The Civil War Day By Day Sesquicentennial Thread

[farmersdaughter]

July 31 1861

July 31.—A letter from Jefferson Davis to John R. Chambless was published. It was an answer to the inquiry of the latter “whether, prior to the 24th day of April, any of the Confederate States had transferred to the Confederate government the public property captured by them from the late United States, and upon what terms; also whether any such transfers have been made since the said date, and upon what terms.”—(Doc. 137.)

—The Twentieth and Twenty-first Regiments of Indiana Volunteers, under the commands of Colonels Brown and McMillen, left Indianapolis for the seat of war. Two companies in each are armed with the Enfield and Minié muskets, and the skirmishers of both regiments have the most approved arms known to the service. The other portions of the regiments are armed with the smooth-bore muskets, which will be exchanged for the rifled guns as soon as the Government can obtain them.—Louisville Journal, August 1.

—The schooner Tropic Wind arrived at New York from Fortress Monroe in charge of a prize crew, consisting of Thomas F. Spencer, prizemaster, Surgeon Linahan, and Alexander Lowe of the Union Coast Guard. The Tropic Wind was seized on the 29th of June, by the order of Major-General Butler, for violation of the blockade and communicating with the enemy, after having been warned by the Pawnee. She had been seized once before by the Monticello and taken to Washington, but was released by order of the Secretary of State, and it was under the voyage down the Potomac that the violated the blockade. The information which led to her seizure was communicated to Major-General Butler by two of her crew, who were free negroes, who were induced to do it from having overheard a conversation between the captain and mate of the schooner in relation to the sale of themselves. The schooner has on board the former mate Mr. James L. Wilson of Virginia, who was a sergeant in an artillery corps attached to the secession army.—N. Y. Tribune, August 1.

—To-day an ordinance passed the Cincinnati (Ohio) City Council, to appropriate the sum of $23,000 to loan the Hamilton County commissioners for the purpose of relieving the wives and families of the volunteers.—Louisville Journal, August 2.

—The Fifth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Amasa Cobb, passed through Baltimore, Md., on the route to Washington. They left Madison, Wisconsin, where they had been in camp four weeks, on Wednesday last, coming by way of Janesville, Chicago, Toledo, Cleveland, and Pittsburg. Their trip was a triumphal march. All along the journey they were met at every station by crowds of people, who not only cheered them by their presence, but also furnished them bountifully with refreshments of all kinds. Not a single accident happened on the whole route. The wives and daughters of several of the officers accompanied the regiment on its journey. It numbers 1,061 men, in addition to the drum corps and band. — Baltimore American, August 1.

— Colonel L. S. Miles, upon whose conduct daring the battle at Bull Run severe animadversions had been made, published a card. He declares that he has been made the victim of personal spite, that he directed the movements of his troops on the field, and that he never gave some of the orders attributed to him. He further says that he has called for a court of inquiry to investigate the whole transaction. — (Doc. 138.)

—General Pillow in command of rebel troops at New Madrid, Mo., issued a proclamation to the citizens of Missouri, announcing his intention to expel the Federal troops from the State and reinstate Claiborne F. Jackson, at Jefferson City. Gen. Pillow’s army is made up of a portion of the Union City, the Randolph, and the Memphis troops, and is from twelve to twenty thousand strong. They are well supplied with cannon, field-pieces, and siege guns. Jeff Thompson, now in command of Watkins’ old force, has moved the encampment from Bloomfield to within eight miles of Charleston. Part of Pillow’s command, numbering some 3,000, are upon the Cape Girardeau road, between Madrid and Charleston. The rebels have taken military possession of the road through West Prairie from New Madrid to Cape Girardeau, and are preparing for an attack upon Bird’s Point or Cape Girardeau. However, every thing is in a masterly state of preparation both at Camp Defiance and at Bird’s Point, for the fight.— (Doc. 139.)

—Yesterday M. Parks, the agent of the State of North Carolina in Portsmouth, Virginia, transferred to the Confederacy a fleet of five steamers already manned and armed. — Richmond Examiner, July 30, 31.

— Brigadier-general Pope issued a special order, assigning Brigadier-General Hurlburt to the command of the United States forces along the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad. Colonel Grant to command at Mexico, on the North Missouri road ; Colonel Ross to occupy Mounton, and Colonel Palmer to post his regiment at Renick and Sturgeon, making his head-quarters at Renick. These several districts to be divided into sub-districts not exceeding seven miles in extent, and commanding officers are instructed to report to the district head-quarters at Mexico the names of persons suitable to be appointed superintendents and assistant superintendents, whose duty it shall be to protect the railroad property in their respective divisions. Men of property and respectability, without regard to political opinion, are to be selected for positions.

All illegal assemblages to be promptly broken up, and all persons taken in arms against the United States to be sent to Mexico, to be disposed of by the commanding general. No arrests to be made for opinion’s sake, unless the parties are engaged in open acts of hostility, or stimulating others to such acts by inflammatory words or publications. The restoration of peace and safety to the region distracted by civil commotion, and the punishment of the infamous assassins and incendiaries infesting the country, is announced to be the mission of the force in North Missouri.

The troops are cautioned against excesses of any kind, especially depredations on the possessions and property of any citizen of Missouri, and infractions of military discipline and good order will be visited with the greatest severity possible under the articles of war.— Washington Republican, August 2.—(Doc. 140.)

—John H. Reagan, Postmaster-General of the “Confederate” States, issued a decision, in reference to the transmission and delivery of newspapers and periodicals through the mails in the Southern States.—(Doc. 141.)

—The Memphis Appeal of this date ingeniously culls various expressions of several northern men to prove that the present war is solely a war of abolition, and that this object long hidden begins now gradually to appear. Among the persons it quotes are, Abraham Lincoln, W. H. Seward, H. J. Raymond, Lloyd Garrison, and Wendell Phillips.—(Doc. 142.)

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, Mr. Potter from the Select Committee on the loyalty of Government employees made a special report.—(Doc. 143.)

—To-day at Washington, two general orders were issued by General Scott. The first directs that all searches for arms, traitors, or spies, and arrests of offenders, in any military department, shall only be made by authority of the Commander of the department, except in cases of urgent necessity. The second order announces the desecration of Mount Vernon by the bands of armed rebels, and expresses the hope of the Commander-in-Chief that, should the operations of the war take the national troops in that direction, every possible respect will be paid to the sacred precincts.—(Doc. 144.)

—The Missouri State Convention to-day elected for the Provisional Government, Hamilton E. Gamble, for Governor; Willard P. Hale, Lieutenant-Governor; and Mordecai Oliver, Secretary of State. The opposition were excused from voting, protesting against the power of the Convention. In the afternoon the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor were sworn in and inaugurated. Each made a strong Union and patriotic speech, amid loud applause. After the presentation of an address to the people of the State by the Convention, it adjourned till the third Monday in December, unless sooner called together by the new Government, or demanded by the public safety.—(Doc. 145.)

—Joseph Holt addressed the soldiers at Camp Joe Holt, Ind., this day. A vast throng of civilians swelled the audience, including several parties of ladies and gentlemen from Louisville. Mr. Holt was introduced by Gen. Rousseau with soldier-like directness, and spoke for half an hour or upward in a strain of the most enkindling and enchanting eloquence. The effort was one of the most effective and felicitous of his life.—(Doc. 146.)

—Thos. C. Reynolds, ex-Lieut.-Gov. of Missouri, in a long proclamation, announces to the people of Missouri that “the sun which shone in its full mid-day splendor at Manassas is about to rise upon Missouri,” and calls upon them “to rally as one man to the defence of the State.”
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[farmersdaughter]

August 1, 1861

—This morning the First Maine Regiment, Col. K. J. Jackson, passed through Philadelphia on their way home. Their appearance indicated the hard service which the regiment have had since leaving. They number 780 rank and fife, but intend, on reaching home, to immediately reorganize the regiment, increase the number to one thousand men, and re-enter the service for three years. The soldiers took breakfast at Washington avenue, prepared by the refreshment committee. This regiment passed through Philadelphia about three months ago; they have principally done guard duty on Meridian Hill, and at the Long Bridge, Washington.—Phila. Press, August 2.

—The War Department at Washington received the following direct from Gen. Rosecrans by telegraph, dated to-day:—”Gen. Cox reached Gauley Bridge on the 29th nit. Gen. Wise fled without fighting, destroying the bridge to prevent pursuit. We have captured a thousand muskets and several kegs of cannon powder. Many inhabitants of that section, who have heretofore been strong Secessionists, denounce Gen. Wise for his wanton destruction of property, and are abandoning him and his cause. His Western troops are rapidly disbanding. The valley of the Kanawha is now free from the rebel forces.”—Phila. Inquirer, August 2.

—Jeff. Thompson by proclamation informs the rebels of Missouri, that the North is whipped in Virginia; that “tardy action, like the gentle south wind, will only meet with Northern frosts,” and so invites them to “strike while the iron is hot.”—(Doc. 149.)

—The Twelfth Regiment N. Y. S. M., under the command of Colonel Butterfield, and the Twentieth Regiment, Colonel George W. Pratt, returned to New York from the seat of war. The Eighth Regiment, Mass., reached Boston from the seat of war.—N. Y. Herald, August 2.

—The prize brig Herald, with a cargo of naval stores and tobacco from Beaufort, S. C., bound to Liverpool, and which was captured by the frigate St. Lawrence on the 10th of July, arrived at Philadelphia, Pa. She cleared from Boston, May 27, ostensibly for Turk’s Island, but was then chartered by parties in New York for Beaufort, S. C., with the intent to try the experiment of running the blockade.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 2.

—Scouts returned to Cairo, Ill., from the South, and reported that the rebels at New Madrid were well-armed and drilled. They have five batteries of ten-pound field-pieces, officered by foreigners, and two regiments of cavalry well equipped. General Pillow is in command. He has promised Ex-Governor Jackson to place 20,000 men in Missouri at once. He has also issued a proclamation, full of bombast, to the people of Missouri, declaring his intention “to drive the invaders from the State, and enable her people to regain their rights so ruthlessly taken away by the forces who march under banners inscribed with Beauty and Booty, as the reward of victory.” He says he will show no quarter to those taken in arms.—Phila. Bulletin, August 2.

—New Orleans papers state that a “naval engagement” took place this day at the mouth of the Mississippi River between the U. S. frigate Niagara and “the little Confederate privateer J. O. Nixon;” and that, after an action of twenty minutes, the Niagara crowded on “every inch of canvas she could use, and made regular Manassas-time seaward.”—(Doc. 150.)

—The Onondaga County Cavalry, Capt. Moschell, departed from Syracuse, N. Y., for Washington at 10:20 to-night, to join Col.. Van Alen’s Cavalry Regiment. The company is 80 strong, and is composed of the very best material. A young bride, Mrs. Cook, accompanies them as a daughter of the regiment.—Baltimore American, August 3.

—The Secretary of War at Washington directed the commandant of the forces at Alexandria, Va., that from this day all slaves now in prison at that post be liberated, and that they may be employed on the fortifications and military works, and be paid for as day-laborers in the service of the Government. All other slaves escaping hereafter shall be treated in a similar manner.—Louisville Journal, August 3.

—Governor Gamble of Missouri delivered his inaugural to the Convention of that State. After referring to the personal sacrifices made by him in accepting the office, he calls upon the Convention and the people to give the experiment just made a fair trial. He then gives a vivid sketch of the evils arising from the anarchy with which that State has lately been threatened, assuring them that it will be his sole aim that the people of Missouri can worship God together, each feeling that his fellow-worshipper is not an enemy; that each can meet his neighbor without any conversations on blood and slaughter. The inaugural closes with a strong appeal for the cultivation of confidence and good feeling.—(Doc. 151.)

—The steamer B. P. Cheney was seized by the rebels at Columbus, Kentucky, and carried to the head-quarters of Gen. Pillow.—Louisville Courier, August 10.

—In the Senate of the United States, the bill to suppress insurrection and sedition was taken up, and an exciting debate occurred, in which Mr. Breckinridge and Mr. Baker, of Oregon, took part.—(Doc. 152.)

The St. Louis Democrat of this day gives an account of the preparation and departure of Gen. Fremont’s expedition from St. Louis to Bird’s Point, Cairo, and other positions on the Mississippi River.
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[farmersdaughter]

August 2 1861

—Up to this date Indiana has equipped and sent into the field thirteen regiments of infantry and two companies of cavalry. Two additional regiments of infantry are now ready to march, and an entire regiment of cavalry will be ready in a short time. Seventeen additional regiments of infantry are now forming, and will be put into the service as speedily as possible. This will make thirty-three regiments raised and to bb raised in Indiana—a force of about 86,000 men, including three artillery companies now about ready for active service. This is over 3,000 men for each Congressional District, or about every fortieth person in the State.—Indianapolis Journal, August 3.

—The United States steamer Albatross, Captain Prentiss, arrived at Philadelphia, Pa., from Hampton Roads, having in charge the schooner Enchantress, which was captured July 6th, 260 miles southeast of Sandy Hook, by the privateer Jeff. Davis, and on attempting to take her into the port of Charleston, S. C., on the 22d of July, was re-captured with five men of the privateer’s crew on board, west of Cape Hatteras. The Enchantress cleared from Boston on the 29th of June, for ports in Cuba. All the crew except Garrick (negro cook) were removed to the Jeff. Davis, and a crew from the privateer, consisting of W. W. Smith, of Savannah, Ga.; Ebin Lane, of West Cambridge, Mass.; Thomas Qnigley, of New York; Daniel Mailings, of Charleston, S. C.; and E. Rochford, of Liverpool—put on board to take her to Charleston, the negro Garrick being retained as cook. After the schooner had left the Jeff. Davis, Garrick meditated getting possession of the Enchantress, but delayed the execution of his plan, so as to sound the views of a portion of the crew. Before coming to any definite conclusion the steamer Albatross hove in sight, and as soon as the crew on board the Enchantress discovered the character of the steamer they “fought shy.” When the Albatross approached and the Enchantress was hailed, a reply came that “the schooner was from Newburyport, and bound to Santa Cruz.” Just at that moment the negro Garrick appeared on the gunwale of the schooner and jumped overboard, at the same time crying out, “For God’s sake, save me, Captain; she’s a Secesher, bound to Charleston.” A boat was immediately lowered from the Albatross, and, after picking up the negro, boarded the schooner. On examining her papers they were found to be the same that had been issued in Boston, and the crew had agreed to represent themselves as the original crew of the Enchantress, but the officers of the Albatross having seen the account of her capture in the papers, and also having the story of the negro to confute their statements, they were placed on board the Albatross and ironed, in which condition they were brought into port and turned over to the United States authorities. The Enchantress has a cargo of first, class assorted goods, suitable for the army.— Philadelphia Ledger.

