The Civil War Day By Day Sesquicentennial Thread

[farmersdaughter]

November 26 1861

—A. J. Clemens passed through Louisville, Ky., on Tuesday, on his way to Washington, to take his seat in Congress as the representative from the Fourth District of Tennessee. Mr. Clemens was compelled to leave his State on the 11th of August to avoid arrest, and since then he has been acting as an Assistant Surgeon in Col. Glider’s regiment.—Baltimore American, December 2.

—A Party of scouts, numbering five hundred men,under command of Col. Looney, returned to Chattanooga, East Tennessee, to-day, from a successful expedition, bringing in their spoils. They captured fourteen horses, and took one hundred Lincoln men prisoners. Some of these miscreants were found concealed in the dens and caves of the mountains. Holloway, the ruffian who killed Col. Anderson, managed to make his escape by clothing himself in female attire. None of the scouts received any injury. —Memphis Appeal.

—The Grand Review of all the Regular Military Forces on the north side of the Potomac took place, in accordance with previous arrangements, about one o’clock to-day, at Washington, D. C. The several regiments of infantry were commanded by Brigadier-General Sykes, the cavalry by Lieutenant-Colonel Emory, and the batteries of artillery by Colonel H. J. Hunt, the entire body being in command of Brigadier-General Andrew Porter. Thousands of citizens and sojourners availed themselves of the opportunity to witness the parade. The appearance of the troops, their fine discipline, and general movements, elicited from the vast assemblage a universal expression of praise.—National Intelligencer, Not. 27.

—Gen. Fremont and family, accompanied by Capt. Tracy, of the regular army, and two Secretaries, left St. Louis, Mo., to-day for Washington. He was accompanied to the depot by a large number of citizens, chiefly Germans, and on the east side of the river made a brief speech, regretting his departure, etc.— Chicago Evening Journal, Nov. 26.

—Seven companies of the First regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, under command of Col. Bayard, made a reconnoissance to-night from Langley to Drainesville, eight miles up the Potomac. They captured a few rebel pickets, and on their return were attacked by a force of the enemy in ambush. A skirmish ensued, in which several of the rebels were killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, and a few of the Federal soldiers wounded. Col. Bayard narrowly escaped death, his horse being shot under him, and two balls passing through his clothes.—(Doc. 193.)

—Commodore Tatnall, with three small steamers and one gunboat, attacked the Federal fleet in Cockspur Roads, Ga. From forty to fifty shots were exchanged. No person was injured. Failing to draw the National fleet under the guns of Fort Pulaski, Commodore Tatnall withdrew.—Richmond. Dispatch, Nov. 28.

—A letter from the Upper Potomac, received in Washington, stated that G. W. Smith, formerly Street Commissioner in the City of New York, was in command of the rebel forces at Leesburg, Va., and in that vicinity.

—Jefferson Davis sent in to the Confederate Congress a Message concerning the secession of Missouri. It was accompanied by a letter from Governor Jackson, and also by an act dissolving the Union with the United States, and an act ratifying the Constitution of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States; also, the convention between the Commissioners of Missouri and the Commissioners of the Confederate States. Congress unanimously ratified the convention entered into between the Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, for the rebel Government, and the Commissioners for Missouri.—Richmond Dispatch.

—A banquet was given to Capt. Wilkes and the officers of the San Jacinto, at the Revere House, in Boston, Mass. Capt, Wilkes made a brief speech, recounting the incidents of the cruise after the rebel Commissioners, and he was followed by Gov. Andrew, Lieut. Fairfax, Chief-Justice Bigelow, and others.

—The Nashville (Tenn.) Courier of this date lays: “We learn that a squad of twelve men were sent to Franklin yesterday, to arrest some Lincolnites who were said to be committing depredations in that neighborhood. They had collected to the number of twelve or fifteen at the house of one of their number, one Bell; and defying, the party fired at them, killing one man, said to be Lee, of Louisville, and wounding one or two more. Our men then charged the house, and set fire to it, burning it and all of the men in it, it is believed, but two, who escaped. A detachment of twenty-five cavalry, under Capt. Morgan, arrived at Franklin to arrest the parties implicated.”

—A reconnoissance was made by a squadron of the Third Pennsylvania regiment, commanded by Captain Bell, in the neighborhood of Vienna, Va. From Vienna they took the right hand road toward Hunter’s Mill, and had gone about a mile and a half when they found themselves hemmed in on three sides by not only a superior force of cavalry, but also of infantry. The discharges of the rebel musketry placed the horses of the National cavalry beyond the control of their riders, the animals having been but recently brought into service, and therefore unaccustomed to such alarms. The officers, after several ineffectual attempts to got their men in line for the purpose of making a charge, ordered a retreat, which was effected in as good order as the peculiar circumstances permitted. The skirmish was brisk, though of short duration, the rebel cavalry firing buckshot from their carbines. The number of rebels killed and wounded is not known. John Beatty, private in Company H, killed a rebel cavalry officer, and captured his horse. The mark on the nddle was D. S. Davis, Ridgeway, North Carolina. Twenty-nine men were reported missing from the Union force.

—The Convention to form a new State out of Western Virginia met in Wheeling. The attendance was unexpectedly full for the opening, thirty-seven counties being represented. John Hale, of Mason, was elected permanent President. There was no business done beyond organizing and administering the oath to the members.— Wheeling Intelligencer, Not. 27.

—In the Louisiana State Senate a joint resolution was introduced, approving of the Government recommendation to the banks to suspend specie payments, and to issue the Confederate States Treasury notes in the place of their bank notes. The resolution also provided for the submission of the question to the popular vote of the people of Louisiana. A resolution was offered to inquire into the expediency of the assumption by the State of the collection and payment of the Confederate war tax.—The Governor’s Message was sent into both Houses of the Legislature.—Richmond Dispatch, Nov. 28.

—Gen. Halleck issued orders at St. Lewis, Mo., in reference to the wants of the soldiers in his department, directing the appointment of officers to superintend any delinquencies and apply a remedy; also that prisoners sent to head-quarters at St. Louis must be accompanied with a written statement of the charges against them, and the evidence on which the arrests were made.—(Doc. 194.)

—Col. Jennison issued a proclamation to-day to the people in arms against the United States Government in Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, and Pettis counties, Mo., stating that all who would deliver up their arms, and perform their duties as loyal citizens, would not be held responsible for past acts, and would secure the protection of their lives and property. All, however, who should disregard these propositions, would be treated as traitors, neither their persons nor property being spared. —(Doc. 195.)

 

[farmersdaughter]

November 27 1861

—The following is a list of rebel vessels captured by the Federal flotilla in Mississippi Sound, since the 21st of November: Steamer Anna, loaded with spirits turpentine, rosin, and cane-bottom chairs; schooner Olive, loaded with lumber originally intended for Ship Island, but at this time destined for Fort Pike; steamer Lewis, loaded with sugar and molasses; schooner J. H. View, loaded with spirits turpentine and tar.—N. Y. Evening Post, Dec. 17.

—At Liverpool, England, soon after noon today, a private telegram was received announcing the boarding of the Trent by a Federal vessel of war, and the forcible removal of the Southern Commissioners. The intelligence spread with wonderful rapidity, and occasioned great excitement among all classes. On ‘Change the utmost indignation was expressed, and in a very brief space of time the following placard was posted: “Outrage On The British Flag.

—The Southern Commissioners Forcibly Removed From A British Mail Steamer. “A public meeting will be held in the Cotton Sales-room at three o’clock.” In compliance with the preceding announcement a meeting was held in the Cotton Salesroom at three o’clock, which was crowded to excess by nearly all the gentlemen frequenting the Exchange. The meeting was quite as remarkable for enthusiasm as numbers. After several gentlemen had been requested to preside, the chair was occupied by Mr. James Spence, and on taking the chair he proceeded to read the subjoined resolution: “That this meeting, having heard with indignation that an American Federal ship-of-war has forcibly taken from a British mail steamer certain passengers, who were proceeding peaceably under the shelter of our flag from one neutral port to another, do earnestly call upon, the Government to assert the dignity of the British flag by requiring prompt reparation for this outrage.” On hearing this resolution read, the meeting expressed in the most unmistakable manner the feeling by which it was pervaded in favor of the views included in it. When silence had been in some measure restored, the chairman remarked that, when the news of the outrage reached this town, the feeling created was one of surprise, mingled with indignation. He remarked that we had all heard of the sacred dignity of the American flag. That dignity, he proceeded to say, was a means by which the persons engaged in the nefarious slave trade could at once protect themselves by hoisting the American flag, which fully enabled them to resist any attempt to search such vessel. He trusted it would not be allowed that men prosecuting so nefarious a trade should be protected, and that men peacefully proceeding on their own affairs, under the protection of our flag, might be forcibly taken out of our ships. (Cheers.) On the contrary, he believed that the people of this country would not by any means permit such an outrage. (Cheers.) He said, in having agreed to take the chair on this occasion, he did so without reluctance or regret, as he felt deeply that he only expressed the feeling, not merely of the meeting, but of the community in general, when he said it was the duty of the people to press on the Government the imperative necessity of vindicating the honor and dignity of the British name and flag. (Loud and continued cheering.) Mr. H. C. Chapman, as a mere matter of form, moved that the resolution be adopted. Mr. A. Forwood said he felt much pleasure in seconding the adoption of a resolution which must find an echo in every English besom. Mr. John Campbell, while fully concurring in the propriety of preventing any outrage from being offered to the British flag—a sentiment which was universally acknowledged throughout the kingdom—said he felt assured that there was no Englishman, Irishman, or Scotchman who would not at once, and promptly, resent any insult offered to our flag. (Cheers.) While feeling this in the strongest manner and to the fullest extent, he considered that there still remained some reason to doubt whether the facts related, and acted on by calling this meeting, were in reality a breach of international law. (Cries of “No, no!”) He referred at some length to the opinions of the law officers of the Crown, as being in some measure inclined to show that such a step as that taken with respect to the Southern Commissioners was justifiable under the existing state of international law. In conclusion, he proposed a direct negative to the resolution. As, however, he was not desirous of doing any thing which would create a spirit of dissension, he was willing to adopt any middle course which could be suggested, and urged the propriety of postponing the consideration of the subject till the next day. The chairman suggested that, to meet the objection thrown out by Mr. Campbell, it would be sufficient to strike out of the resolution the words, “by requiring prompt reparation for this outrage.” Mr. Campbell said he could not concur in the suggestion of the chairman, and must decline to do so. Mr. Torr expressed his concurrence in the views put forward by Mr. Campbell, and in doing so met with frequent interruption. He argued that the present meeting was hastily convened, and had in its proceedings already prejudged the case, with the merits of which the meeting was unacquainted. He insisted that there was no reason to believe that the responsible ministers of the crown would allow an insult to be offered to the British flag. (Loud cheers.) He urged the advantage of proceeding calmly in considering a case such as the present, which, if prematurely urged to extremity, might result in involving this country in a war. (Great interruption.) He contended that to urge on the Government a particular line of conduct in respect to the proceedings now under consideration,was impolitic and unjust. He would not, and no Englishman would, advocate putting up with insult; but in the present case let him ask, what had the Americans done?[Mr. Chapman: They fired a shot across the bows of the mail steamer to bring her to, and as she did not stop for that, they fired a shell at her, which burst close by her. (Tremendous cheering.)] Mr. Torr proceeded to say that there was every reason to avoid coming to a hasty resolution, and, in thanking the meeting for the patience with which they had heard him—(loud and ironical cheers)—he again urged on these present to consider the matter calmly and dispassionately, and not to be carried away by the impulse of feeling in a case which required mature judgment and calm deliberation. A letter had been shown to him by a Southern gentleman, in which it was stated as a positive fact that the law officers of the Crown had, in anticipation, expressed a decided opinion in favor of the legality of a proceeding similar to that which had just taken place in regard to the Trent by the San Jacinto. Mr. J. Turner next attempted to address the meeting to the same effect as had been done by Mr. Torr and Mr. Campbell, but the feeling of these present was so decidedly opposed to that view that he was forced to desist. The resolution, as proposed to be amended by the chairman, was then put to the meeting, and carried by a tremendous majority, and amid the most deafening and enthusiastic cheers. For the negative, only a few hands were held up. At the conclusion of the meeting, which was at four o’clock, a number of the merchants on ‘Change expressed privately their conviction that the meeting and its proceedings had been premature.—London Times, Nov. 28.

