May
May 1.
The battle of Port Gibson, Miss., was fought this day, between the National forces, under Major-General Grant, and the rebels, under General John S. Bowen.--(Doc. 180.)
A fight took place at Monticello, Ky., between a force of five thousand Nationals, under the command of General Samuel P. Carter, and the rebels, commanded by Colonel Morrison, resulting in the defeat of the latter.--(Doc. 181.)
The Committee of Thirteen, appointed at the last session of the rebel Congress to “collect and report outrages on persons and property committed by the public enemy in violation of the rules of civilized warfare,” reported in part, and asked leave to continue their labors.--See Supplement.
The schooner Wanderer, while endeavoring to run the blockade of Wilmington, N. C., was captured by the National steamer Sacramento.
A skirmish took place near La Grange, Arkansas, between a detachment of the Third Iowa cavalry, under the command of Captain J. Q. A. Do Huff, and a strong force of rebel cavalry, resulting [70] in a retreat of the Unionists, with a loss of forty-one of their number in killed, wounded, and missing.
A fight took place at the South-Quay bridge, on the river Nansemond, Va., between a detachment of the New York Ninety-ninth regiment, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Richard Nixon, and a strong force of rebels, terminating, after an obstinate and bloody contest of more than two hours duration, in a retreat of the rebels with great loss. The Ninety-ninth had forty-one men killed and wounded.
Colonel Montgomery, with a detachment of two hundred and fifty negro troops, left Beaufort, S. C., on a reconnoitring expedition up the Combahee River.
May 2.
The battle of Chancellorsville, or the “Wilderness,” Va., between the Union forces, under Major-General Hooker, and the rebels, under Gen. Lee, commenced this day.--(Doc. 183.)
After repulsing the rebel force under General Marmaduke, at Cape Girardeau, on the twenty-sixth ultimo, General McNeil, with a much inferior force, immediately started in pursuit, and chasing them from point to point, finally came up with them to-day at Chalk Bluff, on the St. Francois, and drove them across the river into Arkansas, thus ending Marmaduke's rebel raid into Missouri.--(Doc. 177.)
The Union cavalry force, under Colonel Grierson, arrived at Baton Rouge, La., to-day, after a raid of fifteen days through the State of Mississippi. They had several skirmishes with parties of rebels, defeating them at every encounter; they destroyed bridges, camps, equipages, etc.; swam several rivers, captured a number of prisoners and horses, and obtained a large amount of important information concerning the rebel resources.--(Doc. 170.)
A reconnoissance in force was this day made to the river Nansemond, Va., by a large body of Union troops, under the command of General Getty, supported by the gunboat Smith Briggs. The rebels were discovered in strong force, and an artillery fight was kept up all day, but without any material results.
May 3.
A force of Union troops, numbering about one thousand five hundred men, which left Nashville, Tenn., on the eleventh ultimo, under the command of Colonel A. D. Streight, on a raid into Alabama and Georgia, was this day captured in the vicinity of Gadsden, Ala., after successfully resisting the enemy in a series of skirmishes along his march, by a body of rebel troops, under the command of General Forrest.--(Doc. 173.)
The battle of Chancellorsville, Va., was renewed at daylight this morning, and, after severe fighting until noon, the Nationals were obliged to fall back from their position, when hostilities, in a great measure, ceased for the day.--(Doc. 183.)
The Catholic Bishop of Iowa, in a sermon at Dubuque, pointedly denounced the Knights of the Golden Circle, stating that he would give the members of the church who had joined the organization, two weeks to leave it, and then, if they still continued in it, they might consider themselves excommunicated.--The British schooner Emma Amelia was captured at St. Andrew's Bay, Fla., by the National bark Roebuck.--Grand Gulf, Miss., was abandoned at daylight this morning, the rebels blowing up the magazines and spiking their guns. Soon after the evacuation the place was entered by the National forces, under Admiral D. D. Porter.--(Doc. 184.)
A short fight occurred near Warrenton Junction, Va., between a party of General Stahel's cavalry, under Colonel De Forest, and Mosby's rebel guerrillas, resulting in the rout of the latter with great loss.--(Doc. 185.)
The ship Sea Lark, in latitude 24° south, longitude 29° west, was captured and burned by the rebel privateer Alabama.
Colonel Montgomery, in command of a detachment of negro troops, returned to Beaufort, S. C., after a three days raid up the Combahee River. During that time he encountered and dispersed several squads of rebel guerrillas, destroyed the town of Asheppo by fire, burned and otherwise destroyed property to the amount of two millions of dollars, belonging to rebel planters along the river, and captured nearly eight hundred slaves, all of whom he carried with him to Beaufort.
May 4.
Captain Howard Dwight, of General Andrew's staff, was killed near Washington, La., after having surrendered to a party of rebel scouts. General Banks at once ordered the arrest of one hundred white men nearest the place of assassination, to be held until further orders,--The sloop Empress, from Nassau, N. P., for Wihnington, N. C., was captured by the United States steamer Chocura.--The schooner Jupiter, bound to Mobile, Ala., was captured by the gunboat [71] Colorado.-The Ninth regiment of New York volunteers (Hawkins's Zouaves) returned to New York from the seat of war in Eastern Virginia.--Captain Smith of the Second California volunteers, attacked a party of hostile Indians fifty miles south of Shell Creek, killing five of them and routing the rest.--The battle in the vicinity of Fredericksburgh, Va., was continued this day, the rebels succeeding in recovering nearly all the defences back of the town.--(Doc. 183.)
