannot be known. The National loss is from ninety to one hundred killed, and about four hundred wounded.--(Doc. 95.)
March 15.
This day a reconnoitring party started from the north side of Quantico Creek, and occupied Dumfries, Va. From the river to the village the road was strewn with dead horses. Some were in harness attached to wagons. The rebel force in and around Dumfries was composed of Texans, Alabamians, South--Carolinians, under the command of Wigfall, of Texas. About thirty cartridge and cap-boxes, some blankets, flour, etc., were found in the house used as Wigfall's headquarters. A large quantity of shells and cartridges were also stowed away in a barn, and seventy-five boxes of ammunition were found near the creek.--N. Y. Commercial, March 17.
The United States frigate Cumberland, which was sunk by the attack of the Merrimac, rebel steamer, still keeps her masts above water, and the Stars and Stripes are yet flying at her masthead.
A Naval expedition, composed of the gunboats Benton, Louisville, Cincinnati, Carondelet and Conestoga, under Flag-Officer Foote, left Cairo, Ill., at seven o'clock this morning. At Columbus they were joined by the Pittsburgh, [61] St. Louis and Mound City, and were overtaken by eight mortar-boats, in tow of four steamers, with transports and ordnance-boats. They arrived at Hickman, Ky., at half-past 4 o'clock this afternoon. The mounted pickets of the enemy were in sight on the bluff, when two companies of the Twenty-seventh Illinois regiment were sent after them, but they escaped.--N. Y. Herald, March 16.
Early yesterday morning the Island Belle entered Aquia Creek, Va., near the pier and commenced shelling the battery on the hill, the battery on the water — line having been abandoned. The fire was returned from the hill-battery. No harm was done to the Island Belle, save the carrying away of a piece of joiner's work from the engine-room by a fragment of a shell. Later in the day the Anacostia and the Yankee shelled the field-battery at Boyd's Hole, and, after a lively interchange of iron compliments, which did no harm to the vessels, they both retired. The steamer Yankee visited the Navy-Yard at Washington, took on board a quantity of shell, and to-day, with the Anacostia, she proceeded to shell the rebel batteries at Aquia Creek. The enemy replied briskly with their guns, but failed to reach the Yankee, although they made several excellent line-shots. One shell struck but a short distance from the Yankee, in direct range with her wheel-house. Most of the shots were too high for the Anacostia, many of them passing over to a great distance. The heavy guns of the Yankee enabled her to lie off out of range, and drop her shells with precision into the batteries. After firing some time the Yankee and Anacostia hauled off, without being struck.
Gen. Lew. Wallace's division went to Purdy, McNair County, Tenn., burned the bridge, and took up the track, on the railroad leading from Humboldt to Corinth, Miss., cutting off a train heavily laden with troops, which arrived while the bridge was burning.--N. Y. World, March 17.
March 16.
This day Gen. Garfield defeated a body of rebels, intrenched on the summit of the Cumberland Mountains, in Eastern Tennessee. The National troops, numbering six hundred men, detailed in about equal numbers from the Forty-second and Fortieth Ohio, and Twenty-second Kentucky regiments and McLaughlin's cavalry, left their camp on the fourteenth, destined for Pound Gap. That point was reached to-day after a march of thirty-seven miles, performed in something less than two days. The enemy were taken by surprise, dislodged from their stronghold, and driven routed and discomfited from the field. The entire camp, with its equipage, consisting of numerous log — huts, canvas tents, subsistence stores, wagons, and all the trappings of camplife, together with some three hundred squirrelrifies, fell into the hands of the Unionists. In the absence of means of transportation, all but what the troops could carry on their backs was submitted to the flames. It was a brilliant success, and the entire detachment returned without loss or damage to a man.--(Doc. 96.)
This day a battalion of the Fourth Illinois regiment had a skirmish with a squadron of rebel cavalry, near Pittsburgh Landing, resulting in the defeat of the latter with some loss. Four of the Nationals were wounded.--The bark Glen, which had been blockaded in the harbor of Beaufort, N. C., for some time, was set on fire by the rebels, and completely destroyed.
The Nashville (Tenn.) Times suspended publication, owing to the restriction of its “independence” by Gov. Andrew Johnson.--N. Y. Times, March 28.
Gen. Wright, Commander of the Department of the Pacific, instituted martial law in San Francisco, and issued an order dated February second, by which Major Hiram Leonard, of the United States Army, is appointed Provost-Marshal.--N. Y. Herald, March 28.
March 17.
The United States gunboat Cimerone, was launched at Bordentown, N. J., this day. She was built by Capt. D. S. Mershon.--N. Y. Tribune.
The United States Senate confirmed the following nominations for brigadier-generals of volunteers: Major William F. Barry, chief of artillery, attached to Gen. McClellan's staff; Willis A. Gorman of Minnesota; Col. Schuyler Hamilton; Thomas L. Price, member of Congress from Missouri; Major James N. Palmer, Fifth cavalry; Lieut.-Col. Wm. H. Emory, Sixth cavalry; Major Andrew J. Smith, Fifth cavalry; Marcena L. Patrick of New York; Isaac F. Quinby of New York; Orris S. Ferry of Connecticut; Hiram G. Berry of Maine. The following brigade-surgeons, all of Pennsylvania, were confirmed: James D. Shawbridge, R. B. McKay, George L. Kemble, J. H. Taylor, George L. Pancoast, C. F. [62] H. Campbell, F. H. Gross, Washington J. Dufee.--A petition was presented from citizens of New York, asking Congress to stop the agitation of the slavery question, and attend to the restoration of the Union.
March 18.