—General Fremont and staff and a fleet of eight steamers, four regiments of infantry, several detached companies of infantry, and two companies of light artillery, arrived at Cairo, Ill., this afternoon. They were enthusiastically received. The troops were landed at Bird’s Point.—Boston Transcript, August 3.

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, a joint resolution was adopted thanking the soldiers of the republic for their loyalty and devotion, and declaring that while the National Legislature expresses the sympathy of the nation for the bereaved families and friends of the fallen, they commend to a generous people and to the army, which is now eager to renew the contest with unyielding courage, the imperishable honor of their example.

—General Lyon, with all the infantry, cavalry, and artillery of his command, came up with part of the rebel force under McCullough at Dug Spring, nineteen miles south-west of Springfield, Missouri; at 4 P. M., Lyon opened upon the enemy with artillery, and elicited but feeble response. A detachment of his cavalry, twenty-seven in number, came suddenly upon a regiment of rebel infantry, charged and broke it, and returned safely to their position. The artillery fire continued till night, when the enemy withdrew. The national infantry was not engaged. Forty rebels were found dead upon the field and forty-four wounded. Lyon’s loss was nine killed and thirty wounded.—(Doc. 154.)

—The Congress of the United States passed the Tariff and Direct Tax Bill, providing for a direct tax of twenty millions of dollars.—N. Y. Herald, August 3.

—Four companies of the Second Ohio Volunteers arrived at Cincinnati this morning from Washington. The reception was the grandest demonstration ever witnessed in Cincinnati. The Home Guards of Covington and Newport, Ky., and the reserve militia and independent regiments of Cincinnati, were out in large force, and escorted the volunteers through some of the principal streets to the Eighth-street Park, where they were welcomed home by Judge Storer in an eloquent address. They afterward partook of a banquet in the Park, provided by the citizens. All along the line of march the streets were densely crowded, and the enthusiasm unbounded. The volunteers were completely covered with the bouquets and wreaths showered upon them. The city was gaily decorated with flags, and business was entirely suspended.—N. Y. Tribune, Aug. 8.

—General B. F. Butler, at Fortress Monroe, Va., issued a general order forbidding the sale of intoxicating liquors to the soldiers in his department.—(Doc. 155.)

—The Fifth Regiment of New York Militia, under the command of Colonel Schwarzwaelder, returned home this morning, and were escorted to their head-quarters by the Eleventh Regiment, the Fourth Artillery, and several German societies.—The service on which the Fifth has been employed was guard, picket, and scout duty, at the Relay House, Md. Their vigilance frequently prevented serious results to the body of troops stationed at that post. The railroad was also an object of the special vigilance of the Fifth, and the prevention of attempts to place obstacles on the track, was one way in which their services were valuable.—N. Y. Commercial, August 2.

—The Mobile Register of to-day, referring to a despatch to the effect that forty votes were given in Congress to Mr. Cox’s peace proposition, says:—”We know that there is a peace party already numbering among its representatives, nearly one-third of the United States House of Representatives. This is a direct result of the triumph of Manassas. We have converted near one-third of the United States House of Representatives from the error of their warlike ways by the powerful display of our ability to conquer a peace. We first asked peace. It was refused. Now we will conquer it. We have conquered one-third of it already. Another great victory like, or even less than that of Manassas, and we shall conquer another third—the two-thirds including all the commonsense men of the North, who will be brought to conversion: and the outside third, the radical abolition fanatics, will alone remain, the despised minority of their countrymen, who will role them out of voice in the Government. Let us wait, and hope, and—fight, as if we had still three-thirds to conquer.”

—The following, in large letters on a handbill, was conspicuously posted at several places in New York city this morning. Crowds of people were attracted to read it:

“The people awake! Enemies at home wearing the mask of peace (masks of the golden cross) as well as open foes, must be struck down. Be not deceived! The freedom of the press is subordinate to the interests of a nation. Let the three Southern organs issued in this city beware, or editors will be assigned to them to preserve the public welfare. From this date the authority of the people organizes a new system of legislation suited to the times. Politicians will not be permitted to injure the general cause in pursuit of ambitious ends. The rights of our soldiers will be protected. Disappointed demagogues will be forbidden to aggrandize themselves at their expense. The District-Attorney is expected to exercise his power. Traitors, male and female, are marked. Their names enrolled. Not one shall escape. Southern sympathizers are directed to leave the state. One will! One way! One country! We have begun to act. From the league of loyalty,

The People.

GOD SAVE THB REPUBLIC.

—The House of Representatives, at Washington, to-day recommitted the Confiscation bill. Mr. Crittenden made a speech upon it, protesting on constitutional grounds, and for reasons of policy, against the confiscation and consequent emancipation of slaves. He, however, pronounced boldly for the war, for the Union, sustaining the President, and, in the name of the great interests at stake, demanding that the utmost aid be given him.—N. Y. Tribune, August 8.

—The Twentieth Regiment, Ulster Guard, N. Y. S. M., Colonel G. W. Pratt, returned to Rondout this morning, their term of service having expired. They were received at the landing by the military, firemen, and a very large number of citizens of Rondont and Kingston. The regiment was mustered out of the service soon after the arrival.—N. Y. Evening Post,
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[farmersdaughter]

August 3, 1861

—At Baltimore, Md., this morning, Sergeants Wallis and Cook, with Officer James Pryor, of the Middle District Police, went on board the steamer George Weems, at her wharf foot of Frederick street, and on her leaving for the usual trip to various landing places on the Patuxent River, proceeded in her as far as Fort McHenry wharf, where they directed Captain Weems to stop. A search of the steamer was here made, resulting in the discovery of concealed arms and ammunition in various out-of-the-way places in the hold. Immediately under the upper deck, between the lower deck and the skylight, were found 200 new Colt’s patent revolvers, done up singly in paper. In the aft part of the hold the officers found a barrel in which rubbish had been placed for several months. Concealed in the rubbish was a valise filled with boxes, each containing 250 rifle percussion caps. There was also found in the hold, separate from the other freight, a halfbarrel of sulphurated quinine, contained in bottles and packages. On the discovery of these articles General Dix directed that the steamer should be detained for a more minute examination of the freight. He also directed that the steamer Planter should be got ready to convey the passengers to their place of destination.—Captain Weems disavowed any knowledge of the contraband articles.—Baltimore American, August 3.

—Governor Gamble, of Missouri, issued a proclamation to the citizens of that State, in which he calls upon all those who are enrolled in the State militia now in arms against the Federal Government, who were called out by his predecessor, Jackson, to return to their homes, promising them protection if they do so. He appeals to the sheriffs of counties and other magistrates, to exercise all the authority vested in them by law, in arresting and punishing every one who may break the peace, molest his fellow-citizens, or retain arms, the property of the Federal Government. He also notifies all those citizens of other States, who may be in arms within the boundaries of Missouri, (in the rebel ranks,) to withdraw to their own States, as Missouri does not need nor desire their presence. After the issue of this proclamation, Governor Gamble received a despatch from the War Department, stating his promise of protection to all those who may lay down their arms would be sustained by the Government. In several counties of Northern Missouri committees of safety have been appointed to suppress rebellion, with the assurance that if they cannot effect that purpose, the military power will be used to its utmost extent.—(Doc. 156.)

—The Charleston Mercury of to-day, says: “We have been provoked beyond endurance by reading the most complacent and gratulatory comments of certain Virginia papers on the charming charity and benevolence of certain citizens and officials of that State toward the invaders of their soil, plunderers of their estates, destroyers of their homes and firesides, and polluters of their women. We demand that every prisoner in Richmond be incarcerated and put in irons. Justice, humanity, and civilization alike cry aloud for ‘stern retribution.’ ”

—Senator Kennedy, of Maryland, in the Senate, at Washington, presented a memorial from the Legislature of that State, denouncing the National Government in unmeasured terms, and protesting against its action in imprisoning Ross Winans and others suspected of conspiracy. Its reception was objected to by several members on account of its disrespectful tone, but it was finally admitted and ordered to be printed, on the ground that it would not do to deny the right of petition.—N. Y.Times, August 5.

—Beriah Magoffin, Governor of Kentucky, issued a proclamation commanding all persons having arms belonging to the State, that have been unlawfully seized, to immediately deliver them up, that they may be returned to the State Arsenal, at Frankfort.—(Doc. 157.)

—The Senate of the United States confirmed numerous army appointments. Among them are Major-Generals McClellan, Fremont, Dix, and Banks; and Brigadier-Generals Hooker, Curtis, McCall, Sherman, Lander, Kelly, Kearney, Pope, Heintzelman, Porter, Stone, Reynolds, Hunter, Franklin, Rosecrans, Buell, Mansfield, McDowell, and Meigs.—Philadelphia Inquirer, August 5.

—The Twenty-ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Colonel John K. Murphy, left Hestonville, West Philadelphia, for the seat of war.—Philadelphia Press, August 8.

—Mrs. Lincoln having kindly consented to receive and distribute the havelocks made by the ladies of Katonah and Bedford, Westchester, N. Y., a case was despatched to-day from the Jay homestead to the executive mansion by Pillion’s and Adams’s express, containing 1,300 havelocks, of which 1,165 were made by the ladies of Katonah and its vicinity, and 135 by those of Bedford.—N. Y. World, August 6.

—A letter from Isham G. Harris, Governor of Tennessee, to the editors of the Memphis Avalanche, on the military power of that State, was published.—(Doc. 158.)

—The First Regiment of New Hampshire State Militia, under the command of Colonel Mason W. Tappan, passed through Philadelphia on their return from the seat of war. This regiment composed part of the command of Col. Stone, and marched to Harper’s Ferry, Va. They have been principally on guard duty, and had a skirmish with the rebels at Harper’s Ferry. The men have performed marches on foot to the extent of one hundred and sixty miles since they left Washington. The regiment has twenty ladies with them. They return numerically as strong as when they left, except six of the men, who were taken prisoners.—Philadelphia Bulletin, August 5.

—The House of Representatives, at Washington, passed, with a slight amendment, the Confiscation Bill. The amendment is, that slaves in the military or naval service, or working in the intrenchments of the rebels, will be confiscated.—(Doc. 159.)

—The Sixth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, commanded by Colonel L. Cutler, and the Twenty-first Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, under the command of Colonel J. W. McMillan, arrived at Baltimore, Md.—Baltimore American, August 5.

—The N. Y. Journal of Commerce suggests as “a way by which our troubles can be settled without more bloodshed”—1, an armistice ; 2, delegates from every State, North and South, to meet at Louisville; 3, the delegates to agree upon a modified Constitution; or 4, a peaceable separation.

One of its plans for reconstruction is to have a Northern and Southern section in each House of Congress, and no bill to become a law until agreed to by a majority on both sides!—(Doc. 160.)

—As engagement took place at Messila, N. M., between a body of Federal troops and seven hundred Confederates, under command of Capt. Baylor. Capt. McNeely and Lieutenant Brooks, of thr Federal army, were wounded in the engagement, and twelve of the Confederates killed. Night coming on put an end to the engagement.—Baltimore American, August 21.

—The secret expedition from Fortress Monroe to the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bar, under the command of Captain Crosby, U. S. A, returned to Old Point Comfort. The object of the expedition was to search for vessels engaged in illegal trade, and to reconnoitre the coast for defences erected by the rebels.—
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[farmersdaughter]

August 4, 1861

—About five o’clock, this morning, the Second Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, passed through Philadelphia, Pa., on their way home. The regiment is under Colonel A. H. Terry, and participated in the engagement at Bull Run. In the fight they lost sixteen men killed and wounded. The officers of this regiment deny that it was through hunger that the men were exhausted. The Connecticut men were supplied with full haversacks; and the only drawback in their opinion to final success, was the impetuous feeling to go ahead and fight. In order to get within the enemy’s lines, a long march was necessary to this end. From two o’clock A. M. until ten they marched; and even then the men were unable to rest. To this fact alone, the officers of this regiment attribute, in a great measure, the reverse. The regiment acted as part of the reserve, and did not get into battle till late in the day.—Philadelphia Bulletin, August 5.

—A Meeting was held this evening in Rev. Dr. Adams’ Church, on Madison-square, New York city, to aid in measures taken for the prevention and suppression of intemperance in the National Army. A. R. Wetmore, Esq., presided, and Dr. De Witt offered a prayer. Resolutions were read by Dr. Marsh, which were responded to in an able speech by Rev. Mr. Willets, of Brooklyn, and Paymaster Bingham, of the Twenty-sixth Regiment.—(Doc. 162.)

—Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, Commander-in-Chief of the British forces, at Halifax, in a private letter to the British Consul at Boston, says: “I see a long article in the papers and extracts from a letter from Fort Pickens, alluding to orders I have given; all I can say is that it is not my version of blockade nor my orders on the subject.”—Buffalo Evening Courier, August 5.

—Delaware has contributed two regiments for the war. One is already in the field. The other has not yet been complete, and is commanded by Colonel Charles Wharton, brother of George M. Wharton, of Philadelphia. One company of the regiment is entirely made up of Philadelphians. It is the Hancock Guards, Capt. John F. Heishley. The men are remarkably well fed, clothed, and sheltered. In this particular Delaware has equalled, if not surpassed, the other States. They are encamped at Camp Brandywine, Wilmington. — Philadelphia Bulletin,
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[farmersdaughter]

August 5 1861

—At Washington, the representatives of the newspaper press held a consultation with Gen McClellan by his special invitation, when it was unanimously decided that the following suggestions from him be transmitted to the editors of all the newspapers in all the loyal States and in the District of Columbia:

1st. That all such editors be required to refrain from publishing, either as editorial or correspondence, any description, from any point of view, of any matter that might furnish aid and comfort to the enemy.

2d. That they be also requested and earnestly solicited to signify to their correspondents here and elsewhere their approval of the foregoing suggestion, and to comply with it in spirit and letter.

It was resolved that the Government be respectfully requested to afford the representatives of the press facilities for obtaining and immediately transmitting all information suitable for publication, particularly touching engagements with the enemy.

—The following queries were put to the Confederate District-Attorney at Charleston:

First—Is it lawful for a citizen of the Confederate States to purchase of our enemy State stock or bonds of any of the Confederate States, and demand the interest when due?

Second—Is it lawful for the same parties to purchase notes given by merchants of the Southern Confederacy to Northern houses, and demand payment for the same?

Third—If lawful and proper to pursue the above course, would it not be equally legal for the small trader to buy merchandise of the enemy; or, in other words, does the law intend to operate in favor of the fortunate holders of capital against the humble dealers in wares and merchandise?

