The Civil War Day By Day Sesquicentennial Thread

#676
#676
July 15 1862

—A body of Union troops, numbering about six hundred men, under the command of Major Miller, Second Wisconsin cavalry, attacked the combined rebel forces of Rains, Coffee, Hunter, Hawthorne, and Tracy, numbering about sixteen hundred, at a point eight miles beyond Fayetteville, Arkansas, and routed them with great loss.—David E. Twiggs, who was dismissed from the United States army for treason, died at Augusta, Ga.
—This morning the rebel iron-clad ram Arkansas passed down the Yazoo River into the Mississippi, and landed under the batteries at Vicksburgh, passing through and receiving the fire of the Union fleet of gunboats and mortars. The ram returned the fire, but, except killing and wounding a number of men on several of the gunboats, without material damage to the fleet. The ram, though struck by a great number of shot, was not much injured.—At about six o’clock in the evening, the whole Union fleet got under way, and while the mortars attacked the land batteries, the gunboats, in the hope of sinking the Arkansas, poured their broadsides into her, but without effect. The bombardment lasted for an hour, when the fleet dropped below the city, and came to anchor.—(Doc. 152.)
—The town of Henderson, Ky., was entered by a band of rebel guerrillas, who broke into the soldiers’ hospital, (whose inmates had been removed to Evansville, Ind.,) robbing it of its blankets, sheets, etc., and then left, without doing any further mischief.
—In consequence of the difficulty of procuring small change, caused by the premium on specie, postage-stamps were now first spoken of as a substitute.—New-York World, July 15.
—The rebel Colonel Morgan visited Midway, Ky., at noon to-day, and cut the telegraph wires and tore up the railroad. He took away with him every thing he could convert to his use. He had four twelve-pound howitzers. In the evening he left for Georgetown, and encamped there on Gano’s farm.
—At Cleveland, Ohio, the City Council appropriated thirty-five thousand dollars to aid in recruiting for the new regiments.—At Detroit, Michigan, a meeting was held to facilitate the raising of new regiments. Patriotic resolutions were passed.
—A very large gathering of citizens was held in the Capitol Park, at Albany, N. Y. Great enthusiasm was manifested. Governor Morgan presided, and among the Vice-Presidents were Mayor Perry, Senator John V. L. Pruyn, John Tracy, General Cooper, and other prominent citizens. Strong resolutions in favor of the new levy, and recommending an extra session of the Legislature, to authorize the giving of a State bounty to volunteers, were introduced by George Dawson, chairman of the committee, and unanimously adopted. Speeches were made by Lyman Tremain and others.
—The Ninth regiment of Vermont volunteers, under the command of Col. George I. Stannard, left Brattleboro this morning at nine o’clock, en route for the seat of war. This was the first regiment recruited under the call of July first, for three hundred thousand additional troops.
—A large and enthusiastic public meeting was held this day in Union Square, New-York, in behalf of the Union and in support of the Government in its efforts to suppress the rebellion. Speeches were made by Mayor Opdyke, General Fremont, General Walbridge, President King, Professor Lieber, Rev. Dr. Vinton, Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, Rev. Dr. Clarke, E. D. Smith, William Allen Butler, and others. — New York Tribune, July 16-17.
 
#677
#677
July 16 1862

—The United States War Department received from William H. Aspinwall, of New York, a present of his check for twenty-five thousand two hundred and ninety dollars and sixty cents, as his share of profit on a contract for arms purchased by Howland & Aspinwall, and sold to the Government. The Secretary of War ordered “that the check be transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury, and that the thanks of the Department be rendered to Mr. Aspinwall for the proof he has furnished of the disinterested and patriotic spirit that animates the citizens of the United States in the present contest against treason and rebellion, giving assurance that a government supported by citizens who thus prefer the public welfare to their private gain, must overcome its enemies.”
—Gen. Halleck, on retiring from the command of the army of the Mississippi, issued an address to the troops, expressing his high appreciation of the endurance, bravery, and soldierly conduct which they had exhibited on all occasions during the campaign.
—The British schooner Agnes was captured off Abaco Island, by the United States steamer Huntsville, commanded by Lieut. Rogers.—Official Report.
—Governor Pierpont, of Virginia, issued a proclamation calling upon the people to furnish the State’s quota of troops, under the call of President Lincoln for three hundred thousand men. To aid the work, he desired the Senators and members of the House of Delegates to act as agents in procuring volunteers in their respective districts.
—Yesterday John B. Clarke, of the rebel Senate, addressed a letter to G. W. Randolph, the rebel Secretary of War, inquiring whether the “Partisan Rangers” were to be considered as belonging to the rebel army, and whether the rebel government would not claim for them the same treatment as prisoners which was exacted for prisoners of war; and to-day the Secretary replied that partisan rangers were a part of the provisional army of the States in rebellion, and were subject to all the regulations adopted for its government, and entitled to the same protection as prisoners of war.
 
#678
#678
July 17 1862

—A detachment of the Union army, under Gen. Pope, this day entered the town of Gordonsville, Va., unopposed, and destroyed the railroad at that place, being the junction of the Orange and Alexandria and Virginia Central Railroads, together with a great quantity of rebel army supplies gathered at that point
—Cynthiana, Ky., was captured by a party of rebel troops, under Col. John H. Morgan, after a severe engagement with the National forces occupying the town, under the command of Lieut. Col. Landrum.—(Doc. 89.)
—The British schooner William, captured off the coast of Texas by the National steamer De Soto, arrived at Key West, Fla.—Major-General Halleck, having relinquished the command of the department of the Mississippi, left Corinth for Washington, D. C, accompanied by General Cullum, Col. Kelton, and an aid-de-camp.—The bill authorizing the issue of postage and other government stamps as currency, and prohibiting banks and other corporations or individuals from issuing notes below the denomination of one dollar for circulation, was passed by the House of Representatives and signed by the President.
—President Lincoln sent a special message to Congress, informing it that as he had considered the bill for an act to suppress insurrection, to punish treason and rebellion, to seize and confiscate the property of rebels, and the joint resolution explanatory of the act, as being substantially one, he had approved and signed both. Before the President was informed of the passage of the resolution, he had prepared the draft of a message stating objections to the bill becoming a law, a copy of which draft he transmitted to Congress with the special message.
—The Congress of the United States adjourned sine die.—At Louisville, Ky., both branches of the Common Council of that city adopted an ordinance compelling the Board of School Trustees to require all professors and teachers of the public schools, before entering on their duties, to appear before the Mayor and take oath to support the Constitutions of the United States and Kentucky, and to be true and loyal citizens thereof.—Gen. Nelson arrived at Nashville, Tenn., with large reenforcements, and assumed command there.
—A scouting-party of ten men, under Lieut. Roberts, of the First Kentucky (Wolford’s) cavalry, when about fifteen miles from Columbia, Tenn., were attacked by a body of sixty rebels. The Union party retired to a house in the neighborhood, from which they fought the rebels six hours, when they finally retreated. Several of the rebels fell. The Union party lost none.
—Enthusiastic meetings were this day held at Bangor, Me., Bridgeport, Ct, and Auburn, N. Y., for the purpose of promoting enlistments into the army, under the call of the President for more troops.
 
