Further from the North.
The details of the news from the
Northern papers, of the 20th, are highly interesting.
The Federal seem to be in trouble everywhere,
Kentucky ‘"is in danger,"’ they say
Western Virginia is very insecure, and
Pope's army is
chipped. Gen. Corcoran had arrived in
Baltimore and been publicly received by the (Federal)
Mayor of the city.
He was to address his ‘"fellow citizens of Irish birth"’ at a meeting in Monument Square, on Wednesday evening. The fact that
Gen. McClellan was the ‘"last man to cross the
Chickahominy"’ on the retreat is paraded in the
Northern papers.
Captain Wm. Clark, has been arrested in
Maryland for recruiting for the
Confederate States service.
The following account of the retreat of
McClellan is deeply interesting.
It is from the correspondence of the New York
Herald:
The correspondent dates from ‘"Headquarters, Army of the Potomac,"’ August 17th, and writes as follows:
‘
By Wednesday night all requisite arrangements were completed, and the army ready to march at short notice at any time.
Nearly all the sick had been embarked, and the rest could be disposed of in an hour's time.
In the afternoon it became known that
Gen. McClellan had gone down the river for some purpose connected with the anxiously expected movement, and it was reported and generally believed that upon his of return marching orders would be issued, and the line of march to be taken would be indicated and the suspense relieved.
The uncertainly which existed as to our destination was rather annoying to us who had to make the journey, as it might be, in the dark, not knowing what enemies we were to meet or what battles had to be fought before we were extricated from our unpleasant situation.
The weather continued to be quite cool and comfortable, and much better for marching than any which had prevailed for two or three weeks previously.
Thursday morning was pleasant and comfortable, and nothing of particular interest transpired through the day until in the afternoon, when
Gen. McClellan returned, and it was soon rumored about that the long-looked for time had arrived, and that the army would commence moving in a few hours, and that its destination was to be
Williamsburg in the first instance.
It was believed that the army would move by three roads, in order to get through more rapidly, and to be better prepared to meet any attack which the rebels should see fit to make upon our columns.
By some means the general plans intended to be pursued had become known (as events proved;) probably it not having been deemed necessary to maintain with perfect secrecy in regard to them as had hitherto been done.
At about six o'clock in the evening orders were issued to the regiments and batteries comprising
Gen. Porter's corps to prepare to move immediately.
These orders were received with cheers by the soldiers, who were rejoiced at the termination of their suspense and the prospect of a change of locality.
Many of them also believed until the very last that it was to be an advance towards
Richmond, to co-operate with
General Pope in the reduction of the rebel capital.
They could not and would not believe that after so
many sacrifices and the expenditure of so many lives, and so much time, labor and money, the campaign would be abandoned and the peninsula allowed to relapse to rebel rule again.--
They could not realized the fact that the proud Army of the Potomac, which three months before had commenced its march with such high and noble hopes and aspirations, with full ranks and joyous hearts, to wipe out the damning record of Bull Run and Ball's Bluff, was now, with decimated ranks and disheartened spirits, about to retrace its stops and return, without having accomplished its purpose. It was true that the army had fought well, and stood by their General through good report and evil report.--they had at
Yorktown,
Williamsburg,
Fair Oaks, Hanover Court-House,
Gaines's Mill,
White Oak Swamp, and
Malvern Hill, enshrined their names with a halo of glory by their dauntless courage and gallant bravery so fearlessly displayed, often against superior and sometimes overwhelming numbers; and now, that all was to be abandoned, and a retrograde movement was to be made, they utterly refused to credit.
Soon all was bushed and excitement in the camps; the tents were struck, and the wagons packed very rapidly.
So perfectly had everything been prepared that it took but a comparatively short time to have everything in readiness.
By 9 o'clock most of the regiments were all ready and waiting for marching orders, and by 10 all the preparations were made.
The division of
Gen. Sykes, which was to lead the advance, commenced its march at about that hour.
This was followed by
Gen. Morrell's and
Gen. McCall's divisions.
It was nearly three o'clock on Friday morning before all were fairly started on the march.
The night was romantic and interesting, as the long files of soldiers moved out of the entrenchments at the front and into the
Charles City road, their bayonets glittering in the moonlight as they moved silently along.