The response is as follows:—The acts specified by you certainly constitute “trading with the enemy” peculiarly objectionable, because they afford a direct assistance to the enemy, by the transmission of money to foster his resources. And, in addition, such conduct is highly unpatriotic, because directly injurious to the interests of the States and citizens of our Confederacy, whose obligations are thus withdrawn from the enemy’s country, where it is for the interests of the States that they should remain, since they could not there be called upon for payment during the war. Such operations are certainly worse than the simple purchase of merchandise in the enemy’s country, because they, at the same time, aid our enemies and injure our friends.—N. Y. Times, August 5.

—Claiborne F. Jackson, the deposed Governor of Missouri, publishes in the Memphis Appeal a document entitled “Declaration of Independence of the State of Missouri,” and addressed to the people of that State. The ex-Governor says he takes this step by virtue of authority conferred upon him by the State Legislature to do such things as to him might seem proper to “suppress the rebellion and repel invasion.” He thereupon assumes that the waging of war by the Federal Government upon the sovereign State of Missouri, ipso facto, sunders the connection of the latter from the former, and accordingly so declares—subject, however, to the ratification of the people at such future time as their Impartial and unbiased verdict can be obtained through the ballot-box, —(Doc. 163.)

—Gen. Lyon with his forces fell back on Springfield, Mo. The rebels were advancing on the latter place by four different roads, and their advance was from ten to fifteen miles distant. Three of the routes on which the enemy were moving, were the Neosho, Carthage, and the Overland roads. Gen. Lyon called in two thousand five hundred Home Guards from the neighborhood. Farther than this addition to his force, no other reinforcements seemed to be near. It was expected that the enemy were resolved on an immediate attack, from the fact that their commissariat was in a miserable condition, the rebels depending on forced contributions for temporary supplies.

It was generally remarked in Springfield that Gen. Lyon was perfectly confident of success, in the event of an attack. The latest estimate places the rebel force at twenty thousand. Their arms are thought to be very inferior, judged by the specimens taken during the skirmish at Dug Spring, where Gen. Lyon had no intrenchments, depending upon his splendid artillery in the open field.—St. Louis Democrat, August 9.

—In the Maryland Legislature to-day, S. Teaklo Wallis, from the committee to whom was referred the memorial of the police commissioners, submitted a long report, followed by preamble and resolutions, setting forth as arbitrary and unconstitutional the course of the Government in superseding the police board, and imprisoning Marshal Kane and the commissioners. The committee appealed in the most earnest manner to the whole people of the country, of all parties, sections, and opinions, to take warning by the usurpations mentioned, and come to the rescue of the free institutions of the country, so that whatever may be the issue of the melancholy conflict which is now covering the land with sacrifice and threatens to overwhelm it with debt and ruin, there may at least survive to us when it is over the republican form of government which our fathers bequeathed to us, and the inestimable rights which they framed it to perpetuate.—N. Y. World, August 6.

—The bark Alvarado, having a prize crew from the privateer Jeff. Davis on board, was chased ashore near Fernandina, Florida, and subsequently burned by the sailors of the United States ship Vincennes.—(Doe. 170.)

—A Sharp skirmish took place this morning in Virginia, opposite the Point of Rocks, between a detachment of sixty men of the Twenty-eighth Regiment of New York Volunteers, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Brown, and a party of cavalry of Capt. Mead’s company of the Confederate army. The Colonel ordered the Confederates to halt, which was not obeyed. The Unionists then fired on them and killed three, wounded two, and took twenty horses, with their equipments, and seven prisoners, who were taken before Gen. Banks. None of the Federal troops were hurt. The engagement occurred at daybreak. The advancing party forded the river, and caught the cavalry pickets of the enemy at breakfast.

The prisoners were brought into camp at Sandy Hook. Nearly every man captured had sword-arms and revolvers. On the sword-belt of one was marked in ink, “John H. Rollins, Leesburg, Va.” One captain of the rebels was killed. Previous reports from Colonel John C. Starkweather, of the First Wisconsin Regiment, stationed at Edward’s Ferry, stimulated the action which resulted so successfully. Colonel Starkweather had already made reconnoissances on the Virginia side, destroyed the rendezvous of the rebel pickets, and had but one man wounded, Mr. W. H. Langworthy, of Company E. All the captured are from Loudon County, Va.—(Doe. 164.)

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, Mr. Calvert, of Maryland, introduced a resolution providing for the appointment of a Committee to consider and report such amendments to the Constitution as may restore confidence and insure the preservation of the Union. Laid on the table.—Mr. May, of Maryland, was refused permission to introduce resolutions providing for the appointment of Commissioners to procure an armistice, and so compromise as to preserve the Union if possible; if not, to provide for the peaceful separation of those States that have seceded or may hereafter secede.— Mr. Diven offered a resolution declaring that, as rebels are now in arms against tho Government, all resolutions looking to a compromise are either cowardly or treasonable. The House refused to suspend the rules to receive Mr. May’s resolution. The Senate bill, increasing the pay of the volunteers and legalizing the acts of the President, was passed.

—A letter written on board the steam-sloop Brooklyn, off the mouth of the Mississippi River, giving an account of the manner by which the rebel privateer Sumter was suffered to run the blockade, was published in the Baltimore American.—(Doc. 165.)

—A band of rebels, numbering from one thousand to twelve hundred, made an attack upon a camp of Union men at Athens[1], Missouri, this morning at five o’clock. There was a considerable amount of arms and ammunition for United States troops stored at that place, under a guard of the troops composing the camp. The United States Volunteers numbered about three hundred and fifty men, under the command of Captain Moore. The fighting lasted about one hour, when the rebels retreated. In the mean time Captain Moore, having been reinforced by about one hundred and fifty men from Centralia, Iowa, on the opposite side of the river, gave chase to the rebels for about a mile and a half, killing one, taking eighteen prisoners, and capturing thirty-one horses and two secession flags. Several of the rebels were also wounded in the chase. After the battle, six or eight rebels were found dead on the field. In the afternoon the bearer of a rebel flag of truce to the Union camp was admitted. They carried off fourteen killed, and as many more wounded and missing. The rebels were led by Martin Green, a brother of ex-Senator Green. Of the Union men there were three killed and eight wounded.—(Doc. 166.)

—Several shots were exchanged between the U. S. blockading steamer off Galveston, Texas, and some sand batteries on shore.—(Doc. 167.)

[1] Athens is a small town in the extreme northeast of Missouri, on the Desmoines River, twenty-five or thirty miles from Keokuk
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[farmersdaughter]

August 6, 1861

—All the bills which passed both Houses of the Congress of the United States, were approved by President Lincoln, who yielded a reluctant approval of that for the confiscation of property used for rebellious purposes.— (Doc. 159.)

—The brigs Naiad, Machias, and Ben Dunning, seized by the privateer steamer Sumter, near Cienfuegos, arrived at New York. They were released by order of the Spanish Government, and sailed with others as far as Cape Antonio, under convoy of the U. S. steamer Crusader.—Official advices from the Gulf squadron state that, on the 4th of July off Galveston, the United States steamer South Carolina captured six schooners; on the 5th, two, and ran one ashore; on the 6th, one, and on the 7th, one—making in all eleven sail destroyed or captured. The names of the captured vessels are the Shark, Venus, Ann Ryan, McCaulfield, Louisa, Dart, Covalia, Falcon, George Baker, and Sam. Houston. A portion of them had cargoes, chiefly of lumber. Among other things captured were 13 mail bags, and 31 bags containing express matter. — N. Y. Times, August 7.

— Queen Victoria, in her speech to the British Parliament this day, said: — “The dissensions which arose some months ago in the United States of North America, have unfortunately assumed the character of open war. Her Majesty, deeply lamenting this calamitous result, has determined, in common with the other powers of Europe, to preserve a strict neutrality between the contending parties. — London News, August 7.

— There was great excitement in the House of Representatives at Washington this morning. The near approach of the hour of adjourning, and the busy and exciting scenes which always attend the adjournment, attracted quite a crowd of ladies and gentlemen to the galleries. The Senate went into executive session at an early hour, and thus sent their spectators into the galleries of the House of Representatives. Within a few minutes of the hour of adjournment, a most exciting scene took place in the House. A lull had occurred in the business, when Mr. Wickliffe, of Kentucky, arose and stated to the House that the elections in his State had gone largely for the Constitution, and that the people of Kentucky had declared that their State, among the first in the Union, should be among the last in the Union. The announcement created a scene of indescribable enthusiasm. Cheer after cheer arose from the floor and galleries, and the Speaker, unable to control the assembly, yielded to the general enthusiasm of the moment. — Phila. Press,
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[farmersdaughter]

*related side note*


Confiscation Act of 1861

The Confiscation Act of 1861 was an act of Congress during the early months of the American Civil War permitting the confiscation of any of property, including slaves, being used to support the Confederate insurrection.

The bill passed the House of Representatives 60-48 and in the Senate 24-11. Abraham Lincoln was reluctant to sign the act; he felt that, in light of the Confederacy's recent battlefield victories, the bill would have no practical effect and might be seen as a desperate move. He was also worried that it could be struck down as unconstitutional, which would set a precedent that might derail future attempts at emancipation. Only personal lobbying by several powerful Senators persuaded Lincoln to sign the legislation, which he did on August 6, 1861.[1] Lincoln gave Attorney General Edward Bates no instructions on enforcing the bill; as a result, few such confiscations occurred.

With respect to slaves, the act stripped their owners of any claim to them but did not clarify whether the slaves were free.[2] As a result of this ambiguity, these slaves became the property of the U.S. government. To remedy this bizarre situation, General David Hunter, the Union Army military commander of Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida, issued General Order No. 11 on May 9, 1862 freeing all slaves in areas under his command. Upon hearing of Hunter's action one week later, Lincoln immediately countermanded the order, thus returning the slaves to their former status as property of the federal government.[3]

Before the act was passed, Benjamin Franklin Butler had been the first Union general to declare slaves as contraband; some other Northern commanders followed this precedent, while officers from the border states were more likely to return escaped slaves to their masters. The Confiscation Act was an attempt to set a consistent policy throughout the army.

Text of the act

An Act to confiscate Property used for Insurrectionary Purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That if, during the present or any future insurrection against the Government of the United States, after the President of the United States shall have declared, by proclamation, that the laws of the United States are opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the power vested in the marshals by law, any person or persons, his, her, or their agent, attorney, or employé, shall purchase or acquire, sell or give, any property of whatsoever kind or description, with intent to use or employ the same, or suffer the same to be used or employed, in aiding, abetting, or promoting such insurrection or resistance to the laws, or any person or persons engaged therein; or if any person or persons, being the owner or owners of any such property, shall knowingly use or employ, or consent to the use or employment of the same as aforesaid, all such property is hereby declared to be lawful subject of prize and capture wherever found; and it shall be the duty of the President of the United States to cause the same to be seized, confiscated, and condemned.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That such prizes and capture shall be condemned in the district or circuit court of the United States having jurisdiction of the amount, or in admiralty in any district in which the same may be seized, or into which they may be taken and proceedings first instituted.

SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That the Attorney-General, or any district attorney of the United States in which said property may at the time be, may institute the proceedings of condemnation, and in such case they shall be wholly for the benefit of the United States; or any person may file an information with such attorney, in which case the proceedings shall be for the use of such informer and the United States in equal parts.

SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That whenever hereafter, during the present insurrection against the Government of the United States, any person claimed to be held to labor or service under the law of any State, shall be required or permitted by the person to whom such labor or service is claimed to be due, or by the lawful agent of such person, to take up arms against the United States, or shall be required or permitted by the person to whom such labor or service is claimed to be due, or his lawful agent, to work or to be employed in or upon any fort, navy yard, dock, armory, ship, entrenchment, or in any military or naval service whatsoever, against the Government and lawful authority of the United States, then, and in every such case, the person to whom such labor or service is claimed to be due shall forfeit his claim to such labor, any law of the State or of the United States to the contrary notwithstanding. And whenever thereafter the person claiming such labor or service shall seek to enforce his claim, it shall be a full and sufficient answer to such claim that the person whose service or labor is claimed had been employed in hostile service against the Government of the United States, contrary to the provisions of this act.

APPROVED, August 6, 1861
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[farmersdaughter]

August 7, 1861

— John C. Breckinridge was serenaded at a hotel in Baltimore, and in response essayed to address those assembled in the street, but was compelled to desist by the uproar of the crowd, who shouted for the “Union,” “Crittenden,” “Scott,” etc. — Baltimore American, August 9.

— Gen. Magruder, C. S. A., with a force of 7,000 men, including 200 cavalry and eight pieces of artillery, viz., three Parrott guns, four howitzers, and one rifled cannon, took up a position on Back River, three miles from Hampton, Virginia. The intention was to draw out the national forces, attack Camp Hamilton or Newport News if practicable, and at least to destroy Hampton, so as to prevent its use by the U. S. troops for winter-quarters. Gen. Butler at once repaired to Hampton Bridge, where he remained until 11 o’clock P. M. Col. Weber erected a barricade near the Hampton end of the bridge, and placed a strong guard at various points near.

A few minutes past midnight, Gen. Magruder, with about 500 Confederates—some of them belonging in Hampton—entered the town, and immediately fired the buildings with torches. A greater part of the five hundred houses were built of wood, and no rain having fallen lately, the strong south wind soon produced a terrible conflagration. There were perhaps twenty white people and double that number of negroes remaining in the town from inability to move, some of whose houses were fired without waking the inmates. They gave Gary Jones and his wife, both of them aged and infirm, but fifteen minutes to remove a few articles of furniture to the garden. Several of the whites and also of the negroes were hurried away to be pressed into the Confederate service. Mr. Scofleld, a merchant, took refuge in a swamp above the town. Two negroes were drowned while attempting to cross the creek. A company of rebels attempted to force the passage of the bridge, but were repulsed with a loss of three killed and six wounded. They then withdrew. The fire raged all night and entirely destroyed the town.—(Doc. 168.)

—The Ohio Democratic State Convention met at Columbus to-day and nominated H. J. Jewett for Governor and John Scott Harrison for Lieutenant-Governor. A series of resolutions were adopted. The third recommends the legislatures of the States to call a National Convention for settling the present difficulties and restoring and preserving the Union. The sixth resolution condemns the President’s late attempt to suspend the writ of habeas corpus. —National Intelligencer, August 10.

—The United States gun boat Flag arrived at Fort Mifflin, on the Delaware River, this morning with thirty-six rebel prisoners, taken from the rebel war vessel, Petrel, formerly the revenue cutter Aiken, seized at Charleston last winter. The Aiken fired at the St. Lawrence, off Charleston, mistaking her for a merchant vessel, when the St. Lawrence returned a broadside, sinking the rebel. Five of the crew were lost, and the rest rescued and placed on board the Flag.—Philadelphia Press, August 8.