May 5.
Clement C. Vallandigham was arrested at his residence in Dayton, Ohio, this morning, by a detachment of soldiers sent from Cincinnati by order of General Burnside.--The Third New York cavalry, on an expedition to Pettie's Mills, twenty-seven miles from Newbern, N. C., captured an entire rebel company, together with their camp, horses, and equipments, without loss to the National side.-Fort de Russey, situated on the Red River, about eight miles from its mouth, was occupied by the National forces under the command of Admiral Porter--(Doc. 187.)
John J. Pettus, rebel Governor of Mississippi, issued a proclamation calling on every man in the State, capable of bearing arms, to take the field, “for united effort in expelling the enemy from the soil of Mississippi.”
May 6.
The army of the Potomac, under the command of Major-General Hooker, was with-drawn from Fredericksburgh to the north bank of the Rappahannock River. General Hooker issued an address to the army, congratulating them on their achievements during the last seven days.--Alexandria, Miss., was occupied without resistance by the National forces under the command of Admiral D. D. Porter.--(Doc. 187.)
A fight took place between a National force under the command of Colonel Cornyn, encamped near Tupelo, Miss., and a body of rebel cavalry under General Ruggles, terminating, after a desperate conflict of half an hour's duration, in the flight of the latter, leaving behind them a great number of arms, equipments, and ninety of their number as prisoners.
The steamer Eugenia was captured by the gunboat R. R. Cuyler, off Mobile, Ala.--Disloyal citizens were sent South from Nashville, Tenn. Among them was Neill S. Brown, formerly Governor of that State.
May 7.
The English steamer Cherokee, while endeavoring to run the blockade out of Charleston, S. C., was captured by the National gunboat Canandaigua.--A portion of the Fourth army corps, under the command of Major-General Keyes, reached West-Point, Va., this day, when a reconnoissance towards White House was ordered. After the command had proceeded a few miles from town, the detachment of company F, of the Sixth New York cavalry, was fired on by a party of ambushed rebels, killing two of the horses. The reconnoissance was continued to White House, and on the route Lieutenant Estes, aid to General Kilpatrick, and fifteen men who were made prisoners by the rebels near Fredericksburgh, were rescued.--General Robert E. Lee, the rebel commander at Fredericksburgh, issued an order to his army, “expressing his sense of the heroic conduct displayed by officers and men during the arduous operations” in which they had been engaged.
Colonel Kilpatrick, with his regiment, the Harris Light cavalry, and a portion of the Twelfth Illinois cavalry, belonging to the expedition of General Stoneman, arrived at Gloucester Point, Va.--(Doc. 188.)
May 8.
President Lincoln issued a proclamation preliminary to the enforcement of the “act for enrolling and calling out the National forces, and for other purposes,” defining the position and obligations of inchoate citizens under that law.--(Doc. 189.)
The Nevada Union of this date assured its readers that there were active Southern guerrillas at work in Tulare County, California! and Los Angeles was, in every thing but form, a colony of the confederate States, where an avowal of loyalty was attended with personal danger. “We are no alarmist; but in view of the condition of affairs, and the large immigration thither, composed largely of secession sympathizers, we again warn Union men that they cannot be too wide awake nor too hasty in organization. We have now before us a late copy of The Red Bluff Indspendent, in which is given an account of a frustrated attempt on the part of secessionists to capture Fort Crook in the northern part of California. The parties to whom was intrusted the carrying out of the rebel enterprise, approached a citizen of that section, offering ample inducements for him to engage in the attempt, stating to him the plans and intentions of the secessionists, which were to capture the fort with its arms and ammunition — which, by the way, could have been easily accomplished at that time by a dozen [72] men — and use it as a rendezvous for guerrillas. They struck the wrong man, and the consequence was, that information of their movements was conveyed to the fort, and the parties were arrested, and are now in irons at the fort, awaiting the order of General Wright.”
Secretary E. M. Stanton sent the following despatch to the Governor of Pennsylvania: “The President and the General-in-Chief have just returned from the army of the Potomac. The principal operations of General Hooker failed, but there has been no serious disaster to the organization and efficiency of the army. It is now occupying its former position on the Rappahannock, having recrossed the river without any loss in the movement. Not more than one third of General Hooker's force was enaged. General Stoneman's operations have been a brilliant success. Part of his force advanced to within two miles of Richmond, and the enemy's communications have been cut in every direction. The army of the Potomac will speedily resume offensive operations.”
The ship Crazy Jane, was captured in Tampa Bay, Fla., by the gunboat Tahoma.--Earl Van Dorn, the rebel General, was shot and instantly killed this day by Dr. Peters, of Maury County, Tenn.
To-night, a fleet of National gunboats and mortar-schooners, commenced the attack on the rebel batteries at Port Hudson, Miss.
May 9.