#679
#679
July 18 1862

—Great excitement and terror existed among the citizens of Cincinnati, in consequence of the vicinity of the force of rebel guerrillas under John Morgan. Colonel Burbank, Thirteenth United States infantry, assumed military command of the city, and issued orders directing all officers in the volunteer service to report to him. The Governor of the State also issued an order calling for volunteers to serve for thirty days. The excitement of Cincinnati pervaded the adjoining towns in Kentucky.
—At Kingston, North-Carolina, two negroes were executed, by order of Colonel Sol Williams, C.S.A., having been found guilty of drumming up recruits for Burnside’s army.—Richmond Examiner, July 24.
—Col. Salomon, of the Ninth Wisconsin volunteers, at his encampment on Grand River, Ark., arrested Col. Weer, commander of the Indian expedition, and assumed command.
—A desperate fight took place near Memphis, Mo., between a detachment of Union troops, numbering about four hundred, under the command of Major John Y. Clopper, and a force of rebel guerrillas six hundred strong, resulting in a complete rout of the rebels, who left a large number of their dead and wounded.—(Doc. 153.)
—The Richmond (Va.) Despatch of this date, speaking of the proposition of employing negroes on the Union fortifications, said: “It appears from statements in the Northern newspapers that McClellan proposes to employ negroes to perform the hard labor on his fortifications, with a view to save his troops from the perils of sunstroke. This is the sort of freedom the deluded slaves enjoy when they get into the clutches of the abolitionists. They are worked to death, in order to save the lives of a proportionate number of miserable Yankees, not one half of whom can lay as much claim to respectability as the blackest cornfield negro in Virginia. We hope our authorities, in negotiating for an exchange of prisoners, will make the invaders account for at least a portion of the ‘contrabands’ they have stolen, though in making up their relative value it should appear that one ****** was equal to two Yankees.”
—The town of Newburg, Ind., was this day entered by a band of rebel guerrillas, under Capt. Johnson, and robbed of a large amount of property.—Evansville Journal, July 21.
—Large and enthusiastic meetings were held in Memphis, Tenn., Milwaukee, Wis., Danbury, Ct, and Troy, N. Y., for the purpose of promoting enlistments into the army, under the call of President Lincoln.
—In the British House of Commons a debate took place on the following motion submitted by Mr. Lindsay:
“That, in the opinion of this House, the States which have seceded from the Union of the republic of the United States have so long maintained themselves under a separate and established government, and have given such proof of their determination and ability to support their independence, that the propriety of offering mediation with the view of terminating hostilities between the contending parties, is worthy of the serious and immediate attention of her Majesty’s government”
In making this motion Mr. Lindsay said he felt assured that an expression of opinion on the part of the House on the subject would have an effect contrary to that which some persons seemed to apprehend. He thought the confederate States had shown their determination and ability to support their independence. There could be no difference of opinion on that point: but there might be a difference of opinion as to the propriety of British mediation. He then addressed the House on the origin and causes of the war; next he spoke of its effects; then he showed that, as he conceived, the end of the war must be separation; and, lastly, he endeavored to show that humanity and British interests demanded that a stop should be put to the war. It appeared strange and unaccountable to him that her Majesty’s government had taken no steps in that direction. It was clear that the South could not be conquered, and it was still more clear it could never be brought back again into the Union. He therefore submitted that the time had arrived when the Southern States ought to be received into the family of nations, and begged to make the above motion.
Mr. Taylor, who had given notice of an amendment to Mr. Lindsay’s motion, to leave out all the words after the words “House,” in order to insert the words, “it is desirable that this country should continue to maintain the strictest neutrality in the civil war unhappily existing in the republic of the United States,” said he thought Mr. Lindsay had not acted prudently in disregarding the suggestion of an honorable member, to forbear to move his resolution. It meant the recognition of the Southern States and intervention by force, which was another word for war with America. He had never heard, he said, such tremendous issues so raised; he, therefore, implored the House not to adopt the resolution.
Lord A. V. Tempest, who had given notice of a resolution, “that it is the duty of her Majesty’s government to endeavor, either by itself or in combination with other European Powers, by mediation or otherwise, to bring to a termination the existing contest in America,” said he thought the House should not separate without expressing an opinion on the subject of the war. He justified the interference of Great Britain on the grounds of humanity and of its responsibilities and duties. Mediation, however, he thought would be worthless unless backed by ulterior measures.
Mr. W. Foster said that, in his opinion, the motion was not calculated to put an end to the war, but was more likely to prolong it, and even to drag Great Britain into it. Was the object of the resolution, he asked, mediation or forcible interference? If the former, the less that was publicly said about it the better, and the mediator should be considered a friend to both parties; whereas Mr. Lindsay had avowed his partiality for the South. Then, if the offer of mediation was to be accompanied by a threat, it would be justly regarded as an insult, and would aggravate the evil. If the North were let alone it was not improbable it would find out that the subjugation of the South was too hard a task. He insisted that the civil strife was a great revolution, that tariffs had nothing to do with it, that slavery was the real cause of the war, and that it would put an end to slavery. He, therefore, advocated the principle and policy of non-intervention.
Mr. Whiteside observed, that although this question was difficult and delicate, that was no reason why the House of Commons should not express an opinion upon it; to shrink from doing it would be a cowardly proceeding on their part, and he thought Mr. Lindsay deserved well of the country in giving the government an opportunity of making known their sentiments on the subject. In his opinion the time had come when, upon the principles of international law, the Southern States, which had so long maintained their independence, might be recognized, without giving just ground of war or umbrage to the North. Mr. Gregory contended that though the war was for independence on one side, it was not for empire but for revenge on the other, in pursuit of which object every other consideration had been lost sight of by the North, and he insisted that Great Britain had a perfect right to endeavor to put a stop to such a state of things.
Mr. S. Fitzgerald moved the adjournment of the debate, when—
Lord Palmerston rose and said he hoped, after the length to which the debate had gone, that the House would be disposed to come to a decision to-night on the motion of the honorable member for Sunderland. The subject they had been debating was one of the highest importance, and one also of the most delicate character—and he could not think that the postponement of the conclusion of the debate could be attended with any beneficial result, either one way or the other. There could be but one wish on the part of every man in the country with respect to the war in America, and that was that it should end. He might doubt whether any end which could be satisfactory, or which could lead to an amicable settlement between the two parties was likely to be accelerated by angry debates in that House. He confessed, therefore, that he regretted that the discussion had been brought on, and he should earnestly hope that the House would not agree to the motion of his honorable friend, but would leave it in the hands of the government to deal with the future, content as he believed the country was with the manner in which the past had been conducted by them.
Mr. Hopwood said a few words concerning the distress of the operatives of Lancashire and Cheshire, which, he said, was entirely caused by the war in America, and implored the government to take some steps to put an end to the misery which the struggle was creating not only in America but in Europe.
Mr. Lindsay then asked the permission of the House to withdraw his motion, observing that he would rest satisfied with the statement of the noble lord at the head of the government, and the hope which it held out that he would take the earliest opportunity to bring about a termination of the war.
The motion was then withdrawn.
 
