From Northern papers; of the 4th inst, we gather a variety of interesting intelligence, which we condense in the summary below:
History of Wilson's raid — its Unfortunate Termination — a Yankee way of Balancing Damages.
The correspondent of the Philadelphia
Inquirer, under date of July 2d, gives that journal quite a lengthy account of
Wilson's recent raid upon the Richmond and Danville Railroad.
The force which was engaged were the divisions of
Wilson and
Kantz, numbering about 6,000 men, under command of the former, and sixteen pieces of artillery.
He says:
‘
With this force
Gen Wilson set out at 1 A M on the 22d of June, starting from the vicinity of Prince George Court House.
He crossed the Petesrburg and Weldon Railroad at Reams's Station, at which point Col
Chapman, with the Second brigade of
Wilson's own division, had a skirmish with a small force of the enemy, which, however, was easily driven.
The expedition moved by way of Dinwiddie Court House toward
Petersburg and, on the south side of the railroad, which they struck at Ford's Mills, near Sutherland's Station.
They then moved down the road,
Gen Kantz in advance, as far as Ford's Station, destroying the road as they moved.
At Ford's Station they captured two trains, comprising sixteen cars, with the locomotives, laden with refugees leaving
Petersburg — After destroying the depot and captured trains, the command bivouacked at Ford's Station for the night.
’
Early on the morning of the 23d they resumed their march,
Gen Kantz still in advance.
Near Nottoway Court House a force of rebel cavalry, comprising two brigades, appeared on the right flank of the column while moving some distance south of the railroad.
Col
Chapman of the 2d brigade, formed in line and engaged the enemy.
This was about 3 P M, and the rencontre continued till nearly night, when the enemy was forced back.
Gen Kantz, who had passed before the enemy had appeared, proceeded the same evening to
Burkeville, the junction of the
Petersburg with the Richmond and Danville railroad.--Here he destroyed all the depots, railroad switches, and appurtenances, and tore up the road as far as possible, in every direction from the
Junction, after which he rested for the night.
Gen Wilson, who, with the remainder of his force, had bivouacked at Nottoway Court House, on the afternoon of the 24th, advanced across the country to Neberris Station, on the Danville Railroad, to meet
Gen Kantz, who was to meet him at that place, destroying the road as he advanced.
After forming a junction at that station the entire force advanced to
Keysville and there bivouacked.
The work of destruction was resumed early on the 25th and by 8 P M we had reached the vicinity of Staunton Bridge, on the
Staunton river, having completely destroyed every foot of railroad to that point.
The distance from
Burkesville, measured on the map, is about thirty-five miles, and adding to portions of the
Southside road which were destroyed, the aggregate would not be less than fifty miles and probably more than that distance.
The
Danville road was constructed in a fashion known to some extent in the extreme
West, but now little used; instead of ordinary Trail, solid beams of wood, technically called stringers, are placed upon the lies, and along their inner edges are firmly fastened long strips of iron, known as strap rails.
The stringers were of
yellow pine, and being perfectly dry, it was only necessary here and there to place a few rails from an adjoining fence, ignite them, and set the entire structure in a blaze.
Miles of railroad, might have been seen at a time in flames, and at night the whole canopy of the heavens was one glare of light.
By day the conflagration, adding to the already suffocating temperature of the atmosphere, rendered the heat utmost intolerable, and many people living in the vicinity of the railroad were obliged to leave their homes and settle in cooler localities.
The rear of our column moving past the fires kindled by the advance, was often compelled to leave the road and move at a respectful distace on the right or left, until after a little experience the plan was adopted of leaving depots and other buildings to be fired by those in the rear.
The mode in which this work of destruction was accomplished was to dismount a portion of the command and march them parallel with the railroad; face a regiment at a time toward the road, have them advance and ignite the section of road in their front, and then resume the march.
It was but the work of a few minutes for a regiment to perform its part, and the whole was accomplished nearly as fast as the column could move.
The force arrived in the vicinity of Staunton bridge on the afternoon of the 25th.
It was, of course, desirable to destroy the bridge, which was a very important time and an effort was made to effect this object,
Gen Kantz, who was still in the advance, being assigned to make the attempt.
It was found that the enemy were fully prepared to defeat it. Our approach had been heralded in advance, and the militia called hastily together from eight adjoining counties, had been concentrated at this point.
Troops from
Danville had also been brought up, and it was reported that "Extra Bilty"
Smith had been sent from
Richmond to take command.
