The Civil War Day By Day Sesquicentennial Thread

[farmersdaughter]

February 15 1862

—The National batteries at Venus Point, on the Savannah River, were attacked at three o’clock this afternoon, by four rebel gunboats,with a view of effecting a passage from Fort Pulaski for the rebel steamers then at that place. After an engagement of one hour the rebels were driven off; the flag-officer’s boat being disabled and taken in tow and the steamer that attempted the passage of the river returning to Fort Pulaski. The guns were manned by the Third Rhode Island detachment, under Capt. Gould, and effectively worked. There was no loss on the National side.—Brig-Gen. Viele’s Report.

—The Ninth battery of Rhode Island Artillery, under the command of Lieut. Wightman, passed through New-York, en route for Port Royal, S. C. —N. Y. Times, February 16.

—The President, through the Secretaries of War and the Navy, returned thanks to Brig.-Gen. Burnside and Flag-Officer Goldsborough, and to Brig.-Gen. Grant and Flag-Officer Foote, and the land and naval forces under their respective commands, for their gallant achievements in the capture of Fort Henry and at Roanoke Island.

—Bowling Green, Ky., was evacuated this morning by the rebels, and occupied by the National army under command of Brig.-Gen. D. C. Buell. The National troops reached Big Barren River, opposite the city, about two o’clock this afternoon, having accomplished a difficult march of forty miles in twenty-eight hours and a half. They found the bridge across the river destroyed. Col. Turchin’s brigade crossed on a flat-boat, the artillery, under command of Captain Loomis firing shell across the river, which caused a hasty evacuation by the rebels.—(Doc. 45.)

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 16 1862

—The ship E. W. Farley, having on board six companies of the Eighth regiment of New-Hampshire volunteers, sailed from Boston, Mass., for Ship Island, Miss.

—The Mississippi, the Organ Democrat, and Los Angelos, and California Star have been suppressed from the mails, on the ground that they have been used for the purposes of overthrowing the Government, and giving aid and comfort to the enemy now at war against the United States. —New-York World, February 17.

—Brig.-gen. Price, a son of Sterling Price, Col. Phillip, Major Cross, and Capt. Crosby were captured near Warsaw, Mo., by Capt. Stubbs, of the Eighth Iowa regiment They had some five hundred recruits with them, in charge, but they had just crossed the Osage River, and as Capt. Stubbs had but a small force, he did not follow them.—N. Y. Commercial, February 20.

—The United States gunboat St. Louis, under command of Com. A. H. Foote, proceeded up the Cumberland River, Tennessee, this afternoon, and destroyed, a few miles above Dover, the Tennessee Iron Works, which had been used for the manufacture of iron plates for the rebel government. One of the proprietors, named Lewis, was taken prisoner. —Chicago Post.

—Fort Donelson, Tenn., with from twelve to fifteen thousand prisoners, at least forty pieces of artillery, and great quantities of stores, was surrendered, this morning, to the Union forces under Gen. Grant. A small squadron of gunboats,convoying several transport steamboats, and a large body of troops, were despatched from Cairo, Ill., on the eleventh; and, on the morning of the twelfth instant, three divisions of troops, under Generals McClernand, Smith, and Wallace, left Fort Henry, both destined for operations in front of Fort Donelson. The latter body moved in two columns; and at noon of the twelfth, the head of Gen. McClernand’s column came to the outposts of the enemy, and drove in his pickets; the remainder of the day being occupied in assuming the positions to which the different corps had been assigned, and with occasional skirmishing on the line. Gen. McClernand’s command formed the right of the extended line, with his right resting on Dover; while the command of Gen. Smith formed the left, his left extending to the creek on the north of the Fort. The night of the twelfth was spent quietly; and on the following day, also, but little was attempted by the army, in consequence of the nonarrival of the gunboats,and the reenforcements which had been sent from Cairo by water. The gunboat Carondelet, however, under direction of Gen. Grant, approached the Fort, on the morning of the thirteenth, and, after two hours’ steady fire, during which she expended nearly two hundred shots, she was compelled to withdraw from the action to repair damages. The gunboats St Louis, Pittsburgh, Louisville, and Conestoga, with sixteen transports and about ten thousand fresh troops, having arrived at the place of rendezvous, preparations were made for attacking the enemy’s works; and at two o’clock on the fourteenth, the St. Louis, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Carondelet, forming a single line in front, with the Conestoga and Tyler a quarter of a mile in the rear, moved up the river, receiving the fire of the enemy’s lower batteries. At seven minutes to three the St. Louis opened her fire with an eight-inch shell, which was kept up with great spirit during an hour and a half, bidding fair to result very favorably. The iron-clad boats took a position within three hundred yards of the batteries, silenced the water-battery, and drove its gunners from their posts; but the “plunging shot” from the batteries having entered the pilothouse of the St. Louis and shattered her wheel, and the other vessels having also suffered severely, the Commodore ordered the squadron to drop down the river; and the action ceased. These mishaps led to the determination, by Gen. Grant, to make the investment of the Fort as perfect as possible, to strengthen his position, and to await the repair of the gunboats;but the enemy frustrated all his purposes. Soon after daybreak, on the morning of the fifteenth, the extreme right of the Union line, near the river, below the Fort, was attacked by a heavy body of the enemy’s forces. The Eighth and Forty-first Illinois regiments, first received the shock; and they maintained their position with great coolness, until reenforcements joined the assailants, when McAllister’s and Schwartz’s batteries were also attacked and captured. The Eighteenth, Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-first Illinois were quickly moved to the support of their associates; and after a desperate struggle, in which both sides displayed great daring, all but three of the pieces of the captured batteries were recovered by the Union troops. At length, overpowered by numbers and without ammunition, the Illinoians were compelled to fall back; and the enemy, with cheers, pressed forward and outflanked them on the right, when the Seventeenth and Twenty-fifth Kentucky, and the Thirty-first and Forty-fourth Indiana regiments, all under Col. Cruft, were brought up to support the failing fortunes of the Union men. An unfortunate mistake, on the part of this reenforcement, led the Twenty-fifth Kentuckians to pour a volley into the ranks of the Thirty-first Illinoians, causing terrible loss, and increasing the confusion, of which the enemy promptly availed himself by pressing forward with greater energy than before. A few minutes afterward, Col. Wallace’s brigade, embracing the Eleventh, Twentieth, Forty-fifth, and Forty-eighth Illinois regiments, came up; but so completely had the enemy brought up his forces, that they were compelled to fall back with very heavy loss; notwithstanding, in another part of the line, another strong body of the enemy was driven back by the Forty-eighth, Fifty-eighth and Seventy-sixth Ohio, and the First Nebraska regiments and Taylor’s Chicago battery. At this moment the prospect was gloomy enough. The Union men had been repulsed, with the loss of six pieces of artillery, and great numbers of officers and men;and the enemy held the dearly-bought position. Gen. Grant saw the emergency, and he hastened to meet it. Gen. Smith was ordered to make a strong assault on the left of the line, and to carry the position at all hazards; while preparations were also made to renew the operations on the right, with a view to recover the position which had been lost in the morning. Gen. Smith immediately ordered Col. Cooke, commanding the Third brigade of his division, to move with his command—embracing the Seventh, Fiftieth, and Fifty-second Illinois, the Twelfth Iowa, and Thirteenth Missouri regiments—against one portion of the enemy’s lines; while, with the Fourth brigade, commanded by Col. Lauman—embracing the Second, Seventh, and Fourteenth Iowa, and the Twenty-fifth Indiana regiments–he, in person, dashed against another part of the works. The Second Iowa regiment led the advance, followed by the Fifty-second Indiana; and the other regiments of the brigade, while the sharpshooters were deployed on either flank as skirmishers. The column of attack moved forward, without firing a gun, and charged into the work, driving the enemy before it at the point of the bayonet, and occupying the position. The colors of the Second Iowa occupied the post of honor; but the loss with which it was purchased was immense. The successful result of this desperate struggle inspired the troops, and in every portion of the line of offence the wildest enthusiasm prevailed. Soon afterwards Col. Smith, commanding the Fifth brigade, moved the Eighth Missouri and Eleventh Indiana regiments against the position, on the extreme right of the line, from which the Union troops had been driven, at an earlier hour of the day; and part of the First brigade, commanded by Col. Cruft—embracing the Thirty-first and Forty-fourth Indiana regiments—was moved to his support The assault was made in two columns ;and it was a complete success, the hill was carried by storm; and the enemy was driven into his works, amidst the hearty cheers of the victors. No further movements were made during the fifteenth; both armies occupying their respective positions and preparing for a renewal of the engagement this morning. At daybreak, however, the enemy sounded a parley and displayed a white flag, to which Col. Lauman, commanding the Fourth brigade, responded; and proposals for a surrender were tendered and accepted. Generals Floyd and Pillow, with about five thousand of the garrison, escaped in the night; and these who surrendered embraced Generals Buckner and Tilghman, some fifteen thousand prisoners, twenty thousand stand of arms, immense quantities of stores, etc. During the action on the fourteenth, the gunboats suffered severely. The St. Louis was struck sixty-one times, and lost ten men killed and wounded. The Pittsburgh was struck forty-seven times, and lost two men,wounded; the Carondelet was struck fifty-four times, and lost thirtythree men;and the Louisville was struck about forty times, and lost nine men.—(Doc. 46.)

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 17 1862

—At Columbus, the Legislature of Ohio held a mass-meeting in the State House to rejoice over the recent victories of Forts Henry, Donelson, etc. Gov. Tod was called to the chair; prayer was made by the venerable Dr. Hoge, amid the booming of cannon. Gov. Tod said: “If there is a man in all the country that does not rejoice over the news of to-day, frown on him, brand him as a traitor. Is he in your churches?turn him out. Is he in your Assembly?put him out. Is he in your family?shut the door in his face. [Cheers.] We want it understood as the voice of this meeting, that the Government is to hang all guilty traitors; and that if England continues to threaten, we will next pay our respects to her.” Speeches were also made by Mr. Thomas Ewing, Lieut.-Governor Stanton, Mr. Delano, Col. B. McCook, Messrs. Groesbeck, Fink, Monroe, Flagg and Galloway. Senators, Representatives, State officers and the people, had a refreshing season, and adjourned after three cheers for the Union.

—A battle took place at Sugar Creek, Arkansas, this day. The rebels were concealed in the woods on both sides of the road. The country was broken, hilly woodland. The First Missouri cavalry, while charging up the hill, were fired upon by the ambushed foe, concealed behind the trees. After receiving a murderous fire, in which thirteen of the Nationals fell and five were wounded, the cavalry fell back and formed in line. Major Bowen came up and shelled the woods with his mountain howitzers. The enemy replied with their artillery. The latter ceased firing, and the National advance fell back to their camp. Major Bowen was wounded in the wrist. Capt. Switzer, of Wright’s battalion, Fourth cavalry, and Major T. C. McKinney, Assistant Adjutant-General, were among the wounded.—St. Louis Democrat.

—Gen. Huger, at Norfolk, Va., issued the following order this day: “Such portions of the militia as are called into service, in this Department, will report to the nearest confederate officer, and will be employed in defending their property and homes now threatened by the invader. “They will obstruct the water-courses and roads by which the enemy may approach, and from the narrow banks of the rivers use their shot-guns on the ravagers. They will arrest all citizens who hold intercourse with the enemy. “Let every man do his duty, and the destroyers will be driven from your country.”

—This day two regiments of rebel Tennesseans marched into Fort Donelson to reinforce it, being unaware of its capture. They went along with their colors flying and their bands playing, and were allowed to enter the camp without any warning as to the character of the possessors of it. They were all (one thousand four hundred and seventy) captured.—N. Y. Herald, March 1.

 

[farmersdaughter]

Battle of Dunagin's Farm
February 17, 1866


Action at Sugar Creek, commonly known as the Battle of Dunagin’s Farm, was the first battle of the Civil War in Arkansas and was part of the tug of war between the North and the South for control of Missouri.

In late 1861, after the victory at Wilson’s Creek on August 10, 1861, the Missouri State Guard under Major General Sterling Price occupied Springfield, Missouri, and settled into winter quarters, not expecting pressure from Federal troops until spring. But on January 1, 1862, Major General Samuel R. Curtis and the Union’s Army of the Southwest prepared to march on Springfield and rid Missouri of enemy troops. Price, aware of the Federals’ advance, knew that he could not hold southern Missouri without the help of Arkansas Confederate forces led by Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch. As the Federals came closer to Springfield, Price began to wire McCulloch, sending a stream of frantic dispatches for help to northwest Arkansas. Deep in the Boston Mountains, 8,700 Confederate soldiers under McCulloch were in winter quarters, and McCulloch, who was in Richmond, Virginia, meeting with Confederate president Jefferson Davis, had left James McIntosh in command of the Arkansas army in his absence. Because an army’s engagement in winter was unlikely, McIntosh only advised Colonel Louis Hébert to be ready to march toward Springfield just in case. Price, who was not satisfied with the lack of movement from Arkansas, dispatched even more calls for assistance to McIntosh, Hébert, and even Earl Van Dorn, stationed in eastern Arkansas. However, since it took so long for the dispatches to be delivered due to distance, geography, and weather, Van Dorn was not even aware that the Federals were on the move until they had already taken Springfield on February 13.