#680
#680
July 19 1862

—An agreement was made this day between the Government of Denmark and the Government of the United States, wherein the former is to “receive all negroes delivered from on board vessels seized in the prosecution of the slave-trade, by commanders of United States vessels, and to provide them with suitable instruction, clothing, and shelter, and to employ them at wages, under such regulations as shall be agreed upon, for a period not exceeding five years from the date of their being landed at St Croix, West-Indies.”
—Many persons in the city of New-Orleans, La., and its vicinity, having ordered their slaves “to go to the Yankees,” thereby causing much annoyance to the National authorities, General Butler ordered that all such declarations would be taken and deemed acts of voluntary emancipation, and slaves sent away by their masters with such declarations, would be regarded and treated as manumitted and emancipated.—Fifty-three men of the Third Michigan cavalry were captured by the rebels near Booneville, Miss.
—Large and enthusiastic meetings were held in Chicago, Ill., Louisville, Ky., Fishkill, N. Y., and Towanda, Penn., for the purpose of promoting enlistments into the army, under the call of the President. At the Louisville meeting a resolution was adopted requesting the City Council to appropriate one hundred thousand dollars for the support of the families of volunteers.
 
#681
#681
July 20 1862

—A body of cavalry belonging to Gen. King’s command, left Fredericksburgh, Va,, last night at seven o’clock, and, after a forced march, made a descent this morning at daylight upon the Virginia Central Railroad, at Beaver Dam Creek, destroying the railroad and telegraph lines for several miles, and burning the depot which contained forty thousand rounds of musket-ammunition, one hundred barrels of flour, and much other valuable material, besides capturing the rebel captain who had charge of the property. —(Doc. 154.)
—This morning a slight skirmish occurred at Orange Court-House, Va., between a force of Union troops under the command of Col. Brodhead, First Michigan cavalry, and a body of rebels, resulting in the retreat of the latter, and the occupation of the town by the Nationals. In the evening, the rebels having been strongly re-enforced, Col. Brodhead retired, swimming the Rapidan River with his command without losing a man, and encamped on the bank of that stream in full sight of the rebels.
—Major-General Halleck left St Louis, Mo., this evening for Washington.—A skirmish took place at Turkey Island Bridge, near Haxall Landing, James River, Va., between a body of rebel pickets and a squadron of the Eighth Pennsylvania cavalry, under the command of Capt. P. Keenan.—Philadelphia Press.
 
#682
#682
July 21 1862

—A party of National pickets were captured on the Lebanon road, five miles from Nashville, Tenn., by a body of rebel guerrillas.— Three bridges were burned on the Chattanooga road, within eight miles of Nashville.
—The first anniversary of the battle of Manassas was celebrated at Dill’s farm, at Gen. Whiting’s headquarters, near Richmond, Va., by the Bee Lodge of Masons. A procession was formed at Dill’s and marched thence, preceded by a brass band, to the farm of Mrs. Schermerhorn. Arrived there, proceedings were initiated by prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan. An oration, an eulogy on the death of the gallant and lamented brother Barnard E. Bee, Brigadier-General, C.S.A., who fell at Manassas, was then delivered in feeling and appropriate language by Rev. Dr. Stewart, an Episcopalian clergyman, of Alexandria, Va., who, it will be remembered, was driven from his pulpit by the hirelings of Lincoln for declining to pray for that individual. The procession returned to Dill’s farm, where the exercises of the day were concluded.—Richmond Dispatch, July 24.
—General Boyle, commanding United States forces in Kentucky, issued an order from his headquarters at Louisville, informing the inhabitants of the State that no person hostile in opinion to the Government, and desiring its overthrow, would be allowed to run as a candidate for any office in the military district of Kentucky. The attempt of such a person to stand for office would be regarded as in itself sufficient evidence of his treasonable intent to warrant his arrest.—General Order No. 5.
—The work of recruiting for the Union army, under the call of President Lincoln for three hundred thousand men, issued on the first instant, was rapidly progressing in all the loyal States of the Union.
— Brigadier-General Ross, of the Union army, issued an order from his headquarters at Bolivar, Tenn., to all owners of slaves living within ten miles of his military post, to forward to his headquarters three fourths of their male slaves, from the age of sixteen to forty-five years, to aid him in erecting fortifications.—A large and enthusiastic meeting was held in Hornellsville, N. Y., for the purpose of promoting enlistments into the army under the call of President Lincoln for more troops. Forty volunteers came forward and enrolled their names.
—The rebel steamer Reliance, commanded by Lieut. Gladding, from Dobay Bar, Ga., with a cargo of cotton, was captured by the United States steamer Huntsville.—Official Reports.
 