The Charleston Mercury of this date published an article advocating the following plan suggested by the Jackson Appeal:
How to meet the enemy.--The Northern vandals have invaded our State, not to confront our armies and decide the chances of war in pitched battles, but they have come to rob and steal, to plunder, to burn, and to starve to death our women and children. Under such circumstances we should meet them as we would meet the savage, the highwayman, or the wild beast of the forest. Partisan bands should lie in wait for them on the roadside, in fence-corners, and behind trees; and, in short, they should be hunted down in any and every way that can be made efficient and effectual until the State is relieved of their presence. Not observing the rules of civilized warfare themselves, they cannot expect its observance from us. We need more Colonel Blythes in the woods all over the State. A dozen well-directed shots from the bush will at any time put a brigade to flight, and this is the most sure and certain method of putting a stop to the marauding expeditions that are from time to time sent out through the country. In Colonel Blythe's district or field of operations it has proved most efficacious in holding the enemy at bay, and we hope to see the plan put more extensively in practice. A big scare, occasioned by a brisk fire from a chapparal, is often more potent than would be half a dozen regiments of organized troops in the field.
To-night the bombardment of the rebel works at Port Hudson was renewed, and continued for an hour, but the rebels made no reply.
The Second Indiana cavalry, under the command of Colonel E. M. McCook, made a scout near Stone River, Tenn., visiting the “haunt” of every guerrilla in that vicinity. They succeeded in capturing eight rebels, beside twenty horses belonging to the guerrilla band.--The schooner Sea Lion, from Mobile to Havana, with a cargo of cotton, was captured by the National frigate Colorado.
May 10.
General Thomas Jonathan Jackson, commonly known as “Stonewall” Jackson; of the rebel army, died at Guinness Station, Va., from the effects of the amputation of his arm, and an attack of pneumonia which followed it.
Brigadier-General Davidson prohibited in the Department of Missouri, the sale or distribution of the Freeman's Journal of New York, the New York Caucasian, the Columbus (Ohio) Crisis, the Democratic Journal of Jerseyville, the Chicago Times, and the Dubuque Herald.
The National gunboats Owasco, Lieutenant Commanding John Madigan, and Katahdin, Lieutenant Commanding P. C. Johnson, after a chase of twenty miles succeeded in beaching the blockade runner, West-Florida, on Galveston Island, Texas.
The anniversary of the capture of Camp Jackson, Mo., was celebrated this day. Speeches were made by Charles D. Drake, C. P. Johnson, Major George P. Strong, and others.--Missouri Democrat.
Early this morning the attack by the National fleet of mortar-schooners and gunboats on the rebel batteries at Port Hudson was renewed. This time the batteries replied to the fire of the fleet; but, after a bombardment of three hours duration, they were completely silenced.
May 11.
A fight took place in the vicinity of [73] Greasy Creek, Ky., between a force of National troops under the command of Col. R. T. Jacob, and a large body of rebel cavalry under General John H. Morgan, terminating, after a desperate contest of seven hours duration, in which the rebels had nearly one hundred of their number killed and wounded, in a retreat of the Unionists with a loss of twenty-five killed and wounded.--Louisville Journal.
Crystal Springs, Miss., on the New Orleans and Jackson Railroad, was entered and burned to-day by a party of National cavalry.
May 12.
A force of National troops under the command of Colonel Davis, First Texas cavalry, left Sevieck's Ferry, on the Amite River, La., on an expedition along the Jackson Railroad. They struck the railroad at Hammond Station, where they cut the telegraph and burned the bridge.--New Orleans Era.
A party of sixty mounted rebels were encountered at a point between Woodburn and Franklin, Ky., by a detachment of Union troops, who defeated them and put them to flight.
S. L. Phelps, commanding the Tennessee division of the Mississippi squadron, took on board his gunboats fifty-five men and horses of the First Western Tennessee cavalry, under the command of Colonel W. K. M. Breckinridge, and landed them on the east side of the Tennessee River, sending the gunboats to cover all the landings above and below. Colonel Breckinridge dashed across the country to Linden, and surprised a rebel force more than twice his number, capturing Lieutenant-Colonel Frierson, one captain, one surgeon, four lieutenants, thirty rebel soldiers, ten conscripts, fifty horses, two army wagons, arms, etc. The court-house, which was the rebel depot, was burned, with a quantity of army supplies. The enemy lost three killed. The Nationals lost no men, but had one horse killed. Colonel Breckinridge, after this exploit, reached the vessel in safety, and recrossed the river.--Com. Phelps's Despatch.
The battle of Raymond, Miss., was fought this day, between the rebels under General Gregg, and the Union troops commanded by General McPherson.--(Doc. 190.)
May 13.
The expeditionary force under Colonel Davis, encountered a party of rebel guerrillas and Choctaw Indians at Pontchatoula, La., whom, after a brief skirmish, he dispersed, taking seventeen of the Choctaws prisoners. Colonel Davis afterward destroyed the rebel camp at Pontchatoula.--New Orleans Era.
The English schooner Sea Bird was captured by the gunboat De Soto.--A skirmish took place at South-Union, Ky., between a party of rebels who fired upon a train and the Union guard, resulting in the defeat of the guerrillas, with considerable loss.--The schooners A. J. Hoge and Wonder were captured this day, the former at Mobile Bay, and the latter near Port Royal, S. C.