Once Curtis entered Springfield and realized the Confederates had evacuated south, he was determined to follow them. The night before the chase began, a fierce winter storm hit the Ozark Mountains, and while most of the Federal soldiers were comfortable in newly acquired Springfield, the Confederates were forced to brave the elements. The following morning, the Federals set out in pursuit of the Confederates. For four days, they marched along Telegraph Road, one of the few good roads in the Ozarks. The poorly equipped Confederates had the Federals lashing at them as they fled, and sharp engagements flared between the Confederate rear guard and the Union troops beginning about thirty miles south of Springfield. Price, attempting to protect the rear of his army, used the rear guard to keep the larger Union troops at bay until the Confederates could get to McCulloch’s reinforcements, which he hoped were on the way to meet him. Once the two armies began making contact, they continued to do so all the way to Arkansas. The weather turned intensely cold, and the soldiers and animals in both armies endured snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Hundreds of exhausted Rebels were found along the roadside. Curtis reported to Halleck that “more straggling prisoners are being taken than I know what to do with.”

Early on the morning of February 16, a message from Price informed Hébert of the fall of Springfield and of the Federal pursuit. Astounded, Hébert immediately informed McCulloch, and they prepared to march to Price’s relief. On the afternoon of February 16, a portion of Hébert’s Confederate command made contact with the Missouri army about three miles south of the Arkansas-Missouri line near Elkhorn Tavern. Hébert’s men stepped aside to let the long, exhausted column shuffle past and then took up the position of rear guard.

Early morning on February 17, Curtis’s Federal army crossed the state line into Arkansas and continued to push southward. Colonel Calvin Ellis’s Federal cavalry passed through Cross Timber Hollow around 1:00 pm and noisily trudged past Elkhorn Tavern, reaching the bluffs overlooking Little Sugar Creek after the Missouri State Guard had marched out only hours earlier. Hébert’s men—the Third Louisiana and the Fourth and Fifteenth Arkansas—were waiting for them as they were covering Price’s continued withdrawal. Little’s infantry and Clark’s battery, part of Sterling Price’s command that had been protecting Price’s rear on the retreat from Springfield, were left with Hébert to assist in any forthcoming Federal assault. Confident that the Federal army would not assault such a fortified position, Hébert quietly withdrew his troops and proceeded to follow Price. Curtis’s Federal army followed, however.

Since Hébert was not able to return to his imposing position on the bluffs, he had no choice but to stand and fight where he was. He placed his regiments on the eastern side of Telegraph Road—Little’s infantry on the western side, and Clark’s battery in the center, all facing north. The Confederate troops were placed along thesouthern edge of a large field belonging to a farmer named James Dunagin, and the First Missouri Calvary were dismounted and dispatched to the woods as skirmishers 400 yards in front of the infantry and artillery. When Ellis and the Federals reached the top of the southern bluffs, he spotted Confederate stragglers hurrying away to the south, and he followed at a gallop without waiting for infantry or artillery support. After advancing about half a mile, the Federals ran into the Confederate position on Dunagin’s farm. Clark’s battery opened the engagement with a salvo straight down Telegraph Road. Ellis immediately ordered the Federal First Missouri Calvary off the road to the left and right. Taking their cue from Ellis, Wright swung his battalion of the Sixth Missouri Calvary into the woods to the right of the road, while McConnell led his battalion of the Third Illinois Calvary to the left.

Telegraph Road was soon empty except for the leading battalion of the First Missouri Calvary, led by Major James M. Hubbard, which advanced at a dead run directly toward the Rebel position. At this moment, Rebel cavalry swarmed out of the woods, and the mass of horsemen swept into Dunagin’s field. The battle continued as Ellis realized that this was more than his command could handle, and he ordered a withdrawal. Curtis rushed reinforcements to the battle and ascended the southern bluffs in Ellis’s rear. The Third Iowa battery took position in the center of the road opposite the Confederate batteries, and they proceeded to exchange fire. Although the Federal infantry, the Ninth Iowa, were closest to the Federal battery, they came through unscathed because they lay on the ground. The Confederate infantry on either side of Clark’s battery was not so fortunate; several projectiles cut down men standing in the Rebel ranks. About 4:00 p.m., Hébert disengaged. Curtis chose not to follow.

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 18 1862

—A skirmish occurred at Independence, Mo., between a detachment of Ohio cavalry and a band of rebels, headed by Quantrel and Parker. The latter were routed, with a loss of three killed, several wounded, and several taken prisoners. A quantity of arms was also captured. The Federal loss one killed and three wounded.—(Doc. 47.)

—This morning, Gov. Rector, of Arkansas, issued a proclamation, drafting into immediate service every man in the State subject to military duty, to respond within twenty days.—Memphis Appeal, February 19.

—The Constitutional Convention in session at Wheeling, Va., adjourned this evening, after fifty-nine days’ session. The Free State measure was defeated. Commissioners were, however, appointed, with powers to reassemble the Convention in case the new State was recognised by Congress.— National Intelligencer, February 20.

—In the British Parliament, John Bright made a strong speech denouncing the policy of the English government as to the Trent affair, and was answered by Lord Palmerston. Earl Russell explained the case of Mr. Shaver, a British subject imprisoned in Fort Warren, sustaining the action of the American Government.

—At Baltimore, Md., S. S. Wills, the publisher, and Thomas S. Piggott, editor of The South, were arrested and taken to Fort McHenry.

—The first session of the Congress of the “permanent” government of the Confederate States, was opened at noon to-day in the capitol at Richmond, Va., Vice-President-elect, Alexander H. Stevens, of Georgia, occupying the chair in the Senate. Nineteen Senators were present, and a quorum of Representatives. After the election of proper officers, and a speech from Thomas S. Bocock, of Virginia, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the “permanent” Congress was declared duly organized.—(Doc. 48.)

—The Thirteenth regiment of Maine volunteers, under the command of Colonel Neal Dow, left Camp Beaufort, Augusta, for the seat of war.

—Flag-officer Goldsborough and Brig.-Gen. Burnside issued a proclamation at Roanoke Island, explaining the object of their mission, declaring the course they intend to pursue, and inviting the inhabitants of North-Carolina to separate themselves from the malign influence of the bad men in their midst, and to return to their allegiance.—(Doc. 49.)

—Howell Cobb, R. Toombs, M. J. Crawford, Thomas R. R. Cobb, members from Georgia, have issued an address to the people of that State, on relinquishing their seats in the provisional Congress of the Confederate States. They call upon the people of Georgia to exert every nerve, and strain every muscle, to repress the invaders. Though acknowledging the Southern inability to cope with the resources, numbers, equipments and munitions of war of the North, they urge the confederates to provide against these odds by “desperate courage, unflinching daring, and universal self-sacrifice.” They warn the Georgians against being lulled into a fatal security, and incite them to prepare for all contingencies, by arming every woman and child with a firebrand, that nothing but “blackness and ruin” may “welcome the vandals.” They recognise with gratitude the hand of Providence in preserving the Confederacy from these who, having complete control of the seas, and an immense army, “disciplined to the unthinking stolidity of regulars,” were preparing to “crush them with a giant’s grasp.” Finally they impress upon them the importance of an unshaken faith in God, declare their confidence in the ultimate issue of the struggle, and a belief that their children’s children will rise up to call them “blessed.” —(Doc. 50.)

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 19 1862

—President Lincoln issued the following proclamation to-day: “It is recommended to the people of the United States that they assemble in their customary places of meeting for public solemnities, on the twenty-second day of February, inst, and celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the father of his country, by causing to be read to them his immortal Farewell Address. “Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington, the nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the independence of the United States of America the eighty-sixth.”

—Gov. Harris, of Tennessee, having taken the field in person, issued orders, from his headquarters at Memphis,appointing his division commanders, and calling upon the people to meet and repel the invaders of the State.—(Doc. 51.)

—The first payment of interest on the Government war-loan, was made at the office of the United States Assistant Treasurer, in New-York City.

—In the Confederate Congress, in session at Richmond, Va., the electoral votes for President and Vice –President were counted. The total number of electoral votes was one hundred and nine, all of which were cast for Jeff. Davis, for President, and Alexander H. Stephens, for Vice President

—The Memphis Appeal, of this date, has the following: “Gen. Polk issued orders yesterday, that the track of the Memphis and Ohio railroad should be torn up, and the bridges burned, which order was obeyed, and by this time the work of destruction is complete on a great part of the road. A rumor prevailed on the streets this afternoon, that Polk was preparing to evacuate Columbus to-morrow, remove all the guns, etc., and demolish the fortifications. The forces at New-Madrid and Fort Pillow, together with the Columbus troops, are to repair at once to Memphis,and make a stand,making an army of about fifty thousand men.”

—The city of Clarksville, on the Cumberland River, Tennessee, was taken possession of to-day by the National forces, under command of Flag Officer A. H. Foote, U.S.N., having surrendered without an engagement. Two thirds of the inhabitants having fled from the town, Com. Foote, at the request of the Mayor, issued a proclamation, assuring all peaceably-disposed persons, that they might resume with safety their business avocations, requiring only the military stores and equipments to be given up

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 20 1862

— Gen. Mitchell sent a cavalry force to Russellville, Ky., and captured eleven rebels.

—One thousand rebel prisoners, captured at Fort Donelson, Tenn., mostly Mississippians and Texans, left Cairo, 111., to-night, for Chicago.

—Isham G. Harris, rebel Governor of Tennessee, addressed a message to the Legislature of the State, giving his reasons for removing the records of the government to and convening the Legislature at Memphis, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives, providing for such a necessity. He states that the reverses to the confederate arms, leaving the State open from the Cumberland Gap to Nashville; the National victories on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, enabling the enemy to penetrate the heart of the State with impunity, and the fact that Gen. Johnston had fallen back south of Nashville, with his army, had left the State capital in a wholly defenceless condition. The removal to Memphis then became unavoidable. He complains of the difficulties he had found in organizing well-disciplined and equipped troops for the confederate government, urges a remodelling of the State militia system, and expresses his conviction that the invader will yet be driven from the soil of Tennessee. —(Doc. 59.)

—This morning the United States steamer Stepping Stones, with a launch and boat’s crew from the Yankee, went on a reconnoissance up Occoquan Creek, Va., some four miles. Lieut. Eastman sent out Acting Master Lawrence with the launch, who visited the north and south shores of the creek, penetrating a short distance into the interior, but without finding any signs of the rebels. Just as the launch was leaving the south side of the creek, a brisk fire was opened on them by the rebels, from five or six field-pieces posted in a clump of woods. Some forty shells were thrown by the enemy, all of which flew uncomfortably near the Stepping Stones, but doing no damage save slightly tearing the flag. The fire was returned from the Stepping Stones, and a howitzer in the launch plunged a shower of rifled shot into the cover of the rebels, which undoubtedly damaged them, as their fire soon slackened.—(Doc. 53.)

—The Richmond Enquirer of this date, says: “An immense defence meeting was held in Memphis,Tenn., last week. Resolutions were passed, appointing committees in each ward of the city, to form a complete military organization, and to drill the levies. It was also resolved that the times demanded the proclamation of martial law in Memphis. In the afternoon, most of the stores on Front row, and many of these on Main street, closed their doors, in compliance with a proclamation from the Mayor. A considerable number of citizens, who had given in their names to join the defence organization, met in the Council Chamber in the evening, and went out in procession to drill.”

—Winton, N. C, was burned by the forces of Gen. Burnside. The Federal troops, with gunboats,ascended the Chowan River, where the rebels opened a heavy fire upon them. The National troops landed and destroyed the town. —(Doc. 54

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 21 1862

—The Richmond Whig, of this date, has the following: “We had not supposed it was seriously contemplated in any quarter to call out into active service the whole male population of the State. The proposition of Governor Letcher, to have all over sixteen and under sixty five, in cities, drilled for the defence of their respective localities, is a different affair. That may be practicable, and, under circumstances, might be desirable. But we have very great doubts whether such a mass would effect more good than mischief. But in respect to the rural districts, to call out the whole male population over sixteen and under sixty-five, or even between eighteen and forty-five, would be a mischievous and inexcusable folly. In the first place, we have not arms to put in their hands. That objection alone is sufficient. In the second place, it would ruin the industrial pursuits of the State, and leave us without the means of prosecuting the war beyond the present session. “We hear that the rage for volunteering is greater than it has been since the beginning of the war. There will be no want of men,without any extraordinary legislation, if they can only get arms and leaders to conduct them against the enemy. If there should be any deficiency, it could be easily supplied by a draft on the superabundance of ‘able-bodied’ young men in the Commissary and Quartermaster’s Department. “Far better this expedient than to draw the boys from their books, and the old men from their useful labors.”