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#683
July 22 1862

—Major-General Sherman assumed command at Memphis, Tenn. Four hundred citizens took the oath of allegiance, and one hundred and thirty were provided with passes to go to the South.—General Dix, on the part of the United States, and Gen. D. H. Hill, for the rebel government, made an arrangement for an immediate and general exchange of prisoners.—(Doc. 103.)
—President Lincoln issued an order in reference to foreign residents in the United States. The ministers of foreign powers having complained to the government that subjects of such powers were forced into taking the oath of allegiance, the President ordered that military commanders abstain from imposing such obligations in future, but in lieu adopt such other restraints as they might deem necessary for the public safety.
—The steamer Ceres was fired into by the rebels at a point on the Mississippi, below Vicksburgh, Miss., killing Capt Brooks, of the Seventh Vermont regiment, besides inflicting other injuries.
—Governor Gamble, of Missouri, in view of the existence of numerous bands of guerrillas in different parts of that State, who were engaged in robbing and murdering peaceable citizens for no other cause than that such citizens were loyal to the Government under which they had always lived, authorized Brig.-Gen. Schofield to organize the entire militia of the State into companies, regiments, and brigades, and to order into active service such portions of the force thus organized as he might judge necessary for the purpose of putting down all marauders, and defending peaceable citizens of the State.
—The effect on the Yankee soldiers of General Pope’s recent orders to the “Army of the Rappahannock” is already being felt by the citizens of Culpeper. The party who burned the bridge over the Rapidan on the thirteenth took breakfast that morning at the house of Alexander G. Taliaferro, Colonel of the Twenty-first Virginia regiment. On their approach the Colonel was at home, and was very near being captured; but, by good management, contrived to escape. After they had breakfasted, the Yankee ruffians searched the house, took possession of the family silver, broke up the table-ware and knives and forks, eta, and actually wrenched from Mrs. Taliaferro’s finger a splendid diamond ring of great value.— Richmond Examiner, July 23.
—President Lincoln issued an order directing military commanders within the States of Virginia, North-Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, to seize and use any property, real or personal, which might be necessary or convenient for their several commands, for supplies or for other military purposes.—(Doc. 155.)
—A band of rebel guerrillas entered Florence, Ala., and burned the warehouses containing commissary and quartermaster’s stores, and all the cotton in the vicinity. They also seized the United States steamer Colonna; and after taking all the money belonging to the vessel and passengers, they burned her. They next proceeded down the Tennessee River to Chickasaw, then to Waterloo and the vicinity of Eastport, and burned all the warehouses that contained cotton.— A band of about forty rebel guerrillas attacked a Union wagon-train near Pittsburgh Landing, Tenn., and captured sixty wagons laden with commissary and quartermaster’s stores.
—An unsuccessful effort to sink the rebel ram Arkansas, lying before Vicksburgh, was made by the Union ram Queen of the West, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Ellet. The Arkansas was hit by the Union ram, but with very little injurious effect The fire of the rebel shore batteries was to be diverted by the gunboats under Commodore Farragut, but by some mistake they failed to do so, and the Queen of the West in making the attack was completely riddled by shot and shell from the shore batteries and the Arkansas.—(Doc. 152.)
—A party of rebel troops, who were acting as escort to the United States post surgeon at Murfreesboro, Tenn., who was returning under a flag of truce to the lines of the Union army, were fired upon when near Tazewell, Tenn., by a body of National troops belonging to General Carter’s brigade, killing and wounding several of their number.
 
#684
#684
July 23 1862

—General Pope issued an order directing the generals in his command to seize all the horses, mules and stores within their lines, except such as were absolutely needed by the inhabitants, especially in Culpeper County, Va. He also issued an order for the arrest of all disloyal male citizens within the lines of his command. Those who were willing to take the oath of allegiance and provide security for its observance were permitted to remain at their homes. Those refusing to be so sworn would be sent South beyond the National pickets.—(Doc. 104.)
—A fight took place near Florida, Mo., between a company of Union cavalry under the command of Major Caldwell and Porter’s band of rebel guerrillas, numbering three hundred, which resulted in the retreat of the Nationals with a loss of twenty-six killed, wounded and missing.
—A fight took place near the North Anna River, Va., between a body of Union troops under the command of Colonel Kilpatrick, and a force of the rebels, resulting in the complete rout of the latter. After the defeat of the rebels the Nationals cut the telegraph-wire, burned a railroad train loaded with grain, wagons, tents, baggage, commissary and medical stores, and other valuable property, and returned to Fredericksburg)), whence they started two days previous.—(Doc 156.)
—A large and enthusiastic meeting was held in Trenton, N. J., to promote enlistments into the army under the call of the President for three hundred thousand more troops. Resolutions strongly supporting the Government in the prosecution of the war, and recommending the raising of money for the purpose of paying bounties, was unanimously adopted. About five thousand dollars were subscribed at the meeting. Several persons were arrested in Fredericksburgh, Va., by order of Major-General Pope, and held as hostages for certain Union men seized by the rebels some months previous.
 
#687
#687
been on vacation this last week :)


