The Civil War Day By Day Sesquicentennial Thread

[farmersdaughter]

June 7, 1861

The Engineer Corps of the Sixty-ninth Regiment of New York, with Company B, of the Second Cavalry, took five prisoners and a drove of cattle, fifty in number, which were on their way to the secession forces.—N. Y, World, June. 10.

—An express messenger arrived at New Orleans from Mr. Adolphe Ducros’s plantation, at the mouth of Bayou Bienvenu, which empties into Lake Borgne, with information to Maj.-Gen. Twiggs, that two fishermen had reported the arrival of two small war steamers in Lake Borgne, one carrying three guns, and the other a long pivot gun forward. The fishermen stated that the steamers lay off in the lake, and that night before last they sent two boats towards the mouth of the bayou, as was supposed, for taking soundings. Gen. Twiggs ordered Major Taylor, in command of the barracks, to proceed immediately to Martello Tower, at the mouth of Bayou Bienvenu, with a company of infantry, to garrison the tower, which contains several heavy mounted guns, for the protection of this avenue to the city. This point is but ten miles from New Orleans in a direct line, and a little over fifteen by the Mexican Gulf Railroad. It is celebrated for being the point at which the British landed their troops in the war of 1813-’14.—New Orleans Picayune, June 8.

—The Tenth Regiment, of New York, arrived at Fortress Monroe.—N. Y. Times, June 9.

—The tents at Camp McClure, Chambersburg, Pa., were struck at six o’clock A. M., and the line of march taken up soon afterwards for Brown’s Mill, near Green Castle, and eight miles distant from Camp McClure. The force in motion was Brig.-Gen. Thomas’ command, was headed by him, and included the U. S. Cavalry, (recently from Texas,) 4 companies, the Philadelphia City Troop, and the 2 companies of artillerists, commanded by Captains Doubleday and Seymour, McMullin’s Independent Rangers, the Twenty-third Regiment, Col. Dare, the Twenty-first Regiment, Col. Ballier, and the Sixth Regiment, Col. Nagle. The line was nearly 2 miles in length. The men all had their knapsacks closely slung to prevent jolting, and had evidently prepared themselves, so far as their knowledge taught them, for a long march.—Idem.

—The Indiana Regiment of Zouaves, Col. Wallace, fully armed and equipped, passed through Cincinnati, Ohio, en route for Cumberland, Md. They made a splendid appearance, and were enthusiastically received.—Ohio State Journal, June 8.

—Colonel Corcoran, of the Sixty-ninth N. Y. Regiment, with a detachment of one hundred men, proceeded to Ball’s Corner, 5 miles beyond the lines in Virginia, where he arrested a party of five secessionists, one wearing the uniform of a secession sergeant; one, named Richard Meitch, an employé at the capital as watchman, and one named Ball, a rich farmer, on whom was found a muster roll of a rebel company, and in whose house were found arms, bedding, and cooking utensils for a company of at least fifty men. Nine hundred dollars in gold were also found, but returned by the mistaken generosity of the sergeant, to Ball’s wife, without the Colonel’s knowledge until after their return to the camp—N. Y. Times, June 8.

—The New York Nineteenth Regiment, from Elmira, commanded by Col. Clark, and the Third Maine Regiment Volunteers, Col. Howard, arrived at Washington.—(Doc. 238.)

—A crew of 402 seamen, ordinary seamen, and landsmen, left the receiving-ship North Carolina at Brooklyn, for Portsmouth, N. H., where they will constitute a ship’s company for the United States frigate Santee, which, after lying in various positions at the Navy Yard for half a century, has been put in commission for blockade service. The Advance Brigade of Federal troops, under Col. Thomas, reached Greencastle, thirteen miles south of Chambersburg, Pa.
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[farmersdaughter]

Saturday, June 8, 1861

?Union forces in Williamsport, Maryland, led by General Patterson and Colonel Thomas, are preparing to advance on nearby Harper’s Ferry. Despite the large number of Confederate troops stationed in the city, many believe that they are too ill-trained to stand up to a sizable attack. Provisions in Harper’s Ferry are known to be scarce, and reports are circulating of widespread desertion. In spite of these desertions, Confederate President Jefferson Davis will likely be visiting the city today, and may be accompanied by a number of new volunteers to reinforce the position.

Meanwhile, troops departing from Alexandria are slowly moving further inland on the Fairfax road. They are expected to meet a contingent of Confederate soldiers shortly, who have departed from Manassas Gap, where General Beauregard is in command of* Confederate troops.

Despite the neutrality of Kentucky, a small federal force from Cairo led by General Prentiss entered the state yesterday to arrest a company of secessionists that had set up camp across the river. The camp was evacuated and no arrests were made, as General Wickliffe of Kentucky complained that the move was a violation of the state’s neutrality.

The U.S. steamer Harriet Lane engaged a Confederate battery at Craney Island, just off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia. Neither side was badly damaged in the battle. At nearby Newport News, General Butler has begun work on reinforcing the Union camp in anticipation of an expected naval attack in the coming days.

The late Senator Stephen A. Douglas’s funeral was held in Washington yesterday, and the White House was wrapped in black for the occasion. Flags across the country have been flown at half-mast in honor of his passing.

Seizures of sensitive telegraph communications have been reported across the North. It is believed that a number of local telegraph offices are cooperating with the Federal government to suspend telegraphs organizing secessionist activity or other subversive materials.

Captain James Mongomery, famous for his attacks on villages in Kansas last winter, is now reported to have entered Arkansas from the Indian Territory. A number of Confederate companies have been sent out to capture him; thus far he has proven skilled at evading capture.

The New York Times reports that New Orleans, the commercial center of the South, is facing bankruptcy because of a steep decline in business and landowners’ inability to pay their taxes to the city. The economy has been badly hit following the secession of the state, and the imposition of a blockade upon the port is likely to make matters worse.

Citizens of Tennessee will vote today to determine whether to uphold the ordinance of secession passed by their state legislature. Although pockets of Union men are known to exist across the state, it is expected by all that the voters will approve secession by a wide margin.

Emperor Napoleon III of France has reportedly responded warmly the the visit of Dayton, the Federal Minister to France. It appears as though both France and Spain entertain strong Union sympathies, and France may be prepared to submit aid to the Union cause.

A number of Southern banks have issued a proposal for a meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, to discuss the creation of a uniform Southern currency. It is not yet known when the convention will be held, but a number of banks have already consented to the plan.
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[farmersdaughter]

Thursday, May 9, 1861

President Jefferson Davis is appealing to the civilized world to bear witness to the justification of the actions of the seceded*states:

The people of the Southern States, whose almost exclusive occupation was agriculture, early perceived a tendency in the Northern States to render the common government subservient to their own purposes, by imposing burdens on commerce as a protection to their manufacturing and shipping interest.

There have been strong reactions to this statement. Not surprisingly, the North, particularly the New York Times, reacted harshly. One reporter states, “It is not necessary to say to one at all acquainted with history of the establishment of the Protective System in the United States, that this declaration of Mr. Davis is wholly false.” It remains to be seen if Davis’s argument will garner the South any support from other areas of the country.

Southerners are already disappointed by several former supporters who have now switched their allegiance to the North. In particular, Cass, Pierce, Buchanan, Douglas, Cushing, Dickenson, Fillmore, Everett and Stockton, who were once referred to as “Northern men with Southern principles”, have now aligned their sympathies against the South. One Southern reporter speaks harshly against their “hypocrisy“:*“The truth is, ninety-nine out of a hundred of the Yankee nation will do anything–preach, teach school, be Whig or Democrat, Methodist or Presbyterian; be a dancing master or a ring-master, steal negroes in Africa, or entice them to runaway here, if they think it is the nearest cut to a dollar.”

Camp Taylor in Cleveland, Ohio is quickly emptying as troops depart for the seat of war. For the past fortnight 13 regiments have been preparing at the camp. As of May 5, there are about 3,000 troops remaining in the camp. There are already dates for the other regiments to be mustered into service. Within the next couple of days, “Camp Taylor will cease to be a camp, and be numbered among the things that were.”

Informal brawls and accidents between soldiers are leading to a number of injuries and deaths. On Thursday, a fight between soldiers of the Second Regiment and the Rahway troops broke out in Trenton, New Jersey. Stephen Callahan was badly*bayoneted*by one of the Rahway soldiers. A Rahway soldier was also stabbed through the neck by John Travis, who is now in jail. Hugh McNichol of the second Company Hudson Guard, Second Regiment, was accidentally shot last evening. Two soldiers were skylarking, one armed with a bowie knife and the other a revolver. McNichol was fatally wounded when the revolver discharged, shooting him in the bowels.

Mr. Simonton, a Washington correspondent to the New York Times, fell victim to an embarrassing militia accident this afternoon. While turning the corner of Seventh in the neighborhood of Blighwood, Simonton and his wife passed a picket-guard of militia. A musket was accidentally discharged by the militia’s Captain. The ball went through Simonton’s solider and emerged from the front of his breast. In his shock over the injury, Simonton dropped the reins causing the frightened horses to run furiously and upset the buggy. Mrs. Simonton’s forehead was cut and nose split open in the mishap. We can happily report that both the Simontons are now doing well, all things considered

A detachment of the Rhode Island Regiment finished building a floating bridge on the Potomac, near Georgetown, by which thousands of men could be transported across in a few hours. Capt. Medlar, Provost-marshal of Alexandria, seized army supplies consisting of uniforms and cavalry swords, to the value of fifteen hundred dollars.—N. Y. World, June 10.

—Two prisoners were captured yesterday by four privates of Company B, Michigan Regiment, one mile this side of Berke Station, and thirteen miles from Alexandria, Va., on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. One of the prisoners is a corporal in a cavalry company, and the other a private in the Governor’s Guards of Richmond, which is also a cavalry company. The Michigan men while scouting approached near Berks Station, when they saw a number of stacks of muskets. They put back and were pursued by the two cavalry, but sought refuge in ambush, and succeeded in capturing their prisoners and brought them to Alexandria, where they are treated with exceeding kindness. They appear to be quite contented, and one of them, who is a physician, is writing a statement of his experience. The names of the prisoners are Dr. Thomas M. Flemming and Samuel Green.

Seven thousand yards of cassinet and other military goods were seized at the Adams Express office to-day, consigned to Point of Rocks, via Alexandria and London Railroad, valued at about $10,000.

Expedition, the first number of the soldiers’ newspaper, printed by the Pennsylvania Fifth Regiment, appeared this evening. It is printed in fine style on the old Alexandria Sentinel press, and is full of interesting information regarding the condition of the soldiers, &c. It is edited by Lieutenant Ely, of Lebanon county. Several columns are devoted to German literature.—N. Y. Courier & Enquirer, June 10.

—In the last number of the Danville (Ky.) Review, Rev. Dr. Breckinridge discusses the southern rebellion in temperate but forcible language. He traces the origin and progress of the insurrection, and demonstrates not only that the rebel leaders are bent upon the accomplishment of selfish ends, but that the latent loyalty of the masses of the southern people needs but the protection of the Federal Government to be able to assert itself, to the utter discomfiture of Jeff Davis and his fellows. Dr. Breckinridge is the uncle of the late Vice-President of the United States.—N. Y. Evening Post, June 22.

—All day the Naval Brigade, under the direction of a company of United States marines, were engaged off Fortress Monroe, Va., practising the management of eight or ten scows, each carrying twenty-four oars, and capable of transporting 180 men each, besides the rowers. When this marine drill was concluded every oar was carefully muffled, and the scows, manned each by a coxswain and twenty-six rowers from the Naval Brigade, glided out from the fort, and rowed in the harbor to the mouth of Hampton River, and up the stream. At about midnight they were moored on the hither shore in Hampton, and just below the remains of the bridge destroyed in the rebel retreat two weeks previously. The stream at that point is from sixty to one hundred yards in width. In the afternoon orders were given for a concerted movement of forces from Newport News, and from the camps at Fortress Monroe, against a position that the rebels had taken up at or near Great Bethel, in York county, a place about 12 miles northwest of Fortress Monroe. In accordance with the terms of the order three companies of Duryea’s regiment, under Capt. Kilpatrick, went forward from Hampton on the Bethel road at 10 P. M., and soon after the remainder of Duryea’s regiment, and the New York Third, Col. Townsend, followed, and were ferried over Hampton Creek by the boats of the Naval Brigade previously taken round from Fortress Monroe. Meantime, 5 companies, each from the Vermont First Regiment, and the Massachusetts Fourth, under Lieut.-Col. Washburne; six companies of the N. Y. Seventh, Col. Bendix, and a squad of regulars with 2 howitzers, under Lieut. Greble, moved forward from the position at Newport News, to form a junction on the road with the men from Fortress Monroe.
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[farmersdaughter]

June 10 1861

Battle of Bethel
At 1 A. M. the 3 companies of the New York Fifth, under Capt. Kilpatrick, reached New Market Bridge, and there waited for the main body of the Fifth, which came up at 8 A. M., when the whole regiment started forward for Little Bethel, where they arrived about daylight, and encountered a picket guard of the enemy, which was taken. Shortly after Duryea’s regiment passed onward toward Little Bethel, the force from Newport News came up the road from that place, and took the road from Hampton to Bethel, not far behind the Fifth; but they left at the junction of the roads, under Col. Bendix, a rear guard of one hundred and seventy men and one field-piece, with the order to hold this position at all hazards. This order anticipated the possibility that a rebel force might get in the rear of the Federal troops and cut off the retreat. Almost immediately after, the Third N. Y. Regiment came up the Hampton road. It was still dark, and their colors could not be seen. Their approach also was over a ridge, and as General Pierce and staff, and Colonel Townsend and staff, in a body, rode in advance of their troops, and without any advance guard thrown out, as customary, to reconnoitre, they appeared from Col. Bendix’s position to be a troop of cavalry. It was known that the Federal force had no cavalry, and the fire of this rear guard was poured into the advancing body, at the distance of a quarter of a mile. But the road in which the Third was marching was a little below the level of the land along the edge, and was bordered on either side by fences which served as a partial cover, and hence the fire was comparatively harmless. Ten men were wounded by it, and one killed. The Third fell back and formed upon a hill near the road, and Gen. Pierce sent a hurried message to Fortress Monroe for support, in accordance with which the N. Y. First and Second, Cols. Allen and Carr, were sent forward. Col. Duryea, admonished by the fire in his rear that something was wrong, also brought his regiment back. Daylight soon divulged the true state of the case, and the force was organized, and Brig.-Gen. Pierce of Mass. assumed the command.