—A reconnoitring party of the Lincoln Cavalry, under command of Captain Boyd, advanced to within a thousand yards of Fairfax Court House, Va., where they had a sharp skirmish with a portion of the rebel scouts, cavalry, and infantry. No one was killed on the National side, but one of the enemy was brought down from his saddle. Captain Boyd says that a small force of infantry, supported by a battery and a company of cavalry, could easily take and hold Fairfax Court House at the present time.—(Doc. 196.)

—This day the plantation of John Raven Mathews, situated on Bear Island, near the mouth of Ashepoo River, S. C., was visited by the Lincolnites. On their approach, the proprietor, with noble patriotism, set fire to his entire crop, and was about placing the match to his residence when a detachment of “Confederate” cavalry arrived, and he spared the house for the troops to quarter in. Mr. Mathews is a most extensive rice and cotton planter, and has made a splendid crop this year. Mr. Edward Baynard, of Edisto Island, likewise burned his whole crop of cotton, as well as his residence, and the other buildings upon his plantation. Such noble sacrifices to the cause of the South deserve the highest praise. —Charleston Mercury, November 29.

—The full organization of the Western Virginia Convention, in session at Wheeling, was effected, and the work of forming a State Constitution was assigned to a committee. There appears to be no opposition to the idea of forming a new State. A gradual emancipation act will be passed by the convention.

—Henry R. Jackson was appointed a major-general, and Wm. H. T. Walker a brigadier-general in the Georgia army.—Richmond Dispatch, November 28.

—The Seventy-seventh regiment N. Y. S. V., the Bemis Heights battalion, left Saratoga for the seat of war.—N. Y. Herald, November 30.

—General McClellan issued orders from the head-quarters of the army of the Potomac, at Washington, D. C., directing the Sunday morning services to be commenced at eleven o’clock, and all officers and soldiers off duty, to attend divine service. The orders give the freedom of camps, quarters, and hospitals to chaplains, who are also released from attending reviews or inspections.—(Doc. 197.)

—The U. S. Government authorities assumed command of the entire commerce of the Mississippi River below St. Louis, Mo. None but Government boats will hereafter be employed, but freight and passengers will be conveyed at current rates as heretofore. All boats entering these waters will report at the first military post, and stop, to proceed under military orders at the discretion of the military commander. Freight and baggage will be subjected to careful inspection. The oath will be administered to all the employees and passengers, and the plans of landing and departure will conform as near as possible to the custom of trade, but all commission and storage business must be transacted with openly avowed Union men. The purpose of this measure is to check communication with the enemy and prevent the conveyance of contraband goods.—(Doc. 198.)

—To-day six scouts of Capt. Gregory’s company, sent out from Lieut.-Col. Anthony’s command, on the Old Lexington roads, Mo., were fired upon by about fifty rebels at the crossing of the Little Blue, from the rocks and bushes. One of the scouts was wounded; two missing. The three returning met some fifteen rebels on Little Blue bridge, with shot guns. The scouts then turned, took another road, and arrived safely in camp. Lieut. Hedgeman sent out twenty men,and found the rebels near the same place, drove them into the brush, and captured twenty horses and mules.—Cincinnati Gazette.

—Gen. De Saussure’s plan of defence for Charleston, S. C., in case of attack by the Northern troops, found among other papers in Fort Walker, at Port Royal, is this day published.— (Doc. 200.)

—An interesting correspondence passed between the Presbyterian Synod of New York and New Jersey, and Secretary Seward. The Synod, at a late session, in view of the critical condition of the country, passed a series of resolutions, pledging the influence of its members in behalf of the Government. They also took occasion, while disclaiming any intention of offering suggestions in regard to slavery, to express their full belief that it lies at the foundation of all the present difficulty, and to deprecate its existence.—(Doc. 199.)

—On the 25th inst. a reconnoissance from Port Royal, S. C., was made by Commander Drayton, of the U. S. steamer Pawnee, who ascended the Coosaw River, S. C., finding two deserted forts, of which he took possession. Yesterday morning he returned, and to-day ascended the Ashepoo River, took possession of an abandoned redoubt, and continued up the river as far as Hutchinson Island. The expedition then returned and examined Hunting Island, on the coast, but found no marks of fortifications.—(Doc. 201.) {0 com

 

[farmersdaughter]

November 28 1861

—A submarine telegraph cable was successfully laid between Forts Moultrie and Sumter, in Charleston (S. C.) harbor, by Messrs. Seville, Denby, and Hobbs. When the burying of the cable was completed a salute was simultaneously fired in honor of the event from the forts, the order having been transmitted from Fort Moultrie. The communication between the forts was perfect, and much to the satisfaction of the skilful operators concerned. —Norfolk Day Book, November 30.

—Two schooners from Baltimore, Md., one laden with coal and one with lumber, were captured by the steamer George Page, as they lay becalmed under the rebel batteries, on the Potomac. The National pickets challenged the Page, which passed in pursuit within a hundred yards of them, but the reply that she was a United States steamer deceived them. The Fifty-seventh and Sixty-first regiments of New York, the latter commanded by Col. Cone, made a reconnoissance from Springfield, nine miles from Alexandria, Va., and went three miles and a half beyond the Federal pickets, toward Manassas, when, discovering a rebel force numbering eight thousand men,they returned to their starting point, reaching it in good order and without casualties.

—For the first time in the history of Virginia, thanksgiving-day was observed in that State. Governor Pierpont is the first Governor of Virginia who ever proclaimed one. Business was entirely suspended. —(Doc. 202.)

—The Concordia Cavalry, Capt. Benjamin, left their encampment at Concordia, La., on the Magenta, for Bowling Green, Ky. They bear in their midst a large-sized black flag, on which appear, in bold relief, death’s head and bare bones. These Concordians go to expel, not capture, vandal invaders of their homes and firesides, and they will make their mark. —Concordia Intelligencer, November 29.

—This morning the schooner Waterman, Capt. Huron, for Charleston, S. C., was wrecked off Tybee. She fell into the hands of the Yankee blockaders.

—Last night the cotton and provisions on Hutchinson, Fenwick, and adjoining islands were destroyed by fire by the proprietors.

—Commissary-General Whitaker, of Georgia, seized in that State, one thousand five hundred and forty sacks of salt, for which be paid as directed by Governor Brown.

—The colored people of Vicksburg, Miss., advertise in the papers of that city to give a ball for the benefit of the soldiers from that State, in the Confederate service.

—General Lee issued an order granting furloughs to these members of the South Carolina Legislature who were serving as soldiers in the Confederate States army, in that State, during the session, which commenced on the 25th ult. —Savannah News.

—Adjutant-Gen. Thomas sent out instructions to Gen. Sherman, in Beaufort, S. C., to take possession of all the crops on the island —cotton, corn, rice, etc.— on military account, and ship the cotton, and such other crops as were not wanted for the army, to New York, to be sold there for account of the United States; also, to use negro slaves to gather and secure the crops of cotton and corn, and to erect his defences at Port Royal and other places on the island. —Washington Republican, Nov. 30.

—A Band of rebels, under the notorious Sy. Gordon, captured Capt. Robb, Capt. White, and Lieutenant Moonlight, three United States officers, from the railroad train, at Weston, Missouri.

—The Sixty-third New York regiment (third regiment, Irish Brigade) left New York for Washington. —Col. Mulligan, the commander of the Irish Brigade at the siege of Lexington, Mo., had a reception at Detroit, Mich., and in response to a speech of welcome made an address, rehearsing some interesting particulars of the siege. —(Doc. 203.)

—The Annual Thanksgiving festival of the Free States was celebrated this day —with more than usual earnestness. Proclamations by various persons in authority called attention to it as a fit occasion to render thanks, especially, that so many loyal men were ready to fight for the honor and glory of the country.

 

[farmersdaughter]

November 29 1861

—The following was drawn up to-day on board the British frigate President, lying in one of the docks in England, and signed by all the men of the naval reserve in the ship. To Capt. Lacy, R. N., her Majesty’s ship President, City Canal: Sir : Having heard that our flag has been grossly insulted by an American ship-of-war, and people who claimed its protection forcibly taken from it and made prisoners, we write this to let you know that we are ready to fulfil our engagement and protect the honor of our flag, our good Queen and country, whenever called upon to do se. We respectfully request you will make this our determination known in the proper quarter. [Signed on behalf of the volunteer reserve on board the President.] —London Telegraph, Nov. 30.

—At eleven o’clock to-night the heavens to the southwest of Charleston, S. C., were brilliantly illuminated with the patriotic flames ascending from burning cotton. As the spectators witnessed it they involuntarily burst forth with cheer after cheer, and each heart was warmed as with a new pulse. Such a people can never be subjugated. Let the holy flames continue to ascend, and let the demons of hell, who come here on their diabolical errand, learn a lesson and tremble. Let the torch be applied whenever the invader pollutes our soil, and let him find, as is meet, that our people will welcome him only with devastation and ruin. Our people are in earnest—men,women, and children—and their sacrifices will ascend as a sacred holocaust to God, crying aloud for vengeance against the fiends in human shape who are disgracing humanity, trampling down civilization, and would blot out Christianity. Patriotic planters on the seaboard are hourly applying the torch to their crops of cotton and rice. Some are authorized by military authorities to destroy their crops to prevent ravages by the enemy. Plantations on North Edisto and in the neighborhood, and elsewhere on the coast of South Carolina, are one sheet of flames and smoke. The commanding officers at all of the exposed points on the coast have receive positive instructions to burn or destroy all property which cannot be conveniently taken away and is likely to be seized by the enemy.—Charleston Mercury, November 30.

—An official order was received at the Custom-house, in London, England, not to allow the shipment of any saltpetre to any place till further order. A large quantity had been placed in lighters previous to shipment for export, but the whole was relanded under the supervision of the Customs officers, and returned into warehouse.—London Times, November 30.

—Major R. M. Hough, aide-de-camp to Gen. Hunter, in command of four companies of the First Missouri Cavalry, as escort to a large train from Sedalia, Mo., arrived at Leavenworth, Kansas. The command had an engagement with rebels at Black Walnut Creek, and killed and wounded seventeen and took five prisoners. Five Federals, including Major Hough, were wounded, but none seriously.— N. Y. Commercial, December 2.

