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THE
GREAT CIVIL WAR
THE LATE REBELLION
WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF LEADING STATESMEN
AND
DISTINGUISHED NAVAL AND MILITARY COMMANDERS, ETC.
BY
ROBERT TOMES, M. D. AND BENJAMIN G. SMITH
V O L U M E II.
ILLUSTRATED
NEW YORK :
R. WORTHINGTON, PUBLISHER.
TABLE OF STEEL ENGRAVINGS.
VOLUME II.
PAGE
PoRTRAIT OF GENERAL G. B. McCLELLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frontispiece.
MOBILE BAY: FLEET PASSING THE FORTS AND OBSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vignette Title.
PoRTRAIT OF GENERAL D. C. BUELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To Face 6
PORTRAIT OF ADMIRAL A. H. Foote' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 & 26
PORTRAIT OF ADMIRAL D. G. FARRAGUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & © I74
New Orleans, La., and its vicinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & & 287
BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL, VA., GUNBOATS COVERING THE RETREAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . & C 32O
PORTRAIT OF GENERAL JoHN POPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4 348
BATTLE OF CHANTILLY, VA, CHARGE OF GENERAL KEARNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & 4 413
PORTRAIT OF GENERAL U. S. ROSECRANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 & 495
MAP OF WICKSBURG AND ITS DEFENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & & 567
THE GREAT CIVIL WAR:
THE LATE REBELLION.
C H A P T E R I.
Position of Kentucky.—A great Battle-field.—Expectations of both Antagonists.-The Secessionists balked by a
Loyal Legislature.—The Secessionists form an independent Goverament.—Meeting of Secessionists at Russellville.—
Declaration of Grievances.—A Convention called.—Meeting of Convention.—Declaration of Independence and
Ordinance of Secession.—Provisional Government.—Commissioners to Southern Confederacy.—Kentucky admitted
as a Confederate State.—The only solution through Civil War.—The United States prepared.—Position of its
Forces.—Don Carlos Buell.—Life of Buell.—Military Education and Services.—Gallantry and Promotion.—A Briga-
dier-General.—Noticed by McClellan.—In command of the Department of the Cumberland.—Buell busy in organ-
izing —The Position of the Enemy. —Invasion of Kentucky.—Zollicoffer at Cumberland Gap.–General Buckner at
Bowling Green.—General Johnston–Life of A. Sydney Johnston.—Military Education and Services.—Resigns his
Commission.—A Private in the Texan War.—Secretary of War in Texas.-In the Mexican War.—Retirement.—
Paymaster in the United States Army.—Appointed Colonel of Cavalry by Pierce on the recommendation of Jeffer-
Son Davis.-Chief of the Expedition to Utah. —Johnston exciting to Rebellion in California —Escape.—In com-
mand under the Confederacy.—Character of Johnston.—The Struggle begun in Kentucky.--Zollicoffer's attack on
Camp Wild Cat.—His Defeat.—The hopes of the Unionists of East Tennessee.—Flight of Zollicoffer.—Difficulties
of pursuit.—Disappointment.—General Position in Kentucky of opposing Forces.—Engagement at Ivy Mount-
ain.—The Enemy driven from Eastern Kentucky.—Position of Buell and Johnston.—Advance of Forces by Buell.
—Retirement of the Enemy.—The Engagement at Green River.—The Results.-Feeble attempt of Humphrey
Marshall.—Success of Colonel Garfield.—A forced Retreat acknowledged, but a success claimed by the Enemy. —
Comparative Losses.
course between the northern lakes and
the Gulf of Mexico. Both antagonists,
KENTUCKY was destined to become the
chief battle-field from its position
* as a border State—bounded on the
north by the loyal States of Ohio, Indi-
ana, and Illinois, and on the east, south,
and west by Virginia, Tennessee, Ar-
kansas, and Missouri, more or less within
the power of the enemy—from the con-
flict of opinion among its own citizens
and its relation geographically to the
Mississippi, the great channel of inter-
conscious of the importance of holding
the supremacy in a State thus situated,
made great efforts to secure it.
The secessionists, balked in their at-
tempts at disunion by the firm loyalty
of the Legislature, resolved upon the ex-
pedient of substituting for the legal au-
thorities of the State an independent
government. The insurrectionary lead.
84
6 THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ers accordingly met at Russellville, a
0ct, small town in the Southern part of
29, Kentucky, and after drawing up a
declaration of grievances, and denounc-
ing the loyal action of the Legislature,
called a convention, “to be chosen,
elected, or appointed in any manner
by the people of the several counties of
the State,” to meet at the same place.
This hybrid convention, composed of
some 200 persons, accordingly met at
Now, Russellville at the time appointed.
18. They immediately proceeded to
pass a “Declaration of Independence
and an Ordinance of Secession,” to es-
tablish a provisional government con-
sisting of a governor with a legislative
council of ten, and to appoint three
commissioners to the Southern Confed-
eracy.”
The Congress of the Confederate
States eagerly welcomed the arrival of
the representatives of Kentucky seces-
sion, and without delay passed an act
by which that State was admitted a
member “On an equal footing with the
other States of the Confederacy.”
The great question, however, was not
to be settled in Kentucky by conventions
and political manifestoes. The only so-
lution was through war, and both par-
ties now prepared to wage it with the
utmost vigor.
The Federal Government had not only,
° The following were the officers of this new State
government :
Governor. — George W. Johnson.
LEGISLATIVE CouncIL.—William B. Machen, John W.
Crockett, James P. Bates, James S. Critman, Philander R.
Thompson, I. P. Burnside, H. W. Bruce, I. W. Moore, E.
M. Bruce, and George B. Hodge.
by the possession of Cairo, in Illinois,
Bird's Point, in Missouri, and Paducah,
secured important bases of operations
upon the Mississippi and Ohio from
which to command these rivers and the
western part of Kentucky, but had con-
centrated a large army at Louisville, to
operate within the interior of the State.
The command was given to General Don
Carlos Buell, who succeeded, as will be
recollected, General Sherman, the suc-
cessor of General Anderson, of Fort
Sumter fame.
Don Carlos Buell, was born in Ohio
in 1819. He was admitted into the
West Point Military Academy as a cadet
in 1837, and in graduating in 1841 was
appointed a second lieutenant of the
Third Infantry. In June, 1846, he was
promoted to a first lieutenancy, and on
the 23d of September, 1846, was bre-
vetted a captain for his services at Mon-
terey. During 1847 and 1848 he acted
as adjutant of his regiment, and bore a
distinguished part in the battle of Cerro
Gordo. His gallant conduct subsequent-
ly at Contreras and Churubusco won
for him the brevet rank of major. In
1848 he was appointed assistant adjutant-
general. In 1851 he relinquished his
rank in line, but continued to act as
assistant adjutant-general until the com-
mencement of the war, when he was at
once promoted to a lieutenant-colonelcy.
Congress soon after created him a brig-
adier-general of volunteers. His first
service in the present conflict was as the
commander of a division under General
McClellan, who was so impressed by his
| Soldierly qualities that he induced the
wº
--
a wº
From an Ambrotype by Brady

LIFE OF JOHNSTON. - 7
Government to bestow upon him the
important command of the Department
of the Cumberland, in Kentucky.
General Buell, on reaching Louisville
—his headquarters—was for a longtime,
like most of our military leaders, occu-
pied in organizing the rude material
which the generous patriotism of the
country had so profusely supplied.
The enemy, already in possession of
Columbus, which they continued to for-
tify, and of Hickman, on the Mississippi,
both in Kentucky, had invaded the State
from Tennessee. This was by means of
a force under the command of General
Zollicoffer, through Cumberland Gap.
General Buckner, a Kentuckian, had also
mustered a considerable number of his
fellow-citizens and raised the standard of
sept, revolt at Bowling Green. The chief
16, command, however, of the enemy's
force with which they hoped to wrest
Rentucky from the Union was subse-
Quently given to General Albert Sydney
Johnston. -
Albert Sydney Johnston was born in
Macon County, Kentucky, in 1803. Ad-
mitted a cadet at the West Point Mili-
tary Academy, he was, on the comple-
tion of his studies, commissioned a lieu-
tenant of infantry, and soon after ordered
on duty to the West. During the Black
Hawk War he acted as adjutant-general,
and on its termination resigned his com-
mission. He now settled in Missouri as
a planter, but soon after removed to
Texas, where, on the breaking out of the
war of independence, he entered the
Texan army as a private, but soon rose,
by his gallantry and ability, to a high
position. He subsequently, when Texas
had succeeded in securing a separate
government from Mexico, became the
secretary of war of the new State.
In the war with Mexico, which ensued
upon the annexation of Texas to the
United States, Johnston raised a partisan
troop and accompanied General Taylor
to Monterey. At the close of the war he
retired to his plantation, but becoming
embarrassed in circumstances he accept-
ed the office of paymaster in the United
States army. Through the influence of
Jefferson Davis, then secretary of war,
President Pierce was prevailed upon to
make Johnston colonel of the Second
Cavalry, and give him the command of
the South-Western Military District.
During the rebellion of the Mormons of
Utah, he was appointed chief of the ex-
pedition sent across the plains to quell it
by arms. He acted with great prompt-
itude and vigor, and continued to exer.
cise a rigid severity of military rule as
long as he retained his command, which
only ceased when, in consequence of his
well-known co-operation with the ene-
mies of the Government, he was forced to
relinquish it. After striving in vain to
excite a movement in California and Or-
egon in favor of the Southern rebellion,
he only escaped capture by the Federal
authorities by hastening to join his fel-
low-conspirators at Richmond.
Johnston had the resolute temper of
the frontiersmen of the West, with a
body and spirit hardened by the rude
trials of border life. He was a man
of unquestionable energy and deter.
mination, and his admirers claimed for
8 THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
him consummate ability as a military
leader. .
Before the great struggle between the
two opposing forces in Kentucky began,
some comparatively unimportant actions
had been fought. The first occurred at
Camp Wild Cat, Rock Castle County.
This post had been occupied by the
Unionists to oppose the invasion of Ken-
tucky from Tennessee through Cumber-
land Gap, where Zollicoffer was station-
ed with a large force.
Zollicoffer having heard of the meagre
means of resistance at Camp Wild Cat,
where there was a single regiment
reduced by sickness to only 700 men,
under the command of Colonel Gar-
rard, advanced with a large force, con-
sisting, as was rumored, of six regiments
of infantry and 900 cavalry with nine
pieces of artillery. On his march he
sacked the towns of Barboursville and
London, and boldly approached Camp
Wild Cat, confident of an easy victory
over the little force encamped there. In
the meantime, however, the Seventeenth
Ohio and a regiment of Kentucky Cav-
alry had reinforced the Wild Cat camp,
and General Schoepf had arrived and as-
sumed the command. Additional troops,
moreover, were rapidly marching to the
same point. The battle which ensued,
and the victory won by the Unionists,
is thus described by a spectator :*
“About eight o'clock on Monday morn-
ing, the 21st, the rebels advanced upon
our lines, shouting and yelling like
savages, Secure, apparently, of an easy
victory. Our men received them coolly,
* Boston Courier.
pouring into their ranks a deadly fire.
For a time they withstood it gallantly,
possibly believing what had often been
told them, that they were each a match
for five times their number. Gradually
their confidence gave way, and they re-
tired, sullenly at first, but soon their re-
treat became flight. To understand the
movements of the day more clearly, I
find it will be necessary to give a sketch
of the position. Colonel Garrard was
encamped at the junction of three roads
—the Mount Vernon road, leading to
Camp Dick Robinson, along which the
reinforcements came ; the London road,
by which the rebels approached ; and
the ‘Winding Blades' road, leading to
Richmond. Between the last two roads,
and commanding Colonel Garrard's po-
sition, is a high, conical hill. The whol
face of the country is covered with a
heavy growth of timber, except where
it has been felled by the soldiers since
they were stationed here. The first at-
tack had been made in a hollow extend-
ing from the London road to the “Wind-
ing Blades' road.
“After the repulse, the rebels formed
again, and attempted to come along the
London road. By this time an Indiana
regiment, the Thirty-third, had come up-
on the ground, and a portion of them led
to the top of the conical hill. A battery of
artillery, too, arrived at this critical junc-
ture. The rebels advanced, shouting as
before, supported by their artillery, at
every discharge of which they screamed
like fiends. A shell from the first of our
guns silenced both their shouts and their
cannonade, and sent them flying again
BATTLE OF CAMP WILD CAT. 9
with astonishment and consternation.
Retreating out of sight they deliberated
a third attack, this time selecting the
conical hill as the point of approach.
With much labor they opened a road
through the woods along the side of a
high ridge on the other side of the Lon-
don road, and planted a piece of their
artillery. On our side, the Fourteenth
Ohio Regiment, under Colonel Steadman,
came into the field by a forced march
and took position. One piece of cannon
was taken on the shoulders of the men
to the top of the hill, and every prepa-
ration made to give the rebels a hand-
some reception. As they approached
on the rear of the hill, they came in the
guise of friends, bearing their hats on
the points of their guns, and calling out
as they approached, “We are Union
men.’ ‘Then,' said our men, “lay down
your arms and come along.' Approached
now within twenty yards of our lines,
they cried, “Now, d-n you, we've
got you.’ ‘Give 'em the lead,” was the
fierce reply. The conflict was obstinate
and the carnage terrible. Wolley after
volley was delivered into the tottering
ranks of rebellion, until, throwing aside
their muskets still loaded, they fled the
third time. The first fire of their can-
non, planted with such infinite pains,
drew forth a reply from our piece on
the hill, which disabled and silenced it.
The battle was now over and the victory
won. A fourth attack during the early
night was obviously a feint to cover their
terror-stricken retreat. Our loss in
killed is less than ten, and by all casual-
tles, even to slight scratches, not exceed-
ing fifty; theirs is estimated at 1,000—
it is known to be very severe.” -
This Federal success at Camp Wild
Cat greatly encouraged the Unionists of
East Tennessee, as it seemed to open a
way through Cumberland Gap for the
rescue of those loyal men from the thral-
dom of secession. Zollicoffer and his
force thoroughly disheartened, fled in
confusion through Barboursville to the
Gap, within the confines of Tennessee.
The advantage of our troops, however,
was not improved, General Schoepf being
compelled to remain inactive for want of
supplies. In the mean time, Zollicoffer,
presuming upon the inertness of his an-
tagonist, recovered courage, and, retrac-
ing his steps, ravaged the whole country
to within ten miles of the Federal en-
campment. Proceeding up the Cumber-
land Valley, the enemy gathered every-
where herds of cattle, flocks of sheep,
droves of pigs, and as much maize and
grain as their wagons could carry. When
at last General Schoepf was prepared to
move, the enemy had retired beyond the
Cumberland, whither it was impossible
to follow them, the heavy rains having
swollen the stream. Zollicoffer, more-
over, had obstructed all the by-roads, and
having reached the Gap, found a large
number of troops to reinforce him. Gen-
eral Schoepf accordingly prepared Noy,
to winter at Camp Calvert, in Lou- 5
don County, whither he had advanced.
General Thomas, posted in his rear at
Camp Dick Robinson, remained equally
inactive for awhile.
The general position of the opposing
forces at this time in Kentucky was as
10
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
follows: General Buckner had advanced
Now, to Bowling Green, whence the ene-
6, my’s line extended through their
centre in Barron County to their right
at Burkesville.
General Crittenden commanding the
western division, General McCook the
centre, and General Schoepf the east-
ern, were advancing slowly with the
view of converging upon this line of
the enemy. The western had advanced
as far as Woodbury, at the confluence
of the Big Barron with the Green River,
about fifteen miles from the left flank
of Buckner's position at Bowling Green.
The centre had moved to a position on
Barron Creek, about six miles from
Munfordsville, on the Green River, and
the eastern under Schoepf had marched,
as we have seen, a little in advance of
Wild Cat camp after the repulse of
Zollicoffer. General Buell had not at
this time assumed the command, and the
disheartened Sherman was still at the
head of the army. -
The various operations continued for
some time to be rather skirmishes be-
tween detached parties than regular
movements in accordance with a uniform
plan. Occasional successes, however,
occurred ; such was the affair at Ivy
Mountain, near Pikeville, on the borders
of Virginia, where the enemy had en-
camped in considerable force.
General Nelson, having moved to
Prestonburg, on the Big Sandy River, in
Eastern Kentucky, determined to ad-
vance upon the enemy and to surround
and capture or drive them back into
Virginia. He accordingly first sent out
The Union forces, with
Colonel Sill with his own regiment, the
Ohio Thirty-third, and a battalion Nov,
under Colonel Hart, composed of 7.
a company from each of the three regi-
ments—the Second, Thirty-third, and
Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, and two
Kentucky companies. To this force was
added a troop of 142 mounted men,
made up of teamsters, and thirty-six
volunteers under Colonel Apperson, with
a section of artillery. Colonel Sill was
ordered to march by the way of John's
Creek and pass to the left of the en-
campment of the enemy near Pikeville,
and thus turn it with the view of cutting
off their retreat. General Nelson, hav-
ing allowed a day to pass, in order that
Colonel Sill might be able to advance
sufficiently on his circuitous march of
forty miles before he himself should
make the attack in front, did not set
out until the next morning, when Nov.
he moved forward with the Second 8.
Regiment Ohio Volunteers, Colonel
Harris; Twenty-first Regiment Ohio
Volunteers, Colonel Norton; Fifty-ninth
Regiment Ohio Volunteers, Colonel
Fyffe ; the battalion of Kentucky Wol-
unteers, under Colonel Charles A. Mar-
shall, and two sections of artillery, Cap-
tain Konkle, taking the direct road to
Pikesville, twenty-eight miles distant.
When about eight miles beyond Preston-
burg, the mounted picket guards of the
enemy were discovered and put to flight.
The road along which our forces now
advanced was but seven feet wide, and
cut in the side of a high mountain. This
mountain, covered with brushwood, end-
ed in a steep ridge at Ivy Creek, which
BATTLE OF IVY CREEK.
11
bends around it in the form of an
elbow.
“Behind this ridge, and all along the
mountain side, the enemy, 700 strong,
lay in ambush, and did not fire until the
head of Colonel Marshall's battalion,
himself leading, was up to the elbow.
The skirmish was very sharp. The
mountain side was blue with puffs of
smoke, and not an enemy to be seen.
The first discharge killed four and
wounded thirteen of Marshall's men.
General Nelson ordered the Kentucki-
ans to charge. Colonel Harris, whose
regiment was immediately behind the
General, led his men up the mountain
side most gallantly, and deployed them
along the face of it. Colonel Norton,
whose regiment had just reached the
defile, anticipating an order from the
General, led his men up the northern
ridge of the mountain, deployed them
along the creek, and went at the rebels.
Two pieces of artillery were got in
position in the road and opened upon
them. Owing to the steepness of the
mountain, all this required time. On
the opposite side of the river, which at
that point is narrow, deep, and swift,
there were also rebels who annoyed our
men. In an hour and twenty minutes
she rebels were dispersed and fled, leav-
ing a number of killed and wounded on
She ground, and six prisoners unhurt.
As General Nelson marched immediate-
ly in pursuit, the rebel loss was not as-
certained accurately, but thirty were
found dead on the field. Among the
wounded prisoners was H. M. Rust, late
State senator from Greenup County.
Our loss in killed was six, and twenty-
four wounded. If General Nelson had
had with him any cavalry, he feels con-
fident he would have taken or slain the
whole of them. As it was, the enemy
retreated, cutting down trees across the
narrow road and burning or cutting all
the bridges, which are numerous. Gen-
eral Nelson bivouacked four miles be-
yond the Ivy Creek. It rained, and the
men had to wade through mud and in a
heavy rain all the day of the 9th, the
march being heavy and slow on account
of the felled trees obstructing the road,
and the necessary repairing of bridges.
At night the army again bivouacked in
the November rain, and the next morn-
ing they reached Pikeville, where Col-
onel Sill had arrived the previous night
Captain Berryhill, of the Second Ohio,
was wounded severely at Ivy Creek,
while leading the column up the mount-
ain side.
“During these operations, the com-
mand of Colonel Sill executed General
Nelson's orders, and occupied Pikeville
by a circuitous route on the 9th, at four
P.M. Colonel Metcalf's mounted men
in advance exchanged shots with a re-
connoitring party which had just crossed
the river, but immediately retreated.
Metcalf and Hart's forces were then
thrown out, deployed as skirmishers on
the hill-side, flanking the road which
debouches at the ford. They found the
enemy's camp deserted, and the main
street of the village occupied by moun-
ted men, who were making off by the
Shelby road. A few rounds of shell
were sent after them, and Metcalf's men
12
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
took possession of the town, fording the
river on horseback. The rest of the
force crossed on a raft-bridge. The
enemy were occupied all the previous
day in evacuating the place. General
Williams was there when the skirmishers
opened fire, but he retreated, and Col-
onel Sill subsequently occupied his
headquarters. On the route, Colonel
Sill twice encountered a body of moun-
ted men : the first fire killed a horse and
wounded two of the rebels, On the
night of the 8th, a party of ten, sent out
by Colonel Metcalf, encountered Captain
Shawhan's rebel cavalry, about 150
strong, and it was reported that Captain
Shawhan was wounded. His party fell
back in great haste. The troops in
Pikeville were not well off for provis-,
ions. All they could get was beef, but
there is a mill in the vicinity, which
they intended to set in motion and Sup-
ply themselves with corn meal. It was
impossible to obtain any accurate account
of the numbers of the dispersed rebels,
but they were most effectually cleared
out.”*
The enemy were thus temporarily
routed from that portion of Eastern Ken-
tucky, and General Nelson could grate-
fully and proudly proclaim to his troops :
“In a campaign of twenty days you
Now, have driven the rebels from Eastern
10, Kentucky and given repose to that
portion of the State.
continual forced marches over wretched
roads, deep in mud. Badly clad, you
have bivouacked on the wet ground in
the November rain without a murmur.
* Louisville Journal.
You have made
l
With scarcely half rations, you have
pressed forward with unfailing persever-
ance. The only place at which the enemy
made a stand, though ambushed and
very strong, you drove him from in the
most brilliant style. For your constancy
and courage I thank you, and with the
qualities which you have shown that you
possess, I expect great things from you
in the future.” -
Such had been the various conflicts of
more or less importance between the
opposing parties in Kentucky when
General Buell assumed the command of
the Union army, and General Johnston
that of the enemy. The former had his
headquarters at Louisville, and the latter
was commanding a greatly increased
force at Bowling Green, where Buckner
had first taken his position.
Buell, after assembling and organizing
a large army in Louisville, was enabled
to reinforce the various advanced posts
of the Unionists, and to push forward
some 40,000 men of his centre, under
General McCook, toward the enemy's
at Bowling Green. The Confederates
withdrew their advance guard under
the command of General Hindman, as
McCook approached, and after retreating
to the southern bank of the Green River,
partially destroyed the stately iron bridge
of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad,
which crosses that stream. When the
Unionists, however, reached Green Riv-
er, they constructed a temporary bridge.
and began to throw across eight com:
panies of the Thirty-second Indiana
Regiment, mostly Germans, under Col-
onel Willich, to act as an advance guard.
BATTLE OF MUNFORDSVILLE. I3
This little force proceeded to occupy
for their encampment an area of cleared
ground near Munfordsville, of about a
mile in breadth, surrounded by woods.
An attempt was now made by a portion
Dec, of the enemy's advance guard, con-
17, sisting of infantry, and the Texan
Rangers under Colonel Terry, to take
them by surprise. The camp, however,
was on the alert. The enemy's scouts
had been observed in the woods, and two
companies were ordered to dislodge them.
The scouts retreated as the Unionists ad-
vanced, who continued to push on cau-
tiously as skirmishers. Soon after a troop
of cavalry came dashing over the hill to
meet our men still in pursuit. Finding
that the enemy were thus in force on
their front, the two companies, after firing
a volley in response to the shots of their
mounted antagonists, retired to a level
field, in order to draw the enemy from
the cover of the woods. Having thus
chosen their ground, the Unionists
sounded their bugles to bring up the
companies from the camp and those on
the other side of the river, which had
not yet crossed. The enemy, finding
themselves greatly superior in numbers,
did not hesitate to make an attack. But
before they were able to shake the steady
little band of some two hundred Ger-
mans, their comrades came to the rescue.
“They came on right gallantly,”
wrote one who was present, “part of
them having to cross Green River, and
fell in upon the right and left flank with
as much coolness as if this had been their
hundredth battle instead of their first.
Then followed an almost hand-to-hand
conflict, lasting fully an hour. The
enemy strove in vain to draw the Ger-
mans up the hill by feigned retreats, and
a masked battery was so planted as to
have swept our brave fellows fore and
aft, had they for a moment permitted
their valor to get the better of their dis--
cretion ; but, knowing the fearful odds
arrayed against them, they were con-
tent to hold their ground. Finally,
when the enemy despaired of getting
them into the ambush, they unmasked
their battery and opened fire. The first
ball passed between the adjutant and
major of the regiment, who occupied
positions not many feet apart. This
was the signal for another onset by the
Texas Cavalry, and right well did they
perform the work. Captain Wellsch-
bellich, Company G, formed his men in
hollow square, and the cavalry boldly
charged their front, their right, and their
left, but they were as adamant; the
square remained unbroken, while many
of the Texans, equally brave, but less
successful because they were the attack-
ing party, bit the dust. The cavalry
retired, discomfited, and then an entire
regiment of rebel infantry darkened the
hill and came marching down toward
the brave men composing Company G,
but a galling fire from our front and
right scattered their forces and gave
them something else to think of Col-
onel Willich had been ordered on duty
at headquarters, and consequently did
not get to his regiment until the heat of
the battle was over. The regiment was
forced to fall back a short distance, not
being able to make a stand against the
85 .
14
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
artillery. The rebels did not pursue.
They carried off their wounded, and
then beat a hasty retreat. It is known
that the rebel force consisted of Terry's
regiment of cavalry, two regiments of
infantry, and three pieces of cannon.
The rebels lost sixty-two killed. * * *
“Willich's entire forces only number-
ed 414, including commissioned officers,
non-commissioned officers, and privates.”
After General Nelson had congratula-
ted his troops upon restoring Eastern
Kentucky to the Federal authority, an-
other feeble attempt at invasion was
made by the enemy. Humphrey Mar-
shall, formerly a member of the United
States Congress from Kentucky, then a
general in the Confederate service, had
mustered a force of 2,000 or 3,000 men
among the mountains on the borders of
Virginia, and penetrated the eastern part
of the State as far as Paintville, on the
Big Sandy River, where he had in-
trenched himself. Colonel Garfield ad-
vanced with the Forty-second Ohio
Regiment, Fourteenth Kentucky Regi-
ment, and 300 of the Second Virginia
Cavalry.
“On hearing of my approach,” says
the Colonel in his report, “the main
* This was the enemy's official account of the affair:
“HEADQUARTERS ADVANCE GUARD, C. A., KY.,
CAVE CITY, December 19, 1861. }
“SIB : At eight o'clock A.M., on the 17th inst., I moved
toward Woodsonville for the purpose of breaking up the
railroad from the vicinity of that place southward. My
force consisted of 1,100 infantry and four pieces of artil-
lery.' When within two and a half miles of Woodsonville,
concealed from the enemy’s view, I halted the column and
ordered forward Colonel Terry's Rangers, to occupy the
heights of my right, left, and front ; and Major Phifer's
Cavalry to watch the crossings of Green River, still farther
to my left. These orders having been executed, and no
force of the enemy or pickets seen, I advanced the column
till the right reached the railroad. This brought me
within three-quarters of a mile of the river and the enemy.
but still concealed, except a small body of cavalry upon
the extreme left. Here a company of rangers was detached
to observe the enemy from Rowlett's Knob, which was to
my right, across the railroad. A strip of timber bordered
the river parallel to the line held by the cavalry. Fields
were between a body of the enemy’s infantry, as skirmish-
ers moved through the timber, by their right, on my left.
They were fired upon by a small body of my cavalry, and
retired. The firing ceased for about half an hour, and I
went in person to select a suitable place for camp, leaving
Colonel Terry in command, with instructions to decoy the
enemy up the hill, where I could use my infantry and ar-
tillery with effect, and be out of the range of the enemy's
batteries.
“Before returning to the column, the fire from the skir-
mishers re-commenced. The enemy appeared in force upon
my right and centre. Colonel Terry, at the head of 75
rangers, charged about 300, routed and drove them back,
but fell mortally wounded. A body of the enemy of about
the same size attacked the rangers under Captain Ferrell,
upon the right of the turnpike, and were repulsed with
heavy loss. The enemy now began crossing by regiments,
and moving about on my right and left flanks. Three
companies of Colonel Marmaduke's (First Arkansas) bat-
talion were thrown out as skirmishers on my left, en-
gaged the enemy's right, and drove them to the river. I
now ordered Captain Swift's battery and the Second Ar-
kansas Regiment to support it, holding the Sixth Arkan-
sas Regiment in reserve. The artillery opened fire upon
the enemy in the field adjacent to the railroad, and drove
them back of the river. Firing now ceased on both sides.
The enemy made no further attempt to advance, but
knowing that he had already crossed the river in force
more than double my own, and had the means of crossing
additional forces, I withdrew my command by way of the
turnpike, two miles and a half, and took position to meet
the enemy, if disposed to advance. There being no indi-
cations of such an intention, I returned to my camp here,
reaching this place at eight o'clock P.M.
“My loss in this affair was as follows: Killed—Colonel
Terry and three men of his regiment. Dangerously Wounded
—Lieutenant Morris and three men (Texas Rangers).
Slightly Wounded—Captain Walker and three men (Texas
Rangers), and two men of the First Arkansas Battalion.
“I estimated the enemy's loss at 75 killed and left on the
ground ; wounded, unknown. I have eight prisoners ;
others taken were too badly wounded to be moved, and
were left at citizens' houses. The troops under my com-
mand, who were engaged, displayed courage in excess.
The others were as steady as veterans.
“Respectfully, T. C. HINDMAN, Brigadier-General.
“To Lieutenant D. C. WHITE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-
General, First Division Central Army of Kentucky.”
RETREAT OF MARSHALL.
15
rebel force left their strongly intrenched
Jan. 7, camp and fled. I sent my caval-
1862, ry to the mouth of Jennis Creek,
where they attacked and drove the
rebel cavalry, which had been left as a
vanguard, a distance of five miles, kill-
ing three and wounding a considerable
number. Marshall's whole army is now
flying in utter confusion. He had aban-
doned and burned a large quantity of
stores. We have taken fifteen prisoners.
Our loss was two killed and one wound-
ed.” * -
Next day Colonel Garfield set out in
pursuit of the retreating enemy with
1,100 men. Having come up with their
advance guard two miles below Preston-
burg, he drove them in and pushed on
toward their main body, posted at the
forks of Middle Creek, under Marshall.
“Skirmishing with his outposts began
Jan, at eight o'clock, and at one o'clock
10 P.M.,” wrote Colonel Garfield in his
report, “we engaged his force of 2,500,
with three cannon posted on the hill.
We fought them until dark, having
been reinforced by about 700 men from
Paintville, and drove the enemy from all
his positions. He carried off the major-
ity of his dead and all his wounded
This morning we found twenty-seven of
his dead on the field. His killed can-
not be less than sixty. We have taken
twenty-five prisoners, ten horses, and a
quantity of stores. The enemy burned
most of his stores, and fled precipitately
in the night. To-day I have crossed the
river, and am now occupying Preston-
burg. Our loss is two killed and twen-
ty-five wounded.”
The enemy confessed to a retreat,
but notwithstanding claimed a success,
declaring that their loss was but nine
killed and nine wounded, while that of
their antagonists was “from 400 to 500
killed, and about the same number
wounded.”
• Richmond Dispatch.
16 THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
CHAPTER II.
General Buell in command in Kentucky.—The character of the Army in Kentucky.—A respectable mob.--Organiza.
tion and discipline.—Delay in operations.—Impatience of Unionists.—Ready for a campaign.—Composition of,
Troops.--Division of Buell's Army.—Position of the Army.—Division of General McCook.-Position of the Enemy.
—Division of General Nelson.—Division of General Mitchell.—Division of Thomas.-Position of the Enemy under
Zollicoffer.—General Schoepf.—Opening of the Campaign.—Plan of Thomas.—Attack by Zollicoffer.—His motives
explained.—The Battle of Webb's Cross Roads or Mill Spring.—The Enemy beaten.—Death of Zollicoffer.—Retreat
and pursuit.—Comparative losses.—Occupation of the Enemy's intrenched Camp. —Difficulty of pursuit.—Extent
of the Enemy's Flight.—Effect of the victory at Mill Spring.—The panic at Richmond.—Beauregard sent to the
West.—Sketch of General Zollicoffer.—Life of General Thomas.-Life of General Schoepf.
WHEN Generał Buell succeeded to the
command in Kentucky, he found
there a very large number of
troops, which had been hastily muster-
ed and thrown into the State ; but these
were merely fresh recruits—a “respect-
able mob,” as the General himself
termed them—a mass of raw material,
which it was necessary to mould into the
form and order of an army. The time
required to effect this caused a great de-
lay in active operations, which sorely
vexed the patience of those who, in the
eagerness of their patriotic desires, had
fixed an early day for the restoration of
the Union. At the opening of the new
year, however, General Buell had so far
succeeded in his work of organization
and discipline, that—possessing a force
which, if not up to the military ideal
of a perfect army, was sufficiently effect-
ive for all practicable purposes—he ven-
tured upon the hazards of an active
campaign. -
His troops were chiefly composed of
1862,
the hardy men of the West, gathered
from the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illi-
nois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and the loyal
districts of Kentucky and Tennessee.
Well armed, thoroughly equipped, and
devoted to the cause of the Union, they
were prepared and eager for active ser-
vice. -
General Buell had divided his large
force, computed at from a hundred to
a hundred and fifty thousand men, into
five grand divisions or corps d'armée.
His own staff was thus composed :
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
Brigadier-General Don Carlos Buell,
acting Major-General.
STAFF.
Captain James B. Fry, Assistant Ad-
jutant-General, chief of staff.
Captain N. H. McLean, Assistant Ad-
jutant-General.
Captain Oliver D. Greene, Assistant
Adjutant-General.
Captain James M. Wright, Assistant
Adjutant-General and Aide-de-Camp.
Lieutenant Frank G. Smith, Assistant
Adjutant-General and Aide-de-Camp.
|BUELL ON THE MARCH.
17
Lieutenant A. W. Rockwell, Aide-de-
Camp. * -
Colonel Thomas Swords,
Quartermaster-General.
Captain H. C. Lymend, Commissary
of Subsistence. * -
Surgeon Robert Murray, Medical Di-
rector.
Major Charles T. Larned, Assistant
Paymaster-General.
Captain F. E. Prime, Corps of En-
gineers. º -
Captain Nathaniel Mechler, Corps of
Topographical Engineers.
The various divisions, with their com-
manders, who ranked as brigadier-gene-
rals, but acted as major-generals, were
as follows: ,
First Division—Brigadier-General Al-
exander McDowell McCook, of Ohio,
headquarters at Munfordsville.
Second Division—Brigadier-General
T. Nelson, of Kentucky, headquarters
near Summerville, Ky.
Third Division (Reserve)—Brigadier-
General O. H. Mitchell, of Ohio, head-
quarters at Bacon Creek, Ky.
Fourth Division—Brigadier-General
George W. Thomas, of Kentucky, head-
quarters at Columbia, Ky.
Fifth Division—Brigadier-General T.
L. Crittenden, of Kentucky, headquar-
ters at Calhoun, Ky.
Assistant
Four of these divisions had been ad-
Jan, vanced to a line across the State,
14 parallel to that occupied by the
enemy. The first division, forming the
advance of the centre, under General
McCook, whose march to Munfordsville
has already been related, remained
there, engaged in throwing up intrench-
ments and repairing the railway and
bridge which cross the Green River.
Opposed to McCook's division was an
advanced column of the enemy, under
General Hindman, posted at Cave City,
ten miles to the southwest of Mun-
fordsville. The picket guards of the
opposing forces were extended in sight
of each other. The second division,
under Brigadier-General T. Nelson, was
marching south on the road from Louis-
ville, via Glasgow, to Nashville, in order
to co-operate with the first division,
with which it completed the centre.
These two, moving on parallel lines,
were to combine at the proper time
in an attack upon the enemy's in-
trenched position at Bowling Green.
The road taken by General Nelson
crosses the Green River about ten miles
east from Munfordsville, where McCook
had crossed. Glasgow was the enemy's
position which first presented itself to
the advance of Nelson, and it was pro-
posed that he should attack this place
simultaneously with the movement of
McCook against Cave City, immediately
in his front. -
The third division, commanded by the
popular astronomer, General Mitchell,
being composed generally of fresh re-
cruits, was held as a reserve, to be
moved forward to Munfordsville when-
ever McCook should advance against
the enemy. -
The main body of the fourth division,
under General Thomas, forming the left
wing of General Buell's army, was posted
at Columbia, midway between Bowling
.8 THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Green on the west and Somerset on the
east. The enemy, under Zollicoffer,
however, having moved from Cumber-
land Gap to the neighborhood of Somer-
set, General Thomas had divided his
force with the view of thwarting their
designs. General Schoepf, with a por-
tion of the division, had been left ten
miles west of Somerset, in order to
watch the enemy in front, while Thomas
himself, with the larger portion of his
troops, prepared to make a flank move-
ment from Columbia. -
The fifth division, under General Crit-
tenden, forming the right wing of Buell's
army, was far to the east, toward the
Cumberland Gap, prepared to co-oper-
ate with the contemplated movements
against the enemy's fortifications on that
river, and to interrupt the communica-
tion between the left of the Confeder-
ates at Columbus and their centre at
Bowling Green.
The campaign in Kentucky was open-
ed on the extreme left of Buell's army,
by the movement of General Thomas,
which resulted in a brilliant success near
Somerset.
A plan had been formed to attack the
enemy's encampment on the Cumber-
land River, by a combined movement of
General Thomas with the main body of
his division—the fourth—and General
Schoepf with the rest of the forces.
General Thomas was to move on the
enemy's flank, from Jamestown, whither
he had advanced from Columbia, and
General Schoepf to the front, from his
position at Somerset, with the view of
making the assaults simultaneously from
the west and north. Before, however,
this design could be accomplished, the
enemy became aware of it, and, leaving
their intrenchments, advanced to meet
General Thomas. The motives for this
movement of the enemy are thus stated
by one of their own writers:*
“Our position at Beech Grove, on
the north side of the Cumberland River,
is said to have been, in a military point
of view, untenable. We had intrench-
ments, it is true ; but they are said to
have been utterly indefensible against
an attack by a superior force. We had
twelve pieces of artillery, but against
the long-range guns of the enemy they
were useless. A deep and rapid river
was behind our army, and the means of
crossing it were a small steamer and
three ferry flats, only sufficient in all to
transport at one carrying three hundred
men. The country around was utterly
devoid of provisions. The most untir-
ing efforts of commissaries had been
Only availing to drain the country for
twenty miles southward of every article
for purchase ; while on the immediate
road to Knoxville, enough provisions
could not be bought, from day to day,
to subsist a single team. A more inde-
fensible position than Beech Grove, it is
said, could hardly be imagined as long
as an enemy was in front. Mill Spring
could have been better defended ; but
even there, the entire absence of facili-
ties for supplies from the rear, and the
stoppage of communication with Nash-
ville by the river, would have compelled
an advance at a very early date, or a
* Richmond Examiner.
BATTLE OF MILL SPRING.
19
retrograde movement, even had no
enemy been threatening. A movement
of one kind or the other was a military
necessity.
“Amid these unpleasant facts, word
was brought to General Crittenden of
an advance by the enemy—say of eight
to ten thousand men—from Columbia,
and of a large force from Somerset,
evidently with a view to storm our in-
trenchments. The result may be im-
agined had this been attempted ; for we
were without suitable means of trans-
portation across the river, and all av-
enues of retreat could have been effectu-
ally cut off by the enemy crossing above
and below Mill Spring. General Crit-
tenden is stated to have had but three
courses to pursue : to at once fall back
ingloriously and retreat without a blow;
to stay still and be stormed out, and sur-
render whenever an enemy approached
—or be starved out, and surrender with-
in a week; or else to make an advanced
movement into Kentucky. The entire
army at Mill Spring had been reduced
to a simple ration of beef and a half
ration of corn, the latter eaten as parch-
ed corn, and not issued as meal.
“Under these circumstances, and with
the report of the advance movement of
the enemy, both from Columbia and
from Somerset, a council of war was
held on Saturday evening, January 18.
With five thousand brave men behind
them, the council of war thought that
they could drive before them twice that
number of Northern hirelings. The
council is positively said to have been
unanimous in its decision. Both briga-
dier-generals, all the colonels, and the
captains of artillery and independent
companies viewed the matter in the
same light. The alternatives presented
were an inglorious retreat without a
blow ; an impracticable defence of in-
trenchments, ending in a surrender ; or
an eventual starving out, with a similar
result.”
If their intrenched camp was thus
untenable, it was doubtless expedient
either to attack or retreat. The enemy
chose the bolder alternative, and hoped
by fighting the separate forces of their
antagonists in detail, first to beat Gen-
eral Thomas and then General Schoepf.
The enemy, variously estimated at
from six to eight thousand men, under
the command of Generals Crittenden
and Zollicoffer, accordingly marched out
at midnight on Saturday, January 18th,
and had proceeded ten miles before the
break of day.
General Thomas was in the mean-
time halting in his contemplated ad-
vance against the enemy's intrench-
ments. With him was a force com-
posed of the Ninth Ohio Regiment Wol-
unteers, Tenth Indiana Regiment Wol-
unteers, Second Minnesota Regiment
Volunteers, Fourth Kentucky Regiment
Volunteers, Tenth Kentucky Regiment
Volunteers, Eighteenth Regiment Unit-
ed States regulars, and two full bat-
teries of artillery.
The place known as Webb's Cross
Roads, Thomas' encampment on Satur-
day night (January 18), which became
the field of battle of the next day, Sun-
day (January 19), was about six miles
20
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
east of Jamestown and ten miles west
of the enemy's fortified camp of Beech
Grove, situated between White Oak
Creek and the Cumberland River.
The enemy having reached within
striking distance of General Thomas'
Jan, camp at four o'clock in the morn-
18, ing, began the attack at once with
great spirit. They had hoped to have
taken their antagonists by surprise, but
the Union troops, though not expecting
the assault, were watchful, and prepared
to defend themselves. -
After a severe skirmishing between
the pickets, the main bodies advanced to
meet each other, and the conflict be-
came general, with a fire of cannon and
muskets. The troops fought well on
both sides, but at last, after an irregular
struggle, or bush fight, of nearly three
hours, the enemy were driven back, and
by a spirited charge of bayonets forced
to a total rout. .The brunt of the bat-
tle was borne by the Fourth Kentucky,
Second Minnesota, Ninth Ohio, and
Tenth Indiana. Shortly after eleven
o'clock Colonel Haskin succeeded in
flanking the enemy on the extreme
right, when the Ninth Ohio and Second
Minnesota charged with the bayonet,
with loud cries, which broke the rebel
ranks, and the rout began. They fled
pell-mell to their camp, strewing the
road with muskets, blankets, overcoats,
and knapsacks, and abandoning two guns
and caissons.
The panic of the enemy was in-
creased by the arrival of Federal re-
Inforcements, consisting of a Tennessee
brigade and the Tenth Kentucky Reg- |
iment, and the death of their favorite
commander, General Zollicoffer, who was
shot through the heart at the head of
his staff, by Colonel Fry, of the Fourth
Kentucky Regiment. General Zollicof-
fer having lost his way in the bushes,
came out suddenly in face of Colonel
Fry, who was accompanied by some
staff officers. The two parties mistook
each other for friends, and approach-
ed within a few yards, when, finding
their mutual mistake, both halted and
prepared for a hand-to-hand conflict.
One of General Zollicoffer's aids shot at
Colonel Fry, but only brought his horse
down. The Union Colonel immediately
drew his revolver, and brought Gen-
eral Zollicoffer from his saddle at the
first fire.
The loss on the part of the enemy
was reported to be two hundred and
seventy-five, while that of the Unionists
was hardly less. The soldiers of the
Tenth Indiana Regiment being in ad-
vance, were the greatest sufferers, los-
ing seventy-five killed and wounded.
When they charged with their bayo-.
nets, they were brought so close to the
enemy, that a Mississippi regiment
turned upon them with their long
bowie-knives, which they thrust through
a fence that separated them from their
assailants. The bayonets, however, by
their greater length, gave the advan-
tage to the Indiana men, and their op-
ponents, unable to use their knives with
effect, were forced to fly. *
The enemy were pursued to their in-
trenched camp, when night falling, the
Unionists ceased the pursuit, although
PURSUIT OF
THE ENEMY. 21
they continued to throw a few shells at
the camp of the fugitives, where they
had sought refuge. The pursuers now
resting on their arms, bivouacked on
the ground for the night. Early next
morning the Tenth Indiana, Tenth Ken-
tucky, Fourteenth Ohio, and . Fourth
Kentucky regiments were ordered to
take possession of the enemy's intrench-
ed camp, which was found entirely aban-
doned. The Tenth Kentucky was the
first to enter, followed by the other regi-
ments. “We found everything left,”
says one of the Indiana men.” “Horses
stood saddled and bridled ; teams were
hitched up ; the horses were standing
attached to the cannon ; officers' trunks
were found strewn on the bank of the
river. We took about 2,000 head of
horses and mules, 250 wagons, 14 can-
nons—two of which were captured by
them at Bull Run–some 4,000 or 5,000
stand of arms, and any number of
flags.”
General Schoepf's force had in the
mean time arrived, and joining General
Thomas' troops, pursued, in company
with the victors, the flying enemy. A
steamboat was seen moving on the river,
and being fired at with shells was soon
in a blaze. The combined force, having
seized several boats which the fugitives
had used, but in their haste falled to de-
stroy, crossed the Cumberland at Mill
* The same writer gives the account of the death of
Zollicoffer: “You have seen it reported in the papers
that Colonel Fry and Zollicoffer had some conversation,
and that Fry shot Zollicoffer. This is a great hoax. Zol-
licoffer was shot three times; the ball that killed him
was from an Enfield rifle, and entered his heart. The shot
was fired by Corporal James Swan, of Company H, who is
a dead shot.”
Spring, but the enemy scattering in
every direction, made no attempt at re-
sistance. From the condition of the
roads, however, and for fear of being at
too great a distance in a hostile and poor
country from the basis of operations,
General Thomas was compelled to check
the rapidity of his advance and wait for
his train of supply-wagons. He subse-
quently withdrew his main force and
posted it within the intrenchments on
the north side of the Cumberland, aban-
doned by the enemy, while General
Schoepf continued to advance on the
south until he reached Monticello, near
the borders of Tennessee, where a great
number of the enemy's wounded were
found abandoned by their comrades,
who continued to scatter in flight over
the country.
General Crittenden, with the small
force he was able to keep together, re-
treated until he reached Gainesborough,
where he arrived on Sunday, January
28th, one week after the battle.
“The retreat,” reports one of the
enemy, “was made in good order, and
by three o'clock in the afternoon our
army was inside its intrenchments. Im-
mediately a severe cannonading was
commenced by the enemy, making it
evident that their superiority in guns
could eventually drive our forces from
their camp.
“Between dusk and dawn our entire
army was taken across the river, with
the loss merely of the artillery and
worn-out tents and camp equipage.
Long before the enemy dreamed of the
evacuation, our forces had gained an
86
22
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
available point to resist any onward
movement of theirs. The abandonment
of the artillery was a necessity. The
approaches to the river on both sides
were very high and precipitous; the
roads almost belly deep in mud to a
horse, and the conveyance of the guns
across would have exhausted hours and
means imperatively demanded for the
Iſle Ol. e”
“The army camped on Monday night
two miles beyond Monticello, the sick
and wounded having been sent on be-
fore. From Monticello it marched by
easy stages to Livingston, where it
spent Saturday, the 25th [January],
and reached Gainesborough on Sunday
evening.” &
The victory of the Unionists at Mill
Spring” was a heavy blow to the enemy,
and caused them great discouragement.
They had been not only driven from the
disputed ground of Kentucky, but so
broken and scattered as to be hardly
capable of making a stand on the bor-
ders of Tennessee, a State they especially
claimed as their own. Great inquietude
was now felt for the safety of their other
positions in Kentucky, of which inquie-
tude the government of Jefferson Davis
at Richmond gave proof by transferring
Jan, General Beauregard to Kentucky
27, from his important position at Ma-
nassas, where he was succeeded by Gen-
eral Gustavus W. Smith.
The death of General Zollicoffer was
* The battle has been variously called the battle of
Somerset and the battle of Mill Spring, but it occurred at
neither place; both being several miles distant from the
field of baftle, which was on the road to Mill Spring.
felt to be a great loss to the cause of the
secessionists. Not educated as a soldier,
he had exhibited perhaps little military
skill, but daring and unscrupulous, he
had shown great enterprise in the kind
of irregular warfare he had adopted.
Felix K. Zollicoffer, as his name—that
of a distinguished family in Switzerland
—indicates, was of Swiss origin. He
was born in North Carolina in 1812, and
at an early age emigrated to Tennessee,
where he for a time worked as a print-
er, and subsequently became the editor
of a newspaper. In 1834 he edited and
published the Columbian Observer, and
from 1835 to 1837 held the profitable
place of State printer of Tennessee. In
1842 he became the editor of the Nash-
ville Banner, and through the partisan
influence of this Whig journal obtained
various political offices.
He was thrice elected controller of
the State from 1843 to 1847, and in 1849
was chosen a State senator. In 1850 he
received the contract for building the
imposing suspension bridge across the
Cumberland at Nashville. In the mean-
time he had given up the editorship of
the Banner, which, however, he resumed
as a means of aiding him in attaining
the position of member of Congress. In
this he succeeded, and acquired a fair
position as a debater. The Democratic
party having the political control of
Tennessee, Zollicoffer was thwarted in
his aspirations to the governorship. He
now abandoned the Whig party, and be-
came a conspicuous leader of the “Know
Nothings,” or Native Americans.
At the beginning of the secession
LIVES OF THE GENERALS. - 23
movement in Tennessee, Zollicoffer op-
posed it, but was finally induced to risk
his fortunes upon the cause of the South-
ern confederacy, by which he was ap-
pointed brigadier-general. He was a
man of great energy and courage, but
without military knowledge or experi-
ence, and devoid of prudence. The at-
tack at Mill Spring—supposed to have
been suggested by Zollicoffer—which
resulted so disastrously to him, was a
movement alike characteristic of the en-
terprise and audacity of the man.
Zollicoffer had only joined the seces-
sion force at Mill Spring a few hours
before the movement, and served in
the battle under General Crittenden,
to whom belonged the chief command.
The latter, brother to the General T. L.
Crittenden, who commanded a division
of General Buell's army, and a son of
the venerable Senator Crittenden, of
Kentucky, was formerly an officer in
the United States army.
General George H. Thomas, the chief
in command of the tenth division of the
Federal army in Kentucky, and who led
in the battle of Mill Spring, was born in
Virginia. He entered West Point in
1836, and in 1840 was appointed a sec-
ond lieutenant of artillery. In the
campaign against the Indians in Florida
he earned the brevet of first lieuten-
ant, and during the war with Mexico
so distinguished himself that he was
successively rewarded with various bre-
vet ranks to that of major. In 1850 he
was appointed a teacher of artillery and
cavalry at the West Point Academy.
In December, 1853, he was made a full
captain of artillery; and on the 12th of
May, 1855, was appointed major of the
Second Cavalry. At the beginning of
the civil war, General Thomas was pro-
moted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of his
regiment, and on the 3d of May, 1861,
was made colonel of the Second Cav-
alry. As colonel he had charge of the
United States regular forces under Gen-
eral Patterson, in the Department of the
Shenandoah, and led the troops across
the Potomac. He was next appointed
an acting brigadier-general in the same
department, in which capacity he served
under General Banks. On the 17th of
August, 1861, he was promoted to the
rank of brigadier-general of volunteers,
and was ordered to Kentucky, where,
after serving under Generals Anderson
and Sherman, he was appointed by
their successor, General Buell, to the
command of the tenth division, designed
to operate in the south-eastern part of
Kentucky. º
General Alvin Schoepf is a Hunga-
rian, who came to this country as a
political refugee, and was employed for
some time as a draughtsman and clerk
in the Patent Office at Washington. He
subsequently was transferred to the War
Department; here, giving proof of his
capacity as an engineer, he was sent
into Virginia to conduct a military sur-
vey. He was soon after appointed brig-
adier-general of volunteers and ordered
to Kentucky, where he gave, by his spir-
ited defence at Wild Cat, a signal proof
of his spirit and skill.
24
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
C EIA PTE R. III.
The breaking of the Enemy's Line in Kentucky.—The combined Expeditions in Kentucky and Tennessee.—The Forti-
fications of the Enemy on the Mississippi, Cumberland, and Tennessee.—Fort Henry described.—Its Commander.
—Sketch of Tilghman.—Great Preparations at Cairo and Paducah. —General Grant —His life and character.—Life
of Commodore Foote.—A combined Naval and Military Expedition against Fort Henry designed.—Delay of the
land force.—Plan of co-operation.—The Naval Expedition.—Its composition.—Sailing of the Fleet.—The attack on
Fort Henry.—The Essex disabled.—Capitulation of the Fort.—Arrival of General Grant.—Occupation of Fort
Henry.—Vigorous defence of the Enemy.—Their losses.—Losses of the Unionists.-The Tennessee River opened.—
Expedition up the Tennessee.—The result.—Welcome from the Enemy. *
THE breaking of the enemy's line in
Kentucky by their rout at Mill
Spring was the signal for the com-
mencement of those combined expedi-
tions by land and water which had been
so long maturing at St. Louis, Cairo,
and Paducah. These posts were within
the department of General Halleck, and
upon him devolved the preparation for
and the direction of the important move-
1862,
ments contemplated in Kentucky and
Tennessee.
The enemy had striven to secure the
command of the Mississippi, Tennessee,
and the Cumberland, by the construc-
tion of fortifications on these rivers. At
Columbus, in Kentucky, on the left bank
of the Mississippi, were the most formi-
dable of these works; at Dover, on the
left of the Cumberland, in a Southeasterly
direction from Columbus, was Fort Don-
elson with its extensive intrenchments;
the next in importance, and on the right
of the Tennessee, which flows in a paral-
lel line with the latter river, and be-
tween it and the former, was Fort Henry,
the least considerable of the three works.
Forts Donelson and Henry were just
within the boundary line of Tennessee,
the former being somewhat more to the
South, and consequently farther removed
from the border of Kentucky than the
latter, which almost touched it.
After repeated reconnoissances in force
from Cairo down the Mississippi and
from Paducah and Smithland”—which
had been lately occupied by the Union-
ists—up the Tennessee and Cumberland,
and a vigilant reconnoitring by land of
the enemy's strength and position, it was
determined to begin operations by an at-
tack upon Fort Henry.
This work stands on the east bank of
the Tennessee River, upon low ground,
about the height of the high-water mark.
A bend just above prevents any command
up the stream ; but the Tennessee below,
being straight for two miles, the guns
of the fort have an effective range for
that distance in the direction of the flow
of the river. On the opposite side of
the Tennessee are three hills which com-
& Smithland is situated to the east of Paducah, on the
Ohio, near the mouth of the Cumberland.
FORT HENRY.
25
mand the fort; but although the enemy
had commenced raising fortifications up-
on them, they had never been completed.
Fort Henry was an earth-work scien-
tifically constructed, and mounted with
seventeen cannon, most of which were
of heavy calibre, there being one one hun-
dred and twenty-eight pounder, eight
or ten thirty-two pounders, four twelve
pounders, and other powerful guns. To
the fort were attached barracks and an
encampment capable of accommodating
fifteen thousand men. Brigadier-Gen-
eral Tilghman was the Confederate chief
in command.
Lloyd Tilghman was born in Mary-
land, and was educated at the Military
Academy of West Point, where he com-
pleted his studies in 1836. After re-
ceiving the commission of second lieu-
tenant of dragoons in July of the same
year, he resigned in the following Sep-
tember, and adopted the profession of
a civil engineer. He was employed in
this capacity on various railroads until
the war with Mexico, when he pro-
ceeded to the Rio Grande and served
as a volunteer aide-de-camp to General
Twiggs in the battles of Palo Alto and
Resaca de la Palma. He subsequently
became the chief of a small partisan
band, superintended the erection of
the defensive works at Matamoras, and
finally closed his career in Mexico as
the captain of a company of light ar-
tillery in a regiment of volunteers from
Maryland and the District of Colum-
bia. After the war Tilghman resumed
his profession as a civil engineer and be-
came one of the assistants of the engi-
neer corps employed by the Panama
Railroad Company. At the beginning
of the civil troubles he was residing at
Paducah, in Kentucky, and being an ar-
dent advocate for secession, was one of
the first to take up arms in behalf of
that cause. Obtaining the command of
a regiment of the first Kentucky brig-
ade, he remained for awhile at Clarks-
ville, in Tennessee, engaged in drilling
his men. When the Confederate troops
invaded Kentucky, he accompanied them
to Bowling Green. Soon after he was
promoted from a colonelcy to a briga-
dier-generalship, and having been placed
in command of the works on the Cum-
berland and Tennessee rivers, establish-
ed his headquarters at Fort Donelson,
but was in Fort Henry conducting its
defence at the moment of its attack by
the Federal forces.
The preparations had been very ex-
tensive and elaborate at Cairo and Pa-
ducah as well as at St. Louis, for the
combined naval and military expedi-
tions, from which so much was expected
in carrying out the plans of campaign in
the West. Cairo, in Illinois, situated at
the confluence of the Mississippi and
Ohio, and Paducah, in Kentucky, on the
latter, just at the mouth of the Tennes-
see, and commanding that of the Cum-
berland, served admirably as bases of
operations upon these rivers, which pen-
etrated the interior of the vast territory
held by the enemy. It was accordingly
at these places that large land forces had
been concentrated, and an immense fleet
of gun-boats built.
General Grant was in immediate com-
26
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
mand of the troops at Cairo and Padu-
cah, under General Halleck, the chief of
the Department of the West. Ulysses
S. Grant was born at Point Pleasant,
Clermont County, Ohio, 27th of April,
1822. Entering the West Point Mili-
tary Academy as a cadet in 1839, he
completed his studies in 1843, and was
immediately brevetted second lieutenant
of the Tenth Infantry. In September,
1845, he was promoted to the full
rank, and served during the war with
Mexico, both under Generals Taylor
and Scott. His gallantry and good ser-
vices won him promotion. In April,
1847, he was serving as regimental
Quartermaster, and on the 31st of July,
1854, when he resigned, was captain of
the Tenth Infantry. On leaving the
army he resided for awhile in Missouri,
but subsequently removed to Galena, in
Illinois, where he was living at the com-
mencement of the present war. He im-
mediately offered his services to the
Governor of the State, and was appoint-
ed colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment
of Illinois Volunteers. After serving for
awhile in Missouri, where he took part
in several engagements, he was pro-
moted to a brigadier-generalship, and
placed in command at Cairo. His enter-
prise and spirit as a leader were shown in
the severe struggle at Belmont. There
will soon be occasion to follow him to
more important and triumphant fields
of battle.
The commander-in-chief of the naval
force at Cairo was Captain Foote, a name
which will be found gloriously associated
with the movements into Kentucky and
Tennessee, soon to be related. Andrew
H. Foote was born in Connecticut. His
father was the Senator Foote from that
State, in answer to whom Daniel Web-
ster made one of his most memorable
speeches. Young Foote entered the
navy as a midshipman on the 4th of
December, 1822. On the 19th of the
same month, of the year 1852, after a
long period of active service, he was
appointed a commander. In the attack
made by the Americans, in the year
1856, upon the Chinese forts, he was in
command, and showed his spirit and en-
terprise by laying his vessel, bow fore-
most, immediately under the guns of
the enemy, and by the success of the
manoeuvre proved its advantage over
the system of his British allies, who
fought at long range.
After a service of more than a score
of years on Sea, and some ten on land,
in various employments connected with
the naval department, Commander
Foote was placed in command of the
Navy Yard at Brooklyn, New York.
At the beginning of the recent war
he was promoted to a captaincy, and
charged with organizing the flotilla of
gun-boats at St. Louis and Cairo, to
operate on the Western rivers. In the
performance of this duty, which was
beset with great difficulties, he showed
an unconquerable energy, and the suc-
cessful result is a triumph, the honor
of which is conceded chiefly to him.
“Foote is now (1862) sixty years of
age, but though he has grown grey in
the tranquil service of his country dur-
ing peace, still shows a vigor and cour-

ATTACK ON FORT HENRY. 27
age equal to the trying duties of a leader
in war.” *
It was the design to make a combined
naval and military attack upon Fort
Henry, but in consequence of the state
of the roads, the land force was delayed
in its march, and the work devolved
entirely upon Captain Foote with his
flotilla of gun-boats.
General Grant, however, had march-
ed out a considerable body of troops,
consisting of the first division under
General McClernand, and three brig-
ades of the second division under Gen-
eral C. F. Smith, with the view of their
co-operating in the attack. This force
was so disposed” as to act simultaneous-
ly with the fleet, but before the troops
were able to reach their respective posi-
tions, Captain Foote had completed the
work.
The flotilla sailed from Cairo on the
morning of the 6th of February. It
consisted of seven gun-boats, of which
four were new and iron-clad, and three
old. The former, the Cincinnati, Com-
mander Stembel, upon which was Cap-
tain Foote as flag-officer ; the Essex,
Commander Porter ; the Carondelet,
Commander Walker; and the St. Louis,
Lieutenant-Commanding Paulding, con-
stituted the first division : the latter,
the Conestoga, Lieutenant-Commanding
Phelps; the Tyler, Lieutenant-Com-
manding Gavin, and the Lexington,
Lieutenant-Commanding Shirk, formed
the second division, under the general
command of Lieutenant Phelps.
The first division, commanded by
Captain Foote in person, moved up the
Tennessee River in advance, with the
view of making a direct attack upon
Fort Henry, while the second division
was kept astern and nearer shore, to be
ready to co-operate. Captain Foote
having formed his division in a parallel
line, moved his vessels with their bows
pointed directly at the fort, and on reach-
ing within 1,700 yards of the enemy's
works, opened from his flag-ship a fire
* The following order gives the proposed plan of co-
operation :
§ “HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CAIRo,
CAMP IN FIELD, NEAR ForT HENRY, Feb. 5, 1862. }
“The first division, General McClernand commanding,
will move at eleven o'clock A.M. to-morrow, under the
guidance of Lieutenant-Colonel McPherson, and take a
position on the roads from Fort Henry to Donelson and
Dover.
“It will be the special duty of this command to pre-
vent all reinforcement to Fort Henry, or escape from it.
Also to be held in readiness to charge and take Fort
Henry by storm, promptly on the receipt of orders.
“Two brigades of the second division, General C. F.
Smith commanding, will start at the same hour from the
west bank of the river, and take and occupy the heights
commanding Fort Henry. This point will be held by so
much artillery as can be made available, and such other
troops as, in the opinion of the general commanding the
second division, may be necessary for its protection.
“The third brigade, second division, will advance up
the east bank of the Tennessee River, as fast as it can be
securely done. and be in readiness to charge upon the fort
or move to the support of the first division, as may be
necessary.
“All the forces on the west bank of the river, not re-l
quired to hold the heights commanding Fort Henry, will
return to their transports, cross to the east bank, and
follow the first brigade as fast as possible.
“The west bank of the Tennessee River not having been
reconnoitred, the commanding officer intrusted with tak
ing possession of the enemy's works there. will proceed
with great caution, and such information as can be gather-
ed, and such guides as can be found in the time interven-
ing, before eleven o'clock to-morrow.
“The troops will receive two days' rations of bread and
meat in their haversacks.
“One company of the second division, armed with rifles,
will be ordered to report to Flag-Officer Foote, as sharp-
shooters on board the gun-boats. By order,
“U S. GRANT, Brigadier-General Commanding.”
28
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
which was immediately followed by that
of the other gun-boats. The enemy at
Feb, the same time responded, and thus
* began at half-past twelve o'clock the
conflict at Fort Henry, which resulted
so triumphantly to the Unionists.
Foote continued to approach closer
and closer with his parallel line of gun-
boats until he reached within 600 yards
of the fort. The fire now on both sides
increased greatly in rapidity and accu-
racy of range.
After the firing had continued about
an hour, the Essex received a shot in her
boiler, which entirely disabled the ves-
sel, so that she was forced to drop astern
out of the action. The escape of steam
which followed killed five and scalded
some forty or fifty others, among whom
was the commander.
The firing, however, between the fort
and the three gun-boats left, continued
with unabated vigor, until the “rebel
flag,” says Captain Foote in his report,
“was hauled down, after a very severe
and closely contested action of one hour
and fifteen minutes.”
As soon as the enemy's flag was low-
ered, an adjutant-general and captain
of engineers came off in a boat and re-
ported that General Tilghman, the com-
amander of the fort, wished to commu-
nicate with the flag-officer. Captain
Foote accordingly dispatched Command-
er Stembel and Lieutenant-Commanding
Phelps, with orders to hoist the American
ſlag where the “rebel ensign had been
flying,” and to inform General Tilghman
that the flag-officer would see him on
his ship. The defeated commander soon
after arrived, and delivering up his
Sword to Captain Foote, said, “Captain,
I am glad to surrender to so gallant an
officer,” whereupon he received the re-
ply: “You do perfectly right, sir, in
Surrendering ; but you should have
blown my boats out of the water before
I would have surrendered to you.”
General Grant arrived with his force
toward the close of the engagement, in
time to take possession of the fort, but
too late to prevent the escape of the
Several thousand men encamped on the
outside, who fled before the attack. The
prisonerstaken amounted to about sixty,
including General Tilghman and his staff.
Captain Foote paid this tribute to his
conquered enemy : “Fort Henry was
defended with the most determined
gallantry by General Tilghman, worthy
of a better cause, who, from his own
account, went into the action with eleven
guns of heavy calibre, bearing upon our
boats, which he fought until seven of the
number were dismantled or otherwise
rendered useless.” - -
The enemy certainly worked their
guns with great energy and accuracy.
The Cincinnati, the flag-ship, received
thirty-one shots; the Essex, fifteen ;
the St. Louis, seven, and the Carondelet,
six. Such, however, was the efficacy of
the iron-plating of these boats, that not
one, with the exception of the Essex,
was seriously damaged. The men, more-
over, considering the closeness and se-
verity of the engagement, suffered little.
* It is hoped that there is some mistake in this reported
answer of Captain Foote, who it would be satisfactory to
think was as courteous as he was brave.
CAPTURE OF FORT HENRY. 29
One was killed and nine were wounded
on the Cincinnati; one killed by gun-
shot on the Essex, though some forty
were killed or injured by steam, and the
Carondelet and St. Louis escaped with-
out damage to a man.
five killed and eight or ten wounded.
The capture of Fort Henry having
wrested the command of the Tennessee
from the secessionists, opened to the
Federal gun-boats the passage up the
river through the State of Tennessee
and within the borders of Alabama.
Accordingly a flotilla, consisting of the
three gun-boats—Conestoga, Taylor, and
Lexington—under the command of Lieu-
tenant S. Phelps, was sent up the Tennes-
Feb, see on a reconnoitring expedition.
6. On reaching the railroad bridge
which crosses the river about twenty-
five miles above Fort Henry, a number
of transport steamers belonging to the
enemy were discovered beyond. These
could not be immediately reached, as
the “draw” of the bridge was closed
and the machinery disordered. This,
however, was soon remedied, and the
flotilla passed on in rapid pursuit of the
retreating vessels, which, after a chase
of five hours, were abandoned and burn-
ed by those on board. -
On reaching Cerro Gordo, in Hardin
Feb, County, Tennessee, an unfinished
7 gun-boat, the Eastport, with a quan-
tity of timber and other material be-
longing to the enemy, was captured.
On the next day, at Chickasaw, two
other steamers, loaded with supplies,
were taken, and on entering the State
of Alabama and ascending the river to-
The enemy had
ward Florence, the enemy, as they
caught sight of the Federal gun-boats,
set fire to three steamers lying at this
place. At Florence, Lieutenant Phelps
landed with a force, and was met by a
deputation of the citizens. A few tran-
quilizing words served to quiet their
fears. “I told them,” says Lieutenant
Phelps, “that we were neither ruffians
nor Savages, and that we were there to
protect from violence and to enforce the
law.” After thus sailing up the river
to Florence, Lieutenant Phelps turned
back. At Eastport, twenty-five Ten-
nesseeans enlisted in the Federal Ser-
vice, and gave information of an en-
campment of a regiment of the enemy
at Savannah. Lieutenant Phelps ac-
cordingly proceeded to attack it, but on
reaching the place found the camp de-
serted. He now continued his route
down the river to Fort Henry, where
he arrived after an absence of four days.
Lieutenant Phelps, in his official re-
port, gave a glowing account of the
welcome he received from the “enemy.”
“We have met,” he wrote, “with the
most gratifying proofs of loyalty every-
where across Tennessee and in the por-
tions of Mississippi and Alabama we
visited. Most affecting instances greet-
ed us almost hourly. Men, women, and
children several times gathered in
crowds of hundreds, shouted their wel-
come, and hailed their national flag with
an enthusiasm there was no mistaking ;
it was genuine and heartfelt. These
people braved everything to go to the
river bank where a sight of their flag
might once more be enjoyed, and they
87
30
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
have experienced, as they related, every
possible form of persecution. Tears
flowed freely down the cheeks of men
as well as of women, and there were
those who had fought under the Stars
and Stripes at Moultrie, who in this
manner testified to their joy.
“This display of feeling and sense of
gladness at our success, and the hopes it
created in the breasts of so many people
in the heart of the Confederacy, aston-
ished us not a little, and I assure you,
sir, I would not have failed to witness it
for any consideration ; I trust it has
given us all a higher sense of the sacred
character of our present duties. I was
assured at Savannah that of the several
hundred troops there, more than one-
half, had we gone to the attack in time,
would have hailed us as deliverers,
and gladly enlisted with the national
force,
never heard.’
“In Tennessee, the people generally,
in their enthusiasm, braved secessionists
and spoke their views freely, but in Mis-
sissippi and Alabama what was said was
guarded. ‘If we dared express our-
selves freely, you would hear such a
shout greeting your coming as you
‘We know there are
many Unionists among us, but a reign
of terror makes us afraid of our
shadows.' We were told, too, ‘Bring
us a small, organized force, with arms
and ammunition for us, and we can
maintain our position and put down re-
bellion in our midst.” There were, it
is true, whole communities who, on our
approach, fled to the woods, but these
were where there was less of the loyal
element, and where the fleeing steamers
in advance had spread tales of our com.
ing with firebrands burning, destroy-
ing, ravishing, and plundering.”
31
FORT DONELSON.
C H A PTE R. I.W.
Striking for the command of the Cumberland.—Description of Fort Donelson.—Great efforts of the Enemy for its
defence.—Expedition against Fort Donelson.—General Grant’s march.—The Fort invested.—Attack by Commodore
Foote.—Foote repulsed.—A sortie of the Enemy.—Temporary success of the Enemy.—An imprudent Pursuit.—
McClernand's division rescued.—Thé Enemy driven back into their Intrenchments.-Successful charge of the
Unionists.—The Enemy's position described.—A proposition from the Enemy.—Negotiations for a Capitulation.—
No terms but Unconditional Surrender.—The Enemy surrender.—How General Buckner came to be in command of
the Enemy.—A shifting of responsibility.—Pillow's account of the affair.—What was captured in the Fort.—Com-
parative losses.—Escape of Pillow and Floyd.—Result of the capture of Fort Donelson.—March of General Mitchell.
—Evacuation of Bowling Green.—Occupation of Clarksville.—Occupation of Nashville.—Conduct of the Enemy.—
Destruction of bridges.—Reception of the United States Troops by the Citizens of Nashville.—A visit to Mrs. Polk.
—Abandonment by the Enemy of Columbus.-Occupation of Columbus described.—Retreat of the Enemy to New
Madrid and Island No. 10.-The Enemy making a stand.
AFTER opening the Tennessee River,
by the capture of Fort Henry, the
next operation of the Union forces
at Cairo was to strike for the command
of the Cumberland, by an attack on
Fort Donelson. This was an extensive
earth-work at Dover, in Tennessee, situ-
ated on the left bank of the Cumberland
River. It was scientifically constructed,
consisting of a large central bastioned
fort, surrounded by extensive intrench-
ments and outlying batteries. The
main fortification stood upon high
ground, which commanded the river
and the neighboring land, with the ex-
ception of an elevated portion, where
rifle pits had been dug. Within the in-
trenchments, about the fort, and on the
other side of the river had been mus-
tered a large force of the enemy, vari-
ously estimated at from thirteen to fif-
teen thousand men. Anticipating an at-
tack after the fall of Fort Henry, great
efforts had been made to reinforce the
1862,
*
threatened position. All the troops
which had deserted General Tilghman
at Fort Henry hastened to the place;
General Sydney Johnston sent a con-
siderable number from Bowling Green.
Generals Floyd, Pillow, and Buckner
were at the head of their several di-
visions, and the first, from seniority in
rank, assumed the chief command at
the fort. g .
The Union expedition was formed of
a combined naval and military force.
General Ulysses Grant, in command at
Cairo, having first sent by the Feb.
Ohio and Cumberland rivers six Il-
regiments, followed on the next day.
by land, with fifteen thousand men, Feb.
in two divisions, respectively com- 12.
manded by Generals McClernand and
Smith. A fleet, consisting of four iron-
clad and two wooden gun-boats, under
the command of Captain Foote, started
up the Cumberland about the same
time, in order to make a simultaneous
32 THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
attack with the land forces upon the
fort. -
General Grant, on the first day's
march, arrived with his main body
within two miles of the fort, where the
pickets of the enemy were met and
Feb, driven in. On the next day he ap-
13, proached gradually, and continued
until night to surround the position,
forcing his way here and there by suc-
cessful skirmishes with the enemy's
advanced guards. No serious attack,
however, was attempted, as the troops
sent by water and the fleet of gun-
boats had not yet arrived. These final-
ly came in during the evening, and it
was determined to begin the assault.
next day.
It was not until three o'clock in
Feb, the afternoon that Captain Foote
14, was enabled to open fire. “I made
an attack,” he says, in his own clear
and concise account of the affair, “on
Fort Donelson with four iron-clad gun-
boats and two wooden ones, and after
one hour and a quarter severe fight-
ing, the latter part of the day within
less than one hundred yards of the
fort, the wheel of this vessel and the
tiller of the Louisville were shot away,
rendering the two boats unmanageable.
They then drifted down the river. The
two remaining boats were also greatly
damaged between wind and water. This
vessel alone received fifty-nine shots,
and the others about half that number
each. e
“There were fifty-four killed and
wounded in this attack, which we have
reason to suppose would, in fifteen min-
utes more, could the action have been
continued, have resulted in the capture
of the fort bearing upon us, as the
enemy was running from his batteries
when the two gun-boats drifted help-
lessly down the river from disabled
steering apparatus, as the relieving
tackles could not steer the vessels in
the strong current.
“When the fleeing enemy returned
to the river battery guns from which
they had been driven, they again hotly
poured fire upon us. The enemy must
have brought over twenty guns to bear
upon our boats from the water battery
and the main fort upon the hill, while
we only could return the fire with
twelve boat-guns from the four boats.
“One rifled gun, aboard the Caron-
delet, burst during the action.
“The officers and men in this hotly
contested but unequal fight behaved
with the greatest gallantry and deter-
mination, all deploring the accident
which rendered two of our gun-boats
suddenly helpless in the narrow river
and swift current.” -
After this gallant but unsuccessful at-
tack, Captain Foote returned with his
disabled fleet to Cairo.
General Grant now determined to
make the investment of the fort as per-
fect as possible, to throw up intrench-
ments for the protection of his force, and
to await until the gun-boats—being re-
paired—could again take part in the
attack. The enemy, however, elated by
their repulse of the fleet, were embold-
ened to Sally out from their intrench-
ments and begin the battle by an attack
ASSAULT OF THE FORT.
33
upon the right wing of the Union force
commanded by General McClernand.
Feb. At six o'clock on the morning after
15, the retirement of the gun-boats,
the enemy appeared in solid column up-
on the road. “It was a few minutes
past six,” says an accurate chronicler,”
“when our pickets exchanged shots with
their skirmishers.
“Immediately the whole division was
astir, waiting for what might turn up.
As the rebels neared our forces they de-
ployed and formed in line of battle,
making the most furious attack upon
the right ; also sending their Mississippi
sharp-shooters, as one of the captains,
now a prisoner, informed me, to the left,
to throw the Eleventh and Twentieth
regiments into confusion.
“It was about seven o'clock when the
firing began on the right, and in a few
minutes was running like a train of pow-
der on a floor, along the entire line.
The rebels advanced with determination
—not in a regular line, but in the
guerrilla mode—availing themselves of
the trees and the undulations of the
ground. Their design was to cut the
division at the centre, turn the regiments
on the right, composing Oglesby's brig-
ade, up against the Creek, and capture
them. But their movements to that
end were foiled. The regiments at the
centre being pressed, after standing hot
fire, began gradually to fall back, which
rendered it necessary for Oglesby to do
the same, as he separated from the
division, and the entire right wing of the
division accordingly swung back, slowly
* Chicago Tribune, Feb. 19.
at first. Dresser's and Schwartz's bat-
teries were brought into position as soon
as possible, and for a while there was a
very heavy fire, accompanied by contin-
ued rolls of musketry. If one were to
judge by sound alone, all battles would
be terrific, but when a fight is waged in
a forest, the trees high in, up the
branches usually suffer most. There
was, however, considerable loss on both
sides at this point. -
“And now occurred one of those
blunders common in warfare. The ene-
my pressing hard upon our forces, Gen-
eral McClernand sent Major Brayman
for reinforcements. He rode rapidly to
the rear and came upon Colonel Cruft's
brigade, who moved forward, crossed
the road, and came up in rear of the
Thirtieth and Thirty-first. These regi-
ments were lying down and firing over
the crest of a ridge. As Colonel Cruft
came in the rear of them they rose to
their feet, not knowing whether the
force in their rear was friend or foe.
The Twenty-fifth Kentucky, supposing
them to be rebels, poured in a volley,
which did terrible execution. It is not
possible to ascertain how many fell un-
der the fire, but it was sufficient to throw
the entire division into disorder, and at
once there was almost a panic. Some
men took to their heels, threw down
their guns and equipments, and fled to
the rear crying, ‘All is lost l’ ‘We are
all cut to pieces !’ and similar expres-
sions. Some of them even fled to Fort
Henry, twelve miles distant, and im-
mediately the woods were filled with
stragglers.
34
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
“The enemy improved the opportu-
nity and advanced upon Dresser's and
Schwartz's batteries, capturing five guns,
taking possession of General McCler- |
nand's headquarters, and driving our
forces nearly a mile and a half. They
had opened the gap, and not only that,
but had in the joust driven us, captured
five guns, and had reason to feel that
the day was theirs.”
The enemy now might have escaped
through the gap they had made in our
line of investment, but instead of seeking
their own safety, they strove by a reck-
less pursuit of the retreating Unionists
to capture and destroy. Four hours
were thus passed in conflict and chase,
when a division of the Unionists, under
the command of General Wallace, thrown
forward by a timely movement, saved
the troops of McClernand, which were
exhausted and out of ammunition. Gen-
eral Wallace took up his position on a
ridge with Captain Taylor's battery in
the centre.
support Wallace. It was now past
noon—nearly one o'clock. The enemy
formed upon a ridge which General Mc-
Clernand had occupied through the
night, but had afterward abandoned.
They were flushed with success, and
descended with the expectation of a
victory. As they came in range, Tay-
lor opened upon them with shell, grape,
and canister. They quailed before this
fire, advanced at a slow pace, came to a
halt, and as the infantry opened began
to fall back. Wallace improved the
moment, moved on, drove them before
McClernand's division was
making up its scattered ranks ready to
him, regained the lost field, recovered
McClernand's tent, and occupied the old
ground. - &
The enemy retired again within their
intrenchments, though while falling back
before Wallace, they might still have
escaped by diverging to the flank of their
pursuers.
The Union troops on the left were
now ordered to a charge upon the
enemy's right, “which,” says General
Grant, “was brilliantly executed, and
gave to our arms full assurance of vic-
tory.” This spirited and successful at-
tack was made by General Smith's divi-
sion, consisting principally of the Second
and Seventh Iowa and Twenty-fifth and
Fifty-second Indiana regiments. Their
antagonists, forming the enemy's right,
were, the Fourteenth Mississippi, the
Second Kentucky, and Colonel Head's
Tennessee regiments, which were ad-
vantageously posted on rising ground,
where intrenchments had been raised
and rifle pits dug.
The ground occupied by the enemy is
thus minutely described by the chroni-
cler previously quoted: -
“Directly west of Fort Donelson, and
beyond the breast-works, there was a
second ridge of land running parallel to
that on which the breast-works were
erected. The distance across from ridge
to ridge, as near as I could judge by a
somewhat minute survey, is about forty
rods. On this outer ridge were ten rifle
pits, made of logs, with a shallow ditch
behind and the excavated earth thrown
up in front. The western slope of the
ridge was quite steep. The distance
CAPTURE OF FORT DONELSON.
35
to the base was thirty rods, as I judged,
opening upon a meadow and cornfield.
The slope had been forest, but the
rebels had used their axes and cut down
the trees, forming an abatis not impass-
| able, because the forest was not dead,
but a serious obstruction to the advance
of an army. It was desirable that the
rebels should be driven out of their
pits, for they in part commanded Fort
Donelson, lying about sixty rods farther
east.” -
The enemy were formed with the
Second Kentucky in the centre, Colonel
Head's Tennessee Regiment on the right,
and the Fourteenth Mississippi on the
left, while other troops were in position
in the rear to support them. Colonel
Lauman, who commanded the brigade
upon which devolved the chief work of
the day, formed his force in a neigh-
boring meadow, and led it to the
charge with the Second Iowa in ad-
vance. “They moved across the mead-
ow, through a little belt of woods, came
to the base of the hill, and met the
enemy's fire. But they paused not a
moment. Then they encountered the
fallen trees, but instead of being dis-
heartened, they seemed to feel new life
and energy. Without firing a shot,
without flinching a moment or falter-
ing as their ranks were thinned, they
rushed up the hill, regardless of the
fire in front or on their flank, jumped
upon the rifle pits and drove the rebels
down the eastern slope. They escaped
into their inner line of defences. Col-
onel Lauman did not deem it prudent
to follow, but halted his men and poured
a deadly fire upon the foe, in force, with
four cannon behind the works.”
Colonel Lauman, after the enemy were
thus effectually driven from the ground,
called back his men to the rifle pits
which he had won, and ordered them to
lie down for the night, resting upon
their arms, ready to complete their vic-
tory, of which they felt well assured, in
the morning.
At daylight, however, there came a
flag of truce from the enemy, Feb.
with a note from their general 16,
to General Grant. This proved to be
a proposition for the cessation of hos-
tilities and the appointment of commis-
sioners to agree upon terms of capitu-
lation.
General Grant at once answered, that
“no terms except unconditional Feb.
and immediate surrender can be 16.
accepted,” while he added, “I propose
to move immediately on your works.”
The commander-in-chief of the enemy,
General Buckner, did not hesitate to ac-
cept the terms proposed. His answer
was conveyed in these ungracious words:
“HEADQUARTERs, DOVER, TENN., !
JFeb. 16, 1862.
“BRIGADIER-GENERAL U. S. GRANT, U. S. A. :
“SIR-The distribution of the forces
under my command, incident to an un-
expected change of commanders, and
the overwhelming force under your com-
mand, compel me, notwithstanding the
brilliant success of the Confederate arms,
to accept the ungenerous and unchival-
rous terms which you propose.
“I am, sir, your servant,
“S. B. BUCKNER, Brig.-Gen. C. S. A.”
'86
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Buckner had become suddenly invest-
ed with the chief command at Fort
Donelson by a strange shuffling of re-
sponsibility from general to general, of .
which, and the escape of Floyd and him-
self, General Pillow in his official re-
port gives the following account : “I
expressed the opinion,” he says, “that
we could hold out another day, and in
that time we could get steamboats and
set the command over the river, and
probably save a large portion of it. To
this General Buckner replied, that the
enemy would certainly attack him at
daylight, and that he could not hold his
position half an hour. The alternative
of the propositions was a surrender of
their position and command. General
Floyd said that he would neither sur-
render the command nor would he sur-
render himself a prisoner. I had taken
the same position. General Buckner
said he was satisfied nothing else could
be done, and that, therefore, he would
surrender if placed in command. Gen-
eral Floyd said that he would turn over
the command to him if he could be
allowed to withdraw his command ; to
this General Buckner consented. There-
upon General Floyd turned the com-
mand over to me, I passing it instantly
to General Buckner, saying I would nei-
ther surrender the command nor myself
a prisoner. I directed Colonel Forrest
to cut his way out. Under these cir-
cumstances, General Buckner accepted
the command, and sent a flag of truce
to the enemy for an armistice of six
hours to negotiate for terms of capitula-
tion. Before this flag and communica-
tion were delivered I retired from the
garrison.” -
By the surrender of Fort Donelson,
about 13,000 prisoners, a large quantity
of heavy ordnance, some 12,000 stand
of Small-arms, and a considerable amount
of ammunition and provisions fell into
the hands of the victors. After the
capture, two regiments of the enemy,
supposing that the works were still in
possession of their comrades, marched
in and laid down their arms. The loss
of the Unionists during the struggle was
heavy, amounting to about 500 killed
and 800 wounded, while that of the ene-
my, who fought behind intrenchments,
was somewhat less, being estimated at
231 killed and 1,007 wounded. Gen-
eral Pillow in his report declared that
after the battle on the 15th, he had left
“not less than 5,000” Unionists dead on
the field, while he confessed that his
own loss was “severe.” Those who es-
caped with him and General Floyd were
the fragments of some three or four
regiments, and amounted in all to 1,236
men. The enemy reported that 13,829
was the whole number of their troops
engaged in the fight. The capture of
Fort Donelson, however great a victory
in itself, was more important in its con-
sequences.
By the possession of this commanding
post on the Cumberland, that river was
opened to the Union forces even beyond
Nashville, the capital of the State of
Tennessee, and the enemy were forced
to retreat from all their main positions
in Kentucky, now flanked, and in danger
of being turned. General Mitchell, com-
CAPTURE OF NASHVILLE.
37
manding a division of Buell's army in
Feb. Kentucky, advanced from his en-
14 campment at Bacon Creek, and af-
ter passing through Cave City, where
there was no enemy to oppose him,
continued his march to Bowling Green.
This place, too, so long occupied by the
Confederate forces under Buckner and
Johnston, was found evacuated and its
extensive fortifications demolished. The
retreating enemy had succeeded in car-
rying off their guns, munitions, and
stores, and had destroyed the railroad
and other bridges in order to check pur-
suit. Bowling Green, however, had been
abandoned before the fall of Fort Don-
elson and soon after the capture of Fort
Henry, by which its communication with
Columbus was cut off. Clarksville, too,
Feb. On the Cumberland River, yielded
19, without a blow on the approach of
Captain Foote with two of his small
gun-boats. Clarksville, the capital of
Montgomery County, Tennessee, is a
town situated on the right bank of the
Cumberland, where the Red River emp-
ties.* It is not far above Fort Donel-
* OFFICIAL REPORT of FLAG-OFFICER A. H. FootB.
CLARKsv11.LE, TENN., Feb. 20, 1862.
HoN. GIDEON WELLs, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY :
We have possession of Clarksville. The citizens being
alarmed, two-thirds of them have fled, and having ex-
pressed my views and intentions to the Mayor and Hon.
Cave Johnson, at their request I have issued a proclama-
tion, assuring all peaceably disposed persons that they
may with safety resume their business avocations, requir-
ing only the military stores and equipments to be given
up, and holding the authorities responsible that this shall
\,G done without reservation. -
I left Fort Donelson yesterday with the Comestoga,
Lieutenant Commanding Phelps, and the Cairo, Lieu-
tenant Commanding Bryant, on an armed reconnoissance,
bringing with me Colonel Webster, of the engineer corps,
and chief of General Grant's staff, who, with Ilieutenant
son or Dover, on the route by the Cum-
berland to Nashville, from which it is dis-
tant about fifty miles in a northwesterly
direction. Nashville, the capital of the
State, soon after met with the same fate,
and was taken possession of by General
Buell's forces without resistance, the
enemy having abandoned the city and
retreated to the south on the ap- Feb,
proach of the gun-boats and trans- 94.
ports by the Cumberland River. Before
leaving, the enemy destroyed the impos-
ing chain-bridge and the railroad via-
ducts, and distributed among the inhab-
itants of Nashville such stores as they
could not carry away with them.
It was hoped that the capital of a
State, in which a large portion of the
people were believed to be still loyal to
the Union, would have shown some in-
dications of welcome to the army of the
United States. Most of the principal
citizens had, however, fled with the ene-
my's troops, and those who were left
looked with little favor upon their res-
cuers from the thraldom of an insurrec-
tionary government. On the entrance
of the Federal troops but one Union flag
was displayed, and the inhabitants gen-
Commanding Phelps, took possession and hoisted the
Union flag at Clarksville.
A Union sentiment manifested itself as we came up the
river. º -
The rebels have retreated to Nashville, having set fire,
against the remonstrances of the citizens, to the splendid
railroad bridge across the Cumberland River.
I return to Fort Donelson to-day for another gun-boat
and six or eight mortar boats, with which I propose to
proceed up the Cumberland. The rebels all have a terror
of the gun-boats. One of them, a short distance above
Fort Donelson, had previously fired an iron rolling-mill
belonging to Hon. John Bell, which had been used by the
rebels. A. H. Foote,
Flag-Officer commanding Naval Forces Western Waters.
88
88
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
sippi.
erally remained shut up in their dwell-
ings. The shops were for the most part
kept closed and barred, and the citizens
sullenly refrained from resuming their
daily routine of occupation. General
Buell, however, strove by the most strin-
gent orders to his soldiers, who were
kept in camp outside of the city, and by
proclamations of protection, to give assu-
rance of safety to the inhabitants. The
General, with a large military suite, called
upon Mrs. Polk, the widow of President
Polk. Though received with politeness
by the venerable dame, whose graceful
courtesy is proverbial, there was not only
a cold formality in her reception which
sufficiently indicated her Southern par-
tisanship, but an open declaration of
such sentiments as proved that she con-
sidered her visitors in the light of ene-
mies and not of friends.
The next movement of the enemy in
Kentucky was to abandon their great
stronghold at Columbus, on the Missis-
Cut off, by the capture of Forts
Henry and Donelson, from direct north-
ern communication with Richmond and
the lines on the Potomac, separated
from the main body of the Confederate
army of Kentucky by its forced retreat
from Bowling Green, Clarksville, and
Nashville, and threatened by an ad-
vance, in the rear, of Buell's forces,
which already flanked it, Columbus was
no longer tenable, notwithstanding its
boasted impregnability. The discovery
of its evacuation by an expedition down
the Mississippi from Cairo is thus told
by one who was present:*
• Correspondent of the N. Y. Herald.
“Commodore Foote had prepared
five of the “iron-clads' and one of the
old wooden craft, besides six mortar
rafts, while General Cullum dispatched
upon the steamers Aleck Scott, T. L.
McGill, and Illinois, about two thousand
men, under General Sherman, of Padu-
cah, Colonel Berford, of the Twenty-
seventh Illinois Volunteers, being second
in command of the infantry. We start-
ed from Cairo at four o'clock this morn-
ing, and steamed leisurely down Mar,
the river, arriving at Lucas’ Bend, 4.
four miles above Columbus, at sunrise.
Though the morning was clear and
beautiful, still the wind was in such a
direction as to waft the smoke and
steam from our fleet directly between
us and the frowning bluffs that have
been wont to salute us with the boom-
ing of heavy artillery whenever we have
made our appearance here before, hid-
ing, or at least greatly obstructing, our
view of the batteries, and rendering us
unable, even with the aid of powerful
field glasses, to determine whether they
were still tenanted by rebel troops, or
even occupied at all. Occasionally,
however, as the wind would veer
around a few points, we thought we
could discover men upon the brow of
the bluffs, but owing to the unsteadi-
ness of the ship's motion, jolting both
lookers and glasses, it was impossible to
determine what we did see ; but as the
batteries were silent, we fastened the
mortar rafts to the Missouri shore, and
dropped down the river in line-of-battle
order. When we had arrived at a point
about two miles above the works, a
EVACUATION OF COLUMBUS.
39
squad of men were discovered standing
upon the top of the breast-works, and
soon a flag was hoisted there. We were
still too far off to distinguish whether it
was a Union or a rebel ensign, many
averring it was our own, and many the
other; but acting upon the hypothesis
that it was the latter, Flag-Officer Foote
gave the order, so ominous on men-of-
war, ‘All hands to quarters '' This
was the most trying hour of the whole
trip. Here we were, within point blank
range of the guns of the batteries, float-
ing down the river in a current of about
four miles per hour, and perfectly at
the mercy of the foe should this be a
ruse of theirs to inveigle us into their
trap. We knew not whether we were
approaching friend or foe, whether the
flag was ours or theirs, whether the
silence would continue, or whether at a
moment's notice the whole of that red
bank would belch forth in one deafen-
ing deathly roar. We dared not fire a
gun, lest its charge should fall among
our friends, and dared not go too close
lest the enemy's guns should open upon
us from such a height as to render ours
ineffective against them, and there was
no safe way of solving the problem.
Something must be done, however; so
General Cullum dispatched an officer to
the shore to learn, if possible, the status
of the camp. The officer found a single
individual on shore, but he knew, or
professed to know, as little of affairs in
town as though he never had heard of
the rebellion, and so the officer came
back as ignorant as he went. What
was to be done? Just then Captain
Phelps, of the Gonestoga, and General
Sherman, volunteered to take a tug,
run down to the fort, and ascertain the
position of affairs. With many misgiv-
ings, the Flag-Officer and General Cul-
lum consented to the arrangement, and
soon the little Fire Fly was on her way
to fulfil her bold and dangerous mission.
For a few moments after she left the
side of the flag-ship, the most painful
suspense was felt and evidenced by all
on board, for we almost expected each
moment that the next would see that
mountain open upon her its mighty bat-
teries, and we knew that a single shot
would rend her into a thousand frag-
ments. But down, down, down the
river she went, until she had made
more than half the distance, when she
halted for a reconnoissance. Then, after
a moment's delay, we saw her turn her
prow toward the Kentucky shore, and
steam off in the direction of the bat-
teries. We watched her as she crossed
the river and approached the shore at
the base of the hill, saw her land at the
lower fort, heard her signal to ‘Come
on 1’ saw her crew leap ashore and
hurry up the steep ascent, and finally,
when they had attained the summit and
hoisted one of the ship's flags, we gave
a succession of cheers, and shouts, and
huzzas. Then we all dropped down to
the town, the transports rounded to and
discharged their troops, which were
marched directly into the rebel fortifica-
tions, and we all set about making dis-
coveries. Aº
“The first place visited was the im-
mense earth-works on the hill to the
40
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
north of the town—works covering, in
all their ramifications, nearly two hun-
dred acres. Here we found a part of
the Second Illinois Cavalry, under Col-
onel Hogg, who had come into town the
day before from Paducah, and are justly
entitled to the credit of pioneering the
Union army into Columbus. It was they
whom we had seen upon the earth-works,
they who hoisted the flag which was so
hard to be made out, and came so near
deceiving us. The river batteries have
been almost entirely demolished—three
tiers of them—their guns dismounted
and thrown into the river, the gun-car-
riages mutilated, and magazines demol-
ished, leaving nothing to mark their
former presence save ruined breast-
works and huge piles of cannon-balls
and shells. Just below the upper river
battery, a huge chain, which has been
christened ‘Pillow’s Folly,” emerges
from the water, extends up the almost
perpendicular bank a hundred feet or
more, and disappears under the soil. A
few feet above the chain and below the
battery I counted five sixty-four pound
guns which had been thrown over the
breast-works, with the intention of sink-
ing them in the river, but they had
lodged in the yielding earth and be-
come immovable. Two others lay a few
rods below, which had been taken from
the batteries on the bluff.
“Within the breast-works on the hill
there was nothing to be seen but the
wildest desolation. Burning piles of
rubbish, Smouldering heaps of grain—
the remnants of burned warehouses—
charred timbers of what were once
quarters for the troops, broken gun-car-
riages, and disabled ordnance completed
the picture. Here I found a guide in
the person of a German who had been
impressed into the rebel service, but
who had deserted the day the place was
evacuated, who gave me much import-
ant information. He told me that the
number of rebel troops there a week
ago was about 16,000, but immediately
after the fall of Donelson, preparations
were commenced for evacuating the
place. * * *
“The German stated that the utmost
demoralization existed in the army, and
he thought the reason why they left in
such indecent haste was to prevent open
mutiny in the camp, for certainly 16,000
men could have held the place against
any force we could bring against it,
providing always that they were united
and had any soul in the work. Down
in the town of Columbus I found im-
mense piles of ordnance and Ordnance
supplies, torpedoes, submarine batteries,
and equipments for teams and cavalry,
but everything of a portable nature had
been carried away. The houses of the
citizens had been plundered, and espe-
cially of those who were suspected of
Unionism. Scarcely a vestige of the
necessaries of life was left. The battery
at the upper end of the town had long
been dismantled, and its guns removed
to a point farther down the river.
“Quite a number of residents of the
town were congregated upon the levee
to welcome us, and it was really refresh-
ing to witness their manifestations of
joy as we landed. They did not cheer
THE ENEMY AT NO. 10.
41
us, ’tis true ; but when we would meet
one as we strolled about the town, he
would greet us with such a friendly
greeting, shake our hand so heartily,
invite us in so kindly, and offer us his
hospitality with such a hearty good-
will, it did not need his asseverations
to convince us that he was glad to see
this change of guests, or invaders, if you
please. There are but a few families
now in town, but such as remain may
safely be set down as Unionists.
“Leaving the lower town and ascend-
ing the hill in the rear, we get the most
comprehensive view of the rebel works.
From one point near the top of the hill,
my guide pointed out to me the locality
of no less than eight different batteries,
besides the positions of forty-five or fifty
isolated pieces of heavy artillery. In
all I computed that a month ago there
could not have been less than one hun-
dred and thirty pieces of artillery, of
the calibre of twenty-four pounders and
upward, added to which there were
over seventy pieces of light field artil-
lery. Most of these guns are now in
the river, or disabled upon the works,
easily fished up when the floods subside,
or repaired by skilful workmen.”
Most of their stores the enemy had
removed to Jackson, in Tennessee, sixty
miles south of Columbus, situated on the
line of the Nashville and Ohio Railroad,
while the greater portion of the troops
were sent to New Madrid, on the Mis-
sissippi, in the southeast corner of Mis-
souri, to reinforce General Jefferson
Thompson, and to Island No. 10, twenty-
five miles south of Columbus, where for-
tifications were being raised. Here the
enemy had determined to make a stand
and strive to check the further descent
down the river of the Union forces.
* The following is an official report of the evacuation :
“Columbus, Ky., March 4, 1862.
“To MAJOR-GENERAL McCLELLAN :
“Columbus, the Gibraltar of the West, is ours, and Ken-
tucky is free, thanks to the brilliant strategy of the cam-
paign by which the enemy's centre was pierced at Forts
Henry and Donelson, his wings isolated from each other
and turned, compelling thus the evacuation of his strong-
hold of Bowling Green first, and now Columbus.
“The flotilla, under Flag-Officer Foote, consisted of six
gun-boats, commanded by Captains Dove, Walke, Stemble,
Paulding, Thompson, and Shirk, and four mortar boats,
in charge of Captain Phelps, United States Navy, assisted
by Lieutenant Ford, advance corps, United States Army,
and three transports conveying Colonel. Buford's Twenty-
seventh Illinois Regiment and a battalion of the Fifty-
fourth and Seventy-fourth Ohio and Fifty-fifth Illinois,
commanded by Majors Andrews and Sanger, the whole
brigade being under Brigadier-General Sherman, who
rendered the most valuable and efficient assistance.
“On arriving at Columbus it was difficult to say whether
the fortifications were occupied by our own cavalry, or a
scout from Paducah, or by the enemy. Every prepara-
tion was made for opening fire and landing the infantry,
when General Sherman and Captain Phelps, with thirty
soldiers, made a dashing reconnoissance with a tug, steam-
ing directly under the water batteries. Satisfied that our
troops had possession, they landed, ascended to the sum-
mit of the bluff, and together planted the Stars and
Stripes amid the heartiest cheers of our brave tars and
soldiers.
“Though rising from a sick bed to go upon the expedi-
tion, I could not resist landing to examine the works,
which are of immense strength, consisting of tiers upon
tiers of batteries on the river front, and a strong parapet
and ditch, crossed by a thick abatis, on the land side.
The fortifications appear to have been evacuated hastily,
considering the quantities of Ordnance and ordnance
stores and numbers of anchors, and the remnant of the
chain which was once stretched over the river, and a
large supply of torpedoes remaining. Uesolation was
visible everywhere, huts, tents, and barracks, presenting
but their blackened remains, though the town was spared.
I discovered what appeared a large magazine, smoking
from both extremities. I ordered the train to be imme-
diately cut. A garrison was left in the work, of nearly
2,000 infantry and 400 cavalry, which l will strengthen
immediately. GEORGE W. CULLUM,
“Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff ''
42
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
The United States establishing its Civil Authority in Tennessee.
CHAPTER v.
Appointment of a Military Governor—Motives of
the choice.—Life of Andrew Johnson.—A man of the people.—Humble origin.—Apprentice to a tailor.—How he
learned to read.—A diligent Reader.—A migratory Tailor.—A rejected Lover.—Nothing but “a mean White.”—
A dutiful Son.—Marriage.—A valuable Wife.—Elected Alderman.—Mayor.—Rapid political advancement.—Mem-
ber of Congress.—Governor of the State.—Defender of the Union.—Appointed Military Governor of Tennessee.—
Sanguine hopes.—Arrival of Johnson at Nashville.—Provisional Government organized.—Union Speeches and
Meetings.-Compulsory return to Loyalty.—Capture of Paris-The resistance of the Enemy on the Mississippi.—
New Madrid.—Its description.—The Enemy's position.—Attack by General Pope.—Retreat of the Enemy.—Island
No. 10.-Great preparations for Defence.—General Beauregard in command of the Department of the Mississippi.
—Bragg at No. 10.-Lying like a Bulletin.—Great efforts of the Enemy in the West.—Occupation of Grand Junc-
tion, Jackson, Decatur, and Corinth.-Martial Law in Memphis.
THE United States Government hav- -
ing by its decisive victories at Forts
Henry and Donelson obtained for its
military forces access by the Tennessee
and Cumberland rivers to the interior
of Tennessee, and become possessed of
the capital, determined upon making an
effort to re-establish its civil authority in
the State. As this, however, could only
be effected at first by the aid of an
armed power, it was deemed necessary
to establish a military government.
The Honorable Andrew Johnson, who
from the beginning of the civil troubles
had adhered to the Union with a loyalty
uninfluenced by the example of the
political leaders of his adopted State,
and unshaken by their denunciations,
Mar, was appropriately appointed the
4 military Governor of Tennessee.
His popularity in the State was such, it
was believed, as would secure him a wel-
come, not only from that large portion
of the population of Tennessee still sup-
posed to be loyal to the Union, but even
1862,
from many of those who had yielded to
the guidance of the leaders of the re-
bellion.
Andrew Johnson is pre-eminently a
man of the people, having arisen from
the humblest position in life. He was
born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on the
29th of December, 1808. At the age of
four years his father died, having lost his
life in attempting to save a friend from
drowning. His mother, who was poor
and unaspiring, gave him no opportuni-
ties for education, and at the age of ten
he was apprenticed to a tailor, with
whom he remained learning his trade un-
til he was seventeen years old. It was
during his apprenticeship that he learn-
ed in this wise to read and write : A
gentleman of Raleigh, who was in the
habit of frequenting his master's shop,
and prided himself upon his elocu-
tion, occasionally read to the workmen
and boys a speech from a volume of
the masterpieces of oratory of British
statesmen. Young Johnson listened ea-
GOVERNOR JOHNSON.
43
gerly and admiringly, and became fired
with an ambition to equal the visitor's
elocution. He accordingly determined
to learn to read, and soon, with the aid of
a fellow-journeyman, mastered the al-
phabet. His next step was to ask for
the loan of the book to the reading of
which he had so often listened with de-
light. Its owner, interested in the lad's
eager pursuit of learning, not only made
him a present of the book, but gave
him some instruction in spelling. With
this aid, and his own perseverance during
hours of leisure, he was soon able not
only to spell but to read. He now be-
came a diligent reader, devoting two or
three hours of each night, after his long
day's labor on the shop-board, to his
books.
In 1824, after the completion-of his
apprenticeship, young Johnson went to
Laurens Court House, in South Caro-
lina, where he worked at his trade as a
journeyman tailor for two years. While
thus occupied he fell in love with a
young girl of the place, but his proffer
of marriage was rejected” by the Caroli-
nian damsel’s mother on the score of his
youth and his poverty, since he was
no more than “a mean white.” He now
returned to Raleigh, and after remaining
six months went to the West on a migra-
tory search for employment, taking his
poor old mother with him. Stopping at .
• Greenville, Tennessee, by the way, he
lived there twelve months, set to work
at his trade, and got married. Having
already his mother to provide for and
now a wife, he was induced by this
additional stimulus to effort, to make
another move with the hope of bettering
his fortune. After a fruitless wander-
ing of some months in the West, he re-
turned to Greenville and settled down
to his business as a tailor.
His wife proved a valuable acquisition
to a man so eager, as Johnson for men-
tal improvement. He was soon able, by
her assistance, for she was a woman of
some education, to add writing and ci-
phering to his former single accomplish-
ment of reading. These he pursued
with untiring diligence during the late
hours of the night—all that he could
spare from the absorbing work of the
shop.
His fellow-citizens were not long in
discovering the superiority of their stu-
dious tailor, and showed their apprecia-
tion of him by electing him an alderman.
From 1828 to 1830 he continued to be
annually chosen to this civic office, and
at the close of the latter year was raised
to the higher dignity of mayor. This
* The story of his courtship and rejection is thus amus-
ingly told by an industrious gossip : “While working at
Laurens Court House as journeyman tailor, he fell in
love with a girl in the neighborhood and courted her.
Governor Johnson tells the story himself. The young
lady saw something more in Andy than her mother was
able to discern. She engaged herself to him, provided he
could get her mother's consent. Andy went one Sunday
to speak to the old lady. His heart failed him until to-
ward might, when he mustered up courage and popped
the question to the mother. He says she broke out on
him in a most terrible tirade of abuse, and said, “You
trifling, worthless vagabond, do you suppose I am going
to let my daughter marry a wandering journeyman tailorf
I know what you want; you are too lazy to work, and
you are after my property.’ The Governor said the old
woman had four children and three negroes. This was
her fortune. In utter despair Andy returned to the vil-
lage mortified and crestfallen. He determined to quit the
place and forget his love, after meeting with such scorn
and contempt from the mother.”
x4
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
position he held for three years. In
1835 he was elected a member of the
Legislature, and became prominent as
the opponent of a scheme of internal im-
provement. This opposition to a meas-
ure which chanced to be popular, lost
him his seat at the next election. In
1839, however, the disastrous effects of .
the scheme he had opposed having be-
come manifest, he was re-elected by a
large majority.
In 1840, being chosen a presidential
elector by the Democratic party, he can-
vassed a large district of the State of
Tennessee, and developed in the course
of a series of itinerant political disputa-
tions with his leading Whig opponents,
his wondrous skill in stump oratory. In
1841 he was elected a State senator, and
in 1843 a member of Congress, in which
he served, after successive re-elections,
until 1853. During his congressional
career he continued an advocate of the
policy of the Democratic party. He
pleaded vigorously for the bill refunding
the fine imposed upon General Jackson
at New Orleans in 1815; he advocated
the annexation of Texas, the war with
Mexico, the tariff of 1846, and a home-
stead bill. In 1853 he was chosen Gov-
ernor of Tennessee, after an exciting
contest with Gustavus A. Henry, the
opposing candidate. In 1855 he was
again elected Governor, being stoutly
opposed by Meredith P. Gentry. In
1857, after the close of his governor-
ship, he was elected to the United States
Senate, where—while rebellion was
hatching in the capital, traitors were
plotting to destroy the national exist-
ence, and the leaders of his own State
of Tennessee were in league with the
conspirators—he boldly stood forth as
the defender of the Union. While even
Northern men quailed before the auda-
city of the Southern insurgents, and seek-
ing counsel of their fears, hesitated to
denounce their crime, Andrew John-
son, a native of Carolina, did not falter,
but, vexed by the cowardice of his fellow-
Senators, demanded with all the vigor
of his robust loyalty, “What is it? I
ask, in the name of the constitution,
what is it? It is treason, and nothing
but treason.” Throughout the struggle
Johnson continued to be among the
most loyal defenders and advisers of the
Government. With his firm allegiance to
the Union and his acceptability in Ten-
nessee, it was hoped that he would be able
to re-establish the Federal authority in
that State on such a basis of popular
concurrence, that when the armed enemy
should be driven out, the citizens might
not long require the application of force
to reinstate them in their civil relations
with the Government of the Union.
Governor Johnson, who had been so
many months an exile from the rebel-
lious States, immediately on his appoint-
ment proceeded to Nashville, where, soon
after his arrival, he addressed a Mar.
large throng from the balcony of 12.
the principal hotel, and found his audi-
ence apparently not unwilling to listen
to his patriotic appeal in behalf of the
Union. He at once installed himself in
the Capitol, from which the secessionist
Governor Harris and his sympathetic
associates in authority had suddenly de-
NEW MADRID.
45
parted on the approach of the Union
army. He now prepared to organize a
provisional government, and to make an
effort to secure the allegiance of Tennes-
see. Another political notability of Ten-
nessee, the Honorable Baillie Peyton,
and a memorable example, like Andrew
, Johnson, of fidelity to the Union in a
disloyal State, found at Gallatin, not far
from Nashville, listeners to his fervid
expression of Union sentiment. The
people of this place, though they had been
secessionists, gave a further proof, if not
of sincere conversion to loyalty, of quick
appreciation of its advantages, by seek-
ing to renew their relations with the
Federal Government, through a vote in
favor of the establishment of a United
States post-office. There was, however,
no open manifestation of a desire to re-
turn to the Union, except in those parts
of Tennessee where the presence of the
Federal army either subdued aversion or
encouraged affection, and it became man-
ifest that the State was only to be fully
redeemed by a successful prosecution of
the war. -
In the course of the movement of the
Union troops in flanking the enemy's
positions on the Mississippi, their in-
trenchments at Paris, Tennessee, were
Mar, attacked by some Federal cavalry
12, and artillery. The enemy, estima-
ted to be 600 strong, were driven out of
their works with a loss of 100 in killed,
wounded, and prisoners. The loss of
the Unionists was but five killed and
four wounded ; it was, however, on the
Mississippi that the enemy were making
the greatest effort at resistance.
It will be remembered that, after the
evacuation of Columbus, a large portion
of the troops retired to New Madrid.
This place, the capital of New Madrid
County, is situated on the western bank
of the Mississippi River, in the south-
east corner of Missouri, where that State
touches the borders of Kentucky and
It is 247 miles below St.
Louis, seventy-nine miles below Cairo,
forty-two miles from Hickman at the
northeast, on the opposite side of the
river; ten miles from Island No. 10,
which, lying in an elbow of the Missis-
sippi, is at the South, yet by the course
of the stream is above ; and intervenes
between Columbus and New Madrid
in descending the river, though both
these places are situated to the north.
New Madrid is 160 miles above Mem-
phis and 947 miles above New Orleans.
Its position was felt by the enemy to be
of great importance in defending these
large cities, and as controlling the lower
Mississippi. Accordingly, great efforts
had been made to hold it. General
Jefferson Thompson” had been posted
there for some time with a considerable
force, when he was strengthened by the
troops which had abandoned Columbus,
and by a flotilla of five gun-boats from
New Orleans. Thus reinforced and in-
Tennessee.
* Thompson had been carrying on an irregular warfare
for a long time in the Southeastern part of Missouri, with
varied success. On the 16th of January he had attacked,
with overpowering numbers, a force near Ironton of some
800 Unionists, and after a spirited resistance on their part,
forced them to retire. However, after prowling about
some time with his band, skirmishing with Unionists,
plundering, and destroying bridges, in the neighborhood
of Potosi, Cape Girardeau, Pilot Knob, etc., he was forced
to seek refuge within intrenchments at New Madrid.
89
46
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
trenched on the banks of the river, the
enemy were prepared to offer a stubborn
resistance. General Halleck had pushed
Feb, forward from Commerce, in Mis-
27° souri, a large force under General
Pope, with the view of attacking the
enemy's position at New Madrid. After
six days' severe marching over and
through the Mingo swamp, General
Pope arrived near New Madrid, and
after sending to Cairo for reinforce-
ments, prepared to attack the enemy's
fortified position, which is thus described
by a Federal campaigner :
“New Madrid stands upon the right
bank of the river, just at the extremity
of a very short and abrupt bend, not
unlike the lower swell in the letter S.
Ten miles above is Island No. 10, which,
rumor says, is strongly fortified. A mile
and a half below the town, the rebels have
erected a strong four-bastioned fort, in
which they have located seven ten-inch
columbiads. In the open fields around
the fort, in the town and above town,
extending to the Little Bayou, the rebels
have their encampments (mostly log
huts), and the whole is surrounded with a
well-erected earth-work and ditch, which
we will have to scale in order to reach
the town. The land is very low all
around New Madrid, and in times of
flood, like the present, there is little else
than water to be seen in any direction.
On the opposite side of the river for
several miles the timber has been cut
away, which gives a fair range to the
enemy's artillery for several miles up
the river.” .
The enemy were variously estimated
at from 5,000 to 10,000 men, under a
distinguished West Point officer, Gen-
eral I. P. McCown, who had assumed
the chief command on the score of
seniority of rank. After some skirmish-
ing, the artillery on both sides opened
fire, and the conflict continued princi-
pally between the siege batteries of the
Federalists at Point Pleasant and the
gun-boats of the secessionists, for several
days, when the enemy finally gave up
the struggle, and, taking advantage of
a thunder-storm, retreated precipitately
during the night to Island No. 10, Mar,
leaving behind them their artillery, 13.
field batteries, tents, wagons, mules, and
a large quantity of stores. General
Pope, in his report* to General Halleck,
says—
“It is almost impossible to give any
exact account of the immense quan- Mar,
tities of property and supplies left 14.
* General Pope, in his official report, gives the following
detailed account of the operation which led to the retreat
of the enemy from New Madrid :
“I arrived before this town with the forces under my
command on Monday, the 3d instant. I found the place
occupied by five regiments of infantry and several Com-
panies of artillery. One bastioned earth-work, mounting
fourteen heavy guns, about half a mile below the town,
and another irregular work at the upper end of the town,
mounting seven pieces of heavy artillery, together with
lines of intrenchments between them, constituted the de-
fensive works. Six gun-boats, carrying from four to eight
heavy guns each, were anchored along the shore, between
the upper and lower redoubts.
“The country is perfectly level for miles around the
place, and as the river was so high that the guns of the
gun-boats looked directly over the banks, the approaches
to the town for seven miles were commanded by direct and
cross-fire from at least sixty guns of heavy calibre.
“It would not have been difficult to carry the intrench
ments, but it would have been attended with heavy loss,
and we should not have been able to hold the place half
an hour, exposed to the destructive fire of the gun-boats.
As there seemed no immediate hope for the appearance of
b
N
THE ENEMY ABANDON NEw MADRID.
in our hands. All their artillery, field
batteries, and siege guns, amounting to
thirty-three pieces, magazines full of
fixed ammunition of the best character,
4'ſ
our own gun-boats, it became necessary to bring down a
few heavy guns by land to operate against those of the
enemy. They were accordingly sent for, and, meantime,
forced reconnoissances were pushed over the whole ground
and into several parts of the town. Some brisk skirmishes
resulted, in which the enemy invariably retreated precipi-
tately. It was found impossible to induce them to trust
any considerable force of their infantry outside of their in-
trenchments. As soon as I found that it would be neces-
sary to await the arrival of our heavy guns, I determined
to occupy some point on the river below, and establish our
small guns, if possible, in such position as to blockade the
river, so far as transports were concerned, and to cut off
supplies and reinforcements for the enemy from below.
“Point Pleasant, twelve miles below, was selected as
being in a rich agricultural region, and being the terminus
of the plank road from the interior of Arkansas. I accord-
ingly threw forward Colonel Plummer, Eleventh Missouri,
to that point, with three regiments of infantry, three com-
panies of cavalry, and a field battery of ten-pound Parrott
and rifle guns, with orders to make a lodgment on the
river bank, to line the bank with rifle pits for 1,000 men,
and to establish his artillery in sunk batteries of single
pieces between the rifle pits. This arrangement was made
to present as small a mark as possible to the shells of the
gun-boats, and to render futile the use of round shot from
their heavy guns. Colonel Plummer marched with all
speed, and after some cannonading from gun-boats which
he found there, succeeded in making a lodgment, con-
structing his batteries and rifle pits, and occupying them
in sufficient force to maintain them against any open assault.
“After repeated and persistent cannonading from the
gun-boats, the enemy found it impossible to dislodge him,
and he maintained obstimately his position, and the block-
ade of the river to transports during the whole of our
operations. Meantime the enemy continued every day to
reinforce New Madrid from Island No. 10, until, on the
12th, they had 9,000 infantry, besides a considerable force
of artillery and nine gun-boats. The fleet was commanded
by Commodore Hollins; the land forces by Generals
McCown, Stewart, and Gantt. On the 11th the siege guns
were delivered to Colonel Bissell's engineer regiment, who
had been sent to Cairo for that purpose. They were at
Once shipped to Sikeston, reached here at sunset on the
12th ; were placed in battery during the same night, with-
in 800 yards on the enemy's main work, so as to command
that and the river above it, and opened fire at daylight on
the 13th, just thirty-four hours after they were received
at Cairo. One brigade, consisting of the Tenth and Six-
teenth Illinois, under Colonel Morgan, of the Tenth, was
detailed to cover the construction of the battery and to
several thousand stand of inferior small-
arms, with hundreds of boxes of musket
cartridges, tents for an army of 10,000
men, horses, mules, wagons, intrenching
movements by Palmer's division.
work in the trenches. They were supported by Stanley's
division, consisting of the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-
ninth Ohio, under Colonel Groesbeck, and the Forty-third
and Sixty-third Ohio, under Colonel Smith. Captain
Mower, First United States Infantry, with companies A and
H of his regiment, was placed in charge of the siege guns.
“The enemy's pickets and grand guards were driven in
by Colonel Morgan from the ground selected for the bat-
tery, without firing a shot, although the enemy fired
Several volleys of musketry. The work was prosecuted in
silence, and with the utmost rapidity until, at three A.M.,
two small redoubts, connected by a curtain, and mounting
the four heavy guns which had been sent me, were com-
pleted, together with rifle pits in front and on the flanks
for two regiments of infantry. Our batteries opened as
soon as the day dawned, and were replied to in front and on
the flanks by the whole of the enemy's heavy artillery on
land and water. As our supply of ammunition for heavy
artillery was very limited, I directed Captain Mower to
fire only occasionally at the enemy's land batteries, and
to concentrate all his fire upon the gun-boats. Our guns
were served by Captain Mower with vigor and skill, and
in a few hours disabled several of the gun-boats, and dis-
mounted three of the heavy guns in the enemy's main
work. Shortly after our batteries opened, one of the
twenty-four-pound guns was struck in the muzzle by a
round shot from the enemy's batteries, and disabled.
“The cannonading was continued furiously all day by
the gun-boats and land batteries of the enemy, but with-
out producing any impression upon us. Meantime, during
the whole day, our trenches were being extended and ad-
vanced, as it was my purpose to push forward our heavy
batteries in the course of the night to the bank of the
river. While the cannomading was thus going on on our
right, I instructed General Paine to make demonstration
against intrenchments on our left, and supported his
The enemy's pickets
and grand guards were driven into his intrenchments, and
the skirmishers forced their way close to the main ditch.
“A furious thunder-storm began to rage about eleven
o'clock that night, and continued almost without inter-
ruption until morning. Just before daylight, General
Stanley was relieved in his trenches with his division by
General Hamilton. A few minutes after daylight, a flag
of truce approached our batteries with information that
the enemy had evacuated his works. Small parties were
at once advanced by General Hamilton to ascertain
whether such was the fact, and Captain Mower, First
United States Infantry, with companies A and H of that
regiment, was sent forward to plant the United States
flag over the abandoned works. :
48
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
tools, etc., are among the spoils. Nothing
except the men escaped, and they with
only what they wore. They landed on
the opposite side of the river, and are
scattered in the wide bottoms. I imme-
diately advanced Hamilton's division in-
to the place, and had the guns of the
enemy turned upon the river, which
they completely command.”
Such was the precipitation of the
enemy's flight that “their dead were
found unburied, their suppers untouched
—standing on the tables, candles burning
in the tents—and every other evidence
of a disgraceful panic. Private baggage
of officers and knapsacks of men were
left behind. Neither provisions nor am-
munition were carried off. Some attempt
was made to carry ammunition, as boxes
without number were found on the bank
of the river where the steamers had
been landed.”
The whole loss of the Unionists during
the siege was fifty-one killed and wound-
ed; that of the enemy could not be as-
certained. General Pope, after taking
possession of the enemy's works, was
enabled to command almost every point
of the river, with twenty-five guns in
position. While thus our land forces
were ready at New Madrid to prevent
the escape of the enemy down the Mis-
sissippi, Captain Foote was preparing his
ideet to descend the river from above,
and attack them in their refuge at Island
No. 10. .
The enemy had, however, in the
mean time, skilfully availed themselves,
under the direct supervision of General
Beauregard—who had been appointed,
by the Confederate Government, com-
mander-in-chief of the Department of
the Mississippi—of the great natural ad-
vantages for defence of Island No. 10,
and everything betokened a vigorous
and perhaps long-sustained resistance
on their part. The enemy, since their
defeat at Fort Donelson, had been
aroused to the necessity of great exer-
tions, and calls had been made for fresh
troops from all the seceding States.
Beauregard, on assuming command on
the Mississippi, called General Bragg
from Pensacola to his aid, and manifest-
ed the greatest activity. His first order
was a fervid appeal to the spirit of his
troops :
“Soldiers,” he said, “I assume this day
command of the army of the Missis-Mar,
sippi, for the defence of our home- 5,
steads and liberties, and to resist the sub-
jugation, spoliation, and dishonor of our
people. Our mothers and wives, our
sisters and children, expect us to do our
duty, even to the sacrifice of our lives.
Our losses since the commencement of
the present war, in killed, wounded, and
prisoners, are now about the same as
those of the enemy. He must be made
to atone for those reverses we have lately
experienced. Those reverses, far from
disheartening, must nerve us to new
deeds of valor and patriotism, and should
inspire us with an unconquerable deter-
mination to drive back our invaders.
Should any one in this army be unequal
to the task before us, let him transfer
his arms and equipments at once to
braver, firmer hands, and return to his
home. Our cause is as just and sacred
RETREAT OF PRICE TO AREANSAS.
49
as ever animated men to take up arms,
and if we are true to it and to our-
selves, with the continued protection
of the Almighty, we must and shall
triumph.”
The enemy's troops, as they mustered
from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Ala-
bama, were ordered to rendezvous at
Grand Junction and Jackson in Tennes-
see, Decatur in Alabama, and Corinth
in Mississippi, all important points for
the defence of their positions on the
Mississippi River, the great scene of
future struggle. Martial law was de-
clared in Memphis, and great endeavors
made to protect that important city
against the approach of the Federal
forces, by land and water.
C EIA P T E R W I.
General Price's skill in retreat.—Escape from Missouri.—Continued retreat in Arkansas.—The Enemy driven from
Sugar Creek.-Price in the Boston Mountains.—Junction with McCulloch.—General Curtis at Bentonville.—Curtis
concentrating his forces.—His position on Sugar Creek.—The Enemy's plan of attack.-General Van Dorn in com-
mand.—The march of the Enemy.—Attack on rear guard of Sigel.—The escape of Sigel.—Curtis discovers that his
flank is turned.—His preparations to defend himself—Attack of the Enemy.—Battle of Pea Ridge.—The close of
the first day.—Anxieties for the morrow.—The Engagement of the second day.—Success of the Unionists.-Sigel
saves the day.—Rout and dispersion of the Enemy.—Sigel’s pursuit.—The comparative losses.—The Indian allies
of the Enemy.—Albert Pike, the Poet, New Englander, and Secessionist.—Superior strategy of the Enemy.—Supe-
rior fighting of the Unionists.—Hasty rewards of Government.—Curtis and Sigel made Major-Generals. .
GENERAL PRICE, skilled in the tactics
of retreat, had successfully eluded
the pursuit of General Curtis from
the interior of Missouri into Arkansas.
On reaching this State, the rear guard of
the enemy stood at bay for a short time
at Sugar Creek, but was soon forced, by
its eager pursuers, again to turn and
precipitately to join Price's main body
in advance.
through Bentonville, a postal town, the
capital of Benton County, abandoned
Cross Hollows, a strong, natural position
of table-land and ravines, where a force
under the Confederate General McIntosh
had been long posted ; passed through
Fayetteville, the capital of Washington
County, about thirty-four miles south of
1862,
Price continued his flight
the borders of Missouri, and after de-
stroying this once flourishing town,
sought refuge in the fastnesses of the
Boston Mountains, where he was joined
by General Ben McCulloch with his
Texans and other reinforcements. The
Union army under Generals Curtis and
Sigel had rapidly followed, taking posses-
sion of Bentonville, where they captured
a quantity of baggage that was left in the
ruins of Fayetteville and other posi- Feb.
tions abandoned by the enemy in 20.
their flight.
The Union army was for a time some-
what scattered, but General Curtis ex-
pecting an attack, finally determined to
concentrate his forces. He accordingly
ordered the various divisions to move to
50
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
a position on Sugar Creek, where it is
crossed by the main road from Spring-
field to Fayetteville, a short distance
'south of Pea Ridge. Curtis having
called in the scattered detachments,
formed his line with his front covered
by a ridge of high ground and the
Creek. In his rear, to the north, was
the junction of the Huntsville and Ben-
tonville roads; to the west, Pea Ridge
and the Bentonville turnpike, and to
the east, the Huntsville. On the right,
General Sigel was posted in command
of the first and second divisions; in the
centre, Colonel Jefferson C. Davis, with
the third division ; and on the left and in
the rear, Colonel Carr, with the fourth.*
The enemy, aware of the strength of
the position of the Union forces in front,
perfectly familiar with the country, and
hoping to cut them off from their basis
of operations and supplies, determined
to make their attack in the rear. Gen-
eral Van Dorn, who had succeeded to
the chief command of the Confederate
forces, upon being joined by General
* The Union forces engaged in the battle have been
thus enumerated :
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
Brigadier-General Samuel R. Curtis.
FIRST DIVISION.
Colonel Osterhaus, commanding.
Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry. Twelfth Missouri Infantry.
Seventeenth Missouri Infantry.
Battalion. Third Missouri Infantry.
Two battalions Benton Hussars (cavalry).
One battalion. Thirty-ninth Illinois Cavalry.
Battery A, Captain Welfry, six guns. Battery B, six guns.
FIRST BRIGADE. -
Colonel Coler, commanding.
Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry.
Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
f - SECOND BRIGADE.
Colonel Greusel, commanding.
SECOND DIVISION.
Brigadier-General Asboth, commanding.
FIRST BRIGADE.
Colonel Schafer, commanding.
Second Missouri Infantry.
Second Ohio Battery (six guns), Lieutenant Chapman.
SECOND BRIGADE.
Colonel Joliet commanding.
Fifteenth Missouri Infantry.
Captain Elbert's Flying Battery, six guns.
Sixth Missouri Cavalry, Colonel Wright.
Battalion Fourth Missouri Cavalry, Major MeSSaur.
General Sigel commanded the first and second divi-
sions, thus filling the position of Field Marshal.
THIRD DIVISION.
Colonel Jefferson C. Davis, commanding.
. FIRST BRIGADE.
Colonel Barton, commanding. Eighth Indiana Infantry.
Twenty-second Indiana Infantry.
Eighteenth Indiana Infantry. Indiana battery, six guns.
SECOND BRIGADE.
Colonel White, commanding.
Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry.
Ninth Missouri Infantry. First Missouri Cavalry.
Battery, four guns.
[The Ninth Missouri has been placed on the list of Illinois
regiments, and now ranks as the “Fifty-ninth Illinois.”)
FOURTH IDIVISION.
Colonel Carr, commanding.
FIRST BRIGADE.
Colonel Dodge, commanding.
Fourth Iowa Infantry. Thirth-fifth Illinois Infantry
First Iowa Battery, Captain Jones, six guns.
SECOND BRIGADE.
Colonel Wandever, commanding.
Ninth Iowa Infantry.
Twenty-fifth Missouri Infantry (Phelp's regiment)
Third Illinois Cavalry.
Dubuque Battery, Captain Hayden, six guns
The following were not brigaded :
Third Iowa Cavalry, two battalions, Colonel Bussy
Mountain howitzer battery, four guns, Captain Stevens.
Battalion of cavalry, General Curtis' body guard, Major
W. D. Bowen.
The following is the estimate of the enemy's strength :
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
Major-General Earl Van Dorn.
Missouri troops, under Brig.-Gen. Price, about....
Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas troops, under
Brigadier-General McCulloch, about...........
Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and other Indian
troops, with two white regiments under Briga-
dier-General Pike, about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •
Estimated aggregate of rebel army under General
Van Dorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • * * * * * * * * 30,000
9,000
BATTLE OF
PEA RIDGE. 51
Brice in Arkansas, marched from the
Mar, camp in the Boston Mountains with
5, his main body, and took a route
leading to the rear of the Unionists'
position on Sugar Creek. Leaving the
main road at Fayetteville, he passed to
the westward, and traversing Bentonville,
went northward nearly to the Missouri
boundary. Here he took the maill road
from Springfield and marched directly
south toward Sugar Creek, and in the
rear of the Union army. He had left,
however, a small force to make a feint
in front of General Curtis, and a detach-
ment of Indians under General Albert
Pike, about two miles on Curtis' right,
with the same object. .
The enemy, on their march, fell in
Mar, with the rear guard of General
6. Sigel, consisting of the Thirty-sixth
Illinois Infantry and a portion of the
Second Missouri Regiment. Sigel was
with this detachment, hastening it for-
ward to close in with the line on Sugar
Creek, when he found himself surround-
ed by a numerous force. He, however,
succeeded in cutting his way through to
his main body, with a loss of twenty-
eight killed and wounded, and a portion
of the Illinois regiment taken prisoners.
After this attack by the enemy on
Sigel's detachment, General Curtis be-
came aware that Wan Dorn had turned
his flank, and was about to attack him
on his right or in the rear. He accord-
ingly prepared for the approach of the
enemy in this hitherto unexpected direc-
tion. .
“During the night,” says Curtis, “I
became convinced that the enemy had
moved on so as to attack my rear, there-
fore, early on the 7th, I ordered a Mar,
change of front to the right; my 7:
right, which thus became my left, still
resting on Sugar Creek Hollow. This
brought my line across Pea Ridge, with
my new right resting on Head Cross
Timber Hollow, which is the head of
Big Sugar Creek. I also ordered,” he
adds, “an immediate advance of the
cavalry and light artillery, under Col-
onel Osterhaus, with orders to attack
and break what I supposed would be
the reinforced line of the enemy. This
movement was in progress when the
enemy, at eleven A.M., commenced an
attack on my right.”
Colonel Carr was with his fourth divi-
sion on the right of the Unionists, where
he had to meet the first onset of the
enemy. Carr's line was extended across
the main road to Springfield, form-
ing the extreme left and rear of the
position of General Curtis' army, before
he had changed its front, when an attack
in that quarter became imminent. Carr
was now in the advance and on the
right, directly facing the main body of
the enemy coming from the north.
Major-General Van Dorn commanded
their right, and Major-General Price
their left. As the enemy advanced,
Carr moved along the Springfield road
to meet them, to a point about four
miles from the boundary of Missouri.
“Colonel Dodge's brigade,” writes an
eye-witness, “filed off upon a road lead-
ing to the east from the Elk Horn Hotel,
and opened its battery upon the enemy,
who was posted in a wood on a declivity
52
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
in front. They were promptly replied
to, and a brisk encounter of artillery
and infantry speedily ensued. Colonel
Wandever's brigade passed about half a
mile beyond the hotel, and took posi-
tion on the left of the road. In front of
them the ground descended to a dry
ravine, and the opposite bank, which
was somewhat abrupt and covered with
low oaks, was held by the enemy. The
Dubuque battery opened upon the reb-
els, and the scattering of some of the
infantry of the latter showed that the
guns were well aimed. The rebel bat-
teries replied, and at the third fire a
shell from their guns blew up one of the
Union limber chests. It was about nine
A.M. when the first gun was fired. With-
in fifteen minutes afterward the whole
line of the division was fairly engaged.
The explosion of the limber chest show-
ed the rebels that their shots were well
directed, and they appeared in large
numbers, and poured in a terrific fire.
Ten minutes after the blowing up of the
limber chest, another, belonging to the
same battery, was exploded in like man-
ner, badly burning one of the can-
noniers. This explosion was the signal
for a rush by the rebels upon the Union
battery, and they succeeded in captur-
ing one of the guns before they were
driven back by the infantry. The
enemy fell back to their cover, leaving
the ground strewn with their dead and
wounded, who had fallen before the
rifles of the Iowa Ninth.”
The enemy now commenced firing
shells, which, however, mostly passed
over the heads of the brigade in front
of them, but produced more effect upon
a detachment of infantry stationed, in
reserve near the Elk Horn Hotel. “A
shell burst in their midst,” says the
chronicler before quoted, “killing two
men and wounding five others. An-
other struck in the yard, in the rear of
the house, in its explosion shattering
the leg of an old regular soldier in
Quartermaster Carr's employ. Still an-
other fell among some horse teams,
frightening one into running away,
directly up the road and over into the
enemy's lines, where it was lost. In its
flight several of our soldiers were run
over, one being seriously and three
or four slightly wounded. The drivers
of some twenty or more wagons took
fright, and started for the camp at full
speed. Had it not been for the deter-
mined course of Quartermaster Carr,
who, pistol in hand, brought them to a
halt, a serious stampede would have
been the result. A solid shot struck the
house and passed completely through,
injuring no one, as the family had taken
shelter in the cellar.”
Colonel Carr, finding that little was
to be gained by holding the advanced
position he had assumed, and that the
enemy were in overpowering force,
withdrew to more tenable ground, about
a hundred yards to the rear. Here the
struggle was continued for some time,
the enemy striving to drive their antag-
onists from the field, but being long kept
at bay by the well-aimed shots of the
Iowa and Missouri Infantry. The seces-
sionists, however, continued to advance in
greater numbers, and with fiercer impet-
CARR'S
DANGER.
53
uosity, firing their double-barrelled fowl-
ing-pieces, loaded with ball and buck-
shot, with which they were armed, and,
when they approached sufficiently close,
striking with the butt-ends of the gun-
stocks. They succeeded thus in driving
the cannoniers away and capturing one
of our guns. Colonel Carr now again
withdrew his division farther back, until
he reached some ground near the Elk
Horn Hotel, on a road which connects
the Springfield highway with that to
Huntsville on the east. Here he strove
to make a stand, and sent back mes-
senger after messenger, begging for re-
inforcements. “Two batteries and three
regiments, or sunset and darkness, are
the only alternatives for our safety,”
exclaimed the almost despairing Carr, as
he found himself overmatched by the su-
perior numbers of the enemy. In the
mean time he was again compelled to
fall back until he reached an open field on
the Springfield road, hardly a mile from
the Union encampment on Sugar Creek,
where, finally being reinforced, and the
much-wished-for darkness coming on, he
was enabled to hold his ground.
Colonel Osterhaus, commanding the
first of the two divisions under General
Sigel, who had been sent to meet the
enemy's centre, had, in the mean-
time, met with better success. About
three miles from camp, Colonel Oster-
haus' division encountered what was
supposed to be a small body of the
enemy, posted in the edge of some
timber and brushwood, and brought
three guns to bear upon them. After a
few rounds of shell, grape, and canister,
the artillery was ordered to cease firing,
and the Third Iowa Cavalry moved for-
ward to complete the clearance of the
timber. A greater resistance, however,
than was expected, was met, and the
Iowa Cavalry were driven back in dis-
order. The enemy followed up the cav-
alry in its retreat, and, taking advantage
of the confusion, succeeded in capturing
the three guns with which they had been
shelled. Colonel Osterhaus brought up
his Indiana regiments, and after a rapid
succession of volleys of musketry, fol-
lowed by a bayonet charge, retook the
guns lost but a few moments before.
Gen. Davis then came forward with his
division, the third, and the force of the
enemy being strengthened at the same
time, a vigorous action commenced.
The enemy brought their artillery into
position, and a duel of heavy guns en-
sued, ending with the enemy abandoning
their position. A running fight now fol-
lowed, and a vigorous pursuit was kept
up for two or three miles, the enemy
flying toward the north in order to form
a junction with the force in our rear.
General Sigel, with his second divi-
sion, under the immediate command of
General Asboth, also did good service
on the extreme left, where a slight dem-
onstration or feint was made, in sup-
porting Osterhaus' and Davis' attack on
the enemy's centre. General Asboth,
after retiring from the pursuit of the
enemy, was enabled to go with his divi-
sion to , the rescue of Colonel Carr.
This was the reinforcement by which
the latter succeeded in holding the
ground to which he had been driven.
90
54
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Thus closed the first day of the strug-
gle of Pea Ridge. The enemy had not
only disclosed a skilful strategic move-
ment, but had almost succeeded in
bringing it to a successful issue. The
Unionists, with a numerous and des-
perate enemy in their rear, between
them and the borders of Missouri, to
which alone they could look for supplies
and reinforcements, were in a position
which seemed to offer little ground for
encouragement. Both officers and sol-
diers, however, were determined to do all
that courage could effect, but looked for-
ward to the coming day with more doubt
than hope. That night is graphically de-
scribed by a campaigner.”
“The lines of the contending armies
during the night were not more than
three hundred yards apart, and each
party rested on its arms, and passed the
long hours till dawn without lighting
fires. The air was still, and conversa-
tion was carried on in low voices and
whispers, through fear that ordinary
tones would be overheard.
“In the main camp of the army
everything was bustle and commotion.
Coffee, bread, and meat were prepared
and sent out, with blankets and over-
coats, for the comfort of those who had
so nobly fought during the day and
were intending to renew the conflict at
dawn. General Sigel and Colonel Davis
had returned, and were making all
preparation to throw their whole force
to the aid of Colonel Carr. The teams
were still attached to the wagons, and
the braying of the mules—never melo-
& N. Y. Herald.
dious—became doubly dismal and dis-
cordant. The poor animals had been
without food for forty-eight hours, and
without water for twenty-four hours.
They had been standing in harness since
daybreak, and their usually hoarse tones
gradually softened to a low, plaintive
moan that was painful to hear.
“Most of the officers were fearful of
the results of the conflict on the mor-
row, since those of the day's battle had
been so unfavorable. Some turned their
thoughts upon escape ; but saw not how
it was to be accomplished, as our only
lines of retreat to the north were com-
pletely cut off. Among the soldiers, as
they sat by the camp fires, there was
generally but one expression, ‘We must
fight like heroes, or surrender to the
rebels. There is no falling safely back,
as there was at Wilson Creek. Our
only alternative is desperate fighting,
and we will all do our best.’
“Around headquarters most of the
commanders passed a sleepless night.
Though there were but few words
spoken, nearly every one felt that the
following dawn would but usher in our
defeat. General Sigel brought his divi-
sion into camp, where it was ready at
call, and then calmly lay down to sleep.
Colonel Davis moved his command at
midnight, and anxiously waited the
coming light. The Commander-in-chief
was hopeful but fearful. Colonel Dodge
and Colonel Wandever sent in for a fresh
supply of ammunition, and about mid-
night visited the camp in person to swal-
low a sup of coffee and return to the
field. Ambulances were in constant
THE SECOND BATTLE.
55
motion, bringing the wounded to the
hospitals prepared for their reception,
and surgeons were active in relieving
the wants of the sufferers.
“In the action of the day the Iowa
regiments had suffered fearfully. Nearly
two hundred each had been the loss of
the Iowa Fourth and Ninth, and the lat-
ter had not a single field officer fit for
duty. Its colonel was commanding a
brigade, its lieutenant-colonel (Herron)
was made prisoner while gallantly cheer-
ing his men, after losing a horse and re-
ceiving a severe wound ; and its major
and adjutant were disabled and in the
hospital. Still none of the men were
despondent, but were all ready for the
work of the morrow. From the camp
of a German regiment, the notes of
some plaintive air, possibly a love ditty,
were wafted on the breeze in words un-
intelligible to my ear. It reminded me
that long ago, in the Crimea, on the
night before the storming of the Mala-
koff, the entire British army in the
trenches before Sebastopol joined in
singing a famous Scottish ballad, one of
the sweetest ever known :
They sang of love and not of fame;
Forgot was Britain's glory,
Each heart recalled a different name,
But all sang Annie Laurie.
“Daybreak and sunrise at last. Not
the bright, clear Sun that rose over Aus-
terlitz and cheered Napoleon to his great
victory, but a dull, copper-tinted globe,
slowly pushing itself up through the
murky cloud of cannon Smoke that even
the long hours of a winter night had
not dispelled. The heavens soon be-
came overcast, as if the elements them-
facing the eminence.
selves foreshadowed an impending ca-
lamity. Every ear was open to catch
the sound of the first dull boom of can-
non, and every eye was watching for
the first curling wreath of smoke that
should usher in the contest of the 8th.”
General Curtis having become con-
vinced that the enemy had concen- Mar.
trated their main force on the right, 8.
began another change of front, so as to
face the enemy where they had deployed
on his right in a strong position. While
this movement was in progress, the bat-
tle of the 8th of March opened at sunrise
by a fire from the centre and right of the
Union forces. Colonel Carr's division
was placed in the centre, Colonel Davis'
division on the right, and General Sigel
on the left ; the whole force being con-
centrated to the north and rear of the
camp. During the night the enemy had
planted their strongest batteries on a hill
on their right, about two hundred feet
high, with a slope to the north, but with
precipitous sides, where it faced our
line on the south. About the base of
this hill, under the cover of the trees
and undergrowth, were posted large
bodies of infantry to prevent its being
turned. On their left the enemy had
extended their cavalry and some few
field pieces. The great object was evi-
dently to dispossess the enemy of their
commanding position on the hill, and to
this the main effort of the day was
directed, which devolved upon General
Sigel in command of our left, directly
This skilful com-
mander deliberately prepared for the as-
sault, and did not fire a gun until every-
56
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
thing was properly arranged. Forming
his troops, with a front line of infantry,
cavalry, and artillery, and reserves in the
rear, in a level cornfield, he advanced
to the attack and opened fire from his
cannon. A continuous cannonade was
thus kept up for two hours, with but
occasional intervals of from five to fif-
teen minutes rest. The enemy respond-
ed from the hill with spirit and with
well-aimed shots. Their fire was less
effective than that of Sigel, who suc-
ceeded in dismounting several of their
guns, which they, however, rapidly re-
placed with others.
In the mean time, while this cannon-
ade between the main force of the enemy
in and about the hill and our left was
going on, the center and right, under
Carr and Davis, had been steadily ad-
vancing, but gaining slowly upon their
antagonists' position. They had finally
reached the borders of a wood, by which
the enemy were covered, when a “bat-
tery of three guns, in front of a wooded
space on the left of the road, at length |
became troublesome, and orders were
issued for a bayonet charge to capture
it. Just at this moment a gust of wind
blew away the smoke from the front of
the rebels, revealing their exact posi-
tion. The Twelfth Missouri was desig-
nated for the honor of taking the bat-
tery, and nobly acquitted themselves,
advancing at the pas de charge under a
terrible musketry fire, possessing them-
selves of the guns and holding them
until their supports came up. Twelve
of their men were killed in this charge,
and a large number wounded. Another
gun was shortly after taken in the tim-
ber near by, and still another spiked
piece on the extreme right of Davis'
division.”
Sigel, however, with his artillery, was
executing the great work of the day.
After enduring the fearful cannonade
for two hours and a half, the enemy
finally broke from their strong position
on the hill, and fled. “My left,” says
General Curtis in his official report,
“under General Sigel, moved close to
the hills occupied by the enemy, driving
him from the heights, and advancing
steadily toward the head of the hollows.
I immediately ordered the centre and
right wing forward, the right turning
the left of the enemy, and cross firing
on his centre. This final position of
the enemy was in the arc of a circle.
A charge of infantry, extending through-
out the whole line, completely routed the
whole rebel force, which retired in great
confusion, but rather safely, through the
deep, impassable defiles of cross timber.”
General Sigel continued to pursue the
fugitives for twelve miles, and succeeded
in capturing a number of prisoners, a
considerable quantity of wagons, loaded
with provisions and ammunition, and
nearly a thousand stand of arms. The
country was such, with its irregularity
of ground, its hills and ravines and
stretches of wood, that it was impossible
to pursue the enemy with cavalry, and
they accordingly escaped with compara-
tive impunity. *. -
“The appearance of the hill and
woods shelled by General Sigel's divi-
sion attests the terrific shower of mis-
THE HAVOC.
57
siles that fell upon them. Walking
over the ground immediately after the
flight of the enemy and the pursuit by
our forces, I found it,” says the writer
before quoted, “thickly strewn with
dead and wounded, most of them hav-
ing fallen by the deadly artillery pro-
jectiles. Tree after tree was shattered
or perforated by shot and shell, and
many were filled with grape and canis-
ter balls. One tree was pierced through
and through by a solid shot, its top
shivered by a shell, and the base of its
trunk scarred by seventeen canister and
rifle balls. In one place lay the frag-
ments of a battery wagon, wherein a
shell had exploded, utterly destroying
the wagon and killing two mules which
had been its motive power. A ruined
caisson and five cannon-wheels were ly-
ing near it. Two dead artillerymen
were stretched on the earth, each killed
by a grapeshot, and by their side was a
third, gasping his last, with his side laid
open by a fragment of a shell. On the
hill, where the cannonade had been
severe, trees, rocks, and earth bore wit-
ness to its fierceness. Fifteen wounded
rebels lay in one group, and were pite-
ously imploring each passer-by for water
and relief for their wounds. A few rods
from them was another, whose arm had
been torn off by a cannon-shot, leaving
the severed member on the ground a
few feet distant. Near him was the
dead body of a rebel, whose legs and
one arm had been shattered by a single
shot. Behind a tree a few yards distant
was stretched a corpse, with two-thirds
of its head blown away by the explosion
of a shell, and near it a musket, broken
into three pieces. Still farther along
was the body of a rebel soldier, who had
been killed by a grapeshot through the
breast. A letter had fallen from his
pocket, which, on examination, proved
to be a long and well-written love epistle
from his betrothed in East Tennessee.
Around him in all directions were his
dead and dying comrades, some stretched
at full length on the turf, and others con-
torted as if in extreme agony. The earth
was thickly strewn with shot and frag-
ments of shell. -
“The bursting of shells had set fire to
the dry leaves on the ground, and the
woods were burning in every direction.
Efforts were made to remove the wound-
ed before the flames should reach them,
and nearly all were taken to places of
safety. Several were afterward found
in secluded spots, some of them still
alive, but horribly burned and blackened
by the conflagration.
“The rebels, in nearly every instance,
removed the shoes from the dead and
mortally wounded, both of their own
army and ours. Of all the corpses I saw,
I do not think one-twentieth had been
left with their shoes untouched. In
some cases pantaloons were taken, and
occasionally an overcoat or a blouse was
missing. A large number of the killed
among the rebels were shot through the
|head, while the majority of our dead
were shot through the breast. The
rebels, wherever it was possible, fired
from cover ; and as often as a head ap-
peared from behind a tree or bush, it
became a mark for our men. The Union
58
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
troops generally stood in ranks, and, ex-
cept when skirmishing, made no use of
objects of protection.”
The loss of the Union troops in this
severe conflict was, killed, 203, wound-
ed, 972, and missing, 176. The enemy,
in their report, declared that “the fight-
ing was the most desperate on record.
Our loss was immense ; that of the ene-
my unknown. Generals McCulloch and
McIntosh were both killed on the 7th
instant (March). General Slack was
mortally wounded ; General Price was
slightly wounded in the arm.” The ene-
my's surgeons confessed to a loss “of
1,100 killed, and from 2,500 to 3,000
wounded.” .
“So far as I can ascertain,” writes
General Van Dorn, in his report, “our
losses amount to about 600 killed and
wounded, and 200 prisoners, and one
cannon, which, having become disabled,
I ordered to be thrown into a ravine.
“The force with which I went into
action was less than 14,000 men ; that
of the enemy is variously estimated at
from 17,000 to 24,000.” -
A correspondence in regard to the
wounded took place between General
Van Dorn and General Curtis, in the
course of which the aide-de-camp of the
latter wrote : w
“The General regrets that we find on
the battle-field, contrary to civilized
warfare, many of the Federal dead who
were tomahawked, scalped, and their
bodies shamefully mangled, and express-
es a hope that this important struggle
may not degenerate to a savage war-
fare.” -
This referred to the barbarities of the
Indian allies, who, to the number of
2,200, fought in the ranks of the enemy,
under the command of General Albert
Pike, a native of Massachusetts, but a
most inveterate advocate of slavery.
The whole force of the enemy, including
these Savages, has been estimated as
high as 35,000, while that of the Union-
ists was not more than 8,000.
General Van Dorn” is entitled to the
credit of superior strategy, in having
so successfully turned the Union army
and interposed his whole force between
it and the boundary of Missouri. By
this well-conducted movement, Curtis
was inclosed in a most dangerous posi-
tion, from which he was only rescued by
the skilful artillery tactics of General
Sigel and the stubborn courage of our
brave soldiers. The Government, how-
ever, with somewhat of haste, honored
the Commander-in-chief with a major-
generalship. The same reward was
bestowed upon Sigel—a fair tribute to
a skilful commander who had added to
his other noble deeds that of rescuing
the whole army of Missouri from dis-
grace or total destruction.
* General Van Dorn is said to have exhausted his am-
munition, and been obliged to resort to stones for the
want of cannon-balls. -
GENERAL BURNSIDE. 59
CHAPTER VII.
The third great Naval and Military Expedition.—Rendezvous at Fortress Monroe.—Composition of the Expedition.--
Commander-in-chief—General Burnside.—Birth and education.—Military career.—A memorable feat.—Resigns in
the army.--A gun-manufacturer.—Unsuccessful business.-Cheated by Floyd.—The Burnside Rifle.—Heavy
Losses.—On the Illinois Central Railroad.—Intimacy with General McClellan.—Residence in New York.-Invited
to Rhode Island.—In command of the First Rhode Island Regiment.—In Washington.—His energy in discipline.—
At the Battle of Bull Run.-Opposed to that Battle.—A Brigadier-General.—A Major-General.—Personal appear-
ance and character.—Life of Goldsborough.-Naval career.—Long service.—Commander-in-chief of the Fleet.—
Departure of the Expedition.—Arrival at Hatteras.—The trials and misfortunes of the Voyage.—Delay.—The first
movement.—Roanoke Island.—Description.—The Enemy's defences.—The attack by Union gun-boats.—Landing
of troops.--A Spirited charge.—Victory.—Destruction of the Enemy's fleet.—Losses and Gains.—Capture of Eliza-
beth City.
THE third great naval and military
expedition designed to act upon
the Southern coast, and thence to
advance into the interior of the Confed-
erate States, in co-operation with the
1862,
Federal armies, after rendezvousing at
Jan. Fortress Monroe, sailed thence at
Il midnight on the 11th of January.
The expedition, consisting of over a
hundred steam and sailing vessels, trans-
ports, gun-boats, and tugs, and from
fifteen to twenty thousand troops, chiefly
from New England, had been in prepa-
ration but two months, and yet was one
of the most complete and formidable
ever fitted out. -
General Ambrose Everett Burnside
was chosen the commander-in-chief—an
officer who had, by the completeness of
his military education, his enterprising
character, and the patriotic spirit he had
already exhibited ever since the first
call to arms, inspired the utmost con-
fidence in his leadership.
Burnside was born at Liberty, Union
County, Indiana, on the 23d of May,
1824. In 1842, at the age of nineteen,
he entered the Military Academy at West
Point, and graduated in 1847, when he
became a second lieutenant in the Second
United States Artillery. In September
of the same year, being transferred to
the Third Artillery, he served in the com-
pany of Captain Bragg, now one of the
foremost generals in the enemy's service,
and marched with General Patterson's
division to Mexico, where he remained
until the end of the war.
Subsequently, while second lieutenant
in the same company, he was engaged
for several years in the campaign against
the Indians of New Mexico, and in
August, 1849, greatly distinguished him-
self in a skirmish with the Apaches at
Los Vegas, routing them, killing eight-
een, capturing nine, and a number of
horses. For his spirit and success on
this occasion he was promoted to a first
lieutenancy.
In the commission appointed to settle
60
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
the boundary line between Mexico and
the United States, Burnside served as
quartermaster; and in 1851, as bearer
of dispatches from Colonel Graham to
President Fillmore, performed the mem-
orable feat of riding on horseback with
an escort of but three men, from the
Gila River across the plains, in seventeen
days, over a space of 1,200 miles through
a region beset by hostile Indians.
Burnside was now posted at Fort
Adams, in Newport Harbor, but, like
many of the most enterprising of our
officers, tiring of the inactivity of a
military station, in peace, resigned his
commission in 1853, and sought in civil
life a more stirring scene of labor.
Having invented a “breech-loading
rifle,” he devoted himself to its manu-
facture, in which he was encouraged to
embark all his means, during the ad-
ministration of Buchanan, by the promise
of the secretary of war, Floyd, that it
would be adopted by the Government.
In the mean time, that unscrupulous
public officer is supposed to have made
a contract with another inventor, by
whom he was promised a share of the
profits, and the “Burnside rifle” was re-
fused the Government patronage. This
sudden withdrawal of the expected cus-
tom of a prodigal purchaser deprived
Burnside of the anticipated profits of his
manufactory, and involved him in great
losses. The establishment at Bristol,
R. I., was subsequently sold to his
brother-in-law, who, with a change of
rule, has been more fortunate in securing
the custom of the Government, which
has purchased considerable quantities of
his rifles, now extensively used in the
army.
Burnside was soon after employed by
the Illinois Central Railroad Company
as the President of the Land Office De-
partment, and had the credit of having
perfected the time-table arrangement
for their railroad trains. On receiving
this appointment, he removed with his
wife, whom he had married at Bristol,
in Rhode Island, to Chicago, where he
renewed and strengthened his relations
with General McClellan, then associated
with him in the service of the Illinois.
Central Railroad Company. Burnside,
subsequently appointed treasurer of the
company, removed to New York, where
he was living when invited by Governor
Sprague, of Rhode Island, to take the
command of the First Regiment of
Volunteers of that State. Having al-
ready, while a resident of Bristol, served
as major-general of the militia of Rhode
Island, he readily accepted the call to
lead his former comrades, and marched
with the regiment to Washington. Here,
during the days of anxiety and doubt,
when the capital was in danger, Burn-
side became conspicuous for his energy
in preparing his soldiers for duty. His
regiment was noted for its discipline
and perfection of appointment. At the
battle of Bull Run he served as a brig-
adier-general, and was in the advance
on that disastrous day, giving an ex-
ample of self-command and intrepidity
which, if it had been generally followed,
might have turned the defeat into a
victory. He, however, is supposed to
have strenuously objected, from what he
EXPEDITION
TO PAMLICO. 61
knew of the imperfect condition of the
army of the Potomac, to trust it at that
early day in an assault upon an in-
trenched enemy.
Burnside's merits were at once recog-
nized by the Government, and he was
soon made a brigadier, and subsequently
a major-general. The leadership of the
expedition, as will be proved by its his-
tory, could not have been trusted to a
more competent person.
Burnside has all the characteristics of
the popular hero. Tall and graceful in
person, active in movement, a bold and
skilful horseman, and confident in bear-
ing, with a dash, perhaps, of defiance,
which comes from his martial training,
he is a noticeable person. Though lively
and affable in conversation, and fond of
society, there is a certain emphasis in
manner, and a positiveness of opinion,
denoting a self-reliance, independent of
the applause of those who surround him.
A high forehead and projecting eye-
brows are the external indications of the
man of reflection, and his premature
baldness giving greater gravity to his
appearance, adds to the impression of
the seriousness of his character. Though
at this time but thirty-eight years old, he
bore the appearance of much greater age.
The chief command of the fleet was
given to the veteran naval officer Golds-
borough. Louis M. Goldsborough was
born in Maryland, but received his ap-
pointment in the navy, which he entered
at an early age in 1812, from the Dis-
trict of Columbia. He had thus been in
the naval service for more than half a
century. He had been employed at sea
United States frigate Congress.
for eighteen years; had been engaged
twelve on duty ashore, and passed some
eighteen without active occupation, when
he was appointed to the command of the
From
this vessel he was called to supersede
Captain Stringham in the command of
one-half of the Atlantic Blockading
Squadron. He hoisted his flag on board
of the steam frigate Minnesota, and had
been stationed for some time in Hamp-
ton Roads, off Fortress Monroe, when
he sailed as the commander-in-chief of
the naval portion of General Burnside's
expedition. Although by the act of
Congress, which retires all officers who
have served over forty-five years, Golds-
borough is nominally withdrawn from
the service, he has proved, by his active
and able performance of duty, that he is
really one of the most efficient com-
manders in the navy.
While the great expedition was being
fitted out, the utmost secrecy was affect-
ed, but although many at the North were
perplexing themselves with speculations
as to its destination, the enemy at the
South, with their usual prescience, as
will be seen, had been enabled to divine
the direction of the blow and prepare
for it.
Although most of the vessels of the
expedition left Hampton Roads during
the night of January 11th, there were
others which did not sail until the next,
and even the day after. The expe-
dition, like that to Port Royal, en-
countered a severe storm off the coast
of Hatteras, which scattered the fleet,
wrecked several vessels, and greatly
91 -
62
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
damaged others. The principal portion,
Jan, however, reached Hatteras Inlet,
13, and anchored there in safety. Some
six vessels, four transports, a gun-boat,
and floating battery were wrecked, but
all those on board were rescued with the
exception of a few who, being thrown
on the coast of the enemy, were taken
prisoners.
After reaching Hatteras Inlet, much
difficulty was found in crossing the bar
or swash, either in consequence of the
great draft of the vessels, or some change
in the depth of the channel from the
shifting of the sand in the course of the
storm.” A long delay ensued in getting
the fleet into Pamlico Sound; but after
great efforts, and by the use of the ordi-
nary expedients of floats and tugs, the
chief vessels were got over the bar, and
the expedition was ready to commence
operations. The first movement was to
capture Roanoke Island, which com-
manded the approach to Albemarle
Sound.j
The enemy had made formidable
preparations for the defence of this im-
* It was stated that the draft of many of the vessels
was greater than had been reported, and, moreover, that
instead of vessels drawing eight and a half feet being able
to cross the bar, as General Burnside had been informed,
none drawing over seven feet three inches could pass.
f The following article, from the Wilmington Journal,
(North Carolina) of January 20, will show how correct
were the conjectures of the enemy, and at the same time
supplies an accurate description of Roanoke Island and the
rest of the field of operations:
“The Norfolk Day Book asserts, as though with know-
ledge, that they are destined for Elizabeth City. Probably
this point is suggested or indicated as being at or near the
southern terminus of the two lines of water communica-
tion between Albemarle Sound and Norfolk Harbor—the
Dismal Swamp Canal and the Chesapeake and Albemarle
Canal. The number of canal boats would appear to give
some shadow of plausibility to this. It might be an ob-
ject to seal up the navigation through these works, and
thus cut off two important lines of transport and com-
munication between our forces at Norfolk and those on
our northern coast. It would be madness for any ‘expe-
dition’ to attempt to force its way to Norfolk through either
of these canals.
“Very naturally, the people on Pamlico Sound are
seriously alarmed. Some injury, serious injury, indeed,
might be done to the dwellers in Hyde, Beaufort, Craven,
and Jones counties by marauding expeditions, but no
strategic advantages could be secured to the enemy by any
such course; and, if report speaks truth, General Burn-
side is not a man like Butler and others who delight in
rapine without a military object. Of course we speak now
of the country, and our remarks will not apply to New-
bern or Washington, or to an attempt to seize upon some
point on the Atlantic or North Carolina Railroad, with
the view of obtaining control of that work, either for the
purpose of isolating Fort Macon or of advancing into the
interior. These things are only conjectural, but as they
are neither impossible nor improbable, they naturally create
no small anxiety in the minds of the people of Newbern
and Beaufort incidentally.
“In order to go to Elizabeth City, it would be neces-
sary for the flotilla to force its way into Albemarle Sound,
which is connected with Pamlico Sound by a narrow strait
some twenty miles long, which divides the mainland of
Tyrrell County from the banks. Nearly in the middle of
this strait lies Roanoke Island, which is about twelve
miles in length and three in breadth. Roanoke Island
divides the strait into two parts, that between it and the
mainland being called Croatan Sound, and that between
the island and the banks being called Roanoke Sound.
The former, Croatan Sound, will possibly admit the pas-
sage of vessels drawing eight and a half to nine feet water
—eight and three-quarters is marked on the Coast Survey
at the shallowest point. This channel approaches at one
part of its course within easy range of the island, from
which batteries might command it. It could not be so
easily commanded from the mainland. It is thus evident
that Croatan Sound will allow the passage of vessels of as
large a draught of water as can approach it from the sea,
whether they enter by Hatteras or Ocracoke Inlet. The
channel, however, is intricate and narrow, and capable of
being readily obstructed, we should think.
“The same narrowness of the channel would evidently
preclude the possibility of any manoeuvring by gun-boats
or other vessels attacking any batteries on the island, and
it seems to us they would be forced to pass certain points
in single file. Once in Albemarle Sound, the shore can
be approached with safety in twelve feet water, within
three-fourths of a mile of the shore, save at two or three
points. Any vessel that can enter Albemarle Sound can
ascend the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City. The Dis-
mal Swamp Canal empties into the Pasquotank River, the
THE ATTACK ON ROANOKE ISLAND.
63
portant position. They had erected five
forts to defend the shores and strongly
intrenched a camp in the centre of the
island, where they had mustered a force
of several thousand men, under the com-
mand of Major-General R. C. Hill, of
North Carolina. They had, moreover,
striven to obstruct the channel leading
to Albemarle Sound by sinking vessels
and driving piles across Croatan Sound
from the mainland to the island, and
had stationed beyond a flotilla of eight
gun-boats.
A reconnoissance having been previous-
ly made by Captain Goldsborough, he
moved with his fleet,” consisting of thir-
ty-one gun-boats, on the morning of the
5th of February, toward Croatan Feb.
Sound, and on the 7th began the 5’
attack on the enemy's forts on either
side. The gun-boats advanced in three
columns. The first was led by the
“Stars and Stripes,” Commander Wor-
den ; the second by the Louisiana, Com-
mander Murray, and the third by the
Hetzel, Commander Davenport. Cap-
tain Goldsborough was on board the
Southfield, accompanied by the gun-boat
Underwriter. These two vessels began
the attack at 11 o'clock in the morning,
with a fire upon the enemy's fort at Pork
Point. In half an hour afterward the
engagement became general, with a
spirited cannonade on both sides, in
which the enemy's gun-boats above the
obstructions in Croatan Sound took
part. In less than an hour the enemy's
flotilla was forced to retire beyond the
reach of our guns, after one of the
vessels, the Curlew, became so disabled
that she was obliged to seek refuge un-
der the guns of a fort on the mainland.