—Rumors of the partial evacuation of Manassas, Va., by the rebels, were prevalent in Washington to-day, but they were not generally credited.

—A Battle took place, to-day, about seven miles from Fort Craig, near Valverde,[1] on the Rio Grande, New-Mexico, between the rebel forces under Col. Steele, and the National forces commanded by Col. Canby. The battle lasted from nine o’clock in the morning till sundown, and resulted in the defeat of the National troops, who were obliged to retreat to the Fort. McRae’s battery of six pieces was captured by the rebels, after a gallant defence in which Capt. McRae was killed.— (Doc. 55.)

—Capt. Nathaniel P. Gordon, commander of the slave-ship Erie, was executed at New-York, according to sentence. About three o’clock in the morning he attempted to commit suicide by swallowing strychnine, which he had concealed in his cell, but the exertions of three physicians managed to prolong his life sufficiently to allow the execution, which took place at a quarter past twelve o’clock.

—The first battalion of Connecticut cavalry, three hundred and twenty-five men,under the command of Major Judson M. Lyon, passed through New-York City en route for Wheeling, Va., to join Gen. Rosecrans.

—The Massachusetts Thirty-first regiment, and five companies of the Thirteenth Maine regiment, sailed to-day from Boston, Mass., in the steamer Mississippi for Ship Island. [1] Valverde is a small village, situated on the left bank of the Rio del Norte, or Rio Grande, near the border of New-Mexico and Arizona. Fort Craig is ten miles north of this point, on the same river. Col. Kit Carson, who is said to have done good service with his regiment, deployed as skirmishers, has had his headquarters at Albuquerque for some time, and appears to have arrived at the scene of conflict at a most opportune time.

 

[farmersdaughter]

Battle of Valverde
February 21 1862

The Battle of Valverde, or the Battle of Valverde Ford from February 20 to February 21, 1862, was fought near the town of Valverde at a ford of Valverde Creek in Confederate Arizona, in what is today the state of New Mexico. It was a major Confederate success in the New Mexico Campaign of the AmericanCivilWar. The belligerents were Confederate cavalry from Texas and severalcompanies ofArizona militia versus U.S.Army regulars and Union militia from northern New Mexico and Colorado.

Overview

Confederate Brigadier General Henry Hopkins Sibley envisioned that he would invade Ne wMexico with his army,defeat Union forces,capture the capital city of Santa Fe and then march westward to conquer California and add it to the territory of the Confederacy.Sibley's firststep was togatheran armyin El Paso,Texas and lead it north along the Rio Grande River with the objective of capturing Fort Craig and the supplies inthe fort and defeating the Federal army under Colonel Edward Canby. [5] On Jan 3, 1862, Sibley left El Paso with three regiments and one partial regiment of mounted Texans comprising 2,510 officers and men. Fort Craig, 140 miles (225 km) north of El Paso, was the major obstacle in his path. Canby awaited him there with 3,800 men of whom most were infantry. Only 1,200 of Canby's men were seasoned soldiers. The remainder consisted of 2,000 New Mexican volunteers, 100 Colorado volunteers, and 500 militia. Kit Carson commanded the FirstRegimentofNewMexicanvolunteers who were almost entirely Hispanics. [6

Background

Confederate Brigadier General Henry Hopkins Sibley led his brigade to within fifteen miles south of Fort Craig during the evening of February 13. Judging the fort tobe too strongtobe taken by assault, Sibley deployed his brigade in a line for the next three days, hoping to lure the Federals into the open, but Canby, not trusting his volunteer troops, refused [7] As they were down to a few days rations, the Confederates could not wait indefinitely, so at a council of war on the 18th, Sibley ordered the army to cross the Rio Grande and move up the eastern side ofthe rivertothe ford near Valverde, six miles north of Fort Craig, hoping to cut Union communications between the fort and their headquarters in Santa Fe. [8][9]

By the 20th the Confederate army, undercoverofthe hills between itandthe river, was opposite Fort Craig. [Confederate Col. Thomas] Green attempted to place artillery on the heights overlooking the river and fort, but Canby had anticipated the move forcing the Texans to make a 'dry camp' on the night of the 20th. About midnight, Union Captain James Craydon tried to blow up a few rebel picket posts by sending mules loaded with barrels of fused gunpowder into the Confederate lines, but the faithful old army mules insisted on wandering back toward the Union camp beforeblowing to bits. Although the only casualties were two mules, the explosions stampededa herdofConfederate beefcattle andhorses intothe Union's lines,so deprivingGreen'stroops ofsome much-needed provisions andhorses.. [1

Battle

Next morning, February 21, Sibley sent an advance party consisting of four companies of the 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles under the command of Major Charles Pyron to scout ahead to the Valverde ford, withthe 4th Texas Mounted Rifles under Lieutenant Colonel William Read Scurry following close behind. The rest of the brigade remained incamp,intending tofollow later. [11][12] Union scouts informed Canby of the Confederate movements towards the north. Canby then sent a mixed force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery to the ford under the command of Lieutenant Colonel BenjaminS. Roberts of the 5th New Mexico Infantry. The infantry and artillery slowed the column down, so Roberts sentMajor Thomas Duncan ahead with the cavalry to secure the ford. Following Roberts' departure,Canbysent additional reinforcements from the fort's garrison, and assigned several companies of New Mexico volunteers to "watch the movements of the enemy, threaten his flanks and rear, and impede his movements as much as possible." [13]

When the Confederates under Pyron arrived at the eastern side of Valverde ford they found that Union forces were already there blocking their passage. Pyron sent for reinforcements from the 4thTexas while his men took cover in an old river bed, which served as an excellent defensive position. At first, despite having a numerical advantage, the Union cavalry deployed in a skirmish line instead of trying to drive the Confederates out of their position. This forced the Union artillery to remain on the western bank of the Rio Grande. [14]

When Scurry arrived, he deployed his regiment to Pyron's right, with the regimental artillery on the Confederate left. Although they had gained a numerical superiority, the Confederates were mostly armed with short range shotguns and pistols, which couldn't reach the Union positions three hundred yards away; the Confederate howitzers also couldn't reach the Union artillery on the far bank of the river. [15] Meanwhile, Canby ordered most of the remaining garrison at Fort Craig to march to Valverde, leaving behind some militia to guard the fort. When he arrived, Canby moved most of his command, including the artillery, to the eastern bank, leaving the First New Mexico Volunteers under Carson and and the Second New Mexico Volunteers under Colonel Miguel Piño on the western bank as a reserve. By early afternoon, the remainder of the Confederate force, the 5th Texas Mounted Rifles under Colonel Tom Green and a battalion of the 7th Texas Mounted Rifles under Lieutenant Colonel John Sutton, arrivedat the battlefield, much in need of water and denied access to the river by the defending Union forces. Sibley, who during the morning had remained with the wagons, relinquished command of the brigade and Green took over, who then handed command of the 5th Texas over to Major Samuel Lockridge. Around 2:00 pm, Green authorized a lancer company to attempt a charge on what they thought was an inexperienced New Mexico company on the Union extreme right; however, the Union soldiers turned out to be a Colorado company which was able to defeat the charge without breaking. Twenty of the lancers were killed and wounded during the charge, with almost all of the horses disabled or killed as well. When it returned to the Confederate line, the lancer company rearmed itself with pistols and shotguns and continued fighting in the battle. [16] This was the first and last lancer charge of the American civil war. [17] By 4 p.m., the Union appeared to have the advantage in the battle. Canby decided that a massive frontal assault would fail and instead decided to attack the Confederate left; to do so, he ordered one of his batteries on his right to redeploy closer to the Confederate line and moved several companies to his right, including Carson's First New Mexico Regiment which crossed the river and took its place in line. However, this repositioning of the troops weakened the center of the Union line and the battery on Canby's left. [18] Hoping to stall the Union attack, Green ordered Major Henry Raguet to attack the Union right with his battalion;this attack was repulsed by frontal fire and a flank attack from the 1st New Mexico,andthe Union right advanced after the retreating Confederates. [19] At this time, Green ordered the Confederate right wing under the command of Scurry to charge the Union center and the battery on its left; the attack force of 750 men was arranged into three successive waves. [20] Nor the least of the motivation of the Confederates was their desperate need for water which could only be reached by dislodging the Union troops blocking their access to the Rio Grande. The shock of the Confederate charge caused over half of the battery's supporting force to rout; Lockridge was mortally wounded during the attack. The Federals countered with a cavalry charge, but the main Confederate force continued to press their assault on Canby's left flank, capturing six artillery pieces and breaking the Union battle line, which soon turned into a panic-stricken retreat of both regular troops and New Mexico volunteers. [21] Sibleywas aboutto order another attack, when Canby sent a white flag asking for a truce to remove the bodies of the dead and wounded, to which Sibley gentlemanly agreed. Canby managed to reorganize his men, minus about200 deserters from among the New Mexico volunteers, andordered a retreatbacktoFort Craig leaving the road northward toward Santa Fe open to the Confederates.


Aftermath

Left in possession of the battlefield, the Confederates claimed victory but had suffered heavy casualties, losing 230 men killed and wounded out of 2,590 men engaged, about nine percent. Although some accounts say only about 150 Confederates were wounded and none killed while the Union sustained about 80 dead and 150 wounded. Others say 46 rebels were killed and just over 150 wounded and the Union suffered at least 500 dead and wounded. [4] Canby reported that his forces had 3 officers and 65 men killed/3 officers and 157 men wounded/1 officer and 35 men missing for a total of 263 [22] Sibley claimed his lossesat about40killedand about 100 wounded [23] Due to the strength of the fort's walls, Sibley decided to abandon his attempt to capture the fort and instead continued northwards towards Albuquerque and Santa Fe, where he hoped to capture much needed supplies. However, he was severely hampered by the losses in horses and mules from the battle, which forced him to dismount the 4th Texas as infantry and to destroy some supplies and wagons. [24] Canby had also lost heavily during the battle, suffering a 17 percent casualty rate, including deserters, of 475 men out of 2,800 men engaged. [25] Consideringhimselftobe outnumbered,he chose not topursue Sibley, instead sending mounted detachments of New Mexico volunteers against the Confederates' rear for harassment. He would remain with the main body at Fort Craig to cut off the Confederates' supply line and to intercept reinforcements for Sibley, eventually hoping to pin the main Confederate main body between himself and Union reinforcements from Fort Union. [26] Neither Sibley nor Canby received high marks for their generalship during the battle. Sibley was indisposed by alcohol and illness and spent most of the day riding in an ambulance. Col. Green was the defacto commander and it was his aggressive attack on Canby's center and left that won the battle. Canby blamed the New Mexican volunteers for his loss but his decision to reinforce his rightwhile weakening his center and left was the real cause of the Union defeat. [27] On Canby's rightwing,Kit Carson's regiment ofNewMexicanvolunteers saw only limited action but comported itself well. The volunteers were advancing and thought they were winning the battle. They were incredulous when Canby gave the order to retreat. [28] The battle represented Canby's low point in his military career and Sibley's high point. Both men would go opposite directions to the terms of reputation after the battle. It was rumored following the battle that the two commanders of these battles, Canby and Sibley, who had been allies and trained together earlier, might have actually been brothers-in-law. However, research showed that there is little if any evidence that they were related by marriage. [29][30]

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 22 1862

—A proclamation was issued by Henry T. Clark, rebel Governor of North-Carolina, calling upon the people of his State to respond to the requisition made upon them by the President of the Confederate States, and fill up their quota in the army for the special defence of the State. He urges every argument of past renown and present need to induce them to enlist against their “invaders,” who are threatening to advance upon them, he says, “in a spirit of vengeful wickedness without a parallel.”—(Doc. 56.)

—In accordance with the recommendation of the President of the United States, the anniversary of the birth of George Washington was celebrated throughout the loyal United States with appropriate ceremonies.

—The sloop-of-war Adirondack was launched at the Navy-yard at Brooklyn, New-York, to-day.