Gen. Pierce determined to push on in advance, and the force moved in the following order:—Col. Duryea with the N. Y. Fifth; Lieut.-Col. Washburne, with the companies from Newport News, and Greble’s battery; Col. Townsend, with the N. Y. Third; Col. Allen, with the N. Y. First; and Col. Carr, with the N. Y. Second. When the fire of Col. Bendix’s command was delivered, that force was stationed very near to the outlying camp of the enemy, who at once took the alarm, and got away. Thus the rebels at Great Bethel were informed of the advance of a superior force, and sent back to their head-quarters at Yorktown for re-inforcements. When the column reached Little Bethel it was fired upon from a house which was consequently burned, and communicated its flames to several others. The Federal forces had finally reached a place in the outskirts of Great Bethel, where the road along which they moved is crossed by a marshy stream called Back River. Until recently this stream was spanned by a bridge known as the County Bridge; this had been destroyed by the rebels, and almost before its destruction was noticed, a heavy fire was opened upon the Federal troops from two masked batteries mounting rifled cannon upon the farther bank of the stream. Fortunately this first fire was not very accurate, and the missiles carried nearly a mile beyond the position the troops occupied. Then came a discharge of musketry. Thus surprised, the Federal troops were thrown into some disorder; but were soon rallied, and formed with the artillery in the centre, (upon the road,) and the infantry upon the right, and left partially covered in woods. In this position the enemy’s fire was returned at a distance of one hundred yards. Under cover of this fire an attempt was made to carry the enemy’s works by a charge, and Capts. Winslow, Bartlett, and Killpatrick of the Fifth, charged with their commands in front; Captain Denike, and Lieut. Duryea, (son of Col. Duryea,) and about two hundred of the Troy Rifles upon the right, Col. Townsend with his men to the left. The enemy were forced out of the first battery, all the forces were rapidly advancing, and every thing promised a speedy victory, when 250 of the Vermont men, with Lieut.-Col. Washburn, on the extreme left were mistaken for the enemy by Col. Townsend, who thereupon ordered his men to fall back. The Zouaves in front thus left unsupported also fell back, and the advantage so bravely gained was thus forfeited; upon consultation it was deemed impossible to flank the rebel position, and as after half an hour’s experiment the fire of the light howitzers and musketry was found utterly ineffective against the enemy, who was well supplied with rifled cannon, the order to retreat was given, and the force was brought off in good order. Casualties in the Federal army were (as far as known)—killed, 18; wounded, 80. Several were missing. Of the wounded, 10, and of the dead, 1, were the loss by the error on the road when Col. Bendix fired into the N. Y. Third. Among the killed ware Lieut. Greble, of the regular service, in command of the artillery, and Major Theodore Winthrop, aid to Gen. Butler. Of the Confederate loss, little is known. It is stated by the Charleston Mercury at 17 killed. The enemy is thought to have had at least 10 guns in battery, and is known to have had 2,200 men. The retreat of the Federal forces was necessarily very slow and tedious, many almost falling back and with difficulty made to keep their places. All expected that the rebels had flanked around into Hampton, and would fight them at the ferry. The rear of the entire force was covered by the howitzers, which charged upon the pursuing cavalry until they fell back toward the batteries. The news of the retreat arrived at Hampton long before the troops, and the ferry transports were all moored along the shore by the order of Gen. Butler, who was on the Monroe-ward side of the stream. When at last the poor soldiers came in and saw their way safe, a shout of joy sprang from the ranks and many of them sang most heartily. The wounded and dead, with a few exceptions, had been gathered up, and were carried by the weary retreating force and in the baggage wagons.—(Doc. 244.)
_____________________________________
—This evening the propeller Resolute, Capt. Budd, arrived at the Navy Yard, at Washington, together with the propeller Young America seized by the Cumberland at Old Point, and now in the service of the Government. Last Saturday night Capt. Budd, with a boat’s crew of five men, went into Briton’s Bay, and seizing the schooner Somerset at Leonardtown, towed her out into the Potomac, where they fired her, the schooner burning to the water’s edge. On Monday morning master’s-mate Fuller, with a boat’s crew of four, went on board the schooner William Sampson, lying at the shore, about five miles above Acquia Creek, and burnt her also, completely destroying her. The owner and his plantation hands stood on shore at the time, but thought it prudent to say nothing. Neither of the vessels were loaded, and were in a very bad condition through want of repairs, and as it was well-known that they had been carrying provisions, &c., over to the Virginians, their fate was very soon decided.—National Intelligencer, June 18.

—Major-General Banks was detailed to the command of the Department of Annapolis, and established his head-quarters at Baltimore, —N. Y. Herald, June 10.

—Three battalions of the District of Columbia Volunteers passed through Georgetown, D. C., and at about the same time the Second Connecticut, First New Hampshire, and New York Ninth Regiments broke camp and proceeded by the Rock Creek Road. The two forces were to unite at Tenlytown, three miles above Georgetown. Their destination is supposed to be Edward’s Ferry, on the Potomac. The latter point is about thirty miles from Georgetown, and an equal distance from Harper’s Ferry and Washington. In the morning Capt. Owens proceeded with the District troops, and about forty of the Second Texas cavalry went in the same direction. In addition to camp equipage and intrenching tools, they were provisioned for twelve days. Large trains of wagons crossed into Virginia at the Government Ferry at Georgetown throughout the day, indicating, it is supposed, that one or more regiments on that side have received orders to march. One of the Ohio regiments, it is expected, will soon take up its line of march to follow Col. Stone’s column. —Hon. John Cochran of New York was authorized by the Secretary of War to have mustered for immediate service, under a United States Commission, for three years, a regiment of infantry, to be commanded by himself as Colonel.—Washington Star, June 10.

—The Fourth Connecticut Regiment, over 1,000 strong, completely armed and equipped, left Hartford, Conn., for Jersey City on board steamers City of Hartford and Granite State. Four military companies turned out to escort them, and at least 10,000 persons witnessed their departure, which took place amid the greatest enthusiasm and firing of cannon.
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[farmersdaughter]

Tuesday, June 11, 1861

?A gentleman traveling from Georgia reports to the New York Times that General Beauregard has amassed 25,000 men at Manassas Junction. Although this action coincides with the General’s stated intention, which we reported on yesterday, the Washington correspondent is skeptical and has “no faith that there are over twelve thousand men at Manassas Junction, or that General Beauregard is in command.”

According to Virginia residents fleeing into Maryland, “every man in Virginia, between the ages of sixteen and sixty, is required to enter the service on or before*Thursday next.”

Fugitive slaves seeking protection in Virginia continue to flock to Fort Monroe.* A correspondent in the area estimates that there at least 600 there now, but admits officials gave up trying to count the group when their numbers grew too quickly.* Many escaped slaves are being put to work around the fort, and the correspondent reports that “half the Federal officers now have negro servants.”

Despite having voted down secession, not everyone in Maryland is confident the state will maintain its pro-Union position.* Union supporters in Frederick recently asked General Patterson to send Federal troops to the city, “where the Maryland legislature is in session—the members of the body having exhibited such strong secession proclivities as to render such a step necessary.” General Patterson, now in Hagerstown, Maryland, has responded to the request and sent a brigade to the city.

The*Richmond Daily Dispatch reports that Tennessee has upheld secession by at least 60,000 votes.

Postmaster General Montgomery Blair has discontinued mail delivery to Tennessee following the state’s vote to uphold secession and the Nashville Postmaster’s resignation after refusing to obey Blair’s directives.* Mail addressed to destinations in Tennessee will join letters to the seceding states at the dead letter office in Washington, D.C. Postmaster General Blair is further punishing secessionists and those affiliated with them by now requiring “persons receiving letters from the rebel States, to pay the postage, notwithstanding they bear pre-paid stamps, which are regarded as having been stolen by the seceding Postmasters, and therefore not entitled to credit.”

While thousands of men are fulfilling their patriotic duty to the country, hospitals are facing a shortage of trained doctors and other medical personnel. To fill this critical need, Secretary of War Simon Cameron has authorized the Surgeon General Clement Finley to allow qualified women to “be made available in the general hospitals, where, except in a very humble department, they have been excluded.”* The women must have prior medical training, “be above the age of thirty, with certificates of character and capacity.”* Miss Dorothea Dix, the well-known crusader for improved health care for mentally ill, has been appointed Superintendent of Nurses and will be in charge of evaluating the skill and character of the potential hires.

Lieut. Slemmer, late in command of Fort Pickens, had a handsome reception at Independence Hall, Philadelphia. A military procession, consisting of Col. Small’s Regiment of ten companies, preceded by a drum corps and a brass band, playing Hail Columbia, escorted the Lieutenant and his aged father-in-law from the Continental Hotel to the Hall, where Mayor Henry addressed him in behalf of the Councils and people of the city in happy terms, saying, among other things: “It is for that firm maintenance of the Constitution and its laws that your fellow-citizens have assembled this day. to greet you with their applause and admiration. It is in support of that Constitution that Philadelphia has sent her sons by thousands to the tented field, and will, if the necessity arises, pour forth hosts of brave and willing men to battle in this great cause. Permit me to express the sincere wishes of your fellow-citizens for the restoration of that health which has been materially impaired by your arduous services, and with it to convey the assurance that they will regard with interest each new laurel that will adorn your future career.”

To this Lieut. Slemmer replied: “Mr. Mayor and Councils of Philadelphia, I thank you very heartily for your expression of esteem and approval. When I stood almost alone, with a handful of men on Santa Rosa Island, it was the thought of just such sympathy as you have here expressed which made the performance of that duty a more welcome task. Enemies were around us, but we felt that we were not alone; for we knew that the whole North in heart, soul, and prayers was with us. Gentlemen, I would like to have seen the end of that little piece of work before coming among you; but having waited patiently for four long months, my men, who so nobly stood around me in darkness and peril, having become diseased through confinement and want of proper food, I concluded that the best thing for them and the country would be to bring them North where they might recruit their strength so as to enter again those stirring scenes where soon every soldier will be needed.”—National Intelligencer, June 15.

—In the Maryland Legislature in session at Frederick, Mr. McKaig presented a report from the Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to visit Montgomery. Accompanying this was a paper from Jefferson Davis expressing his gratification to hear that the State of Maryland was enlisted on the side of peace and reconciliation, and avowing his perfect willingness for a cessation of hostilities, and a readiness to receive any proposition for peace from the United States Government.—(Doc. 246.)

—Colonel Wallace, with the Indiana regiment, proceeded from Cumberland, Md., about forty miles into Virginia, to a place called Romney, where he surprised a body of about five hundred armed rebels. They showed fight, and a brisk little battle followed, resulting in the rout of the rebels. Colonel Wallace pursued them, killing two, and wounding one of them sure, as that number was left on the field. Some of the killed and wounded among the rebels were conveyed away in the flight. Only one of Colonel Wallace’s men was wounded, none killed. The Indiana boys seized a considerable amount of arms, ammunition, some horses, and provisions. Colonel Wallace then returned with his force to Cumberland, instead of holding Romney, which is on the route towards Harper’s Ferry, and about fifty miles from the latter place.
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[farmersdaughter]

Wednesday, June 12, 1861

Major General Patterson is rapidly organizing the army corps in Chambersburgh,*which is preparing for active operations. All regiments of Pennsylvania Volunteers to be engaged in that city should have arrived at this point. Colonel Jarrett’s men were the last and were scheduled to make their appearance on Monday. Jarrett’s men are expected to form a Sixth Brigade with a regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Burnside, and two Ohio regiments. A regiment of Indiana Volunteers will also be coming under Patterson’s command, bringing the number of men under him to about 20,000. It was believed that today would be the earliest the troops would advance to Hagerstown, but we have received no confirmation of any movement at this point.

There was action in Cairo this week. General Prentiss sent two companies to Mound City on Sunday under the command of Captain Joslyn. They were entrusted with guarding the location as there have been recent threats from a band of men from Kentucky. Prentiss is now examining the 18 secessionists who were captured in Colonel Shuttner’s raid on a camp near Norfolk, Missouri on Monday. He has released no word on the results of these examinations.

General Pierce is coming under*harsh criticism after the affair at Great Bethel. One reporter out of Washington states, “Such blunders as marching men into an enemy’s country without food and without ammunition, are denounced as inexcusable crimes, and such as calls for punishment.” Lieutenant Greble, known as a talented artilleryman, was killed in the battle. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Pierce’s situation is further worsened by the report that General Butler was able to overcome the secessionist forces at Bethel last night.

There is a rumor circulating in Virginia regarding the fate of Negroes captured in the North. Various sources have apparently reported that these individuals are being sent to Cuba to be sold in an attempt to defray the expenses of the war. The Richmond Daily Dispatch offers a suggestion for a Southern response, “For every negro kidnapped, some Yankee prisoner must be put into the hands of the master who has been robbed, to supply the place of his servant, till the negro is returned, and for every slave sold to Cuba, or elsewhere, two Yankees must be enslaved.” There have been no responses from the North regarding these rumors, nor is there any indication as to whether the South might warm to the Dispatch’s proposal.

The cotton embargo out of the South had gone into effect. General Pillow, of Tennessee, published the order for his state in the Memphis papers:

The law of the Confederate States of America, prohibiting the exportation of cotton, except through Southern ports, having gone into operation on this day, and this policy in the end determining the power of the Lincoln Government to shut up Southern commerce by the blockade of Southern ports, the Major-General commanding the army of Tennessee, orders and directs that no cotton shall be hereafter permitted to pass through Tennessee northward out of the State, by railroad, nor up the Mississippi, nor down the Tennessee or Cumberland rivers. All such attempts will involve a forfeiture and confiscation of cotton to the State of Tennessee, until her political status is fixed by the popular vote. The officers in command of forts on those rivers, and of encampments on railroads throughout the State, will see to the execution of this order.

To close, we ask all to keep in mind that bullets are less dangerous than fevers for the men who are currently fighting. Illness is much more likely to take a soldier’s life than enemy soldiers. Whenever possible, soldiers should eat good, plain food at regular intervals, partake in exercise and wear sufficient clothing to protect against the elements. However, soldiers do not always have the necessary resources to do these things, so we encourage all to donate clothing and food to the fighting men.

The Second Regiment Missouri Volunteers, Col. Siegel, went up the Pacific Railroad from St. Louis, and occupied the line as far as the Gasconade River in order to prevent further damage by the rebels. They met with no opposition from the traitors in that section.—N. Y. Herald, June 20.

—The steamer City of Alton, with two companies of Col. Oglesby’s Regiment and a squad of artillery-men, with two field-pieces, made an excursion from Cairo, Ill., down the Mississippi, five miles below Columbus, Kentucky, to-day. On returning, when near Columbus, some machinery of the boat broke, and the boat drifted ashore. While the machinery was repairing, the captain of the boat, with three of his crew, went ashore and cut down a secession flag which was flying on the shore, and brought it to Cairo. No attempt was made to prevent their taking the flag. Passengers, who have arrived from Columbus since the City of Alton left, say, that great excitement prevailed among the citizens, and that locomotives and cars were immediately despatched to Union city to convey rebel troops to Columbus. No rebel troops were seen by the excursionists between Cairo and Columbus.— Louisville Courier, June 15.

—Governor Jackson of Missouri issued proclamation rehearsing the so-called grievances inflicted by the Federal Government, which, he said, were designed to reduce Missouri to the same condition as Maryland. He accused the Federal authorities of fostering the inauguration of revolution and civil war for the overthrow of the State Government, and called 50,000 State militia into active service for the protection of the lives, liberty, and property of the citizens.—(Doc. 247)

—A man was discovered in an attempt to poison some of the soldiers of the Second Michigan Regiment at Washington by offering them water to drink, in which strychnine was deposited. He was immediately arrested.—N. Y. World, June 13.

—The state-room of William Trappman, a passenger on board the steamer America, which left Boston for Liverpool to-day, was visited and searched on the suspicion that he was a bearer of despatches from the Confederate Government. He produced papers showing that he was Prussian Consul at Charleston, and also a bearer of despatches from Lord Lyons to the British Government. Nothing of an objectionable character was found in his possession, and he was released. Subsequently a despatch was received from the War Department authorizing his arrest on the charge of treason, but the steamer had in the meantime sailed.—Boston Post, June 13.

—The Western Virginia Convention met yesterday at Wheeling, and after effecting a temporary organization adjourned till ten o’clock this morning. About forty counties were represented on the basis of their representation in the Legislature. Arthur J. Boreman, of Wood county, was chosen permanent chairman, and delivered a patriotic address on taking his seat. He reviewed the ordinance of secession passed by the Richmond convention, and exhorted the delegates to firm, decided, and thorough action. The delegates were then sworn in. The programme of the convention seems to be the formation of a provisional government for the whole State; the deposition of the present State authorities, and the entire reorganization of the municipal Government.

Mr. Carlile offered a resolution, which was unanimously adopted, thanking Gen. McClelland for sending troops to Western Virginia; commending the gallant troops at Philippa, and complimenting the bravery of Col. Kelly of the First Virginia Regiment.—N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, June 12.

—The Louisville Journal of to-day contains the following: “A facetious account has been given of Gov. Rector’s response to President Lincoln’s demand for troops, (‘Nary one—see you d—d first.’) We find the genuine dispatch embodied in his message to the Legislature, as follows:

“Executive Office,…….
Little Rock. Ark., April 22, 1861.

“Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War,
………………..Washington City, D. C.:

“In answer to your requisition for troops from Arkansas, to subjugate the Southern States, I have to say that none will be furnished. The demand is only adding insult to injury.