Yazoo City, Miss., was this day captured by a fleet of Union gunboats, under the command of Lieutenant Walker. The rebel troops had evacuated the place, but not before destroying three rams that were being constructed in their navy-yard. Every thing of value in the navy-yard, and also a saw-mill, were destroyed by Lieutenant Walker. Altogether, the property destroyed was worth to the rebels, more than two millions of dollars.--Lieut. Com. Walker's Report.
May 14.
Jackson, Miss., was captured by the National forces belonging to the army of General Grant, after a fight of over three hours. General Joseph E. Johnston was in command of the rebels, who retreated toward the north.-(Doc. 191.)
To-day a detachment of the National expeditionary force under Colonel Davis, destroyed the tannery, grist, and saw-mill, together with a steam-engine, at Hammond Station, on the Jackson Railroad, La.--New Orleans Era.
A scouting-party of National troops, sent out from Fairfax Court-House, Va., encountered a small force of the Black Horse cavalry, at the house of Mr. Masilla, five miles beyond Warrenton Junction, when a skirmish ensued, resulting in the dispersion of the rebels, the death of Mr. Masilla, and the wounding of several other rebels. The Nationals had three wounded.--New York Tribune.
May 15.
A fight took place in the vicinity of Camp Moore, La., between the expeditionary force under the command of Colonel Davis, and a body of rebel troops, resulting in a rout of the latter with great slaughter. After the fight, Colonel Davis advanced on Camp Moore, which he burned, together with the railroad depot and bridge, and a great quantity of property.--New Orleans Era.
William Corbin and T. P. Graw, found guilty of enlisting for the rebel service within the National lines, were executed at Johnson's Island, near Sandusky, Ohio.--The rebel schooner Royal [74] Yacht, was captured by the bark W. G. Anderson.--The rebels captured two small steamboats in the Dismal Swamp Canal, N. C.--The ship Crown Point, in latitude 7° south, longitude 34° west, was captured and burned by the rebel privateer Florida.
Several desperate infantry fights took place to-day in the vicinity of Carrsville and Suffolk, Va., between the National forces under the command of General Peck, and large bodies of reel troops, in which both parties suffered severely, without gaining any material advantage.
May 16.
Last night a company of United States cavalry was surprised and captured at Charlestown, Jefferson County, Va. Major-General Schenck, on being informed by telegraph of the disaster, immediately ordered General Milroy to send out a force to intercept and attack the rebels, and to-day he received the following despatch from General Milroy, announcing the result: “The Federal cavalry captured at Charlestown were recaptured by detachments of Virginia and Pennsylvania cavalry, under Captain Vitt, this afternoon, about three o'clock, at Piedmont Station, in Fauquier County. We also captured forty rebels and a corresponding number of horses. Two rebels were killed. I regret to add that we lost Captain Vitt and one sergeant. Our cavalry recaptured one Federal lieutenant, and fifty privates, and their horses. Major Adams, of the First New York cavalry, who arrived after the recapture, is still in pursuit of the rebels. The Virginia and Pennsylvania cavalry, who made the recapture, were sent out by me yesterday.”
The United States steamer Monticello, captured the schooner Odd Fellow, off Little River Inlet, N. C.--At Bradyville Pike, in the vicinity of Cripple Creek, Tenn., General Palmer, accompanied by an escort of twenty-five men, and sixty men from the Middle Tennessee Union cavalry, made a sabre-charge on a detachment of the Third Georgia regiment, numbering eighty-five men, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson. The rebels had no sabres, but fought desperately for a few moments. The Union force killed several of the enemy and brought in eighteen prisoners, among them Captains M. C. Edwards and Willis, the latter of the Third Georgia cavalry, and dangerously wounded.--Cincinnati Commercial.
The battle of Champion Hill, or Baker's Creek, Miss., was fought by the Nationals, under General Grant, and the rebels, under General Pemberton, in which the latter was compelled to fall back behind the Big Black River.--(Doc. 192.)
A reconnoitring party of the First New York mounted rifle regiment, under the command of Major Patton, were attacked in the vicinity of Suffolk, Va., by a large body of rebel cavalry and routed with considerable loss.
Sixteen men of the First New York cavalry, under the command of Lieutenant Vermillion, attacked a party of twenty-two rebel soldiers, at Berry's Ferry, Va., and killed two, wounded five, and captured ten of them.
The rebel government steamer Cuba, was destroyed by the National gunboat De Soto, Captain W. W. Walker, in the Gulf of Mexico, off Mobile harbor, Ala.--Captain Walker's Report.
At daylight this morning the National army, under General Grant, moved on from Champion Hill to the Big Black River, Miss., where a battle was fought with the rebels, under Pemberton, and they were again defeated and driven into their intrenchments around Vicksburgh with great loss of men and munitions of war.--(Doc. 193.)
Jackson, Miss., was evacuated by the National forces, belonging to the army of General Grant.
The schooner Isabel, attempting to run the blockade at Mobile, was run ashore close under the walls of Fort Morgan, and Master's Mate Dyer, of the R. R. Cuyler, was sent with boats, either to bring her off or burn her. They were just in time to capture sixteen men, being her crew and some passengers. Finding it impossible to get the schooner off, he set fire to her and then pulled for his own ship. By this time the alarm had been given and the rebels in the fort were on the alert. Mr. Dyer, finding that the schooner did not break out in a blaze, as he expected, turned back toward the fort, and effectually did his work.--The rebel schooner Ripple, was captured by the National gunboat Kanawha, blockading the port of Pensacola, Fla.--Rebel guerrillas visited Burning Springs, Wirt County, Va., where they burned oil-works and committed other depredations.