This force was well protected by the substantial earth-works, of which there were three lines, and in each line there were three heavy guns.
There was also a battery of smaller guns higher up the river, which opened an enfilading fire upon our troops as they advanced.
One of our batteries was brought to hear upon the bridge, along which were posted sharpshooters, where firing was somewhat trouble-some, and as soon as the character of the defiances and the number of troops there was ascertained, it was determined to withdraw, as the attempt was seen to be futile.
The First District of Columbia cavalry, Col
Baker's regiment of
Gen Kantz a command, lost most heavily in the affair, but the entire loss in this division was not more than sixty killed and wounded. From this point the raiders moved in a northeasterly direction towards Weylesburg, which they reached after a night's march, near daylight on the morning of the 26th.
Halting there for about an hour, on 26th, 27th, and the partier part of the 28th of are marked by few events of any importance, except that on the 27th, Brig
Gen W F H
Lee on our left flank, which occasioned some skirmishing, lasting but a very short time, and attended with few if any casualties.
They come to Grief at Reams's Station--their Losses.
Upon leaving
Staunton river they went on to Creek bridge, intending there to cross and return to
Grant's army.
They crossed, but found more rebels than they expected.
The writer says:
‘
It was an hour before sunset when the fight commenced, and about 11 P M the impossibility of forcing a passage at this point having been clearly demonstrated,
Gen Wilson dispatched
Gen Kantz up a left hand road towards Reams's Station.
’
Gen Kantz division was followed by the wagon and ambulance trains of the whole force and
Gen Wilson, having constructed a line of rifle-pits in the rear of the front line of battle during the night, left in them the 1st Vermont and the 8th and 22d New York, withdrawing the rest of his force a short time before daylight, and following
Kantz to Reams' Station.
The men left with the lead horses of the regiment, which remained to cover the rear, came in afterwards, and reported that the enemy, turning the right flank of the men in the breastworks, had captured the whole party.
Gen Kantz, on reaching Reams's Station, soon found that the enemy were strongly posted at that point also, and was sharply engaged before daylight.
Wilson, with the troops he had brought up from
Stony Creek, passed by
Kantz rear, and was about to take position on his left, but had hardly formed in line of battle when he was attacked by a heavy force of infantry.
A column of cavalry in the meantime, accounts say, passing round to the rear.
The accounts of this affair are rather confused.
But it appears that
Gen Wilson, perceiving that his command was in danger of being surrounded, determined to try to save a portion of it by moving out to the right flank, in a direction nearly due south,
Gen Kantz in the meantime retaining his position, as also the 2d Ohio and parts of the 5th New York, 2d New Jersey, and several other regiments, belonging to
McIntosh's and
Chapman's brigades.
The reports in regard to the facts of
Gen Wilson and the party accompanying him are vague and conflicting, and the simplest solution of the matter is for the present to admit our ignorance, for in fact the rumors so far received are scarcely worth repeating.
Gen Kantz, seeing that every moment was increasing the dangers already environing his force, gave orders that each regiment should endeavor to cut its way out as best it could, by moving a few miles further down the railroad and crossing it, where the thick woods on the east side would conceal their movements.
It is reported that
Fitz Hugh Lee was killed in one of the engagements.
The first information brought to headquarters of
Wilson's position was by
Capt Whitaker, of the first Connecticut, and
Aide de Camp to
Gen Wilson.
He left Reams's station at 8 A M, of the 29th, with forty men of the third New York cavalry, and by cutting his way through the rebel pickets, and also through a portion of a column on the move, he reached headquarters exactly at 10:20 A M.
Dashing at full speed through woods and swamps, over ditches and fences and in some cases, cutting their way with the sabre through the rebel troops, the greater part of
Gen Kantz own division, consisting of the fifth and eleventh Pennsylvania, first District of Columbia and third New York, with the numbers already stated of the second and fifth Ohio and a few other regiments, made their way with great difficulty into our lines, the enemy pursuing and firing upon them until they got within our picket lines on the Jerusalem plank road.
Many were doubtless killed and wounded in running this terrible gauntlet, and many a horse and rider must have fallen in the break-neck race through the woods.
Col
Spear.
commanding the Eleventh Pennsylvania and Third New York, was the first to cross the railroad, and notwithstanding the hurry and excitement of the moment, some officer found time to cut the telegraph wires.
Our train, including the ambulances and wounded, must have been captured.
The caissons of some of our batteries had been blown up before entering the fight at Reams's Station, but the guns and limbers must have fallen into the enemy's hands; not, however, before they were spiked and as far as possible disabled.