—The Jackson Mississippian, in an article on the pay of the privates in the rebel army, holds the following language:—It has been a conviction of ours since the beginning of the war, that there was too great a distinction made between the privates and commissioned officers of our army. Under the old order of things, such a distinction and difference in pay was, perhaps, altogether proper. But our Southern army is composed of the flower of the country. The privates occupy respectable social positions. They are not, as in the case with Northern horde, the refuse of society, who take up arms as a means of securing their daily bread, but they are .the social equals of their officers. They have enlisted in the service of the country from the purest promptings of patriotism. They endure all the privations and hardships of the camp; and their high tone of character, disinterested and quenchless love for the cause of liberty, make each one of them equal to at least three of Lincoln’s mercenaries. They deserve to receive more, nay, and higher consideration than the mere brutish hirelings of a despot, who know not, and care not, what they are fighting for. When it is considered that the officers are already handsomely paid, that they monopolize in a great measure the honors of the war, and their names figure conspicuously in the official reports and newspaper accounts, surely it will not be denied that the poor private, whose name is never mentioned, and to whose courage and patriotism the army is indebted for its most brilliant victories, should receive a better compensation for the sacrifices and hardships which he undergoes than is now allowed by the pay regulations. And when it is further considered that many of them are poor, with dependent families to support, and that provisions and clothing of every description have largely increased in price, it will be universally admitted, we think, that their pay should be increased. For these and many other reasons, we think the Confederate Congress, when it reassembles, will promptly raise the pay of the private soldier.

—Lieutenant John L. Worden, of the U. S. Navy, who had been seven months a prisoner in the South, arrived at Washington.—(Doc. 204.)

—To-day Drake DeKay, aide-de-camp to General Mansfield, accompanied by Major Sharfp, Captain Hellerer and Capt. Breck, left Fortress Monroe, Va., with a party of about forty men. They had not travelled long before they met with a body of the Prince Edward Cavalry, twenty-five to thirty in number, about a mile beyond New Market. De Kay had not more than a dozen men,the balance being in reserve. The enemy attacked with fire, but the Federals took to the woods and opened upon them so briskly that they were soon forced to retreat, leaving two killed, while they succeeded in carrying off the wounded. One of the former was Mr. Edward A. Scott, of Richmond, a gentleman well known in Baltimore as well as Virginia. Upon his person was found, among other things, a letter from a lady, dated Richmond. The following was the concluding sentence, saying: “Now be sure, my darling Edward, that this letter does not fall into the hands of the rascally Yankees.” The Federals took a number of pistols, some of which were of the most approved standard, and handsomely ornamented with silver.—N. Y. Commercial, December 8.

—At Nashville, Tenn., twenty-one prisoners from East Tennessee appeared in the Confederate court, acknowledged the error of their ways, took the oath of loyalty to the Southern Confederacy, and attached themselves to a company being raised in Nashville. —Nashville Gazette, November 30.

—The rebels at Harper’s Ferry, Va., opened a hot fire of shells on the quarters of the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania regiment, causing some excitement among the men. Major Tyndall returned the fire with Enfield rifles, but the distance was too great to do any damage. None of the Pennsylvania men were hurt. —N. Y. Herald, November 30.

—General Carroll has received orders from the War Department at Richmond, Va., to march immediately to the support of General Zollicoffer. The step is one in the right direction, and will, we doubt not, be taken without delay. —Memphis Appeal, November 2.

 

[CagleMtnVol]

A little crazy stuff happened 147 years ago today around Spring Hill. Also if anyone has a time machine and decides to travel a 147 years back. I wouldn't advise traveling near Franklin, TN tomorrow say from noon til midnight.

 

[OrangeEmpire]

A little crazy stuff happened 147 years ago today around Spring Hill. Also if anyone has a time machine and decides to travel a 147 years back. I wouldn't advise traveling near Franklin, TN tomorrow say from noon til midnight.

worthless nasty fighting

 

[farmersdaughter]

A little crazy stuff happened 147 years ago today around Spring Hill. Also if anyone has a time machine and decides to travel a 147 years back. I wouldn't advise traveling near Franklin, TN tomorrow say from noon til midnight.

Lol, spoiler alert great to have your help!

 

[farmersdaughter]

November 30 1861

—This morning a “suspicions” lady passenger appeared on board the steamer Mary Washington, at Baltimore, Md., and, as a matter of course, had to submit to a search; the result of which was that she was deprived of an underskirt which had been padded with heavy skeins of black sewing silk. Two bags containing a quantity of gloves, stockings, &c. were taken from her. There was also found in the saloon of the boat, secreted between the back and seat of the sofa, a number of letters directed to various persons in the Confederate States. A little boy was also on board, dressed in the uniform of a Zouave, and, as he appeared to be extraordinarily bulky about the back and breast, Deputy Marshal McPhail thought proper to strip him of his jacket, when he discovered that the young soldier Was encased in bags of quinine. He was relieved of his load and allowed to proceed. The lady was also permitted to pass. When asked what she intended to do with the articles taken from her and the boy, the replied that she wished to make a little money. The skirt taken from her weighed thirty-five pounds, and the silk is valued at eight dollars per pound. —Baltimore News, December 2.

—The Seventy-fifth regiment, New York Volunteers, Col. Dodge, being the second regiment from Cayuga County, left Auburn for Washington. —N. Y. Herald, December 2.

—General Price has issued a proclamation to the people of Missouri, dated at Neosho, in which he calls for fifty thousand troops, and states that the exigencies of the situation demand that they shall be promptly furnished, as the term of service—six months—for which his present force was enlisted, is closing, and many of his men are leaving for their homes. He complains of the apathy and inactivity of the wealthy secessionists, who have stood aloof, and refused to aid him, leaving the poor men to do the fighting. His present army, he states, is composed of poor men,who have joined him at great sacrifice and risk; and as their term of service is drawing to a close, and others are needed to take their places, he calls on the rich men,who have thus far done nothing, to rally to his standard, with blankets, bed-quilts, clothing, wagons, shot-guns, rifles, and such other arms as they can bring. He pledges them that they shall be paid for their services, and promises to confiscate property belonging to Union men in Missouri, to reward his troops.—(Doc. 205.)

—The Richmond Examiner of to-day has the following: “The campaign of 1861 may be considered as over. In a fortnight the enemy can do nothing more. The early danger of the South, that it would be overwhelmed, before it could organize and prepare for defence, by superior numbers and transportation, is at an end. We have so much advantage. But in the straggle an unexpected feature has developed itself in the temper of the United States. Before the war began all sane men believed they would compromise the political quarrel with the South; and had the North offered the South the poorest terms, so corrupt was public sentiment in Virginia at least, these terms would have been accepted. When the war began, but few thought it would last six months. The six months have gone. The United States have endured defeat after defeat, made sacrifice after sacrifice, and have closed an unsuccessful campaign without the slightest signs of an approach to reason. The peace party of the North, like the Union party of the South, has entirely disappeared. The whole people are completely under the hand of the Government, and all together, people and Government, are bent on the prosecution of this war, even if the consequence be a collision with England and national bankruptcy. Under this impulse they have steadily increased, and are still increasing, their vast regular force. Not less than five hundred thousand men are enlisted for an indefinite period, and equivalent in all its parts to a regular army.” After enlarging upon the faults of all militia and volunteer systems, to which alone the South has hitherto resorted, the Examiner says that “the only way to meet the North with any prospect of success is to raise a regular army, by some means resembling the conscriptions of all other nations in the world except England and America,” claiming that by this means “five hundred thousand men could be put in the field.”

—The rebel schooner E. Wittington was captured by the U. S. steamer Ben Deford this morning off Savannah, Ga., while attempting to run the blockade. She was heavily laden with a variety of small stores.—(Doc. 206.)

—A Correspondent in Des Arc, Mo., writing under this date, says: “All is quiet in Kansas, with the exception of the demonstrations of the Indians, who, in the absence of the Federals, are securing all the property they can get belonging to our enemies. They are not, however, laying waste the country. Twelve hundred Creek warriors have rebelled, and called for assistance from the Federal Government. They are closely watched by our regiment of Texans and one of the Cherokee regiments. —Memphis Appeal, Dec. 2.

—The Norfolk Day Book of this date contains an elaborate article on the manufacture of salt, and insists that the “individual who supplies this great necessity to the armies of this country serves her as acceptably and as successfully as the glittering hosts who stand upon her border for defence.”—(Doc. 208.)

—At Boston, Mass., an interesting ceremony occurred on board the U. S. steamer San Jacinto, when the crew of that vessel presented a handsome silver goblet to Lieutenant Fairfax. The goblet was beautifully engraved with national, military, and naval devices, one design representing the meeting of the San Jacinto and the Trent. It bore the inscription, “Presented to Lieut. Fairfax, by the crew of the San Jacinto, as a slight token of their esteem and love.” The presentation speech was made by Rev. Phineas Stowe.—Boston Herald, Dec. 2.

—Colonel D. Leadbetter, of the C. S. A., issued a proclamation at Greenville, East Tennessee, to-day, addressed to the “Citizens of East Tennessee.” He tells the loyal people of that section that “so long as the question of Union or disunion was debatable,” they had a right to vote on the subject, but “when secession was established by the voice of the people,” it became their duty to submit to the authority of the “Confederate States,” of which their State was one. He therefore offers pardon to all who will deliver up their arms and take the “oath of allegiance” to the “Confederate States,” excepting bridge-burners and destroyers of railroad tracks, who will be tried by drumhead court-martial, and hung on the spot.— (Doc. 207.)

—The Norfolk Day Book of this date has the following from Memphis, Tenn.: General Pillow has information from a reliable source that the enemy will attack Columbus in twenty days with a force of seventy-five to one hundred thousand men. A large amount of ammunition and cannon, from St. Louis, has been sent to Cairo. The enemy has thirty-eight mortar boats and eight gunboats. The enemy’s plan is to surround Columbus, and starve them into submission. General Pillow says we should make every effort to meet the enemy with a strong force right away. There is no time to be lost.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 1 1861

—The schooner Albion, of Nassau, N. P., formerly the Lucy E. Waring, of Baltimore, Md., arrived at New York, a prize to the U. S. gunboat Penguin, which captured her while attempting to run the blockade of Charleston. She was laden with arms, ammunition, salt, fruit, provisions, oils, tin, copper, saddles, bridles, and cavalry equipments, and valued at one hundred thousand dollars. On the morning of the 25th nit, she was observed endeavoring to work into the inlet near Edisto Island, and after a chase of three hours was overhauled and captured. The schooner was in command of Captains Christy and Stevens, who admitted that they were residents of Savannah, Ga. They were also part owners of the vessel. The captains and crew were put on board the U. S. steamer Penguin. Master’s mate George N. Hood was put on board the Albion with a prize crew, and ordered to proceed North.

—This morning, a party of Union men from Whitley County, Ky., headed by George W. Lyttle, marched into the town of Huntsville, Tennessee, after having travelled through the night from Williamsburg, Ky., a distance of near fifty miles, and about twenty-five miles into the Southern Confederacy; tore down the flag of rebellion, erected the Stars and Stripes, and captured five rebel troops, and bore them in triumph to Camp Calvert, with a number of good horses and rigging, also some splendid fire-arms, knives, &c[1] Those composing the little patriotic band, were R. Bird, Speed Faris, Samuel Freeman, J. W. Smith, Clint. Roe, Ples. Jones, Joe Cain, S. C. Cain, Wm. Ellison, Frank and Abel Bryant,G. W. Lyttle, S. Stanfield, Jeremiah Meadors, R. and J. Pemberton, and some others, making between twenty and thirty in number.—Frankfort (Ky.) Commonwealth, Dec. 9.