July 30 1862

—The rebel Colonel, John H. Morgan, reported to Major-General E. Kirby Smith, commanding department of East-Tennessee, the result of his expedition into Kentucky. He left Knoxville, Tenn., on the fourth, with about nine hundred men, and returned to Livingston, in the same State, on the twenty-eighth instant, with nearly twelve hundred men, having been absent twenty-four days, during which time he travelled over a thousand miles, captured seventeen towns, destroyed the Government supplies and arms in them, dispersed about fifteen hundred home guards, and paroled nearly twelve hundred regular troops. He lost in killed, wounded, and missing, of the number that he carried into Kentucky, about ninety.—(See Supplement.)
—The bells contributed to the rebel government, by the churches, planters, and others, to be cast into cannon, and seized by Gen. Butler at New-Orleans, were sold at auction in Boston, Massachusetts.
—The Bishop of Oxford, England, addressed a letter to the archdeacons in his diocese, directing them to instruct their clergy as follows:
“You are earnestly desired to make your supplications to Almighty God, who is the author of peace and lover of concord, that he will promote peace among our brethren in America, and inspire their hearts with Christian unity and fellowship.”
—John R. Lee, Acting Master of the United States steamer E. B. Hale, with a party from that vessel ascended Todd Creek, Ga., and destroyed a salt manufactory in successful operation on the plantation of H. H. Floyd.
—A band of guerrillas under the lead of Joe Thompson, (many of whom had taken the oath and given bond,) entered Paris, Ky., cut down the flag-pole, took the Sheriff and the clerks of the Circuit and County Courts prisoners, forced the keys of the jail from the jailer, set at liberty a man who was indicted for murder in the first degree, demanded of the Sheriff the warrant of commitment and all the money which he had collected for taxes, but he having disposed of it, they got none. They took the two clerks to the jail, in a room of which was the Clerk’s office, and forced the Clerk of the Circuit Court to deliver such indictments as Joe Thompson wanted. They took from some of the stores such goods as suited them, amounting to hundreds of dollars, pressed a wagon, and then loaded it and drove it off, forced the people to deliver their money, furnish them supper, etc. About night some four hundred joined them, also taking supper. After dark they left, taking off one prisoner. They were followed by a party of the Ninth Pennsylvania cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel James, who overtook them, killing twenty-seven and capturing thirty-nine, thirty of whom were wounded.—Louisville Journal.
—An attempt to capture the steam-tug Achilles, lying off Harrison’s Landing, on the James River, Va., was made by a party of rebels from the south side of the river, but they were driven off.
 
#688
#688
July 31 1862

—The Secretary of War issued an order revoking all furloughs and leaves of absence from the army, except those given by the War Department, on Monday, the eleventh day of August, and ordering all officers capable of service to join their regiments forthwith, under penalty of dismissal from the service or court-martial. On Monday, the eighteenth August, each regiment and corps would be mustered, the absentees would be marked, and if not appearing within forty-eight hours would be dismissed from the service or treated as deserters.
—Several vessels belonging to the mortar-fleet, under the command of Commodore Porter, arrived at Fortress Monroe, Va., having left the south-west pass of the Mississippi on the seventeenth of the month.—The rebel steamer Memphis was captured by the United States gunboat Magnolia, she having run the blockade of Charleston, S. C, on the night of the twenty-seventh. —Simeon Draper, of New-York, was appointed by the War Department a Special Commissioner to superintend the execution of the order respecting officers and privates absent from the army of United States.
—Large and enthusiastic meetings were held in Milwaukee, Wis., Bergen, N. J., and Cincinnati. O., to promote enlistments into the army under the call of President Lincoln, for additional troops Patriotic speeches were made and resolutions adopted, sustaining the Government in a more vigorous prosecution of the war, recommending the confiscation of the property of traitors everywhere, expressing unalterable opposition to compromise with rebels or traitors, and that they would sustain the Government in resisting hostile foreign intervention.
 
#689
#689
August 1 1862

—At about one o’clock this morning the rebels opened fire from their batteries stationed at Coggin’s Point, opposite Harrison’s Landing, Va., upon the Union army under Gen. McClellan and the gunboat fleet on the James River. After a brisk fire from the fleet, and land batteries, of nearly two hours’ duration, the rebel batteries were completely silenced. The rebels lost one killed and nine wounded.—Doc. 165.
—James D. Fessenden, Colonel Commanding the First regiment of South-Carolina volunteers, at Drayton’s, S. C, issued the following regimental order:
“The Colonel Commanding takes pleasure in announcing that free papers will soon be issued to those faithful soldiers who have steadfastly stood by their colors and performed with willingness and alacrity the duties of a soldier. They have shown by their prompt and willing obedience to the orders of their officers, and by their fidelity in the discharge of the various duties of camp, that they deserve to be free; and the Colonel Commanding hopes that their conduct hereafter will justify the exercise of the authority which has made them free men.”[1]
—A party of rebels, under the guerrilla Dunn, attacked Canton, Mo., to-day, and shot a man named William Craig, in order to get possession of some rifles stored in his warehouse. They then took possession of the rifles, and plundered all the stores in the place.
—John H. Winder, the rebel General, issued the following from his headquarters at Richmond, Va.: “The obtaining of substitutes through the medium of agents is strictly forbidden. When such agents are employed, the principal, the substitute, and the agent will be impressed into the military service, and the money paid for the substitute, and as a reward to the agent, will be confiscated to the government The offender will also be subjected to such other punishment as may be imposed by a court-martial.”
—This evening the Yankees infesting the waters of James River, landed at “Maycock’s,” the elegant residence of Mrs. Dr. Wm. Cole, and set fire to the dwelling and all the outhouses, which were completely destroyed. Mrs. Cole and her children were absent at the house of a neighbor, but her comfortable home, and all the furniture it contained, has fallen a prey to Yankee madness and malignity. The dwelling at Maycocks was one of the handsomest specimens of cottage architecture on James River, nearly new, and cost some fifteen thousand dollars.— Richmond Enquirer, August 5.
—Six hundred Union troops crossed the James River at Harrison’s Landing, and destroyed all the houses at that point. After accomplishing their object they returned to the Landing without losing a man. — The oath of allegiance to the United States was this day administered to the employés in the Government Navy-Yard, at Brooklyn, N. Y. A few of the men refused to subscribe the oath, and were dismissed from the service.
—A fight took place at Newark, Mo., between a company of the State militia, under the command of Captain Lair, and a superior force of rebel guerrillas, under Colonel Porter. The fight lasted about two hours, the Nationals taking refuge in the houses, from whence they killed a large number of their enemies, but the rebels threatened to burn them out, and they surrendered. The rebels captured about one hundred guns, a large number of horses, a quantity of commissary stores, a number of tents, and eight or ten thousand rounds of cartridges.—(Doc. 166.)
—A series of skirmishes occurred along the Rapidan River, in the vicinity of Orange Court-House, Va., between a reconnoitring party of National troops under the command of General Bayard, and a force of rebels, resulting in the retreat of the latter.
—Yesterday Jeff Davis sent a letter to General Lee, of the rebel army, inclosing an order dated this day, which recapitulated, first, the order of President Lincoln, issued on the twenty-second July, wherein the commanders of the armies of the United States were directed to seize and use any property within the rebel States which might be necessary or convenient for their several commands; second, the order issued by General Pope on the twenty-third July, directing commanders of army corps, divisions, brigades, and detached commands, to arrest all rebels within their lines, and such as would not take the oath of allegiance to the United States to be sent South, and those having violated the oath to be shot, and their property seized and applied to the public use; and third, the order issued on the thirteenth July, by General Steinwehr, directing five prominent citizens of Page County, Va., to be held as hostages, and to suffer death in the event of any of his command being shot by bushwhackers. On account of these orders it was declared in that now issued by Jeff Davis that Generals Pope and Steinwehr were not to be considered as soldiers, and therefore not entitled, in case they should be captured, to the benefit of parole of prisoners of war, but that they, or any commissioned officer serving under them taken captive, should be held in close confinement so long as the above orders of the United States should continue in force. The order further declared that in the event of any rebels being executed by virtue or under the pretext of the above orders, whether with or without trial, or under the pretence of being spies or hostages, or any other pretence, it should be the duty of the General commanding the rebel forces to hang an equal number of the Union commissioned officers who might happen to be prisoners of war in his hands.
[1] The following is a copy of one of the “free papers” loaned to the colored soldiers:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Port Royal, S C, August 1, 1862.
The bearer, Prince Rivers, a sergeant in First regiment South Carolina volunteers, lately claimed as a slave, having been employed in hostility to the United States, is hereby, agreeably to the law of the sixth of August, 1861, declared FREE FOR EVER. His wife and children are also free. D. Hunter,
Major-General Commanding.
 