Captain Goldsborough now concentrated
his fire upon the battery at Pork Point,
mouth of which is only divided from North River, the
rmouth of which is the southern terminus of the Albemarle
and Chesapeake navigation, by a narrow neck of land
known as North Point.
“The water between Roanoke Island and the banks is
known as Roanoke Sound, and is not navigable. There
are no lunar tides, and any rise or fall in Albemarle and
Croatan sounds is due to the winds or the state of the
rivers. As for our means of resistance and defence, we
can only trust that they may be adequate. Of course we
would not now state what they are, even if we knew,
which we do but partially.
“Roanoke Island is about fifteen miles from Hatteras
Inlet.”
* The fleet was thus composed :
Names. Commanders. Guns.
1. Brickner . . . . . . . . . Acting Master J. C. Giddings.. 1
2. Ceres . . . . . . . . . . . . Acting Master S. A. McDermaid. 2
3. Chasseur. . . . . . . . . Lieut. Com. John West. . . . . . . 6
4. Com. Barney. . . . . Lieut. Com. R. D. Renshaw... 2
5. Com. Perry . . . . . . Lieut. Com. C. H. Flusser. . . . . 2.
6. Delaware . . . . . . . . Lieut. Com. S. P. Quackenbush. 8
7. Granite. . . . . . . . ... Acting Master E. Boomer. . . . . . l
8. Grenade . . . . . . . . . Commander W. B. Avery. . . . . . 3
9. Gen. Putnam. . . . . Acting Master W. J. Hoskiss... 2
10. Huzzar . . . . . . . . . . Acting Master Fred. Crocker... 4
J.J. Flunchback . . . . . . Lieut. Com E. R. Calhoun..... 4
12. Hetzel. . . . . . . . . . . Lieut. Com. H. K. Davenport... 2
13. J. N. Seymour. . . . Acting Master F. S. Welles. ... 2
14. Louisiana. . . . . . . . . Acting Master Hooker. . . . . . . . 4
15. Lockwood . . . . . . . Acting Master S. L. Graves.... 3
16. Lancer . . . . . . . . . . Acting Master B. Morley. . . . . . 4
17. Morse . . . . . . . . . . . Acting Master Peter Hayes..... 2
I
8
P
hil
à
d
el
phi
ia
* - e º & Acting Master Silas Reynolds... 1
Names. Commanders. Guns.
19. Pioneer. . . . . . . . . . Acting Master Charles S. Baker. 4
20. Picket. . . . . . . . . . . Acting Master T. P. Ives . . . . . . 4
21. Rocket . . . . . . . . . . Acting Master James Lake.... 3
22. Iłanger . . . . . . . . . . Acting Master J. B. Childs..... 2
23. Stars and Stripes...Lieut. Com. Worden . . . . . . . . . 5
24. Southfield . . . . . . . Lieut. Com. Behm. . . . . . . . . . . 4
25. Shawshene. . . . . . . Acting Master T. S. Woodward. 2
26. Shrapnel . . . . . . . . Lieut. Com. Ed. Staples....... 3
27. Underwriter. . . . . . Lieut. Com. Jeffers ........... 4
28. Valley City . . . . . . Lieut. Com. J. C. Chaplin ..... 5
29. Widette. . . . . . . . . . T T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
30. Whitehead. . . . . . . Lieut. Com. French........... 1
31. Young Rover..... Acting Master I. B. Studley... 5
64
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
on the island, at a range of three-quar-
ters of a mile or more, being as near as
the depth of water would allow. The
enemy replied vigorously for awhile, until
their flag was shot away, the barracks
set on fire, and the works began to fall
to pieces under the constant dropping of
our shells.
It was now that General Burnside
prepared to land his troops. The place
of disembarkation chosen was Ashby's
Harbor, on Roanoke Island, about two
miles below and on the same side as
Pork Point. As the troops, at two
o'clock, began to land, the enemy with
a force of 2,000 men and a battery of
three pieces occupied the neighboring
woods, to oppose them. A shower of
shell, however, from the gun-boats soon
dispersed the enemy, and General Burn-
side was enabled to continue the tedious
labor of landing his troops. About mid-
night he had succeeded in placing on the
island a force of nearly 11,000 men,
who were conveyed from the transports
by small steamers and launches; but
such was the shallowness of the water,
on approaching the shore, that each
man was obliged to wade for a quarter
of a mile waist-deep to the land.
In the mean time, while the troops
were landing, the enemy's flotilla re-
turned and renewed its fire, which
was vigorously answered by several of
the Federal gun-boats. The engage-
ment had lasted an hour, when the
enemy were again forced, after suffering
considerable damage, to withdraw their
vessels, and our gun-boats directed their
fire against Fort Barton at Pork Point,
which responded but feebly. At six
o'clock in the evening, Captain Golds-
borough signalized his fleet to withdraw,
and thus closed the first day's action.
Many of the Federal gun-boats had been
struck, but none of them were seriously
injured. Three men only had been kill-
ed and some ten wounded.
At an early hour next morning, the
Federal troops, which had landed Feb.
to the number of 11,000 men during 8.
the night, moved forward to the attack
of the enemy's intrenchment in the cen-
tre of the island, about five miles distant
from Ashby's Harbor, the place of dis-
embarkation. General Foster assuming
the general command as next in rank to
General Burnside, who remained at the
landing, led the advance, and was fol-
lowed by the main body, under the com-
mand of Generals Reno and Parke.
At eight o'clock in the morning, Gen-
eral Foster reached the enemy's posi-
tion, which had been well chosen, on a
piece of ground flanked on either side
by a morass. A narrow causeway was
the only approach to their works, and
this they had protected by an earth-work
mounting three guns, while within the
intrenchments there was mustered a
force of some two or three thousand
ICO €Il.
General Foster having placed his artil-
lery—which consisted of six or eight
mortars from the naval launches—in
front, opened fire, which was followed
by a discharge from the infantry in sup-
port. The enemy responded briskly,
but in spite of their heavy fire and pro-
tected position, General Foster continued
CAPTURE OF ROANOKE ISLAND.
65
to move forward steadily. As Generals
Reno and Parke came up with their re-
spective divisions, they made a detour
to the right and left of the enemy with
the view of flanking them. The whole
force was now steadily closing in upon
the intrenchments, when, at twelve
o'clock, General Foster ordered Colonel
Hawkins, with his New York Zouaves
and the Tenth Connecticut Regiment,
to charge with bayonets upon the bat-
tery which commanded the causeway.
A simultaneous movement was made on
the right and left, and the enemy thus
surrounded were driven from their guns
back into the intrenchments. The charge
of the New York and Connecticut men
was gallantly made. They pressed for-
ward with a loud shout, and, in their
eagerness, crowding over the narrow
causeway, leaped into the morass knee-
deep in mud and water, and pushed
their way into the fort, thrusting with
their bayonets the enemy before them,
and taking possession of their guns.
The fugitives, escaping from the in-
trenchments, fled to the northern end of
the island, pursued by General Foster.
While this victory was being won on
land, Captain Goldsborough renewed his
fire against Fort Barton at Pork Point,
and having silenced it, sailed in pursuit
of the enemy's gun-boats. General Fos-
ter, upon reaching the extremity of the
island, was met by a flag of truce from
Colonel Shaw, in command of a Virginia
regiment, which had landed there on
that morning. The Colonel proposed
to negotiate about terms of capitulation,
but General Foster replied that the sur-
render must be unconditional and im-
mediate ; and the enemy, without fur-
ther parley, laid down their arms. Gen-
erals Reno and Parke and Colonel Haw-
kins, as they marched over the island,
found no resistance, and were equally
fortunate in securing a large number of
prisoners. The forts were either aban-
doned or surrendered, and the United
States flag was raised upon all before
the close of the day.
General Burnside thus summed up the
results of this successful two-days' work:
“I have the honor to report,” he
wrote, “that a combined attack upon
this island was commenced on the morn-
ing of the 7th, by the naval and mili-
tary forces of this expedition, which has
resulted in the capture of six forts, forty
guns, over 2,000 prisoners, and upward
of 3,000 small-arms. -
“Among the prisoners are Colonel
Shaw, commander of the island, and O.
Jennings Wise, commander of the Wise
Legion. The latter was mortally wound-
ed, and has since died.
“The whole work was finished on the
afternoon of the 8th inst., after a hard
day's fighting, by a brilliant charge in
the centre of the island, and a rapid
pursuit of the enemy to the north end
of the island, resulting in the capture of
the prisoners mentioned above.
“We have had no time to count them,
but the number is estimated at nearly
3,000.
“Our men fought bravely, and have
endured most manfully the hardships in-
cident to fighting through swamps and
dense thickets.”
66
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
In the spirited charge upon the
enemy's battery in the centre of the
island, Russell, the colonel of the Tenth
Regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Wic-
tor de Monteil—who had volunteered
his services, though his regiment, the
D'Epineuil Zouaves, was not present—
fell, after gallantly leading their com-
rades to the attack.
The loss of the enemy, as they fought
under the cover of breast-works, was not
very great, amounting in all to about
twenty killed and a hundred wounded.
Among the former was Colonel O.
Jennings Wise, the son of Governor
Henry A. Wise, of Virginia, who was to
have commanded the enemy's forces,
but, during the engagement on the isl-
and, remained at a neighboring place,
known as Nag's Head, where he was re-
ported to be seriously ill. The loss of
the Unionists was thirty-five killed and
about two hundred wounded.
Captain Goldsborough, on the day
Feb, after the capture of Roanoke Isl-
9 and, sent thirteen steamers, under
Commander Rowan, in pursuit of the en-
emy's flotilla. Pushing their way through
the sunken vessels and piles, with which
an attempt had been made to obstruct
the passage through Croatan Sound, and
meeting with no resistance from the
works (Fort Forrest) on the mainland,
which the enemy abandoned, Command-
er Rowan sailed up Albemarle Sound to
the harbor of Elizabeth City, where he
overtook the enemy's vessels, under the
command of Captain Lynch, and attack-
ed them with the result which he thus
reported :
“I met,” he wrote, “the enemy off
this place this morning at nine Feb.
o'clock, and after a very sharp en- 14.
gagement, succeeded in destroying or
capturing his entire naval force,” and
silencing and destroying his battery on
Cobb's Point.
“The only vessel saved from destruc-
tion is the Ellis, Captain J. M. Cook,
who is wounded and a prisoner. I have
other prisoners.
“I am happy to say that our casual-
ties are few, considering the warmth of
the enemy's fire—say two or three kill-
ed and some wounded.”
* The following is a list of the enemy's vessels :
Raleigh. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 guns. Postboy. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 guns.
Forrest. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 * * Beaufort. . . . . . . . . . . 2 < *
Curlew. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 “ Fanny. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 * *
Ellis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 “ Sea Bird . . . . . . . . . . . 2 tº
This is a sketch of their commander, from the N. Y.
Berald: -
“Captain W. F. Lynch, the commander of the rebel gun-
boat fleet which supported the rebel batteries at Roanoke
Island at the late battle, is a native of Norfolk, Va. He
was formerly of the United States Navy. He entered the
Federal service on the 26th of July, 1819. His last com-
mission was dated April 2, 1856, and under it he was two
years in active sea service. His total sea service was
thirteen years and ten months. He was on shore duty
eleven years and eleven months, and was fifteen years
and ten months unemployed. His total Service was forty-
one years and seven months. When he resigned his com-
mission in the Federal service, he stood No. 75 in the rank
of Captains.
“Captain Lynch was the chief of the exploring expedi-
tion to the Dead Sea in 1843-4. His report to the Secretary
of the Navy, after his return, was quite voluminous and
highly interesting, giving, as it did, the minutest details
of the expedition, written in a manner which displayed
no ordinary talent. Captain Lynch is well known among
our geographical societies, before whom he has often lec-
tured on topics connected with his famous expedition.
“At the commencement of the present rebellion he re-
signed his commission in the Union service, and joined
the rebels. During last summer he supervised the move-
ments of the rebel gun-boats on the Potomac and James
rivers, and subsequently the equipment of a rebel flotilla
on Albemarle Sound, North Carolina.”
CAPTURE OF ELIZABETH CITY.
67
Elizabeth City was at once taken pos-
session of, not, however, before the re-
treating enemy had applied the torch
and half burned the place. Some of the
citizens seemed to disapprove of this bar-
barous act, and solicited the naval offi-
cers to send a force on shore to assist
in putting out the flames.”
CHAPTER VIII.
Vigorous Enterprise of Burnside.—Conquests on the Coast of North Carolina. – Expedition to Edenton.—Results.-
Expedition to the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal.—Results.-Expedition to Newbern.—Sanguine Union senti-
ment.—Proclamation.—Vigorous measures.—Description of Newbern.—Preparations for attack. —Preparations for
defence.—Sailing of the Expedition.—Battle of Newbern.—Capture.—Retreat of the Enemy.—Comparative losses.
-—Burnside's Report.—Escape of Steamer Nashville.—Disappointment.—Capture of Washington.
GENERAL BURNSIDE continued to give
proof of his characteristic vigor of
1862, º º e º
enterprise by rapidly extending his
operations along the coast of North
Carolina. By the aid of the fleet of his
energetic coadjutor, Commodore Golds-
borough, he was enabled soon to possess
himself of the main harbors of the enemy
opening to Albemarle Sound, and to in-
tercept some of their more important
communications by land and water. An
expedition proceeded to Edenton, con-
sisting of the Louisiana, Lieutenant A.
Murray, who held the chief command ;
the Underwriter, Lieutenant Jeffers; the
Commodore Perry, Lieutenant Flusser ;
Feb, and the Lockwood, Acting Master
12. Evans. This flotilla, entering the
harbor carefully—the Lockwood, the
smallest vessel, being in advance, in or-
der to keep her larger consorts informed
of the depth of water, or of the appear-
ance of earth-works on the banks of the
river—took possession of the town of
Edenton't without resistance. The only
* Elizabeth City is the capital of Pasquotank County,
North Carolina. It is situated on the right bank of the
Pasquotank River, about twenty miles from its mouth, 215
miles east by north of Raleigh, and about thirty miles
South of Norfolk, Va. It is also a post town, and is con-
sidered one of the most important towns in the north-
eastern part of the State. It has a water communication
with Norfolk, which is reached by going twenty miles up
the Pasquotank River, thence twenty-two miles by the
Dismal Swamp Canal to Elizabeth River, Virginia, thence
nine miles to the latter city.
It contains a court-house, jail, three churches—one
Baptist, one Episcopal, and one Methodist—an academy,
four seminaries, two banks, thirty-five stores, three news-
paper offices, issuing two weekly newspapers and a semi-
monthly publication, and a population estimated at two
thousand. 'Wessels drawing seven feet of water can come
up to it with the greatest ease.
f Edenton is quite a flourishing little town of some
1,700 inhabitants. It is a post town, a port of entry, and
capital of Chowan County, North Carolina, and is situated
at the head of Edenton Bay, which opens into Albemarle
Sound a little below the mouth of Chowan River, 150
miles east of Raleigh. It is one of the principal towns in
the north-eastern part of the State, carries on considerable
trade, and is sixty-six miles south of Norfolk, Va.
In June, 1852, 1,640 tons of shipping were owned and
employed in the coast trade, and during that year three
Schooners, with an aggregate burthen of 215 tons, were
68
THE war witH THE SOUTH,
show made by the enemy was a flying
battery of artillery with a few hundred
soldiers, who retired without firing a
shot on the approach of the gun-boats.
Many of the inhabitants also fled, fright-
ened by the rumor that the Unionists
had made great havoc at Elizabeth City.
Those who were left, however, were soon
tranquilized by assurances of the falsity
of the report, and some representatives
of the civic authority showed themselves
so well disposed as to profess Union sen-
timents. A schooner on the stocks and
six cannon found in the place were de-
stroyed, and two small vessels in the
harbor captured.
Another small expedition, consisting
of the Lockwood, the Shawshene, and the
Whitehead, with two schooners in tow,
under the chief command of Lieutenant
Wm. N. Jeffers, sailed to the mouth of
the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal.
“On opening the reach of the river
leading to the mouth of the canal,” says
Commander Jeffers in his report, “I dis-
covered two small steamers and three
schooners about a mile and a quarter up
the canal, and that the mouth of the
canal was obstructed. Pickets stationed
hear the mouth fired their muskets to
give the alarm, and a large body of men,
whose muskets glistened in the sunshine,
got under cover at the point where those
vessels were.
“I immediately moved up within a
couple of hundred yards of the mouth
built. Edenton was settled in 1716, and contains a splen-
did court-house, a jail, two churches—one Episcopal and
one Methodist—an academy, and one printing-office issuing
a weekly newspaper.
of the canal, until all the vessels ground-
ed, and ordered the Whitehead to open
fire with her nine-inch guns. But three
shells were fired, when the whole body
précipitately fled. -
“On going on shore I found that a
schooner had been sunk about fifty yards
within the mouth, supported by piles,
logs, etc., forming a complete barrier.
I advanced a picket of fifteen men, under
command of Acting Master Graves, fol-
lowed by the machinists of the Lockwood,
with crowbars, mauls, etc. At the dis-
tance of half a mile a second row of
piles had been driven. They were at
work on this when we surprised them.
The steamers and schooners had left be-
fore we landed, but a fine large dredging
machine remained, and this we soon saw
sinking. This sunk diagonally across the
canal, closing it entirely for the passage
of the smallest vessel, being, say, ten feet
from one side and six from the other.
The machinery was entirely destroyed
by the working party, the hull above
water burned and entirely consumed.”
A third expedition, consisting of a
land force and three gun-boats, sailed up
the Chowan River as far as Winton, but
finding the enemy posted there in large
force, no attempt was made to land.
However, as a fire was opened from the
town, the Union gun-boats returned it
with shells, which partly burned the
place.
General Burnside now planned a more
important expedition, which was to at-
tack the city of Newbern, where the en-
emy were in large force and had made
formidable preparations for defence.
UNION SENTIMENT INVOKED.
'69
Notwithstanding the determination to
resist, which such efforts seemed to indi-
cate, hopes were indulged of evoking a
sentiment friendly to the Union among
the people of North Carolina, a large
portion of whose inhabitants were known
to have long opposed secession. That a
change had taken place in the feeling
toward the United States Government,
even of those so lately loyal, could not
be doubted ; but this was attributed to
the influence of corrupt leaders who had
studiously perverted the objects of the
Federal authority. To remove the false
impressions thus made, and to awaken
the latent loyalty of the people, General |
Burnside and Commodore Goldsborough
issued this proclamation :
“RoANokE ISLAND, N. C., Feb. 18, 1862.
“The mission of our joint expedition
is not to invade any of your rights, but
to assert the authority of the United
States, and to close with you the deso-
lating war brought upon your State by
comparatively a few bad men in your
midst.
“Influenced infinitely more by the
worst passions of human nature than by
any show of elevated reason, they are
still urging you astray to gratify their
unholy purposes. ---
“They impose upon your credulity
by telling you of wicked and even dia-
bolical intentions on our part ; of our
desire to destroy your freedom, demol-
ish your property, liberate your slaves,
injure your women, and such like enor-
mities—all of which, we assure you, is
not only ridiculous, but utterly and wil-
fully false.
“We are Christians as well as your-
selves, and we profess to know full well,
and to feel profoundly, the sacred obli
gations of the character.
“No apprehensions need be enter
tained that the demands of humanity and
justice will be disregarded. We shall
inflict no injury, unless forced to do so
by your own acts, and upon this you
may confidently rely.
“Those men are your worst enemies.
They, in truth, have drawn you into
your present condition, and are the real
disturbers of your peace and the happi-
ness of your firesides. e
“We invite you, in the name of the
Constitution, and in that of virtuous
loyalty and civilization, to separate your-
selves at once from these malign influ-
ences, to return to your allegiance, and
not compel us to resort further to the
force under our control.
“The Government asks only that its
authority may be recognized ; and, we
repeat, in no manner or way does it de-
sire to interfere with your laws, constitu-
tionally established, your institutions of
any kind whatever, your property of
any sort, or your usages in any respect.
“L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
“Flag-Officer Commanding North Caro-
lina Blockading Squadron.
“A. E. BURNSIDE,
“Brigadier-General Commanding De-
partment North Carolina.”
Burnside, however, did not trust alone
to soft words, with the hope of concilia-
ting uncertain friends, but continued to
strike hard blows, with the resolution to
overcome an obdurate enemy.
92
(O THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
The most important enterprise after
the capture of Roanoke Island was the
expedition against Newbern. Newbern
is a small town, the capital of Craven
County, N. C., of about 6,000 inhabit-
ants, situated nearly at the head of navi-
gation, and at the confluence of the Trent
with the Neuse River, which empties
into Pamlico Sound. With a good harbor
leading to the Atlantic Ocean through
Ocracoke Inlet, Newbern carried on a
considerable commerce by sea, and with
its communications by railroads with the
interior, a prosperous trade by land. Its
proximity and accessibility by rail, more-
over, to Goldsborough, the point of junc-
tion of various railways connecting Rich-
mond, the Confederate capital, with the
interior and coasts of the Southern
States, gave the possession of Newbern
great strategic importance.
At Roanoke Island, which was now
the basis of operations, great prepara-
tions were made for the combined naval
and military expedition. The enemy had
been not less busy in making ready for
its reception. They had obstructed the
channels with piles, wrecks, and sub-
merged torpedoes, had erected upon the
banks of the river a succession of bat-
teries, and collected a large force of men,
under General Branch, to defend them,
and resist the approach of our gun-boats
and troops.
After embarking his troops, to the
Mar, number of about 15,000, at Roan-
Ilº oke Island, General Burnside ren-
dezvoused at Hatteras Inlet with the
transports and the fleet, now under
Commander Rowan, who had succeeded
Capt. Goldsborough ordered to Hamp-
ton Roads.
Early the next morning the entire
force set sail, and at night anchored Mar,
off the mouth of Slocum's Creek, 12.
about twelve miles below Newbern by
water and seventeen by land, where it
was determined to land the troops. The
landing began at seven o'clock in Mar.
the morning of the following day, 13.
under cover of the gun-boats. It was
effected “with the greatest enthusiasm
by the troops,” said General Burnside
in his report. “Many, too impatient
for the boats, leaped into the water
and waded waist-deep to the shore, and
then, after a toilsome march through
the mud, the head of the column
marched within a mile and a half of
the enemy's stronghold, at eight P.M., a
distance of twelve miles from the point
of landing, where we bivouacked for
the night, the rear of the column com-
ing up with the boat howitzers about
three o'clock next morning, the deten-
tion being caused by the shocking con-
dition of the roads, consequent upon the
heavy rain that had fallen during that
day and the whole of the night, the men
often wading knee-deep in mud, and re-
quiring a whole regiment to drag the
eight pieces which had been landed from
the navy and our own vessels.”
As the troops disembarked they were
ordered to advance, the gun-boats, in
the mean time, covering the landing and
the march by shelling the banks of the
river.
General Burnside moved his force in
three divisions. General Foster led his
ATTACK ON NEWEERN. * 71
brigade along the main county road to
attack the enemy's left; General Reno
took the direction of the railroad to at-
tack their right, and General Parke fol-
lowed General Foster, with orders, how-
ever, to support either or both divisions,
as might be necessary. The main force
of the enemy, consisting of eight regi-
ments of infantry, 500 cavalry, and three
batteries of field artillery of six guns
each, was posted within a line of in-
trenchments extending from the river
across the railroad and turnpike of more
than a mile in length, protected on their
left on the bank of the river by a battery
of thirteen heavy guns, and on their
right by a long succession of redoubts
for riflemen and field pieces in the midst
of swamps and dense forests.
About seven o'clock in the morning of
Mar, the 14th of March, the skirmishers
14 of the Union army encountered the
enemy's outposts and opened fire.
“Rapidly forming, the different regi-
ments assumed their positions in their
brigades, and the division marched to
the attack.” General Burnside rode for-
ward, and as the battery or breast-work
came in sight across a wide field, a shot
was fired from one of its guns. The
missile, which proved to be a shell,
struck within ten feet of the General
and his staff, but, not exploding, boun-
ced along the ground, splashing the
party with mud. -
“General Foster, whose brigade had
advanced by the stage road, rapidly
formed his regiments in line of battle in
* This account is from the correspondence of the N. Y.
Herald.
the fringe of woods skirting the edge of
the field before the breast-work ; the
Twenty-fourth Massachusetts, Colonel
Stevenson, on the extreme right ; the
Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, Colonel Up-
ton, next, with its left resting on the
road ; the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts,
Colonel Lee, next, with right resting on
the road, and the Twenty-third Massa-
chusetts, Colonel Kurtz, on the brigade
left, with the Tenth Connecticut in re-
serve. To support this line against the
eighteen or twenty guns of the enemy's
battery, our forces had only a few pieces
of artillery. The rest was on the way,
but did not reach the field in time to
participate in the fight. The disposi-
tion of our artillery in support of Gen-
eral Foster's position was as follows:
On the extreme right, Executive Officer
McCook's battery of boat howitzers
from the navy, manned by Lieutenants
McCook, Hammond, Daniels, and Tillot-
son, with marines and a detachment of
the Union Coast Guard. In the centre,
and near the road, a twelve-pounder
steel gun from the Cossack, manned by
Captain Bennet, his second mate, Mr.
Stroud (captain of the gun), and twenty
of the ship's crew. On the left, Captain
Dayton's battery, from the transport
Highlander.
“After the first gun the enemy ran
their flag defiantly up over the ramparts
and opened very briskly with round shot,
grape, canister, and shell. Their infantry
were stretched out the entire length of
the work between the river and the rail-
road, and kept up an incessant fire with
musketry.
72
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
“Their fire was replied to with equal
vigor by the brigade when it had taken
up its position ; and, leaving them en-
gaged, let me return to the operations
of the second and third brigades, under
Generals Reno and Parke.
“The second brigade—consisting of
the Twenty-first Massachusetts, Lieut.-
Colonel Clark; Fifty-first New York,
Colonel Ferren ; Fifty-first Pennsyl-
vania, Colonel Hartsruft, and Ninth
New Jersey—took the railroad and pro-
ceeded along the enemy's right flank.
It is somewhat remarkable that the
manoeuvres of the battle were nearly
the same as those of the fight at Roan-
oke Island. The point at which the in-
trenchment crossed the railroad was
strongly defended by a series of re-
doubts and rifle-pits, while a subsequeut
examination revealed the fact that be-
yond these redoubts the breast-work was
continued nearly a mile and a half, mak-
ing the entire length of the defences
about three miles. The operations of
our forces, however, were confined to
that only between the river and the rail-
road track. -
“The third brigade, under General
Parke, took up a position on the front,
between the first and second brigades.
“Such was the disposition of our troops.
The engagement regularly opened about
eight o'clock, when the first brigade bore
the brunt of the battle. General Foster
rode fearlessly along, giving his orders,
and was several times exposed to the
hottest of the fire. His aids, too, shared
the danger, and one of them, Lieutenant
Pendleton, narrowly escaped injury, if
Inot death, from a bullet which passed
through his coat sleeve, just grazing the
arm. The Massachusetts Twenty-fourth,
on the right, had soon to regret the
wounding of two of their officers, Major
Stevenson and Adjutant Horton, the
former by a ball in the leg, the latter
by a ball in the shoulder. Early in the
engagement the Massachusetts Twenty-
third lost Lieutenant-Colonel Murritt,
who was struck by a cannon-ball, which
carried away one side of his body and
lacerated his form in a horrible manner.
The proportion of officers killed and
wounded during the entire fight was
quite large. The Twenty-seventh Mas-
sachusetts seemed for some reason to be
more exposed to the fire of the enemy,
and with ammunition expended, and a
large loss, were withdrawn. The Tenth
Connecticut, until now in reserve, was
ordered to their support, and as they
fell back took their place, moving to
the front with great alacrity and open-
ing fire with vigor. The Tenth was
finally compelled to retire through want
of ammunition, and the Eleventh Con-
necticut took their place. To the first
brigade belongs the credit of having so
gallantly and attentively engaged the
battery while the second and third
executed the brilliant manoeuvre of
flanking the enemy's right, of which I
have now to speak.
“When it became evident that the first
brigade was capable of carrying on the
fight in front, the third, which had been
supporting it, was ordered, with the ex-
ception of the Eleventh Connecticut, to
support the Second in the flank move-
THE ENEMY FLANKED.
73
ment. Accordingly the Eighth Connec-
ticut, Fourth Rhode Island and Fifth
Rhode Island regiments withdrew a
short distance into the woods, and defil-
ing to the left came out upon the rail-
road, and going forward came in the
rear of the third brigade.
“This portion of the field of opera-
tions was immediately under the com-
mand of General Reno, and to him was
allotted the task of the flank movement
already referred to, and which he so
brilliantly and successfully accomplished.
“It may be well here to state that
when the idea of flanking was entertain-
ed, it was not known that the line of in-
trenchment extended beyond, or if it
did, much beyond the railroad. When
the troops attempted the movement con-
sequently of getting in the rear, they
discovered not the mere obstacle of
swamp or marsh, but also of a series of
redoubts and rifle pits, which defended
the immediate vicinity of the track.
Our attack in front had so far been con-
fined to the right, near the river, where
one of the water batteries had reversed
its guns and was assisting in the defence
of the breast-work by an enfilading or,
more properly, diagonal fire upon our
troops. The great body of the enemy
was consequently here posted, and the
flank movement came near resulting in
a perfect surprise, though they rapidly
reinforced the redoubts as soon as they
discovered the approach on that side.
“Having drawn out in line of battle,
the second brigade returned the fire of
the enemy vigorously, who, from the
rifle pits and behind the screening edges
of the redoubts, were picking off our
men with deadly certainty at every
shot. But we have to boast of our
sharpshooters also, as many a rebel in
these same rifle pits and behind the in-
trenchments, whose death wound was in
the head, amply testified.
“At last the word was given to charge
and the Massachusetts Twenty-first,
which was on the left, succeeded in get-
ting four companies within the enemy's
position. The New York Fifty-first,
which was on the right of the Mas-
sachusetts Twenty-first, supported the
movement, while the Ninth New Jersey,
Fifty-first Pennsylvania, Eighth Connec-
ticut, and Fourth and Fifth Rhode Island
assailed the work at various points. The
four companies of the Massachusetts
Twenty-first were far in advance of the
others into the intrenchment, and, driv-
ing the rebels before them, had attempt-
ed to reverse the guns, when repulsed
by a strong reinforcement of the enemy,
who suddenly charged from a little
ravine or hollow just in the rear, and
with their overwhelming numbers drove
them out, making a few prisoners. Our
repulse was but momentary. Re-form-
ing, the Massachusetts Twenty-first, New
York Fifty-first, Fourth Rhode Island,
and the Ninth New Jersey, with the
Fifth Rhode Island in reserve, returned
to the assault, and after another gallant
charge, another desperate resistance of
the enemy, a hand-to-hand contest over
the ramparts of the intrenchment, in
which our forces at one time actually
reversed its purpose and used it as a
breast-work for their own protection
74
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
while they kept the rebels at bay inside,
they drove the enemy out, and at the
point of the bayonet chased them back
out of sight. The victory was won with
the loss of nearly seventy killed and two
hundred and fifty wounded—a heavy
one when it is taken into consideration
that of the two brigades only six regi-
ments and one battalion were engaged.
The fire of the enemy was terrific, and
embraced all the varieties of missile.
General Reno and General Parke ad-
mirably conducted the whole manoeuv-
ring, and, with their aids and staff, were
exposed to no inconsiderable danger.
“When the word to charge was given
on the left, the cheers with which it was
received were heard over on the right,
and instantly the first brigade emerged
from its position along the edge of the
woods, and dashing across the fields as-
sailed the enemy at the very muzzles of
their guns. But the retreat of their
forces on the flank had inspired all with
a panic, and they most ingloriously fled,
leaving their cannon unspiked, a number
of horses, the caissons, and the unex-
pended ammunition.”
The fleet of gun-boats under Com-
mander Rowan took part in the conflict,
and contributed toward securing the vic-
tory. Moving slowly up the river, the
boats kept throwing shells in advance
of the position of the national troops.
“The fleet,” says Commander Rowan in
his report, “steadily moved up and
gradually closed in toward the batteries.
The lower fortifications were discovered
to have been abandoned by the enemy.
A boat was dispatched to them, and the
stars and stripes planted on the ramparts.
As we advanced, the upper batteries
opened fire upon us. The fire was re-
turned with effect—the magazine of one
exploding. Having proceeded in an
extended line as far as the obstructions
in the river would permit, the signal
was made to follow the movements of
the flag-ship, and the whole fleet ad-
vanced in order, concentrating our fire
on Fort Thompson, mounting thirteen
guns, on which rested the enemy's land
defences. The army having with great
gallantry driven them out of these de-
fences, the forts were abandoned. Sev-
eral of our vessels were slightly injured
in passing the barricades of piles and
torpedoes which had been placed in the
river. The upper battery having been
evacuated on the appearance of the com-
bined forces, it was abandoned and sub-
sequently blown up. We now steamed
rapidly up to the city. The enemy had
fled, and the place remained in our pos-
session.”
The national troops, after driving the
enemy from their intrenchments, rapidly
followed them, but they succeeded in es-
caping by taking the railroad and turn-
pike in their rear, and destroying the
bridges across the Trent River to prevent
pursuit. In their flight they threw away
blankets, muskets, pistols,” knapsacks,
and swords, and whatever hindered
* Some of the weapons were shot-guns, old horse-pis
tols, brass pistols, cutlasses; Sabres, and home-made swords,
if I may so call them, for they appeared to have been
manufactured out of old carving-knives, meat-choppers,
and the like, roughly adjusted into handles of common
pine wood, and in many cases fastened with twine.—Cor-
respondent of the N. Y HERALD. -
CAPTURE OF NEWBERN. - 75
rapidity of movement, and occasionally
dropped a wounded or dying comrade.
The destruction of the bridges delayed
the advance of the troops, but the fleet
had already arrived at the wharves and
commanded the town of Newbern. The
enemy, in the mean time, had, as they
retreated, attempted to burn the place,
but the fire was soon extinguished by
the remaining citizens under the direc-
tion of the naval officers. General Fos-
ter's brigade was now transported across
the river to Newbern by means of the
gun-boats, and many of the inhabitants
returning, the city was soon in quiet
possession of the United States military
authorities.
By this victory the nationals not only
captured Newbern, but eight batteries,
mounting forty-six heavy guns, three
batteries of light artillery of six guns
each, two steamboats, a number of sail-
ing vessels, wagons, horses, a large
quantity of ammunition, commissary and
quartermaster's stores, forage, the entire
camp equipage of the enemy, and con-
siderable resin, turpentine, and cotton,
besides 200 prisoners.
The national loss amounted to 91
killed and 466 wounded, of whom some
subsequently died. It was difficult to
form an estimate of the loss of the en-
emy, but it was supposed to be some-
what less than our own, as they fought
behind breast-works. According to their
statement it was 64 killed, 101 wounded,
and 413 missing.
General Burnside in his report paid
this tribute to his army .
“Too much praise cannot be awarded
to the officers and men for their untiring
exertion and unceasing patience in ac-
complishing this work. The effecting
of the landing, and the approach to with-
in a mile and a half of the enemy's
works on the 13th, I consider as great a
victory as the engagement of the 14th.
“Owing to the difficult nature of the
landing, our men were forced to wade
ashore waist deep, march through mud
to a point twelve miles distant, bivouac
on low, marshy ground, in a rain storm,
for the night, engage the enemy at day-
light in the morning, fighting them for
four hours, amid a dense fog that pre-
vented them from seeing the position of
the enemy, and finally advancing rapidly
over bad roads upon the city. In the
midst of all this, not a complaint was
heard ; the men were only eager to ac-
complish their work. Every brigade,
and in fact every regiment, and I can
almost say every officer and man of the
force landed, was in the engagement.
“The men are all in good spirits, and,
under the circumstances, are in good
health. &
“I beg to say to the General com-
manding that I have under my command
a division that can be relied upon in any
emergency.”
After the victory of Newbern, the Im-
# This extract from General Burnside's report is given
since it has an important bearing upon the vexed question
of General McClellan’s claims to the credit of planni
campaign : -
“I beg to say to the General commanding . . .e army,
that I have endeavored to carry out the very minute in-
structions given me by him before leaving Annapolis, and
thus far events have been singularly coincident with his
anticipations. I only hope that we may in future be able
to carry out in detail the remaining plans of the campaign.”
76
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
portant harbor of Beaufort, at the mouth
of the Newport River, in North Carolina,
upon the approach of a national force,
yielded without resistance. Fort Macon,
on Brogue Point, moreover, which guards
the entrance to Beaufort from the sea,
was so cut off from all communications,
that its restoration to Federal authority
could not long be postponed.
The escape, however, of the Nashville,
Mar, which after its return from Europe
17, had succeeded in entering the har-
bor of Beaufort, was a disappointment
which somewhat diminished the public
satisfaction at the North with the suc-
cesses in North Carolina. Great indig-
nation was expressed against the Navy
Department” for a neglect of such pre-
cautions as might have prevented that
bold rover from again hoisting the Con-
federate flag. -
Washington, a small town on Pamlico
River, in spite of some obstructions in
the harbor, was reached by a single gun-
boat in advance of a large expedition,
and found almost deserted. The Mar,
few inhabitants who remained seem- 2'.
ed not unwilling to hoist the United
States flag and yield to the Federal
authority. -
* An officer on board the blockading steamer Cambridge
thus justifies the conduct of the officers of that vessel :
“The Nashville, from the time of our arrival (on the
11th of March) till she left, lay at the dépôt wharf, in
plain sight of us, and the day before leaving got up steam,
came down to the junction of the different channels, near
Fort Macon, without the least attempt at secrecy, and
every one on board the blockading vessels knew that she
intended to make her escape the following night, if possi-
ble, and every one was on the qui vive for the hoped-for
engagement. Captain Parker, of the Cambridge, kept
under weigh day and night, fearing she would escape his
vigilance should he remain at anchor. The State of
Georgia having been obliged to leave for Hampton Roads
for coal, on the day previous, we anxiously expected
another vessel to supply her place, thinking, of course,
that those in control of the Navy Department must know
our situation, and feel the same interest in keeping the
Nashville safe, while they had her in their immediate pow-
er, as they did in scouring the broad Atlantic for her when
there was scarcely a hope for her capture. But no assist-
ance came, and we therefore made the best of our position.
From an intelligent contraband who had sought refuge on
board the State of Georgia, we learned that picket boats
were sent out nightly to ascertain the exact position of the
Union vessels, and we therefore felt that the Nashville
had more than an even chance of escape should she ven-
ture the passage during the darkness of the night. Every-
thing favored her. The tide was at its highest flood, and
the moon did not rise until half-past eight P.M., and we
knew that between the departure of daylight and that
hour she must go, if at all. We stationed ourselves at the
entrance of the shortest channel (the one through which
she entered), and trusted to the Gemsbok to give us time-
ly warning should she take the other channel ; and she
did so. But the Nashville passed out at the rate, probably,
of twelve miles per hour, and escaped without being seen
by the Cambridge, whose highest rate of specd does not
exceed nine miles. The manner of her doing it may be
easily understood. The Nashville lay close to Fort Macon
ready for a start. A picket boat, with two lights—per-
haps a bright white or yellow one and another red—is
sent to Swash Channel. If the blockading steamer is there,
she is to show, say, the red light, masked on the sea side,
which ideans ‘The Cambridge is here,’ and off she goes
through the Ship Channel. Had the Cambridge been at
the entrance of Ship Channel, she would show the yellow
light, meaning “No vessel here,' and then the Nashville
takes the Swash Channel and goes on her way rejoicing.
Is it therefore to be wondered at, that the Nashville,
with but a trifling display of enterprise, was enabled to
escape unscathed ? Her capture—while it would not have
proved greater vigilance on the part of the Cambridge—
would have shown a great want of sense and forethought
on the part of her own officers. No person at all conver-
sant with such things, and understanding the situation
of affairs, will feel surprised at the result.”
CIVILIZING THE NEGROES.
77
C EIA P T E R IX.
The Expedition to Port Royal a disappointment.—Inactivity of the Troops.— Obstinacy of the White Inhabitants.—Flock.
ing in of Negroes.—A Missionary Enterprise.—Probable results.-Difficulties of civilization.—Expense of the Pro-
cess.—Activity of the Fleet.—Preparations to capture Fort Pulaski.-Operations of Dupont.—Operations of Generals
Sherman and Wiele.—Command of Savannah River secured.—Great difficulties successfully overcome.—Bombard-
ment and surrender of Fort Pulaski...—Batteries on Skiddaway and Green islands captured.—Another approach to
Savannah secured.—A success on the coasts of Georgia and Florida.—Capture of Fernandina.-St. Mary’s.-A
brutal captain.—An easy capture.—Capture of Brunswick.-An Expedition to Darien.—A disappointment.—
Abandoned towns.—A scene of wretchedness.-Expedition to St. John's River.—Capture of Jacksonville.—Capture
of St. Augustine.—Expedition to Mosquito Inlet —Possession of Apalachicola.-An expression of returning loyalty.
—Passive obedience.—Great combined Expedition for New Orleans.—Confidence in the result.
THE results of the imposing and suc-
cessful expedition to Port Royal
did not, it must be confessed, im-
mediately equal the public expectation.
The troops under General Sherman re-
mained comparatively inactive, and in-
stead of moving against the enemy in
the interior, with the view of capturing
Charleston and Savannah, or cutting off
their communications, continued within
the encampments about the harbor of
Port Royal, where they had first landed,
and laboriously intrenched them, as if the
sole object was their defence.
The white inhabitants of Beaufort
and the neighboring plantations, who
had fled after the capture of the forts
at Port Royal by the national forces,
obstimately resisted all inducements to
return. The negroes, however, con-
tinued to flock in in large numbers, so
that soon some ten thousand had placed
themselves under the protection of the
United States military authorities. This
large body of human beings, who from
their long servitude were incapable of
1862,
self-control, became a source of great
inquietude, and awakened the interest
of the benevolent. A voluntary associ-
ation was organized at the North to
provide means for an attempt to civilize
them. Funds were collected, and mis-
sionaries appointed, who, sanctioned by
the Government, were sent out to Port
Royal. Meantime the slaveholders of
all the remaining Sea Islands stripped
them of slaves and domestic animals,
burned the cotton and other crops which
they were unable to remove, and fled to
Charleston and to interior parts of the
State. Not a slaveholder on all that
coast remained himself, or left his family
to live once more under the flag of the
Union. General. Sherman's pleading,
beseeching proclamation could not in-
duce them to do so. None who could
read would receive a copy of it, and it
consequently fell a dead letter. In a
short time the few negroes who remain-
ed on the islands under United States
control were set to work at preparing
the cotton for market, and though they
- 93
78
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.,
had been assured by their late employers
that if they fell into the hands, of the
Unionists they would certainly be sent
to Cuba and sold, they could not be
made to believe that any worse fortune
than they had hitherto experienced was
in store for them, and their number was
steadily augmented by emigrants from
the mainland, especially after schools be-
gan to be established among them. The
idea that the Federal occupation might
not be permanent seemed never to occur
to them; they thought only of escaping at
all hazards from their life-long bondage.
Had this blow against Port Royal
been followed up, Charleston or Savan-
nah, or both, could have been easily and
promptly captured. But General Sher-
man had not been instructed to press
his advantages, nor had he in fact been
provided with the means of doing so.
Although the land force at Port Royal
remained comparatively inactive, Cap-
tain Dupont, with characteristic energy,
kept at work with his fleet. Having
failed in his attempt to approach the
city of Savannah by the Wilmington
Narrows on the south, in consequence
of the obstructions placed in the channel
by the enemy, and the shallowness of
the water, he now shifted his operations
to the northern bank of the Savannah
River. Having taken possession of
Dawfuskie Island, at the mouth of the
Cooper River, he made it the rendez-
vous of a flotilla of gun-boats and a
small detachment of troops, and pro-
ceeded along Wall's Cut with the view
of getting in the rear of Fort Pulaski,
in possession of the enemy, which com-
mands the mouth of the Savannah Riv-
er. The boats, however, soon grounded,
and after getting afloat again with much
difficulty, returned, without effecting
their purpose. - -
A few days subsequently, General
Sherman ordered an expedition to make
an effort in the same direction, with-
out the aid of the gun-boats. Accord-
ingly, General Wiele was dispatched
with the Forty-eighth Regiment of
New York Volunteers, two companies
of volunteer engineers, and two com-
panies of the Third Rhode Island Ar-
tillery. The troops, carrying with them
six thirty-two pounders, embarked at
Dawfuskie Island in flat-boats, which
were towed by steamboats of light
draught. Having reached Jones’ Island
by Wall's Cut and Mud River, a site
at Venus’ Point was selected for the
erection of a battery. To effect this,
such was the marshy condition of the
island, that it was found necessary to
construct a road of logs (a corduroy
road) from the point where the troops
landed on Mud River, across the island,
to the site selected for the fort, on the
Savannah, a mile in distance. The
road, however, by dint of hard labor,
was finally made, and a fort being erect-
ed, guns were dragged by hand Feb.
across the island to mount it.” 12,
—ºr
* A correspondent of the N. Y. Herald gives this inter-
esting account of the arduous work :
“The thing at first sight looked like an impossibility.
The swampy character of the soil seemed to forbid the
landing of troops on the island, much more to erect bat-
teries and mount heavy guns thereon. It was determined,
however, to erect the battery at the point already desig-
nated, and carry the guns a distance of a mile over a
swampy road. To facilitate matters, Colonel Perry the
CAPTURE OF FORT PULASKI.
79
The command of the Savannah River
not being thus secured, as was expected,
another battery was soon after erected
on Long Island, lying in the middle of
the Savannah River, and nearer the
mouth than Jones’ Island. By these
batteries, Fort Pulaski was supposed to
be completely cut off from all com-
munication with the city of Savannah.
The enemy claimed to be provided with
supplies for six months, and thus capa-
ble of resistance for that length of time.
An attack, however, having been made
by General Hunter, who had superseded
General Sherman in the command at
Port Royal, the enemy were forced to
surrender much sooner than had been
expected. - *
The successful bombardment of Fort
Pulaski was one of the most remarkable
proofs of the efficiency of modern artil-
lery. Batteries having been erected on
Tybee Island, fire was opened upon the
fort, and after thirty hours only of April
firing, a “practicable” breach was 10.
made. Colonel Olmstead, the com-
mander of the fort, now declared that
“it was impossible to hold out any
longer, as the rifle-shots were fast work-
ing their way into the magazines, and
many of his guns were disabled.” He
accordingly surrendered unconditionally,
and thus “forty-seven guns, 7,000 shot
and shells, 40,000 pounds of powder, 360
prisoners, and a good supply of provis-
ions” were obtained by the Unionists
with the loss of only one man killed.
The enemy had three wounded.*
energetic commander of the Forty-eighth New York Regi-
ment, was requested to superintend the construction of a
corduroy road from the place where the troops landed on
the Mud River side of Jones' Island to Venus' Point. The
road was constructed, and by the untiring labor of the
troops the guns were at last placed in battery. While the
construction of the road was going on, another detach-
ment of Colonel Perry's regiment attempted to erect
breast-works to cover the guns. The mud, as fast as it
was piled up for the battery, slipped and sunk away ; but
the platforms were laid and the guns mounted. The
guns were landed on a wharf made of bags filled with
sand, and long planks laid across them. Tramways were
laid along the marsh, constructed of planks twenty feet
long, laid in parallel lines; two sets of these parallels
were used for each gun, and as fast as the pieces were
dragged over one set, it was taken up and placed still
farther in advance. Holes were drilled in the planks, and
ropes looped through the holes, so that the planks might
be more easily dragged by the troops. In this manner
the guns were conveyed across Jones' Island to their pres-
ent position. Colonel Perry, Lieutenant J. H. Wilson, of
the United States Engineers, and Lieutenant Horace Por-
ter, of the Ordnance Department, superintended the re-
moval, of the guns. On the first night the heavy guns
were dragged two hundred yards. The second night the
work proceeded, and the guns were dragged the remainder
of the route, and before morning all were in position. The
work of tugging the guns was performed entirely by the
Forty-eighth New York Regiment, who were commanded
and encouraged by Colonel Perry. In the morning a
rebel gun-boat came down the Savannah to reconnoitre,
and doubtless was amazed to find a Union fort confronting
her. As the rebel craft approached the new work, the
latter opened fire, but by hugging the western shore of
the river, successfully passed the battery and proceeded to
Fort Pulaski. It was discovered by this occurrence that
the guns on Jones’ Island did not completely command
the river ; hence it was determined to erect another bat-
tery on the west end of Long Island, and which, ere this
is completed, cuts off all communication between the
rebels at Savannah and Fort Pulaski. This accomplished,
Fort Pulaski is beleaguered, and Savannah, in the natural
course of events, must fall.”
* The following is the official report of Brigadier-Gen-
eral Benham, who had the immediate direction of the
siege of Fort Pulaski : -
“HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NoFTHERN DISTRICT,
DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH. FoET PULASKI, CoCKSPUR |
IsLAND, GEORGIA, April 12, 1862.
“To MAJOR-GENERAL DAVID HUNTER, COMMANDING DE-
PARTMENT of THE SOUTH :
“SIR : I have the honor to report the conclusion of the
operations of the siege of Fort Pulaski, in Savannah River,
Georgia, which have resulted in the capture of that fortress
and its armament, and the unconditional surrender of the
effective force of the garrison, amounting to 361, of whom
80
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
An expedition of several gun-boats,
under Commander Gilles, subsequently
took possession of the forts on Skidda-
way and Green islands, which were Mar,
found abandoned by the enemy, 10.
they having removed the guns to increase
twenty-four were officers, besides about eighteen who
were sick or wounded. g
“This siege is, as I would remark, the first trial—at least
on our side the Atlantic—of the modern heavy and rifled
projectiles against forts, erected and supposed to be suf-
ficiently strong, prior to these inventions; almost equal-
ling, as it would appear, the revolution accomplished in
naval warfare by the iron-clad vessels recently constructed.
“These operations, with the cordial assistance and co-op-
eration of the naval forces under Flag-Officer S. F. Dupont,
have been accomplished by a portion of the troops of my
division, for the most part under the immediate direction
of Captain Q. A. Gilmore, Corps of Engineers, acting brig-
adier-general, and chief engineer of the siege. * * *
“Immediately after our arrival in this Department, as
yóu are aware, I visited Tybee Island (on the 31st ult.),
and carefully inspected the works being erected there for
the direct attack upon this fort, which had been well ad-
vanced by General Gilmore, under the direction of that
faithful and judicious officer, Brigadier-General T. W.
Sherman, my predecessor in this district. These works
consisted of eleven batteries, prepared for thirty-five to
thirty-seven pieces of heavy ordnance, extending along an
oblique line of about one and a half miles in length, op-
posite the southeast face of the fort, the extremities of
this line being at distances respectively of about one and
two miles from the fort. They were placed with great
skill and judgment, and constructed properly, and with as
much strength and regularity as the circumstances of the
case would permit ; and the care and forethought of the
engineer in providing for the proper supply of ordnance
and other stores that might be needed, is worthy of especial
nuention ; the whole arrangement at Tybee Island meeting
my entire approval.
“Desiring, however, if possible, to obtain a concentric fire
upon the work, I endeavored to arrange with General
Wiele (commanding at Dawfuskie Island) to accomplish
this object—directing him, on the 6th inst., to place a
battery on Long Island to attack the gorge of the fort on
the west ; and, after a second visit to him on the 9th, to
construct another (if practicable, and the distance was not
too great), upon Turtle Island, on the north—the object
being mainly the moral effect of an encircling fire rather
than the expectation of any serious effect upon the walls
at that distance. From Some cause, however, the heavy
ordnance for these batteries did not arrive in time, and
the lighter pieces most available, and placed in position on
Long Island, served rather as a diversion than for any
serious demonstration upon the work.
“The main attack upon the fort, as you are aware, com-
menced on the morning of the 10th inst., at about quarter
past seven, and immediately after the refusal of its com-
posed.
mander to surrender, according to your summons previous-
ly sent. Being present yourself, at or between our bat-
teries for the greater portion of the day during the contest
between these batteries and the fort, you are, of course,
personally aware of the great efficiency with which these
batteries were served, and of the successful commencement
of the breach at the southeast angle of the fort on that
day. You are also aware of the efficient and accurate firing
of the guns at the fort, directed as they were with great
precision, not only at our batteries, but even at the indi-
vidual persons passing between them, or otherwise ex-
The firing on our part, though delayed at first by
the necessity of obtaining the proper range, was kept up
with such vigor that over 3,000 projectiles, varying in size
from the thirteen-inch mortar shell to the thirty-pound
Parrott shot, were thrown at the fort during the first day.
“At evening, as it was necessary to guard against the
possibility of attack from the Wilmington marshes, a force
of some two regiments was stationed upon the ridges of
land adjacent—one immediately in rear of the upper
batteries, and one on a ridge running toward Tybee River ;
and to give General Gilmore an opportunity for the rest
which he required, I arranged with him to remain myself
at the batteries, in general charge of the forces, during
the first half of the night, directing at the same time that
the shells should be thrown at the fort every ten or fifteen
minutes during the night for the purpose of fatiguing the
garrison. This shell practice, especially during the early
part of the night, while the moon was up, was reported to
be most successful, or fully as accurate as by daylight.
“As a principal battery, of one James and five Parrott
guns near the fort, appeared not to have been as success-
fully served as was possible during the day, and as a de-
tachment of 100 seamen from the navy, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant Irwin, had been kindly furnished to
us by Flag-Officer Dupont (at the suggestion of Captain
C. R. P. Rodgers), which had, unfortunately, reached us
too late for the first assignment to the batteries, I directed
that a portion of this battery should be placed in the
hands of this command, and the remainder, with suitable.
men, to be under Captain Turner, A. C. S., late of the
First Artillery, United States Army, and now chief com-
missary of your staff, and the James and three of the Par-
rott guns were assigned to the naval detachment accord-
ingly.
“At about seven in the morning of the 11th the fire
opened with great vigor and accuracy, the certainty as to
direction and distance being greatly beyond that of the
previous day, especially on the part of the enemy—there
being scarcely any exposure of our force that did not draw
a close shot, while the embrasures and parapets of our bat.
teries were most accurately reached.
COMMAND OF
gº
the armament of the works at Savannah.
A complete control of Warsaw and Os-
sibaw sounds, and the mouths of the
THE SOUNDS. 81

Vernon and Wilmington rivers to the
south and the rear of Fort Pulaski,
was thus obtained, and another import-
“At about ten to eleven A.M. Ivisited the batteries, find-
ing them most efficiently served, especially the small mor-
tar batteries nearest the fort, the batteries just referred to
in charge of the navy and Captain Turner, and the colum-
biad batteries under Captain Pelouze. I found that an
embrasure at the breached point, which was much enlarged
on the previous day, was now opened to fully the size of the
recess arch, or Some eight or ten feet square, and the ad-
jacent embrasures were rapidly being brought to a similar
condition. At about noon the whole mask and parapet
wall of the casemate first injured fell into the ditch, rais-
ing a ramp quite visible to us, and soon after the corre-
sponding parts of the adjacent casements began to fall, the
Parrott and James shot passing quite through, as we
Could see the heavy timber blindage in rear of the case-
mates to the rear of the magazine, on the opposite (north-
west) angle of the fort.
“In this state of things I felt sure that we would soon
be called to peel off the whole scarp wall from the front
of the casemates of the Southeast front, making a breach
greatly larger than the small garrison could defend, with,
probably, another smaller breach upon the opposite side;
and I at once determined that, if the resistance was con-
tinued, it would be best, and entirely practicable, to storm
the fort successfully within thirty to forty hours. And I
had given directions to General Gilmore to have suitable
scaling-ladders prepared for the purpose, and was arranging
for the proper forces, boats, etc., when, at about two P.M.,
we discovered a white flag thrown up, and the rebel flag,
after telling out to the wind for a few minutes at half-mast,
came slowly to the ground. -
“I then directed my assistant adjutant-general, Captain
A. B. Ely, to leave for the fort ; but finding soon after
your own adjutant-general, Major Halpin, at the bat-
teries, I commissioned him (accompanied by Captain Ely)
to proceed there with the terms I proposed—simply those
of your own first note, demanding the surrender of the
garrison and all the armament and weapons; no other
, modification to be allowed than that they should have as
favorable terms as are given by our Government in this
war. General Gilmore reaching the upper batteries soon
after, and appearing to desire it, and as his services most
eminently merited that his wishes should be gratified, I
authorized him to pass over to accept the surrender of the
fort ; and the terms assented to by him are essentially
those dictated by me, excepting, perhaps, those relating
to the disabled men who would otherwise have been a bur-
den to us. And by the return of these, I have endeavored
to provide by a letter from Colonel Olmstead, the rebel
Commander, for the receiving of a like number of men of
the Forty-sixth New York Regiment, captured from Tybee
about two weeks since
“I have now, in closing, the pleasing duty of reporting
upon the instances of individual merit that have come
under my observation during that siege, which report
must necessarily be brief, where so many have done so
well.
“And to the kind and cordial co-operation of the naval
forces under Flag-Officer Dupont, I feel that our highest
thanks are due ; for it was only by their assistance that
we have been completely enabled to isolate the fort from
the hope of succor and relief; while the needy supply of
ordnance stores and other material most needed by us, at
the last moment, has been of great value. And the bat-
tery manned by their detachment, under Lieutenant
Irwin, I have the pleasure of stating was one of the most
efficiently served against the fort during the action ; a su-
pervision being kept over it constantly by Captain C. P. R.
Rogers in person—an officer who, an acquaintance of more
than twenty years' standing assures me, is without a su-
perior in our own or any other service.
“To Acting Brigadier-General Q. A. Gilmore (captain of
engineers) the highest praise is due for the exercise of
his great professional skill and judgment, and his labori-
ous industry, in arranging and personally superintending
all the general preparations and all the details of the ac-
tual siege, which has resulted so successfully ; showing
him eminently worthy of the position and rank in which
his previous commander, General Sherman, had placed
him, as far as was in his power ; and which rank I would
respectfully ask your interest for confirmation of by the
President.
“Captain Pelouze, acting inspector-general of the De-
partment ; Captain Turner, chief commissary of the De-
partment ; Lieutenant Porter, of the United States Ord-
nance Department, and Lieutenant Wilson, Topographical
Engineers—all in charge of batteries—rendered most zeal-
ous and efficient service, which their previous military
education has so well fitted them for. Lieutenant P. H.
O'Rourke, of the United States Engineers, acting as as-
sistant-engineer to General Gilmore, was also most ener-
getic and useful.
“Of your own staff, I had the pleasure of noticing re-
peatedly under fire, most actively engaged, Major Halpin, ,
assistant adjutant-general ; Lieutenant Smith, acting as-
sistant adjutant-general ; Major Hough, most especially
Zealous; Major Wright, Captains Thompson and Dole,
Lieutenants Stockton, Hay, and Kinsie, your aids—not
only complying with your own directions, but ready to
aid me at all times when needed. - -
“Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, of the volunteer engineer
regiment, deserves most especial commendation for his
activity, zeal, and general usefulness at all times, by
night and by day, by which he constantly rendered most
82
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH. - &
ant approach to the city of Savannah
secured. -
Captain Dupont having sent out a
series of naval expeditions to operate
upon the coasts of Georgia and Florida,
was enabled soon to report a succession
of easily won triumphs.
The first expedition was to Fernan-
dina, a small village of Florida, situated
on the northern side of Amelia Island,
at the entrance of Cumberland Sound.
valuable services, as did the battalion of his fine regiment
during the siege and previously ; and Captain McArthur,
of the Eighth Maine Regiment, being highly praised by
different officers who witnessed his successful management
of his men at the batteries, deserves my commendation.
“The companies of the Third Rhode Island Artillery,
under Captain Tourtelotte, served their guns most effi-
ciently; and the Seventh Connecticut Regiment, under
Colonel Terry, very ably manned the batteries which they
had most laboriously constructed ; so that I designated
them, as I was pleased to find had been (unknown to me)
the previous selection of General Gilmore, for the honor
of being the first to garrison the surrendered fort.
“Of my personal staff, my senior aid, Lieutenant A.
B. Ely, acting assistant adjutant-general, was constantly
with me when not occupied otherwise by my direction ;
still showing most eminently every qualification, as he
had done previously, for the responsible position for
which I had selected him—and Lieutenant S. U. Benham,
my junior aid, and S. H. Hawks, acting aid, were ready
and prompt in the discharge of their duties. Colonel
Serrell, of the volunteer engineer regiment (acting tem-
porarily on my staff), showed great zeal and activity
tliroughout the action.
“I would respectfully recommend in relation to the
commander of the garrison of the fort, Colonel Charles H.
Olmstead, whose gallant conduct as an enemy, and whose
courtesy as a gentleman are entitled to all consideration,
that should you deem it proper, the courtesy of the return
of his own sword should be extended to him. His de-
fence, I would remark, was continued until almost the
latest limit possible ; for a few hours more of our fire
would, to all appearance, have sufficed for the destruction
of the magazine and a larger portion of the fort, while
another day would have unavoidably placed the garrison
at the mercy of a storming column from our command.
“I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, H. W. BENHAM,
“Brig.-Gen. Commanding Northern District,
Department of the South.”
rapidly into the interior.
Though an insignificant place, its harbor
is one of the best on the coast, and is
commanded by a strongly constructed
fortress, Fort Clinch. Its communica-
tions, too, with the interior, by means of
various railroads, are well established.
The expedition of Captain Dupont
was of a formidable character. The fol-
lowing vessels comprised the fleet which
entered Cumberland Sound in the Mar.
order named : the Ottawa, Mohi- *
can, Ellen, Seminole, Pawnee, Pocahon-
tas, Flag, Florida, James Adger, Bien-
ville, Alabama, Keystone State, Seneca,
Huron, Pembina, Isaac Smith, Penguin,
Potomska, the cutter Henrietta, the
armed transport McClellan with a bat-
talion of marines, and six other trans-
port vessels, on board of which was a
brigade of troops under the command
of Brigadier-General Wright.
The enemy were found to have de-
serted the works, and to be retreating
Commodore
Dupont thus finding there was little need
for the use of the formidable force he had
gathered, detached the gun-boats on va-
rious expeditions. The United States
flag was immediately hoisted upon the
deserted Fort Clinch, and Fernandina
and St. Marys were taken possession of
without any serious attempt at resist-
ance, a few scattering musket shots only
being fired by the flying enemy as they
took to the railroad cars. The train
was chased by the gun-boat Ottawa for
two miles, and shelled, it was supposed,
with effect. A steamer, containing mili-
tary stores, was captured, but not until
she had received some shots. “There
FERNANDINA AND FORT CLINCH.
83
were passengers on board—women and
children—in the Daylight (for that was
the name of the steamer), and the brutal
captain,” wrote Commodore Dupont,
“suffered her to be fired upon, and re-
fused to hoist a white flag, notwith-
standing the entreaties of the women.”
Though the soldiers strove in their
flight to destroy, they succeeded in do-
ing but little injury either to the towns
or the railroads, and left behind them a
large supply of munitions of war. Com-
modore Dupont thus expresses his sur-
prise at the facility with which the enemy
had abandoned a place the approaches
to which could have been so easily de-
fended. -
“It is impossible,” he says, “to look
at these preparations for a vigorous de-
fence without being surprised that they
should have been voluntarily deserted.
The batteries on the north and north-
east shores are as complete as art can
make them. * Six are well concealed,
and, protected by ranges of sand-hills in
front, contain, a perfect shelter for the
men, and are so small and thoroughly
covered by the natural growth and by
the varied contours of the land, that to
strike them from the water would be the
mere result of chance. A battery of
six guns, though larger, and affording
, therefore a better mark, is equally well
sheltered and masked. These batteries,
and the heavy guns mounted on Fort
Clinch, command all the turnings of the
main ship channel, and rake an ap-
proaching enemy. Besides them there
was another battery of four guns on the
south end of Cumberland Island, the
fire of which would cross the channel in-
side the bar. The difficulties arising
from the indirectness of the channel and
from the shoalness of the bar would
have added to the defences by keeping
the approaching vessels a long time ex-
posed to fire under great disadvantages;
and when the ships of an enemy had
passed all these defences they would
have to encounter a well-constructed
and naturally masked battery at the
town, which commands the access to the
inner anchorage. We are told that Gen-
eral Lee pronounced the place perfectly
defensible. We are not surprised at
this, if true. We captured Port Royal,
but Fernandina and Fort Clinch have
been given to us.”
Commander S. W. Gordon was dis-
patched with the gun-boats Mohican,
Pocahontas, and Potomska to Bruns-
wick. This sea-port town, the capital
of Glynn County, in the southwest of
Georgia, is situated on the Turtle River.
It has an excellent harbor, and is con-
nected with the interior by the Bruns-
wick and Florida Railroad, of which
it is the eastern terminus. Its distance
from Savannah, with which its connec-
tions by water and rail are intimate, is
only eighty miles. -
Commander Gordon having crossed
the bar and anchored for the night Mar.
in St. Simon's Channel, within two 8.
miles of the forts which guard the en-
trance, proceeded early next morning
to commence operations. The forts,
both considerable works of earth and
sand, on St. Simon's Island and Jekyl's,
being found abandoned, were taken pos-
84
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
session of Gordon sailed with his flo-
tilla toward Brunswick. As he ad-
vanced, the railroad train was seen to
move rapidly away with soldiers, who
fired the dépôts and wharves as they re-
treated. On reaching Brunswick and
sending on shore a landing party of
twenty-five marines and forty-two rifle-
men with two twelve-pounder guns, the
United States flag was hoisted over the
city deserted by its inhabitants. Having
withdrawn the troops and posted a notice
urging the people to return, and prom-
ising protection to the property of all
good citizens, Commander Gordon went
on board his gun-boat and sailed toward
Darien through the inland passage, with
the hope of capturing some of the
enemy's steamers reported to be there.
Delayed in his course by obstructions in
the river, which, however, he removed,
he had the mortification of seeing the
steamers move away at a rapid rate
up the Altamaha River until they were
out of reach. He now returned, aban-
doning his purpose of pushing on to
Darien, which was reported, like Bruns-
wick, to be entirely abandoned by its
inhabitants. A company of horsemen,
however, remained to fire the town,
in case of the approach of the United
States gun-boats. In this extract from
Commander Gordon's report, there is a
simple record of oppression and wretch-
edness which no studied rhetoric can
intensify :
“I have been,” says he, “from one
end of St. Simon's Island to the other.
But one white man is left on it. I saw
him. He is with his aged mother and
little child. He had never been in the
army, refused to leave his house, and
was in mortal dread of our coming, as
'the military had informed him that we
came for the purpose of destroying even
the women and children. We procured
beef for the vessels at his plantation, for
which we paid the price he asked, and
furnished the family with some articles,
such as coffee, salt, etc.—which articles
they had not even seen for months. We
stopped at one or two other plantations
on our way back. All were deserted,
but had been tenanted by the military
at various times, for as late as Novem-
ber some 1,500 troops were quartered
on St. Simon's. We found some of the
places to contain large quantities of cat-
tle ; and at Kind's plantation, not three
miles from this anchorage, we counted .
some fifty head near where we landed.
All the blacks have been removed from
St. Simon's, and at Doboy we met the
only negro seen, who was old and alone
on the place. He had been the father
of thirteen children, but he informed me
that every one had been sold as they
reached about eighteen years of age,
and, as he graphically expresses it, “for
pocket-money for his master.”
Thus far the expedition had been con-
ducted without loss. A boat's crew, how-
ever, while on shore near Brunswick for
the purpose of obtaining cattle, was fired
upon by some of the lurking enemy, and
two men killed and several wounded.
The third expedition was to the St.
John's River, on the coast of Florida.
Here again no resistance was offered,
the enemy flying on the approach of
CAPTURE OF ST. AUGUSTINE. 85
the gun-boats, which pushed up the
Mar, river to Jacksonville.
11,
Commanding T. H. Stevens, in his re-
port, “in reaching Jacksonville with-
out difficulty, and at every house, save
One, found evidences of peaceful demon-
strations and returning reason. On our
arrival at this place, the corporate au-
thorities, through S. L. Burritt, Esq.,
came off with a flag of truce, and gave
up the town. From conversation with
intelligent citizens, I find that the in-
habitants are seeking and waiting for
the protection of our flag; that they do
not fear us, but their own people; and
from the occupation of this important
point I am satisfied, if our opportunities
are improved, great results will follow.
Many of the citizens have fled, many re-
main, and there is reason to believe
most of them will return. I have just
heard that the municipal government
has been restored.” -
Some valuable saw-mills, and a hotel
at Jacksonville,” were burned by the
retreating enemy.
Commodore Dupont proceeded in per-
Mar, son to St. Augustine, on the coast
II of Florida, south of the mouth of
St. John's River. “I immediately,” he
says, “sent on shore Commander C. R.
P. Rodgers with a flag of truce, having
reason to believe that if there were any
people on this coast likely to remain in
* General Hunter, desiring to concentrate his forces,
withdrew, early in April, the 1,500 troops under General
Wright, who had been stationed at Jacksonville by Gen-
eral Sherman. With them came a considerable body of
loyal citizens who feared to remain without the protection
of a United States military force.
“We succeeded,” says Lieut.-
their houses, it would be at St. Au-
gustine.”
The Commodore's anticipations proved
to be well-founded, as will be seen by
this interesting report of Commander
Rodgers : -
“I approached,” he says, “St. Au-
gustine under a flag of truce, and as I
drew near the city a white flag was raised
upon one of the bastions of Fort Macon.
Landing at the wharf, and inquiring for
the chief authority, I was soon joined
by the mayor and conducted to the city
hall, where the municipal authorities
were assembled. I informed them that,
having come to restore the authority of
the United States, you had deemed it
more kind to send a manned boat to in-
form the citizens of your determination
than to occupy the town at once by force
of arms; that you were desirous to calm
all apprehensions of harsh treatment that
might exist in their minds, and that you
should carefully respect the persons and
property of all citizens who submitted to
the authority of the United States; that
you had a single purpose : to restore
the state of affairs which existed before
the rebellion. I informed the municipal
authorities that so long as they respected
the authority of the government we
serve, and acted in good faith, municipal
affairs would be left in their own hands,
so far as might be consistent with the
exigencies of the times. The mayor and
council then informed me that the place
had been evacuated the preceding night
by two companies of Florida troops, and
that they gladly received the assurances
I gave them, and placed the city in my
94
86
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
hands. I recommended them to hoist
the flag of the Union at once, and in
prompt accordance with the advice, by
order of the mayor, the national ensign
was displayed from the flag-staff of the
fort. The mayor proposed to turn over
to me the five cannon mounted at the
fort, which are in good condition and
not spiked, and also the few munitions
of war left by the retreating enemy. I
desired to take charge of them for the
present, to make careful inventories and
establish a patrol and guard, informing
him that he would be held responsible
for the place until our force should enter
the harbor. I called upon the clergy-
men of the city, requesting them to re-
assure their people, and to confide in our
kind intentions toward them. About fif-
teen hundred persons remain in St. Au-
gustine, about one-fifth of the inhabitants
having fled. I believe that there are
many citizens who are earnestly at-
tached to the Union, a large number
who are silently opposed to it, and a
still larger number who care very little
about the matter. I think that nearly
all the men acquiesce in the condition
of affairs we are now establishing.
There is much violent and pestilent
feeling among the women. They seem
to mistake treason for courage, and
have a theatrical desire to figure as
heroines. Their minds have doubtless
been filled with the falsehoods so indus-
triously circulated in regard to the lust
and hatred of our troops. On the might
before our arrival, a party of women
assembled in front of the barracks and
cut down the flag-staff, in order that it
might not be used to support the old
flag. The men seemed anxious to con-
ciliate in every way.
“There is a great scarcity of provi-
sions in the place. There seems to be
no money except the wretched paper
currency of the rebellion, and much pov-
erty exists. -º
“In the water battery at the fort are
three fine army thirty-two pounders of
7,000 pounds, and two eight-inch sea-
coast howitzers of 5,600 pounds, with
shot and some powder. There are a
number of very old guns in the fort use-
less and not mounted. Several good
guns were taken away some months
ago to arm batteries at other harbors.
The garrison of the place went from St.
Augustine at midnight on the 10th for
Smyrna, where are said to be about 800
troops, a battery, the steamer Carolina,
and a considerable quantity of arms and
ammunition. -
“It is very positively stated that the
Governor has ordered the abandonment
of East Florida, and proposes to make a
stand near Apalachicola.”
After thus obtaining possession of
St. Augustine, Commodore Dupont dis-
patched the Penguin, Acting Lieutenant
Budd, and the Henry Andrew, Acting
Master S. W. Mather, to Mosquito In-
let, on the Florida coast, forty-one miles
south of the former place. The object
of the expedition was to establish “an
inside blockade, capture any rebel ves-
sels there, and guard from incendiarism
large quantities of live-oak timber on
the government land, cut and ready for
shipment.”
CAPTURE OF APALACHICOLA.
87
Commodore Dupont followed the ex-
pedition in his flag-ship, the Wabash,
Mar, and on arriving at Mosquito Inlet
** was met with a report of operations,
which we give in his own words:
“I was boarded,” he says, “by the ex-
ecutive officer of the Penguin, and inform-
ed that Lieutenant Commanding Budd,
with Acting-Master Mather, had organ-
ized an expedition from the two vessels,
and had moved southward through the
inland passage, leading into Mosquito
lagoon, passing Smyrna with four or
five light boats, carrying in all some
forty-three men. Soon after this report,
which I heard with anxiety, the results
were developed. It appears that after
going some fifteen or eighteen miles
without any incident, and while on their
return and within sight of the Henry
Andrew, the order of the line being no
longer observed, the two commanding
officers, quite in advance, landed under
certain earth-works which had been
abandoned or never armed, near a
dense grove of live oak with underbrush.
A heavy and continuous fire was unex-
pectedly opened upon them from both
these covers. Lieutenant Commanding
Budd and Acting Master Mather, with
three of the five men composing the
boat's crew, were killed. The remaining
two men were wounded, and made pris-
oners. As the other boats came up,
they were also fired into, and suffered
more or less. The rear boat of all had
a howitzer, which, however, could not
be properly secured or worked, the
boat not being fitted for the purpose,
and could therefore be of little use.
The men had to seek cover on shore;
but as soon as it was dark, Acting Mas-
ter's Mate McIntosh returned to the
boats, brought away the body of one of
the crew who had been killed, all the
arms, ammunition, and flags, threw the
howitzer into the river, passed close to
the rebel pickets, who hailed, but elic-
ited no reply, and arrived safely on
board the Henry Andrew.
“On hearing of this untoward event,
I directed Commander Rogers to send
off the launch and cutters of this ship
to the support of the Andrew. The
boats crossed the bar at midnight, and
the next morning the vessel was hauled
close up to the scene of the late attack,
but no enemy could be discovered.”
The bodies of the two commanders
were returned with a flag of truce, and
“a Captain Bird, who had come from
a camp at a distance,” adds Dupont,
“made some show of courtesy by re-
turning papers and a watch, as if
ashamed of this mode of warfare ; for
these were the very troops that, with
sufficient force, means, and material for
a respectable defence, had ingloriously
fled from St. Augustine on our ap-
proach.” -
Apalachicola, like the other points on
the coast of Florida, was, on the ap-
proach of the Union gun-boats, Merce-
dita, Commander Stillwagen, and the
Sagamore, Lieutenant Drake, deserted
by the enemy. No resistance was made
by the inhabitants, of whom there April
were found but 542 out of the 2.
original population of 3,500. The town
was found to be suffering greatly from
S8
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
want of provisions; “there was not a
pound of flour in the place, no sugar,”
and hardly food enough to keep the few
people remaining from starving.
These easy conquests on the coast of
Florida were accompanied by an expres-
sion of returning loyalty on the part of
the few inhabitants left. At Jackson-
ville, in response to a conciliatory proc-
lamation of General Sherman, a “meet-
ing of the loyal citizens” was held, and
resolutions passed denouncing the un-
constitutional proceedings by which the
State of Florida had been wrested from
the Union. The mayor of the city, how-
ever, qualified these indications of a
Union sentiment by this singular expo-
sition of passive obedience:
“The duty has been imposed upon
me,” he said, “by the corporate author-
ities of the city of Jacksonville, of an-
nouncing to you that the place and its
immediate vicinity are without any mili-
tary defence, or protection, and that, so
far as is known or believed, no resist-
ance is meditated or will be offered to
your invasion at this point. It is but
candid to say, however, and it will not
surprise you to be told, that there is a
singular unanimity of sentiment, not
Only in this place, but throughout the
whole State, upon the subject of the
war. It is believed to be unwise, un-
provoked, and unjust. We say this to
obviate, if possible, misconstruction, and
for the purpose of avoiding hereafter
any imputation of a design to mislead.
Whatever may be the sentiments of the
citizens of this place, we repeat that no
resistance will be made. If the preser-
vation of order should be left with the
city government, it will be rigidly en-
forced. It is, perhaps, to be lamented
that the great body of our citizens, of
all ages and sexes, distrusting the policy
which a military occupation of the place
by an enemy might dictate, have left it.
Those who have remained have done so
in confidence that the rules of civilized
warfare would afford ample protection
both to the persons and property of
those who were defenceless.”
Another great combined expedition
of naval and military forces had been
long in preparation to operate against
New Orleans. Large numbers of troops
had been accumulating at the rendez-
vous on Ship Island, under the command
of General Butler, and a great fleet of
gun and mortar boats, constructed and
fitted out at the navy yards of the North,
had sailed early in March, under Com-
mander David Porter, to take part in the
contemplated movement.
Notwithstanding the repulses met by
the reconnoitring forces from Ship Isl-
and, in their attempt to land at Biloxi
and Mississippi City, and the great prep-
arations made by the enemy, through
works of defence, armed gun-boats, and
the mustering of troops, to protect New
Orleans and its approaches, the Union-
ists felt confident that their powerful
naval and military expeditions would
Soon overcome all obstacles, however
imposing.
APPEARANCE OF THE MERRIMAC.
89
C EIA P T E R. X.
History and description of the Merrimac.—Great fears artfully allayed.—Ruse of the Enemy.—Sudden appearance
of the Merrimac.—Alarm created.—Attack upon the Union Fleet.—Destruction of the Cumberland and Congress.
—Gallantry of the Union sailors.-Flying the Flag to the last.—Description of the Congress and Cumberland.—
The escape of the Minnesota.-A night of anxious expectation.—A sudden relief.-Arrival of the Monitor.—De-
scription of the Monitor.—Reappearance of the Merrimac.—Encounter with the Monitor.—Van Brunt's description
of the conflict.—The Merrimac beaten off-Return to Norfolk.--Results of the struggle.—Comparative losses.—
The impregnability of the Monitor.—Her Commander wounded.—Great public inquietude. —What the Merrimac
might do.
No event of the war excited so great
an interest as the appearance of
the enemy's iron-clad man-of-war
Virginia, in Hampton Roads, and her
1862,
attack upon the Union blockading squad-
ron. The “Wirginia” was formerly the
United States steam frigate Merrimac,
which fell into the hands of the in-
surgents of Virginia when the Norfolk
Navy Yard was abandoned by the Fed-
eral officers. An attempt had been made,
by scuttling and sinking, to destroy her,
but the enemy had succeeded, in raising
the hull, repairing the machinery, and
by reconstruction, in rendering the for-
mer Merrimac a most formidable vessel
of war. Her hull was cut down to
within three feet of the water-mark,
and a bomb-proof shield of heavy tim-
ber plated with bars of railroad iron,
three inches thick, was built so as to
cover her gun-deck, like the gabled roof
of a house. Without masts, nothing was
left exposed above but her smoke-stack
and pilot-house. Fore and aft she was
strengthened with solid oak and plated
with thick steel. To her bows, moreover,
was affixed a “ram” of steel, something
like the shear of a plough, for the pur-
pose of piercing or running down ves-
sels. Though the Merrimac was origin-
ally mounted with forty guns, twelve
cannon only were placed on board of her,
but these were of the most formidable
character. On each side she carried
eleven-inch navy guns, and at the bow
and stern two one-hundred pounders,
supposed to be of English manufacture.
These cannon projected from port-holes
opening through the iron mail, within
which the artillerists, while loading and
firing, could remain under cover. This
novel war-machine had been long pre-
paring, and although at one time there
had been alarming rumors at the North
of its formidable character, these had
been allayed by the artful statement of
the Southern newspapers, that “the
Merrimac was a failure.” -
About one o'clock in the day, observ-
ers at Fortress Monroe saw a strange Mar,
object, “looking like a submerged 8.
house with the roof only above water,”
moving down from Norfolk, by the chan-
90
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
nel in front of Sewall's Point. Signal
guns were at once fired from the Union
batteries and by the ships Cumberland
and Congress, lying off and blockading
the James River, to give warning to the
rest of the United States squadron.
It was soon evident that the strange
object was the Merrimac, which, confi-
dent in the security of her iron mail,
had come out, accompanied by two
Small gun-boats, to make an assault
upon our formidable fleet of men-of-
war. She moved steadily and silently
on with her ports closed, steering di-
rectly for the Cumberland and Congress,
two sailing vessels of war lying off the
mouth of the James River, and as she
came within range, the latter opened
fire upon her with her heavy guns, but
the balls, as they struck, glanced off,
“having no more effect than peas from
a pop-gun.”
As the Merrimac continued to ap-
proach the Cumberland and Congress
on one side, the steamers Yorktown and
Jamestown, or Patrick Henry (as she was
then called), two other vessels of which
the enemy had become possessed by the
fatal abandonment of the navy yard at
Norfolk, came, followed by a small gun-
boat, down the James River, where they
had been long closed in by the blockade,
..and opened fire upon the other. The
Federal batteries at Newport News
strove, by a heavy cannonade, but in
vain, to prevent the approach of the
Yorktown and Jamestown. The Merri-
mac, in the mean time, kept steadily on
her course, making, after giving the
Congress a broadside, directly for the
Cumberland. When within a hundred
yards of her, she and her consort, the
Congress, “rained full broadsides on
the iron-clad monster that took no
effect, glancing upwards and flying
off.” The progress of the Merrimac
seemed, however, for a moment to be
arrested, and she “slowed” an instant,
as if stunned by the shock. She soon
recovered her momentum, and moved,
“head on,” for the Cumberland, which
she struck with her steel prow, about
midships, “literally laying open her
sides.” The Merrimac now drew off
and firing a broadside into the doomed
vessel, again darted against her, and
completely crushing in her side, left her
to sink.” The monster now turned her
attention to the Congress, about a quar-
ter of a mile distant, which had, in the
mean time, been engaged with the
Jamestown and Yorktown. The Con-
gress, thus beset, losing her commander,
and dreading the fate of her consort,
made for the beach, where she grounded,
and after being raked fore and aft by
the Merrimac, hauled down her colors.
The Jamestown now boarded her, and
took off some officers as prisoners. The
enemy, however, were driven off by the
Union batteries on shore, which set fire
to the vessel, and she was burned to the
water's edge. The Cumberland was a
sloop-of-war of 1,725 tons burthen, and
carried twenty-four guns. She was built
at the Charlestown Navy Yard in 1842,
and was consequently twenty years old.
o “The operations of the Merrimac on the Cumberland
were performed,” says the Norfolk Day Book, “in the short
space of fifteen minutes.”
DESTRUCTION OF THE CUMBERLAND. 91
She was, however, considered one of the
most effective of the wooden sailing ves-
sels of war in the navy. At the time of
her destruction by the Merrimac, she
was temporarily in command of First
Lieutenant George W. Morris, who
fought his ship with great gallantry,
firing the guns as she was sinking, and
keeping his flag flying to the last.*
With the Cumberland went down a
large number of men, and the killed and
drowned amounted to nearly a hundred
and fifty. -
The Congress was a sailing frigate,
built at Kittery Navy Yard in 1841,
and thus at the time of her loss was
twenty-one years old. Her burthen
was 1,867 tons, and she carried fifty
guns. Her commander, Smith, fell
before she surrendered. During the
conflict she had seven killed and ten
wounded, while some twenty-three were
taken prisoners. The whole loss of the
enemy, according to their own account,
was nine killed and twelve wounded,
among whom was Captain Franklin
Buchanan, formerly an officer in the
United States Navy, who commanded
the Merrimac, and the first lieutenant.
When the Merrimac was first seen to
approach, the Minnesota, the St. Law-
rence, and the Roanoke, anchored in
Hampton Roads, strove to join in the
engagement. The steamer Minnesota,
however, got aground within a mile and
a half of Newport News, while moving
to the scene of conflict, and when in this
comparatively helpless condition, the en-
emy, after engaging the forts, attacked
* The pilot gave this graphic account of the action :
“As soon as the Merrimac got within one mile of the
Cumberland we opened fire upon her from our ten-inch
pivot guns and our rifled cannon. Some of the shots
struck her, and others passed and fell short. She paid no
attention whatever to our firing until she got near up to
the Congress, when she fired into her. The Congress im-
mediately returned the compliment by discharging a
whole broadside, followed by another. She continued on
her course, still firing at the Congress, but seeming not to
Care much for her, and on coming much nearer passed by
her and made direct for the Cumberland, under a full
head of steam. On approaching sufficiently near she fired
one shot at us, which killed five men and cut away our
main rigging, hammock netting, etc. The Cumberland
at Once replied by firing into her most vigorously. The
Merrimac then drew off for a short distance, rounded to
and run into us, striking us on the port bow, backing off
again and firing into us rapidly. We continued all the
while pouring shot and shell against her from our nine-
inch guns and ten-inch pivots, without producing any effect
on her whatever. The Cumberland now began to sink.
The iron monster had only ran into us once, and still we
knew that there was no chance at all of saving the vessel.
Although in this dangerous and momently sinking condi-
tion, the men and officers nobly stood their ground. The
Merrimac continued all this while firing occasional shots
into us, killing four or five men at every shot. The cock-
pit was soon filled with wounded men, and poor fellows
maimed for life were scattered over the upper, gun, and
berth decks. Still our men continued working and fight-
ing their guns in the most gallant manner. Our forward
magazine was soon filled with the water which was rush-
ing into the ship, so that it became entirely useless. The
best order, under the circumstances, prevailed, but the
cries of the wounded were dreadful. At one time a shell
burst through the sick bay or hospital, killing four men
who were on the sick list, and unable to report for duty.
At last the water rushed into the gun-deck ports, and it
was seen that the ship would not float much longer. She
was now all down by the head, and going fast to the
bottom. The boats were therefore ordered out, and with
difficulty brought alongside. It was, however, almost im-
her. -
“At four P.M., the Merrimac, York-
town, and Patrick Henry,” says Captain
possible for the men to get from the gun-deck to the spar-
deck, but some of them climbed into the rigging, and
others sprang overboard as the ship was settling out of
sight. Everybody was naturally endeavoring to reach
the boats; some fifty or sixty men were seen floating and
swimming about, catching at spars. The rule now was,
every one for himself. Quite a number were crushed by
the after pivot gun, which rolled about in a dangerous
manner.”
92
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Van Brunt, “bore down upon my vessel.
Very fortunately the iron battery drew
too much water to come within a mile
of us. She took a position on my star-
board bow, but did not fire with accu-
racy, and only one shot passed through
the ship's bow. The other two steamers
took their position on my port bow and
stern, and their fire did most damage in
killing and wounding men, inasmuch as
they fired with rifled guns; but with
the heavy gun that I could bring to
bear upon them I drove them off, one
of them apparently in a crippled state.
I fired upon the Merrimac with my ten-
inch pivot gun without any apparent
effect, and at seven P.M. she, too, hauled
off, and all three vessels steamed toward
Norfolk.”
The Roanoke having a shaft broken,
was towed toward the scene of the con-
flict, but after getting within two miles,
turned back. The St. Lawrence engaged
the Jamestown for awhile, and exchanged
broadsides with the Merrimac, but got
aground; she was towed off in safety.
The gun and tug boats, while aiding the
larger vessels, and after being more or
less exposed to the enemy's fire, were
also forced to retire. Thus ended the
first day's work of the formidable Mer-
rimac, whose early reappearance was ex-
pected and awaited with great anxiety.
In the mean time, however, there had
arrived at Fortress Monroe the Monitor.
This was the floating battery designed
by Captain Ericsson, a Swedish en-
gineer, who had been long a resident
of New York, and become notable
for his ingenious inventions, among
which that of the caloric engine is the
best known. The Monitor was built
and launched at Greenpoint, Long Isl-
land, in one hundred days. Her plan,
which was designed by Ericsson, was
claimed to be wholly original. The ves-
sel was constructed with two hulls, an
upper and lower one. The latter, which
was entirely submerged below the water
and protected by the former, was built of
three-eighth inch iron, with an average
thickness of three-quarters of an inch.
Its length was a hundred and twenty-four
feet, and its breadth where it was attached
to the upper hull, thirty-four feet; from
this it inclined toward the keel, so that
a ball could not strike it without passing
through twenty-five feet of water, and at
an angle of about ten degrees. The up-
per hull was a hundred and seventy-four
feet long, forty-one feet and four inches
wide, and five feet deep. It thus pro-
jected beyond the lower hull at each end
twenty-five feet, and extended over its
sides three feet seven inches. The sides -
of the upper hull were vertical, built with
bulwarks of white oak, thirty inches
thick, lined with iron half an inch thick,
and covered on the outside with solid
plate iron, six inches in thickness, which
enveloped the whole vessel to a depth
of five feet. The draft of the structure
in the water was barely ten feet, and its
sides rose only eighteen inches above the
surface. The propeller, rudder, anchor,
and machinery were protected within the
iron mail of the upper hull.
The deck was shell proof, and upon it
rose a cylindrical turret, to hold the
guns and those who served them. Its
THE MONITOR. 93
height was nine feet, and its diameter
within twenty feet. It had two port-
holes, both on the same side, armed with
two eleven-inch columbiads, and was so
constructed and arranged with machin-
ery that it could revolve fifteen times in
a minute. The revolving turret was com-
posed of a rolled iron skeleton, one inch
in thickness, to which were riveted and
bolted eight laminae of rolled plates,
each one inch thick. These plates were
very accurately fitted up, the seams were
vertical, and the joints so arranged as
not to come in the same line. The top
was made bomb-proof by being covered
with a bomb-proof roof placed six inches
down in the cylinder. An additional iron
shield of two inches strengthened the
side pierced by the port-holes, and which
was most exposed to fire. Two enormous
wrought-iron pendulums were so arrang-
ed that when the gun recoiled they would
Swing by and effectually close the port-
holes. The vessel was along oval in shape,
with a clear deck without a rail, and hav-
ing nothing above it except the revolving
turret and the angular pilot-house, which
could be lowered in action. The issue of
the Smoke and steam was through a pipe,
which was so arranged as to shut in like
an ordinary telescope, while its outer
aperture was covered with a bomb-proof
grating, which likewise protected the ven-
tilators. In the construction of this for-
midable machine, Ericsson seemed to have
succeeded in solving the problem of ob-
taining the greatest possible buoyancy
with the smallest area of target. The
cost of the Monitor was two hundred
and seventy-five thousand dollars, only
about an eighth of that of the famous
English iron-clad Warrior. This sum
was advanced by private citizens, confi-
dent that the genius of Ericsson would
triumph over the severe conditions im-
posed by the Government, that his work
should only be accepted and paid for
after it had proved its efficiency by the
test of success. To this trial it was des-
tined soon to be submitted, with a result
which is now to be related.
The Monitor,” after a stormy voyage
from New York, during which her capa-
bilities as a sea-vessel were seriously
tried, reached Fortress Monroe at nine
o'clock in the night of that memo- Mar,
rable day's havoc by the Merrimac. 8:
Her opportune arrival, which seemed
like an interposition of Providence, was
hailed with a grateful welcome by all,
stricken as they were with awe at the
tragic assault of the Merrimac, and the
prospect of its reappearance.
“The day closed, indeed,” wrote an
observer at Fortress Monroe, “with sad-
ness in the hearts of our officers, besides
having the fact resting on their minds,
that the hostile machine that had just
made such murderous work had only
retired apparently to recruit itself, and
then return to complete the destruc-
tion she had so auspiciously commenced,
having the floating vessels here at her
mercy. While despondency settled on
many brows, and conjectures were rife
as to where the Merrimac would direct
her attention the next day, a gleam of
hope arose. At eight o'clock in the
evening, a bright, 'movable light was
* The Monitor subsequently foundered at sea.
95
94
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
discovered seaward coming from the di-
rection of Cape Charles light. It being
known that the Ericsson battery had
left New York a few days previous, sur-
mises were rife that this light might
proceed from the deck. The best night
telescopes were brought into requisi-
tion, and in less than half an hour after
it first hove in sight the fact was circu-
lated that the Ericsson battery was com-
ing up the Roads. The news spread
like wildfire ; the ramparts in the fort
were soon lined with troops. At nine
o'clock the Monitor anchored off Fort-
ress Monroe. Lieutenant Commanding
Worden immediately reported to Flag-
Officer Marston, and subsequently to
General Wool. It was at once deter-
mined by those officers to send the bat-
tery to Newport News, to protect that
port ; also to defend the Minnesota,
which was still on shore. Before she
started on her mission, an additional
supply of ammunition was placed on
board, and at half-past eleven o'clock
the Monitor went on her mission, to
await the appearance of things the fol-
lowing day. The arrival of the Monitor
was, indeed, providential.”
At two A.M. on the morning of March
9th, the Monitor went alongside of the
Minnesota, which had become more and
more imbedded in the mud bank, where
she had grounded on the evening before,
and apparently lay at the mercy of the
dreaded Merrimac. The arrival of the
Monitor was a joyful event. “Then
all aboard,” says Captain Van Brunt,
“felt that we had a friend that would
stand by us in our hour of trial.”
The next morning opened with the
prospect of a fair day. A slight Mar,
haze, as the sun rose, limited the 9.
eager gaze of all observers toward Nor-
folk. At half-past six o'clock, however,
the morning cleared, and off Sewall's
Point could be seen the Merrimac with
the Patrick Henry and Yorktown, and
Some hovering gun and tug boats, again
advancing to the attack. A fluttering
at once occurred among the transports
hūrrying to a place of safety up the
Chesapeake. On the Minnesota, to
which the enemy seemed to be directing
their course, there was a busy but calm
preparation for the encounter, while the
little Monitor, lying quietly by her side,
and hardly visible in the shadow of the
towering bulwarks of her consort, was
unmoved in the confidence of her concen-
trated and impregnable strength.
The conflict which ensued is best told
in Captain Van Brunt's own words:
“At six A.M. the enemy again ap-
peared coming down from Craney Isl- -
and,” he says, “and I beat to quarters,
but they ran păst my ship and were
heading for Fortress Monroe, and the
retreat was beaten to allow my men to
get something to eat. The Merrimac
ran down near the Rip Raps and then
turned into the channel, through which
I had come. Again all hands were
called to quarters, and opened upon her
with my stern guns and made signal to
the Monitor to attack the enemy. She
immediately ran down in my wake, right
within the range of the Merrimac, com-
pletely covering my ship as far as was
possible with her diminutive dimensions,
THE FIGHT. 95
and, much to my astonishment, laid her-
self right alongside of the Merrimac,
and the contrast was that of a pigmy to
a giant. Gun after gun was fired by
the Monitor, which was returned with
whole broadsides from the rebels, with
no more effect apparently than so many
pebble-stones thrown by a child. After
a while they commenced manoeuvring,
and we could see the little battery point
her bow for the rebels, with the inten-
tion, as I thought, of sending a shot
through her bow port-hole, then she
would shoot by her and rake her through
her stern. In the mean time, the rebels
were pouring broadside after broadside,
but almost all her shot flew over the lit-
tle submerged propeller; and when they
struck the bomb-proof tower, the shot
glanced off without producing any effect,
clearly establishing the fact, that wooden
vessels cannot contend successfully with
iron-clad ones, for never before was any-
thing like it dreamed of by the greatest
enthusiast in maritime warfare. The
Merrimac, finding that she could make
nothing of the Monitor, turned her at-
tention once more to me in the morn-
ing. She had put one eleventh-inch
shot under my counter near the water-
line, and now on her second approach I
opened upon her with all my broadside
guns and ten-inch pivot—a broadside
which would have blown out of water
any timber-built ship in the world. She
returned my fire with her rifled bow
gun with a shell which passed through
the chief engineer's state-room, through
the engineer's mess-room amidships, and
burst in the boatswain's room, tearing
four rooms all into one, in its passage
exploding two charges of powder, which
set the ship on fire, but it was promptly,
extinguished by a party headed by
my first lieutenant. Her second went
through the boiler of the tug-boat
Dragon, exploding it and causing some
consternation on board my ship for the
moment, until the matter was explained.
This time I had concentrated upon her
an incessant fire from my gun-deck, spar-
deck, and forecastle pivot guns, and was
informed by my marine officer, who was
stationed on the poop, that at least fifty
solid shot struck her on her slanting side
without producing any apparent effect.
By the time she had fired her third shell,
the little Monitor had come down upon
her, placing herself between us, and
compelled her to change her position, in
doing which she grounded, and again I
poured into her all the guns which could
be brought to bear upon her. As soon
as she got off she stood down the bay,
the little battery chasing her with all
speed, when suddenly the Merrimac
turned round and ran full speed into
her antagonist. For a moment I was
anxious, but instantly I saw a shot
plunge into the iron roof of the Merri-
mac, which surely must have damaged
her, for some time after the rebels con-
centrated their whole battery upon the
tower and pilot-house of the Monitor,
and soon after the latter stood down for
Fortress Monroe, and we thought it
probable she had exhausted her supply
of ammunition or sustained some injury.
Soon after, the Merrimac and the two
other steamers headed for my ship, and
96 THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
I then felt to the fullest extent my con-
dition. I was hard and immovably
aground, and they could take position
under my stern and rake me. I had ex-
pended most of my solid shot, and my
ship was badly crippled and my officers
and men were worn out with fatigue ;
but even in this extreme dilemma I de-
termined never to give up the ship to
the rebels, and after consulting my offi-
cers, I ordered every preparation to be
made to destroy the ship after all hope
was gone to save her. On ascending the
poop-deck, I observed that the enemy's
vessels had changed their course and
were heading for Craney Island ; then I
determined to lighten the ship by throw-
ing overboard my eight-inch guns, hoist-
ing out provisions, starting water, etc.
At two P.M. I proceeded to make an-
other attempt to save the ship by the
use of a number of powerful tugs and
the steamer S. R. Spaulding—kindly
sent to my assistance by Captain Tal-
madge, quartermaster at Fortress Mon-
roe — and succeeded in dragging her
half a mile distant, and then she was
again immovable, the tide having fallen.”
Next morning the Minnesota was
got off, and anchored opposite Fortress
Monroe.
Beaten off by the little Monitor, the
Merrimac, accompanied by her consorts,
returned to Norfolk with the conscious-
ness that in her second day's encounter
she had met with more than her equal.
She was reported by negro refugees to be
much damaged. “One shot,” it was said,
“from the Cumberland riddled her, and
: le shot from the Monitor went through
her port-hole and dismounted two guns.”
In the enemy's official report it was
stated, “Two of our guns had the muz-
zles shot off. The prow was twisted,
and the armor somewhat damaged by
her encounter with the Cumberland.”
The boiler of the Patrick Henry, one of
her consorts, was reported to have been
pierced by a ball, and two men killed
and others scalded. The enemy, in
their published accounts, claimed to
have had on the Virginia or Merrimac
only two killed and eight wounded ;
among the latter Captain Buchanan, in-
jured on the first day—and succeeded in
command on the second by Captain Ap-
Catesby Jones—and Lieutenant Minor;
while they declared that the vessel itself
was uninjured. Though the Unionists
believed her to be damaged, her reap.
pearance was dreaded, and formidable
preparations were made to receive her.
On the rest of the enemy's vessels there
were, as they averred, only five killed
and nine wounded.
The Monitor came out of the fight
without injury, and with scarcely a mark
of having been in the struggle. On the
tower and hull there were left some
slight indentations and breaks in the
paint, showing where a score of balls
had struck. Most of these were on the
upper hull, which seemed to have been
the chief aim of the enemy, in the belief
that there was some vulnerable point
near or below the water-mark. The in-
dentations at this part were not deep,
but at one point there was a slight frac-
ture of the end of the iron sheathing.
The ball which struck the pilot-house
THIRTY SEVENTH CONGRESS.
97
merely shattered the cement, a particle
of which was driven into the eye of
Commander Worden, who was thus for
some time disabled for service. The
total loss on board the Minnesota and
the tug-boat Whitehall, which had gone
to her assistance, was six killed and
twenty wounded. -
Notwithstanding the belief that the
Monitor, which remained on guard at
Fortress Monroe, was more than a match
for the Merrimac, great public inquiet-
ude was created by the performance of
that vessel. The fact that the enemy
were still in possession of so formi-
dable a machine, and were building
others, made it manifest that provision
should be made to prevent further disas-
ter. Congress at once voted a large
sum for the construction of iron-clad
batteries and ships, and the various
governments of the northern sea-board
States hastened to provide defences of
a similar kind for their harbors, lest the
formidable Merrimac, or some other such
structure, should, in spite of blockading
fleets and stone forts, enter the large
commercial ports, destroy their throngs
of ships, bombard the cities, and exact
millions of tribute. -
C. H. A. P. T. E. R. X. I.
Session of the Thirty-seventh Congress.—President's Message.—Report of the Secretary of the Navy.—Report of the Sec
retary of War.—Report of the Secretary of the Treasury.—Action of Congress-Unanimity.—Tax Bills.—Treasury
Note Bill.—Expulsion of Disloyal Members.--Expulsion of Senator Bright.—Exposure of Corruption.—Resignation
of Secretary Cameron.—Appointment of Stanton.—Action on Slavery.—Emancipation and Confiscation.—Inaugura-
tion of the “Permanent Government” of the Southern Confederacy.—Imposing Ceremonies.—Message of Jefferson
Davis.—Action of Confederate Congress-Great efforts of the Enemy.—Devotion.—Sacrifices of the People.
THE first session of the Thirty-seventh
1861,
December, and on the next day the
President sent in his message. Although
Dec, there had been in the capture of
3. Slidell and Mason, in the com-
bined expedition to Mexico, of England,
France, and Spain, and the seizure of
St. Domingo by the latter power, ap-
parent causes of complication in the re-
lations of the United States with for-
eign nations, Mr. Lincoln avoided all di-
rect allusion to these important events.
Congress commenced on the 2d of
The reference to our foreign relations was
of the most general character. In one
paragraph the President declared that
“the disloyal citizens who have offered
the ruin of our country in return for the
aid and comfort which they have invok-
ed abroad, have received less patronage
and encouragement than they probably
expected.” This he accounted for on the
ground, that foreign nations had dis-
covered that they had more to gain
from the Union in its integrity than
from its dismembered parts. In another
98
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
paragraph he recommended that ample
measures be taken for coast and lake de-
fences, “since it is apparent that here,
as in every other state, foreign dangers
necessarily attend domestic difficulties.”
In regard to internal communications,
the President recommended, as a “mili-
tary measure,” that the “ loyal regions
of eastern and western North Carolina
should be connected with Kentucky and
other faithful parts of the Union by rail-
road.”
“The resources from all sources,” he
stated, “including loans for the financial
year ending on the 30th of June, 1861,
were $86,835,900 27, and the expendi-
tures for the same period, including pay-
ments on account of the public debt,
were $84,578,034 47, leaving a balance
in the Treasury on the 1st of July, of
$2,257,065 80 for the first quarter of
the financial year ending on the 30th of
September, 1861. The receipts from
all sources, including the balance of
July 1, were $102,532,509 27, and the
expenses $98,239,733 09, leaving a bal-
ance on the 1st of October, 1861, of
$4,292,776 18.” g
He at the same time expressed his
gratification “to know that the expenses
made necessary by the rebellion are not
beyond the resources of the loyal peo-
ple, and to believe that the same patri-
otism which has thus far sustained the
Government will continue to sustain it
till peace and union shall again bless the
land.”
For the purpose of administering
justice in the insurgent States or Terri-
tories which might be restored to Fed-
eral authority by civil or military means,
he expressed the hope that Congress
would devise a plan, not of a “perma-
nent institution,” but “a temporary sub-
stitute, to cease as soon as the ordinary
courts can be re-established in peace.”
His sole allusion to the slaves was in
regard to those who, by the act of Con-
gress or of the States, should be for-
feited, and for these he recommended
that some system of colonization should
be adopted.
His view of the policy to be pursued
in suppressing the insurrection was thus
defined by the President :
“I have been anxious and careful,”
he said, “that the inevitable conflict for
this purpose shall not degenerate into a
violent and remorseless revolutionary
struggle. I have, therefore, in every
case, thought it proper to keep the in-
tegrity of the Union prominent as the
primary object of the contest on our
part, leaving all questions which are not
of vital military importance to the more
deliberate action of the Legislature. In
the exercise of my best discretion, I
have adhered to the blockade of the
ports held by the insurgents instead of
putting in force by proclamation the
law of Congress enacted at the late ses-
sion for closing those ports. So also,
obeying the dictates of prudence as well
as the obligations of law, instead of
transcending, I have adhered to the act
of Congress to confiscate property, and
for insurrectionary purposes. If a new
law upon the same subject shall be pro-
posed, its propriety will be duly con-
sidered. The Union must be preserved.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
99
and hence all disposable means must
be employed. We should not be in
haste to determine that radical and ex-
treme measures, which may reach the
loyal as well as the disloyal, are indis-
pensable.” t
After an exposition of the immense
development of the United States in
population and resources, the President
closed with this view of the future
grandeur of the country and an appeal
to the patriotism of the people to se-
cure it : * !
“There are already among us those
who, if the Union be preserved, will
live to see it contain 250,000,000. The
struggle of to-day is not altogether for
to-day. It is for a vast future, also.
With a firm reliance on Providence, all
the more firm and earnest, let us pro-
ceed in the great task which events have
devolved upon us.” º
The Secretary of the Navy, in his re-
port, was less reticent on the great ques-
tions which agitated the country. Of
the capture of Slidell and Mason he did
not hesitate to express his approbation.
“The prompt and decisive action of
Captain Wilkes on this occasion,” he
said, “merited and received the em-
phatic approval of the Department, and
if a too generous forbearance was ex-
hibited by him in not capturing the ves-
sel which had these rebel emissaries on
board, it may, in view of the special cir-
cumstances, and of its patriotic motives,
be excused ; but it must by no means
be permitted to constitute a precedent
hereafter for the treatment of any case
of similar infraction of neutral obliga-
tions by foreign vessels engaged in com-
merce or the carrying trade.”
In regard to the obstruction of the
ports of the insurgent States, by sinking
in the channels vessels laden with stone,
he declared that “this, if effectually
done, will prove the most economical
and satisfactory method of interdicting
commerce at those points.”
As proof of the efficiency of our
cruisers, the Secretary of the Navy stat-
ed that one hundred and fifty-three ves-
sels had been captured while sailing
under various flags.
His statement of the naval force, and
estimates of its cost, were as follows:
\
- OLD NAVY.
Number of Wessels. Guns. Tonnage.
6 Ships-of-line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504 . . 16,094
7 Frigates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 . . 12,104
17 Sloops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342 ... 16,031
2 Brigs . . . . . . . .‘. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . 549
8 Store-ships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 7 . , 342
6 Receiving-ships, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 . . . 6,340
6 Screw frigates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 .. 21,460
6 First-class Screw sloops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 ... 11,953
4 First-class side-wheel steam sloops. . . . 46 .. 8,003
8 Second-class screw sloops. . . . . . . . . . . . 45 . . 7,593
5 Third-class Screw sloops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 . . 2,405
4 Third-class side-wheel steamers. . . . . . . 8 . . 1,808
2 Steam tenders...................... 4 . . 589
76 1783 105,271
VESSELS PURCHASED.
36 Side-wheel steamers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 . . 26,680
43 Screw steamers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 . . 20,403
18 Ships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 . . 9,998
24 Schooners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 .. 5,324
18 Barks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 8,432
2 Brigs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 460
136 518 71,297
WESSELS CONSTRUCTED
14 Screw sloops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 ... 16,787
23 Gun-boats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 ... 11,661
12 Side-wheel steamers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 8,400
3 Iron-clad steamers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |8 4,600
52 256 41,448
—making a total of 264 vessels, 2,557 guns, and 218,016
tons. The aggregate number of seamen in the service on
the 4th of March last was 7,600. The number is now not
100
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
less than 22,000. The amount appropriated at the last
regular session of Congress for the naval Service of the
current fiscal year was $13,168,675; to this was added at
the special session of last July $30,446,876–making an
aggregate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1862, of
$43,615,551. To this must be added :
For vessels purchased and alterations to fit
them for service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,530,000
For the purchase of additional vessels. . . . . . . . 2,000,000
For 20 iron clad vessels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,000,000
- $16,530,000
Add previous appropriations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43,615,551
Total for year ending June 30, 1862...... $60,145,551
The estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1863,
are as follows :
For the navy proper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41,096,530
For the marine Corps. . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.105,657
For miscellaneous objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.423,478
Total for fiscal year ending June 30, 1863..#44,625,665
The Secretary of War's report was
made memorable by the issue of a sec-
ond edition, varying from the first, a
portion of which in regard to slavery
being supposed by the President im-
politic, having been altered at his sug-
gestion. In the revised edition, Secre-
tary Cameron was made thus to speak:
“It is already a grave question what
shall be done with those slaves who are
abandoned by their owners on the ad-
vance of our troops into Southern terri-
tory, as in Beaufort district, in South
Carolina. The number left within our
control at that point is very consider-
able, and similar cases will probably oc-
cur. What shall be done with them 2
Can we afford to send them forward to
their masters, to be by them armed
against us, or used in producing Sup-
plies to maintain the rebellion ? Their
labor may be useful to us; withheld
from the enemy it lessens his military
resources, and withholding them has no
tendency to induce the horrors of insur-
rection, even in the rebel communities.
They constitute a military resource, and,
being such, that they should not be
turned over to the enemy is too plain to
discuss. Why deprive him of supplies
by a blockade and voluntarily give him
men to produce supplies? The disposi-
tion to be made of the slaves of rebels
after the close of the war can be safely
left to the wisdom and patriotism of
Congress. The representatives of the
people will, unquestionably, secure to
the loyal slaveholders every right to
which they are entitled under the con-
stitution of the country.”
* The following is the original version :
“It has become a grave question for determination,
what shall be done with the slaves abandoned by their
owners on the advance of our troops into Southern terri-
tory, as in the Beaufort district of South Carolina. The
whole white population therein is 6,000, while the number
of negroes exceeds 32,000. The panic which drove their
masters in wild confusion from their homes, leaves them
in undisputed possession of the soil. Shall they, armed
by their masters, be placed in the field to fight against
us, or shall their labor be continually employed in repro
ducing the means for supporting the armies of rebellion
“The war into which this Government has been forced
by rebellious traitors is carried on for the purpose of re.
possessing the property violently and treacherously seized
upon by the enemies of the Government, and to re-estab-
lish the authority and laws of the United States in the
places where it is opposed or overthrown by armed insur-
rection and rebellion. Its purpose is to recover and defend
what is justly its own.
“War, even between independent nations, is made to
subdue the enemy, and all that belongs to that enemy,
by Occupying the hostile country, and exercising dominion
over all the men and things within its territory. This
being true in respect to independent nations at war with
each other, it follows that rebels who are laboring by
force of arms to overthrow a government, justly bring
upon themselves all the consequences of war, and provoke
the destruction merited by the worst of crimes. That
government would be false to national trust, and would
justly excite the ridicule of the civilized world, that
would abstain from the use of any efficient means to pre-
serve its own existence, or to overcome a rebellious and
traitorous enemy, by sparing or protecting the property
of those who are waging war against it.
SECRETARY CAMERON'S REPORT. 101
Secretary Cameron's exhibit of the T.T.'...".”TR.
States Months. War. gate.
strength of the army was as follows: Colorado. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 1,000 1,000
States. T.T.Y.". Twº. Nebraska.................... — 2,500 2,500
Months. War. gate. Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 1,000 1,000
California. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *ge 4,688 4,688 | New Mexico................. *º 1,000 1,000
Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,286 12,400 14,636 | District of Columbia. . . . . . . . . 2,823 1,000 3,823
Delaware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 775 2,000 2,775
Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,941 80,000 84,941 Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77,875 640,637 718,512
Indiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,686 57,832 62,018 To the number of volunteers for the war, 640,637, add
Iowa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 968 19,800 20,768 the estimated strength of the regular army, including the
Kentucky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * 15,000 15,000 new enlistments, under the Act of July 29, 1861, which is
Maine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 768 14,239 15,007 || 20,334, and our entire military force now in the field wil;
Maryland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *º- 7,000 7,000 be 660,971; the several arms of the service being dis-
Massachusetts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,435 26,760 30,195 | tributed as follows : -
Michigan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 781 28,550 29,331 Volunteers. Regulars. Aggregate.
Minnesota. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- 4,160 4,160 Infantry. . . . . • - - - - - - - - - - - - 557,208 11,175 568,383
Missouri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,356 22,130 31,486 || 9avalry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54,654 4,744 59,398
New Hampshire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 779 9,600 10,379 || Artillery; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,880 4,808 24,688
New Jersey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.06s 9,342 12410 | Rifles and Sharpshooters..., 8,895 - 8,395
New York. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101ss 100,200 110,888 |*gineers................. * 107 107
Ohio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,236 81,205 91,441 Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 640,637 20,334 660,971
Pennsylvania. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 199 94,760 113,959 ſº tº ſº tº
Rhode Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.285 fispo 7,188 || For the ensuing year appropriations were asked for
Vermont. . . . . . . . . . . . * tº e º e E & © 780 8,000 8,780 500,000 men. -
Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 779 12,000 12,779 * *
wºomi................... 792 14,153 14,945 The report of the Secr etary of the
Kansas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 5,000 5,000 | Treasury was anxiously awaited, as with
“The principal wealth and power of the Rebel States
is a peculiar species of property, consisting of the service
or labor of African slaves, or the descendants of Africans.
This property bas been variously estimated at the value
of from $700,000,000 to $1,000,000,000.
“Why should this property be exempt from the hazards
and consequences of a rebellious war?
“It was the boast of the leader of the rebellion, while
he yet had a seat in the Senate of the United States, that
the Southern States would be comparatively safe and free
from the burdens of war, if it should be brought on by
the contemplated rebellion, and that boast was accom-
panied by the savage threat that “Northern cities and
towns would become the victims of rapine and military
spoil,” and that “Northern men, should smell Southern
gunpowder and feel Southern steel.” No one doubts the
disposition of the rebels to carry that threat into execu-
tion. The wealth of Northern towns and cities, the pro-
duce of Northern farms, Northern workshops and manu-
factories, would certainly be seized, destroyed, or appro-
priated as military spoil. No property in the North
would be spared from the hands of the rebels, and their
rapine would be defended under the laws of war. While
the loyal States thus have all their property and posses-
sions at stake, are the insurgent rebels to carry on warfare
against the Government in peace and security to their own
property 7
“Reason and justice and self-preservation forbid that
Such should be the policy of this Government, but de-
mand, on the contrary, that, being forced by traitors and
rebels to the extremity of war, all the rights and powers
of war should be exercised to bring it to a speedy end.
“Those who make war against the Government justly
forfeit all rights of property, privilege, or security, de-
rived from the Constitution and laws, against which they
are in armed rebellion ; and as the labor and service of
their slaves constitute the chief property of the rebels,
such property should share the common fate of war to
which they have devoted the property of loyal citizens.
“While it is plain that the slave property of the South
is justly subjected to all the consequences of this rebellious
war, and that the Government would be untrue to its
trust in not employing all the rights and powers of war
to bring it to a speedy close, the details of the plan for
doing so, like all other military measures, must, in a great
degree, be left to be determined by particular exigencies.
The disposition of other property belonging to the rebels
that become subject to our arms is governed by the cir-
cumstances of the case. The Government has no power
to hold slaves, nor to restrain a slave of his liberty, or to
exact his service. It has a right, however, to use the
voluntary service of slaves liberated by war from their
rebel masters, like any other property of the rebels, in
whatever mode may be most efficient for the defence
of the Government, the prosecution of the war, and the
suppression of the rebellion. It is as clearly a right of
96
... 102
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
!
the lengthened duration and increased
magnitude of the war, there was a great
desire to know how its immerise ex-
penses were to be met. His exhibit
showed the following estimate for the
financial year of 1861–2 :
EXPENDITURE.
Expenditure for first quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $98,239,733
Estimated expenditure for second, third, and
fourth quarters, according to acts of extra
session. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional appropriations now asked for....
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $543,406,421
REVENUE.
Ordinary revenue from customs,
etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $36,809,731
20,000,000
197,242,588
75449,675
213,904,427
302,035,761
143,130,927
Borrowed already. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance of loans authorized. . . .
Deficit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
s $543,406,421
To meet this deficit of $213,904,427,
he proposed to get $150,000,000 by
substituting for the present bank notes
of the several States a Federal currency
of that amount, secured by United
States stocks and redeemable in coin
on presentation; and $50,000,000 to be
raised by direct taxation in the loyal
States to the amount of $20,000,000, a
tax on liquors, tobacco, etc., to produce
$20,000,000, and an income tax to yield
$10,000,000. The calculation may thus
be summed up : * -
Total sum to be provided for............... $213,904,427
To be raised by taxes . . . . . . . . . $50,000,000
By currency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150,000,000
—- 200,000,000
Deficit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,904,427
This deficit of $13,904,427 was con-
sidered merely nominal, and would be
covered by that part of the public debt
the payment of which would not pro-
bably be demanded, and certain re-
trenchments in the expenditure of the
Government.
Mr. Chase, with a sanguine anticipa-
the Government to arm slaves when it may become neces-
sary, as it is to use gunpowder taken from the enemy.
Whether it is expedient to do so is purely a military ques-
tion. The right is unquestionable by the laws of war.
The expediency must be determined by circumstances,
keeping in view the great object of overcoming the rebels,
re-establishing the laws, and restoring peace to the nation.
“It is vain and idle for the Government to carry on
this war, or hope to maintain its existence against rebel-
lious force, without employing all the rights and powers
of war. As has been said, the right to deprive the rebels
of their property in slaves and slave labor is as clear and
absolute as the right to take forage from the field, or cot-
ton from the warehouse, or powder and arms from the
magazine. To leave the enemy in the possession of such
property as forage and cotton and military stores, and the
means of constantly reproducing them, would be madness.
It is therefore equal madness to leave them in peaceful
and secure possession of slave property, more valuable
and efficient to them for war than forage, cotton, and
military stores. Such policy would be national suicide.
What to do with that species of property is a question
that time and circumstances will solve, and need not be
anticipated further than to repeat that they cannot be
held by the Government as slaves. It would be useless to
restored to bondage.
keep them as prisoners of war; and self-preservation, the
highest duty of a government, or of individuals, demands
that they should be disposed of or employed in the most
effective manner that will tend most speedily to Suppress -
the insurrection and restore the authority of the Govern-
ment. If it shall be found that the men who have been
held by the rebels as slaves are capable of bearing arms
and performing efficient military service, it is the right,
and may become the duty, of the Government to arm and
equip them, and employ their services against the rebels,
under proper military regulation, discipline, and command.
“But in whatever manner they may be used by the
Government, it is plain that, once liberated by the rebel-
lious acts of their masters, they should never again be
By the master's treason and rebel-
lion he forfeits all right to the labor and service of his
slave ; and the slave of the rebellious master, by his Ser-
vice to the Government, becomes justly entitled to free
dom and protection.
“The disposition to be made of the slaves of rebels
after the close of the war, can be safely left to the wisdom
and patriotism of Congress. The representatives of the
people will unquestionably secure to the loyal slaveholder
every right to which he is entitled under the Constitution
of the country.” -
CHASE'S REPORT.
103
tion that the war would close by mid-
summer, expressed his belief that the
extraordinary expenditure of the Gov-
ernment would soon cease. He, how-
ever, made an estimate for the year
1862–63, as follows:
EXPENDITURE.
$23,086,971
Interior Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,102,962
War. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360,159,986
Navy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45,164,996
Public debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,816,330
Total. . . . . .… $475,331,245
REVENUE.
Uustoms, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,800,000
Direct taxes................... 50,000,000
Deficit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379,531,245
— $475,331,245
The public debt would thus be on the
1st of July, 1863, in round numbers,
$900,000,000, which Mr. Chase calcu-
lated that the loyal States alone could
easily pay in thirty years. The Secre-
tary of the Treasury, however, had in
his desire to present a favorable budget,
greatly underrated the expenses of the
war, which have since been estimated
by a competent authority,” at three
millions a day. With such an increase
of expenditure, to keep the debt within
nine hundred millions to the 1st of
July, as estimated by Mr. Chase, would
require an aggregate taxation of much
greater amount than $90,000,000, upon
which the Secretary of the Treasury, in
his report, calculated. The effect of
Mr. Chase's exposition and suggestions
was to cause an immediate suspension of
specie payments by the banks through-
out the country, and ever since gold has
been quoted at a premium.
The action of the , national councils
was marked by great unanimity in re-
gard to the war. A joint resolu-
tion of the Senate and House of
Representatives was passed, declaring it
to be the purpose of Congress to Jan.
impose taxes to produce $150,000,- 17.
000 annually, and a tax” bill was intro-
duced, from which it was believed by
the more sanguine that one hundred
and sixty-three millions might be ob-
tained even in the first year. This, sup-
posing that the war should cease by the
1st of July, would leave a considerable
Surplus after paying sixty millions of
interest upon the national debt and de-
fraying the annual expenses of the Gov-
ernment in peace, estimated at seventy
millions.
A treasury-note bill was, after a long
debate, finally passed by both houses Feb.
of Congress and signed by the Pres- 25.
ident. By this measure the treasury
was authorized to issue $150,000,000
in notes redeemable in five years, or pay-
able in twenty years at the pleasure of
the Government. These were declared
to be a legal tender, except for duties
on imports, which must be paid in coin,
which also was payable only for interest
on national bonds and notes. . Large
sums were added to the usual appro-
priation for the navy; $13,000,000 were
appropriated to build iron-clad steamers.
Congress, by eliminating from its body
all obnoxious members, seemed resolved
upon securing a uniform loyalty to the
Government. Not only were those sen-
ators and members of Congress, who had
since the last session joined the insur-
* Mr. Stevens, of Pennsylvania.
* The tax bill was finally passed on the 23d June, 1862.
104
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
gents, formally expelled, but Senator
Bright, of Indiana, charged with hav-
ing had friendly communication with
the President of the Southern Confed-
eracy, was, in spite of his assertions of
fidelity to the Union and the report of
the Judiciary Committee in his favor,
Feb. summarily dismissed from the Sen-
* ate by a vote of thirty-two to four-
teen. The newly-elected senator from
Oregon, Mr. Starke, moreover, charged
with having uttered sentiments favor-
able to the insurgents, was only admit-
ted to his seat after a severe scrutiny
and a vote, with a small majority in his
favor.
Congress, in its vigorous efforts at
purification, investigated the conduct of
public officers with a severe and unex-
ampled scrutiny, and exposed an extent
of corruption which gave a great shock
to the patriotic sentiment of the coun-
try. In the war and navy departments
immense sums, it was proved, had been
lavished upon favorites and relatives by
bestowing upon them contracts which
were either unfaithfully performed or
unduly paid for.
The pertinacious investigations by
Congress into the conduct of the war
department are supposed to have led to
Jan, the resignation of Secretary Cam-
13, eron, who, however, would seem to
have retained the respect of the Presi-
dent, who compensated him for the loss
of his secretaryship and public confi-
dence by the appointment of minister to
Russia. He was succeeded by the pres-
ent emergetic head of the war depart-
ment, the Honorable Edwin M. Stan-
ton.* Secretary Welles, though equally
beset by congressional inquiry and cen-
Sure, was more tenacious of office, and
contented himself, while clinging to his
place, with writing, a justification of his
conduct.
Slavery was of course the most prom-
inent topic of debate, and notwithstand-
ing the fierce opposition of most of the
senators and representatives from the
border States, aided by a few Northern
Democrats, great progress was made
toward emancipation. A bill estab-
lishing a new article of war, to the
effect that no officer of the army shall
return fugitive slaves, was passed by a .
large majority. The two most import-
ant measures, however, were the act
adopting the resolutionſ in favor of
* Edwin M. Stanton, now secretary of war, is forty-five
years of age. He was born at Steubenville, Ohio, where
he began the practice of law, after having graduated at
Kenyon College. He is the author of a portion of the
Reports of the Supreme Court of Ohio, which bear his
name. In 1848 he removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
where he at once took his place at the head of the bar.
Early in the administration of Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Stanton
was selected by Attorney-General Black to represent the
Government in the important land cases in California.
When Mr. Cass resigned his post as Secretary of state, Mr.
Black, the only loyal member of the cabinet, was ap-
pointed to the place, and at his request the attorney-gen-
eralship, which he had vacated, was urged upon Mr. Stan-
ton, who accepted it reluctantly. In the cabinet he asso-
ciated with Holt and Dix, and to their combined efforts
is due the patriotic course which marked the last few
weeks of Mr. Buchanan’s administration. Mr. Stanton
has been throughout life a Democrat, and his nomination
and unanimous confirmation as head of the most import-
ant department under a President of another party was a
proof of the general esteem.
f This was suggested by the President in the following
message : -
“FELLow-CITIZENS OF THE SENATE AND House of REPRE-
SENTATIVES---
“I recommend the adoption of a joint resolution by you!
honorable bodies which shall be substantially as follows:
“Resolved. That the United States ought to co-operate
ACTION OF CONGRESS.
105
compensating those States which should
choose to emancipate their slaves, and that
abolishing slavery in the District of April
Columbia passed by a vote in the Il-
with any State which may adopt a gradual abolishment
of slavery, giving to such State pecuniary aid, to be used
by such State in its discretion to compensate for the in-
conveniences, public and private, produced by such change
of system. - .
“If the proposition contained in the resolution does not
meet the approval of Congress and the country, there is
the end ; but if it does command such approval, I deem
it of importance that the States and people immediately
interested should be at once distinctly notified of the fact,
so that they may begin to Consider whether to accept or
reject it. The Federal Government would find its highest
interest in such a measure as one of the most efficient
means of self-preservation.
“The leaders of the existing insurrection entertain the
hope that the Government will ultimately be forced to
acknowledge the independence of some part of the disaf-
fected region, and that all the slave States north of such
parts will then say, ‘The Union, for which we have strug-
gled, being already gone, we now choose to go with the
Southern section.” To deprive them of this hope sub-
stantially ends the rebellion, and the initiation of eman-
cipation completely deprives them of it. As to all the
States initiating it, the point is not that all the States tol-
crating slavery would very soon, if at all, initiate eman-
cipation, but that while the offer is equally made to all,
the more northern shall, by such initiation, make it cer-
tain to the more southern that in no event will the for-
mer ever join the latter in their proposed confederacy.
I say “initiation,’ because, in my judgment, gradual and
not sudden emancipation is better for all.
“In the mere financial or pecuniary view, any member
of Congress, with the census tables and the treasury re-
ports before him, can readily see for himself how very
soon the current expenditures of the war would purchase,
at a fair valuation, all the slaves in any named State.
Such a proposition on the part of the General Govern-
ment sets up no claim of a right by federal authority
to interfere with slavery within State limits, referring, as
it does, the absolute control of the subject in each case
to the State and its people immediately interested. It
is proposed as a matter of perfectly free choice with
them.
“In the annual message last December I thought fit to
say: ‘The Union must be preserved, and hence all indispen-
sable means must be employed.’ I said this not hastily,
but deliberately. War has been and continues to be an
indispensable means to this end. A practical reacknowl-
edgment of the national authority would render the war
unnecessary, and it would at Once cease. If, however, re-
sistance continues, the war must also continue, and it is
impossible to foresee all the incidents which may attend
and all the ruin which may follow it. Such as may seem
indispensable or may obviously promise great efficiency
toward ending the struggle must and will come.
“The proposition now made, though an offer only, I
hope it may be esteemed no offence to ask whether the
pecuniary consideration tendered would not be of more
value to the States and private persons concerned than
are the institution and property in it, in the present as-
pect of affairs ? While it is true that the adoption of the
proposed resolution would be merely initiatory, and not
within itself a practical measure, it is recommended in the
hope that it would soon lead to important results.
“In full view of my great responsibility to my God and
to my country, I earnestly beg the attention of Congress
and the people to the subject.
“ABRAHAM LINCOIN.”
The President subsequently (July 14th) submitted, a
draft of a bill for this purpose :
“FELLOW-CITIZENS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENT-
ATIVES- -
“Herewith is the draft of the bill to compensate any
State which may abolish slavery within its limits, the
passage of which, substantially as presented, I respectfully
and earnestly recommend. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
whenever the President of the United States shall be
satisfied that any State shall have lawfully abolished
slavery within and throughout such State, either im-
mediately or gradually, it shall be the duty of the Pres-
ident, assisted by the Secretary of the Treasury, to pre-
pare and deliver to each State an amount of six per cent.
interest-bearing bonds of the United States, equal to the
aggregate value, at dollars per head, of all the slaves
within such State, as reported by the census of one thou-
sand eight hundred and sixty ; the whole amount for any
one State to be delivered at once, if the abolishment be
immediate, or in equal annual instalments if it be gradual,
interest to begin running on each bond at the time of de-
livery, and not before.
“And be it further enacted, That if any State having so
received any such bonds shall, at any time afterward by
law, re-introduce or tolerate slavery within its limits, Con-
trary to the act of abolishment upon which such bonds
shall have been received, said bonds so received by Said
State shall at once be null and void in whosesoever hands
they may be, and such State shall refund to the United
States all interest which may have been paid on Such
bonds.”
This action of the President led to a conference of the
senators and members of Congress of the border States,
in the course of which a majority of them decided against
all such interference with slavery. The minority, how-
106
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Senate of 29 to 14, and in the House of
Representatives of 93 to 39. By this
latter, act $1,000,000 was appropriated
for the compensation of former owners,
ever, promised to put the matter fairly before their con-
stituents.
The following is the correspondence with the President:
THE PRESIDENT's APPEAL TO THE BordER STATES.
The Representatives and Senators of the border slave-
holding States having, by special invitation of the Presi-
dent, been convened at the Executive Mansion on Satur-
day morning last, Mr. Lincoln addressed them as follows
from a written paper held in his hand :
“GENTLEMEN-After the adjournment of Congress, now
near, I shall have no opportunity of seeing you for several
months. Believing that you of the border States hold
more power for good than any other equal number of
members, I feel it a duty which I cannot justifiably waive
to make this appeal to you. \
“I intend no reproach or complaint when I assure you
that, in my opinion, if you all had voted for the resolu-
tion in the gradual emancipation message of last March,
the war would now be substantially ended. And the plan
therein proposed is yet one of the most potent and swift
means of ending it. Let the States which are in rebellion
see definitely and certainly that in no event will the States
you represent ever join their proposed confederacy, and
they cannot much longer maintain the contest. But you
cannot divest them of their hope to ultimately have you
with them so long as you show a determination to perpet-
uate the institution within your own States. Beat them
at elections, as you have overwhelmingly done, and,
nothing daunted, they still claim you as their own. You
and I know what the lever of their power is. Break that
lever before their faces, and they can shake you no more
forever.
“Most of you have treated me with kindness and con-
sideration, and I trust you will not now think I improper-
ly touch what is exclusively your own, when, for the sake
of the whole country, I ask, “Can you, for your States, do
better than to take the course I urge?" Discarding punc-
tilio and maxims adapted to more manageable times, and
looking only to the unprecedentedly stern facts of our
case, can you do better in any possible event 7 You prefer
that the constitutional relation of the States to the na-
tion shall be practically restored without disturbance of
the institution; and, if this were done, my whole duty,
in this respect, under the constitution and my oath of of.
fice, would be performed. But it is not done, and we are
trying to accomplish it by war. The incidents of the war
cannot be avoided. If the war continues long, as it must
if the object be not sooner attained, the institution in
your States will be extinguished by mere friction and
abrasion — by the mere incidents of the war. It will be
gone, and you will have nothing valuable in lieu of it.
Much of its value is gone already. How much better for
you and for your people to take the step which at once
shortens the war, and secures substantial compensation
for that which is sure to be wholly lost in any other event.
How much better to thus save the money which else we
sink forever in the war ! How much better to do it while
we can, lest the war ere long render us pecuniarily unable
to do it ! How much better for you, as seller, and the
nation, as buyer, to sell out and buy out that without
which the war could never have been, than to sink both
the thing to be sold and the price of it in cutting one
another's throats |
“I do not speak of emancipation at once, but of a de-
cision at once to emancipate gradually. Room in South
America for colonization can be obtained cheaply and in
abundance, and when numbers shall be large enough to
be company and encouragement for one another, the freed
people will not be so reluctant to go.
“I am pressed with a difficulty not yet mentioned—one
which threatens division among those who, united, are
none too strong. An instance of it is known to you.
General Hunter is an honest man. He was, and I hope
still is, my friend. I valued him none the less for his
agreeing with me in the general wish that all men every-
where could be freed. He proclaimed all men free within
certain States, and I repudiated the proclamation. He
expected more good and less harm from the measure than
I could believe would follow. Yet, in repudiating it, I
gave dissatisfaction, if not offence, to many whose support
the country cannot afford to lose. And this is not the
end of it. The pressure in this direction is still upon me,
and is increasing. By conceding what I now ask, you can
relieve me, and, much more, can relieve the country in
this important point. *
“Upon these considerations I have again begged your
attention to the message of March last. Before leaving the
Capitol, consider and discuss it among yourselves. You
are patriots and statesmen, and as such I pray you con-
sider this proposition ; and at the least commend it to the
consideration of your States and people. As you would
perpetuate popular government for the best people in the
world, I beseech you that you do in no wise omit this.
Our common country is in great peril, demanding the
loftiest views and boldest action to bring a speedy relief.
Once relieved, its form of government is saved to the
world; its beloved history and cherished memories are
vindicated, and its happy future fully assured and rendered
inconceivably grand. To you, more than to any others,
the privilege is given to assure that happiness and swell
that grandeur, and to link your own names therewith for-
ever.’’ -
At the conclusion of these remarks some conversation
was had between the President and several members of
the delegations from the border States, in which it was
COMPENSATORY
EMANCIPATION. 107
and $100,000 for defraying the ex-
penses of colonization of the emanci-
pated negroes who may desire to emi-
represented that these States could not be expected to
move in so great a matter as that brought to their notice
in the foregoing address while as yet the Congress had
taken no step beyond the passage of a resolution, express-
ive rather of a sentiment than presenting a substantial
and reliable basis of action.
The President acknowledged the force of this view, and
admitted that the border States were entitled to expect a
substantial pledge of pecuniary aid as the condition of
taking into consideration a proposition so important in its
relation to their social system.
It was further represented in the conference, that the
people of the border States were interested in knowing
the great importance which the President attached to the
policy in question, while it was equally due to the country,
to the President, and to themselves, that the representa-
tives of the border slaveholding States should publicly
announce the motives under which they were called to
act and the considerations of public policy urged upon
them and their constituents by the President. .
With a view to such a statement of their position, the
members thus addressed met in council to deliberate on
the reply they should make to the President, and, as the
result of a comparison of opinions among themselves,
they determined upon the adoption of a majority and
minority answer.
Reply of the Majority. --
The following paper was on the 17th instant sent to the
President, signed by the majority of the representatives
from the border slaveholding States:
“WASHINGTON, July 14, 1862.
‘‘TO THE PRESIDENT :
“The undersigned, representatives of Kentucky, Vir-
ginia, Missouri, and Maryland, in the two houses of Con-
gress, have listened to your address with the profound
sensibility naturally inspired by the high source from
which it emanates, the earnestness which marked its de-
livery, and the overwhelming importance of the subject
of which it treats. We have given it a most respectful
consideration, and now lay before you our response. We
regret that want of time has not permitted us to make it
more perfect. -
“We have not been wanting, Mr. President, in respect
to you, and a devotion to the Constitution and the Union.
We have not been indifferent to the great difficulties sur-
rounding you, compared with which all former national
troubles have been but as the summer cloud; and we have
freely given you our sympathy and support. Repudiating
the dangerous heresies of the secessionists, we believed,
with you, that the war on their part is aggressive and
wicked, and the objects for which it was to be prosecuted
on ours, defined by your message at the opening of the
present Congress, to be such as all good men should ap-
by its magnitude.
grate.* The President having signed
*Three hundred dollars per capitem was the amount of
compensation, and one hundred dollars the largest sum
allowed to defray the expense of each emigrant.
prove, we have not hesitated to vote all supplies necessary
to carry it on vigorously. We have voted all the men
and money you have asked for, and even more; we have
imposed numerous taxes on our people, and they are pay-
ing them with cheerfulness and alacrity; we have encour-
aged enlistments and sent to the field many of our best
men ; and some of our number have offered their persons
to the enemy as pledges of their sincerity and devotion to
country. We have done all this under the most discour-
aging circumstances, and in the face of measures most dis-
tasteful to us and injurious to the interests we represent,
and in the hearing of doctrines avowed by those who
claim to be your friends most abhorrent to us and our con-
stituents. But, for all this, we have never faltered, nor
shall we as long as we have a Constitution to defend and a
Government which protects us. And we are ready for re-
newed efforts, and even greater sacrifices, yea, any sacri-
fice, when we are satisfied it is required to preserve our ad-
mirable form of government and the priceless blessings
of constitutional liberty.
“A few of our number voted for the resolution recom-
mended by your message of the 6th of March last, the
greater portion of us did not, and we will briefly state the
prominent reasons which influenced our action.
“In the first place, it proposed a radical change in our
social system, and was hurried through both houses with
undue haste, without reasonable time for consideration and
debate, and with no time at all for consultation with our
constituents, whose interests it deeply involved. It seemed
like an interference by this Government with a question
which peculiarly and exclusively belonged to our respective
States, on which they had not sought advice or solicited
aid. Many of us doubted the constitutional power of this
Government to make appropriations of money for the ob-
ject designated, and all of us thought our'ânances were in
no condition to bear the immense outlay which its adop-
tion and faithful execution would impose upon the na-
tional treasury. If we pause for a moment to think of the
debt its acceptance would have entailed, we are appalled
The proposition was addressed to all
the States, and embraced the whole number of slaves.
According to the census of 1860, there were then very
nearly four million slaves in the country; from natural in-
crease they exceed that number now. At even the low
average of three hundred dollars, the price fixed by the
emancipation act for the slaves in this District, and great-
ly below their real worth, their value runs up to the
enormous sum of twelve hundred millions of dollars, and
if to that we add the cost of deportation and colonization
108
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
these bills, they became the law of the
United States. The bill providing for
the establishment of diplomatic relations
with Hayti and Liberia, passed April
at one hundred dollars each, which is but a fraction more
than is actually paid by the Maryland Colonization So
ciety, we have four hundred millions more. We were not
willing to impose a tax on our people sufficient to pay the
mterest on that sum, in addition to the vast and daily in-
creasing debt already fixed upon them by the exigencies
of the war; and, if we had been willing, the country
could not bear it. Stated in this form, the proposition is
nothing less than the deportation from the country of six-
teen hundred million dollars' worth of producing labor,
and the substitution in its place of an interest-bearing
debt of the same amount.
“But if we are told that it was expected that only the
States we represent would accept the proposition, we re-
spectfully submit that even then it involves a sum too
great for the financial ability of this Government at this
time. According to the census of 1860–
States. No. of Slaves.
Kentucky had... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225,490
Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87,188
Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 490,887
Delaware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,798
Missouri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114,965
Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275,784
Making in the whole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,196,112
At the same rate of valuation these would
amount to. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $358,833,600
And for deportation and colonization $100
each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119.244,533
And we have the enormous sum of. . . . . $478,078,133
, “We did not feel that we should be justified in voting for
a measure which, if carried out, would add this vast
amount to our public debt at a moment when the Treasury
was reeling under the enormous expenditures of the war.
“Again, it seemed to us that this resolution was but the
announcement of a sentiment which could not or was not
likely to be reduced to an actual, tangible proposition. No
movement was then made to provide and appropriate the
funds required to carry it into effect ; and we were not en-
couraged to believe that funds would be provided. And
our belief has been fully justified by subsequent events.
Not to mention other circumstances, it is quite sufficient
for our purpose to bring to your notice the fact that, while
this resolution was under consideration in the Senate, our
colleague, the senator from Kentucky, moved an amend-
ment appropriating $500,000 to the object therein desig-
nated, and it was voted down with great unanimity. What
confidence, then, could we reasonably feel that, if we com-
mitted ourselves to the policy it proposed, our constituents
would reap the fruits of the promise held out ; and on
what ground could we, as fair men, approach them and
challenge their support 7
“The right to hold slaves is a right appertaining to all
the States of this Union. They have the right to cherish.
or abolish the institution, as their tastes or their interests
may prompt, and no one is authorized to question the
right or limit its enjoyment. And no one has more clear-
ly affirmed that right than you have. Your inaugural ad-
dress does you great honor in this respect, and inspired the
country with confidence in your fairness and respect for
the law. Our States are in the enjoyment of that right.
We do not feel called on to defend the institution, or to
affirm it is one which ought to be cherished. Perhaps, if
we were to make the attempt, we might find that we dif-
fer even among ourselves. It is enough for our purpose
to know that it is a right; and, so knowing, we did not
see why we should now be expected to yield it. We had
contributed our full share to relieve the country at this
terrible crisis; we had done as much as had been required
of others, in like circumstances; and we did not see why
sacrifices should be expected of us from which others, no
more loyal, were exempt. Nor could we see what good
the nation would derive from it. Such a sacrifice sub-
mitted to by us would not have strengthened the arm of
this Government nor weakened that of the enemy. It was
not necessary as a pledge of our loyalty, for that had been
manifested beyond a reasonable doubt, in every form and
at every place possible. There was not the remotest prob-
ability that the States we represent would join in the re-
bellion, nor is there now ; or of their electing to go with
the Southern section in the event of a recognition of the
independence of any part of the disaffected region. Our
States are fixed unalterably in their resolution to adhere
to and support the Union ; they see no safety for them-
selves and no hope for constitutional liberty but by its
preservation. They will under no circumstances consent.
to its dissolution, and we do them no more than justice
when we assure you, that while the war is conducted to
prevent that deplorable catastrophe, they will sustain it as
long as they can muster a man or command a dollar. Nor
will they ever consent, in any event, to unite with the
Southern Confederacy. The bitter fruits of the peculiar
doctrines of that region will for ever prevent them from
placing their security and happiness in the custody of an
association which has incorporated in its organic law the
seeds of its own destruction.
“We cannot admit, Mr. President, that if we had voted
for the resolution in the emancipation message of March
last the war would now be substantially ended. We are
unable to see how our action in this particular has given.
or could give, encouragement to the rebellion. The reso-
lution has passed, and if there be virtue in it, it will be
quite as efficacious as if we had voted for it. We have no
power to bind our States in this respect by our votes here;
and whether we had voted the one way or the other, they
RELATIONS WITH HAYTI.
109
24, was another indication of a more
liberal sentiment in regard to the Afri-
are in the same condition of freedom to accept or reject its
provisions. No, sir; the war has not been prolonged or
hindered by our action on this or any other measure. We
must look for other causes for that lamented fact. We
think there is not much difficulty, not much uncertainty,
in pointing out others far more probable and potent in
their agencies to that end.
“The rebellion derives its strength from the union of
all classes in the insurgent States, and while that union
lasts, the war will never end until they are utterly ex-
hausted. We know that at the inception of these troubles
Southern society was divided, and that a large portion,
perhaps a majority, was opposed to secession. Now the
great mass of Southern people are united. To discover
why they are so we must glance at Southern society and
notice the classes into which it has been divided, and
which still distinguish it. They are in arms, but not for
the same objects; they are moved to a common end, but
by different and even inconsistent reasons. The leaders,
which comprehend what was previously known as the
State Rights party, and is much the lesser class, seek to
break down national independence and set up State dom-
ination. With them it is a war against nationality. The
other class is fighting, as it supposes, to maintain and pre-
serve its rights of property and domestic safety, which it
has been made to believe are assailed by this Government.
This latter class are not disunionists per se; they are so
only because they have been made to believe that this ad-
ministration is inimical to their rights, and is making war
On their domestic institutions. As long as these two
classes act together they will never assent to a peace.
The policy, then, to be pursued is obvious. The former
class will never be reconciled, but the latter may be. Re-
move their apprehensions; satisfy them that no harm is
intended to them and their institutions; that this Gov-
ernment is not making war, on their rights of property,
but is simply defending its legitimate authority, and they
will gladly return to their allegiance as soon as the press-
ure of military dominion imposed by the Confederate au-
thority is removed from them.
“Twelve months ago both houses of Congress, adopting
the spirit of your message, then but recently sent in, de-
Clared with singular unanimity the objects of the war,
and the country instantly bounded to your side to assist
you in carrying it on. If the spirit of that resolution had
been adhered to, we are confident that we should before
now have seen the end of this deplorable conflict. But
what have we seen 7 In both houses of Congress we have
heard doctrines subversive of the principles of the Consti-
tution, and seen measure after measure founded in sub-
stance on those doctrines proposed and carried through,
which can have no other effect than to distract and divide
loyal men, and exasperate and drive still farther from us
can race. A bill authorizing the Presi-
dent to call out the militia for a period
and their duty the people of the rebellious States. Military
officers, following these bad examples, have stepped beyond
the just limits of their authority in the same direction, un-
til in several instances you have felt the necessity of inter-
fering to arrest them. And even the passage of the resolu-
tion to which you refer has been ostentatiously proclaimed -
as the triumph of a principle which the people of the South-
ern States regard as ruinous to them. The effect of these
measures was foretold, and may now be seen in the indu-
rated state of Southern feeling.
“To these causes, Mr. President, and not to our omis-
sion to vote for the resolution recommended by you, we
solemnly believe we are to attribute the terrible earnest-
ness of those in arms against the Government and the con-
tinuance of the war. Nor do we (permit us to say, Mr
President, with all respect for you) agree that the institu-
tion of slavery is ‘the lever of their power,’ but we are
of the opinion that “the lever of their power' is the ap-
prehension that the powers of a common government
created for common and equal protection to the interests
of all, will be wielded against the institutions of the
Southern States.
“There is one other idea in your address we feel called
on to notice. After stating the fact of your repudiation
of General Hunter's proclamation, you add—
“‘Yet, in repudiating it, I gave dissatisfaction, if not
offence, to many whose support the country can not afford
to lose. And this is not the end of it. The pressure in
this direction is still upon me; and is increasing. By con-
ceding what I now ask, you can relieve me, and, much
more, can relieve the country in this important point.’
“We have anxiously looked into this passage to dis-
cover its true import, but we are yet in painful uncer-
tainty. How can we, by conceding what you now ask,
relieve you and the country from the increasing pressure
to which you refer ? We will not allow ourselves to think
that the proposition is, that we consent to give up slavery,
to the end that the Hunter proclamation may be let loose
on the Southern people, for it is too well known that we
would not be parties to any such measure, and we have
too much respect for you to imagine you would propose it.
Can it mean that by sacrificing our interest in slavery we
appease the spirit that controls that pressure, cause it to
be withdrawn, and rid the country of the pestilent agita
tion of the slavery question ? We are forbidden so to
think, for that spirit would not be satisfied with the lib-
eration of seven hundred thousand slaves, and cease its
agitation, while three millions remain in bondage. Can
it mean that by abandoning slavery in our States we are
removing the pressure from you and the country by pre-
paring for a separation on the line of the cotton States?
We are forbidden so to think, because it is known that we
are, and we believe that you are, unalterably opposed to
97
110
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.

not exceeding nine months, and the em-
ployment of negroes in the military ser-
vice, was passed July 16. An increased
tariff and a tax of 3 per cent. on all in-
any division at all. We would prefer to think that you
desire this concession as a pledge of our support, and thus
enable you to withstand a pressure which weighs heavily
on you and the country. Mr. President, no such sacrifice
is necessary to secure our support. Confine yourself to
your constitutional authority; confine your subordinates
within the same limits; conduct this war solely for the
purpose of restoring the Constitution to its legitimate au-
thority; concede to each State and its loyal citizens their
just rights, and we are wedded to you by indissoluble ties.
Do this, Mr. President, and you touch the American heart
and invigorate it with new hope. You will, as we sol-
emnly believe, in due time restore peace to our country,
lift it from despondency to a future of glory, and preserve
to your countrymen, their posterity, and man the inesti-
mable treasure of constitutional government.
“Mr. President, we have stated with frankness and
candor the reasons on which we forbore to vote for the
resolution you have mentioned; but you have again pre-
sented this proposition, and appealed to us with an earn-
estness and eloquence which have not failed to impress
us, to ‘consider it, and at the least to commend it to the
consideration of our States and people.” Thus appealed
to by the Chief Magistrate of our beloved country in the
hour of its greatest peril, we can not wholly decline. We
are willing to trust every question relating to their interest
and happiness to the consideration and ultimate judgment
of our own people. While differing from you as to the
necessity of emancipating the slaves of our States as a
means of putting down the rebellion, and while protest-
ing against the propriety of any extra territorial interfer-
ence to induce the people of our States to adopt any par-
ticular line of policy on a subject which peculiarly and ex-
clusively belongs to them, yet when you and our breth-
ren of the loyal States sincerely believe that the retention
of slavery by us is an obstacle to peace and national har-
mony, and are willing to contribute pecuniary aid to com-
pensate our States and people for the inconveniences pro-
duced by such a change of system, we are not unwilling
that our people shall consider the propriety of putting it
aside.
“But we have already said that we regarded this reso-
lution as the utterance of a Sentiment, and we had no con-
fidence that it would assume the shape of a tangible prac-
tical proposition, which would yield the fruits of the
sacrifice it required. Our people are influenced by the
same want of confidence, and will not consider the propo-
sition in its present impalpable form. The interest they
are asked to give up is to them of immense importance,
and they ought not to be expected even to entertain the
proposal until they are assured that when they accept it
their just expectations will not be frustrated. We regard
vour plan as a proposition from the nation to the States
to exercise, an admitted constitutional right in a par-
ticular manner and yield up a valuable interest. Before
they ought to consider the proposition, it should be pre-
sented in such a tangible, practical, efficient shape as to
command their confidence that its fruits are contingent
only upon their acceptance. We can not trust anything
to the contingencies of future legislation. If Congress, by
proper and necessary legislation, shall provide sufficient
funds and place them at your disposal to be applied by
you to the payment of any of our States or the citizens
thereof who shall adopt the abolishment of slavery, either
gradual or immediate, as they may determine, and the ex-
pense of deportation and colonization of the liberated
slaves, then will our States and people take this proposi-
tion into careful consideration, for such decision as in their
judgment is demanded by their interest, their honor, and
their duty to the whole country. We have the honor to
be, with great respect,
“C. A. WICKLIFFE, Chairmall.
GARRET DAVIs, . - R. WILSON,
J. J. CRITTENDEN, JNO. S. CARLILE,
J. W. CRISFIELD, J. S. JACKSON,
H. GRIDER, John S. PHELPs,
FRANCIS THOMAS, CHARLEs B. CALVERT,
C. L. L. LEARY, EDWIN H. WEBSTER,
R. MALLORY, AARON HARDING,
JAMEs S. ROLLINS, J. W. MENZIEs,
THOMAS L. PRICE, J. W. DUNLAP,
WM. A. HALL.”
REPLY OF THE MINORITY.
“WASHINGTON, July 15, 1862.
** MR. PRESIDENT:
“The undersigned, members of Congress from the bor-
der States, in response to your address of Saturday last,
beg leave to say that they attended a meeting on the same
day the address was delivered for the purpose of consider-
ing the same. The meeting appointed a committee to re-
spond to your address. That report was made on yester-
day, and the action of the majority indicates clearly that
the response reported, or one in substance the same, can
be adopted and presented to you.
“Inasmuch as we cannot, consistently with our own
sense of duty to the country under the existing perils
which surround us, concur in that response, we feel it due
...to you and to ourselves to make to you a brief and candid
answer over our own signatures. We believe that the
whole power of the Government, upheld and sustained by
all the influence and means of all loyal men in all sections
and of all parties, is essentially necessary to put down the
rebellion and preserve the Union and the Constitution. We
understand your appeal to us to have been made for the
purpose of securing this result. A very large portion of the
CLOSE OF CONGRESS.
111
comes from $600 to $10,000, and 5 per
cent. on those above the latter sum,
were established toward the end of the
session.
*
people in the Northern States believe that slavery is the
lever power of the rebellion. It matters not whether this
belief be well founded or not, the belief doesexist. We have
to deal with things as they are, and not as we would have
them be. In consequence of the existence of this belief,
we understand that an immense pressure is to be brought
to bear for the purpose of striking down this institution
through the exercise of military authority. The Govern-
ment cannot be maintained in this great struggle if the
support and influence of the men who entertain these
opinions be withdrawn. Neither can the Government
hope for early success if the support of that element called
conservative be withdrawn. Such being the condition of
things, the President appeals to the border State men to
step forward and prove their patriotism by making their
first sacrifice. No doubt like appeals have been made to
extreme men of the North to meet us half way, in order
that the whole moral, political, pecuniary, and physical
force of the nation may be firmly and earnestly united in
one grand effort to save the Union and the Constitution.
Believing that such were the motives that prompted your
address, or such the results to which it looked, we cannot
reconcile it to our sense of duty in this trying hour to re-
spond in a spirit of faultfinding and querulousness over
the things that are past. We are not disposed to seek for
the cause of present misfortunes in the errors and wrongs
of others, who now propose to unite with us in a common
purpose ; but, on the other hand, we met your address in
the Spirit in which it was made, and, as loyal Americans,
declare to you and to the world, that there is no sacrifice
that we are not ready to make to save the Government and
institutions of our fathers. Few of us though there may
be, we will permit no man from the North or from the
South to go farther than we in the accomplishment of the
great work before us. We, in order to carry out these
views, will, so far as may be in our power, ask the people
of the border States calmly, deliberately, and fairly to
consider your recommendation. We are the more em-
boldened to assume this position from the fact, now be-
come history, that the leaders of the Southern rebellion
have offered to abolish slavery among them as a condition
to foreign intervention in favor of their independence as a
nation. If they can give up slavery to destroy the Union,
we can Surely ask our people to consider a question of
emancipation to save the Union. * * -
“With great respect, your obedient servants,
“JoHN W. NoFLL, SAML. Y. CASEY,
GEO. P. FISHER, A. J. CLEMENTS,
WM. G. BROWN, JAOOB B. BLAIR,
W. J. WILLEY '"
Still further progress toward the rec-
ognition of the policy of free labor was
manifested by the passage of a bill for-
ever prohibiting slavery in the Terri-
EEPLY OF ME. MAYNARD.
“House of REPRESENTATIVES, July 16, 1862.
“SIR : The magnitude and gravity of the proposition
Submitted by you to representatives from the slave States
would naturally occasion diversity, if not contrariety, of
opinion. You will not, therefore, be surprised that I have
not been able to concur in view with the majority of them.
This is attributable, possibly, to the fact that my State is
not a border State, properly so called, and that my imme-
diate constituents are not yet disenthralled from the hos-
tile arms of the rebellion. This fact is a physical obstacle
in the way of my now submitting to their consideration
this or any other proposition looking to political action,
especially such as in this case would require a change in
the organic law of the State.
“But do not infer that I am insensible to your appeal.
I am not. You are surrounded with difficulties far greater
than have embarrassed any of your predecessors. You
need the support of every American citizen, and you ought
to have it, active, zealous, and honest. The union of every
Union man to aid you in preserving the Union is the duty
of the time. Differences as to policy and methods must
be subordinate to the common purpose. -
“In looking for the causes of this rebellion, it is nat-
ural that each section and each party should ascribe as
little blame as possible to itself, and as much as possible
to its opposing section and party. Possibly you and I
might not agree on a comparison of our views. That
there should be differences of opinion as to the best mode
of conducting our military operations, and the best men
to lead our armies, is equally natural. Contests on such
questions weaken ourselves and strengthen our enemies.
They are unprofitable and possibly unpatriotic. Somebody
must yield, or we waste our strength in a contemptible
Struggle among ourselves.
“You appeal to the loyal men of the slave States to sac-
rifice something of feeling and a great deal of interest.
The sacrifices they have already made and the sufferings
they have endured give the best assurance that the appeal
will not have been made in vain. He who is not ready to
yield all his material interests, and to forego his most
cherished sentiments and opinions for the preservation of
his country, although he may have periled his life on the
battle-field in her defence, is but half a patriot. Among
the loyal people that I represent there are no half patriots.
“Already the rebellion has cost us much, even to our
undoing; we are content, if need be, to give up the rest
to suppress it. We have stood by you from the beginning
of this struggle, and we mean to stand by you, God will-
ing, till the end of it. -
112
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
tories “now existing, or which may at
June any time hereafter be formed or
17, acquired.” tº
A bill, modified by the Senate, confis-
cating the property of those engaged in
the Southern insurrection, was finally,
after a brief and excited discussion, pass-
ed by the House, July 11th, by a vote of
82 to 42, and by the Senate, July 12th,
by 27 to 13.”
“I did not vote for the resolution to which you allude,
solely for the reason that, at the time, I was absent at the
capital of my own State. It is right.
“Should any of the slave States think proper to termi-
mate that institution, as several of them, I understand, or
at least, some of their citizens propose, justice and a gen-
erous country require that the country should interpose
to aid it in lessening the burden, public and private, oc-
casioned by so radical a change in its social and industrial
relations.
“I will not now speculate upon the effect, at home or
abroad, of the adoption of your policy, nor inquire what
action of the rebel leaders has rendercq something of the
kind important. Your whole administration gives the
highest assurance that you are moved, not so much from
a desire to see all men everywhere made free, as from a far
higher desire to preserve free institutions for the benefit
of men already free ; not to make slaves freemen, but to
prevent freemen from being made slaves; not to destroy
an institution which a portion of us only consider bad,
but to save institutions which we all alike consider good.
I am satisfied you would not ask from any of your fellow-
citizens a sacrifice not, in your judgment, imperatively re-
quired by the safety of the country.
“This is the spirit of your appeal, and I respond to it in
the same spirit. I am, very respectively, your obedient
servant, “HoRACE MAYNARD.
“To THE PRESIDENT.’’
* A Bill to Suppress Insurrection, to Punish Treason and Rebel-
lion, to Seize and Confiscate the Property of Rebels, and for Other
Purposes. -
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That every per-
son who shall hereafter commit the crime of treason
against the United States, and shall be adjudged guilty
thereof, shall suffer death, and all his slaves, if any, shall
be declared and made free ; or he shall be imprisoned for
not less than five years and fined not less than $10,000,
and all his slaves, if any, shall be declared and made free ;
said fine shall be levied and collected on any or all the
property, real and personal, excluding slaves, of which the
said person so convicted was the owner at the time of
The session was closed by the adjourn-
ment of Congress on the 17th of July.
committing the said crime, any sale or conveyance to the
contrary notwithstanding.
SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That if any person shall
hereafter incite, set on foot, assist, or engage in any rebel-
lion or insurrection against the authority of the United
States, or the laws thereof, or shall give aid and comfort
thereto, or shall engage in, or give aid and comfort to any
such existing rebellion or insurrection, and be convicted
thereof, such person shall be punished by imprisonment
for a period not exceeding ten years, by a fine not exceed
ing $10,000, and by the liberation of all slaves, if any ha
have.
SEG. 3. And be it further enacted, That every person guilty
of either of the offences described in this act, shall be for-
ever incapable and disqualified to hold any office under the
United States.
SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That this act shall not
be construed in any way to affect or alter the prosecution,
conviction, or punishment of any person or persons guilty
of treason against the United States before the passage of
this act, unless such person is convicted under this act.
SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That to insure the speedy
termination of the present rebellion, it shall be the duty
of the President of the United States to cause the seizure
of all the estate and property, money, stocks, credits, and
effects of the persons hereafter named in this section, and
to apply and use the same and the proceeds thereof for the
support of the army of the United States, that is to say:
—First, of any person hereafter acting as an officer of the
army or navy of the rebels in arms against the Govern.
ment of the United States; secondly, of any person here-
after acting as President, Vice-President, member of Com-
gress, judge of any court, cabinet officer, foreign minister,
commissioner or consul of the so-called Confederate States
of America; thirdly, of any person acting as Governor of
a State, member of a convention or legislature, or judge
of any court of any of the so called Confederate States of
America ; fourthly, of any person who, having held an
office of honor, trust, or profit in the United States, shall
hereafter hold an office in the so-called Confederate States
of America ; fifthly, of any person hereafter holding any
office or agency under the government of the so-called
Confederate States of America, or under any of the several
States of the said confederacy, or the laws thereof,
whether such office or agency be national, State, or muni
cipal in its name or character : Provided, That the per-
sons thirdly, fourthly, and fifthly above described shall
have accepted their appointment or election since the
date of the pretended ordinance of secession of the State,
or shall have taken an oath of allegiance to, or to support
the constitution of the so-called Confederate States ;
sixthly, of any persons who, owning property in any loyal
State or Territory of the United States, or in the District
“PERMANENT GOVERNMENT.”
113
The “permanent” government of the
Southern Confederacy was inaugurated
at Richmond under the most unfa- Feb.
vorable auspices. While Jefferson 22.
of Columbia, shall hereafter assist and give aid and com-
fort to such rebellion, and all sales, transfers, or convey-
ances of any such property shall be null and void ; and it
shall be a sufficient bar to any suit brought by such
person for the possession or the use of such property, or
any of it, to allege and prove that he is one of the persons
described in this section.
SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That if any person within
any State or Territory of the United States, other than
those named as aforesaid, after the passage of this act,
being engaged in armed rebellion against the Government
of the United States, or aiding or abetting such rebellion,
shall not, within sixty days after public warning and
proclamation duly given and made by the President of the
United States, cease to aid, countenance, and abet such
rebellion, and return to his allegiance to the United
States, all the estate and property, moneys, stocks, and
Credits of such person shall be liable to seizure as afore-
said, and it shall be the duty of the President to seize and
use them as aforesaid, or the proceeds thereof. And all
Sales, transfers, or conveyances of any such property after
the expiration of the said sixty days from the date of such
warning and proclamation shall be null and void; and it
shall be a sufficient bar to any suit brought by such per-
son for the possession or the use of such property, or any
of it, to allege and prove that he is one of the persons de-
scribed in this section.
SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That to secure the con-
demnation and sale of any such property after the same
shall have been seized, so that it may be made available
for the purposes aforesaid, proceedings in rem shall be in-
stituted in the name of the United States in any District
Court thereof, or in any Territorial Court, or in the
United States District Court for the District of Columbia,
within which the property above described or any part
thereof may be found, or into which the same, if movable,
may first be brought, which proceedings shall conform as
nearly as may be to proceedings in admiralty or revenue
cases; and if said property, whether real or personal,
shall be found to have belonged to a person engaged in
rebellion, or who has given aid or comfort thereto, the
same shall be condemned as enemies' property, and be-
come the property of the United States, and may be dis-
posed of as the court shall decree, and the proceeds there-
of paid into the Treasury of the United States for the pur-
poses aforesaid.
SEC. 8. And be it further enacted, That the several courts
aforesaid shall have power to make such orders, establish
such forms of decree and sale, and direct such deeds and
conveyances to be executed and delivered by the marshals
thereof, where real estate shall be the subject of sale, as
shall fitly and efficiently effect the purposes of this act,
and vest in the purchasers of such property good and
valid titles thereto. And the said court shall have power
to allow such fees and charges of their officers as shall be
reasonable and proper in the premises.
Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That all slaves of persons
who shall hereafter be engaged in rebellion against the
Government of the United States, or who shall in any way
give aid or comfort thereto, escaping from such persons,
and taking refuge within the lines of the army; and all
slaves captured from such persons, or deserted by them
and coming under the control of the Government of the
United States; and all slaves of such persons found or
being within any place occupied by rebel forces, and
afterward occupied by the forces of the United States,
shall be deemed captives of war, and shall be forever free
of their servitude, and not again held as slaves.