“The people of this Commonwealth are free men, not slaves, and will defend to the last extremity their honor, lives, and property against northern mendacity and usurpation.

“Henry M. Rector,…………………
Governor of Arkansas
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[farmersdaughter]

Thursday, June 13, 1861

We have received an update from Springfield, Illinois: “O.H. Browning has been appointed Senator by Governor Yates to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Senator Douglas.”

In other news, the events that unfolded at Great Bethel continue to dominate discussion, with General Pierce coming under constant fire. Many believe that the results would have been different if the charge had been lead by Colonel Duryee or Colonel Townsend. Word has been delivered to General Scott regarding General Butler’s campaign. As of yesterday, 14 Union men were killed and 45 wounded. Butler’s report claims at least 200 secessionists were killed or wounded, but we have heard nothing to confirm this number.

Major Winthrop, Butler’s aid, is missing. He left to reconnoiter and never returned. It is feared that he has been taken prisoner or killed. A fugitive slave is employed Fortress Monroe and came up with Lieutenant Butler, the general’s nephew, to report to Scott. He did some reconnaissance for the Union troops and claimed the existence of a big battery at Bethel, as well as providing the location of secessionist troops. He was highly serviceable to Butler in the latest conflict. This Negro was one of the last people to be in Winthrop’s company before the disappearance.

The Richmond L.L. Blues were mustered into service yesterday by the Inspector General. They had come from Aquia Creek only a few days past with 95 men. This morning they were to start for Lewisburg and then to the northwestern portion of the state.

The Blues are not the only men moving westward. As of the ninth, the Rhode Island Regiment was leaving for Harper’s Ferry. Professor Aken of the Regiment’s home state provided Washington with a large balloon, inflated from the street gas pipe. The balloon shall be used for reconnoitering purposes.

Despite all the recent discussion of movement towards the city, no change has yet taken place in Harper’s Ferry. The number of Confederate troops in the area are at between 9,000 and 12,000. The bridges at Harper’s Ferry and Shoppardstown are being mined. Trains of gunpowder extend from the middle pier, in water proof cases, with long fuses attack. It seems only a matter of time before the tensions here erupt.

The Honorable John Bell declared his allegiance to the South on June 4 in a speech to some 600 soldiers. He expressed his belief that no army, regardless of the numbers, could subdue the Southern spirit. Bell also remarked on his surprise that anyone could suppose that in a war between the North and South, he would take any other position than that of the South’s. Unionists are calling Bell a traitor.

As we are but a month out from the July 4, some have begun to make plans as to how they will honor the date. The citizens of Washington have contributed to the purchase of a flag by Albert C. Widdecombe, which will be flown from the Washington National Monument on the Fourth. The flag, 26 by 40 feet and to be flown at a height of 200 feet, will likely be seen by a great many in the capital.

By proclamation of Jefferson Davis, this day was observed as a fast-day throughout the States in rebellion against the U. S. Government.—N. Y. Times, June 2.

—The United Turner Rifles, Twentieth Regiment N. Y. S. V., Colonel Max Weber, left New York for Fortress Monroe and the army of Southeastern Virginia. In their march through the city they were drawn up in front of the City Hall, where a flag was presented to them by Samuel B. Ruggles, in behalf of Mrs. Charles E. Strong and other ladies of New York.—(Doc. 248.)

—Brigadier-General Schenck has been assigned to the Second Michigan Regiment now in Washington. He is thus attached to the Military Department of Washington, the chief of which is General Mansfield.—Conflicting statements having been made, it is proper to say—while Major-General Banks superseded General Cadwalader in command of the Department at Annapolis, the latter has been assigned to command a new division to cooperate with General Patterson in the progressing action against Harper’s Ferry.—Rochester Union, June 14.

—The steamer Iatan, with the Second Battalion of the First Regiment of Missouri volunteers, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Andrews, one section of Totten’s light artillery and two companies of regulars, under Captain Lathrop, and the steamer J. C. Swon, with the First Battalion of the First Regiment, under Colonel Blair, and another section of Totten’s battery, and a detachment of pioneers, and General Lyon and staff, numbering 1,500 men all told, left St. Louis for some point up the Missouri River, supposed to be Jefferson city. They had horses, wagons, and all necessary camp equipage, ammunition, and provisions for a long march.—Louisville Journal, June 14.

—The troops which started from Washington on Monday, left the vicinity of Tenlytown the next day, and are now beyond Rockville; the National Rifles, under Major Smead, the Slemmer Guards, Capt. Knight, and the Cameron Guards, accompanied by Capt. Magruder’s battery of U. S. Artillery, with three field-pieces, being in advance. The troops have taken the river route, and will be followed immediately by the First Pennsylvania and New York Ninth Regiments, which were at Rockville on Tuesday. What is called the river route is the road which diverges from the Frederick Road outside of Rockville, and passes through Poolesville direct to Edwards’ Ferry and on to Leesburg, Va. For several weeks past the Edwards’ Ferry route has been a general thoroughfare for secessionists from Maryland, and also for military stores, provisions, etc. The Fifth Battalion D. C. Volunteers took boats at the Chain Bridge yesterday morning at eight o’clock, and proceeded towards Edwards’ Ferry. This battalion is commanded by Lieut.-Col. Everett.— Washington Star, June 12.

—The Third Michigan Regiment, numbering 1,040 men, left Grand Rapids this morning for the seat of war. They are a fine body of men fully armed, equipped, and ready for service.—N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, June 13.

—The Sixth Regiment N. Y. S. V., Colonel William Wilson’s Zouaves, left New York for Fort Pickens. Previous to its departure the regiment was presented with a set of colors by the ladies of the Relief Committee.—(Doc. 249.)

—A portion of Montgomery’s men, under Capt. Jamison, armed with Sharp’s rifles and revolvers, reached Wyandotte, Kansas, from Lawrence under orders from Col. Mitchell. Montgomery, with several hundred mounted men, will at once take possession of the Kansas side of the Missouri line, so as to be ready to meet Gov. Jackson’s forces whenever they make a movement from Independence towards Kansas City. The militia and volunteer companies are ready to march to the order, as soon as the orders are sent.—St. Louis Democrat, June 18.

—The largest meeting ever known in Dover, Delaware, was held there to-day. Chancellor Harrington presided. The following, among other resolutions, was adopted unanimously: Resolved, That, considering the sentiments embodied in the foregoing resolution, incompatible with the views of James A. Bayard, now Senator, as expressed in his last speech in the Senate, and his recent addresses to the people of Delaware, we most respectfully request him to resign.

Not less than three thousand persons were at the meeting, and great enthusiasm prevailed. A resolution was also passed requesting the Governor to call the Legislature together.—Rochester Union, June 14.

—An attack was made by the rebels on the outpost of the Pennsylvania Fifth regiment at Alexandria, in which a private of company G was wounded in the arm. His arm was amputated.—N. Y. Commer. Advertiser, June 14.

—Gen. Beauregard ordered the Fairfax Court-House Company, Capt. Ball, recently prisoners in Washington, to leave the State of Virginia, because they took the oath of allegiance to the United States. Those of them who may be induced to violate it, will, of course, be excepted from the operation of this order.—N. Y. World,
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[jjay2518]

Just stumbled across this tonight. I'll be adding this thread to my daily routine now.
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[farmersdaughter]

Friday, June 14, 1861

The convention at Wheeling met yesterday at 10 a.m. in a U.S. courtroom. Mr. Caelile was named Chairman. After this, the Committee on Business read a declaration discussing the Richmond convention, offering a bill of rights, renouncing allegiance to the Confederacy and calling for the dismissal of all offices that support it. There were no dissenting opinions expressed.

Prior to the meeting, one member received a circular addressed to patriots of northwestern Virginia denouncing the convention. There is fear that the purpose is to divide the state and either attach the Western portion to a Northern state or form an entirely new state. This pamphlet has had no effect whatsoever on the continuance of the convention.

Not surprising given the strong feelings towards the situation in the western portion of Virginia, there was a conflict between soldiers on June 11. Colonel Lewis Wallace left Cumberland for Romney with a portion of the Indiana Regiment. Wallace and his men surprised and routed 500 secession troops. Some were captured as prisoners, one was wounded and two were killed. No Union men were killed, and only one was wounded.

There has been a great deal of discussion lately regarding the loyalty of Governor Jackson of Missouri. He has recently issued a proclamation claiming to be a Union man in an attempt to put rumors to rest, but his attempt was unsuccessful, as there are still those who see his government as “an unauthorized military despotism, which every law-abiding and law-defying citizen is called upon to resist.”

In the latest news following the battle at Great Bethel, the body of slain Lieutenant Greble arrived yesterday morning*in New York by steamer from Fort Monroe, en route for Pennsylvania.

The bids for a Pennsylvania loan worth $3,000,000 opened today. Many were taken at par. The New York Times declared, “Much gratification is expressed here at the liberality and patriotism that induced capitalists of all parties to sustain the Government so triumphantly.”

As all know, Judge Douglas is dead. A proposal has come out of Pennsylvania that a fund be established to furnish his widow and children with a suitable home. Douglas apparently was without funds at the time of his demise and his widow has been left at the mercy of creditors. If you are interested in donating to this cause, the Honorable John D. Caton, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois, will act as receiver of the fund.

—A signal balloon was seen at a considerable elevation over beyond the chain bridge, on the Leesburgh Road, at night, supposed to have been sent up by the rebels, for the purpose of communicating intelligence to secesionists in or near Washington.— Washington Star, June 15.

—A little fight occurred near Seneca’s Mill, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, 28 miles above Washington. Lient.-Col. Everett, in command of three companies of District Volunteers, 200 men, (a detachment of Col. Stone’s column,) started in canal boats from Georgetown, D.C., and were obliged to leave after a few miles up, the rebels having cut the dam. At Seneca the detachment was fired upon by 100 cavalry, on the Virginia side of the river. Col. Everett marched his men into the dry bed of the canal, and, sheltered by the opposite bank, returned the cavalry fire. Shots were exchanged for some time across the Potomac, a distance of seven-eighths of a mile. None of Col. E.’s men were injured. Two Virginia troopers were shot, one thought to be killed, as well as the commander, supposed to be Capt. Shreves. Upon the fall of their leader, the cavalry retreated. During the fight bullets were flattened on stones near our men, who lay down in perfect shelter.—N. Y. Express, June 17.

—John A. Dix, Major-General of the New York State forces, was appointed Major-General in the army of the United States.—N. Y. Tribune, June 14.

—At Rochester, N. Y., a flag was raised upon the court-house. The ceremonies were commenced with a prayer by the Rev. Dr. Dewey, followed by the hoisting of the flag, during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Speeches were then made by Judge John C. Chumasero, Roswell Hart, and H. B. Ellsworth. —Rochester Express, June 14.

—On the representation of certain Irish-women of Alexandria, that their husbands, who had never been naturalized, and were therefore British subjects, had been impressed into the rebel service, Lord Lyons instructed the British consul at that point to make an investigation, and, if satisfied of the truth of the statements, to demand their release of the commanding general.—N. Y. World, June 15.

—Harper’s Ferry, Md., was finally evacuated by the Confederate forces. This step had so often been predicted, and denied with such confident assertions of the impregnable fortifications erected there and of the determination of the Confederate leaders to make it the chosen point for a desperate stand, that the first reports were received with doubts and incredulity. Confirmatory statements, however, of the withdrawal of pickets from all points above and below the Ferry, of the burning of the railroad bridge, and the destruction of provisions they were unable to carry off; finally not only confirmed the evacuation, but gave to it somewhat of the aspect of a hurried retreat. The troops left in two columns—one column going toward Winchester with the intention of joining the force at Manassas Junction; the other retreating through Loudon county toward Leesburg. Before leaving Harper’s Ferry the Confederates destroyed all the public property in the vicinity. The fine bridge, including the Winchester span, over one thousand feet in length, was burnt. An attempt was made to blow up the piers. The Government Armory buildings were burnt.

The machinery had previously been removed to Richmond. The railroad bridge at Martinsburg and the turnpike bridge over the Potomac at Shepherdstown were also destroyed.—Baltimore American, June 15.—(Doc. 264.)

—Gov. Jackson, of Missouri, having learned that Gen. Lyon was on the way to attack him at Jefferson city, evacuated that place. Soon after sunrise but few of the rebels were to be found in the town. Orders were given by Governor Jackson for the destruction of the Moreau Bridge, four miles down the Missouri, and Gen. Sterling Price attended to the demolition of the telegraph. All the cars and locomotives that could be used were taken by the rebels in their flight, and as fast as they crossed streams they secured themselves from pursuit by burning the bridges. They were quite cautious in concealing their place of destination from the loyal men of Jefferson, but certain remarks made it pretty certain that they were bound for Booneville, forty miles above, and one of the strongest secession towns in the State.—N. Y. Herald,
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[farmersdaughter]

?

Saturday, June 15, 1861

?Confederate forces at Harper’s Ferry under the command of Brigadier General Joseph Johnston evacuated their position yesterday evening, heading southwest towards Winchester. Although the area had been a gathering point for Confederate troops for over two months, the force had been weakened by desertion, illness, and lack of provisions. This evacuation comes on the heels of a recent attack on nearby Romney, thirty miles to the west, which threatened to encircle Johnston’s forces. Major General Robert Patterson, having received word of the evacuation, is preparing to advance towards the city to claim it for the Union. Although this evacuation is generally viewed as a strategic retreat, others believe the troops may be headed to Manassas Gap for an attack on Washington.

During the evacuation, the Confederate troops destroyed much of the infrastructure of the city, including all bridges, the railroad, a number of government buildings, and a rifle-works. This was done to slow the Union pursuit and render the transport of supplies to the front more difficult.

Missouri Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson’s men have retreated from the State Capitol in Jefferson City due to the westward advance of Union troops led by General Lyon. They are said to be headed either towards Boonville or Arrow Rock, both along the Missouri River. In addition to pushing the secessionist force further Westward, Lyon has called for other Union troops to gather in Northern Missouri to prevent Jackson’s troops from establishing a presence in the north. A group of Illinois regiments are currently gathered in Hannibal, Missouri, for this purpose. It is reported that confederate forces in Arkansas and the Indian Territory are moving north, possibly to provide assistance to Jackson’s force.

The convention at Wheeling in western Virginia met again today and discussed an ordinance that would create a new provisional government for the state, until such time as it could be returned to the Union. The convention is dominated by Union men, but it not known whether the Federal government will elect to recognize it as the true government of the state.

Following the failed Union attack on Great Bethel in eastern Virginia, Confederate troops are reinforcing their position in nearby Yorktown in case of a second attack.

Governor Richard Yates of Illinois has named Republican Orville H. Browning to the Senate seat vacated by the late Stephen Douglas. Although he hails from a different party, he is generally viewed as an able and competent successor.

Although last week’s vote in Tennessee endorsed secession by a wide margin, it appears that the counties of eastern Tennessee have come out strongly in favor of the Union. This may prove beneficial to the Union war effort should troops in western Virginia advance south toward that state.

Confederate papers continue to advertise the sale of war bonds in the South, exhorting farmers to give a portion of their produce in return for the bonds, which may be circulated as a currency. It has been reported by correspondents in Europe that the Confederate bonds have failed to garner much attention in international markets.

—Privateer No. 1—of the Confederate States—(the Savannah) captured May 3d, by U. S. brig Perry, arrived in the port of New York.—(Doc. 251.)

—The obstructions of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Point of Rocks, Md., were removed, and the road was re-opened to Harper’s Ferry for the first time this morning since the occupation and obstruction of the road by the secessionists. The immense boulder, weighing about one hundred tons, thrown from the Point of Rocks upon the road by the Confederate troops, was removed last night by blasting, and the track now passes over its crushed fragments, which served to fill up the depression in the bed of the road, caused by its fall. An immense mass of the rock projects into the canal, leaving sufficient space, however, for the passage of the canal boats. The culverts which were attempted to have been blown up are now fully repaired, the solid character of the work rendering the attempted destruction but partial in extent.—Baltimore American, June 15.

