The Civil War Day By Day Sesquicentennial Thread

[Pepe_Silvia]

New Gettysburg show/documentary on History Channel next Monday. Looks remotely interesting.
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Saw a commercial for that the other day. Looks worth watching. I still need to see that movie about the Lincoln assassination.

 

[farmersdaughter]

May 26, 1861

A letter from Major Sprague, U. S. A., giving an account of affairs in Texas, since the arrest of the federal troops in that locality, was published in the Albany (N. Y.) Argus.— (Doc. 197.)

—The privateer Calhoun, Capt. Wilson, arrived at New Orleans, La., having in tow the following prizes: schooners John Adams and Mermaid, of Provincetown, Mass., and the brig Panama, of Boston, Mass.; all these are whalers, and have on board about 215 bbls. of sperm and black whale oil. They were taken about 10 miles from the passes; their crews number 63 men; and all of them told that these vessels had been whaling for some time and cruising in the Gulf —Natchez Courier, May 30.

—The Mobile Register of yesterday, after announcing the invasion of Virginia by the Federal troops, observes: “Servile insurrection is a part of their programme, but they expect no great amount of practical good to result therefrom—consequently, it is contended that it would be a far better course of policy for the Abolitionists to murder the slaves and thus exterminate slavery. A more monstrous proposition could not emanate from the most incarnate fiend among the damned. But infamous as it is it finds an advocate in the abolition press. The slaves are to be indiscriminately slaughtered, and when the last one is butchered, then it it is thought the institution will cease to exist. The soul recoils in horror at the idea of an unscrupulous war upon the innocent and defenseless slave. The Syrian massacre of the Christians and all the crimes of its bloody participants pale before the proposed atrocities of the Black Republicans. Their masters, however, in this, as all other instances, will be their protectors and saviors. With this much of their published programme, we must not be surprised at any act or threat as the campaign advances.”

—A correspondent writes from Montgomery to the New Orleans Delta:—”The startling intelligence of the invasion of the soil of Virginia, and the actual occupation of Alexandria by United States forces, was received here last evening. The Cabinet, I am informed, immediately went into a procrastinated session. No event since the initiation of this revolution has ever created a sensation so profound, and so sorrowful. The mere taking of a deserted and exposed village, is in itself nothing; but when regarded as indicative of the future policy of the old Government, it at once becomes a question pregnant with great importance. Mr. Lincoln has declared in his proclamation, and at various other times reiterated the expression, that the only object his Government had in view, was the retaking and the reoccupation of what he asserted to be Government property; but now, in the face of this promise, which has gone before the world, he converts his Abolition horde into an army of invasion, and now occupies a city within the boundaries of our Republic. This Government has no longer an election. Its duty is now manifest to all. The nation must rise as a man and drive the hireling miscreants from a soil polluted by the foulness of their tramp. Virginia alone could speedily perform the work of expurgation, but her cause is now our cause, her battles our battles, and let the Government at large pour a continuous stream of men into Virginia, and preserve from dishonor that patriotic mother of States.”

—The rebel Congress passed an act to prohibit the exportation of cotton, except through Southern seaports.—(Doc. 198.)

—This afternoon at about 4 o’clock, Gen. McClellan, commanding the military department of Ohio, received information that two bridges had been burned near Farmington, on the B. & O. R. R., and that arrangements had been made to burn the others between that point and Wheeling. The general had been making arrangements to move on Grafton in force, but this intelligence caused him to hasten his movements. He returned at once to Cincinnati and issued telegraphic orders for an advance. One column was directed to move from Wheeling and Bellaire, under command of Col. B. F. Kelly, 1st Virginia Volunteers; another from Marietta, on Parkersburg, under Col. Steedman, 14th Ohio Volunteers. These officers were directed to move with caution, and to occupy all the bridges, etc., as they advanced. A proclamation to Virginians, and address to the troops, were issued by Gen. McClellan simultaneously with the advance.—(Doc. 199.)

—The First Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers, Colonel Tappan, passed through New York on their way to the seat of war. The regiment left Camp Union, at Concord, yesterday morning. Its progress through Massachusetts and Connecticut was an ovation, crowds assembling at all the stations to give them a greeting.—(Doc. 200.)

—Postmaster-General Blair issued the following order:—”All postal service in the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas, will be suspended from and after the 31st inst. Letters for offices temporarily closed by this order, will be forwarded to the dead letter office, except those for Western Virginia, which will be sent to Wheeling.”—Boston Transcript, May 27.

After more than a month of quiet standoffs, it appears as though civil war has begun in earnest. The Union occupation of Alexandria marks the first concerted effort by either side to cross the border into hostile territory. Furthermore, it is unlikely to pass without some form of retaliation on the part of Confederate forces. Although the Federal forces taking the city met with little resistance, Confederate forces in Virginia have been preparing for such an attack for weeks, and a sizable number of Southern troops are stationed in Richmond, in Harper’s Ferry, and along the banks of the Potomac, not far from the Federal forces in Alexandria or* Maryland.

It remains only to be seen who will attack first, and where. Federal forces in Alexandria have spent the past two days reinforcing their position around the city, claiming Arlington Heights and ferrying cannons and other artillery across the river to help fortify their camp. It is unclear, however, whether these troops intend to remain in the city to better protect the capital, or whether they will use Alexandria as a staging area for attacks farther into Confederate territory. Despite the recent escalation in the conflict, President Lincoln has made no official statement contradicting his previous position that troops would be used only to protect the capital and nothing more. If this remains the President’s position, the forces are likely to remain in Alexandria as an advance guard against forces moving towards Washington. There is good reason to believe, however, that the President may have more ambitious plans for these troops. It was many weeks ago that General Scott claimed that he had sufficient troops to defend the capital from any likely attack, yet troops have continued to pour into the city unabated for weeks, suggesting that some further action may be planned. Additionally, Lincoln’s primary goal when articulating this position had been to preserve the loyalty of the Border States. With North Carolina’s defection to the Confederacy on Monday, however, a majority of these states have slipped away in spite of his efforts, suggesting that this policy has failed, freeing his hand to take more direct action.

The Confederates, for their part, are unlikely to allow Union forces to occupy their territory unanswered. Northern and Central Virginia are already full of well-armed troops, and more continue to pour in every day from points further south. The question is now where they will choose to attack first. The Union force in Alexandria marks the first true invasion of their territory, but, due to its proximity to Washington and all the Union forces stationed there, it may be deemed too risky to attack this position directly.* Confederate forces may instead attack western Maryland from their position near Harper’s Ferry, where they have reportedly already set up a beachhead on the Maryland side of the river. Although Union troops have been stationed in this area, there are considerably fewer than in the area surrounding the capital, which may make this a more enticing area for a counterattack; for weeks, Maryland residents have anticipated such an attack to occur any day now. Indeed, due to the recent secessionist sentiment expressed in Baltimore, the Confederacy may hope to win the support of the people of Maryland, thus isolating the capital and rendering it nearly indefensible. It is probably too soon at this point to predict where the first major battle of this conflict will be fought, but the die has now been cast, rendering such a meeting inevitable
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[farmersdaughter]

Monday, May 27, 1861

Alexandria remains quiet after Union forces took the city following a short clash on Friday. Thousands of Federal troops are now working on bolstering the city’s defenses and constructing several fortifications. Colonel Wilcox declared Martial Law yesterday and General Sanford released a statement to the residents of Fairfax County, reassuring them that they “may return to and remain in their homes, and pursue their usual pacific occupations in peace and confidence, and with the assured protection to their persons and property, as the United States forces in Virginia will be employed for no other purpose than that of suppressing unlawful combinations against the constituted authorities of the Union, and of causing the law thereof to be duly respected and executed.” However, Virginians are reportedly leaving the city en masse and “as fast possible.”

The New York Times reported that Federal troops, led by General Butler, seized the town of Hampton without incident. However, according to Southern dispatches, Virginia forces burned down the town’s bridge, killed seven hundred Federal troops, and forced Union forces to retreat to Fort Monroe.

The U.S.S. Powhatan is being used to block the port in Mobile, Alabama, while the U.S.S. Brooklyn has been moved into a blockade position in New Orleans, Louisiana.

According Postmaster General Montgomery Blair, mail to the Confederate states will be discontinued after the 31st, with the exception of letters directed to residents in western Virginia and Tennessee, as the latter’s secessionist position is “not being regarded as complete.”* Letters to all other seceded states will be redirected to the dead letter office in Washington, D.C.

After lying in state in the East Room of the White House, the body of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth arrived in New York City. Dozens of dignitaries and military personnel joined his family and friends in memorializing the fallen leader of the First Fire Zouaves in a private service at the Astor House. *Following the ceremony, the body was transported to City Hall where ten thousand mourners were able to pay their respects to the Union hero. *Meanwhile, the Richmond Daily Dispatch supplies readers with grim details about the death of Colonel Ellsworth in Alexandria:

Ellsworth ascended to the roof of the Marshall House, and secured the secessionist flag. Coming down with the flag wrapped around him, he met Mr. Jackson, when Ellsworth remarked, Here, I have got a prize.” Jackson replied, “Yes, and here is another prize.” –at the same time leveling his double barrel shot-gun, and shooting Ellsworth dead on the spot.

James Jackson was immediately killed and is being hailed as a martyr across the South.

—Emerson Etheridge, of Tennessee, addressed the citizens of Louisville, Ky., on the great questions which are dividing the South at the present time. He commenced his address with an allusion to the distracted condition of the country, congratulating himself and his audience that he stood upon Kentucky soil, a State that was yet loyal to the Union. He clearly proclaimed himself for his country, first, last, and forever. Having but recently come from a State in which anarchy reigned supreme, he could the better appreciate the blessings of political liberty which were yet vouchsafed to Kentuckians, and which he felt Kentuckians had the patriotism, the gallantry, and the power to perpetuate. He drew a picture of Kentucky in her proud position as a sister in the Union of the States, of her wealth, of her usefulness as an asylum for the oppressed of both sections of our unhappy and divided country, and of her grandeur in after days when she has safely outridden the storm which wrecked the frailer sisterhood around her. While he dealt deadly blows to the apologists of dissolution, he spoke cheering words of comfort and assurance to the friends of the Union. He was withering in his denunciation of rebellion, powerful in argument, ready and illustrative in anecdote, and fervid and glowing in eloquence.—Louisville Journal, May 28.

—General Beauregard issued orders in Charleston, relinquishing command of the forces around Charleston to Col. R. H. Anderson.—Augusta Chronicle, May 28.

—In the case of John Merryman, a secessionist arrested in Baltimore and detained a prisoner in Fort McHenry, a writ of habeas corpus was issued by Judge Taney, made returnable this day in the United States District Court. Gen. Cadwallader declined surrendering the prisoner till he heard from Washington, and an attachment was issued for Gem Cadwallader.—N. Y. Times, May 28.

—The United States steamer Brooklyn arrived off the Pass L’Outre bar at the mouth of the Mississippi, and commenced the blockade of that river.—N. O. Picayune, May 28.

—Brigadier-General McDowell, U. S. army, took command of the Union forces in Virginia, and relieved Major-General Sandford, N. Y. State Militia.—N. Y. Herald, May 28.