—At Fort Donelson Gen. Grant issued the following order: “Tennessee, by her rebellion, having ignored all laws of the United States, no courts will be allowed to act under State authority, but all cases coming within the reach of the military arm, will be adjudicated by the authorities the Government has established within the State. “Martial law is therefore declared to extend over West-Tennessee. Whenever a sufficient number of citizens return to their allegiance to maintain law and order over the territory, the military restriction here indicated will be removed.”

—The inauguration of Jefferson Davis, as President of the “permanent” government of the Confederate States, was celebrated to-day, with befitting solemnity, at Richmond, Va. The ceremonies began at noon, and were conducted in front of the capitol. An earnest and impressive inaugural was delivered by the President-elect, after which the oath of office was administered to him by J. D. Halyburton, Confederate Judge. The oath to the Vice-President-elect, Alexander H. Stephens, was then administered by the President of the Senate, after which the President and Vice-President were escorted to their respective homes by the committee of arrangements.—(Doc. 58.)

—The anniversary of the birthday of Washington was celebrated to-day at a public breakfast at Freemasons’ Tavern, in London, England. The Bishop of Ohio presided, and two hundred ladies and gentlemen were present. Hon. C. F. Adams, United States Minister, in proposing a toast to the memory of Washington, referred to the crisis in America. “The United States,” he said, “are engaged in throwing off the burden of a malign power. The assault on the Federal Government carries with it an aggressive principle. It involved the acknowledgment of a prescriptive right of some men to rule over their fellows. We must then fully reestablish our fundamental doctrines at every hazard. It will doubtless cost us a severe effort in men,money, time, disorder, and perhaps confusion; but let us remember the trials which Washington endured; let us trust that we arc passing through this fire of purification, only to gather, as of yore, the moral fruits of self-devotion.” The Bishop of Ohio proposed “the health of Queen Victoria,” which was drank with much enthusiasm. Mr. Moss, United States Consul at London, proposed the next toast, which was, “the Union.” Mr. Cyrus W. Field proposed, “England and America,” and invoked the sympathy of England, which would ultimately remove from the United States the great cause which had produced the present troubles. The proceedings lasted for upward of five hours, and terminated in a vote of thanks to the Bishop of Ohio.—New-York Times, March 6.

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 23 1862

—Gen. Buell, with three hundred mounted men and a battery of artillery, took possession of Gallatin, Tenn.—New-York Herald, March 3.

—This day Fayetteville, Arkansas, (a town on White River, one hundred and ninety-six miles northwest of Little Rock,) was captured by Gen. Curtis. The rebels fled in great confusion across the Boston Mountains. They burnt a portion of the town before they retired, besides perpetrating an act of cowardly vandalism, which it is almost difficult to believe, had it not been too fatally verified. The rebels left a quantity of poisoned meat behind them, which unhappily was partaken of by the National troops, and resulted in poisoning forty officers and men of the Fifth Missouri cavalry, among them one or two valuable commanding officers. Such deeds entitle the perpetrators to no mercy.—(Doc. 60.)

—The Eighty-first regiment of New-York volunteers, under the command of Col. Edwin Rose, arrived in New-York from Albany.

—Gen. Halleck issued an order, to be read to all the troops under his command, defining the policy to be pursued by the forces as they advance. Private property is to be strictly respected, and all non-combatants are to be regarded as neutrals in the existing war; these, however, who give any aid to the secessionists are to be regarded as belligerents, and treated as such. Regarding the slavery question as a matter in which the civil and not the military authorities have jurisdiction, he prohibits the admission of fugitive slaves within the lines of the army, except by special order of the generals commanding.—(Doc. 61.)

—Nashville, Tenn., was evacuated by the rebel troops this day.

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 24 1862

—A slight skirmish took place at Mason’s Neck, in the neighborhood of Occoquan, Va., between a body of Texan rangers and a party of National troops. The rangers fired from a house in which they took refuge. Two of the Nationals, belonging to the New-York Thirty-seventh regiment, were killed, and another man was wounded. The loss of the rebels was not ascertained.—-N. Y. Herald, February 26.

—The Twelfth regiment of Connecticut volunteers, under the command of Colonel Henry C. Deming, left New-Haven for the seat of war at Ship Island, Gulf of Mexico.

—Cols. Wood, of the Fourteenth New-York, Lee, of the Twentieth Massachusetts, and Cogswell, of the Tammany regiment, (N. Y. S. V.,) arrived at Baltimore from Fortress Monroe, having been released by the rebels. Colonel Wood, who was present at the inauguration of Jeff. Davis, states that there was no enthusiasm manifested on the occasion.

—Bishop Thomas F. Davis, of the Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Church of South Carolina, now in session at Charleston, has pronounced an address, in which he states that prior Conventions of the Church in the Confederate States had declared that “we were no longer, as a Church, in administrative union with the Church in the United States.”—N. Y. Times, February 23.

—An expedition, composed of four iron-clad gunboats and two mortar-boats, with the Twenty-seventh Illinois and a battalion of the Eighth Wisconsin Regiments, made a reconnoisance from Cairo, Illinois, down the Mississippi river this morning, and discovered that the rebels had seized all the flatboats and skiffs as far up as they dared to come; also that there had been a movement among the troops at Columbus. The gunboats and mortar-boats getting into position on the Missouri side of the river when a rebel steamer, with a white flag, made its appearance, some rebel officers came on board the Cincinnati, and a consultation took place.—Cincinnati Gazette.

—Harper’s Ferry, Va., was occupied by the National forces, under the command of General Banks. The troops were unopposed, and found all the necessaries for a permanent occupation.

—Lieut. A. C. Rhind, U. S. N., went, with Lieut. Prentiss and three men, on an expedition to Bear Bluff, opposite White Point, on North-Edisto River, S. C, where the rebels were erecting a battery. Two men were found, as picket guards, in the magazine of the unfinished battery, asleep. In attempting to secure them, one was shot by the accidental discharge of a pistol in the hands of Lieutenant Rhind. The other was captured.— (Doc. 62.)

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 25 1862

—General Henry Heth and staff have arrived at Lewisburgh, Va. He takes command of the forces of Kanawha. He was greeted with great applause by the troops, many of whom were in his old command, and all knew him by reputation. Great confidence is felt in this young and talented officer, and no one could have been sent who gives so universal satisfaction. —Richmond Dispatch, February 28.

—The Savannah Republican of this date says: A reconnoissance by the steamer Savannah, yesterday, brought to light all the movements of the enemy in our river. They have erected three batteries, which effectually cut off all communication with the Fort—one of four guns, on Venus’s Point, one of the same number of guns on a small marsh, just above Long Island, and commanding the south channel, and the third on boats moored in Mud River. The three are located in the form of a triangle, and could not be passed by any vessel in our service. The guns are all of a heavy calibre, most of them throwing shot to the distance of three miles. A number were fired at the Savannah, but they all fell short.

—Major Ferdinand Lacomte formally received his appointment on Major-General McClellan’s staff. He is considered one of the most intelligent, energetic officers in the Swiss service, and is known as an author as well as a soldier. He obtained leave of absence from his own government to enter the National army.

—The city of Nashville, on the Cumberland River, capital of Tennessee, was occupied this morning by the National forces under command of General Nelson, U.S.A. No opposition was made to the landing of the troops, who had been conveyed from Clarksville by steamer. The greatest panic prevailed in the city on the announcement of the approach of the National soldiers. Large numbers of the inhabitants fled with the retreating rebel army, and a vast amount of property was wantonly destroyed by the fugitives.— (Doc. 63.)

—The Ninth Ohio and Second Minnesota regiments this afternoon received two splendid flags from the loyal ladies of Louisville, in commemoration of their victory at Mill Springs on January nineteenth. Considerable enthusiasm attended the presentation.—Louisville Journal, Feb. 26.

—An important order was issued from the War Department at Washington, in relation to the transmission of intelligence in regard to military operations. All the telegraph lines in the United States (loyal States, we presume, is meant) were taken possession of by the War Department, and all telegraphic communications in respect to military operations, not authorized by the War Department, were forbidden. Newspapers publishing military intelligence, however obtained, and by whatever medium received, not authorized by the official authority, were excluded thereafter from receiving intelligence by telegraph, or transmitting their papers by railroad.

—The rebel General Sterling Price sent an official report of his retreat from the State of Missouri, to the disloyal Governor C. F. Jackson, dated at Camp on Cove Creek, Arkansas. He states that, having occupied Springfield, Mo., for the purpose of being within reach of supplies, etc., he was attacked by superior numbers of National troops on the twelfth inst., and deemed it prudent to retreat. After a fatiguing march of over four days’ duration, with continual skirmishing with the National troops, he succeeded in reaching Cross Hollows, Arkansas, with a loss of from four to six killed and fifteen or eighteen wounded.— (Doc. 64.)

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 26 1862

—This day, in the Maryland House of Delegates, Reverdy Johnson, of Baltimore County, submitted the following: Preamble and Resolution on the subject of the course the State will pursue in the present rebellion. Whereas, Jefferson Davis, a pretended president of a pretended confederacy, in a paper styled an inaugural, delivered by him in Richmond, Va., on the twenty-second inst, has repeated an assertion often recklessly uttered in public bodies of the so-called Confederate States, that “Maryland, already united to us by hallowed memories and material interests, will, when able to speak with unstifled voice, unite her destiny to the South;” And whereas, it is due to the intelligence, patriotism and good name of our people that such assertion be at once repudiated by their Representatives here assembled; therefore be it Resolved, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That such assertion is an unfounded and gross calumny upon the people of the State, who, sincerely lamenting the madness and self-inflicted misfortunes of our brethren of the South, acting under a delusion caused by the arts of the aspiring and criminal ambition of a few designing men,are but admonished by the sad condition of such brethren, of the fatal results sure to follow from the course which they have pursued, and are more and more convinced of the obligation, alike of interest and of duty, to abide, with undying attachment, to the Union devised for us by our fathers, as absolutely necessary to our social and political happiness, and the preservation of the very liberty which they fought and bled to achieve for us.

—This night Capt. Montgomery, of Wright’s battalion, with his company, was surprised at Keittsville, Barry Co., Mo., by eight hundred and fifty rebels, supposed to belong to McBride’s division, but who represented themselves as Texas Rangers. They fired into the house occupied by the National troops, killing two and wounding one. One of the rebels was killed, the rest fled, taking with them about seventy horses. Two wagons, loaded with sutler’s stores, were burned at Major Harbine’s farm, two miles beyond Keittsville.

—The Fifteenth regiment of Maine volunteers arrived from Augusta at Portland, and embarked on board the ship Great Republic.

—In the Confederate Congress at Richmond, Va., Senator Simms, of Kentucky, offered resolutions, declaring that the people of the Confederate States will, to the last extremity, maintain and defend their right to self-government and the government established by them, and to this end do pledge their last man and their last dollar for the prosecution of the war, until their independence is acknowledged; and also, that they will submit to any sacrifice, and endure any trial, however severe, and firmly relying upon the justice of their cause, and humbly trusting in the providence of God, will maintain their position before the world and high Heaven, while they have a voice to raise, or an arm to defend. The resolutions were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.—(Doc. 65.)

—The President of the United States approved the Loan and Treasury Bill, and the measure became the law of the land. It creates a national currency of United States notes, of the denominations of five dollars and upwards, made lawful money, and a legal tender for all debts, public and private, and in all payments to and from the Government, other than for customs duties to the United States, and interest on the public debt by the United States. The total amount of this currency authorized is not to exceed one hundred and fifty million dollars, including the sixty million dollars of United States notes issued under the Act of July seventeenth. These being made receivable by that act, for all public dues, are now authorized to be accepted in place of gold, for customs duties; but the whole issue is to be withdrawn and cancelled, and regular legal tender United States notes substituted, as soon as practicable. The customs duties, whether in gold or United States notes, are specifically pledged for the interest on the public debt, which is to be invariably paid in gold. The loan authorized by this act is limited to five hundred million dollars, on the estimate of the Secretary of the Treasury, for the service of the remaining four months of the present fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year. Only one form of loan is prescribed—a twenty year six per cent stock, coupon or registered, which may be redeemed, at the pleasure of the Government, at any time after five years, at the par value thereof. Into this stock the United States notes of circulation are made convertible, the conversion not to affect the sum total of United States notes, legal tender, which the Treasury is authorized to keep in circulation.

—The National gunboat R. B. Forbes, having run ashore near Nag’s Head, N. C, was set on fire this morning, and totally destroyed. The rebels threatened to take her, but the captain by his great coolness prevented.