Suppressed congratulations were exchanged that we were at length actually leaving the contracted lines within which for more than six weeks the army had lived and suffered discomforts which must ever render the recollection of the place anything but pleasant or satisfactory.
We processed slowly along, and soon the signs of approaching day streaked the horizon, and in the light of early lawn we bid a last fare well to the scene of our recent uncomfortable experiences.
The air was cool and healthful, and the men generally cheerful and good natured.
We reached Charles City Court-House at about eight A. M. This is about five miles from
Harrison's Landing, and from it a road leads to Barrett's Ferry, on the
Chickahominy river, near where it empties into the
James.
To this point our day's march was intended to reach, and it was said to be twelve miles distant; but my subsequent experience would seem to indicate that it was nearer fifteen.
The Charles City Court-House, which is the seat of government of
Charles City county, is a very ancients and venerable looking, one story brick building, with two wings.
The main building was used as a Court-House, and the wings contain the jury rooms, &c. Adjoining the
Court-House is another smaller building, which contained the various county offices, and where were kept the public records of the county.
These buildings have for some time past been used as a sort of headquarters for one of our cavalry regiments on duty in that vicinity.
The records and public documents which were kept in these buildings extended back for nearly two hundred years, and must have been of very great importance to the inhabitants and property owners of the county.
These had been pulled to pieces and scattered all about the buildings and the adjoining grounds.
Great confusion must arise from this wanton destruction of valuable papers, and litigation in the future be largely increased thereby.
By such conduct friends and foes are injured indiscriminately and without any accompanying advantage to compensate for the injury inflicted.
Here also is the county jail, which I had not time to examine; and these, with two or three other buildings, appear to constitute the city.
It don't take much to make a city in the
South.
The dwelling-houses appeared to have been generally deserted by their inhabitants.
Leaving this place we moved forward slowly and cautiously, as it was thought that beyond here we might possibly meet with some trouble from the enemy.
Previous cavalry reconnaissance had shown no rebel force between us and the
Chickahominy river, but yet there was a possibility that they might attempt to annoy us even it not in force to make a serious attack.
The moving column of soldiers, artillery, army wagons and horses filled the road for miles as it moved along.--There were not many residences along the road, and some of them had been abandoned by their former occupants.
The few inhabitants who remained appeared to be very much astonished to see us passing in such force.
They pretended to have had no communication with their rebel friends or with
Richmond for a long time, and to be in complete ignorance of what had lately transpired in the outside world.
They were very anxious to know if it was a movement of our whole army or only a portion of it for some particular purpose.
Their rebel proclivities caused what their caution could not entirely disguise — the exhibition of their rejoicing at the thought that we were going away.--although they generally made professions of neutrality, and denied having any part in the war, &c. One fact is especially noticeable in this State, and I have round it almost invariably wherever I have been, and that is the absence of all young or middle-aged men. A persevering inquiry will usually disclose the fact that they are with the rebel army, although most generally their friends claim that they have been forced away under the Conscription, or volunteered to save the disgrace of having been drafted.
There are to be found on the plantations only women, old men and children.--The negroes who are able to be at any service are also mostly gone, some having been removed down
South by their masters for safety, and the balance having sought refuge within the lines of our army, where, of course, they cannot be pursued, and are thenceforth free.
This portion of the
State is fertile and productive, and has been styled the garden of
Virginia, but, owing to these causes and the disturbing influence of war, is largely lying waste and overgrown with weeds and brambles at present.--The crops gathered this year will be but small, and with the destruction caused by the presence of contending armies the inhabitants must suffer greatly, and will find difficulty in obtaining a subsistence until next year's harvest is gathered.
They are truly reaping the bitter fruits of secession, and the worst is yet to come.
In almost every household there is mourning-for near and dear ones whose lives have been sacrificed to the wicked and pestilent delusion to which, for the time being the Southerners seem to be given over.
All along the line of our march the houses were visited by stragglers from our army, of whom there will always be many, in spite of every exertion possible to prevent it. The occupants of these houses, in some instances, appeared highly indignant because guards were not stationed, as formerly, to guard their property and prevent intrusion.