Jefferson Davis sent a message into the rebel Congress, recommending that all the rebel prisoners who had been put on parole by the United States Government, be released from the obligation of their parole, so as to bear arms in defence of the rebel government. Of this message the Richmond Examiner said:
The recommendation was urged as a retaliation for the infamous and reckless breach of good faith on the part of the Northern Government, with regard to the exchange of prisoners, and was accompanied by the exposure of this perfidy in a lengthy correspondence conducted by the War Department. We have been enabled to extract the points of this interesting correspondence. It appears from the correspondence that, at the time permission was asked by the Northern Government for Messrs. Fish and Ames to visit their prisoners within the jurisdiction of the South, our government, while denying this permission, sought to improve the opportunity by concerting a settled plan for the exchange of prisoners. For the execution of this purpose, Messrs. Conrad and Seddon were deputed by our government as Commissioners to meet those of the Northern Government under a flag of truce at Norfolk. Subsequently, a letter from Gen. Wool was addressed to Gen. Huger, informing him that he (Gen. Wool) had full authority to settle any terms for the exchange of prisoners, and asking an interview on the subject. Gen. Howell Cobb was then appointed by the government to mediate with Gen. Wool, and to settle a permanent plan for the exchange of prisoners during the war. The adjustment was considered to have been satisfactorily made. It was agreed that the prisoners of war in the hands of each government should be exchanged, man for man, the officers being assimilated as to rank, etc., that our privateersmen should be exchanged on the footing of prisoners of war; that any surplus remaining on either side, after these exchanges, should be released, and that hereafter, during the whole continuance of the war, prisoners taken on either side should be paroled. In carrying out this agreement, our government has released some three hundred prisoners above those exchanged by the North, the balance in the competing numbers of prisoners in the hands of the two governments being so much in our favor. At the time, however, of sending North the hostages we had retained for our privateersmen, Gen. Cobb had reason to suspect the good faith of the Northern Government, and telegraphed in time to intercept the release of a portion of these hostages, (among then Col. Corcoran,) who were en route from points further South than Richmond to go North under a flag of truce to Norfolk. A number of these hostages, however, had already been exchanged. It now appears that, in contravention of the solemn agreement of the Northern Government, not one of our privateermen have been released, and the Fort Donelson prisoners, instead of being paroled, have been taken into the interior, where they are still confined. As a judgment upon this open and shameless perfidy of the North, it is proposed that our prisoners, who have been paroled by the Yankees, shall be released from their obligations. There is as little doubt of the honor of such a proposition as there is of its justice and meetness as a retaliatory measure for an act of flagrant perfidy.--Richmond Examiner, March 19.
The rebel steamer Nashville escaped from the harbor of Beaufort, N. C., this night, evading the National blockading vessels by superior speed.--(Doc. 97.)
A short time since, anticipating rebel movements in Texas County, Missouri, Gen. Halleck ordered five companies of troops and two light steel six-pounders, mounted on two wheels and drawn by two horses, under Col. Wood, to repair to that vicinity. Finding no enemy there, Col. Wood pushed on to Salem, Fulton County, Arkansas, where he encountered a largely superior force of rebels, and after a sharp fight routed them, killing about one hundred and taking many prisoners, among whom were three colonels. The National loss was about twenty-five.--(Doc. 98.)
The ship Emily St. Pierre, was this day captured off Charleston, S. C., by the vessels of the United States blockading fleet. She had a full cargo of gunnies, and was ostensibly bound to St. John's, New Brunswick. She showed no colors, nor was any national ensign found on board. A few moments before she was boarded they were observed to throw over the stern a small package, which immediately sunk.
[63] To-day Gen. Sickles ordered a portion of the First regiment, Excelsior brigade, under the command of Col. Dwight, to reconnoitre the position of the enemy's forces between Dumfries and Fredericksburgh, Va. His skirmishers, after marching to a place four miles in the interior, suddenly came upon a force of rebel cavalry, who were put to flight. When within a short distance of Fredericksburgh, a camp of the enemy was discovered, said to number one thousand three hundred infantry and artillery. The force of Col. Dwight being inadequate to make an assault upon them, fearing he might be cut off, he marched toward Dumfriers. On the way the force examined a barn where some rebel cavalry were seen to emerge, and found it filled with choice commissary stores, to which the soldiers helped themselves. On the march from Dumfries to Shipping Point, within five miles of the latter place, a large camp was discovered, containing many good log houses and tents. Articles of furniture were also found, such as sofas, bedsteads, mirrors, cushioned arm-chairs, officers' trunks, messchests, and a variety of articles for camp use, which lay scattered in every direction. The soldiers of Col. Dwight's force came in at Shipping Point loaded down with commissary stores or articles in the shape of trinkets. One prisoner was captured, who said he belonged to a North-Carolina regiment stationed at Aquia Creek.--N. Y. Times, March 20.
Aquia Creek, Va., was evacuated by the rebels to-night. Previous to their retreat they burned the wharves and buildings of the town.
A New military department, to be called the Middle Department, and to consist of the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, and the counties of Cecil, Hartford, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel, in Maryland, was created. Major-Gen. Dix, was assigned the command, his headquarters at Baltimore.
Near New Madrid, Mo., Gen. Pope allowed a rebel gunboat to approach within fifty yards of a masked battery, and then sunk her, killing fifteen of those on board. He had previously allowed five rebel steamers to pass on toward the town, and they are now between his batteries, unable to escape.--N. Y. Tribune, March 22.
March 19.
The bridge-builders captured by Morgan's party, on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, having been released, returned this evening to Louisville, Ky.
At New Orleans, Gen. Lovell, C. S. A., issued the following order:
Hereafter no exemptions from military duty will be allowed permanently, except in the case of minors or persons physically unable to do service. Applications for the release of those engaged upon work for the government must be made to this department in the form of certificates from the owners or foremen of the shops, when an order will be issued to the commanding officer of the camp to which the applicant belongs to grant a furlough of a certain number of days, which can only be renewed by a subsequent certificate and order from these headquarters.--New Orleans Delta, April 4.
The Ninety-seventh regiment of New York Volunteers, under the command of Col. Charles Wheelock, passed through New York City for the seat of war. Col. Wheelock, a wealthy and influential resident of Oneida County, who undertook the task of organizing the regiment, expended upward of nine thousand dollars out of his own pocket towards the support of the families of the men and for the advancement of the organization.--N. Y. Tribune, March 22.