—Isham G. Harris, Governor of Tennessee, appeals to the people of that State “to raise, organize, and thoroughly prepare a reserve force of thirty thousand volunteers.”
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[farmersdaughter]

August 8, 1861

—This evening, at Baltimore, Md., Charles King, from North Carolina, was arrested by officer Stevens, of the Southern District, by order of Major-General Dix, on the charge of being concerned in the raising of a number of men, whoso purpose it was to organize themselves into a crew, and take passage on some boat, intending to capture it in the same manner as the St. Nicholas, and then turn her into a pirate.—Baltimore Patriot, August 9.

—The Nineteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers passed through Philadelphia for the seat of war.—N. Y. Herald, August 9.

—F. K. Zollicoffer was appointed a brigadier-general in the rebel army, and assigned to the command of the Department of East Tennessee. On assuming his command, he issued a proclamation assuring all who desire peace, that they can have it by quietly and harmlessly pursuing their lawful avocations.—(Doc. 171.)

—The Massachusetts Fifteenth Regiment, under the command of Colonel Charles Devens, left Camp Scott, Worcester, Mass., for the seat of war. This regiment is armed with the Springfield musket, and numbers 1,040 men. They are all tall, muscular men, possessing the lightness of limb and full development of natural powers which denote the true specimen of a soldier. Their dress consists of the regular army uniform—gray pantaloons, blue coats, and hat, which is as neat and useful a thing as our fighting men could have.—N. Y. Herald, August 10.

—One hundred men of the Nineteenth Regiment N. Y. V., commanded by Capt. Kennedy, crossed the Potomac at Rock Ferry, at 1 A. M., and marched to Lorrettsville, Loudon co., Va., where it was reported that a company of rebel cavalry were engaged in the impressment of citizens. “When they reached the town the rebels had left, and they retraced their steps; but late in the afternoon, while upon their return march, they were overtaken with word that another detachment of about 130 cavalry had entered the town. Tired and worn out, almost shoeless, and hungry, the brave follows with a shout at once voted unanimously to return and attack the rebels. Starting at a double-quick time they reached the town, and under the cover of a corn-field gained sight of the cavalry about thirty rods distant. Resting for a few minutes, they heard the rebel captain give orders to mount, and believing they had been discovered and were about to be charged upon, Captain Kennedy charged upon the town at a double-quick, firing two volleys as they ran. The enemy, after firing a few harmless shots, made their way, concealed by houses, out of the opposite side of the town, but not until they had one lieutenant killed and five men wounded.—N. Y. Times, August 18.

—The office of the Democratic Standard at Concord, N. H., was completely relieved of its contents this afternoon by a mob composed of the soldiers of the returned First Regiment and citizens. The Standard published an article reflecting on the soldiers. They demanded retraction, and the Palmers—the editors and proprietors—shook pistols and axes out of the windows and dared the mob, while the city authorities endeavored to quell the disturbance. The Palmers fired four shots, wounding two soldiers. The office was immediately stripped, and the materials burnt in the street. The Palmers took refuge in the attic, but were finally found and carried to the police station, protected by the police, though with great difficulty.—(Doc. 172.)

—Dissatisfaction at the supposed intention of the Government not to receive men in its army who could not speak the English language, and a misconception of a War Department order upon the subject, led to the withdrawal as thus stated:

Department Of State,
Washington, August 8,1861.

To F. A. Alberger, Esq., Mayor of the city of Buffalo, N. Y.:

Dear Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 5th inst., and to state in reply, that the order to which it refers was officially explained a day or two since by the Secretary of War, but having still been a subject of great misapprehension it has now been entirely rescinded and vacated. Consequently there is no obstacle whatever to the acceptance of the services of volunteers, on the ground of their nationality or language. The contest for the Union is regarded, as it ought to be, a battle of the freemen of the world for the institutions of self-government.

I am very truly yours,

William H. Seward.

—In a communication of this date, in respect to the disposition to be made of contrabands, the Secretary of War informed General Butler that he was to be governed by the act of Congress, 1861, which “declares that if persons held to service shall be employed in hostility to the United States, the right to their services shall be forfeited.”—(Doc. 173.)

—The Massachusetts Fourteenth Regiment, under the command of Colonel Wm. R. Greene, left Fort Warren, Boston Harbor, for the seat of war. The regiment numbers 1,046 members. Their uniform is light brown pants, deep blue jacket, light blue overcoat, and regulation hat. They are armed with the Springfield musket of the pattern of 1842. They have with them twenty-four baggage wagons, four ambulances, two hospital wagons, and 220 horses.

All the field and staff officers of this regiment but two are natives of Massachusetts. Of the whole corps 350 are married men, and 5 widowers with families. It has one “gentleman,” a host of shoemakers and laborers, and samples of every kind of craftsmen and operatives known among us. There are several teachers on the roll, and one “missionary.” There are a great many blacksmiths—more than any other regiment probably will average. The Amesbury section (Co. E) has thirteen disciples of Vulcan on its roll. The farmers are about equal in number to the blacksmiths. There are three artists, one photographer, one physician, only one printer, two students, and a number of hatters and machinists. One-half of the whole regiment is composed of men connected with the boot and shoe business.—N. Y. World, August 9.

—The ” Confederate” Congress in session at Richmond, Va., adopted the following resolution this day:—

Whereas it has been found that the uncertainty of maritime law in time of war has given rise to differences of opinion between neutrals and belligerents, which may occasion serious misunderstandings, and even conflicts;

and whereas the Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, France, Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, and Russia, at the Congress of Paris of 1856, established a uniform doctrine on this subject, to which they invited the adherence of the nations of the world, which is as follows:

1. That privateering is and remains abolished.

2. That the neutral flag covers the enemy’s goods, with the exception of contraband of war.

3. That neutral goods, with the exception of contraband of war, are not liable to capture under the enemy’s flag, and

4. That blockades, in order to be binding, must be effective; that is to say, maintained by a force sufficient really to prevent access to the coast of the enemy.

And whereas it is desirable that the Confederate States of America shall assume a definite position on so important a point; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Congress of the Confederate States of America accept the second, third, and fourth clauses of the above-cited declaration, and decline to assent to the first clause thereof.

—There was published a letter dated April 15, from Gen. Frost, Missouri Militia, to Gov. Jackson of Missouri, apropos to the President’s proclamation calling out 75,000 volunteers. He advises the Governor to convene the Legislature, proclaim to the people of the Slate that the President’s proclamation is illegal, and especially to take St. Louis, held by United States troops.—(Doc. 174.)
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[farmersdaughter]

August 9, 1861

The tug of war on the high seas could prove exceedingly confusing to all parties involved. The preoccupation today was the schooner George G. Baker. This vessel was unquestionably American--but was it Federal or Confederate? The Confederate privateer York nabbed her first, assuming she was Union. Along came the Federal vessel USS Union and drove York away and took the prize. The crew of the Baker, now utterly confused, managed to slip away. As the Union approached again off Cape Hatteras, the crew of Baker set her afire to prevent capture at all



(Must have been a slow day, there wasn't much for today)
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[farmersdaughter]

August 10, 1861

—Gen Lyon’s column marched until 2 A. M., when it was halted for two hours. Capt. Gilbert’s regulars were thrown out as skirmishers at 4 A. M., and the column moved forward. At 5 o’clock the enemy’s pickets were driven in, and soon after the army came in sight of the rebels’ position. McCulloch’s camp extended in a valley along Wilson’s Creek for three miles, and followed the bends of the streams to the north at its western extremity, and to the south at the eastern. Siegel’s attack was to be made at the latter point, and Lyon moved, therefore, upon the western and northern extremity, down the head of the valley. Blair’s First Missouri Regiment at about 6 o’clock drove a full regiment of infantry from a ridge at the end of the encampment, and at the same time Totten’s battery threw some shells among the enemy’s tents. Blair’s regiment moved forward up a second ridge, upon which they encountered a Louisiana regiment. Here they were reinforced, and finally gained the summit, driving the rebels before them. Two companies of regulars were at this time sent across the creek eastwardly to engage a rebel force in that direction, but were compelled to retire; when Lieut. Dubois opened his battery from the second ridge won, and threw a number of shells which exploded with great effect, and completely routed this body. Blair’s regiment was now withdrawn, and the Iowa First ordered to take its place, and the Kansas regiments to support the Iowa First. An attempt to charge with his cavalry was next made by McCulloch, but the charge was entirely broken by the fire of Totten’s battery. Both batteries were soon in position, and the battle resolved itself into the enemy’s attempt to dislodge them, and regain the ridges from which he had been driven. In this attempt he was repeatedly foiled. At about nine o’clock, as the enemy came on again, Gen. Lyon, who had received three wounds, put himself at the head of the Iowa First to lead a charge with the bayonet, when he received a rifle ball in though breast and fell dead. His fall, however, was not generally known. Major Sturgis assumed the command, and the battle went on.—Mean time, Gen. Siegel made his attack upon McCulloch’s right, drove the rebels for half a mile from their position and took possession of that extremity of their camp; but his advance was broken by the fire of a full regiment that he had permitted to approach in the belief that it was a reinforcement from Gen. Lyon. Unable to rally Salomon’s regiment, he was driven back with the loss of five guns. About noon, the enemy’s tents and his whole baggage train were destroyed by fire, supposed to have been his own act The fight still continued in front, and the last advance of the enemy, made at one P. M., was driven back by the whole national force in the field. Immediately after, Major Sturgis ordered a movement toward Springfield, and the whole force fell back in good order. McCulloch made no pursuit. The national loss was 800 in killed and wounded. Though the rebel loss is not known, it is thought to have been very large, as the national artillery fire was remarkably accurate.—(Doc. 175.)

—The Spanish Minister announced to the Secretary of State at Washington, that the seven American vessels captured by the pirate Sumter and carried into Cienfuegos, had been discharged by order of the Spanish Government.— Washington Republican, August 11.

—To-day Lieutenant Budd, commanding the Reamer Resolute, cleared out one of the rebel depots on the Potomac. It has been known for some time that the Herring Creek on the Maryland side, and Machodock Creek opposite on the Virginia side, were the dcpot for Maryland recruits to the rebel army in Virginia. The Resolute having approached within 300 yards of the shore of the creek, was fired on with musketry. A boat was immediately lowered, and Lieut. Budd with twelve men landed. The rebels fled at their approach and were pursued for a mile, but made their escape. Two muskets and a knapsack which they .threw away in flight were picked up. Upon returning to the house abundant evidence that it had been a rebel rendezvous, and papers containing important information, were found. The buildings were destroyed, and ten contrabands found on the premises were brought away.

After leaving the creek, Lieut. Budd learned from the negroes that there were 800 of the rebels concentrated at the Hague, about five miles back from the river, and that their ferryboat was about three-quarters of a mile up the creek. Meeting the schooner Dana, he took her gun and crew upon the Resolute, and placing the negroes in charge of two men of the Dana, he went up the creek and captured a large boat capable of carrying 25 or 80 men, but saw nothing of the rebels.

—The prize schooner Geo. V. Baker, of Galveston, and her confederate crew of four men in irons, were carried under the guns of Fortress Monroe. The schooner was captured by one of the United States blockading fleet off Galveston, Texas, and sent to New York with the United States crew on board. She was captured yesterday off Cape Hatteras by the rebel privateer York, who put four of her own men on board. Meanwhile the York was seen by the United States gunboat Union, who gave chase and burnt the privateer, but not until the crow had beached her and escaped. The Union then recaptured the Baker, and her crew.

—Isham G. Harris issued an order to the clerks of the county courts of Tennessee, requesting them to search the residences of the people for arms of every description, and to forward such arms to the military authorities at Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville.—(Doc. 175½.)

—Between the hours of six and seven this evening eighty mounted men, led by Capt. White and a refugee named Talbot, attacked a smaller number of Home Guards at Potosi, Missouri, and were repulsed with a loss of two killed and three wounded. One man of the Home Guards was killed.—St. Louis Democrat, August 12.

—Prof. La Mountain made two successful balloon ascensions at Fortress Monroe, having attained an altitude of three thousand feet. He found the encampment of the Confederate forces to be about three miles beyond Newmarket Bridge, Va. There were no traces of the rebels near Hampton. A considerable force is also encamped on the east side of James River, some eight miles above Newport News. The two cannon mounted at Sewall’s Point toward Old Point, he thinks, are only large fieldpieces. There are, perhaps, one thousand Confederates at Sewall’s Point.—N. Y. Times, August 13.

—The Western Virginia State Convention, in a series of resolutions, declared itself “unalterably opposed to any compromise with the rebels.”—(Doc. 176.)