—George W. Thompson, one of the judges of the Circuit Court of the State of Virginia, issued a proclamation ordering the rebels in the western part of that State to disperse. Peculiar interest attaches to the document from the fact that one of Judge Thompson’s sons, W. P. Thompson, a young lawyer, resident at Fairmont, is aide-de-camp to Gem Thomas S. Haymond, commander of the confederate forces in Western Virginia, and the leader of the first company which marched on Grafton. Another of his sons is also a secessionist, and a private in the same company.—(Doc. 201.)

—The blockade of Mobile (Ala.) harbor was commenced. The Natchez Courier of to-day says:—”Fort Morgan welcomed the blockading fleet by displaying the U. S. flag, with the Union down, from the same staff, and below the confederate flag.”

—Col. A. Duryea. was placed in command of the camp near Fortress Monroe, by Major-General Butler.—(Doc. 202.)

—The Twentieth N. Y. Volunteer Regiment left New York city for the seat of war.—(Doc. 203.)

—The First Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, Col. Kelly, stationed at Wheeling, Va., left that place at 7 A. M., and moved towards Grafton. After their departure, the Sixteenth Ohio Regiment, 1,000 strong, stationed at Bellaire, Ohio, under command of Col. Irvine, crossed the Ohio and followed Col. Kelly’s command. The Fourteenth Ohio Regiment, Col. Steadman, crossed the Ohio, at Marietta, about the same time, and occupied Parkersburg. At midnight the rebels evacuated Grafton in great haste.—(Doc. 104.)

—The Washington Artillery of New Orleans, La., left that city for Virginia. Previous to their departure, they were addressed by the Rev. Dr. Palmer.
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[PandamoniumReigns]

FD - Thank you for keeping this thread alive. I read it every day!

 

[MWR]

FD - Thank you for keeping this thread alive. I read it every day!

+1

And volst53's work, also.

 

[GoBigOrangeVols]

FD - Thank you for keeping this thread alive. I read it every day!

Me too. I'm really enjoying it, and we aren't even to the good parts yet.

 

[BigAl]

May 27 1861 -

William B. Taney, Chief Justice of the United States, ruled that the president did not have the power to suspend the right of habeas corpus. John Merryman had been arrested in Maryland by military authorities for allegedly recruiting for the Confederate army. “Ex Parte Merryman” was hotly debated. Lincoln, maintaining that the Constitution permitted suspension of rights in cases of rebellion or time of war, simply ignored the ruling.

Uh oh, just realized this was included in above post, sorry. Still reading through the thread, great idea!

 

[IPorange]

Awesome thread, still keeping up.

 

[farmersdaughter]

May 28 1861

The forty-seventh annual meeting of the American Baptist Missionary Union, was held in the Pierrepont Street Baptist Church, Brooklyn, Ex-Gov. Briggs, of Massachusetts, in the chair. The exercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Welch. The Chairman then addressed the meeting at some length, setting forth the object for which they had assembled. In reference to the present state of the country, he said that soldiers were now to be seen in every direction, flags were floating from every window in every street, old and young were rallying round the standard of the Government to sustain order and law, but amid all this outburst of enthusiasm the Prince of Peace must not be deserted. He was sure that the cause of all our difference with the South was owing to their misapprehension of the sentiments of the North, and he believed that if the heart of the North could be unveiled to their brethren of the South, all our national troubles would cease at once. Speaking of the charge made against the North by the Rev. Dr. Fuller of Baltimore—that the bad men of the North, the pastors, the churches, and the politicians, all united in crying for blood—for the blood of the Southern people, he inquired if this was the case? The congregation at once responded a vigorous “No.” “No,” said he, a more cruel, more unfounded charge never issued from the mouth of man. He denied that any such sentiments as Dr. Fuller had imputed to the North were entertained by Northern Christians. He hoped that the Union would place their sentiments on this subject on record, that the world might judge between truth and error.—N. Y. Tribune, May 29.

—The Ninth New York Regiment, which was the first to offer their services to the Government, arrived at Washington. Having enlisted for three years, they lose their identity as State militia, and at once enter service as United States troops. Eight hundred of them are fully uniformed, and will prove a valuable acquisition to the regular army.—(Doc. 206.)—National Intelligencer, May 29.

—A new military department is formed by Gen. Scott, out of that portion of Virginia lying east of the Alleghenies and north of James River, exclusive of Fortress Monroe and vicinity, and Brigadier General McDowell is appointed to its command. His staff consists of Colonel P. Stone, Fourteenth Infantry, who has recently rendered inestimable services in organizing the District of Columbia Militia; Captain B. O. Tyler, Brevet Captain James B. Fry, and Lieutenant Putnam, of the Topographical Engineers. —N. Y. Herald, May 29.

—The blockade of the port of Savannah was initiated by the U. S. gunboat Union.—Savannah Republican, May 31.

—Brigadier-General Pierce, Massachusetts Militia, was appointed to succeed Gen. Butler, promoted. He left for Washington immediately. Col. Waite, Major Sprague, and the other officers who were captured in Texas, and liberated on parole not to serve against the Confederate States, reached Washington, and reported to the War Department. Col. Lefferts, at Battalion Drill, took the sentiment of the Seventh N. Y. S. M., about remaining until ordered home by Government, their time having expired. Furloughs were offered to all who wished, but only five out of 1,225 asked for them.—N. Y. Times, May 29.

—In the case of Gen. Cadwallader, whose arrest for contempt of Court was ordered, the Marshal reported that, on going to Fort McHenry, he was refused admittance.—(Doc. 207.)

—The Chautauqua Volunteers, under the command of Capt. James M. Brown, left Jamestown, New York, for active service.—Chautauqua Democrat, May 29.

—In the English House of Commons, a debate on British relations with America took place, being opened by a communication from Lord John Russell concerning the blockade. Lord John stated that Lord Lyons had properly said to Admiral Milne that the blockade, if sufficient, must be respected. Mr. T. Duncombe spoke with some warmth on the treatment which British subjects received in the Southern States, and commented with great severity on the piratical offer of $20 per head offered by the rebels for every person killed on board an American vessel. The debate was further continued by Mr. B. Osborne, Mr. Bright, Mr. Gregory, and Mr. Bouverie. Mr. Gregory treated the reported offer spoken of as a newspaper rumor, and declared that he should, on the 7th, press his motion for the acknowledgment of the “Confederate States.”—(Doc. 207½.)

—Judge Hall’s charge to the grand jury at Rochester, N. Y., on the law of treason, was published.—N. Y. World, May 28.

—Two letters from Edward Bates, Attorney-General of the United States, to John Minor Botts of Virginia, were made public.—(Doc. 208.)

—The assertion of the Governor of Georgia, that property of citizens of that State found in the State of New York is forcibly taken from its owners, is denied in a letter published this day, signed by the officers of seven New York banks.—(Doc. 209.)

—The Rochester Regiment, Colonel Quimby, and the Syracuse Regiment, Colonel Walrath, left Elmira, N. Y., for the seat of war.—Buffalo Courier, May 31.

—The Garibaldi Guard, under the command of Colonel D’Utassy, left New York for the seat of war

Federal troops will hold their current positions in Virginia before continuing onwards as General Butler wants a force of 15,000 strong before trying to advance further. The troops will instead focus on securing and strengthening the positions they hold now.* Union forces captured two secessionist scouts near Fairfax-Court House yesterday. The troops also discovered – but did not engage with – a company of Virginia Calvary numbering about 80, significantly less than the 8,000 secessionist soldiers that had been reported in the area*earlier.

The New York Times has learned the details of the government’s strategic plans towards the seceding states: President Lincoln hopes to effectively put down the rebellion by the Fourth of July through synchronized attacks on “Norfolk, Richmond, Harpers Ferry, and Pensacola, and that a flotilla be sent down the Mississippi River. There is to be no trifling. Good citizens will be protected, but traitors will be hung and their property will be confiscated.”

Confederate President Jefferson Davis*traveled to Pensacola, Florida, to assess the feasibility of erecting “an impregnable iron fortress” to counterbalance Union-held Fort Pickens.* The structure is the idea of a Mr. Hall, an Englishman “who sends journeymen around the world to build ‘indestructible forts for the best bidder.’” However, the construction of such a fortress will undoubtedly be hindered by the Northern blockade.

The much-discussed Border State Convention finally began yesterday in Frankfort, Kentucky, months after it was initially proposed. Delegates from Missouri and Kentucky appointed former Senator John Crittenden as Chairman but the Convention adjourned early to await the arrival of more delegates. The event is not well covered in the press and a reporter in Washington admits that the convention “attracts very little attention here, and is not considered of any particular political importance.* There has hardly been a comment concerning it in political or Government circles.”
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[farmersdaughter]

Wednesday, May 29, 1861

General Butler has not commenced operation in Norfolk yet, due to a lack of reinforcements. It is difficult to get an accurate count of the number of troops in Norfolk, but there have been rumors that there may be as many as 20,000. The majority of these men are Southern and ally themselves with secessionists. An informant has asserted that at least 15,000 of these troops are tasked with defending Richmond. Batteries have been set up along the stream and fortifications have been built between the place of landing and the city.

There are updates from the Border State convention. The resolution proposed by Mr. Wickliffe, regarding the appointment of a committee to consider the subjects that the convention was called for, has been adopted. Crittenden’s original amendment proposed to the Senate of the United States is also adopted. This amendment looks to secure for the slave states just and equal rights under the Constitution. Full delegations will be arriving from Missouri and Kentucky.

Sergeant F. B. Marshall of Company A, First Regiment New-York Zouaves, denies any truth to the rumors that two of his men have been condemned to be shot. The rumor came out of the re-arrest of members of the regiment. The four men had previously been dismissed and relieved of their uniforms. Despite this second arrest, no execution orders have been given. These men are not the only example of soldiers drummed out of their regiment. John Abbot, Second Lieutenant of Company A, Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment, was tried yesterday on the charges of using seditious language against the government. He was convicted and deprived of his uniform.

It looks as though the South can live in spite of the blockade. Reports from farms indicate that the crops currently in the field may produce the most promising yield in years. Southerners in general are determined to fully develop their own resources and adopt a rigid economy in order to support their cause. Ironically, a planter from Texas says that Northern grain improves Southern soil.

Word has arrived that on May 14*Queen Victoria made a proclamation regarding our current struggles. She urged British citizens to refrain from involving themselves in our war, stating:

And we do hereby strictly charge and command all our loving subjects to observe a strict neutrality in and during the aforesaid hostilities, and to abstain from violating or contravening either the laws and statutes of the realm in this behalf, or the law of nations in relation thereto, as they will answer to the contrary at their peril.

The Queen went on to detail the actions her citizens are prohibited from taking part in. Any Englishmen found to be aiding either side will face legal consequences.

A mass meeting of leading members of the Baptist Church was held at Brooklyn, N. Y., for the purpose of giving formal expression to their feelings, as a religious community in the present crisis, and to record their attachment to the Union, and their determination to uphold the efforts of the Federal Government, in behalf of the Constitution.—(Doc. 211.)