Yesterday a company of the First New York cavalry having been captured at Charlestown, Va., by a gang of guerrillas, under the leadership of Captain Mosby, the regiment left Berrysville to-day, under the command of Major Adams, in pursuit of the rebels. They were overtaken at Berry's [75] Ford, on the Rappahannock, and, after a brief skirmish, the rebels were completely routed and the prisoners recaptured.
May 17.
No entry for May 17, 1863.May 18.
In England, in the House of Lords, the Marquis of Clanricarde moved for copies of any reports from British consular or diplomatic agents in the United States respecting the decisions or proceedings of the Federal prize courts. The Marquis accused President Lincoln's Cabinet of having acted unfairly and illegally toward British shipping, and said it was absolutely necessary for Her Majesty's government to take more action than it had hitherto done in defence of the rights of English ship-owners. Earl Russell, in reply, stated that every complaint made by the owners of vessels seized by Federal cruisers had been duly considered, and that the law officers of the crown had decided that no objection could so far be fairly established against the proceedings of the United States prize courts. The Earl took advantage of the opportunity to deny the statement that the British government had connived at the construction and escape of the confederate cruiser Alabama, and to repeat the assurance that England had no desire to interfere unfairly in the dispute between the North and South. Lord Derby expressed approval of Earl Russell's speech, and the Marquis of Clanricarde, being satisfied with the discussion, withdrew the motion.
To-day a party of twenty-two white men, of the Second Kansas artillery, and thirty-two negro soldiers, under the command of Major R. G. Ward, on a foraging expedition near Sherwood, Mo., were attacked by a gang of two hundred rebel guerrillas, under the leadership of Colonel Livingston. Under the inspiration of Major Ward, the Union party rallied together and fought desperately, falling back until the survivors reached their camp, six miles from the place where the fight commenced. Of the white men, two were killed, four wounded, and two were taken prisoners, twelve escaping. Fifteen of the colored troops were killed, two captured, and fifteen escaped, all but one of whom were wounded.
Haines's Bluff, on the Yazoo River, having been evacuated by the rebels, was occupied by the National forces, under Admiral Porter.--(Doc. 194.)
A serious mistake occurred at a point between Carrsville and Deserted House, Va., in which two bodies of National troops fired into each other, and killed three men and wounded four, belonging to the One Hundred and Seventieth regiment of New York volunteers.
May 19.
The rebel schooner Mississippi, from Mobile, Ala., to Havana, with a cargo of cotton and turpentine, was captured by the gunboat De Soto.--The National cavalry, under General Milroy, had a skirmish with the rebels, at a point six miles from Winchester, Va., in which they killed six and captured seven prisoners.--Richmond, Clay County, Mo., was captured, together with the National force occupying it, by a band of rebel guerrillas, after a severe fight, in which two officers of the Twenty-fifth Missouri regiment were killed. A lieutenant belonging to the captured party was shot after the surrender.--The Spanish steamer Union, was captured by the National gunboat Nashville.
May 20.
On Sunday last, the seventeenth, the National pickets stationed on the road between Fayetteville and Raleigh, Va., were attacked and surrounded by a force of rebels, but, after a short fight they escaped all but one, the skirmishing continuing until noon, when the National pickets were driven in. Yesterday the attack was renewed and kept up until to-day, when the rebels were repulsed with slight loss.--(Doc. 195.)
Colonel William A. Phillips, commanding the Indian brigade, had a severe fight with the rebels, belonging to the army of General Price, near Fort Gibson, Ark. The rebels crossed the Arkansas River, near the fort, when they were attacked by Colonel Phillips and driven back, with a loss of one major and several men killed.--(Doc. 196.)
The steamships Margaret and Jessie, the Annie and the Kate, arrived at Charleston, S. C., from Nassau, with “valuable cargoes,” having run the blockade.--The schooner Sea Bird was captured and burned by the rebels, while aground at the mouth of the Neuse River, N. C.--The steamer Eagle, having just left the harbor of Nassau, N. P., with a cargo intended for the rebels, was captured by the National gunboat Octorora.--Charleston Courier.
May 21.
A band of guerrillas who day before yesterday plundered the town of Richmond, Mo., this day visited Plattsburgh, in the same State, and carried off eleven thousand dollars belonging to the State, beside committing other depredations.
The Mobile Register of this date said: “We are informed by the Mayor that the British subjects [76] residing in Mobile have formed a company, known as the British Consular Guards, commanded by F. J. Helton, Captain, and have offered their services to the Mayor to aid in the preservation of the good order of the city in case of insurrection, invasion, inundation, devastation by fire, or any other duty not inconsistent with the retaining of their original nationality.”