—The First Massachusetts Regiment, under the command of Colonel Cowdin, left Boston for the seat of war.—(Doc. 252.)

—Jefferson City, Mo., was occupied by Gen. Lyon, in command of the Union force, who was warmly welcomed by the mass of the citizens. Gen. Lyon there learned that Gov. Jackson and the whole military and civil government of the State had fled to Booneville, forty miles above, and that they have not far from fifteen hundred men there, the most of them armed with their own rifles and shot-guns, six or eight iron cannon, and are throwing up earthworks to protect the town from attack, both by river and by land.—N. Y. Herald, June 20.

—An experiment with Sawyer’s American rifled cannon was made at the Rip Raps, in Hampton Roads. Seven of eleven 48-pound shells exploded a short distance from the rebel camp, on Sewall’s Point, and one of them over their intrenchments. It created a sensation among the secessionists. A house near the secession banner displayed a white flag.—N. Y. Times
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[farmersdaughter]

Sunday, June 16, 1861

?This past week, Union forces* encountered their first true setback since beginning their slow push into Virginia last month. Although they made progress in all theaters, the nation’s attention has been riveted on the rout of Union forces at Great Bethel , a small but well-defended east Virginia encampment between Newport News and Yorktown. Led by Brigadier General Ebenezer W. Pierce of Massachusetts, a number of Federal troops died during a short, ill-conceived attack on a heavily fortified Confederate outpost before the rest of the troops were forced to retreat under fire. The first real defeat of a Union force in a battle, this incident could be said to mark the conflict’s graduation into true war from mere costly patriotic spectacle. Union commanders will no doubt be more cautious going forward.

Despite the Northern advantage in men and money, some have been concerned about the North’s loss of military expertise to the South. Many of the Federal government’s most skilled officers have defected to the Confederacy, and their men are committed and unlikely to surrender easily.

Despite the overwhelming focus on this particular battle, however, the Union has enjoyed considerable success elsewhere in the country. Word has just arrived from Washington that the Confederates have evacuated Harper’s Ferry and retreated further into Virginia, depriving them of a strategic point along the border and a potential base for excursions into sympathetic regions of Maryland. Taken with the continuing push of Union troops into western Virginia and the beginnings of a Unionist provisional government within the northwestern region of the state, the momentum of this war still seems to be all on the Northern side, as Confederate forces have been slowly forced to retreat deeper into their own territory.

The other important piece of war news this week has been the resurgence of conflict in Missouri, which had been relatively tranquil for the past month despite a standoff between Unionists led by Nathaniel Lyon and the secessionists led by Governor Claiborne Jackson. Violence flared up immediately after Tuesday’s attempt at brokering a truce failed, leading to a week-long pursuit of Jackson’s forces across Missouri by Lyon and his men. Although the two sides have yet to meet in battle, Lyon appears to be closing in on the Governor and will likely clash with him later this week

—This afternoon J. G. Morrison, Jr., and several of his friends, unfurled the Star-Spangled Banner on the Maryland abutment of the bridge lately destroyed at Harper’s Ferry. The cherished symbol of the Union was hailed with delight by the people of Harper’s Ferry, and particularly by the women, who flocked to the opposite bank and saluted it by the waving of handkerchiefs and other manifestations of joy.—Baltimore American, June 20.

—General Joseph H. Lane, of Kansas, was appointed a Brigadier-General in the army of the United States.—N. Y. Tribune, June 20.

—A recconoissance of the Loudon and Hampshire Railroad, in Va., was made under Col. Powers, accompanied by the First Regiment of Connecticut troops. All the bridges were found safe, and the train returned. When two miles east of Vienna, a man in ambush fired on the train, wounding George Busbee, of the Connecticut Life Guards. Gen. Tyler was standing beside the wounded man, on an open car. The shot was evidently intended for him. The train was stopped as soon as possible, and the companies were divided to scour the woods, and search the neighboring farm-houses, etc., to make a circuit of a mile. Two men were arrested, named Walker and McMills, in the home of the latter. All the evidence that could be obtained, tended towards criminating Walker, who, with the other prisoner and a negro witness, was brought to Alexandria. The train was within three miles of 900 rebel troops, and six miles of Fairfax Court House, where, it is understood, there are 2,500 troops, besides recent arrivals.—N. Y. Times, June 17
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[farmersdaughter]

Monday, June 17, 1861

?Missouri Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson is rapidly becoming a personal enemy of the Federal government. After leaving St. Louis for Jefferson City, the Governor ordered troops to destroy the Gasconade and Osage Railroad bridges in hopes of delaying Federal soldiers. Additionally, he ordered his forces to cut telegraph wires to prevent communication between St. Louis and the capital. These actions have not only provoked the ire of pro-Union supporters but Missouri’s secessionists, as well. A reporter in St. Louis admits,

Even the hottest Secessionists are forced to confess that Jackson and [General] Price behaved like miserable cowards. The act is still more unpardonable, since Gov. Jackson promised Mr. Taylor, the President of the Pacific Railroad, before leaving this city, that he would neither burn the bridges nor damage the road in any way whatever.”

This censure has not slowed the governor. He immediately issued a proclamation calling for 50,000 state troops “to drive back the invaders of the ‘military despotism at Washington,’ and protect the ‘homes and firesides of the citizens of Missouri.’” Federal troops are advancing into the state. A violent confrontation seems to be imminent. One journalist reported that the two sides had already clashed near Independence and that “Federal troops were worsted,” but we cannot confirm that information at this time.

Following the Confederate evacuate of Harper’s Ferry, a reporter near Manassas Junction claims that the Confederate forces will soon withdraw from that area as well. The reporter’s sources tell him that, with Harper’s Ferry abandoned, General Beauregard no longer believes he needs to hold the position at the Junction. His forces will instead move further south.

Federal troops made advances into Virginia yesterday at Leesburg and near Williamsport, Maryland. The latter regiment waded waist-deep through the rushing waters of the Potomac.

Although his term is set to expire in 1862, Utah’s governor Alfred Cumming has reportedly abandoned his post for Georgia, his home state. This sudden action has raised questions about his loyalty to the Union, but there is still no concrete information that he has cast his lot with secession. A reporter in Salt Lake City, however, assures Union supporters that “there seems to be no likelihood that secession will gain a foothold in Utah.”

President Lincoln paid a visit to troops in the Cayuga and Onodoga regiments yesterday. During the visit, President Lincoln “shook hands with each member of the Cayuga Regiment” which such passion and vigor that one reporter could not help but pay tribute to the President’s hand-shaking style:

I have seen nearly all of our great men, from Jackson down, go through the ‘pump-handle movement,’ but there certainly never was a man who could do it with the celerity and abandon of President Lincoln. He goes it with both hands, and hand over hand, very much as a sailor would climb a rope. What is to the satisfaction of all is, that he gives a good honest, hearty shake, as if he meant it.

A letter from Cronstadt, Russia, written by the mate of a ship, says: “There is a Charleston ship lying alongside of us that hoisted the flag of the Confederate States, and for so doing I understand that the captain was arrested and placed in the guard-house of the Russian officers. They would not acknowledge or in any way recognize the flag of the rebels.” —Boston Journal, July 12.

—Lieut. George H. Butler with others proceeded from Fortress Monroe to Big Bethel to bring away the remains of Major Winthrop. At Little Bethel a picket took their message to Colonel Magruder, who sent Captain Kilsen, of Louisiana, to receive them. Two hours after Colonel Magruder came, and they were handsomely received. With Colonel Magruder were Colonel De Rusey, brother of the Chief of the Engineers at Fortress Monroe, Colonel Hill, of North Carolina, and other late officers of the army. None of Lieutenant Butler’s party were permitted to go near the batteries. The body of Major Winthrop was taken up by Colonel Magruder’s men and escorted to the wagon by a force of three hundred, who fired a volley. Most of them had shot guns. An escort was offered to Hampton, but Lieutenant Butler declined it. Colonel Magruder and others spoke in the highest terms of Major Winthrop’s bravery. He was distinctly seen for some time leading a body of men to the charge, and had mounted a log and was waving his sword and shouting to his men to “Come on!” when a North Carolina drummer-boy borrowed a gun, leaped on the battery, and shot him deliberately in the breast. He fell nearer to the enemy’s works than any other man went during the fight. He wore the sword of Colonel Wardrop of the Massachusetts Third, and it was supposed that it was Colonel Wardrop who fell. The sword was sent to North Carolina as a trophy. —N. Y. Evening Post, June 19.

—In the Wheeling (Va.) Convention Mr. Dorsey, of Monongalia, moved that the Declaration of Independence be put upon its passage, calling for the yeas and nays. It was unanimously adopted: Yeas, 56—not a vote in the negative. Thirty members were absent on leave, and the Declaration was signed by fifty-six, the same number as signed the National Declaration of Independence.—(Doc. 256.)

—Three hundred Federal troops, under Capt. Gardner, of the Pennsylvania First Regiment, had a skirmish at Edwards’ Ferry, with a considerable force of secessionists. The fight lasted nearly three hours, when the rebels fled, having had fifteen to twenty of their number killed and wounded, one private in Capt. Gardner’s command was killed, and three or four were wounded slightly. The fight occurred from across the river. The attack was made by the enemy with a view to taking possession of the Ferry. The news was brought to Washington by Capt. Gardner’s First Lieutenant, who was engaged in the action.—N. Y. Times, June 20.

—This morning, at St. Louis, Mo., a part of Col. Kallman’s Regiment of reserve corps were returning from the North Missouri Railroad, when opposite the Recorder’s Court-room on Seventh street, between Olive and Locust, a company near the rear of the column suddenly wheeled and discharged their rifles, aiming chiefly at the windows of the Recorder’s Court and the second story of an adjoining house, killing four citizens, mortally wounding two, and slightly injuring one. The statements regarding the cause of the firing were very conflicting —one being that a pistol shot was fired from the window of a house on the corner of Seventh and Locust, which took effect in the shoulder of one of the captains, when he gave word to fire; another, that a soldier accidentally discharged his rifle in the ranks, at which the whole company became frightened and discharged a full volley into the crowd on the sidewalk and windows of houses. The Recorder’s, Court was in session, crowded with prisoners and spectators. Police officer Pratt was shot in the side, and died in ten minutes. Deputy Marshal Franzo received three balls in the legs and arms. The window just behind Recorder Peers’ desk was riddled with bullets, and broken glass scattered over his desk.—Sandusky Register, June 18.

—In honor of the day—the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill—the Charlestown City Guard, comprising two companies of the Massachusetts Fifth, gave a grand entertainment at their camp near Alexandria, Va. Under the pleasant shade of a luxuriant grove long tables were spread with dainties quite unusual in that part of the land. Many of the dishes were furnished by the generous ladies of Massachusetts, and vividly recalled the good living of that dear old State—ever true to liberty and constitutional law. The edibles disposed of, sentiments were the order of the hour. The memory of Warren was appropriately toasted, and there were a dozen patriotic speeches from the officers and friends of the Guard, which, coming from the shadow of the solid column commemorating the glory of Warren and his heroic comrades, always honor the day with peculiar enthusiasm. At this time, and in sight of the spot where Ellsworth —who has been well denominated the Warren of the great struggle in which we are now involved—gave his life a willing sacrifice to his country, the proceedings of this afternoon were exceedingly fitting—and honorable to the Guard.

At Boston, Mass, the anniversary was observed with more than usual manifestations of patriotism. At the monument in Charlestown there was a civic and military gathering. The Stars and Stripes were raised on a flag-staff about 40 feet above the shaft, making the height 260 feet from the ground. Gov. Andrew and others made eloquent speeches appropriate to the occasion.—Washington Star, June 20.

—Gen. Lyon issued a strong proclamation, pointing out the determined efforts of the Governor and Legislature to force the State out of the Union, and the unconstitutionality of the military bill. He rehearsed the result of the conference with Governor Jackson, and stated that attempts to execute the provisions of the military bill had imposed most exasperating hardships on peaceful and loyal citizens, with persecutions and proscriptions of those opposed to its provisions. Complaints of these acts, he said, had been received by him as commander of the Federal forces, and also sent to Washington with appeals for relief from Union men who, in many instances, had been driven from the State. He gave his orders received from the President, stating that it devolved upon him to stop them summarily by the forces under his command, with such aid as might be required from Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois.—(Doc. 257.)

—An expedition of 300 Zouaves, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Warren, and accompanied by Capt. Smith, of the United States Topographical Corps, left Fortress Monroe to make a reconnoissance in the vicinity of Big Bethel and up the route to Yorktown.—N. Y. Times, June 19.

—At 4 P. M., as a train with telegraph constructors and 660 of the First Ohio Regiment went up the Loudon and Hampshire Railroad, Va., they were fired upon by a rebel battery stationed on a hill at a curve in the road, near Vienna, a small station about 15 miles from Alexandria. The battery consisted of three 6-pounders, and was worked by a company from Alexandria. Its first fire was very destructive. The men were immediately brought out of the car and formed and returned the fire, when, by some mismanagement the train returned to Alexandria and left them. They were however brought off in good order. Six were killed and nine wounded. Two of the wounded subsequently died. The rebels also had six killed. The rebel battery was supported by 800 infantry and 200 cavalry. Directly after the retreat of the Ohio troops, a regiment of South Carolinians, with a battery of six pieces, arrived upon the scene of action. Shortly after their appearance, an alarm was raised by the supposed approach of a large body of Union troops, when the whole rebel force beat a sudden retreat through Vienna, in the direction of Fairfax Court House. A resident of Vienna, who saw them pass two hours after the action, estimated them at two thousand.—(Doc. 258.)

—Near Independence, Missouri, a detachment of Union troops, under Captain Stanley, with a flag of trace, visited the camp of the State troops to ascertain the purposes of Captain Holloway, the rebel officer. During the conference Captain Stanley suspected movements were being made with the design of attacking him, and ordered his detachment to retreat. While retreating they were fired on by the State troops, at an order given by a private; but their fire was so irregular they killed their own commander, Captain Holloway, and J. B. Clanahan, and severely wounded several more of their own men. Captain Stanley’s men did not fire, they having received orders not to do so under any circumstances. Captain Stanley retreated to Kansas City and reported the affair, when Captain Prince, with a strong body of troops, attacked and routed the State forces, capturing thirty horses and a large quantity of baggage.—N. Y. Herald, June 20.

—Gen. Lyon left Jefferson City, Mo., for Booneville. He landed four miles below the town and opened a heavy cannonade against the rebels, who retreated and dispersed into an adjacent wood, whence, hidden by brushes and trees, they opened a brisk fire on our troops. General Lyon then ordered a hasty retreat to the boats; and the rebels, encouraged by this movement, rallied and followed the troops into a wheatfield, and were thus drawn from cover. General Lyon halted, faced his troops about, and, bringing the whole force of his artillery to bear, opened a murderous fire on the rebels, many of whom were killed, and the balance fled in all directions, leaving their arms on the field. General Lyon then moved forward and took possession of Booneville. Governor Jackson viewed the battle from a distant hill, and fled for parts unknown after the defeat of his forces. General Price was not in the battle, and his absence is thus accounted for: Sunday morning the pickets brought a report that seven steamboats were coming up the river with Union troops. A consultation was immefliately had between Gov. Jackson and Gen. Price, and the Governor ordered the State troops to disband, they not being able to sustain themselves against such force. General Price then went home; the troops, however, were determined to have a fight. Col. Marmaduke then became disaffected, and resigned. A few hours later the report about the steamboats proved untrue, and the Governor ordered the troops to prepare for resistance, appointing Mr. Little to command.—There is no reliable account as to the number of killed, wounded, or taken prisoners, though the killed are stated at 800. It is stated that General Lyon’s force had the State troops in a position where they could have killed them in large numbers. He ordered the firing to cease, and halted to make them prisoners.—St. Louis .Republican, June 18.—(Doc. 258½.)

—Col. Boernstein, commanding the Federal force at Jefferson City, Mo., issued a proclamation establishing a Provisional Government in consequence of the absence of the proper authorities. He promised protection to life and property, and urged the Union men, four companies, to assist him.—(Doc. 259.)