—The Brooklyn, Capt. Poore, entered the Mississippi River, below New Orleans, and sent out a number of boats, strongly manned with armed men, to board the ships lying on the bar, to acquaint them of the terms of the blockade. After some discussion, it was agreed that the ships on the bar should have fourteen days to go out. Capt. Poore also made a full survey and soundings of the river.—N. O. Delta, May 31.

—A statement of the Geographical arrangements of the army of the United States, corrected to date, is published.—(Doc. 212.)

—President Davis reached Richmond this morning, accompanied by his nephew, Mr. Joseph Davis, Col. Northrop, of the Confederate Army, and Col. Wigfall. Gov. Letcher and the Executive Council met and received the President at Petersburg. An immense assemblage welcomed his arrival at Richmond, with the most enthusiastic demonstrations of delight. The President, in a brief address, thanked the multitude for the hearty reception given him.—N. O. Delta, May 30.

—To-day the American flag was raised over the late residence of Lieutenant-General Scott, at Elizabethtown, N. J., in the presence of about five thousand people. When the flag was given to the breeze, the “Star-Spangled Banner” was sung, the vast concourse of people joining the chorus, producing a fine effect. Mayor Burnett presided, and speeches were made by William F. Day and Rev. Hobart Chetwood, which were received with great applause.—N. Y. Commercial, May 30.

—The correspondence in relation to the establishment of a department of nurses, and the acceptance of the services of Miss Dix, by the Secretary of War, is published.—(Doc. 213.)

—The New Orleans True Delta of this day contains the following:—”We have again and again received information of the motions and sentiments of vagabond free persons of color, upon whom it would be well that the police should keep an eye. These men are without ostensible means of earning a livelihood, and are, by many degrees, too familiar with our slave population, instilling into their minds sanguine notions of the ‘good time’ to be experienced in the event of Lincoln’s hoped-for success over the Southern people. The lake end of the Pontchartrain Railroad is infested with persons of this character, who exhibit a remarkable shrewdness in broaching their pestiferous hints and suggestions. The city also affords rendezvous, at which there are gathered knots of these vagabonds at unseasonable hours. Of course the localities are selected with a view to privacy and remoteness from the inquisitive eyes of the watchman. Careful espionage may bring to light the object of these nocturnal consultations.”

—The Twentieth, Twenty-first, and Twenty-fourth Regiments of Pennsylvania militia left Philadelphia for Chambersburg.—N. Y. Commercial, May 30.

—Colonel Mann’s Regiment of Pennsylvania militia, arrived at Easton, Pa., and went into camp.—(Doc. 214.)

—The American citizens in Paris favorable to the Union breakfasted together in the Hotel du Louvre. About one hundred and fifty attended, of whom one-third were ladies, including the wife of General Scott. Mr. Cowdin presided. Resolutions were adopted, pledging the meeting to maintain the Union under any circumstances. Mr. Dayton, the U. S. Minister, said that, since his arrival in France, be could detect no unfriendly feeling on the part of France to the United States, and certainly no French citizen would be found among the privateersmen. He expressed the conviction that the rebellion would be put down. Cassius M. Clay spoke at length, and was emphatic in his comments on the conduct of England in recognizing Southern belligerent rights. He declared that if ever the flag of England was associated with the black flag of the South, the Star-Spangled Banner of the United States and the tricolor of France would be seen together against her, for France had not forgotten St. Helena. Hon. Anson Burlingame spoke on the same topic. Col. Fremont was next called upon, and was received with enthusiasm. He made a quiet and moderate speech. He regretted the fanatical war, and felt confident it would end in the triumph of truth and justice. He had been called back to America, and would lose no time in responding. He was ready to give his best services to his country. Rev. Dr. McClintock followed. He said he did not attach any importance to the mutterings of the English press. The people of England had not yet spoken, and when they did speak, their voices would not be found on the side of piracy and slavery. Capt. Simons, of the U. S. Army, said he was on his way home, in obedience to the summons of Gen. Scott. Mr. Haldeman, Minister to Vienna, and Rev. Mr. Thayer, also spoke. All the speakers evinced not the slightest doubt of the final triumph of the North.— Galignani’s Messenger, May 30.

—The London News, of this date, contains a remarkable article on the “War in America.”
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[farmersdaughter]

Thursday, May 30, 1861

Ohio troops have entered Western Virginia. Colonel Kelly of the First Regiment of Virginia Volunteers left Wheeling on Monday morning, moving towards Grafton. Shortly thereafter, the Sixteenth Ohio Regiment commanded by Colonel Irvine moved across the Ohio and followed Kelly’s command. Colonel Steadman then brought the Fourteenth Ohio Regiment to occupy Parkersburgh. It is very possible the Colonel Kelly is now in possession of Grafton, as the Secessionists left in great haste.

Before their departure from Ohio, the soldiers received a proclamation from Major General McClellan. Among his comments to them were the following:

Remember, each one of you holds in his keeping the honor of Ohio and of the Union. If you are called upon to overcome armed opposition, I know your courage is equal to the task. Remember that your only foes are armed traitors; and show mercy even to them when in your power, for many of them are misguided. When under your protection the loyal men of Western Virginia shall have been enabled to organize and form until they can protect themselves, you can return to your homes with the proud satisfaction of having preserved a gallant people from destruction.

There is updated news out of Alexandria. Firstly, the city is now held by the New York 71st, Michigan, and Zouaves Regiments. Also present are one company of U.S. Calvary and one company of U.S. Artillery. The presence of these troops has not been welcomed. In one incident, two men of the city pledged their loyalty to the Union and were granted passage by the guards. Immediately following, they got into the bushes and began firing on the men of the Artillery. Both were pursued and shot. On a related note, an estimated three hundred families have enlisted in the Southern army.

A steam gun-boat, the Pembroke, arrived in Boston Sunday last. It sailed from Fort Monroe and was populated by several passengers, including refugees from the Virginia. The New York Times asserts that most of these individuals “had to leave their entire property in the hands of the rebels.” We have received no first hand accounts from the passengers to confirm this statement.

Rumors out of Washington imply conflicting thoughts on a speedy termination to the war. According to a correspondent of the New York Times, the Southern military is being forced to realize the formidability of the United States Government. However, this does not mean that Secessionists are ready to surrender. As the correspondent points out, “they contend that as theirs is to be a defensive warfare, they hold the advantage by being on their own soil, defending their homes; that they are masters of the situation by reason of their thorough knowledge of the country.”

The death of Colonel Ellsworth is having a marked effect on Northerners. It appears that during a march to take possession of the telegraph office, Ellsworth noticed a secession flag flying from the top of a building. He entered the building and removed the flag. On his way out, a secessionist shot Ellsworth with a double barreled shot gun, killing him instantly. Ellsworth’s companion then killed the secessionist. The New York Herald states, “The fact of his death was kept for two hours from his men, to prevent demonstrations of violence.” There are rumors that President Lincoln shed tears when he was told of Ellsworth’s demise.

Colonel Ellsworth’s last letter to his parents before his recent death in Alexandria is circulating throughout the Union states. Perhaps most striking in the missive is its fatalistic tone. Ellsworth apparently believed that this mission was likely to be his last. He writes:

Whatever may happen, cherish the consolation that I was engaged in the performance of a sacred duty; and to-night, thinking over the probabilities of the morrow and the occurrences of the past, I am perfectly content to accept whatever my fortune may be, confident that He who noteth even the fall of the sparrow will have some purpose even in the fate of one like me.

We offer our condolences to the parents of Colonel Ellsworth and to all the relatives of all those who have fallen in this struggle

N. P. Banks, of Massachusetts, was appointed a Major-General, and Robert C. Schenck, of Ohio, a Brigadier-General in the Army. The eminent intelligence, energy, and activity of these distinguished citizens render their appointment signally judicious and fortunate.—National Intelligencer, June 1.

—The Twelfth, Onondaga, and the Thirteenth, Rochester, N. Y., Regiments, commanded by Colonels Mulrath and Trumby, left Elmira for Washington. The Buffalo and Cayuga Regiments escorted them to the depot. An immense crowd was present to witness their departure.—N. Y. Commercial, May 30.

—The New Orleans Delta of to-day says: “Henceforth all the cotton and other produce of the South destined for foreign markets must go from our seaports. So it has been determined by our Congress at Montgomery. The only exemption under the law is in favor of the trade between Mexico and Northwestern Texas. This is a wise measure. The threat of the Northern journals to force our shipments of produce to the North by a blockade of our seaports is thus promptly met, and their scheme defeated. Now, let us see who can stand the embargo longest. Our cotton and tobacco planters can go on and gather the immense crops which this season promises, and store them in their barns and warehouses, only sending to the ports what may be necessary to pay expenses, and which our friends from abroad insist upon having, and will take all the risk of buying and sending abroad. Meantime, what with two crops of corn, and any quantity of other produce, we can maintain a very comfortable existence. The negroes not being hurried to take off the crops, will have a very easy time of it. Their truck patches will supply them with an abundance of good vegetables. Their only trouble is that they can’t go to the war and help their young masters to wallop the Abolitionists. This is rather hard upon them, especially as every plantation and household will have one or more of their race to represent them in battle. ‘Old Wirginny’ is the dance ground of our negroes, and to fight for it is their highest ambition. One of our negro acquaintances asked us a few days ago to intercede with his master to allow him to go on with one of our volunteer companies to the scene of war, stating that he wanted to fight for the graves of his ancestors, and he could not understand why his master should object to his going, when the Massachusetts people had placed a negro in command of one of their divisions. The story of General Butler’s African descent had been communicated to him.”

—The Sixth Indiana Regiment, Colonel Crittenden, fully armed and equipped, passed through Cincinnati, O., on their way to the scene of action. The Dunkirk Battalion left Dunkirk for the city of New York. At Bethlehem, Pa., a very interesting ceremony took place at the Young Ladies’ Seminary. Three national flags were raised on the principal buildings. Mr. Van Kirk, one of the Professors, made a patriotic speech, and the pupils, who were gathered upon the roof of the Seminary, amid loud cheers, raised the Star-Spangled banner. Nearly two hundred young ladies joined in singing national airs. After the ceremonies, the pupils, with flags and banners, paraded the town.—N. Y. Tribune, May 31.

—The U. S. ship Brooklyn captured the bark H. J. Spearing, from Rio Janeiro for New Orleans, with $120,000 worth of coffee.—N. O. Picayune, May 31.

—A portion of the Confederate troops were ordered away from Pensacola. Little apprehension of a fight existed there. General Twiggs was put in command of the Military Department of Louisiana.—Montgomery Post, May 31.

—Gen. Butler, having asked information from head-quarters in reference to the matter of fugitive slaves, was ordered to retain such as came within his lines, employ them, and keep an account of their services and expenses. —(Doc. 215.)

—The New Orleans Delta of to-day publishes the following concerning the condition of society in New Orleans:—“Personal security is fast becoming a matter of doubtful assurance. Men of high and low estate are met upon the street, assaulted, and in many cases murderously used, with an insolent disregard of law which argues a conviction of escape from punishment.”