—A meeting of cotton and tobacco-planters, was held in Richmond, Va., to take into consideration the voluntary destruction of the cotton and tobacco crop, in view of the fact that the enemy’s efforts were mainly directed toward robbing the South of the accumulation of these two great staples: “On motion of Col. C. M. F. Garnett, Gen. Thomas J. Green, of North-Carolina, was called to the chair, and R. R. Rhodes, Esq., Commissioner of Patents, appointed Secretary. The Chairman explained the objects of the meeting, saying that as cotton was king and tobacco vice-regal, it was proposed to ascertain how far they could be made to subserve the cause of our independence. “An eloquent address was delivered by Dr. C. K. Marshall, of Mississippi, in which he advocated the purchase of the cotton and tobacco crop by the government, and its destruction, if necessary. He deprecated reliance on foreign intervention, saying that we must fight out the battle ourselves. “Gov. Brown, of Mississippi, being called upon, responded in a few spirited remarks, in the course of which the extortioners and the Yankee acquisitiveness of the shopkeepers and moneymakers who have selected Richmond as the theatre of their exploits, were alluded to in terms of withering contempt. “The Mayor responded, defending the resident population from any charge tending to impugn their devotion to the cause of Southern rights. “Thomas H. Wynne, Esq., of the House of Delegates, spoke effectively in vindication of his fellow-citizens from the charge of want of appreciation or patriotism, showing that these entitled to be called citizens of the metropolis had, since the commencement of the war, met the requirements of the crisis. The city, he said, had sent to the field a soldier for every voter. “Gov. Brown briefly responded, again excoriating the extortioners and cheating shopkeepers now domiciled in our midst”—(Doc. 66.)

—The Raleigh (N. C.) Register of this date, has an editorial which begins by saying that “it would be criminal as well as idle to deny that the present is the most gloomy period that the South has witnessed since the commencement of the war,” and the editor in the most earnest manner calls upon the people to remain by their colors and fight to the last.

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 27 1862

—John Gold and Elias Paulding were arraigned in the Mayor’s Court, at Richmond, Va., for avowing themselves subjects of the Lincoln Government, and expressing sentiments disloyal to the Southern Confederacy. John Gold is an Irishman; Elias Paulding, the other prisoner, is a man about fifty years of age, and apparently an American. William Hammond, a McCulloch Ranger, and another member of the same company, were sworn as witnesses. Hammond deposed: I was taking supper last night at Ford’s, and the conversation at the table turned on the late affair at Roanoke Island, and the subsequent treatment of our men by the Yankees. I said we had been treated about as well as prisoners of war could expect Gold spoke up, and asked if any one ever had been maltreated under the Stars and Stripes. He said he himself was a soldier, and a member of the Polish Brigade. That he had been dragged to the recruiting office in New-Orleans with a halter about his neck, and forced to enlist. He said he was a citizen of Philadelphia—that the Star Spangled Banner had once waved over this city, and would soon do it again. This man Paulding, at this, spoke up and said: “That’s so.” I then left the table and went into the front-room, and when Gold and Paulding came out, I arrested Gold, and told my comrade to arrest Paulding, and we carried them to the watch-house. At the watch-house Gold repeated that he was a citizen of Philadelphia, and had a wife and four children there, and said he claimed the protection of the United States, and that he did not recognise the Confederate Government. He showed a medical discharge from the Polish Brigade, and a recommendation from some of the authorities here to the authorities at the Portsmouth Navy-Yard to give him employment. If he had said all this to me anywhere in the neighborhood of Greenbriar River, I should not have troubled your Honor with him—I should have shot him on the spot. Gold made no denial of having used the language imputed to him. Mr. Paulding said: “Whatever I said last night was but idle talk. I was drunk.” Mayor—Idle talk may induce idle fools to believe and act. You wish to establish a new banner in this city. If ever the Stars and Stripes, of which you speak, again wave over this building, it will be after the best blood of this city has been shed. If you do not keep liquor out of your mouth, it may cause you to be hung for treason. Both prisoners were turned over to the confederate authorities. —Richmond Examiner, February 28.

—Mr. Ericsson’s iron-clad steamer the Monitor, went to sea from New-York, to-day, for some unknown destination. Mr. Ericsson is on board, and desires to test the invulnerability of his ship by engaging the strongest battery of the enemy which can be got at. The Monitor carries only two eleven-inch columbiads. Lieut. Worden, who commands the battery, is an officer of great experience and tried courage, and the sailors and gunners are picked men.

—In the rebel Senate, at Richmond, Va., A. B. Hill and J. J. Pettigrew, were confirmed as Brigadier-Generals. A resolution was unanimously passed to entertain no peace propositions excluding any portion of the soil of any of the Confederate States, and declaring that the war be continued until the enemy be expelled entirely from the Confederacy.

—In the United States Senate, Mr. Davis, of Kentucky, introduced a Confiscation bill as a substitute for that introduced by Mr. Trumbull. It confiscates the property, of all kinds, of those who have levied war against the United States or adhered to its enemies, during the natural life of the owners for the benefit of loyal citizens who have suffered losses by the rebellion.

—The Evacuation of the city of Columbus, Ky., was commenced by the rebels this day.

—The Secretary of War appointed Major-General Dix and Edwards Pierrepont, of New York, Special Commissioners to examine into the cases of the political prisoners still remaining in military custody, and to determine whether, in view of the public safety and the existing rebellion, they should be discharged, remain in military custody, or bo remitted to the civil tribunals for trial. The examination to be ex parte and summary, and at such times and places as the Commissioners should direct.

—Martial law was, by a proclamation of Jefferson Davis, declared to be extended over the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va., and the surrounding country to the distance of ten miles from said cities. The writ of habeas corpus was also declared suspended within these limits.—(Doc. 67.

 

[farmersdaughter]

February 28 1862

—The British ship Labuan, of Hull, England, arrived at New York, in charge of a prize-crew from the United States sloop-of-war Portsmouth. She was captured by the Portsmouth a few miles to the northward of Brecca Chica, a small village near the Rio Grande, and it is supposed that she intended to run the blockade. The vessel is worth £33,000. Her cargo consists of a large quantity of blankets, etc.

—Counterfeit five-dollar Treasury notes made their appearance in New-York. They were excellent imitations of the genuine. The letters “U.S.,” one within the other, on the shield in the goddess of liberty, being left out.

—This day was observed throughout the Confederate States, in accordance with a proclamation issued by Jefferson Davis, as a day of “fasting, humiliation and prayer.” The rebel President appointed the day as a fitting occasion on which to make a grateful acknowledgment of the watchful care of Providence during the existence of the provisional government.

—The rebel steamer Nashville, from Southampton, England, commanded by R. P. Pegram, of the confederate navy, ran the blockade of Beaufort, North-Carolina, and reached the town this morning in safety.—(Doc. 68.)

—The United States transport steamer Mississippi, having on board Major-General B. F. Butler and fourteen hundred troops, ran aground on Frying-pan Shoals, off Wilmington, N. C, while on her way from Boston, Mass., to Ship Island, in the Gulf of Mexico. Her situation being discovered by Commander O. S. Glisson, U.S.N., he immediately went to her assistance with the steamer Mount Vernon; and after laboring in vain for many hours, during which about three hundred troops were transported to the Mount Vernon, the Mississippi was finally got off at about seven o’clock in the evening. The troops were then transferred back to the Mississippi, and every man saved.—(Doc. 69.)

—Charlestown, Va., situated on the line of the Winchester and Potomac Railroad, eight miles southwest of Harper’s Ferry, was this day occupied by the National troops.

—Capt. Nolen, of the Seventh Illinois cavalry, with sixty-four men, while making a reconnoissance of the country west of Charleston, Mo., came across ninety rebel cavalry, commanded by Jeff. Thompson, and after pursuing them a long distance, forced them to make a stand about five miles below Sikeston. Thompson’s artillery was planted in the road in such a manner as to command all approaches, and the National forces were compelled to charge in the face of his battery. This they did with great gallantry, and succeeded in capturing four guns and putting the confederates to flight, with a loss of one man, who straggled from the command and was taken prisoner. The rebel loss was not ascertained.—Cincinnati Gazette, March 4.

 

[LookinUp]

Thanks for keeping us up on the events. Any Vols gong to the 150th Shiloh Reenactment?
I'll be there......63rd Tenn Vol Inf CSA.

 

[farmersdaughter]

*there was no feb 29 in 1862





March 1.—Last evening the second battalion of Ohio cavalry arrived at Independence—in the capacity of a patrol guard, and this morning a portion of Col. Parker’s rebel force rode into the town and commenced firing upon the sentries and scouts of the Federals, but almost immediately retreated, followed by the Ohio boys, who kept up a sharp and spirited firing; but owing to the thick fog, it was comparatively ineffective, the rebels scattering to evade pursuit. One of the Federals was killed—private Hickins, of company L. Five rebel prisoners were taken, one of whom stated that Col. Parker was killed in the pursuit.—Louisville Journal, March 4.

—The Mobile Register says: Since the late reverses to our arms, we notice quite a deplorable disposition to growl and grumble against the government of the Confederacy; to charge upon it the responsibility of these disasters, and to complain generally of the administration of affairs. This seems to us all wrong—transparently and absurdly wrong. It evidences no judgment, and is far from speaking well for the possession of those stable qualities of fortitude and patient determination which it is believed the Southern race possesses, and which are essential to our success in this war, and to the maintainance of a sustained career of national greatness in the future. If our confidence in the ability and rectitude of our government is so little that it is to be overthrown by a few insignificant reverses; if our patriotism is of so poor a quality that it may feel disheartened by them, we are not the people to deserve, or to win, or to sustain our independence. It is as unjust to the government to charge it with the responsibility of losses as it would be to charge with cowardice and inefficiency the brave men who are directly their victims, and experience the misfortunes of war through stress of circumstances and overpowering numbers. We must make up our minds to bear a certain amount of disaster. It is impossible that such a war as this should be a career of uninterrupted successes. We are engaged with an enemy who marshals the most majestic military strength that modern times have witnessed. He assails us along land and coast frontiers of near five thousand miles in extent. Is it possible that our government should have the means or the prescience to make every post impregnable which the foe may choose to select for an assault with overwhelming force f The enemy is ranging along our lines on coast and frontier, and is prepared at any moment to concentrate an overwhelming force at any weak point he may detect. Our government has neither the men nor munitions, nor the supernatural foresight to enable it to have a powerful force at any position which the enemy may choose to select. With such a foe we must force ourselves to the conclusion —rendered doubly distasteful by our invariable successes in its outset—that the war is a war of “give and take.” We must take the bad with the good, and may conceive ourselves especially fortunate if the latter so far predominates that the war will be shortened as much by the successes of our arms as by the self-exhaustion of the enemy’s efforts. We should not be disheartened if we hear of a succession of such small successes as have encouraged them, as a consequence of the grand advance and general offensive policy of the enemy. These effect little to directly weaken our vital strength, while they nerve the valor and determination of the nation to its best efforts and sternest resolve. We make them pay dearly for these small successes, and trace in blood every step that they advance upon our soil, and they do not weaken our vital strength, for our grand armies remain intact, and must be overthrown and destroyed ere the cause of the South will look gloomy. To keep the grand armies of Kentucky and Virginia strong, and to strengthen them, will be the policy of the government, and we may probably soon hear that the forces, which are popularly considered already too small at some points, are being weakened to reenforce the grand armies. It may be that some of these points, where the forces have been so weakened, will be successfully attacked. Grumblers will then have a fine text, of course. But let them not be heeded. The great armies are the true bulwarks of our safety. On them we must rely when the enemy attempt to pour their solid columns of a hundred or a hundred and fifty thousand men into the country. How could such forces be confronted with our troops scattered in squads of five thousand to twenty-five thousand at all the divers points on coast and inland frontier which the people adjacent thereto think should certainly be defended by the best efforts of the government?We must keep our great armies massed in such strength as to be able to give battle to the strongest armies of the enemy.