SEC. 10. And be it further enacted, That no slaves escap-
ing into any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia,
from any other State, shall be delivered up, or in any
way impeded or hindered of his liberty, except for crime
or some offence against the laws, unless the person claim-
ing said fugitive shall first make oath that the person to
whom the labor or service of such fugitive is alleged to
be due, is his lawful owner, and has not borne arms
against the United States in the present rebellion, nor in
any way given aid and comfort thereto ; and no person
engaged in the military or naval service of the United
States shall under any pretence whatever, assume to de-
cide on the validity of the claim of any person to the ser-
vice or labor of any other person, or surrender up any such
person to the claimant on pain of being dismissed from
the service.
SEC. 11. And be it further enacted, That the President of
the United States is authorized to employ as many per-
sons of African descent as he may deem necessary and
proper for the suppression of this rebellion ; and for this
purpose he may organize and use them in such manner as
he may judge best for the public welfare.
SEC. 12. And be it further enacted, That the President of
the United States is hereby authorized to make provision
for the transportation, colonization, and settlement, in
some tropical country beyond the limits of the United
States, of such persons of the African race, made free by
the provisions of this act, as may be willing to emigrate,
having first obtained the consent of the government of
said country to their prºtection and settlement within the
same, with all the rights and privileges of freemen.
SEC. 13. And be it further enacled, That the President is
hereby authorized, at any time hereafter, by proclama-
tion, to extend to persons who may have participated in
the existing rebellion in any State or part thereof, pardon
and amnesty, with such exceptions and at such time and
on such conditions as he may deem expedient for the pub-
lic welfare. Also, that the President shall have power to
114
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Davis, who had been unanimously" |
elected President, with Stephens as
Vice-President, was being installed, he
is said to have received the first intelli-
gence of the capture of Fort Donelson.
He, however, in his address, while he
confessed that “the tide for the moment
was against” his cause, affected a tone
of resolute defiance. The great events
of the year he thus summed up :
restore property seized under the act, to any person who
may be found to have been innocent. -
SEC. 14. And be it further enacted, That the courts of the
United States shall have full power to institute proceed-
ings, make orders and decrees, issue process, and do all
other things necessary to carry this act into effect.
After the foregoing act had passed both Houses, it was
sent to the President for signature, who, however, disap-
proved some features and had prepared a veto message,
when the following resolution was passed by both Houses
in order to remove the President's objections to the bill :
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives, etc.,
That the provisions of the third clause of the fifth section
of an act to suppress insurrection, to punish treason and
rebellion, to seize and confiscate the property of rebels,
and for other purposes, shall be so construed as not to
apply to any act or acts done prior to the passage thereof;
nor to include any member of a State Legislature or judge
of any State Court, who has not, in accepting or entering
upon his office, taken an oath to support the constitution
of the so-called Confederate States of America ; nor shall
any punishment or proceedings under said act be so con-
strued as to work a forfeiture of the real estate of the of.
fender beyond his natural life.
On the 17th of July the President returned the bill,
with the above explanatory resolution appended, and with
his signature affixed, whereby it became a law.
* Total number of States voting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Total number of electoral votes cast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Of which number Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, re-
ceived for the office of President of the Confede-
rate States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, received for the of
fice of Vice-President of the Confederate States. 109
Votes cast by the several States:
Alabama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 North Carolina. . . . . . . . . 12
Arkansas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 South Carolina.......... 6
Florida. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Tennessee.... . . . . . . . . . . 13
Georgia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Texas.... . . . . . . tº dº e º º e º e 8
Touisiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Virginia...... . . . . . . . . . 18
Mississippi. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 tº-ºº-e
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . e tº e s is e º 'º e º e º 'º e e - e. e. e. e. e. e. e. e º e º e 109
“The first year in our history has
been the most eventful in the annals of
this continent. A new government has
been established, and its machinery put
in operation over an area exceeding
seven hundred thousand square miles.
The great principles upon which we
have been willing to hazard everything
that is dear to man have made con-
quests for us which could, never have
been achieved by the sword. Our con-
federacy has grown from six to thirteen
States; and Maryland, already united to
us by hallowed memories and material
interests, will, I believe, when able to
speak with unstified voice, connect her
destiny with the South. Our people
have rallied with unexampled unanim-
ity to the support of the great princi-
ples of constitutional government, with
firm resolve to perpetuate by arms the
rights which they could not peacefully
secure. A million of men, it is esti-
mated, are now standing in hostile ar-
ray, and waging war along a frontier of
thousands of miles. Battles have been
fought, sieges have been conducted, and
although the contest is not ended, and
the tide for the moment is against us,
the final result in our favor is not
doubtful.
“The period is near at hand when
our foes must sink under the immense
load of debt which they have incurred,
a debt which in their effort to subjugate
us has already attained such fearful
dimensions as will subject them to bur-
dens which must continue to oppress
them for generations to come.
“We, too, have had our trials and
INAUGURATION OF THE CONFEDERATE GOVERNMENT.
115
difficulties. That we are to escape them
in future is not to be hoped. It was to
be expected when we entered upon this
war that it would expose our people to
sacrifices and cost them much, both of
money and blood. But we knew the
value of the object for which we strug-
gled, and understood the nature of the
war in which we were engaged. Noth-
ing could be so bad as failure, and any
sacrifice would be cheap as the price of
success in such a contest.”
Imposing ceremonies were observed in
the inauguration of the new government.
At the base of the statue of Wash-
ington in Richmond a platform was
erected where the President and Vice-
President elect, surrounded by judicial,
legislative, State, and ecclesiastical dig-
nitaries, took their stations, and prayer
being offered up by the Right Reverend
Dr. Johns, the Protestant Episcopal
bishop of Virginia, Jefferson Davis de-
livered his inaugural address.
His message addressed to the first
Congress under the permanent govern-
ment, though it acknowledged more
fully the disasters which had overtaken
the Confederate arms, was not less de-
fiant in its tone than his inaugural ad-
dress. “Events,” he said, “have demon-
strated that the government had at-
tempted more than it had power suc-
cessfully to achieve. Hence in the effort
to protect by our arms the whole terri-
tory of the Confederate States, seaboard
and inland, we have been so exposed as
recently to encounter serious disasters.”
In regard to the defeats the Confed-
erate arms had met with at Roanoke
Island and Fort Donelson, he said,
“Enough is known of the surrender of
Roanoke Island to make us feel that it
was deeply humiliating, however imper-
fect may have been the preparation for
defence. The hope is still entertained
that our reported losses at Fort Donel-
son have been greatly exaggerated, in-
asmuch as I am not only unwilling but
unable to believe that a large army of
our people have surrendered without a
desperate effort to cut their way through
the investing forces, whatever may have
been their numbers, and to endeavor to
make a junction with other divisions of
the army.” In general terms he stated
that the Confederate force in the field
was “four hundred regiments of in-
fantry with proportionate forces of cav-
alry and artillery.”
In regard to the financial condition
of his government, he made the flatter-
ing and consolatory statement that it
had no floating debt, that the credit of
the government was unimpaired, and
that the total expenditure for the year
had been, in round numbers, one hun-
dred and seventy millions of dollars—
“less than one-third of the sum wasted
by the enemy in his vain effort to con-
quer us, less than the value of a slight
article of export—the cotton crop of
the year.”
The new Confederate Congress, while
freely acknowledging the disasters in the
West, showed no abatement of warlike
spirit. The management of the war was
commented upon with great severity, and
the administration of Jefferson Davis so
severely censured, that he felt com-
116
THE WAR witH THE SOUTH.
pelled to make a change in his cabinet.*
Great unanimity, however, prevailed in
the various elections of the congression-
al officials, and but one determination,
that of continuing the struggle with the
United States to the last, animated the
legislative body.
Resolutions were passed to compel
the planters throughout the Southern
States to remove their produce—the
cotton and tobacco —from wherever it
was exposed to seizure, and author-
izing the military authorities to burn
and destroy whatever could not be re-
moved. The farmers were urged to
sow nothing but the seed of corn and
other edible products, that the people
might have abundance to sustain life,
even if deprived of all its . luxuries.
The spirit of the leaders of opinion in
the South may be learned from the fol-
lowing extract from an address to the
inhabitants of Georgia :
“The foot of the oppressor is on the
soil of Georgia. He comes with lust in
his eye, poverty in his purse, and hell in
his heart. He comes a robber and a
murderer. How shall you meet him 2
With the sword, at the threshold ! With
death for him or for yourself! But
more than this—let every woman have
a torch, every child a firebrand—let the
loved homes of our youth be made ashes,
and the fields of our heritage be made
desolate. Let blackness and ruin mark
your departing steps, if depart you
must, and let a desert more terrible
than Sahara welcome the vandals. Let
every city be levelled by the flame, and
every village be lost in ashes. Let your
faithful slaves share your fortune and
your crust. Trust wife and children to
the sure refuge and protection of God—
preferring even for these loved ones the
charnel-house as a home than loathsome
vassalage to a nation already sunk be-
low the contempt of the civilized world.
This may be your terrible choice, and
determine at once and without dissent,
as honor and patriotism and duty to
God require.”
The Southern press was not less earn-
est in its appeals :
“What can the enemy do with such
a people?” wrote the editor of a leading
journal. “If driven from the cities
they will retire to the country, and their
cities all together could not make a town
half the size of New York. To follow
them to the country, in the vast terri-
tory of the South, would require an
army more numerous than that of
Xerxes. They will retire to the coun-
try and take their arms with them—
each man his trusty rifle—and be pre-
pared to seize the first opportunity to
reassert their rights. They will at once
destroy the cotton and other staples
| which the North is endeavoring to force
* RICHMOND, March 23, 1862.
The new Cabinet of President Davis has been formed.
The Senate confirmed his appointments this morning, as
follows:
Secretary of State—J. P. Benjamin, of Louisiana.
Secretary of War—George W. Randolph, of Virginia.
Secretary of the Navy—S. R. Mallory, of Florida.
Secretary of the Treasury—C. G. Memminger, of South
Carolina.
Attorney-General—Thomas H. Watts.
Postmaster-General—Mr. Reagan, of Texas.
* This address was signed by Howell Cobb, R. Toombs,
M. J. Crawford, Thomas R. R. Cobb.
f Richmond Dispatch.
SOUTHERN RESOLUTENESS.
from them by the sword, and will never
cultivate them again till they can do so
for their own benefit. Every bale of
cotton in the Southern States will be
burned, and the proprietors will raise
wheat and corn and other articles which
they have hitherto purchased of the
North. They will return to the simple
and frugal ways of their forefathers, in
dress, furniture, and all the comforts of
life, manufacturing for themselves such
plain and useful articles as their simple
wants and absolute necessities require.
If the Yankees choose to hold their
cities, and be masters of the only spots
where their armies are quartered, these
will be but islands in the midst of a vast
ocean, and will not affect the freedom
and independence of the people so
long as they are constant to their cause
and true to themselves.”
The Confederate Government seemed
to be aroused, with the force of despair,
to the greatest efforts. Martial law was
declared in the principal cities. New
levies of men were made, and compul-
sory drafts ordered, even of the young
98
117
and old, by which the enemy hoped to
bring into the field over 700,000 men
With this powerful array they declared
they would no longer remain on the
defensive, but carry on an offensive
war against the might of the whole
North. & -
The people, especially in the cotton
States, seemed animated by the same
fierce spirit as their leaders. They made
ready to burn and destroy their produce,
and proved their devotion by giving lib-
erally of what they possessed to the com-
mon cause. The women of Charleston
contributed their jewelry toward the
construction of iron-clad steamers for
the defence of the harbor. The schools,
churches, factories, and plantations gave
up their bells to be melted into metal
for cannon, and the women, having de-
spoiled their households of the brass
door-knobs, tops of andirons, kettles,
preserve vessels, pendulums of clocks,
and linings of tea-chests, offered them
as their mites toward supplying the
pressing wants of the Confederacy for
ordnance.
118
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
CHAPTER x II.
Energy of the new Secretary of War.—The President acts as Commander-in-Chief.-A general advance determined
upon.—Military orders.—Division of the Department of the Potomac.—Comments.--An early movement.—Oppo-
sition.—Increased stringency.—Arrest and Imprisonment of General Stone.—The first movement in Virginia.-
Operations of General Lander.—Movement of General Banks on the Upper Potomac.—Retirement of the Enemy.—
Occupation of Winchester, etc.—Battle of Winchester.—Strategy of General Shields.—Continued retreat of the
Enemy.—Pursuit by Banks.
INSPIRED by the energetic spirit of the
new secretary, Mr. Stanton, the
Government began to carry on the
war with the utmost vigor. The Presi-
dent assumed more directly the respon-
sibilities of his constitutional position of
commander-in-chief, and for the first
time issued his “war orders.” The re-
organization of the various military de-
partments and the active prosecution of
the war were the purport of Mr. Lincoln's
Jan, military announcements. He had
* determined, with a shrewd regard to
the patriotic sentiment of the people, to
appoint the twenty-second of February”
1862,
as the day for a simultaneous movement
against the enemy. This led to the op-
erations in Kentucky and Missouri, which
resulted in the triumphs already recorded
at Forts Henry and Donelson, and the
march to Nashville. The President's
action in regard to the organization and
command of the forces on the Potomac,
instituting various corps d'armée,” and
* THE PRESIDENT's GENERAL WAR ORDER—No. 1.
“ExEOUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 1862.
“Ordered, That the 22d day of February, 1862, be the
day for a general movement of the land and naval forces
of the United States against the insurgent forces.
“That especially
The army at and about Fortress Monroe,
The army of the Potomac,
The army of Western Virginia,
The army near Munfordsville, Ky.,
The army and flotilla at Cairo,
And a naval force in the Gulf of Mexico,
be ready for a movement on that day.
“That all the other forces, both land and naval, with
their respective commanders, obey existing orders for the
time, and be ready to obey additional orders when duby
given.
“That the heads of departments, and especially the
secretaries of war and of the navy, with all their subor-
dinates, and the General-in-Chief, with all other com-
manders and subordinates of the land and naval forces,
will severally be held to their strict and full responsibili-
ties for the prompt execution of this order.
- “ABBAHAM LINCOIN.”
* THE PRESIDENT's GENERAL waR or DER—No. 2.
“ExECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, March 3, 1862.
“Ordered, first, That the major-general commanding
the army of the Potomac proceed forthwith to organize
that part of said army destined to enter upon active opera-
tions, including the reserve, but excluding the troops to
be leſt in the fortifications about Washington, into four
army corps, to be commanded according to seniority of
rank, as follows:
“First corps to consist of four divisions, and to be com-
manded by Major-General I. McDowell.
“Second corps to consist of three divisions, and to be
commanded by Brigadier-General E. W. Sumner.
“Third corps to consist of three divisions, and to be
commanded by Brigadier-General S. P. Heintzelman.
“Fourth corps to consist of three divisions, and to be
commanded by Brigadier-General E. L. Keyes.
“2. That the division now commanded by the officers
above assigned to the commands of corps shall be em-
braced in and form part of their respective corps.
“3. The forces left for the defence of Washington will be
A GENERAL ADVANCE.
119
finally dividing” the original Department
of the Potomac into several, gave rise to
much comment, and was thought by
many to be a rebuke to the long inaction
of General McClellan, who was thus re-
lieved of the chief military control.f
Whatever may have been the motive,
the action of the President was followed
by an advance on the Potomac, in spite
of the reported opinion of four of the
six commanders of the army corps
against so early a movement.
With this determination on the part
of the Administration to hasten action,
came a more stringent exercise of the
military authority. The telegraphs and
press were placed under the strictest
surveillance, and severe penalties enact-
placed in command of Brigadier-General James S. Wads-
worth, who shall also be a military governor of the Dis-
trict of Columbia.
“4. That this order be executed with such promptness
and dispatch as not to delay the commencement of the op-
erations already directed to be undertaken by the army of
the Potomac.
“5. A fifth army corps, to be commanded by Major-
General N. P. Banks, will be formed from his own and
General Shields' (late General Lander's) division.
“ ABRAHAM LINCOLN.”
& THE PRESIDENT's WAR ORDER—No. 3.
“ExECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, March 11, 1862.
“Major-General McClellan having personally taken the
field at the head of the army of the Potomac, until other-
wise ordered, is relieved from the command of the other
military departments, he retaining command of the De-
partment of the Potomac.
“Ordered, further, That the two departments now un-
der the respective commands of Generals Halleck and
Hunter, together with so much of that under General Buell
as lies west of a north and south line, indefinitely drawn
through Knoxville, Tennessee, be consolidated and desig-
nated the Department of the Mississippi, and that, until
otherwise ordered, Major-General Halleck have command
of said department,
“Ordered, also, That the country west of the Depart-
ment of the Potomac and east of the Department of the
Mississippi be a military department, to be called the
Mountain Department, and that the same be commanded
by Major-General Fremont.
“That all the commanders of departments, after the
receipt of this order by them respectively, report severally
and directly to the secretary of war, and that prompt, full,
and frequent reports will be expected of all and each of
them. ABRAHAM LINCOIN.”
# The departments were now defined and their com-
manders specified thus : .
THE LIMITS OF THE NEW MILITARY GEOGRAPHICAL DEPART-
MENTS.
1. DEPARTMENT OF NEW ENGLAND.—The six New England
States. Headquarters at Boston. Commander, Major-
General Benjamin F. Butler.
2 DEPARTMENT OF NEw York.—The State of New York.
Headquarters at Albany. Commander, Major-General Ed-
win D. Morgan.
3. DEPARTMENT OF THE POTOMAC.—The States of Pennsyl-
vania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, the District
of Columbia, and that portion of Virginia east of the Al-
leghany Mountains and north of James River, except
Fortress Monroe and sixty miles around the same. Head-
quarters at Washington or in the field. Commander,
Major-General George B. McClellan.
4. DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA.—Fortress Monroe and sixty
miles around the same. Headquarters at the fortress.
Commander, Brigadier-General John E. Wool.
5. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI.—The States of Ohio,
Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Arkansas, the Indian Terri-
tory, the Territories of Dacotah, Nebraska, and Colorado
to the Rocky Mountains, and that part of Tennessee lying
west of a north and south line indefinitely drawn through
Knoxville, Tennessee. Headquarters at present at St.
Louis. Commander, Major-General H. W. Halleck.
6. THE MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT.—The country west of
the Department of the Potomac and east of the Depart-
ment of the Mississippi, Headquarters at Wheeling.
Commander, Major-General John C. Fremont.
7. DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICo.—The Territory of New
Mexico. Headquarters at Santa Fé. Commander, Colonel
E. R. S. Canby.
8. DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC.—The country west of the
Rocky Mountains. Headquarters at San Francisco, Cali-
fornia. Commander,
9. DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA.—That part of the State of
Florida not included in the Department of Key West.
Headquarters at Fort Pickens. Commander, Brigadier-
General Lewis G. Arnold.
10. DEPARTMENT of NoFTH CAROLINA.—The State of
North Carolina. Headquarters in the field. Commander.
Brigadier-General A. E. Burnside.
11. DEPARTMENT OF KEY WEST.—Key West, the Tortu-
gas, and the mainland on the west coast, as far as Apala-
chicola, and to Cape Canaveral, on the east coast. Com-
mander, Brigadier-General J. M. Brennan.
120
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ed in punishment of all attempts to avoid
it.* The arrest and imprisonment of
Feb. General Stone, the leader in the un-
9 fortunate attempt at Ball's Bluff,
was a further illustration of the rigor of
the military rule of the President under
the inspiration of his new secretary. The
arbitrariness, however, of the impris-
onment of General Stone without the
formality even of a court-martial, awak-
ened much inquietude and opposition.
Petitions were numerously signed and
sent to the President invoking him to se-
cure to the imprisoned General “the full
benefit of the articles of war (as they have
heretofore been uniformly interpreted),
and an immediate trial.” Congress de-
bated the subject warmly, and some
members did not hesitate to pronounce
the conduct of the Secretary of War,
who was held morally responsible as the
adviser of the President, to be arbitrary
and unjust.*
The first movement in Virginia was
made by the force under the command
of General Lander. General Jackson,
who commanded the extreme left of the
enemy's line in northern Virginia, had
succeeded in driving the Union troops
from Bath and Romney, had shelled Han-
cock, and destroyed a second time the
track of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road. General Lander, however, being
reinforced, was soon enabled to turn
with effect upon Jackson, and causing
him to fall back, succeeded in opening
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Feb.
to Hancock. Lander, with charac- 13.
teristic activity, had accomplished this
important movement by an extraor
narily rapid march.t
With the way thus cleared by Lander,
General Banks was enabled to com-
mence a general movement of his force
on the upper Potomac. Crossing the
o WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, D.C.,
February 25, 1862. }
ORDERED.
First—-On and after, the twenty-sixth day of February
instant, the President, by virtue of the act of Congress,
takes military possession of all the telegraph lines in the
United States.
Second—All telegraphic communications in regard to
military operations not expressly authorized by the War
Department, the General Commanding, or the generals
commanding in the field, in the several departments, are
absolutely forbidden. -
Third—All newspapers publishing the military news,
however obtained, and by whatever medium received,
not authorized by the official authority mentioned in the
preceding paragraph, will be excluded thereafter from re-
ceiving information by telegraph or from transmitting
their papers by railroad.
Fourth—Edwards S. Sandford is made Military Super-
visor of telegraphic messages throughout the United
States. Anson Stager is made Military Superintendent of
all telegraphic lines and offices in the United States.
Fifth —This possession and control of the telegraph
lines is not intended to interfere in any respect with the
ordinary affairs of the companies or with private business.
By order of the PRESIDENT.
Edwin M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
* The following were supposed to be the charges
against General Stone : -
First—For misbehavior at the battle of Ball's Bluff.
Second—For holding correspondence with the enemy be-
fore and since the battle of Ball's Bluff, and receiving
visits from rebel officers in his camp.
Third—For treacherously suffering the enemy to build a
fort or strong work, since the battle of Ball's Bluff, under
his guns without molestation.
Fourth—For a treacherous design to expose his forces to
capture and destruction by the enemy, under pretence of
orders for a movement from the Commanding General,
which had not been given.
+ Lander wrotein his report, dated Pawpaw, Feb. 15, eight
P.M. : “Two columns of two thousand men each marched
thirty-two miles, and one column forty-three miles, since
four P.M. yesterday, besides bridging the river.” General
Lander, exhausted by the excessive activity of his energetic
spirit, and weakened by a wound received at the battle of
Ball's Bluff, died at Pawpaw on the 2d of March.
BANKS IN THE SHENANDOAH WATLLEY.
121
river from Sandy Hook to Harper's
Ferry, his troops first occupied this
Feb, town, and immediately after, with-
27 out resistance, Bolivar, Charles-
town, and Martinsburg. He had thus
Mar, secured possession not only of
* these important positions, but a
considerable portion of the country on
both sides of the Shenandoah. Few of
the inhabitants were left, and these
were in “a condition bordering on star-
vation.” They all “professed Union
sentiments and great delight at being
relieved from the thraldom which had
oppressed them for the last six months.”
The enemy, under General Jackson,
had in the mean time retired and con-
centrated in force at Winchester, while
the main body of the Unionists, under
General Banks, encamped at Charles-
town and applied themselves busily to
the reconstruction of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad. At the same time Col-
onel Geary had pushed forward with a
detachment to Leesburg, which the re-
Mar, treating enemy yielded to him with-
8 out a blow.
The advance of the Union army hav-
Mar, ing taken possession of Berryville,
11 and a reconnoissance in force being
made toward Winchester, the enemy re-
treated from this latter place, making
but a slight resistance to General Greene
and General Hamilton, as with their com-
bined forces they entered the city. Large
stores of provisions and ammunition
were found in the place, and an “en-
thusiastic reception” from the inhab-
itants who remained welcomed the ar-
rival of the Union troops. General
Banks now moved forward his main force
to Winchester preparatory to an ad-
vance upon the enemy, while General
Shields, in command of the advance,
made a reconnoissance in force beyond
Strasburg. By this he ascertained Mar,
that Jackson was strongly posted 18, 19.
with his troops near Mount Jackson, and
within supporting distance of the main
body of the enemy under General John-
ston. Shields now determined to decoy
him from his position, and with this pur-
pose, fell back toward Winchester, Mar,
“giving the movement all the ap- 20.
pearance of a retreat,” and marching his
whole command nearly thirty miles in
one day. On approaching Winchester,
Shields posted his force at night in a se-
cluded position, about two miles from
that town, on the Martinsburg road.
The advance of the enemy, Ashby's
cavalry, having followed Shields, as he
retired, was observed by his pickets on
the next day. This was the 21st of
March, and on the 22d General Banks'
whole command evacuated Winchester
en route for Centreville, leaving only
Shields' division and the Michigan cav-
alry.
“Ashby's cavalry,” says Gen. Shields
in his report, “observing” this move-
ment from a distance, came to the con-
clusion that Winchester was being evac-
* In another and unofficial account by General Shields,
he says :
“This movement and the masked position of my divi-
sion made an impression upon the inhabitants, some of
whom were in secret communication with the enemy, that
our army had left, and that nothing remained but a few
regiments to garrison this place. Jackson was signalized
to this effect. I saw their signals and divined their
meaning.”
122
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
uated, and signalized Jackson to that
effect. We saw their signal fires, and
divined their import. On the 22d, about
five o'clock P.M., they attacked and drove
in our pickets. By order of General
Banks, I put my command under arms
and pushed forward one brigade and two
batteries of artillery to drive back the
enemy, but, to keep him deceived as to
our strength, only let him see two reg-
iments of infantry, a small body of cav-
alry, and part of the artillery. While
directing one of our batteries to its po-
sition, I was struck by the fragment of
a shell, which fractured my arm above
the elbow, bruised my shoulder, and in-
jured my side. The enemy being driven
from his position, we withdrew to Win-
chester. The injuries I had received
completely prostrated me, but were not
such as to prevent me from making the
required dispositions for the ensuing day.
Under cover of the night, I pushed for-
ward Kimball's brigade nearly three
miles on the Strasburg road. Daum's
artillery was posted in a strong position
to support his brigade, if attacked. Sul-
livan's brigade was posted in the rear
of Kimball's, and within supporting dis-
tance of it, covering all the approaches
to the town by Cedar Creek, Front
Royal, Berryville, and Romney roads.
This brigade and Broadhead's cavalry
were held in reserve, so as to support
our force in front at any point where it
might be attacked. These dispositions
being made, I rested for the night, know-
ing that all the approaches by which the
enemy might penetrate to this place were
effectually guarded.
“I deem it necessary in this place to
give a brief description of these ap-
proaches, as well as of the field, which
next day became the scene of one of the
bloodiest battles of the war. Winches-
ter is approached from the south by
three principal roads: the Cedar Creek
road on the west, the valley turnpike
road leading to Strasburg in the centre,
and the Front Royal road on the east.
There is a little village called Kerns-
town, on the valley road, about three
and a half miles from Winchester. On
the west side of this road, about half a
mile north of Kernstown, is a ridge of
ground which commands the approach
by the turnpike and a part of the sur-
rounding country. This ridge was the
key point of our position. Here Colonel
Kimball, the senior officer in command
on the field, took his station. Along this
ridge Lieut.-Col. Daum, chief of artil-
lery, posted three of his batteries, keep-
ing one of his batteries in reserve some
distance in the rear. Part of our in-
fantry was first placed in position in the
rear and within supporting distance of
these batteries, well sheltered in the
windings and sinuosities of the ridge.
The main body of the enemy on the ridge
was posted in order of battle about half
a mile beyond Kernstown, his line ex-
tending from the Cedar Creek road to a
little ravine near the Front Royal road,
a distance of about two miles. This
ground had been so skilfully selected
that, while it afforded facilities for ma-
noeuvring, it was completely masked by
high and wooded ground in front. These
| woods he filled with skirmishers, sup-
BATTLE OF WINCHESTER. 123
ported by a battery on each flank, and
so adroitly had this movement been con-
ducted, and so skilfully had he con-
cealed himself, that at eight o'clock A.M.
on the 22d nothing was visible but the
same force under Ashby which had been
repulsed the previous evening. Not
being able to reconnoitre the front in
person, I dispatched an experienced offi-
cer, Colonel John T. Mason, of the Fourth
Ohio Volunteers, about nine o'clock A.M.,
to the front, to perform that duty and
to report to me, as promptly as possible,
every circumstance that might indicate
the presence of the enemy. About an
hour after Colonel Mason returned and
reported to me that he had carefully
reconnoitered the country in front and
on both flanks, and found no indications
of any hostile force except that of
Ashby's.
“I communicated this information to
Major-General Banks, who was then
with me, and after consulting together
we both concluded that Jackson could
not be tempted to hazard himself so far
away from his main support. Having
both come to this conclusion, General
Banks took his departure for Washing-
ton, being already under orders to that
effect, The officers of his staff, how-
ever, remained behind, intending to
leave for Centreville in the afternoon.
Although I began to conclude that
Jackson was nowhere in the vicinity,
knowing the crafty enemy we have to
deal with, I took care not to omit a
single precaution. Between eleven and
twelve o'clock A.M. a message from Col-
onel Kimball informed me that another
battery on the enemy's right had opened
on our position, and that there were
some indications of a considerable force
of infantry in the woods in that quarter.
On receiving this information I pushed
forward Sullivan's brigade, which was
placed, by order of Colonel Kimball, in
a position to oppose the advance of the
enemy's right wing. The action opened
with a fire of artillery on both sides, but
at too great a distance to be very ef-
fective. The initiative was taken by the
enemy. He pushed forward a few more
guns to his right, supported by a con-
siderable force of infantry and cavalry,
with the apparent intention of enfilading
our position and turning our left flank.
An active body of skirmishers, consist-
ing of the Eighth Ohio, Colonel Carroll,
and three companies of the Sixty-sev-
enth Ohio, was immediately thrown for-
ward on both sides of the valley road to
resist the enemy's advance. These skir-
mishers were admirably supported by
four pieces of artillery, under Captain
Jenks, and Sullivan's gallant brigade.
This united force repulsed the enemy at
all points, and gave him such a check
that no further demonstration was made
upon that flank during the remainder
of the day. The attempt against our
left flank having thus failed, the enemy
withdrew the greater part of his force
to the right, and formed it into a reserve
to support his left flank in a forward
movement. He then added his original
reserve and two batteries to his main
body, and then, advancing with this
combined column, under shelter of the
brigade on his left, on which other bat-
124
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
teries had been previously posted, seemed
evidently determined to turn our right
flank or overthrow it. Our batteries on
the opposite ridge, although, admirably
managed by their experienced chief,
Lieutenant-Colonel Daum, were soon
found insufficient to check, or even re-
tard, the advance of such a formidable
body. At this stage of the combat a
messenger arrived from Colonel Kim-
ball, informing me of the state of the
field, and requesting direction as to the
employment of the infantry. I saw
there was not a moment to lose, and
gave positive orders that all the dis-
posable infantry should be immediately
thrown forward on our right to carry
the enemy's batteries, and to assail and
turn his left flank, and hurl it back on
the centre. Colonel Kimball carried out
these orders with promptitude and ability.
He intrusted this movement to Tyler's
splendid brigade, which, under its fearless
leader, Colonel Tyler, marched forward
with alacrity and enthusiastic joy to the
performance of the most perilous duty of
the day. The enemy's skirmishers were
driven before it and fell back upon the
main body, strongly posted behind a high
and solid stone wall, situated on an ele-
wated ground. Here the struggle became
desperate, and for a short time doubtful;
but Tyler's brigade being soon joined on
the left by the Fifth Ohio, Thirteenth
Indiana, and Sixty-second Ohio, of Sul-
livan's brigade, and the Fourteenth In-
diana, Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania, sev-
en companies of the Sixty-seventh Ohio,
and three companies of the Eighth Ohio,
of Kimball's brigade, this united force
dashed upon the enemy with a cheer
and yell that rose high up above the
roar of battle ; and though the rebels
fought desperately, as their piles of dead
attest, they were forced back through
the woods by a fire as destructive as
ever fell upon a retreating foe. Jack-
son, with his supposed invincible stone-
wall brigade and the accompanying brig-
ades, much to their mortification and
discomfiture, were compelled to fall back
in disorder upon their reserve. Here
they took up a new position for a final
stand, and made an attempt for a few
minutes to retrieve the fortunes of the
day, but again rained down upon them
the same close and destructive fire.
Again cheer upon cheer rang in their
ears. A few minutes only did they stand
up against it, when they turned dis-
mayed and fled in disorder, leaving us
in possession of the field, the killed and
wounded, three hundred prisoners, two
guns, four caissons, and a thousand stand
of small-arms. Night alone saved them
from total destruction. The enemy re-
treated above five miles, and, judging
from his camp fires, took up a new posi-
tion for the night. Our troops, wearied
and exhausted with the fatigues of the
day, threw themselves down to rest on
the field. -
“Though the battle had been won,
still I could not have believed that Jack-
son would have hazarded a decisive en-
gagement at such a distance from the
main body without expecting reinforce-
ments. So, to be prepared for such a con-
tingency, I set to work during the night
to bring together all the troops within my
|BAN KS' PURSUIT
OF THE ENEMY. 125
reach. I sent an express after Williams'
division, requesting the rear brigade,
about twenty miles distant, to march all
night and join me in the morning. I
swept the posts and route in my rear of al-
most all their guards, hurrying them for-
ward by forced marches to be with me at
daylight. I gave positive orders also to
the forces in the field to open fire on the
enemy as soon as the light of day would
enable them to point their guns, and to
pursue him without respite and compel
him to abandon his guns and baggage
or cut him to pieces. These orders were
implicitly obeyed as far as possible. It
now appears that I had rightly divined
the intentions of our crafty antagonist.
On the morning of the 23d a reinforce-
ment from Luray of 5,000 reached Front
Royal, on their way to join Jackson.
This reinforcement was being followed
by another body of 10,000 from Sperry-
ville ; but recent rains having rendered
the Shenandoah River impassable, they
found themselves compelled to fall back
without being able to effect the pro-
posed junction. At daylight, on the
morning of the 24th, our artillery again
opened on the enemy. He entered upon
his retreat in very good order, consider-
ing what he had suffered. General
Banks, hearing of our engagement on
his way to Washington, halted at Har-
per's Ferry, and with remarkable promp-
titude and sagacity ordered back Will-
iams' whole division, so that my express
found the rear brigade already en route
to join us. The General himself re-
turned here forthwith, and, after making
me a hasty visit, assumed command of
the forces in pursuit of the enemy. The
pursuit was kept up with vigor, energy,
and activity until they reached Wood-
stock, where the enemy's retreat became
a flight, and the pursuit was abandoned
because of the utter exhaustion of our
troops.”
* General Shields gave the following as his estimate of
the forces engaged and the losses on both sides :
“The killed, as reported, are 103, and among them we
have to deplore the loss of the brave Colonel Murray, of
the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who fell at
the head of his regiment while gallantly leading it in the
face of the enemy. The wounded are 441, many of them
slightly, and the missing are 24. The enemy’s loss is
more difficult to ascertain than our own : 270 were found
dead on the battle-field ; 40 were buried by the inhabit-
ants of the adjacent village, and, by a calculation made
by the number of graves found on both sides of the valley
road between here and Strasburg, their loss in killed must
have been about 500, and in wounded 1,000. The pro-
portion between the killed and wounded of the enemy
shows the closeness and terrible destructiveness of our fire,
nearly half the wounds being fatal. The enemy admit a
loss of between 1,000 and 1,500 killed and wounded. Our
forces in infantry, cavalry, and artillery did not exceed
7,000 That of the enemy must have exceeded 11,000.
Jackson, who commanded on the field, had, in addition
to his own stone-wall brigade, Smith's, Garnett's, and
Longstreet's brigades. Generals Smith and Garnett were
here in person. The following regiments were known to
have been present, and from each of them were made
prisoners on the field : the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Twenty-
first, Twenty-third, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Thir-
ty-third, Thirty-seventh, and Forty-second Virginia; First
Regiment Provisional Army, and an Irish battalion. None
from the reserve were made prisoners. Their force in in-
fantry must have been 9000. The cavalry of the united
brigades amounted to 1,500. Their artillery consisted of
thirty-six pieces. We had 6,000 infantry and a cavalry
force of 750, and twenty-four pieces of artillery.” -
The report of Acting Brigadier-General Kimball to
General Shields gives the total loss as follows:
Killed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Wounded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540
Missing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 718
General James Shields, the victor at Winchester, was
born in the County of Tyrone, Ireland, in 1810. He emi-
grated to the United States in 1826, at the age of sixteen.
In 1832 he settled at Kaskaskia, Illinois, where he became
He rapidly advanced politically and profes-
He was successively a member of the State
a lawyer.
sionally.
99
126
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
The enemy of course gave a different
version of the motives of their move-
ment and its consequences. They de-
clared it to be the purpose of Jackson
to prevent a junction of General Banks
with McClellan's army at Centreville,
and that accordingly he moved to
Winchester with such a show of force
as to compel Banks to remain there.
The enemy, moreover, declared that
their whole number of troops amounted
to but six thousand men, of whom only
three thousand were engaged, while
they claimed to have taken more pris-
oners and lost fewer in killed than their
antagonists. As the enemy retired from
Winchester after the battle, General
Banks followed them along the valley
of the Shenandoah, successively occu-
pying Strasburg, Edenburg, Woodstock,
Mount Jackson, and finally New Mar-
ket and Sparta, of which his advanced
guard took possession on the 19th of
Legislature, a State auditor, and a judge of the Supreme
Court. In 1845 he was appointed by President Polk
commissioner of the general land office, and removed
to Washington. On the breaking out of the Mexican
war he was made a brigadier-general of volunteers, and
greatly distinguished himself. At Cerro Gordo he was so
badly wounded that for a long time his life was despaired
of. He finally, however, so far recovered as to resume
his command, and being promoted to a major-generalship,
continued to serve with distinction until the capture of
the Mexican capital. In 1849 he was elected United States
senator from Illinois. There being some informality in
his election, he was induced to resign, but was again
elected. After serving six years in the Senate, where he
became prominent as an ardent supporter of the Demo-
cratic party, he removed to Minnesota. On this Territory
April. General Jackson, however, fell
back from these various points with de-
liberate caution, keeping his pursuers in
check by an occasional charge of his fa-
mous cavalry under Colonel Ashby, and
obstructing the advance of Genera.
Banks, by destroying the bridges and
devastating the country.
The enemy were thus driven out of
the valley of the Shenandoah, Apr,
Jackson having retired, as was sup- 20.
posed, with his whole force through
the mountains toward Gordonsville with
the view of forming a junction with the .
enemy's force concentrated on the pen-
insula, between the York and James
rivers. - * *
General Geary had, in the mean
time, advanced to Middleburg, and Apr,
after driving out a small force of 14.
the enemy from that place, had formed
a junction with the main body of Gen-
eral Banks in pursuit of Jackson.
becoming a State, he was chosen United States Senator.
In 1859, his term—being the short one—expired, and he
went to California, where he lived in comparative retire-
ment until the commencement of the present war, when
he was made by Congress a brigadier-general, with a com-
mission of the date of August 19, 1861. He at first re-
fused acceptance of the appointment, but finally deter-
mined to serve his adopted country, and was given the
command of the division of General Banks' corps d'armée,
previously held by General Lander.
“General Shields is of good personal appearance, about
five feet eight inches in stature, with dark hair and com-
plexion. His style of speaking is easy, fluent, and agree-
able. He is still, of course, a progressive Democrat, but
at the same time is a strong supporter of the Government
of the United States in its unity and integrity.”
ADVANCE OF McCLELLAN.
127
CHAPTER XIII.
Chief interest centred in the movement of McClellan’s army.—McClellan's skill in Organization.—Stirring words.—
The order to advance hailed with joy.—The advance.—Disappointment.—Retreat of the Enemy from Manassas.-
The appearance of the abandoned works.—Quaker Guns.—Diversity of opinion in regard to McClellan's strategy.—
Return of McClellan to Washington and Alexandria.—Movement to the Peninsula of Yorktown.—The Lines
of the Enemy.—McDowell advances to the Banks of the Rappahannock.-Occupation of Urbana, Tappahannock,
and Fredericksburg.—Disembarkation of McClellan on the Peninsula.-Advance against Yorktown.—The Siege
of Yorktown.—Reappearance of the Merrimac.—Preparations to receive her.—Great Expectations of a Sea-fight.—
Three Union vessels captured by the Enemy.—Retirement of the Merrimac.—General Fremont in command of the
Mountain Department.—Movements in that quarter.
THE chief interest of the advance of the
Union armies was centred in the
movement of the force so long sta-
tionary on the Potomac, under General
McClellan. Whatever may be the differ-
ence of opinion in regard to the plans of
this young leader, few will deny him the
credit of having, by his skill in organi-
zation, formed a great mass of raw re-
cruits into a well-disciplined army. Con-
scious that the policy of his conduct had
been questioned by the disputatious and
impatient, McClellan, in his address to
his army, justified his long inactivity by
a proud allusion to his labors in the
camp. He at the same time, now that
he was prepared for action, appealed to
the martial spirit and patriotism of his
troops in stirring words:
“Soldiers of the Army of the Poto-
mac,” he said, “for a long time I have
kept you inactive, but not without a
purpose. You were to be disciplined,
armed, and instructed. The formidable
artillery you now have had to be creat-
ed. Other armies were to move and
1862,
whatever I ask of you.
accomplish certain results. I have held
you back that you might give the death-
blow to the rebellion that has distracted
our once happy country.
“The patience you have shown, and
your confidence in your General, are
worth a dozen victories. These prelim-
inary results are now accomplished. I
feel that the patient labors of many
months have produced their fruit. The
Army of the Potomac is now a real
army, magnificent in material, admir-
able in discipline and instruction, and
excellently equipped and armed. Your
commanders are all that I could wish.
The moment for action has arrived, and
I know that I can trust in you to save
our country. As I ride through your
ranks I see in your faces the sure pres-
tige of victory. I feel that you will do
The period of
inaction has passed. I will bring you
now face to face with the rebels, and
only pray that God may defend the
right !
“In whatever direction you may
128
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
move, however strange my actions may
appear to you, ever bear in mind that
my fate is linked with yours, and that
all I do is to bring you where I know
you wish to be—on the decisive battle-
field. It is my business to place you
there. I am to watch over you as a
parent over his children, and you know
that your General loves you from the
depths of his heart. It shall be my care
—it has ever been—to gain success with
the least possible loss. But I know that,
if it is necessary, you will willingly fol-
low me to our graves for our righteous
C8, UlSé. -
“God smiles upon us! Victory at-
tends us! Yet I would not have you
think that our aim is to be obtained
without a manly struggle. I will not
disguise it from you that you have
brave foes to encounter—foemen well
worthy of the steel that you will use so
well. I shall demand of you great, he-
roic exertions, rapid and long marches,
desperate combats, privations, perhaps.
We will share all these together, and
when this sad war is over we will re-
turn to our homes, and feel that we can
ask no higher honor than the proud con-
sciousness that we belonged to the Army
of the Potomac.”
The order to march toward Centre-
Mar, ville and Manassas was hailed with
10, joy by every officer and man in the
ranks. General McDowell commanded
the advance, and he moved forward
with his immense and well-ordered force
ready to fight and eager to vindicate the
defeat of Bull Run by a victory on the
same field. The enemy, however, had
fled, and Centreville and Manassas, once
supposed to be so formidable, were
found abandoned. Nothing was left but
the débris of destroyed camps, half-
burned provisions, the remains of the
dead, an extensive line of deserted
earth-works, and some “Quaker guns,”
or trunks of trees so hewn as to bear
in the distance the semblance of can-
non. A general disappointment was felt
not only by our soldiers, who had been
for so many months patiently awaiting
the opportunity of redeeming the glory
lost at Bull Run, but by the people
throughout the North. A difference of
opinion, however, prevailed in regard to
the enemy's retirement. Some con-
tended that it was a precipitate retreat,
and the victorious result of General
McClellan's consummate strategy, while
others insisted that it was a deliberate
and triumphant withdrawal by the en-
emy of a force which had long since
been at the mercy of the great Union
army on the Potomac, which had failed
to move until it was too late. By the
former, the strength of the enemy's po-
sition at Centreville and Manassas was
elaborately magnified, while the latter
as carefully lessened it. The newspa-
pers, according to their partisan attach-
ments, gave expression to discordant
opinions. A correspondent” of the New
York Tribune, after visiting Centreville
and Manassas, deliberately published
these as his conclusions:
“First. That the topographical charac-
ter of the position at Manassas has been
wholly misunderstood. Instead of a high
* Bayard Taylor.
MAN ASSAS ABANDONED.
129
plain, with ascending terraces, furnish-
ing concentric lines of defence, it is a
low plain, of which the only natural ad-
vantage is the stream of Bull Run, with
a low bluff bank. -
“Second. That the position at Centre-
ville, though naturally formidable to an
advance from Fairfax, has no flank or
rear defences, is imperfectly fortified,
and, from all indications, never had any
heavy siege guns.
“Third. That the three or four small
forts near Manassas Junction, on an
open plain, do not constitute a strategic
position of any importance.
“Fourth. That the strongest of the
rebel works was inferior, both in con-
struction and armament, to the weakest
of our forts on the Virginia side of
Washington. -
“Fifth. That the rebels never had, at
any time, in all the camps between
Centreville and Manassas, more than
75,000 men.
“Sixth. That an advance of our whole
army, made any time since the first of
November last, would very likely have
reached Manassas with as much expedi-
tion and as little loss as the advance at
this time. It is scarcely likely that the
rebels, who have been all along so well
informed as to our strength and our
contemplated movements, would have
hazarded an engagement which must
have resulted disastrously to them.”
A correspondent of the New York Her-
ald, on the other hand, wrote: “The best
judges who have inspected the quarters
at and near Manassas, declare that they
would accommodate one hundred and
forty thousand men. The barracks have
all been recently occupied ; and that the
army was not lacking for subsistence
is proved by plenty of empty champagne
and porter bottles and pickle jars left
behind in the decampment. Many cir-
cumstances show conclusively to the
mind of every visitor there who knows
anything of camp life, that the evacua-
tion was made hastily. Hundreds of
articles have been brought away as
trophies which would never have been
left behind by the soldiers if they had
not been marched away upon short no-
tice. Cooked victuals were found upon
some of the tables, and all the quarters
at Manassas had the appearance of hav-
ing been recently occupied and hastily
abandoned.”
Again, another writer said:
“Military men are invariably struck
on reaching Centreville with the great
natural strength of the position, and the
scientific manner in which it was pre-
pared for an attack.”
The fact remained, that the enemy
had retired in safety, and were thus en-
abled, by taking up another position,
again to present a formidable front to
our armies. McClellan now returned to
Washington and Alexandria with his
main body, and shifted his military
operations to the peninsula of York-
town, while General McDowell was left
to operate against the enemy on the
lower Potomac.
The enemy were evidently gradually
drawing in their forces in Eastern Vir-
ginia closer to Richmond, so as to estab-
lish a line extending from Gordonsville
130
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
to Yorktown, with its left at the former
and its right at the latter place. In or-
der to effect this, they had not only
fallen back from the upper Potomac and
Manassas, but had abandoned their long
Mar, succession of batteries bordering the
9, southern bank of the lower Poto-
mac, and thus raised the blockade of
that river, which had so long bid defi-
ance to the Federal power.
General McDowell advanced cautious-
ly as the enemy withdrew, occasionally
skirmishing with their rear-guards and
Mar, outposts of cavalry. His first ad-
29. vance was to Warrenton Junction,
whence, after a delay of several weeks,
Apr. he made a forced march to the
17 banks of the Rappahannock. The
advance of the army is thus minutely
described by one who accompanied it :
“On Thursday, with the first faint
light of dawn, the command started.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kilpatrick, with the
Ira Harris Light Cavalry, led the ad-
vance. Before starting, an order was
issued directing the instant shooting of
any one detected in the act of pillaging,
burning, or wantonly destroying prop-
erty. No occasion was found for the
execution of the order. Late in the
day the heat compelled the men to re-
lieve themselves of everything not abso-
lutely indispensable, and overcoats and
blankets strewed the road. .
“Six miles from Catlett's Station, re-
cent tracks of rebel cavalry were discov-
ered. Twelve miles beyond, the enemy's
picket was driven in. General Augur
pushed rapidly forward with the cavalry,
the Brooklyn Fourteenth Regiment, and
a section of artillery. A small rebel
mounted force was discovered, which re-
tired skirmishing. The chase continued
for eight miles, the Brooklyn Fourteenth,
without a single straggler, keeping up
with the cavalry and artillery. Lieu-
tenant Decker, Company D, of the Ira
Harris Light Cavalry, was killed while
gallantly leading one of the charges. He
was shot through the heart. The rebel
by whom he was killed, and fifteen oth-
ers, were almost at the same instant
taken prisoners. Colonel Kilpatrick
charged upon the camp of the enemy,
driving them like frightened sheep, and
captured a large amount of forage. The
command bivouacked for the night in
the enemy's camp after a march of twen-
ty-six miles. -
“Few men were found on the farms
along the road. Several of the families
expressed Union sentiments, but every
man capable of performing military duty
had been pressed into the rebel service
or made prisoner.
“During the night the Ira Harris
Light Cavalry continued to harass the
enemy, and in the morning, led by Col-
onel Kilpatrick, charged gallantly upon
the barricades across the road and drove
the enemy's advance back with consid-
erable loss. - -
“At daylight the command moved
forward, forcing the enemy across the
Rappahannock, and compelled them to
retreat beyond the heights south of
Fredericksburg. In their flight they
set fire to the bridges, upon which had
been placed heaps of combustibles. The
Chatham and railroad bridges were de-
MCDOWELL ON THE RAPPAHANNOCEO.
131
stroyed. The Hicklen bridge was saved
by the strenuous exertions of the Ber-
dan Sharpshooters. The little town of
Falmouth, on the north bank of the
Rappahannock, immediately opposite
Fredericksburg, was found almost en-
tirely deserted. Several Union families
remained to welcome the advance of our
troops. The people generally received
our soldiers in a friendly manner, and
expressed surprise when assured that
they were to be protected instead of
murdered, as they had been assured by
the rebels they would be. -
“Our occupation of the place was a
surprise. The mills were still running,
and women and children engaged in or-
dinary domestic avocations when our
cannon belched forth its thunder from
the adjacent cliff.”
A flotilla of Union gun-boats at the
same time sailed from Chesapeake Bay
up the Rappahannock River, and after
shelling the enemy's batteries, took
possession of Urbana and Tappahan-
nock. The boats, however, were pre-
vented from proceeding as far as Fred-
ericksburg in consequence of the Ob-
structions in the river.
On the arrival of the Union forces,
the city councillors of Fredericksburg
met, and appointed a committee to con-
fer with General Augur, in command of
the advance of the Union army, in re-
gard to the surrender of the city. At
the same time these civic dignitaries
proved the inveteracy of their secession-
ism by passing a resolution, declaring
“that the city, since the adoption of the
ordinance of secession, had been unani-
mously in favor of disunion, and was still
firmly attached to the Southern cause,
surrendering only upon condition of
protection to private property.” -
General Augur received these emis-
Saries with courtesy, but waiving any
discussion, declared that he would leave
the treatment of Fredericksburg and its
inhabitants to the issue of events.
General McClellan having embarked
his large army—estimated at a hundred
and twenty” thousand men—at Alexan-
dria and Washington, in an immense
fleet of transports, sailed for Hampton.
He soon after advanced in the di- Apr.
rection of Yorktown, and on mak- 4.
ing a reconnoissance of the enemy's
works, extending across the peninsula
between York and James rivers, found
the “defences very strong and the ap-
proaches difficult.” The enemy, in Mar.
the mean time, had fallen back 27.
from Big Bethel, and abandoned Ship
Point, on the Poquosin, which empties
into the Chesapeake. Bay, near the
mouth of the York River. McClellan
had thus secured a convenient dépôt on
the water close to the enemy's fortifi-
cations, and a clear sweep for his gun-
boats to operate in the outlet of the river
York. On the first arrival of the Union
troops in force, the enemy were sup-
posed to have had but ten thousand men
under General Magruder, to guard the
extensive fortifications of the peninsu-
la. They, however, on discovering that
McClellan was concentrating his force
preparatory to a siege and a grand as-
o McClellan's army was afterward reinforced until it
amounted to over 150,000 men.
i32
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
sault, rapidly hurried forward abund-
ant reinforcements, and soon numbered
within their formidable works a large
army led by Johnston.
The formidable Merrimac, whose re-
Apr, appearance had been so long
ll awaited, now defiantly came for-
ward from Norfolk, accompanied by the
Jamestown and Yorktown and several
Small tug and gun boats. The signal-
gun at Fortress Monroe was fired, and
the garrison ran to their arms and man-
ned the cannon on the parapet. The
fleet of transports anchored in the roads,
slipped their moorings, and either sailed
or were towed out of harm's way. The
Monitor, getting ready for action, by
clearing her decks, lowering her smoke
and steam pipes, and slipping her an-
chor, moved out into the roads, ac-
companied by the Naugatuck.” They,
however, were restricted in their move-
ments by the order of Commodore
Goldsborough, to act strictly on the de-
fensive.
In the mean time, the Merrimac and
her consorts approached to within four
miles of Fortress Monroe, but took care
to keep without the range of the guns
of the fort. A large number of steam-
boats, “crowded with excursionists,” had
followed the Merrimac from Norfolk
with the view, apparently, of being
spectators of a fight. Two French war
steamers, the Catinat and the Gassendi,
and the English gun-boat Rinaldo, had
been for some time anchored in Hamp-
ton Roads, evidently for the purpose of
* This is a small floating battery presented by Mr.
Stevens, of Hoboken, to the Government.
watching a struggle in which the whole
world was interested. .#
The Merrimac and her consorts had
remained almost stationary, only mov-
ing to communicate with each other,
until about nine o'clock A.M., when the
rebel gun-boat Patrick Henry left the
fleet and ran into Hampton Cove by the
inside channel, leading from Newport
News Point toward Hampton village.
At first it seemed to be a manoeuvre to
induce the Monitor to change her posi-
tion ; and others supposed the rebel
steamer had hostile designs on the Fed-
eral camp at Hampton (Camp Hamil-
ton). The sequel to the problem was
soon discovered when the rebel craft,
Subsequently joined by the rebel steamer
Teazer, was seen cutting out two Union
brigs and a schooner which were at an-
chor about two miles from shore. The
affair was deeply humiliating, and no ef-
forts were made by our fleet to prevent
the outrage until after the rebel steamers.
were escaping with their prizes and un-
der full headway for Norfolk, when the
gun-boats Octarora and Naugatuck were
sent up Hampton Cove to a point near
where the stolen vessels had been an-
chored.
The Patrick Henry towed her prizes
to Norfolk, and returned to join the
rebel fleet shortly after twelve.
In the evening the Merrimac and her
consorts returned to Norfolk, after hav-
ing exchanged, without effect on either
side, a few shots at long range with the
Union gun-boat Octarora and the float-
ing battery Naugatuck. Next morning
the Merrimac appeared again with her
THE MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT.
133
consorts, and having taken their posi-
tion off Sewall's Point, remained for a
long time so stationary that she was
supposed to be aground. She, how-
ever, returned at night to Norfolk,
whence she occasionally reappeared, ap-
parently with the object of covering the
entrance to the James River, and thus
preventing the Union gun-boats from
co-operating with General McClellan in
the siege of Yorktown.
General Fremont, it will be recol-
lected, was appointed to the command
of the “Mountain Department,” includ-
ing the country west of the “Depart-
ment of the Potomac,” and east of the
“Department of the Mississippi.” This
brought that portion of the scene of war
in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee
under his control.
Previous to the assumption of this
command by Fremont, General Garfield
Mar, had, after various skirmishes with
15 guerrilla bands, pushed on to Pound
100
Gap, fifty miles beyond Piketon, in
Kentucky, where he was encamped, and
drove the enemy from their intrench-
ments on the Cumberland Mountains
into Virginia. They, however, con-
tinued to hold the strong position Mar,
at Cumberland Gap, and thus bar- 24.
red the entrance of the Federal troops
into East Tennessee. Fremont arrived
at Wheeling, his headquarters, on the
29th of March, superseding General
Rosecrans, whose command in Western
Virginia was now absorbed in the Moun-
tain Department. Fremont immediately
ordered an advance, and General Mil-
roy accordingly pushed forward from
his encampment on Cheat Mountain.
The enemy rapidly retired before him,
evacuating Camp Alleghany, Hunters-
ville, and Monterey, where they turned
upon Milroy, but being driven back,
made for the Shenandoah Moun- Apr.
tains, on the crest of which they 20.
commenced to intrench themselves.
134
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
O H.A. PTE R XIW .
Description of Island No. 10.—Position of General Pope.—Attack by Commodore Foote.—Island No. 10 hard to con-
quer. —Dispersion of the Enemy at Union City.—The importance of this position.—Pope commands the river com-
munications.—Spirited Enterprise of Colonel Roberts.—A canal cut.—Two Gun-boats pass the Batteries.—General
Pope crosses the river.—The capture of Island No. 10.—Movements of Union troops in Tennessee.—Buell advances
to Nashville.—The energetic rule of Governor Johnson.—Conduct of the citizens.—Raid of Morgan, the guerrilla
chief, on Gallatin.—General Grant at Savannah.—Skirmish in Black Jack Forest.—Grant advances to Pittsburg
Landing.—General Beauregard in command of the Department of the Mississippi.-The position of the Enemy at
Corinth.—General Johnston forms a junction with Beauregard.—Confidence of Grant's troops.-Heedlessness of the
Union Leaders.—Advance of the Enemy.—General Johnston in command.—Plans of the Enemy.—Battle of Shiloh.
—First day.—The Union Army saved by the Gun-boats.
THE enemy on the upper Mississippi,
when driven by General Pope from
their intrenchments at New Madrid,
retired to Island No. 10. This island is
situated at an elbow of the Mississippi,
where that river touches Tennessee after
descending southerly from Kentucky,
and just before ascending northerly
toward New Madrid in Missouri previous
to resuming its general course to the
south. Thus the island is a few miles
farther up the Mississippi than New
Madrid, though it lies in a southeasterly
direction from it. Its distance from St.
Louis is two hundred and fifty miles,
from New Orleans nine hundred and
fifty, forty-five miles south of Columbus,
and twenty-six miles from Hickman, in
Kentucky. The Mississippi at Island
No. 10 is about two hundred feet above
the level of the mouth at the Gulf of
Mexico, its depth from ninety to a hun-
dred feet, its breadth from mainland to
mainland about nine hundred yards,
and its current exceedingly rapid. The
1862,
island is situated nearer the eastern
bank, as it is called, though at this point
it is rather the southern, as the river
abruptly turns from its ordinary course
to the south, and flows toward the north-
West.
The fugitive General Makall having
retired from New Madrid to Island No.
10 with his whole force, prepared within
its strongly fortified intrenchments to
make a resolute defence. General Pope,
being without transports or gun-boats,
separated from the enemy by the Mis-
sissippi and by the island they held, and
cut off from communication with Com-
modore Foote, who was stationed with
his flotilla on the upper part of the river,
was unable to continue his pursuit. It
therefore devolved upon Commodore
Foote to begin the attack. He accord-
ingly descended the Mississippi from Mar.
Cairo with a fleet of gun and mor- *
tar boats, and some transports carrying
troops.
On reaching Hickman, the town was
ISLAND NO. 10 BESIEGED.
135
taken possession of by the Union troops,
having been abandoned by the enemy's
mounted picket guards, who, though
pursued by Colonel Buford, succeeded in
making their escape. The fleet.* having
Mar, anchored for the night off Hickman,
15, moved down early next morning to
within three miles of the island. The
mortar boats being at once ordered into
position, began shelling the battery above
the island, but without serious effect.
Day after day the gun and mortar boats
continued to exchange a heavy fire with
the enemy, but with no important re-
sult. After four days of ineffectual ef-
fort, Commodore Foote confessed his
difficulty in this telegram to the Govern-
ment: “Island No. 10 is harder to con-
quer than Columbus, as the island shores
are lined with forts, each fort command-
ing the one above it. I am gradually
approaching the island, but still do not
hope for much until the occurrence of
certain events which promise success.”
1
In the mean time, while preparation -
was being made to direct these “prom-
ising events” to a successful issue, the
Union troops under Colonel Buford, left
at Hickman, advanced to Union Mar.
City, in Tennessee, surprised the 31.
enemy encamped there, and dispersed
them. By possession of this important
point, Island No. 10 and the forces sta-
tioned on the mainland in the neighbor-
hood were outflanked on their right.
This particular success had a not un-
important influence upon the general
result.
General Pope, too, was enabled by his
batteries on the west bank of the Mis-
sissippi almost to command the naviga-
tion from below, and thus hem in the
enemy's gun-boats and transports gath-
ered about Island No. 10.
A spirited enterprise was undertaken
and successfully accomplished by a Apr.
boat expedition fitted out by the 1.
squadron of Commodore Foote, and
placed under the command of Col. Rob-
erts, of Illinois. This officer landed with
a few men, and after spiking the guns of
the upper battery of the enemy, returned
without injury to a single man.
In the mean time, the “promising
event” to which Commodore Foote mys-
teriously alluded in his dispatch, had
been brought to a successful issue. This
was the cutting” of a canal across the
* The fleet was thus composed :
Flag-ship Benton, Lieutenant Phelps, acting flag cap-
tain.
Gun-boat Cincinnati, Commander R. N. Stembel.
Gun-boat Carondelet, Commander Walke.
Gun-boat Mound City, Commander Kelly.
Gun-boat Louisville, Commander Dove.
Gun-boat Pittsburg, Lieutenant Thompson.
Gun-boat St. Louis, Lieutenant Paulding.
Gun-boat Comestoga, Lieutenant Blodgett, the only boat
in the fleet not iron clad, and eight mortar boats. • ,
Each mortar boat carried a mortar weighing seventeen
thousand one hundred and eighty-four pounds, discharg—
ing a round shell weighing two hundred and fifteen
pounds without its contents, the mortar being charged
with twenty-three pounds of powder. They were made to
carry from two to three miles. The following were the
officers of the mortar fleet :
Captain H. E. Maynadier, commanding fleet.
Captain E. B. Pike, assistant do.
Sailing Masters—Messrs Glassford, Gregory, Simonds,
snd Johuston,
* An interesting account of this work is thus given by
one who took part in it : -
“After the surrender of the forts at New Madrid, we
(Colonel Bissell’s engineer regiment) were engaged for
four days unspiking guns, changing batteries, establish-
ing new works, and other engineering matters. Then we
were sent over by General Pope to ascertain whether it
was not practicable to establish batteries opposite Island
136
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
peninsular marsh in the bend of the
Mississippi, north of Island No. 10, by
No. 10, so as to enfilade their works on the Kentucky
shore. We spent three days in the swamps in canoes, with
darkeys as guides, but found the project impracticable.
Colonel Bissell, however, stated that he could by hard la-
bor get steamboats and flatboats through the woods and
bayous, and by that means land our forces nearly opposite
New Madrid, and take all the enemy's works in the rear.
General Pope at once gave him a carte blanche, and he sent
to Cairo for four steamboats, six flats, and such guns as
could be spared. They sent the steamers W. B. Terry,
John Trio, Gilmore, and Emma, with the barges, a quan-
tity of lumber, etc., and one eight-inch columbiad, and
three thirty-two pounders. Tools we did not need, for
the regiment carries everything, from the heaviest ropes
and screws, down to fine steel drills for unspiking guns.
Our route was about twelve miles long, of which two miles
were through thick timber, and the remaining ten through
narrow, crooked bayous, grown up full of brush and small
trees. We have cut our way right through, the track
being fifty feet wide, in which thirty feet are required for
the hulls of the boats. The timber is cut four feet below
the surface of the water. In one short stretch we cut
seventy-five trees thus deep, not one less than two feet
through. The machines were rigged from rafts and our
lowest flats, and workcd each by about twenty men. In
the first place three large launches went ahead to cut out
and push out of the track the underbrush and driftwood ;
then three rafts followed, on which were the men, who
cut down and cut off the trees; then the saws, then two
large barges, then one of the steamboats. Very large
lines were provided to run from the capstan of the steam-
boat and haul out by Snatch-blocks what the men could
not handle. Then followed the rest of the fleet, men being
engaged all the time converting the flatboats into float-
ing batteries. From the river to the levee the distance is
about 500 feet ; here the water was shallow and the route
full of stumps; it took one whole day to pass this. Then
the cut in the levee. Here the fall was over two feet,
and the rush of water was tremendous. The largest boat
was dropped through with five lines out ahead. Then a
cornfield, overflowed from a cut in the levee. Here was
something of a channel cut by the swift water, and we got
along well nearly a quarter of a mile to the woods; here
was the labor—two straight and long miles to the nearest
point in the bayou. This it took eight days to get through.
Then Wilson's Bayou, then East Bayou, then St. John's
Bayou, which empties into the Mississippi at New Madrid.
If you have never seen a Southern swamp you have no
idea, how thick it is ; a New York elm swamp does not
begin. It sometimes took twenty men a whole day to get
out a half-sunken tree across the bayou. Such a place as
that kept us all back, as none of the rafts or flats could
... get by, and all had to wait. The water, after we got into
which a communication by water was
established between General Pope and
Commodore Foote. The result was thus
reported by General Pope in his official
dispatch :
“The canal across the peninsula op-
posite Island No. 10—and for the idea
of which I am indebted to General
Schuyler Hamilton—was completed by
Colonel Bissell's engineer regiment,
and four steamers were brought through
on the night of the 6th (April). The
heavy batteries I had thrown up below
Tiptonville completely commanded the
lowest point of the high ground on the
Tennessee shore, entirely cutting off the
enemy's retreat by water; his retreat
by land has never been possible through
the swamp.”
About the time that the canal was
opened, two of Commodore Foote's gun-
boats, the Carondelet (April 4th) and
the woods, was about six feet deep, with a gentle current
setting across the peninsula. In the East Bayou the cur-
rent was tremendous, and the boats had to be checked
down with heavy head lines. Here we found some ob-
structions, caused by drift heaps, but cutting off one or
two logs, would start all down the current.
“This is the hardest job I have ever seen undertaken,
but Colonel Bissell is so far down now as to call it suc-
cessful, for we are in sight of the fences on ‘’tother side
of Jordan.’
“The sag of the saw gives the correct arc of the circle.
“At each end of the saw a rope thirty feet in length is
fastened and carried to boats upon which men are sta-
tioned. Ten men work each rope.
“When the saw runs right we have cut off a stump two
feet in diameter in fourteen minutes. Often it pinched
and ran crooked ; then a gang would be two or three
hours on one of the same size. If there happened to be
any brush under water it added much to the labor; it all
had to be fished up and got out of the way.
“This canal has been a prodigiously laborious work.
It was twelve miles long, six miles of which was through
heavy timber, which had to be sawed off by hand four feet
under water.”
ISLAND NO. 10 CAPTURED.
137
the Pittsburg (April 6th) succeeded in
running past the enemy's batteries dur-
ing the night, without receiving a shot.
With these gun-boats and the trans-
ports which had been brought through
the canal, General Pope was enabled to
command the river, and transport his
troops to the opposite shore of Tennes-
see, in the rear of the enemy. His
operations and their triumphant result
are best described in his own words:
“The enemy,” reported General Pope,
“had lined the opposite shore with bat-
teries, extending from Island No. 10 to
Tiptonville, Merriweather's Landing, to
prevent the passage of the river by this
army. -
“I directed Captain Walke to run
down with the two gun-boats, at day-
light on the 7th, to the point selected
for crossing, and silence the enemy's
batteries near it. He performed the
service gallantly, and I here bear testi-
mony to the thorough and brilliant man-
ner in which this officer discharged his
difficult duties with me, and to the
hearty and earnest zeal with which, at
all hazards, he co-operated with me.
“As soon as he signalled me, the boats
containing Paine's division moved out
from the landing, and began to cross the
river. The passage of this wide, furi-
ous river by our large force was one of
the most magnificent spectacles I ever
witnessed. By twelve o'clock that night
(the 7th) all the forces designed to cross
the river were over, without delay or
accident.
“As soon as we commenced to Cross,
the enemy began to evacuate Island No.
10 and his batteries along the shore. The
divisions were pushed forward to Tipton-
ville as fast as they landed, Paine's lead-
ing. The enemy were driven before him,
and although they made several attempts
to form in line of battle and make a stand,
Paine did not at once deploy his columns.
The enemy were pushed all night vigor-
ously, until at four o'clock A.M. they were
driven back upon the swamps and forced
to surrender.
“Three generals, seven colonels, seven
regiments, several battalions of infantry,
five companies of artillery, over one hun-
dred heavy siege guns, twenty-four pieces
of field artillery, an immense quantity of
ammunition and supplies, several thou-
Sand stand of Small-arms, a great num-
ber of tents, horses, wagons, etc., have
fallen into our hands.
“Before abandoning Island No. 10,
the enemy sunk the gun-boat Grampus
and six of his transports. These last I
am raising, and expect to have ready
for service in a few days. The famous
floating battery was scuttled and turned
adrift with all her guns aboard. She
was captured and run aground in shoal
water by our forces at New Madrid.
“Our success is complete and over-
whelming. Our troops, as I expected,
behaved gloriously. I will, in my full
report, endeavor to do full justice to all.
Brigadier-Generals Paine, Stanley, and
Hamilton crossed the river and con-
ducted their divisions with untiring ac-
tivity and skill. I am especially in-
debted to them. General Paine, for-
tunate in having the advance, exhibited
unusual vigor and courage, and had the
138
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
satisfaction to receive the surrender of
the enemy. Of Colonel Bissel, of the
Jºngineer regiment, I can hardly say too
much. Full of resources, untiring and
determined, he labored night and day,
and completed a work which will be a
monument of enterprise and skill.
“We have crossed this great river
with a large army, the banks of which
were lined with batteries of the enemy
to oppose our passage ; have pursued
and captured all his forces and material
of war, and have not lost a man or met
an accident.”
The enemy had boasted of the im-
mense strength of the position at Island
No. 10, declaring that it was “not only
tenable, but impregnable” against any
naval force that could approach it. This
assertion was confirmed by Commodore
Foote in his report: “These works,” he
said, “erected with the highest engi-
neering skill, are of great strength, and
with their natural advantages would have
been impregnable if defended by men
fighting in a better cause.” -
On capturing Island No. 10, Commo-
dore Foote, with his fleet, and General
Pope, with his army, proceeded, after a
short delay for preparations, in con-
tinued co-operation against the enemy
on the Mississippi.
General Halleck, who still remained
at his headquarters in St. Louis, was
vigorously pushing forward the various
divisions of his large army. General
Buell had advanced to Nashville, in Ten-
nessee, with his main body, and sent de-
tachments beyond as far as Murfrees-
boro. General Nelson was placed in
command at the former city. Governor
Johnson, the new military governor,
with the support of the United States
troops, exercised an emergetic sway over
the disaffected people of Tennessee.
The city council of Nashville having re-
fused to take the oath of allegiance to
the United States, the members were
ejected from office, and others more loyal
or more compliant were chosen in their
place. The newspapers were compelled
either to professions of loyalty or to
silence, and by the appointment of more
subservient postmasters and other offi-
cers, the relations of the State with the
Federal Government were re-establish-
ed. Communications by railroad with
the North were secured under military
surveillance. Such, however, was the
activity of the enemy's guerrilla bands,
that even the vigilance of armed guards
was occasionally eluded. The bold par-
tisan leader, Captain Morgan, audaci-
* Commodore Foote, in his official report, gave this ac-
count of the works : “There are eleven earth-works,
with seventy heavy cannon, varying in calibre from thirty-
two to one hundred-pounders, rifled. The magazines are
well supplied with powder, and there are large quantities
of shot and shell and other munitions of war, and also
great quantities of provisions.”
General W. D. McCunn was in command of the enemy
at Island No. 10, having superseded as the superior in
rank, General Makall, who commanded at New Madrid.
McCunn thus addressed his men :
“SoLDIERs : We are strangers, commander and com-
manded, each to the other. Let me tell you who I am.
I am a general made by Beauregard, a general selected by
Beauregard and Bragg for this command, when they knew
it was in peril. They have known me for twenty years
together. We have stood on the fields of Mexico. Give
them your confidence now—give it to me when I have
earned it. Soldiers—the Mississippi Valley is intrusted
to your courage, to your discipline, to your patience.
Exhibit the vigilance and coolness of last night, and
hold it.”
ADVANCE OF THE WESTERN ARMY.
139
ously dashed into Gallatin with his
troops, and momentarily cut off the com-
munication between Nashville and Lou-
isville.
General Grant was soon able, with
his command of the Tennessee River,
and with the aid of the fleet of gun-
boats and transports, rapidly to move
forward a large army. Taking posses-
sion of Savannah, in the southern part
of Tennessee near the borders of Mis-
sissippi, he there concentrated his force.
As he advanced, his reconnoitring par-
ties engaged in occasional skirmishes
with the enemy's cavalry scouts. A
Union force, consisting of three hun-
dred and fifty cavalry and some eighty-
six infantry, under the command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Heath, was attacked
at night in Black Jack Forest, by five
Mar, hundred of the enemy's troopers,
20, who, however, were driven off.
The Union loss was five men wounded,
and several horses killed and injured.
General Grant finally advanced his
main body, consisting of about sixty
thousand men, to Pittsburg Landing—
an insignificant place with a few houses
and a landing place, about eight miles
above Savannah, on the Tennessee River
—with the view of moving against the
enemy's position at Corinth.
General Beauregard, now in command
of the Department of the Mississippi,
had made great efforts to check the
hitherto triumphant advance of the
Union forces to the South. In order
to cover Memphis and close the Missis-
sippi River and Valley against further
inroads, he had carefully guarded the
stream with forts and concentrated a
large army at Corinth. This place is
in Tishemingo County, Mississippi, at
the junction of the Memphis and Charles-
ton and Mobile and Charleston railroads.
The country being hilly is favorable for
fortification, and Beauregard's skill as an
engineer enabled him to give increased
strength to the natural advantages of
Corinth.
General Johnston, who had evacuated
Bowling Green, retired, after the fall of
Fort Donelson, before the Union army
under General Buell, to Nashville, and
thence to Chattanooga. From this latter
place, by a skilful movement, he was
enabled to form a junction with General
Beauregard at Corinth, where he as-
sumed the chief command of the enemy's
forces, now amounting to about sixty
thousand men.
The Union troops under General
Grant, at Pittsburg Landing, exulting
in the late triumphs in Kentucky and
Tennessee, were in a high state of con-
fidence, impatient to be led against the
enemy, though apparently not uncon-
scious of the strength of the position at
Corinth and the largeness of the force con-
centrated there under such able leaders
as Johnston, Beauregard, Bragg, Polk,
and Cheatham. The good condition and
the confident spirit of the Union army
were complacently dilated upon by a
chronicler, and also the formidable prep-
arations of the enemy acknowledged :
“A happier, healthier, more efficient
army than that now at Savannah Mar,
and Pittsburg,” he wrote, “never 29.
probably went to war. Each regiment
140
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
is burning to win laurels to wear with
their companions who got fame and
scars at Fort Donelson. Opposed to
this noble army is a rebel force of forty-
five thousand, lying in wait behind their
works, eighteen miles distant. Cor-
inth is a position naturally strong, and
formidable defences have been erected
there. Rifle-pits, redoubts, abattis, and
other means of strength, from behind
which to hurl destruction upon an as-
sailing force, have been constructed.
The very best military talent, embracing
Beauregard, Bragg, and others, is con-
centrated there, and at Corinth will be
fought the great, decisive battle of the
Western campaign. Forty heavy guns
and a great number of field-pieces are
possessed by the enemy, and immense
stores of provisions are gathered in.
The flower of the South are congregated
there to offer battle, and they cannot
retreat except by sacrificing everything.
“The road between the Union camps
and Corinth is along an excellent turn-
pike, and the distance can be easily
traversed in a day. General Grant has
his headquarters at Savannah, while the
bulk of the army lies at Pittsburg.
Parade grounds and spots for comfort-
able quarters are being cleared, and
everything gives token of a week's longer
stay there. During that time General
Buell is expected to reach a point from
which he can carry out successfully the
part assigned him.
“While at Savannah, word reached
there that General Lewis Wallace, with
fifteen thousand men, having taken a
circuitous course, had penetrated to
|
Florence and destroyed rebel communi-
cation in that direction with the South.
“Within two weeks measures will
have been accomplished that will render
retreat by the rebel army at Corinth
impossible, and if beaten, they will have
to surrender, not escape, to be again
met in some other stronghold. Success
has failed to make the Union generals
rash, and when they move it will be
surely. They fully understand the im-
portance of the coming struggle. Gen-
eral Grant, although slightly careworn,
is in good health and laboring hard.
to insure success. General McClernand
still suffers somewhat from the exposure
at Henry and Donelson.
“Skirmishes with small parties of the
enemy occur occasionally, and several
have been killed on our side as well as
theirs. Some companies of the rebels
met have been armed with the best of
weapons, but they generally have, as at
other places, shot-guns for the cavalry.
The long knives, a short time ago so
prevalent, have been discarded.”
Scouts sent out by the Union army
brought in word that after penetrating
within the lines of the enemy, they had
discovered a force of over seventy thou-
sand men, and that reinforcements were
daily arriving, while deserters declared
that these were mainly Unionists who
were being hastily gathered from the
neighboring county, and “forced into
the ranks” at Corinth.
Whether from over confidence in
themselves from their late triumphs, or
contempt for an enemy who had been
so frequently beaten, General Grant's
ATTACK ON PITTSBURG LANDING.
‘141
army became unusually neglectful of the
ordinary precautions against surprise.
“It will sound strangely,” says a cor-
respondent” from Cairo, “to the mili-
tary ear to learn that no thoroughly or-
ganized system of pickets was posted
beyond the camp lines when in the very
face of the enemy. Equally strange is
the admission that no regular reconnois-
sance was made for some days previous
to the battle. Yet there is grave reason
to believe that such are the facts.
“The words of an intelligent eye-
witness are : “We had no outer line of
pickets. It had not been the practice
during our stay in camp. The ordinary
picket around the tents was not always
very perfect. There were two or three
reconnoissances in as many weeks, but
none of which I could hear a day or
two previous to the battle.’ It further-
more appears, as I am well assured, that
the loosest system of guard had been
adopted. One man, it is confidently
asserted, went in and out of the pines
every day, going with a bag of grist to
the mill in the morning and as regularly
returned at night ! Another gentleman
informs me that a rebel Scouting party
ventured up within full view of the
parade ground while a brigade was
being reviewed, and that no notice was
taken of it.” *
The enemy were thus enabled to
march out in full force from their in-
trenchments at Corinth and attack Gen-
Apr. eral Grant's army at Pittsburg be-
* fore their approach was suspected.
“The first intimation we had of the
* New York World, April 17, 1862.
rebels' attack,” states one witness, “was
by a very heavy salute of grape and
canister in our camps.” Another de-
clares: “The surprise appears to have
been complete. A gentleman who was at
the point of attack describes it as being
as sudden and thorough as the rush of a
summer tornado. General Prentiss'
division was the point at which the two
armies first touched. Our men were
just rising and at breakfast. It was an
hour after sunrise. The rebels had been
toiling along the painful march since the
preceding morning. No warning ap-
pears to have been given except by an
advance of rebel cavalry some hours
before. Thinking it might be a party
of rebel Scouting cavalry, Major Powell
took two companies of infantry out with
him with the intention, probably, of
waiting in ambush for them. In less
than ten minutes the enemy's column
was into their camp. The bullets whis-
tled through the tents, the dishes crashed
about their ears, and the horses began
a regular stampede. On they came,
driving our disordered men like sheep
before them from the outside. The long
roll was called. Half of the men got
into line after a fashion, without car-
tridge or cartridge-boxes, officers with-
out sabres or horses. A line was formed,
to be soon broken. The Peabody brig-
ade and some others were soon engaged
in a rapid retreat. Crossing a clear
space—the parade ground—the enemy
poured in a murderous fire, which in-
creased their speed and also that of their
pursuers. The scene when they entered
our camp is past all powers of descrip-
101
142
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
tion. Men half dressed, sick, and wound-
ed, were bayoneted. Here and there
one would make for the hospital tents,
and was as soon driven into the woods.
Some, indeed, in the hospitals were shot.
The artillery opened in a few minutes,
firing indiscriminately through the camps,
setting fire to them. The rebels, pour-
ing along every track through the woods
at double quick pace, hooted and howled
as they ran like so many fiends fresh from
hell, with the smoke, the sulphur, and the
imprecations still clinging to them.”
The enemy had come in great force,
estimated at about sixty thousand men.
General Johnston was the commander-
in-chief. General Beauregard was second
in command of the whole army, and
Generals Polk, Bragg, and Hardee each
commanded one of the three corps d’armée
into which the army was divided, while
General Crittenden commanded the re.
Apr. serve. General Johnston having
his troops, led them out from their in-
trenchments at Corinth and marched to
attack the Union army, twenty miles
distant, at Pittsburg Landing.” Con-
* warmly appealed to the gallantry of
scious that General Buell was advanc-
ing with a large force to reinforce
Grant, Johnston strove to defeat the
latter before the former could arrive.
His advance was so skilfully conducted
that, as has been stated, he was enabled
to throw his whole force upon the
Unionists before they were aware of
his approach.
The topography of the country, and
the position of the Union forces at the
moment of the attack, are thus describ-
ed by an observer* of the conflict:
“Pittsburg Landing is simply a nar-
row ravine, down which a road passes
to the river bank, between high bluffs
on either side. There is no town at all.
Two log huts comprise all the improve-
ments visible. Back from the river is
a rolling country, cut up with numerous
ravines, partially under cultivation, but
perhaps the greater part thickly wooded
with some underbrush. The soil is clayey,
and the roads on Sunday morning were
good. From the landing a road leads
direct to Corinth, twenty miles distant.
A mile or two out this road forks; one
branch is the lower Corinth road, the
other the ridge Corinth road. A short
distance out, another road takes off to
the left, crosses Lick Creek, and leads
back to the river at Hamburg, some
miles farther up. On the right, two
separate roads lead off to Purdy, and
* GENERAL Johnston's ADDRESs To HIs sold IERs.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF MISSIssippi, CorINTH, Miss.
April 3, 1862.
SOLDIERS OF THE ARMY of THE MISSISSIPPI : *
I have put you in motion to offer battle to the invaders
of your country, with the resolution and discipline and
valor becoming men fighting, as you are, for all worth
living or dying for. You can but march to a decisive vic-
tory over agrarian mercenaries, sent to subjugate and de-
spoil you of liberties, property, and honor.
Remember the precious stake involved ; remember the
dependence of your mothers, your wives, your sisters, and
your children on the result; remember the fair, broad,
abounding lands, the happy homes that will be desolated
by your defeat. The eyes and hopes of 8,000,000 people
rest upon you. You are expected to show yourselves
worthy of your valor and courage, worthy of the women
of the South, whose noble devotion in this war has never
been exceeded in any time. With such incentives to
brave deeds, and with the trust that God is with us, your
General will lead you confidently to the combat, assured
of success. (Signed)
A. S. JOHNSTON, General Commanding.
* Cincinnati Gazette.
POSITION OF THE UNION ARMY.
143
another, a new one, across Snake Creek
to Crump's Landing on the river below.
“Besides these,” the writer adds,
“the whole country inside our lines is
cut up with roads leading to our dif-
ferent camps ; and beyond the lines
is the most inextricable maze of cross
roads, intersecting everything and lead-
ing everywhere, in which it was ever
my ill fortune to become entangled.
“On and between these roads, at dis-
tances of from two to four or five miles
from Pittsburg Landing, lay five divi-
sions of Major-General Grant's army
that Sunday morning. The advance
line was formed by three divisions—
Brigadier-General Sherman's, Brigadier-
General Prentiss', and Major-General
McClernand’s. Between these and the
landing lay the two others—Brigadier-
General Hurlburt's and Major-General
Smith's, commanded, in the absence
(from sickness) of that admirable officer,
by Brigadier-General W. H. L. Wallace.
“Our advance line, beginning at the
extreme left, was thus formed : On the
Hamburg road, just this side the cross-
ing of Lick Creek, and under bluffs on
the opposite bank that commanded the
position, lay Colonel D. Stuart's brigade
of General Sherman's division. Some
three or four miles distant from this
brigade, on the lower Corinth road, and
between that and the one to Purdy, lay
the remaining brigades of Sherman's
division, McDowell's forming the ex-
treme right of our whole advance line,
Hildebrand's coming next to it, and
Buckland’s next. Next to Buckland's
brigade, though rather behind a portion
of Sherman's, lay Major-General Mc-
Clernand's division, and between it and
Stuart's brigade, already mentioned as
forming our extreme left, lay Brigadier-
General Prentiss' division, completing
the line.
“Back of this line, within a mile of
the landing, lay Hurlburt's division,
stretching across the Corinth road, and
W. H. L. Wallace's to his right. Such
was the position of our troops at Pitts-
burg Landing at daybreak on Sunday
morning. Major-General Lewis Wal-
lace's division lay at Crump's Landing,
Some miles below, and was not ordered
up till about half-past seven o’clock that
day.” º •
The arrangement of the line of the
Union army, it thus appears, was sin-
gularly defective and favorable to an
attack from an enterprising enemy.
Nearly four miles intervened between
different parts of Sherman's division,
and McClernand’s was so disposed as
to leave a gap between it and General
Prentiss' division. The extreme left of
the line was commanded by unguarded
heights, which were easily approached
from Corinth. -
The plan of Johnston was first to
strike and pierce the centre, and then
to fall upon the right and left fragments
of the second line. The actual attack,
however, for some reason or other, was
directed more to the left of the centre
than was originally intended.”
—-
* The troops thus attacked at the first onset were as
follows: The left of Sherman's brigades, that of Colonel
Buckland, was composed of the Seventy-second Ohio,
Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield, commanding; Forty-eighth
144
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
•ºr
The attack began with driving in the
picket guards of the advanced portion
of General Sherman's division, Buck-
land's brigade, at break of day on Sun-
Apr. day. The enemy followed the fugi-
6 tives precipitately into the camp,
which they found entirely unprepared
to meet the assault. Many of the Union
officers and men were yet in their beds;
some were dressing, some making their
toilettes, some cooking, some eating
their breakfasts, and all unconscious of
their danger until the picket guards
came rushing in with wild cries, pursued
by the enemy, who were pressing for-
ward in solid columns and firing volley
after volley of musketry, and artillery.
Many of our soldiers, thus taken un-
awares in their camps, were either bay-
oneted, shot down in their tents, or
captured, while the rest fled precipi-
tately. General Sherman, with a gal-
lant disregard of danger, rode into the
melée, greatly exposing his life, and
succeeded in checking the disordered
flight of his troops and forming them
into line. General McClernand at the
same time threw forward the left of his
division to support the fugitives of Buck-
land's division. Our troops were thus
Ohio, Colonel Sullivan ; Seventieth Ohio, Colonel Cock-
erell, and Fifty-third Ohio, Colonel Appler.
To the right of this was Colonel Hildebrand's brigade,
Seventy-seventh Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel commanding;
Fifty-ninth Ohio, Colonel Pfyffe, and the Fifty-third Illi-
nois.
brigade, Sixth Iowa (Colonel McDowell, Lieutenant-Col-
onel commanding); Fortieth Illinois, Colonel Hicks;
Forty-sixth Ohio, Colonel Thomas Worthington.
General Prentiss' division was composed of the Twelfth
Michigan, Sixteenth Wisconsin, Eighteenth Wisconsin,
Eighteenth Missouri, Twenty-third Missouri, Twenty-fifth
Missouri, and Sixty-first Illinois.
And on the extreme right, Colonel McDowell’s
enabled somewhat to check the impetu-
ous advance of the enemy, and to retire
before them in better order.
General Prentiss' division on the ex-
treme left, also taken by surprise like
Sherman's, stood their ground with more
firmness, though with no better result,
The troops were formed into line and
obstinately held their position until com-
pletely surrounded by the overwhelm-
ing numbers of the enemy. General
Prentiss and three regiments, the Twen-
ty-third Missouri and the Twelfth and
Twentieth Iowa, were obliged to throw
down their arms and surrender. They
were marched at once to the rear as
prisoners. The rest of the division of
Prentiss fled in confusion. -
McClernand, who had sent forward to
the support of Sherman his left and
centre brigades, was enabled to keep
the enemy for some time at bay.” Those,
however, belonging to Sherman's divi-
sion, after struggling awhile against the
impetuous onset, grew irresolute, and
finally retreated in such disorder that
they could not be rallied.
The enemy now directed their full
force upon McClernand's division, which
had taken the place of the routed
troops of Sherman. McClernand held
* General McClernand's division was composed as fol-
lows: First brigade, Colonel Hare commanding, Eighth
and Eighteenth Illinois, Eleventh and Thirteenth Iowa;
Second brigade, Colonel C. C. Marsh commanding, Elev-
enth, Twentieth, Forty-eighth, and Forty-fifth Illinois,
Colonels Ransom, Marsh, Haynie, and Smith (the latter
is the “Lead Mine Regiment ’’); Third brigade, Colonel
Raitt commanding, Seventeenth, Twenty-ninth, and Forty-
ninth Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonels Wood, Farrell, and
Pease, and Forty-third Illinois, Colonel Marsh. Besides
this fine show of experienced troops, they had Schartz's,
McAllister's, and Waterhouse's batteries.
BRAVERY AT SHILOH. 145
his ground firmly for a long time, and
even drove back the enemy, who, how-
ever, returned to the attack with their
reserves, and forced him to retire.
“The soldiers fought bravely to the
last,” wrote an eye-witness; “let no man
question that ; but they were at a fear-
ful disadvantage. Gradually they began
falling back, more slowly than had Pren-
tiss' regiments, or part of Sherman's,
making more determined, because bet-
ter organized, resistance, occasionally
rallying and repulsing the enemy in turn
for a hundred yards; then being beaten
back again and renewing the retreat to
Some new position for fresh defence.
“By eleven o'clock the division was
back in a line with Hurlburt's. It still
did some gallant fighting ; once its right
swept around and drove the enemy for
a considerable distance, but again fell
back, and at last it brought up near
the position of W. H. L. Wallace's di-
vision.”
Hurlburt's and Wallace's divisions in
their turn manfully sustained the first
shock. Falling back from their camp
to a better position in the thick woods
behind, leaving the open fields before
them, Hurlburt's* troops were able to
rake with their cannon the advancing
enemy.
From ten to half-past three they thus
held them in check, and through nearly
that whole time were actively engaged.
Hurlburt himself displayed the most
daring and brilliant gallantry, and his
example, with that of the brave officers
under him, nerved the men to the stern-
est endurance.
“Three times during those long hours
the heavy rebel masses on the left charged
upon the division, and three times were
they repulsed with terrible slaughter.”
Wallace's division,” too, presented a
firm front to the enemy's advance, which
it succeeded in checking from ten until
four o'clock. For six hours the “mus-
ketry fire was absolutely continuous ;
there was scarcely a moment,” testifies
the witness already quoted, “that some
part of the line was not pouring in their
rattling volleys, and the artillery was
admirably served, with but little inter-
mission through the entire line.
“Once or twice the infantry ad-
vanced, attempting to drive the continu-
ally increasing enemy ; but though they
could hold what they had, their numbers
were not equal to the task of conquer-
ing any more.
“Four separate times in turn the
rebels attempted to charge on them.
Each time the infantry poured in its
quickest volleys, the artillery redoubled
its exertions, and the rebels retreated
with heavy slaughter. The division was
eager to remain, even when Hurlburt
fell back, and the fine fellows with the
guns were particularly indignant at not
* Among Hurlburt's troops were the Seventeenth and
Twenty-fifth Kentucky, Forty-fourth and Thirty-first In-
diana, constituting Lauman's brigade, Third Iowa, Forty-
first Illinois, and some others, forming Colonel Williams'
brigade.
* Wallace's division included the Second and Seventh
Iowa, Ninth and Twenty-eighth Illinois, and several of
the other regiments composing Major-General Smith's old
division. Wallace had also three excellent batteries—
Stone's, Richardson's, and Weber's (all from Missouri)—
formerly an artillery battalion, under the general man-
agement of Major Cavender.
146
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
being permitted to pound away. But
their supports were gone on either side ;
to have remained in isolated advance
would have been madness. Just as the
necessity for retreating was becoming
apparent, General Wallace, whose cool,
collected bravery had commanded the
admiration of all, was, as it was thought,
mortally wounded, and was borne away
from the field. At last the division fell
back. Its soldiers claim—justly, I be-
lieve—the proud distinction of being the
last to yield in the general break of our
lines that gloomy Sunday afternoon,
which, at half-past four o'clock, had left
most of our army within half a mile of
the landing, with the rebels up to a
thousand yards of their position.”
Tue enemy had thus far been vic-
torious, having driven the whole army
of Grant from its position, and taken
every camp but that of the division of
W. H. L. Wallace. The direful result
was thus summed up by one who was
present :
“We have reached the last act in the
tragedy of Sunday,” he mournfully de-
clares. “It is half-past four o'clock.
Our front line of divisions has been lost
since half-past ten. Our reserve line is
now gone, too. The rebels occupy the
camps of every division save that of W.
H. L. Wallace. Our whole army is
crowded in the region of Wallace's
camps and to a circuit of half or two
thirds of a mile around the landing.
We have been falling back all day. We
can do it no more. The next repulse
puts us into the river, and there are not
transports enough to cross a single divi-
sion till the enemy would be upon us.”
At this moment of despair, the Union
gun-boats Tyler and Lexington, which
had been moving restlessly about on
the river the whole day seeking an op-
portunity for service, found it, and came
to the rescue. The enemy were still
pushing vigorously on the left, with
the view of turning it and getting
possession of the landing and trans-
ports, and, in fact, capturing or driving
into the river the whole of Grant's
army. They were, however, suddenly
checked by the gun-boats, which, enter-
ing a creek, found a clear range through
a ravine for their guns to bear directly
upon the enemy, whose advance now
suddenly ceased. Their fire slackened,
and as night came on, they gave up
any further attempt on that day, but
prepared to renew the struggle on the
coming morning.”
* General Grant, in his official report, thus acknowl-
edges the services of the gun-boats:
“The enemy having forced the entire line to fall back
nearly half way from their camps to the landing, at a late
hour in the afternoon a desperate effort was made by the
enemy to turn our left and get possession of the landing,
transports, etc. This point was guarded by the gun-boats
Tyler and Lexington, Captains Gwin and Shirk command-
ing, with four twenty-four-pounder Parrot guns, and a
battery of rifled guns.
“As there is a deep and impassable ravine for artillery
or cavalry, and very difficult for infantry, at this point, no
troops were stationed here, except the necessary artillerists
and a small infantry force for their support. Just at this
moment the advance of Major-General Buell's column
and a part of the division of General Nelson arrived. The
two generals named both being present, an advance was
immediately made upon the point of attack and the
enemy was soon driven back.
“In this repulse much is due to the presence of the
gun-boats Tyler and Lexington and their able com-
manders, Captains Gwin and Shirk.”
BUELL TO THE RESCUE.
147
C H A P T E R X. W.
Arrival of General Buell at Pittsburg Landing.—Buell assumes the Command.—Second day of Battle of Shiloh.--
Retreat of the Enemy.—Pursuit by Sherman-Its inefficiency.—Disappointment of Beauregard.—Perversion of
Words.—Losses.—Death of Johnston.—Gallantry on both sides.—Captures by the Enemy.—Official Reports.—The
Enemy again at Corinth.-Strengthening Fortifications and awaiting Reinforcements.-The Enemy's Conscription
Law.—Halleck at Pittsburg Landing—Junction of General Pope-Reorganization.—Advance of Halleck—Rec-
onnoissances and Skirmishes.
Movements of General Mitchell.—Capture of Huntsville, Florence, Decatur, Tus-
cumbia, etc.—Possession of Memphis and Charleston Railroad.—Hazardous position of Enemy at Corinth.
WHILE the enemy were kept at bay -
by the gun-boats on Sunday even-
ing, and checked in their almost
successful attempt to capture or destroy
the whole force of General Grant, Gen-
eral Buell arrived with his army and
cheered the Unionists with a hope of
redeeming on the morrow what had
been lost on the fatal battle-field of
Shiloh.* Reinforcements had begun to
arrive even before the close of the first
day's struggle. General Buell'st ad-
vance and a part of Nelson's division
had, in fact, reached the ground in time to
give some support to our retreating troops
and prevent their utter discomfiture.
During the whole night Buell's forces
continued to come in. The divisions of
General Thomas and General Nelson,
which had reached Savannah during the
day before, were hurried on board the
transports and disembarked at Pitts-
burg Landing before morning. General
Lewis Wallace, who was in command of
1862
* This seems to be the proper name for the field where
the struggle occurred.
+ REPORT OF GENERAL BUELL.
“HEADQUARTERS ARMY of THE OHIO, )
FIELD of SHILoh, April 15, 1862. J.
“CAPTAIN N. H. McLAIN, Assistant Adjutant-General, De-
partment of the Mississippi :
“SIR—The rear divisions of the army under my com-
mand, which had been delayed a considerable time in re-
building the Duck River Bridge, left Columbia on the 2d
inst. I left the evening of that day, and arrived at Savan-
nah on the evening of the 5th. General Nelson, with his
division, which formed the advance, arrived the same day.
The other divisions marched with intervals of about six
miles. On the morning of the 6th, firing of musketry
and cannon was heard in the direction of this place. Ap-
prehending that a serious engagement had commenced, I
went to General Grant's headquarters to get information
as to the means of reaching the battle-field with the divi-
sion that had arrived. At the same time, orders were
dispatched to the divisions in rear to leave their trains
and push forward by forced marches. I learned that Gen-
to be ferried across.
eral Grant had just started, leaving orders for General
Nelson to march to the river opposite Pittsburg Landing,
An examination of the roads up the
river discovered it to be impracticable for artillery, and
General Nelson was directed to leave his to be carried for-
ward by steamers.
“The impression existed at Savannah that the firing
was merely an affair of outposts, the same thing having
occurred for two or three previous days; but as it contin-
ued, I determined to go to the scene of action, and ac-
cordingly started with my chief of staff, Colonel Fry, on a
steamer which I ordered to get under steam. As we pro-
ceeded up the river, groups of soldiers were seen on the
west bank, and it soon became evident that they were
stragglers from the engaged army. The groups increased
in size and frequency until, as we approached the land-
ing, they numbered whole companies and almost regi-
ments; and at the landing the banks swarmed with a
confused mass of men of various regiments. There could
not have been less than 4,000 or 5,000. Late in the day
it became much greater. Finding General Grant at the
landing, I requested him to send steamers to Savannah to
148
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
attack at that point was not renewed.
a reserve at Camp Landing, only six
miles below, though ordered to move
bring up General Crittenden's division which had arrived
during the morning, and then went ashore with him.
The throng of disorganized and demoralized troops in-
creased continually by fresh fugitives from the battle,
which steadily drew nearer the landing, and with these
were intermingled great numbers of teams, all striving to
get as near as possible to the river. With few exceptions,
all efforts to form the troops and move them forward to
the fight utterly failed.
had made such progress against our troops that his artil-
lery and musketry began to play into the vital spot of the
position, and some persons were killed on the bank and
at the very landing. General Nelson arrived with Col-
In the mean time, the enemy
onel Ammon's brigade at this opportune moment. It
was immediately posted to meet the attack at that point,
and with a battery of artillery, which happened to be on
the ground and was brought into action, opened fire on
the enemy and repulsed him. The action of the gun-
boats also contributed very much to that result. The
Night having
come on, the firing ceased on both sides. In the mean
time the remainder of General Nelson's division crossed,
and General Crittenden's arrived from Savannah by steam-
ers. After examining the ground as well as was possible
at night, in front of the line on which General Grant's
troops had formed, and as far to the right as General
Sherman's division, I directed Nelson's and Crittenden's
divisions to form in front of that line, and move forward
as soon as it was light in the morning. During the night
and early the following morning, Captain Bartlett's Ohio
battery and Captains Mendenhall and Terrell’s regular
batteries arrived. General McCook, by a forced march,
arrived at Savannah during the night of the 6th, and
reached the field of battle early in the morning of the
7th. I knew that the other divisions could not arrive in
time for the action that day.
“The patch of country on which the battles of the 6th
and 7th were fought is called Shiloh from the little church
of that name, which stands in its midst. It consists of an
undulating table-land, elevated some 80 or 100 feet above
the road bottom. Along the Tennessee River, to the east,
it breaks into abrupt ravines, and towards the south runs
along Lick Creek, which empties into Tennessee River,
some three miles above Pittsburg Landing, into a range
of hills of some height, whose slopes are gradual toward
the battle-field, and somewhat abrupt toward Lick Creek.
Owl Creek, rising near the source of Lick Creek, flows to
the northeast around the battle-field into Snake Creek,
which empties into Tennessee River some miles below
Lick Creek. The drainage is mainly from Lick Creek
Ridge and the table-land into Owl Creek. Coming from
Corinth, the principal road crosses Lick Creek at two
points, some twelve miles from its Inouth, and separates
—w
up to Pittsburg at eleven o'clock on
Sunday, did not, in consequence of tak-
into three or four principal branches, which enter the
table-land from the south at a distance of about a mile
apart. Generally the face of the country is covered with
woods, through which troops can pass without great diffi-
culty, though occasionally the undergrowth is dense.
Small farms and cultivated fields, of from 70 to 80 acres,
occur here and there, but as a general thing the country
is a forest. My entire ignorance of the various roads and
of the character of the country at the time, rendered it
impossible to anticipate the probable dispositions of the
enemy, and the woods were always sufficient to screen his
preparatory movements from observation.
“Soon after five o'clock on the morning of the 7th,
General Nelson’s and General Crittenden's divisions—the
only ones yet arrived on the ground—moved promptly
forward to meet the enemy. Nelson's division, march-
ing in line of battle, soon came upon his pickets, drove
them in, and at about six o'clock received the fire of his
The division was here halted, then Menden-
hall's battery brought into action to reply, while Critten-
artillery.
den's division was being put into position on the right
of Nelson's. Bartlett's battery was posted in the centre
of Crittenden's division in a commanding position, oppo-
site to which the enemy was discovered to be in force. By
this time McCook's division arrived on the ground, and
was immediately formed on the right of Crittenden’s.
Skirmishers were thrown to the front, and a strong body
of them to guard our left flank, which, though somewhat
protected by rough grounds, it was supposed the enemy
might attempt to turn, and in fact did, but were repulsed
with great loss. Each brigade furnished its own reserve,
and in addition Boyle's brigade of Crittenden's division,
though it formed at first in the line, was kept somewhat
back when the line advanced, to be used as occasion might
require.
ments—perhaps 1,000 men—and subsequently a similar
fragment came up of General Grant's force. The first I di-
rected to act with General McCook's attack, and the second
one was similarly employed on the left. I sent other
straggling troops of General Grant's force immediately on
I found upon the ground parts of about two regi-
General McCook's right, as some firing had already com-
menced there. I had no direct knowledge of the disposi-
tion of the remainder of General Grant's force, nor is it
my province to speak of them. I regret that I am unable
to name those that came under my direction in the way I
had stated, for they rendered willing and efficient service
during the day.
“The force under my command occupied a line of about
a mile and a half. In front of Nelson's division was an
open field, partially screened to his right by a skirt of
woods, which extended through the enemy's line with a
thick undergrowth in front of the left brigade of Critten-
den's division; then an open field in front of Crittenden's
BUELL's REPORT.
149
ing a circuitous route, reach it until
the first struggle was over. He, how-
right and McCook's left, and in front,of McCook's right
woods again with a dense undergrowth. The ground,
mainly level in front of Nelson's, formed a hollow in front
of Crittenden's, and fell into a small creek which empties
into Owl Creek, in front of McCook's. What I afterward
learned was the Hamburg road, which crosses Lick Creek
a mile from its mouth, passed perpendicularly through
the line of battle near Nelson's left. On a line slightly
oblique to us and beyond the open field, the enemy was
formed, with a battery in front of Nelson's left ; a battery
commanding the woods in front of Crittenden’s left, and
flanking the field in front of Nelson; a battery command-
ing the same woods and the field in front of Crittenden's
right and McCook's left, and a battery in front of McCook's
right.
A short distance in rear of the enemy's left, on
high, open ground, were the encampments of McCler-
nand's and Sherman's divisions, which the enemy held.
: “While my troops were getting into position on the
right, the artillery fire was kept up between Mendenhall's
battery and the enemy's second battery with some effect.
Bartlett's battery, put in position before the enerv’s third
battery, opened fire on that part of the line, and when,
very soon after, our line advanced with strong bodies of
skirmishers in front, the action became general, and con-
tinued with severity during the greater part of the day,
and until the enemy was driven from the field.
“The obliquity of our line upon the left being thrown
forward, brought Nelson's division first into action, and it
became very hotly engaged at an early hour.
of the nineteenth brigade from Nelson's right, by its com-
mander, Colonel Hazen, reached the enemy's second bat-
tery, but the brigade sustained a heavy loss by a cross fire
of the enemy's batteries, and was unable to maintain its
advantage against the heavy infantry force that came for-
ward to oppose it. The enemy recovered the battery, and
followed up his advantage by throwing a heavy force of
infantry into the woods in front of Crittenden’s left. The
left brigade of that division, Colonel W. S. Smith com-
manding, advanced into the woods, repulsed the enemy
handsomely, and took several prisoners. In the mean
time, Captain Terrell's battery, which had just landed,
reached the field, and was advanced into action near the
left of Nelson's division, which was very heavily pressed
by the great numbers of the enemy. It belonged prop-
erly to McCook's division. It took position near the
Hamburg road, in the open ground in front of the enemy's
right, and at once began to act with decided effect upon
the tide of battle in that quarter.
tery was silenced.
“Ammon's brigade, which was on the left, advanced in
good order upon the enemy's right, but was checked for
Some time by his endeavor to turn our left flank, and by
his strong centre attack in front. Captain Terrell, who in d
A charge
The enemy's right bat-
ever, came in time to share in the second
5 se
day's fight.
the mean time had taken an advanced position, was com-
pelled to retire, leaving one caisson, of which every horse
was killed or disabled. It was very soon recovered. Hav-
ing been reinforced by a regiment from General Boyle's
brigade, Nelson's division again moved forward and forced
the enemy to abandon entirely his position. This success
flanked the enemy at his second and third batteries, from
which he was soon driven, with the loss of several pieces
of artillery by the concentrated fire of Terrell's and Men-
denhall's batteries, and an attack from Crittenden's divi-
sion in front.
The enemy made a second stand some 800
yards in rear of this position, and opened fire with his ar-
tillery. Mendenball's battery was thrown forward, si-
lenced the battery, and it was captured by Crittenden's
division, the enemy retreating from it. In the mean time
the division of General McCook on the right, which be-
came engaged somewhat later in the morning than the
divisions on the left, had made steady progress until it
drove the enemy's left from the hotly contested field. The
action was commenced in this division by General Rous-
seau's brigade, which drove the enemy in front of it from
his first position, and captured a battery. The line of at-
tack of this division caused a considerable widening of the
space between it and Crittenden’s right. It was also out-
flanked on its right by the line of the enemy, who made
repeated strong attacks on its flanks, but was always gal-
lantly repulsed. The enemy made his last decided stand
in front of this division, in the woods beyond Sherman's
camp.
“Two brigades of General Wood's division arrived just
at the close of the battle, but only one, that of Colonel
Wagner, in time to participate actively in the pursuit,
which it continued for about a mile, and until halted by
my order. Its skirmishers became engaged for a few min-
utes with skirmishers covering the enemy's rear guard)
which made a momentary stand. It was also fired upon
by the enemy's artillery on its right flank, but without
effect. It was well conducted by its commanders, and
showed great steadiness.
“The pursuit was continued no farther that day. I
was without cavalry, and the different corps had become
a good deal scattered in a pursuit in a country which se-
creted the enemy's movements, and of the roads of which
I knew practically nothing. In the beginning of the pur-
suit, thinking that the enemy had retired principally by
the Hamburg road, I had ordered Nelson's division to
follow as far as Lick Creek on that road, from which I
afterward learned the direct Corinth road was separated
by a difficult ravine which empties into Lick Creek. I
therefore occupied myself with examining the ground,
getting the different divisions into position, which was not
effected until some time after dark.
“The following day, in pursuance of the directions of
102
150
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“During the night,” says General
Grant in his brief official report, “all
was quiet, and feeling that great moral
advantage would be gained by becom-
ing the attacking party, an advance was
ordered as soon as day dawned.”
General Buell now assumed the com-
mand and thus formed his line of battle.
On the right was posted General Lewis
Wallace ; on the left Brigadier-General
General Grant, General Wood was sent forward with two
of his brigades, which arrived the previous evening, and a
battery of artillery, to discover the position of the enemy,
and to press him if he should be found to retreat. Gen.
eral Sherman, with about the same force from General
Grant's army, was on the same service, and had a spirited
skirmish with the enemy's cavalry, driving it back. The
main force was found to have retreated beyond Lick Creek,
and our troops returned at night. ,
“There were no idlers in the battle of the 7th. Every
portion of the army did its work. The batteries of Cap-
tains Terrell and Mendenhall were splendidly handled and
served; that of Captain Bartlett was served with great
spirit and gallantry, though with less decisive results.
“I specially commend to the favor of the Government
for their distinguished gallantry and good conduct Briga-
dier-General A. McD. McCook, commanding second divi-
sion ; Brigadier-General William Nelson, commanding
fourth division ; Brigadier-General T. L. Crittenden, com-
manding fifth division; Brigadier-General L. H. Rous-
seau, commanding fourth brigade ; Brigadier-General I.
T. Boyle, commanding eleventh brigade; Colonel J. Am-
mon, Twenty-fourth Ohio, commanding tenth brigade;
Colonel W. G. Smith, Thirteenth Ohio, commanding four-
teenth brigade ; Colonel E. N. Kirk, Third Illinois, com-
manding fifth brigade ; Colonel W. H. Gibson, Forty-ninth
Ohio, temporarily commanding sixth brigade; Captain
W. R. Terrell, Fifth Artillery; Captain J. T. Menhenhall,
Fourth Artillery ; and Captain Bartlett, Ohio volunteer
battery. -
“For the many other officers who won honorable dis-
tinction, I refer to the reports of the division, brigade,
and regimental commanders transmitted herewith, as also
for more detailed information of the services of the dif-
ferent corps. I join cordially in the commendation be-
stowed by these officers on those under their command.
“The loss of the force under my command is 263 killed,
1,816 wounded, 88 missing—total, 2,167.
are twenty pieces of artillery, a greater number of cais-
sons, and a considerable number of small-arms. Many
of the cannon were recaptured from the loss of the pre-
vious day. Several stands of colors were also recaptured.
The trophies
Nelson, and between them were placed,
beginning at the left, Brigadier-Generals
Thomas, Crittenden, A. McD. McCook,
Hurlburt, McClernand, and Sherman,
all at the head of their respective com-
mands,” while in those of the three
“The members of my staff, Colonel James B. Fry,
chief of staff, Captain James M. Wright, A. A. G.; Lieu-
tenants C. L. Fitzhugh, Fourth Artillery; A. F. Rockwell,
New York Chasseurs; T. J. Bush, Twenty-fourth Ken-
tucky; Aides-de-Camp Captain J. H. Gilman, Nineteenth
Infantry, inspector of artillery; Captain E. Gay, Sixteenth
Infantry, inspector of cavalry; H. C. Bankhead, Fifth In-
fantry, inspector of infantry; and Captain N. Michler, To-
pographical Engineers, were distinguished for gallant braw-
ery throughout the battle, and rendered valuable service.
The gallant deportment of my orderlies, A. J. William-
son, Fourth Cavalry, and N. M. Smith, J. R. Hewitt, J. A.
Stevenson, W. B. Hammel, of the Anderson Troop, also
deserve to be mentioned. I am particularly indebted to
Colonel Fry, chief of staff, for valuable assistance in the
battle, as well as for the ability and industry with which
he has at all times performed the important duties of his
position ; and Surgeon Murray, medical director, always .
assiduous in the discharge of his duties, was actively en-
gaged on the field in taking all the care of the wounded
that circumstances admitted of.
“Captain Gillem, assistant quartermaster, is entitled to
great credit for his energy and industry in providing trans-
portation for the troops from Savannah. Lieutenant-
Colonel Oaks, Fourth Cavalry, inspector of cavalry, and
Captain C. C. Gilbert, First Infantry, inspector-general,
who have rendered zealous and valuable services in their
positions, were detained at Savannah, and unable to be
present in the action. -
“The troops which did not arrive in time for the battle,
General Thomas, and General Wood's divisions (a portion
of the latter, as I have previously stated, took part in the
pursuit, and the remainder in the evening), are entitled
to the highest praise for the untiring energy with which
they pressed forward, night and day, to share the danger
of their comrades. General Thomas' division had al-
ready, under his command, made its name honorable by
one of the most memorable victories of the war—Milk
Springs—on which the tide of success seemed to turn
steadily in favor of the Union. Very respectfully, your
. D. C. BUELL, Major-General,
“Commanding Army of the Ohio.”
* BRIGADIER-G ENERAL NELSON'S DIVISION.
First Brigade—Colonel Amnon, Twenty-fourth Ohio,
commanding ; Thirty-sixth Indiana, Colonel Gross; Sixth
Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson ; Twenty-fourth Ohio,
Lieutenant-Colonel Fred. C. Jones. .* -
Second Brigade—Saunders D. Bruce, Twentieth Ken-
obedient servant,
SECOND BATTLE OF SHILOH.
sm-
latter were included the fragments of
regiments that remained of the shat-
tered divisions of Generals W. H. L.
Wallace and Prentiss. -
At seven o'clock on the morning of
Apr. Monday, General Lewis Wallace
7 opened fire with his artillery upon
the enemy's position on the left, which
151
was responded to from guns they had
planted within the cover of some scrub-
oak woods, after falling back during
the night from a commanding bluff to
which they had previously advanced.
This “artillery duel” continued until
General Wallace moved forward his
infantry across a narrow ravine, as if
to storm the enemy's position, when,
enfiladed by the artillery and threatened
in front, they limbered up their cannon
and fell back. The enemy's right hav-
ing been forced back by the gun-boats,
was not reached so easily by our left
under General Nelson. Nelson moved
his division, however, about the same
time that General Wallace opened fire,
forming in line of battle with Hazen's
brigade on his right, Bruce's in the
centre, and Ammon's on the left. As he
advanced, the enemy, making but little
resistance, retired until they reached the
cover of the woods, at about half-past
ten o'clock, when they made a firm
stand and turned upon their pursuers
with fierce impetuosity.
“Our forces,” wrote a chronicler,”
“flushed with their easy
scarcely prepared for the sudden onset
where retreat had been all they had
been seeing before. Suddenly the rebel
masses were hurled against our lines
with tremendous force. Our men halted,
wavered, and fell back. At this critical
juncture Captain Terry's regular bat-
tery came dashing up. Scarcely taking
time to unlimber, he was loading and
sighting his pieces before the caissons
had turned, and in an instant was tossing
tucky, commanding ; First Kentucky, Colonel Enyart ;
Second Kentucky, Colonel Sedgwick; Twentieth Ken-
tucky, Lieutenant-Colonel
, commanding.
Third Brigade—Colonel Hazen, Forty-first Ohio, com-
manding ; Forty-first Ohio, Sixth Kentucky, and Ninth
Indiana.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL ToM CRITTENDEN's DIVISION.
First Brigade—General Boyle ; Nineteenth Ohio, Colonel
Beatty; Fifty-ninth Ohio, Colonel Pfyffe ; Thirteenth Ken-
tucky, Colonel Hobson ; Ninth Kentucky, Colonel Grider.
Second Brigade—Colonel Wrm. S. Smith, Thirteenth
Ohio, commanding; Thirteenth Ohio, Lieutenant-Col-
onel Hawkins; Twenty-sixth Kentucky, Lieutenant-Col-
onel Maxwell; Eleventh Kentucky, Colonel P. P. Haw-
kins; with Mendenhall's regular and Bartlett's Ohio
batteries.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL McCOOK's DIVISION.
First Brigade—Brigadier-General Lowell H. Rousseau ;
First Ohio, Colonel Ed. A. Parrott ; Sixth Indiana, Col-
onel Crittenden ; Third Kentucky (Louisville Legion);
battalions Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Nineteenth regulars.
Second Brigade—Brigadier-General Johnston ; Thirty-
second Indiana, Colonel Willich ; Thirty-ninth Indiana,
Colonel Harrison ; Forty-ninth Ohio, Colonel Gibson.
Third Brigade—Colonel Kirk, Thirty-fourth Illinois,
commanding; Thirty-fourth Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel
Badsworth ; Twenty-ninth Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel
Drum ; Thirtieth Indiana, Colonel Bass; Seventy-seventh
Pennsylvania, Colonel Stambaugh.
MAJOR-GEN. LEWIS WALLACE's DIVISION.—RIGHT OF ARMY.
First Brigade—Colonel Morgan L. Smith, commanding ;
Eighth Missouri, Colonel Morgan L. Smith, Lieutenant-
Colonel James Peckham, commanding ; Eleventh Indiana,
Colonel George F. McGinnis; Twenty-fourth Indiana,
Colonel Alvin P. Hovey; Thurber's Missouri battery.
Second Brigade—Colonel Thayer (First Nebraska) com-
manding ; First Nebraska, Lieutenant-Colonel McCord,
commanding; Twenty-third Indiana, Colonel Sanderson ;
Fifty-eighth Ohio, Colonel Bausenwein ; Sixty-eighth
Ohio, Colonel Steadman; Thompson's Indiana battery.
Third Brigade—Colonel Chas. Whittlesey (Twentieth
Ohio) commanding; Twentieth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel
commanding ; Fifty-sixth Ohio, Colonel Pete Kin-
mey; Seventy-sixth Ohio, Colonel Charles R. Woods;
Seventy-eighth Ohio, Colonel Leggett.
victory, were
* Cincinnati Gazette.
152
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
in shell from twenty-four-pound how-
itzers to the compact and advancing
rebel ranks. ^. -
“Here was the turning-point of the
battle on the left. The rebels were only
checked, not halted. On they came.
Horse after horse from the batteries
was picked off. Every private at one
of the howitzers fell, and the gun was
worked by Captain Terry himself and a
corporal. The rebels seemed advancing.
A regiment dashed up from our line and
saved the disabled piece. Then for two
hours artillery and musketry at close
range. At last they began to waver.
Our men pressed on, pouring in deadly
volleys. Just then Buell, who assumed
the general direction of the troops in the
field, came up. At a glance he saw the
chance. ‘Forward at double quick by
brigades 1’ Our men leaped forward as
if they had been tied, and were only too
much rejoiced to be able to move. For
a quarter of a mile the rebels fell back.
Faster and faster they ran ; less and less
resistance was made to the advance. At
last the front camps on the left were”
reached, and by half-past two that point
was cleared. The rebels had been
steadily swept back over the ground
they had won, with heavy loss as they
fell into confusion.”
The left of our centre also, as it ad-
vanced under General Crittenden, found
at first but little resistance until it came
upon a battery of the enemy in position,
when Smith's brigade dashed forward,
and after a severe struggle beat off their
antagonists and captured their guns.
The enemy soon came up
again in
greater strength and recovered their
battery, but our men rallying, wrested
it once more from their possession.
The enemy now fell back to a new posi-
tion on the left, but were soon shelled
out of it by Mendenhall's battery, and
forced to retreat. Brigadier-General
Thomas Wood now arrived with the ad-
vance brigade of his division ; and al-
though too late to take part in the fight,
relieved Crittenden's wearied troops by
taking their place in pursuit of the ene-
my. The victory was now won on our
left.
The rest of the centre, composed of the
fresh division of McCook in front, and
the troops of Hurlburt, McClernand, and
Sherman—which had borne the brunt
of the previous day's fight—in the rear,
moved forward firmly with the general
advance of the whole line. After a hard
struggle with the enemy, they finally
succeeded in forcing them to retire, and
Sherman's division moved in support of
Gen. Lewis Wallace on the right, where
the battle was being waged with the
greatest vigor. Here the enemy, after
having retired before Wallace's artillery
and the advance of his infantry, ad-
vanced again “some two hundred yards,
which brought them to a little eleva-
tion, with a broad, open stretch to the
front. As the division halted on the
crest of the swell, there passed before
them a rare vision. Away to the front
were woods. Through the edge of the
timber, skirting the fields, the head of a
rebel column appeared, marching past
in splendid style on the double quick.
Banner after banner appeared ; the
SECOND BATTLE OF SHILOH.
153.
stars and bars’ formed a long line,
stretching parallel with Wallace's line
of battle. Regiment after regiment ap-
peared ; the line lengthened, and dou-
bled, and trebled; the head of the col-
umn was out of sight, and still they
came. Twenty regiments were counted
passing through the woods. The design
was plain. The rebels had abandoned
the idea of forcing their way through
our left, and now the manifest attempt
was to turn our right.
“Batteries were now ordered up—
Thompson's and Thurber's—and the
whole column was shelled as it passed.
The rebels rapidly threw their artillery
into position, and a brisk cannonading
began. After a time, while the fight
still rested with the artillery, the rebels
opened a new and destructive battery to
the right, which our men soon learned
to know as “Watson's Louisiana Bat-
tery,” from the marks on the ammuni-
tion boxes they forced it from time to
time to leave behind.
“Batteries, with a brigade of sup-
porting infantry, were now moved for-
ward over open fields, under heavy fire,
to contend against this new assailant.
The batteries opened, the sharpshooters
were thrown out to the front to pick off
the rebel artillerists, the brigade was
ordered down on its face to protect it
from the flying shell and grape. For an
hour and a half the contest lasted, while
the body of the division was still de-
layed, waiting for Sherman. By ten
o'clock Sherman’s right, under Colonel
Marsh, came up. He started to move
across the fields. The storm of mus-
ketry and grape was too much for him,
and he fell back in good order. Again
he started on the double and gained the
woods. The Louisiana battery was
turned ; Marsh's position left it subject
to fire in flank in front, and then fled.
The other rebel batteries at once did
the same, and Wallace's division, up in
an instant, now that a master move had
swept the board, pushed forward. Be-
fore them were broad fallow fields, then
a woody little ravine, then cornfields,
then woods. * .
“The left brigade was sent forward.
It crossed the fallow fields, under ordi-
nary fire, then gained the ravine, and
was rushing across the cornfields, when
the same Louisiana steel rifled guns
opened on them. Dashing forward, they
reached a little ground swell, behind
which they dropped like dead men, while
skirmishers were sent forward to silence
the troublesome battery. The skirmish-
ers crawled forward till they gained a
little knoll not more than seventy-five
yards from the battery. Of course the
battery opened on them. They replied,
if not so noisily, more to the purpose. In
a few minutes the battery was driven
off with artillerists killed, horses shot
down and badly crippled every way.
But the affair cost us a brave man—
Lieutenant-Colonel Garber—who could
not control his enthusiasm at the con-
duct of the skirmishers, and in his ex-
citement incautiously exposed himself.
All this while rebel regiments were
pouring up to attack the audacious brig-
ade that was supporting the skirmishers,
and fresh regiments from Wallace's di-
154
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
vision came up in time to checkmate
game.
“But the battery was silenced. ‘For-
ward ' ', was the division order. Rush-
ing across the cornfields under heavy
fire, they now met the rebels face to
face in the woods. The contest was
quick, decisive. Close, sharp, continu-
ous musketry for a few minutes, and the
rebels fell back.
“Here, unfortunately, Sherman's right
gave way. Wallace's flank was exposed.
He instantly formed Colonel Wood's
(Seventy-sixth Ohio) in a new line of
battle, in right angles with the real one,
and with orders to protect the flank.
The Eleventh Indiana was likewise here
engaged in a sharp engagement with the
enemy attempting to flank, and for a
time the contest waxed fierce. But
Sherman soon filled the place of his
broken regiments; again Wallace's di-
vision poured forward, and again the
enemy gave way.
“By two o'clock the division was into
the woods again, and for three-quarters
of a mile it advanced under a continu-
ous storm of shot. Then another contest
or two with batteries, always met with
skirmishers and sharp-shooting ; then,
by four o'clock—two hours later than
on the right—a general rebel retreat ;
then pursuit, recall, and encampment on
the old grounds of Sherman's division,
in the very tents from which those regi-
ments were driven that hapless Sunday
morning.
“The camps were regained ; the rebels
were repulsed; their attack had failed ;
we stood where we began; rebel cavalry
were within half a mile of us; the re-
—w.
treating columns were within striking
distance. But we had regained our
camps. And so ended the battle of
Pittsburg.”
The enemy had thus been driven on
the second day from the ground they
had won on the first. They had, how-
ever, retired in good order and to but a
short distance from the battle-field. The
Unionists soon gave up the pursuit.
“My force,” wrote General Grant, “was
too much fatigued from two days' hard
fighting, and exposure in the open air
to a drenching rain during the inter-
vening night, to pursue immediately.”
On the third day, however, General
Sherman with the cavalry and two Apr.
brigades of his “fatigued troops” 8.
went out on the Corinth road in search
of the enemy. He found that “the main
part of their army had retreated in good
order,” ” but overtook their rear guard
of cavalry, which he finally succeeded in
dispersing.f
* Grant's Report.
f This is General Sherman's report in full :
“HEADQUARTERS FIFTH Division, April 8, 1862.
“To MAJOR-GENERAL GRANT Commanding Army in the
Field :
“SIR-With the cavalry placed at my command, and two
brigades of my fatigued troops, I went this morning out
on the Corinth road. The abandoned camps of the enemy
lined the road, with hospital flags for their protection.
At all of these we found more or less wounded and dead.
At the forks of the 'road I found the head of General
Wood's division. At that point I ordered cavalry to
examine both roads, and found the enemy's cavalry.
Colonel Dickey, of the Illinois Cavalry, asked for rein-
forcements. I ordered General Wood to advance the
head of his column cautiously on the left-hand road,
while I conducted the head of the third brigade of the
fifth division up the right-hand road. About half a mile
from the forks was a clear field, through which the road
passed, and immediately beyond it a space of two hun-
dred yards of fallen timber, and beyond that an extensive
PERVERSION OF WORDS.
155
General Beauregard, though he had
not effected his object, justly claimed
the advantage in the first day's conflict,
camp of the enemy's cavalry could be seen. After a rec-
onnoissance, I ordered the two advance companies of the
Ohio Seventy-seventh, Colonel Hildebrand, to deploy as
skirmishers, and the regiment itself to move forward into
line within intervals of one hundred yards.
I advanced cautiously until the skirmishers were engaged.
Taking it for granted that this disposition would clear the
camp, I held Colonel Dickey's Fortieth Illinois Cavalry
The enemy's cavalry came down boldly
In this order
ready to charge.
to the charge, breaking through the line of skirmishers,
when the regiment of infantry, without cause, broke,
threw away their guns, and fled. The ground was admir.
ably adapted to a defence of infantry against cavalry, it
being miry, and covered with fallen timber. As the regi-
ment of infantry broke, Colonel Dickey's cavalry began to
charge with their carbines, and fell into disorder.
stantly sent orders to the rear for the brigade to form in
line of battle, which was promptly executed. The broken
infantry and cavalry rallied on this line, and as the
enemy's cavalry came up to it, our cavalry in turn
charged and drove them from the field. I then advanced
the entire brigade upon the same ground, and sent Co-
lonel Dickey's cavalry a mile farther on the road. On
examining the ground which had been occupied by the
Seventy-seventh Ohio, we found fifteen dead and about
twenty-five wounded. I sent for wagons, and had all the
wounded carried back to the camp, and the dead buried.
I also ordered the whole camp to be destroyed. Here we
found much ammunition for field pieces, which was de-
stroyed ; also two caissons, and a general hospital, with
about two hundred and eighty Confederates wounded and
about fifty of Öur own troops. Not having the means of
bringing them off, Colonel Dickey, by my order, took a
surrender, signed by the medical director, Lyle, and all
the attending surgeons, and a pledge to report themselves
to you as prisoners of war, and also another pledge that
our wounded would be carefully attended to, and sur-
rendered to us to-morrow, as soon as ambulances could go
out.
“I inclose the within document, and request you to
cause to be sent out wagons or ambulances for the
wounded of ours to-morrow ; also that wagons be sent out
to bring in the many tents belonging to us, which are
I did not destroy
when, as I knew the enemy couldn't move them. The
r’ ‘ched all along the road for miles.
roads are very bad, and are strewn with abandoned
wagons, ambulances, and limber boxes. The enemy has
succeeded in carrying off the guns, but has crippled his
batteries by abandoning the hind limber boxes of at least
twenty guns. I am satisfied that the enemy's infantry
and cavalry passed Lick Creek this morning, travelling all
last night, and that he left behind all his cavalry, which
I in-
which he took care triumphantly to pro-
claim," from “the enemy's camp and on
Federal paper.” But though he had skil-
fully withdrawn his army from the dan-
gers of the second day, he was certainly
not justified in calling his retreat “a
great and glorious victory.”f The lossi
has protected his retreat. But the signs of confusion and
disorder mark the whole road. The check sustained by us
at the fallen timbers delayed our advance, so that night
came upon us before the wounded were provided for and
the dead buried ; and our troops being fagged out by
their three days' hard fighting, exposure, and privation, I
ordered them back to camp, where all now are. I have
the honor to be your obedient servant,
“W. T. SHERMAN, Brig.-Gen. Commanding Division.” "
* BATTLE-FIELD OF SHILOH,
Via CoRINTH AND CHATTANOOGA, April 6, 1862.
GENERAL S. Hooper, Adjutant General : We haye this
morning attacked the enemy in strong position in front
of Pittsburg, and after a severe battle of ten hours,
thanks to Almighty God, gained a complete victory, driv-
ing the enemy from every position. r -
The oss on both sides is heavy, including our com-
mander-in-chief, General Albert Sidney Johnston, who
fell gallantly leading his troops into the thickest of the
fight. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General Commanding.
ºf CoRINTH, Tuesday, April 8, 1862.
To THE SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond :
We have gained a great and glorious victory. Eight to
ter, thousand prisoners, and thirty-six pieces of cannon.
Buell reinforced Grant, and we retired to our intrench-
ments at Corinth, which we can hold. Loss heavy on
both sides. BEAUREGARD.
† CINCINNATI, May 2, 1862.
The Commercial has, from its correspondent with the
army of General Halleck, the following official figures of
our loss at the battle of Pittsburg Landing:
Killed. Wounded. Missing.
McClernand's...................... 251 ...... 1,351 ...... 236
W. H. L. Wallace's............... 228 ...... 1,033 ..... 1,163
Lewis Wallace's.................. 43 ...... 257 ...... 95
Hurlburt's.......................... 313 ...... 1,449 ...... 225
Sherman's......................... 437 ...... 1,402 ...... 482
Prentiss'............................ 196 ...... 562 ...... 1,802
Crittenden's........................ 80 ...... 410 ...... 27
Nelson's............................. 93 ...... 612 ...... I0
McCook's........................... 94 ...... 806 ...... 4
Total........................ 1,735 7,882 4,044
The total killed, wounded, and missing is 13,661.
About 300 of the wounded have since died. Our burial
parties report between 2,500 and 3,000 rebels found dead
156
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
on both sides was enormous; that of the
Unionists was 1,735 killed, 7,882 wound-
ed, and 4,044 missing, and that of the
enemy was estimated to be still greater
in killed and wounded, though much
less in missing, as few of them were
taken prisoners.
The enemy lost on the first day their
commander-in-chief, General A. Sidney
Johnston, who fell while riding along
his lines and inspiriting his troops to
the onset. His body was found during
the next day by our troops, after driv-
ing the enemy from the ground, and
Beauregard subsequently confessed the
loss of the field by sending a flag of
truce with a demand for the remains of
the fallen chief.
Great gallantry was displayed by
some of the officers and men on both
sides. General Sherman,” especially,
signalized himself by his skill and dar-
ing. He was wounded twice, and had
three horses killed under him. General
W. H. L. Wallace, who commanded in
place of General Smith, dangerously
ill at the time, was mortally wounded
on the first day.
Beauregardſ boasted of having cap-
tured thirty-six pieces of artillery, and
General Grant, in his official report,
on the field. Beauregard lost not less than 20,000 men
in killed, wounded, and prisoners, and the sick, used up,
and panic-stricken, during his movement from Corinth
upon Pittsburg Landing.
* He was promoted to a major-generalship.
f General Smith, one of the ablest officers in the army,
who greatly distinguished himself at Fort Donelson, subse-
quently died.
3: GENERAL BEAUREGARD's OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE
* GREAT WESTERN BATTLE.
tº HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
- CoRINTH, Miss., April 11, 1862. }
“GENERAL : On the 2d ult., having ascertained conclu-
sively from the movements of the enemy on the Tennes-
see River and from reliable sources of information that his
aim would be to cut off my communications in West Ten-
messee with the Eastern and Southern States by operating
from the Tennessee River, between Crump's Landing and
Eastport, as a base, I determined to foil his designs by con-
centrating all my available forces at and around Corinth.
“Meanwhile, having called on the Governors of the
States of Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.
to furnish additional troops—some of them, chiefly regi-
ments from Louisiana—soon reached this vicinity, and
with two divisions of General Polk's command from Co-
lumbus, and a fine corps of troops from Mobile and Pensa-
cola, under Major-General Bragg, constituted the Army
of the Mississippi. At the same time, General Johnston,
being at Murfreesboro’, on the march to form a junction
of his forces with mine, was called on to send at least a
brigade by railroad, so that we might fall on and crush
the enemy should he attempt an advance from under his
gun-boats. The call on General Johnston was promptly
complied with. His entire force was also hastened in this
direction, and by the 1st of April our united forces were
concentrated along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad from
Bethel to Corinth, and on the Memphis and Charleston
Railroad from Corinth to Iuka,
“It was then determined to assume the offensive and
strike a sudden blow at the enemy in position under Gen-
eral Grant on the west bank of the Tennessee, at Pitts-
b-rg, and in the direction of Savannah, before he was re-
inforced by the army under General Buell, then known
to be advancing for that purpose by rapid marches from
Nashville via Columbia. About the same time General
Johnston was advised that such an operation conformed
to the expectations of the President.
“By a rapid and vigorous attack on General Grant, it
was expected he would be beaten back into his transports
and the river, or captured in time to enable us to profit by
the victºry and remove to the rear all the stores and mu-
mitions that would fall into our hands in such an event
before the arrival of General Buell's army on the scene.
It was never contemplated, however, to retain the posi-
tion thus gained, and abandon Corinth, the strategic point
of the campaign.
“Want of proper officers, needful for the proper organ-
ization of divisions and brigades of an army brought thus
suddenly together, and other difficulties in the way of an
effective organization, delayed the movement until the
night of the 2d inst., when it was heard from a reliable
quarter that the junction of the enemy's armies was near
at hand ; it was then, at a late hour, determined that the
attack should be attempted at once, incomplete and im-
perfect as were our preparations for such a grave and mo-
mentous adventure. Accordingly that night, at one o'clock
A.M., the preliminary orders to the commanders of corps
were issued for the movement.
LOSSES.
1:57
L-
confessed “the loss of artillery was
great, many pieces being disabled by
“On the following morning the detailed orders of move-
ment were issued, and the movement, after some delay,
commenced, the troops being in admirable spirits. It was
expected we should be able to reach the enemy’s lines in
time to attack them early on the 5th inst. ; the men, how-
ever, for the most part, were unused to marching, the roads
narrow, and traversing a densely wooded country became
almost impassable after a severe rain-storm on the night
of the 4th, which drenched the troops in bivouac ; bence
our forces did not reach the intersection of the roads from
Pittsburg and Hamburg, in the immediate vicinity of the
enemy, until late Saturday afternoon.
“It was then decided that the attack should be made
on the next morning, at the earliest hour practicable, in
accordance with the orders of movement—that is, in three
lines of battle; the first and second extending from Owl
Creek on the left to Lick Creek on the right, a distance
of about three miles, supported by the third and the re-
serve. The first line, under Major-General Hardee, was
constituted of his corps, augmented on his right by Glad-
den's brigade of Major-General Bragg's corps, deployed in
line of battle, with their respective artillery, following im-
mediately by the main road to Pittsburg, and the cavalry
in rear of the wings. The second line, composed of the
other troops of Bragg's corps, followed the first at a dis-
tance of five hundred yards in the same order as the first.
The army corps under General Polk followed the second
line at the distance of about eight hundred yards in lines
of brigades, deployed, with their batteries in rear of each
brigade, moving by the Pittsburg road, the left wing sup-
ported by cavalry; the reserve, under Brigadier-General
Breckinridge, followed clºsely the third line in the same
order, the right wing supported by cavalry.
“These two corps constituted the reserve and were to
support the front limes of battle by being employed when
required on the right and left of the Pittsburg road, or
otherwise act according to the exigencies of the battle.
“At eight A.M. on the 6th inst., a reconnoitring party
of the enemy having become engaged with our advanced
pickets, the commander of the forces gave orders to begin
the movement and attack as determined upon, except
that Trabue's brigade, of Breckinridge's division, was de-
tached and advanced to support the left of Bragg's corps
and line of battle when menaced by the enemy; and the
other two brigades were directed to advance by the road
to Hamburg to support Bragg's right, and at the same
time Yancey’s regiment, of Polk's corps, was advanced by
the same road to reinforce the regiment of cavalry and
battery of four pieces already thrown forward to watch
and guard Grier's, Banner's, and Borland's Ford on Lick
Creek.
“Thirty minutes after five o'clock A.M. our lines and
columns were in motion, all animated evidently by a
the enemy's shots, and some losing all
their horses and many men. There
promising spirit. The front line was engaged at once, but
advanced steadily, followed in due order with equal reso-
lution and steadiness by the other lines, which were
brought successively into action with rare skill, judg-
ment, and gallantry by the several corps commanders as
the enemy made a stand with his masses rallied for the
struggle for his encampments. Like an Alpine avalanche
our troops moved forward, despite the determined resist-
ance of the enemy, until after six o'clock P.M., when we
were in possession of all encampments between Owl and
Lick creeks, but one. Nearly all of his field artillery,
about thirty flags, colors, and standards, over three thou-
sand prisoners, including a division commander (General
Prentiss), and several brigade commanders, thousands of
small-arms, an immense supply of subsistence, forage, and
municions of war, and a large amount of means of trans-
portation—all the substantial fruits of a complete victory
—such, indeed, as rarely have followed the most success-
ful battles, for never was an army so well provided as that
of our enemy. d
“The remnant of his army had been driven in utter
disorder to the immediate vicinity of Pittsburg under the
shelter of the heavy guns of his iron-clad gun-boats, and
we remained undisputed masters of his well-selected, ad-
mirably provided cantonments after over twelve hours of
obstinate conflict with his forces, who had been beaten
from them and the contiguous covert, but only by a sus-
tained onset of all the men we could bring into action.
“Our loss was heavy, as will appear from the accom-
panying return, marked ‘B.’
General A. S. Johnston, fell mortally wounded, and died
on the field at half-past two in the afternoon, after having
shown the highest qualities of the commander and a per-
Our commander-in-chief,
sonal intrepidity that inspired all around him, and gave
resistless impulsion to his columns at critical moments.
“The chief command then devolved upon me, though
at the time I was greatly prostrated and suffering from
the prolonged sickness with which I had been afflicted
since early in February. The responsibility was one
which, in my physical condition, I would have gladly
avoided, though cast upon me when our forces were suc-
cessfully pushing the enemy back upon the Tennessee
River, and though supported on the immediate field by
such corps commanders as Major-Generals Polk, Bragg,
and Hardee, and Brigadier-General Breckinridge, com-
manding the reserve.
“It was after six o'clock in the evening, as before said,
when the enemy's last position was carried, and his forces
inally broke and sought refuge behind a commanding
eminence covering the Pittsburg Landing, not more than
half a mile distant, and under the guns of the gun-boats,
which opened on our eager columns a fierce and annoying
fire with shot and shell of the heaviest description. Dark-
Ž
I 03
158
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
were probably not less than two hun-
dred horses killed.”
ness was close at hand; officers and men were exhausted
by a combat of over twelve hours without food, and jaded
by the march of the preceding day, through mud and wa-
ter, it was therefore impossible to collect the rich and op-
portune spoils of war scattered broadcast on the field left
in our possession, and impracticable to make any effective
dispositions for their removal to the rear.
“I accordingly established my headquarters at the
church of Shiloh, in the enemy's encampment, with Major-
General Bragg, and directed our troops to sleep on their
arms in such positions in advance and rear as corps com-
manders should determine, hoping from news received by
a special dispatch that delays had been encountered by
General Buell in his march from Columbia, and that his
main forces, therefore, could not reach the field of battle
in time to save General Grant's shattered fugitive forces
from capture or destruction on the following day.
“During the night the rain fell in torrents, adding to
the discomfort and harassed condition of the men; the
enemy, moreover, had broken their rest by a discharge, at
measured intervals, of heavy shells thrown from the gun- .
boats; therefore, on the following morning, the troops
under my command were not in condition to cope with an
equal force of fresh troops, armed and equipped like our
adversary, in the immediate vicinity of his dépôts, and
sheltered by such an auxiliary as the enemy's gun-boats.
“About six o'clock on the morning of the 7th of April,
however, a hot fire of musketry and artillery, opened from
the enemy's quarter on our advanced line, assured me of
the junction of his forces, and soon the battle raged with
a fury which satisfied me that I was attacked by a largely
superior force. But from the onset our troops, notwith-
standing their fatigue and losses from the battle of the
day before, exhibited the most cheering, veteran-like
steadiness. On the right and centre the enemy was re-
pulsed in every attempt he made with his heavy column
in that quarter of the field ; on the left, however, and
nearest to the point of arrival of his reinforcements, he
drove forward line after line of his fresh troops, which
were met with a resolution and courage of which our
country may be proudly hopeful. Again and again our
troops were brought to the charge, invariably to win the
position at issue, invariably to drive back their foe. But
hour by hour thus opposed to an enemy constantly rein-
forced, our ranks were perceptibly thinned under the un-
ceasing, withering fire of the enemy, and by twelve me-
ridian, eighteen hours of hard fighting had sensibly ex-
hausted a large number, my last reserves had necessarily
been disposed of, and the enemy was evidently receiving
fresh reinforcements after each repulse. Accordingly,
about one P.M., I determined to withdraw from so unequal
a conflict, securing such of the results of the victory of the
day before as was then practicable.
The enemy undoubtedly, on the first
day, captured a large number of guns,
“Officers of my staff were immediately dispatched with
the necessary orders to make the best dispositions for a
deliberate, orderly withdrawal from the field, and to col-
lect and post a reserve to meet the enemy, should he at-
tempt to push after us. In this connection I will men-
tion particularly my adjutant-general, Colonel Jordan,
who was of much assistance to me on this occasion, as he
had already been on the field of battle on that and the pre-
ceding day. - x- -
“About two o'clock P.M., the lines of advance, which
had repulsed the enemy in their last fierce assault on our
left and centre, received the orders to retire. This was
done with uncommon steadiness, and the enemy made no
attempt to follow. -
“The line of troops established to cover this movement
had been disposed on a favorable ridge commanding the
ground of Shiloh church. From this position our artillery
played upon the woods beyond for awhile, but upon no
visible enemy, and without reply. Soon satisfied that no
serious pursuit would be attempted, this last line was
withdrawn, and never did troops leave the battle-field in
better order. Even the stragglers fell into the ranks and
marched off with those who had stood more steadily by
their colors. A second strong position was taken up
about a mile in rear, where the approach of the enemy
was waited for nearly an hour ; but no effort to follow was
made, and only a small detachment of horsemen could be
seen at a distance from this last position warily observing
our movements,
“Arranging, through my staff officers, for the comple-
tion of the movemenis thus begun, Brigadier-General
Breckinridge was left with his command as a rear guard
to hold the ground we had occupied the night preceding
the first battle, just in front of the intersection of the
Pittsburg and Hamburg roads, about four miles from the
former place, while the rest of the army passed to the rear
in excellent order.
“On the following day, General Breckinridge fell back
about three miles to Mickey's, which position we contin-
ued to hold, with our cavalry thrown considerably forward
in immediate proximity to the battle-field.
“Unfortunately, toward the night of the 7th inst., it
began to rain heavily ; this continued throughout the
night. The roads became almost impassable in many
places, and much hardship and suffering now ensued be-
fore all the regiments reached their encampments. But,
despite the heavy casualties of the two eventful days of
the 6th and 7th of April, this army is more confident of
ultimate success than before its encounter with the enemy.
“To Major-Generals Polk, Bragg, and Hardee, com-
manding corps, and to Brigadier-General Breckinridge,
commanding the reserve, the country is greatly indebted
for the zeal, intelligence, and energy with which all or-
RECAPTURE OF MUNITIONS OF WAR.
159
but on the second were forced to abandon
some of them, together with the rifles,
ders were executed—for the foresight and military ability
they displayed in the absence of instructions in the many
exigencies of the battle, on a field so densely wooded and
broken, and for their fearless deportment as they repeat-
edly led their commands personally to the onset upon
their powerful adversary. It was under these circum-
stances that General Bragg had two horses shot under
him ; that Major-General Hardee was slightly wounded,
his coat rent by balls, and his horse disabled, and that
Major-General Breckinridge was twice struck by spent
balls.
“For the services of their gallant subordinate com-
manders, and of other officers, as well as for the details
of the battle-field, I must refer to the reports of corps, di-
vision, and brigade commanders, which shall be forwarded
as soon as received.
“To give more in detail the operations of the two bat-
tles resulting from the movement on Pittsburg than now
attempted, must have delayed this report for weeks, and
interfered materially with the important duties of my
position ; but I may be permitted to say, that not only
did the obstinate conflict for twelve hours on Sunday
leave the Confederate army masters of the battle-field,
and our adversary beaten, but we left that field on the
next day only after eight hours' incessant battle with a
superior army of fresh troops, whom we had repulsed in
every attack on our lines—so repulsed and crippled, in-
deed, as to leave it unable to take the field for the cam-
paign for which it was collected and equipped at such
enormous expense and with such profusion of all the ap-
These successful events were not achiev-
ed, however—as before said—without severe loss, a loss
mot to be measured by the number of the slain or
wounded, but by the high social and personal worth of so
large a number of those who were killed or disabled, in-
pliances of war.
cluding the commander of the forces, whose high quali-
ties will be greatly missed in the momentous campaign
impending. - -
“I deeply regret to record also the death of the Hon.
George M. Johnson, Provisional Governor of Kentucky,
who went into action with the Kentucky troops, and con-
tinually inspired them by his words and example. Hav-
ing his horse shot under him on Sunday, he entered the
ranks of a Kentucky regiment on Monday, and fell mor-
tally wounded toward the close of the day. Not his State
alone, but the whole Confederacy has sustained a great
loss in the death of this brave, upright, and able man.
“Another gallant and able soldier and captain was lost
to the service of the country when Brigadier-General Glad-
den, commanding first brigade, Withers' division, third
army corps, died from a severe wound received on the 5th
inst., after having been conspicuous to his whole corps
and the army for courage and capacity.
munitions of war, and camp equipage
which had fallen into their hands when
“Major-General Cheatham, commanding first division,
first corps, was slightly wounded, and had three horses
shot under him.
“Brigadier-General Clark, commanding first division
of the first corps, received a severe wound also on the first
day, which will deprive the army of his valuable services
for some time.
“Brigadier-General Hindman, engaged in the outset
of the battle, was conspicuous for a cool courage efficiently
employed in leading his men ever into the thickest of the
fray, until his horse was shot under him, and he was un-
fortunately so severely injured by the fall that the army
WàS deprived, on the following day, of his chivalrous ex-
ample.
“Brigadier Generals B. R. Johnston and Bowen, most
meritorious officers, were also severely wounded in the
first combat, but it is hoped will soon be able to return to
duty with their brigades.
“To mention the many field officers who died or were
wounded while gallantly leading their commands into
action, and the many brilliant instances of individual
courage displayed by officers and men in the twenty hours
of battle, is impossible at this time, but their names will
be duly made known to their countrymen.
“The immediate staff of the lamented Commander-in-
Chief, who accompanied him to the field, rendered efficient
service, and either by his side or in carrying his orders,
shared his exposure to the casualties of a well-contested
battle-field.
of the War Department, namely : Captain H. P. Brewster
and N. Wickliffe, of the Adjutant and Inspector-General’s
Department. W
“Captain Thomas O'Hara, Acting Inspector-General.
“Lieutenants George Baylor and Thomas M. Jack, aides-
I beg to commend their names to the notice
de-camp. -
“Volunteer Aides-de-Camp : Colonel William Preston,
Major D. M. Hayden, E. W. Munford, and Calhoun
Benham.
“Major Albert J. Smith and Captain Wickham, Quar-
termaster's Department.
“To these gentlemen was assigned the last sad duty of
accompanying the remains of their lamented chief from
the field, except Captains Brewster and Wickliffe, who re-
mained and rendered valuable services as staff officers on
the 7th of April. -
“Governor Isham G. Harris, of Tennessee, went upon
the field with General Johnston, was by his side when he
was shot, aided him from his horse, and received him in
his arms when he died. Subsequently the Governor joined
my staff and remained with me throughout the next day,
except when carrying orders or engaged in encouraging
the troops of his own State, to whom he gave a conspicu-
ous example of coolness, zeal, and intrepidity.
160
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
our troops were driven from their en-
campment on Sunday morning.
“I am also under many obligations to my own general,
personal, and volunteer staff, many of whom have been so
long associated with me. I append a list of those present
on the field on both days, and whose duties carried them
constantly under fire, namely: Colonel Thomas Jordan,
Captain Clifton H. Smith, and Lieutenant John M. Otey,
Adjutant-General's Department.
“Major George W. Brent, acting inspector-general ;
Colonel R. B. Lee, chief of subsistence, whose horse was
wounded; Lieutenant-Colonel S. W. Ferguson, and Lieu-
tenant A. R. Chisolm, aides-de-camp.
Volunteer Aides-de-Camp : Colonel Major Thompson,
Major Numa Augustin.
“Major H. E. Peyton.
“Captain Albert Ferry.
“Captain B. B. Waddell.
“Captain W. W. Porter, of Major-General Crittenden's
staff, also reported for duty, and shared the duties of my
volunteer staff on Monday.
“ Brigadier-General Trudeau, of Louisiana Volunteers,
also, for a part of the first day’s conflict, was with me as a
volunteer aid.
“Captain E. H. Cunning, signal officer, also was actively
employed as a staff officer on both days.
“Nor must I fail to mention that Private W. E. Gools-
by, Eleventh Regiment Virginia Volunteers, orderly to my
headquarters since last June, repeatedly ermployed to carry
my verbal orders to the field, discharged the duty with
great zeal and intelligence. º
“Other members of my staff were necessarily absent
from the immediate field of battle, intrusted with respon-
sible duties at the headquarters, namely: Captain F. H.
Jordan, assistant adjutant-general, in charge of general
headquarters.
“Major Eugene McLean, chief quartermaster ; Captain
E. Deslonde, Quartermaster's Department.
“Lieutenant-Colonel Ferguson, aide-de-camp, early on
Monday was assigned to command and direct the move-
ments of a brigade of the second corps.
“Lieutenant-Colonel Gilmer, chief engineer, after hav-
ing performed the important and various duties of his
place with distinction to himself and material benefit to
his country, was wounded late on Monday. I trust, how-
ever, I shall not long be deprived of his essential services.
“Captain Lockett, Engineer Corps, chief assistant to
Colonel Gilmer, after having been employed in the duties
of his corps on Sunday, was placed by me on Monday in
command of a battalion without field officers. Captain
Fremaux, provisional engineer, and Lieutenants Steel and
Helm also rendered material and ever dangerous service in
the line of their duty. -
“Major-General (now General) Braxton Bragg, in addi-
tion to his duties of chief of staff, as has been before
-
Both armies, after the two days' se-
were conflict on the field of Shiloh, were
stated, commanded his corps—much the largest in the
field—on both days with signal capacity and soldiership.
“Surgeon Foard, medical director ; Surgeons R. L. Bro-
die and S. Choppin, medical inspectors, and Surgeon D.
W. Yandell, Medical Director of the Western Department
with General Johnston, were present in the discharge
of their arduous and high duties, which they performed
with honor to their profession.
“Captain Tom Saunders, Messrs. Scales and Metcalf, and
Mr. Tully, of New Orleans, were of material aid on both
days, ready to give news of the enemy's positions and
movements, regardless of exposure.
“While thus partially making mention of some of those
who rendered brilliant, gallant, or meritorious service in
the field, I have aimed merely to notice those whose po-
sition would most probably exclude the record of their
services from the reports of corps or subordinate com-
manders.
“From this agreeable duty I turn to one in the highest
degree unpleasant—one due, however, to the brave men
under me, as a contrast to the behavior of most of the
army who fought so heroically. I allude to the fact that
some officers, non-commissioned officers, and men aban-
doned their colors early in the first day to pillage the
captured encampments; others retired shamefully from the
field on both days while the thunder of cannon and the roar
and rattle of musketry told them that their brothers were
being slaughtered by the fresh legions of the enemy. I
have ordered the names of the most conspicuous upon this
roll of laggards and cowards to be published in orders.
“It remains to state that our loss in the two days in
the killed outright was 1,728 ; wounded, 8,012; missing,
959 ; making an aggregate of casualties of 10,699.
“This sad list tells in simple language of the stout fight
made by our countrymen in front of the rude log chapel
at Shiloh, especially when it is known that on Monday,
from exhaustion and other causes, not twenty thousand
men on our side could be brought into action.
“Of the losses of the enemy I have no exact knowledge.
Their newspapers report it as very heavy. Unquestionably
it was greater, even in proportion, than our own on both
days, for it was apparent to all that their dead left on the
field outnumbered ours two to one.
“Their casualties, therefore, cannot have fallen many
short of twenty thousand men in killed, wounded, prison-
ers, and missing. º
“Through information derived from many sources, in-
cluding newspapers of the enemy, we engaged on Sunday
the divisions of Generals Prentiss, Sherman, Hurlburt,
McClernand, and Smith, of 9,000 men each, or at least
45,000 men. This force was reinforced on Sunday night.
by the divisions of Generals Nelson, McCook, Crittenden,
and Thomas, of Major-General Buell's army, some 25,000
FORTIFICATIONS AND REINFORCEMENTS.
*~~
too wearied with fighting to be able, im-
mediately, to renew the contest. Beau-
regard accordingly withdrew to his
Corinth, further to
strengthen his fortifications and to await
reinforcements. These came from Price
and Van Dorn, who, after the battle of
Pea Ridge, had moved across the State
of Arkansas to Memphis, and thence
by railroad to Corinth. At the same
time, by the new conscription law of the
Confederate Government, an increased
number of recruits from the Southern
States were forced into service, to swell”
the ranks of Beauregard.
161
Equal efforts were made by General
Halleck, who, after the battle of Shiloh,
had proceeded to Pittsburg Landing to
assume the command of our great army
of the West, in person. General Pope
was summoned from the banks of the
Mississippi, where he had been co-oper-
ating with Commodore Foote, and soon
succeeded in adding his effective troops
to the forces concentrating at Pittsburg
intrenchments at
Also General L. Wallace's
division of General Grant's army, making at least 33,000
fresh troops, which added to the remnant of General
Grant's forces on Monday morning, amounting to over
20,000, made an aggregate force of some 53,000 men at
least arrayed against us on that day.
“In connection with the results of the battle, I should
state that most of our men who had inferior arms ex-
strong, including all arms.
changed them for the improved arms of the enemy. Also
that most of the property, public and personal, in the camp
from which the enemy was driven on Sunday, was render-
ed useless or greatly damaged, except some of the tents.
“All of which is respectfully submitted through my
volunteer aide-de-camp, Colonel Jacob Thompson, of Mis-
sissippi, who has in charge the flags, standards, and colors
captured from the enemy. *
“I have the honor to be, General, your obedient serv-
a lit, G. T. BEAUREGARD, General Commanding.
To General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-Gen-
« ral C. S. A., Richmond, Va.”
* The following is the message of President Davis, in
accordance with the recommendation of which a conscrip-
tion law was passed :
“To THE SENATE AND House of REPRESENTATIVEs of THE
CoNFEDERATE STATES :
“The operation of the various laws now in force for rais-
ing armies has exhibited the necessity for reform. The
amendments which have been
made, have rendered the system so complicated as to
make it often quite difficult to determine what the law
really is, and to what extent prior amendments are modi-
fied by more recent legislation.
frequent changes and
“There is also embarrassment from conflict between State
, and Confederate legislation. I am happy to assure you
of the entire harmony of purpose and cordiality of feeling
which has continued to exist between myself and the
executives of the several States; and it is to this cause
that our success in keeping adequate forces in the field is
to be attributed.
“These reasons would suffice for inviting your earnest at-
tention to the necessity of some simple and general system
for exercising the power of raising armies, which is vested
in Congress by the constitution. But there is another
and more important consideration. The vast preparations
made by the enemy for a combined assault at numerous
points on our frontier and sea-board have produced results
that might have been expected. They have animated
the people with a spirit of resistance so general, so reso-
lute, and so self-sacrificing that it requires rather to be
regulated than to be stimulated. The right of the State
to demand, and the duty of each citizen to render military
service, need only to be started to be admitted. It is not,
however, wise or judicious policy to place in active service
that portion of the force of a people which experience has
Youths under the
age of eighteen years require further instruction ; men of
shown to be necessary as a reserve.
matured experience are needed for maintaining order and
good government at home, and in supervising prepara-
tions for rendering efficient the armies in the field.
“These two classes constitute the proper reserve for home
defence, ready to be called out in case of any emergency,
and to be kept in the field only while the emergency
exists. But in order to maintain this reserve intact, it is
necessary that in a great war like that in which we are
now engaged, all persons of intermediate ages not legally
exempt for good cause should pay their debt of military
service to the country, that the burdens should not fall
exclusively on the most ardent and patriotic.
“I therefore recommend the passage of a law declaring
that all persons residing within the Confederate States,
between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five years, and
rightfully subject to military duty, shall be held to be in
the military service of the Confederate States, and that
some plain and simple method be adopted for their prompt
enrolment and organization, repealing all of the legisla-
tion heretofore enacted which would conflict with the
system proposed. JEFFERSON DAVIS.”
162
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
v-
Landing. The following composed the
staff of Halleck: dº
Major-General Halleck.
Brigadier-General Cullum,
Staff and Engineers.
Captain N. H. McLean, Assistant Ad-
jutant-General. - -
Brigadier-General Smith, Chief of
Cavalry.
Colonel Cutts, Chief of Topographical
Engineers.
Colonel Callender, Chief of Ordnance.
General DuBois, Chief of Artillery.
Colonel McKibben, Aide-de-Camp and
Judge Advocate.
Major Key, Aide-de-Camp.
Captain Smith, Aide-de-Camp.
Assistant Surgeon, Peter W. Schenck.
Lieutenant Price, Aide-de-Camp.
Lieutenant Throckmorton, Aide-de-
Camp.
Mr. Weir, Military Telegrapher.
Cairo and Paducah were drawn upon
to the utmost of their resources, and
immense supplies of men, munitions of
war, and prisoners were brought by
fleet after fleet of transports and gun-
boats up the Tennessee, and disem-
barked at the great Federal encamp-
ment. General Halleck finding the
troops which had been engaged in the
battle of Shiloh much disordered, ap-
plied his energies to the necessary reor-
ganization with so much vigor, that he
Chief of
was soon enabled to make an advance
and threaten the enemy at Corinth.
Reconnoissances in force rapidly suc-
ceeded each other. The enemy's out-
posts were driven back from Pea Ridge
(April 26), Monterey (April 29), Purdy
(April 30), and from Farmington (May
3), and their communications interrupt-
ed by the destruction of the rails and
bridges of the Mobile and Ohio Rail-
road.
The reconnoissance to Farmington re-
Sulted in a serious engagement. Gen-
eral Pope having encamped his division
midway between Hamburg and Corinth,
sent out at ten o'clock in the morning a
detachment consisting of two bri- may
gades,” under the command of Gen- *.
erals Paine and Palmer, to reconnoitre
the enemy's position at Farmington.
After a march of about five miles on the
road to this place, the enemy's scouts
were first encountered. Our sharp-
shooters being thrown out on the road
with flanking parties in the woods, and
opening a brisk fire, soon cleared the
way, killing six of the enemy's mounted
men, wounding eight, and taking eight
prisoners. The whole column now push-
ed on, but the skirmishers had advanced
but a short distance when they were
momentarily checked by abattis of felled
trees strewn across the road, and a se-
were fire from the enemy behind them.
Our men, however, spiritedly charging
over the obstructions, drove out their
concealed foes, and pursued them for a
half a mile through tangled woods and
obstructed swamp roads to the open
fields near Farmington. The vanguard,
thus hindered in its march, and delayed
* These were composed of the following regiments :
The Tenth, Sixteenth, Twenty-second, Twenty-seventh,
Forty-second, and Fifty-first Illinois Volunteers, Tenth
and Sixteenth Michigan Volunteers, Yates' Sharpshooters,
Illinois; Houghtaling's (Illinois) and Hezcock's (Ohio),
batteries, and the Second Michigan Cavalry. -
OPERATIONS OF GENERAL MITCHELL.
163
in repairing the bridges and clearing the
route, did not complete their hindered
march until three o'clock in the after-
Il OOIl.
The enemy were found prepared for
the advance, and had posted four pieces
of artillery upon some elevated ground
which commanded the road. Our troops
were thus unable to reach the open fields
except by taking a circuitous course.
Colonel Morgan accordingly was sent
with the Tenth Regiment to the right,
and Yates' Sharpshooters were ordered
to the left of the enemy's position.
Thus opening fire on either flank, the
enemy were dislodged and forced to
post themselves elsewhere. Their sec-
ond position, where they again formed
in line of battle, was upon the crest of
a hill, to the right of the Farmington
road, just in advance of a dense wood
with some old buildings on their left,
and a deep ravine in their front and
on their right. Thus protected, and
with their artillery in position, they
could defy the direct approach of our
infantry, which was unable to reach
them except by taking a circuitous
route of two miles. While two regi-
ments were dispatched by this route
to take the enemy on the flank, one
* •; or, slº, 4 a l; , , ~'s :--
of our batteries (Houghtaling's) being
planted upon the elevated ground from
which they had first been driven, open-
ed fire, which was spiritedly answered.
While this “artillery duel” was in pro-
gress, the Union infantry had succeeded
in getting on the left flank within three
hundred yards of the enemy. Here our
men fired such vollews of musketry that
the enemy were again forced to shift
their position. Their new ground was
on the brow of a hill to the right of
the road leading from Farmington to
Corinth, about three-eighths of a mile,
in a northerly direction, from the for-
mer place. As the enemy retired,
Houghtaling's battery advanced to the
position they abandoned, while the other
battery (Hezcock's) was posted in an
open field in front of Farmington, on the
enemy's right. Our artillery now open-
ed such a fire as the enemy were unable
to endure, and they fled toward Cor-
inth. The Union loss in this engage-
ment was two killed and eleven wound-
ed; that of the enemy was twenty killed
and a hundred wounded. Their force
consisted of four regiments of infan-
try, a battalion of cavalry, and a bat-
tery of four pieces of light artillery,
all under the command of General Mar-
maduke. .
Though hindered by the ill condition
of the roads, from the constant rain
General Halleck had persisted in his
advance, in spite of every obstacle, and
early in May had pushed within a few.
miles of the enemy’s position at Corinth.
In co-operation with these movements
of the great army under General Hal-
leck, in face of the enemy at Corinth,
General Mitchell was operating with
great success on Beauregard's flank.
The energetic Mitchell had marched
through Tennessee, and entered Apr.