#690
#690
battle/casualty summary

AUGUST, 1862
1-Newark, MO
U.S.A.- 4 Killed, 4 Wounded
60 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- 73 Killed and Wounded
2-Ozark, MO -or-
Forsythe, MO
U.S.A.- 0 Killed, 1 Wounded
C.S.A.- 3 Killed, 7 Wounded
Orange Court House, VA
U.S.A.- 4 Killed, 12 Wounded
C.S.A.- 11 Killed, 0 Wounded
52 Missing or Captured
Clear Creek, MO -or-
Taberville, MO
U.S.A.- 5 Killed, 14 Wounded
C.S.A.- 11 Killed, 0 Wounded
Coahomo, MS
U.S.A.- 0 Killed, 5 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
3-Sycamore Church, VA
U.S.A.- 0 Killed, 2 Wounded
C.S.A.- 0 Killed, 6 Wounded
Chariton Bridge, MO
U.S.A.- 0 Killed, 2 Wounded
C.S.A.- 11 Killed, 14 Wounded
Jonesboro, AR
U.S.A.- 4 Killed, 2 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Lauguelle Ferry, AR
U.S.A.- 17 Killed, 38 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
4-Sparta, TN
U.S.A.- 1 Killed, 0 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
White Oak Swamp Bridge, VA
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 0 Killed, 10 Wounded
28 Missing or Captured
5-Baton Rouge, LA
U.S.A.- 82 Killed, 255 Wounded
34 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- 84 Killed, 316 Wounded
78 Missing or Captured
Bri.Gen. T.Williams Killed
Malvern Hill, VA
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 11 Wounded
C.S.A.- 100 Missing or Captured
6-Montevallo, MO
U.S.A.- 0 Killed, 1 Wounded
3 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Beech Creek, W.VA
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 8 Wounded
C.S.A.- 1 Killed, 11 Wounded
Kirksville, MO
U.S.A.- 28 Killed, 60 Wounded
C.S.A.- 128 Killed, 200 Wounded
Matapony, VA -or-
Thornbird, VA
U.S.A.- 1 Killed, 12 Wounded
72 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Tazwell, TN
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 23 Wounded
50 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- 9 Killed, 40 Wounded
7-Trenton, TN
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 30 Killed, 20 Wounded
8-Panther Creek, MO
U.S.A.- 1 Killed, 4 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
9-Stockton, MO
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 13 Killed, 0 Wounded
36 Missing or Captured
Cedar Mountain, VA
U.S.A.- 450 Killed, 660 Wounded
290 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- 229 Killed,1047 Wounded
Bri.Gen. C.S.Winder Killed
10-Nueces River, TX
U.S.A.- 40 Killed, 0 Wounded
C.S.A.- 8 Killed, 14 Wounded
10-Grand River, Lee's Ford, VA
to-Chariton River, Walnut Creek, VA
13-Comptonson Ferry, Yellow Creek, MO
Switzer's Mills, MO
U.S.A.- 100 Killed and Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
11-Independence, MO
U.S.A.- 14 Killed, 18 Wounded
312 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Helena, AR
U.S.A.- 1 Killed, 3 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Wyoming Court House, W.VA
U.S.A.- 2 Killed, 0 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Kinderbrook, TN
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 0 Wounded
C.S.A.- 7 Killed, 0 Wounded
12-Galatin, TN
U.S.A.- 30 Killed, 50 Wounded
200 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- 6 Killed, 18 Wounded
Clarenton, AR
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 700 Missing or Captured
15-Merriweather's Ferry, TN
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 6 Wounded
C.S.A.- 20 Killed, 0 Wounded
16-Lone Jack, MO
U.S.A.- 60 Killed, 100 Wounded
C.S.A.- 110 Killed and Wounded
18-Millikens Bend, LA
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 40 Missing or Captured
19-Clarksville, TN
U.S.A.- 200 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
White Oak Ridge, KY -or-
Hickman, KY
U.S.A.- 0 Killed, 2 Wounded
C.S.A.- 4 Killed, 0 Wounded
20-Brandy Station, VA
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 3 Killed, 12 Wounded
Edgefield Station, TN
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 8 Killed, 18 Wounded
Union Mills, MO
U.S.A.- 4 Killed, 3 Wounded
C.S.A.- 1 Killed, 0 Wounded
21-Pinckney Island, SC
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 3 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
22-Courtland, TN
U.S.A.- 0 Killed, 2 Wounded
C.S.A.- 8 Killed, 0 Wounded
23-Big Hill, KY
U.S.A.- 10 Killed, 40 Wounded
C.S.A.- 25 Killed, 0 Wounded
23-Waterloo Bridge, Lee Springs,
to Freeman's Ford, Sulphur Springs
25-Skirmishes in VA
U.S.A.- 27 Killed, 94 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
23-Pope's VA Campaign
to U.S.A.-7000 Killed and Wounded
1-C.S.A.-1500 Killed,8000 Wounded
24-Dallas, MO
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 1 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Coon Creek, MO -or-
Lamar, MO
U.S.A.- 2 Killed, 22 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
25-Fort Donelson, TN
to U.S.A.- 31 Killed and Wounded
26-C.S.A.- 30 Killed and Wounded
Bloomfield, MO
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 20 Killed and Wounded
26-Rienzi, MS -or-
Kossuth, MS
U.S.A.- 5 Killed, 12 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
27-Bull Run Bridge, VA
U.S.A.- 1 Killed, 0 Wounded
Bri.Gen. G.W.Taylor Killed
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Kettle Run, VA
U.S.A.- 300 Killed and Wounded
C.S.A.- 300 Killed and Wounded
28-Readyville, TN -or-
Round Hill, TN
U.S.A.- 0 Killed, 5 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Groveton, Va -and-
29-Gainesville, VA
U.S.A.-7000 Killed and Wounded
C.S.A.-7000 Killed and Wounded
Manchester, TN
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 100 Killed and Wounded
30-Second Bull Run, VA -or-
Second Manassas, VA
U.S.A.- 800 Killed,4000 Wounded
3000 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- 700 Killed,3000 Wounded
Bolivar, TN
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 18 Wounded
64 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- 100 Killed and Wounded
McMinnville, TN
U.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
C.S.A.- 1 Killed, 20 Wounded
Richmond, KY
U.S.A.- 200 Killed, 700 Wounded
4000 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- 250 Killed, 500 Wounded
31-Medon Station, TN
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 13 Wounded
43 Missing or Captured
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
Yates' Ford, KY
U.S.A.- 3 Killed, 10 Wounded
C.S.A.- Casualties Not Reported
 