—John Minor Botts, Valentine Heckler, Franklin Stearns, and others were arrested in Richmond, Va., and committed to prison for “treason” against the Southern Confederacy, having openly avowed their sympathy for the Union, and loudly proclaimed their denunciations of the rebellion. The Richmond Examiner of March third, gives the following minute account of the affair: “On Saturday night, Capt. Goodwin, by order of the government, proceeded with a party of select men to the farm of John Minor Botts, and took him and all of his papers and private correspondence, in custody. Leaving an officer in charge of the papers and house of Botts, Capt. Goodwin brought him prisoner to this city, and lodged him in McDaniel’s negro-jail, situated in Blankinship’s alley, some fifty yards north of Franklin street. Capt. Goodwin then went to the farms of Valentine Heckler and Franklin Stearns, and took both of these well-known Union men,and all of their papers and letters, and brought them to this city. Botts’ and Heckler’s letters and papers have not yet been examined. Stearns’ have undergone only a cursory examination, and so far, nothing of interest has been found among them, except several letters from his friend Botts, begging for money. We are under the impression that, as yet, the government is in possession of no positive information that would convict Botts of treason. But he is known to be the recognised leader of all the disaffected— all the low Germans of the Red Republican, Carl Schurz school, and of the vile remnant of the Union Party. Against Stearns’ and Heckler’s loyalty the government has been for a month in the possession of the most conclusive evidence; and it feels confident of its ability to prove that both of these men have been loud in their denunciations of what they have been pleased to term the “Rebellion,” and have, over and again, expressed their willingness to sacrifice their entire property to restore the dominion in the South of the United States Government. The man Wardwell, another party arrested, has, since the beginning of the war, been known to every citizen as a blatant and defiant Union man. Miller, who has also been lodged in jail, is the chief or high-priest of the secret Black or Red German Republican Societies of Richmond, some of whose members, it can be proved, have, since the reverse of our army at Fort Donelson, boasted that they had thousands of arms and abundance of ammunition concealed in the city, and that the men were enrolled who would use them on the first approach of the Yankee army. An Irishman, named John M. Higgins, has also been arrested and put in the same prison. Higgins is a connection of Col. Corcoran, of the Yankee army. Two of Higgins’ aunts married two of Corcoran’s uncles. A letter from Corcoran to Higgins, advising the latter to send his wife and family North, and containing assurances that he (Corcoran) would have them safely conveyed under flag of truce, has recently been intercepted by our government Whether our government has any evidence of Higgins’ intention to follow Corcoran’s counsel has not transpired. It is said that Stearns, the whisky man, on approaching the prison, surveyed it with a most contemptuous expression, and remarked: “If you are going to imprison all the Union men,you will have to provide a much larger jail than this.” Mr. Stearns will, we think, be not a little mistaken in his calculations. If the government use its power wisely and firmly, this great Union party, on which Stearns, and others like him, have based such great expectations, will, in a day, dwindle into ridiculously small proportions. By neglect, idle, ignorant, and vicious persons have been allowed with impunity to boast their treason in our streets. The rumor that the above-mentioned parties had been arrested was on every tongue yesterday morning, but no one could, with certainty, say whence the rumor originated, or whether it was authentic And not until a late hour in the evening was it known to be a fact that the parties were confined in McDaniel’s jail Very soon after the information became generally diffused, a crowd collected in the vicinity, and the matter was freely discussed. Not a man was there but expressed himself in unmeasured terms of approbation of the course of the government. The only apprehension that seemed to be felt was, that the government would not be thorough and summary enough in its treatment of traitors. The universal Yankee sympathizers dangling from as many lamp-posts would have a most wholesome and salutary effect. While standing in the crowd, near the jail, our attention was attracted to a great quantity of burning paper flying out of one of the chimneys. It was immediately suggested that the prisoners, not having been properly searched, were destroying private and perhaps treasonable documents which they had about them. We have reason to believe that many other arrests will be effected within the next twenty-four hours. We forego to mention names, lest we might throw some impediment in the way of the authorities. Now that the government appears really in earnest in the suppression of treason, it becomes every citizen who knows a man or set of men inimical to our country and cause to point them out.—Richmond Examiner, March. 3.

—The rebels have established powder-mills in Virginia, South-Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, and have au abundance of powder, such as it is —a very weak article and deficient in power. As an evidence of this, it may be stated that many of the Federal soldiers wounded at Fort Donelson picked the buckshot out of their merely skin-deep wounds without the assistance of surgeons. —St. Louis Daily News.

—Yesterday Lieut. Orlando Houston, of Capt. Carlin’s Second Ohio battery, while on a foraging expedition ten miles west of Gen. Curtis’s camp in Missouri, was attacked by three companies of Texas Rangers, and himself, eight men,and three horses captured. The balance of the Lieutenant’s men retreated to camp, bringing in their wagons, forage, and a fine stallion which they captured. No lives were lost on the National side.—N. Y. Commercial, March 11.

—The Raleigh (N. C.) State Journal of this date, has the following: “We have no more doubt of the ultimate independence of the South than we have that there is a heaven above us. The simple virtue of patience and endurance on the part of the people of the South will break down the war and the Government of the North, as surely as the war now rages. It is this truth which tends to strengthen the belief of our independence, and the short duration of the war, amongst the statesmen of Europe. Let us, then, continue to show to the world that subjugation is simply impossible, and the war will speedily end without the intervention of Europe. But we predict that our recognition as a government will shortly be announced.”

—Yesterday the National steamer Mount Vernon captured the British schooner British Queen —which was attempting to run the blockade of Wilmington, N. C. She was sent with a prize crew to Philadelphia.

—Gen. Curtis, at Camp Halleck, in Arkansas, in reply to a private communication from a citizen of that State, relative to the subordination of the National troops of his army, issued an address to the people of the South-west, in which he asserts that the legitimate object of war is peace, “that peaceable persons shall be protected,” and advises those in arms against the Government to disband and return to their proper employments, assuring them safety and the fullest protection.—(Doc 71.

 

[farmersdaughter]

March 2 1862

—An engagement took place this day between the National gunboats Tyler and Lexington and a rebel battery at Pittsburgh, Tennessee, resulting in the defeat and total rout of the rebels, with a loss of five killed and missing and five wounded on the National side. The number of rebels killed was not known.— (Doc. 72.)

—Gen. Frederick W. Lander died in his camp, at Paw Paw, Western Virginia, this afternoon, from congestion of the brain, superinduced by the debilitating effects of the wound he received near Edwards’s Ferry, in his reconnoissance the day after the fall of Col. Baker. The country loses, in the death of Gen. Lander, one of its bravest and most energetic officers, and one who had given the highest promise of valuable service in this its time of greatest need.—N. Y. Tribune, March 3.

—At Perryville, Md., a National color, the gift of Mrs. John D. Jones, of New-York, was presented to the First battalion of the Eleventh regiment of United States infantry.

 

[farmersdaughter]

March 3 1862

—The rebel Brig.-Gens. Simon Bolivar Buckner and Lloyd Tilghman, arrived at Boston, Mass., and were immediately sent to Fort Warren, in the harbor. It was not generally known that they were to arrive, but there was a crowd present large enough and noisy enough to make it decidedly unpleasant, both to the prisoners and the officers who had them in charge. They occupied a car situated in the middle of the long train. The crowd pressed round this car as soon as the Generals were discovered, and commenced hissing, groaning and howling in a manner calculated to give the occupants an impression not altogether favorable to the citizens of the “Yankee capital.” United States Marshal Keyes, Deputy-Sheriff Jones, and Capt. McKim, Assistant United States Quartermaster, went into the car attended by a number of policemen. They soon appeared with the two Generals, and conducted them to the front of the depot, followed by the crowd, which was rapidly swelling in numbers. The prisoners jumped into a hack in waiting there, and were followed by Marshal Keyes and Col. Cutts. Sheriff Jones mounted the box with the driver. As they drove off, the crowd amused itself by groaning vehemently for Jeff. Davis. The hack was driven rapidly to Union Wharf, where the prisoners and officers went on board the steamer May Queen, and started soon after for Fort Warren. The guard of soldiers did not leave the car in which they had arrived at the depot until the prisoners had been driven off in the hack. When they marched out into the street, some persons in the crowd which still lingered about the place were belligerently inclined. One fellow appealed to his comrade to know if they were going to let “rebels” run loose about the streets; to which appeal one of said comrades made bold to reply that they “warn’t goin’ ter du nuthin’ er that sort.” A policeman made proclamation that the soldiers were good Union men and true, and the crowd thereupon set up a mighty cheer, and poured in compliments upon the soldiers. —Boston Courier, March 5.

—The Richmond Examiner of this date has the following: “The Yankees in Richmond, who have been trading and peddling in the necessities of the war, are showing characteristic acuteness in eluding the draft for military service. Their management is to get some contract from the government, no matter how petty, and then plead the exemption of public contractors. Of course these creatures are close calculators, and are quite willing to take petty contracts, even at losing prices, to save thereby the unpleasantness of fighting, or the cost of obtaining a substitute. “We can count on our fingers a score of instances of this management, by well-known Yankee merchants and tradesmen in Richmond. We hear of a Yankee dealer effecting the exemption of himself and workmen from military service, by some paltry contract for official upholstery; of another, a coachmaker, getting a contract for haversacks, or some other trifle; and of a third ‘son of the Puritans,’ a bonnet-maker, or manmiliner, notoriously unsound on the Southern question, who has screwed himself into the employment of the government as a travelling agent to purchase leather.”

—The Senate of the United States confirmed Gens. McDowell, Buell, Burnside, McClernand, C. F. Smith, Lew. Wallace, and Sigel, as major generals, and the following as brigadiers: Speed of Tennessee, Col. Logan of Illinois, Col. McArthur of Iowa, Col. Lauman of Iowa, Col. Wallace of Indiana, Col. McCook of Ohio, Col. Berry of Maine, and Col. Ferry of Connecticut Both Houses of Congress passed the bill giving generals in command of divisions, staffs—one assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of major; one inspector-general, with the rank of major; three aids, with the rank of captains,and making the senior officer in command of artillery the commander of all artillery in the division, and giving him a position on the staff of the general.

—At ten o’clock this morning, the Twenty-seventh, Fifty-second, and Fifty-fifth Illinois regiments, hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the fortifications at Columbus, Ky. The gunboats Cincinnati, (flag-ship,) Louisville, Carondelet, St. Louis, and Lexington, four mortar-boats in tow of the steamer Lake Erie, and the Twenty-seventh Illinois, Col. Buford, Fifty-second Illinois, Col. Roberts, and Fifty-fifth, Major Sanger, Acting –Colonel, upon the transports Aleck Scott, Illinois, Magill, and Ike Hammett, left Cairo this morning at four o’clock, for Columbus. The fleet arrived at Lucas Bend, about two miles above Columbus, at six o’clock, and was drawn up in line-of-battle order. The drums beat to quarters, and the guns were manned, ready for action. Two tugs were sent in advance, reconnoitring, but failed to provoke a shot from the enemy. Everything about the works was quiet The glasses revealed stragglers on the bluffs and water-batteries, and in a few moments a flag was waved, but its character could not be made out The fleet gradually neared the town, and lay in the stream off the Belmont battle-field; while scouts were sent out upon tugs toward the rebel works. The tugs approached cautiously until within a quarter of a mile of the batteries, and finding the works deserted, both set off at top speed for the honor of landing first. The scouts rushed on the double quick to the top of the bluff, and unfurled the Stars and Stripes, saluted by the crews of the gunboats as they steamed up to the town. The transports landed their troops, and Columbus was “occupied.” The works were entirely deserted, and the barracks, or rather rough board and log-cabins, were burned. An immense amount of coal, stores, and ordnance fell into the hands of the National troops. Many of the rebel cannon were thrown into the river, but six thirty-two –pounders, some howitzers, and an almost innumerable quantity of grape, canister, shell, and round-shot, were found in the batteries. The fortifications were very extensive, and the natural position was almost impregnable. Columbus was completely deserted, every building was thoroughly ransacked and its contents destroyed by the rebels. The rebels commenced leaving on Thursday last, and finished yesterday.—(Doc. 73.)

—Gen. Banks’s forces occupied Martinsburgh, Va., without opposition. Among the many prisoners taken was Rev. T. J. McNeigh, Chaplain of the Second Virginia infantry. He was captured by company K, Michigan cavalry, Capt Mann, near Perryville.

—The steamer Atlantic sailed from New-York for Port Royal, S. C, with a large cargo of army stores, and about sixty persons, who accompany Mr. Edward L. Pierce, the Government agent in charge of the plantations and contrabands at Port Royal. These persons were all recommended by the National Freedman’s Relief Association, and its auxiliary, the Educational Committee, at Boston. Three fourths of the whole number are men who are to be the superintendents of the abandoned estates, and will direct the labors of the negroes, who are to be employed in such agricultural pursuits as cotton-culture and raising vegetables for their own support and for the use of the army at that point. Twelve or fifteen of the passengers are ladies, who will become teachers of an industrial school, which will be at once established at Port Royal, under the superintendence of Rev. M. French, of New-York. Mrs. Senator Harlan of Iowa, is among the ladies, and will assist in some department of the work. Rev. Dr. Floy, of the Methodist Episcopal Church of New-York, is passenger by the Atlantic. He goes to Port Royal for the purpose of preparing for missionary efforts among the negroes. A portion of the superintendents and teachers receive compensation from the associations in New-York and Boston; but some are volunteers. Among the number are men of almost all trades, and some professions. There are several physicians and one or two clergymen. All the superintendents and teachers were requested to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, previous to going on board the steamer. Twenty-seven gentlemen and four ladies from Boston; twenty-one gentlemen and seven ladies from New-York, and Miss Susan Walker, Mrs. Walter R. Johnson, and Miss Mary Donalson, from Washington and Philadelphia, subscribed to the oath. No man who would not, in case of necessity, fight for his country was permitted to go to Port Royal to assist in the management of the contrabands.—(Doc. 74.)