It is said by some other men coming in that the rebels shot and bayoneted many after they had surrendered.
One reports that while lying in a swamp he heard another, near him, cry out, "I surrender." "Surrender, you--Yankee," was the reply; "take that," accompanying the exclamation with a volley.
I hear that the Richmond
Enquirer, of the 27th, urged that no quarter should be given to any of the raiders, alleging that the death of every one of them would not be all equivalent to the rebel Government for the damage done.
This, if true, is the most conclusive testimony that could be asked as to the complete effectiveness of the raid.
Prisoners captured near Reams's Station state that
Gen Lee had sworn not a single raider should get back.
He has evidently made stupendous efforts to make his oath good, for not a single crossing on the
Weldon road was left unguarded.
The enemy had scouts out for miles to the westward on every road by which our troops could possibly approach, and carried information of the direction in time to meet us with a superior force at any point.
It is difficult to ascertain exactly, which troops were encountered at
Stony Creek and Reams's Station, but it is certain that there was infantry at both points, besides probably the greater portion of their cavalry.
The 6th corps was immediately ordered out to the assistance of the cavalry, but by the time they arrived the affair was over.
They took a position and remained there until the afternoon of the 30th, employing themselves meanwhile in destroying the railroad, which was done most thoroughly for three or four miles.
A later telegram announces the safe arrival of
Gen. Wilson with the Third Division:
‘
The cavalry of the Third Division, with whom I have just conversed, present a sorry picture.
They are dusty and almost worn out by twelve days incessant marching and vigils, during which they have marched over 350 miles or perhaps 400 miles, finding it impossible to cut through the rebel lines at Reams's Station, and no help coming from the vicinity of
Petersburg,
General Wilson ordered his command to retreat under cover of night towards
Suffolk.
’
Having crossed
Nottoway river about thirty miles below
Petersburg, they struck for the railroad and crossed at Garrett's Station, and bearing southward crossed the
Blackwater at the county road bridge, and came into our lines at
Cabin Point five miles southeast of Fort Powhatan.
The Cincinnati papers publish in full the speech of
Mr. Vallandigham, delivered to his fellow- townsmen at
Dayton, Ohio.
The following extracts are about all of interest we find in it:
Endorsed by nearly two hundred thousand freemen of the Democratic party of my native State, at the late election, and still with the sympathy and support of millions more, I do not mean any longer to be the only man of that party who is to be the victim of arbitrary power.
If
Abraham Lincoln seek my life, let him so dee are; but he shall not restrain me of my personal liberty, except upon "due process of law." The unconstitutional and monstrous "Order Thirty-eight," under which alone I was arrested thirteen months ago, was defied and spit upon at your State Convention of 1863, by the gallant gentleman who here the standard as your candidate for
Lieutenant-Governor, and by every Democratic press and public speaker ever since.
It is dead.
From the first it was against the
Constitution and laws, and without validity; and all proceedings under it were and utterly are null and void, and of no effect.
The indignant voice of condemnation long since went forth from the vast majority of the people and press of
America, and from all free countries in
Europe with entire unanimity.
And more recently, too, the "platform" of an earnest, numerous and most formidable convention of the sincere Republicans, and still further, the emphatic letter of the acceptance by the candidate of that convention,
Gen John C
Fremont — the first candidate also, of the Republican party for the presidency eight years ago, upon the rallying cry of free speech, and a free press — give renewed hope that, at last, the reign of arbitrary power in about to be brought n end in the
United States.
The time has therefore arrived when it becomes me as a citizen of
Ohio and of the
United States, to demand, and by my own act to vindicate, the rights, liberties and privileges which I never forfeited, but of which for so many months I have been deprive.
Wherefore, men of
Ohio, I am in your midst to-day, I owe battle to the
State, and am here to discharge them; I have a citizen, and am here to assert them; a wild odd child and home, and would enjoy all the which are implied in those cherished words.
But I am here for peace and not turbulence; for quiet, not for convulsion; for order and law, not anarchy.
Let no man of the Democratic party begin any, act of violence or disorder; but let none shrink from any responsibility, however urgent, if forced upon him. Careful of the rights of others, let him see to it that be fully and fearlessly exacts his own. --Subject to rightful authority in all things, let him submit to excess or usurpation in nothing.
Obedient to constitution and law, let him demand and have the full measure of the protection which law and constitution secure to him.?
Men of
Ohio!