March 20.
Gov. Curtin issued a general order complimenting the Fifty-first regiment of Pennsylvania for gallantry at Roanoke and Newbern, N. C., at the latter engagement storming the enemy's batteries at the point of the bayonet, and ordering the names of these battles to be inscribed on their colors. The regiment is commanded by Col. Hartrauft, and mainly composed of those who left Bull Run before the battle. They were the first to plant the flag at Newbern, and seem determined to recover their lost fame.--N. Y. Herald, March 22.
The One Hundred and Fourth regiment of New York volunteers, under the command of Col. John Roorbach, left Albany for the seat of war. This regiment was organized by the consolidation of seven companies which were recruited in Genesee, and three companies in Troy, and numbers about nine hundred and fifty men, who are well uniformed, and give every indication of being a hardy set of fellows.--N. Y. Tribune, March 22.
Seventy-seven citizens of Loudon County, Va., accused of loyalty to the Federal Government, were sent to Richmond on the central cars, [64] and committed to one of the military prisons.--Lynchburgh Virginian.
A meeting of loyal citizens was held at Jacksonville, Fla., at which a declaration of rights and a protest and resolutions were unanimously adopted to the following effect: That no State has a constitutional right to separate from the United States. That the act of secession adopted by the State Convention of Florida is void, being in conflict with the Constitution and never having been submitted to the people for ratification. That Florida is an integral part of the United States, subject to constitutional jurisdiction, and it is believed that thousands of her citizens hail with joy the restoration of the Government, bringing deliverance from the terrors of an unrestrained military despotism. They protested against all the acts and ordinances of the convention, as depriving them of their rights as citizens of the United States; against the despotism which denied freedom of speech and of the press; against the contributions of money, property, and labor and military enlistments forced upon them; against the tyranny which demands the abandoment of their homes and property, and the exposure of their wives and children to sickness, destitution, and famine, and untold miseries; against the barbarous policy which sends brutal soldiers to pillage and burn property and destroy life as a punishment for remaining in their homes; and against the government who threatens to hang them because they will not tamely submit to such indignities. Having been released from such dangers and indignities, and restored to the Government of the United States, and the reign of terror having passed, it now becomes them as loyal citizens to rise up and state that the State and Government demands that a convention of all loyal citizens be called forthwith to organize a State Government of the State of Florida. Also that the Chief of the Military Department of the United States be requested to retain sufficient force to maintain order and protect the people in their persons and property.--(Doc. 100.)
The United States gunboat Juniata was launched at Philadelphia, Pa., this day.
Six citizens of Sangamon County, Ill., were arrested by order of Gen. Halleck, and sent to Alton, to be placed in close confinement, for aiding the escape of rebel prisoners from Camp Butler.--Cincinnati Gazette, March 22.
Gen. Sherman issued a proclamation to the people of Florida, in which he stated that the troops of the United States had come to protect loyal citizens and their property, and enable them to resuscitate their government. All loyal people who return or remain at their homes, in the quiet pursuit of their lawful avocations, shall be protected in all their constitutional rights. The sole desire and intention of the Government was to maintain the integrity of the Constitution and laws, and reclaim the States revolted from the national allegiance to their former prosperous condition. He expresses great satisfaction at the evidence of loyalty, and recommends the citizens to assemble in their cities and towns and proscribe and throw off the sham government forced upon them, and swear true fidelity and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, organize a State government, and elect officers in the good old ways of the past. When this is done, he predicts a return of prosperous and happy times, immunity from want and suffering, and the enjoyment of honest labor, and the sweets of happy homes, and the consolation of living under wise and salutary laws, due only to an industrious and law-abiding people.
March 21.
Yesterday an expedition was sent out to the vicinity of Indian Creek, west of Keitsville, Mo. Capt. Stevens, with fifty-two men, and one of his mountain howitzers, were accompanied by thirteen home-guards. On the route, he was informed that a rebel force was to rendezvous at the house of one Boone the next night. Capt. Stevens approached the house early in the morning, and captured nine rebels who were in the house. Eight more, who arrived soon after, were also taken in. The prisoners thus taken, seventeen in number, who were all carried into the Union camp, include three rebel captains, to wit: James W. Bullard, George R. McMinn, and Jasper Moore. The men were all armed, and the arms fell into the hands of the Nationals. About one thousand pounds of bacon, which had been collected at the house for the use of the rebel army, was also taken possession of by the Union troops.--St. Louis Republican.
Commodore Du Pont, having received from the Mayor and inhabitants of St. Augustine, Fla., an invitation to take possession of that place, several gunboats, with the battalion of marines, proceeded down and came to off the harbor, where they found that Com. Rodgers, of the Wabash, [65] had taken quiet possession of the place, with his marines and some volunteer soldiers, under Gen. Sherman. The volunteers had possession of the fort, and the marine-guard were quartered in the town.--(Doc. 101.)
Two new military departments were constituted by the President; the first, called the Department of the Gulf, which comprises all the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, west of Pensacola harbor, and so much of the Gulf States as might be occupied by the forces under Major-Gen. B. F. Butler, United States Volunteers; the headquarters to be wherever the General commanding was. The other was denominated the Department of the South, comprising the States of South-Carolina, Georgia and Florida, with the expedition and forces under Brig.-General T. W. Sherman, to be under the command of Gen. David Hunter.
Secretary Welles, of the United States Navy Department, made the following acknowledgment of services rendered by Lieut. George U. Morris, and the men of the Cumberland:
Sir: In the calamitous assault of the armed steamer Merrimac upon the sloop Cumberland, and frigate Congress, on the ninth inst., which were comparatively helpless, the Department has had occasion to admire the courage and determination of yourself and the officers and men associated with you, who, under the most disastrous and appalling circumstances, boldly fought your formidable assailant, exposed, as you were, to an opponent secure in his armor, while attacking the Cumberland. To your honor, and that of those associated with you, the guns were coolly manned, loaded and discharged, while the vessel was in a sinking condition, and your good ship went down with the flag at the gaff, and its brave defenders proved themselves worthy of the renown which has immortalized the American navy. The gallant service of yourself and the brave men of the Cumberland, on the occasion, is justly appreciated by a grateful country, and the Department, in behalf of the Government, desires to thank you and them for the heroism displayed, and the fidelity with which the flag was defended.