—A party of rowdies left Baltimore at night to go to Federal Hill and kill some of the U. S. picket-guard there, but the guard shot three, and the rest fled. The Fire Zouaves seized sixty kegs of powder and five tons of lead in a house about four and a half miles from the further outpost from Alexandria, Va., southwest from camp. The scouting party who seized it were at a loss to know what to do with the prize. It would not do to leave it, and yet the party was so small and far from camp that they could not separate to go back to give notice; so they took all the lead, and about half the powder, in the only conveyance they could find, and blew up the powder which they could not carry with them by a train which they fired at a safe distance. The explosion was distinctly heard in Washington, and for many miles around.—N. Y. Times, June 1.

—The Ohio and Virginia troops, under command of Col. Kelly, occupied Grafton, Va., at 2½ o’clock P. M. The secessionists fled without firing a gun. The secession troops fell back two miles from Williamsport, on the Potomac, in the direction of Martinsburg. They have about 500 men and two small swivel guns. About 100 desertions have occurred since the Williamsport camp was established.—The Second Maine Regiment, Col. Jamison, left Willets Point, N. Y., for the seat of war.
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[farmersdaughter]

Friday, May 31, 1861

We begin with a word of caution. Persons using firearms must remember that percussion guns or pistols can discharge without the caps. The most recent such incident occurred in Richmond. A young man was badly wounded when a pistol in the hand of a friend accidentally discharged. The pistol had no cap, but there was a small amount of percussion powder on the tube that was sufficient to fire the powder. Please take all necessary measures to avoid similar misfortune.

In other news, Senator Douglas’s health has taken a turn for the worse. For some time he was thought to be getting better, but as of Wednesday night he has been gradually sickening, to the point that his friends and physicians believe he will not last much longer.

The body of a man has been seen hanging in Virginia. The prevailing belief is that he was hanged as a spy. The deceased was the son of a law partner of Louis Mackenzie, who works out of Alexandria. He was taken prisoner by a number of South Carolina volunteers, at which point it was discovered that he was in possession of a map of Harper’s Ferry. This was coupled with a manuscript containing the writer’s thoughts on the effective use of Federal force on that area, evidence which was supposedly sufficient to lead to his hanging.

Twenty thousand troops are converging at Harper’s Ferry. Heavy artillery has been set up at every point. General Lee was supposed to arrive at the camp yesterday, but we do not know at this time whether he did. In related news, General Butler has received reinforcements of 2,000 troops in Norfolk.

A slaver ship, identified as the American schooner*Potoma, was captured in Cardenas ten days ago by the Spanish schooner-of-war Habanero. The Potoma had very recently landed a cargo of Africans before its capture. Both the Potomac and the British steamer-of-war Barracouta, captured last October under suspicion of being involved in the slave trade, have been brought to Havana. A “Court of Mixed Commission” will decide whether these prizes are lawful.

An association has been organized in Albany to raise a regiment in New York in honor of Colonel Ellsworth, whose recent death has so shaken the state. Mayor Thatohre is serving as president, the Honorable Erastus Conning is treasurer and Charles Hughes serves as secretary. The rest of the committee is made up of Lyman Termain, J.K. Porter, J.A. Werner, H.A. Bingham and Jas. M. Cook. The committee proposes that $150,000 be collected through dollar subscriptions. Each village in the state is to select moral, able-bodied, single men under the age of thirty to join the regiment, in the hopes that a regiment will be filled by the end of next month.

The Bank Commissioners in Chicago have called for additional securities on 52 Banks. The facilities have a circulation of $5,000,000, secured by $1,300,000 of Northern state stocks, $5,000,000 of Border State stocks and $800,000 of seceded state stocks. The commissioners’ call gives the banks only until the first of next month to make up the deficit.

No business of importance was transacted by the Border State convention today. We will provide you with updates as we hear of them

-Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon was nothing if not decisive. A few weeks ago he secured the St. Louis Arsenal against Confederate control by arresting the Confederate sympathizers guarding it, in the process setting off a riot that killed 30-some civilians. Today he and local politico Francis Blair took effective control of the city from Gen. William Harney, who they regarded as way too soft on Southern sympathizers if not an outright Confederate himself. They had quietly obtained Lincoln’s permission for this action.

-Joseph Holt, of Kentucky, late Post-Master General, under President Buchanan, wrote a letter to J. F. Speed upon the policy of the General Government, the pending revolution, its objects, its probable results if successful, and the duty of Kentucky in the crisis. It strikes directly at the heart of treason, and gives it no show of quarter. It vindicates the right of the Federal Executive to send troops into or through any State to suppress rebellion, and rebukes unsparingly the neutral position assumed by the half-hearted Unionists of Kentucky. It shows that the crimes and outrages of the rebels are such as no Government could afford to overlook, and that their pretence that they “want to be let alone” is absurd.—(Doc. 197½.)

—The North British Review for this month, discussing the future of the United States, says: “There surely cannot be a permanent retrogression and decay in a nation planted in the noblest principles of right and liberty, and combining, in marvellously adjusted proportions, the vigorous and energetic elements of the world’s master races, in the midst of which the tone is given and the march is led by that one of them which has never faltered in its onward course, and which is possessed of such tenacity and versatility, that it is everywhere successful. The present calamity and confusion probably form the crucible fire in which the Union is to be ‘purified, made white, and tried,’ in order that she may take her destined place in the van of the world’s progress in Christianity and civilization, fulfilling, in the resistless march of her dominant Anglo-Saxon race across the American continent, one grand part of the Divine scheme for the spread of that Gospel which shall survive all changes, overthrow all evils, and achieve its mightiest triumphs in the later days dour world’s history.”

—The Charleston Mercury of to-day contains the following:—“Night and day, for the last two months, has the Northern Government been making herculean efforts in its department of war. Preparation on the most gigantic scale has gone on steadily and unflagging, under the intelligent and able superintendence and direction of General Scott. An immense body of volunteers have been thrown into camp, and are drilling eight hours a day under competent officers of West Point training. The arms at hand have been distributed, and all who are to engage soon in battle, have been thoroughly equipped with the best weapons. Factories for the manufacture of cannon, rifles, sabres, bayonets, and ammunition of every description, are in full operation at the North during the whole twenty-four hours of each day. Agents have long since been sent abroad to Europe to procure and forward as fast as possible cargoes of improved arms, and already they have begun to arrive. Great efforts have also been made for the health, comfort, and supplies of Northern troops. Energy and promptitude have characterized their movements both in Maryland and St. Louis, and their success along the border has so far been complete. They have in the West obtained and secured the great repository of arms for that section, equipped our enemies of St. Louis, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, leaving the resistance men of Missouri poorly provided, Kentucky unarmed and overawed, and Tennessee also, with a meagre provision for fighting, dependent on the Cotton States for weapons of defence. Maryland has been cowed and overpowered, Washington rendered as secure as may be, while Virginia is invaded and Richmond threatened with capture. In all this the military proceedings of the North, since the fall of Sumter, have been eminently wise. For the purpose of overpowering, disheartening, and gaining the first advantages, which, both at home and abroad, are of immense importance, the concentration of all the forces available as promptly as possible, has been clearly the course of generalship and true economy. The first blow is said to be often half the battle. The war policy of Scott and the Northern Government has all the effect of the first blow. The final result we cannot, in the slightest degree, doubt. The immediate signal will depend, in a great measure, upon the number of troops now got ready, and the efficiency of the preparation made for them by the Confederate Government during the same period Scott has been at work. Let us not commit the mistake of underrating our enemy, or of supposing that, in modern warfare, it is only the courage of a people and the relative military talent of their field-officers that decide the issues of war. Ability in combinations and bravery in executing them may fail of success where the material is wanting or deficient. An hour’s delay of a corps of reserve lost the battle of Waterloo; and Napoleon fought the battle with the best troops in the world. They were cut to pieces.”

—The United States ship Powhatan captured the Mary Clinton, from Charleston for New Orleans, off the Pass L’Outre, with a full cargo of rice, peas, &c.—New Orleans Picayune, June 1.

—Mr. W. H. Russell’s letters from the South to the London Times, create much comment. According to one dated April 30, the South Carolinians long for “one of the royal race of England to rule” over them.—(Doc. 217.)

—The Seventh Regiment, N. Y. S. M., left Washington for New York. It made a fine appearance and received on their departure the same warm eulogium that greeted their arrival. —(Doc. 218.)

—The National Intelligencer of to-day contains the correspondence between the bank presidents of the city of New York and the Governor of the State, relative to the proclamation of Governor Brown of Georgia, of the 26th of April last.

—The First Regiment of Maine Volunteers left Portland at 8 30 this morning, in a train of eleven cars. They were escorted through the city by the Fifth Regiment, and nearly the whole population. The train left amid the wildest cheering, and a salute from the artillery.—(Doc. 219.)

—Ex-Governor Pratt, of Maryland, was arrested this evening at Annapolis, by order of the Government, and taken to the Washington Navy-Yard.—Boston Transcript, May 31.

—At Acquia Creek, 55 miles below Washington on the Potomac, the U. S. gun-boat Freeborn, Capt. Ward, opened fire about 10 A. M., on the ferry-boat Page, lying at the depot of the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad. A second round was fired at the depot building, and a third across the bow of the Page. Three batteries on shore, two in the earthwork, near the depot, and a third from the hill above, immediately opened on the Freeborn, when the gun-boat Anacosta came to her assistance. As soon as the vessels had fixed their range they fired with marked effect. The Anacosta took up a position and played upon the depot with rapidity, firing thirteen shells, three of them taking effect and causing much consternation among the rebels. Several of the Freeborn’s shells fell into the batteries. The fire from the earthwork batteries ceased in a short time, but a terrific fire was kept up from the main battery on the hill. The boats hauled off at 10 minutes of 12.
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[farmersdaughter]

Saturday, June 1, 1861

?Union troops in Northwestern Virginia have just seized Grafton, which was surrendered without a fight. Federal troops from Ohio are beginning to arrive in the area in greater numbers, traveling through Wheeling and Marshall County towards Grafton. Although within the state of Virginia, this area is dominated by Unionists, who have requested protection from Union troops. In addition, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad runs through Grafton, which may prove strategically important should fighting in Virginia intensify.

Federal troops in Alexandria appear to be preparing to move out towards the center of the state. Although it is not yet known when they will depart, it appears that they plan to head for Manassas Gap upon leaving the city.

War preparations have intensified under the command of General Butler at Fort Monroe and Newport News, both of which remain under Union control. Numerous ships have sailed for ports in the north bearing men, arms, and supplies; thus far these two camps have provided an effective staging area for Union troops. In addition, a number of fugitive slaves have begun to stream into the camps, though it is not yet known what will be done with them.

At Aquia Creek along the Potomac River, two federal ships have fired upon a Confederate battery on the shore. It is believed that significant damage was done to the battery, while the ships have sustained comparatively little damage. The Creek is located ab0ut 40 miles south of the Capitol.

Confederate troops continue to gather at Harper’s Ferry, where they are said to number up to 20,000. Despite their large numbers, the town itself appears to favor the Union, although Union men are in no position to challenge the troops stationed there. The troops are believed to be commanded by General Lee of Virginia, who only recently defected to the South. For the past few weeks, troops in the city have been plagued by illness, especially smallpox.