You have already vindicated your right to hear; it is now my duty to assert my right to speak.
Wherefore as to he sole offence for which I was arrested, imprisoned and banished — free speech in criticism and undamnation of the Administration — an Administration fifty described in a recent public paper by one of its early supporters, as "marked at home by its disregard of constitutional rights, by its visitations of personal liberty and the liberty of press; and as its crowning shame by its ab of the right of saying, a right especially dear to all free nations abroad, repeat it here to-day; and will again, and yet again, so long as I live or the
Constitution and our present form of government shall survive.
The words then spoken and the appeal at that time made and now enforced by one year more of taxation and debt, and of blood and disaster, entreating the people to change the public servants and their policy, nor by force, but peaceably, through the ballot box. I now, and here reiterate to their utmost extent, and with all their significance.
I repeat the last one and all, in no spirit of challenge or as earnest, sobar, solemn truth and warning the people.
A Bold letter from the West.
Col
Marshall Anderson, a brother of
Gen Robert Anderson, of
Fort Sumter notoriety, has written a letter declining the nomination for State Elector on the
Ohio Democratic State ticket.
The letter is addressed to the
Columbus (O)
Crisis. We give two or three most significant extracts there from:
I now fully realize and comprehend the meaning of the term "horrid bella." Now that "rampant war has yoked her red dragons to her iron car," now that all humanity, all magnanimity, is trampled under feet, I feel its full force.
Our
Generals blush behind the buckler of
Mars, while the she devil,
Bellona, with blazing torch, lights on our arms to an ignominious victory over women and children.
Hammal crossed the
Alps, and remained for thirty years in the heart of the
Roman Empire, defeating their armies, delaying their power.
Does the example of that heathen leader teach us nothing?
He passed through an enemy's country and left friends behind.
Carthaginian and
Romans met in battle, but neither waged a war of desolation on women and children.
Sadness, consideration, and manly forbearance marked his course.
Our warriors silence the cries of hunger with stones, and enlighten the very darkness of distress with fiery fagots.
In very truth this war is carried on in such a brutal and barbarous manner, it is so disgraceful to the
Government, so degrading to the soldiery, that it is surprising no new vocabulary has been invented to explain the terms of our advanced, much improved civilization.
It is easier to declare what we should do, than to lay down an unchangeable law for our future conduct.
To me, it is very clear that Democrats should never sacrifice principle to popularity — better suffer defeat, contending for the right and principles of freemen, than obtain success by fraud and falsehood.
What, sir, is the condition of our country!
Over, above, and pressing down on our national burdens,
we poor Western serfs are crushed to the earth to our factory masters, by Lowell lords and shoddy ladies.
Peasants and heroes of the West, you are but tenant vassals for the nabobs of the East! Eat, sleep, and be happy ! I say, awake ! Arise, freemen of the
West, arise ! Spring up from your night of sloth, or your day of resurrection may never dawn !
Editor of the
Crisis, "agitate." If we cannot have our glorious old Union, let us have God and Nature's Union ! Let us follow the bright, sparkling waters of the
Ohio down to the
Father of Waters — down to the ocean of peace.
The greatest and grandest Valley in the world claims us for her own; let us acknowledge her claim.
If so, I will divide the honor with a member of the
Cabinet.
He said to Oresies A Brownson, "I am tired of fighting Southern slavery; I will have nothing more to do with slaveholders; I am in for a Northern Confederacy." My parody on that is, "I am tired working for Yankee taskmasters; I hate their selfish meanness; and, therefore, I am in favor of a Western Confederacy.
I have paid tribute long enough to the looms and spindles of the
East; I wish no longer to be the political packmule of
New England." They have taught me that when the burden becomes intolerable, I have a right to throw it off. They invented the word secede, and they have inculcated the doctrine that an oppressed people are justified in separating themeslves from their oppressors, "peaceably if they can, forcibly if they must."
Political Conventions — resolutions of the Kentucky Democratic Convention.
The Kentucky State Democratic Convention met at
Louisville on the 28th ult. It adopted a preamble declaring for an "immediate armistice and a National Convention for the adjustment of
our difficulties" The first resolution denounces
Lincoln's Administration bitterly, and is followed by these:
Resolved, That a free press, free speech, free ballot, freedom of- religion, and the right of habeas corpus, to protect the personal liberty of every citizen, are the essentials of a free Government, and a free people will maintain them at all hazards.
Resolved, That we are uncompromisingly opposed to the elevation of the African race to citizenship, and their formation into standing armies to control the white free men of our country.