Last night a large steamer was discovered by the gunboat Powhatan, coming out of Charleston by the North channel. She was fired at repeatedly, and finally driven back; but before she reached the bar again the Powhatan's fire, and that of two or three other blockaders that had slipped their cables and come up, was so heavy and well-directed that the Anglo-rebel was bored through and through and sunk in about eight fathoms of water. Nothing but her topmasts were visible this morning at daylight. She was a very large steamer, loaded with an immense cargo of cotton and tobacco. Her name was not ascertained, nor the fate of her officers and crew.--An expedition of National troops composed of levies from Massachusetts, New York, and Maine, left Bemis's Landing, La., this morning at daybreak.--(Doc. 197.)
Vicksburgh, Miss., was completely invested by the National forces under Major-General Grant. The rebels sent out a flag of truce offering to surrender the place and all their arms and munitions of war, if they would be allowed to pass out. The offer was refused.--William Robe, a citizen of Morgan County, Ind., was shot while at work in his field, by a man named Bailey. Robe had been instrumental in collecting evidence against the Knights of the Golden Circle.
The Twelfth regiment of New York volunteers returned to Syracuse from the seat of war.--A rebel camp near Middleton, Tenn., was attacked and broken up by a party of National troops under the command of General Stanley.--(Doc. 198.)
The citizens of Richmond, Va., were organized for the defence of the city, and officers were appointed by General George W. Randolph, assisted by a select committee of the City Council. The people of Manchester, on the opposite bank of the James River, were invited to cooperate in the movement.--Richmond Examiner.
May 22.
A brief skirmish took place near Middleton, Tenn., between a detachment of the One Hundred and Third Illinois, with a company of Tennessee Unionists, and a scouting-party of eighteen men of the Second Mississippi rebel regiment, under the command of Captain S. Street, terminating in the capture of eleven rebels, six of whom were badly wounded, and the escape of the rest.
A force of Union troops under the command of Colonel J. Kilpatrick, returned to-day to Gloucester Point, after a raid into Gloucester and Mathew counties, Va., in conjunction with the gunboat Commodore Morris, Lieutenant Commanding Gillis, and a transport, in the North and East Rivers. The parties were absent two days, during which time they captured a large number of horses, mules, and cattle; five mills filled to their utmost capacity with flour and grain, were burned, and a large quantity of corn and wheat collected in storehouses, was also destroyed.
The Bureau for colored troops was established in the department of the Adjutant-General of the army of the United States.--A reconnoissance under Col. J. R. Jones, of the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania regiment from Newbern, N. C., was made to Gum Swamp, resulting in the surprise and capture of a large number of rebels. In the fight which occurred, Colonel Jones was killed.--(Doc. 199.)
The English schooner Handy was captured by the National gunboat Octorara.--The Baptist Missionary Union, in session at Cleveland, Ohio, adopted a series of resolutions, characterizing the war as just and holy, declaring their belief that the authors of the rebellion had inflicted the death-blow to slavery in the District of Columbia and the rebel States; believing the war to be completely successful, and exhorting the Union to sustain the Administration by its prayers, influence, and personal sacrifices.
The rebel steamer Beauregard, under the command of Captain Louis M. Coxetter, successfully ran the blockade into Charleston, S. C.
The British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society held its anniversary in London this day. Lord Brougham declined to preside, “as such a course seemed to him to be inconsistent with British neutrality.” A letter from Mr. Adams, the American Minister, was read, conveying the thanks of President Lincoln for the proceedings in January last, and resolutions were adopted expressing strong sympathy with the success of the emancipation policy.--Mr. Vallandigham, from the military prison at Cincinnati, addressed [77] a letter to the Democracy of Ohio.--The legitimate business between the cities of Washington and Georgetown, D. C., being “daily and flagrantly abused,” an order was issued by the Secretary of War regulating the trade to and from those cities.--General Orders No. 141.
To-day the Union forces under General Grant made a general assault on the whole line of the rebel fortifications at Vicksburgh; but, after a desperate and most obstinate conflict of more than eight hours duration, they were repulsed at all points, and were compelled to retire discomfited.--(Doc. 200.)
May 23.
The following petition was circulated in Columbus and other portions of Ohio: “The undersigned, citizens of Franklin County, respectfully represent that the most sacred rights of citizens are guaranteed by the Constitution of our fathers. It has been violated in the arbitrary arrest, illegal trial, and inhuman imprisonment of Hon. C. L. Vallandigham. We therefore demand of the President of the United States his immediate and unconditional release.”
The rebel sloop Fashion, having on board fifty bales of cotton, was captured by a boat expedition from the National steamer Port Royal, at a point forty-five miles above Apalachicola, Fla.--Acting Master Van Slyck's Report.
May 24.
Austin, Mississippi, was visited and burned by the forces under General Ellet, commanding the ram fleet in the department of the Mississippi.--(Doc. 202.)
A wagon-train, laden with commissary stores, with an escort of thirty colored troops, under the command of a white officer, were captured near Shawnee Creek, Kansas, by a gang of rebel guerrillas.--Leavenworth Conservative.
The schooner Joe Flanner was captured while trying to run the blockade of Mobile, Ala., by the gunboat Pembina.--Major-Generals A. P. Hill and R. S. Ewell, of the rebel army, were appointed Lieutenant-Generals.--General Curtis relinquished the command of the Department of the West of the army of the United States, and General Schofield assumed it, and issued orders to that effect.