—The First Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, pioneers of the three years’ enlistments from that State, arrived at Washington and took quarters in Woodward’s buildings, Pennsylvania avenue. The regiment numbers 1,050 men, and is fully provided with camp equipage—Sibley and Wall tents, army wagons, &c. The uniform is the standard gray, furnished by the State—the muskets the Springfield rifle.

General Patterson crossed the Potomac at Williamsport, and marched down the Virginia banks of the Potomac towards Harper’s Ferry. —National Intelligencer,
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First Battle of Boonville
June 17, 1861
The First Battle of Boonville was a minor skirmish of the American Civil War, occurring on June 17, 1861, near Boonville in Cooper County, Missouri. Although casualties were extremely light, the battle's strategic impact was far greater than one might assume from its limited nature. The Union victory established what would become an unbroken Federal control of the Missouri River, and helped to thwart efforts to bring Missouri into the Confederacy.

Four battles were fought at Boonville during the Civil War: the first battle forms the main subject of this article, while the others are described below under other battles at Boonville.

Background

At the onset of the Civil War, Missouri, like many border states in the Union, was deeply divided over whether to support the United States under Abraham Lincoln, or join the nascent Confederacy under Jefferson Davis. Claiborne F. Jackson, the pro-Southern governor, wanted his state to secede, but Missouri's overall sentiment was initially neutral. An elected State convention did not pass a secession ordinance, as Jackson had hoped it might.

However, pro-secession elements did not let this setback dissuade them. They seized the small Federal armory in Liberty, Missouri, planning to subsequently confiscate a much more sizable stock of weapons located at the St. Louis Arsenal. This plot was temporarily thwarted by an energetic young officer, Captain Nathaniel Lyon. Lyon allied himself with Missouri Congressman Frank Blair and anti-slavery German immigrants in St. Louis to secure the arsenal for the Union. In the process, Lyon used a mixed force of U.S. Army Regulars and Federally enrolled Missouri Volunteers (mostly ethnic Germans) to capture the Missouri Volunteer Militia (MVM) which had assembled (purportedly for an innocuous annual drill) at Camp Jackson on the outskirts of St. Louis on May 10, 1861. When Lyon unwisely attempted to march his prisoners through the streets of St. Louis, a deadly riot erupted. The Missouri General Assembly, far more secessionist than the state's population at that time[1], convened an emergency session that night, and passed a series of emergency bills creating the Missouri State Guard, and granting Governor Jackson near-dictatorial powers to take any actions necessary to "repel invasion" (by Federal forces) and "suppress insurrection" (by Missourians enlisted in Federal forces).[2] The new State Guard began organizing statewide in nine decentralized military districts, initially structured around the independent militia companies of the pre-Camp Jackson MVM. State Guard authorities also worked to manage the large numbers of volunteers who flooded into Jefferson City to protect the state capitol from Federal attack that Jackson's supporters believed were imminent.[3]

A failed truce

Attempts were made to reconcile the two sides. A semi-formal truce was negotiated between General William S. Harney Commander of the Western Department of the U.S. Army and Missouri State Guard Major General Sterling Price. They agreed maintain order in the parts of the state under the control of their various forces, protect the persons and property of all persons, and avoid actions which might excite conflict. Harney unofficially agreed to (generally) restrict Federal forces to metropolitan St. Louis. Price ordered that the mustering of Missouri State Guard volunteers in Jefferson City be halted. Instead, potential guardsmen directed to muster with regional commanders in nine new Military Districts, the organizational course of action initially envisioned under the post-May 10 Military Bill.[4]

Harney understood that Price would hold the state for the Union, and in fact, Price promised him that should Confederate forces enter Missouri, the MSG would fight alongside the U.S. Army to drive the Confederates out. At the same time however, representatives from Governor Jackson...and Missouri's Lt Governor, Thomas C. Reynolds....were meeting with Confederate authorities asking them to send send an army to into Missouri.[5] They promised Confederate President Jefferson Davis that the Missouri State Guard would cooperate with the Confederate Army to dive Federal forces from Missouri and "liberate" the state.

Missouri Unionists felt that Harney's confidence in Governor Jackson and General Price was dangerously misplaced, and that Harney's unilateral adherence to the "truce" endangered the state. In a stream of letters and cables to the Lincoln government, they demanded Harney's removal, and eventually on May 30, General Harney was superseded by (recently promoted) Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon.

Lyon, Jackson, and Price met one last time, on June 12, at the Planter's House hotel in St. Louis. Jackson demanded that Federal forces remain isolated in St. Louis and that pro-Unionist Home Guard companies of Missouri Unionists around the state be disbanded. Jackson made a wide variety of promises, but all his position came down to: Federal abandonment of the state (outside St. Louis); disarmament of all Missouri Unionists (except those officially enlisted in the four regiments called for under Lincoln's April militia call); and no meaningful verification. (Federal authorities would rely on the Jackson and Price's good will and assurances that they would hold the state for the Union.)

In the face of Jackson's inflexible position, Lyon (according to Governor Jackson's secretary) eventually stated that rather than allow Jackson to dictate to the federal Government he (Lyon) would "see you, and you, and you, and you, and every man, woman, and child in the state dead and buried." Lyon concluded by turning to the Governor, and stating "This means war. In an hour one of my officers will call for you, and conduct you out of my lines." [6]

Governor Jackson and General Price fled toward the capital at Jefferson City, arriving there on June 12. They ordered the bridges on the main rail lines burned. After quickly concluding that Jefferson City could not be held, Jackson and the State Guard departed for Boonville the next day. General Lyon promptly set out after them by steamboat, with two Federal volunteer regiments, a company of U.S. regulars and a battery of artillery—about 1,700 men in all. His goal was to seize the capital and disperse the State Guard.

Price hoped to buy enough time to consolidate State Guard units from Lexington and Boonville, though he planned to withdraw from Boonville if Lyon approached. State Guard Colonel John S. Marmaduke's unit began organizing at Boonville, while Brig. Gen. Mosby M. Parsons was instructed to take up a position twenty miles to the south in Tipton. At this juncture, Price left Boonville due to illness and joined the forces assembling at Lexington. This was unfortunate, as it left the governor—a politician—in charge. Instead of retreating, Jackson decided to make a stand, because he feared political fallout if he made another withdrawal. Many of his men were eager to face the enemy, but they were armed only with shotguns and hunting rifles, and lacked sufficient training to fight effectively at the time. Marmaduke was opposed to giving battle, but he reluctantly assumed command of the waiting state forces.

Lyon, meanwhile, had reached Jefferson City on June 15, learning that Jackson and Price had retreated towards Boonville. Leaving behind 300 Federals to secure the capital, Lyon resumed his pursuit of Price on June 16, landing about eight miles below Boonville on June 17. Informed of Lyon's approach, Jackson attempted to call up Parsons' command at Tipton, but it was unable to arrive in time.

The battle

The battle itself was actually little more than a skirmish, but it was one of the first significant land actions of the war, and had grave consequences for Confederate hopes in Missouri.

After disembarking, Lyon's troops marched along the Rocheport Road toward Boonville at around 7 AM. Marmaduke's ill-equipped State Guard companies waited on a ridge behind the bluff, totalling about 500 men. They had no artillery support, since it was all with Parsons at Tipton. Inexplicably, Governor Jackson, observing from a mile or so away, held his only reasonably-disciplined and organized command (Captain Kelly's company) in reserve; it would take no part in the battle.

Lyon's command encountered State Guard pickets as they approached the bluffs, but Lyon deployed skirmishers and continued to push his men forward rapidly. The Union artillery quickly displaced sharpshooters stationed in the William Adams house, while Union infantry closed with the line of guardsmen and fired several volleys into them, causing them to retreat. This portion of the fighting lasted barely 20 minutes. Some attempts were made to rally and resist the Federal advance, but these collapsed when a Union company flanked the Guard's line, supported cannon fire from a light howitzer on the river steamer Augustus McDowell. As Marmaduke feared, the Guard's retreat rapidly turned into a rout. The guardsmen fled back through Camp Bacon and the town of Boonville; some continued on to their homes, while the rest retreated with the Governor to the southwest corner of Missouri. Lyon took possession of Boonville at 11 AM.

The short fight at Boonville and the State Guard's precipitate retreat earned the battle the nickname of "The Boonville Races."

Casualties and impact

Federal casualties were light, with five men killed or mortally wounded and about seven less seriously injured. There are no reliable figures of casualties for the Missouri State Guard: only a few are known to have been killed, and probably a dozen or so were wounded, while about 80 were captured. Lyon seized the State Guard's supplies and equipment, which included two iron 6-pounder cannon without ammunition, 500 obsolete flintlock muskets, 1200 pair of shoes, a few tents, and food.

The real impact of the Battle of Boonville was strategic, far out of proportion to the minimal loss of life. The Battle of Boonville effectively ejected the secessionist forces from the center of Missouri, and secured the state for the Union. Price realized he could not hold Lexington and retreated, though he would return three months later to re-take the city. Secessionist communications to the strongly pro-Confederate Missouri River valley were effectively cut, and would-be recruits from slave-owning regions north of the Missouri River found it difficult to join the Southern army. Provisions and supplies also could no longer be obtained from this section of the state.

A second result of the battle was demoralization. While the Missouri State Guard would fight and win on other days (most notably at Wilson's Creek and Lexington just two and three months later, respectively), it was badly dispirited by this early defeat. Lyon's victory gave the Union forces time to consolidate their hold on the state, while Marmaduke's disappointment led him to resign from the Missouri State Guard and seek a direct Confederate commission. Marmaduke and Price would team up again during Price's great Missouri Raid of 1864, culminating in their defeat at the Battle of Westport on October 23 of that year, which in turn put an end to significant Confederate operations in the state.

Other battles at Boonville

Following the battle of June 17, Boonville would serve as the scene for three other Civil War engagements, all of extremely minor importance:
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Tuesday, June 18, 1861

?Acting to oppose Governor Jackson’s treasonous actions in Missouri the past few days, General Nathaniel Lyon has issued a proclamation to Missouri’s citizens that condemns any who have answered the Governor’s call to resist. He warns the rebel movement that he has been given full authority by the Federal government to “to put it down,” though he hopes “that all aggravation, of those events may be avoided, and that they may be diverted from the innocent and may fail only on the heads of those by whom they have been provoked.” As many as 10,000 Federal troops currently occupy various cities in Missouri, with thousands more allegedly able to cross over the border at a moment’s notice.

Delegates in the western Virginia city of Wheeling, listened to a reading of their Declaration of Independence from Virginia a third time before approving it unanimously. Fifty-six delegates signed the document, the same number*of signatories to the original Declaration of Independence. The conference is now expected to begin formulating their plan for a new government separate from Virginia and loyal to the Union.

The British and French governments are closer to adopting definitive actions against American privateers trying to enter their ports. The United Kingdom is taking a more neutral stand, which Secretary of Foreign Affairs John Russell outlined in the House of Commons, declaring, “Orders should be given to interdict the ships of war and privateers of both parties from entering the ports and harbors of the United Kingdom, or of the colonies and the dependencies of Her Majesty, with prizes.” The French will follow an ordinance from 1681 that states that “in case of a war in which France is neutral, no privateers are allowed to bring their prizes into the ports or harbors of France, and its dependence for a longer period than twenty-four. They are not allowed to sell the cargoes, or in any way to dispose of the prizes which they have taken.” The glaring difference between these two actions is that the French ordinance applies to privateers and not to U.S. government vessels. Great Britain’s reluctance to take a definitive stand against ships flying under the Confederate flag has become a serious cause for concern for the North and the Lincoln Administration.

There was a deadly firefight yesterday in St. Louis, Missouri,* between volunteers and civilians, but no one yet understands exactly how the tragic incident came to pass.* Eyewitnesses have given conflicting reports as to which side fired first. Readers themselves will have to discern the truth for themselves between these several accounts of the event.

The Federal government has another secession on its hands: The legislature of the Chickasaw Indian nation in Indiana declared that their tribe is “absolved from all allegiance to any foreign government, and are left independent, which it is proper should be made known to the people of this nation and to the world.” To maintain their independence, the governor of the Chickasaw people calls “upon all Chickasaw warriors over eighteen and under forty-five years of age, to form themselves into volunteer companies,” and for all those over forty-five to formulate “home guards.” The Federal government has given no word on how they will react to this latest secession.

—Gen. Lyon issued another proclamation to the people of Missouri from his camp at Booneville. He released the prisoners taken in the late engagement, in consideration of their youth and of the deceit that had been practised upon them, simply requiring their pledge not again to bear arms against the United States. His proclamation warned all persons against presuming upon a like clemency in future, as the continuance of treason would certainly render harsh measures necessary.—(Doc. 280.)

—The Federal force at Hagerstown and Williamsport, Md., comprise the Pennsylvania 1st, 2d, 3d, 7th, 11th, 13th, and 24th Regiments, together with the First Rhode Island Regiment, two Regiments of United States Regulars, and seven hundred United States Cavalry. Included in this formidable body are Capt. Doubleday’s corps and McMullen’s Company of Philadelphia Rovers. The portion of the force which forded the river at Williamsport were under command of Gen. Thomas, and comprised the two regiments of regulars and about six hundred of the Rhode Islanders. The men waded through the stream generally up to their hips in water, and occasionally up to their arms. Their passage on the occasion is said to have been a very imposing and spirited spectacle. The men dashed into the stream singing “Dixie” and other popular camp airs with great vim and enthusiasm. —National Intelligencer, June 20.

—Near Conrad’s Ferry, Maryland, the rebels practised upon the Federal troops from the opposite side of the Potomac with three or four 6-pounders. Their fire was returned from the rifle pieces of some twenty picked marksmen, who in the course of their firing brought down one of the enemy’s gunners. The distance across is so great, however, that even rifled muskets are of little avail except by chance shots.—N. Y. Evening Post, June 18.

—The Twenty-Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment (mostly Germans,) Colonel Einstein, about one thousand strong, passed through Baltimore, Md., on the route to the seat of war. They are well armed and equipped, and have entered the service with the spirit of true soldiers. Whilst at Camden, opposite Philadelphia, where they encamped for some time, they were treated with great kindness by the people of that city.—(Doc. 261.)

—A balloon ascension for military purposes took place at Washington. The elevation attained was not very great, though it was perfectly satisfactory as an experiment. The aeronauts were Prof. Lowe, Gen. Burns, of the

Telegraph Company, and H. C. Robinson, operator. The balloon was connected with the War Department by telegraph. The first message ever telegraphed from a balloon was then sent to the President of the United States by Prof. Lowe. It was as follows:

Baloon Enterprise, Washington, June 17.

To The President of the United States:

Sir:—This point of observation commands an area nearly fifty miles in diameter. The city, with its girdle of encampments, presents a superb scene. I take great pleasure in sending you this first despatch ever telegraphed from an aerial station, and in acknowledging my indebtedness to your encouragement for the opportunity of demonstrating the availability of the science of aeronautics in the military service of the country.

Yours respectfully,
T. S. C. Lowe.

—An official order from the Duke of Newcastle, forbidding privateers to enter the ports of Canada, was published in the Montreal (Canada) papers.—(Doc. 262.)

—The Fourteenth Regiment N. Y. S. V. passed through New York City en route for the Seat of War.—The Eighteenth Regiment N. Y. Volunteers left Albany.—(Doc. 268.)

—Capt. Budd, commanding the United States steamer Resolute, arrived at Washington, bringing as a prize the schooner Buena Vista, seized in the St. Mary’s River. He captured two other vessels—namely, the schooner Bachelor and the sloop H. Day. The former had disregarded a warning given several days ago, and had deceived Captain Rowan by false statements, and was found on the Maryland side, opposite Matthias Point, at a place where it was convenient for crossing. They belonged to the same owner. —N. Y. Commercial Advertiser
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Wednesday, June 19, 1861

The Wheeling Convention has come to a historic decision. By formal and unanimous vote, the representatives have resolved to remove themselves from the Old Dominion and form a new and independent state. While the Federal government no doubt may appreciate the convention’s support of the Union, this choice may cause problems for it. As one Northern reporter puts it, “If the Federal government refuses to acknowledge the secession of a state, it can no well recognize, in attempted secession, a cause for the dismemberment of a state by its loyal inhabitants, as a remedy for the evils with which they are threatened.” The decision to form a new state is also likely to create quite a backlash from those loyal to Virginia. We shall provide any updates we receive as this situation further unfurls.