—The Helena (Arkansas) Shield, of this day, contains the following:—From the Hon. C. W. Adams of this county, who arrived at home a few days since from the northern part of this State, we learn that on last Monday week thirteen hundred Indian warriors—Southern allies —crossed the Arkansas River near Fort Smith, en route for McCulloch’s camp. These Indians are armed with rifle, butcher knife, and tomahawk, and had their faces painted, one half red, and the other black. We also learn that a regiment of mounted Texans likewise crossed the Arkansas at or near Fort Smith, for the same destination.
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[farmersdaughter]

Battle of Wilson's Creek
Or
Battle of Oak Hill
August 10, 1861


The Battle of Wilson's Creek, also known as the Battle of Oak Hills, was fought on August 10, 1861, near Springfield, Missouri, between Union forces and the Missouri State Guard, early in the American Civil War. It was the first major battle of the war west of the Mississippi River and is sometimes called the "Bull Run of the West." Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon's Army of the West was camped at Springfield, Missouri, with Confederate troops under the commands of Brig. Gen. Benjamin McCulloch approaching. On August 9, both sides formulated plans to attack the other. At about 5:00 a.m. on August 10, Lyon, in two columns commanded by himself and Col. Franz Sigel, attacked the Confederates on Wilson's Creek about 12 miles (19*km) southwest of Springfield. Rebel cavalry received the first blow and fell back away from Bloody Hill. Confederate forces soon rushed up and stabilized their positions.[4]

The Confederates attacked the Union forces three times that day but failed to break through the Union line. When General Lyon was killed during the battle and General Sweeny wounded, Major Samuel D. Sturgis assumed command. Meanwhile, the Confederates had routed Sigel's column, south of Skegg's Branch. Following the third Confederate attack, which ended at 11:00 a.m., the Confederates withdrew. Sturgis realized, however, that his men were exhausted and his ammunition was low, so he ordered a retreat to Springfield. The Confederates were too disorganized and ill-equipped to pursue. This Confederate victory buoyed southern sympathizers in Missouri and served as a springboard for a bold thrust north that carried Price and his Missouri State Guard as far as Lexington. In late October, a rump convention, convened by Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson, met in Neosho and passed out an ordinance of secession. Wilson's Creek, the most significant 1861 battle in Missouri, gave the Confederates control of southwestern Missouri.[4]

Background

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The battle as depicted on a mural in the Missouri State Capitol

At the beginning of the war, Missouri declared that it would be an "armed neutral" in the conflict and not send materials or men to either side. On April 20, 1861, a secessionist mob seized the Liberty Arsenal increasing Union concern in the state. The neutrality was put to a major test on May 10, 1861, in what became known as the Camp Jackson Affair. Governor Claiborne F. Jackson had called out the state militia to drill on the edge of St. Louis in Lindell Grove. The governor had clandestinely obtained artillery from the Confederacy and smuggled it into the militia encampment–referred to as "Camp Jackson." Capt. Nathaniel Lyon was aware of this shipment and was concerned the militia would move on the St. Louis Arsenal. Thomas W. Sweeny was put in command of the Arsenal's defense, and Lyon surrounded the militia camp with Union troops and home guards, forcing the surrender of the militia. He then blundered by marching the militia men through the streets to the arsenal. A crowd gathered, some angry and pressing against the procession. Taunts and jostling eventually led to gunfire and many deaths, mostly civilians but also including several militia and soldiers.[5]

A day later, the Missouri General Assembly created the Missouri State Guard to defend the state from attacks from perceived enemies, either from the North or South. The governor appointed Sterling Price to be its commander with the rank of Major General. The State Guard was divided into divisions, with each division consisting of units raised from a military district of Missouri and command by a brigadier general. (Because much of their recruiting areas were behind Union lines, many divisions were the size of a brigade, consisting of only a few regiments.)[6]

Fearing Missouri's tilt to the South, William S. Harney, the Federal commander in Missouri, struck the Price-Harney Truce on May 12, 1861, which affirmed Missouri's neutrality in the conflict. Governor Jackson declared his support for the Union. However, Harney was replaced by Lyon (who was promoted to general), and Abraham Lincoln made a specific request for Missouri troops to enter Federal service. Jackson withdrew his support. On June 12, 1861, Lyon and Jackson met in St. Louis to resolve the matter. The meeting ended with Lyon saying:

This means war. In an hour one of my officers will call for you and conduct you out of my lines.[7]

Lyon sent a force under General Sweeny to Springfield while his own forces quickly captured the capital and pursued Jackson, Price, and the now-exiled state government across Missouri.[8] Skirmishes followed such as Battle of Boonville on June 17, 1861, followed by the Battle of Carthage on July 5, 1861. In light of the crisis, the delegates of the Missouri Constitutional Convention that had rejected secession in February reconvened. On July 27, the convention declared the governor's office vacant and then selected Hamilton Rowan Gamble to be the new provisional governor.[9]

By July 13, 1861, Lyon's army was encamped at the city of Springfield, Missouri, and consisted of approximately 6,000 men. His force was composed of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Missouri Infantry, the 1st Iowa Infantry, the 1st Kansas and 2nd Kansas Infantry, several companies of Regular Army infantry and cavalry, and three batteries of artillery. He divided the units into four brigades commanded by Major Samuel D. Sturgis, Colonel Franz Sigel, Lieutenant Colonel George Andrews, and Colonel George Dietzler.[10]

By the end of July 1861 the Missouri State Guard was camped about 75*mi (121*km) southwest of Springfield and had been reinforced by Confederate Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch and Arkansas state militia Brigadier General N. Bart Pearce, making the mixed Missouri/Arkansas/Confederate force over 12,000 strong. They developed plans to attack Springfield but General Lyon marched out of the city on August 1 in an attempt to surprise the Southern forces. The armies' vanguards skirmished at Dug Springs, Missouri on August 2. The Union force emerged as the victor, but Lyon learned he was outnumbered more than two-to-one and retreated back to Springfield. McCulloch, now in command of the Missourian army, gave chase. By August 6, his force was encamped at Wilson's Creek, 10*mi (16*km) southwest of the city. Price and McCulloch disagreed about the proper strategy for their combined force. Price favored an immediate attack on Sprinfield but McCulloch, doubtful about the quality of the Missouri State Guard, preferred to remain in place. After Price threatened to launch an attack without his support, McCulloch agreed to an attack at dawn on the 10th but when a rainstorm started during the evening of the 9th, he cancelled his plans and ordered his troops back to camp.[11]

Outnumbered, Lyon planned to withdraw northeast to Rolla to reinforce and resupply, but not before launching a surprise attack on the Missourian camp to delay pursuit. Union Colonel Franz Sigel developed a flawed strategy, with which Lyon concurred, that split the already out-numbered Union force. Sigel proposed striking McCullough in a pincer movement. He planned to lead 1,200 men in a flanking maneuver while the main body under Lyon struck from the north. In accord with Sigel's ill-conceived plan, the Union army marched out of Springfield on the rainy night of August 9, 1861, leaving about 1,000 men to protect supplies and cover the retreat.[12]

Battle

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Map of the Battle of Wilson's Creek.

At about 5:00 a.m., at first light on the morning of August 10, the Union force attacked. The secessionists were caught by surprise. Lyon's force overran the enemy camps and took the high ground at the crest of a ridge which would become known as "Bloody Hill." Early Union hopes for a rout were dashed, however, when the artillery of the Pulaski Arkansas Battery unlimbered and checked the advance, which gave Price's infantry time and cover to organize lines on the south slope of the hill.[13] Lyon organized a line on the southern slope of Bloody Hill, from which he tried to launch counterattacks but was unsuccessful. Price was in command to this sector of the Confederate army and launched a series of frontal and flank attacks but was also unsuccessful; a shortage of ammunition in the Confederate army was a factor in the Confederate defeats.[14]

The two Union forces lost contact with each other, with no means of communicating with or supporting each other if anything went wrong. Sigel's attack was successful at first; the brigade arrived in the Confederate rear soon after dawn.[15] Artillery fire routed the Confederate cavalry units which were encamped at the Sharp's farm; Sigel started a pursuit but stopped along Skeeg's Branch; during the time he was stopped along this position, he failed to post skirmishers along his front and left his flank open for an attack.[11] Meanwhile McCulloch rallied several Confederate units, including the 3rd Louisiana Infantry and the 3rd Division from the Missouri State Guard, and lead a counterattack. Sigel's men mistook the 3rd Louisiana for the 3rd Iowa Infantry (which also wore gray uniforms), and withheld their fire until the Confederates were nearly upon them. His flank was consequently utterly devastated by the counterattack and his brigade was routed, losing four cannons. Sigel and his men fled the field leaving the force under Lyon, Sweeny, and Sturgis holding out alone.[16]

With the rout of Sigel's flank, the momentum of the battle shifted in the South's favor. Lyon became the first Union general to be killed in the war; he was shot in the heart on Bloody Hill, at about 9:30 a.m., while leading the 2nd Kansas Infantry in a countercharge. General Sweeny was shot in the leg, and Major Samuel D. Sturgis, as the highest ranking Regular Army officer, assumed command of the Union army. While still in a defensible position atop the hill, Union supplies were low and morale was worsening. By 11:00 a.m., the Union forces had already repulsed three separate Confederate charges. Ammunition and men were nearly exhausted, and Sturgis retreated rather than risk a fourth Confederate attack.[17]

Aftermath

The casualties were about equal on both sides—1,317 Union and 1,230 Confederate/Missourian/Arkansan. Though the Confederate allied force won the field, they were unable to pursue the retreating Union forces to Rolla. Price wanted to start a pursuit of the Union force immediately but McCulloch refused, worried about the quality of the Missouri State Guard, and the length of his supply line back to Arkansas. With the victory, Price's Missouri Guard began an invasion of northern Missouri that culminated in the First Battle of Lexington on September 20, 1861, while the Confederate and Arkansas forces withdrew from the state.[18]

After falling back to Springfield, Sturgis handed command of the army over to Sigel, and at a council of war that evening it was agreed that the Union army had to fall back to Rolla, starting at 3 a.m. the next morning. However, Sigel failed to get his brigade ready at that time, forcing a delay of several hours. Along the retreat route, Sigel's men took several lengthly delays in order to prepare meals; this caused the other officers to force Sigel to turn command back over to Sturgis.[19]

On October 30, 1861, the Missourians under Price and Jackson formally joined the Confederate cause in Neosho, Missouri. Officials passed the resolutions for Missouri secession and Jackson was named the Governor of Confederate Missouri. However, the new government never earned the favor of most of the population of Missouri, and the state remained in the Union throughout the war. What little control Price and Jackson did have was diminished in the Battle of Fredericktown on October 21 and the Battle of Springfield I on October 25 and the Confederate state government was soon forced to leave the state.[20]

Although Price enjoyed Missouri victories, he did not have the popular support to hold the field. After 1861, he was a Confederate general and led his forces in battles in Arkansas and Mississippi. There were smaller skirmishes in Missouri until the fall of 1864 when Price returned to Missouri. However, Missouri suffered the guerrilla warfare of bushwhackers such as Quantrill's Raiders and Bloody Bill Anderson throughout the war.[21]

National battlefield

The site of the battle has been protected as Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. The National Park Service operates a visitor center featuring a museum, a twenty-six minute film, a nine-minute fiber optic battle map presentation, and a Civil War research library open to the public. Living history programs depicting soldier life, cavalry drills, musket firing, artillery demonstrations, period medicine, and period clothing are generally held on Sunday afternoons Memorial Day through Labor Day.[22]

With the exception of the vegetation and the addition of interpretive hiking trails and a self-guided auto tour route, the 1,750 acre (7*km²) battlefield has changed little from its historic setting, allowing visitors to experience the battlefield in nearly pristine condition. The home of the Ray family, which served as a Confederate field hospital during the battle, has been preserved and restored and is open periodically throughout the summer, with Park Service interpreters dressed in period clothing
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[farmersdaughter]

August 11, 1861

—The Hagerstown Herald of today says: The Union men of the border counties in Virginia continue to seek refuge in Maryland from the frightful tyranny which the rebels are practising in that State. Within the last week upward of fifty have crossed the river from Berkeley and Morgan counties, leaving behind them their families and homes, to avoid being pressed into the service. One of the number brought with him the following notice, which ho took from a blacksmith’s shop in Morgan County:

All the militia belonging to the Eighty-ninth Regiment V. M., are ordered to meet at Oakland, on Monday next, as early as they can, in order to march to head-quarters, Winchester, forthwith—and I would make a friendly request of those men that failed to go before, for them to turn out now like true-hearted Virginians, and what they have done will be looked over, but if they do not regard this call they will work their own ruin.—They can never be citizens of Virginia, and their property will be confiscated. The General will send a troop of horse to Morgan as soon as we leave, and all those men that fail to do their duty will be hunted up, and what the consequence will be I am unable to say.

Samuel Johnston,

July 24,1861. Col. S9th Regiment V. M.

This is the condition of affairs to which the citizens of Maryland are invited by their legislators and the sympathizers with secession.

—Early this morning, Gen. Siegel, in command of the force lately under Gen. Lyon at Wilson’s Creek, fell back to Springfield in good order, and subsequently to Rolla, Mo.—N. Y. Times, August 15.

—General Hurlburt, in command of the national forces at Palmyra, Mo., issued an order to. the county authorities of Marion County, Mo., requiring the delivery by them of a stated amount of rations to his troops every day, and threatening, if the order was not promptly obeyed, to billet the regiment upon the city of Palmyra.—
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[farmersdaughter]

August 12, 1861

—Charles J. Faulkner, late U. S. Minister to France, was arrested in Washington by the Provost Marshal. The order for his arrest was issued from the War Department. A heavy detachment of infantry accompanied the Marshal to guard against any disturbance that the arrest might prompt. Mr. Faulkner acknowledged the authority, and signified his readiness to accompany the officer. He was taken to the jail, where the other prisoners of war are confined. Mr. Faulkner occupies a lower floor of the jail, and has a ward adjoining that of Dr. Fleming, of Virginia, who is also a prisoner and a man of wealth and influence. When first arrested, he was somewhat excited, but he shortly recovered himself, and during the afternoon conversed freely with one of the officers on the condition of France. When asked how the rebellion was regarded there, he answered, “France, sir, deeply regrets it.” He also stated that he had his passes all ready, and intended to leave for his home in Virginia today. In his conversation he carefully avoids expressing any opinion as to the political condition of the country. The charges upon which the arrest is based, are his successful efforts to procure arms in Europe for the use of the rebels, and the fact that he was going home to assume command of a regiment of rebels who had elected him colonel.—N. Y. Times, August 13.

—Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, in accordance with a resolution of Congress, issued a proclamation, appointing a day of public fasting and prayer, to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnities and the offering of fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of the country, His blessings on the national arms, and a speedy restoration of peace.—(Doc. 178.)

—At one o’clock this afternoon, the office of the Democrat, a secession sheet published at Bangor, Me., was visited by a large number of people. During an alarm of fire, a crowd entered the office, cleared it of every thing it contained, and burned the contents in the street. Mr. Emery, the editor of the paper, escaped unharmed. A man who made some demonstrations in opposition to the acts of the mob, was badly used, but was finally rescued and put in jail.

—Judge Catron, of the United States Supreme Court, was expelled from Nashville, Tenn., by a Vigilance Committee, for his refusal to resign his office under the United States Government.—Baltimore American, August 14.

—Gen. Wool was ordered to the command of the Southeastern District of Virginia, headquarters at Fortress Monroe.—The Eleventh Regiment of New York Volunteers (First Fire Zouaves) left Washington for New York.—Troy Times, August 13.

—Twenty-two released prisoners of war arrived at Fortress Monroe from Norfolk, Va., under a flag of truce. They comprise the following persons:—Surgeons, Edward T. Taylor, First New Jersey; Jacob A. Stewart, First Minnesota; Eugene Peugnet, Seventy-first Now York; Foster Swift, Eighth New York; S. O. Thunkins, Fourth Maine; B. F. Buckstone, Fifth Maine; Wm. H. Allen, Second Maine; Jas. M. Lewis, Second Wisconsin; Gustavus Winston, New York Eighth; Chas. DeGraw, do.; _____ Normal, Seventy-ninth New York. These surgeons remained at Sudley Church and the stone building after the battle, attending the wounded, and were taken prisoners. They remained, some at Bull Run and others at Manassas Junction, attending upon the wounded for two weeks after the battle, and then were sent to Richmond. Finally they were released on parole and sent within the national lines, via Norfolk They have been courteously and kindly treated by the military authorities of the “Confederate ” States, and give the most unqualified denial to all stories of the killing or ill-treatment of the wounded. Mrs. Curtis, of New York, who went out a day or two after the battle and was taken prisoner, is also released.—(Doc. 179.)