—A party of Unionists attacked the Confederate pickets at Morristown, East Tennessee, killing a large number of them, and putting the rest to flight.—Memphis Avalanche, Dec. 2.

—Simon Cameron, the Secretary of War, in his report, proposed that the limits of Virginia be so altered, as to make her boundaries consist of the Blue Ridge on the east, and Pennsylvania on the north, leaving those on the south and west as at present. Thus Alleghany and Washington counties, of Maryland, would be transferred to Virginia, while all that portion of Virginia lying between the Blue Ridge and Chesapeake Bay, could be added to Maryland, and that portion of the peninsula between the Chesapeake and the Atlantic, could be incorporated into the States of Delaware. [1

] The Knoxville (Tenn.) Register, Dec. 3, gives the following account of this affair: This morning a band of Lincolnites from Kentucky, assisted by a number of tories of Scott County, entered the village of Huntsville, Tenn., and seized the persons of John L Smith, John Catlin, Calvin Smith, Sterling Smith, Joe Smith, and five others, whose names we could not procure, and immediately started with them to Kentucky as prisoners of war, at the same time taking about a dozen head of horses. All the gentlemen abducted were quiet, unoffending citizens, belonging to no military organization in the Confederate service. Their only crime was that they were secessionists. John L. Smith is a clerk, and master of the Chancery Court at Huntsville, at least seventy years of age, and is respected by all who know him in the very slightest degree, and the others abducted are equally esteemed. The party from whom we derived this information, Mr. William Anderson, was likewise captured by the marauders, but made his escape. He says he could not ascertain the precise number of the enemy. He saw about forty or fifty, but they represented their number at several hundred. They were piloted in by the somewhat notorious John H. Smith, who was released by the Confederate Court at Nashville, some time ago, upon his taking the oath of allegiance, and who forfeited his recognizance some days ago in the Confederate Court at this place, upon a charge of counterfeiting; John Baxter, of this city, being his security. He was assisted in this infamous raid by other tory residents of Scott County, among whom was Riley Cecil, another individual who was released by Major Folkerson, at Jamestown, last summer, upon making the strongest promises of good behavior toward the Confederate States.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 2 1861

—The Memphis Avalanche of this day, says: “Hang ‘em,” yes, hang them, everyone. Every East Tennessean found recreant to the will and interest of the State of Tennessee, and known to be actively conniving with its enemies, should be hung and loftily. When the citizens of a State have, by an overwhelming majority at the ballot-box, determined on its foreign policy, and by that policy have been necessitated to arm for the defence of their homes and firesides, every resident on the soil of that State who lends or gives aid to the invader, deserves as little mercy as Beelzebub will give them in his empire. Wherever the cobra-like head of treason is lifted,it should be stricken off, and that quickly, for its poisonous saliva is as contagious as the airs of Malemma. “Hang ‘em, hang ‘em,” every one.

—Three rebel gunboats came up in sight of Fort Holt, near Cairo, Ill., this afternoon and fired several shots, which were returned from the fort and the batteries at Bird’s Point. A shot from the Point went over the rebel steamers and they turned back down the river. Soon after General Grant followed them, but was unsuccessful in overtaking the fleet. —Cincinnati Gazette, December 3.

—This day General Blenker, learning that a party of rebel cavalry were foraging a few miles in front of his position at Hunter’s Chapel, Va., despatched a squadron of horsemen to drive them off. They met, and a brief engagement ensued before the rebels put spurs to their horses and ran off, having three or four killed and wounded, and leaving two prisoners. The Nationals lost one man killed. The names of the prisoners are Alexander Maxwell, of Rectortown, Fauquier County, Virginia, and Wm. H. Dennis, of Salem, in the same county. The latter’s horse was taken with him. They were both members of Company II, Sixth regiment of Wise (Va.) Dragoons, Col. Field commanding. They had been sent to forage from their camp, two miles from Centreville.— Washington Star, Dec. 3.

—A sharp engagement between the U. 8. gunboats Hetzel, Seymour, White Head, Shawshene, and the rebel steamer Patrick Henry, took place about five miles above Newport News, Va. The bombardment lasted about two hours, commencing at five o’clock in the morning. The rebel steamer kept close to the shore, where a powerful battery assisted it materially.—(Doc. 209.)

—In the convention of Western Virginia, in session at Wheeling, Mr. Hagan, of Boone County, offered the following resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Fundamental and General Provisions: Whereas Negro Slavery is the origin and foundation of our National troubles, and the cause of the terrible rebellion in our midst, that is seeking to overthrow our Government; and whereas Slavery is incompatible with the Word of God, detrimental to the interests of a free people, as well as wrong to the slaves themselves; therefore, Resolved, That this Convention inquire into the expediency of making the proposed new State a free State, and that a provision be inserted in the Constitution for the gradual emancipation of all slaves within the proposed boundaries of the new State, to be submitted to the people of the same, for their approval or rejection.

—A military execution occurred at Shepherd’s Hill, near Centreville, Va. Two members of the New Orleans company, known as “The Tigers,” were shot for mutinous conduct and an assault upon the officer of the day.—Richmond Examiner, December 9.

—Both Houses of Congress met at Washington. In the Senate Mr. Trumbull gave notice of a bill to confiscate the property of the rebels and give freedom to persons in the slave States. Mr. Wilkinson gave notice of a bill to abolish the distinction between regular and volunteer forces. In the House Mr. Maynard was, after some discussion, sworn in as a member from the second district of Tennessee. The question as to the right of Mr. Segar, of Va., to a seat was referred. Mr. Eliot offered a series of resolutions in favor of emancipating the slaves in the rebel districts. A motion to lay them on the table was lost by a vote of fifty-six to seventy, and the further consideration of them was postponed until the next Tuesday. Messrs. Campbell and Stevens also offered resolutions of similar import. Mr. Roscoe A. Conklin submitted a resolution calling upon the Secretary of War for information in regard to the responsibility of the disastrous movement at Ball’s Bluff, which was adopted. On motion of Mr. Odell, the President was requested to order John Slidell into close confinement, in return for similar treatment of Col. A. M. Wood, of the Fourteenth regiment N. Y. S. M., who was taken prisoner at Bull Run. A resolution of similar (illegible) in reference to James M. Mason, in return for the treatment to Col. Corcoran, was unanimously passed.

—The bark Samuel Moxley, partly owned in Apalachicola, Florida, was seized under the confiscation act by the collector at New London, Conn. The vessel had just arrived there in ballast from Sligo Island.

—The Eighty-seventh regiment N. Y. S. V., Brooklyn Rifles, under command of Colonel Stephen A. Dodge, left New York this evening for Washington, D. C. Before leaving, two magnificent silk flags were presented to the regiment by Major Kalbfleisch of Brooklyn, who addressed the men. Col. Dodge replied in a short speech.—N. Y. Herald, Dec. 4.

—The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser has the following: Mr. Chas. B. May has erected buildings at Montgomery, Ala., suitable for the manufacture of all kinds of patent enamelled leather. He has succeeded in getting from the North, some time since, two or three workmen, who thoroughly understand the business, and who are said to be the best workmen in the country. He has all the necessary machinery and ingredients, and is going immediately into the manufacture on an extensive scale, of the article of patent leather, of any quality or color. This is something new in our new Confederacy; but, one by one, we are learning to ”paddle our own canoe,” independent of the blockades, and, ere long, we feel satisfied that every article usually brought from abroad will be made in our own country.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 3 1861

—Major Bowen’s Cavalry were attacked at Salem, Dent Co., Mo., this morning at four o’clock, by three hundred rebels under command of Colonels Freeman and Turner. They charged upon a house in which some of the Federal soldiers were sleeping, killing and wounding fifteen, shooting them through the windows and as they emerged from the house. Major Bowen, whose head-quarters were at the court house, one hundred yards distant, rushed out and rallied his men,when a street fight took place. The Federals charged upon the rebels, drove them from the streets, and followed them some distance out of town. They were perfectly cleaned out and fled. Many of the rebels were killed and wounded, but the number was not ascertained. Major Bowen had possession of the town, and sent to Rolla, Mo., for a surgeon and a reinforcement of fifty men. Capt. Dodd, of the rebel force, was badly wounded and taken prisoner. He said Turner had one hundred and thirty men under his command. Among the dead on the Federal side was James Ayres, of Company A, commanded by Captain Stevens. The following were wounded: William Cartwright, Wilson Randolph, John Hooper, and Samuel Matlock, of Company A.—St. Louis Democrat.

—President Lincoln’s Message and the accompanying documents were transmitted to Congress to-day. The Message is clear and explicit in its statements, practical in its suggestions, and eminently conservative in its treatment of the exciting subjects which depend upon the political questions connected with the rebellion. The President urges no scheme of general emancipation or of arming the slaves. “In considering the policy to be adopted for suppressing the insurrection,” says the President, “I have been anxious and careful that the inevitable conflict for this purpose shall not degenerate into a violent and remorseless revolutionary struggle. I have, therefore, in every ease, thought it proper to keep the integrity of the Union prominent as the primary object of the contest on our part,leaving all questions which are not of vital military importance to the more deliberate action of the Legislature.” This declaration is eminently satisfactory to the country.

—The Western Virginia Convention in session at Wheeling to-day, changed the name of the new State from Kanawha to Western Virginia.

—This morning, Gen. Fitz John Porter sent out a small scouting party to make a reconnoisance in the vicinity of Vienna, Va. It consisted of a squadron of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, composing Companies F and M, under command of Captain Bell, numbering one hundred and twenty men. The first information received from Captain Bell, was the arrival at Gen. Porter’s head-quarters this afternoon of an orderly, with the intelligence that the squadron had met the enemy in considerable force— said to be five hundred cavalry and two hundred infantry—and that our men had engaged them and suffered much. Upon learning this, General Porter in person, with a force of four regiments of infantry and two companies of cavalry, started to the rescue of Captain Bell’s party, and met them a short distance beyond Fall’s Church, on their return. Captain Bell reports that they proceeded a short distance beyond Vienna, when they encountered the rebel cavalry that General Wadsworth designed to cut off. The party were defiling through a tract of woods only wide enough for the column to march by twos. The first indication of the presence of the enemy was the opening of a galling fire upon the rear of his column, just entering the wood, by a body of infantry concealed in a house near at hand. Captain Bell ordered his men forward, but on emerging from the wood, they were met by two or three hundred of the rebel cavalry, who opened upon them with carbine and pistol. Many of the horses in Captain Bell’s party, not being practised to the discharge of arms, became unmanageable. The National troops were at once thrown into confusion; but each man, fighting on his own account, discharged his piece at the enemy, emptying several saddles. Two of the rebel horses were brought in. Lieutenant John W. Ford and Sergeant Smith, of Company F, were taken prisoners. Sergeant Parker, of Company M, was seriously injured by the fall of his horse. He was brought back to camp. When the Nationals returned to camp, forty-five men were missing. The number killed and wounded is not known.

—Henry Fry and Jacob M. Hemslier were hung at Greenville, Tennessee, for bridge-burning.