At a meeting of the cashiers of the Associated Banks of Baltimore, to-day, all the Banks being represented, the following resolution was unanimously adopted, namely: “Resolved, That United States Demand Treasury Notes shall be received by the Associated Banks of Baltimore, on and after Saturday, the twenty-second inst., without limit, on deposit.”
This day a boat-fight took place at Mosquito Inlet, Florida, in which Lieut. Commanding T. A. Budd, and Acting Master Mather, together with three sailors of the United States Navy, were killed.--(Doc. 102.)
The Norfolk Day Book of this day complains that drunkenness is frightfully on the increase in Virginia. It firmly denounces the officers and soldiers, but censures the civilians less harshly. Here is a portion of its remarks:
whisky — whisky — whisky.--In the cars, at the shanties, at the groceries, in village taverns and city hotels — whisky. Officers with gold lace wound in astonishing involutions upon their arms, private soldiers in simple homespun, and civilians in broadcloth, all seem to drink whisky with persistent energy and perseverance. They drink it, too, in quantities which would astonish the nerves of a cast-iron lamp-post, and of a quantity which would destroy the digestive organs of the ostrich. Truth is often unpleasant to tell, but the public safety demands that the vice in question should be rebuked and reformed; for it is a fact which the press should neither palliate nor conceal, that whisky which is no more akin to rye than rye is to coffee — whisky which is of the unadulterated tangle--first chain-lightning distillation is guzzled down in a manner alike revolting to public decency and the general good.
Washington, N. C., was occupied by the National forces under Gen. Burnside. The Unionists landed from their gunboats, and, headed by a band of music, marched through the town, playing Hail Columbia, and waving the Stars and Stripes at a lively rate. The few people who had remained in the place since the fall of Newbern, received them with marked coolness. Their music and their banners wholly failed to arouse any of that Union feeling which Marble Nash Taylor collected several thousand dollars in New York to set free, so they left without disturbing either persons or property.--Petersburgh Express ( Va.), March 27.
March 22.
At Nashville, Tenn., Andrew Johnson delivered an eloquent and impressive address, on political affairs. There was nothing new in the remarks of the Governor, he merely dwelling upon the Northern views of the war, its origin and purposes; but he was listened to by many men, secessionists in sentiment, but former political [66] friends of the Governor, who cannot fail to be influenced by his honesty.
Yesterday a National reconnoissance in force was made from Camp Cumberland Ford to Cumberland Gap by infantry, cavalry and artillery. On arriving within one and a half miles of the Gap, an advance guard was thrown out, which came in contact with the rebel pickets and drove them in. A few shots were exchanged without loss. The forces encamped last night, building the fires out of range of the enemy's guns. Considerable snow fell during the night. Shortly after day this morning, firing commenced with skirmishes from the Unionists, to which the enemy responded from rifle-pits, now and then throwing a shell The artillery was then brought into the field, some timber cut, and firing began in earnest. During the day the battery, Capt. Wetmore's, fired about one hundred and fifty shots, while the rebels fired some two hundred, very few of that number reaching the position of the Union forces. No one was injured on the National side, nor was it known that any injury was done to the rebels, the distance being so great.--Louisville Democrat, March 29.
A Union meeting was held in Fairfax Court-House, Va., this day. Speeches were made by Charles H. Upton, J. C. Underwood, and others. Resolutions were adopted expressing thanks to President Lincoln and Secretary Seward for their sagacity and wisdom in managing our domestic and foreign affairs, and appealing to Gov. Pierpont to order an early election for county officers.
The Senate of Massachusetts to-day unanimously passed resolutions eulogizing Lieut.-Col. Merritt, Adjutant Stearns, and other lamented men of Massachusetts, who fell at the battle of Newbern.
A skirmish occurred between a detachment of the Sixth Kansas regiment and Quantrell's band, near Independence, Mo. The latter were routed with seven killed. The Unionists lost one killed, and captured eleven prisoners and twenty horses. The rebels killed two of the Unionists, and burned the bridge over the Little Blue River.
A scouting party from the New York Sixty-first regiment, while passing down the railroad from Manassas toward Warrenton, Va., were fired upon by a party of cavalry, supposed to belong to Stuart's regiment. Upon making a demonstration toward the assailants, the rebels fled in great haste. It was undoubtedly their intention to pick off a man or two; but they were fortunately beyond range, and thus failed in their object.--N. Y. Herald, March 26.
The Newbern (N. C.) Progress made its appearance to-day under new auspices, and altogether new management, with the following salutary tory:
We come before the people of North-Carolina an earnest advocate of that glorious Union which her patriotic ancestry so nobly aided to cement and establish. The Progress has been heretofore one of the most virulent and bitter opposers to the Government in the South, and its former proprietor, not satiated with treason already committed, has filled his cup of bitterness by openly taking up arms against the Union which so long fostered and nourished him.The Progress is edited by George Mills Joy, and is published by E. L. Davenport & Co.
March 23.