—Ben. McCulloch, in a general order, congratulated “the army under his command” upon the victory at Wilson’s Creek, and hoped that “the laurels they had gained” would “not be tarnished by a single outrage.” He also issued a proclamation to the people of Missouri, calling upon them to act either for the North or the South.
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[farmersdaughter]

August 13, 1861

—The New Orleans Delta of to-day rejoices over the contemplated expulsion of all citizens of the United States “from the Confederated States.” The law, it states, is, and the fact is confirmed from other sources, that all owning citizenship to the Federal Government are to be banished from the Confederated States. The Delta says:

“We cannot afford to tolerate enemies in our midst, because, forsooth, they may have the discretion to keep silent and to bear no arms in their hands. The man of Massachusetts, or the man of Kentucky, living, and perhaps thriving in our midst, has no business at this time to be among us, if he allows a reasonable suspicion to exist that he is not also cordially with us.”

—A severe skirmish took place a few miles from Grafton, Va., on the Fairmount and Webster road. Information having been received that a regularly organized body of rebels, living in the county, were lodged within a few miles of Webster, General Kelly sent Captain Dayton, of Company A, Fourth Virginia Regiment, with fifty men, from Webster to disarm them. After scouting nearly twenty-four hours he came suddenly on them, and after an hour’s severe fighting, succeeded in killing twenty-one and putting the others to flight, without loss to his command. The rebels numbered 200, and were composed of the worst characters of the county, led on by Zack Cochrane, sheriff under Gov. Letcher.—Ohio Statesman, August 16.

—The banks of New York, Philadelphia, and Boston agreed to take fifty millions of the Government loan, they to be the sole recipients of the Treasury notes.

William Gray, Franklin Haven, and J. Amory Davis were chosen a committee by the Boston bank directors to confer with the committees of the New York and Philadelphia banks in regard to the Government loan. The meeting adopted the following instructions to the Committee:

“That the Committee be authorized to say to the gentlemen of the Committees from the New York and Philadelphia banks, that, in the judgment of the gentlemen here assembled, the banks and bankers of Boston and of the State of Massachusetts and its people are prepared, ready, willing, and determined to do all in their power, in view of their duty to themselves, their trusts and their country, to aid it in suppressing the present rebellion by furnishing men and money to the utmost extent of their ability, now, henceforth and forever.”— N. Y. Evening Post, August 14.

—General Pope, at St. Louis, Mo., issued a general order, establishing regulations for the navigation of the Missouri River.—
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[farmersdaughter]

August 14, 1861

—Jefferson Davis, at Richmond, Va., issued a proclamation, notifying all residents of the “Confederate” States, who do not acknowledge the authority of the same, to leave the “Confederacy” in forty days from the date of the proclamation.—(Doc. 182.)

—Robert Muir, of Charleston, S. C., and cousin of the British consul at Now Orleans, was arrested on board the steamer Africa at New York, just as she was leaving, as bearer of despatches from Jeff. Davis to the British Government. Several papers, showing he was such a person, were found on him.—National Intelligencer, August 16.

—Col. Farnham, of the N. Y. Fire Zouaves, died this evening at Washington of wounds received in the battle of Bull Run.—Idem.

—Proclamation of martial law, as follows, was made in St. Louis, Missouri:

Head-Quarters Western Department,

St. Louis, August 14.

I hereby declare and establish martial law in the city and county of St. Louis. Major J. McKinstry, United States Army, is appointed provost-marshal. All orders and regulations issued by him will be respected and obeyed accordingly.

(Signed) J. C. Fremont,

Major-General Commanding.

Provost-marshal McKinstry thereupon issued a proclamation calling upon all good citizens to obey the rules it has been deemed necessary to establish, in order to insure and preserve the public peace, accompanied with the assurance that the civil law will remain in force, and the military authority only be used when civil law proves inadequate to maintain the public safety; and that any violation of the order will be followed by prompt punishment, regardless of persons or positions.—(Doc. 183.)

—This afternoon at St. Louis, Provost-marshal McKinstry suppressed the publication of the War Bulletin and the Missourian, two newspapers which had been “shamelessly devoted to the publication of transparently false statements respecting military movements in Missouri.”—St. Louis Democrat, August 15.

—General Fremont ordered a re-organization of the United States Reserve Corps in St Louis, to comprise five regiments of infantry, with a reserve of two companies to each two squadrons of cavalry, and two batteries of light artillery, the troops to be required to enlist for the war, subject to the same regulations and receive the same pay as volunteer regiments.—N. Y. World, August 15.

—The First Fire Zouaves (Eleventh N. Y. V.) arrived in New York City, and were discharged on furlough. Previous to the discharge they were addressed in front of the City Hall by Gen. Prosper M. Wetmore.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 15.

—A mutiny broke out in the camp of the New York Seventy-ninth Regiment near Washington. Among their alleged grievances are, that it is proposed to attach them to the Sickles Brigade to which they object, and that they were promised a furlough in order to see to the comfort of their families, to reorganize, and to elect officers to fill existing vacancies; and as it appeared likely that this furlough would not be given, they refused to obey orders. A detachment of regular soldiers was sent to their camp, to act as circumstances might require. The result was the arrest of forty or fifty who took a more active part in the insubordination. These were taken into Washington City about eight o’clock P. M., and confined as prisoners, whilst the remainder of the regiment were marched to the Navy Yard under a strong guard of cavalry. —(Doc. 184.)

—The First Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers, numbering nearly eight hundred muskets, passed through Baltimore, Md., this morning, on their return home after three months’ service in the cause of the General Government. They have been operating in the region of country near Harper’s Ferry, Va.—Baltimore American, August 14.

—Bishop Whittingham of Maryland issued a pastoral letter to the clergy and laity of his diocese, with reference to the approaching fast-day.— (Doc. 185.)

—The question of retaliation and the exchange of prisoners is agitated in the Southern States. New Orleans papers of to-day contain an elaborate article on the subject.—
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[farmersdaughter]

August 15, 1861

—At Arlington, Va., sixty noncommissioned officers and privates of the Second Maine Regiment of Volunteers, having formally and positively, in the presence of the regiment, refused to do any further duty whatever, alleging that they were not legally in the service of the United States, were, with the approval of the General-in-Chief, transferred, in arrest, from the regiment, as no longer worthy to serve with it, to be sent to the Dry Tortugas, in the Gulf of Mexico, there to perform such fatigue service as the officers commanding might assign them, until they should by their future conduct show themselves worthy to bear arms.—Army Orders.

—The Twenty-third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, under the command of Col. Sanderson, left the camp near New Albany, for Indianapolis, and thence for the seat of war in Missouri.—Louisville Journal, August 16.

—Govenor Buckingham, of Connecticut, calls upon “the loyal and patriotic citizens of that State to organize in companies for four regiments of infantry.”—(Doc. 187.)

—Upon the refusal of Colonel Burke, the officer in command at Fort Lafayette in New York harbor, to produce his prisoners in court in response to a writ of habeas corpus, Judge Garrison of Kings Co., N. Y., who issued the writ, made formal application to General Duryea of the militia in Brooklyn to ascertain what force could be obtained by the county to execute the writ. General Duryea informed the sheriff that about fourteen hundred men could be raised, but that the county was in possession of no artillery sufficiently powerful to make an impression on the works, and that it would require between five and ten thousand men to take them.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 15.

—This afternoon the steamer Resolute was ordered from Aquia Creek to Matthias Point, Va., for the purpose of reconnoitring. Seeing a bateau filled with barrels on shore just below the point, a boat was sent from the Resolute with six men, to bring off the bateau. No sooner had the boat touched the beach than a volley of musket balls was opened upon them from a secession force concealed in the woods, killing three of the men instantly, namely—John James Fuller, of Brooklyn, master’s mate, who, it was subsequently ascertained, was pierced by two balls; George Seymour, captain of the gun, of New York, by seven, and Thomas Tully, of Boston, by two balls. Earnest Walter, a native of England, was wounded in the head. Another volley was fired by the enemy as they moved their position, or as soon as they had time to reload. The Resolute was about seven hundred yards from the shore, and fired in the midst of the rebels one shot of canister and nine of shrapnell. The scene on board the small boat is described as heart-sickening—the dead lying outstretched in it, covered with their own blood. The boat was towed a short distance from the shore by one of the crew named Sanderson, who quietly slipped into the water for that purpose, and thus concealed himself from the enemy. The other uninjured man lay in the boat, horrified by the scene through which he had just passed, while the wounded man helped Sanderson to row the boat toward the Reliance, from which assistance was immediately rendered.
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[farmersdaughter]

August 16, 1861

—Colonel Hecker, with his regiment, surprised a body of rebels-, four hundred strong, near Fredericktown, Mo., early this morning. He captured all their camp equipage, and his men ate the breakfast which had just been prepared by the rebels. Twelve prisoners were also taken.—General Prentiss took command of all the forces at Ironton, Mo.—N. Y. World, August 20.

—A New battery, erected by the rebels at a point a mile or two below Aquia Creek, Va., opened fire on the steamer Pocahontas, but inflicted no damage. This is the fourth battery which has been erected at that point. Officers report that, unless the Government takes immediate action to expel the rebels from these positions on the bank of the river, navigation will be completely closed. The enemy’s batteries already command a large part of the Potomac.—Louisville Journal, August 19.

—In the United States Circuit Court, sitting in the city of New York, the Grand Jury brought in a presentment against the Journal of Commerce, Daily News, Day Book, Freeman’s Journal, and Brooklyn Eagle, as aiders and abettors of treason, and recommended that the Court, in its judicial capacity, take cognizance of them. The Judge said he would turn over the presentment to Judge Wilson, at the October term.—(Doc. 189.)

—A Serious affray occurred at Saybrook, Conn., this afternoon. A number of prominent secessionists of the State had called a “peace meeting,” to commence at three o’clock, when a peace, or secession flag was to be raised, and several speeches were to be made. Among the speakers who were announced, and on hand, was W. W. Eaton, of Hartford. The fact becoming known in New Haven, about ninety residents of that city came up on the train this morning. On reaching Saybrook the New Haven boys marched in procession to the flag-staff, upon which it was rumored that a secession flag was to be raised, surrounded it, and immediately proceeded to hoist the Stars and Stripes, when Judge Colyer of Hartford, and a noted secessionist of Saybrook, with others, undertook to prevent the Stars and Stripes from being raised, and cut the halyards, and it is said also made an attempt to use the knife upon some of the New Haven boys, when a desperate affray commenced between the secessionists and Unionists, which resulted in Judge Colyer having one of his cheeks dreadfully cut, and the great peace advocate of Saybrook faring little better. Mr. Eaton was deterred from making his prepared speech; and quiet being restored, Capt. Joseph R. Hawley, of the returned First Regiment, whoso bravery at Bull Run has been frequently alluded to, made a capital Union speech, which was enthusiastically received by the assemblage. About forty of the New Haven boys returned home this evening, while fifty remained to watch movements for the night, and probably take care of the flag-staff so that no secession flag should be raised upon it. The flag which the secessionists intended to hoist was a white one with the word “Peace” inscribed thereon.— N. Y. World, August 17.

—The President declared by proclamation that, as their rebellious populations had failed to disperse and return to their duty as bidden in his proclamation of Feb. 28, the States of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Arkansas were in a state of insurrection, and that all commercial intercourse with them “is unlawful, and will remain unlawful until such insurrection shall cease, or has been suppressed.”—(Doc. 190.)

—Fifty-eight Thousand Dollars were seized by U. S. troops at Genevieve, Missouri, and taken to St. Louis.—N. Y. Herald, August 18.

—All safe-conducts, passes, etc., hitherto granted to enter or go beyond the U. S. army lines in Virginia, were revoked by general order.—Army Order, No. 4
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[farmersdaughter]

August 17, 1861

.—At Clarksburg, Virginia, this day, Gen. Rosecrans issued the following order in reference to the arrest and discharge of prisoners:

Headquarters Army of Occupation

Clarksburg, Western Va., Saturday, Aug. 17, 1861.

Great looseness and irregularity prevail in the arrest and discharge of prisoners. Much care and discretion must be exercised in the arrest of persons merely suspected, and proofs obtained if possible; but when proofs exist, and particularly when taken with arms in hand, or with any evidence of intention or preparation to pursue other than a perfectly peaceable course, no prisoner whatever will be released, but as soon as practicable he will be forwarded, with a full statement of his case, to these head-quarters. By order of

Brig.-gen. Rosecrans.

Geo. L. Hartsuff,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

—At Louisville, Ky., a peace meeting, called by prominent secessionists for this evening, was held at the Court House in that city. As the crowd entered the hall, many were singing the Star-Spangled Banner. James Speed, a Unionist, was called to the chair, and James Trabue, secessionist, was also nominated by the persons calling the meeting. A division of the house took place, when Speed was declared elected. The secessionists, about one hundred in number, then withdrew shouting for the Southern Confederacy. Speeches were made by Messrs. Speed, Wolf, Harlan, and others, and resolutions were adopted with but one dissenting voice.

The seceders from the meeting reorganized at Concert Hall. James Trabue was called to the chair, and John Bell appointed Secretary. On motion, Wm. Garvin, Wm. Atwood, Samuel Casseday, Wm. Inman, and A. L. Shotwell were appointed a Committee on Resolutions, who, after retirement, reported a series of resolutions, which were adopted unanimously.—(Doc. 191.)

—Yesterday, and to-day the Eighteenth, Twenty-second, Twenty-fourth, and Thirty-third Indiana Regiments left for St. Louis, Mo. Eight companies of a cavalry regiment left for the same destination on Monday last.— Western New Yorker, August 22.

—The statement, several days ago, that the rebels were slowly moving their forces to the line of the Potomac, with a view of entering Maryland and encouraging and supporting the revolutionary spirit in that State with an ultimate design on Washington, is now repeated with increased assurance of its truth, and with inch evidences as cannot be disregarded.

With a view of meeting all possible contingencies which may arise in connection with this subject, the Administration issued an order urgently requesting the governors of the several loyal States to forward immediately to Washington all volunteer regiments or parts of regiments, that are now enrolled within their respective States.

—To-night, between the hours of nine and ten o’clock, a remarkable phenomenon was visible in the western sky. The moon was surrounded by a halo of red, white and blue, extending a distance of seven or eight degrees. The colors were distinctly marked, presenting a beautiful appearance, and attracted the attention of a large number of citizens of Jersey City. The colors were visible about ten minutes.

—Despatches were received at St. Louis, Mo., to-day, stating that a train conveying troops on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, was fired into by secessionists, near Palmyra, and one soldier killed and several wounded. Gen. Pope immediately sent orders to General Hurlburt to take such force as he deemed necessary to Marion County, and quarter them on the people, and levy a contribution of horses, mules, provisions, and such other things as may be useful to the soldiers, to the amount of ten thousand dollars, on the inhabitants of the county, and five thousand dollars on the citizens of Palmyra, as a penalty for this outrage.—Baltimore American, August 19.