—Henry C. Burnett, Representative from Kentucky, was, upon the motion of Mr. Dunn of Indiana, expelled from the Congress of the United States for active participation in the rebellion

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 4 1861

—The Maryland Legislature organized to-day by electing Mr. Berry Speaker of the House, and Mr. Goldsborough President of the Senate. The Governor’s Message was transmitted. It is eminently loyal and patriotic. He says he has convened the Legislature in special session, in order that they may at once perform clearly the express will of the people, by taking such steps as will seem most effective to vindicate the honor and loyalty of the State, by undoing, as far as possible, and remedying the evils of the legislation of their predecessors. He urges measures for the payment of the State’s portion of the national tax for the expenses of the war. He says the rebellion must be put down, no matter at what cost. The State must bear her share, and he hopes it will be done with no niggard hand. He urges a loan for the purpose; also, that it is due to the pride of the House that immediate provision be made for raising and equipping Maryland’s quota of volunteers for the war. He also recommends legislation for the summary punishment of persons in Maryland, who shall be convicted of aiding or abetting in any manner these who are in arms against the Government.

—A Spirited skirmish took place to-night near Anandale on the Little River Turnpike, Va. It having been ascertained that a number of rebel cavalry were in the habit of coming out toward the pickets in that locality, and driving in or capturing them, last night Colonel Taylor, with twenty-five or thirty men from the Third New Jersey regiment, went out toward Anandale, where the rebels were said to appear occasionally, coming down the road at full gallop. They tied a piece of telegraph wire across the road, just high enough to trip the horses and throw them with their riders, and then placed themselves in ambush beside the road. About half-past eleven forty or fifty of the rebel cavalry approached, galloping down the road. The head horseman tripped and fell, and the others rushing on, several tumbled over in the confusion, in the mean time swearing and shouting. The Nationals poured a volley into them, unhorsing several, killing six or seven, and capturing three, one of whom was a lieutenant. The rebels managed to get some of their killed and wounded away. One private on the National side was mortally wounded and died soon after. The captured rebel lieutenant was shot in the leg and made fight with his sword when the National soldiers went to pick him up. A bayonet prick, however, quieted him.— Philadelphia Inquirer.

—The Memphis Avalanche says: “We unhesitatingly say that the cause of justice and the cause of humanity itself, demands that the black flag shall be unfurled on every field—that extermination and death shall be proclaimed against the hellish miscreants who persist in polluting our soil with their crimes. We will stop the effusion of blood, we will arrest the horrors of war, by terrific slaughter of the foe, by examples of overwhelming and unsparing vengeance. When Oliver Cromwell massacred the garrison of Drogheda, suffering not a man to escape, he justified it on the ground that his object was to bring the war to a close—to stop the effusion of blood—and that it was, therefore, a merciful act on his part. The South can afford no longer to trifle—she must strike the most fearful blows —the war-cry of extermination must be raised.”

—A Bill was presented in the Tennessee Legislature, requesting the Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Courts, Chancellors, and Justices of the Peace, not to hold their courts, during the continuance of the war, for the trial of cases wherein debts and money were involved. —Louisville Journal, Dec. 12.

—The “Confederate” Congress passed yesterday, unanimously, and President Davis signed to-day, the following: Be it Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States, That the thanks of the people of the Confederate States are eminently due, and are hereby tendered, to Major-General Sterling Price and the Missouri Army under his command, for the gallant conduct they have displayed throughout their service in the present war, especially for the skill, fortitude, and courage, by which they gained the brilliant achievement at Lexington, Mo., resulting, on the 20th day of September last, in the reduction of that town, and the surrender of the entire Federal army there employed.—Idem.

—In the Senate, at Washington, a resolution expelling John C. Breckinridge, of Kentucky, an officer in the rebel army, was offered, but objected to by Mr. Powell, of Kentucky, on the ground that as Breckinridge had already resigned he could not be expelled. The resolution was adopted by a vote of yeas thirty-six, nays none.—Mr. Wilson introduced a resolution providing for the release of slaves confined in prison in Washington. The subject was referred to the Committee on District of Columbia Affairs. On motion of Mr. Wilson, the same committee were directed to consider the question of abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, allowing compensation to loyal owners of slaves.

—Mr. Saulsbury, of Delaware, proposed the appointment of a commission, consisting of Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, Roger B. Taney, Edward Everett, George M. Dallas, Thomas M. Ewing, Horace Binney, Reverdy Johnson, John J Crittenden, and George C. Pugh, to confer with a like number of commissioners from the so-called Confederate States, with a view to the restoration of peace, the preservation of the Union, and the maintenance of the constitution, and that during the pendency of the deliberations of the joint commissioners, active hostilities should cease. The proposition was laid on the table.—(Doc. 211.)

—Queen Victoria issued a proclamation forbidding the export from all ports of the United Kingdom, of gunpowder, nitre, nitrate of soda, brimstone, lead, and fire-arms.—London Gazette, Dee. 4.

—To-day, a party of exasperated Union citizens of all parties, attacked a gang of returned rebels from General Price’s army, under command of Captains Young and Wheatley, near Dunksburg, about twenty miles west of Sedalia, Mo., killing seven and wounding ten. Among the killed was Captain Young. None of the citizens were killed or severely wounded. Three of the wounded rebels died.—N. Y. Herald, Dec. 7.

—Gen Phelps’ expedition, which left Fortress Monroe, Va., on the 29th of Nov., on board the steamer Constitution, landed its forces and stores on Ship Island, in what is called Mississippi Sound, in the Gulf of Mexico, near the coast. After landing, Gen. Phelps issued a proclamation to the loyal citizens of the South-West, which called forth some sharp criticism at the North as well as the South.—(Doc. 211.)

—The first independent battery of New York State Volunteer artillerists arrived in New York, from Albany. They number one hundred and fifty-six men,and are under the command of Captain T. J. Kennedy. The majority of the men have been enlisted from the plough and harrow in Cayuga County, and are a fine-looking set of young men. They are fully uniformed but without sabres or guns, both of which wait them in Washington. Their pieces are to consist of four ten-pound rifled Parrott guns, and two twelve-pound howitzers.

—Gen. Prentiss, at St. Joseph, Mo., addressed a large crowd of the citizens of that place, declaring in the most solemn manner that he would compel every secessionist there to take an oath of allegiance to the United States Government, or he would set them at work in the trenches of Fort Smith. The speech delighted the loyal, but sent consternation into the ranks of the traitors.—N. Y. Tribune, Dec. 7.

—This night a detachment of the Federal cavalry made a dash for the Memphis Branch railroad, and succeeded in burning a portion of the Whip-poor-will Bridge, taking eleven prisoners of the guard stationed there. Though wholly unaccompanied with danger, this is the most brilliant exploit of the war in Kentucky. And though the damage done is trifling, and has been repaired ere this, the injury to the Southern cause is serious out of all proportion to the loss sustained. This movement of the Federal scouts will excite a feeling of uneasiness and apprehension in the country, discouraging Southern men and encouraging the few Lincolnites in this section. And there is no excuse for it.—Nashville Courier.—(Doc. 212.)

—Secretary Seward addressed a letter to Gen. McClellan, calling his attention to the fact that slaves escaping from the rebels, and coming within the national lines, had been imprisoned in the jail at Washington. The Secretary pointed out the impropriety of the fact, and declared that such arrest and imprisonment ought to be followed by the immediate punishment of the persons making the seizure.— (Doc. 213.)

—At St. Louis Major-General Halleck issued an important order to his commanding officers in Missouri, directing them to arrest and hold in confinement every one found in arms against the Government, or those who, in any way, give aid to the rebels; and ordering that all persons found within the lines of the army, in disguise as loyal citizens, and giving information to the enemy, and all these taken from the ranks of the rebels in actual service, should not be treated as prisoners of war, but as spies, and should be shot. He further ordered that the provost-marshals of St. Louis should take in charge the numbers of Union families who were crowding into the city—having been plundered and driven from their homes by the rebels— and quarter them upon avowed secessionists, charging the expense of their board to them, on the ground that, although they had not themselves plundered and driven forth these unfortunate people, they were giving aid and comfort to these who had done so.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 5 1861

—The Navy Department at Washington received despatches from Capt. Palmer, commanding the U. S. steamer Iroquois, in which he stated that the Government at Martinique refused to give the Sumter coals, but allowed her to come to St. Pierre, where she obtained a supply from English merchants. Capt. Palmer said the officers of the Sumter were treated with great courtesy at Martinique. He stated also that he had a correspondence with the governor relative to belligerent rights, the result of which was that the Iroquois was obliged to anchor one marine league from shore while the Sumter was in port. The citizens generally were in favor of the Sumter, and the authorities threw every obstacle in Capt. Palmer’s way to prevent his making a prize of her. Owing to the distance which the Iroquois was obliged to keep from the shore, and to the fact that the bay is fifteen miles wide, the Sumter was enabled to escape, The Iroquois followed on her track, but to no purpose, and the chase was abandoned.— (Doc. 214.)

—The Louisville Journal of this day contains the following: “On the 22d ult., a party of Home Guards from Edmondson and Grayson Counties, numbering one hundred men,advanced across Green River and took possession of the town of Brownsville, Ky., (which is on the south side of that stream, and within Buckner’s lines,) and hoisted the Federal flag, which had been taken down a short time before by the rebels. The Guards sent out their pickets in the direction of the rebel encampment, whose pickets extended within three miles of town. The Unionists remained in peaceable possession long enough to dine and refresh themselves, when their pickets came in and gave notice of the approach of about two hundred rebel cavalry and infantry, with two pieces of artillery, commanded by Brig.-Gen. T. C. Hindman, of Arkansas. The Home Guards then proceeded cautiously to the river. Crossing at their leisure, they had ample time to select their position on the north side, which was above and below the ferry, where they were sheltered by heavy timber, the embankments forming fine fortifications for the undisciplined Green River hunters. The enemy opened a heavy fire with their cannon and muskets, which was promptly responded to by our brave boys, who were armed with muskets and hunting rifles. The engagement continued for two hours and a half, during which time there was a constant fire kept up by both parties. As night approached the rebels retreated with a loss of three killed and five wounded, the Home Guards sustaining no injury.” —In the United States Senate at Washington, a petition was presented by Charles Sumner, from the citizens of Haverhill, Mass., praying that the slaves of rebels might be liberated unconditionally, and the slaves of Union men on fair remuneration being made. Mr. Trumbull, of Illinois, also introduced his bill for confiscating the property of rebels and giving freedom to their slaves. It provided for the absolute and complete forfeiture forever to the United States of every species of property, real and personal, wherever situated within the United States, belonging to persons beyond the jurisdiction of the United States, or beyond the reach of civil process, who had, or should in any way, take up arms against the United States, or in any wise aid or abet the rebellion —making their slaves free as a consequence.

—At one o’clock to-night, the Thirteenth Massachusetts regiment, under command of Col. Leonard, was called out to make a midnight foray into Virginia. Companies A and B crossed the Potomac in a scow. They had strict orders not to make a noise. After several incidents, such as are common to such expeditions, they marched on and drove the rebels from Hancock to Bath, Va., and then drove them from the place last named without firing a single shot. They reached Berkley Springs, Va., about daylight, and stopped long enough to take a bath in the sulphur spring, and then returned, having taken eleven hundred bushels of corn, several cart-loads of potatoes, turnips, cabbages, &o., which were destined for the use of the rebels.—Boston Transcript, Dec. 12.