The Missouri border has been watched since the secessionists’ retreat on the June 13. However, no movements of special importance have been witnessed. Captain Price was able to make the return to Kansas on June 15*without engaging with any secessionists.

The telegraph service in Missouri took a hit with the retreat. The operator of the Independence office was forced to accompany the retreat, with his instruments, after the secessionists seized and burned the dispatches that were housed at the telegraph office.* It is unclear at this point if the operator is a supporter of the secessionist cause or a prisoner of it.

It has been reported in the North that only six Unionists were killed in the battle at Bethel Church. While this number may be a comfort to the families of the men fighting, coupled with the Northern retreat from the field, it is drawing disbelief and derision from the South. One reporter posits, “If only six Yankees were killed in the battle at Bethel Church, as some of their newspapers pretended, what are we to think of the prowess of Yankee troops, whom such a loss was sufficient to drive like a flock of terror-stricken sheep from the field?”

Lincoln is being heavily criticized in the South for his comment that the war is to protect the public property. It is felt by some that his allowance of certain offensives, such as the order to set Harper’s Ferry on fire and the destruction at the Norfolk Navy Yard belies his claim. The Richmond Daily Dispatch also notes that the public buildings in Washington are ready for explosion if that is what it takes to keep them out of the hands of the Southern army. The reporter states, “We can understand from this what kind of ‘protection’ is meant for the South in general, and the Constitution in particular, by this new ‘Protector’, who is like his Cromwellian model in everything but courage, sense and character.”

To our Southern readership, there is a great need for nurses in Yorktown. The sick are great in number, most of them being quartered in Nelson Mansion. As your support has been plentiful, we trust that this advertisement will secure assistance for these men

To-day Telegraph Engineer Henry I. Rogers, of New York, put in operation, on the western side of the Potomac, his newly invented telegraphic cordage or insulated line, for field operations, and it proved eminently successful, giving entire satisfaction in the manner in which it operated. It is run off reels upon the ground with great rapidity, (as required for instant use,) across streams, through woods, or over any localities. Lines were in extraordinarily short time laid between the head-quarters of General McDowell and two or three of his most advanced camps, and were worked in immediate connection with the telegraph station in the War Depatment. It is worthy of note that the heaviest artillery may run over the Rogers’ cordage without damaging its effectiveness in the least. It differs in many respects from the field telegraph used by Louis Napoleon in the Italian war, and embraces many advantages of convenient and certain operation under any possible circumstances over that (Louis Napoleon’s) which contributed so signally to the success of the French arms. —Baltimore American, June 22.

—The Second Rhode Island Regiment, Col. Slocum, accompanied by the Providence Marine Artillery Corps, with a full battery (six pieces) of James’s rifled cannon, arrived at New York, on their way to Washington. Governor Sprague and a portion of his staff, including Colonels Goddard and Gardner, and two others, accompanied them.—(Doc. 23.)

—This evening while the United States steamer Colorado was at sea, a break occurred in the after standard supporting the reversing shaft to the propeller. It had broken midway, and at a point where a triangular shaped piece had been sawed out of the rib, and a nicely fitted piece of soft wrought iron inserted and fastened by a small tap bolt. The surfaces had then been filed smoothly and painted over as before. But for the breakage it would have escaped the most critical examination. A strict inspection was made of the other parts, resulting in the discovery of a similar work upon the forward standard of the reversing shaft. Several other flaws were discovered, and the conclusion was irresistible that some villain had wrought all this mischief for the purpose of disabling the ship. A delay was caused before the repairs could be made, and the vessel again proceed on its course.—N. Y. Herald, June 27.

—At Willet’s Point, N. Y., interesting ceremonies took place on the occasion of blessing the standards of Col. McLeod Murphy’s regiment, and the presentation of colors by Col. Bradford, of Gov. Morgan’s staff. A large number of visitors attended, and interesting speeches were made by D. Thompson, Judge Charles P. Daly, Orestes A. Brownson, and others.—N Y. Times, June 21,

—Thirteen rebels were captured at Clarksburg, Va., this morning by the 3d Virginia Regiment. A secession flag and arms were also captured.—Louisville Journal, June 22.

—Gov. Harris, in a message to the legislature of Tennessee, recommends the passage of a law requiring payment to be made of all sums due from the State to all persons or the Government on terms of peace, and advises such a policy toward the citizens of the belligerent States as the rules of war justify. He recommends the issue of Treasury notes to pay the expenses of the Provisional Government, to be receivable as currency.

Major-General McClellan to-day assumed command in person of the Western Virginia forces. He expects to have 16,000 men in the field before Saturday night.—N. Y. Commercial, June 21.

—Cornelius Vanderbilt offered all the steamships of the Atlantic and Pacific Steamship Company to the Government, including the Vanderbilt, Ocean Queen, Ariel, Champion, and Daniel Webster, to be paid for at such rate as any two commodores of the United States Navy and ex-Commodore Stockton might decide upon as a proper valuation.—(Doc. 24.)

—In the Wheeling (Va.) Convention, Frank H. Pierpont, of Marion county, was unanimously elected Governor; Daniel Paisley, of Mason county, Lieutenant Governor, and Messrs. Lamb, Paxhaw, Van Winkle, Harrison, and Lazar to form the Governor’s Council. The election of an attorney-general was postponed till Saturday. The Governor was formally inaugurated in the afternoon, taking in addition to the usual oath, one of stringent opposition to the usurpers at Richmond. He then delivered an address to the members of the convention, urging a rigorous prosecution of the work of redeeming the State from the hands of the rebels. After the inauguration, the bells were rung, cannon were fired, and the whole town was wild with delight—(Doc. 25.)

—The Second New Hampshire Regiment left Portsmouth, for the seat of war. Previous to their departure, the Goodwin Riflemen, attached to the regiment, were presented with a banner. It had on one side the coat of arms of the State, with an inscription showing that the flag was given by the ladies of Concord, and on the other side was a representation of the Goddess of Liberty, with the inscription in gold letters, “Goodwin Rifles.” At Boston, Mass., on the arrival of the troops, they were entertained by the sons of New Hampshire resident in that city. —(Doc. 26.)

—Gov. Robinson of Kansas issued a proclamation calling on all good citizens to organize military companies for the purpose of repelling attacks from the rebels in Missouri
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The Battle of Cole Camp
June 19 1861

The Battle of Cole Camp was a skirmish of the American Civil War, occurring on June 19, 1861, in Benton County, Missouri. The rebel victory assured an open line of march for the fleeing governor and Missouri State Guard away from Lyon's force in Boonville.

Background

On June 15, 1861, Union Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon took control of the Missouri capitol in Jefferson City. Two days later, he routed the portion of the Missouri State Guard then assembling at Boonville with pro-secession Missouri Governor Claiborne F. Jackson. As the portion of the guard accompanying Governor Jackson fled to the southwest of the state, a Unionist Missouri Home Guard regiment was in position to obstruct his retreat.

The majority of the inhabitants of Benton County were of Southern origin and sentiment; however, the German immigrants and their descendants were predominantly pro-Union and anti-slavery. These formed the core of the Benton County Home Guard. Captain Abel H.W. Cook began to form the regiment in early June and called for the volunteers to assemble northeast of Cole Camp on June 11.

A secessionist force was gathering nearby at Warsaw. Captain Walter S. O'Kane organized the Warsaw "Grays" and Captain Thomas W. Murray organized the "Blues." The combined force numbered about 350, with 100 of them mounted.[1] two weeks after Cole Camp, just before the Battle of Carthage, O'Kane was elected lieutenant colonel of the battalion while Murray was elected major.[2]

The secessionists were aided by Benton County's Sheriff, Bartholomew W. Keown. Keown attempted to arrest captains Cook and Mitchell at the Union Home Guard camp, but they refused to comply. The "arrest" apparently was a pretense for gathering intelligence.[3]

The Engagement

The Unionist force occupied two adjoining farms ~600 yards apart belonging to Henry Harms and John Heisterberg. The Home Guards called the location Camp Lyon. Cook had about 400 infantry muskets. While up to 900 men had initially gathered, as many as half were furloughed for lack of weapons or for other reasons.[4]

O'Kane's force marched from Warsaw toward Cole Camp on June 18 to attack the gathering Home Guard. A respected older citizen, John Tyree, had witnessed the preparations of the secessionists and reported it to the officers at Camp Lyon. As he returned from reporting this, he was captured by O'Kane's force. Some of the men recognized him from earlier in the day, surmised what he had done, tied him to a tree and shot him. (Ironically, he was a slaveowner although a Union man.)[5]

Despite Tyree's warning, Cook's preparations were inadequate, for his pickets were overrun without alerting the sleeping Home Guard. There were admissions of extensive drinking in the camp and the men were slumbering in the early morning hours of June 19 when the attack began. O'Kane's infantry double-quicked from the east to the Heisterberg barn where a portion of the Home Guard were and delivered a volley into the shocked men. However, a company of Home Guard under Captain Elsinger was just north of the barn. They responded with fire into the flank of the attackers, but having little ammunition were soon forced to withdraw.

O'Kane's mounted force then slammed into and drove away another nearby group of Home Guard that was attempting to form to repel the infantry.

Meanwhile, the remaining unengaged Union men at the Harms barn under Captains Grother and Mueller formed to join the fracas. The presence of a Union flag now in the hands of the rebels confused the men and they held their fire until they were fired upon. They withdrew without engaging and the fighting ended.

Capt. Cook supposedly fled at the beginning of the fight. He claimed to have left to consult with Captain Totten of Lyon's forces, but his men claimed otherwise. His command ended sometime in July, and his widow was denied a pension after the war.[6]

Casualties and Impact

Federal casualties were heavy with at least 34 killed or mortally wounded, 60 wounded, and 25 made prisoner. Perhaps most importantly, O'Kane's force captured 362 muskets with bayonets that would prove useful at the battles of Carthage and Wilson's Creek. Secessionist losses were around seven killed and 25 wounded.[7]

O'Kane's men apparently murdered one of the prisoners who spoke little English and was a cook. They mistook him for Capt. Cook and shot him on the spot.[8]

The victory opened a path for the fleeing Missouri State Guard. When O'Kane's men joined the gathering Missouri State Guard, their tale provided a morale boost to the rest of the beleaguered force.

Sheriff Keown was captured along with 683 other Missouri State Guard recruits on December 19 in the Skirmish at Blackwater Creek (actually a river.)[9] As a result of his actions at Cole Camp and in another affair, he was charged with spying and robbing loyal citizens, but died in prison on April 16, 1862 before a trial was held
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[farmersdaughter]

Thursday, June 20, 1861

There is more news from the Wheeling convention. They are occupied with a debate regarding the ordinance for reorganizing state government. West has proposed that no one who voted in favor of secession should be allowed to hold office in the new state until this war comes to a close. However, he was not able to garner enough support to pass the amendment, and it failed ten to 66. The ordinance that was passed does require every individual who holds office to swear allegiance anew to the United States but does not exclude those who voted against unity in the past.

The Confederate government now has someone to run its Bureau of War. Professor Blesdon, of the University of Virginia, has been appointed to the position of Chief. His military and legal experience make him quite qualified to carry out the duties entrusted to him.

The Battalion of Washington Artillery, out of New Orleans, arrived in Richmond on Tuesday, accompanied by their 12 piece brass band. Major Walton, who leads this group, and his staff spent time in the company of Jefferson and Mrs. Davis. During this time the brass band serenaded some of Richmond’s distinguished citizens.

The battalion is being supplied with an extra battery by the Confederate government and will be in a very superior state of artillery drill. They are ready for action and expected to receive their marching orders within the next week’s time.

Southern newspapers are reporting a decline in Northern revenue. It would appear that the foreign importations at New York are dwindling, causing government revenue to fall. According to rumors, the custom receipts from that port on Friday last did not exceed $100,000.

The question of revenue is an important one facing Congress. Additional legislation seems necessary if the North is going to make it through the war financially. Some are leaning toward the policy of direct taxation. The New York Times feels, “If judiciously employed, it would not only add largely to the direct and immediate resources of the government, but would greatly facilitate its other financial operations.” While this makes a certain sense, it will be up to Congress to decide how the North progresses from here.

Supporters of secessionist aims are lauding a woman of Arkansas as a heroine. Miss Williams heard troops approaching her father’s home last Sunday. As he was not home, she immediately caught a horse and went to find him. Once she had told him the situation, she returned to the house, moulding all his lead into bullets. She hid his rifle, powder and bullets under the house to await his return. Miss Williams proceeded to ride to neighboring homes to spread the alarm but returned in time to give her father his ammunition. While she was able to amass ten men to stand with her father against these soldiers, perhaps most impressive is that Miss Williams accomplished all of the above in less than two hours
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[farmersdaughter]

Friday, June 21, 1861

Tensions are rising in Cairo, and a*battle appears imminent, according to a special dispatch to yesterday’s*Evening Journal. General Pillow and his army numbering possibly as many as 30,000 men pose the main threat. A large force of Ohio troops, along with several gunboats, should be coming down Ohio River to join those already in Cairo.

General Pierce,*attempting to defend himself against critics after the ill-fated battle of Bethel, recently made a statement to the public through the Boston Journal, asserting, “I gave my orders properly, and, under the circumstances, the battle could not have been managed better.” Before all is said and done, the public, to say nothing of Pierce’s superiors, may resolve on a different assessment of his performance.

There is talk in the South that soldiers in*Ohio are growing tired of waging the war and have lost faith in Lincoln’s leadership. Many troops are expected to return to their homes when their ninety-day term of service expires. If this is true, it may be due to the western states’ dependence on trade with the slave states. There is no word out of the North, however, of any upcoming departures of Ohio troops.

Not all believe that war is the appropriate answer to the differences between the North and South. Senator Converse recently introduced resolutions supporting peace in the Connecticut legislature. There is also a growing peace movement in Newark, where citizens are holding meetings to discuss their desire for peace. Last week the Newark movement adopted the following*resolution:

Whereas, That in view of the present deplorable condition of the country, the members of this meeting deem it their duty, and in accordance with their constitutional rights, to petition the Congress of the United States about to assemble, to interpose (if in their judgment it is best for them to do) their power to put an end to the present troubles now existing in this our once prosperous and happy but now distracted country, and to save us from the ravages of civil war.

Resolved, That a committee of ten be appointed by the Chair to prepare and circulate a petition for signatures of those persons who may be in favor of permanently restoring peace and prosperity to our unfortunate country.

Attention to all doctors who support the secessionist cause: If you are a veritable M.D. and wish to join the Doctors’ Regiment of Georgia, please address A.A. Terhune, M.D., Kingston, or A.G. Thomas, M.D., Secretary Medical Association of Georgia, at Atlanta.

—A correspondent at Washington says: Surprise has been expressed in some quarters at the failure of Gen. Scott to prevent the erection of batteries at various points on the right bank of the Potomac. The impending advance of the Union army toward Richmond, however, will either compel the Rebels to remove their batteries or render them an easy prey to the Union forces. Gen. Scott is simply indisposed to take at a great sacrifice of life what will be had in due time without bloodshed.—Ohio Statesman, June 22.

—The Twenty-ninth Regiment N. Y. S. V., under the command of Colonel Von Steinwehr, and the Seventeenth Regiment, Colonel H. C. Lansing, left New York for Washington. The Twenty-sixth Regiment N. Y. S. V., Colonel Christian, left Elmira, N. Y., for Washington.— (Doc. 27.)

—Two free negroes, belonging to Frederick, Md., who concealed themselves in the cars which conveyed the Rhode Island Regiment to Washington from that city, were returned this morning by command of Colonel Burnside, who supposed them to be slaves. The negros were accompanied by a sergeant of the regiment, who lodged them in gaol.—Baltimore American, June 22.