Unrest seems to be growing now in Baltimore, following the calm ushered in by the occupation of the city. Although nothing on the level of the riot in April has been reported, there have been numerous attempts to sabotage weapons traveling through the city as well as isolated attempts to attack soldiers posted there. It is believed that Baltimore is extremely displeased by the leadership of commander Cadwalader, who is now infamous for the suspension of the habeus corpus rights of John Merryman, which was recently overruled by Justice Taney. Despite Taney’s insistence, it appears that this writ of habeus corpus will be suspended by an order of President Lincoln. Some rumors state that General Butler will return from Fort Monroe to replace Cadwalader in Baltimore due to his previous success there. Secessionists in Baltimore may also be becoming bolder due to the large Confederate presence at nearby Harper’s Ferry.

General Harney, commander of the Department of Missouri, received orders to step down yesterday, and has relinquished his command of the area. He will be succeeded by General Nathaniel Lyon, who precipitated the affair at Camp Jackson which led to the riots in St. Louis last month. He is regarded as a staunch Union man, and has reportedly been dissatisfied with General Harney’s tolerance of secessionist elements within the state.

Despite the neutrality proclaimed by Governor Magoffin, Kentucky remains a hub for goods being transported to the South. The sizable number of Union men in the state are reportedly planning to halt such shipments, but many fear that this may invite attack by troops in Tennessee.

Secessionists from Paducah in Western Kentucky have abandoned the city to join forces with Confederate troops in Tennessee. Located across the river from Cairo, IL, many expect Northern forces to occupy the town, although no such motion has yet been made. Southern sympathizers have moved further South in an attempt to prevent an invasion of the Confederacy via Kentucky.

The blockade of Southern ports is continuing apace – reports from the Gulf Coast state that the Federal Government has effected a blockade of ports in Texas as well as those in Mississippi, where an unfinished fort on Ship Island off the coast of Biloxi has been destroyed by a Union vessel. According to the New Orleans Picayune, the Brooklyn is now stationed near the mouth of the Mississippi, effectively blockading all ports along the river.

Although the votes from Virginia have not all been tallied, it is clear that a large majority have endorsed secession. It appears, however, that the counties of Northwestern Virginia have bucked this trend and come out strongly for the Union.

General P. G. T. Beauregard, leader of the Confederate batteries in Charleston and Southern hero of the Fort Sumter affair has just arrived in Richmond to help prepare the war effort in Virginia. He has been received warmly by the residents of that city.

The Department of the Navy is preparing to issue an order for the construction of about 30 steam-powered gunboats to aid in the Union war effort

-The Battle of Fairfax Court House (June 1861) was a skirmish between a small Union Regular Army cavalry force and a Virginia (Confederate) militia infantry company in the village of Fairfax Court House in Fairfax County, Virginia on June 1, 1861, during the early days of the American Civil War (Civil War). Captain John Quincy Marr of the Virginia Warrenton Rifles militia company of Fauquier County, Virginia[1] the first Southern (Confederate) officer or soldier to die in combat with Union soldiers, was killed in this small battle. Lieutenant Colonel (later Lieutenant General) Richard S. Ewell of the Provisional Army of the Confederate States was wounded. He was the first field grade Confederate officer wounded in the Civil War. Former and subsequent Virginia governor, former United States Congressman and subsequent Confederate major general William "Extra Billy" Smith took charge of the Warrenton Rifles infantry company after its captain was killed. He assisted Lt. Col. Ewell after he arrived at the scene. Smith finished the affair in command of the company as Ewell went off to send messengers for reinforcements.

The Battle of Fairfax Court House was the first land battle of the Civil War between Union and Confederate land forces after the surrender of Fort Sumter. It occurred two days before the Battle of Philippi, Virginia (later West Virginia) and nine days before the Battle of Big Bethel, Virginia. A small Union cavalry force on a reconnaissance mission to gather information about the strength and disposition of Confederate forces in Fairfax County precipitated the battle when they loudly rode into the village of Fairfax Court House, taking a few prisoners and firing at random, in the early morning of June 1, 1861. Part of the Virginia (Confederate) Warrenton Rifles infantry company resisted the incursion, inflicted a few casualties and forced the Union force to retreat by a different and more circuitous route.

The Union force took five prisoners, killed Captain Marr and wounded at least two others (including Lt. Col. Ewell). They gained some intelligence but a main part of it was not helpful as Union commander Lieutenant Charles Henry Tompkins's estimate of the number of Confederates at Fairfax Court House was wildly inflated. He thought there were "upwards of 1,000 men" at the village, rather than the approximately 210, plus a few civilians, who were actually there. This gave Union generals reason to pause efforts to scout in or occupy additional areas of northern Virginia until over two weeks later, In turn, this may have delayed the Manassas campaign, ultimately giving the Confederates more time to organize and concentrate their forces for the Battle of First Bull Run (Battle of First Manassas). The Union generals did not learn the number and disposition of Confederate forces beyond Fairfax Court House, most importantly those gathering at Manassas Junction, Virginia, from Tompkins's operation. After their initial surprise, the Confederate infantry held a position in the middle of town, inflicted one killed and four wounded on the Union riders and took three prisoners. Their stand forced the Union cavalrymen to retreat from the town to their base near Falls Church, Virginia by a longer route. The engagement has been characterized as inconclusive or indecisive.

-General James Longstreet resigned his commission with the army and offeres his services to the confederacy
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[farmersdaughter]

Sunday, June 2, 1861

?The past week has been a good one for the Union war effort. Over the past seven days, it has made progress on nearly every front in the war. Although these preparations have yet to lead to a proper battle, the Union’s position is growing better by the day as it picks up strategic positions in the east, west and south. Most striking are the advances in the east. In only a few days, Federal troops have expanded their power on all sides of the state of Virginia, capturing Newport News on the eastern coast, Grafton in the northwest, and moving further inland from their position at Alexandria in the north. All of these advances have been met with minimal opposition, which has allowed Union troops to begin encircling the main Confederate forces in the center of the state while protecting Union sympathizers in northwest Virginia. In addition to these advances on the ground are the naval advances along the Potomac, where the Federal Navy is engaging batteries at Aquia Creek where they appear likely to prevail, which could lead to complete naval dominance of the Virginia-Maryland border.

Almost as important are the advances made in the West, especially in Missouri and Illinois. Although Missouri has been torn between secessionists and unionists for the past month, the balance may now be shifting towards the Unionists with the dismissal of General Harney and his replacement by General Lyon, Union hero of the Camp Jackson affair. Lyon is one of the staunchest Union men in the state, and is likely to take action to disarm secessionist elements in the state militia and end the persecution of Unionists in Missouri. The Union cause has also made advances at Cairo, Illinois, long believed to be a likely point of attack by the Confederacy. The anticipated attack has been slow in coming, however, giving Federal forces ample time to fortify the area, which will now prove extremely difficult to attack. Indeed, the forces there have grown so powerful that some in the South now worry that it may be used as a staging area for attacks against their own territory in Tennessee. Although the Union forces have given no indication that they intend to pursue such a plan, the mere existence of these worries is a testament to the changing situation. In addition, the area has great strategic importance on its own; situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, control of Cairo has effectively given the Union control over all traffic on the Ohio River, the gateway to strategically important Kentucky.

Finally, the Union is expanding its dominance at sea as the blockade comes into full force. Although it has been almost two months since the blockade was proclaimed, it has taken time for ships to get into position and has thus far been relatively easy to evade. This week, however, blockades have been established on ports in Savannah, Georgia, Mobile, Alabama, Biloxi, Mississippi, Galveston, Texas, and New Orleans, the gateway to the Mississippi River. Adding to this list Charleston, Pensacola and the entire Virginia Coastline, where blockades have already been in force, makes it clear now that nearly all important Southern ports are blockaded by Union ships, which is liable to seriously cripple Southern commerce. It is well known that the Confederacy expects to rely on the cotton trade to finance its war effort, but the blockade now threatens to stifle this trade, making their position considerably more difficult.

Yet for all this progress, it is still unclear whether the Union can sustain advances of this magnitude. In many ways, the Union has thus far been picking the low-hanging fruit, which accounts for the lack of serious military conflict. Although control of northwestern Virginia is strategically important, the area is dominated by Unionists and relatively free of Confederate troops, making it relatively easy to occupy. The situation is similar in Alexandria and Newport News, which had been largely abandoned by the Confederates prior to their capture. And although the blockade will surely prove extremely useful, it is hardly surprising that the Union should dominate the Confederacy at sea given the latter’s complete lack of naval power. Although this week has been a good one for the North, there may be little low-hanging fruit left to pick. A large Confederate army waits in central Virginia; it must be met sooner or later, and it is unlikely to surrender without a fight.

—Three thousand men, of Indiana, Ohio, and Virginia volunteers, the whole under command of Col. Crittenden, of Indiana, were assembled on the parade ground at Grafton, Va., in the afternoon, and informed in general terms that they were to start on a forced march that night. They were then supplied with ammunition and one day’s rations, and dismissed. The men were full of ardor, expecting that they were going direct to Harper’s Ferry. At eight o’clock they were again assembled, and took up the line of march on the road leading southward. A heavy rain soon commenced to fall, and continued all night.—N. Y. Times, June 6.

—About midnight a squad of secession cavalry made a dash at the outposts of the Twenty-eighth New York Regiment, and fired upon them. The alarm was instantly sounded and the regiment turned out, and a scouting party despatched in pursuit of the enemy, who retreated. The fire was returned by the outposts of the Twenty-eighth, with what effect is not known, as the night was exceedingly dark. No damage whatever was done by the enemy.—N. Y. Times, June 3.

—The Seventy-ninth Regiment, N. Y. S. M, Lieut.-Col. S. M. Elliott, commanding, left New York for Washington, accompanied by a body of recruits of the Seventy-first and Ninth N. Y. Regiments.—(Doc. 226.)

—Gen. Twiggs was appointed Major-General in the Confederate army, and accepted the rank. He will command the military district of Louisiana.—Natchez Courier, June 4.

—Senator Rousseasu, a member of the upper house of the legislature of Kentucky, delivered a strong Union speech before that body on the 31st of May last. The senator exposes the folly of attempting to preserve a neutral attitude in the present crisis, and boldly tells many very plain truths to the secessionists of Kentucky.—
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[farmersdaughter]

June 3, 1861

Quartermaster T. Bailey Myers arrived at New York from Fortress Monroe, bringing from that quarter a secession flag as a present to the Union Defence Committee. The flag was captured at Hampton village, near the fort, and when taken was flying from its staff on the roof of John Tyler’s country residence. Lieutenant Duryea, the colonel’s son, let down the traitorous emblem, and ran up the Stars and Stripes, which are now flying. The scouting detachment brought in the secession colors to head-quarters, and they were forwarded by Major-General Butler. The flag is a dirty looking affair of red, white, and blue flannel, with eight stars. It is roughly made, the sewing having been done by half-taught fingers. —N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, June 4.

—Gen. Beauregard arrived at Manassas Junction, and assumed command of the rebel forces there.—N. Y. Times, June 6.