They thought it extremely hard that they should be compelled to contribute towards the support of the army in any way. --Poultry and fruit rapidly disappeared, and many a soldier's mean that night could boast of a few addition.
In some instances what was taken was paid for, but in more they were in too great a hurry to rejoin their regiments to settle.
The suffers acknowledged however, that their friends of the rebel army treated them with no more regard for their vested rights; but what seemed to afflict them most severally was the thought that the hated
Yankees should have the benefit of Secesh property.
Of course this pillaging by soldiers as they pass through even an enemy's country must be condemned, and when detected and proved, must be punished for the good of the army itself, which such practices tend to demoralize; but still it is undoubtedly a severe temptation to one who has for weeks lived on salt pork and lard bread to see a young and fat fowl within close proximity to him.
Without any incidents worthy of note, the river was reached by the advance early in the afternoon, and by night the divisions of
Gen. Morell and
Gen. Sykea were crossed over to the opposite bank.--
Gen. McCall's division having taken another road, and having left the old camp subsequently to the others, did not reach there until the next forenoon.
A splendid pontoon bridge, of nearly a third of a mile in length and about thirty feet wide, had been built across the
Chickahominy by the Engineer Brigade, and upon this marched our weary soldiers, followed by the artillery and wagon train, and encamped upon the opposite shore for the night.--Near this bridge there were lying the gunboats
Delaware and
Yankee to protect it against any attempt the enemy might make to destroy it. The day's march had bee long and tiresome, but the men stood it very well.
The weather throughout the day was cool, and until 1 P. M. was overcast, so that except for the dust, the march had been pursued in comparative comfort.
In fact, up to this time the weather has been most favorable.--Had it been ordered expressly, it could-not have been bettered, except, perhaps, a little rain to lay the dust, which would have been an acceptable improvement.
The intense heat under-which we had been sweltering for weeks past has been succeeded by a cool and comfortable temperature, which has enabled us to march through the day and encamp at night, to the manifest advantage of the army as regards its health and strength.--Night marches have not been resorted to, except upon the first night, but the men have been allowed to rest and refresh themselves after their day's march, and prepare for the labors and fatigues of the succeeding day.
Saturday morning the march was resumed, and the columns moved on towards.
Williamsburg, at which place the advance arrived about 8 A. M.--
Gen. Morell's division arrived there about 1 P. M., and passed on to the vicinity of the old battle-field, where they remained encamped until Sunday morning. The day's march was without incident worthy of note.
Everything passed along peaceably.
It was now evident that the rebels were either unaware of the time when, and the direction in which, we were going, or that they had other business for their army than following us. Their experience at
White Oak. Swamp and
Malvern Hill may have taught them a lesson which they do not care to have repeated at present.
If any attack is yet intended by them, it must be upon our rear guard; but it is not though now that they will disturb us at all. This day's march witnessed a repetition of the previous onslaught upon the poultry and orchards of the secesh inhabitants by the stragglers.
As a general thing, they were civil, however, and willing to pay for what was taken, when requested to do so. Large quantities of unripe fruit and melons were devoured, which will most probably cause a material increase of cases of diarrhœa and dysentery, and refill the regimental hospitals, which had been cleared of their occupants preparatory to this movement.
There was also a very general disappearance of fowls of all kinds, and poultry has become a very common article of diet in the camp.
Many of the soldiers were seen to carry, in addition to their arms and accoutrements, extra rations in the shape of turkeys, chickens, geese and ducks, which by the noise they made, had evidently been but recently served out to them (?), and were yet in many instances alive and kicking.
Just before entering
Williamsburg, I noticed an enterprising private by the side of the read, under the shade of a large tree, with some half dozen half ripe watermelons spread out before him, which he was disposing of to his less fortunate comrades at the moderate rate of 50 cts, each.
How he became the owner of this valuable merchandize is unknown to your correspondent, but that his profits equaled the total of his receipts, I have no doubt.
He was not a native Yankee, but a Hibernlan, and one who evidently with the reckless generosity and profession characteristic of his countrymen; combined the thrift and shrewdness which is supposed to belong to the natives of the land of his adoption.
The Secessionists of
Williamsburg, as elsewhere along the route, were much rejoiced to see our army making a retrograde movement, anticipating that soon this part of the peninsula also would be surrendered to the rebel rule again.