—The Third and Fourth Regiments of Ohio troops, under the commands of Colonels Morrow and Anderson, left camp Dennison for Virginia—Philadelphia Ledger, June 24.

—The Eastern Tennessee Union Convention, assembled at Greenville, adopted a declaration, of grievances and resolutions, expressing their preference for the Union and Constitution, and ignoring in a most emphatic manner the idea that they had been oppressed by the General Government.—It is the fixed determination of the Federal Government to sustain and protect in their constitutional and legal rights all those citizens of Tennessee who, in their devotion to the Union, are struggling to wrest their State Government from the hands of its unconstitutional rulers, and it will defend all loyal States against parts thereof claiming to have seceded, and thus will afford them every protection “against domestic violence, insurrection, invasion, and rebellion.”
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[farmersdaughter]

Saturday, June 22, 1861

?Following his defeat at Booneville on Monday, Missouri Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson and his men are retreating southward towards Lexington in the eastern half of the state. He continues to be pursued by pro-Union forces led by Nathaniel Lyon, who was responsible for the Unionist victory at Booneville. At Cole Camp, a group of Union Guards led by Captain Cook fell under attack by a larger group of secessionists and were forced to flee the city. These Union Guards now plan to join Lyon’s forces.

Confederate forces have reportedly begun to gather troops in northern Virginia near Martinsburg, close to the Maryland border. This has put great pressure on General Cadwallader’s troops in Williamsport, just along the Potomac, where artillery and other fortifications have just been installed. Many in Williamsport expect fighting to begin shortly and have begun to flee the town.

After abandoning Harper’s Ferry last week, a small number of Confederate forces returned to the city yesterday for a short period of time. In addition to reclaiming the city for the Confederacy, they destroyed all public property and bridges over the Potomac. A small number of civilians are reported dead.

Union and Confederate forces in northern Virginia continue to slowly advance towards each other but still have yet to meet in battle. Union troops are now only a few miles north of Fairfax and can now see the flags of the opposing confederate troops. Nonetheless, caution prevails, and an engagement remains slow in coming. As these forces inch toward each other, Northern and Southern forces continue to pour into Washington and Richmond, respectively.

Secretary of State William H. Seward has issued a notice declaring that all men wishing to depart the country must have their travel approved by the State Department before departure. This action has been taken in response to a recent incident in Boston in which a Confederate agent fled the country using a local passport.

Following the failed Union advance towards Yorktown from Hampton Roads come reports that Confederate troops are beginning to push back, moving forces southwards from Yorktown towards the Union encampment at Fortress Monroe. Although previous conflicts in the area have resulted in victory for the Confederate troops, Fortress Monroe is well fortified and should give Union troops a sizable defensive advantage.

In recent weeks, policymakers in Washington have begun to give more attention to the West, where Nathaniel Lyon has provided the Union with some early victories. Troops are now being raised in Iowa, Kansas and even California to aid the war effort in the region. Troops from Iowa and Kansas will be concentrated around the Mississippi River and in Texas, while Californian troops will likely be more active in Arizona. Western regions such as Texas and Arizona have considerably greater Union support than their southeastern neighbors, and Lincoln hopes to take advantage of this support to further the Union war effort.

—Several delegations of citizens of Maryland waited upon President Lincoln, to endeavor to procure some countermand of the order for troops to march to Washington. One delegation of thirty, from five “Young Men’s Christian Associations” of Baltimore, had a prolonged interview, but made no impression upon him.—N. Y. Times, April 25.

—Gov. Hicks presented to the President a communication again urging the withdrawal of troops from Maryland, a cessation of hostilities, and a reference of the national dispute to the arbitrament of Lord Lyons. To this the Secretary of State replied, that the troops were only called out to suppress insurrection, and must come through Maryland, as that was the route chosen for them by the Commander-in-Chief, and that our troubles could not be “referred to any foreign arbitrament.”—(Doc. 84.)

—A meeting was held in Clarksburg, Harrison county, Virginia. Resolutions were adopted censuring severely the course pursued by Governor Letcher and the Eastern Virginians. Eleven delegates were appointed to meet delegates from other northwestern counties, to meet at Wheeling, May 13th, to determine what course should be pursued in the present emergency. Reports thus far received speak encouragingly of the Union sentiment in Western Virginia.—National Intelligencer, April 29.

—The Twenty-fifth Regiment of New York Militia arrived at New York from Albany. The regiment numbers over five hundred men, and is commanded ‘by Colonel M. K. Bryan.—N. Y. Tribune, April 23.

—A meeting was held at Palace Garden, in New York, for the purpose of organizing a “Home Guard” of men over 45 years. The following Committee was appointed to carry out the objects of the meeting: Major A. M. Bininger, Col. Charles B. Tappen, Col. Burr Wakeman, Samuel Hotaling, Esq., and Judge Edmonds. Upwards of 300 names were enrolled.—N. Y. Tribune, April 25.

—The Baltimore American of this day contains a recapitulation of the killed and wounded during the riot that occurred at Baltimore on the 19th April.—(Doc. 85.)

—An embargo upon “provisions of any kind,” and upon steamboats, was declared by the Mayor and Police Board of Baltimore.—(Doc. 86.)

—The Charleston Mercury of to-day, in an article headed “President Lincoln a Usurper,” concludes that he will “deplore the `higher-law’ depravity which has governed his counsels. Seeking the sword, in spite of all moral or constitutional restraints and obligations, he may perish by the sword. He sleeps already with soldiers at his gate, and the grand reception-room of the White House is converted into quarters for troops from Kansas—border ruffians of Abolitiondom.”

—At Lexington, Ky., between two and three hundred Union men assembled, raised the Stars and Stripes, and expressed their determination to adhere to them to the last. Speeches were made by Messrs. Field, Crittenden, Codey, and others. The most unbounded enthusiasm prevailed, and the speakers were greeted with great applause.—Phila. Inquirer.

—A large and enthusiastic meeting of the residents of Chestnut Hill, Pa., and its vicinity, was held to “counsel together in the present alarming condition of the country, and take some steps to protect it from the assaults of traitors.”—Idem.

—Robt. E. Lee, late of the United States Army, was nominated by the Governor and unanimously confirmed by the Convention as “Commander of the military and naval forces Virginia.”—National Intelligencer, April 27.

—The Charleston Mercury of this day says that “the officers of the army and navy of the Confederate States, and captains sailing under letters of marque, will greatly oblige the proprietors of that paper by furnishing sketches and incidents of the expected conflict between our gallant soldiers and their enemies.

“When supplied exclusively, a liberal compensation will be allowed.”

—The United States Arsenal at Fayetteville, North Carolina, surrendered to the State authorities. It contains a large number of arms.

—Governor Ellis of North Carolina, called for 30,000 volunteers additional to the regular militia, and all the organized corps are under orders to be in readiness at a moment’s notice. —Boston Transcript, April 29.

—Information was received by Gov. Curtin that Lieut. Jennifer, late of the United States Army, stationed at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., had fled from that place. Gov. Curtin, by aid of the telegraph facilities in his possession, succeeded in having him arrested at Hanover, in York County, Pa. It is said that Jennifer has been communicating information to the rebels as to the exact condition of things at Carlisle, and of the movements of Gov. Curtin’s troops.—N. Y. Times, April 23.

—The N. Y. City Common Council passed an ordinance appropriating $1,000,000 for outfit and equipment and for the families of volunteers.

—Several hundred uniforms made for the Southern army were seized at 4 Dey street, N. Y. City.—Idem.

—Gen. Thomas Jones, under instructions received from Governor Rector, seized at Napoleon, Arkansas, a large quantity of Government military supplies, consisting of one hundred and forty thousand ball cartridges, one hundred Maynard rifles, two hundred cavalry saddles, and five hundred sabres.—Memphis Argus, April 25.

—A. H. Stephens, Vice-President of the Southern Confederacy, arrived at Richmond, Va. In the evening he was serenaded, and made a speech, in which he said, that if the Federal Administration made war upon Maryland, the whole South would rally to her aid.—(Doc. 87.)

—A meeting of the Bench and Bar of the city of New York, in view of the present crisis in the history of the country, was held at the Superior Court room, in that city. The judges and ex-judges of the different benches were present, and nearly every law firm in the city had its representative. Judge Daniel P. Ingraham presided; speeches were made, and patriotic resolutions were adopted.—(Doc. 88.)

—In the evening a large meeting of the citizens of Westchester, N. Y., was held in Morrisania.—N. Y. Tribune, April 23.

—Father Rafina, priest of the Montrose Avenue Catholic church, Williamsburg, N. Y., with his own hands raised the American flag upon the top of his church. The ceremony was witnessed by at least two thousand people, who greeted the glorious emblem with cheer after cheer as it waved majestically over the sacred edifice. The reverend father addressed the assemblage in a few appropriate remarks, which were received with marked enthusiasm.—Idem.

—Union meetings were held at Geneva and Adams, N. Y. At Geneva, speeches were made by Judge Folger and others, and a large sum of money was subscribed and guaranteed for the families of the volunteers. At Adams the utmost enthusiasm prevailed.—Albany Journal, April 24.

—The New York Seventh Regiment arrived at Annapolis, Md., and were joined there by the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment, with Gen. Butler in command.

An attack upon the School-ship Constitution was anticipated in Annapolis, and she was drawn out of the harbor.—N. Y. *Times, April 25.

—Secretary Cameron, in an official letter, conveyed the thanks of the Federal Government to Major Anderson for his conduct at Fort Sumter, as follows

War Department,
Washington, April 22, 1861.

Major Robert Anderson, late Commanding Officer of Fort Sumpter:
My Dear Sir: I am directed by the President of the United States to communicate to you, and through you to the officers and men under your command at Forts Moultrie and Sumter, the approbation of the Government of your and their judicious and gallant conduct there; and to tender to you and them the thanks of the Government for the same.

I am, very respectfully,
………..Simon Cameron,
……………Secretary of War.

—National Intelligencer,
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[farmersdaughter]

Sunday, June 23, 1861

?Following the Union defeat at Big Bethel last week, the war appears to have resumed its previous course: slow but steady progress for the Union army. Although the eastern theater has seen relatively few significant engagements in the past few weeks, Union forces continue to slowly push south, while the northern advance of Southern troops appears to be halted. The Confederate evacuation of Harper’s Ferry last week has given the Union control over the entirety of western Maryland while simultaneously allowing it to strengthen its hold over the Unionist counties of western Virginia. Although the recent Confederate activity at Harper’s Ferry shows that this dominance is far from complete, it now appears that Confederate plans for a quick attack on Baltimore and other secessionist areas of Maryland have been thwarted for the time being. The Confederacy is now beginning to focus on defending its own territory rather than invading the North.

Progress has been somewhat slower in central Virginia, where the standoff between the Union troops near Alexandria and the Confederate troops near Fairfax continues, as both sides inch towards each other at a glacial pace. Despite incessant speculation that a battle between the two sides is imminent, there has yet to be significant movement in that direction from either side. Commanders of both armies seem content to bide their time rather than making bold moves. As a result, the majority of the recent fighting has taken place in small skirmishes in the nearby countryside and along the banks of the Potomac River.

Indeed, much of the excitement this past week has come from Colonel Charles P. Stone, whose skirmishes with Confederate batteries along the northern Potomac have given hope that the Confederates may be pushed back from all points along the Maryland-Virginia border, forcing a retreat deeper into their own territory. While undoubtedly important, however, these skirmishes have so far been relatively minor and inconclusive—a mere distraction until fighting begins in earnest.

The slow progress in the east has been offset by a substantial victory in the west. Following a week-long pursuit across the state of Missouri, Unionist forces led by Captain Nathaniel Lyon finally met the secessionist group led by fleeing Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson in a battle at Booneville, Missouri, resulting in a convincing rout of the Missouri secessionists. Although Governor Jackson was able to escape to southwestern Missouri with a rump of troops, the battle was nonetheless an inspiring victory on the western front. Indeed, it may prove to be a pivotal point in the war effort if it discourages secession (something the state convention continues to discuss on a daily basis). This is no small matter; if the Union manages to assert full control over the state of Missouri, it will find itself in a position to control traffic over the Mississippi river while tightening its blockade of New Orleans, which now relies on travel up the river for the bulk of its trade due the the Navy’s blockade of the Gulf. The War Department appears to recognize the importance of the region as well. Over the past week it has accelerated its efforts to raise troops in western states, breaking with the eastern focus that has characterized the Union war effort for the past two months.

Although the war continues to dominate the nation’s attention, the actions of the President and his cabinet have received renewed interest in recent weeks, especially concerning the war powers assumed by the Executive Branch. The controversy surrounding the John Merriman habeas corpus case has died down a bit, but a recent proclamation by Secretary of State William Seward may renew concerns. The proclamation, which purports to require departmental approval for all foreign trips made by American citizens, hints at the Administration’s attitude toward Executive power in time of war. Although the proclamation has passed without much comment so far, Chief Justice Taney’s strong opposition to Merriman’s detention may foreshadow further conflict between the Executive and the Judicial Branch on the limits of the President’s war powers.

—To-day Professor Lowe went into the rebels’ country as far as Fall’s Church with his balloon, from which place he made several ascensions. He was so far towards Fairfax Court House that his appearance in the air created a report here that the rebels had an opposition balloon. He was escorted into the interior by one company of the Eighth New York regiment. Major Colburn, of the Connecticut regiment, accompanied Professor Lowe in his voyage, and made a sketch of the enemy’s country that was so correct, that Virginians who were familiar with the vicinity of Fairfax Court House, at once recognized it, and named the roads, lanes, streams, and dwellings. A small encampment of rebels was discovered near Fairfax Court House. Maps of the whole country occupied by the enemy will be taken by these balloon ascensions, under the superintendence of Professor Lowe.—N. Y. Herald, June 26.

—The Thirty-seventh regiment N. Y. S. V., commanded by Col. John H. McCunn, left New York for Washington.—(Doc. 33.)

—Major-general McClellan issued from his head-quarters at Grafton, Va., a proclamation “to the inhabitants of Western Virginia” and another “to the soldiers of the army of the West.” He has now taken command of the Western Virginia forces in person, and intends to prosecute the war vigorously.—
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[farmersdaughter]

Monday, June 24, 1861

?Amid rumors that General Beauregard is set to surround and attack the capital with a force 180,000 strong, General McDowell sent two topographical engineers into a surveying balloon with expert Professor Lowe in order to scout the size and location of Confederate troops.* The three men ascended into the sky near Falls Church, Virginia, but the War Department did not release their findings to Washington’s anxious residents.

Vessels carrying supplies of arms and other war equipment will depart for the coast of Texas in the hope that distributing the weaponry to Union supporters will spark an uprising* against the state’s secessionist government led by former Governor Sam Houston.

Senator James Henry Lane has been appointed Brigadier-General of the Kansas Volunteers and will soon lead 7,000 of his fellow statesmen into Arkansas to rendezvous with regiments under General Prentiss in the heart of the Confederacy.

France has affirmed its neutrality in our national conflict. In addition to banning privateers from selling their wares at French ports, Emperor Napoleon released a declaration forbidding Frenchmen from taking money or purchasing products from either side, as well as from participating in the conflict or assisting privateers.

According to the New York Times, ex-Treasury Secretary Howell Cobb has a plan to enlist England’s help in defeating the Federal blockade of Southern ports by sending all Southern cotton to one blocked port. Cobb’s scheme hinges on England’s continued dependence on Southern cotton and their growing desperation as their supply is stymied by the Northern blockade.