Alabama, where by a rapid move- **
ment, “after a forced march of incred-
ible difficulty” from Fayetteville, he
surprised and took possession of Hunts-
164 THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ville, capturing two hundred prison-
ers, fifteen locomotives, a large amount
of passenger and box platform cars, the
telegraph apparatus and office, and two
Southern mails. He had thus secured
a portion of the Charleston and Mem-
phis railroad. “We have at last suc-
ceeded,” said General Mitchell in his
report, “in cutting the great artery of
railway communication between the
Southern States.” This important suc-
cess was followed by rapid movements
upon Florence in Tennessee, Decatur
and Tuscumbia in Alabama, and Iuka
in Mississippi. He was thus enabled
still further to interrupt the enemy's
communication by the Memphis and
Apr. Charleston Railroad, of which he
15, held or commanded more than a
hundred miles. -
At Bridgeport, in Alabama, the en-
emy, under General E. Kirby Smith,
made a greater show of resistance, but
Apr. were routed “after half an hour's
** shelling, with a loss of sixty-three
killed and many wounded, and leaving
three hundred prisoners and two pieces
of artillery behind them as they fled
across the Tennessee River.”” With
General Halleck advancing in front, and
Mitchell on the flank, the position of the
enemy at Corinth became so hazardous,
* Brigadier-General Mitchell was promoted to a major-
generalship for his energetic movements in Alabama.
The following is a sketch of General Mitchell's life, from
the N. Y. IIerald :
“Acting Major-General Ormsby McKnight Mitchell is a
native of Kentucky, but entered the Military Academy
from the State of Ohio. He became a cadet at West Point
in the year 1825, and graduated on the 30th day of June,
1829, standing No. 15 in a class of forty-six, among whom
were Robert E. Lee and Joseph E. Johnston, both gen-
erals in the rebel service. On the 1st of July, 1829, he
was promoted to a brevet second lieutenancy in the
Second United States Artillery, and during the same day
received his full commission for that rank. On the 30th
day of August, 1829, he was appointed Acting Assistant
Professor of Mathematics at the Military Academy of
West Point, which position he retained until the 28th of
August, 1831. He resigned his military rank on the 30th
day of September, 1832. He then began the study of the
law, and practised as counsellor-at-law in the city of Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, from 1832 to 1834. He next became a
Professor of Mathematics, Philosophy, and Astronomy at
the Cincinnati College, in Ohio, which position he held
for ten years—viz., from 1834 to 1844. During that
time—viz., from 1836 to 1837—he was the Chief En-
gineer of the Little Miami Railroad, and in 1841 was ap-
pointed a member of the Board of Visitors to the Military
Academy at West Point. He became the founder and di-
rector of the Observatory in Cincinnati in 1845, and re-
tained the latter position for several years, during which
time he edited and published a noted astronomical jour-
nal entitled the Sidereal Messenger. From 1847 to 1848
he held the position of Adjutant-General of the State of
Ohio, and in 1848 was appointed the Chief Engineer of
the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, which position he held
for some length of time. During all these years he re-
sided in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio.
“Since then he has been for some years connected
with the Dudley Observatory at Albany as director,
which position he held when, on the occasion of the
grand Union meeting at Union Square, he made his
noted speech that was rendered so remarkable for its
fiery eloquence and strong devotion to the Union. It
was in this speech that he said: “I owe allegiance to
no particular State, and never did, and, God helping
me, I never will. I owe allegiance to the Government
of the United States.
with my own hands, at the age of twelve turned out to
take care of myself as best I could, and beginning by
earning but four dollars per month, I worked my way on-
ward until this glorious Government of the United States
gave me a chance at the Military Academy at West Point.
There I landed with my knapsack on my back, and, I tell
you God's truth, just a quarter of a dollar in my pocket.
There I swore allegiance to the Government of the United
States. I did not abjure the love of my own State, nor
of my adopted State, but high above that was proudly
triumphant and predominant my love for our common
A poor boy, working my way
country.'
“His speech was continued with a fervor that held
his hearers enthralled, and amid his remarks the fol-
lowing words also fell from his lips : “When the rebels
come to their senses we will receive them with open
arms; but until that time, while they are trailing our
glorious banner in the dust, when they scorn it, contemn
it, curse it, and trample it under foot, I must smite, and
in God's name I will smite, and as long as I have strength
INVESTMENT OF FORT MACON.
that it was believed they would soon be
165
~"-ºmºmºs
either to a desperate encounter or a
forced, in order to extricate themselves, rapid flight.
C H A P T E R XVI.
Investment of Fort Macon by General Burnside.—Position of the Batteries and plan of Siege.—Summons to surrender.
-Refusal of the Enemy-Fire opened.—Co-operation of Gun-boats.--Surrender of Fort Macon.—Losses.—Cap-
tures.—Expeditions in North Carolina.-The Expedition to Dismal Swamp Canal.--To Washington.—To Elizabeth
City.—Battle of South Mills.-Co-operation of Gun-boats.
GENERAL BURNSIDE, after obtaining
possession of Beaufort, in North
Carolina, without a blow, proceeded
to invest Fort Macon, on Bogue Island.
This was an old fortress of the United
States which had been seized by the
secessionists of North Carolina, at the
outbreak of the civil war, and subse-
quently strengthened and garrisoned by
a force of the enemy under Colonel
White. Having landed a considerable
number of troops, composed chiefly of
the Fourth and Fifth Rhode Island,
and Eighth Connecticut regiments, on
Bogue Spit, at the eastern point of
which Fort Macon is situated, General
1862.
I will do it. * * * * I am ready, God help me, to do
my duty. I am ready to fight in the ranks or out of the
ranks. Having been educated in the Academy, having
been in the army several years, naving served as a com-
mander of a volunteer company for ten years, and having
served as an adjutant-general, I feel I am ready for some-
thing. I only ask to be permitted to act; and, in God's
name, give me something to do ' The cheers that
greeted the close of his fervid remarks will long be re-
membered by those who heard them.
“The rush to arms had commenced, and on the 9th of
August, 1861, Ormsby M. Mitchell was commissioned a
brigadier-general of volunteers. The honor of his ap-
pointment was conferred on the State of New York. He
was then ordered to report to the commander of the new
Department of the Ohio, which embraced his native State.
Many of the loyal ICentuckians rushed to his standard,
and we soon find him in command of a brigade, next a
division, and next a column of General Buell's forces. He
had previously been under the commands of Generals
Anderson and Sherman, in that department. The dash
with which he made his brilliant entry into the rebels'
works at Bowling Green has not yet been forgotten, and
circumstances, more than himself, had prevented him from
coming more prominently before the public ere this event.
By the results it is plain that after the occupation of
Nashville he moved down the railroad leading from that
city to Chattanooga, where he was doubtless expected ;
but suddenly, and without any previous notice of his
movements, we find his force to have turned on to a
branch line to Fayetteville, and, by a grand forced march
across the country, he turns up in possession of a point of
their main Southern trunk line of railroad—the rebels'
principal route of communication—midway between their
two principal points of occupation at Chattanooga and
Corinth.
by its aid he secured ‘one hundred miles of the rail-
Although the rebels might have conquered a
Here he seized a quantity of rolling stock, and
road.'
small force at a junction or railroad station, or might
have surmounted the difficulties of a broken or burned
railroad bridge, it will not be quite as easy for them to
arrange so thoroughly an organized plan that would enable
them to regain one hundred miles of road in possession of
determined Union troops. But General Mitchell is not
done yet. We shall again hear of him.
“General Mitchell, like many of our more prominent
generals, is also an author. He has sent forth to the
world several of the finest astronomical works, some of
which have been reprinted in a popular form in England
and on the European continent. His ‘Planetary and
Stellar Worlds’ and his “Popular Astronomy’ (pub-
lished by Blakeman & Mason) have become text-books,
and his “Astronomy of the Bible' is now in the press.
He has also written three other works that we have been
made acquainted with, but which we believe have not
yet been published.”
104
160
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Parke, who had been chosen by Gen-
eral Burnside for the service, com-
menced the construction of siege bat-
teries. Captain Williamson, of Burn-
side's staff, and other engineers, having
surveyed the ground, and sites being
determined upon, the work began. The
site for the first battery—there being
three in all—was under the cover of a
large sand-hill, about fourteen hundred
yards from the fort, near the border of
a marsh which forms the northern
side of “Bogue Spit.” The work was
mounted with four ten-inch mortars, and
manned by a portion of the First Bat-
tery of the Third New York Artillery,
under the immediate command of Lieu-
tenant Flagler, an ordnance officer of
General Burnside's staff. The second
battery was placed about a hundred
yards in advance of the first, near the
centre of the island. It was mounted
with three long thirty-pound siege Par-
rott guns,” and manned by a detach-
ment of Company C of the First Regi-
ment U. S. Artillery, under the com-
mand of Captain Lewis G. Morris. The
third and last battery was placed one
hundred yards farther in advance than
the second, at a distance of twelve hun-
dred yards from the fort. It was
mounted with four eight-inch mortars,
manned by a detachment of the First
Battery of the Third New York Artil-
|
lery, and commanded by Lieutenant
Prouty. Communications between the
batteries were established by means of
trenches constructed in the sand, and
skirting the hillocks. On the flanks and
the front, rifle-pits were dug, in which
sharpshooters were posted to guard
against sorties of the enemy.
These works having been completed,
and being ready to open fire, a flotilla.
of gunboats, under Commander Samuel
Ilockwood, bore down and prepared to
take a position within range of the fort
and bear their part in the bombard-
ment.* Before, however, commencing
operations, General Burnside had an
interview, under a flag of truce, with
Colonel White, the commander of the
fort, and summoned him to surrender,
which the latter peremptorily refused to
do, declaring that he had been placed
in command of the fort to defend it, and
that he intended to do so to the utmost
of his ability. *
General Durnside awaited until the
next morning, when at six o'clock Apr.
he ordered the batteries to open “”
fire, and the gun-boats to come within
range of the fort. Our batteries, though
firing incessantly, received no response
for nearly half an hour, when at last the
enemy began to answer briskly.
“The firing on either side,” wrote an
eye-witness, f “was for some time wild
and ineffective. The bursting shells
filled the air with wreaths of smoke, or
* The shot used in this battery was of a novel charac-
ter. Each projectile was made of solid cast iron, conically-
shaped, with a blunt point some three inches in diameter,
and the more especial object of the battery was to dismount
the guns on the fort. For this object the flat impinging
surface of the shot was peculiarly adapted, as it was less
liable to glance—a fault common with Bharp-pointed shot.
* The ſlotilla was composed of the steamers Daylight,
the flag-ship of Commander Lockwood, the State of Geor-
gia, and Chippewa, and the bark Gemsbok.
+ Correspondent N. Y. Herald.
ATTACK ON FORT MACON.
*-
167
--a-r-
tossed the sand and water in fountain-
like columns. The solid shot from our
batteries ricochetted along the surface
of the water beyond the fort—those
from the enemy glanced harmlessly
from one sand-hill to another. But
gradually the range on either side was
attained with increasing accuracy, and
the deadly missiles began to strike fre-
quently and more frequently in the
vicinity of the hostile positions. So the
work went on till midday, when the ter-
rific fire of our batteries became dis-
tinctly visible in its results.
“During the forenoon the eight-inch
mortar battery of Lieutenant Prouty
bore off the palm of marksmanship. Its
shells fell with regularity and precision
into the fort, and at each explosion the
red dirt and sand of the glacis, slopes,
ramparts, parapets, and terrepleins were
dashed in a cloud many feet into the air.
The flag-staff, with its defiant colors
floating at top, was at times completely
obscured in the smoke and dust which
rose with the bursting of the missiles.
The ten-inch mortar battery was not so
successful in the morning. The shells
from it burst beyond or high in air over
the fort, scattering the fragments of iron
far and wide into the water, splashing it
up with little fountains of spray. This
want of success was owing to the slight
nature of the timbers used in the trav-
erses. Deams for eight-inch mortars
had been supplied, and the concussion
from the much weightier metal of the
ten-inch mortars first started and then
broke the timbers, until the battery was
almost unmanageable. With a most
creditable perseverance and energy,
however, the defect was so remedied
that Lieutenant Flagler was enabled to
continue the firing without interruption,
and in the afternoon the battery played
with an effect that was evidenced in the
decreased fire from the fort. The shells,
too, had been purposely loaded with an
unusual quantity of powder, in order to
make their explosion all the more terri-
fying to the doomed garrison, and the
prisoners subsequently stated that it was
impossible for them to tell whether
shells were exploding or their own guns
discharging, such was the loudness and
shock of the report.
“The battery of Parrott guns under
command of Captain Morris, in the mean
time, was keeping up an incessant fire
upon the ramparts. The difficulty of
obtaining accurate range was for some
time experienced, and the shots either
went over the fort, ricochetting across
the water toward Shackleford Banks, or
fell short and buried themselves in the
sand and glacis on its westerly side.
I3ut the range grew better with every
shot, and from twelve o'clock until the
close of the fight Captain Morris seldom
failed to plant those terrible conical
balls among the guns, on the edges of
the ramparts, and against the walls.
The latter were pierced in two places,
the balls passing through into the case-
mates. * * * Wherever these shots
struck, they tore through with a force
that hurled fragments of iron, particles
of brick, stones, grass Sods, and sand-
bags about in every direction. * * *
“The precision attained by the prac-
168
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
tice of the forenoon, and the facility of
loading and firing, which even the expe-
rience of a few hours had given, were
now evidenced in the successful results
of each shot from our batteries and in
the almost incessant nature of the dis-
charges.
“The scene assumed its grandest as-
pect after two o'clock. A flash &nd a
puff of smoke betokened a discharge ;
an interval elapsed which terminated
with the report of the piece ; then
came the sonorous hum of the shell as
it flew through the air; another, puff
of smoke soon followed by a second re-
port, and the deadly missile had ex-
ploded.*
“With our glasses we could distinctly
see every manoeuvre in the fort. Their
look-out was ensconced behind a pile of
sand-bags upon the ramparts, and we
* There was an interesting interlude in the tragic drama
of the struggle, which is thus pleasantly told :
“About two o'clock Major Allen went out in a small
boat, under a flag of truce, to return the letters written in
Teply to those received the day before. The men in the
fort seemed too busy to attend, and the boat, after stand-
ing on and off in the vicinity of Shark Shoal Point,
returned. The boat subsequently went out (at the time
that a signal for a cessation of hostilities was hoisted by
the fort) and delivered them. Many of the letters con-
tained exhortations and entreaties to officers and soldiers
to prevail upon Colonel White to surrender the place
Others exhibited more pluck on the
part of the feminine correspondents. They besought
their friends to fight a little while, and then surrender, to
show that they were not cowards. It must be said that
the rebels exhibited considerable bravery. They worked
without resistance.
at the guns until the only available ones were dismounted
or disabled.
ladies of Beaufort to have a petition signed by them and
A movement was set on foot among the
sent to Colonel White, imploring him to capitulate ; but,
owing to the brief time allowed for the return of the mail,
ić did not become general enough to secure anything like
combined action. Several wanted to send over flowers
-nd bouquets, but all articles were interdicted save let-
almost fancied we could hear him ejac-
ulate the word ‘Down l’ as he marked
the approach of every shot. Its effect
was like magic. As he himself disap-
peared, down out of sight went the crowd
of men around the guns, to reappear
again when the shot had stopped its mo-
tion and accomplished its errand. The
men were working like beavers, and one
individual in a white shirt attracted par-
ticular attention on account of his in-
dustry. -
“A number of horses and cows that
were browsing on the green slope of
the fort when the firing commenced,
becoming terrified at the noise, had
dashed away down the ‘spit.’ Some
of them crossed within our lines and
were captured, while others continued
to rush up and down in the sand, scared
away alternately by the firing from the
fort and the firing from our batteries.
“Little remains to tell of the bom-
bardment. The garrison had at first
responded with some seven or eight
guns, exclusive of carronades, which were
made to serve the purpose of mortars.
The squads of gunners could be ob-
served passing about alternately with
the pieces as they became hot under the
discharges. Gradually their fire slack-
ened to four, then to three, and then to
two guns.”
Commander Lockwood had in the
mean time brought his flotilla as close
to the front as the shallow water would
allow, and opened fire, but finding that
the sea, from a southwest wind blowing,
caused the vessels to roll so that the
guns became unmanageable, he “reluct-
SURRENDER OF FORT MACON.
antly withdrew,” after an engagement
of about an hour and a quarter.”
The guns of the fort were finally
silenced, and at half-past four o'clock
in the afternoon the enemy hoisted a
white flag over one of their cannon.
Two commissioners came off in a boat
with a flag of truce, and after a short
negotiation, terms were agreed upon,
and Fort Macon surrendered. The
work was immediately occupied by the
Federal forces. Its dismantled, ruined
condition showed how efficient had been
the bombardment, and testified to the
gallantry of the garrison, which had not
169
surrendered until resistance had become
impossible. The loss of the enemy
in men was seven killed and eighteen
wounded, while that of the Unionists
was but one killed and two wounded.
Besides a strong fort commanding the
important harbor of Beaufort, the United
States captured 20,000 pounds of pow-
der, 150 ten-inch shells, 250 thirty-two
pound shot, 150 eight-inch shot, and 400
stand of arms. -
General Burnside continued with un-
abated energy to send out expeditions *
from his main basis of operations at
* Commodore Lockwood says in his official report :
“The fire of the enemy on the vessels from guns of
Their shot and shell fell
Many good line shots passed
greater range was excellent.
around us in every direction.
just over and beyond us as we successively passed their
line of fire, and we were exceedingly fortunate in receiv-
ing so little damage. The Daylight was struck by an
eight-inch solid shot on the starboard quarter, just below
the spar-deck, passing through several bulkheads and the
deck below to the opposite side of the vessel in the engine-
room, about six inches above the machinery, among which
it dropped. A splinter fractured the small bone of the
right fore-arm of Acting Third Assistant Engineer Eugene
J. Wade, and I am happy to state that this was the only
casualty that occurred.” -
ºf THE TERMs of CAPITULATION.
The following are the terms of capitulation agreed upon
for the surrender, to the forces of the United States, of
Fort Macon, Bogue Banks, North Carolina :
“ARTICLE 1. The fort, armament, and garrison to be
surrendered to the forces of the United States.
“ART. 2. The officers and men of the garrison to be re-
leased on their parole of honor not to take up arms against
the United States of America until properly exchanged,
and to return to their homes, taking with them all their
private effects, such as clothing, bedding, books, etc.
“M. J. WHITE,
“Colonel C. S. A., commanding Fort Macon.
“John G. PARKE, w
“Brigadier-General Volunteers, commanding Third Di-
vision, Department of North Carolina.
“SAMUEL LockwooD,
“Commander U. S. N., and senior officer.
“ForT MACON, N. C., April 26, 1862.”
* Another naval expedition, consisting of a single ves-
sel, was dispatched by Commander Rowan to Washington,
North Carolina. This, though unopposed, deserves a rec-
ord for the interesting development of returning loyalty
of the people, as stated in the following official report to
Commander Rowan :
“ UNITED STATES STEAMER LouisianA,
WASHINGTON, N. C., March 26, 1862.J.
“SIR,--In obedience to your orders of the 20th inst., I
proceeded to this place, arriving at the obstructions about
The naval
column consisted of this vessel, the Delaware, Lieutenant
five miles below on the morning of the 21st.
Commanding Quackenbush, and the Commodore Perry,
Lieutenant Commanding Flusser. We were accompanied
to the obstructions by the steamer Admiral, army trans-
port, with eight companies of the Twenty-fourth Regi-
ment Massachusetts Volunteers, Colonel Stevenson, and a
small tug-boat. We met with no resistance, the batte-
ries having been abandoned and their armament removed
by blasting and other processes. We soon forced a chan-
nel through the piles, though they had been driven very
deep in triple row, and cut off three feet below the
surface.
“At eleven o'clock last night we arrived off the town,
the Delaware bringing up from the transport the field
officers, two coupallies, and a regimental band. The au-
thorities, with many of the citizens, met us on the wharf,
where I briefly explained to them the object of our visit.
The military formed and we proceeded to the court-house,
where, with all the ceremonies, we hoisted the “Flag of
the Union.” The troops returned to the Delaware with
unbroken ranks. .
“I found on further consultation with the authorities,
on whom I made my demand for the restoration of the Hat-
teras Light property, that, underlying an apparent acqui-
escence of the people of the town and neighborhood in per”
170 THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
Newbern. A land force having dis- with the view of blocking up the Albe-
Apr. embarked at Cobb's Point for the
lº. purpose of destroying the locks of
the Dismal Swamp Canal, but retiring
without accomplishing the object, Com-
mander Rowan was despatched with a
flotilla of steamboats to try their effi-
ciency. He accordingly started from
Apr. his station, off Elizabeth City, in
* the Lockwood, accompanied by the
Whitehead and Putnam, each with “an
officer and a detachment of men on
board. The Lockwood had in tow the
schooner Emma Slade with apparatus
for blowing up the banks of the canal,
f
moving it.
inside of the canal, and with brush,
stumps, rails, trunks of trees, and earth,
the passage was obstructed from the
marle and Chesapeake Canal at the
mouth of the North River. The expe-
dition, after sailing, was joined by the
Shawshone, towing a schooner filled with
sand.
The result of his operations is thus
stated by Commander Rowan :
“On the afternoon of the 23d (April),
fifty men were landed on each bank,
while a launch, with a heavy twelve-
pounder, was sent up the canal, and
with this force we moved up two miles,
examining the banks to find the best
place for operation. I concluded to
place the obstructions near the mouth,
that the men, while at work, might be
under cover of the guns of the steam-
ers, and the enemy be prevented from
The schooner was sunk just
schooner about fifty yards above. We
were occupied from noon till sunset of
the 23d, and from 7.30 A.M. till half an
hour after sunset of the 24th. Earth
was thrown in by hand as far as could
be, but we had no wheelbarrows to carry
it into the middle.” ”
mitting the building of gun-boats and the construction o
batteries to repel the approach of the Federal forces, was a
deep-rooted affection for the old Union, and not a little ani-
mosity for its enemies, the latter element not being dimin-
ished by the importation of troops from a distant State.
The result of this state of affairs was, as could be antici-
pated, the abandonment of its defences by the troops, fol-
lowed by the destruction of what remained of Confederate
property by the people. The launched gun-boat had been
towed several miles up the river, loaded with turpentine,
and fired the night of our arrival. A few hundred bush-
els of meal and corn left in the commissary store were dis-
tributed to the poor by my orders. The most valuable
part of the Hatteras Light property, the lenses, have been
taken to Farborough, but I have hopes of their recovery
through the instrumentality of the people of Washington.
The rest of the property is secured with channel buoys
and moorings.
“In addition to the batteries on either side of the ob-
structions, the enemy have thrown up breast-works east
They
also had fortified their camp, which commanded the high
road. A sketch of the river, from the obstructions to the
of the town, joining and extending half a mile.
bridge above the town, is inclosed; it includes all the
fortifications. t
“The woods and swamps in this and Hyde County are
represented as being alive with refugees from the draft ;
many of them, encouraged by our presence, came in.
They are deep and bitter in their denunciations of the
secession heresy, and promise a regiment, if called, to aid
in the restoration of the flag. I am, very respectfully,
your obedient servant, A. MURRAY,
3. “Lieutenant Commanding Column.
“To Commander S. C. RowAN, Commanding Naval
Forces, Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, North Carolina.”
* “Prof. Maillefort, of the New York Submarine Engi-
neering Company, and his assistants, were of the greatest
assistance to me,” says Commander Rowan ; “indeed, I
was merely governed by his advice, as he is more familiar
with this sort of work than I am. He is of opinion that
it will require two or three months' labor with a dredg-
ing machine to remove what we have placed in a day and
a half. He says it will be easier and cheaper to cut a new
outlet than to remove the obstruction. The rebels have,
I think, no thought of using the canal, as they have them-
selves been obstructing it above and below the bridge. It
would be well to send a steamer there daily until the lum-
ber is well water-soaked and sunk.”
A DEMONSTRATION AGAINST NORFOLK. 171
A more imposing expedition, consist-
ing of the Twenty-first Massachusetts,
Fifty-first Pennsylvania, portions of the
Ninth and Eighty-ninth New York and
Sixth New Hampshire, under the com-
mand of General Reno, after rendevous-
ing at Roanoke Island, proceeded to
Elizabeth City, with the view of making
a demonstration against Norfolk. The
Apr. troops disembarked at midnight,
** about three miles below, and on the
east side of the town. At three o'clock
in the morning, Colonel Hawkins ad-
vanced with his brigade, consisting of
the Ninth and Eighty-ninth New York
and Sixth New Hampshire, toward South
Mills, while General Reno awaited at
the landing to bring up the rest of the
troops. At seven A.M. the General began
his march for South Mills, and when
about twelve miles on his route, overtook
the brigade of Colonel Hawkins, who,
“by the treachery or incompetency” of
his guide, had missed his way, and been
thus delayed in his advance. Hawkins'
men appearing much jaded by their long
march, they were ordered to fall in the
rear, and General Reno took the ad-
vance himself with the Massachusetts
and Pennsylvania regiments, leading the
whole force to within a mile and a half
of South Mills.
“The rebels,” states General Reno offi-
cially, “opened upon us with artillery
before my advanced guard discovered
them. I immediately reconnoitred their
position, and found that they were
posted in an advantageous position in a
line perpendicular to the road, their in-
fantry in ditches and their artillery com-
manding all the direct approaches, and
their rear protected by a dense forest.
I ordered the Fifty-first Pennsylvania
immediately to file to the right and pass
over to the edge of the woods to turn
their left. I also ordered the Twenty-
first Massachusetts to pursue the same
course ; and when Colonel Hawkins
canne up with his brigade, I sent him with
the Ninth and Eighty-ninth New York to
their support. The Sixth New Hampshire
were formed in line to the left of the
road, and ordered to support our four
pieces of artillery. Owing to the ex-
cessive fatigue of the men, they could
not reach their position for some time.
In the mean time the enemy kept up a
brisk artillery fire, which was gallantly
responded to by our small pieces under
charge of Colonel Howard, of the Coast
Guard, who, during the entire engage-
ment, displayed most conspicuous gal-
lantry, and rendered very efficient ser-
vice both during the action and upon
the return—he bringing up the rear.
As soon as the Fifty-first Pennsylvania
and Twenty-first Massachusetts had suc-
ceeded in turning their left, they opened
a brisk musketry fire, and about the
same time the Ninth New York also
coming in range, and being too eager to
engage, unfortunately charged upon the
enemy’s artillery. It was a most gal-
lant charge, but they were exposed to a
most deadly fire of grape and musketry,
and were forced to retire, but rallied im-
mediately upon the Eighty-ninth New
York. I then ordered both regiments
to form a junction with the Twenty-first
Massachusetts. In the mean time the
172
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
:- —
Fifty-first Pennsylvania and Twenty-
first Massachusetts kept up an incessant
fire upon the rebels, who now had with-
drawn their artillery and had com-
menced to retreat in good order. The
Sixth New Hampshire had steadily ad-
vanced in line to the left of the road,
and when within about 200 yards, poured
in a most deadly volley, which com-
pletely demoralized the enemy and ended
the battle. Our men were so completely
fagged out by the intense heat and their
long march that we could not pursue
them.
“The men rested on their arms in line
of battle until about ten o'clock P.M.,
when I ordered a return to our boats,
having accomplished the principal object.
of the expedition, conveying the idea
that the entire Burnside expedition was
marching upon Norfolk. Owing to a
want of transportation, I was compelled
to leave some sixteen of our most se-
verely wounded men. Assistant Sur-
geon Warren was left with the men. I
sent a flag of truce the next day to ask that
they might be returned to us. Com-
mander Rowan kindly volunteered to
attend to it. We took only a few pris-
oners, some ten or fifteen. Most of
them belonged to the Third Georgia
Regiment. The Ninth New York suf-
fered most severely, owing to their prem-
ature charge—our total loss in killed
and wounded being about ninety, some
sixty belonging to that regiment.” -
Though General Reno was obliged to
leave his dead and wounded on the
field, he succeeded in making his re-
turn “march in perfect order,” there
being “few if any stragglers left be-
hind.”
The gun-boat under command of Lieu-
tenant Flusser had, in the mean time,
rendered good service by proceeding up
the river and driving the enemy out of
the woods along the banks. “The ene-
my,” declares General Reno, “had from
six to ten pieces of artillery, and from
1,800 to 2,000 men. We approached
to within about thirty miles of Norfolk,
and undoubtedly the defeat of one of
their best regiments (the Third Georgia)
produced considerable panic at Nor-
folk.” The enemy, on the other hand,
asserted that their force “consisted only
of Colonel Wright, with a portion of the
Third Georgia, and Captain McComa's
company of artillery, in all 500 men,”
and that they “kept the foe at bay sev-
eral hours;” but admitted that “twenty
killed and thirty-one wounded were
brought to Norfolk, and that finally, am-
munition being exhausted, they fell back
to South Mills, and thence to the Half-
Way-House, half way to Richmond,
where they were awaiting reinforce-
ments.”
EXPEDITION TO NEW ORLEANS.
173
C EIA PTE R. X W II.
Expedition to New Orleans.—Composition and leaders of land and naval forces.—Rendezvous at Ship Island.—Arrival-
of General Butler.—Mortar Fleet under Captain Porter.—The Expedition at the mouths of the Mississippi-
Defences of the Enemy.—Forts Jackson and St. Philip.–Defences in the upper part of the river.—Enemy's land
force.—Commanders of the Enemy's forts.—Position of the Union fleets.-Fire-rafts.-Their extinguishment-
Fire opened.—Movements of Butler.—Bold resolution of Farragut.—Destruction of the Enemy's Cheveaux de Frise.—
More Fire-rafts.-Passage of the Enemy's Forts by Farragut.—Naval conflict.–Farragut before New Orleans-
Surrender of the City.—Outrages of the Inhabitants.—Surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip.–Condition of the
works.-Losses.—Destruction of Property.—General Butler in New Orleans.—Proclamation in regard to blockade
by President Lincoln.
THE Federal Government continued
to avail itself of its great naval re-
sources by sending immense expe-
ditions to attack the Southern sea-board.
The most imposing of these was that
sent to the mouths of the Mississippi,
with the view of capturing New Orleans.
The expedition consisted of a large land
force under General Butler, of a fleet of
sloops of war and gun-boats, amounting
to twenty-three in all, and commanded
by Commodore David G. Farragut, and
a flotilla” of twenty-one mortar ves-
1862
* The following comprised the fleet :
Flag-ship Hartford, twenty-six guns, Captain Richard
Wainwright ; Executive Officer, Lieutenant J. S. Thorn-
ton. -
Steam sloop Brooklyn, twenty-six guns, Captain Thomas
T. Craven ; Executive Officer, Lieutenant R. B. Lowry.
Steam sloop Richmond, twenty-eight guns, Captain
James Alden.
Steam sloop Mississippi, sixteen guns, Captain M. Smith ;
Executive Officer, Lieutenant Dewey.
Steam sloop Varuna, ten guns, Captain Charles S.
Boggs.
Steam sloop Pensacola, twenty-four guns, Captain Henry
W. Morris; Executive Officer, Lieutenant Francis Roe.
Steam sloop Oneida, eleven guns, Commander S. Phil-
lips Lee; Executive Officer, Lieutenant Sicord.
Steam sloop Iroquois, nine guns, Commander John De
Camp ; Executive Officer, David B. Harmony.
|
sels, commanded by Captain David D.
Porter.
Gun-boat Westfield, six guns, Captain Wm. B. Renshaw.
Gun-boat Katahdin, six guns, Lieutenant Commanding
George Preble.
Gun-boat Pinola, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding
Crosby.
Gun-boat Cayuga, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding
Napoleon Harrison.
Gun-boat Clifton, five guns.
Gun-boat Itasca, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding
C. H. B. Caldwell,
Gun-boat Kennebeck, five guns, Lieutenant Command-
ing John Russell.
Gun-boat Kanawha, five guns, Lieutenant Command-
ing John Febiger.
Gun-boat Sciota, six guns, Lieutenant Commanding
Edward Donaldson. &
Gün-boat Miami, six guns, Lieutenant Commanding
A. D. Harroll.
Gun-boat Owasco, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding
John Guest.
Gun-boat Winona, four guns, Lieutenant Commanding
Edward T. Nichols ; Executive Officer, John G. Walker.
Gun-boat Wissahickon, five guns, Lieutenant Com-
manding Albert N. Smith.
Gun-boat Kineo, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding
George H. Ransom.
Schooner Kittatinny, nine guns, Acting Wolunteer Lieu-
tenant Lamson.
The mortar flotilla and some vessels which co-operated
with it are comprised in the following list:
Steam gun-boat Owasco, Lieutenant Guest Commapding.
FIRST, OR RED DIVISION.
1. Norfolk Packet, flag-ship of First division—Lieuten-
ant Watson Smith, Commander ; Edgar C. Merriman,
105
174
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
The troops had been long mustering
at the rendezvous on Ship Island, when
Major-General Butler joined them with
reinforcements on the 20th of March,
and assumed the chief command. This
land force, however, remained compara-
tively inactive, while awaiting the arrival
of the fleets with which it was to co-oper-
ate. Little was done beyond regon-
noitring in force the coasts of Missis-
sippi and Louisiana, and taking posses-
sion of Biloxi, Mississippi City, and Pass
Christian, at the entrance of the bay of
St. Louis, which leads to Lake Borgne.
Commander Farragut,” after a long
delay by storms and the low state of the
water, was finally prepared, with the
co-operation of the mortar flotilla under
Acting Master; A. D. Judson, Assistant Surgeon; W.
Ferguson, Captain's Clerk.
2. Oliver H. Lee—Washington Godfrey, Acting Master.
. Para—George H. Hord, Acting Master.
. C. P. Williams—Amos R. Langthem, Acting Master.
. Orletta—Thomas E. Smith, Acting Master.
. William Bacon—William P. Rogers, Acting Master.
SECOND, OR BLUE DIVISION.
1. T. A. Ward, flag-ship of Second division—Lieuten-
ant Walter W. Queen, Commander ; J. Duncan Graham,
Acting Master; A. A. Hochling, Assistant Surgeon;
Archer Tevis, Captain's Clerk.
2. Sidney C. Jones—Robert Adams, Acting Master.
. Matthew Vassar—Hugh H. Savage, Acting Master.
. Maria J. Carlton——Charles E. Jack, Acting Master.
. Orvetta—Francis E. Blanchard, Acting Master.
. Adolph Hugel—Hollis B. Jenks, Acting Master.
. George Mangham—John Collins, Jr., Acting Master.
THIRD, OR WHITE DIVISION.
1. Horace Beales, flag-ship of Third division—Lieuten-
ant R. Randolph Breese, Commander ; George W. Sum-
ner, Acting Master; Robert T. Ecles, Assistant Surgeon;
Albert W. Bacon, Captain's Clerk.
2. John Griffiths—Henry Brown, Acting Master.
3. Sarah Bruin—Abraham Christian, Acting Master.
4. Racer—Alvin Phinney, Acting Master.
5. Sea Foam -—Henry E. Williams, Acting Master.
6
7
:
:
:
*
. Henry James—Lewis Pennington, Acting Master. -
. Dan Smith—George W. Brown, Acting Master.
Steamer Harriet Larie, Lieutenant Wainwright command-
ing, flag-ship of Commander D. D. Porter, commander of
the flotilla.
Schooner T. A. Ward—W. W. Queen, Lieutenant Com-
manding ; A. Travis, Captain's Clerk; J. D. Graham,
Acting Master and Executive Officer ; J. Van Buskirk,
G. W. Wood, and W. Hatch, Master's Mates.
Schooner Sidney C. Jones—Robert Adams, Acting Mas-
ter commanding ; R. M. Metcalf, Master’s Mate and
Executive Officer; W. C. Graham and T. L. Cortelyou,
Master's Mates.
Schooner Matthew Vassar, Jr.—Hugh H. Savage, Acting
Master commanding ; G. S. Hein, Acting Master and
Fxecutive Officer; D. H. Griswold and W. H. Renfield,
Acting Master's Mates.
Schooner Maria J. Carlton—Charles E. Jack, Acting
Master commanding ; Douglas F. O'Brien, Master's Mate
and Executive Officer; Jerome B. Johnson and August
Adler, Master's Mates.
Schooner Orvetta— Adams, Acting Master com-
manding; Enos O. Adams, Master's Mate and Executive
Officer; Sandford Randall, Master's Mate.
Schooner Adolph Hugel—H. B. Jacks, Acting Master
commanding ; Peter Decker, Master's Mate and Executive
Officer; Silas S. Pardee and Frank Davis, Master's Mates.
Schooner George Mangham—John Collins, Acting Mas-
ter commanding ; J. M. Richards, Master's Mate and
Executive Officer; Samuel A. O'Brien and W. Davis, Mas-
ter’s Mates.
Barkentine Horace Beales—K. R. Breese, Lieutenan
Commanding ; E. W. Sumner, Executive Officer; Ecles,
Surgeon. *
Schooner John Griffith—Henry Brown, Acting Master
commanding ; A. M. Camby, Executive Officer; Master's
Mates—T. H. Loversaler, E. Booth.
Schooner Sarah Bruen— — —, Acting Master com-
manding ; Master's Mates—M. C. Ryder, Sylvester Row.
land, J. S. Hyde.
Schooner Racer—Acting Master A. Phinney command-
ing ; Master's Mates—E. T. Martin, H. C. Whitmore,
E. C. Corey.
Brig Sea Foam—Acting Master H. E. Williams command-
ing ; Master's Mates—J. L. Perkins, A Felix, J. Moss.
Schooner Henry Janes–Acting Master L. W. Reming-
ton commanding ; Master's Mates–R. N. Spates, A. Soper,
Z. Prednore.
Schooner Daniel Smith—Acting Master G. W. Brown,
commanding ; Master's Mates—F. W. Town, Executive
Officer; E Gabrielson, R. Sommers. *
* Flag-Officer David G. Farragut was born in Tennes-
see, and was appointed a midshipman for that State. He
entered the service on the lº l, of December, 1810. He
was in the Essex with Commodore Porter in the engage-
ment between that vessel and the British men-of-war the
Phoebe and Cherub off Valparaiso during the war of 1812,
when, though a mere lad, he greatly distinguished him-
self. Although he had seen over half a century's service
in the navy, he still retained the vigor and spirit of his
early life.
Frºm a Phºtºgraph - Brady


THE ENEMY'S DEFENCES.
175
Captain D. Porter,” which had in the
mean time arrived, to enter the passes
of the Mississippi and commence opera-
tions upon the formidable defences of
the enemy on that river.
ler at the same time embarked a large
force consisting of about six thousand
men, and moved down toward the mouth
of the Mississippi, prepared to land them
at the proper moment for co-operation
with the fleet. -
The enemy had made formidable pre-
parations for the defence of the ap-
proaches to New Orleans. They already
possessed in the Federal forts, which
had been seized by the insurgents on
the secession of Louisiana, two of the
most skilfully constructed and strongest
Works on the American coast. These
were Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip.
The former is on the right or west bank
of the Mississippi, about twenty-five
miles from the heads of the passes
through which that river flows into the
Gulf of Mexico. The work is built of
brick, and is bastioned and casemated.
It was constructed for one hundred and
fifty guns, of which thirty were to be
en barbette. When seized by the people
of Louisiana the work was incomplete,
but the enemy diligently strove to per-
fect its defences. Of vast extent, it is
General But- |
capable of containing a garrison of six
to eight hundred men. The United
States Government had spent about a
million of dollars in its construction.
Fort St. Philip is opposite to Fort
Jackson, on the left or east bank of
the Mississippi River. It is a strong
casemated work, and mounts one hun-
dred and fifty guns. To it are attached
a lower and upper exterior battery with
twenty-eight guns each. It cost the
Government about three hundred thou-
Sand dollars. It is capable of holding a
garrison of six hundred men. The
enemy strengthened it greatly, and sub-
stituted a number of columbiads for its
old guns.” In addition to these forts
commanding the mouths of the Missis-
sippi, there were equally elaborate
works constructed by the United States
Government, and strengthened by the
enemy, to defend the approaches to
New Orleans by the bayous and lakes to
the southeast of the city. These various
fortifications had been repaired and per-
fected under the skilful supervision of
General Beauregard, when serving as
an engineer officer in the United States
army. Such was their strength and
commanding position, that they were
reputed to be capable of “beating off
any navy in the world.” º:
The enemy had still further guarded
the ascent of the Mississippi by stretch-
ing diagonally across, below Forts Jack-
son and Philip, and within command of
their fire, a chain supported by rafts
* Commander David D. Porter was born in Pennsylvania.
His father was the gallant Commodore Porter of the Essex,
whose Cruise in the Pacific and fierce fight with the
nºn-of-war off Valparaiso became so memorable.
Uv1.1mander Porter entered the navy on the 2d of Febru-
ary, 1829, since which he has been in various service,
scientific and naval. He served in the Gulf of Mexico
during the Mexican war, was an officer of the coast survey,
etc., commanded the mail steamer Panama in 1850, and
Subsequently the steamer Georgia. He commanded the
expedition at the capture of Fort Fisher, N. C.
* Fort St. Philip is a comparatively old fortification. It
was bombarded in 1815 by the British, when held by a
garrison under the command of Major Overton, the mater-
nal uncle of Governor Moore, of Louisiana.
176
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
and vessels, and defended by earth-works
at each end on the banks of the river.
Just above were kept moored rafts and
hulks laden with pitch and turpentine,
ready to send down with the flow of the
river against any vessels attempting to
ascend.
Beyond Forts St. Philip and Jackson,
toward New Orleans, there was a series
of batteries and earth-works, but of little
importance. In addition to these sta-
tionary means of defence, the enemy
had a considerable flotilla of vessels of
war. These numbered about fifteen in
all, among which there were the Manas-
sas “ram,” the Louisiana, a floating bat-
tery, and several iron-clad gun-boats.
A considerable force of troops, sup-
posed to be about ten thousand strong,
was encamped in and about New Or-
leans, under the command of Mansfield
Lovell, a native of the District of Co-
lumbia, formerly an officer in the United
States army, then a brigadier-general in
the Confederate service.
command of the river defences was held
by Johnson K. Duncan, a native of
Pennsylvania, also a former officer of
the United States army, and then a
general in the service of the enemy.
The immediate commander of Forts St.
Philip and Jackson was Edward Hig-
gins, by birth a Virginian, formerly a
lieutenant in the United States navy,
and then a lieutenant-colonel of artillery
in the Confederate army.*
The general
* These three officers were well known at the North,
having been employed in the city of New York in various
civil capacities. Lovell and Duncan were in the Street
Commissioner's Department, and Higgins commanded the
passenger steamers the Hermann and Wanderbilt.
After the fleets had remained for over
a month at the head of the passes of the
Mississippi, engaged in reconnoitring,
sounding, testing the range of the guns,
and otherwise preparing for an attack
upon the enemy, they finally moved up
the Mississippi, and took a position
about two miles below Forts Jackson
and St. Philip. Fourteen of the mortar
boats were arranged in line close to the
margin of the western bank of the Mis-
sissippi, where a dense strip of forest ex-
tends, which with the aid of the bend of
the river served to hide them somewhat
from the forts. To render the boats still
less discernible, the hulls were daubed
with the mud of the turbid Mississippi,
and the masts and spars hung with boughs
of trees. Six of the mortar boats were
stationed on the east bank of the river,
where there was a long and open stretch
of level swamp. The first schooner in
the line on the western side was sta-
tioned a little less than a mile and three-
quarters from Fort Jackson, and the
thirteen others lay astern of her, with
the bowsprit of each overlapping the
taffrail of the one immediately in ad-
vance. The vessels across the river
were in full view of Fort St. Philip,
whence they were distant nearly two
miles and a half. The frigates and gun-
boats, with the latter in advance, kept
nearer the centre of the Mississippi, be-
tween the long line of mortar boats
under the western bank, and the seven
on the eastern.
When the fleets had taken their Apr.
position, the enemy commenced to 18.
send down the rapid current of the river
FIRE OPENED BY THE ENEMY.
their fire-rafts, consisting of flat boats
heaped with blazing pine wood, resin,
and other combustibles. These were,
however, easily disposed of by Com-
mander Porter before they effected any
mischief. A number of small boats were
got out, manned, fitted with grapnel
ropes, fire buckets, and axes, ready to
seize upon the burning rafts, arrest their
dangerous progress, and extinguish the
flames. -
After this preliminary and unsuccess-
ful attempt with their rafts, the enemy
opened fire from Fort Jackson at nine
Apr., o'clock in the morning, which was
18, instantly returned by the mortar
fleet and the gun-boats. The shot of
the enemy at first fell short, but after
an hour's practice they exceeded the
range. The cannonade on both sides
increased in intensity, and continued
unabated the whole day. The six mor-
tar vessels on the left or eastern bank
of the Mississippi were towed next
morning to the opposite side of the
river, and stationed in the rear of the
rest of the flotilla. Three of them had
been struck, but not a man on board in-
jured. The gun-boats in advance with
the sloop-of-war Iroquois seemed to be
selected as the special target of the
enemy, and were subjected to the hot-
test of the fire. They escaped, how-
ever, with only a man or two wounded.
The fire on our side was kept up SO
briskly that the enemy were hardly able
to stand to their barbette guns, and
some wood-work in Fort Jackson was
for a time in a blaze. In the mean
time General Butler had entered the
mouths of the Mississippi with his trans-
ports, carrying about ten thousand Apr.
troops,” ready to land and assist 18.
in the capture of the forts. Butler had
left Ship Island on the 16th of April,
and arrived off Pass a l’Outre on the
next day; but as there was not suffi-
cient water for the large vessels to cross
the bar, they were dispatched to the
Southwest Pass, where all, with the ex-
ception of the Great Republic, entered
the Mississippi on the 18th.
The engagement between the Union
fleets+ and the enemy's forts having con-
o The following is a list of the transports and troops:
On the steam-transport Mississippi—Major-General But-
ler and staff. Twenty-sixth Massachusetts Regiment,
Colonel Jones; Thirty-first Massachusetts, Colonel Good-
ing ; Everett's Sixth Massachusetts battery.
On the steam-transport Matanzas—Brigadier-General
Phelps and staff. Ninth Connecticut Regiment, Colonel
Cahill, and Holcomb's Second Vermont battery. -
On the sailing-transport Great Republic—Brigadier-
General Williams and staff. Twenty-first Indiana Regi-
ment, Colonel McMillen ; Fourth Wisconsin Regiment,
Colonel Paine, and the Sixth Michigan Regiment, Colonel
Cortinas.
On the sailing-transport North America—Thirtieth Mas-
sachusetts Regiment, Colonel Dudley ; one Company
Reed's and one company of Durivage's Cavalry.
On the transport-ship E. Wilde Farley–Twelfth Con-
necticut Regiment, Colonel Deming.
f The following was the order promulgated :
“GENERAL ORDER.
“ UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, MISSISSIPPI }
River, April 20, 1862. -
“The Flag-Officer having heard all the opinions ex-
pressed by the different commanders, is of the opinion that
whatever is to be done will have to be done quickly, or We
will be again reduced to a blockading squadron, without
the means of carrying on the bombardment, as we have
nearly expended all the shells and fuses, and material for
making cartridges. He has always entertained the same
opinions which are expressed by Commander Porter—that
is, that there are three modes of attack, and the question
is, which is the one to be adopted His own opinion is, that
a combination of the two should be made, viz.: The forts
should be run—and when a force is once above the forts
to protect the troops, they should be landed at Quarantine
from the Gulf side, by bringing them through the bayou ;
I78
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
tinued for two days and nights, during
which the fire was kept up briskly on
and then our forces should move up the river, mutually
aiding each other, as it can be done to advantage.
“When, in the opinion of the Flag-Officer, the pro-
pitious time has arrived, the signal will be made to weigh
and advance to the conflict. If in his opinion, at the time
of arriving at the respective positions of the different di-
visions of the fleet, we have the advantage, he will make
the signal for ‘close action,’ and abide the result, conquer
or to be conquered, drop anchor or keep under weigh, as
in his opinion is best. Unless the signal above-mentioned
is made, it will be understood that the first order of sail-
ing will be formed after leaving Fort St. Philip, and we
will proceed up the river, in accordance with the original
opinion expressed.
“The programme of the orders of sailing accompanies
this general order, and the commanders will hold them-
selves in readiness for the service as indicated.
FIRST ORDER OF FLEET –LINE AHEAD.
Second First
Second Division of First Division of Division Division
Gun-boats. Gun-boats. of Ships. of Ships.
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SECOND ORDER OF FLEET.
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Second Division of
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“Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
“D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer,
“Western Gulf Blockading Squadron.”
both sides, without apparently produc-
ing any decisive result on either, Corn-
modore Farragut on the third day came
to the bold decision to run the gauntlet
of the forts and pass up to the city or
New Orleans, in spite of their guns.
Previous, however, to making the
daring attempt of running past the forts,
it was necessary to get rid of the chain
which the enemy had stretched across
the river. Accordingly, during the
night of the 20th of April, Captain Apr.
Bell, with two gun-boats, the Itasca 20.
and Pinola, provided with apparatus
and material for explosion under water,
in charge of M. Maillefort, famous for
his submarine operations, was sent up
to destroy the chain. The vessels ar-
rived at their destination in safety, and
succeeded in cutting adrift two of the
hulks to which the chain was attached,
but the intended explosion failed in con-
sequence of some derangement of the
apparatus. In the mean time the mor-
tar flotilla kept up a continuous bom-
bardment of the forts, in order to divert
them from the operations on the chain.
One of the gun-boats was for a while
ashore, but succeeded finally by throw-
ing overboard her guns in getting afloat,
and both returned in safety to the fleet
below. Their object had been only par-
tially accomplished. -
Before dawn of day on the next morn-
ing, the enemy sent down another Apr.
fire-raft, which with a favorable 21,
wind and the strong current of the
river descended with great speed, and
threatened with its burning mass much
mischief. Coming in contact with one
FARRAGUT PASSES THE FORTS.
179
of the gun-boats, it slightly injured her;
but the raft was soon grappled with by
the guard-boats and towed out of harm's
way. As the morning advanced, one
of the enemy's gun-boats came down,
apparently in search of the hulk that had
been cut adrift from the chain, with the
view of returning it to its place, but was
soon forced back by the fire of the Union
fleet without accomplishing her purpose.
The fire was still kept up hardly with-
out ceasing between the forts and the
fleets. The mortar boats had already
on the fourth day thrown about four
thousand shells, each firing about eighty
a day. The forts were hardly less busy,
and their shots fell thickly and con-
stantly among the Federal vessels, but
without effecting any damage beyond
sinking one of the mortar schooners,
though fortunately without the loss of a
single man. Various attempts of the
enemy to repair their chain were pre-
vented by the well-aimed fire of the
Union gun-boats and mortar fleet, and
their armed vessels were compelled to
keep out of range above the forts, while
one of their supply steamers was blown
up by a shell. *
On the fifth day there was again the
Apr., same constant firing, in the course
22 of which the Oneida was struck on
the deck by a shell, which exploded and
tore off the left leg and arm of the sig-
nal quartermaster. In the course of the
day a raft of logs with iron cables at-
tached came floating down the river,
supposed to have been connected with
the chain, which appeared thus to be
falling to pieces. In order to complete
its destruction a gun-boat was sent at
night, under the guidance of a deserter
from the enemy, to try again the effect
of the submarine apparatus for explo
sion, and to cut the levee or dyke of
the river above the forts. This expe-
dition, however, returned without effect-
ing anything.
During the next day, the sixth of the
bombardment, the enemy, though Apr.
they sent down another fire-raft, 23.
which, like the others, did no damage,
kept so silent with their guns that it
seemed as if the forts were abandoned.
They sent down, however, a small
steamer to reconnoitre the Union fleets,
evidently expecting some momentous
movement, and twelve of the enemy's
armed vessels could be seen hovering
about above the forts, as if on the alert
for an attack. Their suspicions were
well founded. Commodore Farragut
was about carrying out his daring ma-
noeuvre of passing the forts. We quote
from a chronicler” who was on board
the flag-ship, and witnessed every inci-
dent of this magnificent feat of naval
warfare :
“At about eleven o'clock (night of
April 23d) the Itasca signalized that the
chain was clear, and that we could go
ahead when ready. Everything was
quiet around the fleet, save the hissing
sound of the steam escaping from the
boilers. The night was moderately dark,
and a gentle southerly wind made the
weather rather hazy. The mortar ves-
sels kept up an incessant roar, and
bright globes ascended high aloft to
* Correspondent of N. Y. Herald.
180
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
again descend in fury at the forts. The
second division, under Captain Baily (of
the Colorado), formed on the left bank
of the river, while the third division
was in centre of the lines, the first di-
vision lying on the right bank of the
river. • .
“The fleet were to sail in the follow-
ing order :
First Division—Flag-Officer
Farragut commanding.
Hartford.
Brooklyn.
Richmond.
Second Division—Captain
Baily commanding.
Cayuga.
Pensacola.
Mississippi.
Oneida.
Waruna.
Katahdim.
Kineo.
Wissahickon.
Portsmouth.
Towed by J. P. Jackson.
Third Division—Captain
Bell commanding.
Sciota.
Iroquois.
Pinola.
Itasca.
Winona.
Rennebeck.
“At one o'clock all hands were called,
hammocks stowed, and everything put
in readiness to weigh anchor at two
o'clock. -
“It was a solemn time, I assure you.
The hour seemed but a few moments.
The memories of a score of years flit-
ted through the mind, and all the cour-
age we possessed was screwed up for the
event.
“At two o'clock two red lights at
Apr, our peak announced the time to
* get under weigh. I had the honor
to hoist the signal with my own hands.
Owing to some unforeseen delays the
second division did not start at the sig-
nal; and as they had the longest route
to travel, it was necessary for us to wait
until they started. At three o'clock the
moon rose, and a silvery path was marked
out on the swift waters of the river,
so soon to be the stage on which the
greatest naval fight has ever transpired.
The moon had lifted itself above the
horizon just thirty minutes when away
we went for the battle-ground. In the
dim distance could be seen the signal-
fires of the enemy, built to light up
the river and reveal our position to
him. On we steamed, with hearts big
with expectation.
“At precisely twenty minutes of four
o'clock the enemy opened fire from Fort
St. Philip. At that moment I hoisted
our largest star-spangled banner at the
peak, and then hastening forward decked
the fore and main each with an emblem
of power and justice. Three American
ensigns were floating in a gentle breeze.
full speed was given to the ship, the en-
gineers did their duty nobly, and on
we went, as it were, into the jaws of
death. At the time the enemy opened
fire the mortar vessels went to work,
and the rapidity with which they threw
shells at the rebels was truly wonderful.
“At five minutes of four o'clock our
bow-gun belched forth fire and smoke,
and a messenger in the shape of a nine-
inch shell was sent to Fort Jackson—
the work, by the way, which we went to
attend to. In a few minutes more the
broadside firing was commenced. Both
forts were replying as fast as they could.
Broadside after broadside was being de-
livered to them in rapid succession, while
FIRE-RAFTS.
181
fººmsºmº
the mortar vessels were adding to the
dreadful noise.
“Shot, shell, grape, and canister filled
the air with deadly missiles. It was
like the breaking up of a thousand
worlds—crash—tear—whiz | Such an-
•other scene was never witnessed by
mortal man. Steadily we steamed on,
giving them shell, the forts firing rifle-
shot and shell, ten-inch columbiads,
forty-two, thirty-two, and twenty-four
pounder balls; and, to add to this state of
affairs, thirteen steamers and the floating
battery Louisiana of the enemy were
pouring into and around us a hail-storm
of iron perfectly indescribable.
satisfied with their firing, fire-raft after
fire-raft was lit and set adrift to do their
work of burning. The ram was busy
at work trying to shove them under the
bows of our vessel.
“As we drew near abeam of the forts
we intermingled grape with shell, which
had the effect to silence in a measure
the barbette guns. The shot from the
enemy, which for Some time had gone
over us, now began to cut us through.
“While in the port mizzen rigging
the flag-officer narrowly escaped being
hit with a rifle-shell. A shell burst on
deck, and the concussion stunned Lieu-
tenant George Heisler, of our marine
corps, so that for a time his life was
despaired of T started to go forward
to see how things were working there,
and the wind of a huge rifle-shell knock-
ed the cap off my head. It was a time
of terror; our guns were firing as rap-
idly as possible, and the howitzers in the
tops were doing excellent execution.
Not ||
“The rebel steamers were crowded
with troops, who fired volleys of rifle-
balls at us, most of which did us no
harm. One of them came near us, and
I think I am safe in saying she contained
two hundred men. Our howitzers opened
on them, and Captain Broome, of the
marine corps, opened into her with two
nine-inch guns. An explosion—terrific
yells——a careen, and that fellow was
done for. Their steamers were bold
and fearless; but no sooner did they
come in sight of our gunners than they
were sunk. The Waruna sunk six of
them one after another. -
“In the midst of this awful scene
down came a tremendous fire-raft, and
the ram shoved her under our port quar-
ter. The flames caught our rigging and
side, and for a moment it seemed we
must fall a prey to the ravages of fire.
A fire was also burning on the berth-
deck. The fire hose was on hand, and
we soon subdued the flames, and gave
the ram a dose of rifle-shell. She, how-
ever, came up for us again ; but some
other vessel tackled her and she hauled
off. During this stage of affairs we
grounded, and our fate seemed Sealed ;
but our men worked like beavers, and
the engineers soon got the ship astern
and afloat. It defies the powers of my
brain to describe the scene at this time.
The river and its banks were one sheet
of flame, and the messengers of death
were moving with lightning swiftness in
all directions. Steadily we plied shell
and grape, interspersed with shrapneli.
Rebeldom began to quake; her boats
| were fast being riddled by well-directed
106
182
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
broadsides, and they who were able made
for the shore to run them on, so that
they could save their lives. Some were
on fire, and others were sinking. Our
boys were cheering with a hearty good-
will; and well they might, for we had
almost won the day, and we were nearly
past the forts. Our ship had been on
fire three times, and she was riddled
from stem to stern. The cabin was com-
pletely gutted, the starboard steerage
all torn up, and the armory all knocked
into ‘pi.’ My clothing was strewn abaft
decks, and I was obliged to pick it up
The manuscript of the
piece by piece.
bombardment came near to destruction
by a rifle-shell, which tore up my room
and killed one man.
“After being under a terrific fire for
one hour and twenty minutes we were
past the forts, badly cut up, a shot hole
through mainmast, two in stern, and
several through us. I frankly confess I
am unable to describe the scene. Words
cannot express any adequate idea of the
engagement. Wrapped up in smoke,
firing and being fired at, shot and shell
whistling like locomotive demons around,
above, before, and in the rear of you ;
flames from fire-rafts encircling you,
splinters flying in all directions, and
shells bursting overhead l Can you im-
agine this scene 2 If you can, it is more
than I can describe as I would wish to.
“At half-past five o'clock no less than
eleven rebel steamers were in flames
along each side of the river. We
steamed up to the Quarantine to anchor,
when lo! the ram made her appearance,
and saucily fired at the Richmond.
out of the hatch and ran on shore.
“The Mississippi being near at hand,
about ship for the black devil, and at
him she went with the idea of running
him down. The ram ran, but finding
the Mississippi gaining on him he ran
his nose into the bank of the river, and
immediately about thirty men came up
The
Mississippi fired two or three broadsides
into her and boarded her, but finding
she was of no earthly account, again
fired into her, and she drifted down the
river, sinking very fast. On reaching
Quarantine, we found that the Waruna
had been sunk, and that, after her brave
exploits, she fell, Crippled in a glorious
Cà,U1S62. - g
“Captain Boggs, of the Waruna, find-
ing that a steamer was about to run into
him, put the vessel in such position that
in being damaged he could repay it with
interest. On came a large steamer, all
clad with iron about the bow, and hit
the Varuna in the port waist, cutting
and crushing in her side. She dropped
alongside, and cleared out to butt again.
She hit the Waruna a second time, and
while in a sinking condition the Varuna
poured the eight-inch shells into her so
fast that the rebel was set on fire and
driven on shore.
“No sooner had the Waruna cleared
herself of this customer—and while en .
deavoring to reach the river bank—than
the steamer Governor Moore (formerly
the Morgan), commanded by Lieutenant
Beverly Kennon, came along in a crip-
pled condition, and endeavored to run
away up the river.
chase, and she surrendered to her.
The Oneida gave
She
FATE OF THE WARUNA.
was then found to be on fire, and before
the flames could be subdued she was
burned up.
“The Varuna's exploits rank among
the brightest of those of the engage-
ment. She fought her guns until a por-
tion of the gun-carriages were sub-
merged in the water. Captain Boggs
saved all his wounded, but his dead
went down with the vessel. The stars
and stripes were waving from her mast-
heads as she sunk.” -
183
“Opposite the Quarantine we found
several companies of rebel sharpshoot-
ers belonging to the Chalmette Regi
ment, who were waving white flags,
while others were leaving as fast as they
could. This camp fell a prize to Cap-
tain Baily's flag-ship, the Cayuga. The
officers were brought on board here and
put on their parole. Our fleet was
found to be all present except the Wi-
nona, Itasca, and Kennebeck.”
These three vessels had been repeat-
* The following is Captain Boggs' report of the exploits
of his gun-boat :
“ UNITED STATES STEAMER BROOKLYN, off NEw ;
- ORLEANs, April 29, 1862.
“SIR : I have the honor to report that after passing the
batteries, with the steamer Varuna under my command,
on the morning of the 24th, finding my vessel amid a nest
of rebel steamers, I started ahead, delivering her fire both
starboard and port at every one that she passed. The
first on her starboard beam that received her fire appeared
to be loaded with troops. Her boiler was exploded, and
she drifted to the shore. In like manner three other ves-
sels, one of them a gun-boat, were driven on shore in
flames, and afterward blew up. At six A.M. the Waruna
was attacked by the Morgan, iron-clad about the bow,
commanded by Beverly Kennon, an ex-naval officer. This
vessel raked us along the port gangway, killing four and
wounding nine of the crew. Butting the Varuna on the
quarter and again on the starboard side, I managed to get
three eight-inch shells into her abaft her armor, as also
several shot from the āfter rifled gun, when she dropped
out of action, partially disabled. While still engaged
with her, another rebel steamer, iron-clad, and with a
prow under water, struck us in the port gangway, doing
considerable damage. Our shot glancing from her bow,
she backed off for another blow, and struck again in the
same place, crushing in the side ; but by going ahead
fast the concussion drew her bow around, and I was able
with the port guns to give her, while close alongside, five
eight-inch shell abaft her armor. This settled her, and
drove her ashore in flames. Finding the Varuna sinking
I ran her into the bank, let go the anchors, and tied her
up to the trees. During all this time the guns were act-
ively at work crippling the Morgan, she making feeble
efforts to get up steam. This fire was kept up until the
water was over the gun-trucks, when I turned my atten-
tion to getting the wounded and crew out of the vessel.
The Oneida, Captain Lee, seeing the condition of the
Waruna, had rushed to her assistance, but I waved her on,
and the Morgan surrendered to her, the vessel in flames.
I have since learned that over fifty of her crew were killed
and wounded, and she was set on fire by her commander,
who burned his wounded with his vessel. I cannot award
too much praise to the officers and crew of the Varuna for
the noble manner in which they supported me, and their
coolness under such exciting circumstances, particularly
when extinguishing fire, having been set on fire twice
during the action by shell.
“In fifteen minutes from the time the Waruna was
struck she was on the bottom, with only her topgallant
forecastle out of water. -
“The officers and crew lost everything they possessed,
no one thinking of leaving their station until driven
thence by the water. I trust the attention of the Depart-
ment will be called to this loss, and compensation made
to those who have lost their all.
“The crew were taken off by the different vessels of the
fleet as fast as they arrived, and are now distributed
through the squadron.
“The wounded were sent to the Pensacola.
“I would particularly commend to the notice of the
Department, Oscar Peck, second class boy and powder boy
of the after rifle, whose coolness and intrepidity attracted
the attention of all hands. A fit reward for such services
would be an appointment at the Naval School.
“The marines, although new recruits, more than main-
tained the reputation of that corps. Their galling fire
cleared the Morgan's rifled gun, and prevented a repeti-
tion of their murderous fire. Four of the marines were
wounded, one I fear mortally.
“So soon as the crew were saved I reported to you in
person, and within an hour left in the only remaining
boat belonging to the Varuna, with your dispatches for
General Butler, returning with him yesterday afternoon.
“Wery respectfully yours, CHARLEs S. Boggs,
“Commander United States Navy.
“To Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western
Gulf Blockading Squadron.”
184
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
edly struck by shots from the forts, and
being more or less damaged, were forced
to retire. A ball from Fort St. Philip had
pierced the boiler of the Itasca, and so
disabled her that she could not proceed.
Only two men, however, were injured—
one by a splinter, and the other by the
escaping steam. On the Winona, a
boatswain's mate was cut in two by a
shot, and five others of the crew badly
wounded. On the Kennebeck, though
frequently struck, not a man was hurt.
Anchoring his fleet for the night
off the Quarantine, Commodore Far-
Apr, ragut moved next morning toward
24, the city of New Orleans, leaving
the gun-boats Kineo and Wissahickon to
guard the Quarantine and command the
canals leading seaward. As the fleet
proceeded up the river, the inhabitants
on the bank showed a disposition to
conciliate the visitors by displays of
white flags and the national ensigns.
The negroes, especially, exhibited an
excited interest, leaving their hoes in
the plantation-fields, and running down
to the levees, where they gathered in
gangs, and tossing their hats and shout-
ing, sent a welcome to the triumphant
fleet. On approaching the city a great
volume of smoke and a blaze of light
rose in the distance, and Commander
Farragut, thinking that these might
arise from fire-ships, discreetly came to
anchor for the night about eighteen
miles below New Orleans. Next morn-
Apr, ing he again moved up the river,
* when it was discovered that the
smoke and flame had arisen from five
cotton ships which had been set on
fire by the enemy, and were now burnt
nearly to the water's edge. No oppo-
sition had yet been met since the suc-
cessful conflict with the enemy's flotilla,
but now the Chalmette batteries, one on
each side of the river, although they
had no flag flying, opened fire. These
were soon silenced by broadsides from
the fleet, which, however, lost a man
or two in the engagement. Commodore
Farragut then continued on his course
to the city. -
“The river,” says an eye-witness on
board the flag-ship, “was filled with
ships on fire, and all along the levee were
burning vessels, no less than eighteen
vessels being on fire at one time, and
the enemy were firing others as fast
as they could apply the torch. Such
vandalism never was heard of. The
atmosphere was thick with smoke and
the air hot with flames. It was a grand
but sad sight. Hundreds of thousands
of dollars' worth of property was be-
ing wantonly destroyed. At the levee,
just by the Custom House, lay a burn-
ing ram (the Anglo-Norman). The un-
finished frames of two or three more
were on the stocks at Algiers. A ter-
rible rain squall came on, and after
dodging around the river for some
time we came to anchor. It was then
one o'clock.
“The view from our decks was one
such as will never in all human prob-
ability be witnessed again. A large
city lay at our mercy. Its levee was
crowded by an excited mob. The
smoke of the ruins of millions worth
of cotton and shipping at times half
SURRENDER OF
NEW ORLEANS. 185
concealed the people. While men were
hastening up the levee, firing ships
and river craft as fast as possible, the
people were rushing to and fro. Some
of them cheered for the Union, when
they were fired upon by the crowd.
Men, women, and children were armed
with pistols, knives, and all manner of
weapons. Some cheered for Jeff Davis,
Beauregard, , etc., and used the most
vile and obscene language toward us
and the good old flag. Pandemonium
was here a living picture. Order was
to them a thing past and forgotten, and
the air was rent with yells of defiance.”
When Commodore Farragut arrived
off the city, he dispatched his second in
command, Captain Theodorus Baily, of
the gun-boat Cayuga, with a flag of
truce to communicate with the authori-
ties on shore. As the boat drew near
the levee, “the mob cursed the flag and
everything pertaining to it. It was
with the greatest difficulty that the
naval officers reached the City Hall,
where the City Council, the Mayor,
and Major-General Lovell were await-
ing the arrival of our communica-
tions.”
The message of Commodore Farra-
gut, demanding the surrender of New
Orleans, with assurances of the protec-
tion of the United States, was met by
General Lovell, with the answer, “I
will never surrender the city.” He,
however, consented to transfer the com-
mand of New Orleans to the civil au-
thorities, while he himself took the
occasion to evacuate the city with his
• Correspondent of N. Y. Herald.
ten thousand troops, which were already
on the railroad prepared to fly. Cap-
tain Baily and his aide-de-camp now
returned, amid the insults of the excited
population, to the levee, and pushed off
to the flag-ship to report the results of
his interview.
In the mean time the people of New
Orleans continued their work of destruc-
tion, burning immense quantities of cot-
ton, the armed “ram” Mississippi which
came drifting down the river all ablaze,
and other vessels which remained un-
finished on the stocks.
Next morning Commodore Farragut
sent a final demand for the sur-Apr.
render of the city to the Mayor, 26.
who confessed his powerlessness to re-
sist, but at the same time refused to
act, while he and the Common Coun-
cil declared that they would not haul
down the State flag from the City Hall.”
* The following is the official report of Commodore
Farragut : t
“UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, AT ANCHOR off
THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANs, May 6, 1862. }
“SIR : I have the honor herewith to forward my report,
in detail, of the battle of New Orleans. On the 23d of
March I made all my arrangements for the attack on, and
passage of, Forts Jackson and St. Philip.
“Every vessel was as well prepared as the ingenuity of
her commander and officers could suggest, both for the
preservation of life and of the vessel, and perhaps there is
not on record such a display of ingenuity as has been
evinced in this little squadron. The first was by the ent-
gineer of the Richmond, Mr. Moore, by suggesting that
the sheet cables be stopped up and down on the sides in
the line of the engines, which was immediately adopted
by all the vessels. Then each commander made his own
arrangements for stopping the shot from penetrating the
boilers or machinery that might come in forward or abaft
by hammocks, coal, bags of ashes, bags of Sand, clothes
bags, and in fact every device imaginable. The bulwarks
were lined with hammocks by some, by Splinter nettings
made with ropes by others. Some rubbed their vessels
over with mud, to make their ships less visible, and some
whitewashed their decks, to make things more visible by
186
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Farragut, in spite of the Mayor's passive -
resistance, sent a boat ashore and hoist-
ed the United States flag on the Mint,
informing the people that if it was haul-
night during the fight, all of which you will find men-
tioned in the reports of the commanders. In the after-
noon I visited each ship, in order to know positively that
each commander understood my orders for the attack, and
to see that all was in readiness.
efficiency before. Every one appeared to understand their
orders well, and looked forward to the conflict with firm-
ness, but with anxiety, as it was to be in the night, or at
two o'clock A.M.
“I had previously sent Captain Bell, with the petard
man, with Lieutenant Commanding Crosby, in the Pinola,
and Lieutenant Commanding Caldwell, in the ltasca, to
break the chain which crossed the river, and was sup-
ported by eight hulks, which were strongly moored. This
duty was not thoroughly performed, in consequence of the
failure to ignite the petards with the galvanic battery, and
the great strength of the current. Still it was a success,
and, under the circumstances, a highly meritorious one.
“The vessel boarded by Lieutenant Commanding Cald-
well appears to have had her chains so secured that they
could be cast loose, which was done by that officer, and
thereby making an opening sufficiently large for the ships
to pass through. It was all done under a heavy fire and
at a great hazard to the vessel, for the particulars of which
I refer you to Captain Bell's report, marked A. Upon the
night preceding the attack, however, I dispatched Lieu-
tenant Commanding Caldwell to make an examination,
and to see that the passage was still clear, and to make
me a signal to that effect, which he did at an early hour.
The enemy commenced sending down fire-rafts and light-
ing their fires on the shore opposite the chain, about the
same time, which drew their fire on Lieutenant Com-
manding Caldwell, but without injury. At about five
minutes of two o'clock A.M., April 24, signal was made to
get under way (two ordinary red lights, so as not to at-
tract the attention of the enemy), but owing to the great
difficulty in purchasing their anchors, the Pensacola and
some of the other vessels were not under way until half-
past three. We then advanced in two columns, Captain
Baily leading the right in the gun-boat Cayuga, Lieuten-
ant Commanding Harrison, he having been assigned to
the first division of gun-boats, which was to attack Fort St.
Philip, in conjunction with the second division of ships,
and the Hartford, the left; Fleet-Captain Bell leading the
Second division of gun-boats in the Sciota ; Lieutenant
Commanding Donaldson to assist the first division of ships
to attack Fort Jackson, as will be shown by the general
order and diagram sent herewith. The enemy’s lights,
while they discovered us to them, were, at the same time,
guides to us. We soon passed the barrier chains, the
right column taking Fort St. Philip, and the left Fort
Jackson. The fire became general, the Smoke dense, and
we had nothing to aim at but the flash of their guns; it
I had looked to their
was very difficult to distinguish friends from foes. Cap-
tain Porter had by arrangement moved up to a certain
point of the Fort Jaekson side with his gun-boats, and I
had assigned the same post to Captain Swartwout, in the
Portsmouth, to engage the water batteries to the south-
Ward and eastward of Fort Jackson, while his mortar ves-
sels poured a terrific fire of shells into it. I discovered a
fire-raft coming down upon us, and in attempting to avoid
it ran the ship on shore, and the ram Manassas, which I
had not seen, lay on the opposite side of it, and pushed it
down upon us. Our ship was soon on fire half way up to
her tops, but we backed off, and through the good organ- .
ization of our fire department, and the great exertions of
Captain Wainwright and his first lieutenant, officers, and
crew, the fire was extinguished. In the mean time our
battery was never silent, but poured in its missiles of
death into Fort St. Philip, opposite to which we had got
by this time, and it was silenced, with the exception of a
a gun now and then. By this time the enemy's gun-boats,
some thirteen in number, besides two iron-clad rams, the
Manassas and Louisiana, had become more visible. We
took them in hand, and in the course of a short time de
stroyed eleven of them. We were now fairly past the
forts and the victory was ours; but still here and there a
gun boat making resistance: Two of them had attacked
the Varuna, which vessel, by her greater speed, was much
in advance of us; they ran into her and caused her to
sink, but not before she had destroyed her adversaries,
and their wrecks now lie side by side, a monument to the
gallantry of Captain Boggs, his officers, and crew. It was
a kind of guerrilla ; they were fighting in all directions.
Captains Baily and Bell, who were in command of the
first and second divisions of gun-boats, were as active in
rendering assistance in every direction as lay in their
power. Just as the Scene appeared to be closing, the ram
Manassas was seen coming up under full speed to attack
us. I directed Captain Smith, in the Mississippi, to turn
and run her down ; the order was instantly obeyed by the
Mississippi turning and going at her at full speed. Just
as we expected to see the ram annihilated, when within
fifty yards of each other, she put her helm hard aport,
dodged the Mississippi, and ran ashore. The Mississippi
poured two broadsides into her, and sent her drifting down
the river a total wreck. Thus closed our morning's fight.
“The Department will perceive that after the organiza-
tion and arrangements had been made, and we had fairly
entered into the fight, the density of the smoke from
guns and fire-rafts, the Scenes passing on board our own
ship and around us (for it was as if the artillery of heaven
were playing upon the earth), that it was impossible for -
the Flag-Officer to see how each vessel was conducting it-
self, and can only judge by the final results and their
special reports, which are herewith inclosed ; but I feel
SECESSION FLAG HAULED DOWN.
187
ed down, the ships would fire upon the
offenders.
This having been accomplished, and
it being Sunday, the church pennant
that I can say with truth that it has rarely been the lot
of a commander to be supported by officers of more in-
domitable courage or higher professional merit.
“Captain Baily, who had preceded me up to the quaran-
tine station, had captured the Chalmette Regiment, Colo-
nel Szymanski; and not knowing what to do with them,
as every moment was a great loss to me, I paroled both
officers and men, and took away all their arms, munitions
of war, and public property, and ordered them to remain
where they were until the next day. I sent some of the
gun-boats to precede me up the river, to cut the telegraph
wires in different places.
“It now became me to look around for my little fleet,
and to my regret I found that three were missing—the
Itasca, Winona, and Kennebeck. Various were the spec-
Rulations as to their fate, whether they had been sunk on
the passage or had put back. I therefore determined im-
mediately to send Captain Boggs, whose vessel was now
sunk, through the Quarantine Bayou, around to Com-
mander Porter, telling him of our safe arrival, and to de-
mand the surrender of the forts, and to endeavor to get
some tidings of the missing vessels. I also sent a dispatch
by him to General Butler, informing him that the way
was clear for him to land his forces through the Quaran-
tine Bayou, in accordance with previous arrangements;
and that I should leave gun-boats there to protect him
against the enemy, who I now perceived had three or four
gun-boats left at the forts—the Louisiana, an iron-clad
battery of sixteen guns, the McCrea, very similar in ap-
pearance to one of our gun-boats, and armed very much
in the same way, the Defiance, and a river steamer trans-
port.
** We then proceeded up to New Orleans, leaving the
Wissahickon and Kineo to protect the landing of the Gen-
eral's troops. Owing to the slowness of some of the ves-
sels, and our want of knowledge of the river, we did not
reach the English Turn until about half. past ten A.M. on
the 25th ; but all the morning I had seen abundant evi-
dence of the panic which had seized the people in New
Orleans. Cotton-loaded ships on fire came floating down,
and working implements of every kind, such as are used
in ship yards. The destruction of property was awful.
We soon descried the new earth-work forts on the old
lines on both shores. We now formed and advanced in
the same order, two lines, each line taking its respective
work. Captain Baily was still far in advance, not having
noticed my signal for close order, which was to enable
the slow vessels to come up. They opened on him a gall-
ing fire, which caused us to run up to his rescue ; this
gave them the advantage of a raking fire on us for up-
ward of a mile with some twenty guns, while we had
but two nine-inch guns on our forecastle to reply to them.
It was not long, however, before we were enabled to bear
away and give the forts a broadside of shells, shrapnell,
and grape, the Pensacola at the same time passing up
and giving a tremendous broadside of the same kind to
the starboard fort ; and by the time we could re-load,
the Brooklyn, Captain Craven, passed handsomely be-
tween us and the battery and delivered her broadside
and shut us out. By this time the other vessels had
gotten up and ranged in one after the other, delivering
their broadsides in spiteful revenge for their ill-treat-
ment of the little Cayuga. The forts were silenced, and
those who could run were running in every direction.
We now passed up to the city and anchored immedi-
ately in front of it, and I sent Captain Baily on shore
to demand the surrender of it from the authorities, to
which the Mayor replied that the city was under mar-
tial law, and that he had no authority. General Lovell,
who was present, stated that he should deliver up nothing,
but in order to free the city from embarrassment, he
would restore the city authorities and retire with his
troops, which he did. I then seized all the steamboats
and sent them down to quarantine for General Butler's
forces. Among the number of these boats is the famous
Tennessee, which our blockaders have been so long watch-
ing, but which you will perceive never got out.
“The levee of New Orleans was one scene of desola-
tion. Ships, steamers, cotton, coal, etc., were all in one
common blaze, and our ingenuity was much taxed to
avoid the floating contagration.
“I neglected to mention my having good information
respecting the iron-clad rams which they were building.
I sent Captain Lee up to seize the principal one, the
“Mississippi,” which was to be the terror of these seas,
and no doubt would have been to a great extent ; but
she soon came floating by us all in flames, and passed
down the river. Another was sunk immediately in front
of the Custom House ; others were building in Algiers,
just begun. .
‘‘I next went above the city eight miles, to Carroll-
ton, where I learned there were two other forts ; but
the panic had gone before me. I found the guns spiked
and the gun carriages in flames. The first work, on the
right, reaches from the Mississippi nearly over to Pont-
chartrain, and has twenty-nine guns ; the one on the left
had six guns, from which Commander Lee took some
fifty barrels of powder, and completed the destruction of
the gun-carriages, etc. A mile higher up there were tº
other earth-works, but not yet armed.
“We discovered here, fastened to the right bank of
the river, one of the most herculean labors I have ever
seen—a raft and chain to extend across the river to pre-
vent Foote's gun-boats from descending. It is formed
by placing three immense logs of not less than three or
four feet in diameter and some thirty feet long ; to the
188
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
was raised on every ship, and in accord-
ance with the order of the Commodore
the officers and crew assembled for re-
ligious worship, and “to return thanks
centre a one or two inch chain is attached, running length-
wise the raft, and the three logs and chain are then
frapped together by chains from one-half to one inch,
three or four layers, and there are ninety-six of these
lengths composing the raft ; it is at least three-quarters
of a mile long. e
“On the evening of the 29th Captain Baily arrived
from below, with the gratifying intelligence that the
forts had surrendered to Commander Porter, and had
delivered up all public property, and were being paroled ;
and that the navy had been made to surrender uncon-
ditionally, as they had conducted themselves with bad
faith, burning and sinking their vessels while a flag of
truce was flying and the forts negotiating for their sur-
render, and the Louisiana, their great iron-clad battery,
blown up almost alongside of the vessel where they were
negotiating ; hence their officers were not paroled, but
sent home to be treated according to the judgment of
the Government. -
‘‘General Butler came up the same day, and arrange-
ments were made for bringing up his troops.
“I sent on shore and hoisted the American flag on
the Custom House, and hauled down the Louisiana State
flag from the City Hall, as the Mayor had avowed that
there was no man in New Orleans who dared to haul it
down ; and my own convictions are that if such an indi-
vidual could have been found he would have been as-
Rassinated.
“Thus, sir, I have endeavored to give you an account
of my attack upon New Orleans from our first movement
to the surrender of the city to General Butler, whose
troops are now in full occupation, protected, however,
by the Pensacola, Portsmouth, and one gun-boat, while
I have sent a force of seven vessels, under command of
Captain Craven, up the river, to keep up the panic as far
as possible. The large ships, I fear, will not be able to go
higher than Baton Rouge, while I have sent the smaller
vessels, under Commander Lee, as high as Wicksburg, in
the rear of Jackson, to cut off their supplies from the
West.
“I trust, therefore, that it will be found by the Gov-
ernment that I have carried out my instructions to the
letter and to the best of my abilities, so far as this city is
concerned, which is respectfully submitted.
“I am, sir, very respectfully,
“Your obedient servant,
“D. G. FARRAGUT,
“Flag-Officer Western Gulf Blockading Squadron.
“Hon. GIDEON WELLEs, Secretary of the Navy, Washing-
ton, D. C.”
to Almighty God for His great good-
ness and mercy in permitting us to pass
through the events of the last two days
with so little loss of life and blood.”
While the whole Union fleet was thus
solemnly occupied, the people of New
Orleans “tore down the flag on the
Mint and trailed it in the dust.” As
soon as this outrage was discovered,
the Pensacola fired a shot at the perpe-
trators, and killed one man and wounded.
others.
In the afternoon four of the larger
vessels of Commodore Farragut's Apr.
fleet sailed up the Mississippi for 26.
some distance beyond New Orleans, but
met with no resistance, for the formi-
dable batteries which had been erected
at Carrollton and elsewhere on the river
were found abandoned.
After the successful passage of the
forts by the fleet of gun-boats under
Farragut, and the victory over the ene-
my's war vessels above, Forts St. Philip
and Jackson were considered no longer
tenable, their communications with New
Orleans having been cut off, besides
being threatened on the land side by
General Butler, who had succeeded in
disembarking his troops in the rear by
transporting them on launches through
a canal leading from the mouths of the
Mississippi to the river beyond. Gen-
eral Duncan and Lieutenant-Colonel
Higgins accordingly, after their long
and obstinate resistance, determined
to surrender. White flags were hung
out from Forts St. Philip and Jack-
son, and a parley was at once estab-
lished between their commanders and
SURRENDER OF THE FORTS.
189
Commander Porter, which resulted in
a capitulation.”
The forts, upon being occupied, were
found “not materially damaged.” Apr.
Fort Jackson had suffered most, 28.
one or two of its casemates having been
broken, the citadel destroyed, and the
external brick-work much defaced. Fort
St. Philip was comparatively unharmed,
the shells from the mortar fleet having
been aimed too high. A large portion
of the garrison of Fort Jackson, after
the successful passage of Commodore
Farragut, considering the persistence of
their officers in further holding out to
be a reckless exposure of their lives,
mutinied. This was believed to have
hastened the surrender. The loss of life
on the part of the United States forces
was Small in proportion to the length
and severity of the struggle, being only
thirty-six killed and one hundred and
twenty-three wounded. - The enemy's
loss” was computed at “from one thou-
* ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION.
UNITED STATES SHIP HARRIET LANE, FORTs J Ackson AND }
ST. PHILIP, MISSISSIPPI RIVER, April 28, 1862.
By articles of capitulation entered into this 28th day
of April, 1862, between David D. Porter, Commander,
United States Navy, commanding United States mortar
flotilla, of the one part, and Brigadier-General J. R. Dun-
can, commanding the coast defences, and Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Edward Higgins, commanding Forts Jackson and St.
Philip, of the other part, it is mutually agreed :
1. That Brigadier-General Duncan and Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Higgins shall surrender to the mortar flotilla. Forts
Jackson and St. Philip, the arms, munitions of war, and
all the appurtenances thereto belonging, together with
all public property that may be under their charge.
2. That Brigadier-General Duncan and Lieutenant-
Colonel Higgins, together with the officers under their
command, shall be permitted to retain their side arms,
and that all private property shall be respected. Further-
more, that they shall give their parole of honor not to
serve in arms against the United States until they are
regularly exchanged.
3. It is furthermore agreed by Commander David D.
Porter, commanding the mortar flotilla, on the part of
the United States Government, that the non-commis-
Sioned officers, privates, and musicians shall be permitted
to retire on parole, their commanding and other officers
becoming responsible for them, and that they shall de-
liver up their arms and accoutrements in their present
condition, provided that the expenses of the transporta-
tion of the men shall be defrayed by the Government of
the United States.
4. On the signing of these articles by the contracting
parties, the forts shall be formally taken possession of by
the United Staves naval forces, comprising the mortar
fleet, the Confederate flag shall be lowered, and the flag of
the United States hoisted on the flag-staffs of Forts Jack-
son and St. Philip.
In the agreement of the above, we, the undersigned, do
herewith set our hands and seals. .
DAVID D. PortER,
Commanding Mortar Flotilla.
W. B. RENSHAw,
- Commodore U. S. Navy.
J. M. WALNWRIGHT,
Lieut. Com’d’g Harriet Lane.
J. R. DUNCAN, Brigadier-General,
Commanding Coast Defences.
EDWARD HIGGINs, Lieut.-Col. C. S. A.,
Com’d’g Forts Jackson and St. Philip.
Witnesses:
FDw. NICHOLs, Lieutenant Commanding Winona.
J. H. RUSSELL, ILieutenant Commanding Kanawha.
* Official dispatch of Captain Baily, which is here given
in full :
“FoETRESS MoWROE, May 8, 1862.
“To Hon. GIDEON WELLEs, Secretary of the Navy :
“I have the honor to announce that, under the provi-
dence of God, which smiles upon a just cause, the squad-
ron under Flag-Officer Farragut has been vouchsafed a
glorious victory and triumph in the capture of the city
of New Orleans, Forts Jackson, St. Philip, Livingston,
and Pike, the batteries below and above New Orleans,
as well as the total destruction of the enemy's gun-
boats, steam rams, floating batteries (iron-clad), fire-rafts
and obstructions, booms and chains.
“The enemy with their own hands destroyed from
eight to ten millions of cotton and shipping, *
“Our loss is thirty-six killed and one hundred and
twenty-three wounded. The enemy lost from one thou-
Sand to one thousand five hundred, besides several hun-
dred prisoners.
“The way is clear, and the rebel defences destroyed
from the Gulf to Baton Rouge, and probably to Memphis.
Our flag waves triumphantly over them all.
“I am bearer of dispatches, THEODORUS BAILY,
“Captain of Gun-boat Cayuga, and Second in Command
of Attacking Force.”
107
190
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
sand to one thousand five hundred,
besides several hundred prisoners.” Of
the Federal fleets there were but two
destroyed, one gun-boat, the Waruna,
and the mortar schooner Maria J. Carle-
ton. The enemy's fleet was totally ex-
|-terminated, partly by the fire of the
Federal vessels, and partly by them-
selves. The floating iron-plated bat-
tery, the Louisiana, which Commander
Porter reported to be “almost as for-
midable a vessel as the Merrimac,” was
burned and blown up during the pre-
liminary negotiations which led to a
surrender of the forts. The destruction
of property by the enemy was enor-
mous, including over one thousand bales
of cotton, a large number of trading
steamers and sailing vessels, and several
gun-boats and iron-plated batteries in
the course of construction.
General Butler having proceeded to
May New Orleans with his troops pro-
| claimed martial law, and held the
unruly people of that city with a firm
hand. Some of the gun-boats moved
up the Mississippi, to operate against
Baton Rouge and extend their con-
quests in that direction, while others, in
conjunction with the mortar fleet of
Commander Porter, sailed to attack the
enemy on the Gulf coast.
To give full assurance to the world of
the completeness of the Federal victories
on the Southern sea-board, President
Lincoln issued a proclamation, declaring
May the termination, on June 1st, of the
12, blockade of the ports of Beaufort,
Port Royal, and New Orleans, under
certain restrictions.
sº
The following is Captain Porter's offi-
cial report:
“U. S. STEAMER HARRIET LANE, FORTs JACK- }
son AND ST. PHILIP, April 30, 1862.
“SIR : I have the honor to lay before
you a report of the proceedings of the
mortar flotilla under my command since
the day the vessels entered the Missis-
sippi River. t
“On the 18th of March all the mor-
tar fleet crossed “Pass a l’Outre’ bar,
towed by the Harriet Lane, Owasco,
Westfield, and Clifton, the two latter
having arrived that morning. I was
ordered by Flag-Officer Farragut to pro-
ceed to Southwest Pass, which I accord-
ingly did ; there we awaited orders,
being at any moment ready to go to
work on the forts.
“As yet only the Brooklyn and Hart-
ford had crossed the bar; a short time
after the Richmond passed over ; and
then the Mississippi and the Pensacola
came from Ship Island to try their hand
at getting through ; there was not at
the time a great depth of water, and
their pilots were not at all skilful or
acquainted with the bar. I volunteered
my services with the steamers belong-
ing to the mortar flotilla, and, after
eight days’ laborious work, succeeded
in getting the ships through and anchor-
ed them at Pilot Town. I do not hesi-
tate to say, but for the exertions of
Commander Renshaw, Lieutenant Com-
manding Baldwin, and Lieutenant Com-
manding Wainwright, that the two lat-
ter ships would never have got inside ;
the Miami, Lieutenant Commanding
Harrell, also rendered assistance, but as
PORTER’S OFFICIAL REPORT. 191
his vessel was an unmanageable one, he
could do no more than act as a stream
anchor to heave the ships ahead by.
“Too much praise cannot be awarded
to the commanders of the Westfield and
Clifton (Renshaw and Baldwin) for the
exertions they displayed on this occa-
sion ; they knew that the success of the
expedition depended on getting these
ships over, and they never once faltered
in their duty, working against adverse
circumstances, and impeded by a fog of
eight days' duration, which obscured a
vessel at the distance of fifty yards; the
Harriet Lane also did all she could with
her small power, and in the end the unit-
ed power of these vessels succeeded in
getting over the bar the heaviest vessels
that ever entered the Mississippi River.
“When the ships were all ready to
move up, I directed Mr. Gerdes (assist-
ant on the Coast Survey) to proceed in
the Sachem and make a minute survey
from ‘Wiley's Jump' up to the forts.
He detached Mr. Oltmanns and Mr.
Harris, the first an assistant on the Coast
Survey, the latter sent out by the super-
intendent (Mr. Archibald Campbell) of
the northwestern boundary to perform
what might be required of him ; the
work was performed in boats; Lieu-
tenant Commanding Guest, in the Owas-
co, being detailed by me for the purpose
of protecting them. These two gentle-
men, Messrs. Harris and Oltmanns, per-
formed their duty most admirably : in
three days they had surveyed and trian-
gulated over seven miles of the river,
their observations taking in Forts Jack-
son and St. Philip ; much of this time
they were under fire from shot and shell
at a distance of 2,600 yards, and were
exposed to concealed riflemen in the
bushes. On one occasion Mr. Oltmanns
was fired upon from the bushes while
surveying in one of the Owasco's boats,
one of the balls striking an oar, but the
boat's crew drove the enemy off with
their rifles, and Mr. Oltmanns proceeded
with his work, establishing the positions
the mortar vessels were to occupy with
great coolness and precision. I deem it
due to these gentlemen to mention their
names honorably as a tribute to the
Coast Survey—the utility of which is
not properly appreciated—and as a
mark of high satisfaction with them
for their invaluable services.
“The survey being completed, and
marked positions being assigned to the
vessels when their distance from the
fort could be known to a yard, I
brought up three of the schooners to
try their range and durability at a dis-
tance of three thousand yards. I found
the range satisfactory, and had no rea-
son to doubt the durability of the mor-
tar beds and foundation. I received
but little encouragement from any one
about the success of the mortars, it
having been confidently predicted that
‘the bottoms of the schooners would
drop out at the tenth fire.' I had no
doubts myself about the matter, having
perfect confidence in the schooners.
Lieutenant Commanding John Guest
guarded the Coast Survey party while
they were employed, returning the en-
emy's fire whenever he thought he could
do so with effect.
192
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“On the 16th, Flag-Officer Farragut
moved up the fleet, and I was told to
commence operations as soon as I was
ready. The schooners sailed up partly
or were towed by the steamers, and on
the morning of the 18th they had all
reached their positions ready to open
fire. Previous to taking their places
I had directed the masts to be dressed
off with bushes, to make them invisible
to the enemy and intermingle with the
thick forest of trees and matted vines
behind which they were placed ; this
arrangement proved to be an admira-
ble one, for never once during the bom-
bardment was one of the vessels seen
from the forts, though their approacimate
position was known. As the bushes
were blown away during the bombard-
ment they were renewed, and the masts
and ropes kept covered from view. The
place I selected for the mortar vessels
was under the lee of a thick wood
closely interwoven with vines, and pre-
senting in the direction of Forts Jack-
son and St. Philip an impenetrable mass
for three hundred yards, through which
shot could scarcely pass. From our
mastheads the forts could be plainly
seen, though observers there could not
see us in return. The head vessel of
the first division, Lieutenant Command-
ing Watson Smith, was placed at this
point, 2,850 yards from Fort Jackson,
3,680 from St. Philip ; the vessels were
then dropped in a line close to each
other, their positions having been mark-
ed by the Coast Survey party, and
Messrs. Oltmanns and Harris superin-
tending personally that each one was I
acquainted with the proper distance.
Next to Lieutenant Commanding Smith's
division of seven vessels (Norfolk Packet
Lieutenant Commanding Watson Smith
Oliver H. Lee, Acting Master Washing
ton Godfrey ; Para, Acting Master Ed
ward G. Furber ; C. P. Williams, Act-
ing Master Amos R. Langthorne ; Ar-
letta, Acting Master Thomas E. Smith ;
William Bacon, Acting Master William
P. Rogers; Sophronia, Acting Master
Lyman Bartholomew) was placed the
six vessels of the third division, under
Lieutenant Commanding R. K. Breese
(John Griffith, Acting Master Henry
Brown ; Sarah Bruen, Acting Master
Abraham Christian ; Racer, Acting Mas-
ter Alvin Phinney ; Sea Foam, Acting
Master Henry E. Williams ; Henry
James, Acting Master Lewis W. Pen-
nington ; Dan. Smith, Acting Master
George W. Brown), and one vessel, the
Orvetta, Acting Master Blanchard, all
lying in line close together.
“All the vessels mentioned were
anchored and secured to spring their
broadsides, as occasion might require.
In the mean time Lieutenant Com-
manding John Guest was sent ahead
in the Owasco to clear the bushes of
riflemen which had been found to lurk
there, and cover the vessels from the
fire of the forts when it should open ;
the Westfield, Clifton, and Miami be-
ing engaged in towing the vessels to
their posts.
“I placed six vessels of the second
division, under command of Lieutenant
W. W. Queen, on the northeast shore
of the river, the headmost one 3,680
PORTER'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
193
yards from Fort Jackson, to which the
division was directed to turn its atten-
tion. The following vessels and acting
masters composed this division :
“T. A. Ward, W. W. Queen, com-
manding second division.
“M. J. Carleton, Charles E. Jack,
acting master.
“Matthew Wassar, Hugh H. Savage,
acting master.
“George Mangham, John Collins,
acting master.
“Orvetta, Francis E. Blanchard, act-
ing master.
“Sydney C. Jones, J. D. Graham,
acting master.
“When the divisions were all placed,
signal was made to ‘commence action,'
and they opened in order, each one
firing every ten minutes. The moment
the mortars opened, Forts Jackson and
St. Philip responded with all their guns
that could bear, but for some time did
not appear to get the right range ; the
hulls of the vessels on the northeast
shore, being covered with weeds and wil-
lows, deceived them somewhat, though
their shot and shell went over. The fire
of the enemy was rapid, and as the shell
and shot began to grow rather hot I sent
to the Flag-Officer, asking that some of
the gun-boats should be sent to draw
their fire. For one hour and fifty min-
utes Lieutenant Commanding Guest had,
at the head of the mortar fleet, borne
the fire of the forts uninjured, and only
left there to get a supply of ammunition.
After I went on board his vessel and or-
dered him to retire, the mortar vessels
having been reinforced by the gun-boats
sent up by the Flag-Officer, by midday
the fire on the vessels on the northeast
shore (Lieutenant Commanding Queen's
division) became so rapid, and the shot
and shell fell so close, that I went on
board to move them. One large 120-
pound shell had passed through the cabin
and damaged the magazine of Lieuten-
ant Commanding Queen's vessel, the T.
A. Ward, coming out near the water-
line, her rigging was cut, and shot fly-
ing over her fast. The George Mang-
ham, Acting Master John Collins, had
received a ten-inch shot near her water-
line, so I moved them both (contrary to
the wishes of the officers) two hundred
yards farther astern, throwing the en-
emy out of his range, which he did not
discover for two or three hours. At
five o'clock in the evening the fort was
discovered to be in flames, and the firing
from the enemy ceased. We afterward
learned that the citadel had been fired
by our bomb-shells, and all the clothing
of the troops and commissary stores had
been burnt up, while great distress was
experienced by the enemy owing to
the heat and danger to the magazine.
Had I known the extent of the fire, I
should have proceeded all night with the
bombardment; but the crews had had
nothing to eat or drink since daylight.
I knew not how much the mortar beds
and vessels might have suffered. Night
firing was uncertain, as the wind had
set in fresh, and not knowing how long
a bombardment I might have to go
through with, I deemed it best to be
prudent. A little after sunset I ordered
the firing to cease, and made the only
194
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
mistake that occurred during the bom-
bardment. The fire in the forts blazed
up again at night, but I thought it one
of the fire-rafts they lighted up every
night at the fort.
“The first and third divisions, under
Lieutenants Commanding Smith and
Breese, acquitted themselves manfully
that day, and though the shot and shell
fell thick about them, behaved like vet-
erans. We fired on this day over 1,400
shell, many of which were lost in the
air, owing to bad fuses. No accident of
any kind occurred from careless firing,
and after a careful examination the ves-
sels and mortar-beds were found to be
uninjured. On that night, at two o'clock,
I ordered Lieutenant Commanding
Queen to drop out of the line of fire,
and I placed him on the south shore, in
a safer and closer position, though not
one where he could work to such advan-
tage, the fort being plainly visible from
his late position, and the effect of the
shells could be more plainly noted. On
the south shore the pointing of the mor-
tars could only be done from sights fixed
to the mastheads, and many curious ex-
pedients were resorted to to obtain cor-
rect firing, expedients very creditable to
the intelligence of the commanders of
the vessels. We heard afterward that
our first day's firing had been more ac-
curate than that of any other day, though
it was all good.
“On the morning of the 19th we
opened fire on the enemy again, when
he tried his best to dislodge us from be-
hind our forest protection without effect;
our fire was kept up as rapidly as the
*
men could carefully and properly load,
the enemy returning it with what heavy
guns he could bring to bear on us, most
of his shot going over us among the
shipping and gun-boats, which were on
guard and employed drawing the fire
away from us. About nine o'clock in
the second morning the schooner Maria
J. Carleton, Charles Jack, roaster, was
sunk by a rifle-shell passing down
through her deck, magazine, and bot-
tom. I happened to be alongside at
the time and had nearly all the stores
Saved, also the arms. As she went
down the mortar was fired at the enemy
for the last time, and that was the last
of the ‘Carleton.” We hauled her on
to the bank when we found that she
was sinking, and were thus enabled to
save many of her stores; but she finally
slipped off the bank into deeper water,
and nothing was left, visible but her up-
per rail. Two men were wounded in
the Carleton. Acting Master Charles
Jack came out in this vessel from New
York; he lost his mainmast in a gale
off Cape Hatteras, but persevered until
he arrived in Key West, and sailed with
the flotilla to Ship Island. He went
through another gale, but got into port
safe. He was almost always up with
the rest in working up the river under
sail with his one mast; and when his
vessel sunk, he volunteered his services
on board the vessel of Lieutenant Com-
manding Queen, to whose division he
belonged. On the second day the firing
from the forts was rather severe on the
masts and rigging of the first division.
I wanted to remove them a little farther
PORTER'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
j95.
down, but was prevented from doing so
at the request of Lieutenant Command-
ing Smith, who seemed determined not
to withdraw until something was sunk.
He had one man killed in the ‘Arletta,’
Acting Master Smith, by a ten-inch shot
striking between the stop of the mortar-
bed and the mortar, which disabled it
for a time only ; it was repaired in two
or three hours; the men meanwhile
under fire, without any occupation to
keep up their interest. One or two men
were wounded this day. We had an-
other conflagration in the fort ; the shells
having set fire to some quarters put up
for officers on the northwest angle of
the works, they were all consumed. The
firing seemed to be good this day, though
some said the shells went over, and oth-
ers said they fell short. The proof of
accuracy was that the batteries were
silenced every time the shells were con-
centrated on any one point. The fuses
being so bad I gave up the plan of
timing them, and put in full-length fuses,
to burst after they had entered the
ground. In some respects this was dis-
advantageous, but we lost but few by
bursting before time in the air. The
ground being wet and soft, the shells
descended eighteen and twenty feet into
the ground, exploding after some time,
lifted the earth up and let it fall back
into its place again, not doing a great
deal of harm, but demoralizin g the men,
who knew not what the consequences
might be. The effect, I am told, was
like that of an earthquake. When the
shells hit the ramparts they did their
work effectually, knocking off large
pieces of the parapet and shattering the
casemates. On the third and fourth day
the ammunition on board began to grow
short, and the steamers had to be sent
down to bring it up, the boats of the
squadron also assisting all they could in
the strong current to supply the vessels.
The steamers laid close to the mortar
vessels while the shot and shell were fly-
ing all about ; but strange to say not a
vessel was struck, though I expected to
see some of them injured. The em-
ployment of them in that way could not
be avoided. Everything was conducted
with the greatest coolness, and the offi-
cers and men sat down to their meals as
if nothing was going on—shells bursting
in the air and falling alongside, and shot
and rifle-shell crashing through the woods
and tearing the trees up by the roots.
On the fifth day the fire from the forts
on the head of the first division was very
rapid and troublesome. One hundred
and twenty-five shots fell close to the
vessels in one hour and thirty minutes,
without, however, doing them any dam-
age beyond hitting the Para, the head-
most vessel, and cutting up the rigging
and masts. The fire of the enemy had
been attracted to the mastheads of one
of the large ships which had been moved
up, and which they could see over the
woods. I deemed it prudent to move
three of them two or three lengths,
much to the annoyance of the officers,
who seemed indisposed to yield an inch ;
still, my duty was to look out for the
vessels and not have them destroyed.
The Norfolk Packet got a piece of a
shell through her decks, and had her
196
THE waR witH THE SOUTH.
rigging and cross-trees cut away, and
one man wounded. For three days and
nights the officers and men had had but
little repose and but few comfortable
meals, so I divided the divisions into
three watches of four hours each, firing
from one division about 168 times a
watch, or altogether, during twenty-four
hours, 1,500 shell. This I found rested
the crews and produced more accurate
firing. Overcome with fatigue, I had
seen the commanders and crews lying
fast asleep on deck with a mortar on
board the vessel next to them, thunder-
ing away and shaking everything around
them like an earthquake. The windows
were broken at the Balize, thirty miles
distant.
undertaking, sir, if I was to attempt to
give a minute account of all the hard
work performed in the flotilla, or men-
tion separately all the meritorious acts
and patient endurance of the command-
ers and crews of the mortar vessels.
All stuck to their duty like men and
Americans; and though some may have
exhibited more ingenuity and intelli-
gence than others, yet the performance
of all commanded my highest admira-
tion. I cannot say too much in favor of
the three commanders of divisions, Lieu-
tenants Watson Smith, W. W. Queen,
and R. K. Breese. I can only say I
would like always to have them at my
side in times of danger and difficulty.
They were untiring in their devotion to
their duties, directing their officers, who
could not be supposed to know as much
about their duties as they did. I left
the entire control of these divisions to
It would be an interminable
themselves, trusting implicitly that they
would faithfully carry out the orders
which I had given them previous to the
bombardment, and knowing that no
powder or shell would be thrown away
if they could help it. The end justified
my confidence in them. During a bom-
bardment of six days they were con-
stantly exposed to a sharp fire from
heavy guns. If they sustained no seri-
ous damage to their vessels it was no
fault of the enemy, who tried his best
to destroy them, and who, after I had
withdrawn the vessels of Lieutenant
Commanding Queen from a very ex-
posed position, reported that he had
sunk them. -
“After bombarding the fort for three
days I began to despair of taking it, and,
indeed, began to lose my confidence in
mortars; but a deserter presented him-
self from Fort Jackson, and gave me
such an account of the havoc made by
our mortar practice that I had many
doubts at first of his truth ; he repre-
sented hundreds of shells falling into the
fort, casemates broken in, citadel and
outbuildings burnt, men demoralized
and dispirited, magazine endangered,
and the levee cut ; we went to work
with renewed vigor, and never flagged
to the last.
“On the night of the 20th an expedi-
tion was fitted out, under Commander
Bell, for the purpose of breaking the
chain ; it was composed of the gun-boats
Pinola and Itasca ; it was arranged that
all the mortars should play upon the
fort while the operation was going on,
which they did as fast as they could
PORTER'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
197
safely load and fire, nine shells being in
the air frequently at one time. The
vessels were discovered, and the forts
opened fire on them at a distance of
three and eight hundred yards. Lieu-
tenant Crosby informed me that but for
the rapid and accurate fire of the mor-
tars the gun-boats would have been de-
stroyed. The mortars silenced the bat-
teries effectually, and Colonel Higgins
ordered the men into the casemates,
where they were in no way loth to go.
These facts have been obtained from
prisoners. The Itasca, Lieutenant Cald-
well, slipped the chain of one vessel, and
was swept ashore by the current, when
the Pinola, Lieutenant Commanding
Crosby, got her off, both remaining in
that position over thirty minutes, though
seen by the enemy and seldom fired at.
“On the 23d I urged Flag-Officer
Farragut to commence the attack with
the ships at night, as I feared the mor-
tars would not hold out, the men were
almost overcome with fatigue, and our
supply ships laid a good way off. The
enemy had brought over two heavy rifle
guns to bear on the head of our line, and
I was aware that he was daily adding to
his defences and strengthening his naval
forces with iron-clad batteries. The
23d was appointed, but the attack did
not come off. I had fortunately dis-
mounted with a shell on that day the
heaviest rifle gun they had on St. Philip,
breaking it in two, and it annoyed us no
more. I did not know it at the time,
but thought the ammunition had given
out. On the 23d the order was given
to move at two o'clock, in the Order
which the Flag-Officer will mention in his
report. The steamers belonging to the
mortar flotilla were assigned the duty of
enfilading a heavy water-battery of six
guns and the barbette of guns which
commanded the approach to the forts :
and the mortars having obtained good
range during the day were to try and
drive the men from the guns by their
rapid fire, and bursting shell over the
parapets. The flotilla steamers, eom-
posed of the Harriet Lane, Lieutenant
Commanding Wainwright, leading; West-
field, Commander Renshaw ; Owasco,
Lieutenant Commanding Guest; Clifton,
Lieutenant Commanding Baldwin ; and
Miami, Lieutenant Commanding Harrell,
moved up (when the Flag-Officer lifted
his anchor), seventy fathoms apart, and
took position under the batteries; the
leading vessel five hundred yards off, the
others closing up as the fire commenced.
Then, as soon as the Hartford, Brook-
lyn, and Richmond passed, they opened
with shrapnell on the forts, having re-
ceived the fire ten or fifteen minutes be-
fore replying to it. As the fire was high,
and they were close in shore, nearer the
forts than the enemy supposed, they oc-
cupied, as it turned out, a safer position
than the vessels farther out, there being
only one killed and one wounded on
board the Harriet Lane, while the other
steamers remained untouched. The
commanders of all the vessels on this
occasion did their duty, coolly kept their
vessels close up, fired rapidly and accu-
rately, and the signal was not made to
retire until the last vessel of our gal-
lant Squadron passed through the flames,
108
198
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
which seemed to be literally eating them
up ; every man, spar, or rope was plainly
seen amid the light, and every move-
ment of the ships noted ; that last ves-
sel, the gallant Iroquois, would provok-
ingly linger and slow her engines oppo-
site the forts to give the rebels a taste
of her formidable battery. When she
also disappeared in the smoke our signal
was hung out to retire, our duty having
been accomplished, and the fort turning
its entire attention to our little force.
It could not, however, do us much harm,
as the rain of mortar shells almost com-
pletely silenced them ; never in my life
did I witness such a scene, and never
did rebels get such a castigation. Colo-
nel Higgins ordered the men from the
batteries into the casemates to avoid the
mortar shells, which fell with particular
effect on that night, while grape-shot
and shrapnell from the ships gave them
but few opportunities to fire from their
casemates. The ships had gone by, the
back-bone of the rebellion was broken,
the mortars ceased their fire, and nothing
was heard for a time but the booming of
guns as our fleet went flying up the river,
scattering the enemy's gun-boats and
sinking them as they passed. We all
sat down to rest and speculate on the
chances of seeing our old friends and
brother officers again. -
“I was very hopeful myself, for I
knew that the enemy had been too much
demoralized during the last week by
mortar practice to be able to stand
against the fire of our ships. I gave
the ships, when they started, forty-five
minutes to pass the forts; they were
only seventy from the time they lifted
their anchors. I lost the services of a
well-armed and useful vessel, the Jack-
son, for the attack on the batteries
Her commander, Lieutenant Command-
ing Woodworth, during the affair was
appointed to tow the Portsmouth ahead
of the mortar steamers, but was carried
down the stream. He persisted, how-
ever, in taking her into her berth after
the battle was over and the steamers
had retired, and anchored her, I believe,
within nine hundred yards of the fort.
His reception and that of the Ports-
mouth was a warm one, for the east bat-
teries opened on them; and after escap-
ing miraculously, the Portsmouth, with
some shots in her hull and rigging, and
one or two killed and wounded, coolly
drifted out from under the guns and
took her old position. Had the rebels
not been overcome with despair she
would have fared badly.
“Immediately on the passage of the
ships, I sent Lieutenant Commanding
Guest up with a flag of truce, demand-
ing the surrender of the forts. The
flag of truce was fired on, but apolo-
gized for afterward. The answer was,
‘The demand is inadmissible.' Giving
the men that day to rest, I prepared
to fill up the vessels with ammunition
and commence the bombardment again.
Having in the mean time heard from
Flag-Officer Farragut that he had safely
passed the batteries, I determined to
make another attempt on these deluded
people in the forts to make them sur-
render, and save the further effusion
of blood. Flag-Officer Farragut had un-
PORTER'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
knowingly left a troublesome force in
his rear, consisting of four steamers and
a powerful steam-battery of four thou-
sand tons and sixteen heavy guns, all pro-
tected by the forts. I did not know in
what condition the battery was, only we
had learned that she had come down the
night before, ready prepared to wipe out
our whole fleet. If the enemy counted so
surely on destroying our whole fleet with
her, it behooved me to be prudent, and
not let the mortar vessels be sacrificed
like the vessels of Norfolk. I com-
menced, then, a bombardment on the
iron-clad battery, supposing it lay close
under . Fort Jackson, and also set the
vessels to work throwing shells into
Fort Jackson again, to let them know |
that we were still taking care of them ;
but there was no response; the fight
had all been taken out of them. I sent
the mortar vessels below to refit and
prepare for sea, as also to prevent them
from being driven from their position in
case the iron battery came out to attack
them. I felt sure that the steamers
alone could manage the battery. Six
of the schooners I ordered to proceed
immediately to the rear of Fort Jackson
and blockade all the bayous, so that the
garrison could not escape or obtain sup-
plies. I sent the Miami and Sachem to
the rear of Fort St. Philip to assist in
landing troops. These vessels all ap-
peared at their destination at the same
time, and when morning broke, the en-
em.y found himself hemmed in on all
sides. It was a military necessity that
we should have the forts. Our squadron
was cut off from coal, provisions, and
199
ammunition ; our soldiers had but little
chance to get to New Orleans through
shallow bayous ; the enemy in the city
would hesitate to surrender while the
forts held out; communication was cut
off between them, and neither party
knew what the other was willing to do.
So I demanded a surrender again through
Lieutenant Commanding Guest, offering
to let them retain their side-arms and
engage not to serve against the United
States during the rebellion until regular-
ly exchanged, provided they would hon-
orably deliver up, undamaged, the forts,
guns, muskets, provisions, and all muni-
tions of war, the vessels under the guns
of the fort, and all other public prop-
erty. The answer was civil, and hopes
were held out that, after being instructed
by the authorities of New Orleans, they
would surrender. In the mean time
their men became dissatisfied at being
so surrounded ; they had no hope of
longer holding out with any chance of
success, and gave signs of insubordina-
tion. On the 28th a flag of truce came
on board the Harriet Lane, proposing
to surrender Jackson and St. Philip on
the terms proposed, and I immediately
proceeded,to the forts, with the steamers
Westfield, Winona, and Kennebeck in
company, and sent a boat for General
Duncan and Lieutenant-Colonel Hig-
gins, and such persons as they might
see fit to bring with them. These per-
sons came on board, and, proceeding to
the cabin of the Harriet Lane, the ca-
pitulation was drawn up and signed, the
original of which I have had the honor
of forwarding to the Department by
200
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Captain Baily, no opportunity occur-
ring to send it through Flag-Officer Far-
ragut without loss of time.
late commanding the forts informed me
that the vessels would not be included
in the capitulation, as they (the military)
had nothing to do with the naval offi-
cers, and were in no way responsible for
their acts. There was evidently a want of
unanimity between the different branches
of the rebel service. I afterward found
out that great ill-feeling existed, the
naval commander having failed, in the
opinion of the military, to co-operate
with the forts; the true state of the case
being that they were both sadly beaten,
and each laid the blame on the other.
While engaged in the capitulation, an
officer came below and informed me that
the iron floating battery (the Louisiana)
had been set on fire by two steamers
which had been lying alongside of her.
This was a magnificent iron steam float-
ing battery of four thousand tons, and
mounting sixteen heavy guns, and per-
fectly shot-proof. She had been brought
down from New Orleans the day before,
and on it the hopes of their salvation
seemed to depend, as will appear by the
following letter from General Duncan,
taken in the fort :
“FORT JACKSON, LOUISIANA,
April 22, 1862. }
“CAPTAIN : Your note of this date
relative to the steamer Louisiana, the
forwardness of her preparations for at-
tack, the dispositions to be made of her,
etc., has been received.
“It is of vital importance that the
present fire of the enemy should be
The Officers
withdrawn from us, which you alone can
do. This can be done in the manner
suggested this morning, under the cover
of our guns, while your work on the
boat can still be carried on in safety and
security. Our position is a critical one,
dependent entirely on the powers of en-
durance of our casemates, many of which
have been completely shattered, and are
crumbling away by repeated shocks, and
therefore I respectfully, but earnestly,
again urge my suggestions of this morn-
ing upon your notice. Our magazines
are also in danger. Very respectfully,
your obedient servant. -
“J. R. DUNCAN,
“Brigadier-General.
“Captain J. K. MITCHELL,
“Com. Nav. Forces Lower Miss. River.”
“I was in hopes of saving this vessel
as a prize, for she would have been so
materially useful to us in all future op-
erations on the coast, her batteries and
strength being sufficient to silence any
fort here, aided by the other vessels.
Seeing her lying so quiet, with colors
down, and the two steamers under our
guns, I never dreamed for a moment
that they had not surrendered. The
forts and ourselves had flags of truce
flying, and I could not make any move-
ment without violating the honor of the
United States and interrupting the ca-
pitulation which was being drawn up.
The burning of the vessels was done so
quietly that no one suspected it until the
battery was in a blaze. I merely re-
marked to the commanders of the forts
that the act was in no way creditable to
the rebel commander. The reply was
PORTER'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
201
‘We are not responsible for the acts of
these naval officers.' We proceeded
with the conference, and while so en-
gaged an officer came to inform me that
the iron-clad battery was all in flames
and drifting down on us, having burned
the ropes that had fastened her to the
bank. I inquired of the late command-
ers of the forts if they knew if the guns
were loaded, or if she had much powder
on board. The answer was, ‘I pre-
sume so, but we know nothing about
the naval matters here.’ At this mo-
ment the guns, being heated, commenced
going off, with a probability of throwing
shot and shell amid friend and foe. I
did not deign to notice it further than
to say to the military officers, “If you
don’t mind the effects of the explosion
which is soon to come, we can stand
it.” If the ever-memorable Commander
Mitchell calculated to make a stampede
in the United States vessels by his in-
famous act he was mistaken ; none of
them moved or intended to move, and
the conference was carried on as calmly
as if nothing else was going on, though
proper precautions were taken to keep
them clear of the burning battery. A
good Providence, which directs the most
unimportant events, sent the battery off
toward Fort St. Philip, and as it got
abreast of that formidable fort it blew
up with a force which scattered the frag-
ments in all directions, killing one of
their own men in Fort St. Philip, and
when the smoke cleared off it was no-
where to be seen, having sunk imme-
diately in the deep water of the Missis-
sippi.
The explosion was terrific, and
was seen and heard for many miles up
and down the river. Had it occurred
near the vessels it would have destroyed
every one of them. This, no doubt, was
the object of the arch traitor who was
the instigator of the act. He failed to
co-operate, like a man, with his military
confederates, who looked to the means
he had at his disposal to save them from
destruction, and who scorned alike his
want of courage in not assisting them, as
well as the unheard-of and perfidious act
which might, in a measure, have re-
flected on them.
“How different was the course of the
military commanders, who, though en-
gaged in so bad a cause, behaved honor-
ably to the end Every article in the
fort was delivered up undamaged. Noth-
ing was destroyed, either before the ca-
pitulation or while the capitulation was
going on, or afterward. The most scru-
pulous regard was paid to their prom-
ises. They defended their works like
men, and had they been fighting for the
flag under which they were born instead
of against it, it would have been honor
enough for any man to have said he had
fought by their side.
“After the capitulation was signed, I
sent Commander W. B. Renshaw to Fort
Jackson, and Lieutenant Commanding
Ed. Nichols to Fort St Philip to receive
the surrender of the forts. The rebel
flag was hauled down and the stars and
stripes once more floated over the prop-
erty of the United States. The sun
never shone on a more contented and
happy-looking set of faces than those of
the prisoners in and about the forts.
302
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Many of them had not seen their fami-
lies for months, and a large portion had
been pressed into a service distasteful to
them, subject to the rigor of a discipline
severe beyond measure. They were
frequently exposed to punishments, for
slight causes, which the human frame
could scarcely endure, and the men who
underwent some of the tortures men-
tioned on a list of punishments I have in
my possession, must have been unable
afterward to do any duty for months to
come. Instead of the downcast counte-
nances of conquered people, they emerged
from the fort (going home on their pa-
role) like a parcel of happy school-boys in
holiday times, and no doubt they felt
like them also.
“When the flags had been exchanged,
I devoted my attention to Commander
Mitchell, who was lying a half mile
above us with three steamers, one of
which he had scuttled. Approaching
him in the Harriet Lane, I directed
Lieutenant Commanding Wainwright to
fire a gun over him, when he lowered
his flag. I then sent Lieutenant Com-
manding Wainwright on board to take
possession and receive the unconditional
surrender of the party, consisting of
fourteen naval officers and seven engi-
neers, temporarily appointed ; the crew
of the iron-clad battery consisted of
three hundred men and two companies
of marine artillery, nearly all from civil
life, and serving much against their will,
so they said. Commander Mitchell and
the other naval officers were transferred
to the Westfield as prisoners of war, and
as soon as time would allow, the marines
and sailors were sent in one of the cap-
tured vessels to Flag-Officer Farragut,
at New Orleans. The captured military
officers were sent up to New Orleans on
their parole ; and thus ended the day on
which the great Mississippi rejoiced once
more in having its portals opened to the
commerce of the world. The backbone
of the rebellion was broken, and from
the appearance and talk of the soldiers
we might soon hope to see the people
united again under the folds of the flag
of the Union. While the capitulation
was going on I sent the steamer Clifton
down to bring up troops, and when
General Phelps came up I turned the
forts, guns, and munitions of war over
to his keeping. My next step was to
visit Forts Jackson and St. Philip.
Never in my life did I witness such a
scene of desolation and wreck as the
former presented ; it was plowed up by
the thirteen-inch mortars; the bombs had
set fire to and burned out all the build-
ings in and around the fort ; casemates
were crushed and were crumbling in,
and the only thing that saved them were
the sand-bags that had been sent from
New Orleans during the bombardment,
and when they began to feel the effects
of the mortars. When the communica-
tion was cut off between them and the
city, this resource of sand-bags could
avail them no longer. It was useless
for them to hold out; a day's bombard-
ment would have finished them ; they
had no means of repairing damages; the
levee had been cut by the thirteen-inch
bombs in over a hundred places, and the
water had entered the casemates, making
PORTER'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
203
it very uncomfortable, if not impossible,
to live there any longer. It was the
only place the men had to fly to out of
reach of the bombs. The drawbridge
over the moat had been broken all to
pieces, and all the causeways leading
from the fort were cut and blown up
with bomb-shells, so that it must have
been impossible to walk there or carry
On any operations with any degree of
safety. The magazine seems to have
been much endangered, explosions hav-
ing taken place at the door itself, all, the
cotton bags and protections having been
blown away from before the magazine
door. Eleven guns were dismounted
during the bombardment, some of which
were remounted again and used upon
us. The walls were cracked and broken
In many places, and we could scarcely
step without treading into a hole made
by a bomb-shell; the accuracy of the
fire is, perhaps, the best ever seen in
mortar practice ; it seems to have en-
tirely demoralized the men and aston-
ished the officers. A water battery,
containing six very heavy guns, and
which annoyed us at times very much,
was filled with the marks of the bombs,
no less than 170 having fallen into it,
Smashing in the magazine, and driving
the people out of it. On the night of
the passage of the ships this battery was
completely silenced, so many bombs fell
into it and burst over it. It had one
gun in it, the largest I have ever seen,
made at the Tredegar works. I would
not pretend to say how many bombs fell
in the ditches around the works, but sol-
diers in the forts say about three thou-
Sand ; many burst over the works, scat-
tering the pieces of shell all around.
The enemy admit but fourteen killed and
thirty-nine wounded by the bombard-
ment, which is likely the case, as we
found but fourteen fresh graves, and the
men mostly stayed in the casemates,
which were three inches deep with wa-
ter, and very uncomfortable. Many re-
markable escapes and incidents were
related to us as having happened dur-
ing the bombardment. Colonel Higgins
stated an instance where a man was
buried deep in the earth, by a bomb
striking him between the shoulders, and
directly afterward another bomb ex-
ploded in the same place, and threw the
corpse high in the air. All the boats
and scows, around the ditches and near
the landing were sunk by bombs; and
when we took possession, the only way
they had to get in and out of the fort to
the landing was by one small boat to
ferry them across. All the lumber,
shingles, and bricks used in building or
repairs were scattered about in confusion
and burned up, and every amount of
discomfort that man could bear seemed
to have been showered upon those poor
deluded wretches.
“I was so much struck with the de-
serted appearance of what was once a
beautiful spot, that I ordered Mr.
Gerdes and his assistants on the Coast
Survey to make me an accurate plan of
all the works, denoting every bomb that
fell, and (as near as possible) the injury
the fort had sustained, every distance
being accurately measured by tape-line
and compass, and the comparative size
204.
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
of fractures noted. The work has been
executed with great zeal and accuracy,
though it will only give a faint idea of
the bombs that fell about the fort; many
are lost sight of in the water which has
been let in by the cut levees; many
burst over the fort; but enough have
been marked to indicate the wonder-
ful precision of fire and the endurance
of the forts. Had the ground been hard
instead of being soft mud, the first day's
bombardment would have blown Fort
Jackson into atoms; as it is, it is very
much injured, and will require thorough
repair before it can be made habitable.
“Fort St. Philip received very little
damage from our bombs, having fired at
it with only one mortar, and that for the
purpose of silencing a heavy rifled gun
which annoyed us very much. We were
fortunate enough to strike it in the mid-
dle and break it in two, and had not
much more annoyance from that fort ;
two guns were capsized by a bomb at
one time, but without injuring them ;
they were soon replaced ; some trifling
damage was done to the works, though
nothing to affect the efficiency of the
batteries. It was from Fort St. Philip
that our ships suffered most, the men and
officers there having had, comparatively,
an easy time of it. I felt sure that St.
Philip would surrender the moment
Jackson hauled down the secession flag,
and consequently directed all the atten-
tion of the mortar schooners to the lat-
ter fort. The final result justified me in
coming to this conclusion.
“I trust that you will excuse me, sir,
for dwelling so minutely on matters re-
unpleasant service.
lating to this important victory, though
I have endeavored to make my report
as short as possible.
“Every little incident in this ever-to-
be-remembered drama will be interest-
ing to the true lovers of our Union, who
will rejoice over the fact, that the great
river which is the main artery of our
country is once more in our possession,
and that we may soon hope to see the
stars and stripes floating over every hut
and hamlet along its banks. It only re-
mains for me, sir, to do justice to the
officers who have been under my com-
mand during this arduous and sometimes
Commander Ren-
shaw, Lieutenant Commanding Guest
Lieutenant Commanding Wainwright
Lieutenant Commanding Harrell, Lieu
tenant Commanding Baldwin, Lieuten
ant Commanding Woodworth, are the
officers commanding steamers connected
with the flotilla. Their duties were va-
rious and arduous—towing, supplying,
and getting under the guns of the fort
when opportunities offered, or they were
permitted to expose their vessels. In
the attack on the water batteries, Lieu-
tenant Commanding Wainwright com-
manded the Harriet Lane (as I noticed)
coolly and bravely; and his officers and
crew did their duty, all the vessels ly-
ing quietly under the heavy fire for fif-
teen minutes, until it was time to open
their batteries, which they did with ef.
fect, until the time came to retire. Com-
mander Renshaw made his rifle gun tell
with effect, keeping his vessel in close
order. Lieutenant Commanding Guest.
with his zealous crew, who had fired
PORTER'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
205
over 200 shell at the forts at different
times, kept his shell flying as fast as
usual, bursting (as I witnessed) with
good effect in the midst of the batteries.
Lieutenant Commanding Baldwin, who
I have always found ready for any duty,
no matter how arduous or thankless, was
in no way behind any one ; his heavy
battery of nine-inch and thirty-two-
pounders rattled through the outer
works of the fort, helping to keep Jack-
son quiet while our heavy ships were
forcing their way through logs chained
together, fire-rafts, rams, to say nothing
of the enemy's gun-boats, iron batteries,
and forts built to dispute the passage of
any fleet which might be sent against
them. The steamer Jackson, Lieuten-
ant Commanding Woodworth, towed the
Portsmouth gallantly into fire, though
his position was more gallantly than
wisely taken ; he was fortunate that his
vessel and the Portsmouth were not cut
to pieces. I have been so struck with
the energy and zeal of Lieutenants
Commanding Woodworth and Baldwin,
that I hope the Navy Department will
reward them by reappointing them as
permanent officers in the service (if they
will accept it), for while the navy is
composed of such men it will never be
defeated in equal contests. Lieutenant
Commanding Harrell, of the Miami, has
had under his command a most wretched
and unmanageable vessel, and has not
had an opportunity to do himself full
justice; he was always ready to do any
service required of him, and on the night
of the attack, with the rest, worked his
battery with effect. As soon as the
forts had been passed, on account of his
light draft, I sent him to co-operate with
General Butler, in landing troops out-
side, which duty he performed to my
entire satisfaction.
“If the efforts of the mortar flotilla.
have not met your expectations in re-
ducing the forts in a shorter time, it
must be remembered that great diffi-
culties existed, first in the soil, which
allowed the bombs to sink at least twenty
feet, by measurement, before exploding,
the difficulty of seeing the fort, as it is
not much above the surrounding bushes,
and the endurance of the casemates,
which were deeply covered with earth,
and better constructed than supposed ;
but I am firmly of opinion that the
moral effect of this bombardment will
go far toward clearing all forts of rebels,
and I draw attention to the case of Fort
Livingston, which held out a flag of
truce the moment three mortar vessels
appeared before it. Flag-Officer Farra-
gut has ordered me to repair to Ship
Island to await the arrival of the larger
vessels, but not to commence any ope-
rations until he arrives.
“I herewith inclose the reports of the
commanders of steamers in relation to
the conduct of those under their com-
mand. *
“I have the honor to remain, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
“DAVID T). PORTER,
“Commanding Flotilla.
“Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
“Secretary of the Navy.”
109
06
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
C EIA P T E R XW III.
New Mexico a trophy of the Mexican War.—Invasion by General Sibley.—The Federal Posts.-Colonel Canby.—The
Union force.—Its position.—Advance of the Texans.—Demonstration against Fort Craig.—A struggle with the
Enemy.—Retreat of Únion troops.-Battle of Walverde.—Attack on McCrea's Battery.—Gallantry of McCrea.—
Albuquerque and Santa Fé occupied by the Enemy.—Movements of Colonel Hough.-Movements of Canby.—The
Enemy retire from New Mexico.—Intrigues of the Enemy in Sonora and Chihuahua.—Movements in Arkansas.-
Retrograde movement of General Curtis.-Generals Price and Van Dorn form a junction with Beauregard.—Return
of General Curtis to Arkansas.-March toward the Capital.—Proclamation of the Governor of Arkansas.-His
Censure of the Confederate Government.—Action of that Government.—General Roane in command.—Guerrillas
in Missouri.-Movements of Jeff. Thompson.—His retreat from New Madrid.—Disastrous condition of Missouri.-
Guerrillas.-Meeting of Emancipation, Convention.
THE Territory of New Mexico, so
lately won by the united people of
the Republic, had now become a
ground of contention between those who
had fought side by side in wresting it
from the common enemy.
The apparently defenceless condition
of New Mexico was a tempting opportu-
nity that the bold marauders of Texas–
which had united its destiny with that of
the Confederate Government—eagerly
availed themselves of General Sibley,
a native of Louisiana, and formerly an
officer of dragoons in the service of the
Jnited States, mustered a considerable
force, principally composed of Texan
Rangers, and marched into New Mexico
with the avowed purpose of wresting
that Territory from the authority of the
{United States.
The Federal Government had already
established several military posts to de-
fend the frontiers and to protect the na-
tive Mexicans and new settlers from the
raids of the merciless Navajoes, Apa-
1861,
ches, and other tribes of savages. The
principal of these military stations were
Santa Fé, Albuquerque, Forts Lar-
ned, Craig, Fillmore, and Union, garri-
soned by a few companies of United
States regulars. When, however, it be-
came manifest that the secessionists
were about to invade the Territory, the
Government of the Union made an ef-
fort to increase its force there. A mili-
tary department was at once established,
embracing the whole Territory, and Nov,
placed under the command of Col- *
onel Canby,” a native of Kentucky, and
* Colonel Edward Rich Sprigg Canby was born in the
State of Kentucky in or about the year 1817. He en-
tered the United States Military Academy at West Point
in the year 1836, and graduated in 1839, standing No.
80 in his class, in which we find the names of General
Halleck, General Stevens, General Paine, General Ord,
Captain Ricketts, and other noted officers. He was pro-
moted on the 1st of July, 1889, to the rank of second
lieutenant of the Second United States Infantry, and on
the 18th of June, 1846, was further promoted to the
first lieutenancy. During that year he held the reg.
imental adjutancy, and on the 3d of March, 1847, was
appointed an assistant adjutant-general, with the brevet
rank of captain on the staff. He was brevetted major in
INVASION OF
NEW MEXICO. 207
an officer of repute in the United States
army. The regulars being increased in
number, and the New Mexicans, who
were mostly loyal to the Union, having
freely volunteered their services on the
invitation of Governor Conolly, there
was soon mustered a force of about five
thousand men. To these could be add-
ed a considerable number of militia
ready, when called, to aid in the de-
fence of the Territory. -
On the reported approach of the
Texans, energetic preparations were
made to resist them. Kit Carson,”
the famous guide and companion of
Fremont in his explorations across the
Rocky Mountains, was stationed with
a thousand New Mexicans and some
friendly Indians at Albuquerque. A
garrison of twenty-six companies occu-
pied Fort Craig, whose defences were
strengthened by Sand-bags, trenches, and
abattis. Martial law was established at
Santa Fé and Albuquerque, at which
important posts there were numerous
adventurers and stragglers whose loy-
alty could not be relied upon, and other
precautions taken to guard against Sur-
prise and treachery.
Toward the end of December the
Texans were reported by the Indian
spies to be advancing into New Mexico
in two divisions—one on the Pecos
River, under the command of Sibley,
and the other on the Jornada, under
Baylor. Colonel Canby, however, felt
confident, though the enemy's force was
expected to be large, of being able to
hold his position. On the 7th of
February, the insurgent leader
reached Fort Thorne, en route to Fort
Craig, and about fifty miles from that
post, having heralded his advance by an
inflammatory proclamation” addressed
to the New Mexicans.
The enemy continuing to advance,
reached the eastern bank of the Rio
Grande, and made a demonstration
against Fort Craig, on the opposite side.
August, 1849, for gallant and meritorious conduct in the
battles of Contreras and Churubusco, in Mexico, and was
also distinguished in the battle of Cerro Gordo. This bre-
vet rank dated from August 20, 1847. In March, 1851,
he was further brevetted a lieutenant-colonel for gallant
conduct at the Belen Gate, the brevet dating from Sep-
tember 13, 1847. He held these ranks while in the adju-
tant-general's department. In June, 1851, he was pro-
moted to the full rank of captain in the Second United
States Infantry, and relinquished his rank in the line.
On the 3d of March he was appointed major of the Tenth
Infantry, which position he held in the “Army Register’’
of January, 1861. On the 14th of May, 1861, he was fur-
ther promoted to the colonelcy of the newly-formed Nine-
teenth Regiment of United States Infantry, and on the 9th
of November was appointed to the charge of the Depart-
ment of New Mexico. -
* “Romantic young ladies,” says a chronicler, “would
be quite disappointed with the appearance of the hero,
could they see him. He is below the medium height,
chunky, has small, gray, twinkling eyes, with a heap of
wrinkles branching from their corners; a full, smooth-
shaved, well-turned face ; a good forehead, irregularly
placed teeth, and light auburn hair that reaches to the
collar of his coat, and is slightly silvered, covers his ears,
is cut Square all round, and half turned under at the ends.
His voice is soft, his words all spoken very slowly and de-
liberately ; his laugh is a decided treble ; his talk is full
of ‘thars' and ‘whars,' and his whole appearance reminds
you of some good substantial Methodist minister; and,
like all persons who possess true merit and genius, he is
very quiet, modest, and unassuming.”
1862,
* PROCLAMATION OF SIBLEY.
“The existing war is one most wickedly waged by the
United States upon the Confederate States for the subjuga-
tion and oppression of the latter by force of arms. It has
already failed. Victory has crowned the arms of the Con-
federate States wherever an encounter worthy of being
called a battle has been joined. Witness the battles of Bull
Run, of Manassas, of Lexington, of Leesburg, of Colum-
bus, and the capture in the Mesilla Valley of the whole
force of the enemy by scarce half their number.”
208
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Crossing the river, they threw forward
a column of infantry a thousand strong,
Feb, in front of the works, and moved
18, eight hundred cavalry on the west-
ern flank. They then approached in
line of battle to within a mile and a half
of the fort, but immediately after re-
tired.
In the mean time Colonel Canby had
concealed his main force in the rear of
the fortress; but while the enemy were
retiring he sent out a squadron of dra-
goons and mounted men, under Major
Duncan, to charge their cavalry, now un-
supported by the infantry. The enemy
gave way until they reached a răvine,
when the foot-soldiers coming up to
their support, a skirmish took place, and
Major Duncan retired.
On the next day the enemy crossed
the Rio Grande with the view of taking
possession of the high banks of the
river opposite to Fort Craig. Colonel
Canby determined to attack them. An
Feb, advance Union force under Colonel
21. Roberts crossed the Rio Grande
and had a struggle with the enemy,
which lasted from early morning until
noon with varied success. Colonel Canby
now followed with his main body, a fly-
ing battery of six pieces, commanded by
Captain McCrea, and two howitzers.
The battle soon became general, and
was carried on between the artillery on
both sides and skirmishing parties” un-
til near the close of the day, when the
Texan cavalry “charged desperately
and furiously with picked men, about
six hundred strong, on McCrea's bat-
• K Carson was in command of the Union skirmishers.
tery. They were armed with carbines,
revolvers, and long seven-pound bowie-
knives. After discharging their car-
bines at close quarters, they drew their
revolvers and reached the battery amid
a storm of grape and canister. The New
Mexicans of Colonel Pene's regiment
became panic-stricken, and ingloriously
fled. Captain Plimpton, with the United
States infantry, stood his ground and
fought nobly until more than one half
were numbered with the dead.
“With his artillerymen cut down, and
with his support reported killed, wound-
ed, or flying from the field, Captain
McCrea sat down calmly and quietly on
one of his guns, and with revolver in
hand, refusing to fly or desert his post,
he fought to the last, and gloriously died
like a hero, the last man at his gun.
“The Texans suffered terribly in this
desperate charge.”
This put an end to the battle known
as that of Walverde, which lasted the
whole day. The Union loss amounted
to two hundred killed and wounded,
and that of the enemy must have been
very severe. Canby retired to the fort,
and the enemy pushed on along the
banks of the Rio Grande and took pos-
session of Albuquerque, where they left
a considerable force, and of Santa Fé,
where they organized a provisional gov-
ernment for the Territory of New Mex-
ico. Communications were now cut off
between Colonel Canby, who remained
shut up in Fort Craig, and Fort Union,
to which alone he could look for sup-
plies and reinforcements. -
Troops were, however, rapidly march-
THE ENEMY DRIVEN FROM NEW MEXICO.
209
ed from the neighboring Territory of
Colorado to reinforce the Unionists at
Fort Union, and thus enable them to
hold that post and make an effort to
clear away the obstructing Texans and
reopen communications. . &
Colonel Hough, the commander at
Fort Union, now moved forward with
Mar, thirteen hundred men toward Fort
* Craig, while the enemy marched
out from Santa Fé to oppose his ad-
vance and to attack Fort Union.
Hough's advance, consisting of three
companies of cavalry, on reaching the
Apache Pass, met two hundred and fifty
of the enemy's horse, and captured fifty-
Seven, with a loss on his own side of four
killed and eleven wounded.
Again, as Colonel Hough continued
Mar, to advance, he had an engagement
* at Pigeon's Ranche, fifteen miles
from Santa Fé. The enemy were eleven
hundred strong. **
“The fight began about noon, Colonel
Hough engaging them in front with
seven companies, while Major Chering-
ton, with four companies, attacked them
in the rear. This latter force succeeded
in driving the rebel guard away from
their supply-train, which was captured
and burned. They also captured one
cannon and spiked it. The fight contin-
ued desperately till four o'clock, when
it ceased by mutual consent. Colonel
Hough withdrew his forces to a creek
four miles distant.”
The Union loss was one hundred and
fifty killed, wounded, and missing, and
that of the enemy was three hundred
killed and wounded, and ninety-three
taken prisoners. After the battle the
Union forces fell back to Bernal Springs,
forty-five miles south of Fort Union, and
the enemy withdrew toward Santa Fé.
Colonel Hough was subsequently or-
dered to return to Fort Union, and
thence to march to Galisto by Colonel
Canby, who moved out himself from
Fort Craig, which was left in charge of
a sufficient garrison. Canby formed Apr.
a junction at Galisto with Hough's Il.
command, and moved against Povollo,
on the Rio Grande, where the enemy
had intrenched themselves. On reach-
ing this place he made a detour with a
portion of his force below the position,
and sent the rest of his troops, under
Major Paul, to the rear. Thus favor-
ably placed, Canby made a successful
attack, with a loss of twenty-five killed
and wounded. The Texans, now find-
ing their design of wresting the Terri-
tory of New Mexico from the Federal
authorities obstructed, and being re-
called for service in other quarters, be-
gan to retire. Abandoning Santa Fé,
they retreated rapidly down the Rio
Grande, leaving behind them their sup-
ply-wagons, and burying their artillery.
When they crossed the Puerco River,
near its junction with the Rio Grande, .
in the course of their flight to Texas May
they separated into small parties 3.
and dispersed among the mountains to
facilitate their means of support and es-
cape, or to act with advantage as guer-
rilla bands. It was, however, supposed
that the Territory of New Mexico was
for the present freed from any serious
attack from the Texan marauders.
210
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
At the same time that the Texans
were invading New Mexico, it was ru-
mored that the Confederate Govern-
ment had intrigued to gain over the
neighboring Mexican states of Sonora
and Chihuahua. For this purpose it
had sent, it was reported, confidential
agents to the Mexican governors, with.
profuse promises of military aid, in case
those officials should be found disposed
to rise against the authority of Mexico.
These attempts, however, were suppos-
ed to have been without avail in conse-
quence of the aversion of the Mexicans
to the aggressive policy of the Southern
States and their sympathy with the
Northern cause.
After the battle of Pea Ridge, in Ar-
kansas, near the borders of Missouri,
both antagonists seemed momentarily
disinclined to further conflict. General
Curtis, finding it difficult to obtain in
the sparsely inhabited and much ex-
hausted neighborhood of the battle-field
the necessary forage and provisions,
made a retrograde march within the
borders of Missouri in order to be nearer
his basis of supplies.
Generals Price and Van Dorn at the
same time retired rapidly through Ar-
kansas with the main body of their
forces, and embarking on the White and
Arkansas rivers, sailed to the Missis-
sippi, and thence succeeded in forming
a junction with Beauregard at Corinth.
Albert Pike, however, with his Indians
and some Texan Rangers, was left near
the borders of Arkansas to assist in the
defence of that State and to harass the
army of Curtis in case of an advance.
General Curtis' army now ventured to
return to Arkansas, and began to move
on the track of the retiring enemy. The
advance under General Osterhaus May
crossed the White River on the 9th 9.
of May, and took the road to Little Rock,
the capital of the State. Great agita-
tion was caused by this approach of the
Federal army to the seat of government,
and vigorous efforts were made to de-
fend it. Some of the inhabitants coun-
selled submission, while others advised
resistance to the last. The Governor
issued a proclamation calling out the
militia of the State. In this florid ap-
peal to the people, he said :
“FELLOW-CITIZENS-Again your au-
thorities, charged with the duty of pre-
serving and defending your State govern-
ment, deem it imperatively necessary to
call you to arms. Northern troops, for-
midable in numbers and preparation,
are in the heart of your State, marching
upon your capital, with the avowed pur-
pose of subverting your government,
plundering your people, eating your May
substance, and erecting over your *
heads as a final consummation a despotic
ruler, the measure of whose power will
be the hatred he bears his subjects.
“Will the thirty thousand freemen,
capable of bearing arms, yet in Arkan-
sas, look listlessly on, while chains are
being riveted upon their limbs by a few
thousand Hessians from the North—
— hireling mercenary cowards as they
are, seeking to enslave us, that they may
grow rich upon our substance, and di-
vide us and our children as conquered
subjects 2 This cannot, will not be :
ARKANSAS AND MISSOURI.
211
our people, in the government of their
choosing, in the sacredness of their per-
sons and the defence of their property,
must be determined. We can and will
defend it, unaided if it must be so, at
every cost and sacrifice, rather than live
under the domination of the detestable
and execrable Lincoln government.
“The enemy upon our soil is crushing
to earth the proud spirit of our people ;
presuming upon the temporary absence
of many of our brave men, they seek to
crush the energy and courage of the re-
mainder. We will drive them from
among us. Where there is a will there
is always a way. An enlightened and
brave people will never be subjugated.”
At the same time that from his boun-
teous store of objurgation he thus poured
out curses upon the “Hessians of the
North,” he was not sparing in his cen-
sure of the Confederate Government,
which had “refused or neglected to pro-
tect the people.” He even threatened
the factitious government he had so
lately aided in forming, with a reminder
of the sovereignty of Arkansas. “It
was for liberty,” he said, “she struck,
and not for subordination to any created
secondary power North or South. “If,”
he added, “the arteries of the Confed-
erate heart do not permeate beyond the
east bank of the Mississippi, let South-
ern Missourians, Arkansians, Texans,
and the great West know it and prepare
for the future.”
This significant hint seems not to have
been lost upon the Confederate Govern-
ment, which proceeded at once to make
a show of doing something for the
abandoned State and its querulous Gov-
ernor. Brigadier-General Roanc, May
of the Confederate army, was or- 14.
dered to assume the command of all the
forces in Arkansas and defend the State,
and that officer sanguinely declared, on
assuming his duties, that with the re-
serve placed at his command, he was
confident of being able to drive the in-
vaders from the soil. -
Though the enemy no longer ventured,
since the retreat of General Price from
Missouri, to appear in that State with a
large organized force, they succeeded, by
means of guerrilla bands, in seriously
vexing the tranquillity of the loyal in-
habitants. The famous marauder Jeff.
Thompson, with a considerable number
of cavalry and some artillery, persist-
ently held New Madrid, and thence made
incursions into the interior of Missouri.
He was, however, not always for- Mar,
tunate in these raids. On one oc- *
casion, while proceeding from New Ma-
drid, he was met by a Federal force at
Lukestown, and defeated. Being fol-
lowed into the swamps by the cavalry of
General Hamilton and Colonel Morgan's
brigade, he was forced to leave three
pieces of his artillery in the hands of his
pursuers. General Pope coming up
with a separate detachment of Thomp-
son's force, captured three more pieces
of artillery, an officer, and several pri-
vates. Jeff. Thompson subsequently,
after the retreat from New Madrid and
the fall of Island No. 10, moved down
the Mississippi with the retreating enemy
to their strongholds below. Here he co-
operated in the defence of Forts Wright
212
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.

and Pillow, and covered the approaches the idea of making crops, but are
to Memphis from above.
In the interior of Missouri the guerrilla
bands continued very active in spite of
the vigilance of the Federal troops.
Quantrel became especially notable for
his boldness and activity. The whole
State was thus kept in a condition of in-
quietude which greatly hindered its res-
toration to prosperity.
“In consequence of the uncertainties
of the future,” testifies a cotemporary
observer, “and the unsettled state of
the country, there are but few making
any preparations to put in crops. Farms
are laid waste, and fences burned up
along the road, and Union men are
discouraged. The rebels have mostly
gone South with their negroes. Some
Union men have not only abandoned
getting their wagons out, intending to
forsake all, and emigrate to a place of
safety.” - -
The Federal troops which had been
left to guard the State had frequent con-
flicts with these guerrilla bands, and not
seldom succeeded in putting them to
complete rout, as at Warrensburg (March
29), Hammonsville (March 26), and
Bloomfield (May 14).
The Union cause had, in the mean
time, so far gained the ascendant in
Missouri, that a mass convention of
“the friends of the Administration and
those favorable to emancipation of the
slaves of Missouri, under the plan sub-
mitted to Congress by the Presi- June
dent,” was called to meet at Jef- 16
ferson City to nominate State officers.
! CHAPTER x Ix.
Siege of Yorktown by McClellan.-The Enemy's works.—Advance of McClellan on the Peninsula.--His opinions of the
Enemy's fortifications.—Siege-guns sent for.—McClellan before Yorktown.—Condition of the country.—Different
opinions in regard to the Enemy’s force.—Operations of the siege.—Skirmishes.—The repulse at Lee’s Mills.—The
gun-boats in the York River.—The Merrimac guarding the James.—A spirited attack upon a redoubt of the Enemy.
—Siege battery in position.—The effect of its fire.—Repulse of the Enemy.—Evacuation of Yorktown.—Pursuit
of the Enemy.
GENERAL McCLELLAN having trans-
ported from the banks of the Po-
tomac his large and well-disciplined
army of over a hundred thousand men
to the peninsula in Virginia formed by
the York and James rivers, prepared to
lay siege to the strong works the enemy
1862,
had erected in front of Yorktown. Their
position extended across the peninsula
from Yorktown on the York River, to
Warwick on the Warwick Creek, a small
stream which empties into the James.
From the natural defence of this creek
and the conformation of the land in that
MARCH TO YORKTOWN.
213
direction, the enemy were enabled by a
comparatively short line of works to
command all the roads up the peninsula
leading to their capital at Richmond.
They also held Gloucester, opposite to
Yorktown, on the eastern side of the
York River, where the banks of that
stream closely approach and form a nar-
row strait.
General McClellan disembarked at
Fortress Monroe with his staff on the
Apr., second of April, and in two days
* after advanced with his army to-
ward Yorktown. On making a recon-
noissance, McClellan discovered that his
undertaking was of a formidable charac-
ter. “The position of the enemy,” he
wrote, “is a strong one. From present
indications their fortifications extend
some two miles in length and mount
heavy guns. The ground in front of
their heavier guns is low and swampy,
making it utterly impassable.”
He accordingly made preparations for
a siege in due form before attempting to
make an assault. Mortars and siege-
trains were sent for, and in the mean
time the army advanced with caution in
the direction of Yorktown. The right,
composed of General Morrill's brigade of
Porter's division, two companies of the
Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, and a por-
tion of Berdan's Sharpshooters acting as
skirmishers, led the advance. Nothing
was seen of the enemy until arriving at
Big Bethel, after a march of twelve miles,
when their outer picket-guards were
observed falling back as our troops ap-
proached. The bridge here having been
destroyed, a delay of two hours occur-
red while constructing another. This
having been accomplished, the whole
army moved forward, and the main body
encamped for the night at Howard's
Creek, where the enemy, after firing a
few shots from a couple of field-pieces,
abandoned their works. General Mor-
rill's brigade continued to move on until
it reached Cuckleville, three miles in
advance, and six miles from Yorktown.
Early next morning the army again
resumed its march, and at ten Apr,
o'clock was in front of the works at 5.
Yorktown. The enemy opened fire at
once, which was replied to as soon as
the batteries of Griffin, the Third and
Fourth Rhode Island, and Fifth Massa-
chusetts could be placed in position.
The cannonade thus begun, continued
briskly on both sides until evening.
Three of our men were killed and six
wounded.
Everywhere was seen the desolating
effect of war. “The whole country
through which our troops passed was
formerly the garden spot of Virginia.
It is now,” reports an observer, al-
luding to a space of country of ten miles
which he visited in company with a rec-
onnoitring party, “perfectly devastated,
and but one house is left standing. The
houses, fences, and trees have been
burned by the retreating rebels.”
Great difference of opinion prevailed
in regard to the number of the enemy
at Yorktown. General Wool declared,
officially, “I do not believe the army of
the Potomac will find many troops to
contend with.” One who affected to be
cognizant of the secrets of the enemy,
110
214
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
declared : “They are in strong force at
Yorktown, where they have at least
twenty-five thousand troops.” Desert-
ers came in with estimates varying from
thirty to fifty thousand, while a tele-
gram, supervised by governmental au-
thority, was permitted to assert:
“Information received shows that the
rebels have a force of sixty thousand,
which is rapidly being added to by
troops from the neighborhood of Rich-
mond, which is one day from Yorktown
by railroad and river, they having four
steamers and sixteen transports in use,
and by the time the roads are in condi-
tion for the Union army to move, the
rebels may be able to meet them with
one hundred thousand men.
“The flower of their army, with the
best arms, are in a strongly intrenched
position. Previous to our troops occu-
pying the present position, the military
authorities had no means of ascertaining
the extent of the rebel works.
“Information obtained through de-
serting contrabands and other sources
shows that the enemy have nearly five
hundred guns, some of them of the
largest calibre. The rebel General
Johnston, with some of his forces, has
arrived and taken command in person,
showing that they intend making a des-
perate resistance to the advance of our
troops at every point. Their intrench-
ments extend entirely across the penin-
sula from the James to the York River.”
There seems but little doubt that
though previous to the landing of
McClellan on the peninsula the defences
of Yorktown were manned by less than
twenty thousand under General Magru-
der, this force was rapidly augmented
after that event by Confederate troops
withdrawn from the Rappahannock and
Norfolk until it reached perhaps sixty
thousand. - -
Reconnoissances were daily made, In-
trenchments thrown up, and a gradual
advance secured for our batteries. A
constant cannonade was kept up on both
sides, and repeated skirmishes took place,
in which the riflemen of Berdan's corps
did good service by the accuracy of their
aim and the deadliness of their fire. No
serious conflict, however, occurred Apr.
until April 16th, when an attack 16.
was made on the enemy's position at
Lee's Mills, on a streamlet of the War-
wick River. -
General McClellan having discovered
that the enemy were strengthening their
works at this point, determined to put
an end to their operations. He accord-
ingly ordered a fire to be opened upon
their working parties. For this pur-
pose, the New York battery, commanded
by Captain Mott, prepared to take po-
sition on the left of the enemy's works,
and the Rhode Island battery B, under
Captain Bartlett, on the right, while the
Third Vermont Regiment, acting as skir-
mishers, were thrown out in front and to
the right and left, and a force was post-
ed in the rear as a reserve. About Apr.
eight o'clock in the morning the 16.
first section of Captain Mott's battery,
consisting of two ten-pounder Parrott
guns, was advanced to within about a
thousand yards of the enemy's work,
and posted under the cover of a wood
FIGHT AT LEE'S MILLS.
21&
near the Warwick road, to the right of
an open field which extended to the
creek. A fire was now opened, which
was briskly responded to by the enemy's
batteries on the other side of the stream,
and with such accuracy of aim, that
three of our men were killed and
four wounded. The rest of the guns of
Mott's battery being now brought up
joined in the cannonade, which contin-
ued for two hours on both sides, when
the enemy's working parties were driven
away and their guns apparently si-
lenced. - -
It was now determined by General
Smith, who commanded the Vermont
brigade, whose position was opposite to
the enemy's works at Lee's Mills, to
throw a force across the creek and at-
tempt to take the defences by assault.
Accordingly, about three o'clock in the
afternoon, Colonel Hyde was ordered by
General Smith to take the four compa-
nies, D, E, F, and K of the Third Wer-
mont Regiment, which had been held in
reserve during the engagement of the
morning, advance, cross the creek, and
storm the enemy's works. At the same
time four batteries of light artillery,
commanded respectively by captains
Ayres—the senior officer, and therefore
chief in command—Mott, Kennedy, and
Wheeler, took a position so as to cover
with their guns the storming party.
“The four batteries,” says an eye-
witness,” “opened a concerted fire on
the fort, throwing shot, shell, and spher-
ical case into it in rapid succession ; then
those four companies of the Third Regi-
* Correspondent of N. Y. Herald.
ment advanced, dashed into the water,
which in some places came up to their
armpits, and proceeded to storm the
work. At this moment an immense
force of the enemy, who had lain low
all this while, confronted our men, shoot-
ing them down in the water. The brave
little band stood their ground nobly, and
notwithstanding that many had their
cartridge-boxes soaked in the dam, they
crossed over and drove the enemy out
of the rifle-pit or lower line of the in-
trenchments. This position they held
against a murderous fire for perhaps
twenty or thirty minutes. At length a
large body of rebel reinforcements, con-
sisting of two or three regiments, was
seen advancing from the rear into the
fort, and for some unaccountable reason
our reinforcements not appearing at the
proper moment, the brave battalion was
compelled to fall back before superior
numbers. We sustained considerable
loss both in crossing and recrossing the
dam. . -
“After the remnant of these compa-
nies returned, our batteries, which had
in the mean time ceased firing, opened in
full force again. Then the Sixth. Wer-
mont Regiment was ordered to storm
the work by the left flank. Led by
their gallant colonel, Lord, the Sixth
Regiment rushed into the water. Seven
companies had gotten in and some had
reached within about three rods of the
breast-work, when, being in three feet
of water, they were immediately met by
the fire of a long line of rebel rifles
which were popped above the parapets.
A running fire from a thousand small-
216
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
arms was poured upon our men. It
was returned as well as the circum-
stances would warrant. The breast-
work was lighted up with a continuous
sheet of flame, the artillery belched
away at the enemy, shells were bursting
over their breastworks, the smoke of the
battle was ascending, and for a few mo-
ments the scene was one of the grandest
witnessed in war. Not a man of ours
flinched, but all returned the fire of the
enemy with deadly effect. Wherever a
head was put above the parapet they
fired at it. Hence the rebels were
mostly hit in the head, except those
killed and wounded by shells, which
must have been considerable. Many
of our wounded were hit in the hip and
lower extremities, indicating that the
rebels were endeavoring to comply with
Magruder's order, to fire low and each
bring down his man. Finding that
rebel reinforcements were still advanc-
ing, and owing to the apparent impossi-
bility of making a successful assault with
the bayonet, Colonel Lord retired with
his men, who brought most of their
wounded comrades away with them.”
The loss during this gallant but un-
successful assault, including that of the
storming party and artillery, amounted
to thirty-five killed, a hundred and
twenty wounded, and nine missing.
Captain Mott, upon whose battery
the enemy seemed to have concentrated
their fire, had three men killed and
seven wounded. Seven of his horses
were disabled.
The enemy lost one of their most gal-
lant officers, Colonel McKinney, of the
Fifteenth North Carolina Regiment,
which bore the chief part in the strug-
gle. They reported their whole loss
to be twenty killed and seventy-five
wounded.
General McClellan continued vigor-
ously to prosecute his siege operations,
while the enemy seemed equally ener-
getic in strengthening and defending
their works. Occasional conflicts oc-
curred in consequence of the attempts
made to hinder each other's operations.
The Union gun-boats which had moved
up the York River, within a mile or two
of the strait between Gloucester and
Yorktown, by their frequent fire seri-
ously impeded the enemy in strengthen-
ing and repairing their works at those
places. James River, on the other side
of the peninsula, was carefully guarded
by the enemy's iron-clad battery Merri-
mac, which ever and anon came up from
Norfolk, and seemed to defy the whole
force of the Union fleets.
A spirited attack upon one of the en-
emy's redoubts varied the monot- Apr,
ony of the siege. This work stood 26.
in front of a wood near the Yorktown
road, in advance of the main defences.
It had a ditch six feet deep with a strong
parapet, and was manned by two com-
panies of infantry, but with no artillery.
It having been determined to carry the
redoubt, and ascertain the nature of the
works behind, five companies of Mas-
sachusetts troops, consisting of three of
the First Regiment, under Lieutenant-
Colonel Wells, and two of the Eleventh,
under Major Tripp, were detailed for the
purpose. Company A, Captain Wild, was
SIEGE GUNS OPEN FIRE.
217
deployed as a skirmishing party to the left
in the cornfield in front of the redoubt to
prevent a flank movement of the enemy,
and Company I, Captain Rand, was held
in reserve toward the right near a ra-
vine, while Company H, under Captain
Carroll, made the assault. Led by Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Wells, they advanced at
double quick across the field right for
the work. As soon as the enemy caught
sight of them they opened a brisk fire,
but the Massachusetts men continued to
advance at a rapid pace in face of it
with fixed bayonets, not a man of ours
firing a shot until within a few yards of
the ditch in front of the redoubt, when
they fired a full volley, which sent the
enemy scampering away from the work,
into which our men sprang at once and
took possession. A working party, de-
tailed for the purpose, followed with
picks and shovels, and soon demolished
the redoubt. The enemy, in the mean
time, opened fire from their main forti-
fications upon our flanking parties as
they came forward; these, however,
succeeded in escaping to the cover of
a neighboring wood. The Union loss
was three killed and thirteen wounded.
Fourteen of the enemy were taken pris-
Ol] CI’S.
The enemy on their side made an oc-
casional sortie, but were generally beaten
back with heavy loss.
After more than three weeks' labo.
rious preparation, General McClellan
having advanced his parallels, got one
Apr., of his large siege batteries in posi-
30, tion, and opened fire at a distance
of two miles upon the enemy's works.
The first shot was fired from Battery No.
1, at the mouth of Wormsley's Creek,
and was aimed at the enemy's shipping
in the York River, beyond Yorktown
and Gloucester. This caused a scattering
of the vessels. The guns of the battery
were now directed against the enemy's
works at Yorktown and Gloucester.
The enemy replied with their large pivot
gun, a rifled sixty-eight pounder, mount-
ed on the heights of Yorktown. The
cannonade was kept up on both sides for
two hours, in the course of which about
sixty shot were fired from the one and
two hundred pounder Parrott guns of the
heavy siege battery. During the night
the enemy kept up a brisk fire of shells
upon the advanced parallels where our
men were at work. On the next morn-
ing the enemy opened fire with their
columbiad, mounted upon the heights
of Yorktown, and continued to fire it
with great rapidity until its twenty-third
discharge, when “it burst into a thou-
sand pieces, tearing up the parapet and
making havoc with the crowd who were
collected around it at the time.” This
seemed to be the only gun capable of
competing with our heavy siege batte-
ries, and the enemy, after it had burst,
ceased to fire, but our cannonade upon
Yorktown and Gloucester was contin-
ued with increased vigor. It now was
Saturday, and before night the May
heavy siege batteries being all in 3.
position, and everything in readiness,
General McClellan resolved, after dedi-
cating the coming Sunday to a sacred
rest, to begin on Monday the bombard-
ment of the enemy's works, which he
218
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
did not doubt would result in their total
overthrow, and a triumphant victory for
the Federal arms.
These sanguine expectations, how-
ever, were destined to disappointment
by a discreet movement of the enemy,
who evacuated Yorktown and Glouces-
May ter on Saturday night, though their
* retreat was not discovered by the
Federal army until the next morning.
General McClellan at once dispatched all
his cavalry and horse artillery in pur-
suit, supported by a considerable body
of infantry, and ordered the fleet of
gun-boats up the York River. “I shall
push the enemy to the wall,” declared
McClellan in his official dispatch, and
acting in accordance with these ener-
getic words, he rapidly embarked Frank-
lin's division and other troops on trans-
ports and sent them up the York River
to West Point, with the view of flank-
ing the enemy on their retreat toward
Richmond, and thus co-operating with
the immediately pursuing force already
sent by land.
The defences the enemy had evacu-
ated were reported by the engineers
“as being very strong,” and the confu-
sion that prevailed appeared to indicate
a hasty movement on the part of some
of the troops, although the main body
had begun to retire several days before
the rear-guard. The fugitives left be-
hind fifty-two pieces of artillery after
having spiked them, and a considerable
amount of ammunition, camp equipage,
and stores of all kinds. These they
would doubtlessly have carried off if.
they had been able ; but there were other
instruments of war found which they had
designedly prepared to leave behind.
These were torpedoes, which had been,
with a savage perversion of the rules of
warfare, ingeniously contrived, and so
hidden on the roads, in the fortifications,
in the houses and streets, in the tents,
and among the tempting baggage aban-
doned, as to explode on the touch of the
unwary. A telegraph operator stepped
on one and was instantly killed, and a
mounted man stood on another, which
exploded and fatally wounded his horse.*
By the ingenious expedient of forcing
the prisoners to unearth these diabolical
machines, further injury was prevented,
Yorktown now being in possession of
our forces, was garrisoned by the Forty-
fourth New York Regiment, and placed
under the authority of Brigadier-Gen-
eral Van Alen, of New York, as military
governor, while General McClellan pre-
pared to advance with the whole of his
large army, inspirited by the prospect
of an active campaign.
o “An officer told me,” wrote a correspondent of the
N. Y. Herald, “that he found thirty of them within a
compass of ten Square rods. They are eleven-inch round
shell, and so concealed under the ground as to leave little,
if any, external indication of their presence. Captain
Weeden and Colonel Woodbury dissected one, and found
it to contain nearly four pounds of very coarse and very
fine powder, mixed. Each has a quill fuse, and above it
a plunger, with knob so constructed that a person walk-
ing along and stepping upon it brings the plunger down
with sufficient force upon a cap underneath to cause t to
explode.”