—The Sixteenth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Powell T. Wyman, left their encampment at North Cambridge for the seat of war. Colonel Powell and a majority of the staff and line officers are graduates of West Point. Quarter-master Livermore is a son of Hon. Isaac Livermore, of Cambridge, and Gov. Banks (now Gen. Banks) has a brother in the regiment in the person of Capt. Gardner Banks, of Company H.—N. Y. Times, August 19.

—Governor Yates issued a proclamation to the people of Illinois, stating that he has obtained instructions from the Secretary of War to accept all companies that offer themselves for three years’ service; and announcing that all companies which shall report fully organized within twenty days from the 17th inst. will be received; that orders for the transportation, sustenance, and equipment of troops have already been given; that equipments of the best quality will be furnished in the shortest practicable period, and that arms will be procured as soon as possible.—(Doc. 192.)

—Nurses in the army were ordered to receive forty cents per day and one ration.
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[farmersdaughter]

August 18, 1861

—The privateer Jeff. Davis was wrecked this evening on the St. Augustine (Fla.) bar. The Charleston Mercury gives though following particulars of the loss: On Friday evening, the 16th inst., Captain Coxetter was off St. Augustine, but the wind having increased to half a gale, he could not venture in. He remained outside the bar the whole of Saturday without observing any of Lincoln’s fleet. On Sunday morning at half-past six, while trying to cross the bar, the Jeff. Davis struck, and though every possible exertion was made to relieve her by throwing the heavy guns overboard, yet the noble vessel, after her perilous voyage, and the running of innumerable blockades, became a total wreck. All the small-arms and clothing of the crew, with many valuable sundries, were, however, saved. On the arrival of the bravo but unfortunate crew in St. Augustine, they were received with a kindness that they never can forget. The town bells rang out a joyous peal of welcome, and the people vied with each other in their courtesies to the shipwrecked ones. Thanks to the noble hospitality of the Floridians, the men soon recovered from their fatigue. They arc expected to arrive in Charleston on Wednesday next. The name of the privateer Jeff. Davis had become a terror to the Yankees. The number of her prizes and the amount of merchandise which she captured has no parallel since the days of the Saucy Jack.

—To-day a company of Federal troops took possession of the Northwest Democrat, published at Savannah, Mo. The Democrat boldly carried at the head of its columns the name of Jeff. Davis for President, and of Claib. Jackson for Vice-President.—N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, August 26.

—Major-general John E. Wool arrived at Fortress Monroe yesterday morning. He was met at the wharf by Gen. Butler and staff and Col. Dimmick, who escorted him to the headquarters of Gen. Butler. An order was issued for all officers to report at four o’clock in the afternoon for review and to turn over the command to Gen. Wool. In consequence of a heavy rain, however, the review was postponed until this morning, when Gen. Wool assumed command of the post.—National Intelligencer, August 20.

—F. K. Zollicoffer, the rebel general at Knoxville, Tennessee, issued an order, expressing his gratification at the “increasing evidences of confidence” in East Tennessee, and declaring that “no act or word will be tolerated calculated to alarm or irritate those who, though heretofore advocating the National Union, now acqu’esce in the decision of the State and submit to the authorities of the Government of the Confederate States.”—(Doc. 194.)

—The Twenty-second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, under the command of Col. Jefferson C. Davis, Indiana representative in Fort Sumter during its bombardment, passed through Terre Haute, on its way to St. Louis, Mo.— N. Y. Evening Post, August 21.

—This afternoon, between three and four o’clock, a body of three hundred rebel cavalry came down to the landing of the Ferry opposite Sandy Hook, Md., when two companies of Gordon’s Second Massachusetts Regiment fired and the rebels retreated. It is known that two were killed and five wounded. The Confederates are still hovering on the outskirts of Harper’s Ferry, watching the movements of the Federal troops.—National Intelligencer, August 21.

—The First Wisconsin Regiment returned to Milwaukee, from the seat of war, and was welcomed with the greatest enthusiasm. A collation was served and patriotic speeches were made by M. H. Carpenter, and Judge A. D. Smith.—Daily Wisconsin, August 19.

—A Scouting party, composed of the Lincoln Cavalry, under Lieut. Gibson, while to-day in the neighborhood of Pohick Church, some twelve miles from Alexandria, Va., encountered a company of secession cavalry. A slight skirmish ensued, during which private Irwin, belonging to Philadelphia, was killed. One of the Confederates was seen to fall from his horse, but his friends succeeded in carrying off his body.—National Intelligencer,
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[farmersdaughter]

August 19, 1861

—The bill admitting Missouri into the Southern Confederacy, on certain conditions, was passed by the “Confederate” Congress. The conditions are, that Missouri shall duly ratify the Constitution of the Southern Confederacy, through her legally constituted authority, which authority is declared to be the government of Gov. Jackson, who was lately deposed. President Davis is also authorized to muster into the Confederate service, in Missouri, such troops as may volunteer to serve in the Southern army. The bill likewise empowers the President of the Confederate States, at his discretion, at any time prior to the admission of said State as a member of the Confederacy, to perfect and proclaim an alliance, offensive and defensive, with the said government, limited to the period of the existing war between the Confederacy and the United States, the said treaty or alliance to be in force from the date thereof, and until the same shall be disaffirmed or rejected by this Congress.—National Intelligencer, September 5.

—The Republican, published at Savannah, Ga., has the following, in reference to the defences of that city: “In response to numerous inquiries propounded through the press of the interior, we would simply say that within a week from to-day no Federal fleet will be able to enter a harbor or inlet, or effect a landing of troops on the coast of Georgia. Month after month elapsed and the State, with all the boasting of its chief executive officer, and with over a million in his hands for the purpose, did absolutely nothing for our protection. The Confederate authorities, to whom the matter has been turned over, have recently been industriously at work, and the fortifications along the coast are nearly completed.”

—E. W. Hinman, of New York, respectfully submitted the following proposition to President Lincoln:—”Whereas the commercial and mercantile interests of our country are being destroyed, it is proposed by numerous masters and owners of vessels, which may be deemed acceptable on the part of the Government of the United States, to aid and assist in capturing any steamer or other craft which may be found on the ocean, sailing under the Confederate or rebellion flag of the seceded States, or which may be found acting under a privateer commission issued by the Government under Jefferson Davis as its President. Therefore the undersigned, in behalf of Captain George Walen and others, -would respectfully make application to your Excellency, as President of the United States, to issue an order to the undersigned to capture and take such vessels for a bounty to be paid by the Government, under such stipulations and conditions as may be deemed advisable, with a view to protect our commerce and mercantile interests of such of our citizens as may be considered loyal and patriotic, in behalf of the Government of the United States, who are desirous of the maintenance of the Constitution, the Union, and the laws of our country.”

—To-day two hundred and forty fugitives from East Tennessee, men driven from their homes, were fed in the Seminary yard in Danville, Ky. Some of them were elderly men and some young, and all had been compelled to abandon their families, and were ill-clad, almost barefoot, weary, and hungry. The whole of the two hundred and forty fugitives enlisted in the United States service at Camp Dick Robinson, in Kentucky.—Louisville Journal.

—The office of the Sentinel at Easton, Pa., was destroyed by a crowd of Unionists.—Phila. Press, August 20.

—The town of Commerce, Mo., forty miles from Cairo, Ill., which was taken by a battery planted by the secessionists, was retaken by five hundred troops sent down from Cape Girardeau by order of Gen. Fremont. The rebels made no stand with their battery on the approach of the National troops. Their number was about one hundred and fifty infantry and one hundred and fifty cavalry.—Boston Transcript, August 21.

—Tnis day the Department of State, at Washington, gave notice that “no person will be allowed to go abroad from a port of the United States without a passport either from this Department or countersigned by though Secretary of State; nor will any person be allowed to land in the United States without a Passport from a Minister or Consul of the United States, or, if a foreigner, from his own Government, countersigned by such Minister or Consul. This regulation, however, is not to take effect in regard to persons coming from abroad until a reasonable time shall have elapsed for it to become known in the country from which they may proceed.

—At Philadelphia, Pa., Pierce Butler was arrested this afternoon by the United States marshal at the order of the Secretary of War and taken to New York. The arrest was caused by intercepted letters from him giving information to the Confederates.—National Intelligencer, August 21.

—In Haverhill, Mass., this evening, Ambrose L. Kimball, editor of the Essex County Democrat, was forcibly taken from his house by an excited mob, and, refusing information, was covered with a coat of tar and feathers, and ridden on a rail through the town. Subsequently, under threats of violence, Mr. K. promised to keep his pen dry in aid of rebellion, and was liberated. The town authorities and many good citizens unsuccessfully attempted to quell the mob. Mr. Kimball, after suffering the abuse and indignity of the mob for a long time, made the following affirmation on his knees: “I am sorry that I have published what I have, and I promise that I will never again write or publish articles against the North and in favor of secession, so help me God.” After this he was conducted to his home.—N. Y. Herald, August 21.

—A Battle took place to-night at Charleston, Mo., between the National forces, about two hundred and fifty strong, consisting of the Twenty-second Illinois Regiment, under command of Col. Dougherty, accompanied by Lieut.Col. Ransom, of the Eleventh Illinois Regiment. The rebel force was estimated at six to seven hundred men, and commanded by Col. Hunter, of Jeff. Thompson’s army. The National force was victorious, completely routing the rebels, killing forty and taking seventeen prisoners. The National loss was one killed, viz.: Wm. P. Sharp, of Company A. Among the wounded were Col. Dougherty, slightly; Lieut.-Col. Ransom, shot in the shoulder, not serious; Capt. Johnson, Company A, shot in the leg; George A. Perry, slightly wounded in the arm. Capt. Noleman, with fifty mounted men, left Bird’s Point at about six o’clock this evening for Charleston, to join the forces under Col. Dougherty, but failed to form a junction with them. They met a party of rebels about one hundred strong and gave them battle, killing two and taking thirty-three prisoners, also capturing thirty-five horses, without the loss of a man.—(Doc. 195.)

—The Jeffersonian newspaper office in West Chester, Pa., was quietly visited by a crowd and cleaned out.—There was no disturbance; most of the residents of the place were ignorant of what was going on until the work was effected.—Ohio Statesman, August 21.

—William Henry Odenheimer, Bishop of New Jersey, issued a pastoral letter to the clergy and laity of his diocese, appointing the service to be used on the fast day recommended by the President of the United States.—(Doc. 196.)

—Brigadier-general Hurlburt issued an order directing the authorities of Palmyra, Mo., to deliver up the marauders who fired upon the train of the St. Joseph and Hannibal Railroad on the evening of the 16th inst. In case of a refusal to comply, he signified his intention of levying contributions upon the county to the amount of ten thousand dollars, and upon the city of five thousand dollars.
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[farmersdaughter]

August 20, 1861


—General Rosecrans issued the following card to the press, dated Clarksburg, Va.:—The General Commanding the Army of occupation in Western Virginia, and the Department of the Ohio, invites the aid of the press to prevent the enemy from learning, through it, the position, strength, and movements of the troops under his command. Such information is of the greatest service to the enemy, and deprives the commander of our own forces of all the advantages which arise from the secrecy of concentration and surprise. These advantages are constantly enjoyed by the rebels, whose press never betrays them.

—The bill entitled an Act to increase the Corps of Artillery, and for other purposes, passed by the “Confederate” Congress at Richmond, Va., was approved by Jeff. Davis and became a law.—(Doc. 198.)

—A Skirmish took place to-day at Hawks’ Nest, in Kanawha Valley, Va., eight miles beyond the river. The rebels, some four thousand strong, advanced to where the Eleventh Ohio Regiment had erected barricades, and were driven back with a loss of fifty killed and a number wounded and taken prisoners. The Federal loss was only two slightly wounded and one missing. They captured quite a number of horses and equipments.—(Doc. 199.)

—The New Orleans Delta declares: We want no corn, no flour, no swill-fed pork, no red-eye, no butter or cheese from that Great Western Reserve, no “sass,” no adulterated drugs, no patent physics, no poisoned pickles. We want none of these, we say, to exchange our money for them. And we will not pay the “Blue Grass” country of Kentucky for its loyalty to Lincoln by opening our markets to its hemp fabrics. Let it lay in the bed it has chosen until it awakes to a sense of its duty as well as its interest. We must discriminate in favor of our gallant ally, Missouri, and give her the benefits of our marts in preference to either open foes or insidious neutrals. It is the clear duty of our Government now to declare Kentucky under blockade. If in the existing state of affairs a sea separated us from that State, it would, with the naval power to execute our behests, behoove us to close the ports of a people who seek for themselves profit by impoverishing us and enriching our foes. The fact of their territorial contiguity does not weaken the argument. Kentucky and the West must be made to feel this war, and feel it until they cry peccavi.

—The Fifth Regiment of the Excelsior Brigade, N. Y. S. V., under the command of Col. C. K. Graham, left New York for the seat of war.—N. Y. Herald, August 21.

—A Train arrived at Jefferson City, Mo., this morning from Syracuse, having on board twenty-five passengers and two hundred and fifty United States soldiers. When the train was near Lookout station, about thirty shots were fired into it from behind a wood-pile and bush skirting the road, killing one of the soldiers and wounding six others, one of them fatally. One secessionist was killed. The train was stopped half a mile beyond the point where the attack was made, and two hundred soldiers put off and sent in pursuit of the miscreants. Guerilla parties are scouring the counties west of Jefferson City, selling property and arresting prominent citizens.—N. Y. World, August 21.

—The Second and Fourth battalions of Boston, Mass., voted unanimously to offer their services to the Government for three months.

Gov. Andrew, in a brief proclamation, calls upon citizens of Massachusetts to come forward and fill up the regiments already accepted for the war.—(Doc. 200.)

—August Douglas, a merchant of Baltimore, was arrested in Philadelphia, charged with an attempt to induce Lieutenant Hain to join the rebels, promising him higher rank and pay.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 21.

—The Albany Journal of to-day has the following: “Men and presses who are to-day preaching ‘Compromise’ and ‘Peace,’ are doing more to cripple the Government and help treason than the rebel armies themselves. We would hang a spy who should be caught prowling about our camp to obtain information to be used against as; but we must tolerate if not respect these loyal traitors who labor in the rostrum and through the press to aid the enemy!”