The Wheeling Convention’s newly inaugurated “Governor of Virginia,” Francis Pierpont, gave a speech before the assembly lauding western Virginia’s adherence to the republican ideals upon which the state was founded. He criticized the eastern portion of the state for ignoring the dissenting western voice and promised to work hard to accomplish the objectives of the pro-Union convention.* The convention also adopted a loyalty oath that requires office-holders to affirm allegiance to both the U.S. Constitution and the original Virginia Constitution—which the Wheeling Convention “vindicated and restored”—while ignoring “anything in the Constitution and laws of the State of Virginia or in the ordinance of the Convention which assembled in Richmond the 13th day of February last.
—The Pawnee, commanded by Commander Rowan, accompanied by the tender James Guy, left Acquia, Creek, Va., this morning for Matthias Point, carrying Capt. Woodbury, U. S. Engineers, and Capt. Palmer, U. S. Topographical Engineers, to make a reconnoissance, to learn whether batteries were or were not being erected there. At 5 A.M. Capt. Rowan sent an expedition of 40 men, sailors and marines, ashore in two boats, in charge of Lieut. Chaplin and Master Blue, all under Capt. Woodbury’s command. As the steamer approached the rebels showed themselves in considerable numbers, but they scampered over the hills when the ship directed a few shells against them, and they were kept in check by an occasional shell while the expedition was ashore, enabling it to accomplish its work unmolested. Its sailors captured two horses, saddled and bridled, compelling the riders to seek safety in flight. One of the men received a slight wound in the wrist from a revolver shot. The horses were brought off, hoisted into the James Guy, and sent to the Washington Navy Yard as prizes. During the reconnoissance the Pawnee threw 30 shells, which kept the enemy in, check, though their reported force there is 600 men, 100 or more being mounted. The party that landed saw the enemy’s camp from Grimes’s house on the hill, and having, on their return to the Pawnee, found out its direction, Com. Rowan put his ship in a proper position within the shoal, and shelled it, completely dispersing the camp, and setting fire to something behind the hill. A negro man came off to the ship, and gave information that 200 of the enemy are kept constantly on the beach, and the remainder in the camp. The Pawnee was relieved for the trip by the Freeborn, which took her place at the creek.—Rowan’s Official Report.

—This day the steamer Monticello had a fight with the rebels on the Rappahannock River, in Va. The steamer was on a reconnoitring expedition, and after she had proceeded a few miles, the pilot, Mr. Phillips, went ashore in a launch, with twelve of the crew, for the purpose of obtaining information as to whether there were any marked batteries in the vicinity. They landed on the farm of Mr. Gersham, when Mr. Phillips proceeded, unaccompanied, to the house, and was advised by the owner to return to his boat as quickly as possible, as there was danger abroad. The pilot took the advice, but had not proceeded far when a party of about fifty rebels made their appearance and commenced firing at those in the launch, who were lying on their oars waiting the return of Mr. Phillips; the boat immediately put off in the direction of the Monticello, leaving Mr. Phillips ashore. The commander of the steamer ordered the boat to return for him, and immediately opened fire upon the party on shore, causing them to disperse in double-quick time. During the firing upon the launch one of the crew was killed, Augustus Peterson, and Surgeon Heber Smith mortally wounded, and six others hurt by splinters and bullets. Their boat and oars were completely riddled by the flying missiles.—(Doc. 36.)

The steamer Quaker City also had a short engagement this morning with a large number of rebel dragoons. While cruising in Lynn Haven Bay, near Capo Henry, Commander Carr picked up a man named Lynch, a refugee from Norfolk, who represented that the master plumber of the Norfolk Navy Yard was ashore and wished to be taken off. An armed boat which was sent for the purpose was fired upon when near the shore, mortally wounding James Lloyd, a seaman, of Charlestown, Mass. A few thirty-two-pound shells dispersed the rebels.—N. Y. Evening Post, June 26.

—The blockade at the Louisville end of the Nashville Railroad commenced to-day. Nothing is allowed to pass except by permission of the surveyor of the port.—N. Y. Herald, June 26.

—Isham G. Harris, governor of Tennessee, issued a proclamation declaring that State independent of the Federal Government, and giving the official vote on secession.—(Doc. 37.)

—At Washington a detachment of the New York Fourteenth Regiment arrested a spy this morning, who had full details of the number of troops, position, and strength of batteries around that city. There was also found upon him a sketch of plan of attack upon the city. He had the positions of all the mounted cannon in that vicinity.

The scouts of the New Hampshire Second Regiment wounded a man this morning, who was approaching the lines and observing carefully the position of the camps and batteries. He pretended to be unable to speak English at first, but recovered his knowledge of the language as soon as he was shot.—N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, June 25.

—The Thirty-first Regiment N. Y. S. V., commanded by Col. Calvin C. Pratt, struck their tents at Riker’s Island and departed for the seat of war.—(Doc. 38.)

—Five companies of cavalry, six companies of infantry and dragoons, ten companies of volunteers—in all about 1,590 men with one battery, under command of Major S. D. Sturgis, left Kansas City to-day at 1 P. M., destined for south-western Missouri.—Sandusky Register, June 25.

—A Proclamation of neutrality by Napoleon III was received in America.—(Doe. 39.)

The Tenth Regiment of Ohio troops left Camp Dennison for Western Virginia,—National Intelligencer
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[farmersdaughter]

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[farmersdaughter]

Tuesday, June 25, 1861

Withstanding bombardment from several Federal ships earlier this month, Confederate forces continue to fortify their position at Acquia Creek with more armaments and men, estimated to be 2,000-3,000 strong.

Although Confederate forces abandoned Harper’s Ferry last week, dispatches from the area claim “that there is a body of fifteen hundred or two thousand rebels about three miles below, on the Winchester Road, but they do not show themselves.” There has yet to be a confrontation between the two sides.

The “violent secessionist” mayor of Lexington, Kentucky, abandoned his post and has been replaced by “a good Union man,” who promises to maintain order and “protect the rights of all classes of citizens, in which he is sustained by an almost unanimous voice of the people.”

Rioters did extensive damage to banks, stores and private property in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, yesterday, but there were no fatalities. The mob was reportedly enraged by bankers “throwing out of circulation the notes of a large number of the banks of this State.” Soldiers were ordered to combat the crowd but did not “for fear they would be overpowered.” The Governor has put the city under martial law and called for reinforcements from surrounding towns.

U.S. troops in Utah have been ordered back to Washington, presumably to join the forces marching on the seceding states. Residents in Utah, however, are angry at the prospect of losing their protection and having to rely solely on the territory’s militia.* Local officials will likely try to lodge a protest of the withdrawal directly with the Federal government. The call to leave Utah seemed to catch everyone off guard, as the Army had “recently executed contracts for large supplies of wood, hay, straw and grain,” and were engaged in “the current little expedition to Ruley Valley and vicinity, to impress upon the predatory red man a sense of his proper littleness, and of the impolicy of making enemies of his white brother.
—The Twenty-eighth Regiment N. Y. S. V., (Colonel Donnelly,) passed through New York on their way to the seat of war. This regiment was enlisted in the western part of the state, and made up of men of nearly all occupations, prominent among whom are school teachers. One company (that from Medina) contains 19 of the latter class, and company K, of Lockport, has nearly as many. All the companies contain a fair proportion of teachers. The regiment is a well-drilled, well-equipped rifle corps, armed with the United States rifle of 1851, with the sabre bayonet.—(Doc. 41.)

—The Second Regiment of Vermont arrived at New York en route for Washington. The troops are commanded by Colonel Henry Whiting, and number nine hundred and thirty, rank and file. They are a fine body of men, their short encampment at Burlington, Vt., having perfected the men in drill and discipline. They are armed with Springfield muskets of recent manufacture, with the exception of the right flank, or skirmishers, who carry the Enfield rifles with sabre bayonets.

At two o’clock in the afternoon, the regiment was formed in front of the City Hall, and E. D. Culver, of Brooklyn, presented the regiment, on behalf of the residents of Vermont in New York, with a magnificent regimental standard. Senator Solomon Foote, of Vermont, replied to the presentation in an eloquent and patriotic manner on behalf of Colonel Whiting.—(Doc. 42.)

—The Second Wisconsin Regiment, commanded by Col. Coon, arrived in Washington this morning. They number 1,046 men, with a gray uniform. They are stalwart men who appear to be able to stand all the vicissitudes of active service. They met with cordial greetings at Cleveland and other places on the way.
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[farmersdaughter]

Wednesday, June 26, 1861

Union troops will take position on the heights at Harper’s Ferry within a few days. Some secessionists are still in the area, and there have been rumors that they have been attacking citizens loyal to the Union. Many of these citizens have fled to Maryland to call on General Patterson for assistance. There are unconfirmed reports of some being killed during the flight. In related news, Colonel Yokes led the First Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers to Frederick to maintain law and order.

Richard Alvey of Hagerstown was arrested on Wednesday on a charge of treason. He was allegedly carrying on correspondence with secessionists. Alvey will remain in custody at least until the charge is fully investigated.

There are a number of military updates out of Ohio. The gunboat H.O. Tyler dropped down the river on June 24, and the Lexington and Conestoga were scheduled to leave yesterday. The Tenth Ohio regiment, under Colonel Lisle, left Camp Dennison on Monday for western Virginia. The Sixth and Seventh Ohio regiments are also scheduled to leave today. More than 6,000 men* will remain at Camp Dennison, comprising the Fifth, Sixth Seventh, Eighth, Eleventh, Twelfth and Thirteenth Regiments. These forces will grow by 2,000 when they are joined by the First and Second Kentucky Regiments, who will be moving their quarters to Camp Dennison.

There have been a number of unfortunate incidents regarding soldiers in recent days. Charles Knecht, of the Thirty-first New York Regiment, was taken to the hospital with a sprained ankle when passing through Philadelphia. In a more tragic turn, Carran McCormick attempted to jump ashore when his boat was nearing the wharf but fell into the water and drowned. The body of McCormick, who was a member of the New York Thirty-seventh Regiment, has been recovered.

A letter from New York to Richmond claims that the “peace movement” is making headway in the city. Though the missive offered no names, it did suggest that many high ranking men are involved. It states, “It will in due time manifest itself indefinitely, first at a monster meaning in the open air up town—and second, in a memorial to Congress at the very commencement of the session.” We’ll provide more updates on this story as we receive them.

An important reminder for our readers: Powder, while an important wartime tool, is extremely volatile. Please be vigilant about safety procedures when handling it. Failure to do so may lead to a tragedy such as the one that follows: A few days ago, a group of boys thought it would be fun to explode some powder that had accidentally fallen on the floor during the production of cartridges and other war material at Thomas’ Tobacco Factory. The clothes of two of the children were set aflame, and they likely would have burned to death had their screams not attracted nearby gentlemen, who were able to strip the burning clothes from their limbs. As one reporter wisely noted after the incident, “Powder is a good servant, but a bad master.
—Gen. McClellan, in a despatch to an officer of the Navy in Cincinnati, states that the interview which Gen. Buckner has reported was strictly private and personal; that it was repeatedly solicited, and that he gave no pledge whatever on the part of the authorities at Washington that United States troops should not enter Kentucky. The only result of the interview as he understood it, was, that Confederate troops should be confined to Confederate soil, so far as Kentucky was concerned. —N. Y. Evening Post, June 27.

—The address of the Sanitary Commission to the citizens of the United States was published.—(Doc. 44.)

—A flag was raised upon the flagstaff on North Hill, Needham, Mass. It was run up by Newell Smith, Esq., one of the oldest inhabitants of the town, and saluted by the firing of cannon on a neighboring hill, the “Star Spangled Banner” by Flagg’s Band, and the cheers of the spectators. A public meeting was organized, and addresses were made by Rev. Messrs. Green, Atwood, and Emerson, all of Needham, and by Major Wright and Solomon Flagg, Esq. An original poem was delivered by Benjamin G. Kimball, Esq., and an ode, written for the occasion, by Hon. E. W. B. Canning, of Stockbridge, was sung by the people to the air of “America.”—Boston Transcript, June 28.

—The First Minnesota Regiment of Infantry, commanded by Colonel Willis A. Gorman, passed through Baltimore on its way to Washington. The full regiment makes an aggregate of 1,046 men all told, but only nine companies were on the march. This is accounted for by the fact that Company A was left at Fort Snelling, and this decreases the command to 910 men. The regiment is accompanied by Capt. Ingalls cornet band, of seventeen performers. They left Fort Snelling on Saturday week, and were ordered to report at Harrisburg on the 20th, but as they reached there on the 25th, after a hurried travel of over 1,800 miles, they concluded to report at Washington. They are a hardy-looking set of men, some of them of enormous size, all of them well disciplined and equipped, and only one sick man on the list. The uniform consists of plain gray cassimere, trimmed with black, and a black felt hat, according to the army regulation.

—Corporal Hayes and twelve men belonging to Col. Wallace’s regiment of Zouaves, while scouting on Patterson’s Creek, twelve miles east of Cumberland, Md., encountered a party of rebels numbering about forty. A sharp engagement ensued. Seventeen of the enemy were killed, and a number wounded. One of Hayes’s party was killed, and himself badly wounded.—(Doc. 45.)

—The Sixteenth Regiment N. Y. S. V. passed through New York en route to the seat of war. Before leaving the city the regiment was presented with a regimental flag by the wife of G. Howland. The dress of the soldiers is of the United States army pattern, and all the officers wear the regulation uniform, with felt hats and plumes. The commander of the regiment, Col. Thomas A. Davies, is a graduate of West Point, and served in the war with Mexico. The men are volunteers from the region of country about Albany, and northward as far as Plattsburgh.
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[farmersdaughter]

Thursday, June 27, 1861

Yesterday we discussed the dangers of powder in the wrong hands. Today we received yet another reminder of the truth of our warnings. One of the boys mentioned yesterday as having been set aflame by the explosion of some powder has now died from his injuries. Once again, we urge our readers to beware of the dangers of powder.

Forty Confederate cavalry crossed the Potomac the morning of June 25, almost immediately after the Federal night pickets withdrew along the line of the river. At Alexander Shaffer’s Ferry, the half way point between Falling Water and Dam No. 4, a ferryboat and skiff were destroyed. After this the Confederate troops recrossed the river and have not been found.

About 500 more troops arrived in Petersburgh, Virginia, yesterday morning from Georgia. Among the men who arrived are the Irvin Guards, Lafayette Volunteers, Calhoun Rifles, and a detachment belonging to the Ninth Georgia Regiment under the command of Captain George Hillyer. According to the Petersburgh Express, “All of them were in excellent trim, and many were splendid-looking soldiers.”

There was a tragic disaster in Wyandotte, Kansas on June 23 resulting in the deaths of forty volunteers for the First Regiment of Kansas. Captain Haines and the men were in the building to hold drills in preparation for being received into U.S. service. The center wall of the building suddenly gave way, burying the company beneath the rubble. Many men died instantly, some held on until shortly after they were freed. One man broke both his arms and his legs, and at least twelve others were injured. It is not known what caused the sudden collapse of this building.

In international news, the need to obtain new sources of cotton is pressing urgently upon England as it becomes clearer that the current conflict will not end soon. British manufacturers are growing more alarmed regarding the stability of their businesses and* are making efforts to stimulate cotton growth in every available region of the world. India has previously supplied some cotton to Britain, but the quality is much poorer than that from America. Africa, however, offers a comparable product, meaning that Britain may increasingly turn to the south for cotton for the foreseeable future.

The Annual Commencement ceremony of Columbia College was held yesterday at the Academy of Music. The Trustees took this opportunity to confer on Abraham Lincoln the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. The New York Times described the event:

The announcement of the act, by the President of the College, from the stage, to the immense and brilliant audience, male and female which its Annual Commencement always gathers, though taking them by surprise, was caught up at once and received with shouts of enthusiasm, the band instantly interrupting the accustomed gravity of the ceremonial by bursting into the National air.

As the conflict drags on, we ought to note that it has not stripped us of our enjoyment of the smaller pleasures of life, as was shown just the other day by the Eighth Ohio Regiment, which was Cleveland to Camp Denison by train. Captain Buckingham supposed the train would make a stop in Crestline and notified his wife. Unfortunately, orders were given to pass through the town without stopping. Though the train was not moving at full speed when it arrived in Crestline, it was still proceeding quickly. However, when Buckingham saw his wife on the platform, he made a desperate swing from the train. Embracing and kissing her quickly, he raced back, having barely enough time to catch the rear car. His comrades met his gallant gesture with thunderous applause.
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