ADVANCE ON WILLIAMSBURG.
219
C H A P T E R XX.
Pursuit of the Enemy after the evacuation of Yorktown.—The Enemy within their intrenchments at Williamsburg.—
Unsuccessful charge of General Stoneman.—Movements of various divisions of McClellan’s army.—Before Will-
iamsburg.—Battle of Williamsburg.—The Union troops hard pressed.—Anxiety for reinforcements.-McClellan
in the field.—Heavy reinforcements.-Close of the battle.—Losses.—Evacuation of Williamsburg.—Occupation by
McClellan.
THE force of cavalry and light artil-
lery under the command of Gen-
eral Stoneman, dispatched in pur-
suit early on Sunday morning, imme-
May diately after the evacuation of
4. Yorktown was discovered, soon
came up with the rear guard of the en-
emy. Several skirmishes ensued, and
many stragglers from the retreating
army were cut off, but the main body
succeeded in getting within their in-
trenchments and under cover of their
redoubts at Williamsburg. Stoneman,
however, not waiting for his support of
infantry, imprudently charged upon the
enemy's works, and was driven back with
the loss of one of his cannon and a dozen
wounded men.
At noon of the same day the corps
d'armée of Heintzelman and Keyes left
Yorktown to join in pursuit of the re-
treating and supposed demoralized army
of the enemy. General Hooker's divi-
sion, followed by General Kearney's (both
of Heintzelman's corps d'armée), took the
road leading from Yorktown, and Gen-
eral Smith's division, which led the ad-
vance of Keyes' corps d'armée, marched
by the Warwick Court House road.
1862,
These roads united at Cheesecoke
Church, about six miles from York-
town, in the road leading directly to Will-
iamsburg. Here the advanced divisions
of Hooker and Smith met, but again
separated, the latter moving on the
Yorktown and Williamsburg road to the
right, and the former taking the Hamp-
ton and Williamsburg road” on the left.
In advance of General Hooker's divi-
sion was General Emory in command of
a force of cavalry and artillery, com-
posed of detachments of the First and
Sixth Regular Cavalry, the McClellan
Dragoons, the Third Pennsylvania Cav-
alry, and Gilson's battery. Overtaking
a body of the enemy's mounted men,
they soon routed them by a fire from
the guns, followed by a charge of cav-
alry.
General Stoneman, who had been first
sent in pursuit, and falling back after
his check, was now on the Yorktown
road, in advance of General Smith's divi-
sion. During the evening and night,
Hooker's and Smith's divisions contin-
ued to press forward, and did not cease
their toilsome march in a pouring rain
° These roads unite not far from Williamsburg.
220
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
and through the deep mire of the roads,
until within striking distance of the en-
emy's defences at Williamsburg, before
which the troops rested on their arms,
waiting for the coming day to begin the
attack. “That was a fearful night,”
wrote a campaigner, “and that a strange,
eventful bivouac. The roads being in a
dreadfully muddy condition, the troops
had had a difficult march; and there at
night, without shelter from the rain,
which was falling fast, without food or
nourishment, they all, officers and sol.
diers, reposed that Sabbath night, as
best they could, on the wet ground and
among the forest-trees.”
The position of the whole force, as it
bivouacked, was as follows : General
Hooker's division rested in front of the
centre of the enemy's works near Will-
iamsburg, and General Smith's division,
and the cavalry and artillery under Stone-
man, on the right. The divisions of
Generals Kearney and Couch had halted
May in the rear. Early in the morning
5, the enemy defiantly moved for-
ward their picket guards, which, how-
ever, were made to fall rapidly back on
the approach of our troops. General
Grover's brigade, which led the advance
of Hooker's division, arrived within full
sight of the enemy's works at six o'clock
in the morning. The road on which
they marched passed through a forest,
thickly wooded, except where the trees
had been felled to secure a clear range
for the enemy's cannon. The position
about to be attacked was a formidable
one. To the natural defence of a dense
forest and a ravine had been added a
number of redoubts, rifle-pits, abattis,
and a strong fort called Fort Magruder.
This work was a formidable structure,
of an area of nearly half a mile, with
stout parapets and a deep ditch. There
were, moreover, twelve redoubts so
placed as to flank each other and sup-
port the main fort. The approach, to
within a mile, was concealed by the for-
est growth, and the fallen trees, which
had been cut down to give a free range
to the guns, were so placed as greatly
to hinder the advance of troops.
The other works, which were gen-
erally small redoubts, were skilfully
placed on the rising ground so as to
command not only the Ordinary ap-
proaches by bridges and roads, but the
whole space extending across the penin-
sula in front of Williamsburg.
At half-past seven o'clock General
Grover had his brigade in position to
open the battle. The First Massachu-
setts, the Second New Hampshire, the
Eleventh Massachusetts, and Twenty-
sixth Pennsylvania regiments were de-
ployed in front to the left of the Hamp-
ton road as skirmishers to pick off the
enemy's sharpshooters and artillerists,
while Captain Weber's battery of artil-
lery was advanced to within seven or
eight hundred yards of Fort Magruder.
While this disposition was being made,
the enemy opened fire from the fort and
one of their redoubts, killing two offi-
cers and several men of Weber's battery
and forcing it to retire. The artillerists,
however, being joined by some volun-
teers, soon rallied, and, replacing their
guns in position, responded to the en-
BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG.
221
emy's fire. Captain Bramhall's New
York battery came up half an hour after-
ward, and being placed to the right
of Weber's, the two, supported by the
Fifth New Jersey Regiment, poured their
fire into the works, while the infantry
kept up a brisk discharge of musketry,
and with such effect that in the course
of an hour and a half the enemy's troops
were dispersed and their guns appar-
ently silenced.
General Heintzelman in the mean
time having arrived on the field some-
what in the rear of Grover's advanced
position, sent General Emory to join
Hooker with his regular cavalry, four
regiments of infantry, the Third Michi-
gan, the Third Maine, the Fourth Maine,
and the Sixty-third Pennsylvania, Ben-
son's Second Artillery, two batteries
from General Kearney's division, and
the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. When
Emory reached Hooker's position with
his advanced cavalry, he was told there
was no use for mounted men in that
quarter, and he was ordered to take the
roads to the left and rear and observe
the manoeuvres of the enemy who might
be concealing themselves in the woods.
Emory came upon a partly deserted re-
doubt on the left, and captured seventy
prisoners, but not being supplied with a
sufficient force, was unable to effect little
else beyond an occasional successful
skirmish.
It soon became evident that the enemy
were striving to turn our left. General
Grover accordingly ordered the First
Massachusetts, the Eleventh Massachu-
setts, and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania
(which, however, remained on the right,
not having received the order) to move
through the woods on the left, to coun-
teract the enemy's flanking manoeuvre in
that direction.
The Massachusetts men advanced
promptly, and were soon closely en-
gaged. When the Eleventh had ad-
vanced within fifty yards of the enemy,
“a rebel officer displayed a white flag,
and shouted, ‘Don’t fire on your
friends!’ Colonel Blaisdell (of the Elev-
enth) immediately ordered his regiment
to cease firing, and when private Do-
herty advanced to take the flag, the
rebel officer said to his men, ‘Now,
boys, give it to them l’ The command
was obeyed, and we lost a number of
men in consequence. Doherty was the
first victim of the treachery, but ere he
fell, he had discharged his rifle at the
officer, who received retributive justice
in the form of a bullet through the
head.”
The brave Massachusetts men contin-
ued to struggle on perseveringly until
they had exhausted all their ammuni-
tion, when they were relieved by the
Seventy-second New York (Excelsior
brigade), under Lieutenant-Colonel Mo-
ses, which in its turn gave way, after
confronting a terribly destructive fire in
an attack upon a battery on the left,
and was replaced by the Seventieth Reg-
iment of New York volunteers (Excel-
sior brigade), Colonel Dwight. As this
regiment confronted the enemy, it was
mistaken for one of their own. The
Confederate colonel, however, to make
* Correspondent of N. Y. Herald.
111
222
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.

sure, as he displayed his own flag, asked
Colonel Dwight to show his, who at
once unfurled the “stars and stripes,”
which the enemy immediately greeted
with a volley of musketry, which was
returned with good effect. The engage-
ment now grew warmer as the enemy
were bringing up large reinforcements
to effect their purpose of turning our
left. The Seventieth held their ground
with great firmness, though heavily
pressed upon by superior numbers, and
did not yield as long as they had a car-
tridge left, or were able to get one from
the cartridge-boxes of their fallen com-
rades. Their colonel, after receiving
two severe wounds, was made a pris-
oner with several of his men, and of the
thirty-three commissioned officers of the
regiment, twenty-two were either killed
or wounded. -
The engagement was now very seri-
ous, and it became necessary to support
our left with every available force. Gen-
eral Patterson, accordingly, having ar-
rived on the ground with his New Jer-
sey brigade, led at once two regiments,
the Sixth and the Seventh, through the
forest, to oppose the constantly renewed
efforts of the enemy in that direction.
Patterson met with a stout resistance,
which greatly endangered the safety of
his command. The Eighth New Jer-
sey, however, coming up opportunely,
succeeded in keeping the enemy at bay,
who still persevered with increasing
numbers in their attempts to turn our
left. -
General Hooker, thus finding that the
enemy were concentrating their strength
on the left, where he was in command,
became anxious for reinforcements. He
accordingly, at half-past eleven o'clock,
dispatched a note to General Heintzel-
man's assistant adjutant-general, in
which he wrote : “I have had a hard
contest all the morning, but do not
despair of success. My men are all at
work, but a great deal exhausted. It
is reported to me that my communica-
tion with you by the Yorktown road is
clear of the enemy. Batteries, cavalry,
and infantry can take part by the side
of mine and whip the enemy.”
As General Heintzelman was sup-
posed to be still on the Yorktown road,
whither he had gone to join his com-
mand with that of General Sumner,
Hooker's messenger was sent there.
Heintzelman, however, had left and
gone to the Hampton road in the rear
of our hard-pressed left, where he was
hastening up the greatly needed rein-
forcements. He accordingly did not re-
ceive the note, which was opened and
read by General Sumner, who sent it
back endorsed, “opened and read by the
senior officer on that field.” Sumner,
stimulated by this note, ordered General
Peck with his brigade to the front and
right of Hooker's command, to engage
the enemy at that point, and thus divert
his attack from the left, which was
struggling against such odds. The roads
were in such an ill condition from mud
and rain, that there was considerable
delay in getting these troops into posi-
tion, and they were not able to be of
much service until late in the day.
* Correspondent of N. Y. Herald.
HOOKER IN THE STRUGGLE.
223
Smith's division had pushed on vigor-
ously towards the centre and right.
General Hancock had been ordered at
an early hour to the extreme right, about
a mile and a half east of the Yorktown
road, to take possession of an abandoned
work commanding a dam across a small
creek, and to feel his way to the ene-
my's left. Hancock had with him a
force of about 2,500 men, consisting of
portions of the Fifth Wisconsin, the
Sixth Maine, the Forty-ninth Pennsyl-
vania, the Seventh Maine, and the
Thirty-third New York regiments, and
Cowan's and Wheeler's batteries of ar-
tillery. Crossing the creek, Hancock
took possession of the work which com-
manded it, and of another about 1,200
yards in advance, toward Fort Magru-
der. Brook's Vermont brigade pushed
forward in the centre, and held their
ground with great steadiness.
The contest now extended along our
whole line, but with the greatest activ-
ity on the left, which the enemy were
obstinately striving to turn by constant-
ly bringing up fresh reinforcements.
The New York regiments of the Excel-
sior brigade, now strengthened by their
comrades of the Seventy-third and Sev-
enty-fourth, had returned with new spirit
to the encounter, and were emergetically
sustained by the brigade of Patterson,
consisting of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh,
and Eighth New Jersey regiments, which
had gone to their support. The enemy
continued to throw forward fresh troops,
and kept up from Fort Magruder and a
redoubt on its right a constant cannon-
ade of shot and shell, from the havoc of
which, however, our men were partially
protected by the woods. “Tree tops
dropped off as though they had been
heads severed from human bodies by the
keenest sword.” The New Jersey bri-
gade suffered greatly, and occasionally
wavered, but persevered in holding their
position for seven hours, until relieved
by fresh troops, in the face of a terrible
fire. “No troops,” says an eye-witness,
“ever sustained a more destructive fire
or displayed better discipline or more
determined gallantry. The number of
the brigade was only 2,000, and its cas-
ualties in killed and wounded are more
than 800.” -
In the mean time the position of Gen-
eral Grover's brigade, which had opened
the battle, was shifted more to the left,
in order to aid in resisting the concen-
trated attack of the enemy in that direc-
tion. As reinforcements had not yet
come up in sufficient strength, and Gen-
eral Hooker was compelled thus to move
some of his infantry, his artillery was
left without support. He deemed “it
better to run the risk of losing a few
pieces of artillery than of losing the
day.” The enemy at once discovering
that the supports were removed, made
a dash for the artillery, and succeeded
in capturing some of the guns of Bram-
hall's battery, which, though gallantly
defended, it was found impossible to
save, as most of the horses had been
killed, and the wheels of the gun-car-
riages were deeply imbedded in the
muddy ground.
Reinforcements now began to ap-
proach the scene of the struggle. Gen-
224.
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
eral Kearney's, formerly Hamilton's, di-
vision, of Heintzelman's corps d'armée,
came forward at an opportune moment,
as the left seemed about to be over-
whelmed by the repeated attacks of the
enemy, who had succeeded in pushing
their way into the woods near the Hamp-
ton road, which had hitherto been held
by Hooker's troops. General Berry's
brigade of Kearney's division was the
first to arrive on the ground, followed
by Thompson's batteries, making their
appearance at a critical moment, and in
time to save our hard-pressed left. Gen-
eral Heintzelman himself had been near-
ly surrounded, but “he made up his
mind to be killed or captured by the
enemy, sooner than leave a position
where, at that critical juncture, he could
by his presence inspire confidence in his
troops.” General Kearney, after a
hasty conference with Generals Heint-
Zelman and Hooker, brought his troops
into action. General Berry, with his
brigade, in advance, consisting of the
Fifth Michigan (the Third Michigan had
*
* “When General Kearney’s troops were being brought
into action they met the lengthened files of General
Hooker's wounded being carried to the rear. The shrieks
of the lacerated and bleeding soldiers, who had been
fighting so long and so well, pierced the air, and this,
joined to the mud and rain, and the exhaustion of those
who had come several miles with so much speed, was not
calculated to produce a favorable impression on them as
they were going into action. General Heintzelman, how-
ever, ordered several of the bands to strike up national
and martial airs, and when the strains of the familiar
tunes reached the ears of the wounded as they were being
carried from the field, their cheers mingled with those of
the soldiers who were just rushing into the battle. The
effect, too, was great on the other side ; for some of the
prisoners state that when they heard the bands strike up
the Star Spangled Banner, and heard our soldiers cheer,
tl?y knew that the victory would be ours.”—Correspondent
N 2 . Heral 2.
already been detached to serve under
General Emory), the Thirty-seventh New
York, and the Second Michigan, was the
first to engage with the now triumphing
enemy. The Fifth Michigan was filed
off to the left of the Hampton road into
the woods, and was supported by the
Thirty-seventh New York. Part of the
Second Michigan was posted on either
side of the road, and the rest held in
reserve. A charge was now ordered on
the left, and the Fifth Michigan and
Thirty-seventh New York “advanced in
splendid style, driving the enemy before
them away from the fallen timber and
out of the rifle-pits beyond.” Nearly
all the field officers of the Fifth Michi-
gan were wounded in this charge, and
their colonel, Terry, though he had been
among the first to receive a wound, gal-
lantly persisted in leading his command.
The Fifth Michigan stoutly held the
ground they had so spiritedly won.
The enemy were now sending out de-
tachments towards the centre, where
they had captured a portion of Bram-
hall's battery, and were striving to ob-
tain possession of the rest of the cannon.
Captain Smith, however, had planted
his battery in echelon, on a knoll to the
right of the road, whence he kept up a
raking fire, which checked the enemy as
they came out from Fort Magruder to
seize the abandoned artillery. At the
same time General Kearney ordered for-
ward two companies of the Second
Michigan to charge on the enemy's skir-
mishers, who were thronging about the
cannon. This charge was gallantly made,
and the enemy were driven back.
A GALLANT CHARGE.
225
General Birney now came forward
with two regiments of his brigade, the
Thirty-eighth New York and the For-
tieth New York, which were deployed
to the right, in order to relieve those
troops which had been in the struggle
since the morning. The enemy con-
tinued their fire from the forts and oth-
er works, while at the same time they
pressed forward with their troops. The
Thirty-eighth New York, as soon as they
reached the front, were ordered to
charge down the road and take the
rifle-pits by the flank. Colonel Ward,
taking two companies, led the charge in
the most brilliant manner, and drove
the enemy back from their position.
General Kearney at this moment observ-
ing the advantage to be gained by push-
ing this success so gallantly won by
Colonel Ward, ordered a portion of the
Fortieth New York to sustain him in
another charge to the rear of the enemy.
This detachment of the Fortieth New
York was led by Captain Mindel, chief
of General Birney's staff, the colonel
being actively engaged with the rest of
the regiment in front. This second
charge proved effective, and drove the
enemy back, who ceased their fire both
ſtom rifle-pits and artillery. General
Jameson now reached this portion of the
field with his brigade, and forming his
troops into line, made ready to bring
them into action. The enemy, however,
no longer taking the offensive in this
direction, prevented them from partici-
pating in the fight.
The enemy finding such an obstinate
resistance to their efforts to turn our left,
became more vigorous in their attacks
on our right. General Peck's brigade,
which had been sent to meet the enemy
in this direction, arrived on the ground
late in the afternoon, and became en-
gaged with them in the open space in
front of their works on the Yorktown
road. The One Hundred and Second
Pennsylvania Regiment was deployed
to the right, and the Fifty-fifth New
York to the left, the latter being or-
dered to prevent the attempts of the en-
emy already described to capture the
guns, but arrived too late to effect the
object. These regiments, together with
the rest of Peck's brigade, the Sixty-
second, Ninety-third, and Ninety-eighth,
were moved to the front, but after suf-
fering severely, and beginning to waver,
it became manifest that Peck's brigade
was unable to hold its position, and it
was relieved by Generals Keim and De-
vine's brigades of General Casey's divi-
Sion. &
General Hancock, it will be recol-
lected, had moved his brigade, at an
early hour of the day, to our extreme
right, where he took possession of two
abandoned works. As he gradually fell
back, the enemy began to strike heavily
on our right, lest he should be cut off
from the main body of the army.
“His brigade,” writes an eye-wit-
ness,” “fell back in line of battle, fol-
lowed by the rebels, firing and cheering
as they came ; and our artillery was also
brought back piece by piece, the last
gun firing a few rounds of canister at
the advancing enemy. As soon as the
* Correspondent N. Y. Herald.
226
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
artillery was safe, the Fifth Wisconsin
Regiment, on the right, was ordered to
retire in the same manner as the others,
disputing the ground as it retreated.
Another line was being formed on either
side of the redoubt by our retiring reg-
iments. The enemy was pressing them
so hard, that when the Fifth Wisconsin
had reached the second line, followed by
the Fifth North Carolina, shouting ‘Bull
Run, Bail's Bluff,’ it was immediately
formed to the right and left of the re-
doubt. wº
“The rebels were now within some
forty yards, and General Hancock or-
dered an immediate advance of his en-
tire line. This, it will be remembered,
was composed of the principal portions
of the Fifth Wisconsin, Sixth and Sev-
enth Maine, Thirty-third New York, and
Forty-ninth Pennsylvania regiments—
in all about 2,500 men, These regi-
ments went forward with alacrity, and
as they came close to the enemy, deliv-
ered a few volleys. Then General Han-
cock, whose politeness is equal to his
bravery, gave the command, ‘Gentle-
men, charge l’ and his gallant soldiers,
with tremendous cheers, dashed down
the slope. The enthusiastic spirit of the
men seemed to be sufficient to frighton
the opposing force, which was said by
prisoners to be General Early's brigade,
and with the exception of three resolute
rebels who stood to receive the bay-
onets, the line broke and the rebels ran.
Pushing them down the slope, General
Hancock's command halted and fired ten
or twelve volleys at them, and also at
another rebel force which was observed
advancing to support the first. When
the Smoke cleared up, the ground was
covered with dead and dying rebels.”
In the mean time, while the battle
was raging along the whole line, and
the endurance of our men had been so
severely tried that fears were enter-
tained of their being capable of further
resistance, McClellan, who had been
sent for, made his appearance on the
field. “Regiment after regiment, as he
was quickly recognized, gave utterance,”
testifies a campaigner,” “to a welcome
of which Napoleon might have been
proud. Arriving at headquarters, he,
without dismounting from his horse,
held a brief consultation with General
Keyes, and approving his course, and
especially his order for reinforcements
to General Hancock, joined him in a
ride throughout our lines. His appear-
ance was everywhere the signal for an
outburst of the wildest applause. He
wore a plain blue coat, and his cap en-
veloped in a glazed covering. The ra-
pidity of his ride to the field had well
spattered him with mud, and the drench-
ing rain had penetrated his every gar-
He, however, showed no signs
of fatigue, and it was not until he had
in person familiarized himself with the
entire field, and by critical observation
studied the exact position of the enemy,
that he accepted the shelter of a room
which had been reserved for him at
headquarters.”
With McClellan came heavy reinforce-
ments, which, as they arrived, were
pushed forward to relieve the exhausted
ment.
& N. Y. Evening Post.
EVACUATION OF WILLIAMSBURG.
227
troops. After the brilliant charge, how-
ever, of General Hancock's brigade on
our extreme right, by which the works
of the enemy on the left had been taken
and their flank turned, the battle ceased.
The loss on both sides had been large ;
that of the Union army was computed
at 455 killed, 1,411 wounded, and about
500 missing; that of the enemy was
supposed to be somewhat less.
in General Hooker's division, which was
most exposed, and almost entirely over-
whelmed, was in the proportion of one
to six, equal to that of the allied armies
at Alma, one of the bloodiest battles on
record. The number of the enemy en-
gaged, led by one of the ablest of their
generals, Joseph E. Johnston, is Sup-
posed to have amounted to 30,000 men,
while the Union army numbered about
the same toward the close of the con-
test.
After the battle the Union army rested
on their arms, in front of the works of
The loss
the enemy. An hour after midnight it
was reported that they were evacuating
their works, and this being confirmed in
the morning, our army, at dawn of day,
took possession of the abandoned May
defences and the town of Williams- 6.
burg. General Jameson was the first
to advance, with a reconnoitring party
composed of two companies of the One
Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Regi-
ment and a detachment of twelve men
under Lieutenant Gilbert. He first en-
tered Fort Magruder, which was found
deserted, and then bringing up his whole
brigade, took possession of the other
works and the city of Williamsburg.
The rear guard of the enemy was leav-
ing just as General Jameson entered.
The town was almost entirely deserted
by its inhabitants, except. Some linger-
ing negroes, deserters, stragglers, and
| wounded, who, to the number of about
six hundred, were found in the streets,
hospitals, and private houses.
228
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
&
C EIA P T E R X. XI.
Movement of Franklin's Division.—Arrival at Brick House Point.—Disembarkation of Union troops.—Opposition
of the Enemy.—Battle of West Point.—Junction of McClellan with Franklin.—James River still guarded by the
Merrimac.—Appearance of the Merrimac.—Bombardment of Sewall's Point by Union gun-boats.—Escape of the
Merrimac.—Goldsborough's justification.—President Lincoln at Fortress Monroe.—Finds a landing-place, and
directs an attack upon Norfolk.-Advance upon Norfolk.-Evacuation by the Enemy.—Occupation by Union
troops.-Condition of Norfolk.-Burning of Navy Yard.—Destruction of the Merrimac.—Expedition up James
River.—Repulse of Union gun-boats at Fort Darling.
IT will be recollected that on the day
after the evacuation of Yorktown
was discovered, General McClel-
lan sent General Franklin's division up
the York River in order to make an at-
tempt to cut off the retreating enemy
from their communications with Rich-
May mond. General Franklin having
" sailed up the river with his trans-
ports, preceded by the gun-boats, suc-
ceeded in disembarking most of his divi-
sion on the afternoon of May 6th, at Brick
House Point, on the west bank of the
river, and opposite West Point, situated
at the junction of the Matapony and Pa-
munky, which unite to form the York.
The enemy disappeared on the advance
of the gun-boats, and the troops, landing
without resistance, encamped on a wide
plain. Pickets were thrown out into the
surrounding woods, but no enemy was
visible. Transports continued to arrive
from Yorktown during the afternoon
and evening with additional troops, con-
sisting of the division of General Sedg-
wick, but these remained on board the
vessels, anchored in the stream. The
1862,
gun-boats of light draught moved up the
Pamunky and Matapony rivers and
seized a number of the enemy's small
boats, to be used in landing our troops
from the transports which were of too
great a draught to reach the shore, where
the depth of water was hardly six feet.
During the night the enemy's pickets
ventured to approach our encamp- May
ment, and shot a guard. This arous- 7.
ed the vigilance of General Franklin,
who made preparations for a possible
engagement on the coming day. At
early dawn skirmishers were thrown
out toward the edge of the woods, May
and the whole force drawn up in 8.
the plain ready to meet the enemy, who,
however, did not immediately make
their appearance. Our troops were now
recalled to their camp for breakfast,
with the exception of the New York
Thirty-second and the Ninety-fifth and
Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania regiments,
which were left as an advanced guard
near the edge of the woods that bounded
the plain on all sides except toward the
river bank.
THE MERRIMAC AGAIN.
229
The enemy now began to show them-
selves more openly. A considerable
force was seen on the west side of the
river, which, however, soon dispersed on
being shelled by the gun-boats, and the
enemy's scouts were busy firing from the
covert of the woods at our picket-guards.
The troops were now hurried ashore from
the transports in the river, and before
nine o'clock in the morning General
Dana's brigade had landed. In the
mean time the Thirty-first and Thirty-
second New York and the Ninety-fifth
and Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania regiments
were ordered to advance into the woods,
on the edge of which they had been
posted, and clear them of the enemy's
scouts, who were becoming more and
more troublesome. As they pushed
on in obedience to these orders, driving
the scouts before them, they came
suddenly upon large bodies of the
enemy advantageously posted with ar-
tillery, and it became necessary, after a
spirited struggle for several hours, in
which our men seemed in danger of
being overwhelmed by superior num-
bers, to withdraw them. Our artillery,
the Second United States battery, under
Captain Arnold, and the First Massa-
chusetts battery, under Captain Porter,
were now ordered into position, the for-
mer on the right and the latter on the
left, and both began such a vigorous
fire of shell that the enemy were soon
forced to shift their ground toward the
river, where they were again met by
a no less active cannonade from the gun-
boats. The enemy, thus driven from
point to point, were at last forced to
give up the struggle and retire. Other
reinforcements soon arrived by the river,
and General McClellan, on the next
day after the battle, succeeded in May
effecting a junction with General 8.
Franklin's force, and thus relieving it
from its danger in case of a concentra-
tion of the enemy's troops in that quar-
ter. The loss of the Unionists in the
engagement at Brick House Point was
forty-four killed and over a hundred
wounded.
It was evident that the advance of
General McClellan along the peninsula
to Richmond would be greatly aided by
the passage of the gun-boats up the
James as well as the York River. The
former was, however, still virtually closed
to our fleets by the dread of the Merri-
mac, which had again, after a long May
absence, made its appearance in 8.
Hampton Roads under cover of the
guns of Sewall's Point. This seemed a
favorable occasion for testing the formi-
dable means which had been prepared
for her destruction. Our gun-boats
moved out and opened fire upon Sew-
all's Point, chiefly with the view of as-
certaining the practicability of landing
troops in that direction and of reducing
the enemy's works. The Monitor and
the Stevens' battery not only took part
in this bombardment, but were ordered
to be in readiness to engage the Merri-
mac in case she could be caught in a
favorable position. This the Merrimac,
however, carefully avoided, and she was
left unassailed. Commodore Goldsbor-
ough, to meet the general disappoint-
ment felt at the escape of this much
112
230
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
dreaded monster, made the following
official statement :
“The Monitor had orders to fall back
into fair channel way, and only to en-
gage her seriously in such a position
that this ship, together with the mer-
chant vessels intended for the purpose,
could run her down. If an opportunity
presented itself, the other vessels were
not to hesitate to run her down, and the
Baltimore, an unarmed steamer of light
draught, high speed, and with a curved
bow, was kept in the direction of the
Monitor expressly to throw herself across
the Merrimac, either forward or aft of
her plated house, but the Merrimac did
not engage, nor did she place herself
where she could have been assailed by
our ram vessels to any advantage, or
where there was any prospect whatever
of getting at her.”
The reconnoissance, however, of the
gun-boats had demonstrated the practi-
cability of landing troops, preparatory to
an attack upon Norfolk, which it was de-
termined now to make, at the earnest sug-
gestion, it was said, of Mr. Lincoln, who
had gone, accompanied by Secretaries
Chase and Stanton, to Fortress Monroe
after the evacuation of Yorktown. The
President, moreover, was so bent upon
this movement, that, embarking together
with the Secretary of the Treasury, on
board of the cutter Miami, he made a
personal reconnoissance of the whole
shore from Sewall's Point to Linn Haven
Bay, to find a suitable place for land-
ing. The nautical men came to an un-
favorable conclusion in consequence of
the shallowness of the water, but Mr. Lin-
coln suggested an expedient by which
this difficulty might be overcome. He
is reported to have said: “Those old
canal boats that I saw near the wharf at
the fort do not draw more than a foot
of water when they are entirely empty.
Those may easily be placed in such a
position at high water that the ebb tide
will leave them—or, rather, the one
nearest the shore—entirely dry, while
at the outer one, which may be securely
anchored, there will be a depth of seven
or eight feet—plenty for the numerous
fleet of light draughts that we have at
our disposal.”
General Wool, in command at Fort-
ress Monroe, had warmly sympathized
with President Lincoln's earnest desire
to make an attack upon Norfolk, and
readily adopted his suggestion. On Fri-
day evening, May 9th, accordingly, May
the troops under command of Gen- 9.
eral Max Weber were embarked at
Fortress Monroe, on board of a fleet of
transport steamers, which had in tow a
flotilla of canal boats. At midnight
they set sail, and crossing Hampton
Roads, reached in an hour Ocean View,
the point selected for landing. Here
the transports anchored, and before
dawn Captain Davis' company of May
Richardson's light artillery, fol- 10.
lowed by the Twentieth New York Regi-
ment, had landed. General Weber ac-
companied the advance, and immediately
pushed it forward to clear the way for
the rest of the troops. No enemy were
found ; but it appeared that they had
only just abandoned the place. General
Weber continued to march rapidly on
DESTRUCTION OF THE MERRIMAC.
231
the direct road to Norfolk, but on reach-
ing Tanner's Creek, and finding the
bridge on fire, was forced to take a cir-
cuitous route. He was now overtaken
by the rest of the troops, under General
Mansfield and General Wool, who as-
sumed the chief command, and pushed
on to Norfolk, the abandoned intrench-
ments in front of which he entered at
twenty minutes before five o'clock A.M.
On approaching the city, a select com-
mittee of the Common Council, headed
by Mayor Lamb, met General Wool,
who was accompanied by Secretary
Chase, and formally surrendered the
place, and at the same time presented
certain resolutions of the Council, to
the effect that the surrender was made
from necessity, and not inclination.
There was a general appearance of
gloom in the city. The houses were
found closed, and the streets deserted,
except by the negroes and a mob of the
less reputable inhabitants, some of whom
gave evidence of their dissatisfaction,
but were soon quieted by an address of
the Mayor, who told them that the “city
was surrendered : he had done the best
he could : he had done all in his power
to obtain protection for its inhabitants,
and believed that they would be dealt
with in the most kindly manner.”
The navy yard and works at Ports-
mouth were found in flames, having been
set on fire by the enemy's force, under
General Huger, as it retired from the
city. An effort was made to extinguish
the fire, but without avail, and every-
thing—ships, gun-boats, workshops, and
machinery—was totally destroyed. The
city was placed at once under martial
law by General Wool, who appointed
General Egbert Wiele military governor.
The fear of the Confederate troops be-
ing removed, the Union sentiment in
the minds of the people found expres-
sion in various ways. Union meetings
were held, and the newspapers no long-
er feared to show themselves loyal.
On the evacuation of Norfolk the en-
emy abandoned all their defences in and
about the city, and their formidable
works on Elizabeth River and the bor-
ders of the Chesapeake Bay, with a
large number of cannon and a quantity
of shot and shell. This abandonment
was the natural result of the evacuation
of Yorktown and Norfolk, but the blow-
ing up of the Merrimac, which took plac
on the morning of May 11th, seemed a
wanton sacrifice, for which it was diffi-
cult to conjecture a sufficient motive.”
* The following is the report of Commodore Tatmall to
Secretary Mallory of the Confederate Government :
“RICHMOND, May 14, 1862.
“SIR : In detailing to you the circumstances which
caused the destruction of the Confederate States steamer
Virginia, and her movements a few days previous to that
event, I begin with your telegraphic dispatches to me of
the 4th and 5th instants, directing me to take such a posi-
tion in the James River as would entirely prevent the
enemy's ascending it.
“General Huger, commanding at Norfolk, on learning
that I had received this order, called on me and declared
that its execution would oblige him to abandon immédi-
ately his forts on Craney Island and Sewall's Point, and
their guns, to the enemy. I informed him that, as the
order was imperative, I must execute it, but suggested
that he should telegraph you and state the Consequen-
ces. He did so, and on the 5th instant you telegraphed
me to endeavor to afford protection to Norfolk as well as
the James River, which replaced me in my original posi-
tion. I then arranged with the General that he should
notify me when his preparations for the evacuation of
Norfolk were sufficiently advanced to enable bim to act
independently.
“On the 7th instant Commodore Hollins reached Nor-
232
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
The destruction of the Merrimac re-
leased the Monitor and the rest of the
formidable flotilla which had been so
long on the watch for that dreaded mon-
folk with orders from you to consult with me and such
officers as I might select in regard to the best disposition
to be made of the Virginia under the present aspect of
things. -
“We had arranged the conference for the next day, the
8th ; but on that day, before the hour appointed, the
enemy attacked the Sewall's Point battery, and I left im-
mediately with the Virginia to defend it.
“We found six of the enemy's vessels, including the
iron-clad steamers Monitor and Naugatuck, shelling the
battery. We passed the battery and stood directly for the
enemy for the purpose of engaging him, and I thought an
action certain, particularly as the Minnesota and Wander-
bilt, which were anchored below Fortress Monroe, got un-
der weigh and stood up to that point, apparently with the
intention of joining their squadron in the Roads. Before,
however, we got within gunshot, the enemy ceased firing
and retired with all speed under the protection of the
guns of the fortress, followed by the Virginia, until the
shells from the Rip Raps passed over her.
“The Virginia was then placed at her moorings near
Sewall's Point, and I returned to Norfolk to hold the con-
ference referred to.
“It was held on the 9th, and the officers present were
Colonel Anderson and Captain , of the army, Se-
lected by General Huger, who was too unwell to attend
himself, and of the navy, myself, Commodore Hollins, and
Captains Sterrett and Lee, Commander Richard L. Jones,
and Lieutenants Ap Catesby Jones and J. Pembroke
Jones.
“The opinion was unanimous that the Virginia was
then employed to the best advantage, and that she
should continue for the present to protect Norfolk, and
thus afford time to remove the public property.
“On the next day, at ten o'clock A.M., we observed
from the Virginia that the flag was not flying on the
Sewall's Point battery, and that it appeared to have
been abandoned. I dispatched Lieutenant J. P. Jones,
the flag-lieutenant, to Craney Island, where the Con-
federate flag was still flying, and he there learned that
a large force of the enemy had landed on the bay shore,
and were rapidly marching on Norfolk, that the Sew-
all's Point battery was abandoned, and our troops were
retreating. I then dispatched the same officer to Nor-
folk, to confer with General Huger and Captain Lee.
He found the navy yard in flames, and that all the
officers had left by railroad. On reaching Norfolk he
found that General Huger and all the officers of the army
had also left; that the energy were within half a mile of
the city, and that the Mayor was treating for its sur-
render.
“On returning to the ship he found that Craney Island
and all thſ, other batteries on the river had been aban-
doned.
“It was now seven o'clock in the evening, and this
unexpected confirmation rendered prompt measures neces-
sary for the safety of the Virginia.
“The pilots had assured me that they could take the
ship, with a draught of eighteen feet, to within forty miles
of Richmond.
“This the chief pilot, Mr. Parrish, and his chief assist-
ant, Mr. Wright, had asserted again and again : and on
the afternoon of the 7th, in my cabin, in the presence of
Commodore Hollins and Captain Sterrett, in reply to a
question of mine, they both emphatically declared their
ability to do so.
“Confiding in these assurances, and after consulting
with the first and flag lieutenants, and learning that the
officers generally thought it the most judicious course, I
determined to lighten the ship at once, and run up the
river for the protection of Richmond.
“All hands having been called on deck, I stated to
them the condition of things, and my hopes that by get-
ting up the river before the enemy could be made aware
of our designs, we might capture his vessels which had
ascended it, and render efficient aid in the defence of Rich-
mond; but that to effect this would require all their en-
ergy in lightening the ship. They replied with three
cheers, and went to work at once. The pilots were on
deck and heard this address to the crew.
“Being quite unwell I had retired to bed. Between
one and two o'clock in the morning the first lieutenant
reported to me that after the crew had worked for five or
six hours, and lifted the ship so as to render her unfit for
action, the pilots had declared their inability to carry
eighteen feet above the Jamestown Flats, up to which
point the shore, on each side, was occupied by the enemy.
“On demanding from the chief pilot, Mr. Parrish, an
explanation of this palpable deception, he replied that
eighteen feet could be carried after the prevalence of east-
erly winds, and that the wind for the last two days had
been westerly.
“I had no time to lose. The ship was not in a condi-
tion for battle, even with an enemy of equal force, and
their force was overwhelming. I therefore determined,
with the concurrence of the first and flag lieutenants. to
save the crew for future service by landing them at Cra-
ney Island, the only road for retreat open to us, and to
destroy the ship to prevent her falling into the hands of
the enemy. I may add that, although not formally con-
sulted, the course was approved by every commissioned
officer in the ship. There was no dissenting opinion. The
ship was accordingly put on shore as near the mainland,
in the vicinity of Craney Island, as possible, and the crew
landed. She was then fired, and after burning fiercely
fore and aft for upward of an hour, blew up a little be-
fore five on the morning of the 11th.
“We marched for Suffolk, twenty-two miles, reaching it
ADVANCE UP THE JAMES RIVER,
233
ster of naval warfare, from their forced
but vigilant inactivity. The James
River, hitherto deemed unapproach-
able, was now free for the passage of
the gun-boats. Accordingly the Galena,
carrying the flag-officer, Commander
Rodgers, the Aroostook, and the Port
Royal, Lieutenant George U. Morris,
left Hampton Roads on the morning of
May the 8th of May, and moved up
8, the James River. At eight o'clock
the first of the enemy's batteries, at
Day's Point, mounting eight guns, was
reached, but its fire was harmless and
soon silenced by the shells from the gun-
boats, which set the neighboring woods
in a blaze. At half-past ten o'clock the
flotilla came in range of the second bat-
tery, at Point of Shoals; this, mounting
twelve heavy guns, some of which were
in the evening, from thence came by railroad to this city.
It will be asked what motives the pilots could have
had to deceive me. The only imaginable one is, that they
wished to avoid going into battle.
“Had the ship not been lifted, so as to render her unfit
for action, a desperate contest must have ensued with a
force against us too great to justify much hope of success,
and as battle is not their occupation, they adopted this
deceitful course to avoid it. I cannot imagine another
motive, for I had seen no reason to distrust their good
faith to the Confederacy.
“My acknowledgments are due to the first lieutenant,
Ap Catesby Jones, for his untiring exertions, and for the
aid he rendered me in all things. The details, firing for
the ship, and landing the crew were left to him, and
everything was conducted in the most perfect order.
“To the other officers of the ship, generally, I am also
thankful for the great zeal they displayed throughout.
“The Virginia no longer exists, but three hundred brave
and skilful officers and seamen are saved to the Confed-
eracy.
“I presume that a court of inquiry will be ordered to
examine into all the circumstances I have narrated, and I
earnestly solicit it. Public opinion will never be put right
without it.
“I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
“JosLAH TATNALL, Flag-Officer Commanding.
“Hon. S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy.”
rifled, proved more formidable. The
iron-clad Galena taking the lead, fol-
lowed by the other gun-boats, passed
the battery three times, sailing in a cir-
cle, silencing eleven of the guns. The
twelfth was finally silenced by the Ga-
lena alone, which, trusting to its iron
armor, remained in front of the battery
and poured in a continuous fire, while
she apparently remained impassive to
the response of the enemy, though re-
ceiving three shots which glided off
without injury. The wooden gun-boat
Aroostook was the only vessel injured,
being struck by a ball which passed
through both of her bulwarks, and cut
away the maintopmast stays, but did no
further damage. The Galena, after si-
lencing the last gun of the battery,
started to follow the other boats which
| were moving up the river, but got
aground. She was soon set afloat again
by the aid of her consorts, but her en-
gines having become clogged with mud
and rendered immovable, she was taken
in tow by the Aroostook. Soon after, the
buoys in the river having been removed,
the Galena grounded once more, and it
was found impossible to move her until
Saturday (May 10), when she was finally
got off. Her engines having been
cleaned out, she resumed her station at
the head of the flotilla, which now
moved up to Jamestown and anchored
for the night.
On the next day (Sunday, May 11th)
nothing was done beyond making a
reconnoissance up the river. On Mon-
day (May 12) the Monitor, Lieutenant
George Jeffers, and the Naugatuck,
234
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Lieutenant Robinson, joined the flotilla,
and all moved up near Fort Powhatan,
where they anchored for the night. On
Monday (May 13) the flotilla started
early, anticipating an obstinate resist-
ance at the next turn of the river, where
there was an old fort, built during the
war of 1812, in an advantageous posi-
tion. It was, however, found deserted.
On reaching City Point, flags of truce
were displayed from the houses, and
Commander Rodgers went ashore under
the cover of the guns of the flotilla.
After a short delay here the boats again
moved up the river some distance and
anchored for the night.
On the next morning (Wednesday,
May 14) the flotilla again started. The
channel now becoming very narrow, and
running close under the high banks or
bluffs of the river, the enemy's sharp-
shooters, concealed among the bushes
and trees, began to annoy the boats by
frequent rifle and musket shots. The
Galena grounded again, but was soon
floated off, and the whole flotilla came
to anchor for the night about two miles
from Ward's Bluff, where it was known
that the enemy had made formidable
preparations for defence.
Additional preparations were now
taken for the protection of the wooden
gun-boats.
were made to cover the pilot and wheel
houses, and chains hung over the sides.
On Thursday (May 15), at early dawn,
the flotilla sailed for Ward's Bluff, in ex-
pectation of a severe struggle. On its
passage up, the fire of musketry from
the banks of the river was continuous,
Shields of boiler iron plate
and was responded to by occasional dis-
charges of canister from the howitzers.
At seven o'clock in the morning May
the first sight was obtained of the 15.
battery called Fort Darling, situated
just beyond a sharp turn of the river,
on Ward's bluff, two hundred feet high.
Abreast of the work there were two
barriers, one of spiles, and the other of .
sunken vessels, which entirely blocked up
the channel of the river.” The Galena,
being of the lightest draught and iron-
clad, led the attack, followed by the
Monitor, Aroostook, Port Royal, and
Naugatuck. The Galena ran within about
six hundred yards of the battery, let go
her anchor, and with a spring swung
across the stream, which is not more than
twice as wide as the ship is long. She
opened fire at forty-five minutes past six
o'clock. The Monitor anchored near, but
the wooden gun-boats thirteen hundred
yards below. The Galena for awhile
had the engagement all to herself, but
at nine o'clock the Monitor steamed past
her, and strove to take part in the strug-
gle ; but finding that it was impossible
to raise her guns sufficiently high to
reach the battery in that position, she
dropped below again, where she could
be of more service. The Galena con-
tinued gallantly to sustain the heavy
and well-aimed cannonade of the battery
until eleven o'clock, when her ammuni-
tion being nearly expended, she was
withdrawn from the action. In the
• The vessels which had been sunk to form this ob.
struction were said to be the Jamestown and Yorktown,
which had escaped up the river in advance of our gun-
boats, the Teaser, Patrick Henry, Curtis Peck, Northamp-
ton, and a number of canal boats. -
ATTACK ON DRURY's BLUFF.
235
mean time, her armor not proving im-
penetrable, she had greatly suffered,
having had thirteen killed and eleven
wounded. In addition, Commander
Morris, of the Port Royal, was wound-
ed, and two men on board the Nauga-
tuck from the bursting of its rifled
100-pounder gun.
The well-directed fire of the enemy
had, however, but little effect upon the
Monitor. Although struck three times
by one solid eight-inch shot square on
the turret, and two solid shot on the
side armor forward of the pilot-house,
no damage was done beyond bending
the iron plates.
Commodore Rodgers came to the con-
clusion that the barrier was such that
the vessels of the enemy, even if they
had any, could not possibly pass out, and
that ours could not pass in. Lieutenant
Jeffers, of the Monitor, declared that
“it was impossible to reduce such works
except with the aid of a land force.”
The commander at Ward's or Drury's
Bluff, as he terms it, Eben Farrand, re-
ported but seven killed and eight wound-
ed, and greatly exulted over the “hard
blow” they had struck the “invaders.”
The guns of the enemy were undoubt-
edly well served, and were supposed to
have been manned by the crews of the
Merrimac, the Jamestown, and York-
town. Commander Farrand gave “Cap-
tain Drury and his company” the credit
of “having fought their guns with great
effect.” -
After the repulse at Ward's Bluff of
our gun-boats under Commander May
Rodgers, Commodore Goldsbor- 17.
ough moved up the James River from
Hampton Roads, in order to keep open
the communications with the defeated
flotilla, and to co-operate with General
McClellan's advance to Richmond. In
the mean time, the enemy having en-
tirely abandoned all the defences on the
banks of the river below, concentrated
their efforts toward strengthening the
position at Ward's Bluff.
236
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
C EIA PT E R X. XII.
Retreat of the Enemy to Richmond.—Advance of McClellan.—Incidents of the March.-McClellan at White House.-
Evacuation of the Pamunky by the Enemy.—Destruction of Property.—McClellan reaches the Chickahominy.—
Determination of the Enemy.—Richmond to be defended to the last extremity.—President Davis questioned by the
Virginia Legislature.—Answer of Davis.—McClellan's advance across the Chickahominy.—Battle of Hanover
Court House.—Results.-Battle of Fair Oaks.—Two days' fighting.—A surprise.—Defeat.—Victory.—Final result.
—Comparative losses—Johnston's Report.
AFTER the battles of Williamsburg
and Brick House Point, the enemy
having united their forces which
had taken part in those two engage-
ments, continued their retreat toward
Richmond. General McClellan having
also succeeded in forming a junction be-
tween his advance from Williamsburg
and that part of his army consisting of
the divisions of Franklin, Sedgwick, and
Fitz-John Porter, which had been moved
up the York River and landed at Brick
House Point, proceeded to follow the
retiring enemy with his main body as
rapidly as the condition of the roads and
the transportation of his supplies would
allow. A
Leaving Williamsburg, the army
May marched on the first day thirteen
9 miles, and on the next the advance
occupied New Kent Court House, or
Bassettville, thirty miles east of Rich-
mond, and three miles south of the Pa-
munky, one of the tributaries of the
York River. The country through
which the army marched is esteemed the
most fertile and beautiful of Virginia,
but it now presented a sad scene of des-
1862
olation. “Many of the houses were
closed and the places deserted except
by the blacks, who seemed to stand in
no fear of the Yankees; while others
who remained had white flags flying in
front of their houses as peace-offerings,
which,” says the writer from whom we
quote, “as far as I could learn, were
religiously respected by our soldiers.”
From New Kent Court House McClel-
lan moved his army to Cumber- May
land. “The march was,” reports a 13.
campaigner, “one of great toil and
privation. Now up on the brow of a
hill, then through a narrow causeway,
where four men could scarcely walk
abreast; afterward through a miserable
swamp or bottom, where the wheels of
the artillery sank up to the hub.” On
reaching Cumberland, however, near to
the banks of the Pamunky River, a
cheering prospect greeted the eyes of
the weary soldier. While “the troops
were trudging along under their packs
of baggage, beneath a scorching sun, and
amid clouds of dust, which at times
threatened to put an end to the march
by destroying our powers of respira-
MCCLELLAN AT WHITE HOUSE.
237
tion,” adds the campaigner before
quoted, “we reached the brow of a hill,
and below us, upon a plain upon the
banks of the river, lay spread before us
a sight as beautiful as it was warlike.
Two brigades lay in the field, and long
trains of wagons were finding their way
along the serpentine road to the camp-
ground, and a perfect fleet of shipping
lay moored in the stream, where twenty-
four hours since floated the rag of Se-
cessia.” This refreshing scene was due
to the successful passage of the gun-
boats up the York and the Pamunky,
by which those rivers were opened for
the immediate transportation of supplies
which it would have required weeks to
convey by land.
Though the main body of the enemy
was yet distant, their cavalry Scouts
showed themselves occasionally, and
striving to cut off our baggage-trains
and harass the advance guards, had an
occasional skirmish with our troops.
From Cumberland General McClellan
advanced and established his headquar-
ters at White House, on the Pamunky
River, where the Richmond and York
River Railroad crosses. The enemy had
burned the bridge and town and torn up
portions of the railroad, but in the haste
of their departure had left behind them
seven thousand bushels of wheat and
four thousand bushels of Indian corn.
May McClellan was thus at White House,
ll, only twenty-three miles in a direct
line from Richmond. The rear-guard
of the enemy was at Tunstal's dépôt, five
miles nearer Richmond.
On the 17th of March a reconnois-
sance was made up the Pamunky by a
gun-boat in command of Captain Mur-
ray, with two companies of infantry un-
der Major Willard, and a section of ar-
tillery under Captain Ayres, on board.
They sailed twenty-five miles up the
river, occasionally shelling the banks to
disperse the scouts of the enemy. On
reaching Russell's Landing, “two steam-
ers and some twenty schooners” were
found in flames, having been set on fire
by the people to prevent them from fall-
ing into the possession of the gun-boats.
A movement of the advance guard of
the Federal army on the main road May
to Richmond forced the enemy to 17.
retire by Bottom Bridge across the
Chickahominy. When our troops had
reached within half a mile of the bridge,”
which was found burned, the enemy
opened a fire of artillery from the other
side of the river, which checked any fur-
ther advance. The position now se-
lected by the enemy to make a stand
for the defence of the capital was on the
western side of the Chickahominy, be-
tween that small river and the city of
Richmond. The enemy retired also on
• Bottom Bridge is on the main road from New Kent.
fifteen miles from Richmond.
# The Chickahominy River is situated in the southeast-
ern part of Virginia, rises in Hanover County, and falls
into the James River about seven miles above Jamestown
island. It divides Henrico and Charles City counties on
the right, from Hanover, New Kent, and James City
counties on the left. It furnishes extensive water power,
passing through some uneven or hilly country. It is from
seventy-five to one hundred miles in length, and winding
in its course. Its source is in several streams or creeks,
which unite a little north of Richmond, and as it pursues
its onward course, two other streams empty into it. It
is fordable at several places, and is crossed at others by
rude bridges, and at a point about eleven miles from
Richmond, by Bottom Bridge. Farther down the stream
113
238
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
the line of the Richmond and York River
Railroad, “before the advance of General
Stoneman from White House, destroying
May the railroad bridge which crosses the
* Chickahominy. Stoneman now en-
camped at Gain's Mills, within a mile and
a half of the river, and eight miles and a
half from Richmond. It was evident
the Confederates had determined to de-
fend their capital with the utmost obsti-
nacy. The Legislature of Virginia passed
resolutions declaring that Richmond must
be defended, and questioned President
Davis in regard to his rumored intention
of abandoning it and the State of Vir-
ginia. Davis, in answer, stated that
“he had never entertained the thought
of withdrawing the army from Virginia
and abandoning the State; that if, in
the course of events, the capital should
fall, the necessity of which he did not
see or anticipate, that would be no rea-
son for withdrawing the army from Wir-
ginia. The war could still be success-
fully carried on and maintained on Wir-
ginia soil for twenty years.”
From Stoneman's position at Gain's
Mills successful reconnoissances were
made along the left bank of the Chicka-
hominy, and the enemy's scouts and ad-
vance troops, after some active skirmish-
ing, were driven away from their posts
at New Bridge—where the Tenth Mich-
igan Regiment, under Colonel Wood-
bury, greatly distinguished itself—Elli-
is a well-known local bridge called the Long Bridge, and
still farther down, Jones' Bridge. These three bridges are
the only important ones below Richmond, they being
connected with the high roads. At the mouth of the river
there are eleven feet of water, which is about a quarter
of a mile wide as far up as the first important bend.
son's Mills, and at Mechanicsville. At
the same time a portion of the Rich-
mond and Fredericksburg Railroad was
destroyed, and the communications of
the enemy at Richmond with the North
seriously interrupted.
These successes of General Stoneman
were followed by a general advance of
the main army toward the left bank of
the Chickahominy, while new bridges
having been built, General Negley's
brigade was thrown across the river and
succeeded in securing a position five
miles beyond Bottom's Bridge after a
struggle with a considerable force of the
enemy, in which the Unionists lost two
killed and six wounded.
This advance was followed by the
crossing of two divisions of General May
Keyes' corps d'armée, and the send- 23.
ing out of reconnoitring parties on the
road toward Richmond. Other divisions
of the army soon after followed, and en-
camped on the right bank of the Chick-
ahominy, while the van-guard advanced
to within five miles of Richmond. #
The main body of the army, how-
ever, still remained on the left of the
Chickahominy, whence a detachment,
under General Fitz-John Porter, was
dispatched from its camp at Cold May
Harbor on an expedition to Han- 27.
over Court House. The object of
this movement was to disperse the
forces of the enemy concentrated at that
place, and to cut off their railroad com-
munications between Richmond and
Fredericksburg. The rain had been
falling all night, and continued during
the beginning of the march, rendering
BATTLE OF HANOVER COURT HOUSE.
the roads exceedingly difficult to pass.
Our troops, however, bore up well un-
der every trial of their powers of en-
durance.
With a squadron of the Sixth regular
cavalry under Major Williams leading
the way, and the Twenty-fifth Regiment
of New York Volunteers, Colonel John-
son, following as skirmishers, the col-
umn moved forward. About six miles
from Hanover Court House the mounted
picket-men of the enemy came into view,
but after firing a few shots, turned their
horses and rapidly disappeared. Our
troops moved steadily on, meeting with
no resistance until they had marched
three miles farther. Here the enemy,
who had concealed themselves in a
house and the neighboring woods, al-
lowed the Twenty-fifth Regiment, ad-
vancing as skirmishers, to get well with-
in range, and then opened a musketry
and artillery fire with great effect. The
Twenty-fifth thus taken by surprise, and
opposed by superior numbers, with the
advantage of artillery, after having two
companies cut off and captured, fell
back, while our advance batteries were
pushed forward with a support of Ber-
dan's Sharpshooters to meet the en-
emy's attack. While a vigorous fire
was being interchanged, the main body
of the Union troops hurried to the aid
of the advance. First came General
Butterfield's brigade, followed by that
of General Martindale and the brig-
ade temporarily commanded by Colonel
McQuade.
General Morrell, who was in com-
mand of the division thus suddenly
brought into action, ordered the brig-
ades as they came up in position to sup-
port the batteries, which were directed
to shell the woods on the right of the
road, where the enemy were under
cover. After holding their ground ob-
stimately for two hours, the enemy were
forced to retire. General Fitz-John
Porter coming up at this moment, or-
dered a pursuit by Butterfield's and
McQuade's brigades, dispatched General
Martindale's to make a reconnoissance
of the Virginia Central Railroad, and
advanced himself with the rest of his
force toward Hanover Court House.
As Martindale's brigade proceeded to
execute its duty, headed by a detach-
ment of regular cavalry, one of the
mounted men was shot by a concealed
foe, but no other loss was sustained. On
approaching the railroad, a train of the
enemy was seen coming in from Rich-
mond, apparently loaded with troops ;
but it turned back at the sight of our
men, who proceeded at once to de-
stroy a portion of the railroad, burn
the bridge, and cut the wires of the tel-
egraph. After accomplishing this work,
Martindale's brigade returned to join
the main body. - *
In the mean time, the enemy, being
reinforced, rallied, and through their
better knowledge of the country, elud-
ing their pursuers, regained the cover
of the woods, and thus got in the rear
of our troops. General Martindale with
his brigade was the first to meet
them, and was being hard pressed
when General Porter turned back to
his rescue.
239 .
240
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
The enemy still kept within the woods,
from which they opened a fire of shell
and musketry. In the mean time the
absent brigades of Butterfield, McQuade,
and Martindale had returned, and Gen-
eral Porter thus having in hand his
whole force was able to meet the enemy
on equal terms. Planting his artillery
on the right and left, and filling up the
centre with his infantry, he advanced
and poured into the woods a diagonal
fire of musketry and shell, which con-
tinued from five o'clock in the afternoon
until dark, when the enemy retired, but,
keeping close to their cover, could not
be pursued with advantage.
The enemy were computed to have
numbered, with the reinforcements,
nearly ten thousand men, under the
command of General Branch. Our loss
was fifty-three killed and two hundred
and ninety-six wounded ; that of the
enemy was supposed to be considera-
bly greater. Nearly two companies of
the Twenty-fifth were taken prisoners,
which regiment also had the largest
proportion of killed and wounded.
Nearly three hundred of the enemy
were captured.*
the engagement.
On the day after the battle, General
Porter having bivouacked his force upon
the field he had won, prepared with
fresh reinforcements for a renewal of
The enemy, however,
had retired, and Porter was enabled to
attain the object of his expedition by
the occupation of Hanover Court House
and the destruction of the track and
bridges of the Virginia Central Rail-
road.
A more important conflict now claims
a record. This is the battle of Seven
Pines, or Fair Oaks, which was begun
on the thirty-first of May, and lasted
two days. It has been already stated
that General McClellan had thrown
across the Chickahominy Keyes' corps
d'armée and other troops. The ad-
vance division of this portion of the
army was that commanded by Gen-
eral Casey. Its position was in the
fields on the right and left of the Rich-
mond and York River Railroad to the
north, and the turnpike road from
Williamsburg to Richmond at the south,
near Fair Oaks Station on the former,
and a place called Seven Pines on the
latter, about seven miles from the en-
emy's capital. The fields where Casey
was encamped were bounded in front
and on the left by dense woods, the
edges of which had been cut down to
form abattis, in order to obstruct the
approach of the enemy. A line of
earth-works had been hastily thrown
* Among the captures, after the successful advance to
Hanover Court House, was the family of General Robert
Lee of the Confederate army, consisting of Mrs. Lee, her
daughter-in-law, the wife of Colonel Lee, and two nieces,
who were found in a country residence, whither they had
been sent from Richmond, in order to be out of harm's
way. A search of the house having been made, with the
view of Securing any papers that might be of value,
Mrs. Lee handed to the officer in command of the squad of
soldiers sent to perform that service the following note,
with its malicious insinuations, directed to the commander
of the division :
“To THE GENERAL IN COMMAND :
“SIR-I have patiently and humbly submitted to a
search of my house by men under your command, who
are satisfied that there is nothing here that they want, all
the plate and other valuables having long since been re-
moved to Richmond, and are now beyond the reach of any
Northern marauders who may wish for their possession
“WIFE OF ROBERT LEE, General C. S. A.”
BATTLES OF FAIR OAKS.
241.
up, consisting of a redoubt on the left
and some rifle-pits. Behind these slight
defences Casey had posted his troops,
with the first brigade on the right, the
second in the centre, and the third on
the left, while his picket-guards were
pushed forward into the edge of the
wood in front.
General Couch with his division was
similarly posted in the rear of Casey,
on either side of the Williamsburg and
Richmond turnpike, where it is inter-
sected by a circuitous road known as
the “Nine Mile Road.” Couch's posi-
tion, too, was protected by slight de-
fences, consisting chiefly of rifle-pits in
the fields in front of the camp and
along the cross road.
General McClellan having thus taken
these positions on the right bank of the
Chickahominy with his advance, pre-
pared to cross the river immediately
with his main body, with the design of
driving the enemy before him and cap-
turing Richmond. In his general orders
May of May 25th he told his troops,
25, while giving specific directions in
regard to crossing the river, that they
were to “go prepared for battle at a
minute's notice.” He again spoke of the
approaching battle, when he appealed to
the pride of his soldiers by reminding
them “that the Army of the Potomac
had never yet been checked.”
The enemy in the mean time being
made aware of this contemplated move-
ment of his whole army by McClellan,
determined to anticipate it, by attack-
ing that portion which had already
crossed the Chickahominy. A favor-
able occasion presented itself in a se-
vere storm, in which the waters of the
Chickahominy were so greatly swollen
as to wash away some of the bridges,
and to threaten the communications
between the advance and main body
of the Union army. The enemy has-
tened to take advantage of it. A large
force, estimated at 18,000 men, the élite
of their army, under the command of
General Longstreet, accordingly march-
ed from Richmond, along the Williams-
burg road, and attacked General May
Casey's division. 31,
When the Union pickets were driven
back, it was not suspected that the en-
emy were coming in great force, and
only a single regiment, the One Hun-
dred and Third Pennsylvania, was sent
to check their advance. Three thousand
men, however, soon found themselves
confronted by an army. Taken by
surprise, and receiving a fire which
struck down nearly 200 men at the
first volley, the Pennsylvanians turned
and fled in a panic, crying out that their
regiment had been “all cut to pieces.”
The arrival of the enemy in great force
being now apparent, the whole of
Casey's troops were hurried out and
formed into line. Colonel Baily, the
chief of Casey's artillery, soon succeeded
in advancing and getting his batteries
into action. Spratt's battery was posted
in a field to the right of the road near
the edge of the wood through which the
enemy were advancing, and Regan's to
the left of Spratt's, supported on their
left by the One Hundredth New York
in the Williamsburg road, on their right
242
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
by the Eleventh Maine and One Hun-
dred and Fourth Pennsylvania, and in
their rear by the Ninety-second New
York. Both batteries at once opened
fire, and were served with creditable
skill and diligence. The enemy, how-
ever, did not quail, but moved steadily
on, responding effectively with their ar-
tillery. When they came within range,
the three regiments of infantry support-
ing our batteries fired spiritedly, but soon
fell back. The batteries, however, suc-
ceeded in keeping the enemy tempora-
rily at bay. Spratt's checked their ad-
vance beyond a rail fence, which they
strove again and again to pass. They
at last succeeded only when Spratt, hav-
ing expended all his grape and canister,
fell back to the redoubt in his rear.
Regan's still kept up its fire, and its
support of infantry being doubled, re-
peated attempts of the enemy to take
it were frustrated. The battery, how-
ever, with its supports, was finally forced
back by the pressure of superior num-
bers. The rest of Casey's line also re-
tired, and now his whole force was within
the first line of defences. The enemy
still pressed vigorously forward, and
storming, in face of the fire, the re-
doubts and rifle-pits, forced our men
out, and captured Bates' battery and two
of Spratt's pieces, which, however, had
been spiked on being abandoned. The
whole division was now in disorderly
retreat before the enemy, who contin-
ued to press forward without check
until they came upon General Couch's
position, half a mile in rear of the ground
from which Casey had been driven.
General Couch had formed his line,
by posting the Fifty-fifth New York
and Sixty-second New York in the rifle-
pits to the left of the Williamsburg road.
These regiments, however, were soon
pushed forward in advance, and their
places in the pits occupied by the Massa-
chusetts Tenth with the Ninety-third and
One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania
on the left and in the rear. On the right
and a little in the rear was posted bat-
tery C, of the First Pennsylvania artil-
lery. In the rifle-pits on the right of the
road was the Thirty-sixth New York
Regiment, on whose right was the Sev-
enth Massachusetts. In the rear and
on the right of the Seventh was posted
Captain Miller's light battery. Farther
to the right again, in advance, and rest-
ing on the “Nine Mile Road,” was the
Twenth-third Pennsylvania Regiment,
with the First Long Island behind it.
The Thirty-first and Sixty-first Pennsyl-
vania, and the First Chasseurs were also
on the right, near the Fair Oaks Sta-
tion on the Richmond and York River
Railroad. Brady's battery was near
the latter, and Flood's was posted be-
hind the “Nine Mile Road,” near its
junction with the Williamsburg turn-
pike. Couch's division, with its right
considerably advanced, thus present-
ed itself obliquely to the approaching
enemy.
General Heintzelman, whose com-
mand was on that side of the Chicka-
hominy, and was being hurried up to the
front, having arrived on the field after
the repulse of Casey's division, resumed
the command in place of General Keyes,
• THE FIRST DAY.
243
who had thus far directed the opera-
tions. An effort was made to check
the flight of the panic-stricken troops of
Casey, who were hastening in disorder
to the rear, but without avail, and the
full force of the enemy's attack now fell
upon Couch's division.
At about half-past four o'clock in the
afternoon, the enemy, after a pause on
the field from which they had driven
Casey's division, advanced to meet
Couch's line, and from its oblique posi-
tion, with its right advanced, came first
into collision with the Twenty-third
Pennsylvania. The enemy's attack was
gallantly met, and the Pennsylvanians,
having reserved their fire until their
foes were very near, opened with good
effect. The enemy still coming on, the
Twenty-third charged with their bay-
onets, and succeeded in driving them
back. In the eager advance, however,
of the Pennsylvanians, they exposed
themselves to the enemy's artillery,
and were driven back in disorder and
with great loss. Their colonel (Neile).
retaining his colors, and rallying less
than a hundred of his scattered regi-
ment, formed on the First Long Island
in his rear. The struggle now became
general on the right, which being hard
pressed by increasing numbers, Birney's
brigade, of General Kearny’s division,
which was on the way from the Chicka-
hominy, was hurried to that part of the
field. - -
In the mean time, the Tenth Mas-
sachusetts on the left, getting entan-
gled among the abattis and the woods
on its right, whither it had advanced,
and being deprived of its supports on
the left, the Ninety-third and One Hun-
dred and Second Pennsylvania, which
had moved to the right, was in great
danger. While gallantly struggling with
their foes in front, a body of the enemy
succeeded in flanking the left of the
Massachusetts men, and poured in a
deadly fire upon their rear. The regiment
thus surrounded, broke, but with admira-
ble discipline re-formed, and returned to
take part in the fight. The left, how-
ever, having in the mean time been
strengthened by the arrival of Berry's
brigade and a portion of Jameson's, both
of Kearny’s division, the gallant Tenth
was moved to the right, where the en-
emy, though manfully resisted and tem-
porarily checked, were renewing their
efforts with increased strength and de-
termination.
Pressing heavily upon the First Long
Island, after the dispersion of the Twen-
ty-third Pennsylvania, which had been
in front, the enemy succeeded in break-
ing its ranks also, but were met as they
continued to advance by an obstinate
resistance on the part of the Fifty-
seventh and Sixty-third Pennsylvania.
These regiments yielded their ground,
and then in good order, fighting, as they
retired, only when the enemy, rein-
forced by fresh troops, threatened com-
pletely to overwhelm them. If Birney's
brigade, which had been ordered to the
relief of our right, had not been de-
layed in its march, it is not improbable
that with the resistance the enemy had
already met, and the additional vigor
which would have been given to it by
244
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
fresh troops, the day might have been
won. The enemy having now succeeded
in forcing back our line for more than a
mile, ceased from further effort in that
direction. º
As our right retired, the greater part
of General Couch's division fell back in
the direction of the Williamsburg road,
but the General himself, with the First
New York Chasseurs, the Sixty-second
New York, the Seventh Massachusetts,
and the Thirty-first Pennsylvania, with
Brady's battery, being near the Fair
Oaks Station, retreated across the rail-
road, and was thus cut off from the
main body of the army. “His posi-
tion,” wrote a campaigner,” “was in a
large open field, in an angle between the
railroad and a road that runs from the
Fair Oaks Station northward toward New
Bridge. On the west was a dense wood,
from which the enemy might emerge at
any moment, and on the south was the
railroad and a fringe of wood through
which they could cross for a flank at-
tack. Whether he had any road for re-
treat the General did not yet know, so
he formed two lines of battle—one to-
ward the railroad, with a section of
Brady's battery, supported by the Mas-
sachusetts Seventh; another toward the
wood to the west, with the other section
of the battery supported by the Ander-
son Zouaves, with the Thirty-first Penn-
sylvania and the First Chasseurs, formed
close in the edge of the wood, under
cover of a rail-fence.
“Lieutenant Edwards, who had rid-
den down the New Bridge road, came
* Correspondent of N. Y. Herald.
| field farther out.
back with word that Sedgwick's division
was only two miles away. Couch knew
that he could hold his ground till they
came, so he was saved the misfortune
of defeat. They hurried on and came
up at half-past five o'clock, General Sum.
ner with them. No change was made
in Couch's dispositions, save in the com-
parative strength with which either line
was held. The First Minnesota, Colonel
Sully, was formed on the right of the
Chasseurs, and Rickett's battery of Na-
poleon's to the left of the Thirty-first.
All the rest of the division was formed
on the line toward the railroad.
“Shortly after six o'clock the enemy
advanced through the wood on the
west. * * * As soon as the line
of the enemy's advance was known,
Rickett's battery opened and threw
grape and canister into the wood with
great effect. Brady was not idle either.
* * * But the line kept on till it
was in the edge of the wood and within
ten paces of where the Thirty-first Penn-
sylvania, the First Chasseurs, and the
First Minnesota lay on their faces, be-
tween the rebels and the battery. The
rebels could not see them, and as they
came to the edge of the wood they
delivered one volley at the Anderson
Zouaves (Sixty-second New York) in the
That volley killed
Colonel Riker, and the Zouaves broke
and ran. Yet they only ran twenty
yards, when they were rallied and went
right up to the edge of the wood and
opened their fire.
“No sooner had the rebels, by that
volley, emptied their guns, than the
TEIE SECOND DAY.
245
three regiments that had been lying
down arose to their feet and poured a
volley in at almost no distance at all.
That volley settled that fight. Through
the wood in front of that line the rebels
lay dead and wounded in heaps. Brig-
adier-General A. C. Davis was found
dead there, and Brigadier-General Pet-
tigrew, wounded and his horse killed,
was there taken prisoner. When the
rebel line advanced in the wood, Gor-
man's brigade, from the line of battle on
the railroad, was thrown forward on the
right flank of the rebel line to turn it;
but when the musketry broke that line,
and the rebels fell into confusion, the
brigade pressed forward, and so cut off
and drove in a large number of prison-
&ICS. - -
“So closed the battle for that day,
and General Couch, than whom his coun-
try has no better, braver, or more earn-
est soldier, slept that night farther for-
ward on the road to Richmond, nearer
to the rebel capital, than he had done
any night before.” .
The losses on both sides had been
very great, and the number of officers
who suffered proves the gallantry with
which they exposed themselves to dan-
ger.”
* A correspondent of the Herald gives this summary of
the killed and wounded :
“Brigadier-General Devens received a bullet in the
right leg, but kept the field for two hours after it. Brig-
adier-General Wessels was struck by a ball in the shoulder,
but not disabled. A musket-ball passed across General
Couch's breast and only cut his coat. Colonel Briggs, of
the Massachusetts Tenth, was struck in three places, and
ilisabled finally by a rifle-ball that passed through both
thighs. Colonel Riker, of the Sixty-second New York;
Dodge, of the Eighty-seventh New York; Baily, of the
First New York artillery, and Ripley, of the Sixty-first
Both armies rested on their arms in
the field during the night, ready to re-
new the struggle in the morning. Next
morning, at dawn of day (Sun- June
day), the Union army having been 1.
strongly reinforced by troops from the
other side of the Chickahominy, was
drawn up in line of battle, ready to
meet an attack, but with the habitual
regard of its commander-in-chief for the
Sabbath, unwilling to provoke it. Gen-
eral McClellan himself was now on the
ground, and made the disposition for
the day.
On the left was posted Sickles' New
York brigade, stretched across the Rich-
mond and Williamsburg turnpike, with
Patterson's New Jersey on its right,
both of Hooker's division and Heintzel-
man's corps d'armée. To the right of
Patterson's, and in advance, was Rich-
ardson's division of Stoneman's corps
d'armée. Sedgwick's division, also of
Stoneman's corps d'armee, was on the
right and in advance of Richardson's,
Pennsylvania, were all killed. Colonels McCartey, of the
Ninety-third Pennsylvania; Rowley, of the Hundred and
Second Pennsylvania; Van Wyck, of the Fifty-sixth New
York, and Hunt, of the Ninety-second New York, were
wounded. Majors Ely, of the Twenty-third Pennsylvania,
and King, of the Eighty-fifth New York, were also severely
wounded. The loss of horses tells where the officers who
rode them were. General Keyes had a horse hit, and Cap-
tain Suydam, of his staff, had his horse killed. All the gen-
tlemen of Couch's staff—Captain Walker and Lieutenants
Edwards and Burt—had horses shot. General Peck's was
hit three times. General Casey's horse was hit, and Gene-
ral Devens' also.
“In the fight of Saturday the bulk of the losses on
either side took place, and show the terrific severity of
the fighting. Our loss for that day will scarcely fall short
of three thousand in killed and wounded. Upon the field
of battle we heard the enemy's loss estimated as probably
two to one for our own, and the appearance of the field
made the estimate seem reasonable.’’
114
246
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Sion.
both being stretched in line along the
railway, and at right angles to Sickles'
and Patterson's brigades. Couch still
held the advanced position he had won,
and was supported by Sedgwick's divi-
Birney's brigade was also on the
railway, but in the rear of the other
divisions. - &
Thus our whole line formed a right
angle, within which were the enemy,
occupying the ground they had won on
the previous day, the chief portion of
their force facing our main body along
the line of the railroad, on the north of
which was the latter, and on the south
the former, partly covered by a swamp.
The enemy began the battle on Sunday
morning with an attack of cavalry upon
Richardson's division. This, however,
being repulsed by a fire of artillery, the
enemy returned in full force, and the
battle soon extended along the whole
line. French's, Howard's, and Meagher's
brigades were the foremost to engage
the enemy, spiritedly advancing across
the railroad and into the swamp, until
they closed with their foes. Some of
our men occasionally wavered, being
thrown into disorder by the ill-condi-
tioned ground, but were rallied by their
officers, who acted with great gallantry.
General Howard was conspicuous at the
head of his men, inspiriting them with
cheering words and his dauntless bearing.
He was so exposed to the fire that he
had two horses shot under him, and re-
ceived two rifle-balls in his arm. He,
however, bound up the shattered limb
with his handkerchief, and kept the field
to the last. Birney's New Jersey brig-
| back at the point of the bayonet.
had won on the first.
ade now took part in the action, and
with equal spirit. The enemy quailed
and retired before the impetuous ad-
vance of our men on the right. On our
left, Sickles' brigade advanced with the
same resoluteness, and, after firing a
volley, charged and drove their foes
The
enemy were thus repulsed wherever they
attacked, and so conscious had they
become of the impossibility of driving
our steady troops back into the Chicka-
hominy, which was evidently their ob-
ject, that they gave up any farther
attempt for the day, and the second
day's contest closed at the early hour of
nine o'clock in the morning.
The enemy, though their attack had
failed in its purpose, still held on the
second day most of the ground they June
On the third 2.
day, General McClellan had determined
to regain what had been lost, and ac-
cordingly formidable preparations were
made to effect this object. His line was
drawn up, skirmishers were sent in ad-
vance, the artillery was posted, and the
army advanced. The enemy, however,
refused the offer of battle, and retired
rapidly toward Richmond, leaving not
only the ground we had lost to be re-
occupied by us, but permitting our force
to advance beyond, within four miles of
the capital. The fruits of the bloody
struggles of the first and second day
were thus not plucked until the third,
when not a drop of blood was spilled.
The enemy confessed a loss in the
course of the two days' battles of 5,897
killed, wounded, and missing, among
LOSSES AT SEVEN PINES.
247
whom were five generals, twenty-three
colonels, ten majors, and fifty-seven
captains either killed or captured. The
official report of the Union army gives
a loss of 890 killed, 3,627 wounded,
and 1,222 missing—making a total of
5,739. -
General Longstreet commanded the
enemy's troops which made the first at-
tack on Saturday, and in the course of
the struggle Generals Lee, Johnston,”
and President Davis appeared on the
field with large reinforcements, making
the whole force of the enemy engaged
eighty-five regiments and battalions.
* GENERAL JOSEPH E. JoHNSTON's of FICIAL REPORT OF THE
BATTLE OF SEVEN PINES.
RICHMOND, June 24, 1862.
GEN. S. CoopFR, Adjutant and Inspector-General :
SIR-Before the 30th May I had ascertained from trusty
scouts that Keyes' corps was encamped on this side of the
Chickahominy, near the Williamsburg road. On that day
Major-General D. H. Hill reported a strong body imme-
diately in his front. On receiving this report I deter-
mined to attack them next morning, hoping to be able to
defeat Keyes' corps completely, in its more advanced po-
sition, before it could be reinforced. Written orders were
dispatched to Major-Generals Hill, Huger, and G. W.
Smith. General Longstreet being near my headquarters,
received verbal instructions. The receipt of the orders
was acknowledged.
Gen. Hill, supported by the division of Gen. Longstreet
(who had the direction of operations on the right), was to
advance by the Williamsburg road to attack the enemy in
front. General Huger, with his division, was to move
down the Charles City road in order to attack in flank the
troops who might be engaged with Hill and Longstreet,
unless he found in his front force enough to occupy the di-
vision. General Smith was to march to the junction of
the New Bridge road and the Nine Mile road, to be in
readiness either to fall on Keyes' right flank or to cover
Longstreet's left. They were to move at daybreak.
Heavy, and protracted rains during the afternoon and
night, by swelling the stream of the Chickahominy, in-
creased the probability of our having to deal with no
other troops than those of Keyes. The same cause pre-
vented the prompt and punctual movement of the troops.
Those of Smith, Hill, and Longstreet were in position
early enough, however, to commence operations by eight
o'clock A.M. Major-General Longstreet, unwilling to
make a partial attack, instead of the combined movement
which had been planned, waited from hour to hour for
General Huger's division. At length, at two o'clock P.M.,
he determined to attack without those troops. He ac-
•ordingly commenced his advance at that hour, opening
the engagement with artillery and skirmishers. By three
o'clock it became close and heavy.
In the mean time I had placed myself on the left of the
force employed in this attack, with the division of Gen-
eral Smith, that I might be on a part of the field where I
could observe and be ready to meet any counter move-
ment which the enemy's general might make against our
centre or leſ. Owing to some peculiar condition of the
atmosphere, the sound of the musketry did not reach us.
I consequently deferred giving the signal for General
Smith's advance till four o’clock, at which time Major
Jasper Whiting, of General Smith's staff, whom I had
sent to learn the state of affairs with General Longstreet's
column, returned, reporting that it was pressing on with
vigor. Smith's troops were at once moved forward.
The principal attack was made by Major-General Long-
street with his own and Major-General D. H. Hill's divi-
sion—the latter mostly in advance. Hill's brave troops,
admirably commanded and gallantly led, forced their way
through the abattis, which formed the enemy's extermal
defences, and stormed their intrenchments by a deter-
mined and irresistible rush. Such was the manner in
which the enemy's first line was carried. The operation
was repeated with the same gallantry and success as our.
troops pursued their victorious career through the enemy's
successive camps and intrenchments. At each new posi-
tion they encountered fresh troops belonging to it, and
reinforcements brought on from the rear. Thus they had
to repel repeated efforts to retake works which they had
carried ; but their advance was never successfully re-
sisted.
Their onward movement was only stayed by the com-
ing of night. By nightfall they had forced their way to
the “Seven Pines,” having driven the enemy back more
than two miles, through their own camps, and from a se-
ries of intrenchments, and repelled every attempt to re-
capture them with great slaughter. The skill, vigor, and
decision with which these operations were conducted by
General Longstreet are worthy of the highest praise.
He was worthily seconded by Major-General Hill, of
whose conduct and courage he speaks in the highest
terms.
Major-General Smith's division moved forward at four
o'clock, Whiting's three brigades leading. Their prog-
ress was impeded by the enemy's skirmishers, which,
with their supports, were driven back to the railroad.
At this point Whiting's own and Pettigrew's brigades
engaged a superior force of the enemy. Hood's, by my
order, moved on to co-operate with Longstreet. General
Smith was desired to hasten up with all the troops within
248
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Their number of men was estimated
at 75,000. On the first day they cap-
tured Casey's baggage and ten of his
guns.
reach. He brought up Hampton's and Hatton's brigades
in a few minutes.
The strength of the enemy's position, however, enabled
him to hold it until dark.
About sunset, being struck from my horse, severely
wounded by a fragment of a shell, I was carried from the
field, and Major-General G. W. Smith succeeded to the
command.
He was prevented from resuming his attack on the en-
emy's position next morning by the discovery of strong
intrenchments not seen on the previous evening. His di-
vision bivouacked, on the night of the 31st, within mus-
ket-shot of the intrenchments which they were attacking,
when darkness stayed the conflict. The skill, energy,
and resolution with which Major-General Smith directed
the attack would have secured success if it, could have
been made an hour earlier. -
The troops of Longstreet and Hill passed the night of
the 31st on the ground which they had won. The enemy
were strongly reinforced from the north side of the Chick-
ahominy on the evening and night of the 31st. The
troops engaged by General Smith were undoubtedly from
the other side of the river.
On the morning of the 1st of June the enemy attacked
the brigade of General Pickett, which was supported by
that of General Pryor. The attack was vigorously re-
pelled by these two brigades, the brunt of the fighting
falling on General Pickett. This was the last demonstra-
tion made by the enemy.
Our troops employed the residue of the day in securing
and bearing off the captured artillery, small-arms, and
other property, and in the evening quietly returned to
their own camps.
We took ten pieces of artillery, six thousand (6,000)
muskets, one garrison flag, and four regimental colors,
besides a large number of tents and camp equipage.
Major-General Longstreet reports the loss in his com-
mand as being about. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,000
Major-General G. W. Smith reports his loss at ..... 1,233
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,233
That of the enemy is stated in their own newspapers to
have exceeded ten thousand—an estimate which is, no
doubt, short of the truth.
Had Major-General Huger's division been in position
and ready for action when those of Smith, Longstreet, and
Hill moved, I am satisfied that Keyes' corps would have
been destroyed, instead of being merely defeated. Had it
gene into action even at four o’clock, the victory would
have been much more complete.
Major-Generals Smith and Longstreet speak in high
terms of the conduct of their superior and staff officers.
I beg leave to ask the attention of the government es-
pecially to the manner in which Brigadier-Generals Whit-
ing and R. H. Anderson, and Colonels Jenkins, and Kem-
per, and Hampton, exercising commands above their
grades, and Brigadier-General Rhodes, are mentioned.
This, and the captured colors, will be delivered by Ma-
jor A. H. Cole, of my staff. *
I have been prevented by feebleness from making this
report sooner, and am still too weak to make any but a
very imperfect one. -
Several hundred prisoners were taken, but I have re-
ceived no report of the number. Your obedient servant,
J. E. JoHNSTON, General.
PURSUIT OF JACKSON.
C EIA P T E R XXIII.
Pursuit of Jackson by General Banks.-Reinforcement of Jackson.—Diminution of Banks' force.—The Enemy s
success at Front Royal.—Retreat of Banks.-Alarm at Washington.—Call for Militia.-Fremont's movements.-
Battle of Bull Mountain.—Check to General Cox. —Retreat to Lewisburg.—The Enemy repulsed.—Hanging of
Guerrilleros.-Junction of Jackson and Ewell.—Retreat of Jackson.—Attack on Milroy.--Struggle at Fisher's Hill.
—Pursuit of Jackson by Fremont.—Fight at Barrisonburg —Death of Ashby.—Jackson reaches the Shenandoah.—.
Shields in front and Fremont in the rear.—Battle of Cross Keys.—Escape of Jackson across the Shenandoah. —Suc-
cess of Jackson.—Life of “Stonewall” Jackson.
THE progress of General Banks, in his
2 pursuit of Jackson through the
valley of the Shenandoah, has been
already traced to Sparta. The enemy
continued to fly, and were rapidly follow-
ed to Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Stras-
burg. Occasional skirmishes occurred
with the rear-guard of Jackson, whose
cavalry and flying artillery, under the
skilful command of Colonel Ashby, suc-
cessfully covered his retreat. General
Banks persevered in his pursuit across
the Shenandoah, and occupied, with a
small number of troops, Front Royal,
but kept his main body at Strasburg, on
the other or western side of the river.
The force at Front Royal was subse-
quently strengthened. The number of
the troops and the object of their ad-
vance are thus stated by General Banks:
“In pursuance of orders from the
War Department, Colonel John R.
Kenly, commanding First Maryland
Volunteers, was sent on the 16th day
of May from Strasburg to Front Royal,
with instructions to retain the troops
under Major Tyndale, attached to Gen-
1S6
eral Geary's command, and to protect
the town of Front Royal and the rail-
road and bridges between that town and
Strasburg. The forces under his com-
mand consisted of his own regiment
(775 available men), two companies
from the Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Perhan
commanding ; the Pioneer corps, Cap-
tain Mapes, engaged in reconstructing
bridges ; two companies of the Fifth
New York Cavalry, and a section of
Knapp's battery, Lieutenant Atwell
commanding. There were three com-
panies of infantry stationed on the road
nearer Strasburg—the Second Massa-
chusetts, Captain Russell, at the bridge ;
one company of the Third Wisconsin,
Captain Hubbard, and one company of
the Twenty-seventh Indiana, about five
miles from Strasburg. -
“This force was intended as a guard
for the protection of the town, and
partly against local guerrilla parties
that infested that locality, and replaced
two companies of infantry with cavalry
and artillery, which had occupied the
town for some weeks, under Major Tyn-
dale, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Wol-
250
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
unteers, for the same purpose. It had
never been contemplated as a defence
against the combined forces of the en-
emy in the valley of Virginia.”
In the mean time General Jackson
had been largely reinforced, having
formed a junction with General Ewell's
command, while a large portion of
General Banks' troops, consisting prin-
cipally of General Shields' division,
had been withdrawn to add to the
strength of General McDowell, who,
having occupied Fredericksburg, re-
mained there ready to co-operate with
General McClellan in his advance upon
Richmond.
The energetic Jackson, conscious of
this weakening of his pursuer, prepared
to turn upon him, and strike once more
for the mastery of the valley of the
Shenandoah. His first move was against
Front Royal, which General Banks de-
clares to have been “in itself an inde-
fensible position. Two mountain val-
leys debouch suddenly upon the town
from the South, commanding it by al-
most inaccessible hills; and it is at the
same time exposed to flank movements
by other mountain valleys, via Strasburg
on the west and Chester Gap on the
east. *
“The only practicable defence of this
town would be by a force sufficiently
strong to hold these mountain passes
some miles in advance. Such forces,”
adds General Banks, “were not at my
disposal, and no such expectations were
entertained from the slender command
of Colonel Kenly. It was a guerrilla
force, and not an organized and well-
appointed army, that he was prepared
to meet.”
“On the 23d of May,” says General
Banks in his official report of the enemy's
attack on Front Royal, “it was discov-
ered that the whole force of the enemy
was in movement down the valley of
the Shenandoah, between the Massanut-
ten Mountain and the Blue Ridge, and
in close proximity to the town. Their
cavalry had captured a considerable
number of our pickets before the alarm
was given. The little band which was
charged with the protection of the rail-
road and bridges found itself instanta-
neously compelled to choose between
an immediate retreat or a contest with
the enemy against overwhelming num-
bers. Colonel Kenly was not the man
to avoid a contest, at whatever odds.
He immediately drew up his troops in
the order he had contemplated in case of
attack of less importance. The disposi-
tion of his forces had been wisely made
to resist a force equal to his own, and
the best, perhaps, that could have been
devised in his more pressing emergency.
“About one o'clock P.M. the alarm
was given that the enemy was ad-May
vancing on the town in force. The 23.
infantry companies were drawn up in
line of battle about one half of a mile in
the rear of the town. Five companies
were detailed to support the artillery,
which was placed on the crest of a hill
commanding a meadow of some extent,
over which the enemy must pass to
reach the bridge—one company guard-
ing the regimental camp, nearer to the
river, on the right of the line.
ATTACK ON FRONT ROYAL.
251
“The companies, three in number,
left to guard the town, were soon com-
pelled to fall back upon the main force.
There were then four companies on the
right of the battery near the camp, un-
der Lieutenant-Colonel Dushane, and
five companies on the left, under Colo-
nel Kenly. The battery, Lieutenant
Atwell commanding, opened fire upon
the enemy advancing from the hills on
the right and left, well supported by the
infantry, doing much damage. A de-
tachment of the Fifth New York Cavalry
was ordered to advance upon the road,
which was attempted, but did not suc-
ceed. They held this position for an
hour, when they were compelled to re-
treat across the river, which was done
in good order, their camp and stores
having been first destroyed.
“On the opposite side their lines were
again formed, and the battery, in posi-
tion, opened its fire upon the enemy
while fording the river. They were
again ordered to move, left in front, on
the Winchester road, and had proceed-
ed about two miles when they were
overtaken by the enemy's cavalry, and
a fearful fight ensued, which ended in
the complete destruction of the com-
mand. Colonel Kenly, at the head of
his column, was wounded in this action.
The train and one gun were captured.
One gun was brought within five miles
of Winchester, and abandoned by Lieu-
tenant Atwell only when his horses were
broken down. The enemy's force is es-
timated at 8,000. The fighting was
mostly done by the cavalry on the side
of the rebels, with active support from
the infantry and artillery. Our own
force did not exceed 900 men. They
held their ground manfully, yielding only
to the irresistible power of overwhelm-
ing numbers.”
General Banks was now admonished
of his own danger, and commenced to
retreat down the valley of the She-
nandoah. The masterly manner in which
this was effected can be inferred from
his own graphic statement of the move-
ment :
“Information was received,” he says
in his report, “on the evening of May
23d, that the enemy in very large force
had descended on the guard at Front
Royal, Colonel Kenly, First Maryland
Regiment, commanding, burning the
bridges and driving our troops toward
Strasburg with great loss. Owing to
what was deemed an extravagant state-
ment of the enemy's strength, these re-
ports were received with some distrust;
but a regiment of infantry, with a strong
detachment of cavalry and a section of
artillery, were immediately sent to rein-
force Colonel Kenly. Later in the even-
ing, dispatches from fugitives who had
escaped to Winchester informed us that
Colonel Kenly’s force had been destroy-
ed, with but few exceptions, and the
enemy, 15,000 or 20,000 strong, were
advancing by rapid marches on Win-
chester.
“Orders were immediately given to
halt the reinforcements sent to Front
Royal, which had moved by different
routes, and detachments of troops, un-
der experienced officers, were sent in
every direction to explore the roads
252
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
leading from Front Royal to Strasburg,
Middletown, and Winchester, and ascer-
tain the force, position, and purpose of
this sudden movement of the enemy. It
was soon found that his pickets were in
possession of every road, and rumors
from every quarter represented him in
movement, in the rear of his pickets, in
the direction of our camp.
“The extraordinary force of the en-
emy could no longer be doubted. It
was apparent, also, that there was a
more extended purpose than the capture
of the brave little band at Front Royal.
“This purpose could be nothing less
than the defeat of my own command, or
its possible capture by occupying Win-
chester ; and by this movement inter-
cepting supplies or reinforcements, and
cutting off all possibility of retreat.
“It was also apparent from the re-
ports of fugitives, prisoners, Union men,
and our reconnoitring parties, that the
three divisions of the enemy's troops
known to be in the valley, and embrac-
ing at least 25,000 men, were united
and close upon us, in some enterprise
not yet developed.
“The suggestion that, had their ob-
ject been a surprise, they would not
have given notice of their approach by
an attack on Front Royal, was answered
by the fact that on the only remaining
point of attack—the Staunton road—
our outposts were five miles in advance,
and daily reconnoissances made for a
distance of twelve miles toward Wood-
stock -
“Under this interpretation of the en-
emy's plans, our position demanded in-
stant decision and action. Three courses
were open to us: first, a retreat across
Little North Mountain to the Potomac
River on the west ; second, an attack
upon the enemy's flank on the Front
Royal road; third, a rapid movement
direct upon Winchester, with a view to
anticipate his occupation of the town by
Seizing it ourselves—thus placing my
command in communication . with its
original base of operations, in the line
of reinforcements by Harper's Ferry
and Martinsburg, and securing a safe
retreat in case of disaster. To remain
at Strasburg was to be surrounded; to
move over the mountains was to aban-
don our train at the outset and to sub-
ject my command to flank attacks with-
out possibility of succor ; and to attack,
the enemy being in such overwhelming
force, could only result in certain de-
struction. It was therefore determined
to enter the lists with the enemy in
a race or a battle—as he should choose
—for the possession of Winchester, the
key of the valley, and for us the position
of safety.
“At three o'clock A.M., the 24th in-
stant [May], the reinforcements— May
infantry, artillery, and cavalry— 24.
sent to Colonel Kenly, were recalled ;
the advance guard, Colonel Donnelly's
brigade, was ordered to return to Stras-
burg, several hundred disabled men left
in our charge by Shields' division were
put upon the march, and our wagon-
train ordered forward to Winchester un-
der escort of cavalry and infantry. Gen-
eral Hatch, with nearly our whole force
of cavalry and six pieces of artillery,
BANKS’ RETREAT.
253
was charged with the protection of the
rear of the column, and the destruction
of any stores for which transportation
was not provided, with instructions to
remain in front of the town as long as
possible, and hold the enemy in check,
our expectations of attack being in that
direction. All these orders were exe-
cuted with incredible celerity, and soon
after nine o'clock the column was on the
march, Colonel Donnelly in front, Colo-
nel Gordon in the centre, and General
Hatch in the rear.
“The column had passed Cedar Creek,
about three miles from Strasburg, with
the exception of the rear-guard, still in
the rear of the town, when information
was received from the front that the en-
emy had attacked the train, and was in
full possession of the road at Middle-
town. This report was confirmed by
the return of fugitives, refugees, and
wagons, which came tumbling to the
rear in fearful confusion.
“It being apparent now that our im-
mediate danger was in front, the troops
were ordered to the head of the column
and the train to the rear ; and in view
of a possible necessity of our return to
'Strasburg, Captain James W. Abert,
Topographical Corps—who associated
with him the Zouaves d’Afrique, Cap-
tain Collis—was ordered to prepare
Cedar Creek bridge for the flames, in
order to prevent a pursuit in that direc-
tion by the enemy. In the execution
of this order, Captain Abert and the
Zouaves were cut off from the column,
which they subsequently joined at Wil-
liamsport. They had at Strasburg a
very sharp conflict with the enemy, in
which his cavalry suffered severely. * *
“The head of the reorganized column,
Colonel Donnelly commanding, encoun-
tered the enemy in force at Middletown,
about thirteen miles from Winchester.
Three hundred troops had been seen in
town ; but it soon appeared that larger
forces were in the rear. The brigade
halted, and the Forty-sixth Pennsylva-
nia, Colonel Knipe, was ordered to pen-
etrate the woods on the right and dis-
lodge the enemy's skirmishers. They
were supported by a section of Coth-
ran's New York battery. Five compa-
nies of the enemy's cavalry were dis-
covered in an open field in the rear of
the woods, and our artillery, masked at
first by the infantry, opened fire upon
them. They stood fire for a while, but
at length retreated, pursued by our
skirmishers. The Twenty-eighth New
York, Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, was
now brought up, and, under a heavy
fire of infantry and artillery, the enemy
were driven back more than two miles
from the pike. Colonel Donnelly being
informed at this point by a citizen, in
great alarm, that 4,000 men were in the
woods beyond, the men were anxious to
continue the fight ; but as this would
have defeated our object by the loss of
time, except a small guard, they were
ordered to resume the march. -
“This affair occurred under my own
observation, and I have great pleasure
in vouching for the admirable conduct of
officers and men. We lost one man
killed and nine wounded. The loss of
the enemy could not be ascertained.
115
254
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“This episode, with the change of
front, occupied nearly an hour ; but it
saved our column. Had the enemy
vigorously attacked our train while at
the head of the column, it would have
been thrown into such dire confusion as
to have made the successful continuation
of our march impossible. Pending this
contest, Colonel Brodhead, of the First
Michigan Cavalry, was ordered to ad-
vance, and, if possible, to cut his way
through and occupy Winchester. It
was the report of this energetic officer
that gave us the first assurance that our
course was yet clear, and he was the
first of our column to enter the town.
“When it was first reported that the
enemy had pushed between us and Win-
chester, General Hatch was ordered to
advance with all his available cavalry
from Strasburg, leaving Colonel De For-
rest to cover the rear and destroy stores
not provided with transportation. Ma-
jor Wought, Fifth New York Cavalry,
had been previously ordered to recon-
noitre the Front Royal road, to ascertain
the position of the enemy, whom he en-
countered in force near Middletown, and
was compelled to fall back, immediately
followed by the enemy's cavalry, in-
fantry, and artillery. In this affair five
of our men were killed and some wound-
ed. The enemy's loss is not known.
“After repeated attempts to force a
passage through the lines of the enemy,
General Hatch, satisfied that this result
could not be accomplished without great
loss, and supposing our army to have
proceeded but a short distance, turned
to the left, moved upon a parallel road,
and made several ineffectual attempts to
force a junction with the main column.
At Newtown, however, he found Colo-
nel Gordon holding the enemy in check,
and joined his brigade. Major Collins,
with three companies of cavalry, mis-
taking the point where the main body
of the cavalry left the road, dashed upon
the enemy until stopped by a barricade
of wagons and the tempestuous fire of
infantry and artillery. His loss must
have been severe.
“Six companies of the Fifth New
York, Colonel De Forrest, and six com-
panies of the First Vermont, Colonel
Tompkins, after repeated and desperate
efforts to effect a junction with the main
body—the road now being filled with
infantry, artillery, and cavalry—fell back
to Strasburg, where they found the
Zouaves d’Afrique. The Fifth New York,
failing to effect a junction at Winches-
ter, and also at Martinsburg, came in at
Clear Spring with a train of thirty-two
wagons and many stragglers. The First
Vermont, Colonel Tompkins, joined us
at Winchester with six pieces of artil-
lery, and participated in the fight of the
next morning. Nothing could surpass
the celerity and spirit with which the
various companies of cavalry executed
their movements, or their intrepid
charges upon the enemy.
“General Hatch deserves great credit
for the manner in which he discharged
his duties as chief of cavalry in this part
of our march, as well as at the fight at
Winchester, and in covering the rear of
our column to the river, but especially for
the spiritinfused into his troops during the
BANKS AT WIN CHESTER.
255
brief period of his command, which, by
confession of friend and foe, had been
made equal to the best of the enemy's
long trained mounted men.
“From this point the protection of
the rear of the column devolved upon
the forces under Colonel Gordon.
“The rear-guard having been sepa-
rated from the column, and the rear of
the train having been attacked by an in-
creased force near the bridge between
Newtown and Kentown, Colonel Gordon
was directed to send back the Second
Massachusetts, Lieutenant-Colonel An-
drews commanding, the Twenty-sev-
enth Indiana, Colonel Colgrove, and the
Twenty-eighth New York, Lieutenant-
Colonel Brown, to rescue the rear of the
train and hold the enemy in check.
They found him at Newtown with a
strong force of infantry, artillery, and
cavalry.
“The Second Massachusetts was de-
ployed in the field, supported by the
Twenty-eighth New York and the Twen-
ty-seventh Indiana, and ordered to drive
the enemy from the town ; and the bat-
tery was, at the same time, so placed as
to silence the guns of the enemy.
“Both these objects were quickly ac-
complished. They found it impossible
to reach Middletown, so as to enable the
cavalry under General Hatch to join
the column, or to cover entirely the rear
of the train. Large bodies of the en-
emy's cavalry passed upon our right and
left, and the increased vigor of his move-
ments demonstrated the rapid advance
of the main body. A cavalry charge
made upon our troops was received in
squares on the right and on the road,
and in the line on the left, which repelled
his assault and gained time to re-form
the train, to cover its rear and to burn
the disabled wagons. This affair occu-
pied several hours—the regiments hav-
ing been moved to the rear about six
o'clock, and not reaching the town until
after twelve. * * ::: . * :::
“The strength and purpose of the
enemy were to us unknown when we
reached Winchester, except upon uncer-
tain reports and unsatisfactory reconnois-
sances. Our suspicions were strength-
ened by the vigor with which the enemy
had pressed our main column, and de-
feated at every point the efforts of de-
tachments to effect a junction with the
main body.
“At Winchester, however, all sus-
pense was relieved on that subject. All
classes—Secessionists, Union men, refu-
gees, fugitives, and prisoners—agreed
that the enemy's force at or near Win-
chester was overwhelming, ranging from
25,000 to 30,000. Rebel officers, who
came into our camp with entire uncon-
cern, supposing that their own troops
occupied the town, and were captured,
confirmed these statements, and added
that an attack would be made upon us
at daybreak. I determined to test the
substance and strength of the enemy by
actual collision, and measures were
promptly taken to prepare our troops to
meet them. They had taken up their
positions on entering the town after
dark without expectations of a battle,
and were at disadvantage as compared
with the enemy.
256
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“The rattling of musketry was heard
during the latter part of the night, and
before the break of day a sharp engage-
ment occurred at the outposts. Soon
after four o'clock the artillery opened its
fire, which was continued without cessa-
tion till the close of the engagement.
“The right of our line was occupied
by the third brigade, Colonel George H.
Gordon commanding. The regiments
were strongly posted, and near the cen-
tre covered by stone walls from the fire of
the enemy.
“Their infantry opened on the right,
and soon both lines were under heavy
fire.
“The left was occupied by the first
brigade, Colonel Dudley Donnelly com-
manding. -
“The line was weak, compared with
that of the enemy; but the troops were
well posted, and patiently awaited as
they nobly improved their coming oppor-
tunity. The earliest movements of the
enemy were on our left, two regiments
being seen to move as with the purpose of
Occupying a position in flank or rear.
General Williams ordered a detachment
of cavalry to intercept this movement,
when it was apparently abandoned.
The enemy suffered very serious loss
from the fire of our infantry on the left.
One regiment is represented by persons
present during the action, and after the
field was evacuated, as nearly destroyed.
“The main body of the enemy was
hidden during the early part of the ac-
tion by the crest of the hill and the
woods in the rear.
“Their force was massed apparently
upon our right, and their manoeuvres
indicated a purpose to turn us upon the
Berryville road, where, it appeared sub-
sequently, they had placed a consider-
able force, with a view of preventing
reinforcements from Harper's Ferry.
But the steady fire of our lines held
them in check until a small portion of
the troops on the right of our line made
a movement to the rear. It is but just
to add that this was done under the er-
roneous impression that an order to
withdraw had been given. No Sooner
was this observed by the enemy, than its
regiments swarmed upon the crest of the
hill, advancing from the woods upon our
right, which, still continuing its fire
steadily, withdrew toward the town.
“The overwhelming force of the en-
emy now suddenly showing itself, mak-
ing further resistance unwise, orders
were sent to the left by Captain De
Hauteville to withdraw the first brigade,
which was done reluctantly but in order,
the enemy having greatly suffered on
that wing. A portion of the troops
passed through the town in some confu-
sion ; but the column was soon re-form-
ed and continued its march in order.
“This engagement held the enemy in
check nearly five hours.
“The forces engaged were greatly un-
equal. Indisposed to accept the early
rumors concerning the enemy's strength,
I reported to the Department that it was
about 15,000. It is now conclusively
shown that not less than 25,000 men
were in position, and could have been
brought into action. On the right and
left their great superiority of numbers
BANKS AT MARTINSBURG.
257
was plainly felt and seen, and the signal
officers from elevated positions were en-
abled to count the regimental standards,
indicating a strength equal to that I have
stated. •
“My own command consisted of two
brigades of less than 4,000 men, all told,
with 900 cavalry, ten Parrott guns, and
one battery of six-pound smooth-bore
cannon. To this should be added the
Tenth Maine Regiment of Infantry, and
five companies of Maryland Cavalry, sta-
tioned at Winchester, which were en-
gaged in the action. The loss of the
enemy was treble that of ours in killed
and wounded. In prisoners ours greatly
exceeded theirs.
“Officers whose word I cannot doubt
have stated, as the result of their own
observation, that our men were fired
upon from private dwellings in passing
through Winchester; but I am credibly
informed, and gladly believe, that the
atrocities said to have been perpetrated
upon our wounded soldiers by the rebels
are greatly exaggerated or entirely un-
true.
“Our march was turned in the di-
rection of Martinsburg, hoping there to
meet with reinforcements—the troops
imoving in three parallel columns, each
protected by an efficient rear guard.
Pursuit by the enemy was prompt and
vigorous, but our movements were rapid
and without loss.
“A few miles from Winchester the
sound of the steam-whistle, heard in the
direction of Martinsburg, strengthened
the hope of reinforcements and stirred
the blood of the men like a trumpet.
Soon after two squadrons of cavalry came
dashing down the road with wild hurrahs;
they were thought to be the advance of the
anticipated support, and were received
with deafening cheers. Every man felt
like turning back upon the enemy. It
proved to be the First Maryland Cav-
alry, Colonel Witchky, sent out in the
morning as a train-guard. Hearing the
guns, they had returned to participate
in the fight. Advantage was taken of
this stirring incident to reorganize our
column, and the march was continued
with renewed spirit and order. At
Martinsburg the column halted two and
a half hours—the rear-guard remaining
until seven in the evening in rear of the
town, and arrived at the river at sun-
down, forty-eight hours after the first
news of the attack on Front Royal. It
was a march of fifty-three miles, thirty-
five of which were performed in one
day. The scene at the river when the
rear-guard arrived was of the most ani-
mating and exciting description. A
thousand camp-fires were burning on
the hillside, a thousand carriages of
every description were crowded upon
the banks, and the broad river rolled
between the exhausted troops and their
coveted rest.
“The ford was too deep for the teams
to cross in regular succession. Only the
strongest horses, after a few unsuccess-
ful experiments, were allowed to essay
the passage of the river before morning.
“The single ferry was occupied by
the ammunition trains, the ford by the
wagons. à -
“The cavalry was secure in its own
258
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
power of crossing. The troops only had
no transportation. Fortunately the train
we had so sedulously guarded served us
in turn. Several boats belonging to the
pontoon train, which we had brought
from Strasburg, were launched and de-
voted exclusively to their service. It is
seldom that a river-crossing of such mag-
nitude is achieved with greater success,
and there never were more grateful
hearts in the same number of men than
when, at midday of the 26th, we stood
on the opposite shore.
“My command had not suffered an
attack and rout. It had accomplished
a premeditated march of nearly sixty
miles in the face of the enemy, defeat-
ing his plans, and giving him battle
wherever he was found.
“The whole number of killed is 38 ;
wounded, 155; missing, 711. Total loss,
905. - -
“It is undoubtedly true that many
of the missing will yet return, and the
entire loss may be assumed as not ex-
ceeding 700. It is also probable that
the number of killed and wounded may
be larger than that above stated ; but
the aggregate loss will not be changed
thereby.
“All our guns were saved. Our
wagon train consisted of nearly 500
wagons. Of this number 55 were lost.
They were not, with but few exceptions,
abandoned to the enémy, but were
burned upon the road. Nearly all of
our supplies were thus saved. The
stores at Front Royal, of which I had no
knowledge until my visit to that post on
the 21st inst., and those at Winchester,
of which a considerable portion was de-
stroyed by our troops, are not embraced
in this statement.”
The advance of General Jackson
down the valley of the Shenandoah and
the flight of Banks before him caused
great alarm at the North. The Govern-
ment was momentarily stricken with
panic, and with the reiteration of the
old cry that “Washington was in dan-
ger,” ordered Gen. McDowell to retire
from Fredericksburg, in order to cover
the capital, and the militia of the loyal
States was called out by the President
for its defence. The States responded
with their usual fervor of loyalty, and
rapidly sent forward their armed multi-
tudes. The Government, availing itself
of this force to garrison Washington and
Maryland, was enabled to send reinforce-
ments to Fremont, and a considerable do-
tachment under General Shields to drive
back the importunate Jackson.
As the movements of General Fre-
mont now begin to bear an important
relation to those in the Shenandoah val-
ley, it is necessary to continue the nar-
rative of his progress. General Milroy,
in command of Fremont's advance, it
will be recollected, had succeeded in
driving the enemy from Monterey (April
20). Soon after he opened free com-
munications with General Schenck at
Franklin, on the eastern side of the Al-
leghanies, and, crossing the mountains
himself, advanced in the direction of
Staunton, as far as McDowell. It was
at this place that the enemy made an
attack in force. General Jackson, leav-
ing Ewell to watch Banks at Harrison-
JACKSON IN PURSUIT OF FREMONT.
259
burg, crossed the Shenandoah, and rein-
May forcing Johnson, turned upon Mil-
8 roy and Schenck, and forced them,
after a severe struggle, with a loss of 26
killed, 225 wounded, and three missing,
to retreat to Franklin, whither Fremont
himself hurried by a forced march across
the Alleghanies, to meet and support
them with reinforcements. The contest
at McDowell has been dignified with the
title of the battle of Bull Mountain.”
General Cox, who was operating with
May his division in the Kanawha valley
16 of Western Virginia, after reach-
* The main facts of the battle are thus briefly summed
up by a correspondent of the N. Y. Evening Post:
“it appears that on Thursday morning, the 8th (May),
General Milroy, who is called the ‘fighting bulldog,' sent
a message to General Schenck that the enemy were cross-
ing the Shenandoah in force, and that he would be obliged
to fall back on McDowell. He asked for help. Schenck,
who was already some nine miles on the route from this
place, pushed on, and, by a forced march of thirty-two
miles, attacked one end of the town of McDowell just as
the advanced guard of the Confederates appeared on the
slope of the mountain at the other. The situation was a
critical one, for the enemy had the power of outflanking
us on both sides. -
“In order to gain time for a 'safe retreat with the wag-
ons and stores—for our generals had by this time discov-
ered that there was a large body of rebels in front resolved
upon an attack—we opened the ball with artillery, which
was followed by a bayonet charge upon their right flank
by the Ohio Twenty-fifth and Eighty-second. For two
hours they struggled up the face of the steep mountains,
beating back the foe, Colonel Cantrell commanding the
latter; and that there was a hand-to-hand fight the char-
acter of the wounds of our men in hospital will bear wit-
Iness. The object of the attack having been gained, our
troops fell back in the most perfect order to this place,
fighting the swift following enemy every foot of the way,
killing and wounding large numbers. It is thought that
our forces could have held this place, but that is doubtful.
Most fortunately for our gallant little army, General Fre-
mont, who, since the retreat from Yorktown, had antici-
pated an advance of Jackson with large reinforcements,
had already moved his army forward from Petersburg by
rapid marches, and arrived here while our artillery were
shelling the enemy in the hills through which the road
runs toward McDowell and Staunton.’”
ing Princeton, was at that place also
checked by an attack of the enemy
under General Humphrey Marshall,
and compelled to retire to Lewisburg.
Here, however, an attack of the May
enemy, under Gen. Heath, was re- *
pulsed by Colonel Crook, the loss of
whose brigade was 10 killed and 40
wounded. Four cannon, 200 stand of
arms, and 100 men were captured from
the enemy.
The guerrilla bands became exceed-
ingly active, despoiling Union people of
their property and greatly harassing the
Federal troops by interfering with their
communications and cutting off their
supplies. General Fremont strove to
check these marauders by treating them
as outlaws, and condemning them when
taken to be hung.”
General Jackson having succeeded in
his purpose of driving back the advance
of Fremont under Milroy and Schenck,
returned to the valley of the Shenan-
doah, and, joining his forces with those
of General Ewell, engaged in the pur-
suit of Banks, whose masterly retreat
before them has been already related.
Johnson was left to guard the roads in
and around Staunton. -
General Jackson's apparent object
was to prevent the junction of Fremont
with General Banks, and to capture the
latter. With this purpose, after driving
back Fremont, he advanced in conjunc-
tion with Ewell along the Luray valley,
and dispatched Smith with a large de-
& “Two guerrillas were hung at Chester on the 9th, in
spite of demonstrations to prevent it.”—Telegraphic report
from Parisburg, Va., May 10. t
260
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
tachment across the Marsaton Mountain
to pursue a route parallel with his own
toward Strasburg. \
Fremont, in the mean time, had re-
ceived orders from the Secretary of War
to fall back from Franklin to the sup-
port of General Banks. This retrograde
movement was slow, in consequence of
the ill condition of the route. “The
roads were rutted as deep as they could
be, and the heavy artillery was dragged
along with great difficulty, many of the
pieces requiring six, eight, and even ten
horses.” *
General Jackson having failed in his
purpose of capturing Banks' little force,
and fearing lest he himself might be in-
tercepted and cut off by the movements
May of the Union forces on his flank,
30 commenced to turn back after reach-
ing within striking distance of Harper's
Ferry. Smith, with his detachment,
nad previously retraced his route from
Strasburg, whither he had marched.
His object was to prevent Fremont from
crossing over to Harrisonburg or New-
market.
On Friday (May 30), Jackson began
his retreat. Leaving his camp between
Halltown and Charlestown in the morn-
ing, he rested the first night with his
May advance at Middleton. Next day
ºl' (Saturday) he marched to Stras-
burg. Ewell, with the rear-guard, fol-
lowed Jackson, and by a forced march
of thirty-four miles in one day, reached
Middleton on the night of Saturday.
Fremont's advance under General
Milroy on the same day (Saturday) on
which Jackson had entered Strasburg,
and Ewell, Middleton, halted at Cotton-
town, within two and a half miles of the
former place. Jackson now determined
to give Milroy battle, and accord- June
ingly on Sunday attacked and 1.
forced him, after a struggle of six hours,
to fall back to await reinforcements.
On the next day (Monday) General
Milroy, having been reinforced by June
Blenker's division, proceeded to 2.
Strasburg, but found that Jackson had
evacuated the place during the previous
night. He, however, pushed rapidly on
and came up with the rear-guard of the
enemy under General Ewell, strongly
posted in a narrow and defensible pass
at Fisher's Hill. A spirited attack was
made by Milroy, but the enemy, with
the great natural advantages of their
position, held their ground with great
steadiness. - -
Jackson continued his retreat, pass-
ing rapidly through Woodstock and
Edinburg, but making a vigorous de-
fence with his rear guard whenever
overtaken by Fremont's advance, whose
approach was greatly hindered by the
destruction of the bridges. Jackson
reached and crossed the northern fork
of the Shenandoah, a mile beyond
Mount Jackson, on the 3d of June, de-
stroying the bridge behind him. With
an unbridged river, which was greatly
swollen by the rains, between him and
his pursuers, Jackson was enabled to halt
and give repose to his jaded troops.
Fremont, close on, the heels of the
enemy, made a vigorous effort to cross
the Shenandoah at once. One bridge
| was built on the very night that he
IB.ATTLE OF
CROSS KEYS.
261
reached the river, but the flood swept
it away. In the course of the next day
another was constructed, and the whole
June column crossing over, continued
4. the pursuit. The enemy, however,
ever watchful and active, succeeded in
covering their retreat with great skill
through Newmarket and Harrisonburg.
Fremont's force entered Harrisonburg
on the afternoon of the sixth day of
June, and the advance overtaking the
enemy's rear at a short distance beyond
the town, a severe engagement ensued,
which lasted until nightfall. The First
New Jersey Cavalry, after driving the
enemy before them, fell into an ambush,
by which they lost Wyndham, their col-
onel, who was captured, and thirty-five
in killed, wounded, and missing. Col-
onel Cluseret, however, sent to their
support with his brigade, succeeded in
driving the enemy from their concealed
position in the wood and capturing their
camp. The Kane Rifles, who had also
gone to the rescue, found themselves
flanked by a superior force, and were
forced to retire after a loss of fifty-five
killed, wounded, and missing. The
enemy were supposed to have greatly
suffered ; among their killed was the fa-
mous cavalry officer, General Ashby,”
who covered the retreat with his whole
cavalry force and three regiments of in-
fantry, and “who,” says Fremont, with
rare magnanimity in this tribute to his
enemy, “exhibited admirable skill and
audacity.”
Jackson having continued his retreat
beyond Harrisonburg to the Shenan-
doah, discovered that the advance of
Shields' division, which had been dis-
patched to intercept him, was on the
other side of the river to dispute its pas-
sage. He thus found himself inclosed
between two forces—that of Fremont in
his rear, and that of Shields on his front.
He now determined to make a stand be-
fore attempting to cross the Shenandoah,
and to drive back, if possible, his pur-
suers who were pressing so closely after
him. Jackson accordingly chose a
strong position in the woods, at a place
called Cross Keys, near Union Church,
about seven miles from Harrisonburg and
five from the river, and awaited the com-
ing up of his pursuers. Fremont having
marched out from Harrisonburg at six
* We quote the following from the N. Y. Herald:
“Brigadier-General Turner Ashby, of the rebel service,
better known as Colonel Ashby, was only promoted to a
brigadier-generalship about three weeks before the battle
in which he was hurried to his last account. Ashby was
a middle-sized man, handsomely built, and very active.
Every member of his body seemed to be perfectly formed
and proportionably balanced. He was a dark-complex-
- ioned, dark-eyed, fine-featured man, with an expression
of benevolence rather than war in his countenance. His
hair was dark, and he wore it long and flowing. Ashby's
character, before engaging in the rebellion, was one
against which no one had anything to say ; but many
were, on the other hand, loud in their encomiums of his
public and private career. Ashby was a man of very few
words. He was not a soldier by profession. He was en-
gaged for several years as a merchant at Markham Sta-
tion, Va., on the line of the Strasburg and Manassas Gap
Railroad. He was a man of much piety, and when his
brother was killed in battle against the Union troops, he
is reported to have knelt upon the grave of the deceased, *
raised his hands in a devout attitude above his head, and
remained there in that position with his eyes turned
heavenward for several minutes. What were his thoughts
at that solemn moment, or what the nature of his prayer,
if he made one, is a Secret which is forever buried with
him. Ashby was present at nearly every battle in West-
ern Virginia, and was very much distinguished both for
his bravery and superior horsemanship. The loss of this
officer will be felt by the entire rebel army under Jackson,
but especially by the cavalry.”
1 16
262
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
o'clock in the morning of the 8th of June,
June Colonel Cluseret's brigade, consist-
8, ing of the Sixtieth Ohio and Eighth
Virginia, supported by the Garibaldi
Guard forming the advance, came up
with the enemy at nine o'clock, and be-
gan the engagement by “sharp skir-
mishing. During the day, Cluseret ob-
tained possession of the enemy's ground,
which was disputed foot by foot, and
only withdrew at evening, when ordered
to retire to a suitable position for the
night.”
At half-past twelve o'clock the whole
line moved to the attack, General Stahl
leading the left, Milroy the centre, and
Schenck the right. Blenker's, Bohlen's,
and Van Steinwehr's brigades formed
the reserve. The left, being in advance,
was the first to engage the enemy, and
during the whole contest was in the hot-
test of the fight. After opening fire
from Schirmer's battery, the Eighth and
Forty-fifth New York regiments were
advanced across an open field to attack
the enemy's position within cover of the
woods. They thus met their foes at a
great disadvantage, whom, however,
they attacked with spirit. After suffer-
ing greatly, they were forced to fall
back. The Eighth New York alone had
sixty-five killed. General Stahl, not-
withstanding this check, was enabled
by his artillery to keep the enemy
at bay while he shifted his position,
and thus prevent them from taking
much advantage of their first success.
* General Fremont, in his official report—to which he
adds: “The skill and gallantry displayed by Cluseret on
this and frequent former occasions, during the pursuit in
which we have been engaged, deserve high praise.”
until dark.
They, however, were pressing heavily
upon him, until Milroy and Schenck
coming up to his support, the enemy
were forced back with severe loss. The
main struggle continued with “great
obstinacy and violence” until four o'clock
in the afternoon, being carried on prin-
cipally by artillery in the centre and on
the right, and by musketry and the
bayonet on the left. Some skirmishing
and artillery firing prolonged the battle
The loss was heavy on both
sides. General Fremont estimated his
loss at 125 killed and 500 wounded.
The loss among his officers was exceed-
ingly great—in General Stahl's brigade
alone there were five killed and seven-
teen wounded. One of the companies
of the Pennsylvania Bucktail Rifle Regi-
ment lost all its officers, both commis-
sioned and non-commissioned.
Jackson, however greatly he may
have suffered by the spirited attack of
Fremont at Cross Keys, succeeded in
covering his retreat across the Shenan-
doah, and in spite of the Union force
gathered to oppose him on his front on
the other side of the river. This force
was the advance of the division of Gen-
eral Shields, who had been detached
from General McDowell's army at Fred-
ericksburg, which he had joined on
leaving General Banks, whose command,
thus imprudently weakened, had pro-
voked the attack of General Jackson.
Shields' first move was to Front Royal,
where he drove out, by a charge May
of cavalry, the Georgia regiment 30.
which had occupied the place since its
capture by Jackson, chased it across the
JACKSON CROSSES THE SHENANDOAH.
263
Shenandoah, saved the bridges, and
took 140 of the enemy prisoners, with a
loss on the Union side of eight killed
and four wounded. The stores which
had been previously taken from our
troops had been mostly removed, and
“nothing was found save two trains of
cars and a few wagon-loads of corn.”
From Front Royal, Shields pushed
on to Port Republic, with the view of
getting in front of General Jackson,
while General Fremont was close upon
him in his rear. Thus caught between
two forces, the irresistible strength of
one of which he had already tested, and
having reason to dread a collision with
the other, if not from its superiority of
power, from his own inferiority of posi-
tion, since he was obliged to cross the
river in face of it, Jackson seemed in
imminent danger. Fortune, however,
smiled on the enterprising leader who
was ever ready to catch at its favors.
General Shields' advance, consisting
of a brigade, under the command of
Colonel Carroll,” had reached Port Re-
public on the 8th of June, where, find-
ing some few of the enemy, he after a
brisk skirmish drove them out. Carroll,
however, with imprudent confidence,
trusting either to the effect of an attack
from Fremont, or to his own strength,
determined to hold the bridge which
crossed the Shenandoah. He accordingly
refused to have it burned, and posted
his artillery with the view of command-
ing its passage. The energetic Jack-
* His brigade, the fourth, consisted of the Eighty-
fourth Pennsylvania, Elever,th Pennsylvania, Seventh
Indiana, and First Virginia, four regiments, though its
effective force was estimated to be only 1,600 strong.
son had anticipated this movement by
posting on the other side, during the
night, a much larger force of artillery,
so that on the dawn of next day, Gen-
eral Carroll was surprised to find June
that the bridge was not, as he had 9.
supposed, controlled by himself, but by
the enemy. He now strove to burn it,
but was foiled in the repeated attempts
he made ; his troops being constantly
forced back by the heavy cannonade of
the enemy's powerful guns. Jackson
now threw across his army, with the
cavalry in advance, which cleared the
way by an impetuous charge. General
Carroll, though reinforced by Tyler's
brigade, sent forward to his aid by Gen-
eral Shields, was still inferior in number
to the enemy, and was obliged to yield
to their pressure. Jackson thus suc-
ceeded in crossing the river with his
whole force, and in driving back the
Union troops some three or four miles,
where they finally held their ground af
ter a struggle of five hours, “our boys,”
adds a chronicler, “fighting every foot
of the way,” though one or two of the
regiments were scattered in disorder and
took to the mountains. The loss of
the Union troops was 55 killed, 374
wounded, and 524 missing.
General Jackson was now beyond
immediate danger from his pursuers.
His enterprising pursuit of Banks, and
his subsequent skilful retreat, proved him
to be one of the most active and capable
leaders in either army. Though he may
have been balked by the vigilance of
General Banks of the full accomplish-
ment of his purpose in pursuing him,
264
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
he had succeeded by his repeated blows
in so paralyzing his little force that it
was incapable, when the excitement of
the chase was over, of further move-
ment. :
In his retreat Jackson succeeded in
accomplishing all he could have desired,
and more than he could have expected.
Though beset on either flank by the large
forces his enemy with their abounding
resources had brought to bear against
him, he had so skilfully conducted the
repeated battles with his antagonists,
that although they boasted of victory,
he enjoyed its fruits. Jackson brought
back with him all the prisoners, amount-
ing to over 3,000, whom he had taken
from General Banks, and his full train of
wagons loaded with the spoils of his raid
through the valley of the Shenandoah
Thomas Jefferson Jackson, whose
skill and enterprise made him so for-
midable an enemy, was born in Wir-
ginia, in 1825. Having graduated at
West Point in 1846, he served in the
following year in Mexico as an artillery
officer under Magruder. His gallantry
at Contreras, Churubusco, and Chapulte-
pec won for him rapid promotion, and
toward the close of the Méxican war he
was brevetted a major. He was subse-
quently in command at Fort Hamilton,
but in 1852 resigned his rank in the
army. At the commencement of the
civil war, Jackson is reputed to have
hesitated as to which side he would join.
His perplexity was owing to the fact
that though he himself was a Virginian,
his marriage with a Northern woman
had created ties with the North which
he was reluctant to sever. His father-
in-law, a clergyman, is said to have vis-
ited and urged him to remain loyal to
the United States. They spent several
hours in prayer together ; but after a
struggle which Jackson confessed to be
| “sore,” he declared, “I must go with
Virginia,” and entered the service of
the Southern Confederacy, of which he
proved himself to be one of the most
alert and able officers, having well-
earned, by his stubborn resistance to the
progress of our armies, his title of
“Stonewall.” a
ATTACK ON FORT WFIGHT.
265
C EIA P T E R XXIV.
The Enemy at Fort Wright.—Their Defences.—Bombardment of Fort Wright.—Departure of Pope.—Attack upon the
Union Fleet.—Evacuation of Forts Wright, Pillow, and Randolph.-The Enemy's Fleet covering Memphis.--
The Union ram Fleet.—Attack on the Enemy's Gun-boats.-Great naval Victory.—Surrender of Memphis.--Expe-
dition up the White River.—Explosion of the Mound City.—Capture of the Enemy's forts on the White River
AFTER the capture of Island No. 10,
the enemy who escaped fled down
the Mississippi to their next strong-
hold on the river. This was Fort
Wright, in Tennessee, situated on a
bend of the Mississippi, on its eastern
side, a short distance above the mouth
of the Hatchie River. It is 162 miles
below Cairo and 78 miles above Mem-
phis. A chronicler” thus describes the
enemy's defences at Fort Wright:
“The main fort is planted on what is
called the First Chickasaw Bluffs. Along
the shore, immediately under the bluffs,
are eleven water-batteries, extending
for a mile and a half, and mounting
about forty guns, one of which is a ten-
inch columbiad, the others being rifled
sixty-fours and thirty-twos. These bat-
teries command the river for two miles
above and below them, thus exposing
boats that may attempt to pass to a
gauntlet of five and a half miles open
range.
“Opposite the last or lower water-
battery, obstructions are planted in the
1862,
river, which compel boats to pass close
to the shore. Other obstructions are
placed near the upper battery, all of
a N. Y. Herald
most salient points.
which tend to complete a most form-
dable and troublesome defence. On
the hill, in the rear of the batteries, is
the main fort, an octagonal structure
with bastions, mounting some twelve or
fifteen large guns. Surrounding this,
and embracing a line seven miles in
length, from shore to shore, are forti-
fications, consisting of batteries, riſle-
pits, etc.
“The rebels have also made ample
preparations for the protection of their
rear from attack. On the bluff they
have thrown up fortifications seven miles
in circumference, and consisting of a
continuous embankment for their troops
to fight behind, with numerous batteries
to protect all approaches. They have
about thirty field-pieces stationed at the
The rebel camps
are situated in the rear of the batteries,
and capacious magazines have been dug
in the sides of the hills, which are re-
ported to be stowed full of ammunition.
“General Willipigne, who is or was
the commander of the fort, is a creole
resident of New Orleans. As an engi-
neer, he is represented in the South to
be second only to Beauregard.”
In addition to the defences on land
266
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
and a considerable force of troops, esti-
mated at 3,000, under General Jeff.
Thompson, the enemy had collected a
flotilla of gun-boats, commanded by
Commodore Hollins, to dispute the pas-
Sage of the Mississippi.
Commodore Foote, with characteris.
tic enterprise, proceeded immediately
after the capture of Island No. 10 to
bombard Fort Wright. Having secured
a position about two miles above the
Apr, work, he opened fire, which forced
14, the enemy's gun-boats to seek a
refuge below and under the guns of the
fort. General Pope had also marched
down the Arkansas shore, in order to co-
operate, but was prevented from active
service by the overflow of the river and
‘the flooding of its banks, in consequence
of the destruction by the enemy of the
levees or dykes. Foote, however, perse-
vered in his efforts, unaided by the land
force. The enemy responded to the bom-
bardment of the mortar boats with great
spirit, and the firing on both sides was
very heavy. Foote, after several weeks
of active but ineffectual operations with
his fleet, was finally forced, in conse-
quence of his increased suffering from
the wound he had received at Fort Don-
- May elson, to retire from the command,
* and was succeeded by Captain C.
H. Davis. General Pope, too, having
been summoned by General Halleck to
reinforce his army before Corinth with
all his troops, the siege was left to be
conducted by the fleet alone.
Captain Davis had hardly assumed
the command, when the enemy, who had
been long preparing, and had greatly
reinforced their flotilla, made a bold at-
tack upon the Union fleet. At a May
little past seven o'clock the enemy's 19.
squadron of eight iron-clad steamers,
several of which were fitted with rams,
came around Point Craighead, in Ar-
kansas, at the bend of the river just
above Fort Pillow.
The Union boats were lying at the
time tied up to the banks of the river,
three on the eastern and four on the
western side. Captain Davis immedi-
ately gave the signal to prepare for ac-
tion, which “most of the vessels were
prompt in obeying.”
The enemy made first for an unpro-
tected mortar boat, which was spirit-
edly defended by Acting Master Greg-
ory and his crew, who fired the single
mortar eleven times. The United
States gun-boat Cincinnati, which was
the leading vessel of the line on the
western side of the river where the en-
emy had opened the attack, immediately
came down to the rescue of the mortar
boat, followed by the gun-boat Mound
City. The enemy, finding their leading
boat beaten off by the Cincinnati, drove
at her with two of their rams; but
though severely injured by the collision,
she succeeded also in driving them off
with her guns, when they drifted with
the current down the river, all three
being disabled. The Mound City was
now attacked by one of the “rams,”
and struck on her starboard bow, and
sustained considerable damage. The
rest of the Union gun-boats coming down
to take part in the action, the enemy's
boats, which had already greatly suf-
NAVAI, rigºrr BEFORE MEMPIIIs.
267
fered, retreated with haste below the
guns of Fort Pillow. The engagement
had lasted an hour. The Union loss
was only four wounded ; that of the en-
emy was supposed to be much greater.
The gun-boats Cincinnati and the Mound
City were so severely injured in their
encounter with the rams, that the former
sank in twelve feet of water, and the
Mound City had to be sent to Cairo for
repairs.
After this conflict, both fleets re-
mained for three weeks watching each
other, but not engaging in active hostil-
ities. They were, however, diligently
preparing for another trial of strength.
In the mean time, the enemy, in conse-
quence of the retreat of Beauregard
from Corinth—hereafter to be narrated
—had first evacuated Fort Wright (May
31), and subsequently Forts Randolph
and Pillow (June 6). By abandoning
these forts, the approach to Memphis
was left only to the guard of the en-
emy's gun-boats. These took their po-
sition before the city and boldly awaited
the approach of the Union fleet. The
gun and mortar boats, under the com-
mand of Captain Davis, had, in the
mean time, been reinforced by a “ram
fleet,” commanded by Colonel Charles
Ellett, Jr.” This combined naval force,
consisting of five gun-boats, the mortar
flotilla, and eight rams, having rendez-
tº a
voused at Fort Wright, moved down the
Mississippi toward Memphis on Thurs-
day morning (June 5th). During the
evening the gun-boats anchored at about
a mile and a half above the city, and the
“rams” a short distance farther up the
river. Early next morning the enemy's
fleet, consisting of the General June
Van Dorn, flag-ship, the General tº
Bragg, General Thompson, Jeff. Thomp-
son, Beauregard, Little Rebel, and the
Sumter, were seen lying at the levee be-
fore Memphis. They soon moved a short
distance down the river, and then turn-
ing, came up in line of battle.
In the mean time, the Union fleet,
having weighed anchor, moved slowly
to meet the enemy. When within long
range, the Little Rebel opened the at-
tack with a shot from her rifle cannon,
which fell within a short distance of the
Cairo, which led the line of Union gun-
boats. The Cairo replied with a broad-
side, and the battle soon became gen-
eral, though at long range. The enemy
now pushed forward two of their rams.
with the view of striking at the gun-
boats in advance. Colonel Ellet, how-
ever, prevented this manoeuvre by pass-
ing ahead of the gun-boats with his
flag-ship, the Queen (ram), followed by
the Monarch” (ram), Captain Dryden,
* This gentleman, a distinguished civil engineer, had,
in his famous pamphlet, chiefly remarkable for its un-
sparing censure of General McClellan's military conduct,
advocated the use of rams. The United States Govern-
ment, with a quasi adoption of his views, authorized him
to construct a ram fleet, to be accepted on condition of a |
full proof of its efficacy.
& How the Monarch and the Queen were left to bear the
brunt of the fight is explained by this communication of
Colonel Ellet to the Secretary of War:
“OPPOSITE MEMPHIS, June 10, 1862
‘‘Hon. E. M. STANTON :
“SIR—There are several facts touching the naval en-
gagement of the 6th inst. at this place which I wish to
place on record. -
“Approaching Memphis, the gun-boats were in the ad-
vance. I had received no notice that a fight was expected,
268
THE WAIR WITII Ti LE SOUTH
and making directly for the enemy's two
rams. They strove to elude the colli-
sion by backing down the stream, turn-
ing and making an attempt to get
away. This movement proved fatal to
them. The Queen, in the course of this
manoeuvre of the enemy, found her op-
portunity for a blow, of which she was
quick to avail herself. Striking one of
the rams fairly, she crushed it at once to
a wreck. For a moment—such was the
impulse of her thrust—the Queen stuck
fast to her adversary, who, however, at
last got clear, but only to sink to the
bottom of the Mississippi.
The enemy's other ram took advan-
tage of the entanglement of its consort
with the Queen, and struck a blow
which disabled her. The Monarch, how-
ever, speedily avenged her companion
by turning upon and sinking the of
fender. The Monarch was now in her
turn struck by the Beauregard, but for-
tunately being uninjured, she returned
the blow, crushing in the sides of her
adversary. At the same moment the
Beauregard received a shot in the boiler
from one of the gun-boats, and drifted
away a useless wreck. The Little Rebel
made a bold dash for the Monarch, whose
pilot, however, skilfully eluded her, and
she came in contact with her consort,
the General Price, carrying away her
wheel, which forced her to run ashore.
The Monarch now turned upon the
Little Rebel and drove her aground,
when she was abandoned.
The Monarch, soon after, finding
her victim, the Beauregard, about to
founder, towed her into shoal water,
where she sank. The Union gun-boats
with their broadsides completed the vic-
tory, and the enemy with one armed
vessel, the Wan Dorn, and a few trans-
ports only left, fled rapidly down the
river, pursued by the Monarch and the
Switzerland.
This extraordinary naval conflict” had
lasted two hours, from five to seven
o'clock in the morning. Not a man of
the Union fleet was killed, and no one
wounded but Colonel Ellet. The en-
but was informed on landing within sight of Memphis
that the enemy's gun-boats had retreated down the river.
My first information of the presence of the enemy was a
shot which passed over my boat. I had four of my most
powerful rams in the advance, and ready for any emer-
gency; the others were towing the barges. On advanc-
ing to the attack, I expected, of course, to be followed by
the Monarch, the Lancaster, and the Switzerland. The
Monarch came in gallantly. Some of the officers of the
Lancaster, which now held the next place in the line, be-
came excited and confused ; but the engineers behaved
well; the pilot erred in signals, and backed the boat
ashóre and disabled her rudder. The captain of the
Switzerland construed the general signal order ‘to keep
half a mile in the rear of the Lancaster' to mean that he
was “to keep half a mile behind her in the engagement,’
and therefore failed to participate. Hence the whole
brunt of the fight fell upon the Queen and Monarch. Had
either the Lancaster or Switzerland followed me as the
Monarch did, the rebel gun-boat Van Dorn would not
have escaped, and my flag-ship would not have been dis-
abled. Three of the rebel rams and gun-boats which
were struck by my two rams sank outright and were lost ;
another, called the General Price, was but slightly in-
jured, and I am now raising her, and purpose to send her
to my ſleet. Respectfully, CHARLEs ELLET, Jr.,
“Colonel Commanding Ram Fleet.”
a Captain Davis thus summed up, in his official report,
the result of this victory :
“The result of the action was the capture or destrut-
tion of seven vessels of the rebel fleet, as follows :
“The General Beauregard, blown up and burned.
“The General Sterling Price, one wheel carried away.
“The Jeff. Thompson, set on fire by a shell and burned.
and magazine blown up.
“The Sumter, badly cut up by bhot, but will be r"
paired.”
CA1*TURE OF MEMPHIS.
tº “º -º- . *-ºs º-: , . . . . . . ... **-* *-******** * * -, - * ~ *- :
269
emy, however, were less fortunate, and
suffered considerable loss.
The progress of the naval fight was
watched with intense interest by the
people of Memphis, for on the result de-
pended the fate of their city. “The bluffs
in front of the city were crowded with
spectators during the engagement. Busi-
ness of every kind was suspended.”*
General Jeff. Thompson, after discreetly
providing for the safe retreat of his
troops by the railroad, lingered behind
to witness the naval fight. Riding to a
commanding height, he anxiously looked
upon the struggle ; but as soon as he saw
that the Union fleet was victorious, he
put spurs to his horse, and galloped
rapidly off to join his retreating sol-
diers.
On the termination of the fight, Col-
onel Ellet, having been informed that a
white flag was flying from the city, sent
his son, accompanied by a lieutenant and
two men, ashore with two United States
flags, and directed him to raise one on
the custom-house and the other upon
the court-house. Young Ellet at the
same time bore with him a note to the
city authorities, stating the purpose of
his mission. To this the mayor replied :
“The civil authorities of this city are
not advised of its surrender to the forces
of the United States Government, and
our reply to you is simply to state re-
spectfully that we have no forces to op-
pose the raising of the flags you have
directed to be raised over the custom-
house and post-office.”
Young Ellet and his three compan-
* Memphis Argus.
ions, after receiving this reply, proceeded
to the post-office to raise the national
flag. They there met the mayor and
Some of the principal citizens of Mem-
phis, whose “conduct was unexcep-
tionable;” but an excited crowd sur-
rounded the little party and abused them
with angry and threatening language.
Persisting, however, in their purpose,
they mounted to the top of the post-
office and planted the flag, though fired
upon several times and stoned by the
mob below. A more formal demand of
surrender was subsequently made by
Captain Davis. Most of the cit- June
izens yielded with a sullen resig- 6.
nation to a power they could not suc-
cessfully resist, and the city was soon
restored, under the authority of the
United States, to order and tranquillity.
A week after the naval victory off
Memphis and the captº:e of that June
city, a combined expºſition, con- 13.
sisting of the gun-boats Mound City,
Captain A. H. Kilty, flag-officer com-
manding, the St. Louis, Conestoga, and
Lexington, and transports conveying the
Forty-sixth Indiana Regiment, Colonel
Fitch, sailed up the White River. The
object of the expedition was to capture
or sink any of the enemy's boats which
had taken refuge there. This stream,
after taking its course through the State
of Arkansas, empties into the Missis-
sippi below Memphis, and accordingly,
if commanded by the enemy, would ex-
pose to attack the rear of any expedi-
tion down the latter river.
The flotilla had ascended the White
River about eighty-five miles, and reach-
117
270
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ed within three or four miles of the vil-
lage of St. Charles, when a battery of
the enemy was discovered on the south-
June ern shore. A brisk fire from the
17. Mound City, however, soon silenced
the work, which consisted merely of in-
trenchments of earth, mounted with four
light cannon. The Mound City now
passed up the river to reconnoitre, leav-
ing her consorts to complete the reduc-
tion of the first battery, and had ad-
vanced but a short distance to a sharp
turn in the stream, when she was open-
ed upon by a second. This was at St.
Charles. While preparing to open a
broadside upon this work, an enemy's
shot struck the steam-drum of the
Mound City, which caused an immediate
explosion that killed or wounded the
greater portion of the crew. Of I75
men on board, only 50 escaped.
Colonel Fitch had, in the mean time,
landed eight miles below the batteries,
and observing the fatal mischance of the
Mound City, signaled to the rest of the
gun-boats which were engaging the sec-
ond battery, to cease their fire. Colonel
Fitch now advanced, and making a gal-
lant charge with his Indiana men, car-
ried the work by storm after an engage-
ment of an hour. The enemy's infantry
were driven from the support of the
guns; the gunners shot at their posts;
their commanding officer, Freye, for-
merly of the United States navy, wound-
ed and taken prisoner, and eight brass
and iron guns, with ammunition, cap-
tured. The Union loss, with the ex-
ception of that from the disaster of the
Mound City, was trifling, while the en-
emy, who fought desperately, suffered
greatly. A large number of their dead
and wounded were left on the field. The
gun-boats subsequently advanced up the
river until checked by the shallowness
of the water.
ADVANCE UPON CORINTH.
—r—
271
C EIA P T E R X. X W .
Operations of General Halleck against Corinth.-Disposition of his Forces.—Cautious approaches.--Feeling the En-
emy.—The Enemy repulsed at all points.--Fire opened upon Corinth.-Successes of the Union Troops on the
flanks.-Advance upon Corinth. —The Enemy gone !—Corinth desolate.—Pursuit of the Enemy by Pope.—Ten
thousand Prisoners captured. —Denied by Beauregard.—Movements of Mitchell.—Operations of General Negley.—
Unsuccessful attack on Chattanooga.—Guerrilla bands.-Operations of Morgan.—His attack on the Louisville and
Nashville Railroad.—Cumberland Gap occupied by Union Troops.-Johnson's administråtion at Nashville.—Condi-
tion of affairs in Tennessee and Kentucky.
GENERAL HALLECK continued to move
his army cautiously toward Cor-
inth. On the 4th of May he had
May established his position within
4, seven miles of the enemy. The
command of the right was divided be-
tween Thomas and McClernand, who
were, however, subordinate to Grant ;
that of the centre was given to Buell,
and the left to General Pope. The lat-
ter, after his reconnoissance in force on
the 3d of May to Farmington, within
four miles of Corinth, of which he suc-
ceeded in dispossessing the enemy, left
a brigade to occupy the place, and
fell back to his camp with his main
body. On the 9th of May the enemy
attacked this small number of troops
and drove them, with a loss of 21 killed,
149 wounded, and 14 missing, after a
severe fight of five hours, back from Far-
mington, beyond Seven Mile Creek,
which separated them from General
Pope's camp.” The enemy, however,
1862,
subsequently retired before a second ad-
vance of General Pope, who now moved
his entire force, consisting of the left of
Halleck's grand army, to Farming- May
ton, and was thus only three miles 17.
from Corinth. -
In the mean time, skirmishes were
frequent along the whole line, and a
detachment succeeded in destroying a
bridge on the Memphis and Charleston
Railroad.
General Halleck, persuaded that the
enemy were strongly fortified at Cor-
inth, and prepared to make an obstinate
resistance, moved with the utmost cau-
* NEAR FARMINGTON, May 9, P.M.
To M A JoR-GENERAL FIALLECK :
The eremy twenty housand strong, drove in our pick-
ats beyond Farl. ii.gion, and advanced upon the brigade,
occupying the farther side of the creek in front of my
camp. The brigade held on for five hours, until, finding
them heavily pressed in front and on the flank, and that
I could not sustain them without passing the Creek with
my whole force, which would have been contrary to your
orders, and would have drawn on a general engagement,
I withdrew them to this side in good order. The conduct
of the troops was excellent, and the withdrawal was made
by them very reluctantly. *
The enemy made a demonstration to cross, but aban-
doned the movement.
Our loss is considerable, though I cannot yet tell how
great. The enemy being much exposed, suffered severely,
one of his batteries being completely disabled and his
infantry line having been driven back several times
My command are eager for the advance.
John Pope, Major-General
27.2
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
as he advanced.
|
tion by regular approaches, intrenching
Having finally ad-
vanced his whole line to within three-
fourths of a mile of Corinth, and hav-
May ing got his heavy guns in position, .
28, he sent forward three strong recon-
noitring columns from his right, centre,
and left, with the view of “feeling the
enemy and unmasking his batteries” be-
fore opening the siege. The resistance,
though reported to be energetic, was
overcome at every point, and the skir-
mishers reached within gunshot of the
enemy's intrenchments. So close, in-
deed, had our troops approached, that
it was thought that the enemy could
not long hesitate to make an attempt to
beat them back. An attack it was con-
fidently believed would be made as soon
as the next day dawned. Morning came,
May but the enemy, greatly to the sur-
29 prise of all, did not open fire.
General Pope, however, began a vig-
orous bombardment of intrenchments,
which lasted for an hour, when they
pulled down the flag over an advanced
battery, hauled the guns back, and
abandoned the position. This triumph
lost much of its importance from the
enemy's subsequent movements.
There was, however, another and less
equivocal success at a distance on the
enemy's flank, gained by a detachment
from General Pope's command, the Sec-
ond Iowa Cavalry, under Colonel Elliott.
“After forced marches, day and night,
through a very difficult country, and ob-
structed by the enemy,” reported Gen-
eral Pope, “Colonel Elliott finally suc-
ceeded in reaching the Mobile and
Ohio Railroad at Boonsville” at two
o'clock P.M. on the 30th (May).
“He destroyed the track in many
places, both south and north of the
town, blew up one culvert, destroyed
the switch and track, burned up the dé-
pôt and locomotives, and a train of
twenty-six cars loaded with supplies of
every kind; destroyed 10,000 stand of
small-arms, three pieces of artillery, and
a great quantity of clothing and ammu-
nition, and paroled 2,000 prisoners which
he could not keep with his cavalry. The
enemy had heard of his movements, and
had a train of box cars and flat cars,
with flying artillery and 5,000 infantry,
running up and down the road to pre-
vent him from reaching it. The whole
road was lined with pickets for several
days. Colonel Elliott's command sub-
sisted upon meat alone, such as they
could find in the country. *
“For daring and dispatch this expe-
dition,” adds General Pope, “ has been
distinguished in the highest degree, and
entitles Colonel Elliott and his command
to high distinction. Its results will be em-
barrassing to the enemy, and contribute
greatly to their loss and demoralization.”
On the successful advance of General
Pope, the whole line of General Hal-
leck's army drew closer to Corinth, and
heavy batteries were established May
within one thousand yards of the 29,
enemy's works.
Next morning, at daybreak, skirmish-
ing parties were thrown forward, and
finding no resistance, pushed on into the
* Boonsville is a small railroad station twenty miles
south of Corinth, on a branch of Yelkow Creek.
CORINTH ABANIDO.NED.
273
works, followed by the main body of
May the army. The enemy had fled.
30. Corinth was found deserted and
desolate. General Beauregard had evac-
.uated his position with such deliberation,
that nothing had been left but a few
dismantled cannon, some useless mus-
kets, and a hundred or more stragglers.
The town of Corinth was partially de-
stroyed, and the cotton and other stores
of value burned.
General Halleck declared : “The en-
emy's position and works in front of
Corinth were exceedingly strong. He
cannot occupy a stronger position in his
flight,” adding, “General Beauregard
evidently distrusts his army, or he would
have defended so strong a position. His
troops are generally much discouraged
and demoralized.”
A detachment of Pope's division was
immediately dispatched in pursuit, and
the General himself soon followed with
40,000 men. For thirty miles he kept
close upon the heels of the fugitives,
June and soon reported the capture of
* 10,000 prisoners and deserters, and
15,000 stand of arms.” This, however,
* HALLECK's Headquarters, June 4, 1862.
lſon. F. M. STANTON, SECRETARY OF WAR :
General Pope, with 40,000 men, is thirty miles south
of Corinth, pushing the enemy hard. He already reports
10,000 prisoners and deserters from the enemy, and 15,000
stand of arms captured. Thousands of the enemy are
throwing away their arms. A farmer says that when Beau-
regard learned that Colonel Elliott had cut the railroad
on his line of retreat, he became frantic, and told his men
to save themselves the best way they could.
We have captured nine locomotives and a number of
cars. One of the former is already repaired and is run-
ning to-day. Several more will be in running order in
two or three days. The result is all I could possibly de-
Bire. - H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General Commanding.
was , emphatically denied by Beaure-
gard,” who declared that one or two
hundred stragglers were the utmost
number of prisoners taken by Pope.
He added, “All we lost at Corinth and
during the retreat will not amount to
one day's expense to the enemy's army.”
The enterprising Mitchell continued
from Huntsville, in Alabama, where he
had established his headquarters, his
energetic operations in the northern part
of that State and in southern Ten-
nessee. One expedition sent out May
by him crossed the river at Bridg- 1.
port and advanced toward Chattanooga,
in Tennessee, and another penetrated to
Jasper, where was “found a strong
Union feeling.” The latter force pushing
on to Athens, was met by the enemy's
cavalry and forced to fall back. The
Union troops, however, being reinforced,
returned to the charge, and put to flight
in their turn the enemy, who retreated in
the direction of Florence. An expedition
under General Negley started from May
Pulaski to co-operate with Colonel 13.
Little's force from Athens against Rog-
ersville. On Negley's approach the en-
emy hurriedly evacuated the place and
crossed the Tennessee, saving their ar-
tillery, stores, and baggage. General
Mitchell, expecting an obstinate resist-
ance to Colonel Little in his passage
across the Elk River, accompanied him
in person to its banks. The enemy,
“as usual,” says General Mitchell, “fled
at our approach.” ºr:
No sooner had Negley occupied May
Rogersville, than an expedition 14.
* Mobile News, June 19th.
274
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
was dispatched to seize the bridge
across Shad Creek and the ferry be-
low the mouth of that stream. This
was promptly and successfully accom-
plished. General Mitchell now con-
May soled himself with the belief that
1* “no more troops would enter from
that region.” There were, however,
still left some guerrilla bands of cavalry,
“which,” said the General, “we will
endeavor to hunt down, destroy, or
capture.” General Mitchell was now
enabled to “pay his respects to the en-
emy on the eastern side of the region
under his command.” Having “extem-
porized” a gun-boat, he dispatched it up
the Tennessee toward Chattanooga, and
at the same time directed General Neg-
ley to march to the same place from Co-
June lumbia. When Negley reached
I. Winchester, he found that the en-
emy had abandoned the place ; but on
continuing his march through Jasper
and over the Cumberland Mountains,
June came up with some of their cavalry
5, under the command of General
Adams, and routed them. Following in
June pursuit, General Negley arrived op-
7, posite Chattanooga, where he found
the enemy in force. He, however, open-
ed fire upon them with apparent suc-
cess, having silenced most of their bat-
teries before the close of the day. Next
June morning Negley again resumed the
8, attack, but finding that during the
night the enemy had been reinforced,
and had greatly strengthened their bat-
teries, he withdrew. The gun-boat “ex-
temporized” by General Mitchell had
disappointed his expectations, and al-
though it succeeded in clearing the banks
of the river of the enemy's skirmishers,
was not able, from the difficult naviga-
tion, to approach sufficiently near the
batteries to be of much service.
Formidable as were the Union armies
in the West, and triumphant as had
been their advance, they were not
able so far to occupy the vast territory
they had wrested from the enemy as
to prevent a frequent defiance of their
military authority. Guerrilla bands
swarmed in Tennessee, Kentucky, and
even in Missouri. Colonel John Mor-
gan, the noted Tennessee leader, was
especially daring and active. Auda-
ciously intruding almost within the lines
of the Union armies, he made many a
successful raid, capturing and destroy-
ing. Dashing into Pulaski, Tennessee,
with his horsemen, he seized 13 officers
and 235 soldiers. He, however, May
was made to pay dearly for this suc- 2.
cess. General Dumont, with 600 mount-
ed men, composed of detachments from
Colonel Wynkoop's Seventh Pennsyl-
vania, Colonel G. Clay Smith's Fifth
Kentucky, and Colonel Woodford's First
Kentucky Cavalry, went in pursuit May
of Morgan, and ſell in with him at 5.
Lebanon. Dumont, after “a hard-fought
battle of one hour and a half, and a run-
ning fight of eighteen miles in pursuit,
achieved a complete and substantial vic-
tory.” One hundred and fifty of Mor-
gan's men, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert
C. Wood, three captains, four lieuten-
ants, 150 horses, and 100 stand of
arms were captured. The loss of the
Union troops was six killed, 25 wound-
RAIDS OF
* *
ed, and one taken prisoner. The en-
emy's force was estimated at 800 strong.
Colonel Morgan himself was reported
to have been killed, but soon gave proof
May that he was still in the full vigor of
ll life by another bold attack with 200
men on the Louisville and Nashville
Railroad train at Woodland, within two
miles of Cave City, in Kentucky, de-
stroying forty-five freight wagons, three
passenger cars, and a locomotive.” Two
raids of Morgan to be continued 2
MORGAN. 275
majors of the Union army were cap-
tured, and about $10,000 in money.
Some of the passengers having fired
upon Morgan's men, they responded with
a volley, but fortunately no lives were
lost. The object of Morgan was to res-
cue the men, among whom was his
brother, that General Dumont had cap-
tured at Lebanon. In this, however,
he failed, as the prisoners were not on
the train, as he supposed.
This bold dash of the daring Morgan
created a great panic at Louisville, and
the editor of a journal of that city asked,
with alarm, “How much longer are these
Can
no way be devised to put an end to them 2
Must all communication between Louis-
ville and Nashville be broken up by
them? If this bold partisan leader can
come with 200 men from Corinth almost
to the bank of Green River, what is to
prevent his gathering 2,000 men, cut-
ting the telegraph wires, and making a
dash some night into Louisville *
The organized forces of the enemy,
however, were now almost everywhere
in Tennessee giving way before the
overwhelming power of the Union arms.
The strong natural position of Cum-
berland Gap, which had been so June
long held by them, was finally yield- 18.
ed to the Union general, Morgan, who,
• One of the passengers on the train gave this account
of the affair :
“May 11, 1862.
“When the morning express train of the Louisville and
Nashville line got opposite to Woodland, quite a commo-
tion was produced among the passengers upon seeing a
company of ladies and children running toward the train,
hallooing at the top of their voices and making motions
for us to stop. When the train stopped amid the din of
confusion, we could hear the words, “Run back, for Mor-
gan and his men will fire upon you.’ We could see ahead
of us smoke and flame, as if Cave City was on fire ; and
the cars immediately took the back track, but had not
proceeded far before obstructions upon the track stopped
them. Here were several moments of anxious suspense,
not knowing what our fate was to be. We were much re-
lieved when Morgan's men emerged from the bushes and
took possession of the train. They ordered the train back
to Cave City. When we got there we found the village
untouched, but a train of cars on fire. The train was va-
riously reported at from thirty-three to forty-nine cars
and a locomotive. Our train was then parted, and three
of the passenger cars subjected to the torch likewise.
After taking from the express agent a large package of
money—the amount not known——Colonel Morgan mag-
nanimously permitted the balance of the train and passen-
gers to return to Louisville. When we got back as far as
*Woodland, we found six more cars in flames. Most of the
cars, I think, were loaded.
“Morgan's ostensible object in paying Kentucky this
unexpected visit was to rescue his men taken prisoners by
the Federals some days ago. We do not know whether
he succeeded or not. He was anxiously looking for the
Nashville train when we left. The number of his men is
variously reported at from two hundred to one thousand.
We did not sce over forty or fifty.
“At the first of the excitement we heard several pistol
reports at the head of the train, but no one was hurt, and
no private individual or private property was molested.
The Federal soldiers were taken prisoners, but such was
the confusion that I could not learn how many. I think,
however, there were only five or six on the train, and one
of that number was permitted to return in virtue of the
pleadings of his wife. who happened to be on board.
Among the number taken I heard the names of Major Cof-
fee and Major Helveti. Colonel Morgan spared the mails
for the sake of an old friend, the carrier, Mr. Morrison.
“T. R. LYNE,
“Of Gordonsville, Ky., on board train.”
* Louisville Journal.
276
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
with his division, after a toilsome march,
took possession of the pass abandoned
by the enemy. Such were the difficulties
of their progress through that mountain
region, that our troops were obliged to
drag the cannon, by means of block and
tackle—two hundred men frequently
pulling at the ropes of a single gun—up
the precipitous sides of the Pine and Cum-
berland mountains. The possession of
the Gap, as it opened the route from Ken-
tucky into the loyal district of East Ten-
nessee, was considered a great triumph.
The Union military governor, John-
son, continued his rigid enforcement of
the United States authority without re-
spect to persons. Ex-governors, judges,
bank presidents, municipal magistrates,
and clergy were imprisoned on refusing
to take the oath of allegiance. Efforts
at the same time were made through
TJnion meetings, in which Governor
Johnson, Governor Campbell, W. H.
Polk, and other leading men of Tennes-
see took part, to develop among the
people sentiments of loyalty to the Fed-
eral Government.
The majority of the voters of Nash-
ville, however, unmoved by the rigid
rule of the military governor and the
threatening presence of the Union May
troops, persisted in the expression 28.
of their secession sentiments, having
elected a secessionist for circuit judge.
Governor Johnson refused to commission
the disloyal officer.
Kentucky, though yielding more will-
ingly than Tennessee to the authority
of the United States Government, was
still vexed by secession intriguers and
disturbed by insurrectionary movements.
At Paducah a plot to place the town in
the power of the secessionists was dis-
covered. The United States mil- May
itary force was consequently in- 10.
creased, and the cannon placed on the
embankments for the protection of the
town were turned upon it to be ready
in case of an outbreak. The guerrilla
bands, too, were not inactive, intimidat-
ing the Union people, despoiling them
of their property, and obstructing the
communications by the destruction of
railway bridges and roads.
SURRENDER OF APALACHICOLA.
277
C EIA PT E R X. X W I.
Capture of Apalachicola.-Destitute condition of the City.—Commander Porter off Pensacola.-Evacuation of Pensa-
cola.-Occupied by Federalists.-A demonstration before Mobile —Preparations of the Enemy.—Concentration of
Union Forces.—Abandonment of the coast of Florida.-Operations in South Carolina.—General Hunter organizes a
Negro Regiment.—Congressional interference.—Hunter's justification.—Excitement at the North.-Politic action
of Mr. Lincoln. — Robert Smalls, the Negro Pilot.—Preparations to advance upon Charleston.—Capture and aban-
donment of Pocotaligo. —Edisto and other islands captured.—Defeat of the Union Troops under General Benham
at Secessionville.--Evacuation of James Island.—General Benham removed from command.—Operations in North
Carolina.-Engagement at Tranter's Creek.-Political movement.—Governor Stanley.—His appeal to the Union-
ists.-His policy questioned.—Movements in North Carolina arrested by the call of Burnside to Virginia.-General
Butler at New Orleans.—His rigid rule.—Imprisonments.-Banks. –Foreign Consuls.-Famous order in regard to
the “ladies” of New Orleans.—Reverdy Johnson appointed a Commissioner to regulate matters at New Orleans.
THE United States Navy continued to
assert its power on the coasts of
the enemy. The city of Apalachi-
cola, in Florida, yielded without resist-
Apr., ance to a couple of armed launches
* which Commander Stellwagen sent
ashore from the gun-boats Mercedita and
Sagamore. The town was found almost
entirely abandoned by its male inhabit-
ants. Of the usual population, number-
ing over 3,500, there were but 542 left,
mainly women, children, and negroes.
The forts were dismantled and deserted.
Several small vessels were captured in
the harbor and river, and others burned.
Though Apalachicola enjoyed, previous
to the war, a brisk commerce, it was
found almost destitute of every article
of home and foreign trade. The cotton
storehouses and presses were closed and
empty. There was hardly a pound of
sugar or a barrel of flour in the town,
and its population obtained only a scant
subsistence from the meagre supply of
the inland country devastated by the war.
1862.
The appearance of Commander Por-
ter after the capture of New Orleans,
with a gun-boat and some mortar ves-
sels off Pensacola, led to the evac-May
uation of that city. The formidable 9.
forts and intrenchments with which the
enemy had so long bid defiance to the
Federal fleets and strong fortress of Fort
Pickens were dismantled and abandoned.
The navy yard was first despoiled of its
machinery and stores, and then destroyed
with the vessels, the barracks, hospitals,
and other public property. The railroad
leading to Montgomery was also demol-
ished. When the United States vessels
reached the city with a flag of truce and
demanded a surrender, the mayor refused
to comply, but declared that as all the
military had left he had no power to op-
pose. Pensacola was accordingly occu-
pied by a United States force of 1,200
men under General Arnold, from Fort
Pickens.
A demonstration by Porter with his
fleet of mortar boats off Mobile served
118
278
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
only to stimulate the enemy to more des-
May perate efforts of defence. Large re-
8, inforcements were thrown into the
place, and extensive additions made to
the earth-works. Fort Gaines was dis-
mantled, its guns removed to the stronger
work of Fort Morgan, and the approaches
obstructed. Commander Porter, con-
tenting himself with a reconnoissance,
returned to the Mississippi, in order to
co-operate with Captain Farragut in his
movements up that river. Baton Rouge,
the capital of Louisiana, and Natchez,
had already yielded to the irresistible
force of Farragut's fleet, but Wicksburg
obstinately resisted.
Notwithstanding the capture of the
whole coast of Florida, it having been
found necessary to concentrate the Union
forces, Apalachicola, St. Mark’s, Cedar
Keys, and Tampa Bay were abandoned,
and immediately re-occupied by the en-
emy. The United States cruisers, how-
ever, continued to sustain a rigid block-
ade of every port.
On the coast of South Carolina the
military and naval operations showed
for a long time no great vigor of con-
duct; but General Hunter, the com-
mander-in-chief, was not inactive. Bold-
ly inaugurating a new policy in regard
to the slaves, he was busily occupied in
developing it. With a free interpreta-
tion of the instructions of the War De-
partment, General Hunter had organized
a regiment of negroes, and to secure a
supply of recruits, had proclaimed all
the slaves of Georgia, Florida, and South
Carolina free. The order of Hunter
was repudiated by the President of the
United States, and the arming and equip-
ping of the negroes led to a congres-
sional inquiry.* Hunter's audacious
* This is the celebrated Emancipation Order :
“GENERAL ORDERS–No. 1 1.
“HEADQUARTERs, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
- HILTON HEAD, S. C., May 9, 1862. |
“The three States of Georgia, Florida, and South Caro-
lina, comprising the Military Department of the South,
having deliberately declared themselves no longer under
the protection of the United States of America, and hav-
ing taken up arms against said United States, it became a
military necessity to declare martial law. This was accord-
ingly done on the 25th day of April, 1862.
martial law, in a free country, are altogether incompatible.
Slavery and
The
persons in these three States, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina,
heretofore held as slaves, are therefore declared forever free.
“DAv1D HUNTER, Maj.-Gen. Com'd'g.
“ED. W. SMITH, Acting Asst.-Adj.-Gen.”