Considerable excitement existed in England regarding the depredations of the rebel privateer Alabama--the cargoes of three of the vessels captured and destroyed by her on the South-American coast being British property.
May 25.
The National forces under the command of General Michael Corcoran, were engaged in destroying the Norfolk and Petersburgh Railroads, Va.--A body of rebels crossed the Cumberland River at Fishing Creek and Hartford, Ky., but were driven back by the National troops after a brief skirmish.--An expedition from Germantown, Miss., under Colonel McCrellis, attacked a rebel force at Senatobia, and drove them south of the Tallahatchie River, with a loss of six killed and three wounded of their number.
May 26.
Colonel J. T. Wilder, with his regiment of mounted infantry, returned to Murfreesboro, Tenn., from a scout in the direction of McMinnville, in search of the rebel cavalry under the command of Colonel Breckinridge. He encountered the rebel pickets a short distance from Woodbury, and commenced an attack, which attracted the rebels in the vicinity, and they having collected, a running fight was kept up for several miles. Twelve miles west of McMinnville, the Union forces came on the camp of the rebels under Breckinridge, and after a short fight, routed them and captured nine prisoners, several horses and thirty head of cattle. Having secured the prisoners and burned the tents and baggage left by the rebel cavalry, the Nationals pushed forward, driving the enemy till within seven miles of McMinnville, when the pursuit was abandoned. On the return to Murfreesboro, the Nationals scouted the country on both flanks, and succeeded in capturing a number of rebel soldiers who were at home on furlough.--New York Times.
Colonel F. M. Cornyn, of the Tenth Missouri cavalry, left Corinth, Miss., in command of a strong force of cavalry, on a raid into Alabama.
Miss Hozier, a young woman residing a few miles from Suffolk, Va., was arrested while trying to reach Richmond. In the handle of her parasol were diagrams and papers giving in detail the character and location of all the fortifications in the vicinity of Suffolk, and the strength of the forces garrisoning them.--The Thirty-second regiment of New York volunteers, under the command of Colonel Francis E. Pinto, returned to New York.
At Sheffield, England, Mr. Roebuck made an address, in which he was very violent in his attack upon America. The meeting adopted resolutions in harmony with Mr. Roebuck's views, although a respectable minority declared in favor of non-recognition of the rebel government.
Joseph E. Brown, rebel Governor of Georgia, [78] issued the following address to the people of that State: “I have this day received a despatch from General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding the army in Mississippi, stating that he is informed that numbers of stragglers from the army are reported going East through Georgia, especially the northern part, and requesting me to have them, officers as well as men, arrested and sent back to Jackson, employing for that purpose associations of citizens as well as State troops. I therefore order the commanding officers of the State troops, and all militia officers of this State, and request all good citizens, to be vigilant and active in arresting all stragglers and deserters, whether officers or men, and when arrested, to deliver them to Colonel G. W. Lee, commanding post at Atlanta, to be by him sent to Jackson, in obedience to the orders of General Johnston. Prompt and energetic action is necessary.”
May 27.
The rebel fortifications at Port Hudson were this day attacked by the National forces under the command of General Banks, but, after a desperate conflict of eight hours duration, they were unable to reduce them. In the first charge made upon the works, Captain Callioux and Lieutenant Crowder, both colored officers, were killed.--(Doc. 201.)
The United States gunboat Cincinnati, was sunk by the rebel batteries at Vicksburgh, Miss. Lieutenant Commander Bache, gave the following report of the occurrence to Admiral Porter: “In obedience to your order, the Cincinnati got under way this morning at seven o'clock, and steamed slowly down until a little abreast of where the mortars lie. When we rounded to, the enemy fired several shots from a gun called ‘Whistling Dick,’ but soon gave it up. At half-past 8, with a full head of steam, we stood for the position assigned us. The enemy fired rapidly, and from all their batteries. When abreast of our pontoon, and rounding to, a ball entered the magazine, and she commenced sinking rapidly. Shortly after, the starboard tiller was carried away. Before and after this, the enemy fired with great accuracy, hitting us nearly every time. We were especially annoyed by plunging shots from the hills, and eight-inch rifled and ten-inch smooth-bore shots did us much damage. The shots went entirely through our protection — hay and wood. And now, finding that the vessel would sink, I ran her up-stream as near the right-hand shore as our damaged steering apparatus would permit. About ten minutes before she sank we ran close in, got out one plank, and put the wounded ashore. We also got a hawser out to make fast to a tree to hold her until she sunk. Unfortunately, the men ashore left the hawser without making it fast. The enemy were still firing, and the boat commenced drifting out. I sung out to the men to swim ashore, thinking we were in deeper water (as was reported) than we really were. I suppose about fifteen were drowned and twenty-five killed and wounded, and one probably taken prisoner. This will sum up our whole loss. The boat sunk in about three fathoms of water; she lies level and can easily be raised, but lies within range of the enemy's batteries. The vessel went down with her colors nailed to her mast, or rather to the stump of one, all three having been shot away. Our fire, until the magazine was drowned, was good, and I am satisfied did damage. We only fired at a two-gun water-battery.”
The Eleventh battery of Massachusetts volunteers, returned to Boston from the seat of war.
May 28.