#691
#691
August 2 1862

—A woman named Belle Boyd, who had been acting as a rebel spy and mail-carrier to Richmond, from points within the lines of the Union army of the Potomac, was captured near Warrenton, Va., and sent to the old Capitol prison at Washington.—Gen. Butler transmitted to the Secretary of War copies of a correspondence between himself and Gen. Phelps, in relation to the military employment of the negroes of Louisiana.
—This morning at daylight a band of one hundred and twenty-five rebels attacked seventy-five National troops at Ozark, Mo. The commander of the troops, Capt. Birch, having been apprised of the meditated attack, abandoned his camp and withdrew into the brush. Soon afterward the rebel commander called on him to surrender, but received a volley of musket-balls for a reply. Upon this the rebels fled, leaving most of their arms, their muster-rolls, and correspondence.— (Doc. 167.)
—The bark Harriet Ralli, the first French vessel captured since the commencement of the rebellion, arrived at New-York, from New-Orleans, where she was seized by Gen. Butler a short time after the city was occupied by the National forces. —Large war meetings were held at Lancaster, Pa., and Pittsfield, Mass. At the latter a bounty of ten thousand two hundred dollars was voted.
—The Norfolk, Va., Union newspaper was this day suppressed, for publishing a burlesque proclamation, calculated to bring Commodore Goldsborough into ridicule.
—A sharp fight took place at Orange Court-House, Va., between a reconnoitring party of Union troops, under the command of Gen. Crawford, and a force of rebels, resulting in the flight of the latter. The Unionists had four men killed and twelve wounded.—(Doc. 168.)
 
#692
#692
August 3 1862

— General Sherman, commanding United States forces at Memphis, Tenn., issued an order directing that all able-bodied negroes who might apply for work on Fort Pickering or other Government work, should be received and employed by the proper officer in charge. Such negroes would be supplied with rations, necessary clothing and tobacco. An account would be opened with each individual, and his wages would be charged with the value of the clothing and the tobacco; but no wages would be paid until the courts determined whether the negro was slave or free.
—The British propeller Columbia, with a cargo of twelve Armstrong guns and equipments, several thousand Enfield rifles, and various other munitions of war, was captured, after a chase of seven hours, off the Bahamas, by the United States steamer Santiago de Cuba.—The town of Alexandria, Mo., was this day entered by a band of rebel guerrillas, who pillaged the Union stores of all their arms and ammunition.— The schooner Aquilla was captured by the United States gunboat Huron, while attempting to run the blockade of Charleston, S. C.
—A reconsoissance was made by a force of Union troops, under the command of Col. Averill, from the James River to within fourteen miles of Petersburgh, Va. When about five miles from Cox’s River, they encountered the Thirteenth Virginia cavalry, drawn up in line. The Union troops charged upon them, when they broke and ran for their encampment at Sycamore Church, a distance of two and a half miles, where they again formed, but were again put to flight, leaving behind them all their camp equipage and commissary stores, which the Union troops gathered together and burned. The rebels had six men wounded and two taken prisoners. The Union loss was one horse killed. After scouring the country in that neighborhood, the Unionists returned to their encampment on the James River.
 
#693
#693
August 4 1862

—Gen. James H. Lane, having been appointed by the Government to raise and organize an army in the Department of Kansas, issued a proclamation from his headquarters at Leavenworth City, calling upon the inhabitants of Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Dakota to aid him in the work by volunteering into its ranks.
—In England an important debate took place in the House of Lords, on the propriety of recognizing the Southern Confederacy.
—Governor Sprague, of Rhode Island, issued an order calling upon the colored citizens to enlist into the Sixth regiment of that State, then forming. The regiment was to be composed entirely of colored persons.
—A skirmish took place near Sparta, Tenn., between a small party of Union troops, under the command of Col. Wynkoop, and a superior force of rebels, resulting, after a fight of nearly an hour’s duration, in the retreat of the Nationals. —(Doc. 169.)
—Enthusiastic war meetings were held at Providence, R. I., and Erie, Pa.—Great excitement existed in the Union fleet at Port Royal, S. C, in expectation of the rebel ram Georgia making her appearance among them.
—An order directing “that a draft of three hundred thousand militia be immediately called into the service of the United States, to serve for nine months, unless sooner discharged,” was this day issued from the War Department.—(Doc. 170.)
—In order to provide for the suffering poor of New-Orleans, Gen. Butler issued an order assessing the secessionists of that city, who subscribed to the rebel defence fund, and the cotton brokers who counselled the planters not to bring their staple to market. The amount assessed was three hundred and forty-one thousand nine hundred and sixteen dollars. The Citizens’ Bank of Louisiana, which subscribed three hundred and six thousand four hundred dollars to the defence fund, was assessed seventy-six thousand six hundred dollars.—General Order No. 55.
—A fight took place on the White River, Mo., forty miles from Forsyth, between Col. Lawther and his band of rebels and a party of National troops, under the command of Capt. Birch, of the Fourteenth Missouri State troops, resulting in the defeat of the rebels, with a loss of three killed and seven wounded.
 