The battle of Winchester, Va., was fought this day. Yesterday afternoon the rebels, consisting of five hundred of Ashby's cavalry and two guns, drove in the National pickets, and then skirmished with the Michigan cavalry and a portion of the Maryland First. Gen. Shields then brought up his forces and fired rounds of shell, drove them back, and took several prisoners. He was wounded in the arm by the first fire of the enemy. The Nationals slept on their arms at night. This morning, at sunrise, Jackson, being reenforced, attacked Gen. Shields near Kearnstown. The enemy's force consisted of five hundred cavalry, five thousand infantry, and nine pieces of artillery, with a reserve of eighteen pieces. The fight was continued until noon, when a charge, made by one regiment of infantry and two of cavalry, on their right, drove them back half a mile, when they got their guns in position again in a dense wood, flanked by infantry, and drove the Union forces back. A short artillery duel ensued, when Gen. Shields ordered Col. Tyler to turn their left flank, which was executed with great loss, the enemy being protected by a stone-ledge. The Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania and Thirteenth Indiana charged their centre and the fight became general, with great massacre on both sides. Col. Murray, of the Eighty-fourth Penn sylvania, was killed. The enemy retired slowly, bringing their guns to bear at every opportunity. The Nationals rushed forward with yells, when a panic occurred among the enemy, and troops followed [67] and drove them till dark, capturing three guns, three caissons, muskets, equipments, etc., innumerable, and bivouacked on the field. Gen. Williams, First brigade, Col. Donnelly, of the Twenty-eighth New York, commanding, reenforced Gen. Shields's forces. Gen. Banks, who was on the way to Washington when the battle occurred, returned and assumed command. In the mean time, Gen. Shields's division, commanded by Col. Kimball, pursued the enemy beyond Newton, shelling them the whole distance. Jackson's men were perfectly demoralized and could not be rallied. They threw overboard the dead and wounded to lighten the wagons. They confessed a loss of eight hundred and sixty-nine killed, wounded and missing. The National forces lost one hundred and fifteen killed and four hundred and fifty wounded.--(Doc. 103.)
This morning the schooner Cora, prize to the United States gunboat Pinola, Lieut. Crosby commanding, arrived at Key West, Fla. The Cora was captured on the sixth inst., about one hundred miles south of Apalachicola, from which port she had escaped two days before, and is loaded with two hundred and eight bales of cotton. There was a most exciting chase before she was taken. Several shells were fired at her, and not until they burst between her masts did she condescend to heave to. She was commanded by Robert May, an Apalachicola pilot, and was brought here by Acting Master's Mate D. C. Kells, of the United States brig Bohio, who was prizemaster of the schooner Eugenia Smith, and on his way as passenger on board the Pinola to rejoin his vessel when the Cora was captured.--National Intelligencer.
The bodies of Col. Slocum, Major Ballou, and Capt. Tower, all of Pawtucket, R. I., recovered from the battle-field near Manassas, were placed on the cars this afternoon for transportation to Rhode Island.--(Doc. 104.)
The new Cabinet of President Davis was confirmed by the rebel Senate this morning, as follows:
| Secretary of State, | J. P. Benjamin, La. |
| Secretary of War, | Geo. W. Randolph, Va. |
| Secretary of the Navy, | S. R. Mallory, Fla. |
| Secretary of the Treasury, | C. G. Memminger, S. C. |
| Attorney-General, | Thomas H. Watts. |
| Postmaster-General, | Mr. Reagan, Texas. |
President Davis declared martial law over the counties of Elizabeth City, York, Warwick, Gloucester, and Matthews.--Norfolk Day Book, March 24.
Three hundred privates and fifty-eight officers, the first detachment of prisoners taken at Pea Ridge, arrived at St. Louis, Mo.
This day Gen. Parke's brigade of Gen. Burnside's division, took possession of Morehead City, N. C., finding it evacuated by the inhabitants. Lieut. Flagler, ordnance officer, and a member of Gen. Parke's staff, crossed over to Fort Macon, a distance of two miles across Rogue's Sound, with a flag of truce, and demanded a surrender. A considerable parley took place, in which the folly of the rebels attempting to hold out was set before them. The Fort was occupied by some five hundred secession troops, which were in command of Lieut. Smith. Lieut. Flagler assured them of the ample means at the disposal of the Nationals to reduce the Fort. and deprecated the sacrifice of life which it would occasion. Lieut. Smith persisting in his refusal to surrender, Gen. Burnside at once commenced the operations of investment.--N. Y. Commercial, April 3.
A National force was sent to Nicholas Landing, sixty miles south of Savannah, Tenn., which seized fifteen hundred pounds of fresh pork and forty-five thousand pounds of cured hams and shoulders. For a long time this had been the mart for the pork business for the rebels.--N. Y. Commercial, March 29.
March 24.
At Jacksonville, Fla., a meeting of the citizens was held, at which resolutions were passed declaring their repugnance to secession, and inviting the citizens of the State to return to their allegiance to the United States.--(Doc. 106.)
Postmaster-General Blair issued the following notice to the Postmasters of the United States: The Secretary of War now regulates the transmission of information by telegraph, affecting the conduct of the war, in order to prevent the communication of such information to the rebels. It is also thought necessary by the Secretary to put restrictions on the publication of facts of this character, however derived, and the aid of this department is requested for this purpose. You will, therefore, notify publishers not to publish any fact which has been excluded from the telegraph, and that a disregard of this order will subject the paper to be excluded from the mails.
At Cincinnati, Ohio, to-night, Wendell [68] Phillips attempted to lecture. He commenced avowing himself an abolitionist and disunionist. Persons in the galleries then hissed, yelled, and threw eggs and stones at him, some hitting him. The hissing was kept up some time. Finally he made himself heard, and proceeded until something again objectionable was said, and again eggs were thrown, hitting him. He persevered, and a third time was heard and a third time stoned and egged. The crowd now moved downstairs, crying “Put him out,” “Tar and feather him,” and giving groans for the “nigger, Wendell Phillips.” They proceeded down the middle aisle toward the stage, and were met by Phillips's friends. Here a fight ensued amidst the greatest confusion, ladies screaming and crying, jumping on chairs, and falling in all directions. During the fight Phillips was taken off the stage by his friends.--Cincinnati Commercial.
In the United States Senate the joint resolution in favor of affording pecuniary aid for the emancipation of slaves was taken up, and opposed by Mr. Saulsbury, of Delaware. Mr. Davis, of Kentucky, offered a substitute, declaring slavery to be exclusively within the jurisdiction of the people of the several States, yet that when any State determines to emancipate its slaves the Federal Government should pay a reasonable price for the slaves and the cost of colonizing them. The subject was then laid aside, and the bill to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia was taken up. The question was taken on Mr. Davis's amendment, to colonize the slaves, and resulted in a tie vote. The Vice-President voted in the negative, and the amendment was rejected. A debate on the merits of the bill then ensued, which was continued until the adjournment.