The following is General Hunter's answer to the Con-
gressional Inquiry : -
“HEADQUARTERs, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Port Roy AL, S. C., June 23, 1862. |
“HoN. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. :
“SIR-I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
a communication from the Adjutant-General of the army,
dated June 13, 1862, requesting me to furnish you with
the information necessary to answer certain resolutions
introduced in the House of Representatives, June 9, 1862,
on motion of Hon. Mr. Wickliffe, of Kentucky, their sub-
stance being to inquire—
“First—Whether I had organized or was organizing a
regiment of fugitive slaves in this department.
“Second—Whether any authority had been given to me
from the War Department for such organization; and,
“Third–Whether I had been furnished, by Order of the
War Department, with clothing, uniforms, arms, equip-
ments, etc., for such a force.
“Only having received the letter concerning these in-
quiries at a late hour Saturday night, I urge forward my
answer in time for the steamer Sailing to-day (Monday),
this haste preventing me from entering as minutely as I
could wish upon many points of detail, such as the para-
mount importance of the subject calls for. But in view
of the near termination of the present session of Con-
gress, and the wide-spread interest which must have
been awakened by Mr. Wickliffe's resolution, I prefer
sending even this imperfect answer to waiting the period
necessary for the collection of fuller and more comprehen-
sive data.
“To the first question, therefore, I reply that no regi-
ment of fugitive slaves has been or is being organized in
this department. There is, however, a fine regiment of
persons whose late masters are “fugitive rebels'—men who
GENERAL HUNTER ANI) THE NEGIROES.
279
attempt to solve the great problem of
Southern slavery greatly excited the
country. The partisans of abolition
enthusiastically applauded, and their
opponents angrily denounced the daring
innovator. While the former insisted
that he should be favored and encour-
aged in the promotion of his policy, the
latter called for his dismissal and dis-
grace. The Government, with a desire
to conciliate both parties, rejected the
abolition scheme, but retained its aboli-
tionist author.
A daring and successful act on the
part of some negroes seemed to justify
the appreciation by General Hunter of
the martial courage and aptitude of their
race. Robert Smalls, a pilot, with eight
other negroes, succeeded in escaping
from Charleston with the enemy's gun-
boat Planter, and delivered her up May
to the United States blockading 12.
squadron. From Smalls, who proved
to be a man of intelligence, important
everywhere fly before the appearance of the national flag,
leaving their servants behind them to shift as best they
can for themselves. So far, indeed, are the loyal persons
composing this regiment from seeking to avoid the pres-
ence of their late owners, that they are now one and all
working with remarkable industry to place themselves in
a position to join in full and effective pursuit of the fuga-
cious and traitorous proprietors.
“To the second question I have the honor to answer
that the instructions given to Brigadier-General T. W.
Sherman by Hon. Simon Cameron, late Secretary of War,
and turned over to me by succession for my guidance, do
distinctly authorize me to employ all loyal persons offering
their service in defence of the Union and for the suppres-
sion of this relellion in any manner I might see fit, or that
the circumstances might call for. There is no restriction
as to the character or color of the persons to be employed,
or the nature of the employment, whether civil or mili-
tary, in which their services shall be used. I conclude,
therefore, that I have been authorized to enlist fugitive
slaves as soldiers, could any such be found in the depart-
ment. No such characters, however, have yet appeared
within view of our most advanced pickets, the loyal slaves
everywhere remaining on their plantations to welcome us,
aid us, and supply us with food, labor, and information.
It is the masters who have in every instance been the
fugitives, running away from loyal slaves as well as loyal
soldiers, and whom we have only partially been able to
see, chiefly with their heads over ramparts, or rifle in hand
dodging behind trees in the extreme distance.
“In the absence of any fugitive master law, the deserted
slaves would be wholly without remedy had not their time
of treason given the right to pursue, capture, and bring
back those persons, of whose protection they have been
thus suddenly bereft.
“To the third interrogatory it is my painful duty to re-
ply that I never received any specific authority for issues
of clothing, uniforms, arms, equipments, etc., to the troops
in question--my general instructions from Mr. Cameron
to employ them in any manner I might find necessary, and
the military exigencies of the department and the country
being my only, but, in my judgment, sufficient justifica-
tion. Neither have I had any specific authority for sup-
plying those persons with shovels, Spades, and pickaxes,
when employing them as laborers, nor with boats and
oars when using them as lightermen ; but these are not
points indicted in Mr. Wickliffe's resolution. To me it
seemed that liberty to employ men in any particular
capacity implied with it liberty also to supply them with
the necessary tools; and acting upon this faith I have
clothed, equipped, and armed the only loyal regiment yet
raised in South Carolina.
own conduct, that had it not been for the many other
diversified and important claims on my time and attention,
I must say in vindication of my
a much more satisfactory result might have been hoped
for ; and that in place of only one, as at present, at least
five or six well-drilled, brave, and thoroughly acclimated
regiments should by this time have been added to the
loyal forces of the Union. The experiment of arming the
blacks, so far as I have made it, has been a complete and
even marvellous success. They are sober, docile, atten-
tive, and enthusiastic, displaying great natural capacities
for acquiring the duties of the soldier. They are eager
beyond all things to take the field and be led into action,
and it is the unanimous opinion of the officers who have
had chârge of them, that in the peculiarities of this cli-
mate and country they will prove invaluable auxiliaries,
fully equal to the similar regiments so long and success-
fully used by the British authorities in the West India
Islands.
“In conclusion I would say it is my hope, there appear-
ing no possibility of other reinforcements, owing to the
exigencies of the campaign in the Peninsula, to have or-
ganized by the end of next fall, and to be able to present
the Government, from 48,000 to 50,000 of these hardy and
devoted soldiers. Trusting that this ſetter may form part
of your answer to Mr. Wickliffe's resolution, I have the
honor to be, most respectfully, your very obedient servant,
“D. HUNTER, Maj.Gen. Com'd'g.”
280
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
information was obtained which led to
a military movement soon to be re-
corded.* g
Hunter, on entering upon his com-
mand at Port Royal, found the troops
too much scattered for effective ser-
vice. He therefore began by concen-
trating his forces. General Brannan was
ordered from Key West, with all his
men, to Hilton Head, and other scat-
tered troops were concentrated at the
same place preparatory to an advance
upon Charleston. In the mean time,
May General Stevens had proceeded
28, from Beaufort with a force consist-
ing of the Fiftieth Pennsylvania Regi-
o A correspondent of the N. Y. Herald, May 14, gives
this account of a personal interview with the negro pilot:
“Robert Smalls, with whom I had a brief interview at
General Benham's headquarters this morning, is an intel-
ligent negro, born at Charleston, and employed for many
years as a pilot in and about that harbor. He entered
upon his duties on board the Planter some six weeks
since, and, as he told me, adopted the idea of running the
vessel to sea from a joke which one of his companions per-
petrated. He immediately cautioned the crew against al-
luding to the matter in any way on board the boat, but
asked them, if they wanted to talk it up in sober earnest-
ness, to meet at his house, where they would devise and
determine upon a plan to place themselves under the
protection of the stars and stripes instead of the stars and
bars. Various plans were proposed, but finally the whole
arrangement of the escape was left to the discretion and
sagacity of Robert, his companions promising to obey
him and be ready at a moment's notice to accompany
him. For three days he kept the provisions of the party
secreted in the hold, awaiting an opportunity to slip
away. At length, on Monday evening, the white officers
of the vessel went on shore to spend the night, intending
to start on the following morning for Fort Ripley, and to
be absent from the city for some days. The families of
the contrabands were notified, and came stealthily on
board. At about three o'clock the fires were lit under the
boilers, and the vessel steamed quietly away down the
harbor. The vide was against her, and Fort Sumter was
not reached till broad daylight. However, the boat passed
directly under its walls, giving the usual signal—two long
puffs and a jerk at the whistle-cord—as she passed the sen-
tinel.’’
ment, two companies of the First Mas-
sachusetts Cavalry, and a section of the
First Connecticut battery to Pocotaligo,
with the view of cutting off the commu-
nication between Charleston and Savan-
nah. On reaching this place, a small
village on the line of the Charleston
and Savannah Railroad, Stevens was
met by the enemy, one thousand strong,
who, after a short struggle, with a small
loss on either side, were driven off.
The Unionists now tore up the track of
the railway for several miles, and took
possession of Pocotaligo. After, how-
ever, occupying it for two days, and the
enemy appearing in considerable force,
the place was abandoned.
The naval force, too, in the mean
time, had been active, capturing prizes
and driving the enemy from their bat-
teries on the numerous islands border-
ing the coast. Edisto and other islands
were thus seized and garrisoned, afford-
ing favorable bases for further and more
important operations.
At the suggestion, it was said, of the
negro pilot Smalls, a naval expedition
entered Stono Inlet, shelling the May
works of the enemy on Cole's, Goat, 20.
Kiawah, and Battery or John's islands,
and compelled their evacuation. The
gun-boats Pembina, Unadilla, and Otta-
wa were anchored in the Stono River,
off James Island, a distance of eight
miles only from the city of Charleston.
To co-operate with the fleet, General
Hunter concentrated a considerable force
on Edisto Island. It was his intention
to throw these troops in mass sudden-
ly upon James Island, and thence to
REPULSE ON JAMES ISLAND.
281
make a rapid advance upon Charleston.
From the want, however, of the means
of transport, the troops could only be
moved in detachments, and thus instead
of concentrating all on the island the
3d of June, as had been designed, a
portion of them only were landed on
that day, and the rest were delayed for
a week.
In the mean time the enemy had been
vigorously strengthening their position,
having erected a formidable battery near
Secessionville,” a small place on James
Island. As the work commanded the
camp of the Unionists, it was deter-
mined by General Benham, who, on the
return of General Hunter to Port Royal,
was left in command, to carry it by as-
sault. The 11th of June was the day
appointed for the movement, but the
enemy on the evening before having as-
* “Secessionville is a small village, the summer retreat
of a few of the James Island planters. It is on the eastern
side of the island, on a high plot of land, lying on a bold
creek which winds through the marshes between James
and Morris (or Folly) islands, and empties into the Stono
River near its mouth. The creek runs immediately up to
Secessionville. On the west of the village a short, shal-
low creek makes its way toward the waters of the Charles-
ton Bay. Thus a tongue of land is formed between the
two creeks. It is connected with the body of the island
by a narrow neck of thirty yards within some four or five
hundred yards south of Secessionville. Here Lamar's
battery was located across the high land, and flanked on
each side by marsh and the creeks. It was an earth-work,
heavily constructed, having a plane face, with an obtuse
angle on each side, and faced south, in the direction of
Battery Island, Legaré's, Reese's, and Gunball’s planta-
tions on the Stono River, which is about two miles off.
From this point the cleared high land stretches out to the
Stono River, like the top of a funnel, to the distance of
nearly a mile, interrupted only by the division lines be-
tween fields, hedges, and ditches. These fields are cov-
ered with weeds three feet high. The edges – of high
lar” and marsh—are skirted with brushwood. In the
background are patches of wood between the fields and
the Stomo.”—N. Y. Herald.
sumed the offensive, which resulted in a
severe skirmish, the attempt upon the
fort was postponed. In the mean time,
a battery was erected with the view of
silencing the enemy's guns, but its fire
proved ineffective. It was now deter-
mined to carry out the original plan of
an assault. This was accordingly made
by General Benham with four “slender
brigades” at four o'clock on the morn-
ing of June 16th, when our troops were
repulsed, after gallantly fighting for four
hours, with a loss' of 85 killed, 472
wounded, and 128 missing. This serious
defeat led to an evacuation of June
James Island. The conduct of 16.
General Benham not having been ap-
proved of by General Hunter, he was
removed from the command and ordered
to report at Washington.
A correspondent of the N. Y. Herald,
writing June 17th, gives this detailed
account of the defeat at James Island :
“The forces of General Stevens were
formed in perfect quiet at his outer pick-
ets at half-past two o'clock yesterday
morning. The men fell promptly into
line, having been at that hour first ap-
prised of the movement they were to
undertake. The morning was cool, and
the entire sky was overcast with black,
heavy clouds, so that in the darkness
the task of maintaining silence and
avoiding confusion was one of no little
difficulty. We moved at half-past four,
no accident occurring to interrupt our
progress. Colonel Fenton's brigade,
consisting of the Eighth Michigan Volun-
teers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Graves,
the Seventh Connecticut, under Lieu.
282
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
tenant-Colonel Hawley, and the Twenty-
eighth Massachusetts, under Lieutenant-
Colonel Moore, was in the advance. Col-
onel Leasure's brigade, Čomprising the
Seventy-ninth Highlanders, under Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Morrison, the One Hun-
dredth Pennsylvania, under Major Leck-
ey, and the Forty-sixth New York, Col-
onel Rosa, was in support, together with
Rockwell's Connecticut battery, Captain
Sears' company of Volunteer Engineers,
and Captain Sergeant's company of Mas-
sachusetts Cavalry. A storming party,
consisting of two companies of the Eighth
Michigan, led by Lieutenant Lyons, aid-
de-camp to General Stevens, with a me-
gro guide, was in the extreme advance.
“Our route lay over an extensive cot-
ton-field, or, rather, a succession of cot-
ton-ſields, separated from each other by
hedges and ditches. The ground was
broken by the ridges peculiar to the
plantations in this vicinity, and the pas-
sage over the uneven, billowy surface,
marching as we were upon the ‘double
quick,' was excessively fatiguing, yet we
moved forward very rapidly. Although
our line was formed within rifle-shot of
the enemy's pickets, so quietly were the
troops manoeuvred that they were ig-
norant of it, and a rebel lieutenant and
four privates were surprised and cap-
tured. Orders had been given to move
forward by the flank, regiment following
regiment. In no event were we to fire,
but to press on and forward into line
by regiments.
open on us, we were to use the bayonet
on him, and endeavor, if possible, to gain
possession of the work.
When the enemy should
“These orders were faithfully exe-
cuted. Reaching the open field, about a
mile from the rebel fortifications, Fen-
ton's brigade was directed against the
right, and Leasure's against the left of the
work. These two brigades now pushed
forward with great rapidity, the regi-
ments keeping within supporting dis-
tance of each other, and the Michigan
regiment keeping close to the storming
party.
“When within about four hundred
yards of the fort, a terrific fire of grape
and canister was opened on our columns
from the work, and from the woods,
abattis, and rifle-pits on our right. Four
heavy guns on the enemy's parapet sent
their murderous charges through the
files of our brave men ; masked batte-
ries, of whose existence we had no pre-
vious knowledge, poured their terrible
missiles against us ; sharpshooters, sta-
tioned all along the rebel line, selected
our officers for targets, and many a gal-
lant leader fell at their first volley, while
the men dropped in the ranks by scores.
Still the Eighth Michigan, the Seventy-
ninth Highlanders, the One Hundredth
Pennsylvania, the Twenty-eighth Mas-
sachusetts (shouting their wild cry of
‘Faugh-a-Ballagh' as they advanced),
and portions of the Seventh Connecti-
cut and Forty-sixth New York succeeded
in reaching the very edge of the abattis,
and a portion of the storming party of
the Eighth Michigan, led by Captains
Ely and Doyle, together with a party
from the Highlanders, led in person by
their brave Lieutenant-Colonel Morri-
son, mounted the parapet of the work.
COURAGE OF THE HIGIILANDERS.
283
“Here lasted for a few moments the
most exciting scene my pen has ever at-
tempted to describe. When the High-
landers heard of the terrible slaughter
of the Eighth Michigan, with whom they
had for many months been brigaded,
they could not be restrained, but ad-
vanced with the utmost promptness to
the support of their old comrades. Col-
onel Morrison, whose horse was shot
early in the action, led up his men on
foot, shouting, ‘Come on, Highlanders,'
and, with Lieutenant Lyons, of General
Stevens' staff, was the first to scale the
walls and mount the parapet of the fort.
Both were wounded—Colonel Morrison
in the head, the bullet entering at the
temple and coming out behind the right
ear, and Lieutenant Lyons severely in
the arm. Captain Doyle, of the storm-
ing party, was severely wounded, and
Captains Guild, Pratt, and Church were
killed. It was while endeavoring to
scale these works that Captain Hitch-
cock, of the Seventh Connecticut, was
shot down. Nevertheless, the men
went up, walking unſlinchingly into the
jaws of death. But very few escaped,
and those only with garments riddled
with balls. Colonel Morrison, even after
he was wounded, discharged the entire
contents of his revolver at the force
within, and had the satisfaction of killing
one rebel as he was endeavoring to
screen liimself in one of the numerous
‘rat-holes' with which the interior of the
work abounded.
“There was but one narrow opening
in the line of abattis. So difficult of
passage was this, and so galling was the
storm of fire to which our men were ex-
posed, that the order was reluctantly
given to fall back and re-form. The men
were led with colors flying to the cover
of a hedge about five hundred yards
from the fort, where the remaining forces
of the division were disposed. Two of
Captain Rockwell's pieces, which had
occupied a position in the rear, were
now pushed forward to this hedge and
opened upon the enemy, and his rifles—
a little to the rear—maintained over the
heads of our men a well-directed fire
upon the enemy's left flank. Both these
sections were gallantly and efficiently
served, and produced a marked impres-
sion on the rebels.
“In the mean time, though the cas-
ualties had been frightful both in nature
and in number, the troops of the division
were in good order. Their confidence
was still unshaken. Their courage was
unbroken. Like veterans, they waited
for the word to charge. But at this junc-
ture Colonel Williams' command, which
had occupied a position on the left, from
which they threw a galling fire across
the marsh into the position of the en-
emy, were compelled, in consequence of
the falling of shells from our gun-boats,
to fall back, and thus the main attention
of the enemy was given to the front.
Under these circumstances, it was deem-
ed a useless waste of life further to pro-
tract the contest, and the order was
given to withdraw the troops. This
| was done in the most admirable man-
mer, Rockwell's battery taking he lead,
and the various regiments fol'ea'ing in
line of battle, with flags displa / 2d.
284
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“The losses in General Stevens' divi-
sion have been very heavy. Nearly 200
of the Eighth Michigan (which also suf-
fered at Port Royal Ferry and Wilming-
ton Island) were cut down, and of ten
company commanders who went into
the field, only two returned with their
commands. The Seventy-ninth, whose
gallantry at Bull Run we all remember,
sustained a frightful list of casualties, as
they accompanied the Michigan boys in
the assault. The losses in the Twenty-
eighth Massachusetts are also heavy, Cap-
tain Lawler being among the killed.
Captain E. S. Hitchcock, of the Seventh
Connecticut, was struck by a grape-
shot in the head and another in the
thigh, and instantly killed, and Lieuten-
ant Horton, of the same regiment, was
mortally wounded ; Lieutenant Setrol,
of the Forty-sixth, was also killed.
Many other officers in the second divi-
sion were mowed down by the hellish
storm, whose fury and whose terrible
effect, during the thickest of the fight,
no feeble rhetoric of mine can aid me
to portray.
“I have written, thus far, of the part
which only two of the brigades played
in the attack. The command of Brig-
adier-General Wright, comprising two
brigades under Colonels Williams and
Chatfield, also participated in the move-
ment, and suffered severely. Williams'
brigade, consisting of the Third New
Hampshire Volunteers, under Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Jackson ; a battalion of the
Third Rhode Island Artillery (acting as
infantry), the New York Volunteer Engi-
neers, and the First Massachusetts Caval-
/
ry, marched from Gimball's plantation at
early dawn, and were pushed forward
toward the southerly face of the work,
while General Stevens was directing his
forces against the side which fronted to-
ward the east. These regiments were
separated from General Stevens' line of
attack by an impassable swamp and
stream. The Third New Hampshire
was in the advance, followed by the
Third Rhode Island, and supported by
Captain Ransom's battery of regular ar-
tillery, and Day's battery—the two lat-
ter under the direction of Captain John
Hamilton, chief of artillery.
“As the infantry above mentioned
marched up with the evident purpose
of turning the right of the fort, they
found themselves cut off from the work
by the marsh and exposed to the grape
and canister on their right, together
with a galling fire from the rebel rifle-
men concealed in the woods on their
left. Under the shower of deadly mis-
siles, both the Third New Hampshire
and the Third Rhode Island were badly
cut up ; yet they continued the fight in
good order until the sharpshooters had
been silenced. This was effected by a
spirited dash of the Rhode Island boys,
who charged into the woods and used
the bayonet so effectually that the foe
retired, leaving three of their number
in our hands.
:: º 3& ::: ::: $:
“The forces under Colonel Chatfield,
consisting of the Sixth Connecticut,
Forty-seventh New York, and Ninety-
seventh and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania
regiments, acted as the supporting col
ENEMY'S ACCOUNT OF THE FIGHT.
285
umn. Though they were for a time
under a brisk fire, they were not di-
rected against the work, and sustained
no casualties. Hamilton's artillery did
excellent service, and though exposed
at one time to the fire of our own gun-
boats, several of whose shells fell and
exploded in their midst, neither men
nor horses were injured. Rockwell's
battery sustained no losses beyond four
horses killed. -
“During the action, General Benham
was on the field and directed in person
the movements of our forces.
Wright, who commanded the division
on the left, and General Stevens, were
also in positions of peril throughout the
action, but were uninjured.”
The following is the enemy's report,
from the Charleston Mercury of June 17:
“About dawn yesterday morning our
pickets in front of Lamar's battery were
driven in, and almost simultaneously the
enemy's column was seen some four
hundred yards off, advancing with the
bayonet, at double quick, to the assault.
Our troops within the battery had been
hard at work the evening before in
throwing up another battery, and were
almost worn out with fatigue. The first
round that was fired at the Yankees
was by Colonel T. G. Lamar himself.
His men hastened with alacrity to their
pieces, and were soon pouring grape and
canister against the rapidly approaching
enemy. At each discharge great gaps
were visible in the Yankee ranks, but
still they came on without firing a single
volley. It was afterward ascertained
that their muskets were empty, and that
General
they had actually hoped to carry the
battery with the bayonet alone. But .
the rapid and fearful cannonade and
fusilade kept up against them was too
severe for their nerves, and when close to
our intrenchments they wavered, reeled,
and finally fled in disorder. .
“But a very short time elapsed be-
fore the enemy's column, reinforced by
infantry and artillery, re-formed, and
again came forward. This time they
did not disdain the use of cartridges, but
poured heavy volleys against our bat-
tery as they advanced. But again the
terrible discharges of grape and canister
mowed down the approaching line ; and
notwithstanding the remonstrances of
their officers, again the Yankees broke
and retreated pell-mell from the field.
A third time the enemy formed his line
and advanced in a last desperate effort
to gain the battery, but again in vain.
The assailants had reached the ditch,
and some of them succeeded in mount-
ing the embankment, but they paid for
their rashness with their lives, and their
comrades behind, taking warning from
their fate, fled once more—this time not
to be rallied to a direct charge. Our
men all bear witness to the obstinate
bravery of the enemy on this occasion.
“Between the charges which proved
so disastrous to the Yankees, a galling fire
was kept up against our battery from
three gun-boats in the creek, about 1,700
yards east from our position. A cross
fire was also steadily maintained against
us from the land batteries which the en-
emy had erected—one on the edge of
the wood in which the fight with the
119
286
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH. \
Forty-seventh Georgia Regiment oc-
curred last week, and another between
that point and the position occupied by
the gun-boats. Sherman's famous field
battery also took part in the engage-
ment, being divided into two sections,
which played upon different parts of our
works.
“It had now become evident to the
enemy that the men who held our bat-
tery had no idea of yielding it, and the
plan of attack from the front was given
up.
“Flanking bodies were thrown for-
ward to assault our works from the di-
rection of the marshes which skirted our
battery on either side. On the east side
of the battery the movement was speed-
ily frustrated, and the few bold men
who ventured close enough to pour their
fire into the post soon fell. No less than
seventeen were killed outside the ditch,
and one who had mounted the parapet
fell on the top, pierced by eight balls.
“On the west side of the battery the
attack was more serious. The famous
New York Seventy-ninth Regiment took
up a position so as to enfilade our guns,
and kept up a constant and effective fire
of musketry to drive off our gunners.
They were met by the Charleston bat-
talion and the Eutaw Regiment. For a
time the fight was desperate, but the
Louisiana battalion, under Lieutenant-
Colonel McHenry, came up at the crit-
ical moment in gallant style, and the re-
pulse of the Highlanders was no longer
doubtful. The enemy was, for the last
time, forced back with great slaughter,
and the day was won. * #: :};
“Our total loss, as nearly as we can
ascertain, was about 40 killed and 100
wounded. The enemy's was far heavier.
We buried yesterday 140 dead Yankees
left upon the field. We say Yankees,
using the designation as one common to
the whole army of invaders, but in truth,
the men who did the fighting against us
yesterday were nearly all Europeans,
and in the lineaments of the dead the
Scottish type was markedly predom-
inant. We captured 70 prisoners. As
for the number of the enemy wounded,
no correct estimate can be made. Glad
to get rid of the unwelcome task of
caring for maimed Vandals, our men suf-
fered the enemy's ambulances to ap-
proach within point-blank range of their
guns, and to carry off the wounded, who
must have numbered 300 at least.”
In North Carolina, since the victories
of Burnside and the capture of Newbern,
the military movements had been of lit-
tle moment. An attack, however, of a
skirmishing party of the enemy upon
the Unionists at Washington was fol-
lowed by a more serious engagement at
Tranter's Creek.
An expedition, consisting of the Twen-
ty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, Com-
pany I of the Third New York Cavalry,
and a detachment of Howard's Maine Ar-
tillery, all under the general command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Osborn, having set
out, with a gun-boat to co-operate from
Washington (N. C.), came up with June
a party of the enemy intrenched at 5.
Tranter's Creek. After a sharp struggle
of half an hour the Unionists succeed-
ed in driving off their antagonists and
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RIGID RULE
OF BUTLER.
287
capturing the works, with a loss of only
seven killed and nine wounded. After
this success Osborn returned with his
troops to Washington.
The chief interest in North Carolina,
however, was in the political move-
ment in behalf of the Union, encour-
aged by the presence of the United
States troops and of the new military
governor. The Honorable Edward Stan-
ley, a native of North Carolina, and
formerly a popular politician in that
State, but latterly a resident of Califor-
nia, had been appointed to fill this office.
Much was expected from his personal
influence in evoking the Union senti-
ment, which, though repressed by the
domination of the enemy, was presumed
to exist in the State. -
On Governor Stanley's arrival he was
May welcomed by many of his country-
* men, and his ardent expressions of
loyalty were listened to with compla-
cency and even applause at various
“ Union” meetings held in the State.
The Governor's fastidious regard for the
institutions and laws of North Carolina
served, no doubt, to confirm his popu-
larity with its citizens, but excited the
eager reformers of the North to opposi-
tion. The latter accordingly became
clamorous for his removal, since they
suspected that his policy was inimical to
their schemes for the moral improve-
ment and emancipation of the negroes.
The United States Government answer-
ed the discontented with a repudiation
of the policy attributed to Stanley, but
retained him in office. f
After a long inactivity, preparations
were finally made for a movement by
land of the troops under General Burn-
side, to co-operate with the army before
Richmond; but before these could be
effectually carried out, a demand came
for General Burnside, who accordingly
rapidly embarked a portion of his troops,
and hastened in force to McClellan's
camp, where he arrived on the 8th July
of July. 8,
At New Orleans, General Butler en-
forced obedience to the authority of the
United States with all the severity of
martial law. Disaffected leaders who
resisted the demands of loyalty were
imprisoned, and the violence of the
unruly was repressed by the halter, the
guard-house, and the most rigid po-
lice regulations. The mayor of the city
was deprived of his civic honors and
office, and Pierre Soulé, the eloquent
senator of Louisiana, was arrested and
sent to a Northern prison. The au-
dacious citizen who had ventured to
haul down the United States flag was
hung. Tradesmen were forced to open
their shops, and to refuse Confeder-
ate money in exchange for their wares
under threats of the heaviest penalties
in case of disobedience, and clergymen
were denied the privilege of closing
their churches or praying for “the de-
struction of the Union or the success of
the rebels.” The banks were compelled
to unearth their hidden treasure, and
to credit their obligations in the legal
currency of the United States. The
Sacred precincts of even the representa-
tives of foreign nations were exposed to
the scrutiny of military inspection. “An
288
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
officer wearing the uniform and arms
May of a captain of the United States
10 army, accompanied by a squad of
six or eight men under his command,”
surrounded the office of the consul of
the Netherlands and forbade the exit of
any person or property from the prem-
ises—which were yielded up, after an
emphatic protest by the indignant for-
eign official, to the possession of the
armed band. Eight hundred thousand
dollars in specie, claimed to be the prop-
erty of the Messrs. Hope, of Amsterdam,
were thus taken by Major-General But-
ler, while the sacred person of the con-
sul himself was held in sacrilegious
durance for several hours. This in-
duced the rest of the foreign representa-
tives at New Orleans to join in a formal
protest against the act. General Butler,
in answer, justified his conduct by de-
claring that “the flag of the Netherlands
was made to cover and conceal property
of an incorporated company of Louisi-
ana, secreted under it from the operation
of the laws of the United States.” The
ambassador of the Netherlands at Wash-
ington subsequently adding the weight
of his protest against this bold act, the
United States Government was induced
to restrain the military authorities at
New Orleans from any interference with
property in possession of foreign offi-
cials.
The loyal ardor of General Butler was
even more indiscreetly manifested by
an order in regard to the women of
New Orleans. “The officers and sol-
diers of the United States having been
subject to repeated insults from the
-*s
women calling themselves “ladies of
New Orleans,’” General Butler order-
ed: “When any female shall, by word,
gesture, or movement, insult or show
contempt for any officer or soldier of the
United States, she shall be regarded and
held liable to be treated as a woman of
the town plying her avocation.” This
order” has been liberally interpreted as
meaning only that women so forgetful
of the grace of their sex as to be guilty
of such indecorum, should be amenable
to the municipal law of New Orleans, by
which prostitutes plying their vocation
are liable to arrest. If this was the in-
tent, as it is charitable to suppose, it
was unfortunate for the fame of Butler
that he had not been more precise in
the use of words. This want of nicety
in expression, if it were nothing else, has,
by naturally suggesting a gross interpre-
tation, induced a suspicion of his chivalry
* The following is the famous order of General Butler :
“HEADQUARTERs, DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
May 15, 1862. |
“As the officers and soldiers of the United States have
been subject to repeated insults from the women calling
themselves “ladies of New Orleans,’ in return for the most
scrupulous non-interference and courtesy on our part,
it is ordered that hereafter, when any female shall, by
word, gesture, or movement, insult or show contempt for
any officer or soldier of the United States, she shall be re-
garded and held liable to be treated as a woman of the
town plying her avocation.
“By command of
“GEO. G. STRONG, A. A. G.’’
General Beauregard shrewdly availed himself of the in-
discreet words of Butler to envenom the hostility of his
soldiers against the defenders of the Union. The follow-
ing was his address to his army :
“Men of the South, shall our mothers, wives, daugh-
ters, and sisters be thus outraged by the ruffianly soldiers
of the North, to whom is given the right to treat at their
pleasure the ladies of the South as common harlots?
Arouse, friends, and drive back from our soil these infa-
mous invaders of our homes and disturbers of our family
ties. (Signed) G. T. BEAUREGARD, Gen. Com' d'g.”
MAJOR-GENERAL BUTLER.
VICKSBURG AND ITS BATTERIES.
289
and evoked the denunciation of all gal-
lant men.” -
The President having sent the Honor-
able Reverdy Johnson, of Maryland, as
a commissioner to New Orleans, to as-
sist in regulating the government of
that city, General Butler was enabled
to concentrate his energies upon the
military operations on the Mississippi,
where he was acting with his troops in
conjunction with the fleet of gun-boats
under Farragut and Davis.
C H A PTE R X. X W II.
Farragut and Porter on the Mississippi.-Capture of Baton Rouge, Natchez, etc.—Obstinate resistance of Vicksburg.—
The city of Vicksburg and its position described.—The Enemy's force.—General Van Dorn in command.—Bom-
bardment of Wicksburg.—No result.—The batteries passed by Farragut. – Junction of the rams under Ellet.—Re-
sumption of the bombardment.—No result.—The Canal expedient.—The appearance of the Arkansas.—Her ex-
ploits.—The conflict with the Union gun-boats.--An attempt to board.—No foe to be found.—Escape of the
Arkansas.—Attack upon the Arkansas at Wicksburg.—Failure.—Farragut moves below Vicksburg.—Another
attack.—Result.
TIE fleet under Commodore Farragut,
soon after the capture of New Or-
leans, being joined by the mortar
ſlotilla, in command of Captain Porter,
proceeded up the Mississippi, with the
view of reducing the various positions
still held, by the enemy on the river.
Baton Rouge, Natchez, Grand Gulf+
and Warrenton yielded without serious
opposition, but Wicksburg obstinately
resisted. Here the enemy, availing
themselves of the natural advantages of
the place for defence, and concentrating
all their efforts, were enabled to make a
firm stand.
1862,
* Earl Russell, in the House of Lords, and Lord Palm-
erston, in the Commons, only expressed the universal sen-
timent of England in their official denunciations of Butler's
order as it was generally though it is believed erroneously
interpreted. - - -
+ This city was shelled and burned by the Union fleet
in retaliation for firing on the transports.
The city of Wicksburg is built upon
the acclivities of the Walnut Hills, which
rise to a height of 400 feet above the
alluvial borders of the Mississippi. Bat-
teries had been raised, tier above tier, at
the edge of the river, on the high bluffs,
and up the slopes to the summits of the
hills. The enemy's troops, under Gen-
eral Lovell, which had retreated from
New Orleans on the capture of that
city, had finally, after temporarily occu-
pying several intermediate positions, en-
camped near Wicksburg. This force was
subsequently strengthened by detach-
ments from Beauregard's army, after its
retreat from Corinth, and the whole,
numbering some 8,000 or 9,000 men,
placed under the command of General
Wan Dorn. -
A Union land force, under General
Williams, had followed the fleet in trans-
290
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ports, to co-operate in attack and occupy
the several positions as they were cap-
tured. At break of day, on the 28th of
June June, the gun and mortar boats
28, opened a heavy fire upon Wicks-
burg, with the view of silencing its bat-
teries, but met with such a vigorous
response from the enemy, that the hope
of immediately reducing their works was
abandoned. During the engagement,
Commodore Farragut boldly passed the
batteries with the three steam sloops of
war, Richmond, Hartford, and Iroquois,
and four of the smaller gun-boats, and
anchored in the Mississippi, above Wicks-
burg. Fifteen were killed and thirty
wounded in the course of this daring
manoeuvre. The rest of the fleet fell
back to their old anchorage below Wicks-
burg, and out of range of its formidable
batteries. -
Meanwhile Captain Davis, with his
fleet of gun-boats and mortar vessels,
and the steam rams under Ellett, after
the capture of Memphis and the opera-
tions on the White River, moved down
the Mississippi, and formed a junction
July with Commodore Farragut, above
2. Wicksburg. , The bombardment of
the enemy's batteries was now resumed
by the fleets both above and below, and
continued day after day, but without
any decisive result.
Commodore Farragut despairing of an
early reduction of Wicksburg, devised
an ingenious expedient for ridding the
Mississippi of the obstruction this perti-
nacious city continued to present to the
free command of the great river. His
plan was to cut a canal across the penin-
tion.
tortuous.
sula formed in front of Wicksburg by a
bend of the Mississippi. He hoped thus
to divert the stream, and exclude Wicks-
burg from the benefits of its naviga-
To effect this design, Commo-
dore Farragut availed himself of the
ready resource of the abounding negroes
of that land of slavery, and set them to
digging the canal through which it was
hoped the great river might be induced
to flow. The Father of Waters, how-
ever, continued its course ordained of
ages, unmoved by the temporary expe-
dients of ephemeral man, and with an
indiscriminate beneficence persisted in
continuing its course past the disloyal
city. A writer in the New York Herald
thus describes the peninsula, and hope-
fully anticipates the success of Commo-
dore Farragut's enterprise :
“The general course of the Missis-
sippi, as all well know, is nearly due
south, but in detail it is exceedingly
When Wicksburg first ap-
pears in sight to the traveller down the
river, its direction is almost due east,
nearly three miles distant. At Wicks-
burg the stream ‘doubles' completely
upon itself, and for three miles addi-
tional its course is exactly reversed. A
peninsula, or tongue of land, is thus
formed, with a length of nearly three
miles and a width of a little less than a
mile. At the commencement or neck
of this peninsula it is more contracted
than at any other point. The people
of Wicksburg have long feared that the
river would make its way across this
bend, and thus cut them off from the
steamboat navigation of the Mississippi.
APPEAl?ANCE OF
THE ARKANSAS. 291
“If the canal is once formed across
this neck, no earthly power can prevent
the main course of the stream from fol-
lowing this direction. A bar would
speedily form at the lower end of the
cut-off, and the main channel would
gradually fill up. Navigation will fol-
low the shortest route, and Wicksburg
will become one of the cities that were.”
The formidable Union fleets in the
mean time had remained comparatively
inactive, until suddenly aroused to a
sense of danger by the appearance of
an antagonist of unexpected power.
This was the Arkansas, a gun-boat which
the enemy had been long constructing.
Originally built at Memphis, she had been
towed from that city, in an unfinished
condition, two days before the evacuation
of Fort Pillow, with a supply of iron
plates and guns on board, to the Yazoo
River, which empties into the Mississippi
fifteen miles above Wicksburg. Here
the Arkansas had been completed, and
a vague rumor of her getting ready to
move having reached the fleet, Commo-
dore Farragut, though apparently un-
conscious of the formidable character of
the vessel, and doubtful of her readiness,
sent the gun-boats Carondelet and Tyler
and the “ram” Queen of the West” to
reconnoitre.
On those vessels reaching the mouth
July of the Yazoo, they came to anchor
14 until the next morning, when they
weighed and moved slowly up the river,
the bluffs of which presenting so many
favorable positions for batteries being
passed with suspicious caution. No signs
of hostility were apparent to the vigilant
“look-outs.” The cotton plantations
sparsely scattered along the generally
uncultivated banks of the river seemed
mostly deserted. Some negroes, how-
ever, came stealthily down to the river
and waved their hats and branches of
trees in welcome of the gun-boats. The
“whites,” for the most part, slunk away
on the approach of those they believed
to be their enemies; but one more defi-
ant than the rest, before he took to the
cover of the canebrakes, shouted, exult-
ingly, “The Arkansas is coming.” Lit-
tle heed was given to what was thought
to be an empty boast, and the Union
gun-boats proceeded on their course.
After having sailed some fifteen miles up
the river, the smoke of a steamboat was
observed. The practiced eye of the
pilot of the Carondelet saw at once that
it came from wood, and not from bitu-
minous coal. The natural inference was
that the vessel belonged to the enemy,
since they used the former, while the
Union boats burned the latter. “No
attention was paid to the circumstance,
as it was known that there were some
boats (Union) foraging up and down the
Mississippi and Yazoo, and some of them
might have exhausted their coal and
taken in wood in its place.”
As the two gun-boats—the Tyler be-
ing in advance—were passing an abrupt
bend in the river, a “strange-looking
craft” was seen steaming slowly down.
She proved to be the Arkansas.”
* This vessel took no part in the subsequent fight.
* The following description is from the N. Y. IIerald:
“Her length over all is 180 feet, and she has 60 feet
breadth of beam. Her model is a combination of the flat-
292
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
\
Lieutenant Gwynne, in command of
the Tyler, at once beat to quarters and
bottomed boats of the West and the keel-built steamers
designed for navigation in the ocean or deep inland wa-
ters. Her bow is made sharp, like that of the Plymouth
Rock or Commonwealth, and her stern tapers so as to per-
mit the waters to close readily behind her. In the centre
of her hull she is broad and of great capacity, and for
nearly eighty feet along the middle she is almost flat
bottomed, like an ordinary freight or passenger boat on
the Western waters. - s,
“The engines of the Arkansas are low pressure, and of
900 horse-power, all placed below the water-line and well
protected from injury by hostile missiles. Her cylinders
are said to be 24 inches diameter and seven-feet stroke.
She is provided with two propellers, working in the stern
and acting independently. These propellers are seven
feet in diameter, and are each provided with four wings
or flanges, and are capable of making ninety revolutions
to the minute. In consequence of the independent action
of the engines, one propeller can be revolved forward
while the other is reversed, thus permitting the boat to
be turned in little more than her own length. A net-
work of iron rods, an inch in diameter and with meshes
more than a foot across, extends around the upper part of
the propellers to protect them from injury by floating logs
and driftwood. & © tº 9 -
“The draught of the boat, with her machinery, arma-
ment, and plating, is upward of nine feet. Her sides are
covered partly with railroad iron of the T pattern, dove-
tailed together and firmly bolted. Along her after-works,
and around her stern, she is clad with two-inch plate iron,
the whole extending thirteen inches below the water-line,
and fastened in the best manner possible.
“Forward she carries an enormous beak of cast iron,
which is so made that the entire bow of the boat fits into
it like a wedge into a piece of timber. The supporting
sides of this beak are perforated in numerous places to ad-
mit huge bolts that pass completely through the bow and
are rivetted at either end. The entire beak weighs 18,000
pounds, and is of sufficient strength to penetrate the hull
of any war vessel on the river.
of cighteen inches solid timber, and, with their mail cov-
ering of railroad and plate iron, are proof against any but
the heaviest projectiles.
“The Arkansas is commanded by Captain T. N. Brown,
an old steamboatman resident in Memphis, and who has
been a liberal contributor to the Confederate cause. Cap-
tain Brown has personally superintended her completion
since she passed up the Yazoo, and it is thought that the
story of her being aground was started by him purposely
to throw our commanders off their guard. At the time
this latter report reached us she was probably moored se-
curely to the bank, with her carpenters and machinists
busy in fitting her for action.”
The sides of the boat are .
prepared for action. Captain Walker was
equally prompt in getting the Caronde-
| let ready. A shot was now fired across
the bow of the strange steamer to bring
her to or make her show her
which she answered by firing at the
Tyler, but without effect. The enemy
and the Tyler now continued to ap-
proach; and were soon in earnest action.
The latter, which was a wooden boat,
suffered severely, having eight killed and
sixteen wounded, while the iron mail
of her antagonist seemed proof against
every blow. The Carondelet, trusting
to her iron sides, hastened to take the
place of her weaker consort, and the
Tyler was ordered down the river to
give the alarm to the fleet below. As
colors,
the latter was turning, the Carondelet
covered her departure by opening fire
with her bow guns upon the enemy.
Three rounds were thus fired, but with
apparently little effect, as most of the
shot glanced off from the iron mail of
the Arkansas. The Carondelet now
presented herself to her antagonist
broadside on, and the two vessels began
a vigorous interchange of volleys. “The
sides and casemating of the Carondelet
were repeatedly perforated, some of the
shot going entirely through and passing
out on the opposite side. Two men
were killed by a shot, and three wounded
by splinters.” None of the shot, how-
ever, had struck below the water-line,
and the Carondelet was still in fighting
trim. The Arkansas seemed compara-
tively unharmed, though a portion of
her iron mail had been ripped up.
The captain of the Carondelet now
FIGHT WITH THE ARKANSAS.
293
determined to board, and he accordingly
laid her alongside of the Arkansas and
grappled her. The boarders at once
sprang to the deck of the Arkansas, but
found no foe to contend with, as the
crew had withdrawn into the impen-
etrable iron shell of their vessel. Thus
secure themselves from attack, they
were still able to act on the offens-
ive, and firing rifles and pistols from
every loophole, and pouring out from
every pipe steam and boiling water, they
drove back the boarders. In the mean
time the two vessels were drifting down
the stream in close and mortal embrace,
still exchanging broadsides and deluging
each other with the fatal steam. As
thus bent only on mutual destruction,
the two vessels, apparently unmindful
of their individual safety, had grounded.
The Arkansas being on the side toward
the river, and accordingly in deeper
water, was now enabled to shake off her
antagonist. Having thus got rid of the
Carondelet, she moved down the stream.
The Tyler had, in the mean while,
reached the fleet below, and given the
alarm half an hour before the appearance
of the Arkansas herself. A hurried ef.
fort was made to receive her, and as she
passed, broadside after broadside was
fired ; but though frequently struck, she
was not disabled, while her own fire
continued incessant, and not without
effect. After each discharge of her guns,
the iron guards of the port-holes fell,
closing them tight, and her sides thus
presented an impenetrable mail of metal.
One of the port-holes having been
momentarily opened, a ball from the
gun-boat Boston entered, killing ten
men and wounding several others. The
Arkansas finally reached a safe cover
under the guns of the batteries at Wicks-
burg, where she was welcomed with
exulting shouts. Her exploit was re-
markable not only for the audacity of
its conception, but for the success of its
execution. A single vessel had fought
successfully in close action with two an-
tagonists, and run the gauntlet of a
score of others. The following are the
official reports of the enemy :
OFFICIAL DISPATCHES.
“WICKSBURG, July 13, 1862.
“We engaged to-day, from six to
eight A.M., with the enemy's fleet above
Wicksburg, consisting of four or more
iron-clad vessels and two heavy sloops
of war, and four gun-boats, and seven
or eight rams. We drove an iron-clad
ashore, with colors down and disabled,
blew up a ram, burned one vessel, and
damaged several others. Our smoke-
stack was so shot to pieces that we lost
steam and could not use our vessel as a
ram. We were otherwise cut up, as we
engaged at close quarters. Loss, 10
killed and 15 wounded ; others with
slight wounds. ISAAC N. BROWN,
- “Lieutenant Commanding.”
. “WICKSBURG, July 15, 1862.
“The sloop of war Arkansas, under
cover of our batteries, ran gloriously
through twelve or thirteen of the en-
emy's rams, gun-boats, and sloops of
war. Our loss was 10 men killed and
15 wounded. Captain Brown, her com-
mander and hero, was slightly wounded
in the head. The smoke-stack of the
| 20
294
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.

Arkansas was riddled. Otherwise she
is not materially damaged, and can soon
be repaired.
“Two of the enemy's boats struck
their colors, and the boats ran ashore to
keep from sinking. Many were killed
and wounded. This is a glorious achieve-
ment for the navy, her heroic com-
mander, officers, and men.
“One mortar boat, disabled and
aground, is now burning up. All the
enemy's transports and all the vessels
of war of the lower fleet, except a sloop
of war, have gotten up steam, and are
off to escape from the Arkansas.
“EARL WAN DoRN,
“Major-General Commanding.”
This is the quasi official statement of
our Government :
“WASHINGTON, July 22, 1862.
“The Navy Department to-day re-
ceived the following :
“CAIRo, July 21, 1862.
“The rebel gun-boat Arkansas, armed
with twelve rifled sixty-eight-pounders,
came out of the Yazoo River on Tues-
day. She encountered first the Tyler,
Carondelet, and ram Lancaster.
“After a running fight of ten miles
the Carondelet closed with the rebel,
and both vessels grounded, fighting side
by side. The rebel, being outside, suc-
ceeded in getting off. The Tyler steamed
ahead, maintaining a running fight until
the fleet was reached.
“Our transports being in range, pre-
venting an effective fire from our gun-
boats, the Arkansas succeeded in getting
to Vicksburg under shelter of the bat-
teries there, to appearance much injured.
“The total Union loss is 27 killed
and wounded, and among these are the
engineer and pilot of the Tyler. Com-
modore Farragut's entire fleet is below
Wicksburg. Slight damage was done to
our vessels. GEO. D. WISE,
“Captain and Ass’t Quartermaster.”
In this naval engagement the Union-
ists had two boats, the Tyler and Benton,
disabled, and lost 42 killed and 69
wounded.
Vessels. Killed. Wounded. Shots rec’d.
Carondelet ............ 5. . . . . - - - - - - - 20. . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Tyler. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. . . . . . . . . . . . 16. . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Lancaster . . . . . . . . . . ... . .18. . . . . . . . . . . . 10. . . . . . . . . . . . 1.
Benton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. . . . . . . . . . . . 8. . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Sumter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T's e s e s e e s e e s e T • e s • e o e s • e o e 13
Champion. . . . . . . . . . . . . Te o e e s • e o e s e e Tº e a e e s e s e e s e ... 3
Dickey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -. . . . . . . . . . . . -. . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Great Western . . . . . . . . Tº e s e s e s s e a e s e T e s • * * * * * * * * * 1
Farragut's fleet. . . . . . . . 10. . . . . . . . . . . . 20. . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42. . . . . . . . . . . . 69. . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Commodore Farragut, naturally vexed
by the successful audacity of the Ar-
kansas, made a resolute effort to destroy
her. Taking a position with his gun-
boats at the close of the day within
range of the batteries, he opened upon
them with the view of drawing their
fire. This being accomplished, the June
fleet suddenly moved off into the 18,
channel and passed rapidly down the
river until within close range of the Ar-
kansas, lying at Wicksburg under the
enemy's guns. Each vessel as it ar-
rived opposite to her, slackened its
speed and fired a broadside. More than
a hundred guns, some of them throw-
ing ten-inch balls, were thus discharged,
but only one steel-pointed shot took
effect, passing through the side of
the Arkansas, killing two men and
wounding three. Her powers of resist-
C() \l 13 IN ED ATTACIS ON THE ARKANSAS.
ance were put still further to the test
by a bold dash of the “ram” Sumter,
which ran into her and tried to “knock
a hole into her, but seemingly,” reports
a correspondent, “might as well have
run into a rock.”
mean time, kept up a brisk fire from her
broadsides in conjunction with a can-
monade from the forts, by which, al-
though their aim was hindered by the
darkness, great damage was done to the
Union fleet.
A correspondent of the Chicago Times
gave this account of the affair :
“The fleet of Commodore Davis took
up a station at about dark and opened
on the batteries to draw their fire. They
succeeded admirably, and at an unex-
pected moment the fleet of large vessels
struck into the channel and descended
the river. As each boat arrived oppo-
site the Arkansas, she slackened and
poured her broadside into her. She
answered as well as she could in such a
storm of missiles, and put one or two
balls into our vessels, but her main oc-
cupation was to lie still and take it.
Upward of a hundred guns, some of
them throwing ten-inch shots, poured
their deadly shots into her. Seven-inch
steel-pointed shot were fired into her,
and I learn, by rebel sources, that one
of them went through her and killed
two men. This, they maintain, is the
only damage done her. The firing was tre-
mendous. The Sumter also ran into her
and tried to knock a hole in her hull, but
seemingly might as well have run into a
rock. The batteries, of course, joined in
the engagement, and poured shot into
The Arkansas, in the
295
our vessels as well as they could in the
darkness. The roar of guns was like an
earthquake, and nothing more terrific
ever was conceived than this grand ar-
tillery duel by night. It lasted an hour,
and then our vessels passed below and
took up their old anchorage. In the
morning, messengers were dispatched to
See what damage the Arkansas had sus-
tained. By going up the opposite bank
of the river she could be plainly seen.
She was careened, as if to stop holes in
her hull, and her steam pumps were at
work. A barge lay alongside for the
use of the carpenters. It did not ap-
pear that she was in any danger of sink-
ing. Two battles, such as no boat in
the world ever went through before had
failed to demolish her. I find, by the
account of those who had good views of
her, that this formidable craft has per-
pendicular sides of six or eight feet, in
which the port-holes are pierced. This
is different from the common under-
standing of her model, which has been
that her perpendicular sides were low.
She presents six or eight feet in height
of solid iron, eight inches thick. She is
150 feet long.”
The following is the enemy's official
report, dated Wicksburg, July 16, 1862:
“IEnemy opened all their guns and
mortars last evening, and shelled the
city and batteries until after dark, when
eight of their vessels of war passed down
under fire of batteries and Arkansas
broadsides. What damage was done to
them I have not learned, though they
were repeatedly pierced by shot of
heaviest calibre. One heavy shot passed
296
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
through the side of the Arkansas, kill-
ing two men and wounding three. This
was all the damage done to us, with the
exception of one house burned down in
the city. Our troops here have a con-
tempt for fleet and bombardment, and
await coolly for troops to land. The
Arkansas is the admiration of all, and
her daring and heroic act has inspired
all with the greatest enthusiasm. She
is now being repaired, and will soon be
ready for orders.
“EARL WAN DORN,
- - “Major-General.”
After this desperate but unsuccessful
attack, Commodore Farragut anchored
with his fleet below Wicksburg, and re-
newed the bombardment of the bat-
teries. Captain Davis remained above
with his gun-boats and mortar vessels.
Captain Davis and Farragut com-
July bining their efforts, now made an-
* other attempt upon the Arkansas.
“The fleet from below,” according to
the Union telegraphic report, “was to
engage the lower batteries, and the fleet
above would engage the upper ones,
while the gun-boats Essex and Queen
were, in the mean time, to attack the
Arkansas and tow her out. In conse-
quence of a misunderstanding, only a
few shells were fired from the mortars
below, which it is known had no other
effect than to divert the fire from the
Essex. This vessel attempted to run
into the Arkansas and jam her against
the levee, but the latter swung round,
and the Essex grazed her side. As she
passed she gave the rebel craft three
eleven-inch shot from her bow guns.
dropped down the river.
Upon finding herself unsupported, she
The Queen
coming to her aid, ran into the Arkan-
Sas, making her tremble from stem to
stern. Recovering herself, the Queen
ran on her again, but so forcibly as to
strain her own works badly. Both then
returned up the river.
“During the engagement the Essex
received several shots, and had one man
killed and two wounded. The Queen
was shot through several times.”
The following is the official report of
Commander Porter, of the Essex :
“UNITED STATES GUN-BOAT ESSEX, }
oRF BATON ROUGE, August 1, 1862.
“To THE HON. GIDEoN WELLEs, SECRETARY
OF THE NAVY :
“SIR-Permit me to draw your at-
tention to some facts relating to this
ship running the blockade at Wicksburg.
These facts will relate principally to the
manner in which she is plated ; but in
their details it will be necessary to enter
into a statement of all the circumstances
connected with my running the blockade.
“At six A.M., on the morning of the
15th of July, we heard heavy firing up
the Yazoo, and as I had the evening
previous taken on board two deserters
from Wicksburg who had stated that the
Arkansas ram was ready to come down
the river, they were sent on board the
flag-ship Benton. I suspected this ves-
sel was making her way down, and I
prepared for action. I beg to state that
on my passage from Cairo to Wicksburg
my port boiler had burst one of the
bottom sheets, and we were repairing it
at the time herein mentioned. At eight
EXPLOITS OF THE ESSEX.
297
A.M. the United States gun-boat Tyler
came out of the mouth of the Yazoo,
closely followed by the rebel ram. The
former passed down and took refuge
behind this vessel, as well as some other
rams belonging to Colonel Ellet's fleet.
As the Arkansas passed I discharged at
her seven guns, striking her three times.
One of my shot penetrated her iron cov-
ering, and did considerable damage; but
recovering, she passed on, the Benton
getting under way and following her for
some distance down the river. She,
however, reached in safety the batteries
at Vicksburg. It was now determined
by the two commanders-in-chief to make
Some effort to destroy the ram, and
hence, on the evening of the same day
the Arkansas passed the upper fleet.
Flag-officer Farragut, with the New Or-
leans fleet that had previously attacked
the Wicksburg batteries, coming up
stream, concluded to run the blockade,
and while going down, try to sink her.
The flag-ship Benton, with the gun-boats
Louisville and Cincinnati, accompanied
his fleet to within range of the forts, but
the destruction of the ram was not ac-
complished.
“Flag-Officer Farragut and Davis,
with myself, on the 21st, held a council
of war on board the Benton, and I vol-
unteered the services of the Essex to
make an attempt to destroy the ram,
and the following programme was agreed
on : That on the morning of the 22d,
precisely at four o'clock, the whole avail-
able fleet under command of Flag-Officer
Davis, was to get under way, and when
within range to bombard the upper bat-
teries at Wicksburg; the lower fleet, un-
der Flag-Officer Farragut, was to do the .
same, and attack the lower batteries ;
the Essex was to push on, strike the
rebel ram, deliver her fire, and then fall
behind the lower fleet.
“On the morning herein stated I got
under way and passed the Benton. Flag-
Officer Davis hailed me, and “wished me
success.’ I now pushed on, according
to my understanding of the programme,
and precisely at half-past four A.M. the en-
emy's upper batteries opened upon me,
but I heard no response at this time from
our fleets. I arrived at the ram, deliv-
ered my fire, and struck her; the blow
glanced and I went high on the river
bank with the bows of the ship, where
Ilay ten minutes under three batteries of
heavy guns. I backed off and loaded up.
The enemy had drawn up three regiments
of sharpshooters and several batteries of
field-pieces, ranging from six-pounders
to twenty-four pounders. I found it
impossible under these circumstances to
board the rebel boat, though such was
my original intention. After I deliv-
ered my fire at but five feet from the
ram, we distinctly heard the groans of
her wounded and saw her crew jumping
overboard. She did not fire a gun after
we had delivered ours, and I have since
seen in the rebel papers that they admit
a loss of eighteen killed and thirty-five
wounded. We knocked a very large
hole in her side. At this time I began
to look for aid from the fleets, but with-
out result. I ordered the pilots to get
the Essex's head up stream, with the in-
tention of holding on until the lower
298
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
fleet came up, and then make another
attack on the ram. At this time I was
under the guns of three batteries, one of
which was not over one hundred feet off.
A heavy ten-inch shot from the near-
est battery struck my forward casemate
about five feet from the deck, but fortu-
nately did not penetrate. A rifle seven-
and-a-half-inch shot from the same bat-
tery struck the casemate about nine feet
from the deck. It penetrated the iron,
but did not get through, though so se-
vere was the blow that it started a four-
inch plank two inches and eighteen feet
long on the inside.
struck the casemate on the port side as
we were rounding to, penetrated the
three-quarter inch iron, and came half
way through the wooden side. It ex-
ploded through, killing one man and
slightly wounding three. A small piece
grazed my head, and another piece tore.
the legs of the first master's pantaloons.
“I had now been under fire for up-
ward of an hour, and thirty minutes of
the time from eighty feet to one hundred
yards of some of the enemy's heaviest
batteries. I still looked for the arrival
of the lower fleet, but saw nothing of it.
I held on for a short time longer, but
the enemy began to fire with such ra-
pidity, and we were so close that the
flashes of his guns through my gun-holes
drove my men from the guns. At last,
through the smoke I saw the lower fleet
nearly three miles off, and still at an-
chor. Seeing no hope of relief or as-
sistance, I now concluded to run the
gauntlet of the enemy's lower forts and
seek an anchorage below the fleet. I
A conical shell.
therefore reluctantly gave the order to
‘put her head down stream,' but I was
determined to be in no hurry. They
had now plenty of time to prepare, and
so rapid was their fire, that for half an
an hour the hull of this ship was com-
pletely enveloped in the heavy jets of
water thrown over her by the enemy's
shot, shell, and rifle-balls. The Depart-
ment may have some idea of the amount
and number of shot, shell, plugs, and
rifle missiles thrown at this vessel when
they are now informed we were two
hours and a half under fire of seventy
heavy guns in battery, twenty field-
pieces, and three heavy guns on board
the ram. During that time this vessel
was heavily struck forty-two times, and
only penetrated twice. This fully proves
the admirable character of the iron
plating, as the thickest iron was but an
inch, with one inch of India rubber
beneath, according to my method now
patented.
“I still hope an opportunity may yet
be given me to make a second attempt
to destroy the Arkansas, as I believe it
can be done, and I am ready and can
do it. Very respectfully, your obedient
servant, W. D. PORTER, -
“Commanding Division of the Fleet in
the Western waters.”
The enemy gave a version of the af.
fair much more favorable to their side,
declaring that “Commodore Davis and
his gun-boats had attacked the batteries
and the ram Arkansas, and had been
repulsed with the loss of five boats sunk
and disabled.” Both fleets now raised
the siege of Wicksburg (July 26).
MCCLELLAN ON THE CHICKAHOMINY.
299
C EIA P T E R X. X W III.
Continued Advance of McClellan toward Richmond.—The Encampment on the Chickahominy.—Death among the
Soldiers.-Undue Length of McClellan's Line.—A Daring Reconnoissance by the Enemy.—Stuart's Raid.—Designs
of the Enemy.—Delusion of the Unionists.-A boasted Success.-The Grand Effort of the Enemy.—The Seven
Days' Battle.—Imperfect Reports.—Silence of the Government.—Difficulty in discovering the Truth.-The general
Result stated.—McClellan's Retreat.—Change of Base.—Masterpiece of Strategy?—At Harrison's Point.—Effect
of the Retreat upon the Country.—Additional Call for Troops.--The Magnitude of the Rebellion finally Recognized.
—Diversity of Opinion.—Action of the President.—General Halleck in chief command.—Opinions of Halleck. —
Resignation of the French Princes.—Their Probable Motives.—Prince de Joinville's Narrative of the Peninsular
Cannpaign.—Enemy's Account.
AFTER the bloody battles at Seven
Pines or Fair Oaks, General McClel-
lan continued slowly to advance
toward Richmond, but the position of
his army soon became a source of
anxiety, and, as it proved, of disaster.
His left and main bodies, on their ap-
proach to the enemy's capital, had been
forced to encamp in the midst of the
Chickahominy swamps, where the sol-
diers, exposed to the malarious poison
of that fatal region, and exhausted by
incessant labor on the intrenchments,
sickened and died by thousands. His
right, in order to secure the commu-
nications with his base of Operations on
the Pamunky River, became inordi-
nately lengthened.* The long and at-
tenuated line of McClellan's army was
thus rendered liable to be penetrated.
The enterprising enemy were quick in
discovering this weakness of their op-
1862,
& It was partly the object of McClellan, in thus length-
ening his line, to facilitate a junction with McDowell, but
this was prevented by the order of the Government with-
drawing the latter from the Rappahannock to cover Wash-
ington.
ponents and in availing themselves of
the advantage it offered. Their first
move was a daring reconnoissance by a
large force of cavalry under General
Stuart, which succeeded in pene- June
trating the extreme right of McClel- 13.
lan's line, gaining its rear on the Pamun-
ky, and retiring across the Chickahominy
in safety to Richmond. By this auda-
cious manoeuvre the enemy took over
a hundred prisoners, destroyed much
valuable Union property, captured a
large quantity of stores, and obtained
what was destined to prove a still more
serious loss to our cause, an accurate
knowledge of the fatal weakness in the
disposition of McClellan's army.
The Richmond Enquirer (June 16th)
gave this graphic but boastful account
of the affair :
“It being determined upon to pene-
trate the enemy's lines, and make a full
and thorough reconnoissance of their
position and strength, General J. E. B.
Stuart ordered the First (Colonel Fitz-
Hugh Lee), Ninth (Colonel F. H. Fitz-
300
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.

Hugh Lee), and Fourth Virginia Cav-
alry (Lieutenant Gardiner commanding),
to hold themselves in readiness. These
regiments, however, did not turn out
more than half their usual strength, the
Fourth not having more than four com-
panies in the field. The Jeff Davis Troop
were also incorporated in the detail, as
also two pieces of Stuart's Flying Artil-
lery—a twelve-pound howitzer and a
six-pound English rifle piece—the whole
force not numbering more than 1,400
men, if even the total reached that num-
ber. On Thursday, at dawn, this col-
umn proceeded down the Charlottesville
(Brook Church) turnpike, and had gone
Some distance without molestation, when
the vanguard overtook some eight or
ten adventurous negroes journeying
rapidly toward the Union lines. These
runaways were secured and sent to the
rear, and as night was drawing near,
pickets and videttes were placed, and the
column camped for the night near Ash-
land, it being considered imprudent to
progress farther.
“Toward morning signal rockets were
fired, and answered by our troops at the
lines far to the rear, and as soon as day
broke, the cavalry column proceeded on
its march. Carefully and cautiously
journeying, the Union lines were pene-
trated, when horse pickets discovering
our videttes advancing, the videttes |
hastily retired, according to orders, upon
the main body concealed by woods and
a turn in the road. Being near Han-
over Court House, the Unionists were
wont to proceed thither daily for forage,
aS 3. captured picket informed the men,
follow.
but on this occasion had orders to pro-
ceed as far as possible toward Richmond.
It being thought possible to capture the
whole detachment, dispositions were ac-
cordingly made, but upon the appear-
ance of the second squadron of the Ninth
(composed of the Caroline Dragoons,
Captain Swan, and Lee's Light Horse,
Lieutenant Hungerford, commanding),
under command of Captain Swan, the
enemy's outposts hastily galloped back,
and their main body took to flight, Cap-
tain Swan's squadron dashing after them
down the road, making a splendid race
for two miles at a killing pace. Having
proceeded thus far, and near the Court
House, the enemy seemed to have been
reinforced, and made a stand on the
road, and in the fields to the right and
left of us. *
“Thinking to flank them and capture
the whole force, Colonel Lee, of the
First, proceeded round their position to
cut off retreat, but the movement oc-
cupying longer time than desired, the
second squadron of the Ninth prepared
to charge ; and as they trotted toward
the enemy, the Union leader could be
plainly seen and heard haranguing his
men, urging and begging them to act
like men, and stand. His eloquence
was of no avail, and as the second
squadron of the Ninth increased their
pace and came near to them with flash-
ing Sabres, the Union officer galloped
toward them, thinking his men would
Not so, however, and as he
wheeled his horse back again, our men
were upon him ; he fell, shot in the
head ; his men gave a feeble volley with
STUART'S RAID.
301
pistols, and scampered off the field in lu-
dicrous style, leaving killed and wounded
behind and many prisoners. Capturing
outposts and pickets in great number,
and overtaking wearied horsemen, it
was ascertained that the force engaged
were squadrons of the Fifth United
States Regulars, whº had seen hard
service in Texas and the Indian coun-
tries, and had never refused a charge
before.
to be adjacent, and proceeding thither,
everything was destroyed and put to
the torch.
“From persons captured in and about
these camps it was ascertained that sev-
eral regiments were waiting for our ad-
vance up the road, and as their pickets
were stronger and more numerous than
usual, it was deemed advisable to halt.
The second squadron of the Ninth were
dismounted and thrown to the front (on
the skirts of a wood to the right and left
of the road) to act as skirmishers and
defend the artillery, which was moved
up and took position commanding a
bridge in the hollow—the enemy's force
and ours being screened from view by
rising ground at either end of the road
—our force being farther from the front
than theirs. Appearing in considerable
force, the enemy advanced in admirable
order, but suddenly facing to the right
about, were quickly retreating, when the
dismounted men poured a galling fire
into them, emptying many saddles, and
causing much confusion. Re-forming,
they were a second time reinforced, and
came on to the charge up the rise in
gallant style. Burning to distinguish
Their camps were reported
themselves, the third squadron of the
Ninth, composed of the Essex Light
Dragoons, Captain Latane, and Mercer
County Cavalry, Lieutenant Walker
commanding, under command of Cap-
tain Latane, had received orders to
charge the advancing enemy, and put-
ting spurs to their steeds, dashed gal-
lantly along the road, the brave Latane
fifteen paces in front. “Cut and thrust'
shouted the Union commander. ‘ On to
them, boys' yelled Latane, and the
meeting squadrons dashed in full shock
together.
“The front of either column were un-
horsed, and the fight became instantly
hot and bloody. Captain Latane sin-
gled out the Union commander, and cut
off the officer's hat close to his head, but
the Unionist dodging the cut, rode past,
and as he did so discharged two revolver
loads at Latane, killing him instantly.
The enemy rapidly giving way, our men
shouted in triumph, and cut right and
left, pistoling the foe with frightful ac-
curacy and havoc; and seeing the Union
officer in pursuit of Adjutant Robins (who
was himself in pursuit of an enemy), a
private dashed after him and clove his
skull in twain. The battle between
these rival squadrons, though of short
duration, was fierce and sanguinary in
the extreme. Scattered in all direc-
tions, and apparently paralyzed by the
relentless fury of this corps, the enemy
fled in every direction, leaving killed,
wounded, horses, accoutrements, etc., in
profusion upon the dusty roads. Suc-
cessful pursuit being impossible, their
camps were visited and destroyed ; wag-
121
302.
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ons on the road were overtaken and
burned, and the entire route from Ash-
land to Hanover Court House and Old
Church to Station No. 22 (Tunstall's,
we believe), on the York River Railroad,
was naught else but a continuous scene
of triumph and destruction. Commis-
sary and quartermaster's stores were
seized and burned at every turn ; pris-
oners and horses were captured and sent
to the rear, and by the time of their ar-
rival at the railway station more than
$1,000,000 of Union property must have
been captured and destroyed, besides
scores of prisoners riding in the rear.
“Upon approaching the railroad, cars
were heard advancing, and the whistle
sounded. By orders, every man was
instantly dismounted and ranged beside
the track. Again the whistle blew, and
thinking the force to be a friendly one,
perhaps, the steam was stopped, when
the Caroline troops opening fire, dis-
closed the ruse, and, putting on steam
again, on sped the train toward the
Chickahominy, and despite heavy logs
placed on the track, made good its es-
cape ; but the carriages being but un-
covered freight trucks, and having sol-
diers on them, the slaughter that ensued
was frightful. Many of the enemy
jumped from the train, and were after-
ward captured or killed, to the number
of twenty or more. The engineer was
shot dead by Lieutenant Robinson.
“Still adding to their conquests at
every step, a detachment was imme-
diately sent to the White House, on the
Pamunky, and discovering four large
transports moored there, and some hun-
umph to New Kent Court House.
dred wagons or more, with teams, etc.,
in a wagon-yard, all these were instantly
seized, to the great fright and astonish-
ment of the Unionists, and the torch
immediately applied to all things com-
bustible. One of the transports escaped,
and floated down the river. The con-
tents of the other three were chiefly val-
uable commissary and quartermaster's
stores, vast quantities of army clothing,
grain, fruit, and sutlers' stores. Tempt-
ing as they were, all things were laid in
ashes, the horses led off, and prisoners
secured. Thinking the enemy would
send out an overwhelming force in pur-
suit, an unlikely route was selected, and
the whole command proceeded in tri-
New
Kent Court House being the rendezvous,
the fourth squadron of the Ninth, under
command of Captain Knight (consisting
of the Lunenburg troops and Lancaster
Cavalry), having burned the transports
and wagons, joined the column on its
route thither. “Hab we got Richmond
yet, boss?’ asked a darkie in a cornfield,
turning up his eyeballs in admiration of
the ‘Maryland Cavalry;’ ‘well, if we
ain’t we soon shall, for McClellan and
our boys is sure to fotch him.’
“Others, however, proved keener-
sighted than the negro ; women ran to
the wayside cottage door; a flash of tri-
umph mantled their cheek, and as the
eye kindles into a flame of admiration,
the tears trickle down, and ‘God bless
you, boys!' is all they say. Now and
then an old man is met, by the wayside,
pensive and sad ; but recognizing the
horsemen, he stops, looks astonished, and
“MARYLAND CAVALRY.” 303
throws up his hat for the ‘Maryland
Cavalry,’ just arrived. Others wave
handkerchiefs—'tis useless to deceive
them, for a woman instinctively discov-
ers friends or foes at sight. ‘Our cav-
alry here !’ exclaim they in wonder, and
with hands clasped upon their breast,
mutely but eloquently gaze : ‘Take care,
men—take care. Heaven bless you, but
take care—the enemy are everywhere.”
Such is their gentle warning, given to
the weary, dusty, chivalric column dash-
ing through the country in the enemy's
I'êa.I’.
“The advance guard having reached
New Kent, and found an extensive sut-
ler's establishment, some dismount and
enter. Every description of goods that
taste or fancy might require are found in
profusion here. Clothes of all descrip-
tions and qualities, cutlery, sabres, pis-
tols, shoes, preserves, conserves, boots,
stationery, wines, liquors, tobacco, ci-
gars, tea, coffee, Sugar, tapioca, macca-
roni, champagne, sherry, and burgundy
in great quantity; in fine, all that man
could buy for money was there discov-
ered, while round the store lolled Union
soldiers, and the sleek, fat proprietor
eloquently holding forth upon McClel-
lan's wonderful genius as a commander,
and the speedy subjugation of the rebels.
Our wearied horsemen called for re-
freshments, which the sutler handed to
the ‘Maryland Cavalry' (!) with great
alacrity; but when pay was demanded,
our troopers roared with laughter, told
the proprietor who they were, and,
much to his surprise and indignation,
pronounced them all prisoners of war.
“As the other troops arrived, it was
found that a magnificent Union ambu-
lance had been captured on the route,
containing many valuable medical stores.
The vehicle and contents were burned
when overtaken, the driver, good-look-
ing, well-dressed doctor and companions
being accommodated with a mule each,
and were at the moment to be found
among nearly 200 other nondescripts—
sailors, soldiers, teamsters, negroes, sut-
lers, etc., etc., in the motley cavalcade
at the rear. Helping themselves lib-
erally to all the stores afforded, our
troops remained at the sutler's until near
midnight (Friday), when, being compar-
atively refreshed, and all present, the
head of the column was turned toward
the Chickahominy and home. Cham-
pagne, we are told, flowed freely while
any remained—wines, liquors, and ci-
gars were all consumed. Yankee pro-
ducts of every description were appro-
priated without much ado, and with
light hearts all quietly journeyed by a
lonely road, near the main body of the
enemy, and a little before dawn of Sun-
day were on Chickahominy's bank,
ready to cross.
“Being far below all the bridges, and
where deep water flows, they knew not
how or where to cross. Here was an
awful situation for our gallant band.
Directed to Blind Ford, it was fifteen
feet deep ! The enemy had blocked up
all the main roads, and had thousands
scouring the country, eager to entrap
or slaughter them —but two miles from
McClellan's quarters, within sound of
their horse pickets—and without means
304
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
to cross | Quietly taking precautions
against all surprise, strict silence being
enjoined upon the prisoners, first one
horseman plunged into the flood and
then another at different points—all too
deep : no ford discoverable, no bridge |
The horses, it was thought, would follow
each other and swim the stream ; it was
tried, and the horses carried away by
the current Breaking into small par-
ties, the cavalrymen swam and re-swam
the river with their horses, and when
some fifty or more had been landed, a
strange but friendly voice whispered in
the dark: “The old bridge is a few
yards higher up—it can be mended !’
It was found, and mended it could be
“Quietly working, tree after tree was
felled ; earth, and twigs, and branches
were carried and piled up on the main
props ; old logs were rolled and pitched
across the stream ; yet after long and
weary labor the bridge was built, and
the long and silent procession of cavalry,
artillery, prisoners, and spoils, safely and
quietly passed this frail impromptu
bridge, scarcely any sounds being heard
but the rush of waters beneath. Once
across and in the swamp, all was indus-
try and expedition. Artillery axles sank
low in the mire ; ten Yankee horses
were hitched to each piece, and as the
first rays of morning crimsoned the tree-
tops, the long line rapidly sought the
shade of woods away from the Union
lines. . Yet our troops had not proceed-
ed far when the advance were halted.
‘Who comes there 7' cried the Union
horsemen in the swamp. “Who goes
there?' calls another, and quicker than
thought our advance guard (by order)
dash away into the open ground ; the
Unions fire half a dozen shots and rush
in pursuit. Into the thicket some half
dozen Union horsemen dart after our
men, and quicker than lightning are
surrounded and prisoners. . .
“Once more within our lines, all went
merry as a marriage bell. Quickly the
dirty, weary band sped along the Charles
City road ; dawn revealed them to our
pickets, and they entered our camps
faint and famished, but the noblest band
of heroes that ever bestrode a charger
or drew a battle-blade for their birth-
right as freemen. -
“‘What, then, was the general re-
sult º' asked we of a wearied, dusty
trooper, watering his jaded and faithful
animal by a roadside spring. ‘The re-
sult,’ answered he proudly, but much
exhausted, ‘the result 2 We have been
in the saddle from Thursday morning
until Saturday noon, never breaking
rein or breaking fast ; we have whipped
the enemy wherever he dared to appear,
never opposing more than equal forces.
We have burned 200 wagons laden with
valuable stores, sunk or fired three large
transports, captured 300 horses and
mules, lots of side-arms, etc., brought in
170 prisoners, four officers, and many
negroes; killed and wounded scores of
the enemy—pleased Stuart, and had one
man killed—poor Captain Latane ! This
is the result, and $3,000,000 cannot
cover the Union loss in goods, alone.
As to myself,’ said he, mounting and
trotting away, ‘I wouldn't have missed
the trip for $1,000—history cannot show
OBJECT OF THE ENEMY.
305
such another exploit as this of Stuart's ''
He spoke the truth, honestly and rough-
ly, as a true soldier serving under an
incomparable leader. More words are
not now needed ; the whole country is
astonished and applauds; McClellan is
disgraced ; Stuart and his troopers are
now and forever in history.”
The enemy evidently intended this
cavalry reconnoissance, the success of
which served to confirm them in their
purpose, as the preliminary to a grand
flanking movement on McClellan's right.
Meanwhile they kept up a show of of
fence against the left and centre of the
Union army, by which its general seems
to have been deluded, for after a brisk
June engagement, sustained principally
25, by Hooker's brigade, he exultingly
reported : “The affair is over, and we
have gained our point fully and with but
little loss, notwithstanding the strong op-
position.” The advance of a mile nearer
to Richmond thus secured by his left was
the triumph in which McClellan rejoiced.
The enemy, however, had fallen back
purposely, as was afterward apparent,
to avoid a general engagement. They
had other designs in view than wasting
their efforts where their opponents had
concentrated their strength. They knew
McClellan's weak point, for they had
thoroughly tested it by their successful
reconnoissance. The attenuated line on
his right was their aim, and this they
prepared to attack, while the Union gen-
eral was congratulating himself upon his
supposed advantage on the left.
The enemy having mustered a large
army at Richmond by means of an un-
smºsºmºsº
yielding conscription law and the con-
centration of their hitherto scattered
forces, were now ready to carry out
their designs. General Jackson, after
skilfully eluding the combined efforts of
Fremont and Shields to arrest him in
the valley of the Shenandoah, had formed
a junction with the army at Richmond,
and General Beauregard, too, was sup-
posed to have brought a large detach-
ment of his veteran force to increase its
strength. Moving a great number of
troops from Richmond to the neigh- June
borhood of Mechanicsville, whither 25,
McClellan's lengthened right extended,
they opened fire with their cannon upon
the Union intrenchments on Wednesday,
June 25th ; but waited until the June
next morning before beginning that 26.
series of bloody battles which were des-
tined to continue for six days, with a
Severity perhaps without a parallel in
the history of war.
The Government having withheld all
official reports, the contemporary chron-
icler is deprived of the information nec-
essary for a detailed and authentic nar-
rative of that eventful week. Forced to
content himself with the cautious rev-
elations of a strictly guarded press and
the silence of a politic government,
the writer frankly confesses his diffi-
culties, and leaves to future historians
the completion of his imperfect work.
The present chronicler justifies his ap-
parent presumption in thus presenting
himself with his confessed defects, by the
conviction that the patience of the read-
er will be exhausted long before the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but
306
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
the truth shall be spoken. This, if it
should ever be fearlessly revealed, will
be uttered only in the hearing of a re-
mote posterity. A contemporary record,
however, is not to be despised even
though it be stained with the errors of
the day. Without it there is no al-
ternative but an unendurable ignorance,
while its perversions may be guarded
against, through a knowledge of the
evil spirit of the times; and, disclosing
the hideousness of the present in all
its self-conceited prejudice and false-
hood, it may serve as a warning to the
future. t
A statement of the general result of
the long conflict between the two armies
before Richmond may be ventured upon
with some hope of accuracy. For the
details, the reader is referred to what
appear to be the least unreliable reports
of the day, which are submitted to him
with the suggestion to reserve the ful-
ness of his trust for the more complete
revelations of future history.
The enemy having massed their forces,
attacked McClellan's right at Mechanics-
ville on the 26th of June. This was the
first of a series of attacks which were
renewed day after day with unabated
impetuosity and untiring perseverance
until the night of the 1st of July.
McClellan's army, in the mean time, fell
back to the James River, giving battle
each day and checking the rapidity of
the enemy's pertinacious advance by the
most gallant resistance. In the course
of his retreat McClellan had skilfully
changed his front—a manoeuvre that he
was supposed to have previously con-
templated, and which has been called a
masterpiece of strategy. By this move-
ment in the face of the enemy, the
former base of operations at White
House, on the Pamunky River, was aban-
doned after destroying a large quantity
of valuable stores, though much had
been saved by the opportune presence
of the fleet in the river. Both banks
of the Chickahominy were yielded to the
enemy, with many of its bridges so la-
boriously constructed, and the elaborate
intrenchments which had been raised on
the borders of its fatal marshes at the
cost of so much life. The loss of men
in the course of this prolonged struggle
has not been accurately ascertained, but
is variously estimated at from sixteen to
twenty thousand in killed, wounded, and
The dead and dying were left
upon the field, after each day's battle, to
the mercy of the enemy. A large quan-
tity of artillery was lost, of which there
were no less than twenty-five field guns,
and it was suspected not a few of the
heavy siege cannon.
McClellan finally withdrew his whole
missing.
army to Harrison's Point, on the James
River, nearly twenty miles from Rich-
mond and seventeen from the most ad-
vanced point he had previously reached.
Here, under the protection of a fleet of
gun-boats, he found a tenable position,
though his communications, being con-
fined by the river, were liable to inter-
ruption from the enemy in possession
of its opposite bank.
The effect upon the country of McClel-
lan's retreat was very discouraging.
Though consolation was sought in the
EFFECT OF THE PENINSUI, AIR FAILURE.
307
“strategy” displayed by the young
leader on that memorable occasion and
in the less questioned bravery of his
troops, the North was overwhelmed with
dismay at the failure of an army in which
was centred the hope of the Union.
Those who had been hitherto most hope-
ful, now despaired of an early termina-
tion to the civil war. The public in-
quietude was manifested by the dete-
rioration of the financial credit of the
Government, whose currency and stocks
suddenly depreciated relatively to gold.
from a discount of four to twenty per
cent. At the same time a sure symp-
tom of distrust was manifested by the
hoarding of the precious metals on the
part of the people. Gold and silver en-
tirely disappeared from circulation, and
the Government was compelled to come
to the relief of perplexed trade by the
issue of postage stamps as a medium of
exchange. -
The President recognizing the critical
condition of the military power of the
North, called for an addition of three
hundred thousand men to the army.
This being received as a further token
of the “magnitude of the rebellion,”
and of the difficulty in suppressing it,
strengthened the public conviction of
the lengthened duration of the civil war,
and the increasing obstacles to the as-
sertion of the Federal authority.
The people thus disappointed in their
Sanguine anticipations became suspicious
of the policy of their rulers. Per-
plexed, however, by the prevailing dis-
cord, there was great diversity of opin-
ion. Some attributed the disaster of
the army before Richmond to the want
of enterprise on the part of General
McClellan ; some charged it upon the
Secretary of War, who was accused of
having thwarted the plans of the young
commander ; and others found its cause
in the question of slavery, the partisans
of emancipation contending that it had
been too gingerly treated, while their
opponents argued that it had been too
rudely interfered with. *
The President yielded so far to the
public discontent as to indicate a change
of measures by a change of men. Gen-
eral Halleck was appointed commander-
in-chief of the army, and the Sec- July
retary of War was once more re- 11.
manded to the purely clerical duties of
the bureau, after his brief field opera-
tions, which had opened with triumph
and closed in disaster.
The appointment of General Halleck
was received by the advocates of the
immediate emancipation of slavery as a
triumph of their opponents, in whose
favor it was suspected the President was
now disposed to throw the weight of his
authority. The modification of the con-
fiscation bill, upon which Mr. Lincoln
had insisted before giving it the sanc-
tion of his signature, and the merciful
proclamation” with which he had amia-
* A PROCLAMATION.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
In pursuance of the sixth section of the act of Congress,
entitled, “An act to suppress insurrection, to punish trea-
son and rebellion, to seize and confiscate the property of
rebels, and for other purposes,” approved July 17, 1862,
and which act, and the joint resolution explanatory there-
of, are here with published, I, Abraham Lincoln, President
of the United States, do hereby proclaim to and warn all
persons within the contemplation of said sixth section to
308
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
bly preceded its promulgation, served to
confirm the suspicion.
Among the effects of McClellan's dis-
aster, the resignation of the two young
princes of the Orleans family, and their
departure for Europe, is not unworthy
of mention. Whatever may have been
their real motives in abandoning their
positions in the Northern army at this
critical moment, it was suspected that
their confidence in the restoration of the
Union had been shaken during the
eventful six days' struggle with the en-
emy, in the dangers of which they had
shared. Looking to the possibility of
the future independence of the Southern
Confederacy, they were anxious to avoid
further demonstration of hostility to a
nation in futuro, with which, in case of
their own restoration to a throne, they
might find it politic to ally themselves.
Since this chapter was written, the
following brief report by McClellan has
been given to the public :
“HEADQUARTERs, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, }
CAMP AT BERKELEY, VA., July 15, 1862.
“GENERAL : Without waiting to re-
ceive the reports of all the subordinate
cease participating in, aiding, countenancing, or abetting
the existing rebellion, or any rebellion against the Gov-
ernment of the United States, and to return to their proper
allegiance to the United States, on pain of the forfeitures
and seizures as within and by said sixth section provided.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of July,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
[[..S.] and sixty-two, and of the independence of the
United States the eighty-seventh.
- ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President–WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
The sixth section and the explanatory resolutions re-
ferred to have been previously given in the chapter on the
proceedings of Congress.
fields still farther in advance.
commanders, Isubmit the following very
brief narrative of the operations of this
army since the 25th ultimo : -
“On the 24th of June I received in-
formation that appeared entitled to some
credit, that General Jackson was at Fred-
erick's Hall with his entire force, con-
sisting of his own division with those of
Ewell and Whiting, and that his inten-
tion was to attack our right flank and
rear, in order to cut off our communica-
tion with the White House, and to throw
the right wing of the army into the
Chickahominy. Fortunately I had a
few days before provided against this
contingency by ordering a number of
transports to the James River loaded
with commissary, quartermaster, and
ordnance supplies. I therefore felt free
to watch the enemy closely, wait events,
and act according to circumstances, feel-
ing sure that if cut off from the Pamun-
ky, I could gain the James River for a
rear base.
“I placed General Stoneman in com-
mand of the cavalry on the right, in-
trusting to his charge the picket duty
toward Hanover Court House, to give
the earliest possible information of an
advance of the enemy from that di-
rection.
“On the 25th General Heintzelman
was directed to drive in the enemy's
pickets from the woods in his front, in
order to give us command of the cleared
This was
gallantly and handsomely done under a
stubborn resistance, the brunt of the
fighting falling upon the division of
Hooker. Just as the new line was
MCCLELLAN'S REPORT.
309
gained, I was called from the field by
intelligence which tended strongly to
confirm the belief that Jackson was ap-
proaching.
“I immediately repaired to the camp
of General Fitz-John Porter, command-
ing on the right of the Chickahominy, to
obtain further information and arrange
the movements for the morrow. On my
arrival. I found that there was a strong
probability of Jackson's advancing, al-
though not a certainty of it. I there-
fore determined to leave our heavy guns
in battery and to retain McCall's divi-
sion in its strong position on Beaver
Dam Creek, near Mechanicsville, posting
merely small outposts to watch the cross-
ing near Meadow Bridge and Mechan-
icsville, and to give McCall immediate
notice of the enemy's approach. Por-
ter's remaining troops were to be held
in reserve, ready to act according to cir-
cumstances. The centre and left of the
army were also to be held in readiness
to repulse any attack, or to move to the
assistance of the right. -
“It had long before been determined
to hold the position of Beaver Dam
Creek in the event of being attacked on
that side, for the reasons that the posi-
tion was intrinsically a very strong one,
was less liable to be turned on either
flank than any position in advance of it,
and brought the army in a more con-
centrated and manageable condition.
The natural strength of the position had
been somewhat increased by slight rifle-
pits and felling a little timber in front
of it; with the exception of epaulments
for artillery near Gaines' and Hogan's
\
houses, to act against the enemy's bat-
teries on the right bank of the Chicka-
hominy, there were no other artificial
defences on the left bank of that stream.
Our position on the right bank of the
river had been rendered reasonably se-
cure against assault by felling timber and
the construction of slight earth-works.
Measures had already been taken to se-
cure the passage of White Oak Swamp.
“The right wing, under the command
of General Fitz-John Porter, consisted
of the divisions of Morell, Sykes, and
McCall, with a large part of the cavalry
reserve. He had ten heavy guns in the
battery on the banks of the Chicka-
hominy. -
," Such was the state of affairs on the
morning of June 26. I was by that
time satisfied that I had to deal with at
least double my numbers, but so great
was my confidence in the conduct of the
officers and the bravery, discipline, and
devotion of my men, that I felt con-
tented calmly to await the bursting of
the coming storm, ready to profit by
any fault of the enemy, and sure that I
could extricate the army from any diffi-
culty in which it might become involved.
No other course was open to me, for my
information in regard to the movements
of the enemy was too meagre to enable
me to take a decided course.
“I had not long to wait. During the
afternoon of the 26th the enemy crossed,
in several columns, in the vicinity of
Mechanicsville and Meadow Bridge, and
attacked McCall in his position at Bea-
ver Dam Creek. His repeated efforts
were constantly repulsed, with but little
122
310
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
loss on our side, but with great slaughter
on the part of the enemy. The contest
ceased here about nine P.M., the enemy
leaving us in full possession of every
During the
part of the field of battle.
action, McCall was supported by the
brigades of Martindale and. Griffin, of
the division of Morell. While this was
going on, there were some sharp affairs
of pickets on the centre and left, but
nothing of a serious nature.
“By this time I had certain informa-
tion that Jackson was rapidly advanc-
ing in strong force from Hanover Court
House, and that his advance guard had
probably participated in the battle of
Beaver Dam Creek. This rendered that
position untenable. I therefore deter-
mined still further to concentrate the
army by withdrawing Porter's command
to a position near Gaines' Mill, where
he could rest both his flanks on the
Chickahominy and cover the most im-
portant bridge over that stream. The
wagons and heavy guns were withdrawn
during the night, the troops falling back
to their new position early in the morn-
ing. The enemy attacked Seymour's
brigade, constituting the rear-guard of
the division of McCall, but were sharply
repulsed, and the movement was not
further molested.
“In the course of the morning of the
27th I received intelligence that Long-
street's corps was at Mechanicsville,
ready to move down on either bank
of the Chickahominy according to cir-
cumstances. This intelligence, and many
threatening movements of the enemy on
various parts of the centre and left, placed
a limit to the amount of the reinforce-
ments available for the support of Por-
ter. Under the circumstances, it was
impossible to withdraw him to the right
bank of the Chickahominy by daylight.
The enemy were so close upon him that
the attempt would have insured the loss
of a large portion of his corps, and, in
any event, the abandonment of his posi-
tion at that time would have placed our
right flank and rear at the mercy of the
enemy. It was necessary to fight him
where we stood, to hold our position at
any cost until night, and in the mean
time to perfect the arrangements for the
change of base to the James River.
“In the report of General Porter will
be found a detailed description of the
field of battle at Gaines' Mill, and the
circumstances of that eventful contest,
creditable alike to the energy of the en-
emy and the desperate valor of the com-
paratively small band that repelled the
attacks of his enormous masses. It will
suffice, for the purposes of this report,
to state that the action commenced
about two P.M., and that during the af-
ternoon I ordered up the division of
Slocum to the support of Porter, and
soon after the brigades of French and
Meagher, of Richardson's division. The
latter were not engaged. At a later pe-
riod two brigades of Peck's division
were ordered forward, but as their ser-
vices were not needed, they did not cross
the Chickahominy. The contest con-
tinued, with varying fortunes, until dark,
when the enemy discontinued his attack.
During the night the final withdrawal of
the right wing across the Chickahominy
MCCLELLAN’S REPORT.
811
was completed without difficulty and
without confusion, a portion of the reg-
ulars remaining on the left bank until
the morning of the 28th. Early on that
morning the bridges were burned, and
the whole army was thus concentrated
on the right bank of the Chickahominy.
“During the battle of Gaines' Mill
the position of General Smith was warm-
ly attacked, but the enemy was at once
repulsed with loss. *
“In the course of the night of the
27th, General Keyes was ordered to
cross the White Oak Swamp with the
fourth corps and take up a position to
cover the passage of the trains. Mea-
sures were also taken to increase the
number of ridges across the swamp.
The trains were set in motion at an
early hour, and continued passing across
the Swamp, might and day, without in-
termission, until all had crossed.
“On the 28th, Porter's corps was also
moved across the White Oak Swamp,
and on the morning of the 29th took up
a position covering the roads leading
from Richmond toward White Oak
Swamp and Long Bridges. During the
night of the 28th and 29th the divisions
of Slocum and McCall were ordered
across the White Oak Swamp, and were
placed in position to cover the passage
of the remaining divisions and trains.
In the course of the same night the corps
of Summer and Heintzelman and the di-
vision of Smith were ordered to fall back
from their original positions to an inte-
rior line resting upon Keyes' old in-
trenchments on the left, and so arranged
as to cover Savage Station. They were
ordered to hold this position until dark,
then to fall back across the swamps and
rejoin the rest of the army. The order
was not fully carried out, nor was the
exact position I designated occupied by
the different divisions concerned. Nev-
ertheless, the result was that two at-
tacks of the enemy—one a very deter-
mined onset—were signally repulsed by
Sumner's corps, assisted in the last by
Smith's division of the sixth corps.
These are the two actions known as the
affair of Allen's Field and the battle of
Savage Station. The third corps crossed
the swamp before dark, having left its
position before the hour assigned, and
was not in action during that day (the
29th). The second corps and Smith's
division safely crossed the swamp during
the night with all their guns and ma-
terial, and brought up the rear of the
wagon-train.
“In the night of the 29th and 30th
the fourth and fifth corps were or-
dered to move to James River, to rest
on that river at or near Turkey Bend,
and Occupy a position perpendicular to
the river—thus covering the Charles
City road to Richmond, opening com-
munication with the gun-boats, and cov-
ering the wagon-train, which was pushed
as rapidly as possible upon Haxall's and
Harrison's plantations. The remaining
corps were moved in the same direction,
and posted so as to cover the main road
leading from Richmond, as well as the
crossings by which the army had passed
the White Oak Swamp, and to guard
the passage of our large trains to the
James River.
312
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“By this time the last of the trains
had reached Haxall’s Landing, and dur-
ing the night the troops fell back to the
vicinity of that place, all arriving in
safety and unmolested at an early hour
of the morning. They were promptly
placed in position to offer battle to the
enemy should he again attack, the left
of the line resting on the admirable po-
sition of Malvern Hill, with a brigade in
the low ground to the left, watching the
road to Richmond, the line then follow-
ing a line of heights nearly parallel to
the river, and bending back through the
woods nearly to the James River on our
right. On the left we relied upon the na-
tural advantages of the position ; on the
right, where the natural strength was less,
Some little cutting of timber was done and
the roads blocked. Although our force
was small for so extensive a position, it
was necessary to hold it at any cost.
“When the troops were in position in
the afternoon, before the enemy attack-
ed, they were posted about as follows:
Porter, with two divisions (Morell's and
Sykes'), and the mass of the reserve ar-
tillery on Malvern Hill (the left of the
position); next Couch, with one brigade
of Peck's division in reserve; next Sedg-
wick; then McCall, Hooker, Kearny,
Slocum, Naglee's brigade, Richardson,
and Smith. During the actions which
ensued at Turkey Bridge, on the New-
market road (Glendale), and at White
Oak Swamp, changes were made in this
disposition.
“The result of the various actions
of the 30th, during which our whole
line was attacked, was, that the en-
emy was everywhere repulsed, ex-
cept in his attack upon McCall's divi-
sion, which, hard pressed by greatly
superior numbers, and having lost three
of its general officers, broke and lost
most of its artillery. The gallant con-
duct of their comrades near by, espe-
cially Hooker's division, retrieved that
mishap and rendered it impossible for
the enemy to reap any advantage from it.
“When the battle commenced in the
afternoon, I saw that in the faces and
bearing of the men which satisfied me
that we were sure of victory. The at-
tack was made upon our left and left
centre, and the brunt of it was borne by
Porter's corps (including Hunt's reserve
artillery and Tyler's heavy guns) and
Couch's division, reinforced by the brig-
ades of Sickles and Meagher. It was
desperate, brave, and determined ; but
so destructive was the fire of our nume-
rous artillery, so heroic the conduct of
our infantry, and so admirable the dis-
positions of Porter, that no troops could
have carried the position. Late in the
evening the enemy fell back, thoroughly
beaten, with dreadful slaughter. So
completely was he crushed and so great
were his losses, that he has not since
ventured to attack us.
“Previous to the battle of Malvern,
I had fully consulted with Commodore
Rodgers, and with him made a hasty
reconnoissance of the positions of the
river. The difficulty of passing our
transports above City Point was so great
that I determined to fall back upon the
position now occupied by the army—a
position, too, much less extensive than
IDE JOINVILLE'S IN ARRATIVE.
313
than that of Malvern, and therefore per-
mitting me to give the men the rest
they so much needed. Accordingly the
army fell back during the night of the
1st and 2d of July, reaching the place at
an early hour on the 2d. On the 3d the
troops were placed essentially in their
present position. -
“To the calm judgment of history and
the future I leave the task of pronounc-
ing upon this movement, confident that
its verdict will be that no such difficult
movement was ever more successfully
executed ; that no army ever fought
more repeatedly, heroically, and suc-
cessfully against such great odds; that
no men of any race ever displayed great-
er discipline, endurance, patience, and
cheerfulness under such hardships.
“My mind cannot coin expressions of
thanks and admiration warm enough or
intense enough to do justice to my feel-
ings toward the army I am so proud to
command. To my countrymen I confi-
dently commit them, convinced they will
ever honor every brave man who served
during those seven historic days with the
Army of the Potomac. Upon whatever
field it may hereafter be called upon to
act, I ask that it may never lose its
name, but may ever be known as the
Army of the Potomac—a name which it
never has nor ever will disgrace.
“It is not my purpose now to make
mention of distinguished services. The
names of those who deserve well of their
country would swell this report to too
great dimensions. I will simply call at-
tention to the invaluable services ren-
dered by the artillery, and say that its
performances have fully justified my
anticipations, and prove it to be our
policy to cherish and increase that armſ
of the service.
“I cannot conclude this report with-
out expressing my thanks to the gallant
and accomplished Commodore John
Rodgers for the valuable assistance ren-
dered the army in various ways, but es-
pecially by the fire of a portion of the
flotilla upon the flank of the enemy at-
tacking Malvern Hill on the 30th of
June and 1st of July. Their fire was
excellent, and produced very beneficial
results.
“I am, General, very respectfully,
your obedient servant, -
“GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
“Major-General Commanding.
“Brigadier-General L. THOMAS, Ad-
jutant-General.”
Erom a narrative of the Peninsular
Campaign, published in the Revue des
Deua, Mondes by Prince de Joinville, who
with his nephews, the Duc d'Orleans
and Duc de Chartres, were by the side
of General McClellan during that event-
ful period, we extract the following de-
scription of the retreat of the Union
army from the Chickahominy:
“Deserters, runaway negroes, the
Washington telegraph itself, generally
so sober in its information, agreed in
this news: numerous reinforcements had
reached Richmond from the South.
Beauregard, set free by the cessation
of operations in the Southwest, had
brought the aid of his capacity and of
his prestige to the pro-slavery cause
314
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Jackson, leaving the eighty thousand
defenders of Washington breathless from
their idle chase after him, had completed
the concentration of the whole Southern
army. His advance was already at Han-
over Court House, and his corps, in-
creased by Whiting's division, was esti-
mated at 30,000 men.
“The Federal attack upon Richmond
could no longer be prosecuted; the pres-
ence of Jackson at Hanover Court House
proved that he intended to attack our
communications, and cut them off by
seizing the York River Railway. The
manoeuvre was soon put beyond a doubt.
A considerable body of troops were seen
to leave Richmond, move in the direc-
tion of Jackson, and execute that move-
ment to turn us, the danger of which we
have already pointed out. Profiting by
his numerical superiority, the enemy of.
fered us battle on both sides of the river
at Once. *
“All the chances of success were in
his favor. Let the reader recall the
figure V which we used in describing the
battle of Fair Oaks. The situation of
the army of McClellan is the same now
as then, excepting that the two arms of
the V are now connected by bridges,
which offer all necessary facilities for
transporting the different corps rapidly
from one bank of the river to the other.
The Federal main body, composed of
eight divisions, but considerably reduced
in effective strength, is upon the left
arm of the V–the right bank, that is,
of the Chickahominy, and occupies the
intrenchments which front Richmond.
Before these troops lies the mass of the
hostile army, also established in in-
trenched positions. Upon the right arm
of the W, or the left bank of the river,
lies the Federal General Fitz-John Por-
ter, with two divisions and the regular
reserves. Against him it was that Jack-
son marched with the corps of General
Hill from Richmond, the whole being
under the orders of General Lee, who
had succeeded Johnston in the chief
command.
“Substantially, then, the Army of the
Potomac was about to engage two
armies, each equal in force to itself.
Battles have sometimes been won in
such circumstances; but no one should
count upon such favors from fortune.
The best thing to be done was to get
well out of so critical a position. There
was nothing for it but to retreat
promptly; unluckily, however, this was
not to be so easily done. We had a
choice of dangers. To concentrate on
the left bank of the Chickahominy was
to abandon the enterprise against Rich-
mond, and to risk a disastrous retreat
upon White House and Yorktown, with
the whole Confederate army at our
heels, in a country where we could hope
for no support. There was no good to
be expected from this plan. To pass
to the right bank was to risk the en-
emy's cutting our communication with
White House, and seizing the railway
which brought us supplies. We should
then be forced to open new communica-
tions with the James River, and to move
in that direction en masse and with no
delay. This would be a retreat, but for
a few miles only, and if we were but
3
DE JOIN VILLE'S NARRATIVE.
3 || 5
moderately reinforced, with the support
of the navy, we could reassume the of.
fensive either against Richmond itself,
on the right bank of the river, or against
Petersburg on the left, the fall of that
place involving the fall of Richmond.
McClellan chose the latter course.
“As we have said, he had long con-
sidered it as one of the necessities of his
position, and had even taken some con-
tingent steps in regard to it, the wisdom
of which was about to be signally vindi-
cated ; but there was a vast difference
between making this retreat at one's
own time and by a free, spontaneous
movement, and making it hastily under
the threatening pressure of two hostile
armies. But there was no time for de-
liberation. The resolution taken upon
the spur of the moment must be carried
at once into effect. The distance from
Fair Oaks to the James River was not
great ; it was but seventeen miles. But
the stores and baggage had to be moved
upon a single road, exposed in front to
the enemy, who by several different
roads radiating from Richmond could
throw a considerable force upon several
different points at once. The speed with
which the operation was conducted up-
set his calculations; he probably sup-
posed that we should feel the ground
before we acted, and perhaps he thought
that McClellan would find it hard to
make up his mind to abandon his lines
at White House. He acted at least as
if this were his view. The troops of
General Hill, mentioned above, having
crossed the Chickahominy at Meadow
Bridge on the 26th, the day after the
affair with Hooker, in the afternoon at-
tacked the troops of McCall, the advance
of Porter on the left bank. . This first
conflict was very severe, but McCall oc-
cupied a strong position at Beaver Dam,
a sort of ravine, bordered with beautiful
catalpa trees, then in flower. There he
had made abattis and thrown up some
earth so that he could not be overcome,
notwithstanding the length of the fight,
which lasted until nightfall. This vig-
orous resistance compelled the enemy to
throw numerous reinforcements across
the river. This was exactly what Gen-
eral McClellan desired. His intention
was to fix the attention of the enemy
here while on the right bank he pre-
pared his movement to the James
River. -
“The night was spent in passing over
to this bank the whole of Porter's bag-
gage and uniting it with the long train
which was to set out in the evening of
the 27th. The orders were given to re-
embark or destroy all the stores and
magazines along the railway to White
House and to evacuate that dépôt. Gen-
eral Stoneman with a flying column was
charged with the execution of this or-
der. He was to delay the advance of
the enemy and fall back when he had
done his duty upon Yorktown. All this
was carried out exactly. At daybreak,
on the 27th, McCall was ordered to fall
back on the bridges thrown across the
Chickahominy at Gaines' Mill. Fol-
lowed up rapidly, as he had expected
to be, he joined the other troops of
Porter's corps, the division of Morell,
and the regulars commanded by Gen.
316
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
eral Sykes. Porter's duty, demanding
as much self-possession as vigor, was to
make a stand in front of the bridges, in
order to give the army time to accom-
plish its general movement. He was
not to cross the bridges till the evening
of the 27th, and was then to destroy
them. His three divisions were at-
tacked early in the day. The corps of
Jackson coming in from Hanover Court
House, took part in the action. The
battle was fought in a rolling country,
extensively wooded, but upon certain
points open and cleared. The struggle
was arduous; the Federals resisted with
success ; there was even one moment
at which Porter might have thought
himself victorious. This would have
been a great advantage, and might have
profoundly modified the position. Ac-
cordingly, during this moment of hope,
McClellan hastened to throw upon the
left bank all the troops not absolutely
necessary to guard the lines in front of
Richmond. One division, that of Slo-
cum, crossed the bridges just before
four o'clock and joined in the action.
Another, Richardson's, reached the scene
only at nightfall. At the moment when
these reinforcements began to take part
in the fight, the scene had an imposing
character of grandeur. We had 35,000
men engaged, a part in tºe woods, a
part in the plain, forming a line a mile
and a half long. A numerous artillery
thundered upon every side. In the val-
ley of the Chickahominy the Lancers,
with floating pennons, were stationed as
a reserve ; and this whole animated pic-
ture of the battle was set in a pictur-
esque landscape illuminated by the last
rays of the sun going down below a
horizon as crimson as blood. Suddenly
the volleys became extraordinarily in-
tense. The reserves, which had till now
been lying in the hollows, were called
up, excited by shouts, and sent into the
woods. The musketry becomes more
and more violent, and rolls away toward
the left. There can no longer be any
doubt that the enemy is making a final
effort on that side. The reserves are all
engaged ; there is not a disposable man
left. It is six o'clock; the daylight is
fast disappearing; if the Federal army
can hold out an hour longer the battle is
won, for at every other point the enemy
has been repulsed, and Jackson, Hill,
Lee, and Longstreet will have urged up
their troops in vain. For lack of in-
fantry, Porter has put three batteries
en potence on his extreme left to support
the troops who are there sustaining an
unequal fight ; but these troops have
been in action since early morning, they
are worn out, and have fired almost
their last cartridge. Now in their turn
come up the Confederate reserves; they
deploy regularly into line against the
Federal left, which gives way, breaks,
and disbands. The disorder grows from
point to point till it reaches the centre
of the Federal lines. There is no panic;
the men do not fly in the wild excite-
ment of fear; but deaf to every appeal,
they march off deliberately, their mus-
kets at the shoulder, like people who
have had enough of it, and do not be-
lieve success possible. In vain do the
generals, the officers of the staff, among
DB, JOIN WILLE'S NARRATIVE.
317
them the Count of Paris and the Duke
of Chartres, ride sword in hand into the
mělee to stop their disorderly move-
ment; the battle of Gaines' Mill is lost.
There is nothing left but to prevent a
rout. The enemy, indeed, was advanc-
ing on the plain still in the same order,
his infantry deployed by regiments en
echelon, and every minute he was closing
in upon the confused masses of the Fed-
erals. Such is the fury of the cannon-
ade and the musketry fire that the cloud
of dust struck up from the ground floats
steadily over the battle. Then came the
order for the cavalry to charge. I hap-
pened at this moment to be near its po-
sition. I saw the troopers draw their
swords with the sudden and electrical
impulse of determination and devotion.
As I got into motion, I asked a young
officer the name of his regiment.
Fifth Cavalry,’ he replied, brandishing
his sabre with a soldier's pride in his
regiment. Unfortunate young man I
saw the same regiment next day. From
the charge of that evening but two offi-
cers had returned. He was not one of
them. -
“The charge failed against the dense
battalions of the enemy, and the broken
regiments galloping through the artil-
lery and the flying infantry in the clouds
of dust only increased the general dis-
order. The artillery horses were killed,
and I saw, with painful emotion, the
men working with the courage of des-
peration at guns which could no longer
be removed. They dropped one after
another. Two alone were left at last,
and they continued to load and fire al-
‘The
most at point-blank range upon the en-
emy. Then the deepening twilight hid
the scene. All these guns were lost.
“General Butterfield had made in
vain the most superhuman efforts to
save them. On foot, his horse having
been shot, struck in the hat by the frag-
ment of a shell, and his sabre hit by a
ball, surrounded by his aids-de-camp,
of whom several fell at his side, he had
tried to rally the infantry around a flag
planted in the ground. He succeeded,
but only for a few moments; the pre-
cipitate rush of the retreat carried every-
thing away. Happily night came on,
and after losing a mile of ground, the
army reached the fresh brigades of
Meagher and French, which were formed
in good order. These brigades sent up
a vigorous hurrah, and a few guns put
anew in battery, opened their fire upon
the enemy, who paused at last, checked
by this final and determined resistance.
“As the last guns of this action were
firing, we heard a lively rattle of mus-
ketry from the direction of Fair Oaks,
on the other side of the river. It came
from the Confederates who were attack-
ing the Federal works; but the attack,
which was probably only a demonstra-
tion, was vigorously repelled.
“The day had been severe. In the
main battle, that of Gaines' Mill, 35,000
Federals had failed to defeat 60,000
Confederates, but they had held them
in check. More could not have been
expected.
“During the night the Federals re-
passed the bridges of the Chickahominy
in perfect order, destroying them after
123
318
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
they had passed. They left behind
them the field of battle, covered with
the dead (for in this fierce conflict the
losses on both sides had been consider-
able), a great number of wounded, too
much hurt to be moved, a dozen guns,
and a few prisoners, among whom was
General Reynolds. The corps of Keyes,
which was in the advance, fell back also
toward James River, and took posses-
sion of the passage of a large morass—
White Oak Swamp—which is traversed
by the road the army was to take as well
as by the principal lines of communica-
tion which could be used by the enemy
to harass us.
“The 28th and 29th of June were
passed in sending forward the train of
5,000 wagons, the siege-train, a herd of
2,500 oxen, and other impedimenta. The
reader may judge what a piece of work
this was when he reflects that it was
all to be done upon a single narrow
road. The first day we were undis-
turbed; the enemy was exhausted by
the previous day's battle ; he seemed,
moreover, astonished and disconcerted,
and did not yet fully understand the
object of the Federal army. The whole
of this army was united on the right
bank of the Chickahominy, while the
bulk of the Confederate forces was upon
the left bank, and the bridges were down.
To re-cross the river they would be
forced either to build new bridges or to
fall back some distance to the Mechan-
icsville bridge, either of which operations
involved time. Now, time was every-
thing, and the retreating army put it to
good use. It was not until the 29th
that the Southern columns came in sight
of the Federal rear-guard. A battle at
once began at Savage's Station, but the
enemy were vigorously received, and
after repulsing them the Federals waited
till nightfall before recommencing their
march. The last duty done by the tele-
graph the day before was to inform us
that the Confederates were at White
House. This post they had found aban-
doned. The morning of the 29th had
been spent by us in destroying all that
could not be carried away from the
camps. A complete railway-train, loco-
motive, tender, and cars, which had been
left on the rails, was sent headlong over
the broken bridge into the river Noth-
ing was left for the foe but three siege
guns which could not be moved, and
which we neglected to bury. These
were the only siege guns he captured,
although the story has been everywhere
repeated that he took the whole Fed-
eral siege-train with the exception of
these three pieces. The whole of that
train reached the James River in safety.
Our great misfortune was, that we were
obliged to abandon so many of our
wounded, not only at Gaines' Mill and
at Savage's Station, but along the whole
line of retreat. This misfortune was in-
evitable. It was only by ceaseless fight-
ing that we could protect our retreat,
and the transportation of . So many
wounded men would have required con-
veniences which we did not possess.
“General McClellan, during the 29th,
and the morning of the 30th, remained
near White Oak Swamp, urging on the
passage of his enormous train. The
IDE JOIN VILLE'S NARRATIVE.
319
heat was overwhelming. His aids-de-
camp, continually galloping from the
rear-guard to the advance, were utterly
exhausted. So long as this huge train
divided the different parts of the army
we were in great danger. But nothing
disturbed the serene self-possession of
the General-in-chief. On the 29th he
had stopped, I remember, to rest in the
verandah of a house by the way-side,
when the mistress of the establishment
came to complain to him that the sol-
diers were eating her cherries.
General rose with a smile, went himself
and put a stop to the pillage. But he
could not prevent the shells, next day,
from setting fire to the house of his
pretty hostess.
“At daybreak, on the 30th, McClel-
lan had the satisfaction of seeing all his
troops and all his trains in safety be-
yond White Oak Swamp, which was to
oppose a new barrier to the pursuit of
the enemy. By the evening of the next
day Generals Keyes and Porter were in
communication with the gun-boats on
the James. The trains had moved upon
roads pointed out by the negro guides.
The heads of the columns had met noth-
ing but small detachments of cavalry,
which they had easily dispersed. The
hardest part of the work was done, but
it was to be supposed that the enemy
would renew his attempt to disturb the
retreat. So the General took his mea-
sures in time. He left Sumner and
Franklin to act as the rear-guard, and
hold the passage of White Oak Swamp ;
and put Heintzelman with the divisions of
Hooker, Kearny, Sedgwick, and McCall
The
across the point of intersection of the
roads leading from Richmond. They
protected the trains and reached the
James River at the exact moment when
the transports with provisions and ammu-
nition, and the hospital ships which with
wise foresight General McClellan had
ordered up ten days before, arrived from
Fortress Monroe.
“Meanwhile, as had been expected,
Franklin and Sumner were sharply at-
tacked in White Oak Swamp, to which
point the Confederate generals had
brought a large force of artillery. They
fell back step by step. Later in the
day Heintzelman also was attacked at
the Cross Roads. Here the battle raged
with varying fortune in the woods. The
division of McCall suffered severely, and
its commander was made prisoner. Hook-
er and Kearny coming to his help, re-
pulsed the assailants with great loss.
They did not, however, succeed in res-
cuing the General, who was sent into
Richmond to join Reynolds.
“Finally, a third attack upon the
corps of Fitz-John Porter failed under
the combined fire of the field artillery
and the gun-boats. Porter occupied a
superb position at a place called Turkey
Bend, by some persons, and Malvern
Hill by others. This position was a
lofty, open plateau, sloping gradually
down to the roads by which the enemy
must debouch. The left rested upon the
river, where lay the Galena, the Mon-
itor, and the flotilla of gun-boats. The
Federal army then had nothing to fear
from this side, and had consequently
only one flank to protect, which was
320
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
easily done with abattis and field-works.
On the evening of the 30th all the divi-
sions of the army were united in this
strong position, and here the whole train,
including the siege-guns, was sheltered.
The army was in communication with
its transports and supplies. The grand
and daring movement by which it had
escaped a serious danger and changed
an untenable base of operations for one
more safe and sure, had been accom-
plished; but after so prolonged an effort
the troops were worn out ; for five days
they had been incessantly marching and
fighting. The heat had added to their
excessive fatigue ; many men had been
sun-struck; others quitted the ranks and
fell into the lamentable procession of
sick and wounded which followed the
army as well as it could, and as fast as it
could. Doubtless during this difficult
retreat there had been moments of con-
fusion and disorder, but of what army
in like circumstances would not this
have been true 2 This one fact remained
unassailable : that attacked in the midst
of a difficult and hostile country by twice
its own force, the Army of the Potomac
had succeeded in gaining a position in
which it was out of danger, and from
which, had it been properly reinforced,
had the concentration of the enemy's
forces been met by a like concentration,
it might have rapidly resumed the of.
fensive.
“As we have said, each of its neces-
sarily scattered sections had for five days
been called upon to resist the most furi-
ous assaults, and had done so with vigor.
Now that it was assembled as a whole
upon Malvern Hill, the Confederate
army also reunited, might possibly make
a last effort against it. So in the night
of the 30th of June and 1st of July
McClellan prepared himself for this
eventuality. He put his whole artillery
—at least 300 guns—into battery along
the heights, arranging them in such wise
that their fire should not interfere with
the defence by the infantry of the sort
of glacis up which the enemy would be
obliged to advance to the attack. The
artillery fire was to be reinforced by the
100-pounders of the gun-boats which
were ordered to flank the position. It
was mere madness to rush upon such
obstacles, but the Confederates attempted
it. Again and again during the day of
the 1st of July they undertook to carry
Malvern Hill, but without the slightest
chance of success. The whole day for
them was an idle butchery. Their loss
was very heavy—that of the Federals
insignificant. This success was due to
two causes : first, to the fortunate fore-
sight of the General, who, in spite of
numerous obstacles to the passage of
artillery, had spared nothing to bring
his on ; and next, to the firmness of his
troops. Men do not make such a cam-
paign and go through such experience
as they had endured without coming
out more or less formed to war. If
their primitive organization had been
better, the survivors of this rude cam-
paign, I do not fear to assert, might be
regarded as the equals of the best sol-
diers in the world.
“On the evening after this battle the
exhausted enemy retired to appear no
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ENEMY'S NARRATIVE.
321
more, and the Army of the Potomac
took up a position and sought rest at
Harrison's Bar, a spot chosen by the en-
gineers and the navy as the most favor-
able for defence and for receiving sup-
plies. The campaign against Richmond
had ended, without success, but not with-
out honor. The honor of the army was
safe ; but those who had looked to suc-
cess for the early restoration of the Union
under an impulse of generous and pa-
triotic conciliation saw their hopes un-
happily fade away.”*
As a pendant to Prince de Joinville's
account, we give the following narrative,
published at Charleston, of the seven
days' battles in front of Richmond :
“The bloody checks which the North-
ern army in its memorable advance up
the peninsula toward Richmond had re-
ceived at Williamsburg and the Seven
Pines, had taught General McClellan the
desperate character of the conflict, with-
out which he could never hope to reach
in triumph the capital of the Confed-
erate States. Accordingly, after the
battle of the Seven Pines, his move-
ments became exceedingly circumspect,
and, although his army already largely
outnumbered that which defended the
beleaguered city, he kept calling con-
stantly and urgently on his government
for reinforcements. On Wednesday,
June 25, his army numbered, judging
from the most authentic statements that
are available, between 125,000 and
& “The Army of the Potomac,” etc. Translated from
the French by William Henry Hurlburt. New York : An-
son F. Randolph. 1862.
forward his lines.
130,000 effective men. With this im-
mense force he was cautiously pushing
Meantime it had
been determined by the Confederate
generals to attack the invading host in
their fortified positions, and to co-op-
erate in this grand movement, the bulk
of the Confederate forces which had re-
cently cleared the invaders out of the
valley of Virginia, were rapidly and qui-
etly drawn toward Richmond, in order
to flank McClellan's left.
“A brief reference to the situation of
the opposing armies will here be neces-
sary to enable the reader to understand
the subsequent movements. If you will
take a map of Virginia and run your eye
along the line of the Virginia Central
Railroad until it crosses the Chickahom-
iny at the point designated as the Mea-
dow Bridge, you will be in the vicinity
of the position occupied by the extreme
right of the Federal army.
“Tracing from this position a semi-
circular line, which crosses the Chicka-
hominy in the neighborhood of the ‘New
Bridge,’ and then the York River Rail-
road farther on, you arrive at a point
southeast of Richmond, but a compara-
tively short distance from the James
River, where rests the Federal left. To
be a little more explicit, spread your
fingers so that their tips will form as
near as possible the arc of a circle.
Imagine Richmond as situated upon
your wrist, the outer edge of the thumb
as the Central Railroad, the inner edge
as the Mechanicsville turnpike ; the first
finger as the Nine Mile or New Bridge
road; the second as the Williamsburg
322
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
turnpike, running nearly parallel with
the York River Railroad; the third as
the Charles City turnpike (which runs
to the southward of the White Oak
Swamp), and the fourth as the Darby-
town road. Commanding these several
avenues were the forces of McClellan.
Our own troops, with the exception of
Jackson's corps, occupied a similar but
smaller circle immediately around Rich-
mond, the heaviest body being on the
centre, south of the York River Rail-
road. -
“Such was the situation previous to
Thursday, the 26th of June. The plan
of battle then developed was, first, to
make a vigorous flank movement upon
the enemy's extreme right, which was
within a mile or two of the Central Rail-
road ; secondly, as soon as they fell back
to the next road below, our divisions
there posted were to advance across the
Chickahominy, change front, and, in co-
operation with Jackson, who was to
make a detour and attack the Federals
in flank and rear, drive them still far-
ther on ; and finally, when they had
reached a certain point, now known as
the ‘Triangle,” embraced between the
Charles City, New Market, and Quaker
roads, all of which intersect, these sev-
eral approaches were to be possessed
by our forces—the enemy to be thus
hemmed in and compelled either to
starve, capitulate, or fight his way out
with tremendous odds and topographical
advantage against him. How so excel-
lent a plan eventually happened to fail,
at least partially, in the execution, will
presently appear.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26TH-OPENING OF THE
BATTLE-CAPTURE OF MECHANICSVILLE.
“Thursday came, clear but warm. At
three o'clock A.M. Major-General Jack-
son took up his line of march from Ash-
land, and, proceeding down the country
between the Chickahominy and Pamun-
ky rivers, he uncovered the front of
Brigadier-General Branch by driving off
the enemy collected on the north bank
of the Chickahominy River at the point
where it is crossed by the Brook turn-
pike. General Branch, who was on
the south bank, then crossed the river
and wheeled to the right down its
northern bank. Proceeding in that
direction, General Branch, in like man-
ner, uncovered, at Meadow Bridge, the
front of Major-General A. P. Hill, who
immediately crossed. The three col-
umns now proceeded en echelon–Gen-
eral Jackson in advance and on the
extreme left, Brigadier-General Branch
(who was now merged with General A.
P. Hill) in the centre, and General A. P.
Hill on the right, immediately on the
river. Jackson bearing away from the
Chickahominy in this part of the march,
so as to gain ground toward the Pa-
munky, marched to the left of Mechan-
icsville, while General Hill, keeping well
to the Chickahominy, approached that
village and engaged the enemy there.
The road was narrow, uneven, muddy,
and impeded, and when the bridge had
been crossed it became necessary to as-
cend a hill bare of trees or other ob-
structions, and all the while our gallant
fellows were exposed to a plunging fire
of shell, grape, round shot, and canister
ASSAULT ON ELLYSON'S MILLS.
323
from the Federal batteries; yet the col-
umn moved on steadily in files of fours,
closing up their ranks as soon as they
were thinned, with a sublime resolu-
tion, toward the fortifications, which,
after an obstinate fight of two hours and
a half, were carried in magnificent style,
and their guns immediately turned upon
the retreating foe. This occurred about
half-past seven or eight o'clock in the
evening. The cannonade was, perhaps,
the most furious and incessant that had
been kept up for so long a time since
the beginning of the war. But the Me-
chanicsville intrenchments were ours,
and, though with heavy loss, at a smaller
sacrifice of life than had been feared,
and the enemy had fallen back to Elly-
son's Mills, farther down the Chicka-
hominy. -
THE ASSAULT Upon ELLyson's MILLs.
“The enemy's battery of sixteen guns
was to the right or southeast of the Me-
chanicsville road, about a mile and a
half distant, and was situated on a rise
of ground in the vicinity of Ellyson's
Mills, defended by epaulments supported
by rifle-pits. Beaver Creek, about twelve
feet wide and waist deep, ran along the
front and left flank of the enemy's posi-
tion, which from the creek to the bat-
tery was covered with abattis. The po-
sition was most formidable.
“The assault was made by Pender's
brigade, of A. P. Hill's division, on the
right, and by Ripley's brigade on the
right in front. General Pender's brig-
ade had been thrown out in advance, in
observation of the enemy's left, when
Ripley's brigade coming up, General D.
and horses.
H. Hill ordered two of General Ripley's
regiments—the Forty-fourth Georgia
and the First North Carolina—to op-
erate on the right with General Pender,
while the Forty-eighth Georgia and the
Third North Carolina remained in front.
General Lee then ordered the battery to
be charged. The attempt was made.
They all moved forward to the attack
together. They cleared the rifle-pits
and gained the Creek, within one hun-
dred yards of the battery; but there
was still the Creek and abattis to cross. -
The fire of shot, shell, canister, and mus-
ketry from the enemy's works was,
meanwhile, murderous. The Forty-
fourth Georgia and First North Caro-
lina were heavily cut up and thrown
into confusion, owing to the heavy loss
of officers. General Pender's brigade
was likewise repulsed from the batteries
with severe loss.
“At this juncture, while the troops
were holding this position, Rhett's bat-
tery, of D. H. Hill's division, succeeded
in crossing the broken bridge over the
Chickahominy, and took position on the
high ground immediately in front of the
enemy's batteries, and opened a steady
and destructive fire over the heads of
our troops with telling effect upon the
enemy's infantry, almost silencing their
fire, and drawing the fire of their batte-
ries from our own infantry upon them-
selves, with the loss of a number of men
Reinforced then by Bondu-
rant's battery and one of General A. P.
Hill's batteries, a steady fire was contin-
ued, while our infantry held their posi-
tion about three hundred yards from the
324
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
enemy's batteries until half-past nine
o'clock P.M., when the enemy's batteries
ceased firing. At ten o'clock P.M. our
batteries ceased also. During the night,
at about twelve o'clock, the enemy aban-
doned some of his batteries, burning
platforms, etc.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH–STORMING OF GAINES'
M.ILL.
“Early the next morning, being Fri-
day, Generals Gregg and Pryor, of Long-
street's corps, turned the enemy's left
flank, and carried, with the bayonet,
what guns still remained in their batte-
ries in the front and to the right of Me-
chanicsville. It is said by many that
this was the proper movement to have
been made on the evening previous;
and blame is attached to the order given
to storm the work in front with an en-
tirely inadequate force.
“In the mean time the grand advance
en echelon again began. The troops of
D. H. Hill having all joined their proper
divisions, marched by the Mechanicsville
road to join Jackson. The junction was
made at Bethesda church, Jackson com-
ing from Ashland. Both corps then
proceeded to Cold Harbor, Hill in front.
Longstreet proceeded by the right of
Ellyson's Mills toward Dr. Gaines' farm,
and A. P. Hill in the same direction, on
the left of Longstreet. At this point
they came upon the enemy, strongly
posted on high and advantageous ground.
The line of battle formed was as follows:
Longstreet on the right, resting on the
Chickahominy Swamp ; A. P. Hill on
his left ; then Whiting, then Ewell, then
Jackson (the two latter under Jackson's
command), then D. H. Hill on the left
of the line—the line extending in the
form of a crescent beyond New Cold
Harbor, south toward Baker's Mills.
“At about twelve o'clock M. the bat-
teries of D. H. Hill, consisting of Hard-
away's, Carter's, Bondurant's, Rhett's,
Peyton's, and Clarke's, under command
of Majors Pierson and Jones, were
massed on our left. Captain Bondurant
advanced to the front and took position
near the powerful batteries of the en-
emy's artillery. But it was soon found
impossible to hold the position. He was
overpowered and silenced. Other bat-
teries soon, however, came forward suc-
cessively to the front of the infantry,
about three hundred yards in rear of
Bondurant's position. Hardaway took
up the fight with rifled guns. The ob-
ject was to draw the attention of the
enemy from Longstreet's contemplated
attack. At about half-past three o'clock
P.M. Longstreet commenced firing and
driving the enemy down the Chicka-
hominy. Hardaway then ceased firing,
and the other divisions on the left of
Longstreet successively took up the fight
—the enemy retreating and being driven
back toward D. H. Hill's artillery on our
left. The artillery being reinforced by
a section of a Baltimore battery from
Jackson's division, with English Blakely
guns, opened a furious fire on the enemy
at about five o'clock P.M. At four o'clock
P.M. of Friday the enemy had reached
Gaines' Mill, one of their strongest de-
fences ; and here, an hour later, the
bloodiest contest occurred that had been
witnessed during the campaign. Men
STORMING OF
GAINES’ MILL. 325
who had gone through Manassas, Will-
iamsburg, and the Seven Pines, de-
clared that they had never seen war
before. Without a knowledge of the
ground, but little conception can be
formed of the difficulties of the attack
upon Gaines'. Mill. Emerging from the
woods, the road leads to the left and
then to the right round Gaines' house,
when the whole country, for the area of
some two miles, is an open, unbroken
succession of undulating hills. Standing
at the north door of Gaines' house, the
whole country to the right, for the dis-
tance of one mile, is a gradual slope to-
ward a creek through which the main
road runs up an open hill and then
winds to the right. In front, to the
left, are orchards and gullies running
gradually to a deep creek. Directly in
front, for the distance of a mile, the
ground is almost table-land, suddenly
dipping to the deep Creek mentioned
above, being faced by a timber-covered
hill fronting all the table-land. Beyond
this timber-covered hill the country is
again open, and a perfect plateau, a
farm-house and out-houses occupying
the centre, the main road mentioned
winding to the right and through all the
Federal camps. To the left and rear of
the second mentioned farm a road comes
in upon the flat lands joining the main
road mentioned. Thus, to recapitulate,
except the deep creek and timber-cov-
ered hill beyond it, the whole country,
as seen from the north door of Gaines'
house, is unbroken, open, undulating,
and table-land, the right forming a de-
scent to the wood-covered creek, the
left being dips and gullies, with dense
timber still farther to the left; the front
being, for the most part, table-land.
But to the southeast of Gaines' house is
a large tract of timber commanding all
advances upon the main road, and in
this McClennan and McCall had posted
a strong body of skirmishers, with artil-
lery, to annoy our flank and rear when
advancing on their camps on the high
grounds, if we did so by the main road
or over the table-lands to the north.
“It now being three o'clock P.M., and
the head of our column in view of the
Federal camps, General Pryor was sent
forward with his brigade to drive away
the heavy mass of skirmishers posted to
our rear to annoy the advance. This
being accomplished with great success
and with little loss to us, Pryor returned
and awaited orders. Meanwhile the
Federals, from their camps and several
positions on the high grounds, swept
the whole face of the country with their
numerous artillery, which would have
annihilated our entire force if not
screened in the dips of the land and in
gullies to our left. Advancing cau-
tiously but rapidly in the skirt of the
woods and in the dips to the left, Wil-
cox and Pryor deployed their men into
line of battle—Featherstone being in
the rear—and, suddenly appearing on
the plateau facing the timber-covered
hill, rushed down into the wide gully,
crossed it, clambered over all the felled
timber, stormed the timber breast-works
beyond it, and began the ascent of the
hill under a terrific fire of sharpshooters
and an incessant discharge of grape and
124
326
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
canister from pieces posted on the brow
of the hill and from batteries in their
camps to the right on the high flat lands.
Such a position was never stormed be-
fore. In descending into the deep creek
the infantry and artillery fire that as-
sailed the three brigades was most ter-
rific. Twenty-six pieces were thundering
at them, and a perfect hailstorm of lead
fell thick and fast around them. One
of Wilcox's regiments wavered. Down
the General rushed furiously, sword in
hand, and threatened to behead the first
man that hesitated. Pryor steadily ad-
vanced, but slowly, and by the time that
the three brigades had stormed the posi-
tion, passed up the hill through timber
and over felled trees, Featherstone was
far in advance. Quickly the Federals
withdrew their pieces and took up a
fresh position to assail the three brig-
ades advancing in perfect line of battle
from the woods and upon the plateau.
Officers had no horses—all were shot ;
brigadiers marched on foot, sword in
hand ; regiments were commanded by
captains, and companies by Sergeants,
yet onward they rushed with yells, and
colors flying; and backward, still back-
ward fell the Federals, their men tum-
bling every moment in scores. But what
a sight met the eyes of these three gal-
lant brigades In front stood Federal
camps, stretching to the northeast for
miles! Drawn up in line of battle were
more than three full divisions, com-
manded by McCall, Porter, Sedgwick, etc.
Banners darkened the air, artillery vom-
ited forth incessantvolleys of grape, canis-
ter, and shell; heavy masses were moving
on our left through the woods to flank us.
Yet onward came Wilcox to the right,
Pryor to the left, and Featherstone in
the centre—one grand, matchless line
of battle—almost consumed by exploits
of the day—yet onward they advanced
to the heart of the Federal position, and
when the enemy had fairly succeeded in
almost flanking us on the left, great com-
motion is heard in the woods; volleys
upon volleys are heard in rapid suc-
cession, which are recognized and cheered
by our men. “It is Jackson,’ they shout,
‘on their right and rear.” Yes, two or
three brigades of Jackson's army have
flanked the enemy and are getting in
the rear. Now the fighting was bitter
and terrific. Worked up to madness,
Wilcox, Featherstone, and Pryor dash
forward at a run and drive the enemy
with irresistible fury; to our left emerge
Hood's Texas brigade, Whiting's comes
after, and Pender follows. The line is
now complete, and ‘forward' rings from
one end of the line to the other, and the
Yankees, over thirty thousand strong,
begin to retreat. Wheeling their artil-
lery from the front, the Federals turn
part of it to break our left and save their
retreat. The very earth shakes at the
roar. Not one piece of ours has yet
opened; all has been done with the bul-
let and bayonet, and onward press our
troops through camps upon camps, cap-
turing guns, stores, arms, clothing, etc.
Yet, like blood-hounds on the trail, the
six brigades sweep everything before
them, presenting an unbroken, solid
front, and, closing in upon the enemy,
keep up an incessant succession of vol-
MOVEMENT OF JACKSON.
327
leys upon their confused masses, and
unerringly slaughtering them by hun-
dreds and thousands. There was but
one “charge,’ and from the moment the
word of command was given——‘Fix bay-
onets, forward’—our advance was never
stopped, despite the awful reception
which met it. It is true that one or two
regiments became confused in. passing
over the deep ditch, abattis, and timber
earth-works ; it is also true that several
slipped from the ranks and ran to the
rear, but in many cases these were
wounded men ; but the total number of
‘stragglers' would not amount to more
than one hundred. This is strictly true,
and redounds to our immortal honor.
These facts are true of Wilcox's, Pryor's,
and Featherstone's brigades, who formed
our right, and we are positive that, from
the composition of Whiting's, Hood's,
and Pender's brigades, who flanked the
enemy and formed our left, they never
could be made to falter, for Whiting had
the Eleventh, Sixteenth, and Second
Mississippi, and two other regiments.
Hood had four Texan and one Georgia
regiment, and the material of Pender's
command was equally as good as any,
and greatly distinguished itself. These
were the troops mostly engaged and that
suffered most. -
“But ‘where is Jackson 2' ask all.
He has travelled fast and is heading the
retreating foe, and as night closes in all
is anxiety for intelligence from him. It
is now about seven o'clock P.M., and just
as the rout of the enemy is complete—
just as the last volleys are sounding in
the enemy's rear, the distant and rapid
discharges of cannon tell that Jackson
has fallen upon the retreating column.
Far in the night his troops hang upon
the enemy, and for miles upon miles are
dead, wounded, prisoners, wagons, can-
non, etc., scattered in inextricable con-
fusion upon the road. Thus, for four
hours, did our inferior force, unaided by
a single piece of artillery, withstand over
thirty thousand of the enemy, assisted
by twenty-six pieces of artillery.
“Every arm of the service was well
represented in the Federal line ; cav-
alry were there in force, and when our
men emerged from the woods, attempted
to charge, but the three brigades on the
right, and Jackson's three brigades on
the left, closed up ranks and poured
such deadly volleys upon the horsemen,
that they left the ground in confusion
and entirely for their infantry to decide
the day. McCall's, Porter's, and Sedg-
wick’s ‘crack' divisions melted away be-
fore our advance. McClellan, prisoners
say, repeatedly was present and directed
movements, but when the three brig-
ades to our left emerged from the woods,
such confusion and havoc ensued that he
gave orders to retreat, and escaped as
best he could. -
“The cannon and arms captured in
this battle were numerous and of very
superior workmanship. The twenty-six
pieces were most beautiful, while im-
mense piles of guns could be seen on
every hand, many scarcely having the
manufacturer's ‘finish' even tarnished.
The enemy seemed quite willing to
throw them away on the slightest pre-
text, dozens being found with loads still
328
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
undischarged. The number of small-
arms captured was not less than 15,000,
of every calibre and every make. The
field-pieces taken were principally Na-
poleon, Parrott, and Blakely (English)
guns. We have captured large quanti-
ties of army-wagons, tents, equipments,
shoes. Clothing in abundance was scat-
tered about, and immense piles of new
uniforms were found untouched. Every
conceivable article of clothing was found
in these divisional camps, and came quite
apropos to our needy soldiery, scores of
whom took a cool bath and changed old
for new under-clothing, many articles
being of costly material and quite unique.
The amount of ammunition found was
considerable, and proved of very supe-
rior quality and manufacture. *
“While the storming of Gaines' Mill
was in progress, a fight was raging at
Cold Harbor, a short distance to the left,
in which the enemy were driven off with
great carnage. At this point the gay,
dashing, intrepid General Wheat was
instantly killed by a ball through the
brain. At a later hour of the evening
one of his compatriots, General Hood,
of the Texas brigade, dashed into a
Yankee camp and took a thousand pris-
oners. And so, with Jackson and Stuart
pushing on toward the Pamunky to in-
tercept the enemy's retreat to West
Point, should it be attempted, and
McClellan with his main body retiring
toward the south (or Richmond) side
of the Chickahominy before our victori-
ous troops, the second day was brought
to an end.
. “All of the enemy's dead and wound-
ed on the previous day, with few ex-
ceptions, had been carried off, and they
managed also to remove a large number
from the field in this running engage-
ment. As they retired they set fire to
immense quantities of their commissary
stores, spiked their cannon, destroyed
tents, and smashed up all of the wagons
they could not run off. Our forces cap-
tured several fine batteries, consisting in
all of eighteen rifled cannon and several
minor pieces of artillery.
“The enemy now occupied a singular
position : one portion of his army on the
south side of the Chickahominy fronted
Richmond, and was confronted by Gen-
eral Magruder; the other portion on the
north side had turned their backs on
Richmond and fronted destruction in the
persons of Lee, Longstreet, Jackson, and
the Hills. These last were, therefore,
advancing on Richmond with their backs
to the city. Such was the position into
which General Lee had forced McClel-
lan. The position which the latter here
occupied, however, was one of great
strength.
“The right wing of McClellan's army,
after crossing the Chickahominy on Fri-
day night at the Grapevine Bridge, fell
back down the Williamsburg road to-
ward the White Oak Swamp.
THE FIGHTING ON SATURDAY, JUNE 28th.
“On Saturday, the 28th, General
Toombs attacked a portion of the er-
emy's left wing strongly posted on a hill,
and supported with artillery, near the
Chickahominy, about a mile east of the
New Bridge road. About eleven o'clock
Moody's battery opened fire upon the
CAPTURES.
329
intrenchments of the enemy located just
beyond Garnett's farm. The battery
fired some ten or fifteen minutes, and
meanwhile a body of infantry, consisting
of the Seventh and Eighth Georgia reg-
iments, moved up under cover of the
fire from the field-pieces. The Eighth,
in advance, charged across a ravine and
up a hill, beyond which the Yankee in-
trenchments lay. They gained the first
line of works and took possession of
them ; but it is proper to state this was
unoccupied at the time by the Yankees.
The fire of the enemy was murderous,
and as soon as Our men reached the
brow of the hill, rapid volleys of grape,
canister, and musketry were poured into
them. It was found almost impossible
to proceed farther, but the attempt would
have been made had not orders been
received to fall back, which was done in
good order, still under fire. The loss in
the Seventh is reported at seventy odd
men killed, wounded, and missing; in
the Eighth, upward of eighty. Colonel
Lamar, of the Eighth, was severely
wounded in the groin, and fell into the
hands of the enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel
Towers was captured, but uninjured.
The Yankees were completely hidden
behind their works, and did not suffer
much apparently. We took a captain,
lieutenant, and some five or six pri-
vates—the Yankee picket force at the
point. Subsequently a flag of truce
was granted to take away our dead and
wounded.
“The remainder of Saturday was
marked by the capture of the Fourth
New Jersey (Stockton's) Regiment, the
Eleventh Pennsylvania, and the famous
‘Bucktails,’ with their regimental stand
ards, by rapid and wholly successful move-
ments of Jackson and Stuart, between
the Chickahominy and the Pamunky,
taking the York River Railroad, and
cutting off McClellan's communication
with his transports and destroying his
line of telegraph. At this time high
hopes were entertained of speedily de-
stroying or capturing the entire army
of McClellan. The York River Rail-
road, it will be remembered, runs in an
easterly direction, intersecting the Chick-
ahominy about ten miles from the city.
South of the railroad is the Williams-
burg road, connecting with the Nine
Mile road at Seven Pines. The former
road connects with the New Bridge road,
which turns off and crosses the Chicka-
hominy. From Seven Pines, where the
Nine Mile road joins the upper one, the
road is known as the old Williamsburg
road, and crosses the Chickahominy at
Bottom's Bridge.
“With the bearing of these localities
in his mind the reader will readily un-
derstand how it was that the enemy was
driven from his original strongholds on
the north side of the Chickahominy, and
how, at the time of Friday's battle, he
had been compelled to surrender the
possession of the Fredericksburg and
Central railroads, and had been pressed
to a position where he was cut off from
the principal avenues of supply and es-
cape. The disposition of our forces was
such as to cut off all communication be-
tween McClellan's army and the Whiº
House, on the Pamunky River; he had
330
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
been driven completely from his north-
ern lines of defences, and it was sup-
posed that he would be unable to ex-
tricate himself from his position without
a victory or a capitulation. In front of
him, with the Chickahominy, which he
had crossed, in his rear, were the divi-
sions of Generals Longstreet, Magruder,
and Huger, and, in the situation as it ex-
isted Saturday night, all hopes of his es-
cape were thought to be impossible.
THE BATTLE OF SAVAGE STATION, SUNDAY,
JUNE 29TH.
“Six miles from Richmond, on the
York River road, the enemy were in
force on Saturday night. During the
night our pickets heard them busily at
work, hammering, sawing, etc. The
rumble of cannon carriages was also con-
stantly audible. Sunday, about noon,
our troops advanced in the direction of
the works, which were found deserted.
Their intrenchments were found to be
formidable and elaborate. That imme-
diately across the railroad, at the six-
mile post, which had been supposed to
be a light earth-work, designed to sweep
the railroad, turned out to be an im-
mense embrasured fortification, extend-
ing for hundreds of yards on either side
of the track, and capable of protecting
ten thousand men. Within this work
were found great quantities of fixed am-
munition, which had apparently been
prepared for removal, and then deserted.
All the cannon, as at other intrench-
ments, had been carried off.
“After passing this battery, our forces
cautiously pushed their way down the
railroad and to the right, in the direc-
tion of the Seven Pines. At three
o'clock a dense column of smoke was
seen to issue from the woods, two miles
in advance of the battery and half a
mile to the right of the railroad. The
smoke was found to proceed from a per-
fect mountain of the enemy's commis-
sary stores, which they had fired and de-
serted. The pile was at least thirty feet
high, with a base sixty feet in breadth,
consisting of sugar, coffee, bacon, but-
ter, prepared meat, vegetables, etc. The
fire had so far enveloped the heap as to
destroy the value of its contents. The
field and woods around this spot were
covered with every description of cloth-
ing and camp equipage. Blue great
coats lined the earth like leaves in Wal-
lambrosa. No indication was wanting
that the enemy had left this encamp-
ment in haste and disorder.
“About one o'clock, Sunday morn-
ing, our pickets down the Nine Mile
road were fiercely attacked by the en-
emy, and a severe and lively fight en-
sued. The enemy were easily driven
back with loss, many prisoners falling
into our hands. Many of the Federals
threw down their arms and surrendered
voluntarily. Sunday morning, about six
or seven o'clock, another fierce picket
fight occurred. -
“Later in the day the enemy were
again encountered upon the York River
Railroad, near a place called Savage
Station ; the troops engaged on our side
being the division of General McLaws,
consisting of Generals Kershaw and
Semmes' brigades, supported by Gen-
eral Griffith's brigade from Magruder's
SAVAGE
division. The Federals were found to
be strongly intrenched, and as soon as
our skirmishers came in view they were
opened upon with a furious cannonade
from apark offield-pieces. Kemper's bat-
tery now went to the front, and for three
hours the battle raged hotly, when the
discomfited Yankees again resumed their
back track. It was during this fight that
General Griffith, of Mississippi, one of the
heroes of Leesburg (where he command-
ed the Eighteenth Mississippi on the fall
of Col. Burt), was killed by the fragment ||
of a shell, which mangled one of his legs.
He was the only general officer killed
on our side during the whole of that
bloody week. Owing to a most unfor-
tunate accident, much of our success
was marred. Our own troops, being
mistaken for the enemy, were fired into
by the Twenty-first Mississippi Regiment,
as was Jenkins' South Carolina Regiment
at Manassas, by reinforcements in the
rear. During the pursuit the railroad
Merrimac was far in advance of our men,
and was vigorously shelling the enemy
at every turn. -
“About Sundown, Sunday, General
Magruder's division came up with the
rear of the enemy, and engaged a por-
tion of his forces for about an hour and
a half. After passing the enemy's camp
on the York River Railroad, our troops
posted after the enemy, and came up
with him on the Williamsburg road, a
mile east of the Seven Pines, opposite
Mr. William Sedgwick's farm. The en-
emy were posted in a thick piece of pines
north of the Williamsburg road, behind
intrenchments of great strength and
STATION. 331
elaborate finish. The Richmond How-
itzer battalion began the fight by shell-
ing the woods. From the direction of
the railroad Kershaw's brigade and
other troops marched down the Will-
iamsburg road and dashed into the
woods by a flank movement to the left.
Here the fight raged furiously until
darkness put an end to the contest.
Our men lay on their arms with the
design of renewing the battle with the
return of daylight. -
“While Magruder was thus success-
fully “pushing the enemy to the wall’
on the south side of the Chickahominy,
the redoubtable Stuart was not less suc-
cessful on the north side. Dashing
down to the White House on the Pa-
munky, he succeeded in capturing an
immense quantity of supplies, fixed am-
munition, rifled ordnance, railway ma-
chinery and locomotives, wagon-trains,
a balloon and an apparatus of inflation,
quartermaster's stores, etc., with 1,500
prisoners, besides burning seventeen
large transports at the wharves.
“During Sunday the mortifying fact
became known to our generals that
McClellan had in a measure succeeded
in eluding us, and that, having massed
his entire force on the Richmond side
of the Chickahominy, he was retreating
toward the James River—having stolen
a march of twelve hours on General
Huger, who had been placed in a posi-
tion on his flank to watch his move-
ments.
THE BATTLE OF MONDAY, JUNE 30.
“By daybreak, on Monday morning,
the pursuit was actively resumed. D.
332
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
H. Hill, Whiting, and Ewell, under com-
mand of Jackson, crossed the Chicka-
hominy by the Grapevine Bridge, and
followed the enemy on their track by
the Williamsburg road and Savage Sta-
tion. Longstreet, A. P. Hill, Huger,
and Magruder pursued the enemy by
the Charles City road, with the inten-
tion of cutting them off. At the White
Oak Swamp our left wing came upon
the Yankee forces at about eleven
o'clock A.M.; but they had crossed the
stream and burned the bridge behind
them. Their artillery was also posted
in immense numbers, commanding both
the bridge and the road. General Jack-
son, with Major Crutchfield, chief of his
artillery, and the several captains of D. H.
Hill's artillery, having reconnoitred the
position of the enemy, ordered forward
the whole of D. H. Hill's artillery, under
Colonel Crutchfield. Under cover of
the hill on the left, or north bank of the
White Oak Swamp, our artillery was
brought forward, thrown rapidly upon
the crest of the hill, and suddenly opened
fire upon the enemy's batteries with
twenty-six field-pieces in seven batte-
ries. This was at about twelve o'clock
M. A tremendous fire was kept up
from the batteries on both sides, the en-
emy having in position near fifty pieces.
During this time one or more of the en-
emy's caissons was exploded, while they
suffered with a heavy loss of men and
horses. The enemy then fell back some
distance behind a skirt of woods, aban-
doning three of their guns on the field,
and there, hidden from sight, renewed
the fight at jong range, which, with their
Parrott guns, gave them great advan.
tage. The fight of artillery, nevertheless,
continued with great spirit and deter-
mination until night closed the scene.
The casualties on both sides in this fight
were very heavy. Indeed, this is said
to have been probably the heaviest fight
of field artillery which has taken place
during the war.
“About four o'clock, Monday after-
noon, General Longstreet having been
called away, the command of his divi-
sion was assumed by General A. P.
Hill, who, with both divisions—that of
Longstreet and his own—engaged the
enemy at a late hour in the evening.
The battle was thus fought under the
immediate and sole command of General
A. P. Hill, in charge of both divisions.
The position of the enemy was about
five miles northeast of Darbytown, on
the New Market road. The immediate
scene of the battle was a plain of sedge
pines, in the cover of which the enemy's
forces were skilfully disposed.
“In advancing upon the enemy, bat-
teries of sixteen heavy guns were opened
upon the advance columns of General
Hill. Our troops, pressing heroically
forward, had no sooner got within mus-
ket range, than the enemy, forming sev-
eral lines of battle, poured upon them
from his heavy masses a devouring fire
of musketry. The conflict became ter-
rible, the air being filled with missiles
of death ; every moment having its pe-
culiar sound of terror, and every spot
its sight of ghastly destruction and hor-
ror. Never was a more glorious vic-
tory plucked from more desperate and
BATTLE OF MONDAY.
333
threatening circumstances. While ex-
posed to the double fire of the enemy's
batteries and his musketry, we were un-
able to contend with him with artillery.
But, although thus unmatched, the he-
roic command of General Hill pressed
on with unquailing vigor and a resistless
courage, driving the enemy before them.
This was accomplished without artillery,
there being but one battery in General
Hill's command on the spot, and that
belonged to Longstreet's division, and
could not be got into position. Thus
the fight continued with an ardor and
devotion that few battle-fields have ever
illustrated. Step by step the enemy
were driven back, his guns taken, and
the ground he abandoned strewn with
his dead. By half-past eight o'clock we
had taken all his cannon, and, continu-
ing to advance, had driven him a mile
and a half from his ground of battle.
Our forces were still advancing upon the
retreating lines of the enemy. It was
now about half-past nine o'clock, and
very dark. Suddenly, as if it had burst
from the heavens, a sheet of fire en-
veloped the front of our advance. The
enemy had made another stand to re-
ceive us, and, from the black masses of
his forces, it was evident that it had
been heavily reinforced, and that an-
other whole corps d'armée had been
brought up to contest the fortunes of
the night.
formed. It was evident that his heav-
iest columns were now being thrown
against Hill's small command, and it
might have been supposed that he
would only be satisfied with its annihi-
Line after line of battle was
lation. The loss here on our side was
terrible.
“The situation being evidently hope-
less for any further pursuit of the fugi-
tive enemy, who had now brought up
such overwhelming forces, General Hill
retired slowly. At this moment, seeing
their adversary retire, the most vo-
ciferous cheers arose along the whole
Yankee line. They were taken up in
the distance by the masses which for
miles and miles beyond were supporting
McClellan's front. It was a moment
when the heart of the stoutest com-
mander might have been appalled. Gen-
eral Hill's situation was now as desperate
as it well could be, and required a
courage and presence of mind to retrieve
it which the circumstances that sur-
rounded him were not well calculated
to inspire. His command had fought
for five or six hours without reinforce-
ments; all his reserves had been brought
up in the action ; Wilcox's brigade,
which had been almost annihilated, was
re-forming in the rear. Riding rapidly
to the position of this brigade, General
Hill brought them by great exertions up
to the front, to check the advance of this
now confident, cheering enemy. Catch-
ing the spirit of their commander, the
brave but jaded men moved up to the
front, replying to the enemy's cheers
with shouts and yells. At this demon-
stration, which the enemy no doubt
supposed signified heavy reinforcements,
he stopped his advance. It was now
about half-past ten o'clock in the night.
The enemy had been arrested ; and the
fight—one of the most remarkable, long-
- 125
334
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
contested, and gallant ones that has yet
occurred on our lines—was concluded
with the achievement of the field under
the most trying circumstances, which
the enemy, with the most overpowering
numbers brought up to reinforce him,
had not succeeded in reclaiming.
“The battle of Monday night was
fought exclusively by General A. P.
Hill and the forces under his command.
General Magruder's did not come up
until eleven o'clock at night, after the
fight had been concluded. By orders
from General Lee, Magruder moved
upon and occupied the battle-ground,
General Hill's command being in a con-
dition of prostration from their long and
toilsome fight, and suffering in killed
and wounded, that it was proper they
should be relieved by the occupation
of the battle-ground by a fresh corps
d'armée. In the long and bitter conflict
which General Hill had sustained with
the enemy, he had driven him about a
mile and a half; and at the conclusion
of the battle, although he had retired
somewhat, he still held the ground from
which, in the early part of the action,
he had driven the enemy.
“President Davis was on the field
during the day, and made a narrow
escape from injury, which might possibly
have proven fatal. He had taken posi-
tion in a house near the scene, when
word was sent him by General Lee to
leave it at once, as it was threatened
with danger. He had scarcely complied
with the advice before the house was
literally riddled with shell from the
enemy's batteries.
“Prisoners state that on Monday
evening McClellan addressed his troops
in an animated strain, conjuring them
‘ for God's sake, and the sake of their
country, and the old flag around which
So many fond recollections cluster, to
join in one more last struggle to reach
our gun-boats on the James River. I
have been frustrated in all my plans
against Richmond. We must cut our
way to the river, and then I shall await
reinforcements. I do not give up the
hope of yet capturing Richmond.’ Their
fighting subsequently showed that his
words were not without effect. During
the night the enemy retreated again
down the Quaker road toward Malvern
Hill, about a half mile within the inter-
section of the New Market or River
road, and the Quaker road. Here he
took strong position on this hill, about
two miles and a half from his gun-boats
on the James River. This closed the
scene of Monday.
THE BATTLE OF TUESDAY, JULY FIRST.
“The army of McClellan was now
getting into the triangle formed by the
three roads already alluded to, and in
which it was hoped that he would be
entrapped. It was in this area that the
great battle of Tuesday took place. All
of our forces, however, failed to be in
position in the right time ; and those in
the rear, who were to cut him off and
hem him in, allowed the game to slip
from their hands and quietly make his
escape, which he subsequently did by
roads easily traceable on the map.
“McClellan, in making his way in all
haste, but in good order, to the waters
BATTLE OF MALVERN HILLS.
335
of James River, had reached on Tues-
day, July 1, a point about sixteen miles
below Richmond, and two miles above
Turkey Island, where it was determined
to make a stand with the purpose of
effectually covering the retreat of the
main body to their gun-boats. The
ground was admirably chosen. An ele-
wated plateau of 1,200 yards in length and
350 yards width lay between a skirt of
woods, dark and dense, and a plantation
dwelling, which will be known in the
official reports as ‘Crew's house,” with
its surrounding buildings. Upon the
crest of a gentle slope in front of this
country seat the Yankees planted four
heavy batteries, commanding the pla-
teau, and every square yard of it, to the
woods.
“On Tuesday morning D. H. Hill's
division, on the right of Jackson, with
Whiting, Ewell, and Jackson's own divi-
sion on the left (Jackson commanding
the three latter divisions), crossed the
White Oak bridge and took up their
position in this order, on the left of our
line, at about three o'clock in the after-
noon. D. H. Hill's artillery was sent to
the rear to rest. Longstreet, A. P. Hill,
Magruder, and Huger, on Our right
wing, pushed down the Long Bridge
road in pursuit, and took position on the
left and front of the enemy, under fire
of all his artillery on land and water.
“About four o'clock in the afternoon,
the skirmishers of our pursuing column,
on emerging from the wood, were met
by the fire of the enemy, and fell back
to report to the commanding general,
Magruder, whose division—embracing
the brigades of Howell Cobb, Toombs,
Wright, and Armistead —was in the ad-
vance. Two batteries of light artillery,
Grimes' and the Second Richmond How-
itzers, were immediately ordered to take
position in the cleared field, some fifty
yards from the edge of the forest, and to
open fire upon the enemy's batteries,
while the infantry were drawn up under
cover of the woods, to be pushed across
the field at the proper moment. Grimes'
battery was thrown into hopeless dis-
order by the killing of three of its horses
and the wounding of several others in
the act of taking its ground, and never
did get into position ; whereupon the
Purcell battery, Captain Pegram, was
ordered to replace it. The Howitzers
and Captain Pegram's veterans at once
opened a furious cannonade on the Yan-
kees, firing with great steadiness and
effect, but so desolating was the rain of
shot, shell, and spherical case showered
upon them by the enemy's guns, which
had obtained the exact range, that they
were greatly cut up in a short time, and
had to be withdrawn. At the same
moment a column of not more than
600 Confederate troops, which had mov-
ed with wonderful precision and celerity
across the plateau to a point within 150
yards of the Yankee batteries, was com-
pelled to retire with heavy loss, and in
some disorder. The Letcher artillery,
of six pieces, under command of Captain
Davidson, was now ordered to the spot
till then occupied by the Purcell battery,
and getting their guns quickly in place,
despite the withering tempest of flame
and iron, commenced to serve them with
336
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
the utmost efficiency, firing twelve or
fifteen discharges to the minute, while
a second column of infantry advanced
through the cleared space at double
Quick to storm the terrible batteries of
the foe. The fire was now appalling,
and to add to the horrors of the scene,
the gun-boats of the enemy in the river
'began to throw the most tremendous
projectiles into the field. The column
moved on, nearer and yet nearer, its
ranks thinned at every moment, and
lost to sight in the thick curtain of
smoke which overspread the crimsoned
battle-ground. But once again the
whirlwind of death threw the advancing
mass of gallant men into inextricable
disorder, and they retired. Still the
Letcher artillery held its ground. A
brave lieutenant and two of the men had
been killed at their pieces; nineteen
others had fallen wounded by their side,
and the horses were piled around them
in heaps; a caisson had exploded, yet
their fire was kept up as steadily as if
they had been firing a holiday salute.
An hour and a half or more had now
passed since the opening of the battle,
and a third column upon the centre
moved onward to the Yankee guns.
The dark mass soon disappeared in the
cloud which enveloped all objects, and
though it lost strength and solidity at
every step—in the brave fellows who
fell struck by the hurtling missiles that
strewed the air—it still gained the slope
where stood the enemy's batteries, but
only to be driven back, as had been
their comrades before them. Mean-
w! le the indomitable Jackson had as-
sailed the enemy with great energy on
the right of their position, and soon
drove them from the field. The dusk
of evening, deepening into darkness, fa-
vored the retreat of the Yankees, who
succeeded in carrying off their pieces,
though with a loss in killed and wound-
ed equal to, if not greater, than our
own. g
“Thus closed the terrible battle of
the first of July. The battle-field and
the region round about seemed as if the
lightnings of heaven had scathed and
blasted it. The forest shows, in the
splintered branches of a thousand trees,
the fearful havoc of the artillery; the
houses are riddled, the fences utterly
demolished, the earth itself plowed up
in many places for yards; here stands
a dismantled caisson, there a broken
gun-carriage ; thick and many are the
graves, the sods over which yet bear the
marks of the blood of their occupants;
on the plateau, across whose surface for
hours the utmost fury of the battle raged,
the tender corn that had grown up as
high as the knee betrays no sign of hav-
ing ever ‘laughed and sung' in the breeze
of early summer—everything, in short,
but the blue heaven above, speaks of the
carnival of death which was there so
frightfully celebrated. About a quarter
of a mile from the field stands on the
roadside the house occupied by General
Lee as his headquarters during the bat-
tle. The weather boarding and the
shingled roof exhibit abundant evidences
of the terrible nature of the cannonade.
The elongated shells thrown by the gun-
boats were most fearful projectiles, mea-
MCCLELLAN’S POSITION. 337
suring twenty-two inches in length by
eight in diameter. It is remarkable
that, as far as we know, the only damage
done by them was to the enemy. Not
having the proper range, the gunners so
elevated their pieces as to let these
messengers of death fall mostly among
the ranks of their own men. The effect
of one which burst near Crew's house
was indescribably fatal. It struck a gun
of one of the batteries, shattering it into
fragments, and by the explosion, which
followed instantaneously, seven men
standing near the piece were killed in
the twinkling of an eye. They fell
without the movement of a muscle, in
the very attitudes they occupied the
moment before, stiffening at once into
the stony fixedness of death. One, in-
deed, was almost blown into annihila-
tion ; but another was seen still grasping
the lanyard of his gun ; yet another,
belonging to an infantry regiment, held
in his hand the ramrod with which he
was driving home the load in his Belgian
rifle ; while a fourth, with clenched lips,
retained in his mouth the little portion
of the cartridge he had just bitten off.
The faces of the victims even still ex-
pressed the emotions which animated
them in battle—indifference, hope, ter-
ror, triumph, rage, were there depicted,
but no traces of the suffering which
should be caused by the death pang.
They had passed into eternity uncon-
scious of the shaft that sent them there !
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2.
“The severe struggle of Tuesday had
given the main body of McClellan's army
ample time to reach the much-coveted
positions in the neighborhood of Berke-
ley and Westover, on the James River,
where availing themselves of the strong
natural defences of the place, and under
cover of their gun-boats, they were re-
lieved from the apprehension of an im-
mediate attack. In this situation of
affairs, a description of the locality and
topographical features of the enemy's
selected place of refuge will be a matter
of interest :
“Berkeley, now the residence of Doc-
tor Starks, lies on the north side of
James River, five miles below City
Point, and by the course of the river
sixty-five miles, but by the Charles City
road not more than twenty-five miles
from Richmond. The building, an old-
fashioned brick edifice, stands upon an
eminence a few hundred yards from the
river, in a grove of Lombardy poplars
and other trees. President Harrison
was born here in 1773.
“The Westover plantation, long the
seat of the distinguished family of Byrds,
and at present owned by Mr. John Sel-
den, adjoins Berkeley on the east, the
dwelling-houses being some two miles
apart. Charles City Court House is be-
tween eight and ten miles east of the
latter place. It is not to be supposed
the enemy selected these plantations as
the scene of his last great stand without
good reasons. The first and most ap-
parent of these is, that the Westover
landing is, perhaps, the very best on
James River, and the stream for miles
up and down being broad and deep
affords both excellent sea room and
anchorage for their gun-boats and trans-
338
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ports. But this is by no means the
only advantage of the position. On
the west of Berkeley are innumerable
impassable ravines, running from near
the Charles City road, on the north, to
James River, making a successful attack
from that quarter next to impossible.
Within a quarter of a mile of where
these ravines begin, Herring Run Creek
crosses the Charles City road, and run-
ning in a southeasterly direction, skirts,
on the north and east, the plantations
of Berkeley and Westover, and empties
into James River at the extreme eastern
boundary of the latter. The whole
course of this creek is one impassable
morass, while along its northern and
eastern banks extend the heights of
Evelinton—a long range of hills that
overlook the Westover and Berkeley
estates, and which offer eligible positions
for heavy guns. It will be seen that,
protected on the south by the river and
their gun-boats, on the west by im-
passable ravines, and on the north and
east by Herring Creek and the heights
of Evelinton, the enemy's position pre-
sents but one pregnable point—the piece
of level country northwest of Westover,
from a quarter to a half mile in width,
lying between the head of the ravines
and the point where Herring Creek
crosses the Charles City road. But it
required only a very brief period for the
enemy, with their immense resources of
men and machinery, to obstruct by art
this only natural entrance to their strong-
hold. Already it was within range of
their gun-boats, and of their siege guns
planted on the Evelinton hills; another
day saw it strewn with felled timber and
bristling with field batteries.
“The James River was soon covered
with the transports and gun-boats of the
enemy, and McClellan, secure in his
‘new base of operations,’ vigorously be-
gan the work of infusing courage and
confidence among his beaten and de-
moralized troops. On the fourth of July
he issued the following address, which,
considering the events immediately pre-
ceding, is certainly a rather remarkable
document: g
“‘HEADQUARTERs, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
CAMP NEAR HARRIson's LANDING, July 4, 1862.