#694
#694
August 5 1862

—Recruiting for the old and new regiments under the call of President Lincoln for three hundred thousand men was carried on with the greatest success throughout the North, the citizens of every loyal State vieing with each other in their endeavor to support the Government—The War Department ordered, that the use of the telegraph-lines being required for military purposes, all persons actually employed in constructing and operating telegraph-lines at the date of the order calling for three hundred thousand men, be exempt from military duty so long as they remain in such service.
—The battle of Baton Rouge, La., was fought this day between a large force of rebels under the command of Gen. John C. Breckinridge and the Union forces under Brig.-Gen. Thomas Williams. The rebels made the attack at daylight, when a severe engagement ensued, and the National troops were driven from their position; soon after, however, they rallied and compelled the rebels to retreat, leaving their dead and wounded on the field.—(Doc. 91.)
—A fight took place at Malvern Hill, Va., between a reconnoitring force of Union troops under the command of Gen. Hooker, and a body of rebels stationed on the hill. The fight lasted for nearly two hours, when the rebels retired, taking with them their field-pieces, and leaving the Nationals in possession of the position
 
#695
#695
August 6 1862

—Col. Thomas C. Johnson, aid to the rebel Gen. Price, at Quitman, Miss., issued the following call to the people of that State:
“I am in your midst for the purpose of procuring shoes and yarn-socks for Gen. Price’s army. Some of his veterans—men who have been in six or eight pitched battles and twenty skirmishes— are to-day destitute of these two articles, necessary even in camp, but indispensable when the army takes the field. As this army now guards the gates to the entrance of the Mississippi, preliminary to driving the enemy northward, Gen. Price desires that the patriotic men of this State should furnish the shoes, and her glorious women the yarn-socks. If possible, he would like every white woman in the State to knit at least one pair of socks for his army. While I make this appeal, I think it is proper to add, that I do not ask a donation, but am prepared to pay a liberal price for both shoes and yarn-socks. I shall be pleased to contract with tanners and shoe-manufacturers for shoes now on hand, or to be made hereafter; and will be obliged to any person who will let me know where I can make contracts.
“For socks, all yarn, white or colored, of good size and length in the leg and foot, I will pay seventy-five cents per pair. They may be sent to me or Dr. France at this place, where they will be paid for, or may be left with the station-agent of the nearest depot of any of the three railroads now in our possession, and some time soon I will call or send an agent to get them and pay for them.”
—At Point Pleasant, Mo., a skirmish occurred between the citizens of that place and the State troops, on account of a difficulty growing out of the enrolment act.—A large war meeting was held at Scranton, Pa., at which speeches were made by Galusha A. Grow and W. W. Ketchum.—A skirmish took place near Montevallo, Mo., between a force of Union troops under the command of Major Montgomery, and a small party of rebel guerrillas, resulting in the rout of the latter with great loss.—Springfield (Mo.) Journal, Aug. 11.
—W. D. Porter, commanding a division of the Mississippi gunboat flotilla, with the gunboat Essex, attacked the rebel iron-clad Arkansas, at a point about four miles above Baton Rouge, La., and after a short engagement succeeded in destroying her.—(Doc. 91.)
—Charles A. Carroll, a rebel colonel commanding North-west Arkansas, at Fort Smith, issued general orders compelling all persons in the counties of Benton, Washington, Madison, Carroll, and Newton, between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five to attach themselves at once to the companies raised by him, and declaring “that the oaths administered by the Federals were without legal authority, having no binding efficacy with any civilized people; and a citizen who would think of regarding such iniquitous oaths would be as infamous as those who administered them; and any such would be dealt with as they deserve, understanding at the same time, that the confederate officers everywhere would protect citizens in this their first duty to their country by every means of retaliation necessary to the end in view.” —General Order*.
—At Harrisburgh, Pa., Gen. Wadsworth, by direction of the War Department, arrested the editors and publishers of the Patriot and Union, charged with issuing treasonable posters, calculated to retard and embarrass recruiting throughout Pennsylvania.
—Brigadier-general Robert L. McCook, died from wounds received from a party of guerrillas, who attacked him while proceeding in an ambulance from Athens, Ala., to the National camp near Dechard, Tenn.—(Doc. 172.)
—A Reconnoissance was made from General Burnside’s army by two forces, one under command of Gen. Gibbon, and the other under Acting Brig.-Gen. Cutler, for the purpose of breaking the railroad communication with Richmond, Va. The first advanced as far as the Mattapony River, where they were met by a force of Gen. Stuart’s rebel cavalry, when a skirmish ensued, resulting in the retreat of the rebels. Gen. Hatch having joined Gen. Gibbon, the two forces crossed the river and advanced seven miles, but learning that a large rebel force was on his right, and fearing lest he should be cut off, Gen. Gibbon retraced his steps and returned to camp without having accomplished the object for which he was sent The column under Gen. Cutler was more successful. It advanced to Frederickshall Station, and tore up a section of the railroad, destroyed the water-tanks, five thousand bushels of grain and a quantity of whisky; cut the telegraph-wires and blew up the road-bed. One detachment was sent above and another below the station, both doing great damage. On returning to camp, a large bridge on the Pamunky River was burned to prevent the rebels from following. The expedition was considered satisfactory, and returned to camp with a loss of one killed and seventy-two taken prisoners.
—Yesterday and to-day a series of sharp skirmishes occurred near Tazewell, Tenn., between a body of Union troops under the command of Col. De Courccy, and a superior force of rebels, resulting on each occasion, in a repulse of the latter with considerable loss.—(Doc. 173.)
—An enthusiastic war meeting was held at Washington, D. C, at which patriotic resolutions were adopted and speeches made by President Lincoln, Gen. Shields, and others.—(Doc. 174.)
James Samuel Wadsworth (October 30, 1807 – May 8, 1864) was a philanthropist, politician, and a Union general in the American Civil War. He was killed in battle during the Battle of the Wilderness of 1864.
 
#696
#696
Battle of Fort Sanders - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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