An engagement occurred between the gun-boats Tyler and Lexington and a masked battery in the vicinity of Eastport, Tenn. The gunboats fired fifty shots. The Tyler's smoke-stack was struck once. The effect on the enemy's works was not ascertained.--N. Y. Commercial, March 29.
This morning two boats' crews from the United States steamer Yankee landed at Shipping Point, Va., to remove the guns left by the rebels, but while so engaged a body of rebel cavalry, said to be the Dumfries cavalry, numbering one thousand five hundred men, made their appearance on the hill, and the men pulled off, after securing two guns, one a nine-inch Dahlgren and the other a long thirty-two-pounder, both smooth-bore, which were found to be double-shotted. The Yankee fell out into the stream, on the appearance of the enemy, and turned her guns upon them, but they retired and kept out of range.--Washington Star, March 28.
March 25.
Washington, North-Carolina, wa visited by the United States steamer Louisiana under the command of Lieut. A. Murray, who reported “that underlying an apparent acquiescence of the people of the town and neighborhood in permitting the building of gunboats and the construction of batteries to repel the approach of the Federal forces, was a deep-rooted affection for the old Union.” --(Doc. 107.)
Two hundred and thirty rebel prisoners, captured at the battle of Winchester, Va., arrived at Baltimore, Md., this afternoon, and were provided with quarters in the north wing of the new city jail. They are all Virginians, with the exception of five or six Baltimoreans, who left before the war broke out. One of the prisoners, on reaching the quarters, threw up his hat and exclaimed: “Thank God, I am in the United States once more!” Others congratulated themselves at the prospect of getting something good to eat, which they admitted they had not had for some time.--N. Y. Times, March 26.
This day the National gunboats Seminole, Wyandotte, and Norwich, under the command of Capt. Gillis, senior officer, proceeded up Wilmington River, Ga., and upon arriving within a mile of the Skidaway batteries, dispersed the rebel cavalry stationed there by shell, and then destroyed the batteries. The rebel force fled, leaving everything behind them, even their dinners. Captain Gillis landed and hoisted the American flag on the ramparts. Another flag was hoisted over the rebel headquarters by Acting-Master Steele. The rebel batteries were entirely destroyed, but the dwellings were spared. The dwellings were afterwards burned by the rebels. The batteries mounted ten guns, and were well built.--(Doc. 108).
Gov. Johnson directed a letter to the officials of Nashville, Tenn., requiring them to take the oath of allegiance, but the Common Council, by a vote of sixteen to one, refused to do so. The sixteen declined on the score that it was never contemplated that that they should take such oath. The one who voted ay, said he would subscribe to the oath, but immediately resign.--Nashville Patriot.
[69]
March 26.
Gen. Curtis, in command of the Army of the South-west, this day issued the following emancipation order: Charles Morton, Hamilton Kennedy, and Alexander Lewis, colored men, formerly slaves, employed in the rebel service, and taken as contraband of war, are hereby confiscated, and, not being needed for the public service, are permitted to pass the pickets of this command northward, without let or hindrance, and are forever emancipated from the service of masters who allowed them to aid in their efforts to break up the Government and the laws of our country.--National Intelligencer, April 3.
A spirited skirmish took place at the town of Warrensburgh, Mo., between Quantrell's guerrilla followers and a detachment of Col. Phillips's Missouri regiment, under the command of Major Emery Foster. Quantrell unexpectedly approached the town with two hundred men, and made a furious attack on the Union troops, who were only sixty in number. The latter made a gallant defence, and having the protection of a thick plank fence around their position, they succeeded, after an obstinate conflict, in repulsing the guerrillas, and driving them beyond the limits of the town. In the action Major Emery Foster, in command, and Capt. Foster, his brother, were wounded, one private was killed, one mortally wounded, since dead, and nine non-commissioned officers and privates were wounded. The rebels sustained a loss of nine men killed and seventeen wounded, and twenty of them lost their horses, which fell into the hands of Foster's men.--Chicago Journal, March 29.
This night a band of from five to eight hundred rebels attacked four companies of State militia, at Humonsville, Polk County, Mo. They were completely defeated, with a loss of fifteen killed and a large number wounded. The National loss was none killed, but a number wounded. Among the latter were Captains Stockton and Cosgrove, severely.
A slight skirmish took place this evening, at McMinnville, Tenn., between a party of Ohio cavalry under the command of Capt. Hastings, and a body of rebels under Capts. McHenry and Bledsloe, in which the latter were compelled to retreat.--(Doc. 109.)
March 27.
At Burlington, N. J., Rev. Samuel Aaron, a Baptist preacher, of Mount Holly, attempted to deliver an Abolition lecture, this evening. He commenced his remarks by denouncing the present Administration and avowing himself against the manner in which the war was conducted. At this the crowd began to hiss him, and storm him with rotten eggs. The ladies in the audience got frightened at these proceedings, and the excitement of the crowd rose to fever-heat, and there were angry cries of “Kill him,” “Tar and feather him,” etc. The Mayor of the city was present, and tried to stop the excitement, but did not succeed in doing so. Finally the gentleman withdrew and was taken away from the hall by his friends.--N. Y. Commercial, March 28.
The Petersburgh Express of this date, says that wood has become as scarce in that city as good coffee, and appeals to the farmers and railroads to relieve the distress. Brooms are pronounced a luxury, and the growing of broom-corn is earnestly recommended. So scarce has leather become, that hickory splits are recommended as a substitute in harnesses. In view of the scarcity of lead, merchants and others having old teachests, are recommended to bring them out for the lead they contain. “There is also,” says the Express, “a large quantity of lead on the various iron railings about the city, which the owners could spare.”