—At night twelve volunteers from Camp Lincoln, near Leavenworth, Kansas, headed by Sergeant Decurin, of the Elwood Guards, armed with Minié rifles and revolvers, marched to Iatan, Mo., fourteen miles above Leavenworth city, and crossed in skiffs to capture a secession flag. When asked their purpose, Decurin demanded the flag by the authority of the United States. The flag was hauled down, and the party started on their return, when they were fired at by the secessionists, and the fire was returned. Three of the volunteers were wounded, one severely.—N. Y. World, June 6.

—At 1 A. M., the Union force from Grafton, approached Philippi, a little town on the Monongahela, 20 miles south of Grafton, occupied by 1,500 rebels. Scouts went forward to reconnoitre, a favorable report was received, and the troops advanced about 5 A. M., and were fired at by the sentinels on duty, who appeared to be the only men on the alert. The camp, however, was immediately aroused, and before it was reached by our troops three companies of riflemen advanced to meet them, and delivered a volley as CoL Kelly’s regiment turned the corner of a street. They then turned and retreated towards the main body. At this fire several of our men were slightly wounded, and Col. Kelly received a ball in the side. The regiment pressed on, and was quickly followed by the Indiana and Ohio regiments. When the column got within range of the main body of the enemy, the latter delivered a straggling fire, and then at once broke and fled. It was a complete rout. The Union troops delivered a volley with good effect at the enemy, and then charged upon them at full run. The enemy took the direction of Leedsville, ten miles further south. Col. Crittenden ordered the Ohio regiment to stay and guard the town, and the other two regiments continued the pursuit They returned after daylight, with several prisoners. The secessionists had no idea of being attacked. They had no intrenchments, and had only set the ordinary guard. One or two of the Federal troops were killed. The loss of the secessionists, so far as known, is sixteen killed, a large number wounded, and ten prisoners. Some twenty-five of Col. Kelly’s men were wounded, but none dangerously. The amount of ammunition captured was not large, but there was a lot of camp kettles and provisions, and miscellaneous camp equipage, that fell into the hands of the federal troops; also seventeen horses. Col. Kelly’s wound was not mortal.—(Doc. 228.)

—Stephen A. Douglas, Senator of the United States from Illinois, died at Chicago at ten minutes past nine o’clock in the morning. —Buffalo Courier, June 4.

—The Fourteenth Regiment, Colonel Johnson, and the Fifteenth, Colonel Oakford, of Pennsylvania Volunteers, arrived at General Patterson’s camp at Chambersburg from Lancaster.—National Intelligencer, June 6.

—The British Government decided not to allow the entry of privateers into any of their ports. This was announced by Lord John Russell in Parliament., saying that Government had determined to prohibit privateers from bringing prizes into any British port. It was also stated that France intended adhering to the law which prohibits privateers remaining in port over twenty-four hours.—(Doc. 229.)

—The border State Convention met at Frankfort, Kentucky.—N. Y. Tribune, May 27.

—Major-General Patterson, from headquarters at Chambersburg, Pa., issued a proclamation announcing to the soldiers that “they would soon meet the insurgents.”—(Doc. 230.)

—The First Regiment Scott Life Guard and the Third Regiment N. Y. S. V., left New York city for Fortress Monroe.

Aquia Creek was the scene of a second skirmish between Federal and secessionist troops stationed at the battery on Sunday.* Although each side fired on the other extensively for about four hours, none of the Federal ships involved—the Thomas Freeborn, Anacostia, Resolute and Pawnee—suffered major damage. The soldiers and battery on shore did not fair so well, however. One report estimates that 10-12 Virginia soldiers were killed, but Southern papers have not confirmed that number.

An eyewitness at Fort Monroe says that Virginians in the surrounding area are fleeing the countryside and small towns en masse, leaving crops, belongings and even slaves behind “as though the Destroyer were at hand . . . those who have not fled are bordering on distress.” Around 150 slaves—men, women, and children alike—have traveled to the fort to ask for protection, which General Butler has graciously provided.

Secessionists in Harper’s Ferry seized U.S. mail being transported eastward on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Joseph Mayo, Mayor of Richmond, gave Confederate President Jefferson Davis a tour of Marion Hill, Virginia, so the latter could witness fortifications in the Confederacy’s future capital. The laborers working there were initially unaware that the leader of the Southern Confederacy was walking among them, but when his presence was announced, Mr. Davis “was welcomed with a thundering ‘three times three’ that was heard far and near.”

The New York Times correspondent in Paris confirms that the French people and government remain ardent supporters of the Northern cause. So much so, in fact, that several officials have pledged the French government’s assistance in any way; one gentleman, Count Trigaut, has already left for Washington to offer his support and military expertise. The U.S. diplomatic corps in France is pleased with the strong showing of support but will decline any material assistance, which will “not only acquire the respect of foreign governments, but it will avoid at the same time pacing itself under obligations.”*Many young American expatriates in Paris share the sentiment of Northerners and the correspondent writes that “there remains not a single student in the Latin Quarter . . . one young man from New York went home as the command of his mother, who wrote to him that he must come and fight for his country.”

Stephen Douglas remains grievously ill and friends believe he may not survive much longer. The former Senator and presidential candidate had*been improving earlier this week but his condition began to deteriorate several days ago.
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[farmersdaughter]

June 3 1861

Battle of Phillipi



The Battle of Philippi—also known mockingly as "The Philippi Races"—was fought on June 3, 1861, in and around Philippi, Virginia (now West Virginia) as part of the Western Virginia Campaign of the American Civil War. It was the first organized land action in the war (the impromptu Battle of Fairfax Court House took place two days earlier), but is often treated dismissively as a skirmish rather than a significant battle. After the commencement of hostilities at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan returned to the Army and, on May 13, assumed command of the Department of the Ohio, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.[3] McClellan planned an offensive into what is now the State of West Virginia (at that time the northwestern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia) that he optimistically hoped would eventuate in a campaign against the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. His immediate objectives, however, were to occupy the territory to protect the predominantly pro-Union populace of the area, and to keep open the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad line, which was a critical supply line for the Union.

On May 26, McClellan, in response to the burning of bridges on the Baltimore & Ohio near the town of Farmington, ordered Col. Benjamin Franklin Kelley of the (Union) 1st Virginia Infantry[4] with his regiment and Company A of the 2nd Virginia Infantry, to advance from Wheeling to the area of the sabotage and secure the important bridge over the Monongahela River at Fairmont, a distance of about 70*miles (110*km) southeast of Wheeling. In this Kelley's men were supported by the 16th Ohio Infantry under Col. James Irvine. After securing Fairmont, the 1st Virginia advanced again and seized the important railroad junction of Grafton, about 15*miles (24*km) southeast of Fairmont, on May 30.

Meanwhile, the 14th Ohio Infantry Regiment, under Col. James B. Steedman, was ordered to occupy Parkersburg and then also proceed to Grafton, about 90*miles (140*km) to the east. By May 28, McClellan had ordered a total of about 3,000 troops into Western Virginia and placed them under the overall command of Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Morris, commander of Indiana Volunteers.

Confederate Col. George A. Porterfield had been assigned to command of state forces in northwestern Virginia on May 4 and ordered to Grafton to take charge of enlistments in that area. As the Union columns advanced, Porterfield's poorly armed 800 recruits retreated to Philippi, about 17*miles (27*km) south of Grafton. At Philippi, a covered bridge spanned the Tygart Valley River and was an important segment of the vital Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike.

Battle

Col. Kelley devised a two-prong attack against the Confederate forces in Philippi, approved by Gen. Morris on his arrival in Grafton on June 1. The principal advance would be 1,600 men led by Kelley himself, and would include six companies of his own regiment, nine of the 9th Indiana Infantry Regiment under Col. Robert H. Milroy, and six of the 16th Ohio Infantry. In order to deceive the enemy into believing their objective was Harpers Ferry, they departed by train to the east. They de-trained at the small village of Thornton and marched south on a back road (on the same side of the river as Philippi) intending to arrive at the rear of the town.

Meanwhile, the 7th Indiana under Col. Ebenezer Dumont were sent to Webster, about 3.5*miles (5.6*km) southwest of Grafton. There they would combine with the 6th Indiana under Col. Thomas T. Crittenden and the 14th Ohio under Col. Steedman. The column, with a total of 1,400 men under the command of Col. Dumont (with the assistance of Col. Frederick W. Lander, volunteer aide-de-camp to Gen. McClellan), would march directly south from Webster on the Turnpike. In this way, the Union force would execute a double envelopment of the Confederates.

On June 2, the two Union columns set off to converge on Philippi. After an overnight march in rainy weather, both columns arrived at Philippi before dawn on June 3. Morris had planned a predawn assault that would be signaled by a pistol shot. The untrained Confederate troops had failed to establish picket lines to provide perimeter security, choosing instead to escape the cold rain that fell at morning and stay inside their tents. A Confederate sympathizer, Mrs. Thomas Humphreys, saw the approaching Union troops and sent her young son on horseback to warn the Confederates. While Mrs. Humphreys watched, Union pickets captured the boy and she fired her pistol at the Union soldiers. Although she missed, her shots started the attack prematurely.

The Union forces began firing their artillery, which awakened the sleeping Confederates. After firing a few shots at the advancing Union troops, the Southerners broke lines and began running frantically to the south, some still in their bed clothes, which caused journalists to refer to the battle as the "Races at Philippi". Dumont's troops entered the town from the bridge (Col. Lander's ride down the steep hillside through heavy underbrush was considered such a feat of horsemanship that Leslie's Weekly gave an illustrated account of it shortly afterward[5]), but Kelley's column had arrived from the north on the wrong road and were unable to block the Confederate escape. Col. Kelley himself was shot while chasing some of the retreating Confederates, but Col. Lander personally chased down and captured the soldier who shot Kelley. The remaining Confederate troops retreated to Huttonsville, about 45*miles (72*km) to the south.

Aftermath

The Union victory in a relatively bloodless battle propelled the young General McClellan into the national spotlight, and he was soon given command of all Union armies. The battle also inspired more vocal protests in the Western part of Virginia against secession. A few days later in Wheeling, the Wheeling Convention nullified the Virginia ordinance of secession and named Francis H. Pierpont governor.

There were two significant Confederate casualties. Both were treated with battlefield amputations, believed to be the first such operations of the war. One of the soldiers was a Virginia Military Institute cadet, Fauntleroy Daingerfield. The other young Confederate was James E. Hanger, an 18-year old college student. After recovering, Hanger returned to his hometown in Virginia. He made an artificial leg for himself from barrel staves with a hinge at the knee. His design worked so well, the Virginia State Legislature commissioned him to manufacture the “Hanger Limb” for other wounded Civil War veterans. Mr. Hanger patented his prosthetic device and founded what is now the Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc.[6] As of 2007, Hanger Orthopedic Group is the United States market leader in the manufacture of artificial limbs.[7]

After the battle, Col. Porterfield was replaced in command of Confederate forces in western Virginia by Brig. Gen. Robert S. Garnett. The companies of Confederate recruits present at Philippi became part of various regiments, including the 9th Virginia Infantry Battalion, 25th Virginia Infantry, 31st Virginia Infantry, 11th Virginia Cavalry, and the 14th Virginia Cavalry. The Barbour Lighthorse Cavalry, commanded by Capt. William Jenkins, disbanded after the retreat from Philippi.[8]

The celebrated short-story writer and satirist Ambrose Bierce was a raw recruit present at the Battle of Philippi. Twenty years later, he wrote, in an autobiographical fragment he called On a Mountain:

We gave ourselves, this aristocracy of service, no end of military airs; some of us even going to the extreme of keeping our jackets buttoned and our hair combed. We had been in action, too; had shot off a Confederate leg at Philippi, "the first battle of the war," and had lost as many as a dozen men at Laurel Hill and Carrick's Ford, whither the enemy had fled in trying, Heaven knows why, to get away from us.