—Four regiments of rebels, with a four-gun battery, attempted to flank Colonel Geary, near Lovettsville, Va., but were driven off without a skirmish.

—An engagement took place between the National forces, under command of Gen. Pope, and the rebels, about two miles north of New-Madrid, Mo. After a fight of between two and three 1hours, the National forces retired a short distance, having met with a slight loss from the fire of the rebel gunboats.—(Doc. 75.)

—An order, dated at St Louis, Mo., was issued to-day by Maj.-Gen. Halleck, U.S.A., establishing regulations “for the conduct of restored intercourse between the loyal section of the Department of Missouri, and the counties on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers,” in Tennessee. By it, all vessels running in trade on those rivers, to and from St. Louis, are ordered to take out a special license for that purpose, and be subject to the revenue laws of the United States, and to the regulations and instructions of the Treasury Department. Surveyors and other officers of the customs, or, in their absence, the nearest military commander, were directed to see to the proper execution of the order.

—The town of Fernandina, Fla., surrendered to-day to the United States forces under command of Commodore S. F. Du Pont and Brig. Gen. H. G. Wright. The expedition for its reduction sailed from Port Royal, S. C, on the twenty-seventh of February, and after some delays, owing to the difficult and narrow channels, and frequent reconnoissances, the harbor was entered to-day by the United States steamer Ottawa, Lieutenant Commanding Thomas H. Stevens, and the place found deserted, the rebels being in full retreat, and all the fortifications abandoned. —(Doc. 76)

 

[farmersdaughter]

March 4 1862

—An intelligent gentleman, arrived in Richmond, Va., from the South, states that the whole country is in a blaze of patriotic enthusiasm. The late reverses have awakened a military spirit which throws into the shade the glorious demonstrations at the beginning of the war. The whole population is offering itself en masse for the defence of the county. It is said that nothing like the universal and fervid awakening of the people to the exigencies of the times has occurred before from the beginning of the war. Men of all ages are eager to unite in the holy work of driving back the foul invader from our Southern homes, and even the women, if they could procure arms, would buckle them on and hasten to the field. As it is, the prayers of mothers, wives and daughters, were sent up unceasingly to Heaven in behalf of ” the case, the cause, the course,” that is giving strength even to the arm of old age, converting boys into veterans, and even the weak and timid into heroes. Let the government keep up with the energy of the people, and we have every reason to believe it will; let the government emulate the splendid boldness of the soldier, and the tide of battle will soon be in our favor. Let all be prepared for sacrifices, to make bonfires of cotton and tobacco, and convert every Southern town to ashes, rather than to submit to a base and inhuman foe. In such a spirit, and with humble reliance on Heaven, our independence is as sure as the rising of to-morrow’s sun.—Richmond Dispatch, March 5.

—A General order was issued by Gen. McClellan, dismissing Col. James E. Kerrigan, of the Twenty-fifth regiment N. Y. S. V., from the service. The court-martial found him guilty of habitual neglect of duty; conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline; violation of the forty-fourth article of war in failing to attend a meeting of officers ordered by his brigadier general; a violation of the ninth article of war; and sleeping outside the camp without leave.— N. Y. Commercial, March 5.

—The Senate of the United States confirmed the nomination of Senator Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, as Brigadier-General, at the nomination of the President, and the Senator at once proceeded- to organize a provisional government for Tennessee, over which he is to preside as Military Governor until a regular civil government is organized.—National Intelligencer.

—Gen. Shields passed through Charlestown, Va., this day, on his way to take command of the late Gen. Lander’s brigade.

—Mrs. William H. Norris was arrested at her residence in Baltimore, Md., by orders from Washington, and conveyed to that city, on the charge of transmitting clothing to persons in the rebel army in Virginia.— Baltimore American, March 5.

—Gen. Hitchcock has been compelled, on account of impaired health, which will not permit him to perform the responsible duties of the position in the field, to decline the appointment of Major-General lately tendered by the President with the approval of the Senate. His letter to this effect utters strong Union sentiments, his fervent desire that the rebellion may be speedily overthrown, and his confident belief that this will soon take place, and the authority of the Federal Government everywhere be reestablished. He expresses great admiration of the recent brilliant achievements in the West, and of the military genius which they manifest.—National Intelligencer, March 5.

 

[farmersdaughter]

March 5 1862

—An order, dated at Jackson, Tenn., was issued by Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard, of the confederate army, assuming command of the rebel army of the Mississippi. The order declares that the Northern “invaders” must be “made to atone” for the reverses experienced by Southern arms, and terminates by calling the rebel cause as “just and sacred” as any that ever animated a nation.—(Doc. 77.)

—In the Confederate Congress, Mr. Smith offered a resolution that the Committee on Post Offices and Post-Roads be instructed to inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to prevent the appointment, as postmasters, of persons between eighteen and forty-five years of age, where the compensation is under seventy-five dollars per annum; but such appointment shall be made with reference to those persons who, by bodily infirmity, age, or sickness, are exempt from military duty. The object of the mover of the bill was mainly set forth in the bill as it read. He wished to cut off from the benefit of the exemption law many persons, able-bodied and active young men,who sought these offices, some of which paid but ten dollars a year, only for the purpose of escaping military duty. In these offices, where so little exertion was required, persons could be placed who were unfit for the field, or, if necessary, some of the noble women of our country could be looked to to perform these duties.—Richmond Examiner, March 7.

—This day the United States steamer Water Witch captured, off St Andrew’s Bay, west coast of Florida, the rebel schooner William Mallory, of Mobile, from Havana February twenty-eighth, and bound wherever she could make a port. She is a schooner of one hundred and eight tons burden, and is a remarkably fast sailer, having been chased five hours and fired at several times before she would heave to.—National Intelligencer, March 20.

—A Proclamation was issued by F. W. Pickens, rebel Governor of South-Carolina, calling for five volunteer regiments, to serve during the war, in response to a requisition for that number made upon the State by the President of the Confederate States. He urges upon the people the necessity of the call, in consequence of reverses to the Southern arms, and threatens to meet the demand by conscription, if the regiments are not formed by volunteers within fifteen days.— (Doc. 78.)

—Tue public mind of the entire South is fast recovering from its causeless panic occasioned by the unfortunate affairs at Roanoke Island and Fort Donelson. Considerate men see that much ultimate good may come of them by inuring us to defeats that must often occur in a war with a power possessed of superior numbers and superior resources of all kinds, by curing us of that rashness which our continued successes had begotten, and, most of all, by stimulating enlistments, and thus increasing the number and efficiency of our armies. It is now almost certain that by the last of April we shall have a larger disposable force in the field than that of our enemies; for they must retain two hundred thousand men in Maryland to guard and retain that State and the city of Washington, one hundred thousand in Kentucky and Missouri to hold those States, some twenty thousand in their various forts, and probably eighty thousand in their fleets. Thus their stationary force being four hundred thousand, even if their armies number seven hundred thousand, they will have a disposable force of only three hundred thousand with which to invade our interior; and, in long incursions, this will be diminished at least one third by the forces detailed to keep up communication with their base of operations. Besides, by deferring their invasion of the South until the warm season, they will soon decimate their ranks by the malarious diseases of our climate. Heretofore we have had to fight against superior numbers, but so soon as they quit their vessels, march into the country and meet us in the open field, we shall out-number them, if we please, in every conflict. They cannot probably hold Nashville longer than the rainy season keeps the Cumberland River flooded. We know not how large an army they have there, but believe it cannot be very large. Should we be mistaken, and they attempt to hold it permanently, we ought, in a few weeks, to make prisoners of their whole army. Their present occupation of that city, of Fort Donelson, and of Clarksville so divide their land and naval forces as to disable them from attacking and taking Columbus, and proceeding down the Mississippi to Memphis and the cotton region. If, with their whole land and naval force, and their eager appetite for cotton, they durst not attempt to descend that river, they will surely not now venture to do so with a crippled and divided navy and army. It may yet turn out that the fall of Fort Donelson and of Nashville will be a great gain to us, and a great misfortune to them. The whole country, from the Ohio to Nashville, is inhabited by brave men and zealous secessionists. They cannot make that city a base of operations from which to invade the cotton States, for in a few weeks, probably days, the Cumberland River will become unnavigable for the smallest gunboats,and they would be cut off from their Northern supplies and resources. If they attempt it, even with a force of a hundred thousand men,we should at once surround them with a force of a hundred and fifty thousand, and capture their whole army. This would end the war; and we should not be surprised that it should end somewhat in this way. The North, under a weight of debt and want of cotton, is become desperate, and will rashly quit its woven walls ere long and march far into our interior. Then we will make prisoners of their armies, and gloriously and triumphantly wind up the war. Let faint-hearted people recollect that we never yet met them with equal numbers, in the open field, without defeating them; and that under the levy en masse which is going on in the South, if they invade us by land after the first of April, we will meet them with superior numbers. Our bad roads will prevent their invading us sooner.—Richmond Dispatch, March 5.

—Bunker Hill, Va., was occupied by the National forces.—Reverdy Johnson was to-day elected United States Senator by the Maryland Legislature for six years from March, 1863.

—A Reconnoitring party of the Sixty-third regiment of Pennsylvania, Heintzelman’s division, was ambushed this morning beyond the Occoquan, Va., two or three miles in advance of the Union pickets, and received the fire of a party of concealed rebels, who instantly fled through the woods. Capt. Chapman and Lieut. Lyle were killed, and two privates were wounded, one of them mortally.

—The National pickets at Columbus, Ky., were this day driven in by the rebel cavalry, who fled upon being shelled by the gunboats.

—An order was issued, dated at Jackson, Tennessee, by Major-Gen. Bragg, of the confederate army, designating different rendezvous for troops coming within his division, assuming authority of the railroads in the limits of his command, and declaring martial law in the city of Memphis,Tennessee. All prisoners of war at Memphis were ordered to be transferred to Mobile and thence to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for confinement.

 

[farmersdaughter]

March 6 1862

—A squad of Van Allen’s cavalry today captured a rebel picket, five in number, near Bunker Hill, Va. They belonged to the Second Virginia infantry. They were carried before the Division Provost-Marshal, Lieut-Col. Andrews, of the Massachusetts Second, for examination.

-—The confederate Congress passed the following substitute for the original bill offered by Mr. Foote, of Tennessee, to authorize the destruction of cotton, tobacco, and other property in military emergencies: Be it enacted by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That it shall be the duty of all military commanders in the service of the confederate States to destroy all cotton, tobacco, or other property that may be useful to the enemy, if the same cannot be safely removed, whenever, in their judgment, the said cotton, tobacco, and other property is about to fall into the hands of the enemy. The following clause was struck out of the original bill on a motion to amend: The owners thereof shall receive just compensation therefor from the confederate government, under such laws and regulations as may hereafter be established by Congress. It will be seen that the question of the compensation of owners of the property destroyed is cut off.—Richmond Examiner, March 7.

—President Lincoln transmitted to Congress a message, recommending the adoption of a joint resolution that “the United States ought to cooperate with any State which may adopt a gradual abolishment of slavery, giving to such State pecuniary aid, to be used by such State in its discretion to compensate for the inconveniences, public and private, produced by such change of system.” The President does not urge the adoption of the resolution, but says that the proposition is made “as an offer only,” and declares his conviction that the emancipation of slavery must be gradual, not sudden. He says the “war has been an indispensable mean” for the preservation of the Union, and the present proposition is made as something which promises “great efficiency toward ending the struggle.”— (Doc. 79.)

—Smithfield, Va., was this day occupied by a strong force of United States troops.

—Capts. Bell, McKean, Du Pont, Goldsborough, and Farragut were confirmed by the Senate of the United States as flag-officers of the Navy. President Lincoln, in addition to the officers promoted for gallant conduct, nominated Brig.-Gen. Thomas to be a major-general, as a recognition of his eminent services in Kentucky.

—The Ninety-eighth regiment of New-York State volunteers arrived at New-York, en route for the scat of war. It is commanded by Col. William Dutton, a graduate of West-Point, and a classmate of Gen. McClellan.

—An adjourned meeting of citizens of Charleston, S. C, was held at the City Hall, at seven o’clock P.M., to organize the free market of the city, in order to supply the families of soldiers and sailors with provisions and necessaries, free of charge, during the existing war.— Charleston Mercury, March 6.

—A Squadron of the First regiment of Michigan cavalry surprised a party of rebel cavalry at Berryville, Va., routing them, killing three and capturing nine horses, without the loss of a man. —Baltimore American, March 7.