Resolved, That the overthrow of the arrogant and corrupt party in power should be a primary object of every freeman, and that we, a portion of the citizens of
Kentucky, in Democratic State Convention assembled, do declare it to be our duty, as well as that of all good citizens, to defeat the election of
Abraham Lincoln and
Andrew Johnson to the offices of
President and
Vice President of the
United States.
Resolved, That delegates from this Convention be appointed to the
National Democratic Convention to be appointed to the
National Democratic Convention to be held in
Chicago, Ill, and that we pledge our united effort to the support of the nominees of said Convention.
In
Maine, where the "factory masters" live, the
Union Convention has nominated
Gov. Corry for re-election.
Resolutions were adopted endorsing the war policy of the
National Government; declaring that no compromise should be made; that the war should be prosecuted until full subcommission is yielded to the
Constitution and legal authorities of the nation; expressing entire confidence in
Abraham Lincoln and
Andrew Johnson; declaring that they should be enthusiastically supported for
President and
Vice President of the
United States; endorsing the
Baltimore platform, and expressing gratitude and sympathy for the
Yankee Dutch Irish nigger army in the field.
Miscellaneous.
Between Michigan avenue and the lake, and near the end of the breakwater, at
Chicago, a building is being erected in the form of an amphitheater, for the use of the Chicago Convention on the 29th of August. The Democrats are in a stew.
The copperheads and war Democrats cannot act together much longer.
The radical Abolition wing of the Union party will combine with the Democrats to defeat
Lincoln.
The
New Nation, Fremont's organ, goes half way to meet the
World, a copperhead journal.
A New York correspondent of a Chicago paper states that
Fremont will be tendered the nomination for the
State of New York, upon the condition that he withdraws from his candidacy for
President.
If he refuses he will be considered a copperhead, and repudiated by nine-tenths of the Union party.
A notorious black leg named
Russell attacked the editor of the Chicago
Times a few days since, but was rented.
On the 19th ult. the guerillas who captured a train below
Resaca, compelled the sutler of an Indiana regiment to burn up several thousand dollars' worth of his own goods, and took him off towards
Atlanta.
Horace Maynard arrived at
Nashville on the 21st ult.
Dr. Brownlow was expected to arrive there.
Brigadier General Paine had nine "bushwhackers" shot on the public square in
Lynchburg.
Lincoln county, Tenn, and several in
Fayetteville.
Among them was
Brigadier General Massey, C. S. A," who superintended at the guerilla operations in
Middle Tennessee.
Gen Paine told the citizens that if they wanted to fight the
Government to go and join the rebel army under
Joe Johnston.
If they staid inside the
Federal lines, they might think, feel, die secesh, but if they talked or acted treason, he would make them houseless, homeless, and lifeless.
Several types connected with the St. Louis
Democrat have been arrested, charged with disloyalty, shouting for
Jeff Davis and cursing all the
Yankees.
The 1st and 2d Kentucky regiments were mustered out of service at
Covington, Ky, recently.
In an obscure corner of the graveyard at
Little Rock stands a mound of earth, marked by a pine board whittled into curious shapes, bearing the inscription, "
C. F. Jackson,
Governor of
Missouri."
A corresdondent of the New York
Times with
Sherman's army, writing from New Hope Church, June 5th, says that in front of
Gen Harrow's 4th division, 15th army corps, there is a tree which is called the fatal tree.
Eight men were shot, one after another, as soon as they advanced to the tree to take a position behind its trunk.
When seven had been shot, a board was placed there with "dangerous" marked on it. The rebels shot the board into fragments.
A sergeant, taking a position soon after behind it, in less than five minutes was pierced by two Minnie balls.
Dr. King has resigned the Presidency of
Columbia, (N. Y) College.
Rev. Dr. Barnard succeeds him.
The yellow fever was in progress at
Key West, Fla, June 25th--mortality about one per diem.
With the consent of
Gen Grant, the Christian Commission has sent to
City Point, from
Baltimore, steam engine No. 4, for the purpose of forcing water from the
James river to the hospital, a distance of one mile from the river.
Some of the hospitals are located at such a distance from the river as to cause great difficulty in obtaining water for the patients.
Several thousand feet of hose were also sent with the engine.
Wesley Shaw,
Assistant Engineer of the
Baltimore Fire Department,
Mike Donn, the engineer, and Jas Hall, the
assistant engineer of No. 4, accompanied the engine.