“‘SOLDIERS OF THE ARMY OF THE PO-
ToMAC : Your achievements of the past
ten days have illustrated the valor and
endurance of the American soldier. At-
tacked by superior forces, and without
hopes of reinforcements, you have suc-
ceeded in changing your base of opera-
tions by a flank movement — always
regarded as the most hazardous of mili-
tary operations. You have saved all
your guns except a few lost in battle,
taking in return guns and colors from
the enemy.
“‘Upon your march you have been
assailed day after day with desperate
fury, by men of the same race and na-
tion, skilfully massed and led. Under
every disadvantage of number, and nec-
essarily of position also, you have in
every conflict beaten back your foes with
enormous slaughter.
“‘Your conduct ranks you among the
celebrated armies of history. None will
now question what each of you may
always, with pride, say: “I belonged
LEE'S REPORT. - 339
to the Army of the Potomac.” You
have reached this new base complete in
organization and unimpaired in spirit.
The enemy may at any time attack you
—we are prepared to meet them. I
have personally established your lines.
Let them come, and we will convert
their repulse into a final defeat.
“‘Your government is strengthening
you with the resources of a great peo-
ple. On this, our nation's birthday, we
declare to our foes—who are rebels
against the best interests of mankind—
that this army shall enter the capital of
the so-called Confederacy; that our na-
tional constitution shall prevail; and
that the Union, which can alone insure
internal peace and external security to
each State, must and shall be preserved
—cost what it may in time, treasure,
and blood. GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
“‘Major-General Commanding.’
“This narrative cannot be better con-
cluded than by the reproduction of the
following general orders of General Lee
in reference to the battle. These orders
give an official and probably the most
trustworthy summary of the results that
can now be had, and afford a striking con-
trast to the address of Gen. McClellan :
GENERAL ORDERS–No. 75.
“‘HEADQUARTERS, IN THE FIELD, :
July 7th, 1862.
“‘The General Commanding, pro-
foundly grateful to the only Giver of all
victory for the signal success with which
He has blessed our arms, tenders his
warmest thanks and congratulations to
the army by whose valor such splendid
results have been achieved. .
“‘On Thursday, June 26th, the pow-
erful and thoroughly equipped army of
the enemy was intrenched in works vast
in extent and most formidable in char-
acter, within sight of our capital.
“‘To-day the remains of that confi-
dent and threatening host lie upon the
banks of the James River, thirty miles
from Richmond, seeking to recover, un-
der the protection of their gun-boats,
from the effects of a series of disastrous
defeats. g
“‘The battle beginning on the after-
noon of the 26th June, above Mechan-
icsville, continued until the night of July
1st, with only such intervals as were
necessary to pursue and overtake the
flying foe. Their strong intrenchments
and obstinate resistance were overcome,
and our army swept resistlessly down the
north side of the Chickahominy, until it
reached the rear of the enemy and broke
their communication with the York, cap-
turing or causing the destruction of many
valuable stores, and by the decisive bat-
tle of Friday, forcing the enemy from
their line of powerful fortifications on
the south side of the Chickahominy and
driving them to a precipitate retreat.
This victorious army pursued as rapidly
as the obstructions placed by the enemy
in their rear would permit, three times
overtaking their flying column, and as
often driving them with slaughter from
the field, leaving their numerous dead
and wounded in our hands in every con-
flict.
“‘The immediate fruits of our success
are the relief of Richmond from a state
of siege, the rout of the great army that
34()
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
so long menaced its safety, many thou-
sand prisoners, including officers of high
rank, the capture or destruction of stores
to the value of millions, and the acquisi-
tion of thousands of arms and fifty-one
pieces of superior artillery. *
“‘The service rendered to the coun-
try in this short but eventful period can
scarcely be estimated, and the General
commanding cannot adequately express
his admiration of the courage, endurance,
and soldierly conduct of the officers and
men engaged.
“‘These brilliant results have cost us
many brave men; but while we mourn
the loss of our gallant dead, let us not
forget that they died nobly in defence
of their country's freedom, and have
linked their memory with an event that
will live forever in the hearts of a grate-
ful people.
“‘Soldiers your country will thank
you for the heroic conduct you have
displayed—conduct worthy of men en-
gaged in a cause so just and Sacred, and
deserving a nation's gratitude and praise.
“‘By command of General Lee.
“‘R. H. CHILTON, A. A. General.’”
REVIEW OF THE BATTLE AND ITS RESULTs.
The following clear and impartial re-
view of the conduct and results of the
battles is taken from the columns of the
Richmond Evaminer of Tuesday, July
8th :
“We have now reached a period at
which we may calculate the value of the
result of the great battle of Richmond,
and make a summary review of the
grand diorama of events that has so
recently passed before our eyes.
propose to do this in a historical spirit,
without reference to the mean objects
of personal compliment or personal de-
traction, anxious only to interpret with
justice and intelligence the events of the
past week, and to define the result of
one of the gravest incidents that has yet
occurred in the history of the war.
“The general estimation of the bat-
tle of Richmond, expressed in a spirit
of candor, would be that it was a most
excellent plan, indifferently executed in
the field. The work of the closet was
good. The design was comprehensive
and Sagacious, and calculations upon
which it was based were nicely arranged;
but its execution, unfortunately, was
full of flaws, which, to some degree,
have marred the results of our victory,
or reduced them below public expecta-
tion. Reviewing the situation of the
two armies at the commencement of the
action, the advantage was entirely our
own, the fact being that the plan of
McClellan was as defective as our own
was excellent. He had divided his ar-
my on the two sides of the Chickahom-
iny, and operating apparently with the
design of half circumvallating Richmond
—which was exceedingly foolish, consid-
ering the size and situation of this city—
he had spread out his forces to an ex-
tent that impaired the facility of concen-
tration, and had made a weak and dan-
gerous extension of his lines.
“It will be observed that the attack
was made on our side by a rear and
flank movement at the same time, in-
tending to crush the enemy successively
We along the whole extent of his lines, from
AN IMPARTIAL REVIEW.
341
Mechanicsville to his batteries on the
south side of the Chickahominy, and on
that side of the river to fall upon him
with the whole weight of our forces,
with the expectation of putting him to
a general rout. -
“A most remarkable feature of all
the battles which attended the general
line of movement we have described is,
that at no time were more than 20,000
Confederates actually engaged with the
enemy. After the first demonstration
in force on the enemy's extreme right,
he retired from Mechanicsville, and we
pursued. When, by this retiring move-
ment, he had concentrated, as he sup-
posed, sufficient troops to contest a de-
cisive field with us, we fell upon him
with one division at a time. The conse-
quence of imperfect attack was that the
enemy was never crushed, though he
was always defeated. It is not unrea-
sonable to suppose, in view of what was
accomplished by piecemeal, that if, at
any critical time, several divisions had
been thrown upon the enemy, he would
have been routed, demoralization would
have ensued, and the result of our vic-
tory been fully and summarily accom-
plished.
“By the desperate valor of our troops
and the conspicuous exertions of Gen-
eral Ambrose P. Hill, whose division
was in the extreme advance, and was
engaged successively at Ellyson's Mills,
Cold Harbor, and Frazier's Farm, each
of the fields was signalized by the suc-
cess of our arms. But with the re-
markable and hard-fought field at Fra-
zier's Farm our congratulations must
stop. The brilliant chain of victories is
broken here. After all that had been
achieved, and all that had been expend-
ed in the toil and blood of three days'
fighting, we had failed to cut off the
enemy's retreat to the river, and to ac-
complish the most important condition
for the completion of our victory. The
whole army of McClellan had passed along
our right wing, and had been permitted,
as it were, to slip through our fingers.
There is nothing in the subsequent op-
erations of our forces to repair the ef-
fect of this fatal blunder. At Malvern
Hill the result to us was deplorable in
the amount of our loss, and negative as
to any advantage gained over the
enemy. º
“We are unwilling, however, to dwel
with any pertinacity upon errors which
have diminished the fruits of our victo-
ry, or even upon such staring and enor-
mous blunders as gave to a defeated en-
emy open egress to the strongest places
of refuge he could have desired, as long
as we may congratulate ourselves that
the result of the battle of Richmond,
as a whole, was a success to the Confed-
eracy, and a most grateful relief to the
long pent-up anxieties of the people of
the South. We have raised, at least for
a time, the siege of Richmond ; we have
the moral effect of at least three dis-
tinct victories; and we have taken from
the defeated enemy a rich and splendid
prize, in stores, artillery, and prisoners.
So far, the result of the battle of Rich-
mond is pleasing and grateful to the
country. The mixture of disappoint-
ment is in the undeniable fact that
126
342
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
McClellan and his army still exist,
when we might easily have destroyed
both.
“The Northern newspapers claim that
the movements of McClellan from the
Chickahominy River were purely strat-
egic. Up to the first decisive stage in
the series of engagements—Cold Har-
bor—there were certainly plain strate-
gic designs in his backward movement.
His retirement from Mechanicsville was
probably voluntary, and intended to
concentrate his troops lower down,
where he might fight with the advantages
of numbers and his own selection of po-
sition. At Ellyson's Mills he had a
strong position, which was contested
with desperate obstinacy and taken by
desperate valor. Continuing his re-
treat, however, he fixed the decisive
field at Cold Harbor, where he had mass-
ed his troops and brought up to action
his trusted regiments of old United
States Regulars. He was attacked by
General Hill's division in advance, and
at this critical juncture is to be found
the most doubtful predicament in which
the fortunes of the long and elaborate
contest around Richmond ever stood.
Had McClellan won the day here, his
right wing would have been in advance
upon Richmond, and his strategy would
have been brilliantly successful. The
turning point of the battle was when
Ewell's division appeared among the
trees back of the fork of the roads and
the house which constitute the locality
of Cold Harbor. The rest of Jackson's
army, and a part, we believe, of Gen-
eral Longstreet's division, appeared on
the field some time after this, and the
battle was gained.
“Having been pushed from his strong-
hold north of the Chickahominy, the en-
emy made a strong attempt to retrieve
his disasters by renewing a concentra-
tion of his troops at Frazier's Farm.
Here, however, the result was less
doubtful than at Cold Harbor, for here
it was that General Ambrose P. Hill,
commanding his own division and that
of Longstreet, achieved the most re-
markable victory over the enemy that
had yet been won—capturing all the ar-
tillery that he had engaged, and break-
ing the last hope of a change of fortune
which had attended him on his retreat.
In the fight at Frazier's Farm we detect
the same error that seems to have im-
perilled our fortunes in every stage of
the contest, and to have detracted from
all the results gained by us, to wit:
the plan of attacking the enemy.in im-
perfect force, and putting him off by de-
feating him with one or two divisions,
when he might have been crushed by a
fearless and decisive concentration of
many divisions. At Frazier's Farm two
divisions were thrown against the whole
Yankee army ; and, indeed, the error
might have been fatal had the com-
mander on the spot been less energetic,
the troops in his small command been
less devoted, or had the darkness of
night not obscured their numbers.
“From the time of the two principal
battles (that of Cold Harbor and that
of Frazier's Farm), all pretensions of
the enemy's resort to strategy must
cease. His retreat was now unmistak-.
|
ATTACK AT MALVERN CENSURED.
343
able ; it was no longer a falling back to
concentrate troops for action ; it is, in
fact, impossible to disguise that it was
the retreat of an enemy who was dis-
comfited and whipped, although not
routed. He had abandoned the rail-
roads; he had given up the strong-
holds which he had provided to secure
him in case of a check ; he had destroyed
from eight to ten million dollars' worth
of stores; he had deserted his hospitals,
his sick and wounded, and he had left
in our hands thousands of prisoners and
innumerable stragglers.
“Regarding all that had been accom-
plished in these battles, the displays of
the valor and devotion of our troops,
the expenditure of blood, and the help-
less and fugitive condition to which the
enemy had at last been reduced, history
will record it as a burning shame that
an enemy in this condition was permit-
ted to secure his retreat. The result of
the fight at Malvern Hill was to secure
to the enemy full protection for a re-
treat, which should have been made a
rout long before he ever reached there.
The enemy had made no effort for a
victory there ; it was a stand, not a bat-
tle. If he had been let alone he wonld
have gone away the next day of his own
accord. The two wings of our army
were in a position to cut off his retreat
to the river, and yet nothing was done
but to make an attack, in which we sus-
tained a great loss, in which the enemy
was not driven, and by which, in fact,
he effected exactly what he desired—a
cover for his retreat.
“All that has been said of the “mas-
terly retreat' of McClellan, and his dis-
plays of generalship, sounds very well;
but the compliments, we believe, are
but little deserved, and can scarcely
serve as excuses to be made to public
disappointment over the result of the
battle of Richmond, when we come to
examine the circumstances in which
they have been displayed. His 'master-
ly retreat’ consisted in our own blunders.
He was permitted to get through our
fingers, when everybody thought we had
only to close the hand to crush him. He
has secured a strong position on the
James River, where he hopes to estab-
lish a new base of operations. But the
position he now holds was notorious in
the military history of the country. It was
twice occupied by the British when they
invaded Virginia, and was pointed out
as a commanding position for a power
that was strong on the water, long an-
terior to the date of McClellan's gener-
alship.
“We repeat that we are not inclined
to diminish the actual result, because
they have fallen below expectation, and
it has been unwillingly that we have re-
ferred to that part of the history of the
battle of Richmond which casts a dark
shadow over the track of our victo-
ries. The result of the conflict is suf-
ficiently fortunate to excite joy, and
grave enough to engage the most seri-
ous speculations as to the future. In
the North and in Europe its moral ef-
fect must be immense. It is absolutely
certain that Richmond cannot be taken
this year, or by this army of McClellan.
The mouth of the Yankee Government
344
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
f
is shut from any more promises of a
speedy termination of the war. The
powers of Europe see that the Southern
Confederacy is not yet crushed, or like-
ly to be crushed by its insolent foe; and
we have again challenged the confidence
of the world in the elasticity of our
fortunes and the invincible destiny of
our independence. The results of the
battle of Richmond are worthy of
congratulation, although attended with
unavailing regrets that the valor of
our troops and the talents of some
of our generals in the field were
not rewarded with greater prizes. Al-
though the painful fact exists that
McClellan has secured a position where
he can receive reinforcements, and where
he cannot be well attacked, there are yet
abundant reasons for congratulating the
country and the army on the events
which have gone so far to secure the
safety of our capital and to illuminate
the fortunes of the Confederacy.
INCIDENTS.
“The farmers residing in the neigh-
borhood of the battle-fields, with great
unanimity and patriotic devotion, re-
sponded to the demand for hospital
accommodations, and opened their
dwellings and outhouses for the use
and occupation of the wounded.
“Throughout the whole country the
houses are shattered and nearly shot
into pieces by the cannon-balls of the
opposing armies. At Mechanicsville the
explosion of a shell knocked a large
house into fragments and killed six men
who were resting there.
“Three Texans came upon a body of
A—
200 Yankee stragglers and took them
all prisoners by frightening them with
the story that Jackson, with a ‘black
flag,' had cut off their retreat, and that
if they would submit, their captors
would take them into Richmond with-
out the risk of losing their heads.
“The Pennsylvania Eleventh (reserve)
and the Fourth New Jersey were taken
entire, every commissioned officer—col-
onels, majors, captains, lieutenants, Sur-
geons, and assistant surgeons—falling
into our hands. Beyond these two reg-
iments the prisoners were mostly Uni-
ted States Regulars, with a slight sprink-
ling of Connecticut Yankees.
“Major-General McCall, of Pennsyl-
vania, was captured in Friday's fight by
a private in General Hill's division of
the name of Rawlings. The Gereral
insisted upon receiving the prisoner
from the hands of his captor, who had
modestly retired and was doing his duty
in the ranks when the distinguished
prisoner was escorted to the presence
of General Hill by an officer.
“In the possession of a great many
of the prisoners brought to Richmond
were found bogus Confederate bills of
small denominations, which they at-
tempted to palm upon boys in the streets
for bread, confectionery, etc. The notes
were evidently prepared in the North,
and circulated in McClellan's army with
a view to putting them in circulation,
when the Yankees got into the city of
Richmond, and thus injure the Confeder-
ate currency. -
“The Federal flag, made by the Yan-
kees to float over our Capitol, was cap-
INCIDENTS REPORTED BY THE ENEMY.
345
tured in the Federal camps, and was
exhibited with great applause to our
troops. It was an immense piece of
work, fully twenty feet long, having
thirteen stripes and thirty-two stars
thereon. We understand McClellan re-
ceived it as a present from the ladies of
the city of Boston, and promised to
plant it in the veritable “last ditch' to
which the rebels should be run, and
afterward would elevate it with all mili-
tary honors on our Capitol at Richmond.
“An interesting incident occurred on
the Pamunky on Thursday. A raft
battery, protected with iron sides, was
annoying our troops in that direction,
when a regiment of sharpshooters was
detailed to capture it. They proceeded
to the brow of a hill immediately com-
manding the battery, and opened fire
down into it.
were killed and wounded by the volley—
a shock which took them so much by
surprise that they concluded to give up ;
so, hoisting a shirt out upon a pole, the
About a dozen Yankees
survivors sung out, “We surrender l’”
Our sharpshooters immediately went
down, took possession, and sent the craft
to the bottom of the river.”
The Richmond correspondent of the
Charleston Mercury writes:
“Mr. Crockers, Superintendent of the
Army Intelligence Office, states that his
books show between 11,000 and 12,000
wounded in the battles before Richmond,
and thinks the whole number, including
those in private houses not reported to
him, will be about 12,500. General
Lee, I am told, estimates the killed at
3,500. To these must be added a great
many who were disabled by exhaustion,
want of food, and bad water, so that the
sum total would amount, perhaps, to
18,000 or 20,000. The per-centage of
deaths among the wounded has been
heavy, owing to the hot weather. I
have heard it put at 80 per cent., but
this is foolish. No case of amputation
above the knee is said to have recover-
ed, but this also I doubt.”
346
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
CHAPTER XXIX.
The Danger of the Country.—Provision of the Government to guard against it.—New Call for Troops—Appeals and
Stimulants to Patriotism.—A Draft.—Arbitrary Orders to Prevent Evasion of Military Duty.—Interference with
Personal Rights.-Explanations of Government.—Liberal Volunteering.—General Pope commanding in Virginia.
--Resignation of Fremont.—Rufus King.—Sigel.—Pope's Address.--A Series of emphatic Orders.-Effect upon
the Enemy.—Threats of Retaliation.—Pope on the Move.—Preliminary Skirmishes.—Advance of the Enemy to
Gordonsville.—Battle of Cedar Mountain.—Pursuit of the Enemy.—Skilful retreat of Jackson.—The Victory
claimed by both sides.—Advance of Pope to the Rapidan–Burnside at Fredericksburg.—Activity of McClellan.
—Occupation and Abandonment of Malvern Hill.—The Right Bank of the James River occupied.—McClellan
preparing to co-operate with Pope.—Retirement of the Army from the Peninsula.-McClellan opposed to the Move-
ment.—Effect upon the Public.
FULLY aroused to the danger in which
the country was placed by the
disaster to McClellan's army, the
Government manifested an earnest de-
termination to provide against its conse-
quences. Soon after the call for 300,000
additional volunteers, the President de-
manded from the several States the same
large number of militia to serve for nine
months, the full term established by a
late act of Congress. Great efforts were
made to obtain these 600,000 men by
voluntary enlistments. Large meetings
were held throughout the country, at
which popular orators appealed to the
patriotism of their hearers. Liberal
bounties were offered by the Govern-
1862
ment, and considerable sums of money
were contributed by private generosity,
to promote enlistments.
Patriotic endeavor and pecuniary ex-
penditure, however, were found not to
operate upon the people with the rapid-
ity the occasion seemed to demand. The
President accordingly had recourse to a
*
draft.* This, believed to be indispens-
able, was accepted not unwillingly, Aug.
in spite of the sacrifice of private *
interests it threatened, and the natural
repugnance of American citizens to com-
pulsory service.
The people, patriotically willing as
they were to give generously, and to
suffer all, even to a temporary encroach-
• WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, August 4th, 1862.
Ordered, First—That a draft of 300,000 militia be imme-
diately called into the service of the United States, to
serve for nine months, unless sooner discharged. The
Secretary of War will assign the quotas to the States, and
establish regulations for the draft.
Second—That if any State shall not by the 15th of Au-
gust furnish the quota of the additional 300,000 volunteers
authorized by law, the deficiency of volunteers in that
State will also be made up by a special draft from the
militia. The Secretary of War will establish regulations
for this purpose. -
Third—Regulations will be prepared by the War Depart-
ment and presented to the President, with the object of
securing the promotion of officers of the army and volun-
teers for meritorious and distinguished services, and of
preventing the nomination and appointment in the mili-
tary service of incompetent or unworthy officers. The
regulations will also provide for ridding the service of such
incompetent persons as now hold commissions.
By order of the President.
Erwin M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
ARBITRARY ORDERS.
347
ment upon their liberties, were, however,
disquieted by the subsequent “orders”
of the Government “to prevent the eva-
sion of military duty.”
These orders” forbade any citizen li-
* WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C., }
August 8th, 1862.
Ordered, First—That all United States marshals and su-
perintendents, or chiefs of police, of any town, city, or
district, be, and they are hereby, authorized and directed
to arrest and imprison any person or persons who may be
engaged, by act, speech, or writing, in discouraging vol-
unteer enlistments, or in any way giving aid and comfort
to the enemy, or in any other disloyal practice against the
United States. a -
Second—That an immediate report be made to Major
L. C. Turner, Judge Advocate, in order that such persons
may be tried before a military commission.
Third—The expenses of such arrest and imprisonment
will be certified to the Chief Clerk of the War Department
*or settlement and payment.
Edwin M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, D. C., }
August 8th, 1862.
Ordered, First—By direction of the President of the
United States it is hereby ordered that, until further
orders, no citizen liable to be drafted into the militia shall
be allowed to go to a foreign country, and all marshals,
deputy marshals, and military officers of the United
States are directed, and all police authorities, especially at
the ports of the United States on the seaboard and on the
frontier, are requested to sce that this order is faithfully
carried into effect. And they are hereby authorized and
directed to arrest and detain any person or persons about
to depart from the United States in violation of this order,
and report to Major L. C. Turner, Judge Advocate, at
Washington City, for further instructions respecting the
person or persons so arrested and detained.
Second—Any person liable to draft, who shall absent
himself from his county or State before such draft is
made, will be arrested by any provost marshal or other
United States or State officer wherever he may be found
within the jurisdiction of the Uni ted States, and conveyed
to the nearest military post or dépôt, and placed on mili-
tary duty for the term of the draft; and the expenses of
his own arrest and conveyance to such post or dépôt, and
also the sum of five dollars as a reward to the officer who
shall make such aſ rest, shall be deducted from his pay.
Third–The writ of habeas corpus is hereby suspended in
respect to all persons so arrested and detained, and in
respect to all persons arrested for disloyal practices.
Edwin M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
able to be drafted into the militia to
go to a foreign country, or even to ab-
sent himself from his county or State.
Arbitrary as were such orders, there
would have been, perhaps, a ready com-
pliance had the necessity of their issue
been manifest to the common sense of
the people. Universally stirred as they
were by an unexampled spirit of pa-
triotism, they were conscious that none
but the exceptional few, the cowards
and the disaffected, would seek to avoid
the call of duty. It seemed, therefore,
an unnecessary stretch of authority on
the part of Government to take so
largely from the rights of the citizen
to accomplish so small an object as
the prevention of the escape of that
paltry number who had the disposition
to leave the country. To hinder the
flight of perhaps a few hundred, the
patriotism of a great and loyal nation
was insulted, and millions of citizens
were deprived of a right which has
thus been emphatically declared by an
authority that none are disposed to
question : “No citizen,” says Chancellor
Kent, “can be sent abroad, or, under
the existing law of the land, prevented
from going abroad, except in those cases
in which he may be detained by civil
process or upon a criminal charge. The
constitutions of several of the United
States have declared that all people have
a natural right to emigrate from the
State, and have prohibited the interrup-
tion of that right.”
It was soon manifest that it was im-
practicable to execute the orders. If
faithfully carried out, they would have
348
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
paralyzed at once all the movement of
trade and the intercourse of society.
The resident of Brooklyn, for example,
arrested on the route to his counting-
house or shop in New York, might be
forced to fail in his engagement at the
bank or in the market, or, seized on his
return home, be suddenly torn from all
companionship of wife and children.
The Government finally becoming con-
Scious of the impracticability of the or-
ders, strove to render them less offen-
sive by enjoining in their execution the
exercise of sound judgment.”
** + º-
In the mean time, while plans for a
draft were being organized, and the severe
orders to secure it were being executed,
the people were so promptly volunteer-
ing as to prove, if not that the former
was unnecessary, that the latter were su-
perfluous. With the additional rein-
forcements, supplied by the patriotism
of the country, the Government was ena-
bled to pursue its military operations with
renewed vigor. This revival of activity
was first displayed in Central Virginia,
where the several corps d'armée of Ma-
jor-Generals Fremont, Banks, and June
McDowell had been consolidated *
into one army, and placed under the com-
mand of Major-General Pope, whose
energy in the West gave hope of in-
creased enterprise in the East.
This appointment of Pope led to a
request on the part of Fremont to be
relieved from his command, which was
granted by the President. General
* WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., }
August 11, 1862.
To MILITARY CoMMANDANTs, PRovost MARSHALs, U. S.
MARSHALS, AND POLICE OFFICERS :
You will receive herewith an order from the War De-
partment to prevent the evasion of military duty, and for
the suppression of disloyal practices, dated the 8th of Au-
gust, 1862.
This order, to be efficient, is necessarily very compre-
hensive in its terms, and its proper execution requires the
exercise of Sound judgment and discretion by the officers
to whom its enforcement is intrusted ; and, to guard you
in its execution, the following instructions are to be ob-
served :
First—The order comprises two classes of persons, viz.:
those who are about leaving the United States to evade
military duty, and those who, for the same purpose, leave
their own State. Leaving the United States, until the
military draft is perfected, is absolutely prohibited ; but it
was not the intention of the order' to interfere with the
transit, from State to State, of any persons but those who
designed to evade military duty. Whenever you have
reason to believe that the purpose is to evade military duty,
the order will authorize the detention of any person leav-
ing his own State, county, or military district.
Second—Any person detained may be released on giving
bonds to the United States, with sufficient security, in the
sum of $1.000, conditional for the performance of military
duty if he should be drafted, or the providing of a proper
substitute.
Third—Immediate report is to be made to this office of
all persons detained, with the cause of their detention.
Fourth—You will exercise the powers of arrest and de-
tention with caution and forbearance, so as to avoid giv-
ing annoyance or trouble to any persons excepting those
who are seeking to evade the performance of their duty to
their country.
Fifth–The Governors of the respective States are author-
ized to give passes and permits to their own citizens desir-
ing to leave the State without intent to evade military
duty. -
By order of the Secretary of War.
L. C. TURNER, Judge Advocate.
† The following was the order granting the request of
General Fremont : *
“WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, June 27, 1862.
“I.—Major-General John C. Fremont having requested
to be relieved from the command of the first army corps
of the Army of Virginia, because, as he says, the posi-
tion assigned him by the appointment of Major-General
Pope as commander-in-chief of the Army of Virginia is
subordinate and inferior to that heretofore held by him,
and to remain in the subordinate command now assigned
would, as he says, largely reduce his rank and considera-
ation in the service, it is ordered that Major-General
John C. Fremont be relieved from his command.
“II.—That Brigadier-General Rufus King be and he is
hereby assigned to the command of the first army corps
----------
º
-
-
F------
Brady
tºe tº
--
ºn an ºrb
-




GLOWING ADDRESS OF POPE.
349
Rufus King was appointed the successor
June of Fremont; but this having given
27, rise to much complaint and threats
of resignation on the part of other offi-
cers, who claimed priority of rank, he
was induced to yield the command in fa-
vor of General Sigel.
General Pope having assumed the
June command of the consolidated army
28, in Central Virginia, began, even
before taking the field, to exhibit his
characteristic promptitude and energy
by issuing en route a glowing address
and a series of emphatic orders.
is the address of General Pope :
“WASHINGTON, July 14, 1862.
“To THE OFFICERS AND SOLDIERs of THE ARMY
OF VIRGINIA: -
“By special assignment of the Pres-
ident of the United States, I have as-
sumed command of this army.
“I have spent two weeks in learning
your whereabouts, your condition, and
your wants; in preparing you for active
operations, and in placing you in posi-
tions from which you can act promptly
and to the purpose.
“I have come to you from the West,
where we have always seen the backs of
our enemies—from an army whose busi-
ness it has been to seek the adversary,
and to beat him when found—whose
policy has been attack, and not defence.
“In but one instance has the enemy
been able to place our Western armies
in a defensive attitude. -
of the Army of Virginia, in place of General Fremont,
relieved. -
“By order of the President.
Edwin M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
This
d
“I presume that I have been called
here to pursue the same system, and to
lead you against the enemy. º
“It is my purpose to do so, and that
speedily.
“I am sure you long for an opportu-
nity to win the distinction you are capa-
ble of achieving. That opportunity I
shall endeavor to give you.
“Meantime, I desire you to dismiss
from your minds certain phrases which
I am sorry to find much in vogue
among you.
“I hear constantly of taking strong
positions and holding them—of lines of
retreat, and of bases of supplies. Let
us discard such ideas.
“The strongest position a soldier
should desire to occupy is one from
which he can most easily advance against
the enemy. - -
“Let us study the probable lines of
retreat of our opponents, and leave our
own to take care of themselves.
“Let us look before, and not behind.
“Success and glory are in the advance
—disaster and shame lurk in the rear.
“Let us act on this understanding,
and it is safe to predict that your banners
shall be inscribed with many a glorious
deed, and that your names will be dear
to your countrymen forever. *
“JoHN Pop E, Maj.-Gen. Com'ding.”
The severity of the orders in regard
to the disloyal inhabitants of Virginia,
jointly with the order of the President,
embodying the principles of the Con-
gressional act of confiscation, greatly
stirred the animosity of the enemy,
who threatened retaliation.
127
350
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
The purport of General Pope's or-
ders, which, however, were subse-
quently modified, and their effect upon
the enemy, may be gathered from the
declaration to retaliate, thus officially
proclaimed :
“GENERAL ORDERS–No. 54.
“ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR-GENERAL’s }
OFFICE, RICHMOND, Aug. 1, 1862.
“First—The following orders are pub-
lished for the information and observ-
ance of all concerned.
“Second—Whereas, by a general order,
dated 22d July, 1862, issued by the
Secretary of War of the United States,
under the order of the President of the
United States, the military commanders
of that Government, within the States
of Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia,
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana,
Texas, and Arkansas, are directed to
seize any property, real or personal, be-
longing to the inhabitants of this Con-
federacy, which may be necessary or
convenient for their several commands;
and no provision is made for any com-
pensation to the owners of private prop-
erty thus seized and appropriated by the
military commanders of the enemy.
“Third—And whereas, by General
Order No. 11, issued on the 2d day
of July, 1862, by Major-General Pope,
commanding the forces of the enemy in
Northern Virginia, it is ordered that all
commanders of any army corps, divi-
sions, brigades, and detached commands,
will proceed immediately to arrest all dis-
loyal male citizens within their limits, or
within their reach, in the rear of their
respective commands. Such as are will-
ing to take the oath of allegiance to the
United States, and will furnish sufficient
security for its observance, shall be per-
mitted to remain at their homes and
pursue in good faith their accustomed
avocations. Those who refuse shall be
conducted South, beyond the extreme
pickets of the army, and be notified that
if found again anywhere within our lines,
or at any point in the rear, they will be
considered as spies, and subjected to
the extreme rigor of military law. If
any person, having taken the oath as
above specified, be found to have vio-
lated it, he shall be shot, and his prop-
erty be seized and applied to the public
UlS62. -
“Fourth—And whereas, by an order
issued on the 13th of July, 1862, by
Brigadier-General A. Steinwehr, Major
William Steadman, a cavalry officer of
his brigade, has been ordered to arrest
five of the most prominent citizens of
Page County, Virginia, to be held as
hostages, and to suffer death in the
event of any of the soldiers of the said
Steinwehr being shot by bushwackers,
by which term is meant the citizens of
the Confederacy who have taken up
arms to defend their homes and families.
“Fifth–And whereas it results from
the above order that some of the mili-
tary authorities of the United States,
not content with the unjust and ag-
gressive warfare hitherto waged with
savage cruelty against an unoffending
people, and exasperated by the failure
of their efforts to subjugate them, have
now determined to violate all the rules
and usages of war, and to convert the
RETALIATION OF THE ENEMY.
351
hostilities hitherto waged against armed
forces into a campaign of robbery and
murder against unarmed citizens and till-
ers of the soil. ‘.
“Sia;th—And whereas this Govern-
ment, bound by the highest obligations
of duty to its citizens, is thus driven to
the necessity of adopting such just
measures of retribution and retaliation
as shall seem adequate to repress and
punish these barbarities; and whereas
the orders above recited have only been
published and made known to this Gov-
ernment since the signature of a cartel
for the exchange of prisoners of war,
which cartel, in so far as it provides for
an exchange of prisoners hereafter cap-
tured, would never have been signed or
agreed to by this Government, if the
intention to change the war into a sys-
tem of indiscriminate murder and rob-
bery had been made known to it ; and
whereas a just regard to humanity for-
bids that the repression of crime which
this Government is thus compelled to
enforce, should be unnecessarily ex-
tended to retaliation on the enlisted men
of the army of the United States, who
may be unwilling instruments of the
savage cruelty of their commanders, so
long as there is hope that the excesses
of the enemy may be checked or pre-
vented by retribution on the commis-
sioned officers, who have the power to
avoid guilty action by refusing service
under a government which seeks their
aid in the perpetration of such infamous
barbarities.
“Seventh—Therefore it is ordered
that Major-General Pope, Brigadier-
General Steinwehr, and all commissioned
officers serving under their respective
commands, be, and they are hereby ex-
pressly and specially declared to be not
entitled to be considered as soldiers, and,
therefore, not entitled to the benefit of
the cartel for the parole of future pris.
oners of war.
“Ordered—Further, that in the event
of the capture of Major-General Pope,
or Brigadier-General Steinwehr, or of
any commissioned officers serving under
them, the captive so taken shall be held
in close confinement so long as the or-
ders aforesaid shall continue in force,
and unrepealed by the competent mil-
itary authority of the United States;
and that in the event of the murder of
any unarmed citizen or inhabitant of
this Confederacy, by virtue or under
pretext of one of the orders herein be-
fore recited, whether with or without
trial, whether under the pretence of
such a citizen being a spy or hostage, or
any other pretence, it shall be the duty
of the Commanding General of the
forces of this Confederacy to cause im-
mediately to be hung, out of the com-
missioned officers, prisoners as aforesaid,
a number equal to the number of our
own citizens thus murdered by the en-
emy. By order.
“S. CoopFR,
“Assistant Adjutant General.”
The following is a copy of the let-
ter of Jefferson Davis to General Lee,
instructing him to communicate the
facts in the above order to the Com-
mander-in-Chief of the United States
armies: e
352
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“RICHMOND, VA., July 31, 1862.
“SIR : On the 23d of this month a
cartel for a general exchange of prison-
ers of war was signed between Major-
General D. H. Hill, in behalf of the
Confederate States, and Major-General
John A. Dix, in behalf of the United
States. By the terms of that cartel it
is stipulated that all prisoners of war
hereafter taken shall be discharged on
parole till exchanged. Scarcely had
that cartel been signed, when the mili-
tary authorities of the United States
commenced a practice of changing the
character of the war from such as be-
comes civilized nations into a campaign
of indiscriminate robbery and murder.
The general order issued by the Secre-
tary of War of the United States in the
city of Washington, on the very day that
the cartel was signed in Virginia, di-
rects military commanders of the United
States to take the private property of
our people for the convenience and use
of their armies without compensation.
“The general order issued by Major-
General Pope, on the 23d of July, the
day after the signing of the cartel, di-
rects the murder of our peaceful inhab-
itants as spies, if found quietly tilling
the farms in his rear, even outside of
his lines; and one of his brigadier-
generals (Steinwehr) has seized upon
innocent and peaceful inhabitants to be
held as hostages, to the end that they
may be murdered in cold blood, if any
of his soldiers are killed by some un-
known persons whom he designates as
“bushwackers.’ Under this state of
facts, the Government has issued the
inclosed general order, recognizing Gen-
eral Pope and his commissioned offi-
cers to be in the position they have
chosen for themselves—that of robbers
and murderers, and not that of public
enemies, entitled, if captured, to be
considered as prisoners of war. We
find ourselves driven by our enemies, by
steady progress, toward a practice which
we abhor, and which we are vainly
struggling to avoid. Some of the mil-
itary authorities of the United States
seem to suppose that better success will
attend a savage war, in which no quarter
is to be given, and no age or sex to be
spared, than has hitherto been secured
by such hostilities as are alone recog-
nized to be lawful by civilized men in
‘modern times.
“For the present we renounce our
right of retaliation on the innocent, and
shall continue to treat the private en-
listed soldiers of General Pope's army
as prisoners of war; but if, after no-
tice to the Government at Washington
of our confining repressive measures to
the punishment only of commissioned
officers, who are willing participants in
these crimes, the savage practices are
continued, we shall reluctantly be forced
to the last resort of accepting the war
chosen by our foes, until the outraged
voice of a common humanity forces a.
respect for the recognized rules of war.
While these facts would justify our re-
fusal to execute the generous cartel, by
which we have consented to liberate an
excess of thousands of prisoners held
by us beyond the number held by the
| enemy, a sacred regard to plighted faith.
POPE CONCENTRATING.
353
shrinking from the mere semblance of
breaking a promise, prevents our resort
to this extremity. Y -
“Nor do we desire to extend to any
other forces of the enemy the punish-
ment meted above to General Pope and
such commissioned officers as choose to
participate in the execution of his infa-
mous orders. p
“You are therefore instructed to
communicate to the Commander-in-
Chief of the armies of the United States
the contents of this letter and a copy
of the inclosed general order, to the
end that he may be notified of our in-
tention not to consider any officers here-
after captured from General Pope's army
as prisoners of war.
“Very respectfully yours, etc.,
“JEFF, DAVIS.
“General R. E. LEE, Com'ding, etc.”
General Pope began at once to con-
centrate his scattered forces, and to pre-
pare to advance against the enemy.
Detachments were pushed forward as
far as Luray, on the west slope of the
Blue Ridge, and the towns of Warren-
ton and Little Washington being aban-
doned by the enemy and occupied by
the Union, troops, reconnoitring forces
drove the enemy's scouts and guerrilla
bands from Culpepper Court House and
Orange Court House, and penetrated as
far south as Gordonsville, the junction
July of the Orange and Alexandria and
18, Virginia Central railroads, where
they destroyed a large quantity of rail-
road property and stores.
July An expedition sent out by Gen-
20 eral King, consisting of the Harris
vate was wounded on our side.
Light Cavalry, Colonel Davies, was ex-
ecuted in an equally spirited and suc-
cessful manner.
“They left Fredericksburg,” reported
General Pope, “at seven P.M., on the
19th, and after a forced march during
the night, made a descent at daylight
upon the Virginia Central Railroad at
Beaver Dam Creek, twenty-five miles
west of Hanover Junction, and thirty-five
miles from Richmond. They destroyed
the railroad and telegraph line for sev-
eral miles, burned up the dépôt, which
contained 40,000 rounds of musket am-
munition, one hundred barrels of flour,
and much other valuable property, and
brought in a captain in charge as a pris-
oner. The whole country was thrown
into a great state of alarm. One pri-
The
cavalry marched eighty miles in thirty
hours. The affair was most successful,
and reflects high credit upon the com-
manding officer and his troops.”
A second expedition, also sent out by
General King from Fredericksburg July
on the road to Richmond, met and 22.
defeated a body of the enemy's horse, a
hundred strong, near Carmel church,
burned their camp and six cars loaded
with corn, and broke the telegraph to
Gordonsville. On the return of the
Unionists they were attacked by a
large body of Stuart's cavalry, who
were however defeated, driven across
the North Anna River, and pursued
within sight of Hanover Junction. “A.
march of seventy miles, the encounter
and defeat of two bodies of rebel cav-
alry were accomplished,” reported Gen-
354
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
eral Pope, “in twenty-nine hours, and
without the loss of a man.” -
These successful movements were,
however, merely preliminary to a gen-
eral concentration and advance of his
July forces by General Pope, who now
* assumed the command in person.
The enemy, aroused to their danger,
had in the mean time advanced from
Richmond to Gordonsville, where they
posted their main body, but threw for-
ward their advance and scouts as far as
Orange Court House.
A reconnoitring column, however,
Aug, under General Crawford, having
* crossed the Rapidan, succeeded
in clearing Orange Court House of the
two regiments of cavalry which occu-
pied it, and taking possession of the
town. Eleven of the enemy were kill-
ed and fifty-two taken prisoners. The
Union loss was but two killed and three
wounded. The railroad and telegraph
line to Gordonsville were at the same time
destroyed. The subsequent movements
of the army of General Pope, and the
bloody encounter at Cedar Mountain
which resulted, are best related by the
General himself.
“On Thursday morning,” says Gen-
Ang, eral Pope, in his report of August
* 13th, “the enemy crossed the
Rapidan at Barnett's Ford, in heavy
force, and advanced strong on the road to
Culpepper and Madison Court House. I
had established my whole force on the
turnpike between Culpepper and Sperry-
ville, ready to concentrate at either place
as soon as the enemy's plans were devel-
oped. e .
|
“Early on Friday it became apparent
that the move on Madison Court House
was merely a feint to detain the army
corps of General Sigel at Sperryville,
and that the main attack of the enemy
would be at Culpepper, to which place
I had thrown forward part of Generals
Banks' and McDowell's corps. Briga-
dier-General Bayard, with part of the
rear of McDowell's corps, who was in
advance near the Rapidan, fell slowly
back, delaying and embarrassing the
enemy's advance as far as possible, and
capturing some of his men.
“The forces of Generals Banks and
Sigel, and one of the divisions of Gen-
eral McDowell's corps, were rapidly
concentrated at Culpepper during Fri-
day and Friday night, Banks' corps be-
ing pushed forward five miles south of
Culpepper, with Ricketts' division of
McDowell's corps three miles in his rear.
“The corps of General Sigel, which
had marched all night, was halted in
Culpepper to rest for a few hours.
“On Saturday the enemy advanced
rapidly to Cedar Mountain, the sides
of which they occupied in heavy force.
“General Banks was instructed to
take up his position on the ground occu-
pied by Crawford's brigade, of his com-
mand, which had been thrown out the
day previous to observe the enemy's
movements. He was directed not to
advance beyond that point, and if at-
tacked by the enemy to defend his posi-
tion and send back timely notice.
“It was my desire to have time to
give the corps of General Sigel all the
rest possible after their forced march,
BATTLE OF CEDAR, MOUNTAIN.
355
and to bring forward all the forces at
my disposal. -
“The artillery of the enemy was
opened early in the afternoon ; but he
made no advance until nearly five
o'clock, at which time a few skirmishers
were thrown forward on each side under
cover of the heavy wood in which his
force was concealed.
“The enemy pushed forward a strong
force in the rear of his skirmishers, and
General Banks advanced to the attack.
“The engagement did not fairly open
until after six o'clock, but for an hour
and a half was furious and unceasing.
“Throughout the cannonading, which
at first was desultory, and directed
mainly against the cavalry, I had con-
tinued to receive reports from General
Banks that no attack was apprehended,
and that no considerable infantry force
of the enemy had come forward.
“Yet, toward evening, the increase in
the artillery firing having satisfied me
an engagement might be at hand,
though the lateness of the hour ren-
dered it unlikely, I ordered General
McDowell to advance Ricketts' division
to support General Banks, and directed
General Sigel to bring his men upon the
ground as soon as possible.
“I arrived personally upon the field
at seven P.M., and found the action rag-
ing furiously. The infantry firing was
incessant and severe.
“I found General Banks holding the
position he took up early in the morn-
ing. His losses were heavy.
“Ricketts' division was immediately
pushed forward and occupied the right
of General Banks, the brigades of Craw-
ford and Gordon being directed to change
their position from the right and mass
themselves in the centre.
“Before this change could be effected
it was quite dark, though the artillery
fire continued at short range without in-
termission.
“The artillery fire at night, by the
Second and Fifth Maine batteries in
Ricketts' division of General McDow-
ell's corps, was most destructive, as was
readily observable the next morning in
the dead men and horses and broken
gun-carriages of the enemy's battery
which had been advanced against it.
“Our troops rested on their arms
during the night in line of battle, the
heavy shelling being kept up on both
sides until midnight.
“At daylight the next morning the
enemy fell back two miles from our
front, and still higher up the mountain.
“Our pickets at once advanced and
occupied the ground.
“The fatigue of the troops, from long
marches and excessive heat, made it im-
possible for either side to resume the
action on Sunday. The men were there-
fore allowed to rest and recruit the whole
day, our only active operation being of
cavalry on the enemy's flank and rear.
“Monday was spent in burying the
dead and in getting off the wounded.
“The slaughter was severe on both
sides, most of the fighting being hand to
hand.
“The dead bodies of both armies
were found mingled together in masses
over the whole ground of the conflict.
356
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“The burying of the dead was not
completed until dark on Monday, the
heat being so terrible that severe work
was not possible.
“On Monday night the enemy fled
from the field, leaving many of his dead
unburied, and his wounded on the ground
and along the road to Orange Court
House, as will be seen from General
Buford's dispatch.
“A cavalry and artillery force under
General Buford was immediately thrown
forward in pursuit, and followed the en-
emy to the Rapidan, over which he
passed with his rear-guard by ten o'clock
in the morning.
“The behavior of General Banks'
corps during the action was very fine.
No greater gallantry and daring could
be exhibited by any troops. -
“I cannot speak too highly of th
coolness and intrepidity of General
Banks himself during the whole of the
engagement. He was in front, and ex-
posed as much as any man in his com-
mand. His example was of the greatest
benefit to his troops, and he merits and
should receive the commendation of his
Government. *.
“Generals Williams, Augur, Gordon,
Crawford, Prince, Green, and Geary
behaved with conspicuous gallantry.
“Augur and Geary were severely
wounded, and Prince, by losing his
way in the dark, while passing from one
flank to another, fell into the hands of
the enemy. j
“I desire publicly to express my ap-
preciation of the prompt and skilful
manner in which Generals McDowell
and Sigel brought forward their respec-
tive commands and established them in
the field, and of their cheerful and
hearty co-operation with me from be-
ginning to end.
“Brigadier-General Roberts, chief of
cavalry of this army, was with the ad-
vance of our forces on Friday and Sat-
urday, and was conspicuous for his
gallantry and for the valuable aid he
rendered to Generals Banks and Craw-
ford.
“Our loss was about 1,500 killed,
wounded, and missing, of whom 290
were taken prisoners. As might be ex-
pected from the character of the en-
gagement, a very large proportion of
these were killed.
“The enemy's loss in killed, wounded,
and prisoners, we are now satisfied, is
much in excess of our own.”
General Buford, who was sent in pur-
suit of the retiring enemy, thus reported
the results of his operations:
“I have the honor to report,” wrote
the General on the 13th of August,
“that, in obedience to instructions re-
ceived from the Major-General com-
manding the Army of Virginia, this
morning I proceeded in the direction of
Orange Court House, with the First Wer-
mont, Colonel Tompkins; First Michi-
gan, Colonel Broadhead; First Virginia,
Lieutenant-Colonel Richmond ; Fifth
New York, Colonel DeForest (cavalry
regiments), and four pieces of artillery.
“About three or four miles from your
headquarters I discovered the pickets
of the enemy, and soon after two large
bodies of cavalry, and the woods filled
THE CULPEPPER VICTORY.
sºmº
357
with footmen. A strong line of skir-
mishers was thrown out, who rode along
in the pathway. When in range of the
enemy a few shells were thrown, which
dispersed him in all directions. The
footmen kept in the woods, and fled by
Rapidan Station. The cavalry fled down
the Orange Court House roads.
“I pursued them cautiously, fearing
an ambuscade, to Crooked River, which
had swollen to such an extent that my
artillery could not cross. Part of the
First Vermont and First Virginia cav-
alry swam the river, and continued the
pursuit to Robinson River, which was
so full and turbulent as to be extremely
dangerous. -
“In the pursuit, a good many prison-
ers wounded in Saturday's fight were
found almost abandoned. Major An-
drews, chief of artillery to General
Jackson, was found badly wounded at
Crooked River, in charge of an assistant
surgeon.
“The flight of the enemy after Satur-
day's fight was most precipitate and in
great confusion. His old camp was
strewn with dead men, horses, and arms.
His flag of truce yesterday to bury his
dead afforded some more time for his
escape. -
“The enemy to-day has the benefit
of a hard rain, which put high water
between us.”
General Jackson, though his flight
was “most precipitate,” gave proof of
his characteristic skill in retreat, by
managing to move off all his supposed
large force safely, “excepting a few
stragglers.”
Both antagonists claimed the victory
on that bloody field of Culpepper. Gen-
eral Halleck, the commander-in-chief
of the United States forces, expressed
his satisfaction with the result, and paid
an emphatic tribute to the gallantry of
General Pope and his army.*
The enemy'ſ manifested no less satis-
faction with the conduct of their army
and its commander, and boasted of a vic-
tory over superior numbers. With the
capture of several of General Pope's of.
ficers, the Confederate Government was
enabled to put into execution its threat-
ened acts of retaliation, and according-
ly refused to treat them with the con-
sideration due to honorable prisoners of
War.
General Pope, daily receiving rein-
forcements, was emboldened to continue
his advances on the north of the Rapidan,
the crossing of which the enemy, in
strong force on the other side, seemed
disposed to dispute.
General Burnside having landed at
Acquia Creek, with the troops he had
so successfully led in North Carolina,
and being strengthened by reinforce-
ments from McClellan's camp on the
James River and other quarters, occu-
pied Fredericksburg, and prepared to
* WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 1862.
MAJOR-GENERAL POPE :
Your telegram of last evening was most satisfactory,
and I congratulate you and your army, and particularly
General Banks and his corps, on your hard-earned but
brilliant success against vastly superior numbers. Your
troops have covered themselves with glory, and Cedar
Mountain will be known in history as one of the great
battle-fields of the war.
H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.
f The strength of the enemy was computed to Le
24,913 men.
I 28
858
THE waR witH THE SOUTH.
co-operate with Pope's army on the
Rapidan. . .
General McClellan himself made a
show of activity, either with the view of
creating a diversion in favor of General
Pope or of concealing an important
manoeuvre of his own army, which will
soon be related.
Malvern Hill, which had been the
last and bloodiest scene of the six days'
struggle during McClellan's retreat, was
now occupied by a column under the
command of General Hooker, after a
Aug, severe artillery engagement with
5, the enemy. This position, how-
ever, was only held a single day, when
General Hooker skilfully retired on the
approach of the enemy in great num-
bers, who were allowed to re-occupy
the hill without resistance.
Greatly annoyed by the enemy's fre-
quent interruptions to his only commu-
nication, McClellan drove the enemy
away from the right bank of the James
River, which he occupied with a consid-
erable force. He thus secured his camp,
his gun-boats, and transports from the
fire of artillery to which they had been
hitherto exposed. Having thus pro-
vided for the safety of his army, he at
the same time bent all his energies to-
ward restoring it to its former effective
condition. The sick, wounded, and in-
capable were sent away by thousands,
and the serviceable were got ready for
immediate and active duty, preparatory
to a movement in co-operation with the
new campaign in Virginia. -
The important manoeuvre for which
McClellan had been preparing his army
proved to be the evacuation of the en-
campment at Harrison's Landing, which
was finally accomplished on the Aug.
16th of August. On that day the 16.
advance had reached Williamsburg, pre-
paratory to a removal of the whole
army from the peninsula of Virginia
formed by the York and James rivers.
The success with which this manoeuvre
was accomplished was creditable to the
prudence of McClellan, who had suc-
ceeded in eluding the vigilance of the
enemy, by whom nothing was attempted
to embarrass the movement. It was
reported” “that Major-General Mc-
Clellan had stoutly protested against its
policy, and even went so far as to repair
to Fortress Monroe, from there to hold
telegraphic communication with the au-
thorities at Washington, and if possible
to induce them to alter their plan of op-
erations. q :
“General McClellan contended that
inasmuch as Pope has drawn the larg-
est portion of the rebel forces to the
Shenandoah Valley, our army could
march into Richmond within twenty-
four hours after receiving orders to that
effect. But the Army of the Potomac
must leave its advanced position, give
up the hard-earned laurels won on the
peninsula, and return—where? Prob-
ably to a place where stereotyped dis-
patches may be sent every day that
“everything is quiet on the lines of the
Potomac.' There is not a man in
McClellan's entire army, who has the
faculty to reflect upon the state of af-
fairs, that does not hang his head in
• Correspondent N. Y. Herald, Aug. 19.
THE WAR IN THE WEST.
mortification at the idea of a retrograde
movement. Every one regrets it, and
the question among them naturally
arises, ‘What are we to do next 7’”
The public confidence was encouraged,
359
however, by a movement which secured
the safety of an army so dearly cherished
for its proven courage, and set it free to
perform that service to the country of
which it was known to be capable.
CHA PTER xxx.
The Character of the War in the West.—Beauregard's Army broken up.–Disposition of its parts.-General Bragg
succeeds Beauregard.—Rumors in regard to the latter.—Movements of Bragg.—Van Dorn at Wicksburg.—Kirby
Smith at Chattanooga.-Price on the Mississippi.—Disposition of the Union Generals in the West.—A war of Posts.
—-Advantage to the Enemy.—The Guerrilla Warfare.—Audacious Exploits of Morgan.—His Raid into Kentucky.—
Ohio and Indiana invaded.—General Alarm.—Safe return of Morgan.—His Deeds summed up.–Again in the
Saddle.—Capture of Gallatin.--Attack on McCook.--Exploits of Forrest.—Nashville in Danger.—The Activity of
the Enemy in East Tennessee.—Attack on Tazewell.—Capture of Clarksville.—Morgan again at Gallatin.—Bragg
concentrates a large Force at Chattanooga. —Great Designs.—Agitation in Kentucky.—Action of Magoffin.—His
Resignation.—His Successor.—Trouble in Missouri.—Activity of Guerrillas.
AFTER the retreat” of the enemy un-
der General Beauregard from Cor-
inth, the character of the war in
the West became changed. The con-
centrated hosts which had struggled to-
gether on the field of Shiloh, and had
So long confronted each other before
Corinth, wºre broken into detachments,
1862,
* The following is the enemy's account of Beauregard's
retreat from Corinth : -
“The enemy before Corinth would not accept battle in
the open field, although his forces greatly exceeded ours.
Between the first and the last of May we marched out of
our intrenchments four times and offered him battle. At
Farmington, on the 9th, we attacked his position and took
it, almost without resistance. He made no effort to rein-
force or support the brigades which occupied that place,
and they soon retired before the superior forces we brought
against them.
“This, and subscquent events, proved that the enemy
was resolved not to give us battle except behind his own
breast-works, and when he would have in his favor every
advantage which superiority of position, of forces, and of
means could give him. He sought to invest Corinth, and
by means of his vast resources and of his convenient
dépôts on the Tennessee River to compel its surrender.
“After full consideration of these facts, General Beaure-
gard resolved to withdraw his army to a position where
the enemy would be compelled either to give battle in a
fair field or to confess before the world that he dare not do
so. The preparations for withdrawing the forces com-
menced about one week before we left Corinth. The in-
terval was occupied in cutting out and opening wagon
roads to our rear, and in moving the sick, the heavy bag-
gage, and the surplus stores of the army.
“On the 28th the troops, ready for battle, moved out
from their intrenchments and took position before the
lines of the enemy.
“The writer of this can only state what was subsequent-
ly done by the Army of the West, commanded by General
Van Dorn. For more than two days and nights we re-
mained within a mile or little more of the enemy's main
forces. During this time we had several inconsiderable
affairs with his advanced troops. A Texas regiment, com-
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Lane, attacked two regi-
ments on the morning of the 29th and drove them back
to their main body, after inflicting heavy loss.
“A hastily constructed redan, in which were placed two
twelve pounders and two twenty-four pounders of a field
battery, gave great annoyance to the enemy, silencing his
guns whenever he brought them up, and driving off in
confusion a large force of infantry.
“At eleven o'clock on the night of the 30th the ad-
vanced brigade of the Army of the West commenced to
360
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTſI.
some of which were sent to reinforce the
armies in Virginia, some to guard and
withdraw from before the army commanded by General
John Pope. The rear-guard moved at about half-past one
o'clock A.M. The night was dark. The ambulance, ord-
nance, and artillery train was long, and the column moved
very slowly, so that it was eight A.M. before the rear-
guard had crossed Bridge Creek, five miles from where it
had moved at half-past one A.M.
“The whole army, with every wheeled vehicle belong-
ing to it, having passed this creek, the rear-guard remained
to obstruct and defend the passage until the army could
bave time to take up its position for battle, in the event
of the enemy's resolving to follow us.
“The passage of the creek was soon effectually block-
aded, and the rear-guard took position to oppose the
enemy. Here we remained until eleven o'clock, quietly
awaiting the approach of General Pope's army. We then,
leaving our cavalry with orders to remain for several hours,
unless forced by the enemy, resumed our march.
“We marched slowly, stopping to obstruct all passes,
until about five o'clock in the afternoon, when we rejoined
the army, encamped upon a creek about eleven miles from
our camp at Corinth. The cavalry of the rear-guard re-
joined us about sunset, and reported no signs of the enemy
being in our rear. -
“The next day we marched thirteen miles, and en-
camped several miles beyond Booneville ; on the next day
we marched to Baldwin, about twelve miles, and took po-
sition to receive an attack in case the enemy could re-
solve to make one. We waited for him here six days,
when we moved to Tupello for the sake of better water.
From the first to the last of this extraordinary movement
we had no intimation of a desire for action on the part of
the enemy or any portion of his forces. It is difficult to
account for this upon any other supposition than that he
dared not attack us. Military men, and the common
Bense of the neople, will ascribe his conduct to this cause
alone. -
“No movement was ever conducted with more complete
success than was our change of position from the imme-
diate front of the enemy to where we now are, without
loss of men or material. We destroyed in Corinth an in-
considerable amount of stores. A railroad bridge over
the Tuscumbia was ordered to be burned at sunrise of the
81st ult. The officer charged with the duty executed it
according to his orders. Unfortunately, seven trains of
cars loaded with stores had not yet passed, and were con-
sequently destroyed by our troops. On the 30th the
enemy sent a detachment of cavalry down to Booneville,
which we failed to intercept. This detachment appears
to have been cleverly commanded; it got well behind us,
destroyed our railroad train of stores, and escaped the
parties which had been sent to attack it.
“Besides these, there were no contretemns or accidents
w
much vague conjecture.
strengthen the various posts in Missouri,
Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missis-
Šippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and
South Carolina, and others to take part
in the guerrilla warfare which now pre-
vailed in most of those States.
General Beauregard, having been re-
lieved of the command of the Confederate
army of the Mississippi, was succeeded
by General Bragg. The mysterious
movements of the former gave rise to
At one time
he was reported to be actively engaged
in the defence of Richmond, whither, un-
doubtedly, many of his best troops had
been sent; at another, to have been re-
moved from command and disgraced for
his retreat from Corinth ; and again, to
have retired for ever from service, so
broken in spirit and weakened in mind as
to interfere with the complete execution of one of the
most remarkable feats of the war. º
“The statements of General Pope that he took 10,000
prisoners and 15,000 stand of arms can be readily explained
by those who know the fervor of his sanguine imagination
The results of his ‘hard pushing' in pursuit of an enemy
he dared not come up with, will be found to be as real
as the gushing artesian wells which his official reports de-
veloped on the staked plains, during the three years' ex-
pensive explorations which he conducted in those regions.
“It is more inexplicable that the commander-in-chief
of the enemy's great army can undertake to satisfy his
public by such chaff as is contained in his official dis-
patch of the inst., and that he should endeavor to
gloss over his failure by forwarding to his Government
the transparent inventions of General John Pope. How
depraved must a people be, how degraded a Government,
when, in this age of intelligence and of moral progress, its
great military commanders lay aside truth and resort to
shallow falsehoods to serve as temporary substitutes for
victories they dare not attempt
“This movement of General Beauregard will convince
all military men that he is the master of General Halleck
in the art of war. And all will perceive that our troops
are regarded by the enemy as very formidable antago-
nists, since they dare not engage us when greatly out-
numbering us, unless protected by their gun-boats or
breast-works.”
A WAR OF POSTS.
361
to be indisposed and incapable of further
duty. Gen. Bragg, in the mean time, hav-
ing made a stand with a portion of the
fugitives of Beauregard's army at Gren-
ada, Okolona, and Tupello, was hovering
about the borders of Mississippi and Al-
abama to guard those States against
invasion from the Union troops which
occupied Grand Junction, Corinth, Flor-
ence, Huntsville, Tuscumbia, and other
points on the Memphis and Richmond
Railroad and the Tennessee River. Gen-
eral Van Dorn had taken the command
at Wicksburg, whose success in the de-
fence of that city has been already
related. Chattanooga, in southeastern
Tennessee, was still held by the enemy
in considerable force under General Kir-
by Smith, and in the northeast of the
same State they were sufficiently pow-
erful to check the immediate advance
of the Union troops, which, however,
had secured possession of the pass of
the Cumberland Gap.
General Price was manoeuvring on
the borders of the Mississippi River,
with the view of co-operating with the
enemy in Arkansas and marching once
more into Missouri, which had so fre-
quently suffered from his merciless
raids.
On the departure of General Halleck
July to assume his high position at Wash-
20 ington, General Grant became the
commander-in-chief of the Union forces
in the West, and soon after, being ap-
pointed to the command of Western
Tennessee, proceeded to Memphis. Gen-
eral Buell was stationed at Huntsville,
Alabama; Rosecrans, lately transferred
to the West, was at Tuscumbia ; Cor-
inth was held by two divisions under
command of General Thomas; General
Sherman was also in Mississippi; Gen-
eral McClernand was at Jackson, in
Tennessee ; General Nelson at Nash-
ville; General Pope had been called to
the command in Central Virginia, and
General Mitchell ordered to Washington
in consequence of charges of misconduct.
With this dispersion of the opposing
armies, the struggle in the West became
a war of posts and guerrillas. So fully
occupied were the scattered Union
troops in holding the cities and strate-
gic positions on the railways and rivers
which had been wrested from the en-
emy, that it was found impossible to
concentrate them in sufficiently large
bodies for carrying on an offensive cam-
paign. This proved of great advantage
to the enemy, who, finding that they
were no longer in danger of being over-
whelmed by great armies which could
be only opposed by great armies, at a
cost which, with their inferior resources,
they could not well sustain, gladly ac-
cepted the change in the style of war-
fare. Our necessity thus became their
opportunity. With their armies divi-
ded into small detached forces and guer-
rilla bands, they could now make the
war self-supporting. There was no fur-
ther need of commissary and paymaster,
for their adventurous soldiers were will-
ing to trust to their own unrestrained
enterprise for supplies, subsistence, and
payment of wages. The war being,
moreover, in their own country, they
were familiar with every road, pass, and
362
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
hiding-place, and thus could surprise
and attack with effect, or fly and escape
with impunity.
The enemy soon gave proof of their
skill and enterprise in a rapid succession
of guerrilla attacks in Missouri, Ken-
tucky, and Tennessee. It is impossible
to narrate in detail these movements of
an irregular warfare, so offensive to the
dignity of the official bulletin, and so
berplexing to the industry of the curi-
ous chronicler, that the one does not
condescend, and the other is unable, to
record them. A general statement,
however, will suffice for the purposes of
this narrative, and be sufficient to give
the reader an idea of the progress of
the civil war, and the character of the
struggle in that portion of the country
where this irregular warfare was waged.
The audacious expeditions of the
leader Morgan were the most notable of
these guerrilla expeditions of the enemy.
This daring partisan chief having crossed
from Tennessee into Kentucky with a
Small band of horsemen, which, however,
he increased to several thousands on his
march, surprised and captured at Tank-
insville 270 men of the Seventh Penn-
sylvania Regiment, with a large quan-
tity of stores and munitions of war. He
then passed rapidly into the interior of
Kentucky, showing himself now at
Glasgow, and soon after at Lebanon,
where he “burned the town and robbed
the bank.” Again in the saddle, he
crossed the Kentucky River, threaten-
ing Lexington and Frankfort. He, how-
July ever, passed beyond to the north,
" and penetrated almost to the bor-
*—
ders of Ohio. Paris and Cynthiana—
the latter only sixty miles from Cincin-
nati-were surprised and captured, and
the people of Ohio even became anxious
lest the daring marauder should invade
their State. He, however, suddenly chan-
ged his course, and sent a squad of his
troops to Henderson (Ky.), which July
they captured, and thence crossing 17.
the Ohio River into Indiana, took pos-
session of Newburg. -
The fact is thus described by the
Evansville (Ind.) Journal, July 18 :
“About three o'clock yesterday after-
noon our city was thrown into great ex-
citement by the arrival of a messenger
from Newburg, with the intelligence
that a squad of forty of A. R. John-
son's marauders had crossed the river at
Newburg and plundered the hospital at
that place.
“The signal of danger was at once
given, and in less than one hour 1,000
men were under arms, and cannon went
rattling through our streets. The city,
which has been in a most lamentable
state of torpor for months, was thor-
oughly aroused, and every man who
could get a musket, rifle, shot-gun, or
revolver was at once under arms, and
hundreds more were eagerly seeking
Weapons for aggression or defence.
“The alacrity with which the citizens
responded gave most cheering evidence
that when convinced of danger our peo-
ple are equal to any emergency. A
company of infantry, with a squad of
artillery with two guns, left on board
the Eugene, at half-past five o'clock, for
Newburg. -
MORGAN IN INDIANA.
363
“Captain Dexter had the Courier
fired up with all dispatch, and having
armed his crew, and with a small squad
of infantry, steamed off up the river.
He was fearfully in earnest, and de-
clared his determination to prevent the
rebels from re-crossing the river, if they
were found on this side, and to use the
Courier as a ram in case of need. The
saucy little Courier went out ‘flying
light and running for glory.’ -
“The Eugene made excellent time
also, and with guns on each guard and
decks, and crowded with men, made a
formidable appearance.
“We learn that the chivalrous horde,
who make war on sick soldiers in un-
guarded hospitals, did not tarry long in
Newburg, but skulked back across the
river, after they had stolen what they
could.
“A Union soldier arrived from New-
burg after dark last night. He says the
rebels numbered thirty-two men. They
stole all the arms and equipments to be
found, a lot of provisions, parolled all
the Union soldiers in the hospital, stole
a wagon and two horses, and then re-
crossed the river. -
“Two men—residents of Newburg—
who were notorious secesh sympathizers,
and who came over the river with the
guerrillas, and remained when the latter
returned, were shot down and killed by
a citizen. Their names were Carney and
Mefford. -
“The Courier returned at nine o'clock,
and reports that she proceeded to the
mouth of Green River, where they
found the boat in which the marauders
had crossed the river, and which they
took possession of. -
“A man on the point, dressed in a
red shirt, stepped out of the brush and
fired on the boat with a shot-gun, wound-
ing one of the hands on the boat slightly.
The boys on the boat fired into the brush,
but with what effect is not known.
They took one man prisoner, whom they
handed over to the Eugene. The Cou-
rier, having performed her mission, re-
turned to the city.
“The Eugene proceeded to Newburg.
It is said the rebels had four pieces of
artillery planted on the Kentucky shore.
If this is so, and they remained there
until the Eugene arrived, there would
be somebody hurt, sure, as our boys
went up to rid the world of all such
cowardly thieves as those who rob hos-
pitals.
“Several reports of artillery were
heard about eight o'clock, since which
time all has been quiet. Evansville is
full of armed men, and an earnest spirit
prevails. It is supposed the guerrillas
got some 200 guns, and parolled about
eighty-five sick soldiers. They occupied
the town some three or four hours.
“The citizens watched the guerrillas
crossing the river, and strange as it may
seem, offered not the slightest resist-
ance.”
Morgan's men were thus the first of
the enemy to invade a Northern State.
In the course of this bold raid Morgan
had gathered to his standard a consider-
able number of recruits, subsisted his
band on the country, destroyed large
quantities of stores and munitions of
364
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
war belonging to the United States Gov-
ernment, interrupted its communications
by tearing up rails and severing tele-
graph wires, and added to the bitterness
of civil contention in Kentucky. Al-
though these exploits had aroused the
Unionists to a full sense of their danger,
they were unable, with all the armed
force at their command throughout the
State, to arrest the daring Morgan, who
succeeded in resisting their power and
eluding their vigilance, and returned in
safety to Tennessee, with but a small
loss of men in the occasional skirmishes
he had had with the United States troops,
while he boasted that “he had taken
seventeen cities and towns, with a very
heavy amount of army stores.”
A Kentucky Unionist wrote: “Mor-
gan is ubiquitous in more senses than
one. We feel his power east and west
of us. His force, divided, has appeared
in the Blue Grass region, and in the
tobacco fields in the Green River valley.
* * * * * Morgan travels with
speed. His operations are rapid and
vigorous. In a decent cause they would
deserve success. Even in this vile cause
they meet with unprecedented success,
and would stamp the rascal who plans
them as a man of ability, if we did not
know that he was only a bad gambler
and a faro dealer. (This was his former
occupation in peaceable times in Ken-
tucky.*)”
Once more in Tennessee, the active
Morgan did not allow the grass to grow
beneath his horse's feet, but suddenly gal-
loped into Gallatin, and finding the senti-
* This is believed to be incorrect.
nels asleep, captured the Union com-
mander of the post, together with Aug.
eight hundred men, nineteen freight- 12.
cars, eighty-seven horses, and “a lot of
corn and oats.” In less than a week he
reappeared at the same place, and not
finding much booty gave vent to his
disappointment by “burning the houses
and hanging some of the Union citizens.”
While not engaged in taking cities and
seizing property, Morgan and his men
busied themselves in destroying railways
and telegraph lines. He was constantly
interrupting the communications of the
Union forces, which were kept busy in
restoring them. The road from Nash-
ville to Louisville, by the way of Gal-
latin, was thus so much damaged that
it took the Unionists several weeks to
mend it, while they were in constant
fear of its being again injured by the
ever-active guerrillas.
The following is General Morgan's of
ficial report of his raid into Kentucky :
“HEADQUARTERS MORGAN's CoMMAND, |
KNoxvilDE, TENN., July 30.
“To MAJOR-GENERAL E. KIRBY, COMMANDING
DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE:
“GENERAL : I have the honor to report
that upon the day of the engagement at
Tompkinsville, * * * I moved my
command—consisting of my own regi-
ment, the Georgia Regiment of Partisan
Rangers, commanded by Colonel A. A.
Hunt, and Major Gano's Texas squad-
ron, to which were attached two compa-
nies of Tennessee Cavalry—in the direc-
tion of Glasgow, which place I reached
at twelve o'clock last night.
“There were but few troops in the
MORGAN's KENTUCKY RAID.
365
town, who fled at our approach. The
commissary stores, clothing, etc., togeth-
er with a large supply of medical stores,
found in Glasgow, were burned, and the
guns were distributed among my com-
mand, about 200 of whom were unarm-
ed when I left Knoxville.
“From Glasgow I proceeded along
the main Lexington road to Barren
River, halting for a time near Cave City
—my object being to induce the belief
that I intended destroying the railroad
bridge between Bowling Green and
Woodsonville. I caused wires connect-
ed with a portable battery which I car-
ried with me to be attached to the
telegraph line near Horse Cave, and in-
tercepted a number of dispatches.
“At Barren River I detached three
companies, under Captain Jack Allen, to
move forward rapidly and destroy Salt
River bridge, that the troops along the
line of railroad might be prevented
from returning to Louisville.
“On the following morning I moved
on toward Lebanon, distant thirty-five
miles from Barren River. At eleven
o'clock at night I reached the bridge
over Rolling Fork, six miles from Leba-
non. The enemy had received informa-
tion of my approach from their spies,
and my advance guard was fired upon
at the bridge. After a short fight the
force at the bridge was dispersed, and
the planks, which had been torn up, hav-
ing been replaced, the command moved
forward to Lebanon. About two miles
from the town a skirmish took place be-
tween two companies that I caused to
dismount and deploy and a force of the
enemy posted upon the road, which was
soon ended by its dispersion and capture.
Lieutenant-Colonel A. Y. Johnson, com-
manding the troops in town, surrendered,
and I entered the place. The prisoners
taken, in number about sixty-five, were
parolled.
“I took immediate possession of the
telegraph, and intercepted a dispatch to
Colonel Johnson, informing him that
Colonel Owen with the Sixtieth Indiana
Regiment had been sent to his assistance;
so I at once dispatched a company of
Texan rangers, under Major Gano, to
destroy the railroad bridges on the Leb-
anon Branch, which he successfully ac-
complished in time to prevent the arrival
of the troops. I burned two long build-
ings full of commissary stores, consisting
of upward of 500 sacks of coffee, and a
large amount of other supplies in bulk,
marked for the army at Cumberland Gap.
I also destroyed a very large amount
of clothing, boots, etc. I burned the
hospital buildings, which appeared to
have been recently erected and fitted
up, together with about thirty-five wag-
ons and fifty-three new ambulances. I
found in the place a large store of med-
icines, 5,000 stand of arms with accou-
trements, about 2,000 sabres, and an im-
mense quantity of ammunition, shells, etc.
I distributed the best arms among my
command, and loaded one wagon with
them, to be given to the recruits that I
expected to join me. I also loaded one
wagon with ammunition. The remain-
der of the arms, ammunition, and the
hospital and medical stores I destroyed.
“While in Lebanon, I ascertained from
129
366
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
telegraphic dispatches that I intercepted,
that the force which had been started
from Lebanon Junction to reinforce
Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, had met
and driven back the force under Cap-
tain Jack Allen, killing one of his
men, and preventing him accomplishing
the purpose for which he had been de-
tailed.
“I proceeded from Lebanon on the
following day through Springfield to
Macksville, at which point I was at-
tacked by Home Guards. Two of my
men were taken prisoners, and one se-
verely wounded. I remained at Macks-
ville that night to recover the prisoners,
which I did early the next morning. I
then left for Harrodsburg, capturing a
Federal captain and lieutenant on the
road ; reached Harrodsburg at half-
past twelve o'clock, and found that the
Home Guards of all that portion of
country had fled to Lexington. A force
was also stationed on the bridge where
the Lexington road crossed the Ken-
tucky River. My reception at this place
was very encouraging. The whole pop-
ulation appeared to turn out and vie with
each other as who should show us most
attention.
“I left Harrodsburg at six o'clock
the same evening, and moved to Law-
renceburg, twenty miles distant, threat-
ening Frankfort in order to draw off the
troops from Georgetown. Remained
there until the return of my courier
from Frankfort, who brought the infor-
mation that there was a force in Frank-
fort of two or three thousand men, con-
sisting of Home Guards collected from
the adjacent counties, and a few regular
troops.
“From Lawrenceburg I proceeded
to Shryke's Ferry, on the Kentucky
River, raised the boat, which had been
sunk, and crossed that evening, reach-
ing Versailles at seven o'clock. I found
this place abandoned by its defenders,
who had fled to Lexington ; remained
there that night, and on the next morn-
ing marched toward Georgetown. While
at Versailles I took about 300 Govern-
ment horses and mules.
“I passed through Midway on the
road to Georgetown, and was informed,
just before reaching the place, that a
train from Frankfort was nearly due,
with two regiments of Federals. I tore
up the track and posted a howitzer to
command it, and formed my command
along the line of the road; but the
train was warned of our presence and
returned to Frankfort. Having taken
possession of the telegraph office, I in-
tercepted a dispatch asking if the road
was clear, and if it would be safe to
start the train from Lexington. I re-
plied to send the train, and made prep-
arations to receive it ; but it was also
turned back and escaped.
“I reached Georgetown, twelve miles
from Lexington, that evening. Just be-
fore entering the town, I was informed
that a small force of Home Guards had
mustered to oppose us. I sent them
word to surrender their arms and they
should not be molested, but they fled.
The people of Georgetown also wel-
comed us with gladness, and provided
my troops with everything that they
MORGAN AT
CYNTHIANA. 367
needed. I remained at Georgetown
two days, during which time I sent out
a company under Captain McMillen to
destroy the track between Midway and
Lexington, and Midway and Frank-
fort, and to blow up the stone bridge
on that road, which he successfully
accomplished. Hearing that a com-
pany of Home Guards were encamped
at Stamping Ground, thirteen miles dis-
tant, I dispatched a company under Cap-
tain Hamilton to break up the encamp-
ment, burn the tents and stores, and
destroy the guns. This was also accom-
plished—Captain Hamilton taking fifteen
prisoners and all their guns, and de-
stroying a large amount of medical and
commissary supplies. I also, while at
Georgetown, sent Captain Castleman,
with his company, to destroy the rail-
road bridges between Paris and Lexing-
ton, and report to me at Winchester.
This was done.
“Determining to move on Paris, with a
view of returning, and hearing that the
place was being rapidly reinforced from
Cynthiana, I deemed it of great impor-
tance to cut off the communication
from that place, while I drew off the
troops that were already there, by a feint
on Lexington. I therefore dispatched a
portion of two companies toward Lex-
ington, with instructions to drive the
pickets to the very entrance of the city,
while I moved the command toward
Cynthiana. When I arrived within
three miles of the place, I learned that
it was defended by a considerable force
of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. I
dispatched the Texas squadron, under
Major Gano, to enter the town on the
right, and the Georgia Regiment to
cross the river and get into the rear,
while I moved my own regiment, with
the artillery under the command of Lieu-
tenant J. E. Harris, down the George-
town pike. A severe engagement took
place, which lasted about an hour and a
half, before the enemy were driven into
the town and compelled to surrender.
I took 420 prisoners, including about
seventy Home Guards. I regret to have
to mention the loss of eight of my
men in killed and twenty-nine wound-
ed. The enemy's loss was ninety-four
killed and wounded, according to their
own account. Their excess in killed
and wounded is remarkable, as they
fought us from behind stone fences, and
fired at us from buildings as we charged
through the town. We captured a very
fine twelve-pounder brass piece of artil-
lery, together with a large number of
small-arms, and about 300 Government
horses. The arms and Government
stores were burned, and as many of the
horses as we could bring with us were
kept. I found a very large supply of
commissary and medical stores, tents,
guns, and ammunition at this place, which
I destroyed. The parolled prisoners
were sent under an escort to Falmouth,
where they took the train for Cincin-
nati. -
“I proceeded next morning toward
Paris, and was met on the road by a
bearer of a flag of truce, offering the
unconditional surrender of the place. I
reached Paris at four o'clock, remained
there that night, and started toward
368
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
Winchester next morning. As my com-
mand was filing out of Paris on the Win-
chester pike, I discovered a large force
of Federals coming toward the town
from the direction of Lexington. They
immediately countermarched, supposing,
no doubt, that my intention was to get
into the rear. This enabled me to bring
off my entire command without molest-
ation, with the exception of two of my
pickets, who were probably surprised.
I reached Winchester that day at twelve
o'clock, and remained until four o'clock,
when I proceeded toward Richmond.
“At Winchester I found a number of
arms, which were destroyed.
“I arrived at Richmond at twelve
o'clock that night, and remained until
the next afternoon, when I proceeded
to Crab Orchard. I had determined
to make a stand at Richmond and
await reinforcements, as the whole peo-
ple appeared ready to rise and join me ;
but I received information that large
bodies of cavalry, under General Clay
Smith, and Colonels Wolsford, Metcalf,
Mundy, and Wynkoop, were endeavor-
ing to surround me at this place ; so I
moved on to Crab Orchard. There I at-
tached my portable battery to the tele-
graph leading from Stanford to Louis-
ville, and learned the exact position of
the enemy's forces, and directed my
movements accordingly.
“Leaving Crab Orchard at eleven
o'clock, I arrived at Somerset, distant
twenty-eight miles, at sundown. I took
possession of the telegraph, and coun-
termanded all the previous orders that
had been given by General Boyle to in-
tercept me, and remained in perfect se.
curity all night. I found a very large
supply of commissary stores, clothing, .
blankets, shoes, hats, etc., at this place,
which were destroyed. I also found the
arms that had been taken from General
Zollicoffer, together with large quanti-
ties of shell and ammunition, all of which
were destroyed. I also burned at this
place and Crab Orchard about 130 Gov-
ernment wagons.
“From Somerset I proceeded to
Monticello, and from thence to between
Livingston and Sparta, where my com-
mand is now encamped.
“I left Knoxville on the 4th day of
this month, with about 900 men, and
returned to Livingston on the 28th inst.,
with nearly 1,200, having been absent
just twenty-four days, during which
time I travelled over 1,000 miles, cap-
tured seventeen towns, destroyed all the
Government supplies and arms in them,
dispersed about 1,500 Home Guàrds,
and parolled nearly 1,200 regular troops.
I lost, in killed, wounded, and missing,
of the number that I carried into Ken-
tucky, about ninety.
“I take great pleasure in testifying
to the gallant bravery and efficiency of
my whole command. There were indi-
vidual instances of daring so conspicu-
ous that I must beg the privilege of
referring to them. Private Moore, of
Louisiana, a member of Company A, of
my regiment, particularly distinguished
himself in leading a charge at Cynthiana,
which had an important effect in win-
ning the battle. * * * * * *
I feel indebted to all my aids for the
DEATH OF MCCOOK.
369
promptness with which my orders were
executed, and particularly to Colonel St.
Leger Grenfel, for the assistance which
his experience afforded me.
“All of which is respectfully submit-
ted. JOHN B. MoRGAN,
“Acting Brigadier-General, C. S. A.
“R. A. ALSTON, A. A. G.”
While the audacity of Morgan and
his band did not fail to find admirers
among those who are always ready to
applaud courageous enterprise, in what-
ever cause displayed, there was a unan-
imous expression of indignation on the
part of the Unionists at the conduct of
Aug, the marauders toward General Mc-
tº Cook. This distinguished officer
was attacked while unable from illness
to defend himself, and killed. He had
proceeded in an ambulance to a spot
near Salem (Ala.), for the purpose of
marking out an encampment, when he
was set upon by a guerrilla band.
“It was impossible to think of flight,”
wrote a chronicler, “and General Mc-
Cook's condition prohibited any idea of
rescuing him. The guerrilla leader or-
dered the ambulance to stop, the as-
sassins at the same time surrounding it.
The vehicle was then upset, and the sick
officer turned into the road. While on
his knees, helpless, sick, and pleading
for quarter, he was fired at by a ruffian
and shot through the side.
“The wound was fatal, General Mc-
Cook surviving it but a few hours. He
bore his sufferings heroically, and to the
last manifested an undaunted spirit. His
last words were : ‘Tell Aleck (alluding
to his brother, General Alexander Mc-
Dowell McCook) and the rest that I have
tried to live like a man and do my duty.’
“When the news of the murder be.
came known among the camps, the ex-
citement was intense. The Ninth Ohio,
McCook's own regiment, on learning of
the assassination, marched back to the
scene of the occurrence, burned every
house in the neighborhood, and laid
waste the lands. Several men who
were implicated in the murder were
taken out and hung to trees by the in-
furiated soldiery.”
Other leaders rivalled the exploits of
Morgan. Among them, Colonel Forrest
was the most conspicuous; with several
thousand Georgia and Alabama cavalry,
Texan Rangers, and a guerrilla band he
attacked two Union regiments, the July
Third Minnesota and Eleventh Mich- 13.
igan, 1,400 strong, posted at Murfrees-
boro, in Tennessee, and forced them to
Surrender, capturing, at the same time,
a large quantity of valuable stores. In
accordance with the usual tactics of
guerrilla warfare, Colonel Forrest did
not pretend to hold the post he had
captured, but immediately retired with
his booty and prepared for further raids.
The nearness of Murfreesboro to Nash-
ville caused great anxiety for the safety
of the latter place ; but General Nelson
being on the alert, and having marched
a formidable force to McMinnville, com-
pelled Colonel Forrest, who was occupy-
ing the place, to retire.
In East Tennessee the enemy were
no less bold. The Union troops, after
securing Cumberland Gap and enter-
ing East Tennessee, occupied Tazewell,
370
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
an important position on the road to
Knoxville. This place, the enemy, un-
der General Stevenson, attempted to
capture, and, apparently, with success,
though the Federal general, George W.
Morgan, seemed not depressed at the
result. He said in his official report:
“On the 5th and 6th (August), De
Courcey's brigade, with the Fourteenth
Rentucky, had a series of brilliant af-
fairs with Stevenson's division, in entire
force. The enemy outnumbered De
Courcey four to one. '
“The enemy lost 225, and Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Gordon, of the Eleventh
Tennessee, was taken prisoner. We
captured two hundred wagon-loads of
forage, 1,200 pounds of tobacco, and 30
horses and mules. We lost three kill-
ed, fifteen wounded, and fifty prisoners.
Two companies of the Sixteenth Ohio
were surrounded by two rebel regi-
ments, but two-thirds of them cut their
way through.”
The general of the enemy, Stevenson,
reported : -
“After a gallant engagement of four
hours we have routed the enemy, and
they are in full retreat to their strong-
holds.”
The enemy's partisan corps and guer-
rilla bands continued their bold and suc-
cessful forays. Clarksville, in Tennes-
see, on the Cumberland, at the mouth
of the Red River, about fifty miles from
Aug, Nashville, was captured by Wood-
19, ward, at the head of 900 men—the
Union garrison, consisting of a portion
of the Seventy-first Ohio Regiment, sur-
rendering without a blow.
Kentucky.
Again, the alert Morgan, with his
1,800 men, “finely mounted,” fell Aug.
upon General Johnson, with a force ºl.
of 700, near Gallatin, captured the Gen-
eral with seventy-five of his soldiers, and
put the rest to flight. .
Encouraged by these successes, the
enemy were reported to have concen-
trated considerable forces at Chattanoo-
ga (whither General Bragg had finally
repaired) and Knoxville, in Tennessee,
with the view of marching upon Nash-
ville and Cumberland Gap, and making
a combined effort to wrest the State once
more from the Federal authority. After
securing Tennessee, the enemy purposed,
it was rumored, to advance into Ken-
tucky, and even to extend their invasion
to Ohio.
The successful raids of the guerrillas
in Kentucky greatly agitated that State.
Governor Magoffin convened the Legis-
lature in consequence, and in his Aug.
message mourned over the unhap- *
py condition of Kentucky. He emphat-
ically condemned the invasion of the
State by the audacious Morgan, but was
no less adverse to the stringent proceed-
ings of the Federal Government, object-
ing to its arrest of citizens without legal
process. Still bent upon compromise,
the Governor once more urged the adop-
tion of the Crittenden resolutions as a
standing proposition of peace. Finally,
Magoffin, expressing himself wearied of
the cares and labors of office, and pite-
ously complaining of the calumny Aug.
to which he alleged he had been 17.
subjected, resigned the governorship of
The newly elected Speaker
THE GUERRILLAS IN MISSOURI.
371.
of the State Senate, James F. Robinson,
became de facto governor for the unex-
pired term. -
In Missouri, the partisan corps and
guerrilla bands of the enemy were no
less active than in Tennessee and Ken-
tucky. “From every section of the
State,” bewailed a chronicler, “we re-
ceived the same report—guerrillas arm-
ing, guerrillas robbing Union families,
guerrillas plundering towns, guerrillas
attacking small squads of Union soldiers
in overwhelming numbers, guerrillas
threatening this point, guerrillas stop-
ping wagon trains and Missouri River
steamboats—and, in short, perpetrating
all conceivable sorts of thieving and as-
sassination.” General alarm prevailed
throughout the State ; the loyal citizens
fled for safety to the protection of the
Union garrisons, and the banks sent
their treasure to St. Louis for security.
Quantrell, Porter, and McBride were
among the most conspicuous of these
partisan chiefs, and their success in tak-
ing towns and devastating the property
of Unionists was hardly less remarkable
than that of Morgan. Independence,
Newark, Liberty, Canton, Alexandria,
Memphis, Greenville, and a number of
other posts throughout the State of Mis-
souri were surprised, their garrisons cap-
tured or put to flight, and all they con-
tained carried off or destroyed. Though
the Union troops were frequently suc-
cessful in their skirmishes with these
bold marauders, the State of Missouri, in
spite of the vigilance and power of the
Federal authority, continued for a long
time to suffer from this irregular warfare.
CHA P T E R XXXI.
General Curtis in Arkansas.—His Plans thwarted.—In Search of Supplies.—A trying March.-Arrival at Helena.—Ex-
peditions by Land and Water.—General Williams removes to Baton Rouge.—Attack by the Enemy under Brecken-
ridge.—Death of Williams.-Victory claimed by both sides.—Losses.—Destruction of the Rebel “ram” Arkansas.
—General satisfaction.—Baton Rouge evacuated by the Unionists.
AFTER the battle of Pea Ridge, and
the dispersion of the enemy un-
der Van Dorn and Price, Gen-
eral Curtis, it will be recollected, retired
for awhile within the borders of Mis-
souri. Thence he resumed his march
with a force composed of three divi-
sions, respectively commanded by Gen-
erals Steele, Carr, and Osterhaus, into
the interior of Arkansas, with the view
1862,
of capturing Little Rock, the capital of
that State. On reaching Bates- May
ville, on the White River, it was 6.
found impossible to subsist his army, and
General Curtis accordingly; giving up
his design of attacking Little Rock, de-
termined to make his way through Ar-
kansas as rapidly as possible to the
Mississippi River, where he might once
more open communications with a basis
872
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
of supply, and obtain the subsistence
necessary for his half-famished troops.
Having learned that transports with
supplies were on their way to Jackson-
port, situated at the confluence of the
White and Black rivers, General Curtis
determined to move his troops first to
that point. &
“On the 24th of June,” wrote a cor-
respondent” who accompanied the army,
“we took up our line of march for
Jacksonport, and reached it on the sec-
ond day following. We were obliged to
cross Black River near its junction with
White River, and for this purpose made
successful use of a rubber pontoon
bridge, constructed under the superin-
tendence of Major Weston, of the Twen-
ty-fourth Missouri Infantry. The stream
here is a little more than one hundred
yards in width, flowing with a deep but
sluggish current. No difficulty was ex-
perienced in crossing, and the last of
the rear-guard passed the bridge safely
on the evening of the 26th, unmolested
by the enemy.
“While at Batesville, General Curtis
caused five large flatboats, with strong
decks, to be constructed, with a view to
using them in crossing the river when-
ever such a movement might be necessary.
When the march commenced from Bates-
ville, these flatboats were provided with
breast-works of cotton along their sides,
as a protection from musket and rifle
balls, and were furnished with sweeps,
whereby they could be moved and
directed down the river. They were
placed in charge of one company of the
• N. Y. Berald,
Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, and started
for Jacksonport. As the road from
Batesville to Jacksonport does not follow
the river bank, but winds among the
hills at some distance from the stream,
this enterprise of detaching a small body
of infantry was looked upon as quite
hazardous. The boats succeeded in de-
scending in safety, and arrived at Jack-
sonport simultaneously with the main
body of the army. -
“At Jacksonport, General Curtis
learned that the boats could come no
higher up than Clarendon, seventy-five
miles below, as there was less than four
feet of water in the channel, and most
of the boats drew upward of five feet.
He had foreseen this difficulty before
starting from Batesville, and arranged
his small stock of provisions to carry
him through to the Mississippi. For
ten days previous to the departure from
Batesville, Captain Winslow, the quar-
termaster-in-chief of the army, had
stored all the supplies received from
Rolla, and furnished in their place ra-
tions of corn meal and beef, gathered
from the country around. With these
and other stores procured from the vi-
cinity, a supply of three-quarter rations
for twenty days was gathered and on
hand at the time the march commenced.
A train of fifty wagons had been burned
a few weeks before while on its way to
the army, and this loss fell quite heavily
upon the troops. Notwithstanding its
various privations, the army was never
without a plentiful supply of sugar, cof-
fee, and salt, though it often suffered for
want of hard bread and flour. There
CURTIS’ MARCH ACROSS ARKANSAS.
373

was little wheat near Batesville, but
corn was procured in abundance.
“The uniform price of the latter sta-
ple was fifty cents per bushel. No one
was at any time paid for his corn unless
he made a solemn assurance that he was
and had been a Union man, and sub-
scribed to the oath of allegiance. It is
a singular fact, however, that among all
the men who had dealings with the
quartermaster there was not one who
would permit his loyalty to be doubted
for a single moment. All took the oath
without the slightest hesitancy.
“Our forces tarried five days at Jack-
sonport, making ready to proceed down
the banks of the stream. While there,
General Washburne arrived from Spring-
field, with the Second Wisconsin Caval-
ry, having been unable to reach the army
before it started from Batesville. The
strength of General Curtis' command
had been from time to time augmented
by the arrival of various small bodies
of troops from Missouri, and by incon-
siderable reinforcements from Kansas,
so that at the time it left Jacksonport it
presented an imposing appearance. On
the 2d of July the five flatboats start-
ed down from Jacksonport, manned by
Company I, of the Thirteenth Illinois
Infantry, under command of Captain
Wadsworth. They were ordered to
proceed to Grand Glaze, twelve miles
below, and there await orders before
going farther. At the same time the
army took up its line of march by the
road through the hills and swamp land
'east of the river, not expecting to reach
the stream again before arriving at Au-
gusta, thirty-five miles from Jackson-
port. The boats reached Grand Glaze
in due time, and were there met by
Lieutenant-Colonel Wood's Sixth Mis-
souri Cavalry, with orders to move on
to Augusta. After seeing them safely
under way, Colonel Wood started to re-
join the main army; but, before pro-
ceeding far, shots were heard from the
dense bushes lining the banks of the
river, about a mile below Grand Glaze.
Hastily returning with a portion of his
force, Colonel Wood found, on reaching
the river, that the enemy had dispersed,
after firing several shots at the boats
and seriously wounding Captain Wads-
worth, but injuring none of his men.
The fire of these guerrillas was prompt-
ly returned, but as the bushes were not
searched their loss was not ascertained.
Natives in the vicinity reported nineteen
of the rebels killed; but their statement
seems hardly credible, when we recollect
that the rebels were engaged by but a
single company of infantry. After this
occurrence the boats moved unmolested
to Augusta, where the project of taking
them farther down was abandoned; such
portions of the cargoes as were useful
to the army were removed, and the
boats and the remainder of their lading
committed to the flames. Colonel Wood
was fired into on his way back to the
army, and lost three of his men.
“We reached Augusta on the 4th of
July, and on our arrival fired a salute
in honor of the nation's independence,
and enjoyed ourselves as best we could
under our adverse circumstances. Tar-
rying here for two days, the order was
130
374
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
issued for the entire force to move out
on the following morning in the direction
of Clarendon. The country through
which the army marched, after leaving
Jacksonport, is one of the finest regions
of Eastern Arkansas. A short distance
from the river the bluffs along its banks
fall away into low hills and gentle un-
dulations, these becoming less distinct
until, at the divide of the St. Francis
and White rivers, it becomes an almost
unbroken level.
alluvial country is in many places cov-
ered with canebrakes, and is often over-
flowed in high water.
becomes an almost impassable succession
of swamps and quagmires. At present
it is dry and firm, and affords no ob-
stacle to passage save an occasional
slough at the crossing of a creek. In-
terspersed with these lowlands is a se-
ries of higher grounds, level, and un-
broken by any considerable elevations.
These lands are considered excellent for
cotton, and until the present year have
sent to market a large amount of the
textile product. The inhabitants are of
the true Arkansas stamp, and walk
about clad in the unpretending butter-
nut of the Southern rustics, while they
display the usual prejudices of the Ar-
kansas natives against all innovations—
from the perusal of Webster's spelling-
book up to the vindication of the na-
tional honor. At present their bucolic
pursuits are generally limited to the
raising of corn and a few other inconsid-
erable products, the Confederate author-
ities having here, as elsewhere, discour-
aged the culture of cotton.
A portion of this flat
At such times it
“In many places along our line of
march the houses were deserted, but the
corn had not been destroyed, save in a
few instances. The only Union senti-
ment manifested was by the negroes,
who flocked in large numbers whenever
they were allowed. General Curtis freed
all those who had been used in cutting
timber to obstruct the roads on our line
of march. The whites were everywhere
sullen and uncommunicative. One man
at Jacksonport built a high plank fence
around his house to keep off the con-
tamination of the Yankees.
“All things being in readiness, the
army moved out on the morning of the
7th (July), the head of the column get-
ting in motion about half-past three
o'clock. About four miles from the
town it was found that the enemy had
felled timber across the road in order to
impede the march, but it was not long
before the obstructions were removed.
It was well known that the rebels had
a considerable force at Des Arc and Du-
vall's Bluff, composed mainly of Texas
cavalry and Arkansas conscripts, under
command of General Albert Rust. Gen-
eral Curtis learned that 6,000 of these
rebels were at Des Arc, and would prob-
ably march out to give us battle, and
was consequently carefully watching for
any demonstration upon the line. The
obstructions in the road so soon after
leaving Augusta gave us warning of the
proximity of the rebels, and caused us
to complete preparations for resisting
attack.
“About eight A.M. the advance reach-
ed the crossing of Cache River, and
A LURKING ENEMY.
375
found a new cause of delay. There was
no bridge over the river—which, else-
where, would deserve only the name of
creek—and the low bottom on each side
was a soft muck, in which the animals
sunk girth deep at every step. With
much difficulty the wagons were drawn
through, and once more emerged upon
dry ground. A short distance farther
the road came to Bayou de Cache, a
small slough running inland from the
river, with banks similar to those of the
stream. Through this fringe of mud
deposits the extended lines dragged their
slow lengths along, the teams occasion-
ally miring, and being extricated with the
utmost difficulty. Beyond this Slough
of Despond the rebels had made another
barricade of log obstructions, which again
proved a hindrance to our progress. On
emerging from this difficulty, the ad-
vance, consisting of four companies of
the Thirty-third Illinois, with four com-
panies from the Eleventh Wisconsin—all
under command of Colonel Hovey, of
the former regiment—moved cautiously
forward. The cavalry had been drawn
in, with the exception of some twelve or
fifteen mounted men, who were kept in
front as lookouts. It was not deemed
proper to have a large cavalry force ex-
posed in front during the march, where
it would be liable to ambuscade, but to
hold it in reserve where it would be
ready at any moment when needed.
“About two P.M., when five miles
from the crossing of Bayou de Cache,
the advance approached the plantation
of Colonel Hill, an officer of the Confed-
erate army, who was away from home
at the time of our visit. At this planta-
tion the road from Des Arc intersects
the one over which our army was trav-
elling, at nearly right angles, the point
of junction being about ten miles from
Des Arc and four miles from Cotton
Plant, a small hamlet in the northern
part of St. Francis County. The land
around this road crossing is mostly open
timber and cleared patches, though a
few clumps of small trees are occasion-
ally seen. The road from Des Arc runs
nearly due east and west. South of it,
and west of the main road, the tim-
ber is quite dense. Hill's house is at
the south-west angle of the intersection,
and his outbuildings are scattered mis-
cellaneously around. North of the Des
Arc road is a cotton gin and press, and
near it are two aboriginal mounds,
twenty or thirty feet in height. Mr.
Hill is now blessed with his third wife,
and on the summits of each of these
mounds he has located the graves of his
first and second wives, and surrounded
them with a fence of white palings. On
this side of the road the ground is clear-
ed, and there are few irregularities to
afford cover to troops.
“The mounted men in advance dis-
covered signs of an enemy lurking in
the timber and brush on the southerly
side of the Des Arc road, and both east
and west of Hill's house. Word was
communicated to the infantry, and the
latter deployed for skirmishing, the
Thirty-third Illinois taking the right
wing and the Eleventh Wisconsin the
left. The eight companies of infantry
were less than 600 strong, and soon
376
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
found that they were opposed to 1,500
men drawn up in line of battle. The
disparity was in numbers, not in effi-
ciency, for the rebel forces consisted of
parts of two raw cavalry regiments,
from Texas, and a portion of a regiment
of Arkansas conscripts, as green as the
most verdant troops in the Confederate
service. The rebels opened fire as our
men advanced, and though the conscripts
fled early in the fight, the Texan cavalry,
which had been dismounted for the oc-
casion, stood its ground finely. As our
right approached the enemy's left, it
was received by a sudden fire from the
bushes, which caused two of the Illinois
companies to recoil. The enemy per-
ceived the advantage gained, and
pressed forward to improve it, but was
received by a well-directed volley of
musketry, followed by a discharge of
grape from the two steel howitzers ac-
companying the First Indiana Cavalry,
whose arrival was most opportune.
Rapid discharges from the two howit-
zers soon broke the rebel line, and the
cavalry completed the disorder and put
all the enemy to flight. Some of them
ſled along the road in the direction we
were travelling, while others took the
right-angled route toward Des Arc. In
addition to the 1,500 rebels thus dis-
persed, were 5,000 who were three or
four miles distant at the crossing of the
Cache River, and who had been unable
to get to the east bank of the stream,
as the water is there too deep to ford,
and the ferry accommodations are nec-
essarily slow. These returned to Des
Arc the same evening, and at last ac-
counts were still there, having given up
the project of intercepting our march.
“The camp was made that night a
short distance from the scene of the con-
test, and our hospital established at Hill's
house. Our casualties were five killed
and thirty-two wounded, most of the
latter slightly. Major Glendenin, of
the First Indiana Cavalry, was seriously,
and it is feared fatally, wounded by a rifle-
ball in the breast. Captain Sloane, of
the Eleventh Wisconsin, was killed while
gallantly leading his men. Colonel
Hovey states that the details from his
command report that they buried nine-
ty-seven of the enemy's dead. Most of
our shots were supposed to have been
fatal. But few of the enemy's wounded
fell into our hands, and in all these
cases lacerations caused by the Minnie
and Enfield balls were very severe. A
flag of truce approached our lines on
the evening after the flight, but for some
unexplained reason did not come with-
in. The next day a flag was received,
and kept in our lines the entire day. It
was unnecessary for parties to be sent
from the rebel camp, as the dead had
already been buried.
“On the afternoon of the 8th (July)
the army moved forward toward Claren-
don, having learned that Colonel Fitch
was there with supplies. We reached
Clarendon on the evening of the 9th
(July), deeply chagrined to find that
Colonel Fitch, with his transports, had
departed the evening previous, with no
prospect of returning. There was no
alternative left for General Curtis ex-
cept to move to the nearest point on the
CURTIS ARRIVES AT HELENA.
377
Mississippi, and there communicate with
the outer world, from which we had so
long been cut off.”
The army accordingly took up its
march for Helena, where the advance,
July under General Washburn, arrived
11 on the 11th of July, and was soon
after followed by the rest of the troops.
General Curtis had thus, since he left
Rolla in Missouri, in February, fought
the bloody battle of Pea Ridge, marched
600 miles through a comparatively wild
country, with all the obstructions of bad
roads, unbridged streams, and marshes,
and brought his soldiers to a place of
safety, after the severest trials of hunger
and thirst, fatigue and danger, in a re-
gion inhabited by a hostile people,
scoured by the guerrilla bands of a vig-
ilant enemy, and destitute of the means
of subsistence. The faulty plan of the
campaign seems almost to have been re-
deemed by the fortitude with which its
sufferings were endured.
General Curtis, soon after his arrival
at Helena, having been reinforced, was
enabled to counteract the manoeuvres
of the enemy, under Jefferson Thomp-
son, who was striving to cross the Mis-
sissippi River from Austin, in the State
of Mississippi, into Arkansas. He also
Aug. sent out a detachment, under Gen-
12 eral Hovey, to Clarendon, on the
White River, to check the guerrilla
bands in that quarter, and joined in an
expedition against the enemy on the
Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. The
result of this last enterprise is thus
stated by Commodore Davis, the com-
mander of th? fleet:
“The rebel transport Fair Play has
been captured, containing 1,200 Aug.
new Enfield rifles, 4,000 new mus- 26,
kets, with accoutrements complete, a
large quantity of fixed ammunition, four
field-guns, mounted howitzers, and some
Small-arms.
“Colonel Woods landed and captured
the encampment of the Thirty-first
Louisiana Regiment, with all their arms,
the enemy flying before him. He cap-
tured another camp, with tents, baggage,
and provisions, burning the depôt and
eight cars, and destroying the telegraph.
“The combined expedition proceeded
up the Yazoo, where it captured a bat-
tery consisting of a sixty-four pounder
and a forty-two pounder gun, and a
twenty-four pounder and a twelve-
pounder field piece, with 7,000 pounds
of powder and 1,000 pounds of shot
and shell, and grape. Colonel Woods
dispersed the rebels in several places.”
After the combined naval and military
forces of the Union had been forced to
raise the siege of Wicksburg, General
Williams moved his troops, which had
suffered greatly from the unwholesome
region on the marshy banks of the Mis-
sissippi, where they had been stationed,
to Baton Rouge. Reinforcements were
at the same time sent from New Orleans
to strengthen General Williams, while
the fleet, under Commodore Farragut,
took such a position on the river as to
be in readiness to extend to him the
protection of its guns. The enemy now
determined to attack General Williams,
General Breckenridge accordingly march-
ed to Baton Rouge, with, as he reported,
378
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“less than 3,000 men.” He at the same
time relied upon the co-operation of the
formidable Arkansas, which was to at-
tack the Federal fleet.
Early in the morning the enemy
Aug, began the assault with their land
5 forces, but found the Unionists on
tºe alert to meet them. A severe strug-
gle ensued, which lasted five hours, at
the close of which the enemy, although
at the beginning they had gained some
advantage,
Unionists “about a quarter of a mile,”
taken possession of some of the camps,
and destroyed considerable baggage,
were finally forced to retire, and leave
their antagonists masters of the day.
Breckenridge, however, still made a vague
claim to the victory. “After a strug-
gle of five hours,” he reported, “we
drove the enemy from all points to the
arsenal and tower, and to the cover
of their gun-boats, taking a number of
prisoners, several flags, and a consider-
able quantity of property.” To this
boast of success Breckenridge was com-
pelled to add this confession of failure :
“My diminished, exhausted force,” he
says, “could not take the arsenal, and
the troops almost perishing for water,
we have withdrawn one mile and a half
from the city.”
with the expression of a hope “to re-
sume the attack in half an hour.” In
this, however, he was destined to be
disappointed, and was compelled to date
his dispatch on the next day, “Ten miles
from Baton Rouge,” and to acknowledge
that “no decisive result was gained,”
while he declared that he had gone back
having driven back the
It is true he concluded
pºss
thus far for water, though he had re-
moved at his “own time, and in order.”
Colonel Cahill, on the other hand,
who had succeeded to the command of
the Federal forces on the death of Gen-
eral Williams, spoke in his report of the
“glorious victory” won by the Union
troops, and gave this account of the
battle :
“Rumors,” he says, “of the advance
of the enemy in heavy force had pre-
vailed for some days. On the afternoon
of August 4th General Williams called
the attention of commanders of regi-
ments and batteries to the probability
of an attack at an early hour in the
morning. The Fourteenth Maine, Col-
onel A. Nickerson; the Twenty-first
Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Keith; the
Sixth Michigan, under acting Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Clark, and Seventh Wer-
mont, Colonel Roberts, were encamped,
the first, with its right resting on the
intersection of the Greenwell Springs
road, and fronting on a road running to
the intersection of the Bayou Sara and
Clinton roads. These encampments
were in heavy timber. The Twenty-
first Indiana were encamped on about
the same line front, and on the right of
the Greenwell Springs road. On nearly
the same line front, but still farther to
the right, at the intersection of the Clay
Cut and Perkins roads, were the Sixth
Michigan. The Seventh Vermont were
some distance to the rear, and between
the Sixth Michigan and Twenty-first
Indiana, with the camp fronting the
city. Everett's battery, under Lieuten-
ant Carruth, were in bivouac on the
ATTACK ON BATON ROUGE.
379
right of the Fourteenth Maine and on
the right of the Twenty-first Indiana.
Still farther to the right were the guns
in charge of the Twenty-first Indiana.
On the extreme right, the guns of Nim's
battery were brought into position early |
in the action. The Thirtieth Massachu-
setts, under Colonel Dudley, were brought
up from their quarters in the Capitol on
the night of the 4th, and took position
on the left of the Sixth Michigan. On
the extreme left, in advance of the left
bank of the Bayou Gap, with an ob-
lique, front toward the intersection of
the Bayou Sara and Clinton roads, with
two pieces of Manning's battery, were
the Ninth Connecticut and Fourth Wis-
consin. The remaining guns of Man-
ning's battery were in position on the
right bank of the bed of Bayou Gap.
This was the real line of defence for the
left flank, covering the north and east
of the arsenal grounds. General Wil-
liams, in his instructions to myself and
Lieutenant-Colonel Bean, commanding
Fourth Wisconsin Volunteers, was very
clear and positive in his orders to hold
this position at all hazards, as he antici-
pated the enemy would advance (under
cover of the fire of the ram Arkansas,
with the gun-boats from the Red River)
through the open grounds of the Saw-
mill and Dougherty's plantation, and
take possession of the Manae ground.
The above-mentioned advance on the
left bank of the bayou was only ordered
by General Williams, after a lengthy
consideration, on the evening of the 4th
inst., with the intention of checking an
advance on the same positiºn by the
Bayou Sara and Clinton roads, and for
that reason we only brought forward
the light howitzers of Manning's battery
to the advance positions, leaving the
heavy guns on the original line.
“At early daylight on the morning
of August 5th the enemy threw his
whole force on the camp of the Four-
teenth Maine, Twenty-first Indiana, and
Sixth Michigan, with the batteries at-
tached to each regiment. These troops
stood their ground nobly, meeting the
tremendous force thrown upon them
with unflinching bravery. On looking
over the battle-ground since the en-
gagement, I find it difficult to conceive
how it was possible for so many men to
have been engaged in so Small a space
of ground.
“The attack was nearly simultaneous,
but the first fire in line from the enemy's
right was directed on the Fourteenth
Maine, and was instantly answered by
that regiment by a solid line volley,
which must have done terrible execution.
The companies of the Twenty-first Indi-
ana, which were in advance as pickets,
had fallen back in order. The whole
regiment advanced toward the Magnolia
Cemetery, and east of it. At this time
Major Hayes was seriously wounded,
and was taken from the field. The reg-
iment worked, advancing, and retiring,
and changing front, as the enemy showed
himself through the smoke.
“At nearly the close of the action,
Lieutenant-Colonel Keith, Bommanding
regiment, had to leave the field, badly
wounded, leaving the regiment without
a field officer, in command of Captain
380
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Grimsby. It was at this stage of the
battle that General Williams fell, mor-
tally wounded. He had just said to the
men of the Twenty-first, ‘Boys, your
field-officers are all gone. I will lead
you.’ The men answered with three
cheers for the General. The sounds had
scarcely died away when he fell. The
General had previously issued an order
for the lines to fall back, and the artil-
. lery having done so, the regiments
retired in good order to the positions
now occupied.” -
The loss of the Unionists, as officially
reported, was eighty-two killed, 255
wounded, and thirty-four missing. Gen-
eral Williams' force engaged amounted
to less than 2,500 men, while that of
the enemy was computed to be 5,000
instead of 3,000, as reported by Breck-
enridge, and their loss confessed by him
to be equal to that of the Unionists.
The most interesting incident of the
battle of Baton Rouge was the destruc-
tion of the “rebel ram Arkansas.” This
formidable vessel had started out to
co-operate with General Breckenridge,
in the attack on Baton Rouge, but while
coming down the Mississippi, her ma-
chinery was so disabled as to prevent
her from taking part in the enterprise.
Commander Porter, having prepared to
receive her, but finding that she did not
make her appearance, went—after ren-
dering valuable assistance in repelling
the enemy at Baton Rouge—in search
of her, with his gun-boat, the Essex.
“I had information,” he says in his re-
port, “of the vicinity of the ram Arkansas,
about four miles above my anchorage
on the river, and this morning I deter-
mined to steam up the river, attack Aug.
her, and, if possible, prevent her "
rendering further assistance to the land
forces she was co-operating with. At
ten A.M. I came in sight of her at about
the distance of half a mile, and imme-
diately opened fire. After an action of
about twenty minutes I succeeded in
setting her on fire,” and at meridian she
blew up with a tremendous explosion.”
Commodore Farragut declared in his
report : “It is one of the happiest mo-
ments of my life that I am able to in-
form the Department of the destruction
of the ram Arkansas, not because I held
this iron-clad in such terror, but because
the community did.”
This satisfaction was as general at
the North-as the fearlessness was pecu-
liar to the gallant Commodore. The
destruction of a vessel that had defied a
whole fleet, though commanded by the
brave Farragut himself, was a great
relief to a people whose hopes of success,
based upon the generous profusion with
which they had poured out their great
resources, had been so often disap-
pointed by the pertinacious efforts of a
feebler enemy. e
This was the enemy's account of the
destruction of the Arkansas, as given
by one of her officers :
“The Arkansas left Wicksburg at two
o'clock Sunday morning, and steamed
* Porter claims to have set the Arkansas on fire by an
“incendiary shell” of his own invention. The enemy
declared, however, that they themselves burned the ves-
sel, when it was found that she was unmanagcable from
the derangement of her machinery. Her officers and
crew escaped.
EVACUATION OF BATON ROUGE.
381
'leisurely down the river, having ample
time to reach Baton Rouge at the ap-
pointed hour. When she arrived with-
in fifteen miles of Baton Rouge her
starboard engine broke down. Repairs
were immediately commenced, and at
eight o'clock were partially completed,
though she was not in a condition to
engage many of the Yankee vessels, on
account of the injuries received.
“At four o'clock, almost to a minute,
General Breckenridge opened the attack
on Baton Rouge. A messenger was
dispatched at eight o'clock to ascertain
the strength of the enemy's fleet, and
the Arkansas proceeded to a point five
miles above Baton Rouge, when she
was cleared for action.
“We learned from the guerrillas on
hore that there were only three gun-
boats. On rounding the point, the
starboard engine again broke down, and
the ship drifted ashore in sight of Baton
Rouge, on the Arkansas side. Repairs
were immediately commenced, and the
ship got afloat at five o'clock the same
evening. The engineer reported that
the engines were unreliable. It was
determined to make a trial trip up the
river to ascertain the strength of the
engines—proceeded some 500 yards up
the river, when her engines again broke,
more seriously than ever. The crew
were engaged all night in repairs.
“Next morning at eight o'clock the
lookouts reported the Federal fleet
coming up. The ship was moored head
down stream and cleared for action, and
in this condition was determined to fight
to the last. At nine o'clock the Essex
came round the point and opened fire.
At this moment the engineers reported
the engines ready, and that they would
last half a day.
“The lines were cut, and the Arkan-
sas started for the Essex, with the in-
tention of running her down. Pro-
ceeded about 300 yards in the direction
of the Essex, and the larboard engine
suddenly stopped. She then makes for
the bank, her stern down, the Essex
pointing a hot fire into her. In this
condition we opened fire with the stern.
“The Essex continued to advance,
and when within 400 yards the crew of
the Arkansas were ordered ashore, and
the vessel fired. After all hands were
ashore, the Essex fired on the disabled
vessel most furiously. In an hour after
her abandonment the fire communicated
to her magazine, and all that remained
of the noble Arkansas was blown up.
“Lieutenant Stevens was in command
of the Arkansas and displayed remark-
able coolness under the most perilous
and distressing misfortunes. Our infor-
mant, Lieutenant R., states that but for
the misfortune to her engines, the expe-
dition would have been a most brilliant
success, and the Yankees would have
been driven from New Orleans in a few
days.” -
Notwithstanding the success of the
Unionists in defending Baton Rouge
against the attacks of the enemy, Aug.
it was deemed expedient, soon after 21,
the repulse of Breckenridge, to evacu-
ate the place. §
131
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
CHA PTE R XXXII.
General Pope's Report of his Campaign in Virginia.-Pope's Object.—A Failure or a Success?—The Enemy concen-
trating their Attention upon Pope.—The Escape of Pope's Army to Washington.—Public Feeling.—Indignation
against the Leaders.-Pope sent to the Northwest.—McDowell granted a leave of absence.—McDowell demands a
Court-martial.-Alarm at Washington.—Concentration of Forces.—Defence of the Capital.—Perplexity of the Presi-
dent.—McClellan restored to Command.—The Enemy's Scheme of Invasion.—The Enemy in Maryland.—Procla-
mation of Lee.—Its Effect.
THOUGH at the risk of some recapit-
ulation, the full report of Gen-
eral Pope is here given as the most
authentic account of his Virginian cam-
paign.
“On the 26th day of June, 1862, by
special order of the President of the
United States,” wrote General Pope,
“I was assigned to the command of the
Army of Virginia. That army was
constituted as follows:
“First Corps, under Major-General
Fremont. -
“Second Corps, under Major-General
Banks. -
“Third Corps, under Major-General
McDowell.
“In addition to these three corps, a
small and unorganized force, under
Brigadier-General Sturgis, was posted
in the neighborhood of Alexandria, and
was then in process of being organized
for field service. The forces in the in-
frenchments around Washington were
also placed under my command. All
the disposable movable forces consisted
of the three corps first named. Their
effective strength of infantry and artil-
lery, as reported to me, were as follows:
1862,
“Fremont's Corps, 11,500 strong;
Banks' Corps, reported at 14,500, but
in reality only about 8,000; McDowell's
Corps, 18,400; making a total of
38,000 men.
“The cavalry numbered about 5,000,
but most of it was badly mounted and
armed, and in poor condition for ser-
vice. These forces were scattered over
a wide district of country, not within
Supporting distance of each other, and
many of the brigades and divisions were
badly organized and in a demoralized
condition. This was particularly the
case with the army corps of Major-Gen-
eral Fremont, a sad report of which
was made to me by General Sigel, when
he relieved General Fremont in com-
mand of the corps.
“My first labors were directed to the
reorganization of some of the divisions
and brigades of that corps, and to sup-
ply the whole force with much of the
material absolutely necessary for troops
in the field. The corps of Banks and
Fremont were in the valley of the Shen.
andoah, between Winchester and Mid-
dletown, the bulk of the forces being
in the vicinity of the latter place.
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
383
“One division of McDowell's corps
was at Manassas Junction, with its ad-
vance thrown forward to Catlett's Sta-
tion. The other division was posted in
the vicinity of Falmouth, opposite Fred-
ericksburg. -
“When I first assumed command of
these forces, the troops under Jackson
had retired from the valley of the
Shenandoah, and were in rapid march
toward Richmond, so that, at that time,
there was no force of the enemy of any
consequence within a week's march of
any of the troops assigned to my com-
mand.
“It was the wish of the Government
that I should cover the city of Washing-
ton from any attacks from the direction
of Richmond, make such dispositions as
were necessary to assure the safety of
the valley of the Shenandoah, and at
the same time to operate upon the
enemy's lines of communication in the
direction of Gordonsville and Charlottes-
ville, as to draw off, if possible, a con-
siderable force of the enemy from Rich-
mond, and thus relieve the operations
against that city of the Army of the
Potomac. The first object I had in
view was to concentrate, as far as possi-
ble, all the movable forces under my
command, and to establish them in
such positions as best to effect the ob-
jects set forth. It seemed to me that
the security of the Shenandoah valley
was not best attained by posting troops
within the valley itself, but that the
necessary results could be better accom-
plished, and the other objects with which
I was charged best promoted, by con-
centrating these forces at some point or
points from which, if any attempts
were made to enter the valley of the
Shenandoah from Richmond, I should
be able by rapid marches to interpose
between such force and the main body
of the enemy, and cut off its retreat.
I felt confident—and this confidence
was justified by subsequent results—
that no considerable force of the enemy
would attempt to enter the valley of the
Shenandoah while the forces under my
command were so posted as to be able
without difficulty to intercept its retreat
and fall upon its rear. I accordingly
sent orders to Major-General Sigel, com-
manding the First Corps, to move
forward from Middletown, cross the
Shenandoah at Front Royal, and pursu-
ing the west side of the Blue Ridge, to
take post at Sperryville by passing
through Luray Gap. At the same time
I directed Major-General Banks, cross-
ing the Shenandoah at the same point,
to move forward and take post between
six and ten miles east of Sperryville.
General McDowell was ordered to move
Ricketts' division of his corps from
Manassas Junction to Waterloo Bridge,
the point where the turnpike from War-
renton to Sperryville crosses the Upper
Rappahannock. King's division of the
same corps it was thought best to leave
at Fredericksburg, to cover the crossing
of the Rappahannock at that point, and
to protect the railroad there to Acquia
Creek and the public buildings which
had been erected at the latter place.
“While I yielded to this wish of the
War Department, the wide separation
384
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
of this division from the main body Of
the army, and the ease with which the
enemy would be able to interpose be-
tween them, engaged my earnest atten-
tion, and gave me very serious uneasi-
ness. While these movements were in
progress, commenced the series of bat-
tles which preceded and attended the
retreat of General McClellan from the
Chickahominy toward Harrison's Land-
ing. When first General McClellan
began to intimate by his dispatches that
he designed making this movement to-
ward James River, I suggested to the
President of the United States the im-
policy of such a movement, and the
serious consequences which would be
likely to result from it, and urged upon
him that he should send orders to Gen-
eral McClellan that if he were unable to
maintain his position on the Chickahom-
iny, and were pressed by superior forces
of the enemy, to mass his whole force
on the north side of that stream, even
at the risk of losing much material of
war, and endeavor to make his way in
the direction of Hanover Court House ;
but in no event to retreat with his army
farther to the south than the White
House, on York River. I stated to the
President that the retreat to James
River was carrying General McClellan
away from any reinforcements that
could possibly be sent him within a rea-
sonable time, and was absolutely depriv-
ing him of any substantial aid from the
forces under my command ; that by this
movement the whole army of the enemy
would be interposed between his army
and mine, and that they would then be
at liberty to strike in either direction as
they might consider it most advanta-
geous ; that this movement to James
River would leave entirely unprotected,
except in so far as the small force under
my command was able to protect it, the
whole region in front of Washington,
and that it would then, therefore, be
impossible to send any of the forces un-
der my command to reinforce General
McClellan, without rendering it certain
that the enemy, even in the worst case
for themselves, would have the privilege
and power of exchanging Richmond for
Washington city; that to them the loss
of Richmond would be trifling, while
the loss of Washington to us would be
conclusive, or nearly so, in its results
upon this war. I was so deeply im-
pressed with these views, that I repeat-
edly and earnestly urged them upon the
President and the Secretary of War.
“After General McClellan had taken
up his position at Harrison's Landing, I
addressed him a letter stating to him my
position and the distribution of the
troops under my command, and re-
Quested him in all earnestness and good
faith to write me fully and freely his
views, and to suggest to me any meas-
ures which he thought desirable to ena-
ble me to co-operate with him, or to ren-
der any assistance in my power in the
operations of the army under his com-
mand. I stated to him that I had no
object except to assist his operations,
and that I would undertake any labor
and run any risk for that purpose. I
therefore desired him to feel no hesita-º.
tion in communicating freely with me,
GENERAL POPE'S INEPORT.
as he might rest assured that every sug-
gestion that he would make would meet
all respect and consideration at my
hands, and that so far as it was in my
power to do so, I would carry out his
wishes with all energy, and with all the
means at my command.
“In reply to this commmunication I
received a letter from General McClellan,
very general in its terms, and proposing
nothing toward the accomplishment of
the purpose I had suggested to him. It
became apparent that, considering the
situation in which the Army of the
Potomac and the Army of Virginia were
placed in relation to each other, and the
absolute necessity of harmonious and
prompt co-operation between them, some
military superior, both of General Mc-
Clellan and myself, should be called to
Washington and placed in command of
all the operations in Virginia. In ac-
cordance with these views, Major-Gen-
eral Halleck was called to Washington
and placed in general command. Many
circumstances, which it is not necessary
here to set forth, induced me to express
to the President, to the Secretary of
War, and to General Halleck, my desire
to be relieved from the command of the
Army of Virginia, and to be returned
to the Western country. My services,
however, were considered necessary in
the projected campaign, and my wishes
were not complied with. I accordingly
took the field in Virginia with grave
forebodings of the result, but with a
determination to carry out the plans of
the Government with all the energy
and with all the ability of which I was
385
master. Previous to taking the field I
issued the following orders, which set
out very fully the policy which I consid-
ered advisable, and which, at the time,
received the sanction of the Government
and, so far as I know, the approval of
the country:
“The order requiring the troops to
subsist upon the country in which their
operations were conducted has, with a
wilful disregard of its terms, been con-
strued greatly to my discredit, as au-
thorizing indiscriminate robbery and
plunder. Yet the terms of this order are
so specific as to the manner and by
whom all property or subsistence needed
for the use of the army should be seized,
and the order is so common in the his-
tory of warfare, that I have been
amazed that it could have been so mis-
interpreted and misunderstood. It is
therefore submitted here for the calm
examination of the Government and of
the public. I believed then, and I be-
lieve now, that the policy there laid
down was wise and just, and was well
calculated to secure efficient and rapid
operations of the army, and in case of
reverse to leave the enemy without the
means of subsisting in the country over
which our army had passed, and over
which any pursuit must be conducted.
“The long delay and embarrassment
of the army under General Lee, in its
subsequent movements toward Washing-
ton, occasioned largely by the want of
supplies taken from the country under
this order, fully justified its wisdom.
“It was determined, before I left
Washington, to take the field in Virginia,
386
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
that the union of the armies of Virginia
and of the Potomac was absolutely es-
sential both to the safety of the na-
tional capital and to the further success-
ful prosecution of the operations against
Richmond. The mission of the army
under my command, therefore, was to
cover, as far as possible, the front of
: Washington, and make secure the valley
of the Shenandoah, and so operate upon
the enemy's lines of communication to
the west and north-west as to force him
to make such heavy detachments from
his main force at Richmond as would
enable the Army of the Potomac to
withdraw from its position at Harrison's
Landing, and to take shipping for AC-
quia Creek or for Alexandria; and if, as
was feared, the enemy should throw his
whole force in the direction of Washing-
ton, it became my duty to resist his
advance at all hazards, and so to delay
and embarrass his movements as to gain
all the time possible for the arrival of
the Army of the Potomac behind the
Rappahannock. Meantime, before the
arrival of General Halleck, I instructed
General King, at Fredericksburg, to
send forward detachments of his cavalry
to operate upon the line of the Virginia
Central Railroad, and as far as possible
to embarrass and destroy communication
between Richmond and the valley of the
Shenandoah. Several cavalry expedi-
tions which that officer dispatched for
the purpose were completely successful,
and succeeded in breaking up the rail-
road at several points upon several oc-
casions. At the same time I directed
Major-General Banks to send forward
an infantry brigade, with all his cavalry,
to march rapidly upon Culpepper Court
House, and after taking possession of
that place, to push forward cavalry to-
ward the Rapidan, in the direction of
Gordonsville. On the 14th of July,
after this movement was successfully
accomplished, I directed General Banks
to push forward, during the night of
that day, the whole of his cavalry force
under Brigadier-General Hatch, from
Culpepper, with orders to take posses-
sion of Gordonsville, and to destroy the
railroad for ten or fifteen miles east of
that place with a portion of his force,
while all remaining pushed forward in
the direction of Charlottesville, destroy-
ing the railroad bridges and interrupting
that line of communication as far as prac-
ticable. -
“At that time there was no force
of the enemy at Gordonsville or in
the vicinity, and the whole operation
as ordered was not only easily practi-
cable, but would have been attended
With serious consequences to the enemy;
but to my surprise and dissatisfaction
I received, on the 17th of July, from
General Banks, a report that General
Hatch had taken with him infantry,
artillery, and trains of wagons, and
that in consequence of bad roads he had,
at that date, only succeeded in going as
far as Madison Court House.
“Meantime, on the 16th of July,
the advance of Jackson's forces under
Ewell had reached Gordonsville, and
the proposed movement, as ordered, be-
came impracticable. No satisfactory
explanation has ever been made to me
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
387
of this departure from my orders on the
part of General Hatch. Finding it no
longer practicable to occupy Gordons-
ville as I had designed, I sent orders to
General Banks to direct General Hatch
to select from his own cavalry and that
of General McDowell, which I had sent
forward, fifteen hundred to two thousand
of the best mounted men, and to proceed
from Madison Court House around the
west side of the Blue Ridge, to a point
whence he could make an easy descent
upon the railroad west of Gordonsville,
and if successful to push forward to
Charlottesville and, if possible, destroy
the railroad between that place and
Lynchburg. In compliance with this
order, General Hatch commenced to
make the movement as directed, but
abandoned it very soon after he started,
and returned by the way of Sperryville
to his post. As soon as I had received
the report of this second failure I re-
lieved General Hatch from the command
of the cavalry of General Banks' corps,
and sent Brigadier-General Buford to
report to General Banks as the chief of
cavalry of his corps. On the 29th of
July I left Washington, and after re-
viewing Ricketts' division, of McDow-
eli's corps, at Waterloo Bridge, repaired
to the headquarters of General Banks,
a few miles south-east of Little Wash-
ington. All preparations having been
completed, I instructed General Banks to
move forward on the 7th of August,
and take post at the point where the
turnpike from Sperryville to Culpepper
crosses Hazel River. General McDow-
ell was ordered on the day previous to
move forward with Ricketts' division
from Waterloo Bridge to Culpepper
Court House, so that on the 7th of
August all the infantry and artillery
forces of the Army of Virginia were
assembled along the turnpike from
Sperryville to Culpepper, and numbered
about 28,000 men.
“King's division, as I have before
stated, was left on the Lower Rappa-
hannock, opposite Fredericksburg, and
was not then available for active opera-
tions in the direction of Gordonsville.
The cavalry forces covering the front of
the army on that day were distributed
as follows: General Buford, with five
regiments, was posted at Madison Court
House, with his pickets along the line
of the Rapidan, from Burnett's Ford, as
far west as the Blue Ridge. General
Sigel had been directed to post a brigade
of infantry and a battery of artillery at
the point where the road from Madison
Court House to Sperryville crosses Rob-
ertson's River, as a support to the cav-
alry of General Buford, in front of him.
General Bayard, with four regiments of
cavalry, was posted near Rapidan Sta-
tion, the point where the Orange and
Alexandria road crosses the Rapidan
River, with his pickets extended as far
to the east as Racoon Ford, and con-
necting with General Buford on his right
at Burnett's Ford.
“IFrom Racoon Ford to the forks of
the Rappahannock, above Falmouth,
the Rapidan was lined with cavalry
pickets. On the top of Thoroughfare
Mountain, about half-way between Gen-
erals Bayard and Buford, was estab-
388
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
lished a signal station, which overlooked
the whole country as far south as
Orange Court House. -
“On the 7th I proceeded to Sperry-
ville, and inspected the corps of Major-
General Sigel. I remained at Sperry-
ville until four o’clock in the afternoon
of that day, during which time I re-
ceived several reports from the front
that the enemy were crossing the Rapi-
dan at several points between the rail-
road crossing of that river and Liberty
Mills. w -
“I reached Culpepper Court House
on the morning of the 8th of August.
The town had been occupied for several
days by Crawford's brigade, of General
Banks' corps, and on the 7th, Ricketts'
division, of McDowell's corps, had also
reached there, from Waterloo Bridge.
During the whole of the morning of the
8th I continued to receive reports from
General Bayard, who was slowly falling
back in the direction of Culpepper
Court House, from the advance of the
enemy, and from General Buford, who
also reported the enemy advancing in
heavy force upon Madison Court House.
My instructions required me to be care-
ful, and keep my communications good
with Fredericksburg, and by no means
to permit the enemy to interpose be-
tween me and that place. Although
during the whole of the 8th of August
it was very doubtful, from the reports of
Generals Bayard and Buford, whether
the enemy's movement was in the direc-
tion of Madison Court House or of Cul-
pepper, I considered it advisable, in
view of my relations with Fredericks-
burg, to concentrate my whole force in
the direction of Culpepper, so as to
keep myself constantly interposed be-
tween the main body of the enemy and
the lower fords of the Rappahannock.
Early in the day I pushed forward Craw-
ford's brigade, of Banks' corps, in the
direction of Cedar or Slaughter Moun-
tain, to support General Bayard, who
was falling slowly back in that direction,
and to assist him as far as practicable in
determining the movements and the
forces of the enemy.
“I sent orders also to General Banks
to move forward promptly from Hazel
River to Culpepper Court House, and
also to General Sigel to march at once
from Sperryville to the same place. To
my surprise, I received, after night on
the 8th, a note from General Sigel,
dated at Sperryville, at half-past six
o'clock that afternoon, asking me by
what road he should march to Culpep-
per Court House. As there was but
one road between those two points, and
that a broad stone turnpike, I was at a
loss to understand how General Sigel
could entertain any doubts as to the
road by which he should march. This
doubt, however, delayed the arrival of
his corps at Culpepper Court House
several hours, and rendered it impracti.
cable for that corps to be pushed to the
front, as I had designed, on the after-
noon of the next day.
“Early on the morning of the 9th of
August I directed General Banks to
move forward toward Cedar Mountain
with his whole corps, and to join the
brigade of that corps under General
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
389
Crawford, which had been pushed for-
ward on the day previous. I directed
General Banks to take up a strong posi-
tion at or near the point occupied by
that brigade, to check the advance of
the enemy, and to determine his forces
and the character of his movements as
far as practicable.
“The consolidated report of General
Banks' corps, received some days previ-
ously, exhibited an effective force of
something over 14,000 men. Appended
to this report will be found the return
in question. It appeared subsequently,
however, that General Banks' forces at
that time did not exceed 8,000 men.
But, although I several times called
General Banks' attention to the discrep-
ancy between this return and the force he
afterward stated to me he had led to the
front, that discrepancy has never been
explained, and I do not yet understand
how General Banks could have been so
greatly mistaken as to the forces under
his immediate command.
“I directed him, when he went for-
ward from Culpepper Court House, that
if the enemy advanced to attack him in
the strong position which I had in-
structed him to take up, that he should
push his skirmishers well to the front,
and notify me immediately. Three
miles in his rear, and within easy sup-
porting distance, Ricketts' division of
McDowell's corps had been posted at
the point where the road from Madison
Jourt House to Culpepper intersects the
road from Culpepper to Cedar Mountain.
This division was so posted because it
was not certain whether a considerable
force of the enemy was not advancing
on Culpepper from the direction of
Madison Court House, General Buford
having reported to me very early on the
morning of the 9th from Madison Court
House that the enemy was in heavy
force on his right, his left, and partly on
his rear, and that he was retreating in
the direction of Sperryville.
“Desultory artillery firing had been
kept up all day on the 9th, in the direc-
tion of General Banks' corps, but I con-
tinued to receive, during the whole of
that day, reports from General Banks
that no considerable force of the enemy
had come forward, and that his cavalry
had been Ostentatiously displayed. He
did not believe that the enemy were in
sufficient force to make any attack upon
him. As late as five o'clock in the af-
ternoon General Banks wrote me sub-
stantially to the same effect; but be-
fore I had received this last note, the
artillery firing had become so rapid and
continuous that I feared a general en-
gagement was going on, or might be
brought on at any moment. I therefore
instructed General McDowell to move
forward Ricketts' division rapidly to the
field, and accompanied that division my-
self. At no time during the day did
General Banks express any apprehen-
sions of attack in force by the enemy,
nor did he ask, nor intimate that he
needed reinforcements.
“General Sigel's corps began to
march into Culpepper Court House late
in the afternoon, and just as I was leav-
ing that place, having been delayed sev-
eral hours by General Sigel's singular
132
390
TIHE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
uncertainty as to what road he ought to
pursue. I had given orders a number
of days previously that all the troops
belonging to the Army of Virginia
should be ready to march at the shortest
notice, and should habitually keep two
days' cooked rations in their haversacks.
Notwithstanding this order, General Si-
gel's corps arrived in Culpepper with-
out any rations, and was unable to move
forward until provisions could be pro-
cured from McDowell's train, and cook-
ed at Culpepper Court House.
“I have received no report from Gen-
eral Banks of his operations at Cedar
Mountain, but I had sent forward
Brigadier-General Roberts, chief of
cavalry of my staff, and had directed
him to report to General Banks in the
early part of the day of the 9th, and to
advise freely with him as to the opera-
tions of his corps. General Roberts as
well as General Banks was fully ad-
vised of my wishes, and that I desired
General Banks merely to keep the en-
emy in check, by Occupying a strong
position in his front, until the whole of
the disposable force of my command
should be concentrated in the neighbor-
hood. General Roberts reported to me
that he had conferred freely with Gen-
eral Banks, and urgently represented to
him my purposes, but that General
Banks, contrary to his suggestions and
to my wishes, had left the strong posi-
tion which he had taken up, and had
advanced two miles to assault the enemy,
believing that they were not in consid-
erable force, and that he would be able
to crush their advance before their main
body could come up from the direction
of the Rapidan. He accordingly threw
forward his whole corps into action
against Superior forces of the enemy
strongly posted, and sheltered by woods
and ridges. His advance led him over
the open ground, which was everywhere
swept by the fire of the enemy, con-
cealed in the woods and ravines beyond.
Notwithstanding these disadvantages,
his corps gallantly responded to his or-
ders, and assaulted the enemy with
great fury and determination. The
action lasted about an hour and a half,
and during that time our forces suffered
heavy loss, and were gradually driven
back to their former position, at which
point, just at dusk, Ricketts' division of
McDowell's corps came up and joined
in the engagement.
“As soon as I arrived on the field, at
the head of Ricketts' division, I di-
rected General Banks to draw in his
right, which was much extended, and to
mass the whole of his right wing at the
centre of his line, pushing forward at
the same time Ricketts' division to oc-
cupy the ground thus vacated. The en-
emy followed Banks as he retired, with
great caution, and emerging from the
woods which had sheltered him all day,
attempted to push forward to the open
ground in front of our new line. A
sharp artillery engagement immediately
commenced, when the enemy were driven
back to the woods, principally by the
batteries of Ricketts' division. The ar-
tillery firing was kept up until near
midnight of the 9th.
“Finding that Banks' corps had been
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
391.
severely cut up, and was much fatigued,
I drew it back to the rear, and pushed
forward the corps of Sigel, which had
begun to arrive, to occupy the woods
on the left of the road, with a wide
Space of open ground in his front.
Ricketts' division was also drawn back
to the cover of the woods, and behind
the ridges, in the open ground on the
right of Sigel.
“These dispositions were completed
about daybreak on the morning of the
10th. Banks' corps, reduced to about
5,000 men, was so cut up and worn
down with fatigue that I did not con-
sider it capable of rendering any effi-
cient service for several days. I there-
fore directed General Banks, or, in his
absence, General Williams, who suc-
ceeded to the command, to assemble his
corps on the road to Culpepper Court
House, and about two miles in the rear
of our front, to collect his stragglers,
send back his wounded to Culpepper
Court House, and proceed as rapidly
as possible to put the corps in condition
for service. In consequence of the vig-
orous resistance of the night previous,
and the severe loss of the enemy in at-
tempting to advance before daylight of
the 10th, Jackson drew back his forces
toward Cedar Mountain, about two miles
from our front. Our pickets were im-
mediately pushed forward, supported by
Milroy's brigade, and occupied the
ground. - -
“The day of the 18th was intensely
hot, and the troops on both sides were
too much fatigued to renew the action.
My whole effective force on that day,
exclusive of General Banks' corps,
which was in no condition for service,
was about 20,000 artillery and infantry,
and about 2,000 cavalry, General Bu-
ford, with the cavalry force under his
command, not yet having been able to
join the main body.
“I had telegraphed General King, at
Fredericksburg, to move forward on the
8th, by the lower fords of the Rappa-
hannock and Stevensburg, to join me.
A large part of his command had just
returned from a very fatiguing expedi-
tion against the Central Railroad, but
he marched forward promptly and
joined the main body late in the even-
ing of the 11th. The whole day was
spent by both armies in burying the
dead and in bringing off the wounded.
“Although, even after King joined
me, my whole effective force was barely
equal to that of the enemy, I deter-
mined, after giving King's division one
night's rest, to fall upon him at day-
light on the 12th, on his line of commu-
nication, and compel him to fight a bat-
tie, which must have been entirely de-
cisive for one army or the other. But
during the night of the 11th Jackson
evacuated the position in front of us,
and retreated rapidly across the Rapi-
dan, in the direction of Gordonsville,
leaving many of his dead and wounded
on the field and along the road from
Cedar Mountain to Orange Court House.
No material of war nor baggage trains
were lost on either side, but the loss of
life on both sides was severe. Briga-
dier-Generals Geary, Augur, and Car-
roll were badly wounded, and Brigadier-
392
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
General Prince was captured by accident.
Very many of our best field and com-
pany officers were killed or wounded.
“From the verbal reports and state-
ments of General Banks and others, the
Massachusetts regiments behaved with
especial gallantry, and sustained the
heaviest losses; but the conduct of the
whole corps of General Banks was be-
yond all praise. t -
“Our killed, wounded, and prisoners
amounted to about 1,800 men, besides
which fully 1,000 men straggled back to
Culpepper Court House and beyond,
and never entirely returned to their
commands.
“A strong cavalry force, under Gen-
erals Buford and Bayard, pursued the
enemy to the Rapidan, and captured
many stragglers.
“The cavalry forces immediately re-
sumed their original positions, and again
occupied the Rapidan from Racoon Ford
to the base of the Blue Ridge. On the
14th of August General Reno, with
8,000 men of the forces which had ar-
rived at Falmouth, under General
Burnside, joined me. I immediately
pushed forward my whole force in the
direction of the Rapidan, and occupied
a strong position with my right, under
Major-General Sigel, resting on Robert-
son's River, where the road from Cedar
Mountain to Orange Court House cross-
es that stream. My centre, under Gen-
eral McDowell, occupied both flanks of
Cedar Mountain, and my left, under
General Reno, a position near Racoon
Ford, and covering the road from that
ford to Stevensburg and Culpepper. I
began again, immediately, to operate
with my cavalry upon the enemy's com-
munications with Richmond. From the
12th to the 18th of August, reports
were constantly reaching me of large
forces of the enemy reinforcing Jackson
from the direction of Richmond, and by
the morning of the 18th I became satis-
fied that nearly the whole force of the
enemy from Richmond was assembling
in my front, along the south side of the
Rapidan, and extending from Racoon
Ford to Liberty Mills. The cavalry ex-
pedition sent out on the 16th in the di-
rection of Louisa Court House captured
the adjutant-general of General Stuart,
and was very near capturing that officer
himself. Among the papers taken was
an autograph letter of General Robert
Lee to General Stuart, dated Gordons-
ville, August 15th, which made manifest
to me the position and force of the en-
emy, and their determination to over-
whelm the army under my command
before it could be reinforced by any
portion of the Army of the Potomac. I
held on to my position thus far to the
front for the purpose of affording all the
time possible for the arrival of the
Army of the Potomac at Acquia and
Alexandria, and to embarrass and delay
the movements of the enemy as far as
practicable.
“On the 18th of August it became
apparent to me that this advanced posi-
tion, with the small force under my
command, was no longer tenable in the
face of the overwhelming force of the
enemy. I determined, accordingly, to
withdraw behind the Rappahannock
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
393
with all speed, and, as I had been in-
structed, to defend, as far as practicable,
the line of that river. I accordingly
directed Major-General Reno to send
back his trains on the morning of the
18th, by the way of Stevensburg, to
Kelly's or Barnett's Ford, and as soon
as the trains had gotten several hours
in advance, to follow them with his
whole corps, and take post behind
the Rappahannock, leaving all his cav-
alry in the neighborhood of Racoon
Ford to cover this movement. -
“General Banks' corps, which had
been ordered on the 12th to take posi-
tion at Culpepper Court House, I di-
rected, with its trains preceding it, to
cross the Rappahannock at the point
where the Orange and Alexandria Rail-
road crosses that river. General Mc-
Dowell's train was ordered to pursue
the same route, while the train of Gen-
eral Sigel was directed through Jeffer-
son to cross the Rappahannock at War-
renton, Sulphur Springs. So soon as
these trains had been sufficiently ad-
vanced, McDowell's corps was directed
to take the route from Culpepper to
Rappahannock Ford, while General Si-
gel, who was on the right and front, was
directed to follow the movement of this
train to Sulphur Springs.
“These movements were executed
during the day and night of the 18th,
and the day of the 19th, by which time
the whole army, with its trains, had
safely recrossed the Rappahannock, and
was posted behind that stream, with its
left at Kelly's Ford and its right about
three miles above Rappahannock Sta-
tion, General Sigel having been directed
immediately upon crossing at Sulphur
Springs to march down the left bank of
the Rappahannock until he connected
closely with General McDowell's right.
“Early on the morning of the 20th,
the enemy drove in our pickets in front
of Kelly's Ford and at Rappahannock
Station ; but finding that we had cov-
ered these fords, and that it would be
impracticable to force the passage of the
river without heavy loss, his advance
halted, and the main body of his army
was brought forward from the Rapidan
By the night of the 20th, the bulk of
his forces confronted us from Kelly's
Ford to a point above our extreme
right.
“During the whole of the days of the
21st and 22d, efforts were made by the
enemy, at various points, to cross the
river, but they were repulsed in all
cases. The artillery fire was rapid and
continuous during the whole of those
days, and extended along the line of the
river for seven or eight miles.
“Finding that it was not practicable
to force the passage of the river in my
front, the enemy began slowly to move
up the river for the purpose of turning
our right.
“My orders required me to keep
myself closely in communication with
Fredericksburg, to which point the Army
of the Potomac was being brought from
the Peninsula, with the purpose of rein-
forcing me from that place by the line
of the Rappahannock. My force was
too small to enable me to extend my
right farther, without so weakening my
394
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
—º
line as to render it easy for the enemy
to break through it at any point. I tel-
egraphed again and again to Washing-
ton, representing this movement of the
enemy toward my right, and the impos-
sibility of my being able to extend my
lines so as to resist it without aban-
doning my connection with Fredericks-
burg. I was assured on the 21st that
if I would hold the line of the river
two days longer, I should be so strongly
reinforced as not only to be secure, but
to be able to resume offensive opera-
tions. But on the 25th of August, the
only forces that had joined me, or were
in the neighborhood, were 2,500 men
of the Pennsylvania Reserves, under
Brigadier-General Reynolds, who had
arrived at Kelly's Ford, and the division
of General Kearney, 4,500 strong, which
had reached Warrenton Junction. *
“The line of the Rappahannock is
very weak, and scarce opposes any con-
siderable obstacle to the advance of an
army. It is but a small stream above
the forks, and can be crossed by good
fords every mile or two of its whole
length.
“The movement of the enemy to-
ward my right occasioned me much un-
easiness, in consequence of the instruc-
tions which bound me to keep in close
communication with Fredericksburg;
but I instructed General Sigel, who oc-
cupied the right of my line, and who
expressed great apprehensions that his
flank would be turned, and proposed to
withdraw from his position toward the
railroad, to stand firm and hold his
ground, and to allow the enemy to cross
at Sulphur Springs and develop himself
on the road toward Warrenton—that as
soon as any considerable force had
crossed at that place, I would rapidly
mass my army during the night and
throw it upon any force of the enemy
which attempted to march in the direc-
tion of Warrenton. -
“The whole of the cavalry, under
Brigadier-Generals Buford and Bayard,
was pushed considerably to the right of
General Sigel, in the direction of Fay-
etteville and Sulphur Springs, to watch
the movements of the enemy in that di-
rection, and to picket the river as far up
as possible. General Sigel was ordered,
if any force of the enemy attempted to
cross below Sulphur Springs, to march
at once against it, and to notify me, as
I was determined to resist the passage
of the river at any point below the
Springs.
“Finding that the continued move-
ment of the enemy to my right, while
heavy masses of his force still confront-
ed me at Rappahannock Station, would
within a day, if allowed to continue;
either render my position on the Rap-
pahannock wholly untenable, or force
me to give battle to the enemy in my
front and on my right, I determined
on the afternoon of the 22d to mass my
whole force, to recross the Rappahan-
nock by the bridges and fords near Rap-
pahannock Station, and by Kelly's Ford
below, and to fall on the flank and rear
of the long column of the enemy which
was passing up the river toward our
right. I accordingly made the neces-
sary orders on the night of the 226 of
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
395
August. The attempt would have been
dangerous, but no course was left me
except to make this attack, to retire to
Warrenton Junction, and to abandon
the line of the Rappahannock, or to re-
tire in the direction of Fredericksburg
and abandon the Orange and Alexandria
Railroad and the direct approaches to
Washington city. I determined, there-
fore, to hazard the result, and to fall fu-
riously with my whole army upon the
flank and rear of the enemy. During
the night of the 22d a heavy rain set in,
which before day dawned on the 23d
had caused the river to rise six or eight
feet, carried away all our bridges, and
destroyed all the fords on the river.
“To recross the Rappahannock, and
to make the attack as proposed, was no
longer practicable ; but the rise in the
river which had prevented this move-
ment, I believed would also prevent the
retreat of that portion of the enemy
which had crossed at Sulphur Springs
and Waterloo Bridge, according to the
reports which had been sent me by Gen-
eral Sigel.
“Early on the morning of the 23d,
therefore, I massed my whole force in
the neighborhood of Rappahannock Sta-
tion, with the purpose of falling upon
that portion of the enemy which had
crossed above me, and was then Sup-
posed to be between Sulphur Springs,
Waterloo Bridge, and the town of War-
renton. As the river was too high to
be crossed, and was likely to remain SO
for at least thirty-six hours, I had no
fear that the enemy would be able to
interpose between me and Fredericks-
burg, or to make any attempt upon the
Orange and Alexandria Railroad north
of the Rappahannock. I directed Gen-
eral Sigel to march with his whole corps
upon Sulphur Springs, supported by
Reno's corps and Banks' corps, to fall
upon any body of the enemy that he
might encounter, and to push forward
along the river to Waterloo Bridge. I
directed General McDowell to move at
the same time directly upon the town
of Warrenton, so that from that point
he would be able, if necessary, to unite
with General Sigel on the road from
that place to Sulphur Springs, or to
Waterloo Bridge. To the corps of Gen-
eral McDowell I had attached the Penn-
sylvania Reserves, under Brigadier-Gen-
eral Reynolds, the first of the Army of
the Potomac which had joined my com-
mand. -
“On the night of the 22d of August
a small cavalry force of the enemy, cross-
ing at Waterloo Bridge and passing
through Warrenton, had made a raid
upon our trains at Catlett's Station, and
had destroyed four or five wagons in all,
belonging to the train of my own head-
quarters. At the time this cavalry force
attacked at Catlett's—and it certainly
was not more than 300 strong -- our
whole army trains were parked at that
place, and were guarded by not less than
1,500 infantry and five companies of
cavalry. The success of this small cav.
alry party of the enemy, although very
trifling, and attended with but little
damage, was most disgraceful to the
force which had been left in charge of
the trains. General Sigel moved, as or-
396
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
dered, slowly up the Rappahannock in
the direction of Sulphur Springs on the
23d, and first encountered a force of the
enemy near the point where a small
creek called “Great Run” puts into the
Rappahannock, about two miles below
• the Sulphur Springs. The enemy was
driven across the stream, but destroyed
the bridges. The heavy rains had caus-
ed this small creek to rise so much that
it was not then fordable, so that the
night of the 23d and part of the morn-
ing of the 24th were spent by General
Sigel in rebuilding the bridges. On the
night of the 23d also, the advance of
McDowell's corps occupied Warrenton,
a cavalry force of the enemy having re-
treated from there a few hours before.
On the morning of the 24th General
Sigel, supported by Generals Reno and
Banks, crossed Great Run and occupied
the Sulphur Springs, under a heavy fire
of artillery from batteries which the
enemy had established all along the
south side of the Rappahannock. The
bridge which had been built at Sulphur
Springs, and upon which the forces of
the enemy which had crossed a day or
two previous escaped from the advance
of General Sigel, was destroyed, and
General Sigel pushed forward, with the
force supporting him, in the direction
of Waterloo Bridge. -
“Meantime, I had dispatched Brig-
adier-General Buford with a heavy cav-
alry force from Warrenton on the morn-
ing of the 24th, to reconnoitre the coun-
try in the vicinity of Waterloo Bridge,
and to interrupt the passage of the river
at that point as far as possible. It was
then believed by General Sigel, who so
reported to me, that a considerable force
of the enemy was on the north side of
the Rappahannock, and was retiring
from his advance in the direction of
Waterloo Bridge. By noon of the 24th
General Buford reported to me that he
had occupied Waterloo Bridge, without
finding any force of the enemy, and he
did not believe that there was any force
between that place and Sulphur Springs,
I directed him to destroy the bridge at
Waterloo, and to maintain his position
until the arrival of the advance of Gen-
eral Sigel. I at once informed General
Sigel of these facts, and directed him
to push forward his advance to Water-
loo. Milroy's brigade, constituting the
advance of his corps, reached Waterloo
late in the afternoon of the 24th. On
that afternoon the whole force of the
enemy was stretched along the line of
the river, from the Rappahannock Sta-
tion to Waterloo Bridge, with his centre,
and I think his main body, in the vi-
cinity of Sulphur Springs. During the
day of the 24th a large detachment of
the enemy, numbering thirty-six regi-
ments of infantry, with the usual num-
ber of batteries of artillery and a con-
siderable cavalry force, marched rapidly
toward the north, in the direction of
Rectortown. They could be plainly seen
from our signal stations, established on
high points along the Rappahannock ;
and their movements and force were
reported to me from time to time by
Colonel J. S. Clark, of General Banks'
staff—who, both on that day, and for
many preceding and succeeding days,
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
gave me most valuable and reliable in-
formation. I am glad to express here
my appreciation of the valuable services
of this officer. On the night of the 24th
my forces were distributed as follows:
Ricketts' division, of McDowell's corps,
on the road from Warrenton to Water-
loo Bridge, and about four miles east
of Waterloo; King's division, of the
same corps, between Warrenton and the
Sulphur Springs; Sigel's corps near the
Rappahannock, with his advance at Wa-
terloo Bridge and his rear in the direc-
tion of the Sulphur Springs. In his
rear, and immediately in contact with
him, was Banks' corps; while Reno's
corps was east, and very near the Sul-
phur Springs.
“I was satisfied that no force of the
enemy was on the north side of the Rap-
pahannock; but I feared that during the
next day — by which time the river
would have fallen sufficiently to be pass-
ed at any of the fords—the enemy would
make an attempt to cross at Rappahan-
nock Station, or at the fords between
that point and Sulphur Springs. Yet
—as we were confronted at Waterloo
Bridge and Sulphur Springs by the main
body of the enemy, still moving toward
our right, and as the heavy column men-
tioned previously was marching with all
speed in the direction of White Plains
and Salem, and from those points would
be able to turn our right by the direc-
tion of Thoroughfare Gap, or even north
of that place—it was with the greatest
reluctance, and only because I felt bound
to do so under my instructions, that I
took measures again to assume my com-
397
munications with Fredericksburg. I ap-
pend herewith orders and dispatches sent
and received during the 23d and 24th
of August, which will of themselves fur-
nish a succinct account of the movements
here set forth, and all the information and
assurances upon which those movements
were made. On the 23d I received a
dispatch from the General-in-Chief In-
forming me that heavy reinforcements
would begin to arrive at Warrenton
Junction the succeeding day; and on
the 24th I received dispatches from Col-
onel Haupt, the railroad superintendent
at Alexandria, who informed me that
30,000 men, ordered forward to join
me, had demanded transportation from
him, and that they would all be shipped
that afternoon or early the next morn-
ing. The force which I thus expected
Was, as reported to me, to consist of
the division of General Sturgis, 10,000
strong ; the division of General Cox,
7,000 strong; the corps of General
Heintzelman, 10,000 strong; and the
Corps of General Franklin, 10,000
strong.
“By the night of the 25th it became
apparent to me that I could no longer
keep open my communications with
Fredericksburg and oppose the crossing
of the Rappahannock, at Rappahannock
Station, without abandoning the road
from Warrenton to Washington, and
leaving open to the enemy the route
through Thoroughfare Gap, and all
other roads north of the Orange and
Alexandria Railroad. As the main
body of his force was constantly tending
in that direction, I determined no longer
133
398
THIE WAR WITII THE SOUTH.
to attempt to mask the lower fords of
the Rappahannock, but to assemble
such forces as I had along the Warren-
ton turnpike, between Warrenton and
Gainesville, and give battle to the enemy
on my right or left, as he might choose.
I therefore directed General McDowell
to occupy Warrenton with his own and
Sigel's corps, supporting him by Banks'
corps from the direction of Fayetteville.
“I pushed Reno forward to occupy a
point near the Warrenton turnpike, and
about three miles to the east of that
town. I sent orders to General Porter,
who had reported to me by note from
the neighborhood of Bealeton Station,
to push forward and join Reno. -
“Heintzelman's corps, which , had
reached Warrenton Junction, was or-
dered to remain for the present at that
point, it being my purpose to push for-
ward that corps, as soon as practicable,
to Greenwich, about half-way between
Warrenton and Gainesville. I sent or-
ders to Colonel Haupt to direct one of
the strongest divisions being sent for-
ward to take post in the works at Ma-
nassas Junction, and requested General
Halleck to push Franklin, with all speed,
to Gainesville—that he could march
quite as rapidly as he could be trans-
ported by rail, with the limited means
of railroad transportation in our posses-
sion, and that his baggage and supplies
could be sent forward to Gainesville by
rail.
“I also sent orders to the colonel
commanding at Manassas Junction for
the first division that reached there from
Alexandria to halt and take post in the
works at that place, and directed him to
push forward all his cavalry in the di-
rection of Thoroughfare Gap, to watch
any movements the enemy might make
from that direction.
“I had instructed General Sturgis,
commanding at Alexandria, on the 22d
of August, to post strong guards along
the railroad from Manassas Junction to
Catlett's Station, and requested him to
superintend this in person. I also di-
rected General Kearney, who reached
Warrenton Junction on the 23d, to see
that sufficient guards were placed all
along the railroad in his rear. After
these precautions and assurances, I had
thought, and confidently expected, that
by the afternoon of the 26th, Franklin
would have been at or near Gainesville.
One division would have been occupying
the works at Manassas Junction, and
that the forces under Sturgis and Cox
would have been at Warrenton Junction,
whence they could have been at once
pushed north in the direction of War-
renton turnpike. -
“The orders for the disposition of the
forces then under my command were
sent, and the movements made, so far
as practicable, during the day of the
26th. About eight o'clock at night, on
the 26th, the advance of Jackson's
force, having passed through Thorough-
fare Gap, cut the railroad in the neigh-
borhood of Kettle Run, about six miles
east of Warrenton Junction.
“The cavalry force which I had sent
forward toward Thoroughfare Gap on
the morning of the 26th, made no report
to me. The moment our communica
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
399
tions were interrupted at Kettle Run, I
was satisfied that the troops which had
been promised me from the direction of
Washington had made no considerable
progress. Had Franklin been even at
Centreville on the 26th, or had Cox and
Sturgis been as far west as Bull Run on
that day, the movement of Jackson
through Thoroughfare Gap upon the
railroad at Manassas would have been
utterly impracticable. So confidently
did I expect, from the assurance which
I had time and again received, that
these troops would be in position, or, at
all events, far advanced toward me,
that Jackson's movement toward White
Plains, and in the direction of Thorough-
fare Gap, had caused but little uneasi-
ness; but on the night of the 26th it
was very apparent to me that all these
expected reinforcements had utterly fail-
ed me, and that upon the small force un-
der my own immediate command I must
depend alone for any present operations
against the enemy. It was easy for me
to retire in the direction of the lower
fords of the Rappahannock to Freder-
icksburg, so as to bring me in immedi-
ate contact with the forces there or
arriving there; but by so doing I should
have left open the whole front of Wash-
ington, and after my own disappoint-
ment of the reinforcements which I had
expected, I was not sure that there was
any sufficient force, in the absence of
the army under my command, to cover
the capital. I determined, therefore,
at once to abandon the line of the Rap-
pahannock, and throw my whole force
in the direction of Gainesville and
Manassas Junction, to crush the enemy
who had passed through Thoroughfare
Gap, and to interpose between the army
of General Lee and Bull Run.
“During the night of the 26th the
main body of the enemy still occupied
their positions from Sulphur Springs to
Waterloo Bridge and above ; but to-
ward morning on, the 27th, I think their
advance moved off in the direction of
White Plains, pursuing the route previ-
ously taken by Jackson, and, no doubt,
with a view of uniting with him east-
ward of the Bull Run range. -
“From the 18th of August to the
morning of the 27th, the troops under
my command had been continuously
marching and fighting, night and day,
and during the whole of that time there
was scarcely an interval of an hour
without the roar of artillery. The men
had had little sleep, were greatly worn
down with fatigue, had had little time
to get proper food or to eat it, had been
engaged in constant battles and skir-
mishes, and had performed services la-
borious, dangerous, and excessive, be-
yond any previous experience in this
country. As was to be expected under
such circumstances, the numbers of the
army under my command had been
greatly reduced by death, by wounds,
by sickness, and by fatigue, so that on
the morning of the 27th of August I
estimated my whole force (and I think
the estimation was large) as follows.
Sigel's corps, 9,000 men ; Banks' corps,
5,000 men ; McDowell's corps, includ-
ing Reynolds' division, 15,500 men ; Re-
no's corps, 7,000; the corps of Heint-
400
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Zelman and Porter (the freshest by far
in that army), about 18,000 men, making
in all 54,500 men. Our cavalry num-
bered, on paper, about 4,000 men; but
their horses were completely broken
down, and there were not 500 men, all
told, capable of doing such service as
should be expected from cavalry.
“The corps of Heintzelman had reach-
ed Warrenton Junction, but was with-
out wagons, without artillery, with only
forty rounds of ammunition to the man,
and without even horses for the general
and field officers. The corps of Porter
had also reached Warrenton Junction,
with a very small supply of provisions,
and but forty rounds of ammunition for
each man.
“On the morning of the 27th, in ac-
cordance with the purpose previously
set forth, I directed McDowell to move
forward rapidly on Gainesville, by the
Warrenton turnpike, with his own corps
and Sigel's, and the division of Rey-
molds, so as to reach that point during
the night. I directed General Reno,
with his corps, followed by Kearney's di-
vision, of Heintzelman's corps, to move
rapidly on Greenwich, so as to reach
there that night—to communicate at
once with General McDowell, and to
support him in any operations against
the enemy in the vicinity of Gainesville.
“I moved forward along the railroad
toward Manassas Junction, with Hook-
er's division, of Heintzelman's corps,
leaving orders for General Porter to
remain with his corps at Warrenton
Junction intil relieved by General
Banks, who was marching to that place |
from Fayetteville ; and as soon as he
was relieved, to push forward also in the
direction of Gainesville, where at that
time I expected that the main collision
with the enemy would occur.
“The army trains of all the corps I
instructed to take the road to Warrenton
Junction, and follow in the rear of
Hooker's division toward Manassas Junc-
tion, so that the road pursued by thé
train was entirely covered from any pos-
sible interruption by the enemy.
“On the afternoon of the 27th a
severe engagement occurred between
Hooker's division and Ewell's division
of Jackson's forces. The action com-
menced about four miles west of
Bristow Station. Ewell was driven
back along the railroad, but still con-
fronted Hooker at dark along the bank
of Broad Run, immediately in front of
Bristow Station, at which point I arrived
at sunset. The loss in this engagement
was about 300 killed and wounded on
each side, the enemy leaving his dead,
many of his wounded, and much of his
baggage on the field of battle.
“The railroad had been torn up, and
the bridges burned in several places be-
tween Bristow Station and Wal rentor,
Junction. I accordingly directed Major-
General Banks to cover the railroad
trains at Warrenton Junction until Gen-
eral Porter's corps had marched from
that place, and then to run back the
trains as far as practicable, and covering
them with his troops, to repair the
bridges as fast as possible.
“I also directed Captain Merrill, of .
the Engineers, with a considerable force,
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
401
to repair the railroad track and bridges
as far as possible in the direction of
Bristow Station. The road was accord-
ingly put in order from Warrenton Junc-
tion to Kettle Run during the 27th, and
the trains ran back to that point early
the next day. At dark on the 27th
General Hooker reported to me that his
ammunition was nearly exhausted, and
that he had but five rounds to a man
ieft.