The quotation marks indicate the wryness with which Bierce and his fellow veterans, who were to undergo far more harrowing experiences, must have regarded the designation of "first battle"
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[farmersdaughter]

Tuesday, June 4, 1861

Trekking twenty miles in darkness from Grafton to Philippi in western Virginia, on tenuous mountain roads and through torrential rain, two columns of Federal troops – the First Virginia Volunteers, led by Colonel Kelly, and the Indiana Volunteers, under Colonel Crittenden – surprised 2,000 sleeping secessionist soldiers, killing 15 before forcing the rest to flee. The Union troops were able to acquire guns, ammunition, horses, food and other camp supplies that the secessionists left behind in a hurry. The rout was not entirely joyful for Federal troops, however; Colonel Kelly was injured and later died form his wounds, making him the only Federal casualty in the attack.

Virginia state troops have left Alexandria alone since abandoning the town last week, allowing the Federal occupiers to rebuild the railroad in order to create a continuous military rail line connecting all Federal possessions within the state. Furthermore, Union troops in Alexandria recently seized $4,000 worth of muskets and tools found at the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.

Yesterday’s Stock Market was “unusually tame on the Railway shares.”

Stephen Douglas Dead at Forty-Eight
?

Stephen Douglas, former Representative, Senator, and presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, died just after 9 a.m. yesterday morning in Chicago, Illinois. Local government and businesses around the state were closed upon receiving the news, and flags across the city – and in many other towns across the country – now fly at half mast as people mourn one of the nation’s most dedicated public servants.

Born in Vermont, Stephen Douglas moved to Illinois as a young man and fell in love with the western state. He would go on to faithfully serve his countrymen as the State’s Attorney, Associate Justice of the State Supreme Court, Secretary of State, and also in the Illinois state legislature. In 1842, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served two terms before being elected to the Senate. He famously defeated his Senate challenger Abraham Lincoln in 1858 after the pair engaged in a series of debates around the state. In Congress he worked passionately to preserve the Union and was instrumental in securing the passage of the compromise measures of 1850. His intelligence, dedication and political authority helped him win the Northern Democratic presidential nomination in 1860 after unsuccessful bids in 1852 and 1856. Although he was defeated last November, it is a testament to his patriotism and integrity that Senator Douglas wasted no time in throwing his full support behind the new President and his Administration’s position towards the seceding states. Douglas fervently believed the county could not be torn apart, and before taking ill, he was prepared to devote himself even further to this belief by accepting a position as Major General in the Army.

In Washington, news of Douglas’s passing “caused a profound sensation,” and politicians of every stripe were saddened by the loss of such a dedicated statesman. In a letter read to Union regiments, Secretary of War Cameron lamented that Stephen Douglas’s death “cannot be regarded otherwise than as a national calamity.” He described the statesman as “a man who nobly discharged party for county; a Senator who forgot all prejudices in an earnest desire to serve the public.” President Lincoln is also said to be distraught and will presumably make a statement about his one time rival, turned invaluable ally, very soon.

The news spread quickly in the North, and many newspapers published eloquent editorials to the “Little Giant.” The Philadelphia Press laments, “Of all the great men whom our country has produced, none had acquired a deeper hold upon the confidence and affection of a large body of the American people, and few have rendered them more important service.” Serving the scene in Chicago, the Quincy Daily Herald reports, “all seemed to feel that the country had suffered a loss that, in the present exigency of the times, can not be repaired –*that there is no living man to fill his place.”*While the Philadelphia Inquirer admits, “no mere newspaper sketch can do justice to so striking a character,” they write that Douglas had “the instincts of a patriot, and with the sagacity of a statesman, espoused the cause of the Government with all the fervor and energy of his nature. Just at this juncture, when his boldness and courage and dauntless resolution is most needed by his country, he is lost to her service through the inscrutable providence of God.”

—The Memphis Bulletin of to-day contains the following: “Persons having slaves at home, whose services can be dispensed with for the next ten or fifteen days, would do a great kindness to the volunteers at Randolph, by sending negro men to that point. The volunteers should be drilled, and the fortifications, on which they have labored so long and faith should be finished by negroes.”

—A man named Fletcher, living in Columbia township, Randolph County, Ark., divulged last week a plot to the citizens which he had discovered among the negroes in that vicinity. The plot contemplated the murder of several citizens who they supposed had money, and then making their way to the free States. An investigation led to the development of the fact that certain negroes had proposed to give Fletcher $20 each to take them to a free State, announcing that their plan contemplated the murder of citizens, the possession of their means, and their final escape to the North. The negroes implicated by Fletcher, twenty in number, were arrested. A white man named Percifield, found guilty of being an instigator in the affair, was hung, as was also Fletcher, who was connected with Percifield.—Memphis (Tenn.) Avalanche, June 5.

—Elias Howe, Jr., of New York, the sewing machine millionaire, presented each field and staff officer of the Massachusetts Fifth Regiment, at the seat of war, with a stallion fully equipped for service.—N. Y. Express.

—The Tenth Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, National Zouaves, Colonel McChesney, left their encampment at Sandy Hook for Fortress Monroe. Previous to their departure they paraded through the city of New York, where they received a flag.—N. Y. Sun, June 5.

—The Savannah Republican of to-day has the following: “Notice to the Press.—We are requested by the military authorities of the Confederate States to urge upon our brethren of the press throughout the South the importance of abstaining from all specific allusions to the movement of troops. The very wisest plans of the Government may be thwarted by an untimely or otherwise injudicious exposure.”

A directly opposite policy appears to prevail at the North. Not only is every movement of the Federal troops Heralded abroad with lightning speed for the “sensation press,” but it would seem as if the news-gatherers have access to the records of the Departments, so as to enable them to proclaim in advance every plan and purpose of the Government, whether great or small.—National Intelligencer, June 18.

—Noah L. Farnham, late Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment of Fire Zouaves of New York, was appointed Colonel of that Regiment, in place of the late Colonel Ellsworth.—N. Y. World, June 5.

—Judge Taney’s written opinion in the habeas corpus case of Merriman, was published in the Washington National Intelligencer of this date. It is simply a protest against the suspension of the writ by the President of the United States. The Judge argues that Congress alone has the legal authority to suspend this privilege, and that the President cannot “in any emergency, or in any state of things,” authorize its suspension.

—Ten Regiments of foot, with Doubleday’s, Dodge’s, and Seymour’s batteries of flying artillery and five hundred dragoons, were in camp around Chambersburg, Pa.—Thirty-two men arrived at Williamsport, Md., from Berkley Co., Va., whence they had fled to avoid impressment into the rebel army.—A new Collector was appointed for Louisville, Kentucky, with orders to prohibit the shipment South of provisions, via that port.—N. Y. Herald, June 5.

—A proclamation dated Fort Smith, Arkansas, and signed “W. F. Rector, Asst. Adjutant-General,” says, “the authority of the United States has ceased upon this frontier.”—(Doc. 232.)

—The Natchez (Miss.) Courier of this day has the following: “A wise and salutary law was passed by the Confederate Congress, before its adjournment, prohibiting, during the existence of the blockade of any of the Southern ports by the United States Government, the exportation of any raw cotton or cotton yarn except through the seaports of the Confederate States. The penalty for a violation of the law is the forfeiture of the cotton or yarn so at empted to be exported, as also fine or imprisonment for the person violating it. Every steamboat or railroad car, used with the consent of the person owning or in charge of it for the purpose of violating the act, is also forfeited. This law completely blocks the Lincoln scheme. The Administration’s idea was, that if Southern ports were blockaded, the cotton would go by inland routes to Northern seaports for exportation. Great Britain and France will now have to go without cotton, or else raise the Lincoln blockade.”—(See Doc. p. 292.)

—Major-General Price (rebel) of Missouri, issued a proclamation “to prevent all misunderstanding of his opinions and intentions,” and expressed the desire “that the people of Missouri should exercise the right to choose their own position” in the contest.
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[farmersdaughter]

Wednesday, June 5, 1861

There is some speculation over the fate of poor whites in the South. Their conditions of life are not good, which has led them to become some of the South’s most vicious fighters. However, there are some who believe the North would be better served by transplanting such individuals, when captured, to northwestern Union territories rather than returning them to the South. It is believed that this action could destroy in them the desire to return, thus weakening the Southern position.

A recent incident regarding fugitive slaves has had the effect of weakening the South in an immediate and palpable rather than theoretical sense. At the end of last month, General Butler brought in three fugitive slaves who had been the property of Colonel Mallory and were seeking protection. Mallory sent a messenger to Butler, requesting that his slaves be returned under the Fugitive Slave Act. Butler responded that he would receive his property back as soon as he visited the fortress and professed his loyalty to the laws of the United States. One reporter of the Lebanon Advertiser said of the incident, “The army is not in Virginia to interfere with slavery in any way either to incite servile insurrections or restore fugitives to masters who deny their obligations to the laws of the Union.”

In an unrelated incident that paints quite a contrasting portrait of slavery in the seceding states, the Richmond Daily Dispatch has published a letter written by a slave by the name of Robert. He writes to his uncle, mostly regarding how he misses his wife. However, included in the text, Robert also mentions, “My dear master treats me kindly, and I can never forsake him. I sleep in camp at his feet, and have a sword and pistol buckled to my side to protect him when he is taking his rest.” Such devotion, and testaments thereof, are no doubt intended*to offer some counterweight to abolitionist sentiments.

The Mobile Register published updates from the latest session of the Confederate Congress. An Act was passed on May 21*to “prohibit the exportation of cotton from the Confederate states, except through the seaports of said States.” All persons found to be in offense of this act will be punished.

Judge Albert Jackson, previously of southeast Missouri, is now residing in St. Louis. Due to Union sentiments, several counties in his district would no longer permit him to hold court. As of a few days ago, he was not even allowed to hear cases in Doniphan, Ripley County. Since arriving in St. Louis, Jackson reportedly had a very satisfactory talk with General Harney.

Illness is becoming a prevailing problem for the troops. Of the 4,000 soldiers said to be stationed at Camps Ironsdale and Cheatham, many of them have broken out with the measles. Colonel Anderson is also suffering from failing health. As a result of which he will not take up any military commands in Louisville but will instead head for the mountains of Pennsylvania.

On a somber note, Union flags were flown at half mast yesterday in memory of Senator Douglas.