The colored population had taken the alarm, and were very anxious to learn what the future had in store for them.
Some of the more indiscreet of the rebel sympathizers, upon learning that we were evacuating our position upon the
James river, indulged in threats of what should be done to them when the
Yankees were gone.
This increased their alarm and agitation, and the exodus of this class of the population, most of whom had been the slaves of fugitive rebel masters, has already commenced, and probably a few days will see the town relieved of nearly all of them, and but a very few will remain to experience the tender mercies of their secesh friends.
Between the action of the rebels in carrying their slaves down
South and the operation of military rule, the peninsula has been pretty well cleared of the more valuable portion of the slave property — those who are left generally being either of ancient or very tender and juvenile age, neither of which are of much profit.
Practical emancipation has taken place, and those who have not availed themselves of its benefits are of the class who are either too old, to young, or too shiftless to do so.
This morning one of the rebel sympathizers of this place, named
Robert Coles, was arrested by the order of the
Provost Marshal, and at his residence was found a quantity of ammunition and some arms.
It is stated that he was busily engaged yesterday in running bullets while our troops were passing through the town.
The avowed purpose of these preparations was to stop the departure of the contrabands after the expected withdrawal of our forces.
At an early hour this morning the march was resumed, and continued in an orderly manner until
Yorktown was reached.
There was no danger of an attack, and there did not exist the necessity for any special care in making the advance.
Nothing worthy of note occurred, and
Yorktown was reached soon in the afternoon, and the weary soldiers encamped in the old camp, made familiar to most of them by a four weeks residence during the famous slege of the rebel fortifications.
Here they remained and rested.
The marching was beginning to tell upon the men, and there were a good many stragglers who had fallen out of the ranks.--The Provost guard was constantly employed riding to and fro upon the road, hurrying them up; but in spite of their exertions they came slowly in by twos and threes, and sometimes squads.
Most of them rejoined their commands in the course of the day and evening.
The scenes of the previous two days were repeated along the route, although not to so great an extent.
It was, however, highly dangerous for poultry to show itself in any close proximity to the soldier.
Upon our arrival at
Yorktown I called upon
Gen. Van Allen, the
military Governor of the place, who received me very kindly and courteously, and to him I am indebted for favors and attentions received.
Since the occupation of the place by the
Union troops it has been much improved, and its general appearance, and clean and orderly condition, is highly creditable to him and to
Capt. Revere, of the 44th regiment. New York volunteers, the
Provost. Marshal.
When we first took possession of the place it was in a very filthy condition.
Under the direction of
Captain-
Revere it has been thoroughly cleaned, and a very large quantity of filth, offal, and decaying carcasses of animals have been removed and buried.
The main street has been filled in and raised two feet, and everything possible has been done to make the village a healthy and respectable place of residence.
The earthworks and entrenchments built by both our own and the rebel troops remain intact, and by their extent and massiveness, show with what perseverance and energy both parties contended for the possession of the locality.
The first building erected in
Yorktown for twenty-seven years is a row of five small one-story wooden buildings, built under
Capt. Revere's direction for the use of the officers, &c., connected with headquarters.
The place is fully prepared for defence against any attack which might be made upon it by the rebels, who cannot venture upon any operation of that nature.
A single gunboat would command
Gloucester Point opposite, and prevent the erection of batteries there; and any hostile demonstration from the land side must result in a speedy repulse of any force which might be brought down for that purpose.
Upon the plane, outside of the rebel works, quite an extensive baring-ground has been laid out, which already contains about three hundred graves, mostly of our soldiers who have been burled there.
When the army advanced from this point a large number of sick were left here, of whom many died.
Some bodies were also brought here from
Williamsburg and other points up the
Peninsula, and here, after ‘"life's fitful fever, they sleep well,"’ A headboard at each grave records the names regiment, and company of its occupant, so that their friends can at any time, upon inquiry, find their place of sepulture.
A near rail fence encloses the whole and protects the graves from intrusion.
’
The Exodus from Maryland.
A letter from
Fredericksburg, Va., Aug, 18th, to the
Herald, says a party went to
Port Royal, about 35 miles from there, to seize persons leaving
Maryland for the
Confederate States; It says:
‘
A darkey soon came running up to them with the information that a four horse team and an ox wagon loaded with passengers and baggage were driving down the road to the ferry.