The Eighth Illinois cavalry, under the command of Col. D. R. Clendenin, returned to the headquarters of the army of the Potomac, after a raid along the banks of the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers below Fredericksburgh, Va. The regiment were on the scout for eleven days, during which time they captured five hundred horses and mules, destroyed twenty thousand pounds of bacon, and a large quantity of flour; burned one hundred sloops, yawls, ferry-boats, etc., laden with contraband goods, intended for the use of the rebels, and valued at one million dollars; and brought into camp eight hundred and ten negro men, women, and children, with a great deal of “personal” property, consisting of horses, mules, carts, clothing, etc., and also one hundred rebel prisoners, several of whom were officers of the rebel army.
There was much excitement in Boston, on the occasion of the departure of the Fifty-fourth regiment, colored Massachusetts troops, for South-Carolina. This was the first negro regiment sent from the North.--A party of two hundred rebel cavalry made a descent in Kentucky, near Somerset, and captured a small number of Nationals belonging to Wolford's cavalry.--Elections in Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va., took place, resulting in the success of the Unionists.
The rebel steamer Banshee, ran the blockade of Wilmington, N. C.--Richmond Examiner.
[79] To-day a severe skirmish took place on the Little Black River, in the vicinity of Doniphan, Mo., between a force of National troops, under the command of Major Lippert, of the Thirteenth Illinois cavalry, and a numerically superior body of rebels, terminating, after a desperate contest of half an hour's duration, in the defeat of the Union force, with the loss of eighty of their number in killed, wounded, and missing.
May 29.
A detachment of the First Vermont cavalry had a skirmish near Thoroughfare Gap, Va. with a scouting-party of Stuart's cavalry, consisting of forty men, commanded by Captain Farleigh, of General Stuart's staff. The rebels fled precipitately, with the loss of one killed, two wounded, and one man taken prisoner. The Nationals had five horses wounded; but sustained no loss or casualty, with the exception of one man taken prisoner.--The Sixth regiment of Massachusetts volunteers, after two terms of service in the war, returned to Boston, where they were received with great enthusiasm.--New York Tribune.
Brigadier-General Reed returned to Lake Providence, La., from an expedition into Mississippi. Three days ago he embarked with a portion of the First Kansas volunteers, and a regiment of Louisiana colored troops. Ascending the river ten miles, the troops landed near Moon Lake, from which place they advanced into the interior, and succeeded in capturing sixty head of cattle, and a large quantity of stores belonging to the rebels.
May 30.
This morning, at about half-past 10, the rebels attacked a train of sixteen cars from Alexandria, loaded with forage, about a mile and a half from Kettle Run, toward Warrenton Junction, Va. The Third brigade, under Colonel De Forrest, was stationed at Kettle Run, and the pickets were first notified of the enemy's presence by hearing heavy firing. A force was immediately sent in the direction of the firing, but too late to save the train, which was utterly demolished, the locomotive being pierced by two six-pound cannon-balls.--(Doc. 203.)
Great excitement existed at Harper's Ferry, Md., and its vicinity, on account of the reported approach of the rebel General Lee, with a view of entering Maryland.--The Thirtieth regiment of New York volunteers, under the command of Colonel William M. Searing, returned to Albany from the seat of war.--A rebel camp near Carthage, Tenn., was surprised by a party of the Twenty-sixth Ohio regiment, who captured twenty-two prisoners, and thirty-five horses, besides destroying all the camp equipage.--Cincinnati Commercial.
A large meeting was held at Newark, N. J., “by the Democracy of that city, to express their opposition to the recent arrest and banishment of Mr. Vallandigham. There were six thousand persons present, and the sentiments uttered by the various speakers were heartily applauded.” Speeches were made by A. J. Rogers, Eli P. Norton, Judge A. R. Speer, and General Theodore Runyon.--New York Daily News.
The town of Tappahannock, on the right bank of the Rappahannock River, Va., was this day captured by four Union gunboats. A party of troops landed and carried off and destroyed a large amount of rebel stores, etc. They also captured a large quantity of personal property, and a number of negroes.
May 31.
A battle occurred in Lincoln County, Mo., between a large body of guerrillas, and the enrolled militia of the county, resulting in the defeat of the latter, with a loss of ten men.--The National gunboat Alert, lying at the navy-yard at Norfolk, Va., took fire this morning. The fire soon reaching her magazine, a shell exploded, which went through her bottom, and she sank immediately.--A cavalry reconnoissance was made from Somerset, Ky., to within four miles of Monticello, during which, sixteen rebels, with their arms and horses, were captured.
A force of Union cavalry, under the command of Colonel F. M. Cornyn, Tenth Missouri cavalry, returned to Corinth, Miss., after a successful raid into Alabama. They were absent five days, during which time, they had a fight (May twenty-seventh) with a body of rebel guerrillas, under Colonel Roddy, at Florence, Ala., routing them with considerable loss; they destroyed seven cotton factories, with all their contents, valued at one million five hundred thousand dollars; a number of steam flour-mills and sawnills, a number of blacksmiths' shops, a large number of wagons, an immense quantity of powder, and other ammunition, and a large quantity of English-manufactured arms. The bridge at Florence, and a number of houses were burned, and the Nationals returned with six hundred head of horses, mules, and oxen, one hundred prisoners, and a large number of negroes.