The Board of Provost-Marshals of New Or-leans, consisting of N. Trefaguier, H. M. Spofford, Cyprien Dufour, H. D. Ogden, Victor Burthe, and Pierre Soule, by special order prohibited “the traffic in gold and silver against the notes of the confederate States of America,” and also declared that all traffic in paper currency, tending to create distrust in the public mind, or otherwise to produce embarrassment, should be held as acts of hostility against the government, and would be dealt with summarily.--New Orleans Delta, April 4.
Ashby's cavalry, with a battery of four guns. appeared near Strasburgh, Va., and threw several shells into the Union camp, killing one man and wounding another. His position was such as prevented his being cut off. The Union guns, however, soon routed the enemy--Gen. Banks reconnoitred all positions within five miles of his camp, returning after dark.--Baltimore American, March 29.
The National troops from General Hooker's command are removing the guns from the abandoned rebel batteries on the Lower Potomac, the gunboats Yankee and Wyandank being actively [70] employed in this service. Large numbers of negroes from the Virginia side are pouring into Gen. Hooker's camp since the rebels left that line of defence.--New York Herald, March 27.
A reconnoissance was made from Newport News, Va., as far as Big Bethel, where the rebels were discovered to be posted to the number of onet housand five hundred. Upon the approach of the National troops, they vacated the place without showing fight, and Big Bethel was occupied by the Union soldiers.--(Doc. 110.)
Two squadrons of the First New Jersey cavalry, under command of Col. Wyndham, surrounded a party of rebel Texas Rangers near Dumfries, Va., twelve miles below the Occoquan. A few shots were fired on both sides without injury, except that one of the Nationals was slightly wounded in the wrist. Ten prisoners were taken and carried to Washington. The National troops captured a number of wagons loaded with wheat, but owing to the want of horses, were enabled to bring off only four of them.
The Petersburgh, Va., Gazette of this date, complains that Gen. Burnside occupies “the palatial residence of the President of the Bank of Commerce;” that Gen. Foster “has taken possession of another handsome dwelling,” while Gen. Reno “occupies the Bank of Newbern.” It is charged that the Unionists are “plundering the country for miles around.”
March 28.
This day Morgan's rebel cavalry captured a train on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Col. Curran Pope, of Kentucky, was taken prisoner, with a few other Union officers. The locomotive was run into a ditch and the cars destroyed.
A fight took place this day at Apache Canon, eighty miles from Union and twenty miles from Santa Fe, New Mexico, between the Nationals under Major Chivington, Capts. Lewis and Wynkoop, and a party of Texans. Three battalions advanced to the cañon when the pickets reported no enemy in sight. The command then advanced, when shots were fired at them by the Texans, who were in ambush, and succeeded in killing four privates. The Unionists under Slough, rushed on them, killing twenty or thirty Texans, wounding many of them, and taking seven prisoners, four officers, and three privates. Major Chivington's command went ahead and surprised the Texan pickets, taking sixty-seven prisoners and sixty-four provision-wagons. A plan of action was determined upon — to meet the enemy in front, and flank them at the same time. About twelve o'clock, the action became general, the Nationals doing wonders. The battery under Capt. Ritter, and also the howitzer-battery under Lieut. Claflin, dispersed the Texans with terrible effect. The fight lasted until four o'clock, when flags of truce were interchanged, to bury the dead and care for the wounded The enemy had about two thousand men and one six-pounder. The Nationals had one thousand three hundred men and one six and one twelve-pounder and four howitzers. The enemy lost their entire train (sixty-four wagons and provisions) and two hundred and thirty mules; about one hundred and fifty killed, two hundred wounded, and ninety-three taken prisoners, among whom are thirteen officers. Some of the latter held commissions in the volunteer corps of the Territory. Capt. Cook was wounded. His heaviest injury was sustained by his horse falling down and bruising his ankle. Lieut. Marshall, of Cook's company, shot himself while trying to break one of the Texan guns lying in the field after the battle. Lieut. Chambers was wounded severely, and afterward died. Lieut. Baker and Lieut. P. McGrath, were also killed.--Denver News, Extra, April 9.
Col. Kennett's cavalry, accompanied by seventy-five mounted men from Loomis's battery, returned to Murfreesboroa, Tenn., from an expedition through the country for many miles south and southeast of that place. During the expedition they penetrated as far as Shelbyville and Talahome. Between these places they fell in with about three hundred of Wood's rebel cavalry, who, as soon as they saw the troops, charged boldly down through a piece of woods toward them. No sooner did Col. Kennett's men perceive the enemy coming, thinking them in good earnest, they drew out in battle array, and advanced rapidly to meet them. But before they got within gunshot, the hearts of the rebels failed them; quickly as they could, they checked the career of their horses, turned tail and fled from the field, leaving behind them seven dead and several wounded and taken prisoners. Not a person was injured on the National side.--Cincinnati Gazette, April 5.
A detachment of the First Illinois cavalry, under Capt. Thompson, overtook a guerrilla band under Colonel Parker, about ten miles west of [71] Warrensburg, Mo. Fifteen rebels were killed and twenty-five taken prisoners. Among the latter Col. Parker and Capt. Walton. The Union loss was two killed and several wounded.
Shipping Point, Va., was occupied by the National troops. As the steamer Mount Vernon passed that place they had raised the flag of the Union, and the band was playing the “Star-Spangled Banner.” All the rebels who have been in that vicinity for some time past have left, with the exception of two or three roaming companies of cavalry.--N. Y. Evening Post, March 29.
The steam sloop-of-war Canandaigua, was launched this day at the navy-yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts.
The following State prisoners were to-day released by the commission relating to State prisoners: J. Barrett Cohen, O. Norris Bryan, A. J. Mitchell, and Wm. B. Bryan, on their giving their written parole. F. P. Ellis was discharged on taking the oath of allegiance. E. P. Bryan, H. A. Stewart, P. W. Carper, and W. J. Raisin were recommitted.
A resolution was introduced in the Massachusetts Legislature, instructing the Committee on Federal Relations to consider the expediency of addressing to the President of the United States, a memorial asking for the immediate trial of General Stone, then in military confinement. The resolution was opposed on the ground that such interference was uncalled for; though the speakers expressed the hope that General Stone would speedily have a trial, which common justice demanded. The resolution was rejected almost unanimously.