—This morning, before daylight, Commander Rodgers left Tybee Roads, Ga,, with three United States gunboats,and proceeded to Warsaw Island, Ga., the rebel fort upon which was found to be entirely deserted. It consisted of an enclosed octagonal work, with platforms for eight guns on the water faces. The guns had been removed and the magazine blown up. Another battery, however, still in possession of the rebels, was discovered about three miles up on the Wilmington River, (a creek,) which runs parallel with the Savannah River, leading up from the rear of Little Tybee. The highest point to which Commander Rodgers penetrated was eight miles from Warsaw Bar and ten miles from Savannah, Ga.—(Doc. 215.)

—The reports of the Secretaries of War and the Navy show that the Government of the United States had in service for the suppression of the rebellion, six hundred and eighty-two thousand nine hundred and seventy-one men,all of whom had volunteered. They were divided as follows: Volunteer militia, six hundred and forty thousand six hundred and thirty-seven; Regular army, twenty thousand three hundred and thirty-four; Seamen and marines, twenty-two thousand.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 6 1861

—At noon to-day, the Fifth New York regiment, (Zouaves,) under command of Col. Warren, from Federal Hill, made a beautiful parade on the streets of Baltimore, Md. They had returned from Accomac and Westmoreland counties, Va., bringing with them, as aa trophy of their bloodless victory in that section of Virginia, a large rebel flag. The purpose of their parade was to present this flag to General Dix, and they bore it with them in line, Union down. On reaching the vicinity of the head-quarters, on Fayette street, they formed in line, when the flag was delivered to one of General Dix’s aids. At the command of Col. Warren, three cheers were given for General Dix and the Federal Union, with a “tiger,” and in less than three minute the whole ceremonies were over, and the regiment on its way to camp again. The men looked well, and marched well, and evinced that enthusiasm for the National Muse which has always distinguished them. — Baltimore American, December 6.

—A foraging expedition, under command of Gen. George F. Meade, consisting of the Second brigade of Gen. McCall’s division, left Camp Pierpont, Fairfax County, Va., to-day, with a large number of transportation wagons. They saw nothing of the enemy, but obtained from a farm about three miles from Dranseville, on the Leesburg turnpike, Va., a large quantity of wheat, oats, corn, potatoes, brick, and lumber; twenty-seven fat hogs, a pair of fat oxen, a wagon, and seven horses; with all of which they reached their quarters near Langley, Va., about sundown.—Forney’s (Phil.) War Press, December 14.

—A riot occurred at Nashville, Tenn., occasioned by the authorities resorting to drafting for soldiers to supply the rebel army. The boxes used for the purpose were broken up, and during the excitement two persons were killed and several wounded. Governor Harris was forced to keep his room, and was protected from injury by a strong guard.

—This morning, the Seventy-fifth regiment N. Y. S. V., under command of Col. John A. Dodge, left New York for Fort Pickens, Fla., in the steamship Baltic. The regiment was raised and organized in Auburn.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 7 1861

—Cyrus W. Field has addressed a letter to Gen. McClellan, recommending the laying of a submarine telegraphic cable around the southern coast, to connect the national forts and military stations on the coast with the North, by way of Newport News, Fortress Monroe, Hatteras, Port Royal, Hilton Head, Tybee Island, Fernandina, Cedar Keys, Fort Pickens, Ship Island, to Galveston, Texas. Gen. McClellan fully concurs, and earnestly urges that the plan be adopted by the Government, and that Mr. Field be authorized to have it carried into execution.

—A band of rebels entered Independence, Mo., last night, and arrested several Union men,and forced them to take an oath that they would not take up arms against the Southern Confederacy. This morning they took possession of the stage leaving for Lexington, but through the influence of some secession citizens it was restored. To-day, ten six-mule teams, while on a foraging expedition, about eight miles west of Sedalia, Mo., were seized by a party of rebels, and the teamsters taken prisoners.—New York Times, December 8.

—The Richmond (Va.) Dispatch of this date contains an article on the “Confederate Flag,” lamenting the irredeemable error made by the “Confederacy,” in adopting a “national” symbol so much like the “old rag.” It says the “Confederate flag” lacks the absolutely essential feature of “wide, plain, unmistakable distinction from other flags,” and urges this objection the more strongly, because in the present war, where the opposing enemies are men of the same race, complexion, and form, nothing can distinguish friend from foe, but a broad and radical difference between their national standards.—(Doc. 216.)

—A Naval engagement took place in Mississippi Sound, Gulf of Mexico, between the United States gunboat New London and the steamer De Soto, and two rebel armed vessels, the Pamlico and California, which were attempting to run the blockade between Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans, La.—N. Y. Times, Dec. 7.

—Gen. John Pope was assigned to the command of all the National forces between the Missouri and Osage rivers, Mo. This force constituted the largest part of the army which Gen. Fremont took to Springfield, Mo.

—Joseph H. Sears, of South Carolina, has been appointed postmaster at Port Royal. The details of the office have been arranged, and mail matter will be despatched by sea from New York. Letters for Tybee Island are despatched to Port Royal, and thence to the former place.

—A Series of resolutions was offered in the Kentucky Legislature, in which was included a demand on the Federal authorities for the return to the State of ex-Governor Morehead and other political prisoners, and affirming that the President’s Message foreshadows the impossibility of preserving or reconstructing the Union. They were referred to the Committee on Federal Relations.

—Secretary Cameron’s policy of emancipation and arming the slaves was condemned by the Louisville papers.

—At Philadelphia, Pa., the marines and sailors of the United States steamer Hartford, recently arrived at that place from the East Indies, marched to Independence Hall this morning and presented to the city a splendid flag made during the voyage home of silk purchased in Canton. The flag was raised at noon from the flag-staff, amid great enthusiasm. Salutes were fired at the Navy Yard and from the Hartford at the same time.—Philadelphia Inquirer, Dec. 9.

—This afternoon at 2 o’clock, the new side-wheel U. S. steamer built at the Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y., and named the Octarora, was launched. This vessel is constructed so as to be worked in the same manner as an ordinary ferry-boat, the engines being adapted for running backward and forward with the same facility. The dimensions of the Octarora are: 207 feet over all; 85 feet in breadth; and 12 feet in depth. She is about 800 tons burden, and is to draw 9 feet 9 inches water. Her armament will consist of two 11-inch pivot guns fore and aft; and 6 rifle guns amidships.

—The notorious marauder, Capt. Sweeney, and his band of robbers, who had for sometime kept the vicinity of Glasgow, Mo., in terror, were captured at Rogers’ Mill, near Glasgow, by a detachment of cavalry under Capt. Merrill. Sweeney’s pickets were surprised and captured, and his whole band, thirty-five in number, taken without firing a gun.—N. Y. Commercial, Dec. 11.

—The Napoleon (Ark.) Planter of this date has the following: “Last Monday morning, before many of the denizens of our town had shaken off Somnus and arisen from their beds, the fleet of steamers, towing the battery, came up the river. One of them, the Red Rover, left the battery, and proceeded toward a coal flat at the landing, for the purpose of towing it to coal the fleet. As soon as the steamer touched the coal boat, a detachment of soldiers came ashore and began impressing citizens to assist in coaling, clubbing, in the most shameful manner—the men using the butt ends of their guns and the officer his sabre—several who attempted to expostulate and explain. One man, who, for several weeks, had been unable to attend to his legitimate business, on account of sickness, was beaten and dragged off. Another, the solo attendant of a sick wife and children, was forced aboard. Our citizens are not apt to submit to insult with impunity, and we are surprised the boat got away without something more serious occurring. Besides being an outrage upon the citizens, it was an insult to our corporation authorities, and in obedience to the orders issued by General Polk at Memphis,forbidding impressment to man transport, and we hope these whose duty it is will prefer the charges against the offenders to the proper officials.”

—On the 5th inst., an expedition, under Commander Drayton, U. S. N., left Port Royal harbor, S. C., and the next day proceeded up the Ashepoo River. At Hutchinson’s Island negroes were found crouching about some smoking ruins; and a few, who were in a very destitute condition, were brought back to Otter Island. The expedition sailed up Coosaw River to-day, but seeing no forts or rebel troops, returned.—(Doc. 221.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 8 1861

—The American Bible Society has done a great work for the army and navy. It has distributed, in these two branches of the national service, about half a million copies of the Scriptures, mostly of the New Testament, and is now issuing seven thousand copies a day. Every man in the volunteer regiments, who would receive one, has been furnished with a very neat and portable copy of the New Testament; and the same good work is to be done for the other regiments that may yet volunteer in the service of their country to the end of the war. So noble an object is worthy of everybody’s sympathy and cooperation.

—The Second regiment of Ohio Volunteers, under command of Colonel L. A. Harris, left their camp this morning for Elizabethtown, forty-two miles south of Louisville, on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, the rendezvous of the troops in Western and Southern Kentucky.

—The schooner E. Waterman, loaded with salt, provisions, coffee, and lend, and munitions of war, was captured off Savannah, Ga., by the steamer Augusta,—N. Y. Herald, Dec. 20.

—Yesterday afternoon a rebel force, consisting of a battery of six pieces, and about four hundred Infantry and two hundred Cavalry, made their appearance at Dam No. 5, on the Virginia side of the Potomac, near Williamsport, Md., and commenced throwing shell and shot it the Dam and houses on the Maryland shore, burning a barn, and riddling all the houses within range, continuing the fire until dusk. The only Union force there to oppose them, was a company of the Massachusetts Thirteenth, on picket duty, and an unarmed Illinois regiment. As the Massachusetts company was armed with smooth-bore muskets their fire was not effective at that distance. Early this morning they resumed the fire with artillery and small arms, and, emboldened by the slight resistance met with yesterday, cane down to the very brink of the river, and exposed themselves without fear. During the night, Colonel Leonard had despatched a canal boat from Williamsport and another company of his regiment, armed with Enfield rifles, who were concealed as skirmishers along the Maryland shore. On the renewal of the attack the riflemen opened fire from their concealment, and in a short time the rebel artillerists were compelled to abandon their battery in hot haste, their infantry and cavalry leaving the ground about the same time. For the want of a sufficient infantry force and battery to protect his movements, Colonel Leonard was compelled to let the rebel guns remain in position, and after nightfall the rebels returned and took them off. —(Doc. 217.)

—Port Royal Island, S. C., on which the town of Beaufort is situated, was taken possession of by the Union forces on the 6th inst., but neither the island nor the town were fully occupied till to-day, when a reconnoissance in force, consisting of three hundred of the Fiftieth Pennsylvania regiment, three hundred of the “Roundheads,” and half of Hamilton’s Battery, all under command of General Stevens, drove the enemy completely from the island, they having to cross Port Royal Ferry, and taking up a position on the main land. The Union pickets were immediately extended so as to defend the town of Beaufort and the entire island of Port Royal.—N. T. Tribune.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 9 1861

—The Charleston Courier of this day has the following: “The news from Port Royal continues to be of the most gratifying character. The unanimity of our planters in the destruction of the cotton crops, the laying waste and burning every thing that would afford shelter or subsistence to the enemy where it cannot be otherwise defended, deprives them of the extensive spoils with which they have feasted their imagination, and the obtainment of which was one of their chief objects. Their mission in this respect will prove a most disastrous failure. They have gained little or nothing to satisfy them, and should they advance further, every inch of ground will be disputed with fire and sword, and the arms of a brave people. Some of these same thieving adventurers have lately made several visits to Port Royal, with the hope of securing rich plunder, but they were foiled and disappointed in their object by the timely steps taken to thwart them in their purposes. The prospects of paying the cost of their grand expedition by the sale of our cotton has been nipped in the bud. Our planters in that neighborhood have vindicated most patriotically our cause. Scattered as they were in every direction, it was found impossible to act in combination. But an opportunity has now been offered, and they have cheerfully consigned to the flames the labors of the year.