—This morning Albert Sanford, United States marshal of Rhode Island arrived at New York from Newport, having in custody a gentleman named Louis de Bebian, who claims to be a French citizen, but a resident of Wilmington, North Carolina. This gentleman is charged with some kind of political offence, or else appears to be suspected of going to Europe in the service of the Confederate States, or for purposes inimical to the United States. His story, which does not differ much from that of the marshal who has brought him here as a prisoner, is as follows:—He has been a resident and carrying on business as a merchant in Wilmington for several years, and being desirous to go to Europe on business and to see his family, he took passage on board a British vessel called the Adelso, bound to Halifax, N. S., in order to meet one of the Canard steamers. This vessel sailed from Wilmington without hindrance. During the storm of the 12th instant the vessel became disabled, and the captain, rather than let her go down with all hands on board, bore up for a friendly port, as he supposed, in distress. Having got safely into Newport, Rhode Island, under the British flog, the Adelso was boarded by the revenue yacht Henrietta, Lieut. Bennett, who, ascertaining that the Adelso was last from Wilmington, South Carolina, took possession of her and put a prize crew of one officer and five men on board, sealed up the trunks and papers of the master and passengers, and made them all prisoners, and processes for libel and condemnation were issued in the courts of that district by the captors. M. Bebian wished to go ashore and see the French consul, or to be permitted to go to some part of the British dominions, but was refused. After being kept in custody and subjected, as he complains, to a number of personal indignities, ho was sent to New York in custody, and will be transferred to one of the military prisons in the harbor until further orders as to his ultimate destination. Among the papers taken from the prisoner were letters of credit to the amount of $40,000, with which he was to purchase clothing, arms and iron, for shipment to Wilmington, N. C., and other places south.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 20.

—General McClellan assumed the command of the army of the Potomac, and announced the officers attached to his staff.—(Doc. 201.)

—The Convention of Western Virginia passed the ordinance creating a State, reported by the select committee on a division of the State, this morning, by a vote of fifty to twenty-eight. The boundary as fixed includes the counties of Logan, Wyoming, Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster, Randolph, Tucker, Preston, Monongahela, Marion, Taylor, Barbour, Upshur, Harrison, Lewis, Braxton, Clay, Kanawha, Boone, Wayne, Cabell, Putnam, Mason, Jackson, Roane, Calhoun, Wirt, Gilmer, Ritchie, Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Doddridge, Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke, and Hancock. A provision was incorporated permitting certain adjoining counties to come in if they should desire, by expression of a majority of their people to do so. The ordinance also provides for the election of delegates to a Convention to form a constitution; at the same time the question “for a new State” or “against a new State” shall be submitted to the people within the proposed boundary. The election is to be held on the 24th of October. The name of the new State is to be Kanawha.— National Intelligencer, August 22.

—Got. Curtin issued a proclamation to the freemen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, “in which he urges them again to sustain the country in its danger,” and calls upon every man to “so act that he will not be ashamed to look at his mother, his wife, or sisters.”—(Doc. 202.)

—Gen. Butler assumed command of the volunteer forces near Fortress Monroe in pursuance of the following order:

Headquarters Department of Virginia, &c.

Fortress Monroe, August 20, 1861.

Special Order No. 9.—Major-General B. F. Butler is hereby placed in command of the volunteer forces in this department, exclusive of those at Fort Monroe. His present command, at Camps Butler and Hamilton, will include the First, Second, Seventh, Ninth, and Twentieth Regiments, the battalion of Massachusetts Volunteers, and the Union Coast Guard and Mounted Rifles. By command of

Major-General Wool.

C. C. Churchill, Adjutant-General.

—Sterling Price issued a proclamation at Springfield, Mo., to the effect, that a great victory had been won; that northern oppressors of Missouri had been driven back; that every one belonging to the Home Guard organization would be regarded and treated as an enemy to the Southern Confederacy; but that his protection would extend to such who quietly return to their homes, and allow the Southern sway to prevail, and that whoever recognized the provisional government of Missouri would be considered as an enemy to the State, and dealt with accordingly.—
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[farmersdaughter]

August 21, 1861

—By special order of the War Department the body of men at Fortress Monroe known as the Naval Brigade or Union Coast Guard, were formed into a volunteer regiment.—Eight thousand troops were reviewed at Washington by the President and General McClellan.—N. Y. Herald, August 22.

—The Executive Committee of the New York Union Defence Committee reported : that, to this date, it had spent in the equipment of various regiments, five hundred and eighty-one thousand six hundred and eighty-nine dollars; for arms and ammunition, two hundred and twenty-six thousand five hundred and eighty-nine dollars; and for relief to soldiers’ families, \ two hundred and thirty thousand dollars.—See Journal of the Board of Aldermen, N. Y.

—At Alexandria, Va., through the exertions of Major Lemon, commanding the guard there, Miss Windle, formerly of Delaware, but more recently of Philadelphia, and of late a correspondent of the Southern press, was arrested in the act of leaving for Washington by the steamboat. She is a highly-educated lady, and the authoress of several works published while she resided in Philadelphia, among which was a “Legend of the Waldenses,” also “A Visit to Melrose.” Miss Windle has resided in Alexandria for the past month, where her movements have been closely watched. She boldly avowed her secession proclivities, and made no secret of her correspondence with the leaders of the rebel army. After a hearing she was sent to Washington.

Augustus Schaeffer, of Gloucester, New Jersey, belonging to Captain Sinn’s Philadelphia Company of Cavalry, was severely wounded in the head yesterday, by a pistol ball, while out with a scouting party toward Fairfax Court House, Va.—Baltimore American, August 23.

—Jefferson Davis approved an act empowering the President of the “Confederate” States to appoint two more Commissioners to Europe. The act empowers the President to determine to what nations the Commissioners now in Europe shall be accredited, and to prescribe their duties. The two additional Commissioners will receive the same as those now in Europe. Jeff. Davis also approved an act for the aid of the State of Missouri in repelling the invasion and to authorize her admission into the Confederacy. The preamble sets forth that the people of Missouri have been prevented by the unconstitutional interference of the Federal Government from expressing their will in regard to union with the Confederates, and that Missouri is now engaged in repelling the lawless invasion of her territory by armed forces. The Confederate Government consider it their right and duty to aid the Government and people of Missouri in resisting this invasion, and securing the means and opportunity of expressing their will upon all questions affecting their rights and liberties.

The President of the “Confederate” States is authorized to cooperate, through the military power of his Government, with authorities of Missouri in defending that State against the invasion of their soil by the United States, in maintaining the liberty and independence of Missouri, with power to accept the services of troops sufficient to suit the purpose. The act provides for the admission of Missouri to the Confederacy, on an equal footing with the other States, when the Provisional Constitution shall be ratified by the legally constituted authorities of Missouri, and an authenticated copy shall be communicated to the President of the Southern Confederacy.

The President will then, in accordance with the provisions of the act, issue his proclamation announcing the admission of Missouri into the Confederacy. She recognizes the Government in Missouri, of which Claiborne F. Jackson is Chief Magistrate.—Louisville Courier, August 31

—The First Regiment of Long Island Volunteers, (Brooklyn, N. Y., Phalanx,) commanded by Colonel Julius W. Adams, took their departure for the seat of war. The men were uniformed in a substantial blue dress, and their general appearance indicated that they were ready to do good service. They were armed with the common smooth-bore musket.—The Anderson Zouaves, N. Y. S. V., under the command of Colonel John Lafayette Riker, left camp Astor, Riker’s Island, for Washington. The uniform of the Zouaves is dark blue loose jackets, and light blue baggy trowsers. For head covering, a part of the men have the red fez, with blue tassel, and the others dark blue caps. Their arms are the old, smooth-bore muskets, with shank bayonets, and percussion locks altered from flint locks.—N. Y. Tribune, August 22.

—The Memphis Avalanche of this day says that the “conviction is becoming general throughout the South that the war can only be ended by carrying it into the North. The Northern abolitionists will have to be scourged into good behavior. The sooner this shall be done the better. All the mighty energies and resources of the South should be put forth to crush out the Northern conspiracy against her. The bombardment of a few Northern cities would bring our enemies to their senses. Philadelphia and Cincinnati present convenient points of attack. Maryland and Kentucky, we have good reason to believe, will soon be with us, when these abolition cities shall receive the especial attention of the gallant avengers of Southern wrongs.”

—In “Confederate” Congress in session at Richmond, Vo., a resolution of thanks to Ben McCulloch and his forces, was introduced by Mr. Ochiltree of Texas, and passed unanimously. -(Doc. 205.)

—This day a very large and beautiful flag was presented to the battalion of Pennsylvania troops stationed at Annapolis Junction, Md., by the Union ladies of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. The ceremonies were very interesting. James Creigh, Esq., made the presentation speech, and Capt. McPherson the reception speech. A large number of persons were present. — Washington Star, August 23.

— William F. Barry, chief of artillery in Gen. McClellan’s staff, yesterday was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers. — Philadelphia Press, August 22.

— The Twenty-third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Col. David B. Birney, numbering about five hundred and fifty men, passed through Baltimore, Md., en route for Washington city. A large proportion of the men were under Colonel Dare, in the same regiment, which had already served three months under General Patterson. They are all uniformed similar to regulars. Lieutenant-Colonel Wilhelm held the same rank in the Eighteenth Regiment of three months’ volunteers, under Colonel Lewis, and is an experienced officer, having seen service in the Prussian army. Several of the companies attached to the command are well drilled in the Zouave exercise, and also uniformed. — Baltimore American, August 22.

Postmaster-General Blair, in response to an inquiry on the subject, says he has neither the power to interdict nor to suspend intercourse between the loyal and rebellious States, by private expresses or otherwise. The power rests with the War and Treasury Departments alone, and so long as these departments forbear to exercise it, correspondence between the insurgents of the South and their friends and abettors in the North, may be lawfully continued. His power over the matter extends only to the protection of the revenues of the Department from fraud by the conveyance of this circuitous correspondence over the Post routes of the United States, partly in the mails, and partly by private expresses, unlawfully. This the Postmaster-General believes has been effectually done in the manner set forth in his letter on the subject to General McClellan, published a few weeks ago. He concludes by saying:

“You have doubtless observed that the President, in pursuance of an act of Congress, passed at its recent session, has by his proclamation of the 10th instant, declared that all commercial intercourse between the insurgent States or the people thereof and the loyal States is unlawful. It is presumed that instructions will be issued by the Treasury Department for the enforcement of this declaration, and that the abuse of which you complain will be effectually suppressed.”

—The First Regiment of Western Virginia Volunteers returned to Wheeling from the scat of war. Their reception was enthusiastic, the people turning out in a body to welcome them. — Wheeling Intelligencer, August 22.

—The scouting party put off the railroad train which was fired into yesterday morning at Syracuse, Mo., arrived at Jefferson City. They report having killed two and wounded several of the secessionists, and bring in five prisoners.

Governor Gamble has appointed division inspectors in five of the seven military districts in Missouri, for the purpose of mustering men into service under the militia law of 1859, revived by the State Convention. The Governor calls upon the citizens to come forward promptly to sustain the peace by the suppression and dispersion of the armed bauds of men who are now committing violence in the different parts of the State. As soon as troops are enrolled they will hold themselves in readiness to march at the call of the Executive to enforce order. Any regular organization will be permitted to volunteer in the service of the United States, if the members so desire.—The following is the form of oath to be administered to the militia:

“You each and every one of you do solemnly swear that you will honestly and faithfully serve the State of Missouri against all her enemies, and that you will do your utmost to sustain the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State; and you do further swear that you will truly execute and obey the legal orders of all officers properly placed over you whilst on duty, so help you God.
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[farmersdaughter]

August 22, 1861

—At Philadelphia, Pa., on the arrival of the New York train this morning, Marshal Milward and his officers examined all the bundles of papers, and seized every copy of the New York Daily News. The sale of this paper was totally suppressed in that city. Marshal Milward also seized all the bundles of the Daily News at the express offices for the West and South, including over one thousand copies for Louisville, and nearly five hundred copies for Baltimore, Washington, Alexandria, and Annapolis.—National Intelligencer, August 23.

The First regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry, under the command of Colonel Max Friedman, passed through Baltimore, Md., on the way to Washington. The regiment is composed of ten full companies, having an aggregate of nine hundred and fifty men, of whom a large portion have seen service. They were accompanied by twenty trumpeters and buglers. The men, with the exception of fifty, were uniformed alike in a dark blue cloth jacket and pantaloons, with yellow trimmings, and a high felt hat. The horses of the command had previously been sent on to Washington, where the men will receive such arms as may be requisite.— Baltimore American, August 23.

—The Stark County Democrat, a secession sheet, published in Canton, Ohio, was entirely destroyed by some volunteers of that place.— Buffalo Courier, August 24.

—Edwin D. Morgan, Governor of New York, issued a proclamation, urging all good and loyal citizens to use all means in their power to sustain the credit of the State and of the National Government, as well as furnish an ample response to the late call of the President for men to crush the rebellion.—(Doc. 1.)

—The following order was promulgated from Washington, and virtually suppressed the Day Book: and the Daily News of New York:

“Post Office Department, August 22, 1861.

“Sir: The Postmaster-General directs that from and after your receipt of this letter, none of the newspapers published in New York City, which were lately presented by the Grand Jury as dangerous, from their disloyalty, shall be forwarded in the mails.

“I am, respectfully, jour obedient servant,

“T. B. Trott, Chief Clerk.

“To the Postmaster of New York City.”

—Sixty-four of the leading Democrats in Vallandigham’s district, Montgomery County, Ohio, issued a circular against the “despotic and traitorous course of the Vallandigham clique.” They say: “It is the mission of the Democratic party to give strength and vigor and efficiency to the Constitution and Government when they are attacked by rebels and traitors. In the language of the lamented Douglas, ‘No man can be a true Democrat without being at the same time a loyal patriot; and there are but two positions to assume: we must either be for or against our Government —either patriots or traitors.’” They pledge themselves “to unite with all loyal citizens in the defence of the nation, and in rebuking the unpatriotic action of said convention, and of the Dayton Empire, and in supporting for office in the county of Montgomery men, irrespective of party, who are loyal to the Government by a vigorous prosecution of this war, and who in no contingency are in favor of secession.”— N. Y. Evening Post, August. 22.

—The steamer Samuel Orr, an Evansville and Paducah mail packet, was seized at Paducah, Ky., and taken up the Tennessee River. The officers and crew left her, and went to Cairo, Ill., in skiffs. Her cargo was valued at twenty thousand dollars.—Baltimore American, August 24.

—In Philadelphia, Pa., the U. S. marshal, Milward, proceeded to the office of the Christian Observer, in Fourth street below Chestnut, and took all the type, paper, and other appurtenances of the place. He also closed up the office, and warned the persons conducting the Observer that, on any attempt to revive the publication, they would be dealt with according to law. The indignation of the people against this sheet was rapidly culminating down to the time of its stoppage, and it was to have been torn out on Saturday night next—a matter of which the authorities were cognizant.
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