Captain Provost marched his men up the road and having disposed them on either side awaited the approach of the vehicles.
They at length made their appearance, and at a signal the soldiers made a dash upon and captured the whole party, save three who managed to escape into the fields and woods in the neighborhood.
The persons of the men captured.--thirteen in number as well as the baggage, were overhauled, and sufficient evidence was found to show that they were recently from
Maryland and bound for Rich mond, Nine of the men were armed with revolvers, and among their effects were found a dragoon officer's coat, several gray suits of uniforms like those usually worn by the rebel troops, and a couple of cavalry jackets.
A quantity of quinine and other medicines were found in the
carpet bag and valises, with which the party was well provided.--A mall for persons in
Richmond was also among the articles discovered with them.
A recruiting descriptive list was also found, from which it is thought that some one of the party is an officer of the rebel army, and was on recruiting service in
Maryland.
Certain it is, that the names and descriptions of several of the number appear on this list.
The names of some of them are given (by the initial) in a letter which I append.
The following are the names of those captured.
They frankly admitted that they were bound for
Richmond.
A. Gires, M. E.,
Hains,
W. H. Archer,
John L. Welch,
C. R. Hodges,
W. S. Winder,
G. C. Burch,
M. Thompson,
H. Burch,
E. B. Goldsborough,
Lloyd Lownders,
Albert Mudd,
George Mudd.
One of those who escaped is
T. H. Hodgers, brother of
C. R. Hodgers, given in the above list. --These two men had documents in their possession which showed that their mission North had been to collect claims to the amount of over $3,300 against several Northern firms, particularly that of
Z. Einstein & Brothers, from the
Virginia and Merchants' Insurance companies of
Richmond.
’
Among the letters captured was one from Frank Ford, of
Baltimore, to
Elijah J. Russell, at
Richmond, in which, after enumerating many Marylanders who have left the
State, he says:
‘
Many others will start for
Virginia to morrow for the purpose of swelling the ranks of the
Southern army.
Besides' these there are hundreds and hundreds of Marylanders crossing from this place every day. Several boat loads of these noble patriots have been captured.
Among the number I regret very much to say, is our singing friend Mr. F. R. P. You will no doubt divine the cause of their going — it being to avoid the draft which
Lincoln has resorted to in order to fill his thinned ranks.
Yes, they have commenced the drafting process, and every man in
Maryland between the ages of 18 and 45 will be enrolled on the 15th of this month, and one out of every five will be drafted into the service of the
United States.
Of course the people of
Southern Maryland will not submit; consequently they are flocking to the
Southern army.
As to myself, being under 18, I am not subject to draft, and have not as yet decided upon what steps I shall take.
If pa (who is not under age.) goes South, I shall have to remain at home to take care of Fanny and
Nell; but if he does not do so, I shall go South myself.
We have been subject to all kinds of tyranny.
The oath of allegiance has been tendered to our citizens, and upon their refusal to take it have been imprisoned.
For God's sake, when will all this end?
When will
Jeff. Davis march with his victorious army into poor
Maryland, and relieve her of her almost intolerable sufferings?
We poor, down-trodden mortals look forward to that day with the highest anticipations.
With every dawn we expect to hear the welcome tread of
Jackson's glorious army, and every sunset brings bitter disappointment.
But still we hope, for God cannot surely-defer retribution much longer.
’
Rebel Admissions.
A correspondent from
Pope's army to the
Herald, says:
‘
Major Andrews,
Chief of Artillery on
General Jackson's staff, said to be a son of
Brig. Gen. Andrews, of our army, is now lying dangerously wounded at the house of
Mrs. Garnett, but a short distance from headquarters.
He was wounded early in the battle before the firing of infantry commenced.
A shell from one of our batteries struck him while he was in the act of placing in position a action of one of his own. He asserts positively — and he seems to be a man of veracity — that
Jackson had but two batteries on the field, but that they were divided into seven sections, which led us to believe that they had as many batteries.
Major Andrews admit their loss to be every heavy, and says it is quite possible it reached in killed and wounded 2,000. He compliments the
Captains of the Fourth and Sixth Maine batteries, and says their aim was terribly accurate.