—Gen. Halleck; issued orders stating that the Mayor of St. Louis, Mo., would require all municipal officers immediately to subscribe to the oath of allegiance prescribed by the Missouri State Convention in October last, and would direct the provost marshal to arrest all State officers who had failed to subscribe to such oath within the time fixed by the Convention, and had attempted to exercise civil authority in violation of the ordinance.

—The U. S. flotilla on the Lower Potomac was actively engaged to-day in shelling the woods and burning the buildings of the rebels at Freestone Point, Va. The Harriet Lane, Anacostia and Jacob Bell, supported by the Reliance, Stepping Stones, and Herbert, poured a heavy fire for an hour and a half upon the enemy’s position. The rebel batteries at Shipping Point kept up a brisk fire, which was responded to by the Union battery at Budd’s Ferry with a few shells. Lieut. McCrea, with a boat’s crew from the Jacob Bell, and another boat from the Anacostia, went ashore and burned down the rebel buildings at Freestone Point, containing stores.—(Doc. 218.)

—Adjutant S. K. Hall, of Colonel Eads’ Twenty-seventh Missouri regiment, came in to Sedalia, Mo., this evening from Dunksburg, twenty miles distant, with fourteen rebel prisoners and an escort of twelve mounted scouts. The prisoners were captured by Capt. McGuire’s command, Company A, while on their way North. Eight of them were members of a cornet band from Price’s army, and had their instruments, drums, and trumpets along. They were well provided with transportation, having a large band wagon drawn with four horses, all of which were taken to Sedalia, The names of the band are as follows: Joseph Rosenthrall, leader; Charles Prentice, “E flat;” A. J. Cunningham, tenor; W. B. Lydick, cornet, B flat; George W. Wise, alto; W. H. Stephens, bass; Wm. H. Cunningham, drummer; Jacob Gains, driver; Robt. Fathing, baggage teamster. The Twenty-seventh regiment were sadly in want of music to cheer their drooping spirits, for every paymaster who had been detailed to pay off troops since the 1st July, had invariably ignored their claim for pay, and this band acquisition was a perfect god-send. —Missouri Democrat, December 12.

—The Twenty-fourth Massachusetts regiment, Col. Thomas G. Stevenson, which had been encamped at Readville, left Boston, on its way to Annapolis, at which place it was attached to Gen. Burnside’s Division. The regiment numbered one thousand and twenty men,all of whom were thoroughly uniformed and equipped, and armed with the Enfield rifle.

—Col. Willits, of the Kansas Brigade, arrived at Leavenworth, Kansas, this evening, and reported the following facts: Gen. Price was at Osceola on the 1st December, with about eighteen thousand men;he made a speech, and told them he was going to Kansas to avenge the burning of Osceola. On Friday last, December 6th, thirteen persons started from near Olathe, in company with a Union man who had been driven out of Missouri, to get some hogs belonging to the refugee. They were attacked from the border in Missouri by about thirty or forty rebels, when they retired back into Kansas, and soon raised near two hundred men,with whom they returned. They soon met the enemy, who also had been reinforced by a considerable body, and a skirmish commenced, which lasted all day Saturday, resulting in a drawn battle, with two Nationals wounded, three rebels killed, and five mortally wounded.—Leavenworth (Kansas) Times, December 10.

—F. W. Pickens, Governor of South Carolina, issued a proclamation, stating that the “State is invaded, and Charleston is threatened, by land and by sea, with large forces,” and calling for twelve thousand volunteers, to be furnished for a term of service, not less than twelve months, unless sooner discharged.—(Doc. 219.)

—Rev. A. A. Von Puttkammer, pastor of a German Baptist Church, Albany, N. Y., assumed command of the Havelock Flying Artillery, one hundred and sixty men and six guns, nearly ready to take the field. Mr. P. is a graduate of the Berlin Military Academy, and was twenty-three years in the Prussian service, where he obtained the rank of Captain of Artillery. He admits none but men of Christian character into his command, and proposes to observe worship three times a day when practicable.— Cincinnati Gazette, December 11.

—A Flag of truce went from Fortress Monroe to Norfolk, Va., this morning, carrying thirty-two rebel prisoners discharged by the United States on their parole. A rebel flag of truce met the boat and transferred thereto some ladies coming from Richmond, Va.—National Intelligencer, December 11.

—A battle took place to-day on Bushy Creek, near the Verdigris River, about one hundred and eighty miles from Fort Smith, Arkansas, between the forces of Col. Cooper and the Yankees, under Opothleyholo, estimated at four thousand or five thousand: Colonel Cooper had only about one thousand three hundred men. The Yankees attacked Col. Cooper about eleven o’clock, and the fight continued all day until sundown. Col. Simms’ Texas regiment fought with great bravery, and the Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Creeks fought like tigers. The Yankees followed Col. Cooper several miles, and attacked him with great fury. Col. Cooper drove them back to the woods, a distance of two miles. A large number of Cherokees were with Opothleyholo; likewise about one hundred and fifty Seminoles. Col. Drew, with his men,who remained with him, fought well and did good service. The Choctaws took about one hundred and fifty scalps, and the Chickasaws nearly fifty. The Creeks did not scalp any, because the enemy was their own people. A white man, by the name of Eli Smith, was taken who had gone over to the Yankees. He was tried by a court-martial and shot. He was a deserter from a Texas regiment. Other deserters were taken and dealt with in the same manner. Col. Cooper behaved with the greatest coolness and bravery.—Fort Smith (Ark.) Times, December 15.

—Major Lyons’ Rocket Battalion, one hundred and fifty men,from Albany, left New York this afternoon for Washington. Their side arras will be sabres and carbines, and their battery is to be constructed on a new plan, so as to throw rockets as well as balls and shells. This arm is expected to be useful in burning towns or fighting cavalry. The battalion consists of two companies, that from Niagara commanded by Capt. Alfred Ransom, and that from Wyoming and Morris counties by Captain J. A. Lee.—N. Y. World, December 10.

 

[farmersdaughter]

Battle of Chusto-Talasah
December 9 1861


The Battle of Chusto-Talasah (also known as Bird Creek, Caving Banks, and High Shoal) was fought December 9, 1861, in what is now Tulsa County, Oklahoma (then Indian Territory) during the American Civil War.

A series of battles were fought in December in bad weather between the Confederate Cherokee and Choctaw Indians and the Union Creek and Seminole Indians (led by the Muscogee Creekchief Opothleyahola) who supported the Federal government. FollowingOpothleyahola andhis Union force’s defeat at Round Mountain, he retreated northeastward in search of safety. On December 9, 1861, the force was at Chusto-Talasah (Caving Banks) on the Horseshoe BendofBirdCreek when Col. Douglas H. Cooper’s 1,300 Confederates attacked about 2:00 p.m. Chief Opothleyahola knew Cooper was coming and had placed his troops in a strong position in heavy timber at Horseshoe Bend.

For almost four hours, Cooper attacked and attempted to outflank the Federals, finally driving them east across Bird Creek just before dark. Cooper camped there overnight but did not pursue the Federals because he was short of ammunition. The Confederatesclaimed victory.ChiefOpothleyahola and his band moved off in search of security elsewhere. Their loss was estimated by Cooper as 500 (some accounts suggest 412). Confederate casualties were 15 killed and 37 wounded.

Although the Confederates had gained a minor tactical victory, they would win a resounding one later in the month at Chustenahlah.

The Chusto-Talasah battle site is on privately owned land near 86th Street North and Delaware Avenue, 5 miles northwest of modern Tulsa.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 10 1861

—Resolutions expressive of the opinion of the Legislature of Tennessee in regard to their future policy, and determination to maintain their Declaration of Independence of the old Government of the United States, were introduced to the Tennessee Legislature by Mr. Cardwell, of Weakley County.—(Doc. 220.)

—The court-martial of Col. Kerrigan was convened at Washington, D. C, to-day, and a large amount of evidence was taken. His counsel was E. L. Hearne, of New York, and Reverdy Johnson. J. W. Coombs was the judge-advocate.—N. Y. World, December 11.

—The question of the exchange of prisoners seems to be fairly settled. The New York Executive Committee, consisting of Messrs. Savage, O’Gorman, and Daly, have had several lengthy and interesting interviews with the President, Gen. McClellan, and senators and members of the House, all of whom favor it. The committee’s interview with Gen. McClellan was especially gratifying. He spoke of the subject briefly, but warmly. The Military Committee in both houses have reported favorably on the subject, and a joint resolution which has passed the House, requesting the President to make an exchange, will pass the Senate tomorrow. In point of fact, an exchange has been practically going on, thirty prisoners having been sent from here yesterday to Fortress Monroe, while large numbers have been likewise released from Fort Warren. Richard O’Gorman, John Savage, Judge Daly, and Collector Barney were before the cabinet to-day, with reference to a general exchange of prisoners, and particularly with reference to Colonel Corcoran.—N. Y. Herald, December 11.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 11 1861

—Two companies of infantry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Rhodes, and two companies of cavalry, under command of Major J. J. Mudd, had a skirmish with the rebels near Bertrand, Missouri, to-day, losing one man. They took sixteen prisoners and a number of horses and fire-arms.—Missouri Democrat, December 12.

—In the Legislature of Western Virginia, in session at Wheeling, to-day, Mr. Carksadon, of Hampshire, introduced a resolution to prohibit any person engaged in the rebellion from ever holding office in the State. Mr. Snider, of Monongahela, introduced a resolution modifying these parts of the code which prohibit writing or speaking against slavery, so as to make them conform to the spirit and genius of the National institutions.

—The Eleventh Michigan infantry, twelve hundred strong, commanded by Col. Win. J. May, arrived at Jeffersonville, and were at once despatched to Bardstown, Ky. They are a fine body of men,and will doubtless do good service in the Union cause. Michigan has done nobly thus far, and the Eleventh is considered as good as, if not better than, any regiment yet sent to the war from that State.—Louisville Journal, December 12.

—Reliable news reached Fort Smith, Arkansas, to-day, from the Indian country, from which it is learned that a large number of Creeks, Cherokees, and Seminoles have joined Opothleyholo. The Cherokee regiment, under Colonel Drew, has disbanded, a part have joined the Nationals, a portion have returned home, and a part remain with Colonel Cooper. Opothleyholo is encamped about the Big Bend of Arkansas, with a force variously estimated at from two to four thousand men,well armed, and all naked to the waist, and painted. Colonel Cooper is encamped within five miles of the Nationals, with a small force, consisting of Colonel Simms’ Texas regiment, Colonel McIntosh’s Creek regiment, and the Chocktaw and Chickasaw regiment. —Fort Smith (Ark.) News, Dec. 12.

—Five vessels of the stone fleet, and the ships George Green and Bullion, of Gen. Butler’s expedition, sailed to-day from Boston, Mass.

—An expedition, under Commander Rodgers, U. S. N., left Port Royal harbor, S. C., and explored Ossabaw Sound, Ga. It passed up the Vernon River, Ga., and was fired on by a fort on the eastern end of Green Island, without damage. Returning to the Sound, the expedition sailed up the Great Ogeechee River, and landed at Ossabaw Island, but found it abandoned. No batteries, except the one on Green Island, were discovered.—(Doc. 224.)