A reconnoissance was made by the National forces beyond Warrenton Junction, Va. A, body of the enemy's cavalry retreated as the troops advanced, and burned the bridge over the Rappahannock. There was some slight skirmishing, but no loss of life or any wounded of the Unionists.
March 29.
This day, Col. Geary's advance encountered three hundred of Stuart's and White's rebel cavalry, and a force of rebel infantry, at Middleburg, Va. He marched from Philomont in the morning, and drove in the rebel pickets outside of Middleburg,1 when he entered the town, and discovered the infantry in retreat, and the cavalry posted to make a stand. A gun was placed to command the main street, and the Twenty-eighth regiment advanced by all the approaches to the town, while the main body rushed through it with bayonets fixed, and on a “double-quick,” driving the enemy before them. The rebels made a halt in a hollow beyond the town, evidently manoeuvring to draw out the Michigan cavalry in pursuit, so their infantry might flank them. Companies of the Twenty-eighth now opened on them from behind stone fences, with their rifles, when the cavalry dashed off precipitately. A gun of the Twenty-eighth, in the centre of the town, was brought to bear upon them, and drove them from a thicket two miles distant, every shell exploding in the woods. The charge through the town was fraught with great excitement. Knapsacks were thrown aside in the street as the men rushed forward. Over-coats and blankets lined the sides of the road. Stores were speedily closed, women screamed, horses dashed forward. Everything was excitement, but in good order. Col. Geary pushed on at the head, and at one time was within two hundred yards of the rebel cavalry.--Philadelphia Inquirer.
Gen. Fremont, at Wheeling, Va., issued an order, assigning Brig.-Gen. Kelley to the command of “all of Western Virginia north and east of the counties of Jackson, Roane, Calhoun, Braxton, Lewis, Barbour and Tucker inclusive, and west of the Alleghanies, Maryland and Pennsylvania, constituting the Railroad District”
Henry W. Bellows, D. D., delivered at Irving Hall, New York, this evening, a conversational lecture, detailing the experience of a three days visit to the battle-field of Bull Run and Manassas. He exhibited a number of trophies secured on the spot, including rebel letters, arms and equipments, and the skull and bone of a Union soldier, picked up from the spot where they had been inhumanly left exposed.
A New military department, called the Middle Department, was created, consisting of the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, the eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia, and the Counties of Cecil, Harford, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel, in Maryland, to be commanded by Major-Gen. Dix, with headquarters at Baltimore.
This afternoon a detachment of Stuart's Virginia cavalry made a dash at the residence of [72] a Union lady, named Tennant, who lived about a mile and a half from Difficult Creek, and about six miles from the Chain Bridge, above Washing. ton, D. C. While engaged in ransacking and pillaging the residence of Mrs. Tennant, they were discovered by a portion of Col. Bayard's Pennsylvania cavalry, who at once charged down upon them, when quite a smart engagement ensued, which resulted in the hasty flight of the rebel cavalry, but not before they had secured Mrs. Tennant and her daughter, whom they conveyed away in Mr. Tennant's buggy, into which they had previously harnessed the horse for that purpose. The only casualty to Col. Bayard's cavalry, in the skirmish, was the wounding of one soldier, who was conveyed to Washington. The loss of the rebels could not be ascertained.--Baltimore American, March 31.
March 30.
At Pensacola, Fla., Colonel T. M. Jones, commander at that place, issued the following:
For the information of all concerned: There are certain lounging, worthless people, white as well as colored, who frequent Pensacola and vicinity, and have no observable occupation. Their intentions may be honest; but the colone commanding does not believe it, and as he has no use for their presence, they are warned to leave, or the consequence must rest on their own heads. The gallows is erected in Pensacola, and will be in constant use on and after the third of April, 1862. The town is under complete martial law.
Lieut. Drake De Kay, aid to Gen. Mansfield, at Newport News, Va., started on a small trip up the James River, accompanied by some of the Twenty--ninth Massachusetts regiment. When some eight or nine miles from camp, on going round a bend in the river, he came suddenly upon a boat containing five secessionists, named John Moore and son, John Parker, W. Burnham, (constable for a number of years in Warwick,) and W. T. Wilburn. The whole party belonged to Warwick, and had been supplying the secession army along the James River with rations. Their boat was loaded with flour, fish, tobacco, eggs, whisky, etc. The whole cargo was confiscated, and the rebel crew imprisoned.--Philadelphia Inquirer.
March 31.
General Hunter, having arrived at Port Royal, S. C., assumed the command of the Department of the South, consisting of the States of South-Carolina, Georgia and Florida.--(Doc. 111.)
Col. Buford, of the Twenty-seventh Illinois, accompanied by his regiment, the Forty-second Illinois, the Douglas Brigade, Col. Roberts, and four hundred of the Fifteenth Wiconsin, Col. Heg, (Scandinavian,) all from Island No.10, and two companies of the Second Illinois cavalry, Colonel Hogg, and a detachment of artillery, the last two from Hickman, Ky., made a reconnoissance in force and descent upon Union City, Tenn; and after a forced march of twenty-four hours, discovered a large force of rebel cavalry and infantry, under the notorious Clay King. The cavalry dashed into the place at a furious rate. The utmost consternation seized the rebels, and they fled in every direction. Several of them were killed, and about one hundred taken prisoners; one hundred and fifty horses were captured, a large amount of forage and spoils, and several secession flags. The National forces returned to Hickman after destroying the tents and other property they could not carry away.--Chicago Times.
The One Hundred and Fifth regiment of New York Volunteers, under the command of Col. James M. Fuller, left Rochester for the seat of war.--N. Y. Commercial, April 1.
A very large meeting of citizens of New England, resident in New York, was held At the Fifth Avenue Hotel, this evening, with a view to make some arrangements to provide for proper attention to the wounded soldiers passing through the city on their return from the battle-field.