 

[farmersdaughter]

March 7 1862

—The Eighth regiment of Vermont volunteers, under the command of Col. Stephen Thomas, passed through New-York on the way to the seat of war. It is composed of one thousand and sixty men,fully uniformed, armed with Enfield rifles, and equipped. They have been recruited from among the hardy sons of the Green Mountain State, and arc unusually strong and robust, mostly between the ages of twenty and thirty-five years. Accompanying the regiment are two light batteries of six rifled six-pounders each, the two companies numbering one hundred and seventy-five men each. They are commanded respectively by Capt Geo. W. Duncan and Capt. Sales.

—In the English House of Commons, Mr. Gregory, pursuant to notice, called the attention of the House to the blockade of the Southern ports, and moved for a copy of any correspondence on the subject, subsequent to the papers already before the House. He expressed his strong sympathy for the struggle going forward in the confederate States, and declared that a separation of the South from the North, and a reconstruction of the Union, were the only means by which they could hope to see slavery abolished in America.

—The rebel steamer Sumter still remained at Gibraltar, the United States gunboat Tuscarora watching her.

—A brisk cannonading took place on the Lower Potomac at four o’clock this morning, when the Freeborn, Satellite, Island Belle, and the Resolute opened fire on the line of batteries extending from opposite Liverpool Point to Boyd’s Hole, including three at Aquia Creek. The rebels returned the fire, but without striking any of the National vessels. Proceeding up to Wade’s Bay in the afternoon, in which direction heavy firing had been heard during the day, the Island Belle and the Satellite again opened fire on the railroad depot and some trains of cars filled with rebel troops that were constantly arriving from Fredericksburg. The depot was riddled by the shot and shell. The enemy returned the fire from a battery on the water-line and another on a hill a little back. Their shots fell thickly around the vessels, but not one of them took effect. The troops at Aquia Creek were constantly receiving reinforcements. The batteries at Cockpit Point and Shipping Point opened fire on Professor Lowe’s balloon, when in the air near Budd’s Ferry, but the balloon was not hit on either side.

—Gov. Andrew Johnson, with his staff, accompanied by Messrs. Etheridge and Maynard, left Washington this evening for Nashville, to enter upon their charge of the new government of Tennessee.

—The Richmond Examiner, of this date, has the following: “What has become of the enormous number of arms stored in Southern arsenals at the beginning of this war?Into what proportions have the cargoes said to have been brought in from time to time, by rumor, dwindled through official count?They are certainly not in the hands of soldiers now in the field, nor are they still in the arsenals, nor have they been captured by the enemy. Admit that in the hands of prisoners taken by the enemy there were twenty thousand stand,that half as many more have been broken or lost in marches and hospitals, the total that should be subtracted from the original sum is still too small to account for the present scarcity of muskets and of bayonets. “But a vast quantity have undoubtedly gone with the sixty days’ men, the four months’ men,the six months’ men;a still greater loss is attributable to the many useless and unprofitable assemblages of the militia. It is certain only that the ordnance department has not the arms for the new levies. There are many more soldiers at the government’s command than muskets. It could find employment for five hundred thousand stand of arms that it has not in possession or in prospect. Under these circumstances no wiser measure could have been adopted by the government than the call for the guns in the hands of the citizens as private property. There are a million of guns possessed by the citizens of the South in this manner, and the country has a right to every one of them now. Most shot-guns will carry a ball, and all of them are good for buckshot. They are as effective as any smooth bore, and are much better made than the musket. Troops armed with double-barreled shot-guns need no bayonets; for any line that attempted to charge them would be annihilated by the second load, which will always be retained, and can be delivered at twenty paces. It is hoped that the government will inexorably enforce its regulation; and no sincere patriot will be unwilling to assist its execution to the utmost of his power.”

—John Park, Mayor of Memphis,Tenn., this day issued the following proclamation: “To The People or Memphis: Much has been said in regard to the burning of our city. I have, as John Park, (not the Mayor,) to say this to our citizens: That I will, under any and all circumstances, protect the city from incendiaries, and he who attempts to fire his neighbor’s house —or even his own, whereby it endangers his neighbor —I will, regardless of judge, jury, or the benefit of clergy, hang him to the first lamp-post, tree, or awning. I have the means under my control to carry out the above individual proclamation.”

—An excitement occurred in the town of Dover, Del., this day. It appears that two companies of Home Guards had been raised in the town, one called the Hazlet Guards, and the other simply denominated Home Guards. The Hazlet Guards were equipped by the State, but the other organization by the Government. The Government called on the Hazlet Guards to give up their arms, which they refused to do. Persisting in this determination, two hundred Government troops were immediately sent to the town from Cambridge, Md., under the command of Col. Wallace. Five of the ringleaders were arrested, but three were afterward released, Capts. Pennington and Wise only remaining in custody. The town numbers about two thousand persons, and the whole place is now under strict martial law.—N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, March 11.

—The rebel chief, Quantrel, with a party of his troops, entered Aubry, Kansas, this day, killing five Unionists, and carrying off fifteen horses.—N.Y. Times, March 11.

—The United States Senate this day confirmed the following as Brigadier-Generals of Volunteers: Major Laurance Graham, of Second cavalry; Eleazer Paine, of Illinois; William A. Richardson, of Illinois; Daniel Butterfield, of New-York; W. T. Ward, of Kentucky; Major George Sykes, of the Thirteenth infantry; Captain David Stanley, of the Tenth cavalry; Thomas A. Davies, of NewYork; Col. Philip St. George Cooke, Second cavalry; Major George Stoneman, Fourth cavalry; Capt. Joseph B. Plummer, First regiment of infantry, for gallant conduct at Springfield and Fredericktown, Mo. The Senate also confirmed Henry Van Renssalear to be Inspector-General, with the rank of Colonel, and Thomas Hillhouse, of New-York, to be Assistant Adjutant-General of Volunteers, with the rank of Major.

 

[farmersdaughter]

March 8 1862

—This day, about one o’clock in the afternoon, an attack was made upon a foraging party of the Fourth Ohio cavalry, Mitchell’s division, five miles south of Nashville, Tennessee, by Morgan’s rebel cavalry, which resulted in their taking eighteen of the National wagons, teamsters, and mules, and burning one wagon. The rebels took Capt. Braden, of Gen. Dumont’s staff, prisoner. At three o’clock P.M., the Fourth Ohio cavalry and Loomis’s battery pursued the rebels, capturing four men,killing four, and retaking all the wagons and prisoners. Morgan escaped with two men. A sergeant of the Thirty-seventh Indiana regiment, of Col. Turchin’s brigade, was shot in the arm.—Louisville Journal, March 12.

—Two companies of the Massachusetts Twenty-sixth regiment, under the command of Col. E. F. Jones, made a reconnoissance from Ship Island, to Mississippi City, La., where they were attacked by a body of rebel cavalry, and compelled to retreat to their boats.—(Doc. 80.)

—The Memphis Argus of this date has the following: “Major-Gen. Bragg’s ‘General Order No. 2,’ transferred to our columns from the Jackson Whig of yesterday, announces that martial law is to be established in Memphis. The establishment of martial law seems to be a favorite movement of Gen. Bragg’s, and, however much the people may dislike its provisions, or fail to discover the necessity for their enforcement, it is the duty of all good citizens to bear the inconveniences they entail. Soldiers from the army, as we understand, are to be detailed for the purpose, and we trust a provost- marshal will be drawn from the same source. Martial law is virtually subjecting the people to the will of one man, who can exercise his powers arbitrarily or with moderation. It is not every citizen unacquainted with military matters, who should be vested with the almost autocratic powers of a provost-marshal in a time like this, for certainly no man is fitted to learn its duties and enforce them at the same time. If we must live under martial law, let its enforcement be by a regular army officer, a stranger to our people, who, knowing his duty thoroughly, performs it because it is his duty, having neither friends among our citizens to shield nor enemies to punish. It is only by a thorough knowledge of duty and the strictest impartiality in its discharge, that martial law can be borne without a murmur by the people.”

—The rebel troops, composed of three Texan, one Georgia, and one Mississippi regiment, and the Hampton Legion, formerly encamped back of and below Occoquan, Va., evacuated that place, destroying everything they could not carry on their backs. The National troops took possession, and were welcomed by a part of the inhabitants with great joy. Every boat in the vicinity, and anything that would float, was destroyed. The rebels told the villagers they were going to fall back to the Rappahannock.

—Last night, Col. Geary left Lovettsville, Va., with his whole command, and marched through Wheatland and Waterford, taking prisoners at both places, and putting the scattered forces of the rebels to flight.Shortly after sunrise, this morning, he took possession of Fort Johnston at Leesburg, which was christened by the officers Fort Geary. He then entered the town, with flags flying and bayonets fixed. The rebel troops, who had thought this one of their greatest strongholds, could be discerned through a glass retreating. Gen. Hill, the rebel officer in command, fell back on Middleburg. The command took many prisoners and stores, and are in possession of the bank, post-office, and public buildings. Forts Beauregard and Evans were also taken.

—The battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, was ended after three days’ severe fighting, between the Unionists under Gen. Curtis, and the rebels led by Ben. McCulloch. On Thursday, the sixth, the rebels commenced the attack on Gen. Curtis’s right wing, assailing and pursuing the rear-guard of a detachment under Gen. Franz Sigel, to the Union main lines on Sugar Creek Hollow, but withdrew and ceased action, at about four o’clock in the afternoon, when the Union reinforcements came up. During the night Gen. Curtis became convinced that the enemy had moved on so as to attack his right or rear. He, therefore, early on the next morning, ordered a change of front to the right, his right, which then became his left, still resting on Sugar Creek Hollow. This placed his line across Pea Ridge, with his new right resting on the head of Big Sugar Creek. He also ordered an immediate advance of his cavalry and light artillery, under the command of Col. Osterhaus, with orders to attack and break the lines of the enemy. This movement was in progress, when the rebels at eleven o’clock in the morning commenced an attack on the right of the Union lines. The fight continued mainly at these points during the day, the enemy having gained the point held by the command of Col. Carr, at the head of Big Sugar Creek, but was entirely repulsed with the fall of the commander, McCulloch, in the centre, by the forces under Col. Davis. The plan of attack on the centre was gallantly carried forward by Col. Osterhaus, who was immediately sustained and supported by Col. Davis’s entire division, supported also by General Sigel’s command, which had remained till near the close of the day on the left. Col. Carr’s division held the right, under a galling, continuous fire, all day. In the evening, firing having entirely ceased in the centre, and the right being now on the left, Gen. Curtis reenforced the right by a portion of the second division, under General Asboth. Before the day closed, Gen. Curtis, being convinced that the rebels had concentrated in main force on the right, commenced another change of front, forward, so as to face the enemy where he had deployed on the Union right flank. This change had only been partially effected, but was in full progress, when at sunrise today, firing was renewed by the centre and right of Curtis’s troops, which was immediately answered by the rebels with renewed energy along the whole extent of their line. The left of the Union troops, under the command of Gen. Sigel, moved close to the hills occupied by the enemy, driving him from the heights and advancing steadily toward the head of the hollows. Here Gen. Curtis ordered the centre and right wing forward, the right turning the left of the enemy and the Nationals firing on his centre. This final position of the rebels was in the arc of a circle. A charge of infantry extending throughout the whole line, completely routed the entire rebel force and they fled in confusion, but in comparative safety, through the deep and almost impassable defiles of Big Sugar Creek. The Union loss in this battle amounted to two hundred and twelve killed, nine hundred and twenty-six wounded, and one hundred and seventy-four missing, in all one thousand three hundred and twelve. The rebel loss was very large, but it is probable that its exact extent will never be known.—(Doc. 81.)

—By President Lincoln’s War Order No. 2, he has ordered the Army of the Potomac to be divided into army corps, to be commanded by commanders of corps, selected according to seniority of rank, as follows: First corps, consisting of four divisions, to be commanded by Major-Gen. Sumner. Second corps, consisting of three divisions, to be commanded by Major-Gen. McDowell. Third corps, consisting of three divisions, to be commanded by Brig.-Gen. Heintzelman. Fourth corps, consisting of three divisions, to be commanded by Brig.-Gen. Keyes. Fifth—Gen. Banks’s and Gen. Shields’s commands, the latter late Gen. Lander’s, to be a fifth corps, to be commanded by Major-Gen. Banks.

—Capt Bell, of the Third Pennsylvania cavalry, was promoted to Major of the Third Illinois cavalry, now in Gen. Halleck’s department —Gen. Beauregard, from his headquarters at Jackson, Term., issued an order calling upon the planters of the South to send their plantation-bells to the nearest railroad depot, to be melted into cannon for the defence of their plantations.— (Doc. 90.)