—This morning a party of rebels commenced firing on some National pickets in the vicinity of Dam No. 4, on the Potomac, near Sharpsburg, Md., but were forced to retreat to the woods, more than a mile from the river, after losing seven killed and many wounded. When the rebels disappeared, a party of National troops crossed the river to reconnoitre, but were forced to retreat by a company of rebel infantry. Before reaching the river, however, their escape was cut off by a troop of eighty cavalry, and the whole party, after a slight skirmish, captured. No assistance could be sent them by the National troops on the Maryland side of the river, and it was afterward ascertained that the prisoners had been taken to Martinsburg, Va.—(Doc. 225.)

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 12 1861

—The Montgomery (Ala.) Mail, of this day, says that “there have been six alarms of fire in that city within the two previous days. The Commercial Hall was fired twice in broad daylight. There was much excitement and great exasperation among the citizens.”

—In the Maryland Legislature, in session at Annapolis, a resolution was introduced declaring the seat of Hon. Coleman Yellott, Senator from Baltimore, vacant, on the ground that during three successive sessions of the body he absented himself from his seat therein, without assigning any reason therefor; and whereas, it is a matter of public notoriety, established also by testimony before the Committee on Judicial Proceedings, that the said Senator from Baltimore City has gone to Virginia, and has no intention of resuming his seat in the Senate; and whereas, it is right and proper, in these times of public peril,the large and populous city of Baltimore should be represented here; and whereas, the Constitution of Maryland provides that in the event of the removal of a Senator from the county or city for which he is elected, the President of the Senate shall issue his warrant for the election of another person in his place: therefore, &c. Quite an animated discussion ensued between several of the members on the preamble and resolutions, when the vote was taken and the resolution declaring the seat vacant was passed.

—Last night and this morning a terrible conflagration raged in the city of Charleston, S. C., consuming and totally destroying nearly all the business portion of the city east of King St., in the direction of the Cooper River.—Richmond (Va.) Enquirer, Dec. 15.

—The authorities having learned that a number of rebels in the vicinity of Bagdad, Shelby County, Kentucky, on the line of the Louisville and Frankfort Railroad, were becoming troublesome, and had even gone so far as to compel loyal citizens to take the oath of allegiance to the Southern Confederacy, a squad of men from Col. Whitaker’s regiment, at Spring Garden, near Louisville, Ky., were despatched to the neighborhood to-night, with orders to arrest the rebels. Arriving on the ground, they were proceeding to make the desired arrests, when they were fired upon from the residence of a rebel, which was occupied by about forty persons. The fire was returned by the squad of half a dozen National troops, who were finally overpowered and forced to retreat, but one of them, however, having been wounded, and he not mortally. —Louisville Journal, Dec. 14.

—A scouting expedition, composed in part of Col. Merrill’s regiment of cavalry, returned to Sedalia, Mo., bringing as prisoners four captains, two lieutenants, and about forty men. They also captured a mortar and a large number of horses. The expedition went as far as Waverly, Mo. The man who hauled down the American flag after Colonel Mulligan’s surrender at Lexington, was arrested as a spy.

—The Bowling Green Courier publishes what purports to be a message from George W. Johnson, who signs himself “Provisional Governor,” addressed to “Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Legislative Council.” The so-called ” Provision Council” has been organized as follows: President of Council, Willis B. Machen, of Lyon; State Treasurer, Judge T. L Burnett, of Spencer; State Auditor, Capt. Richard Hawes, of Bourbon; Secretary of State, Robert McKee, of Louisville; Clerk of Council, A. Frank Brown, of Pulaski; State Printer, W. N. Haldeman, of Oldham; Sergeant-at-Arms, John E. Thompson, Jr., of Mercer.—N. Y. Times, Dec. 14.

—A skirmish occurred to-day on the banks of Green River, Ky. Company I of the Fifteenth Ohio was attacked by about one hundred and fifty rebel cavalry, who had dismounted from their horses and approached the patriots unobserved. The rebels fired one round without killing or wounding a man, and it was returned by the Ohio infantry with a couple of volleys, wounding several. The cavalry then retired, bearing their wounded with them.— Louisville Journal, Dec. 16.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 13 1861

—Major Williams of the Third Kansas regiment, made a dash into Missouri from Mound City, and burned the villages of Papinsville and Butler, (the latter is the county seat of Bates County,) and returned with a large number of refugees, quantities of stock, &c. They had two men killed at Butler. These towns had for a long time been the resort of a guerilla band of rebels.

—This day one of the hardest battles of the war was fought at Allegheny Camp, Pocahontas County, Virginia, between Gen. R. H. Milroy, commanding the Union troops, and Gen. Johnson, of Georgia, commanding the rebels. The fight lasted from daylight till three P. M. The Union loss is about thirty, and the rebel loss over two hundred, including a major and many other officers, and thirty prisoners. Gen. Johnson was shot in the mouth, but not fatally. The Twelfth Georgia regiment suffered the most. Gen. Milroy’s force numbered seven hundred and fifty men from the Ninth and Thirteenth Indiana, and the Twenty-fifth and Thirty-second Ohio and the Second Virginia. Gen. Johnson’s force numbered over two thousand men. The Ninth Indiana regiment fought bravely to the last. After driving the enemy into their barracks no less than five times, the Nationals retired in good order. The rebels set fire to their camp and retreated to Staunton. —(Doc. 226.)

—Wm. H. Johnson, of the Lincoln Cavalry, sentenced to be shot as a deserter, was executed to-day. According to his own confession, he enlisted in order to desert, that he might thus reach New Orleans where his mother resides. In carrying out his plan, he got beyond the lines, but mistaking the Federal pickets for these of the enemy, he ran towards them, throwing up his hands and crying that he was a deserter. They assured him that they belonged to “the other side,” took his arms, and said that he must prove his good faith by giving information. Thereupon, he told them that they could capture a party of our men,behind a hill, where they really were, and gave abundant details touching the Nationals strength and position. He was then taken prisoner, and carried within the National lines.

—The British ship Admiral was captured off Savannah, Ga., by the Augusta, while attempting to run in. She adopted a very ingenious mode to escape the scrutiny of the cruisers, by pretending to be one of the stone fleet, into which she had forced herself. But the ruse did not succeed, and the commander of the Augusta, becoming suspicious, ran down to her, and sent her boat aboard. She proved to be an English ship, deeply loaded with coal, for blacksmith’s purposes, and salt—at least that is what appears upon the surface. What lies hidden under this valuable cargo, remains to be seen when an examination is made. The captain of the Admiral stated that he had sailed eighty days ago from Liverpool for Savannah, and was not aware of the existence of blockade. —N. YHerald, Dec. 20.

—Governor Clairborne F. Jackson, of Missouri, issued a proclamation at New Madrid, to the officers and soldiers of the Missouri State Guard, praising their valor, fortitude, and success, and urging them to continue in the ranks a few weeks longer, their six months’ term of service having expired. He also called upon these of his fellow-citizens who had not joined the army, to do so at once, telling them they should not expect to enjoy the reward, unless they participate in the struggle for victory and independence.—(Doc. 227.)

 

[farmersdaughter]

Battle of Camp Allegheny
December 13 1861




The Battle of Camp Allegheny, also known as the Battle of Allegheny Mountain , tookplace on December 13, 1861, in Pocahontas County, Virginia (now West Virginia) as part of the Operations in Western Virginia Campaign during the AmericanCivilWar.

In December, Confederate forces under Col. Edward Johnson occupied the summitofAllegheny Mountain to defend the Staunton-Parkersburg Pike. A Union force under Brig. Gen. Robert H. Milroy attacked Johnson at sunrise on December 13.

In a piercing winter wind, fighting continued for much of the sunny morning as each side maneuvered on the hillside fields and woods to gain the advantage. On the right flank, Milroy had posted a strong force in a mountain clearing, among the fallen timber,stumps andbrush,whichproved tobe too difficultforthe Confederate infantry to drive off. A Confederate artillery battery unlimbered and unleasheda "storm of round shot and canister among them, knocking their timber defences about their heads, and making their nest too hot to hold them..." Finally, Milroy's troops were repulsed, and he retreated to his camps at Green Spring Run near Cheat Mountain. Johnson's losses were high: 25 men were killed and 97 were wounded in the engagement, plus 23 went missing.

According to one Confederate soldier in the 52nd Virginia Infantry:

I had a splendid position in this battle and could see the whole fight without having to take any part in it, and I remember how I thought Colonel Johnson must be the most wonderful hero in the world, as I saw him at one point, where his men were hard pressed, snatch a musket inone hand and, swinging a big club in the other, he led his line right up among the enemy, driving them headlong down the mountain, killing and woundingmany withthe bayonetandcapturinga large number of prisoners...

Johnson would receive the nickname "Allegheny"Johnsonforhis efforts. At year's end, he remained at Camp Allegheny with five regiments, and Henry Heth was at Lewisburg with two regiments.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 14 1861

—The excitement in England relative to the boarding of the Trent continues: The Liverpool Mercury of this day, states that the Earl of Derby had been consulted by the Government. He approved of its policy in reference to the American difficulty, and suggested to ship-owners to instruct the captains of outward bound ships to signalize any English vessels, that war with America was probable. This suggestion had been strongly approved by the underwriters.

—The Legislative Council of Kentucky, at its session this day, elected the following gentlemen as delegates from Kentucky to the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States: Henry C. Burnett; John Thomas; Geo. W. Ewing; Dr. D. V. White; T. L. Burnett; Jno. M. Elliott; S. H. Ford; Thos. B. Monroe; Thos. Johnson; Geo. B. Hodge.—Louisville Nashville Courier, Dec. 16.

—The Green Mountain Cavalry, Vermont Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Lemuel B. Platt, left the encampment at Burlington for the seat of war.

 

[farmersdaughter]

December 15 1861

—This morning before daylight, a group attached to the pickets of the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania regiment wanting to come over from the Virginia shore, opposite Berlin, Md., thirteen men of Company N were sent over in a boat, when two companies of rebels, in all about one hundred and twenty strong, sprang from an ambush and surrounded them. The men fought gallantly and cut their way through to their boat, while many of their comrades gathered on the opposite bank and caused the rebels to retreat. The Nationals killed two of the enemy and wounded five, and had one wounded and two taken prisoners.—Baltimore American, December 17.

—A despatch from Rolla, Mo., of this date, says: Several citizens of Arkansas have reached here during the past week, and enlisted in the Arkansas Company, under Captain Ware, late member of the Legislature from that State. These men say there was a Union society in Izard, Fulton, Independent, and Searcey counties, numbering two thousand five hundred men,which could have made an organized stand in two weeks more, but it was betrayed by a recreant member and broken up and scattered. Many of these Union men have been arrested and taken to Little Rock; some have been hanged, and a large number are now in the woods trying to effect their escape from the State.

—A portion of the town of Platte City, Mo., including the Court House and Post-office, was destroyed by fire. It was set on fire about one o’clock by some rebels, but suppressed by the troops under Col. Morgan. At four o’clock it was again successfully fired. The county records were saved, but the contents and office were destroyed. Many arrests were made, including some of Si. Gordon’s guerilla band and one of Price’s captains. —Cincinnati Gazette, December 18.

—The Forty-second regiment of Ohio Volunteers, commanded by Col. J. A. Garfield, left Damp Chase, at Columbus, for the seat of war n Kentucky.—Louisville Journal, Dec. 17.