According to rumors, secession troops are not having an easy time of it. A source in Sharpsburgh, Maryland, said that Southern forces have sent more than 500 sick back to Winchester. The maladies being suffered are small pox and diarrhoea. There is also talk that Harper’s Ferry is evacuated, though the only evidence of this is the loading of cars. We will provide updates as we receive them.

Despite the growing number of sick soldiers, not all updates have yielded unfortunate news. As you may have read, Colonel Kelly was recently wounded at the Philippi action. The ball that pierced his chest has been removed, and we are happy to report that there is good cause to hope that he will recover

A demand was served upon Messrs. Daniel J. Foley & Bros., Baltimore, by Mr. Bonifant, the United States Marshal, under instructions from Mr. Cameron, Secretary of War, calling for the immediate delivery into the possession of the Marshal of all the powder of the Hazard Powder Company, Connecticut, stored in the powder-house of the company at Lower Canton. The amount of the powder on hand was about 8,500 kegs, or 60,000 pounds, valued at $16,000. The agents turned the powder over to the Marshal, who took an inventory of the same. A similar demand, from the same source, was made upon Messrs. A. L Webb & Bro., Baltimore, agents for the Messrs. Dupont’s powder works, Delaware. The demand was complied with, and the powder on hand, a small amount, turned over into the possession of the United States. —Baltimore Sun, June 6.

—General Beauregard issued a proclamation from Manassas Junction, giving an extravagant picture of the deplorable consequences to be expected from an invasion of the Federal forces.—(Doc. 234.)

—At Williamsport a Baltimorean, named Dewitt C. Rench, swore he could whip the whole Union force, and that he had killed at least one man in the attack upon the Massachusetts Regiment in Baltimore. His friends tried to get him away and put him on a horse, when he drew a revolver and fired two shots at individuals and three into the crowd. Three shots were returned, all taking effect, killing him instantly.—Philadelphia Ledger, June 7.

—Throughout all the counties of Virginia, within forty or fifty miles of Harper’s Ferry, a levy of militia is being now made by draft. All the men between eighteen and fifty years of age, not physically incapable of doing military duty, are enlisted, and three-tenths of the whole are to be mustered into the field. The names are placed in one box, and as many numbers—from one to ten (repeated)—are placed in another box. When a name is drawn forth a number is also drawn; and if it be either No. 1, 2, or 3, the person is “elected” a soldier into the disunion army. Otherwise he escapes immediate service.—Washington Star, June 6.

—Ninth Regiment N. Y. V., Colonel Hawkins; left New York for Fortress Monroe. —(Doc. 235.)

—The Richmond (Va.) Whig of to-day announces that after to-day no passports will be issued to persons leaving the State, and no one will be admitted to the State except for reasons of peculiar force; also, that the Tennessee volunteers in Virginia are authorized to vote on the ordinance of the secession of Tennessee, although stationed in Virginia.

—A Bank Convention, held at Atlanta, Ga., recommended that all the Southern banks, railroads, and tax collectors, receive the Treasury notes of the Confederacy as currency, and both States, cities, and corporations having coupons payable at New York, to appoint the place of payment South.—N. Y. Herald, June 10.

—About eight o’clock this morning the steamer Harriet Lane, under the command of Capt. Faunce, United States Navy, proceeded up the James River, from Fortress Monroe, as far as the month of the Nasemond, for the purpose of reconnoitring and looking out for batteries. It was not long before she observed a large and heavy battery planted upon the point, which is nearly opposite Newport News Point, and about five miles distant. The steamer opened fire, which was briskly returned by the batteries, and for nearly a half hour the action continued. It was found that but one gun of the steamer could reach the battery, the guns of which being heavier easily reached the former, and several shot struck her. During the affair the most intense excitement prevailed, and hundreds of soldiers ascended the ramparts and roof of the Hygeia Hotel, for the purpose of looking at the scene. The Lane returned in an hour after the action, and made an official report to Com. Pendergrast of the squadron. Lieut. Duncan, of the Harriet Lane, states that the fight was pretty hot. The steamer threw several shells into the battery with much accuracy. The battery was well served, the damage to the cutter having been inflicted with a 84-pounder rifled cannon. It was at first thought that no battery existed at the place where the fight occurred, and the Harriet Lane was sent to ascertain if the report was true. Elbe found out that one did exist, and that seven guns were mounted upon it, and hence the attempt made to dislodge them.—National Intelligencer, June 8.

—A letter from Cassius M. Clay to the London Times, in relation to the civil war in America, is published in the United States. Mr. Clay says that the rebellion can be subdued, but that it is not the intention of the U. S. Government to subjugate the Southern States; that only rebels will be punished; that it is the interest of England to support the Government; and that it is unwise for England to venture to sow seeds of discord, for she is far from secure from home revolution or foreign attack in the future. In conclusion Mr. Clay claims that England is the natural ally of the United States.—(Doc. 236.)

—The people of Wheeling, Va., were greatly astounded upon learning that Major A. Loring had been arrested by United States officers. He was taken to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot, where he remained until 7 o’clock, when the train left for Grafton. Major Loring’s arrest was occasioned by certain papers found upon the person of W. J. Willey, who was captured after the skirmish at Phillippa, and who charged with leading the party who destroyed the bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, between Wheeling and Grafton.—(Doc. 237.)

—The U. S. Marshal took possession of the gun factory of Messrs. Merrill & Thomas, in Baltimore, and seized all the breech-loading muskets in the establishment. Intimation was given that ample employment would soon be given to the establishment in the manufacture, of arms for the Government.
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[IPorange]

According to rumors, secession troops are not having an easy time of it. A source in Sharpsburgh, Maryland, said that Southern forces have sent more than 500 sick back to Winchester. The maladies being suffered are small pox and diarrhoea.

Run rebel, run.

 

[farmersdaughter]

Run rebel, run.

Dang lol, the backdoor trots have laid many a man low
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[IPorange]

One of the leading causes of death at the time.

 

[VolsNSkinsFan]

June 5th 1864. Sherman gets his first real view of Atlanta from Vinings Hill
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[IPorange]

This is 1861. No spoilers, plz.
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[GoBigOrangeVols]

no pepto?

 

[farmersdaughter]

Thursday, June 6, 1861

To all readers in the Confederate states, you are encouraged to save your seeds. You should no longer depend on getting garden seed from the Northern states. Save a good supply of all kinds, as they will soon be ripe.

In military news, General Patterson is getting ready to move on Harper’s Ferry. He is currently stationed in Chambersburgh and has around 20,000 men under his command. They are still waiting for a hundred of the 200 baggage wagons necessary. However, two regiments of volunteers and five companies of cavalry are set to advance towards Hagerstown today. News out of Harper’s Ferry indicates that secessionists believe that retreat is inevitable.

Patterson prepared and delivered an address to his soldiers before the campaign. He called on them to remember that they are not aggressors but must act out against those who are the cause of the unrest. He ended by saying:

You must bear in mind you are going for the good or the whole country, and that, while it is your duty to punish sedition, you must protect the loyal, and, should the occasion offer, at once suppress servile insurrection. Success will crown your efforts; a grateful country and a happy people will reward you.

A secession flag was captured Monday night in Jatan, Missouri. Sergeant Decurin lead 12 volunteers from Camp Lincoln out to the town and demanded the flag on the authority of the United States. The flag was given to them, but as they began their return, secessionists opened fire. Three of the volunteers were wounded in the fight, one severely.

The banks of Illinois are attempting to address the protracted depreciation of Illinois currency. Banks are required to deposit, with the Auditor, securities that will cover the current deficiency in the present value of securities due to over circulation. This must be done by August 20*or the banks will be liquidated.

In other economic news, the sale of Confederate government furniture took place in Montgomery, Alabama, last Friday. Most of the items brought in very fine prices, particularly pieces from the President’s Mansion. As one reporter pointed out, “Everybody wanted to have something that the first President of the Confederate States owned.”

We publish the following at the request of Miss Din, regarding the care of the sick and wounded in the Army:

Liberal and humane persons contributing stores of mixed varieties and clothing for the benefit of wounded and sick soldiers, are respectfully informed that in consequence of there being no funds for defraying costs of transportation entrusted to the subscriber, and various expenses for the parties referred to the reaching large amounts, in the segregate, for a private pulse, it is necessary to ask that freights, per Adam’s Express, be prepaid.

We offer our respect to all those who are attempting to help their troops. Your contributions are invaluable.

Gov. Pickens of South Carolina issued a proclamation saying:—“I have understood that many good people have been remitting funds to creditors in Northern States. In the existing relations of the country such conduct is in conflict with public law, and all citizens—are hereby warned against the consequences.”—N. Y. Tribune, June 14.

—This evening the Town Guard of Harrodsburg, Ky., were attracted to the Spring Grounds by a noise in that direction. When they came near the old shooting gallery they heard voices responding to one who seemed to be officiating as an officer. Surrounding the building, they pushed open the door, and lo! an assembly of Knights of the Golden Circle in masks! One of the Guard, on entering, knocked off the mask of one of the Knights; and a lawyer and secessionist stood forth. No examination of the arcana was made, a majority of the Guards being secessionists. Several Virginia gentlemen were in Harrodsburg that night.—Louisville Journal, June 14.

—The Nineteenth N. Y. Regiment, Colonel Clark commander, left Elmira for Washington, via Harrisburg. An immense concourse of people witnessed the departure. Great enthusiasm prevailed—N. Y: Herald, June 7.

—A meeting was held at the Cooper Institute, in New York, for the purpose of securing the cooperation of citizens in the endeavor to provide for the religious wants of volunteers. Wm. E. Dodge, Esq., presided, and addresses were made by Rev. Drs. Tyng and Hitchcock, after which the following resolutions were adopted:

Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the project of the Young Men’s Christian Association, to provide for the religious wants of the Volunteers, is worthy of public confidence and cooperation, and that we commend the same to the support of the churches and the community.

Resolved, That Messrs. William E. Dodge, Wilson G. Hunt, Benj. F. Maniere, Benj. W. Bonney, and Alexander W. Bradford, be appointed a committee to receive donations in furtherance of the proposed object, to be expended under the supervision of the army committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association.—N. Y: Commercial, June 7.

—A secession camp at Ellicott’s Mills, in Kentucky, ten miles distant from Cairo, Ill., was dispersed by two companies sent thither by General Prentiss. Colonel Wickliffe protested against the act as an invasion of the soil of Kentucky, to which Gen. Prentiss said, in reply, that the act had been prompted by a letter claiming protection for the Union men there. He declared his intention also to send troops any place needed for the protection of loyal citizens.—National Intelligencer, June 8.

—In the New York Chamber of Commerce it was Resolved, That the Executive Committee of this Chamber, after consultation with and subject to the approval of Col. Anderson, or his second is command, cause to be prepared a suitable medal for each of the soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the late garrison of Fort Sumter, and to have them presented at as early a day as possible, at the expense of this Chamber.

By amendment the resolution was made to include the garrison of Fort Pickens under Lieutenant Slemmer, and the officers of both garrisons.—N. Y. Tribune, June 7.

—Thirty-five of the prisoners captured at Alexandria, took the oath of allegiance with cheerful alacrity, and were discharged.—
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