A shell from
Capt. McGilva's battery, the
Fort Maine, killed
Gen. Winder while he was in the act of signaling for reinforcements.
How soon we are to advance beyond the
Rapidan and again commence offensive movements, I am not allowed to say, even if I knew, which I do not.
Gen. Pope's original plans were entirely broken up by
Jackson.
As it stands now, the battle was about a drawn game.
Pope certainly won no laurels, and
Jackson did not display his usual boldness and vigor.
It he had done so the army of Virginia would not have had an existence to day.
One of the Signal Corps, who had upon his hat the letters. S. C. went inside their camp and returned, bringing the information that many of the
Confederates he saw were clothed in the uniforms of our soldiers who had fallen.
His name is
Sergeant Gillespie.
The S. C. upon his hat we interpreted, not as the initials of the Signal Corps, but
South Carolina, and the
Confederates appeared him very familiarly with the salutation:
"How are you,
South Carolina?
Well, a gave the — Yankees a good whaling,"
"Yes," replied
South Carolina, and recorrecting his clothing, pointed to it and remarked, Yell, I got a suit of clothes from one of the fellows.
He was invited to camp, introduced to the
Lieutenant of his friend, and returned to camp with many reports collected in the
Confederate ’
Danger to Pope.
The following is from
Washington:
‘
Apprehensions begin to be expressed that the rebels, finding it impossible to pursue
McClellan for want of transportation, will suddenly concentrate by means of their railroads in Popes front, at
Gordonsville, and make a desperate a fort to overwhelm him before support can now reach him. No fears are expressed of danger from such a plan, but the probability of its being attempted causes the expectation of a speedy renewal of active work beyond
Culpeper.
’
A correspondent of the
Washington National (Black)
Republican writes:
‘
Harper's Ferry,
Va., Aug. 14.--The rumor of two thousand rebel troops near
Charlestown, on the Winchester Railroad, which was telegraphed to
Washington last evening, proves to be unfounded, at least nothing can be heard of such a body of rebels.
The rumor originated in this wise: It appears that
Capt. Baylor, of the Confederate army, (the same man who murdered one of
Col. Geary's men while bearing a flag of truce last winter,) has a large lot of property, stolen from the
Government, stored at his house, about sixteen miles from here.
A train of wagons, with an escort, was ordered to proceed to the rebel
Captain's residence and bring away the property.
Shortly after the order was issued a paroled rebel prisoner came in with a report that there were two thousand rebel infantry, artillery, and cavalry on the road, and that the wagons would certainly be captured, whereupon
Col. Miles, commander of the post here, countermanded the order.
There are, however, small parties of guerrillas in this vicinity, who are committing petty depredations on the farmers.
The party is said to be under the command of
Captain Blackford, late of the rebel army, assisted by one
Rev. Mr. Waugh, of
Loudoun.
Four of
Blackford's party plundered the house of
Mr. J. A. Young, of
Loudoun, a few days since.
They avow their intention to give no quarter to Union citizens and officers of
General Pope's army.
It is not likely that they will have an opportunity of putting their threats into execution, for
Captain Huston, of
Cole's First Maryland cavalry, captured and brought to this place nine prominent members of the gang; and, as they are so well known, there is no difficulty whatever in getting evidence that will secure a conviction.
There is one thing in this connection that our Government ought to have known and acted upon in the beginning of this rebellion.
It is this: These rebels pay no regard whatever to the "oath of allegiance;" they will take the oath three times a day, it required, and break it twice as often.
’
Quarrel between Gen. Phelps and Butler about the "Nigger"
A correspondence between
Butler and
Phelps is published in the
Northern papers.
The latter made a requisition for arms, accoutrements, clothing, &c., for three regiments of negroes.
Butler reputed that he desired
Phelps to employ contrabands in cutting down trees, and that he had ordered the
quarter master to furnish axes and tens.
Phelps replied that he was not willing to become a slave driver, having no qualifications for that office, and that his resignation was accordingly tendered.
Butler in turn told him that he must do his duty as directed to do, and that his resignation would not be received.
He added that white soldiers were at least as good as negroes, and the latter should do the labor marked out for them.