“I had by that time become con-
vinced that the whole force under Jack-
son, consisting of his own, A. P. Hill's,
and Ewell's divisions, was south of the
turnpike, and in the immediate neigh-
borhood of Manassas Junction. Mc-
Dowell reached his position during the
night of the 27th, as did also Kearney
and Reno, and it was clear on that night
that he had interposed completely be-
tween Jackson and the main body of the
enemy, which was still west of the Bull
Run range, and in the neighborhood of
White Plains.
“Thinking it altogether likely that
Jackson would mass his whole force and
attempt to turn our right at Bristow Sta-
tion, and knowing that Hooker, for want
of ammunition, was in little condition to
make long resistance, I sent back orders
to General Porter, about dark of the
27th, to move forward at one o'clock in
the night, and report to me at Bristow
by daylight in the morning, leaving in-
structions in some detail for Banks, who
was expected at Warrenton Junction du-
ring that night or early in the morning.
“The orders for all these movements
are herewith appended. General Por-
ter failed utterly to obey the orders that
were sent to him, giving as an excuse
that his men were tired, that they would
straggle in the night, and that a wagon
train proceeding eastward in the rear of
Hooker's division would offer obstruc-
tions to his march. He, however, made
no attempt whatever to comply with
this order, although it was stated to him
in the order itself that his presence was
necessary, on all accounts, at daylight,
and that the officer delivering the dis-
patch was instructed to conduct him to
the field. -
“There were but two courses left
open to Jackson in consequence of this
sudden and unexpected movement of the
army. He could not retrace his steps
through Gainesville, as it was occupied
by McDowell, having in command a
force equal, if not superior, to his own.
He was either obliged, therefore, to re-
treat through Centreville, which would
carry him still farther from the main
body of Lee's army, or to mass his force,
assault us at Bristow Station, and turn
our right. He pursued the former
course and retired through Centreville.
This mistake of Jackson's alone saved us
from the serious consequences which
would have followed this disobedience
of orders on the part of General Porter.
“At nine o'clock on the night of the
27th, satisfied of Jackson's position, I
sent orders to General McDowell to push
forward, at the very earliest dawn of
day, toward Manassas Junction from
Gainesville, resting his right on the Ma-
massas Gap Railroad, and throwing his
left well to the east. I directed Gen-
402
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
eral Reno to march at the same hour
from Greenwich, direct upon Manassas
Junction, and Kearney to march at the
same hour upon Bristow. This latter
order was sent to Kearney, to render
my right at Bristow perfectly secure
against the probable movement of Jack-
son in that direction. Kearney arrived at
Bristow about eight o'clock in the morn-
ing, Reno being on his left, and march-
ing direct upon Manassas Junction. I
immediately pushed Kearney forward in
pursuit of Ewell, toward Manassas, fol-
lowed by Hooker.
“General Porter's corps did not ar-
rive at Bristow until half-past ten
o'clock in the morning, and the moment
he found that Jackson had evacuated
Manassas Junction, he requested per-
mission to halt at Bristow, and rest his
men. Sykes' division, of Porter's corps,
had spent the whole day of the 27th,
from ten o'clock in the morning until
daylight of the 28th, in camp at War-
renton Junction.
“Morrell's division, of the same corps,
had arrived at Warrenton Junction du-
ring the day of the 27th, and also re-
mained there during the whole of that
night. Porter's corps was by far the
freshest in the whole army, and should
have been, and I believe was, in better
condition for service than any troops
we had. General McDowell reported to
me afterward that he had given orders
for the movement of his command upon
Manassas Junction at two o'clock at
night, in accordance with the directions
I had sent him, but that General Sigel,
who commanded his advance, and was
at Gainesville, instead of moving for-
ward from Gainesville at daylight, as he
was ordered, was absolutely, with his
advance, in that town as late as half-
past seven o'clock in the morning.
Meantime, beginning about three o'clock
in the morning of the 28th, Jackson
commenced evacuating Manassas Junc-
tion, and his troops were marching from
that point in the direction of Centreville
until ten or eleven o'clock in the day.
“If the whole force under McDowell
had moved forward as directed, and at
the time specified, they would have in-
tercepted Jackson's retreat toward Cen-
treville by eight o'clock in the morning,
and I do not believe it would have been
possible for Jackson to have crossed
Bull Run, so closely engaged with our
forces, without heavy loss. * * * *
“I reached Manassas Junction, with
Kearney's division and Reno's corps,
about twelve o'clock in the day of the
28th, less than an hour after Jackson in
person had retired. I immediately
pushed forward Hooker, Kearney, and
Reno upon Centreville, and sent orders
to Fitz-John Porter to come forward to
Manassas Junction. I also wrote to Mc-
Dowell, and stated the facts so far as we
were then able to ascertain them, and
directed him to call back the whole of
his force that had come in the direction
of Manassas Junction, and to move for-
ward upon Centreville. He had, how-
ever, without my knowledge, detached
Ricketts' division in the direction of
Thoroughfare Gap, and that division
was no longer available in his movement
toward Centreville.
GENERAL POPE'S IREPORT.
403
“Late in the afternoon of the 28th,
Kearney drove the enemy's rear-guard
out of Centreville, and occupied that
town, with his advance beyond it, about
dark. The enemy retreated through
Centreville, one portion of his force tak-
ing the road by Sudley Springs, and the
other pursuing the Warrenton turnpike
toward Gainesville, destroying the bridges
On that road over Bull Run and Cub
Run–McDowell, with his whole force,
consisting of his own corps (except Rick-
etts' division), Sigel's corps, and the di-
vision of Reynolds, marching in the di-
rection of Centreville, encountered the
advance of Jackson's force retreating
toward Thoroughfare Gap, about six
o'clock on the evening of the 28th. A
severe action took place between King's
division, of McDowell's corps, and the
advance of Jackson, which was termin-
ated by darkness.
tained its ground.
“Gibbons' brigade, of King's divi-
sion, which was in the advance of that
division, sustained the brunt of the ac-
tion, but was supported handsomely by
Doubleday's brigade, which came into
action shortly after. This engagement
and its result were reported to me near
Centreville, about ten o'clock that night.
“I felt sure then, and so stated, that
there was no escape for Jackson. I ac-
cordingly sent orders to General Mc-
Dowell, as also to General King, several
times during the night of the 28th, and
Once by his own staff officer, to hold his
ground at all hazards, and prevent the
retreat of Jackson to the west, and
that at daylight in the morning our
Each party main-
whole force from Centreville and Ma-
nassas Junction would be up with the en-
emy, who must be crushed between us.
I also sent orders to General Kearney to
push forward at one o'clock that night,
cautiously from Centreville, along the
Warrenton turnpike, to drive in the
pickets of the enemy, and to keep
closely in contact with him during the
night; to rest his left on the Warrenton
turnpike, and throw his right well to
the north, if possible across Little River
turnpike ; at daylight in the morning
to assault vigorously with his right ad-
vance, and that Hooker and Reno would
be up with him very shortly after day-
dawn.
“I sent orders to General Porter,
whom I supposed to be at Manassas
Junction, where he should have been in
compliance with my orders of the day.
previous, to move upon Centreville at
the earliest dawn, and stated to him
the position of the forces, and that a se-
vere battle would undoubtedly be fought
during the morning of the 29th.
“The only apprehension I had at that
time was that Jackson might attempt to
retreat to the north, in the direction of
Leesburg, and for the purpose of pre-
venting this, I directed Kearney to keep
closely in contact with him during the
whole of the night of the 28th. My forces
were so disposed that McDowell, Sigel,
and Reynolds, whose joint forces
amounted to about 25,000 men, were
immediately west of Jackson, and be-
tween him and Thoroughfare Gap, while
Kearney, Hooker, Reno, and Porter,
about 25,000 strong, were to fall on the
404
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
enemy from the east, at daylight in the
morning, or very shortly after.
“With this disposition of troops we
were so far in advance of Longstreet,
that by using our whole force vigorously
we should be able to crush Jackson be-
fore Longstreet could by any possibility
reach the scene of action.
“To my great disappointment, how-
ever, I learned toward daylight, on the
morning of the 29th, that King's divi-
sion had fallen back in the direction of
Manassas Junction, thus leaving open
the road to Thoroughfare Gap, and mak-
ing new movements and dispositions of
troops immediately necessary.
* º * * * º *
“The disposition of the troops on the
west of Jackson having failed, through
Ricketts' movement toward Thorough-
fare Gap, and the consequent with-
drawal of King, an imminent change in
the disposition and proposed movements
of the troops for the succeeding day be-
came necessary, and about daylight on
the morning of the 29th, shortly after I
received information of the withdrawal
of King's division, I sent orders to Gen-
eral Sigel, who was in the neighborhood
of Groveton, supported by Reynolds'
division, to attack the enemy vigorously
as soon as it was light enough to see,
and bring him to a stand, if it were pos-
sible to do so. • -
“I instructed General Heintzelman to
push forward from Centreville toward
Gainesville at the earliest dawn, with
the divisions of Hooker and Kearney,
and directed General Reno to follow
closely in his rear, to use all speed, and
as soon as they came up with the en-
emy to establish communication with Si-
gel, and attack with the utmost prompt-
ness and vigor.
“I also sent orders to Major-General
Fitz-John Porter, at Manassas Junction,
to move forward with the utmost rapid-
ity, with his own corps, and King's divi-
sion, of McDowell's corps, which was sup-
posed to be at that point, upon Gaines-
ville, by the direct road from Manassas
Junction to that place. I urged him to
make all speed, that he might come up
with the enemy and be able to turn his
flank near where the Warrenton turn-
pike is intersected by the wood from
Manassas Junction to Gainesville. Short-
ly after sending this order I received a
note from General McDowell, whom I
had not been able to find during the
night of the 28th, dated at Manassas
Junction, requesting that King's division
might not be taken from his command.
I immediately sent a joint order to Gen-
erals McDowell and Porter, directing
them, with their two corps, to march
with all speed toward Gainesville, on
the direct road from Manassas Junction.
This order, which is appended, sets forth
in detail the movements they were di-
rected to make.
“Sigel attacked the enemy about
daylight on the morning of the 29th, a
mile or two east of Groveton, where he
was soon joined by the divisions of
Hooker and Kearney. Jackson fell
back several miles, but was so closely
pressed by these forces that he was com-
pelled to make a stand, and to make
the best defence possible. He accord-
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
405
ingly took up a position with his left in
the neighborhood of Sudley Springs,
his right a little to the south of War-
renton turnpike, and his line covered by
an old railroad grade which leads from
Gainesville in the direction of Leesburg.
His batteries, which were numerous, and
some of them of heavy calibre, were
posted behind the ridges in the open
ground on both sides of Warrenton
turnpike, while the mass of his troops
was sheltered in dense woods behind the
railroad embankments. -
“I arrived on the field from Centre-
ville about noon, and found the two armies
confronting each other, both consider-
ably cut up by the sharp action in which
they had been engaged since daylight in
the morning. Heintzelman's corps oc-
cupied the right of our line, in front or
west of the Sudley Springs road. Gen- |
eral Sigel was on his left, with his line
extended a short distance south of the
Warrenton turnpike, the division of
General Schenck occupying the high
ground to the left of that road. The
extreme left was occupied by General
Reynolds.
“General Reno's corps had reached
the field, and the most of it had been
pushed forward into action, leaving four
regiments in reserve, and in rear of the
centre of our line.
“Immediately after I reached the
ground, General Sigel reported to me
that his line was weak that the divi-
sions of Schurz and Steinwehr were
much cut up, and ought to be drawn
back from the front. I informed Gene-
'ial Sigel that this was utterly impossible,
as there were no troops to replace them,
and that he must hold his ground ; that
I would not again push his troops into
action, as the corps of Porter and Mc-
Dowell were moving forward from Ma-
nassas Junction, on the road to Gaines-
ville, and must very soon be in position
to fall upon the enemy's right flank, and
probably upon his rear. I rode to the
front of our line, and inspected it from
right to left, giving the same informa-
tion to Generals Heintzelman and Reno.
The troops were accordingly suffered to
rest in their positions, and to re-supply
themselves with ammunition.
“From twelve until four o'clock very
severe skirmishes occurred constantly at
various points on our line, and were
brought on at every indication the en-
emy made of a disposition to retreat.
“About two o'clock in the afternoon
several pieces of artillery were dis-
charged on the extreme right of the en-
emy's line, and I fully believed that Gen-
erals Porter and McDowell had reached
their positions, and had become engaged
with the enemy. I did not hear more
than three shots fired, and was at a loss
to know what had become of those two
corps, or what was delaying them ; but
I received information shortly afterward
that General McDowell was advancing
to join the main body by the Sudley
Springs road, and would probably be up
with us in two hours.
“At half-past four o'clock I sent a
peremptory order to General Porter to
push forward at once into action on the
enemy's right, and, if possible, to turn
his rear, stating to him generally the
134
406
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
condition of things on the field in frontº
of me. About half-past five o'clock,
when General Porter should have been
coming into action in compliance with
this order, I directed General Heintzel-
man and Reno to attack the enemy.
The attack was made with great gallan-
try, and the whole of the left of the en-
emy was doubled back toward his cen-
tre, and our own forces, after a sharp
conflict of an hour and a half, occupied
the field of battle, with the dead and
wounded of the enemy in our hands. In
this attack, Grover's brigade, of Hook-
er's division, was particularly distin-
guished by a determined bayonet charge,
breaking two of the enemy's lines, and
penetrating to the third before it could
be checked. By this time General Mc-
Dowell had arrived on the field, and I
pushed his corps immediately to the
front, along the Warrenton turnpike,
with orders to fall upon the enemy, who
was retreating toward the pike from the
direction of Sudley Springs. The at-
tack along the turnpike was made by
King's division, at about sunset in the
evening ; but by that time the advance
of the main body of the enemy, under
Longstreet, had begun to reach the field,
and King's division encountered a stub-
born and determined resistance at a
point about three-fourths of a mile in
front of our line of battle.
“While this attack was going on, the
forces under Heintzelman and Reno con-
tinued to push back the left of the en-
emy in the direction of the Warrenton
turnpike, so that about eight o'clock in
the evening the greater portion of the
immediate presence.
field of battle was occupied by our army.
Nothing was heard of General Porter
up to that time, and his forces took no
part whatever in the action, but were
suffered by him to lie idle on their arms
within sight and sound of the battle dur-
ing the whole day. So far as I know,
he made no effort whatever to comply
with my orders, nor to take any part in
the action. I do not hesitate to say that
if he had discharged his duty as became
a soldier under the circumstances, and
had made a vigorous attack on the en-
emy, as he was expected and directed
to do, at any time up to eight o'clock
that night, we should have utterly crush-
ed or captured the larger portion of Jack-
son's force before he could have been, by
any possibility, sufficiently reinforced to
have made an effective resistance. I did
not, myself, feel for a moment that it
was necessary for me, having given Gen-
eral Porter an order to move toward the
enemy in a particular direction, to send
him, in addition, specific orders to at-
tack ; it being his clear duty, and in
accordance with every military precept,
to have brought his forces into action
wherever he encountered the enemy,
when a furious battle with that enemy
was raging during the whole day in his
I believe, in fact
I am positive, that at five o'clock on the
afternoon of the 29th General Porter
had in his front no considerable body of
the enemy. I believed then, as I am
very sure now, that it was easily prac-
ticable for him to have turned the right
flank of Jackson, and to have fallen upon
*
his rear ; that if he had done so, we
GENERAL POPE's REPORT.
407
should have gained a decisive victory
over the army under Jackson before he
could have been joined by any of the
forces of Longstreet, and that the army
of General Lee would have been so crip-
pled and checked by the destruction of
this large force as to have been no long-
er in condition to prosecute further op-
erations of an aggressive character.
“Our losses during the 29th were
very heavy, but no separate returns of
killed and wounded for that day have
been made to me. I believed, from all
I could learn from corps commanders,
and so reported, that our loss during
that day was not less than 6,000 or
8,000 killed and wounded, and I think
this estimate will be confirmed by the
general reports, which cover the losses
during the battles of the 27th, 28th,
29th, and 30th of August, and the 1st
of September. My estimate of the loss
of the enemy, reported to the Depart-
ment on the morning of the 30th, was
based upon the statements made to me
by Generals Hooker and Kearney, who
had been over the whole field on the
left. General Hooker estimated the
loss of the enemy as at least two to one,
and General Kearney as at least three
to one of our own.
“Every indication, during the night
of the 29th and up to ten o'clock on the
morning of the 30th, pointed to the re-
treat of the enemy from our front. Pa-
rolled prisoners of our own, taken on the
evening of the 29th, and who came into
our lines on the morning of the 30th,
reported the enemy retreating during
the whole night in the direction of and
along the Warrenton turnpike. Gen-
erals McDowell and Heintzelman, who
reconnoitred the positions held by the
enemy's left on the evening of the 29th,
confirmed this statement. They report-
ed to me that the positions occupied by
the enemy's left had been evacuated,
and that there was every indication that
he was retreating in the direction of
Gainesville.
“On the morning of the 30th, as may
be supposed, our troops—who had been
So continually marching and fighting for
so many days—were in a state of great
exhaustion. They had had little to eat
for two days previous, and artillery and
cavalry horses had been in harness and
saddled continuously for ten days, and
had had no forage for two days previous.
It may easily be imagined how little
these troops, after such severe labors,
and after undergoing such hardship and
privation, were in condition for active
and efficient service.
I had telegraphed
to the General-in-chief on the 28th our
condition, and had begged of him to have
rations and forage sent forward to us
from Alexandria with all dispatch. I
informed him of the imminent need of
cavalry horses to enable the cavalry be-
longing to the army to perform any ser-
vice whatever.
“About daylight of the 30th, I re-
ceived a note from General Franklin—
herewith appended—written by direc-
tion of General McClellan, and dated at
eight o'clock P.M. on the 29th, inform-
ing me that rations and forage would be
loaded into the available wagons and
cars at Alexandria as soon as I would
408
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
send back a cavalry escort to bring out
the trains. Such a letter, when we
were fighting the enemy, and Alexan-
dria was swarming with troops, needs
no comment. Bad as was the condition
of our cavalry, I was in no situation to
spare troops from the front ; nor could
they have gone to Alexandria and re-
turned within the time by which we
must have had provisions or have fallen
back in the direction of Washington ;
nor do I see what service cavalry could
have rendered in guarding railroad trains.
It was not until I received this letter
that I began to feel discouraged and
nearly hopeless of any successful issue
to the operations with which I was
charged ; but I felt it to be my duty,
notwithstanding the desperate condition
of my command—from great fatigue,
from want of provisions and forage, and
from the small hope that I had of any
effective assistance from Alexandria—
to hold my position at all hazards and
under all privations, unless overwhelmed
by the superior forces of the enemy. I
had received no sort of information of
any troops coming forward to my as-
sistance since the 24th, and did not ex-
pect, on the morning of the 30th, that
any assistance would reach me from the
direction of Washington ; but I deter-
mined again to give battle to the enemy
on the 30th, and at least to lay on such
blows as would cripple him as much as
possible, and delay as long as practicable
any further advance toward the capital.
I accordingly prepared to renew the en-
gagement.
“At that time my effective forces,
much reduced by losses in killed, wound-
ed, missing, and broken-down men —
during the severe operations of two or
three days and nights previous, the
sharp actions of Hooker, King, and Rick-
etts on the 27th and 28th, and the fu-
rious battle on the 29th—were estimated
by me and others as follows: McDow-
ell's corps, including Reynolds' division,
12,000 men ; Sigel's corps, 7,000; Re-
no's corps, 7,000; Heintzelman's corps,
7,000; Porter's corps, which had been
in no engagement, and was, or ought to
have been, perfectly fresh, I estimated
at about 12,000 men, including the
brigade of Piatt, which formed a part
of Sturgis' division, and the only por-
tion that ever joined me. But of this
force, the brigades of Piatt and of Grif-
fin, numbering, as I understood, about
5,000 men, had been suffered to march
off at daylight on the 30th to Centre-
ville, and were not available for opera-
tions on that day. This reduced Por-
ter's effective force in the field to about
7,000 men, which gave me a total force
of 40,000 men. Banks' corps, about
5,000 strong, was at Bristow Station, in
charge of the railroad trains, and of a
portion of the wagon trains of the army,
still at that place. Between twelve and
two o'clock in the day, I advanced the
corps of Porter, supported by King's
division, of McDowell's corps, to attack
the enemy along the Warrenton turn-
pike ; at the same time I directed Heint-
Zelman and Reno, on Our right, to push
forward to the left and front toward
Warrenton turnpike, and attack the
enemy's left in flank if possible. For a
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
409
short time Ricketts' division, of McDow-
ell's corps, was placed in support of this
movement on our right. -
“It was necessary for me to act thus
promptly, and make an attack, as I had
not the time, for want of provisions and
forage, to wait an attack from the en-
emy, nor did I think it good policy to
do so under the circumstances. During
the whole night of the 29th and the
morning of the 30th, the advance of the
main army under Lee was arriving on
the field to reinforce Jackson, so that
by twelve or one o'clock in the day
we were confronted by forces greatly
superior to our own ; and these forces
were being every moment largely in-
creased by fresh arrivals of the enemy
from the direction of Thoroughfare Gap.
Every moment of delay increased the
odds against us, and I therefore ad-
vanced to the attack as rapidly as I
was able to bring my forces into action.
Shortly after, General Porter moved
forward to the attack by the Warrenton
turnpike, and the assault on the enemy
was begun by Heintzelman and Reno
on the right. It became apparent that
the enemy was massing his troops, as
fast as they arrived on the field, on his
right, and was moving forward from that
direction to turn our left, at which point
it was plain he intended to make his
main attack. I accordingly directed
General McDowell to recall Ricketts’
division immediately from our right,
and post it on the left of our line. The
attack of Porter was neither vigorous
nor persistent, and his troops soon re-
tired in considerable confusion. As soon
as they commenced to fall back, the en-
emy advanced to the assault, and our
whole line, from right to left, was soon
furiously engaged. The main attack of
the enemy, was made upon our left, but
was met with stubborn resistance by the
divisions of General Schenck, General
Milroy, and General Reynolds, who,
shortly after the action begun, were re-
inforced on their left and rear by the
whole of Ricketts' division. The action
raged furiously for several hours, the
enemy bringing up his heavy reserves
and pouring mass after mass of his
troops upon our left. So greatly supe-
rior in number were his forces that,
while overpowering us on our left, he
was able to assault us also with superior
forces on our right. Porter's forces were
rallied and brought to a halt as they
were retiring to the rear. As soon as
they could be used, I pushed them for-
ward to support our left, and they there
rendered distinguished service, especial-
ly the brigade of regulars under Colonel
Buchanan.
“Tower's brigade, of Ricketts' divi-
sion, was pushed forward into action in
support of Reynolds' division, and was
led forward in person by General Tower
with conspicuous skill and gallantry.
The conduct of that brigade, in plain
view of all the forces on our left, was
especially distinguished, and drew forth
hearty and enthusiastic cheers. The ex-
ample of this brigade was of great ser-
vice, and infused new spirit into all
troops who witnessed their intrepid con-
duct.
“Reno's corps was also withdrawn
410
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
from its position on our right centre late
in the afternoon, and thrown into the
action on our left, where it behaved with
conspicuous gallantry.
“Notwithstanding these great disad-
vantages, our troops held their ground
with the utmost firmness and obstinacy.
The losses on both sides were very
heavy. By dark our left had been
forced back about one-half or three-
fourths of a mile, but still remained firm
and unbroken, and still covered the
turnpike in our rear.
“About six o'clock in the evening I
heard accidentally that Franklin's corps
had arrived at a point about four miles
east of Centreville, and twelve miles in
our rear, and that it was only about
8,000 strong. The result of the battle
of the 30th, the very heavy losses we
had suffered, and the complete prostra-
tion of our troops from hunger and fa-
tigue, made it plain to me that we were
no longer able, in the face of such over-
whelming odds, to maintain our position
so far to the front, nor would we have
been able to do so under any circum-
stances, suffering, as were the men and
horses, from fatigue and hunger, and
weakened by the heavy losses incident
to the uncommon hardships which they
had suffered.
“About eight o'clock at night, there-
fore, I sent written instructions to the
commanders of corps to withdraw leis-
urely toward Centreville, and stated to
them what route each should pursue,
and where they should take post. Gen-
eral Reno was instructed, with his whole
corps, to cover the movements of the
army toward Centreville. The with-
drawal was made slowly, quietly, and in
good order, no pursuit whatever having
been attempted by the enemy. A di-
vision of infantry, with its batteries,
was posted to cover the crossing at Cub
Run.
“The exact forces in this battle I am
unable to give, as the reports received
from the corps commanders only exhibit
the aggregate losses during the whole of
the operations from August 22d to Sep-
tember 2d. Before leaving the field
that night, I sent orders to General
Banks at Bristow Station to destroy the
railroad trains and such of the stores in
them as he was unable to carry off, and
rejoin me at Centreville. I had previ-
ously sent him orders to throw into each
wagon of the army trains as much as
possible of the stores from the railroad
cars, and to be sure and bring off with
him, from Warrenton Junction and Bris-
tow, all the ammunition, and all the sick
and wounded that could be transported,
and for this purpose, if it were necessary,
to throw out the personal baggage, tents,
etc., from the regimental trains. * :};
At no time during August 28th, 29th,
30th, and 31st was the road between Bris-
tow Station and Centreville interrupted
by the enemy. The whole of the trains
of the army were on that road, in charge
of General Banks, and covered and pro-
tected by his whole corps. If any of
these wagons were lost, as I believe
none were, it was wholly without ne-
cessity. * $: ::: :}: :}; ::
“The orders submitted will show con-
clusively that every arrangement was
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
*—--—
made in the utmost detail, for the secu-
rity of our trains and supplies, and I am
quite convinced that General Banks is
not the man to neglect the duty with
which he was charged. “e
“I arrived at Centreville between
nine and ten o'clock on the night of the
30th. On the same night I sent orders
to the corps commanders to report to
me in person as early after daylight as
possible on the morning of the 31st, and
on that morning the troops were direct-
ed to be posted as follows: Porter was
to occupy the intrenchments on the
north or right of Centreville ; Franklin
on his left in the intrenchments; in rear
of Centreville, between Franklin and
Porter, as a support, was posted the
corps of Heintzelman ; Sigel occupied
the intrenchments on the left and south
side of the town, with Reno on his left
and rear. Banks was ordered to take
post, as soon as he arrived, on the north
side of Bull Run, and to cover the
bridge on the road from Centreville to
Manassas Junction. Sumner, as soon as
he arrived, was ordered to take post be-
tween Centreville and Chantilly, and to
occupy Chantilly in force. McDowell
was posted about two miles in the rear
of Centreville, on the road to Fairfax
Court House. Ammunition trains and
some provisions were gotten up on the
31st, and all corps commanders were
notified, by special order to each, that
the ammunition trains were parked im-
mediately in rear of Centreville, and
were directed to send officers to pro-
cure such ammunition as was needed in
their respective corps. I directed the
411
whole of the trains of the army to be
unloaded at Centreville, and sent to
Fairfax Station to bring up forage and
rations. -
“We remained during the whole day
of the 31st, resting the men, getting up
supplies of provisions, and re-supplying
the commands with ammunition.
“The enemy's cavalry appeared in
force in front of our advance at Cub
Run, during the morning of the 31st,
but made no attempt to cross, and no at-
tack on our troops posted there. A few
pieces of artillery were fired, but with
no result on either side.
“The whole force that I had at Cen-
treville, as reported to me by the corps
commanders, on the morning of the 1st
of September, after receiving the corps
of Sumner and Franklin, was as follows:
McDowell's corps, 10,000 men ; Sigel's
corps, about 7,000; Heintzelman's corps,
about 6,000 ; Reno's, 6,000 ; Banks',
5,000; Sumner's, 11,000; Franklin's
8,000—in all, 63,000 men. From these
forces two brigades, as I before stated,
had been sent to Fairfax Station to
guard the trains and the dépôt at that
place, which makes it necessary to deduct
4,000 men. It is proper for me to state
here, and I do it with regret and reluc-
tance, that at least one half of this
great diminution of our forces was occa-
sioned by skulking and straggling from
the army. The troops which were
brought into action fought with all gal-
lantry and determination ; but thou-
ands of men straggled away from their
commands, and were not in any action.
I had posted several regiments in rear
412
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
of the field of battle, on the 29th of
August, and although many thousand
stragglers and skulkers were arrested by
them, many others passed round through
the woods, and did not rejoin their com-
mands during the remainder of the
campaign. I had telegraphed to the
General-in-chief, from Rappahannock
Station, on the 22d, that this practice of
Straggling was very common, and was
reducing our force considerably, even at
that time. I also sent orders on the
same day to General Sturgis to arrest all
stragglers arriving at Alexandria; to
confine them in military prisons, and to
bring them to speedy trial.
“The active and incessant movements
of the army prevented me, during the
whole of this campaign, from giving
that attention to the subject, except in
orders, which ought to be, and must be,
given to it, to preserve efficiency and
discipline among any troops.
“Our cavalry at Centreville was com-
pletely broken down, no horses whatever
having reached us to remount it. Gen-
erals Buford and Bayard, commanding
the whole of the cavalry force of the
army, reported to me that there were
not five horses to the company that
could be forced into a trot. It was im-
possible, therefore, to cover our front
with cavalry, or to make cavalry recon-
noissances, as is usual and necessary in
front of an army.
“I directed General Sumner, on the
morning of the 1st of September, to
push forward a reconnoissance of two
brigades toward the Little River turn-
pike, to ascertain if the enemy were
making any movements in the direction
of Germantown or Fairfax Court House.
The enemy was found moving again
slowly toward our right, heavy columns
of his force being in march toward Fair-
fax along the Little River pike. The
main body of our forces was so much
broken down, and so completely ex-
hausted, that they were in no condition,
even on the 1st of September, for any
active operations against the enemy;
but I determined to attack at daylight
on the 2d of September, in front of
Chantilly.
“The movement of the enemy had
become so developed by the afternoon
of the 1st, and was so evidently directed
to Fairfax Court House, with a view of
turning my right, that I made the nec-
essary disposition of troops to fight a
battle between the Little River pike
and the road from Centreville to Fair-
fax Court House.
“I sent General Hooker, early in the
afternoon, to Fairfax Court House, and
directed him to assemble all the troops
that were in the vicinity, and to push
forward to Germantown with his ad-
vance. I directed McDowell to move
back along the road to Fairfax Court
House as far as Difficult Creek, and to
connect by his right with Hooker. Reno
was to push forward to the north of the
road from Centreville to Fairfax, in the
direction of Chantilly. Heintzelman's
corps was directed to take post on the
road between Centreville and Fairfax,
immediately in the rear of Reno. Frank-
lin took post on McDowell's left and
rear. Sumner was posted on the left of
ºº
º
º:
-
º
-


GENERAL POPE's REPORT.
413
Heintzelman, while the corps of Sigel
and Porter were directed to unite with
the right of Sumner. Banks was in-
structed, with the wagon-trains of the
army, to pursue the old Braddock road,
and come into the Alexandria turnpike
in rear of Fairfax Court House.
“Just before sunset on the 1st, the
enemy attacked us on our right, but
were met by Hooker, McDowell, Reno,
and Kearney's division of Heintzelman's
corps. A very severe action occurred,
in the midst of a terrific thunder-storm,
and was terminated shortly after dark.
The enemy was driven back entirely
from our front, but during that engage-
ment we lost two of the best, and one
of our most distinguished officers—Ma-
jor-General Kearney and Brigadier-
General Stevens, who were both killed
while gallantly leading their commands,
and in front of their line of battle.
“It is unnecessary for me to say one
word of commendation of two officers
who were so well and widely known to
the country. Words cannot express my
sense of the zeal, the gallantry, and the
sympathy of that most earnest and ac-
complished soldier, Major-General Kear-
ney. In him the country has suffered a
loss which it will be difficult, if not im-
possible, to repair. He died as he would
have wished to die, and as became his
heroic character.
“On the morning of the 2d of Sep-
tember the enemy still continuing his
movements toward our right, my whole
force was posted behind Difficult Creek,
from Flint Hill to the Alexandria turn-
pike. Although we were quite able to
maintain our position at that place un-
til the stragglers could be collected, and
the army after its labors and perils put
into condition for effective service, I
considered it advisable, for reasons
which developed themselves at Centre-
ville, and were apparent to the General-
in-chief, and are set forth herewith, in
the appendix, that the troops should be
drawn back to the intrenchments in
front of Washington, and that some re-
organization should be made of them,
in order that earlier effective service
should be secured than was possible in
their condition at that time. I received
orders, about twelve o'clock on the 2d
of September, to draw back the forces
within the intrenchments, which was
done in good order, and without any
interruptions by the enemy.
“The reasons which induced me, be-
fore I took the field in Virginia, to ex-
press to the Government my desire to
be relieved from the command of the
Army of Virginia, and to return to the
West, existed in equal if not in greater
force at this time than when I first stat-
ed them. I accordingly renewed urg-
ently my application to be relieved.
The Government assented to it with
some reluctance, and I was transferred
to the Department of the North-west,
for which department I left Washington
on the 7th of September.
“It seems proper for me, since so
much misrepresentation has been put
into circulation as to the support I re-
ceived from the Army of the Potomac,
to state here precisely what forces of
| that army came under my command,
135
414
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
and were at any time engaged in the ac-
tive operations of the campaign. Rey-
nolds' division of Pennsylvania Reserves,
about 2,500 strong, joined me on the
23d of August at Rappahannock Sta-
tion. The corps of Heintzelman and
Porter, about 18,000 strong, joined me
on the 26th and 27th of August at
Warrenton Junction. The Pennsylva-
nia Reserves, under Reynolds, and
Heintzelman's corps, consisting of the
divisions of Hooker and Kearney, ren-
dered most gallant and efficient service
in all the operations which occurred af-
ter they had reported to me.* Porter's
Corps, from unnecessary and unusual de-
lays, and frequent and flagrant disregard
of my orders, took no part whatever,
except in the action of the 30th of Au-
gust. This small fraction of 20,500
men was all of the 91,000 veteran
troops from Harrison's Landing which
ever drew trigger under my command,
or in any way took part in that cam-
paign.
“By the time that the corps of Frank-
lin and Sumner, 19,000 strong, joined
me at Centreville, the original Army of
Virginia, as well as the corps of Heint-
Zelman and the division of Reynolds,
had been so cut up in the severe actions
in which they had been engaged, and
were so much broken down and dimin-
ished in numbers by the constant and
excessive duties which they had per-
formed, that they were in little condi-
tion for any effective service whatever,
* General Fitz-John Porter was subsequently tried on
charges of disobedience of orders, etc., presented by Gen-
eral Pope, and being found guilty was dismissed from the
Service. - *
|
and required, and should have had, some
days of rest to put them in anything
like condition to perform their duties in
the field. -
“Such is the history of the campaign,
substantiated by documents written du-
ring the operations and hereto append-
ed, which has been misunderstood to an
extent perhaps unparalleled in the his-
tory of warfare. I submit it here to the
public judgment, with all confidence
that it will be fairly and deliberately
considered, and a just verdict pronounc-
ed upon it and upon the army engaged
in it. Upon such unbiased judgment I
am very willing (setting aside any previ-
ous record I have made during the war)
to rest my reputation as a soldier. I
shall submit cheerfully to the verdict
of my countrymen ; but I desire that
that verdict shall be rendered upon a
full knowledge of the facts.
“I well understood, as does every
military man, how difficult and how
thankless was the duty devolved upon
me, and I am not ashamed to say that I
would gladly have avoided it, if I could
have done so consistently with my sense
of duty to the Government.
“To confront with a small army
vastly superior forces ; to fight battles
without hope of victory, but only to
gain time and to embarrass and delay
the forward movement of the enemy, is
of all duties the most hazardous and the
most difficult which can be imposed
upon any general or any army. While
such operations required the highest
courage and endurance on the part of
the troops, they are perhaps unlikely to
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
415
be understood or appreciated ; and the
results, however successful, have little
in them to attract popular attention
and applause.
“At no time could I have hoped to
fight a successful battle with the im-
mensely superior force of the enemy
which confronted me, and which was
able at any time to outflank me and
bear my small army to the dust.
“It was only by constant movement,
by incessant watchfulness, and hazard-
ous skirmishes and battles, that the
forces under my command were not
overwhelmed, while at the same time
the enemy was embarrassed and delayed
in his advance upon Washington until
the forces from the Peninsula were at
length assembled for the defence of the
city. I did hope that, in the course of
these operations, the enemy might com-
mit some imprudence, or leave some
opening, of which I could take such ad-
vantage as to gain at least a partial vic-
tory over his forces. This opportunity
was presented by the advance of Jack-
son upon Manassas Junction ; but al-
though the best dispositions possible un-
der the circumstances were ordered, the
object was frustrated in a manner and by
causes which are now well understood.
“I am gratified to know that the
conduct of that campaign, every detail
of which was communicated day by day
to the General-in-chief, was fully ap-
proved by him and by the Government,
and I now gladly submit the subject to
the judgment of the country.
“General Banks rendered most effi-
cient and faithful service throughout the
campaign, and his conduct at the battle
of Cedar Mountain, and the operations
on the Upper Rappahannock, was mark-
ed by great coolness, intrepidity, and
zeal. General McDowell led his corps
during the whole of the campaign with
ability and vigor, and I am greatly in-
debted to him for zealous and distin-
guished service, both in the battles of
the 29th and 30th of August, and in the
operations which preceded and succeed-
ed those battles.
“General Sigel rendered useful ser-
vice in re-organizing and putting in con-
dition the First Army Corps of the
Army of Virginia, and made many val-
uable and highly important reconnois-
sances during the operations of the
campaign. I cannot express myself too
highly of the zealous, gallant, and
cheerful manner in which General Reno
deported himself, from the beginning to
the end of the operations. Ever prompt,
earnest, and soldierly, he was the model
of an accomplished soldier and a gallant
gentleman, and his loss has been a heavy
blow to the army and to the country.
“General Heintzelman performed his
duty faithfully and honestly, while the
commanders of the divisions of his corps
(Generals Kearney and Hooker) have
that place in the public estimation which
they have earned by many gallant and
heroic actions, and which renders it un-
necessary for me to do aught except pay
this tribute to the memory of one and
to the rising fame of the other.
“Generals Williams, Augur, Craw-
ford, Green, Geary, Carroll, and Prince,
of Banks' corps, have been already no-
416
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ticed for their gallant and distinguished
conduct at Cedar Mountain.
King and Ricketts, of McDowell's corps,
led their divisions throughout the ope-
rations with skill and efficiency, and
General King, before he marched from
Fredericksburg, rendered important ser-
vice in organizing and dispatching the
expeditions which on several occasions
broke up the line of the Virginia Cen-
tral Railroad. -
“Generals Patrick, Doubleday, Gib-
bon, Hartsuff, Duryea, and Tower com-
manded their brigades in the various
operations of this campaign with abil-
ity and zeal. The last-named officer, es-
pecially, was particularly distinguished
by the long marches which he made, by
his untiring activity, and by the distin-
guished gallantry he displayed in the
action of the 30th of August, in which
action he was severely wounded at the
head of his brigade.
“General Hatch, after being relieved
from the command of the cavalry of
Banks' corps, was assigned to the com-
mand of an infantry brigade in King's
division of McDowell's corps, and dur-
ing part of the operations was in com-
mand of that division, and rendered
good service. Generals Schenck and
Milroy, of Sigel's corps, exhibited great
gallantry and zeal throughout the ope-
rations. They were engaged actively
in the battles of the 29th and 30th of
August, and their commands were
among the last to leave the field of bat-
tle on the night of the 30th, General
Schenck beixg sev; rely wounded on that
lay.
Generals
“I must also mention in high terms
the conduct of Generals Shurz, Stahel,
and Steinwehr, during the actions of the
29th and 30th. Generals Birney, Rob-
inson, and Grover, of Heintzelman's
corps, commanded their brigades during
the actions of the 29th and 30th, and
Birney during the action of the 1st of
September, with zeal and gallantry, and
Generals Birley and Grover were espe-
cially distinguished in the actions of the
29th and 30th of August, and Birney
also in the engagement of the 1st of
September.
“General Stevens, of Reno's corps,
was zealous and active throughout the
operations, and distinguished himself in
the most conspicuous manner during the
battles of the 29th and 30th of August.
He was killed at the head of his com-
mand in the battle near Chantilly, on
the 1st of September, and his death will
be deeply felt by the army and the
country.
“Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. Buchanan,
commanding a brigade of regulars, of
Porter's corps, was noticeable for distin-
guished service in the afternoon of the
30th of August.
“Of the conduct of the other officers
commanding divisions or brigades of
Porter's corps, I know nothing, having
received no report from that officer of
the operations of his corps. Brigadier
General John F. Reynolds, command-
ing the Pennsylvania Reserves, merits the
highest commendation at my hands.
Prompt, abtive, and emergetic, he com-
manded his division with distinguished
ability throughout the operations, and
GENERAL POPE'S REPORT.
417
performed his duties in all situations
with zeal and fidelity. Generals Sey-
mour and Meade, of that division, in
like manner performed their duties with
ability and gallantry, and in all fidelity
to the Government and to the army.
“General Sturgis arrived at Warren-
ton Junction on the 26th of August
with Piatt's brigade of his division, the
only portion of that division which ever
joined me. This brigade was tempora-
rily attached to the army corps of Fitz-
John Porter, and, although misled in
consequence of orders to follow Grif-
fin's brigade of that corps, which for
some unexplained reason strayed from
its corps to Centreville on the 30th of
August, was led forward from that place
by Generals Sturgis and Piatt, as soon
as it was discovered that Griffin did not
intend to go forward to the field of bat-
tle, and reported to me late in the after-
noon of that day.
“Shortly afterward the brigade was
thrown forward into action on our left,
where they acquitted themselves with
great courage. Brigadier-General Stur-
gis, as well as General Piatt, deserve
especial mention for the soldierly feel-
ing which induced them, after being
thus misled, and with the bad example
of Griffin before their eyes, to push for-
ward with such zeal and alacrity to the
field of battle, and for the valuable ser-
vices which they rendered in the action
of the 30th of August.
“Generals Bayard and Buford com-
manded all of the cavalry belonging to
the Army of Virginia. Their duties were
peculiarly arduous and hazardous, and it
is not too much to say, that throughout
the operations, from the first to the last
day of the campaign, scarce a day pass-
ed that these officers did not render ser-
vice which entitles them to the grati-
tude of the Government.
“The detachment of the signal corps
with the various army corps rendered
most important service, and I cannot
speak too highly of the value of that
corps, and of the important information
which from time to time they communi-
cated to me. They were many times in
positions of extreme peril, but were al-
ways prompt and ready to encounter
any danger in the discharge of their du-
ties.
“Brigadier-General White, with one
brigade, was in the beginning of the
campaign placed in command at Win-
chester. He was selected for that posi-
tion because I felt entire confidence in
his courage and ability, and during the
whole of his service there, he perform-
ed his duty with the utmost efficiency,
and relieved me entirely from any ap-
prehension concerning that region of
country. .
“He was withdrawn from his posi-
tion by orders direct from Washington,
and passed from under my command.
* * * * To my personal staff I owe
much gratitude and many thanks. Their
duties were particularly arduous, and at
times led them into the midst of the va-
rious actions in which we were engaged.
It is saying little when I state that they
were zealous, untiring, and efficient
throughout the campaign.
“To Brigadier-General Roberts, in
4.18
TIIE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
particular, I am indebted for services
marked throughout by skill, courage,
and unerring judgment, and worthy of
the solid reputation as a soldier he has
acquired by many previous years of
faithful and distinguished military ser-
vice. I desire also especially to men-
tion Brigadier-General Elliott, Surgeon
McParlin, Colonel Beckwith, Lieuten-
ant-Colonel T. C. H. Smith, Captain
Piper, chief of artillery, Captain Merri-
ett, of the Engineers, and Lieutenant
Shunk, chief of ordnance. -
“I must also honorably mention th
following members of my staff, the con-
duct of all of whom met my hearty ap-
proval, and merits high commendation :
Colonels McComb, Clary, Marshall, But-
ler, Morgan, and Welch ; Majors Self-
ridge and Meline ; Captains Archer,
Douglas, Pope, Haight, Atcheson, De
Kay, Piatt, Paine, and Strother. Mr.
McCain, conſidential telegraph operator
at my headquarters, accompanied me
throughout the campaign, and was at all
times eminently useful and efficient. My
personal escort, consisting of two small
companies of the First Ohio Cavalry,
numbering about 100 men, performed
more arduous service, probably, than
any other troops in the campaign. As
orderlies, messengers, and guards, they
passed many sleepless nights and weary
days.
tions, as in every battle, was marked by
uncommon activity and gallantry.”
If the object of General Pope was to
advance upon Richmond, he had sig-
mally failed ; if, however, his purpose
was only to make a diversion by which
Their conduct in all the opera-
McClellan might be enabled to withdraw
his army from the Peninsula in safety,
and join his forces to those on the Po-
tomac, he may, as this was accomplished,
be credited with a success. This success,
however, was acquired at a fearful sac-
rifice.
The enemy, when they were satisfied
that it was the design of McClellan to
withdraw his army from the Peninsula,
gave no further heed to his movements,
but directed all their efforts toward
Pope, whom they hoped to flank and
overwhelm before he could form a junc-
tion with the troops concentrating on
the Potomac. They had so far succeed-
ed as to get into the rear of Pope, and
temporarily cut off his communications
with Washington. Their full purpose,
however, was foiled by the resolute
courage of the Union troops, who fought
their way back to the intrenchments
which surround the capital. The army
of Pope thus found a refuge, but not
until it had suffered much in material
and prestige.
The people, greatly chagrined by the
results of a campaign which had brought
an enemy close to the gates of the cap-
ital, vented their dissatisfaction in angry
complaints against the leaders. Gen-
erals Pope and McDowell became the
chief objects of popular censure, and
both were compelled to pay the penalty
of military failure. The former Sep.
was, “at his own request,” relieved 7.
from the command of the Army of Vir-
ginia, and assigned to the command of
the Department of the North-west,
where the Indians had arisen in in-
CONSEQUENCES OF POPE'S CAMPAIGN.
419
surrection. The latter, who had been
singularly unfortunate in command, was
granted a leave of absence.
The future can alone reveal how far
the want of success of these generals
may be attributed to misfortune or ill
conduct. McDowell, in a manly letter
to President Lincoln, demanded a court-
martial, to investigate the charges against
his loyalty, made by a colonel of cav-
alry who, mortally wounded, had stated
that “he was dying a victim to Mc-
Dowell's treachery.”* -
“I have to ask,” wrote the Gene-
ral, “that the inquiry be without limita-
tion, and be upon any point and every
subject which may in any way be sup-
posed to have led to this belief; that it
may be directed to my whole conduct as
a general officer, either under another,
or while in a separate command, whether
on matters of administration or command;
to my correspondence with any of the
enemy's commanders, or with any one
within the enemy's lines ; to my con-
duct and the policy pursued by me
toward the inhabitants of the country
occupied by our troops, with reference
to themselves or their property ; and
further, to any imputations of indirect
treachery or disloyalty toward the nation
or any individual having, like myself, an
important trust—whether I have or
have not been faithful as a subordinate
to those placed over me, giving them
heartily, and to the best of my capacity,
all the support in my power ; and whe-
# The request of McDowell was finally complied with,
and a court of inquiry having been established, he was,
after a long investigation, relieved of all censure.
ther I have or have not failed, through
unworthy, personal motives, to go to the
aid of or send reinforcements to my
brother commanders.
“That this subject of my alleged
treachery or disloyalty may be fully in-
quired into, I beg that all officers, sol-
diers, or civilians who know, or think
they know, of any act of mine liable to
the charge in question, be allowed and
invited to make it known to the court.”
The Government, prostrated for a
moment by the defeat of its plans and
the presence of an army disordered by
retreat and dejected by failure, was soon
aroused to action by the approach of a
victorious enemy. The various forces
within call were immediately ordered to
concentrate at or about Washington.
Fredericksburg was evacuated by Gen-
eral Burnside and his troops were moved
to strengthen the army of the cap- Aug.
ital. Two days subsequently Gen- 31.
eral White abandoned Winchester, and
after resting awhile at Martinsburg,
finally joined his force to that of Colonel
Miles in occupation of Harper's Ferry.
Subsequently Acquia Creek was also
evacuated.
The new recruits were hurried from
the North to Annapolis, Baltimore, and
Washington, while fleets of gun-boats
were gathered from various stations and
posted in the Chesapeake and Potomac,
to aid in the defence of those cities.
The President seemed for awhile per-
plexed in the choice of a military leader.
While, however, doubting and irresolute,
there was, both among officers and sol-
diers, such a loudly expressed desire to
420
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
be led by their favorite commander,
that Mr. Lincoln, who had tempora-
rily withdrawn McClellan from active
command in the field, no longer hesi-
tated to place him at the head of the
Army of the Potomac.
The enemy, in the mean time, encour-
aged by the success of their campaign
in Eastern Virginia, which had relieved
their anxieties for the safety of Rich-
mond and opened the way, as they fond-
ly hoped, to Washington, Baltimore, and
perhaps to Philadelphia, ventured upon
a scheme of invasion which they had
long contemplated, and now believed
could be accomplished.
The enemy's forces, which had been
concentrated under General Lee, the
commander-in-chief, in the course of the
campaign against Pope, moved, after
his retreat within the intrenchments of
sep, Washington, to Leesburg, whence
5, they crossed the Potomac into
Maryland” by the various fords in that
neighborhood, of which they had easy
command from the position of their
army. Having thus thrown a large force
across the river, without serious oppo-
sition, they moved into the interior of
sep, Maryland and occupied the city of
6. Frederick, the capital of that State.
General Lee soon after issued the fol-
lowing proclamation :
f
“LEE’s HEADQUARTERs, ARMY of NorthERN
VIRGINIA, NEAR FREDERICKTown,
September 8, 1862.
“To THE PEOPLE OF MARYLAND :
“It is right that you should know the
purpose that has brought the army un-
der my command within the limits of
your State, so far as that purpose con-
cerns yourselves. &
“The people of the Confederat
States have long watched with the deep-
est sympathy the wrongs and outrages
that have been inflicted upon the citi-
zens of a commonwealth allied to the
States of the South by the strongest so-
* That this invasion of Maryland by the army of the
enemy was in accordance with the popular wish of the
Southern Confederacy is manifest from the following res-
Ulutions, which were passed on the 12th of Sept. in the
House of Representatives, by the large majority of 56 to 13:
“Resolved—That the thanks of Congress and the coun-
try are eminently due and are hereby tendered to General
Robert E. Lee, and the officers and men under his com-
mand, for their late brilliant victory, culminating in the
signal defeat of the combined forces of the enemy in the
two great battles of Manassas. f
“2. Resolved—That Congress has heard with profound
satisfaction of the triumphant crossing of the Potomac by
our victorious army, and, assured of the wisdom of that
masterly movement, could repose with entire confidence
on the distinguished skill of the commanding general and
the valor of his troops, under favor of the Great Ruler of
nations, to achieve new triumphs, to relieve oppressed
Maryland, and advance our standard into the territory of
the enemy.
“3. Resolved——That the President be requested to trans-
mit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to General Lee and
the officers and men under his command.”
The desire of the majority found its expression in those
passionate words of Mr. Miles, of South Carolina, in an-
swer to a discreet protest of Mr. Lyons in behalf of the
Iminority :
Mr. Miles, of South Carolina, said “that the whole coun-
try had literally rung with the cry for the onward move-
ment ; the press had been loud in, he might almost say,
denunciations of our officers, for not pursuing an aggreSS-
ive policy. And now that it was commenced, there
ought to be some general expression of opinion, with the
greatest warmth of which we are capable, of our co-opera-
tion in pursuing the enemy to his own conſines, and with
strong arms pluck fortune from the enemy's Soil.
“This is but approving of a plan which it will be an honor
to carry out, and what he believed was the wish of the .
people of the country. Let Congress, if need be, pander
to public opinion, if they will so term it, but carry the
war into the enemy's country, let them bleed, and let
them feel the horrors of war. Why then oppose this res-
olution.? Is this just 7 is this generous to the brave sol-
diers who are fighting our battles?”
GENERAL LEE
IN MARYLAND. 421
cial, political, and commercial ties, and
reduced to the condition of a conquered
province. -*
“Under the pretence of supporting
the Constitution, but in violation of its
most valuable provisions, your citizens
have been arrested and imprisoned upon
no charge, and contrary to all the forms
of law. A faithful and manly protest
against this outrage, made by a venera-
ble and illustrious Marylander, to whom
in better days no citizen appealed for
right in vain, was treated with scorn and
contempt.
“The government of your chief city
has been usurped by armed strangers;
your Legislature has been dissolved by
the unlawful arrest of its members ;
freedom of the press and of speech has
been suppressed ; words have been de-
clared offences by an arbitrary decree of
the Federal Executive, and citizens or-
dered to be tried by military commis-
sions for what they may dare to speak.
“Believing that the people of Mary-
land possess a spirit too lofty to submit
to such a government, the people of the
South have long wished to aid you in
throwing off this foreign yoke, to enable
you again to enjoy the inalienable rights
of freemen, and restore the independence
and sovereignty of your State.
“In obedience to this wish, our army
has come among you, and is prepared
to assist you with the power of its arms
in regaining the rights of which you
bave been so unjustly despoiled.
“This, citizens of Maryland, is our
mission so far as you are concerned.
No restraint upon your free-will is in-
tended—no intimidation will be allowed
within the limits of the army at least.
Marylanders shall once more enjoy their
ancient freedom of thought and speech.
We know no enemies among you, and
will protect all of you in every opinion.
“It is for you to decide your destiny,
freely and without constraint. This
army will respect your choice, whatever
it may be, and while the Southern peo-
ple would rejoice to welcome you to
your natural position among them, they
will only welcome you when you come
of your own free-will. R. E. LEE,
“General Commanding.”
If General Lee intended by this art-
ful appeal to arouse an active sympathy
with his cause among the people of
Maryland, he signally failed in his pur-
pose. While the inhabitants of Fred-
erick and other places occupied by the
enemy were quietly submissive to the
military authority which, though exer-
cised with politic tenderness, was none
the less irresistible, there was but little
manifestation of a desire to exchange
the allegiance of the Federal Govern-
ment for the hazardous protection of
the invaders. Some few hundred re-
cruits to his army outnumbered it is be-
lieved by the deserters from it, a not
unnatural readiness on the part of some
eager tradesmen to exchange their wares
for United States money, a reluctant
consent on the part of others to yield
up their goods for Confederate notes,
and perhaps the scanty free-will offerings
of a few ardent partisans of the South-
ern cause, were all that General Lee
could obtain from impassive Maryland.
}
136
422
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
CHA PTE R XXXIII.
Pennsylvania threatened by the Enemy.—Alarm.—Preparations for Defence.—Unusual Promptitude of the Govern-
ment at Washington.—McClellan in command.—A large Army.—The March.-Pursuing the Enemy.—Battle of
South Mountain.—Battle of Antietam.—A graphic Narrative.—Report of McClellan.—Enemy's Account.—A suc-
cessful Enterprise of the Enemy.—Capture of Harper's Ferry.—Narrative by an Eye-witness.—Effect of the Cap-
ture of Harper's Ferry.—McClellan exonerated from blame.—Colonel Miles arraigned.—Investigation by a Com-
mittee of Congress.-Report.
As the enemy in their progress
through Maryland extended their
march to Hagerstown near the
borders of Pennsylvania, this State
Sep, seemed to be in danger of invasion.
* Great alarm prevailed in conse-
Quence. :
The inhabitants of the border fled into
the interior, and the State and munici-
pal authorities throughout Pennsylvania
hastened to provide against the threat-
ened attack of their cities and territory.
General Curtis called “50,000 of the
sep, freemen of Pennsylvania for imme-
!" diate service to repel the now immi-
nent danger from invasion by the ene-
mies of the country.” The common
council of Philadelphia appropriated
$500,000 for the defence of the city,
and empowered the mayor to act as he
might see fit in the emergency. The
mayor, accordingly, after declaring that
“the rebel generals have moved their
entire army from Frederick to Cumber-
land, and their destination is now Har-
risburg and Philadelphia,” called upon
the latter city for 20,000 men.
Throughout the State proportionate
efforts were made to meet the supposed
1862,
danger, and so promptly did the citizens
respond to the call to arms, that in a few
days nearly 100,000 militia were enroll-
ed and ready to march against the inva-
ders. •
The alarm in Pennsylvania may be
inferred from this proclamation of its
Governor :
“CoMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ss. :
“In the name and by authority of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
Andrew G. Curtin, Governor of the
said Commonwealth.
“PROCLAMATION.
“Whereas, in the present position of
affairs, it is expedient that measures
should be taken to arm and prepare our
people for defence, now, therefore, I do
earnestly recommend the immediate
formation, throughout the Common-
wealth, of volunteer companies and reg-
iments; in conformity with the militia
act of 1858. Arms will be distributed
to the organizations so to be formed
agreeably to the provisions of that act.
“It is further recommended that in
order to give due opportunities for drill
and instruction, all places of business
be closed daily at three o'clock in the
MCCLELLAN AGAIN IN COMMAND.
423
afternoon, so that all persons employed
therein may, after that hour, be at lib-
erty to attend their military duties.
“The cheerful alacrity with which
the men of Pennsylvania have hitherto
given themselves to the service of the
country has pressed heavily on her mil-
itary resources.
“I am reluctant to ask her people to
assume further burdens, but as their
safety requires that they should do so,
it is in their behalf that I put forth the
recommendations herein contained, and
urge a prompt compliance with them.
“Given under my hand and the great
seal of the State, at Harrisburg, this 4th
day of September, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-two, and of the Commonwealth
the eighty-seventh.
“By the GovKRNOR.
“ELI SLIFER, Secretary of State.”
The Government at Washington acted
with unusual promptitude. General
McClellan having assumed command
of the Army of Virginia, rapidly or-
ganized a large force, and as soon as it
was discovered that the enemy had
crossed the Potomac, marched out from
Washington, with the determination to
drive them out of Maryland. General
sep, Sumner led the advance with his
6, corps, and was followed on the next
day by General Burnside and his troops,
and soon after by McClellan himself.
The enemy retired as the Union army
advanced, the former abandoming the
various places they had occupied in
Maryland, and the latter taking posses-
sion of them as they followed closely in
Potomac.
pursuit. Thus McClellan entered Fred-
erick City just as the enemy's rear-guard
were leaving, and pushing on immedi-
ately, overtook them as they were hast-
ening toward the fords of the Upper
The enemy, thus hard press-
ed, turned, and their rear-guard made a
stand in a strong position on South
Mountain, of the Catoctin range, be-
tween Boonesboro and Middletown.
The advance of the Union army at once
strove to dislodge them, and a conflict
ensued, which is thus graphically re-
lated by an eye-witness” in his diary,
dated Middletown, Sunday, September
14th :
“General Cox still has the front on
the old national road leading to Wheel-
ing. Two batteries, Muller's and Sim-
mons', are now engaging the enemy at
a point about half-way between Middle-
town and Boonesboro. Every shot fired
on both sides can be distinctly seen from
the position I am now occupying—the
top of a hill commanding a view of the
notch in the mountains where the ene-
my's batteries are stationed, and the hill
upon which our own are placed. The
rebels reply at intervals of fifteen or
twenty minutes, with four or five rounds
from four pieces.
“We have kept up an incessant fire
for ten hours, but have not yet been
a Correspondent of N. Y. Tribune.
f General Cox, who had been so long operating in the
valley of the Kanawha, had abandoned Western Vir-
ginia, and formed a junction with the Army of the Poto-
mac. Colonel Lightburn, who was left as the chief in com"
mand of that department, was soon after forced to retire
with his inferior force to the Ohio River before the enemy
under General Long, who thus gained the control of the
whole valley of the Kanawha.
424
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
able to dislodge them. Not a man, thus
far, has been killed or wounded on our
side, in the engagement to-day. All of
their shell are falling short. More than
one-half of ours fall directly in the
notch, and must have disabled the en-
emy severely. The position of the
rebel batteries is a very strong one, and
it may take most of the day to dislodge
them. A brigade from General Rod-
man's division has gone round to the
left, in the direction of Harper's Ferry
road, to flank them.
“Three regiments of cavalry, the
Eighth Illinois, the Third Indiana, and
the First Massachusetts, are behind the
hill near our guns, awaiting the order to
charge the gap.
“Brisk firing has been heard for an
hour or two in the direction of Harper's
Ferry. It is said the enemy is still try-
ing to pass into Virginia by that route.
“Stuart's cavalry were driven through
Middletown yesterday afternoon, at
about three o'clock, skirmishing with
Muller's battery all the way. Detach-
ments from the regiment of cavalry just
named by me engaged the enemy a
short distance to the left of Middletown
on the Harper's Ferry road, and drove
them in every instance. Our loss will
not exceed twenty in wounded—none
killed. 20,000 men, under command of
General Reno are encamped about this
village, waiting to advance the moment
the notch is clear of the enemy's guns.
“Twelve o'clock M.–Benjamin's and
Gibson's batteries have just gone into ac-
tion. Gibson is on the right of the turn-
pike, and Benjamin on the left. Both bat-
teries are well sheltered by hills, and the
enemy will find it difficult to get their
range. Colonel Scammon has brought
his brigade of infantry to the left of the
rebel batteries, with the intention of
flanking them. Colonel Welch's bri-
gade, of General Wilcox's division, is
passing, with the intention of support-
ing the cavalry when they are ordered
to charge.
“The fighting is growing warmer and
more interesting.
“Shells from the rebel batteries are
bursting every moment, but none of
them reach us.
“It is difficult to know which to ad-
mire most, the beauty of the landscape
spread out before me, or the roar of the
artillery, the floating rings of smoke,
and the scream of the shells as they
wing their way over the valley. The
sublime and the beautiful are strangely
intermixed.
“One o'clock P.M.–Generals McClel-
lan and Burnside have just arrived upon
the ground.
“We have made no progress yet.
Musketry firing is occasionally heard
upon the right and left, but no results
of their success or failure have reached
headquarters.
“Four o'clock P.M.–Victory seems to
be perched upon our banner. General
Cox is doing well on our left. Colonel
Scammon, with his brigade of Ohio
boys, has charged two North Carolina
brigades, under the command of Gen-
eral Garland, and driven them a mile.
General Garland has been killed by a
shell, and his body is in our possession.
BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
425
We have also taken an entire company
of the Twelfth North Carolina Regi-
ment, together with all the officers. Our
loss has been quite severe. About 100
killed and wounded have been brought
from the battle-field. Dr. Holmes,
medical director of Cox's division, esti-
mates our loss in killed and wounded
thus far, at 400. * * º 3&
“General Wilcox has been ordered
to the left, to support General Cox, and
it is thought, together, they will be able
to gain the crest of the mountain and
flank the rebel batteries. General Hook.
er has been ordered to the right, with
his whole corps, and everything now
looks as if we should be entirely success-
ful before night.
“Colonel Cook's battery, which was
ordered into action two hours ago, was
taken by the rebels and has just been re-
taken by us.
“Sia; o'clock P.M.–The rebels are
falling back, both infantry and artillery.
General Hooker is pressing them close
on the right, and Generals Cox and
Wilcox on the left. We shall not be
able to drive them from the notch to-
day, but to-morrow will finish the
matter.
“Steady firing has been heard in the
direction of Harper's Ferry all day.
“The rebels are reported to have
gained Maryland Heights. The general
commanding at Bolivar Heights says he
can hold that position two days.
“The rebel General Hill's division
has been able to-day to hold in check
some 30,000 or 40,000 of our forces.
“A stronger position than that cho-
sen by the enemy could hardly have
been found. But we have pushed them
from it, and to-morrow General Burn-
side, without doubt, will enter Boones-
boro valley. *
“Nine o'clock P.M.–A courier to
General Burnside, from Hagerstown, has
just arrived. He says Longstreet and
nearly all of Jackson's forces passed
through Hagerstown to-day. They have
countermarched, abandoned their line of
retreat via Williamsport, and will give
Burnside battle with their entire force
to-morrow. A great battle, therefore,
can hardly be avoided. To-morrow
will probably settle the question wheth-
er Jackson escapes to Virginia or not.
“All the churches and many private
dwellings have been taken for the
wounded in Middletown. In the differ-
ent engagements of both wings to-day
we have lost about 500 in killed and
wounded. We have, however, taken
about 1,200 rebel prisoners since Satur-
day morning, and have killed and wound-
ed about as many more. Stuart's cav-
alry has suffered severely according to
the statements of those we have taken
prisoners.”
It would appear from this account of
the battle of South Mountain that the
enemy, as they themselves declared, had
at first but one corps engaged—that of
General Hill, who, however, on the next
day, was reinforced by Longstreet, with
his troops, when a second and more
successful stand was made. General
Lee now coming up, removed the two
corps of Hill and Longstreet to a posi-
tion in the rear of Sharpsburg, where
426
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
he rapidly concentrated all his army,
and prepared to confront that of McClel-
lan. Here occurred the great battle
of Antietam. The following narrative,
by a correspondent of the N. Y. Trib-
wne, has been greatly admired, and is
here given as the best account publish-
ed of the battle :
“A fierce and desperate battle,” he
sep, wrote from the battle-field on the
17, 7th September, “between 200,000
men, has raged since daylight, yet night
closes on an uncertain field. It is the
greatest fight since Waterloo-all over
the field contested with an obstinacy
equal even to Waterloo. If not wholly
a victory to-night, I believe it is the pre-
lude to a victory to-morrow. But what
can be foretold of the future of a fight
in which, from five in the morning till
seven at night, the best troops of the
continent have fought without decisive
result 7
“I have no time for speculation—no
time even to gather details of the battle
—only time to state its broadest features
—then mount and spur for New York.
“After the brilliant victory near Mid-
dletown, General McClellan pushed for-
ward his army rapidly, and reached
Keedysville with three corps on Mon-
day night. * * * On the day fol-
lowing the two armies faced each other
idly, until night. Artillery was busy
at intervals, once in the morning open-
ing with spirit, and continuing for half
an hour with vigor, till the rebel battery,
as usual, was silenced.
“McClellan was on the hill where
Benjamin's battery was stationed, and
found himself suddenly under a rather
heavy fire.
“It was still uncertain whether the
rebels were retreating or reinforcing—
their batteries would remain in position
in either case, and as they had with-
drawn nearly all their troops from view,
there was only the doubtful indication
of columns of dust to the rear.
“On the evening of Tuesday, Hook-
er was ordered to cross the Antietam
Creek with his corps, and feeling the
left of the enemy, to be ready to attack
next morning. During the day of ap-
parent inactivity, McClellan had been
maturing his plans of battle, of which
Hooker's movement was one develop-
ment.
“Next morning the lines and col-
umns which had darkened cornfields
and hill-crests had been withdrawn.
Broken and wooded ground behind the
sheltering hills concealed the rebel
masses. What from our front looked
like only a narrow summit fringed with
woods, was a broad table-land of forest
and ravine; cover for troops everywhere,
nowhere easy access for an enemy. The
smoothly sloping surface in front, and
the sweeping crescent of slowly min-
gling lines, was all a delusion. It was
all a rebel stronghold beyond.
“Under the base of these hills runs
the deep stream called Antietam Creek,
fordable only at distant points. Three
bridges cross it, one on the Hagerstown
road, one on the Sharpsburg pike, one
to the left, in a deep recess of sleepy
falling hills. .
“Hooker passed the first to reach
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
427
the ford by which he crossed, and it was
held by Pleasanton, with a reserve of
cavalry, during the battle.
was close under the rebel centre, and no
way important to yesterday's fight. At
the third Burnside attacked, and finally
crossed. Between the first and third
lay most of the battle-lines. They
stretched four miles from right to left.
“The enemy had the Shepherdstown
road and the Hagerstown and Williams-
port road both open to him in rear for
retreat. Along one or the other, if
beaten, he must fly. This, among other
reasons, determined, perhaps, the plan
of battle which McClellan finally re-
solved on. &
“The plan was generally as follows:
Hooker was to cross to the right, estab-
lish himself on the enemy's left if pos-
sible, flanking his position, and to open
the fight; Summer, Franklin, and Mans-
field were to send their forces also to the
right, co-operating with and Sustaining
Hooker's attack, while advancing also
nearer the centre. The heavy work in
the centre was left mostly to the bat-
teries.
“Porter massed his infantry support
in the hollows. On the left, Burnside
was to carry the bridge already refer-
red to, advancing then by a road which
enters the pike at Sharpsburg, turning
at once the rebel flank and destroying
his line of retreat. Porter and Sykes
were held in reserve.
“It is obvious that the complete suc-
cess of a plan contemplating widely di-
vergent movements of separate corps
must largely depend on accurate timing,
The second
that the attack should be simultaneous
and not successive. *
“About four in the afternoon of
Tuesday, Hooker was ordered to cross
Antietam Creek, at the upper ford on
the right, with his whole corps, attack
the enemy's left, and occupy a position
on their flank. He crossed without op-
position, sent forward cavalry skirmish-
ers who were speedily driven back, and
then, advancing with his whole force
about six, took possession of strong
ground, close to the rebels' left, and im-
mediately became engaged with artillery
and infantry. Darkness ended the fight,
with slight loss on either side, Hooker
carrying and holding the wood from
which the enemy's fire first came.
“Hooker had found out what he
wanted to know. When the firing
ceased, the hostile lines lay close to each
other—their pickets so near that six
rebels were captured during the night.
It was inevitable that the fight should
recommence at daylight.
“Neither side had suffered consider-
able loss ; it was a skirmish, not a bat-
tle. ‘We are through for to-night,’ re-
marked the General, “but to-morrow
we fight the battle that will decide the
fate of the Republic.”
“Not long after the firing ceased, it
sprang up again on the left. General
Hooker, who had taken up his head-
quarters in a barn which had been
nearly the focus of the rebel artillery,
was out at once. First came rapid and
unusually frequent picket shots, then
several heavy volleys. The General
listened a moment and smiled grimly.
428
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
©
“‘We have no troops there. The
troops are shooting each other. It is
Fair Oaks over again.’ -
“So everybody lay down again, but
all the night through there were fre-
quent alarms.
“McClellan had been informed of the
night's work, and of the certainties
awaiting the dawn. Sumner was or-
dered to move his corps at once, and
was expected to be on the ground at
daylight. -
“From the extent of the rebel lines
developed in the evening, it was plain
that they had gathered their whole army
behind the heights and were waiting for
the shock.
“The battle began with the dawn.
Morning found both armies just as they
had slept, almost close enough to look
into each other's eyes. The left of
Meade's reserves and the right of Rick-
etts' line became engaged at nearly the
same moment, one with artillery, the
other with infantry. A battery was al-
most immediately pushed forward be-
yond the central woods, over a plough-
ed field near the top of the slope, where
the cornfield begun. On the open field,
in the corn beyond, and in the woods
which stepped forward into the broad
fields, like a promontory into the ocean,
was the hardest and deadliest struggle
of the day. *
“For half an hour after the battle
had grown to its full strength, the line
of fire swayed neither way. Hooker's
men were fully up to their work. They
saw their general everywhere in front,
never away from the fire, and all the
troops believed in their commander, and
fought with a will. Two-thirds of them
were the same men who, under McDow-
ell, had broken at Manassas.
“The half hour passed, the rebels be-
gan to give way a little, only a little,
but at the first indication of a receding
fire, Forward I was the word, and on
went the line with a cheer and a rush.
Back across the cornfield, leaving dead
and wounded behind them, over the
fence, and across the road, and then
back again into the dark woods which
closed around them, went the retreating
rebels.
“Meade and his Pennsylvanians fol-
lowed hard and fast—followed till they
came within easy range of the woods
among which they saw their beaten en-
emy disappearing—followed still, with
another cheer, and flung themselves
against the cover.
“But out of those gloomy woods
came, suddenly and heavily, terrible vol-
leys—volleys which smote, and bent,
and broke in a moment that eager front,
and hurled them swiftly back for half
the distance they had won. Not swift-
ly nor in panic any farther. Closing up
their shattered lines they came slowly
away—a regiment where a brigade had
been—hardly a brigade where a whole
division had been victorious. They had
met from the woods the first volleys of
musketry from fresh troops, had met
them, and returned them till their line
had yielded and gone down before the
weight of fire, and till their ammunition
was exhausted.
“In ten minutes the fortunes of the
A CRITICAL MOMENT.
429.
day seemed to have changed ; it was the
rebels who were now advancing, pour-
ing out of the woods in endless lines,
sweeping through the cornfield from
which their comrades had just fled.
Hooker sent in his nearest brigade to
meet them, but it could not do the work.
He called for another. There was noth-
ing close enough unless he took it from
his right. His right might be in danger
if it was weakened, but his centre was
already threatened with annihilation.
“Not hesitating one moment, he said
to Doubleday, ‘Give me your best bri-
gade instantly.” -
“The best brigade came down the
hill to the right on the run, went through
the timber in front through a storm of
shot and bursting shell and crashing
limbs, over the open field beyond, and
straight into the cornfield, passing as
they went the fragments of three bri-
gades shattered by the rebel fire and
streaming to the rear. They passed by
Hooker, whose eyes lighted as he saw
these veteran troops, led by a soldier
whom he could trust. “I think they
will hold it,' he said.
“General Hartsuff took his troops
very steadily, but now that they were
under fire, not hurriedly, up the hill
from which the cornfield begins to de-
scend, and formed them on the crest.
Not a man who was not in full view,
not one who bent before the storm.
Firing at first in volleys, they fired at
them at will with wonderful rapidity
and effect. The whole line crowned the
hill and stood out darkly against the
sky, but lighted and shrouded ever in
- 137 -
flame and smoke. These were the
Twelfth and Thirteenth Massachusetts
and another regiment which I cannot
remember, old troops all of them.
“There, for an hour and a half, they
held the ridge, unyielding in purpose,
exhaustless in courage. There were
gaps in the line, but it nowhere falter-
ed. Their general was wounded badly
early in the fight, but they fought on.
Their supports did not come ; they de-
termined to win without them. They
began to go down the hill and into the
corn ; they did not stop to think that
their ammunition was nearly gone ; they
were there to win that field, and they
won it. The rebel line for the second
time fled through the corn and into the
woods. I cannot tell how few of Hart-
suff's brigade were left when the work
was done, but it was done. There was
no more gallant, determined, heroic
fighting in all this desperate day. Gen-
eral Harts.uff is very severely wounded,
but I do not believe he counts his suc-
cess too dearly purchased.
“The crisis of the fight at this point
had arrived; Ricketts' division vainly
endeavoring to advance, and exhausted
by the effort, had fallen back. Part of
Mansfield's corps was ordered in to their
relief, but Mansfield's troops came back
again, and their general was mortally
wounded. The left, nevertheless, was
too extended to be turned, and too
strong to be broken. Ricketts sent word
he could not advance, but could hold his
ground. Doubleday had kept his guns
at work on the right, and had finally si-
lenced a rebel battery that for half an
430
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
hour had poured in a galling enfilading
fire along Hooker's central line.
“There were woods in front of Double-
day's hill, which the rebels held ; but so
long as those guns pointed that way,
they did not care to attack. With his
left, then, able to take care of itself,
with his right impregnable, with two
brigades of Mansfield still fresh and
coming rapidly up, and with his centre
a second time victorious, General Hook-
er determined to advance.
“Orders were sent to Crawford and
Gordon —the two Mansfield brigades—
to move directly forward at once ; the
batteries in the centre were ordered on,
the whole line was called on, and the
General himself went forward.
“To the right of the cornfield and be-
yond it was a point of woods. Once
carried and firmly held, it was the key
of the position. Hooker determined to
take it. He rode out in front of his
farthest troops on a hill, to examine the
ground for a battery. At the top he dis-
mounted and went forward on foot,
completed his reconnoissance, returned,
and remounted. The musketry fire
from the point of woods was all the
while extremely hot. As he put his
foot in the stirrup, a fresh volley of
rifle bullets came whizzing by. The tall
soldierly figure of the General, the
white horse which he rode, the elevated
place where he was—all made him a
most dangerously conspicuous mark.
So he had been all day, riding often
without a staff-officer nor an orderly
near him—all, sent off on urgent duty
--visible everywhere upon the field.
The rebel bullets had followed him
all day, but they had not hit him, and
he would not regard them. Remount-
ing on this hill, he had not ridden five
steps when he was struck in the foot by
a ball.
“Three men were shot down at the
same moment by his side. The air was
alive with bullets. He kept on his
horse for a few moments, though the
wound was severe and excessively pain-
ful, and would not dismount till he had
given his last order to advance. He
was himself in the very front. Swaying
unsteadily on his horse, he turned in his
seat to look about him. “There is a
regiment to the right ; order it for-
ward | Crawford and Gordon are com-
ing up ; tell them to carry these works
and hold them, and it is our fight !’
“It was found that the bullet had
passed completely through his foot. The
surgeon who examined it on the spot
could give no opinion whether bones
were broken, but it was afterward ascer-
tained that, though grazed, they were
not fractured.
“Of course the severity of the wound
made it impossible for him to keep the
field, which he believed already ours, so
far as it belonged to him to win it. It
was nine o'clock. The fight had been
furious since five. A large part of his
command was broken, but his right was
still untouched, and with Crawford's and
Gordon's brigades just up, above all,
with the advance of the whole central
line, which the men had heard ordered
with cheers. - • . .
“Sumner arrived just as Hooker was
BATTLE OF
ANTIETAM. 431
leaving, and assumed command. Craw-
ford and Gordon had gone into the
woods, and were holding them stoutly,
against heavy odds. -
“As I rode over toward the left I
met Sumner at the head of his column,
advancing rapidly through the timber,
opposite where Crawford was fighting.
The veteran General was riding alone in
the forest, far ahead of his leading bri-
gade, his hat off, his gray hair, and
beard, and moustache strangely contrast-
ing with the fire in his eyes and his
martial air, as he hurried on to where
the bullets were thickest.
“Sedgwick's division was in advance,
moving forward to support Crawford
and Gordon. Rebel reinforcements were
approaching also, and the struggle for
the roads was again to be renewed.
Sumner sent forward two divisions—
Richardson and French on the left ;
Sedgwick moving in column of division
through the roads in rear, deployed, and
advanced in line over the cornfield.
“There was a broad interval between
him and the nearest division, and he saw
that if the rebel line were complete, his
own division was in immediate danger
of being flanked. But his orders were
to advance, and those are the orders
which a soldier—and Sedgwick is every
inch a soldier—loves best to hear.
“To extend his own front as far as
possible, he ordered the Thirty-fourth
New York to move by the left flank.
The manoeuvre was attempted under a
fire of the greatest intensity, and the
regiment broke. The enemy advanced,
their fire increasing.
“General Sedgwick was three times
wounded, in the shoulder, leg, and wrist,
but he persisted in remaining on the
field so long as there was a chance of
Saving it. \,
“General Dana was wounded. Gen-
eral Howard, who took command of the
division after General Sedgwick was
disabled, exerted himself to restore or-
der, but it could not be done there.
General Sumner ordered the line to be
re-formed under fire. It was impossible
to hold the position. General Sumner
withdrew the division to the rear, and
once more the cornfield was abandoned
to the enemy.
“French sent word he could hold his
ground. Richardson, while gallantly
leading a regiment under a heavy fire,
was severely wounded in the shoulder.
General Meagher was wounded at the
head of his brigade. The loss in gene-
ral officers was becoming frightful.
“At one o'clock affairs on the right
had a gloomy look. Hooker's troops
were greatly exhausted, and their Gen-
eral away from the field. Mansfield's
were no better. Sumner's command
had lost heavily, but two of his divisions
were still comparatively fresh.
“Artillery was yet playing vigorously
in front, though the ammunition of many
of the batteries was entirely exhausted,
and they had been compelled to retire.
“Doubleday held the right inflexibly.
Sumner's headquarters were now in the
narrow field where the right, before
Hooker, had begun the fight. All that
had been gained in front had been lost.
The enemy's batteries, which, if ad-
432
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
vanced and served vigorously, might have
made sad work with the closely massed
troops, were, fortunately, either partially
disabled or short of ammunition.
“Sumner was confident that he could
hold his own ; but another advance was
out of the question. The enemy, on
the other hand, seemed to be too much
exhausted to attack.
“At this crisis Franklin came up with
fresh troops, and commanding one di-
vision of the corps, formed on the left.
Slocum was sent forward along the slopes
lying under the first ranges of the divi-
sion of rebel hills, while Smith was or-
dered to retake the cornfields and woods
which all day had been so hotly contest-
ed. It was done in the handsomest
style. His Maine and Vermont regi-
ments and the rest went forward on the
run, and, cheering as they went, swept
like an avalanche through the cornfields,
fell upon the woods, cleared them in ten
minutes, and held them. They were
not again retaken.
“The field and its ghastly harvest
which the reaper had gathered in those
fatal hours remained finally with us.
“Four times it had been lost and won.
The dead are strewn so thickly, that as
you ride over it you cannot guide your
horse's steps too carefully. Pale and
bloody faces are everywhere upturned.
They are sad and terrible, but there is
nothing which makes one's heart beat so
quickly as the imploring look of sorely
wounded men, who beckon wearily for
belp which you cannot stay to give.
“Meantime, where was Burnside, and
what was he doing?
“On the right, where I had spent the
day until two o'clock, little was known
of the general fortunes of the field.
We had heard Porter's guns in the
centre, but nothing from Burnside on
the left. The distance was too great to
distinguish the sound of his artillery
from Porter's left.
“There was no immediate prospect
of more fighting on the right, and I left
the field which all day long had seen the
most obstinate contest of the war, and
rode over to McClellan's headquarters.
“Up to three o'clock Burnside had
made little progress. His attack on the
bridge had been successful, but the de-
lay had been so great, that to the ob-
server it appeared as if McClellan's plans
must have been seriously disarranged.
“It is impossible not to suppose that
the attacks on the right and left were
meant in a measure to correspond, for
otherwise the enemy had only to repel
Hooker on the one hand, then transfer
his troops, and push them against Burn-
side. -
“Finally, at four o'clock, McClellan
sent simultaneous orders to Burnside
and Franklin ; to the former, to advance
and carry the batteries in his front at all
hazards and any cost ; to the latter, to
carry the woods next in front of him
to the left, which the rebels still held.
The order to Franklin, however, was
practically countermanded, in conse-
quence of a message from General Sum-
ner ; that of Franklin went on and was
repulsed; his own corps was not yet suf-
ficiently reorganized to be depended on
£US a, TéServe.
BURNSIDE CARRIES THE HILL.
433
“Attacking first with one regiment,
then with two, and delaying both for ar-
tillery, Burnside was not over the bridge
before two o'clock—perhaps not till three.
He advanced slowly up the slopes in his
front, his batteries in the rear covering,
to some extent, the movements of the
infantry.
“A desperate fight was going on in a
deep ravine on his right, the rebel bat-
teries were in full play, and, apparently,
very annoying and destructive, while
heavy columns of rebel troops were
plainly visible, advancing as if careless
of concealment, along the road and over
the hills in the direction of Burnside's
forces. It was at this point of time
McClellan sent him the order above
given.
“Burnside obeyed it most gallantly.
Getting his troops well in hand, and
sending a portion of his artillery to the
front, he advanced them with rapid-
ity and the most determined vigor
straight up the hill in front, on the top
of which the rebels maintained the most
dangerous battery.
“The movement was in plain view of
McClellan's position; and as Franklin on
the other side sent his batteries into the
field about the same time, the battle
seemed open in all directions, with
greater activity than ever. .
“The fight in the ravine was in full
progress; the batteries which Porter
supported were firing with new vigor ;
Franklin was blazing away on the right;
and hill-top, ridge, and woods along the
whole line were crested and veiled with
white clouds of smoke. All day had
been clear and bright since the early
clouded morning, and now this whole
magnificent, unequalled scene shone
with the splendor of an afternoon Sep-
tember sun. Four miles of battle, its
glory all visible, its horrors all hidden,
the fate of th . Republic hanging on the
hour—could any one be insensible of its
grandeur” * *
“There are two hills on the left of
the road, the farthest and lowest. The
rebels have batteries on both. Burnside
is ordered to carry the nearest to him,
which is the farthest from the road. His
guns opening first from this new position
in front, more entirely controlled and si-
lenced the enemy's artillery. The in-
fantry came on at once, moving rapidly
and steadily up long, dark lanes and
broad, dark recesses, being plainly vis-
ible without a glass as they moved over
the green hillside.
“The next moment, the road in which
the rebel battery was planted was cano-
pied with clouds of dust swiftly descend-
ing into the valley. Underneath was a
tumult of wagons, guns, horses, and
men, flying at speed down the road.
Blue flashes of smoke burst now and
then among them, a horse, or a man, or
half a dozen went down, and then the
whirlwind swept on.
“The hill was carried, but could it be
held 2 The rebel columns before seen
moving to the left increased their pace.
The guns on the hill above send an an-
gry tempest of shell down among Burn-
side's guns and men. He had formed
his columns apparently in the near an-
gles of two fields bordering the road—
434
THE WAR WITH THIE SOUTH.
high ground about them everywhere
except in the rear.
“In another moment a rebel battle-
line appears on the brow of the ridge
above them, moves swiftly down in the
most perfect order, and though met by
incessant discharges of musketry, of
which we plainly see the flashes, does
not fire a gun. White spaces show
where men are falling, but they close up
instantly, and still the line advances.
The brigades of Burnside are in heavy
column ; they will not give way before
a bayonet charge in line. The rebels
think twice before they dash into these
hostile masses. a
“There is a halt, the rebel left gives
way and scatters over the field, the rest
stand fast and fire. More infantry comes
up, Burnside is outnumbered, flanked,
compelled to yield the hill he took so
bravely. His position is no longer one
of attack; he defends himself with un-
faltering firmness, but he sends to Mc-
Clellan for help. McClellan's glass for
the last half hour has seldom been
turned away from the left.
“He sees clearly enough that Burn-
side is pressed, needs no messenger to tell
him that. His face grows darker with
anxious thought. Looking down into
the valley where 15,000 troops are ly-
ing, he turns a half-questioning look on
Fitz-John Porter, who stands by his
side, gravely scanning the field. They
are Porter's troops below, are fresh and
only impatient to share in this fight. But
Porter slowly shakes his head, and one
may believe that the same thought is
passing through the minds of both gen-
erals: ‘They are the only hopes of the
army; they cannot be spared.’
“McClellan remounts his horse, and
with Porter and a dozen officers of his
staff rides away to the left, in Burn-
side's direction. Sykes meets them on
the road—a good soldier, whose opinion
is worth taking. The three generals
talk briefly together. It is easy to see
that the moment has come when every-
thing may turn on one order, given or
withheld, when the history of the bat-
tle is only to be written in thoughts and
purposes and words of the General.
“Burnside's messenger rode up. His
message is, ‘I want troops and guns.
If you do not send them, I cannot hold
my position for half an hour.’
“McClellan's only answer for the mo-
ment is a glance at the western sky.
Then he turns and speaks very slowly :
‘Tell General Burnside that this is
the battle of the war. He must hold
his ground till dark at any cost. I
will send him Miller's battery. I can
do nothing more. I have no infantry.'
Then, as the messenger was riding
away, he called him back. ‘Tell him
if he cannot hold his ground, then the
bridge, to the last man —always the
bridge –if the bridge is lost, all is
lost.’
“The sun is already down ; not half
an hour of daylight is left. Till Burn-
side's message came, it had seemed plain
to every one that the battle could not be
finished to-day. None suspected how near
was the peril of defeat, of sudden attack
on exhausted forces—how vital to the
Safety of the army and the nation were
ENEMY'S ACCOUNT.
435
those 15,000 waiting troops of Fitz-John
Porter in the hollow. But the rebels
halted instead of pushing on, their vin-
dictive cannonade died away as the light
faded. Before it was quite dark the
battle was over. Only a solitary gun of
Burnside's thundered against the enemy,
and presently this also ceased, and the
field was still.
“The peril came very near, but it has
passed, and in spite of the peril, at the
close of the day was partly a success—
not a victory, but an advantage had
been gained. Hooker, Sumner, and
Franklin held all the ground they had
gained, and Burnside still held the
bridge and his position beyond. Every-
thing was favorable for a renewal of
the fight in the morning. If the plan of
the battle is sound, there is every rea-
son why McClellan should win it. He
may choose to postpone the battle to
await his reinforcements.
“The rebels may choose to retire
while it is possible. Fatigue on both
sides might delay the deciding battle,
yet if the enemy means to fight at all,
he cannot afford to delay. His rein-
forcements may be coming, but where
are his supplies 2 His losses are enor-
mous. His troops have been massed in
woods and hollows, where artillery has
had its most terrific effect. Ours have
been deployed and scattered.”
The following, from the Richmond
Enquirer (Sept. 23d) is the enemy's ac-
count of the battle of Antietam.
“We have succeeded in obtaining from
the most reliable sources the following
details of the great battle of Wednesday:
“On the afternoon of Tuesday, the
16th, the enemy opened a light artillery
fire on our line. Early the next morn-
ing it was renewed more vigorously,
and large masses of the Federals, who
had crossed the Antietam above our po-
sition, assembled on our left. They ad-
vanced in three compact lines. The di-
visions of Generals McLaws, R. H. An-
derson, A. P. Hill, and Walker, who
were expected to have joined General
Lee on the previous night, had not come
up. Generals Jackson and Ewell's di-
visions were thrown to the left of Gen-
erals Hill and Longstreet. The enemy
advanced between the Antietam and the
Sharpsburg and Hagerstown turnpike,
and were met by General D. H. Hill's
and the left of General Longstreet's
divisions, where the conflict raged, ex-
tending to our entire left. The enemy
were repulsed and held in check ; but
prior to the arrival of the divisions of
McLaws, Anderson, and Walker, who had
been advanced to support the left wing
and centre, as soon as they had crossed
the Potomac on the morning of the 17th,
that portion of our line was forced back
by superior numbers. As soon, how-
ever, as these forces could be brought
into action, a severe conflict ensued.
The enemy were driven back, our line
Was restored, and our position maintain-
ed during the rest of the day.
“In the afternoon the enemy advanc-
ed on our right, where General Jones'
division was posted, and he handsomely
maintained his position. The bridge
Over the Antietam Creek was guarded
by General Toombs' brigade, which gal-
436
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
lantly resisted the approach of the en-
emy;, but their superior numbers ena-
bling them to extend their left, they
crossed below the bridge and forced our
line back in some confusion. Just at
this time—between three and four P.M.—
General A. P. Hill, with five of his bri-
gades, having reached the scene of ac-
tion, drove the enemy immediately back
from the position they had taken, and
continued the contest till dark, restoring
our right and maintaining our ground.
“When the battle closed, after hav-
ing. raged furiously during the entire
day, we retained possession of the field,
and the enemy retired to their former po-
sition. The conduct of many of our
officers is reported by General Lee to
have exhibited the most conspicuous
and brilliant courage. Our loss was
considerable, and we have to deplore the
fall of Branch and Stark, who died as
soldiers love to die, in defence of their
country.
“Generals R. H. Anderson, Lawton,
Ripley, Armistead, Gregg, and Wright
are reported to have been wounded—
none of them, however, dangerously.
In addition to the above, we learn from
persons who have arrived from the field,
that on the following day General Lee,
who remained in possession of the field,
took measures to renew the engagement,
but the enemy had disappeared from his
ſront; and it is further reported, that
after the removal of his wounded and
the burial of the dead, General Lee de-
termined to cross the Potomac, and had
established his headquarters at or near
Shepherdstown.” -
The following is McClellan's report:
“On the night of the battle of South
Mountain, orders were given to the
corps commanders to press forward the
pickets at early dawn. This advance
revealed the fact that the enemy had
left his positions, and an immediate pur-
suit was ordered : the cavalry under
General Pleasanton, and the three corps
under Generals Sumner, Hooker, and
Mansfield (the latter of whom had ar-
rived that morning and assumed com-
mand of the twelfth (Williams' corps),
by the National turnpike and Boons-
boro; the corps of Generals Burnside
and Porter (the latter commanding at
that time, consisting of one weak divi-
sion—Sykes') by the old Sharpsburg
road, and General Franklin to move
into Pleasant Valley, occupy Rohrers-
ville by a detachment, and endeavor to
relieve Harper's Ferry. -
“Generals Burnside and Porter, upon
reaching the road from Boonsboro to
Rohrersville to reinforce Franklin, or to
move on Sharpsburg, according to cir-
cumstances.
“Franklin moved toward Brownsville,
and found there a force of the enemy,
much superior in numbers to his own,
drawn up in a strong position to receive
him. At this time the cessation of the
firing at Harper's Ferry indicated the
surrender of that place.
“The cavalry overtook the enemy's
cavalry in Boonsboro, made a daring
charge, killing and wounding a number,
and capturing 250 prisoners and two
guns.
“General Richardson's division of the
McCLELLAN's REPORT.
437
second corps pressing the rear-guard of
the enemy with vigor, passed Boonsboro
and Keedysville, and came upon the
main body of the enemy, occupying in
large force a strong position a few miles
beyond the latter place.
“It had been hoped to engage the
enemy during the 15th. Accordingly,
nstructions were given that if the en-
emy were overtaken on the march they
should be attacked at once ; if found in
heavy force and in position, the corps
in advance should be placed in position
for attack, and await my arrival. On
reaching the advanced position of our
troops, I found but two divisions, Rich-
ardson's and Sykes', in position ; the
other troops were halted in the road ;
the head of the column some distance in
rear of Richardson. e
“The enemy occupied a strong posi-
tion on the heights, on the west side of
Antietam Creek, displaying a large force
of infantry and cavalry, with numerous
batteries of artillery, which opened on
our columns as they appeared in sight
on the Keedysville road and Sharpsburg
turnpike, which fire was returned by
Captain Tidball's light battery, Second
United States Artillery, and Pettit's bat-
tery, First New York Artillery.
“The division of General Richardson,
following close on the heels of the re-
treating foe, halted and deployed near
Antietam River, on the right of the
Sharpsburg road. General Sykes, lead-
ing on the division of regulars on the
old Sharpsburg road, came up and de-
ployed to the left of General Richard-
son, on the left of the road.
“Antietam Creek, in this vicinity, is
crossed by four stone bridges—the upper
one on the Keedysville and Williams-
port road ; the second on the Keedys.
ville and Sharpsburg turnpike, some
two and a half miles below ; the third
about a mile below the second, on the
Rohrersville and Sharpsburg road; and
the fourth near the mouth of Antietam
Creek, on the road leading from Har-
per's Ferry to Sharpsburg, some three
miles below the third. The stream is
sluggish, with few and difficult fords.
“After a rapid examination of the
position, I found that it was too late to
attack that day, and at once directed the
placing of the batteries in position in
the centre, and indicated the bivouacs
for the different corps, massing them
near and on both sides of the Sharps-
burg turnpike. The corps were not all
in their positions until the next morn-
ing after sunrise.
“On the morning of the 16th it was
discovered that the enemy had changed
the position of his batteries. The mass-
es of his troops, however, were still
concealed behind the opposite heights.
Their left and centre were upon and in
front of the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown
turnpike, hidden by woods and irregu-
larities of the ground ; their extreme
left resting upon a wooded eminence
near the cross-roads to the north of J.
Miller's farm ; their left resting upon
the Potomac. Their line extended
south, the right resting upon the hills to
the south of Sharpsburg, near Shave
ley's farm.
“The bridge over the Antietam de-
138
4.38
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTHI.
scribed as No. 3, near this point, was
strongly covered by riflemen protected
by rifle-pits, stone fences, etc., and enfi-
laded by artillery. The ground in front
of this line consisted of undulating hills,
their crests in turn commanded by oth-
ers in their rear.
“On all favorable points the enemy's
artillery was posted, and their reserves,
hidden from view by the hills on which
their line of battle was formed, could
manoeuvre unobserved by our army,
and from the shortness of their line
could rapidly reinforce any point threat-
ened by our attack. Their position,
stretching across the angle formed by
the Potomac and Antietam, their flanks
and rear protected by these streams,
was one of the strongest to be found in
this region of country, which is well
adapted to defensive warfare.
“On the right, near Keedysville, on
both sides of the Sharpsburg turnpike,
were Sumner's and Hooker's corps. In
advance, on the right of the turnpike,
and Antietam River, General Richard-
son's division of General Sumner's
corps was posted. General Sykes' di-
vision of General Porter's corps was on
the left of the turnpike and in line with
General Richardson, protecting the
bridge No. 2, over the Antietam. The
left of the line, opposite to and some dis-
tance from bridge No. 3, was occupied
by General Burnside's corps.
“Before giving General Hooker his
orders to make the movement which
will presently be described, I rode to
the left of the line to satisfy myself
that the troops were properly posted
there to secure our left flank from any
attack made along the left bank of the
| Antietam, as well as to enable us to
carry bridge No. 3.
“I found it necessary to make con-
siderable changes in the position of
General Burnside's corps, and directed
| him to advance to a strong position in
| the immediate vicinity of the bridge,
and to reconnoitre the approaches to
the bridge carefully.
“In front of General Sumner's and
Hooker's corps, near Keedysville, and
on the ridge of the first line of hills
overlooking the Antietam, and between
the turnpike and Fry's house on the
right of the road, were placed Captain
Taft's, Langner's, Von Kleizer's, and
Lieutenant Weaver's batteries of twen-
ty-four pounder Parrott guns. On the
crest of the hill, in the rear and right
of bridge No. 3, Captain Weed's three-
inch and Lieutenant Benjamin's twenty-
pounder batteries.
“General Franklin's corps and Gen-
eral Couch's division held a position in
Pleasant Valley, in front of Brownsville,
with a strong force of the enemy in
their front. General Morell's division
of Porter's corps was en route from
Boonsboro, and General Humphrey's di-
vision of new troops en route from
Frederick, Maryland.
“About daylight on the 16th the en-
|emy opened a heavy fire of artillery on
our guns in position, which was prompt-
ly returned ; their fire was silenced for
the time, but was frequently renewed
during the day. In the heavy fire of
the morning Major Arndt, commanding
PLAN OH' BATTLE.
439
the first battalion First New York Ar-
tillery, was mortally wounded while di-
recting the operations of his batteries.
“It was afternoon before I could
move the troops to their positions for
attack, being compelled to spend the
morning in reconnoitring the new posi-
tions taken up by the enemy, examining
the ground, finding fords, clearing the
approaches, and hurrying up the ammu-
nition and supply trains, which had been
delayed by the rapid march of the
troops over the few practicable ap-
proaches from Frederick. These had
been crowded by the masses of infantry,
cavalry, and artillery pressing on with
the hope of overtaking the enemy be-
fore he could form to resist an attack.
Many of the troops were out of rations
on the previous day, and a good deal of
their ammunition had been expended in
the severe action of the 14th.
“My plan for the impending general
engagement was to attack the enemy's
left with the corps of Hooker and Mans-
field, supported by Sumner's, and, if
necessary, by Franklin's ; and, as soon
as matters looked favorably there, to
move the corps of Burnside against the
enemy's extreme right, upon the ridge
running to the south and rear of Sharps-
burg, and having carried their position,
to press along the crest toward our
right ; and whenever either of these
flank movements should be successful, to
advance our centre with all the forces
then disposable. w
“About two P.M. General Hooker,
with his corps, consisting of Generals
Ricketts', Meade's, and Doubleday's di-
visions, was ordered to cross the Antie-
tam at the ford, and at bridge No. 1, a
short distance above, to attack and, if
possible, turn the enemy's left.
“General Sumner was ordered to
cross the corps of General Mansfield
(the twelfth) during the night, and hold
his own (the second) corps ready to cross
early the next morning. On reaching
the vicinity of the enemy's left, a sharp
contest commenced with the Pennsylva-
nia Reserves, the advance of General
Hooker's corps, near the house of D.
Miller. The enemy were driven from
the strip of woods where they were first
met. The firing lasted until after dark,
when General Hooker's corps rested on
their arms on ground won from the en-
emy.
“During the night General Mans-
field's corps, consisting of Generals Wil-
liams' and Green's divisions, crossed the
Antietam at the same ford and bridge
that General Hooker's troops had pass-
ed, and bivouacked on the farm of J.
Poffenberger, about a mile in rear of
General Hooker's position.
“At daylight on the 17th the action
was commenced by the skirmishers of
the Pennsylvania Reserves. The whole
of General Hooker's corps was soon en-
gaged, and drove the enemy from the
open field in front of the first line of
woods into a second line of woods be-
yond, which runs to the eastward of
and nearly parallel to the Sharpsburg
and Hagerstown turnpike.
“The contest was obstinate, and as
the troops advanced, the opposition be-
came more determined and the number
440
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
of the enemy greater.
er then ordered up the corps of Gene-
ral Mansfield, which moved promptly
toward the scene of action.
“The first division, General William-
son's, was deployed to the right on ap-
proaching the enemy ; General Craw-
ford's brigade on the right, its right
resting on the Hagerstown turnpike ;
on his left General Gordon's brigade.
“The second division, General Green's,
Joining the left of Gordon's, extended
as far as the burnt buildings to the
north and east of the white church on
the turnpike. - -
“During the deployment that gallant
veteran General Mansfield fell, mortally
wounded, while examining the ground in
front of his troops. General Hartsuff,
of Hooker's corps, was severely wound-
ed, while bravely pressing forward his
troops, and was taken from the field.
“The command of the twelfth corps
fell upon General Williams. Five regi-
ments of the first division of this corps
were new troops. One brigade of the
second division was sent to support Gen-
eral Doubleday.
“The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth
Pennsylvania Volunteers were pushed
across the turnpike into the woods be-
yond J. Miller's house, with orders to
hold the position as long as possible.
“The line of battle of this corps was
formed, and it became engaged about
seven A.M., the attack being commenced
by Knapp's (Pennsylvania), Cothran's
(New York), and Hampton's (Pittsburg)
batteries. To meet this attack, the en-
emy had pushed a strong column of
General Hook-
troops into the open fields in front of
the turnpike, while he occupied the
woods on the west of the turnpike in
strong force.
“The woods (as was found by subse-
quent observations) were traversed by
outcropping ledges of rock. Several
hundred yards to the right and rear
was a hill which commanded the de-
bouche of the woods, and in the fields
between was a long line of stone fences,
continued by breast-works of rails, which
covered the enemy's infantry from Our
musketry. The same woods formed a
screen behind which his movements
were concealed, and his batteries on the
hill and the rifle-works covered from
the fire of our artillery in front.
“For about two hours the battle
raged with varied success, the enemy
endeavoring to drive our troops into the
second line of woods, and ours in turn
to get possession of the line in front.
“Our troops ultimately succeeded in
forcing the enemy back into the woods
near the turnpike, General Green, with
his two brigades, crossing into the woods
to the left of the Dunbar church. Du-
ring this conflict General Crawford, com-
manding the first division after General
Williams took command of the corps,
was wounded and left the field.
“General Green being much exposed
and applying for reinforcements, the
Thirteenth New Jersey, Twenty-sev-
enth Indiana, and the Third Maryland
were sent to his support, with a section
of Knapp's battery. -
“At about nine o'clock A.M., General
Sedgwick's division of General Sumner's
GENERAL SEDGWICK WOUNDED.
441
corps arrived. Crossing the ford previ-
ously mentioned, this division marched
In three columns to the support of the
attack on the enemy's left.
“On nearing the scene of action
the columns were halted, faced to
the front, and established by General
Sumner in three parallel lines by bri-
gade, facing toward the south and west;
General Gorman's brigade in front,
General Dana's second, and General
Howard's third, with a distance between
the lines of some seventy paces. The
division was then put in motion and
moved upon the field of battle, under
fire from the enemy's concealed batteries
on the hill beyond the roads. Passing
diagonally to the front, across the open
space, and to the front of the first divi-
sion of General Williams' corps, this lat-
ter division withdrew.
“Entering the woods on the west of
the turnpike, and driving the enemy be-
fore them, the first line was met by a
heavy fire of musketry and shell from
the enemy's breast-works and the batter-
ies on the hill commanding the exit from
“he woods. -
“Meantime a heavy column of the
enemy had succeeded in crowding back
the troops of General Green's division,
and appeared in rear of the left of Sedg-
wick’s division. By command of Gen-
eral Sumner, General Howard faced the
third line to the rear, preparatory to a
change of front to meet the column
advancing on the left ; but this line,
now suffering from a destructive fire
both in front and on its left, which it
was unable to return, gave way toward
the right and rear in considerable confu-
sion, and was soon followed by the first
and second lines. -
“General Gorman's brigade, and one
regiment of General Dana's, soon rallied
and checked the advance of the enemy
on the right. The second and third
lines now formed on the left of General
Gorman's brigade, and poured a destruc-
tive fire upon the enemy.
“During General Sumner's attack, he
ordered General Williams to support
him. Brigadier-General Gordon, with
a portion of his brigade, moved forward,
but when he reached the woods, the left,
General Sedgwick's division, had given
way ; and finding himself, as the smoke
cleared up, opposed to the enemy in
force, with his small command, he with-
drew to the rear of the batteries at the
second line of woods. As General Gor-
don's troops unmasked our batteries on
the left, they opened with canister; the
batteries of Captain Cothran, First New
York, and I, First Artillery, command-
ed by Lieutenant Woodruff, doing good
service.
“Unable to withstand this deadly
fire in front, and the musketry fire from
the right, the enemy again sought shel-
ter in the woods and rocks beyond the
turnpike.
“During this assault Generals Sedg-
wick and Dana were seriously wounded
and taken from the field. General
Sedgwick, though twice wounded, and
faint from the loss of blood, retained
command of his division for more than
an hour after his first wound, animating
his command by his presence.
442
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“About the time of General Sedg-
wick's advance, General Hooker, while
urging on his command, was severely
wounded in the foot and taken from the
field, and General Meade was placed in
command of his corps. General How-
ard assumed command after General
Sedgwick retired.
“The repulse of the enemy offered
opportunity to rearrange the lines and
reorganize the commands on the right,
now more or less in confusion. The
batteries of the Pennsylvania Reserves,
on high ground near I. Poffenberger's
house, opened fire, and checked several
attempts of the enemy to establish bat-
teries in front of our right, to turn that
flank and enfilade the lines.
“While the conflict was so obstinately
raging on the right, General French was
pushing his division against the enemy
still farther to the left. This division
crossed the Antietam at the same ford as
General Sedgwick, and immediately in
his rear. Passing over the stream in
three columns, the division marched
about a mile from the ford, then facing
to the left, moved in three lines toward
the enemy : General Max Weber's bri-
gade in front; Colonel Dwight Morris'
brigade of raw troops, undrilled, and
moving for the first time under fire, in
the second, and General Kimball's bri-
gade in the third.
“The division was first assailed by a
fire of artillery, but steadily advanced,
driving in the enemy's skirmishers, and
encountering the infantry in some force
at the group of houses on Roulette's farm.
General Weber's brigade gallantly ad-
vanced with an unwavering front and
drove the enemy from their position
about the houses. '.
“While General Weber was hotly
engaged with the first line of the enemy,
General French received orders from
General Sumner, his corps commander,
to push on with renewed vigor to make
a diversion in favor of the attack on the
right. Leaving the new troops, who had
been thrown into some confusion from
their march through cornfields, over
fences, etc., to form as a reserve, he or-
dered the brigade of General Kimball to
the front, passing to the left of General
Weber.
“The enemy were pressed back to
near the crest of the hill, where he was
encountered in greater strength, posted
in a sunken road forming a natural rifle-
pit, running in a north-westerly direc-
tion. In a cornfield in rear of this road
were also strong bodies of the enemy.
As the line reached the crest of the hill,
a galling fire was opened on it from the
sunken road and cornfield. Here a ter-
rific fire of musketry burst from both
lines, and the battle raged along the
whole line with great slaughter.
“The enemy attempted to turn the
left of the line, but were met by the
Seventh Virginia and One Hundred and
Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers,
and repulsed. Foiled in this the entemy
made a determined assault on the front,
but were met by a charge from our lines
which drove them back with severe loss,
leaving in our hands some 300 prisoners
and several stands of colors. The en-
emy having been repulsed by the terri-
MCCLELLAN’S REPORT.
*—
*-
ble execution of the batteries and the
musketry fire on the extreme right,
now attempted to assist the attack on
General French's division, by assailing
him on his right and endeavoring to
turn this flank ; but this attack was met
and checked by the Fourteenth Indiana
and Eighth Ohio Volunteers, and by
canister from Captain Tompkins' battery,
First Rhode Island Artillery. -
“Having been under an almost con-
tinuous fire for nearly four hours, and
the ammunition nearly expended, this
division now took position immediately
below the crest of the heights on which
they had so gallantly fought, the enemy
making no attempt to regain their lost
ground.
“On the left of General French, Gen-
eral Richardson's division was hotly en- |
gaged. Having crossed the Antietam
about half-past nine A.M., at the ford
crossed by the other divisions of Sum-
ner's corps, it moved on a line nearly
parallel to the Antietam, and formed in
a ravine behind the high ground over-
looking Roulette's house ; the second
(Irish) brigade, commanded by General
Meagher, on the right; the third bri-
gade, commanded by General Caldwell,
on his left, and the brigade commanded
by Colonel Brooks, Twenty-third Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, in support.
“As the division moved forward to
take its position on the field, the enemy
directed a fire of artillery against it,
but owing to the irregularities of the
ground, did but little damage.
“Meagher's brigade advancing stead-
ily, Soon became engaged with the en-
443
emy posted to the left and in front of
Roulette's house. It continued to ad-
vance under a heavy fire nearly to the
crest of the hill overlooking Piper's
house, the enemy being posted in a con-
tinuation of the sunken road and corn-
field before referred to. Here the brave
Irish brigade opened upon the enemy a
terrific musketry fire.
“All of General Sumner's corps were
now engaged : General Sedgwick on the
right, General French in the centre,
and General Richardson on the left.
The Irish brigade sustained its well-
earned reputation. After suffering ter-
ribly in officers and men, and strewing
the ground with their enemies as they
drove them back, their ammunition
nearly expended, and their commander,
General Meagher, disabled by the fall
of his horse, shot under him, this bri-
gade was ordered to give place to Gen-
eral Caldwell's brigade, which advanced
to a short distance in its rear.
“The lines were passed by the Irish
brigade breaking by company to the
rear, and General Caldwell's by compa-
ny to the front, as steadily as on drill.
Colonel Brooks' brigade now became
the second line.
“The ground over which Generals
Richardson and French's divisions were
fighting was very irregular, intersected
by numerous ravines, hills covered with
growing corn, inclosed by stone walls,
behind which the enemy could advance
unobserved upon any exposed point of
our lines.
“Taking advantage of this, the en-
emy attempted to gain the right of
444
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Richardson's position in a cornfield near
Roulette's house, where the division had
become separated from that of General
|French.
“A change of front by the Fifty-sec-
ond New York and Second Delaware
Volunteers, of Colonel Brooks' brigade,
under Colonel Frank, and the attack
made by the Fifty-third Pennsylvania
Volunteers, sent farther to the right by
Colonel Brooks to close this gap in the
line, and the movement of the One
Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylva-
nia and Seventh Virginia Volunteers of
General French's division, before refer-
red to, drove them from the cornfield
and restored the line.
“The brigade of General Caldwell,
with determined gallantry, pushed the
enemy back opposite the left and centre
of this division, but sheltered in the sunk-
en road, they still held our forces on
the right of Caldwell in check. Colonel
Barlow, commanding the Sixty-first and
Sixty-fourth New York regiments of
Caldwell's brigade, seeing a favorable
opportunity, advanced the regiments on
the left, taking the line in the sunken
road in flank, and compelled them to
surrender, capturing over 300 prisoners
and three stands of colors.
“The whole of the brigade, with the
Fifty-seventh and Sixty-sixth New York
regiments of Colonel Brooks' brigade,
who had moved these regiments into
the first line, now advanced with gallan-
try, driving the enemy before them
In confusion into the cornfield beyond
the sunken road. The left of the di-
vision was now well advanced, when the
..ºf
enemy, concealed by the intervening
ridge, endeavored to turn its left and
rear. Colonel Cross, Fifth New Hamp-
shire, by a change in front to the left
and rear, brought his regiment facing
the advancing line. - •
“Here a spirited contest arose to gain
a commanding height, the two opposing
forces moving parallel to each other,
giving and receiving fire. The Fifth
gaining the advantage, faced to the
right and delivered its volley. Being
reinforced by the Eighty-first Pennsyl-
vania, these regiments met the advance
by a countercharge. The enemy fled,
leaving many killed, wounded, and pris-
Oners, and the colors of the Fourth
North Carolina, in our hands.
“Another column of the enemy, ad-
vancing under shelter of a stone wall
and cornfield, pressed down on the right
of the division ; but Colonel Barlow
again advanced the Sixty-first and Six-
ty-fourth New York against these troops,
and with the attack of Kimball's bri-
gade on the right, drove them from this
position.
“Our troops on the left of this part
of the line having driven the enemy far
back, they, with reinforced numbers,
made a determined attack directly in
front. To meet this, Colonel Barlow
brought his two regiments to their posi-
tion in line, and drove the enemy
through the cornfield into the orchard
beyond, under a heavy fire of musketry,
and a fire of canister from pieces of ar-
tillery in the orchard, and a battery far-
ther to the right, throwing shell and
case-shot. -
MCCLELLAN'S REPORT.
445
“This advance gave us possession of
Piper's house, the strong point contend-
ed for by the enemy at this part of the
line, it being a defencible building sev-
eral hundred yards in advance of the
sunken road. The musketry fire at this
point of the line now ceased.
“Holding Piper's house, General Rich-
ardson withdrew the line a little way to
the crest of the hill, a more advanta-
geous position. Up to this time the di-
vision was without artillery, and in the
new position suffered severely from ar-
tillery fire which could not be replied to.
“A section of Robertson's horse bat-
tery, commanded by Lieutenant Win-
cent, Second Artillery, now arrived on
the ground, and did excellent service.
Subsequently a battery of brass guns,
commanded by Captain Graham, First
Artillery, arrived, and was posted on the
crest of the hill, and soon silenced the
two guns in the orchard. A heavy fire
soon ensued between the battery farther
to the right and our own. -
“Captain Graham's battery was brave-
ly and skilfully served, but unable to
reach the enemy, who had rifled guns
of greater range than our smooth-bores,
retired by order of General Richardson,
to save it from useless sacrifice of men
and horses. The brave General was
himself mortally wounded, while per-
sonally directing its fire. r
“General Hancock was placed in
command of the division after the fall
of General Richardson. General Mea-
gher's brigade, now commanded by Col-
onel Burke, of the Sixty-third New
York, having refilled their cartridge
boxes, were again ordered forward, and
took position in the centre of the line.
“The division now occupied one line
in close proximity to the enemy, who
had taken up a position in the rear of
Piper's house. Colonel Dwight Morris,
with the Tenth Connecticut and a de-
tachment of the One Hundred and
Eighth New York, of General French's
division, was sent by General French to
the support of General Richardson's di-
vision. This command was now placed
in an interval in the line between Gen-
eral Caldwell's and the Irish brigades.
“The requirement of the extended
line of battle had so engaged the artil-
lery, that the application of General
Hancock for artillery for the division
could not be complied with immediately
by the chief of artillery or the corps
commanders in his vicinity. Knowing
the tried courage of the troops, General
Hancock felt confident that he could
hold his position, although suffering
from the enemy's artillery, but was too
weak to attack, as the great length of
the line he was obliged to hold prevent-
ed him from forming more than one line
of battle, and from his advanced posi-
tion, the line was already partly enfilad-
ed by the batteries of the enemy on the
right, which were protected from our
batteries opposite to them by the woods
at the Dunker church.
“Seeing a body of the enemy advanc-
ing on some of our troops to the left of
his position, General Hancock obtained
Hexamer's battery from General Frank-
lin's corps, which assisted materially in
frustrating this attack. It also assisted
139
446
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
the attack of the Seventh Maine, of
Franklin's corps, which, without other
aid, made an attack against the enemy's
line, and drove in skirmishers who were
annoying our artillery and troops on the
right.
“Lieutenant Woodruff, with battery
I, Second Artillery, relieved Captain
Hexamer, whose ammunition was ex-
pended. The enemy at one time seem-
ed to be about making an attack in
force upon this part of the line, and ad-
vanced a long column of infantry toward
this division ; but on nearing the posi-
tion, General Pleasanton opened on
them with sixteen guns, they halted,
gave a desultory fire, and retreated,
closing the operations on this portion of
the field. I return to the incidents oc-
curring still farther to the right.
“Between twelve and one P.M. Gene-
ral Franklin's corps arrived on the field
of battle, having left their camp near
Crampton's pass at six P.M., leaving Gen-
eral Couch with orders to move with
his division to occupy Maryland Heights.
General Smith's division led the col-
umn, followed by General Slocum's.
“It was first intended to keep this
corps in reserve on the east side of the
Antietam, to operate on either flank or
on the centre, as circumstances might re-
quire ; but on nearing Keedysville, the
strong opposition on the right, developed
by the attacks of Hooker and Sumner,
rendered it necessary at once to send this
corps to the assistance of the right wing.
“On nearing the field, hearing that
one of our batteries, (A) Fourth United
States Artillery, commanded by Lieu-
tenant Thomas, who occupied the same
position as Lieutenant Woodruff's bat-
tery, in the morning, was hotly engaged
without supports, General Smith sent
two regiments to its relief, from Gene-
ral Hancock's brigade.
“On inspecting the ground, General
Smith ordered the other regiments of
Hancock's brigade, with Frank's and
Cowen's batteries, First New York Ar-
tillery, to the threatened position, Lieu-
tenant Thomas and Captain Cothran,
commanding batteries, bravely held their
positions against the advancing enemy,
handling their batteries with skill.
“Finding the enemy still advancing,
the third brigade of Smith's division,
commanded by Colonel Irwin, Forty-
ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was or-
dered up, and passed through Lieuten-
ant Thomas' battery, charged upon the
enemy, and drove back the advance un-
til abreast of the Dunker church.
“As the right of the brigade came
opposite the woods, it received a de-
structive fire, which checked the advance
and threw the brigade somewhat into
confusion. It formed again behind a
rise of ground in the open space in ad-
vance of the batteries.
“General French having reported
to General Franklin that his ammuni-
tion was nearly expended, that officer
ordered General Brooks, with his bri-
gade, to reinforce him. General Brooks
formed his brigade on the right of Gen-
eral French, where they remained dur-
ing the remainder of the day and night,
frequently under the fire of the enemy's
artillery.
MCCLELLAN'S REPORT.
447
“It was soon after the brigade of
Colonel Irwin had fallen back behind
the rise of ground that the Seventh
Maine, by order of Colonel Irwin, made
the gallant attack already referred to.
“The advance of General Franklin's
Corps was opportune. The attack of
the enemy on this position, but for the
timely arrival of his corps, must have
been disastrous, had it succeeded in
piercing the line between Generals
Sedgwick and French's divisions.
“General Franklin ordered two bri-
gades of General Slocum's division,
General Newton's and Colonel Torbert's,
to form in column to assault the woods
that had been so hotly contested before
by Generals Summer and Hooker. Gen-
eral Bartlett's brigade was ordered to
form as a reserve. At this time General
Sumner, having command on the right,
directed further offensive operations to
be postponed, as the repulse of this, the
only remaining corps available for at-
tack, would peril the safety of the
whole army.
“General Porter's corps, consisting
of General Sykes' division of regulars
and volunteers and General Morell's di-
vision of volunteers, occupied a position
on the east side of Antietam Creek,
upon the main turnpike leading to
Sharpsburg, and directly opposite the
centre of the enemy's line. This corps
filled the interval between the right
wing and General Burnside's command,
and guarded the main approach from
the enemy's position to our trains of
supply.
“It was necessary to watch this part
of our line with the utmost vigilance,
lest the enemy should take advantage of
the first exhibition of weakness, here to
push upon us a vigorous assault, for the
purpose of piercing our centre and turn-
ing our rear, as well as to capture or
destroy our supply trains. Once hav-
ing penetrated this line, the enemy's
passage to our rear could have met with
but feeble resistance, as there were no
reserves to reinforce or close up the
gap. *
“Toward the middle of the afternoon,
proceeding to the right, I found that
Sumner's, Hooker's, and Mansfield's
corps had met with serious losses. Sev-
eral general officers had been carried
from the field severely wounded, and
the aspect of affairs was anything but
promising.
“At the risk of greatly exposing our
centre, I ordered two brigades from
Porter's corps, the only available troops,
to reinforce the right. Six battalions of
Sykes' regulars had been thrown for-
ward across the Antietam bridge on the
main road, to attack and drive back the
enemy's sharpshooters, who were an-
noying Pleasanton's horse batteries in
advance of the bridge ; Warren's bri-
gade, of Porter's corps, was detached to
hold a position on Burnside's right and
rear, so that Porter was left at one time
with only a portion of Sykes' division
and one small brigade of Morell's divi-
sion (but little over 3,000 men) to hold
his important position. -
“General Sumner expressed the most
decided opinion against another attempt
during that day to assault the enemy's
+48
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
position in front, as portions of our
troops were so much scattered and de-
moralized.
“In view of these circumstances, af-
ter making changes in the position of
some of the troops, I directed the differ-
ent commanders to hold their positions,
and being satisfied that this could be done
without the assistance of the two bri-
gades from the centre, I countermanded
the order which was in course of execu-
tion. -
“General Slocum's division replaced
a portion of General Summer's troops,
and positions were selected for batteries
in front of the woods. The enemy
opened several heavy fires of artillery
on the position of our troops after this,
but our batteries soon silenced them.
“On the morning of the 17th Gen-
eral Pleasanton, with his cavalry divi-
sion and the horse batteries, under Cap-
tains Robertson, Tidball, and Lieutenant
Haines, of the Second Artillery, and
Captain Gibson, Third Artillery, was or-
dered to advance on the turnpike to-
ward Sharpsburg, across bridge No. 2,
and support the left of General Sum-
ner's line. -
“The bridge being covered by a fire
of artillery and sharpshooters, cavalry
skirmishers were thrown out, and Cap-
tain Tidball's battery advanced by piece
and drove off the sharpshooters with
canister sufficiently to establish the bat-
teries above mentioned, which opened
on the enemy with effect. The firing
was kept up for about two hours, when
the enemy's fire slackened ; the batteries
were relieved by Randall's and Van
Reed's batteries, United States Artillery.
About three o'clock, Tidball, Robert-
son, and Haines returned to their po-
sitions on the west of the Antietam,
Captain Gibson having been placed in
position on the east side to guard the
approaches to the bridge. These bat-
teries did good service, concentrating
their fire on the column of the enemy
about to attack General Hancock's posi-
tion, and compelling it to find shelter be-
hind the hills in rear.
“General Sykes' division had been in
position since the 15th, exposed to the
enemy's artillery and sharpshooters.
General Morell had come up on the
16th, and relieved General Richardson
on the left of General Sykes. Continu-
ally, under the vigilant watch of the
enemy, this corps guarded a vital point.
“The position of the batteries under
General Pleasanton being one of great
exposure, the battalion of the Second and
Tenth United States Infantry, under
Captain Pollard, Second Infantry, was
sent to his support. Subsequently
four battalions of regular infantry, un-
der Captain Dryer, Fourth Infantry,
were sent across to assist in driving off
the sharpshooters of the enemy. *
“The battalion of the Second and
Tenth Infantry advancing far beyond the
batteries, compelled the cannoneers of a
battery of the enemy to abandon their
guns. Few in number, and unsupport.
ed, they were unable to bring them off.
The heavy loss of this small body of
men attests their gallantry.
“The troops of General Burnside
held the left of the line opposite bridge
McCLELLAN'S REPORT.
449
No. 3. The attack on the right was to
have been supported by an attack on
the left. Preparatory to this attack on
the evening of the 16th, General Burn-
side's corps was moved forward and to
the left, and took up a position nearer
the bridge.
“I visited General Burnside's position
on the 16th, and after pointing out the
proper dispositions to be made of his
troops during the day and night, inform-
ed him that he would probably be re-
Quired to attack the enemy's right on
the following morning, and directed him
to make careful reconnoissances.
“General Burnside's corps, consist-
ing of the divisions of Generals Cox,
Wilcox, Rodman, and Sturgis, was post-
ed as follows: Colonel Brooks' brigade,
Cox's division, on the right; General
Sturgis' division immediately in rear.
On the left was General Rodman's divi-
sion, with General Scammon's brigade,
Cox's division, in support.
“General Wilcox's division was held
in reserve. -
“The corps bivouacked in position on
the night of the 16th.
“Early on the morning of the 17th I
ordered General Burnside to form his
troops and hold them in readiness to
assault the bridge in his front, and to
await further orders.
“At eight o'clock an order was sent
to him by Lieutenant Wilson, Topo-
graphical Engineers, to carry the bridge,
then to gain possession of the heights
beyond, and to advance along their crest
upon Sharpsburg and its rear.
“After some time had elapsed, not
little progress had been made.
hearing from him, I dispatched an aid to
ascertain what had been done. The aid
returned with the information that but
I then
sent him back with an order to General
Burnside to assault the bridge at once,
and carry it at all hazards. -
“The aid returned to me a second
time with the report that the bridge was
still in the possession of the enemy.
Whereupon I directed Colonel Sackett,
inspector general, to deliver to Gen-
eral Burnside my positive order to push
forward his troops without a moment's
delay, and, if necessary, to carry the
bridge at the point of the bayonet ; and
I ordered Colonel Sackett to remain
with General Burnside and see that the
order was executed promptly.
“After these three hours' delay, the
bridge was carried at one o'clock by a
brilliant charge of the Fifty-first New
York and Fifty-first Pennsylvania Wol-
unteers. Other troops were then thrown
over, and the opposite bank occupied,
the enemy retreating to the heights be-
yond. -
“A halt was then made by General
Burnside's advance until three P.M., upon
hearing which I directed one of my
aids, Colonel Key, to inform General
Burnside that I desired him to push for-
ward his troops with the utmost vigor,
and carry the enemy's position on the
heights; that the movement was vital
to our success ; that this was a time
when he must not stop for loss of life,
if a great object could thereby be ac-
complished. That if, in his judgment,
his attack would fail, to inform me so at
+00
THE WAR WITII TIIE SOUTH.
*-s-
once. that his troops might be with-
drawn and used elsewhere on the field.
“He replied that he would soon ad-
vance, and would go up the hill as far
as a battery of the enemy on the left
would permit. . Upon this report, I
again immediately sent Colonel Key to
General Burnside with orders to ad-
vance at once, if possible to flank the
battery, or storm it, and carry the
heights; repeating that if he considered
the movement impracticable, to inform
me so, that his troops might be recalled.
The advance was then gallantly resum-
ed, the enemy driven from the guns, the
heights handsomely carried, and a por-
tion of the troops even reached the out-
skirts of Sharpsburg.
“By this time it was nearly dark,
and strong reinforcements just then
reaching the enemy from Harper's Fer-
ry, attacked General Burnside's troops
on the left flank, and forced them to re-
tire to a lower line of hills nearer the
bridge. * .
“If this important movement had
been consummated two hours earlier, a
position would have been secured on the
heights from which our batteries might
have enfiladed the greater part of the
enemy's line, and turned their right
and rear, our victory might thus have
been much more decisive.
“The following is the substance of
General Burnside's operations, as given
in his report:
“Colonel Brooks' brigade was order-
ed to storm the bridge. This bridge,
No. 3, is a stone structure of three
arches with stone parapets. The banks
of the stream on the other side are pre-
cipitous, and command the eastern ap-
proaches to the bridge. On the hillside,
immediately by the bridge, was a stone
fence, running parallel to the stream ;
the turns of the road-way, as it wound
up the hill, were covered by rifle-pits,
and breast-works of rails, etc.
“These works, and the woods that
covered the slopes, were filled with the
enemy's riflemen, and batteries were in
position to enfilade the bridge and its
approaches. -
“General Rodman was ordered to
cross the ford below the bridge. From
Colonel Crook's position it was found
impossible to carry the bridge.
“General Sturgis was ordered to
make a detail from his division for that
purpose. He sent forward the Second
Maryland and the Sixth New Hamp-
shire. These regiments made several
successive attacks in the most gallant
style, but were driven back.
“The artillery on the left were order-
ed to concentrate their fire on the
woods above the bridge. Colonel Crook
brought a section of Captain Simmons’
battery to a position to command the
bridge.
“The Fifty-first New York and Fifty-
first Pennsylvania were then ordered to
assault the bridge. Taking advantage
of a small spur of the hills which ran
parallel to the river, they moved toward
the bridge. From the crest of this spur
they rushed with bayonets fixed and
cleared the bridge.
“The division followed the storming
party, also the brigade of Colonel Crook
MCCLELLAN'S REPORT.
451
as a support. The enemy withdrew to
still higher ground, some five or six
hundred yards beyond, and opened a
fire of artillery on the troops in the new
position on the crest of the hill above
the bridge.
“General Rodman's division succeed-
ed in crossing the ford after a sharp fire
of musketry and artillery, and joined
on the left of Sturgis, Scammon's brigade
crossing as a support. General Wilcox's
division was ordered across to take posi-
tion on General Sturgis' right. *
“These dispositions being completed
about three o'clock, the command moved
forward, except Sturgis' division, left in
reserve. Clark’s and Durell's batteries,
accompanied Rodman's division; Cook's
battery with Wilcox's division, and a
section of Simmons' battery with Colo-
nel Crook's brigade. A section of Sim-
mons' battery and Mullenburgh and Mc-
Mullen's batteries were in position.
“The order for the advance was
obeyed by the troops with alacrity.
General Wilcox's division, with Crook
in support, moved up on both sides of
the turnpike leading from the bridge to
Sharpsburg, General Rodman's division,
supported by Scammon's brigade, on
the left of General Wilcox. The enemy
retreated before the advance of the
troops.
“The Ninth New York, of General
Rodman's division, captured one of the
enemy's batteries and held it for some
time. As the command was driving the
enemy to the main heights on the left
of the town, the light division of Gen-
eral A. P. Hill arrived upon the field of
battle from Harper's Ferry, and with a
heavy artillery fire made a strong attack
on the extreme left. To meet this at-
tack the left division diverged from the
line of march intended, and opened a
gap between it and the right. To fill
up this it was necessary to order the
troops from the second line. During
these movements General Rodman was
mortally wounded.
“Colonel Harland's brigade, of Gen-
eral Rodman's division, was driven back.
Colonel Scammon's brigade, by a change
of front to rear on his right flank, saved
the left from being driven completely in.
The fresh troops of the enemy pouring
in, and the accumulation of artillery
against this command, destroyed all
hope of being able to accomplish any-
thing more.
“It was now nearly dark. General
Sturgis was ordered forward to support
the left. Notwithstanding the hard
work in the early part of the day, his
division moved forward with spirit.
With its assistance the enemy were
checked and held at bay.
“The command was ordered to fall
back by General Cox, who commanded
on the field the troops engaged in this
affair beyond the Antietam. The artil-
lery had been well served during the
day.
“Night closed the long and despe-
rately contested battle of the 17th.
Nearly 200,000 men and 500 pieces of
artillery were for fourteen hours engag-
ed in this memorable battle. We had
attacked the enemy in a position selected
by the experienced engineer then in
452
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
person directing their operations. We
had driven them from their line on one
flank, and secured a footing within it on
the other. -
“The Army of the Potomac, not-
withstanding the moral effect incident
to previous reverses, had achieved a
victory over an adversary invested with
the prestige of recent success. Our
soldiers slept that night conquerors on a
field won by their valor and covered with
the dead and wounded of the enemy.
“The night, however, brought with it
grave responsibilities. Whether to re-
new the attack on the 18th, or to defer
it, even with the risk of the enemy's
retirement, was the question before me.
“After a night of anxious delibera-
tion, and a full and careful survey of
the situation and condition of our army,
the strength and position of the enemy,
I concluded that the success of an at-
tack on the 18th was not certain. I am
aware of the fact that, under ordinary
circumstances, a general is expected to
risk a battle if he has a reasonable pros-
pect of success ; but at this critical
juncture, I should have had a narrow
view of the condition of the country |
had I been willing to hazard another
battle with less than an absolute assur-
ance of success. -
“At that moment — Virginia lost,
Washington menaced, Maryland invad-
ed—the national cause could afford no
risks of defeat. One battle lost, and
almost all would have been lost. Lee's
army might then, have marched as it
pleased on Washington, Baltimore, Phil-
adelphia, or New York. It could have
levied its supplies from a fertile and un-
devastated country; extorted tribute
from wealthy and populous cities; and
nowhere east of the Alleghanies was
there another organized force able to ar-
rest its march. * &
“The following are among the con-
siderations which led me to doubt the
certainty of success in attacking before
the 19th : sº º
“The troops were greatly overcome
by the fatigue and exhaustion attendant
upon the long continued and severely
contested battle of the 17th, together
with the long day and night marches
to which they had been subjected dur-
ing the previous three days.
“The supply-trains were in the rear,
and many of the troops had suffered
from hunger. They required rest and
refreshment.
“One division of Sumner's and all of
Hooker's corps, on the right, had, after
fighting most valiantly for several hours,
been overpowered by numbers, driven
back in great disorder, and much scat-
tered, so that they were for the time
somewhat demoralized.
“In Hooker's corps, according to the
return made by General Meade, com-
manding, there were but 6,720 men pres-
ent on the 18th ; whereas on the morn-
ing of the 22d there were 13,003 men
present for duty in the same corps,
showing that previous to and during the
battle 6,364 men were separated from
their command.
“General Meade, in an official com-
munication upon this subject, dated Sep-
tember 18, 1862, says: +
McCLELLAN'S REPORT.
453
“‘I inclose a field return of the corps
made this afternoon, which I desire you
will lay before the commanding general.
I am satisfied the great reduction in the
corps since the recent engagement is
not due solely to the casualties of battle,
and that a considerable number of men
are still in the rear, some having drop-
ped out on the march, and many dis-
persing and leaving yesterday during the
fight. I think the efficiency of the
corps, so far as it goes, good. To re-
sist an attack in our present strong po-
sition I think they may be depended on,
and I hope they will perform duty in
case we make an attack, though I. do
not think their morale is as good for an
offensive as a defensive movement.’
“One division of Sumner's corps had
also been overpowered, and was a good
deal scattered and demoralized. It was
not deemed by its corps commander in
proper condition to attack the enemy
vigorously the next day.
“Some of the new troops on the left,
although many of them fought well
during the battle, and are entitled to
great credit, were, at the close of the
action, driven back, and their morale im-
paired. -
“On the morning of the 18th, Gen-
eral Burnside requested me to send him
another division to assist in holding his
position on the other side of the Antie-
tam, and to enable him to withdraw his
corps, if he should be attacked by a su-
perior force.
“He gave me the impression that if
he were attacked again that morning he
would not be able to make a very vigor-
ous resistance. I visited his position
early, determined to send General Mor-
ell's division to his aid, and directed
that it should be placed on this side of
the Antietam, in order that it might
cover the retreat of his own corps from
the other side of the Antietam, should
that become necessary, at the same time
it was in position to reinforce our centre
or right, if that were needed.
“Late in the afternoon I found that,
although he had not been attacked,
General Burnside had withdrawn his
own corps to this side of the Antietam,
and sent over Morell's division alone to
hold the opposite side.
“A large number of our heaviest and
most efficient batteries had consumed
all their ammunition on the 16th and
17th, and it was impossible to supply
them until late on the following day.
“Supplies of provisions and forage
had to be brought up and issued, and in-
fantry ammunition distributed.
“Finally, reinforcements to the num-
ber of 14,000 men—to say nothing of
troops expected from Pennsylvania—
had not arrived, but were expected dur-
ing the day.
“The 18th was, therefore, spent in
collecting the dispersed, giving rest to
the fatigued, removing the wounded,
burying the dead, and the necessary
preparations for a renewal of the battle.
“Of the reinforcements, Couch's di-
vision, marching with commendable ra-
pidity, came up into position at a late hour
in the morning. Humphrey's division
of new troops, in their anxiety to par-
ticipate in the battle which was raging,
140
454
THE WAIR WITH THE SOUTH.
, when they received the order to march
from Frederick at about half-past three
P.M. on the 17th, pressed forward during
the entire night, and the mass of the di-
vision reached the army during the fol-
lowing morning.
“Having marched more than twenty-
three miles after half-past four o'clock
on the preceding afternoon, they were,
of course, greatly exhausted, and need-
ed rest and refreshment. Large rein-
ſorcements expected from Pennsylvania
lever arrived. During the 18th, orders
were given for a renewal of the attack
at daylight on the 19th.
“On the night of the 18th the enemy,
after passing troops in the latter part of
the day from the Virginia shore to their
position behind Sharpsburg, as seen by
our officers, suddenly formed the design
of abandoning their position, and re-
treating across the river. As their line
was but a short distance from the river,
the evacuation presented but little diffi-
culty, and was effected before daylight.
“About 2,700 of the enemy's dead
were, under the direction of Major Da-
vis, assistant inspector-general, counted
and buried upon the battle-field of An-
tietam. A portion of their dead had
been previously buried by the enemy.
This is conclusive evidence that the en-
emy sustained much greater loss than
We.
“Thirteen guns, thirty-nine colors,
upward of 15,000 stand of small-arms,
and more than 6,000 prisoners, were the
trophies which attest the success of our
army in the battles of South Mountain,
Crampton's Gap, and Antietam.
“Not a single gun or color was lost
by our army during these battles.
TABULAR RrpoRT of CASUALTIES IN THE ARMY of THE POToMAC, IN
THE BATTLE of ANTIETAM, on THE 16TH AND 17TH of SEPTEMBER, .
1862.
General Other
officers. officers. Enlisted mem. #
corps and divisions. § § # so ;
5 § 3 ; ; ; ; ;
ă ă ă ă ă ă ă ă
1st corps, Maj.-Gen. Hooker: 3 + 3 B R = 2 3
1st division................. . . 862
2d division................. a e º 'º ſe . . . . . 1,18S
8d division.... ............ • * * * * * e e © e º ſº º te 569
Total.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,619.
2d corps, Maj.-Gen. Sumner:
1st division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 1 20 39 192 860 24 1,136
2d division... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 2 ... .. 855 1,577 321 2,255
8d division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 1 21 50 272 1,271 203 1,818
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 41 89 819 8,708 548 5,209
5th corps, Ma.-G F.-J. Porter:
1st division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & e o 4 tº e º e tº tº e - e º is e
2d division................. . . . . . . 2 13 92 1 108
Artillery reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 18 1 22
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 20 105 2 130
6th corps, Maj-Gen. Franklin:
1st division . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . tº tº º º º e 65,
2d division........ ... • * * * * * * * • . . . . . . . - - • * * * 878
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . 488
9th corps, Maj.-Gen. Burnside:
1st division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 20 44 264 7 337
2d division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 29 121 493 20 670
8d' division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 40 212 748 70 1,073
4th division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 'ſ 33 1 15 23 213.
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 96 410 1,645 120 2,293.
12th corps (Gen. Banks) Brig.-
Gen. Williams commanding: -
1st division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... 9 85 151 827 54 1,076
2d division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 26 107 4S1 30 650
Artillery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e a e s ∈ e º e 1 15 1 17
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... 15 61 259 1,923 85 1,748.
Maj.-Gen. Couch's division.... . . . . . . 1 .. 8 . . 9.
Brig.-Gen. Pleasanton, cavalry
division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e G tº º - e. 2S,
Grand total . . . . . . . . . . . . .
... 4 79 249 1,508 6,789 755 12,469
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAG,
CAMP NEAR SHARPSBURG, Sept. 29, 1862.
Official. S. WILLIAMs, Assistant Adjutant-General.
“An estimate of the forces under the
Confederate General Lee, made up by
CAPTURE OF HARPER'S FERRY.
455
direction of General Banks, from infor-
mation obtained by the examination of
prisoners, deserters, spies, etc., previous
to the battle of Antietam, is as follows:
General J. J. Jackson's Corps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,778 men.
General James Longstreet's corps. . . . . . . . . . 23,343 “
General D. H. Hill's 2d division.... . . . . . . . 15,525 “
General J. E. B. Stuart, cavalry. . . . . . . . . . . 6,400 “
General Ransom and Jenkins’ brigade. . . . . . 3,000 “
Forty-six regiments not included in above... 18,400 “
Artillery, estimated at 400 guns. . . . . . . . . . . 6,000 “
“These estimates give the actual
number of men present and fit for duty.
“Our own forces at the battle of An-
tietam were as follows:
1st corps................................ 14,856 men.
2d corps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * * * * = e º e º 'º e e s tº º 18,813 “
5th corps (one division not arrived). . . . . . . . 12,930 “
6th corps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * * * & © e & 12,300 “
9th corps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . * * * * * e º e º e º e g º e º 'º e 13,819 “
12th corps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,126 “
Cavalry division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,320 “
Total in action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87,164 “
“When our cavalry advance reached
the river on the morning of the 19th,
it was discovered that nearly all of the
enemy's forces had crossed into Virginia
during the night, their rear escaping un-
der cover of eight batteries, placed in
strong positions upon the elevated bluffs
on the opposite bank.
“General Porter, commanding the
fifth corps, ordered a detachment from
Griffin's and Barnes' brigades, under Gen-
eral Griffin, to cross the river at dark,
and carry the enemy's batteries. This
was gallantly done under the fire of the
enemy ; several guns, caissons, etc.,
were taken, and their supports driven
back half a mile.
“The information obtained during
the progress of this affair indicated that
the mass of the enemy had retreated on
the Charlestown and Martinsburg roads,
toward Winchester. To verify this, and
to ascertain how far the enemy had re-
tired, General Porter was authorized to
detach from his corps, on the morning
of the 20th, a reconnoitring party in
greater force. This detachment crossed
the river, and advanced about a mile,
when it was attacked by a large body of
the enemy lying in ambush in the woods,
and driven back across the river with
considerable loss. This reconnoissance
showed that the enemy were still in
force on the Virginia bank of the Poto-
mac, prepared to resist our farther ad-
vance.” *
The enemy had, two days previously
to the battle of Antietam, executed an
enterprise the success of which can
not be doubted. This was an attack on
Harper's Ferry by a large force under
General Jackson, who, after capturing
the place, was enabled to withdraw the
greater portion of his troops and form a
junction with General Lee's army, in
time to bear an important part in the
great battle of Antietam, in which he
commanded the enemy's left.
According to the enemy's accounts,
the movement on Harper's Ferry was thus
executed. General Jackson left Fred-
erick on Thursday (Sept. 11), taking the
Hagerstown road, and at the same time
the divisions of Generals McLaws and
R. H. Anderson moved from the neigh-
borhood of the same place to Maryland
Heights, which commanded the town
of Harper's Ferry on the Maryland
side. On the same day, also, a force
456
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
under General Walker, which had been
sent to destroy the canal aqueduct at
the mouth of the Monocacy, was order-
ed, before it could accomplish this pur-
pose, to cross the Potomac by the ford
at the Point of Rocks and proceed by
forced marches to the Loudon Heights,
which overlook Harper's Ferry on the
Virginia side. General Walker reached
this position on Friday evening (Sept.
12). Meanwhile, Jackson had crossed
the Potomac at Williamsport on Friday
morning, and immediately moved on
Martinsburg, twenty miles above Har-
per's Ferry. He had hoped to have
here intercepted General White, who it
will be recollected had retired to Mar-
tinsburg from Winchester; but this offi-
cer succeeded in making his escape with
all his troops to Harper's Ferry. Jack-
son followed in pursuit, and on Saturday
morning (Sept. 18) reached Halltown.
General Walker had already succeeded
in gaining possession of the heights on
the Virginia side, and Generals McLaws
and Anderson of those in Maryland.
“On Saturday night” (Sept. 13), wrote
a chronicler,” “General Walker received
orders from General Jackson to open
fire on the enemy at daylight on Sunday
morning. In obedience to this order,
at daydawn the stillness of the Sabbath
was broken by the opening of Walker's
guns upon the fortifications of the en-
emy on Bolivar Heights, two miles
above the railroad bridge at Harper's
Ferry. At the same time the attack was
made by the forces under General Jack-
son, and the fight, which was desperate
• Richmond Dispatch.
and determined, continued throughout
the day—McLaws and Anderson shell-
ing from the Maryland side. The en-
emy resisted with great spirit, and their
guns, of which they had a large numbel
in position, were handled with great
effect upon the column of General Jack-
son, which had to approach them
through an open space, where their guns
had an unobstructed play.
“The shells from Walker's batteries
and the impetuous attacks of Jackson's
men rendered their intrenchments on
Bolivar Heights too warm for the en-
emy, and late in the evening they fell
back to Camp Hill, one mile in rear of
the Bolivar fortifications. Here they
had heavy guns planted and strong in-
trenchments thrown up, but within easy
range of the batteries of McLaws and
Anderson, on the opposite heights.
“Night coming on, the struggle ceas-
ed, Jackson's forces occupying the de-
serted intrenchments on the hills of
Bolivar. That night old ‘Stonewall’
sent a message to General Walker that
his forces were in possession of the en-
emy's first line of intrenchments, and
that, with God's blessing, he would have
Harper's Ferry and the Federal forces
early next morning. -
“At daylight the next morning (Mon-
day) the fight was renewed, the sep.
enemy still offering an obstinate 11.
resistance, until about seven o'clock A.M.,
when their colors were struck, and a
capitulation proposed.”
By the capitulation of Harper's Ferry,
the enemy obtained 12,000 prisoners,
1,500 negroes, 10,000 stand of arms,
CAPTURE OF HARPER'S FERRY.
457
47 cannon, and a large quantity of straw
and ammunition.
The following is an account of the
siege and surrender, by a correspondent
of the N. Y. Tribune who was in Har-
per's Ferry at the time :
“Harper's Ferry is situated in the
angle formed by the confluence of the
Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. The
town itself is literally buried in the sur-
rounding hiſls. Stretching across the
angle, and forming the base of a trian-
gle, is the ridge known as Bolivar
Heights, which, rising quite abruptly
from the town, spreads out into a plain,
and then rising again, forms a sort of
parapet, sloping down to the surround-
ing country, the level of which is of
lower grade than the plain.
“This formed the front of the posi-
tion, and was occupied by the first bri-
gade, Colonel F. G. D'Utassy (Thirty-
ninth New York) commanding, com-
posed of the One Hundred and Fifteenth
New York, Colonel Scammon, Thirty-
ninth New York (Garibaldi Guards),
Major Hildebrandt, One Hundred and
Eleventh New York, Colonel Segoin,
and Captain Won Scheleim's Fifteenth
Indiana battery, and by the second bri-
gade, Colonel Trimble (Sixtieth Ohio
Volunteers) commanding, and composed
of the Sixtieth Ohio Volunteers, Ninth
Vermont, One Hundred and Twenty-
sixth New York, Colonel Sherrill, and
the Potts battery.
“The hill rising immediately from the
town is designated as Camp Hill, and
surrounded by an inner line of intrench-
ments to fall back upon in the event of
being driven from the more advanced
position of Bolivar Heights. Here was
posted the reserve known as the fourth
brigade, Colonel W. G. Ward, of the
New York Twelfth, commanding, com-
posed of the Twelfth New York, Eigh-
ty-seventh Ohio, Captain Rigby’s Com-
pany Artillerists, and Company A, New
York Heavy Artillery, Captain Gra-
ham.
“There were mounted along the in-
trenchments some dozen howitzers, un-
der charge of Captain Rigby’s company,
and to the left, upon the precipice over-
hanging the Shenandoah, and command-
ing the approaches by the Shenandoah
road, and also up the Potomac from
Sandy Hook, were placed two twelve
and two twenty-four pound Parrott guns
and howitzers, under charge of Captain
Graham.
“This battery commanded the posi-
tion on Bolivar Heights, and raked the
whole plain across which troops must
approach to the inner intrenchments.
It also had range of Maryland Heights
and Loudon Heights, and was emphati-
cally a strong position.
“On the Maryland side of the Poto-
mac, in the angle formed by the bend
of the river, tower Maryland Heights,
over 1,500 feet elevation. A little more
than half the distance up the mountain
was placed the battery which command-
ed all the other batteries and the sur-
rounding country for miles around, and
was the key to Harper's Ferry.
“This battery consisted of two elev-
en-inch Dahlgren guns, one fifty-pound
rifled gun, and two light howitzers, un-
458
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
der command of Captain McGrath. A
shot from one of the eleven-inch Dahl-
grens has been thrown into Halltown,
between four and five miles distant, and
through a house there located. To sup-
port this battery, the third brigade, Col-
onel Ford (Thirty-second Ohio), was
posted on a plateau to the right of the
battery, and low enough to be out of
range of the guns.
“The brigade comprised the Thirty-
second Ohio; battalion of First Mary-
land Potomac Home Brigade, Major
Steiner ; squadron Rhode Island Cav-
alry, Major Corliss ; two companies
First Maryland Cavalry, Captain Rus-
sell, and the Fifth New York Heavy
Artillery, Captain McGrath.
“To prevent surprise or to repel at-
tack up the back side of Maryland
Heights, and also to guard the approach
to the ferry around the bend of the Po-
tomac, a force was stationed at and
about Sandy Hook, under command of
Colonel Maulsby, of the First Maryland
Regiment, Potomac Home Brigade, con-
sisting of the regiment just named, Cap-
tain Cole's Maryland Cavalry, and part
of the Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteers.
Two cannon were also with the com-
mand, served by Captain Graham's men.
“Up the Potomac, at Shepardstown,
Colonel Downey was stationed with the
Third Maryland Regiment, Potomac
Home Brigade. Colonel Davis, with the
Eighth New York Cavalry, was encamp-
ed in town at the old rifle factory.
“The positions given above are those
occupied by the troops prior to and at
the commencement of the siege. The
changes of position are noted in the de-
tailed account of the incidents. Gen-
eral Julius White brought with him
from Martinsburg the brigade composed
of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth
New York, Colonel Willard, Sixty-fifth
Illinois, Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania,
Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, Colonel Voss,
and Captain Phillips' Illinois battery.
“On Friday morning the actual con-
flict began by an attack upon Maryland
Heights at Solomon's Gap, and in the
rear from Pleasant Valley. Captain
Cole, who was thought to have been
captured, came in from near Frederick.
“He reported but few of the enemy
near that place, but had ascertained
that a force of 40,000 had been left in
Pleasant Valley; this force was to be
divided into two columns : one of 20,000
was to attack Maryland Heights, the
other of like number was to cross the
Potomac, occupy Loudon Heights, and
pass around to our left.
“This story, which at first was set
down as one of the magnified rumors,
soon found confirmation in the report
received from Maryland. Heights that
the woods were swarming with rebels,
and from our left that our pickets along
from the Shenandoah to the Halltown
road had been compelled to retire from
an advance movement of the enemy.
“The sharp crack of rifles, at first
heard from the other side of Maryland
Heights, grew nearer and nearer, as
though the enemy were pressing our
troops back. A detachment of the
Thirty-ninth New York, under Major
Hildebrandt, had already been sent over
ARRIVAL OF
GEN. WHITE. 459
to reinforce Colonel Ford, and some
light mountain howitzers were also taken
OVéI’.
“The rebels continuing to push our
troops with vigor, the One Hundred
and Twenty-sixth New York were or-
dered over to their assistance.
“The Maryland boys, while on pick-
et duty, had succeeded in making quite
a strong breast-work of logs, and this
proved the salvation of the men and of
the battery below; for, forced to retire
before superior numbers, our troops fell
back behind this barrier, and poured
volley after volley upon the advancing
rebels, compelling them to pause in
their rapid advance, and effectually
checking their progress.
“The companies at Solomon's Gap
were also pressed closely and retired,
under orders to concentrate above and
around the battery. The rebels follow-
ed them up rapidly, and pressed into the
woods in their rear, around the angle of
the mountain. Captain McGrath, at
the battery, had been waiting expect-
antly, watching the first appearance of
secesh within his circle, and a flash from
one of his Napoleons, followed by two
reports and a puff of white smoke from
the woods which they had dared to in-
vade, told the story for them. Another
and another report followed in rapid
succession, and that flank movement
proved a failure.
“Quite a skirmish occurred on the top
of the hill, at the observatory, where
our boys repulsed the rebels handsome-
ly, although they were afterward forced
to abandon the position. The rebels,
finding all the old rôads and paths ef-
fectually blockaded, had begun cutting
a new road through the woods, and
were plainly seen dragging cannon up
the rough way. Night put an end to
the conflict in the woods.
“In the direction of Sandy Hook and
Petersville the rebels also showed in
force, increasing as night approached,
and fearful that the small body of our
troops there might be run over by the
masses of rebels, preparations were
made to withdraw.
“Captain Potts placed two of his guns
in position under the hill, to cover the
retreat, and Captain Graham, on Camp
Hill, also brought one of his Parrott
guns to bear in the same direction. Our
troops fell back in good order, and im-
mediately after the enemy's cavalry
appeared on the crest of a hill some
two miles down the road. Captain Potts
complimented them with a salute of two
shells, and they quickly disappeared.
“Meanwhile, some anxiety was felt
as to General White and his brigade.
The cars sent up the night previous to
Martinsburg, to bring down his tents,
baggage, etc., had returned, and ambu-
lances had been arriving with the sick
and wounded.
“Colonel Davis, with the Eighth
New York Cavalry, had been sent out
early in the morning to cover the retreat,
but no advices were received from him.
It was known that the enemy's advance
was within six miles of his position at
daylight, and his march was to have
commenced at three o'clock A.M.
“About noon stragglers came in and
460
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
reported his forces at Kearneysville at
nine o'clock. In the afternoon came ru-
mors that he had been attacked, and
was still fighting. These rumors were
dispelled by the appearance of the Gen-
eral and staff, and shortly after his
troops marched in and camped on Boli-
var Plain, at our left. Colonel Downey,
with his regiment, had joined him at
Shepardstown. -
“All our forces were now concentrat-
ed at the ferry. General White, who
by rank became commander of the
forces, waived his right, and tendered
his services and those of his troops to
Colonel Miles. As complaints have
since been made that no order was is-
sued stating who was to be command-
ant, it is proper to state that an order
was prepared by Colonel Miles, and a
copy sent to General White, at whose
request the order was withheld from
promulgation to brigade commanders.
“On Saturday Colonel Downey, with
the Third Maryland Regiment, was or-
dered to Maryland Heights, and subse-
quently the One Hundred and Fifteenth
New York was sent over. There was
some brisk fighting during the morning,
the rebels slowly working their way
over the crest of the hill, and our boys
disputing their way courageously.
“Here the One Hundred and Twenty-
sixth behaved very badly, and the faul;
lies with some of the officers as well as
the men. They broke ranks and ran,
Some even throwing their guns away,
and two companies never stopped till
they reached the pontoon bridge. There
Lieutenant Binney, aid-de-camp to Col-
onel Miles, succeeded in stopping the
rout with drawn sabre, and sent the
fellows back to the hill.
“Colonel Sherrill urged his men not
to disgrace themselves by running, and
did all in his power to rally them, while
doing which he received a ball in his
jaw, inflicting a severe wound. Adju-
tant Barras also distinguished himself
by his gallantry and exertion to stop the
panic, and received the thanks of Colo-
nel Miles for his conduct.
“In their haste to flee from the
mountain, the men ran over the Thirty-
ninth New York, and also the Third
Maryland. The officers of both these
regiments ordered their men to stop
such proceedings at the point of the
bayonet. &
“The other New York regiments are
ashamed of the conduct of the One
Hundred and Twenty-sixth. The ex-
cuse that they were green troops will
not suffice, as the One Hundred and
Fifteenth is also a new corps, and stood
their ground, fighting manfully.
“As the fight progressed, our troops
concentrated nearer the battery, when
Captain McGrath and Captain Graham
both opened upon the woods with shells,
and succeeded in effectually shelling the
rebels back again. The positions of
Captain McGrath's and Captain Gra-
ham's batteries were such that they
could prevent any large force from ad-
vancing in a body upon the guns.
“The firing of musketry had now
ceased, but the batteries continued shell-
ing the woods, making them very un-
comfortable for any human being.
MARYLAND HEIGHTS EVACUATED.
461
Judge with what surprise, then, the oc-
cupants of Bolivar Heights saw a long
column of infantry marching from Ma-
ryland Heights to the ferry. Can it be
that they are evacuating? was the query
on every one's lips.
“Looking over to the camps, the artil-
lerists were observed at their posts, and
each tried to persuade the other that it
was some ruse. But, alas ! it was too
true.
“Colonel Ford had ordered the evac-
uation, for what reason the men could
not learn. Captain McGrath, as true
and brave a soldier as ever walked,
upon receiving the order to spike his
guns, was so astounded that he refused
to obey it, and not until he saw infantry
deserting him, could he be induced to
perform the disgraceful task. He sat
upon his guns—his baby-wakers, as he
called the Dahlgrens—and wept like a
child, telling Colonel Ford that “no mat-
ter by whose order it was done, it was a
piece of treachery.’
“This abandonment of the key to
the position certainly requires the most
careful investigation at the hands of the
proper authorities. Colonel Ford had
positive and written orders to hold the
place to the last extremity ; 5,000
troops and all our batteries were to aid
him.
“Colonel Ford had remarked that
“he had looked the hill all over, and
had made up his mind to stay there ;’
that “not a man should come down un-
til they had been whipped from it.’
Subsequent action certainly gave the lie
to his words.
“Colonel Miles, who was at the ex-
treme left, upon learning that the troops
were leaving, rode hastily toward the
spot, but met the men on their way up
the hill, and, learning that the guns
were spiked, did not order them back,
as he intended doing.
“As there was much talk as to whom
belonged the responsibility of the evacu-
ation of this battery and position, your
correspondent asked Colonel Miles if it
was done by his orders. ‘No, sir, but in
direct opposition to them,’ was the un-
equivocal reply.
“The Dahlgren guns were thorough-
ly spiked, and tipped off the platform
into the dirt. Had the infantry remain-
ed to assist, they would have been pre-
cipitated into the canal. The rifled guns
and the Napoleon howitzers were also
rendered useless. Officers and men
were thunderstruck at the performance,
and Colonel D'Utassy, commanding the
first brigade, offered to retake and hold
the position, but Colonel Miles refused.
“The evacuation received the mer-
ited condemnation of officers and men.
Every one saw that the way for the reb-
els was now open ; the door locked, it
is true, but the key hung outside.
Hardly had the hill been deserted ere
the rebels appeared on Loudon Heights
in considerable force, and commenced
signalling. -
“Captain Graham opened his batter-
ies upon them, and made three excellent
line shots, the third scattering the party,
and driving the signal flag into the
woods. Captain Von Scheleim's battery
also commenced firing upon them and
141
462
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
did execution. No notice was taken by
the rebels of our firing; that they were
busily et work getting a battery into
position was apparent. To whom they
were signalling could not be seen. Our
batteries fired upon them occasionally
during the afternoon, and must have
done some serious damage, as the shells
fell right in their midst.
“During the day General White's
troops were assigned positions. Cap-
tain Phillips' battery was ordered to the
extreme right, the Sixty-fifth Illinois
supporting it. These joined the first
brigade, D'Utassy's.
“The One Hundred and Twenty-fifth
New York was assigned to Colonel
Trimble, commanding the second bri-
gade. The battery of Captain Won
Scheleim occupied the centre, and that
of Captain Rigby the left. The left was
clearly our weakest point, and a breast-
work was thrown up to protect the guns
and men under the direction of Captain
Powell, of the Engineer Corps. -
“Captain Powell, with his ‘brigade
of contrabands,’ did excellent service in
making other earth-works and digging
rifle-pits. The fortification of the left
was good as far as it went, but did not
extend far enough toward the Shenan-
doah, as the sequel will prove.
“The rebels could be seen examining
localities upon Loudon Heights, com-
manding the left flank, evidently with
the intention of planting batteries, but
they suddenly departed, and nothing
further was seen of any operations in
that direction. -
“While officers and men continued in
good spirits and anxious for the fight, it
was apparent that the evacuation of the
position across the Potomac had made
an impression upon them, and Saturday
night closed upon them, each full of
speculation as to what the morrow might
bring forth. . .
“The quiet of as beautiful and bright
a Sabbath as ever shone was broken by
the guns of Captain Graham's battery,
as they opened fire upon the rebels on
Loudon Heights. The other batteries,
not wishing to be behind their fellow,
chimed in, and for a time made lively
IIlliSIC.
“No attention was paid to the inter-
ruption, and it was whispered that the
rebels had abandoned their position.
This rumor quickly spread over the
camp, and scores of faces brightened at
the thought. Others, who had seen ser-
vice, knew too well what the ominous
silence forebode, and told the green ones
that “they would get it good after din-
ner.' .
“During the morning Captain Gra-
ham had brought up two of his Parrott
guns, placing one at the battery on each
flank. From the right he amused him-
self by shelling any show rebels within
his range. Colonel D'Utassy, not rel-
ishing the idea of leaving the rebels all
our ammunition on Maryland Heights,
and to prove that the offer he made on
Saturday could have been executed,
took the responsibility of sending a
detachment composed of two companies
of the Thirty-ninth New York, under
Adjutant Bacon, and two companies of
the Sixty-fifth Illinois, under Major
THE ENEMY ON MARYLAND HEIGHTS.
463
Woods, the whole under command of
the latter officer, with orders to bring
down the Napoleon guns and such am-
munition as they could.
“The expedition departed on its mis-
sion quietly, and ascended the heights
cautiously under cover of Captain Mc-
Grath's and Captain Phillips' guns.
Throwing out pickets they proceeded to
the discharge of their duty. Not a reb-
el was to be seen, but no one knew how
Soon they might make their appearance.
They brought down the four cannon,
and quite a store of ammunition, which
was made useful on the day following,
through the foresight of Colonel F. G.
D'Utassy. . -
“About half-past two o'clock the reb-
els opened fire from a battery near the
point from which they had been signal-
ling and their shells fell upon the plain
with sufficient rapidity to cause a stam-
pede of soldiers and townspeople, who
were enjoying a stroll. The boys laugh-
ed as the shells fell far short of the
heights, but laughed no more as shell
after shell came nearer and nearer, and,
finally, went clear over the works and
down the slope. Then came the report
of a gun from Maryland Heights, not
our old position, but from the very top,
and a shell burst without even crossing
the Potomac. -
“The boys laughed again at the
'pop-gun battery,’ as they termed the
new one, but soon the pop-guns proved
to be real ones, and shot came whizzing
past those on the parapet and down the
farther side of the hill. This was not
pleasant. - - - -
“A cloud of dust at the left betoken-
ed the approach of the rebels, and the
troops were called into position. Noth-
ing but the dust away beyond the woods
could be seen. Presently a movement
was discovered at the edge of the woods,
and soon a battery commenced on the
left, shelling the woods between. Our
batteries were now fully engaged, and
all attention was turned to watch the
approach of infantry. - -
“Skirmishers, the New York Thir-
ty-ninth, were thrown out, and other .
troops advanced down the hill, under
cover of the brush, to meet them. A
dark mass, almost shielded from view
by the woods, seemed moving toward
our right, and soon appeared in full
view, as they crossed a distant field and
took position in the woods. A battery
now opened in front of us, and shot and
shell came over the ridge inside of our
works. It was quite evident that they
were only trying their range, and it was
also apparent that they were quite satis-
fied with it.
“Our batteries now turned their at-
tention to the new batteries of the reb-
els, and Captain Von Scheleim succeeded
in placing a few shells in the right spot.
A shot from the rebels exploded one of
Captain Von Scheleim's caissons, wound-
ing four men. A new battery had
opened from Loudon Heights, making
four guns in all in that position. Cap-
tain McGrath had silenced the first for a
while, but it resumed operations after a
change of position.
“As day closed, the looked-for at-
tack was anxiously awaited ; but it was
464
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
not the rebel policy to hurry matters.
They made one or two feints on the
right to feel our position, and some
skirmishing took place with the Thirty-
ninth New York.
“After dark, and as matters seemed
to be settling down, a smart attack was
made upon our left flank by troops who
had almost gotten in our rear, but who
were repulsed by the Thirty-second |
Ohio, with serious loss both to them-
selves and the rebels. This was the
most serious encounter of the day.
“The Third Maryland, the Eighty-
seventh Ohio, and the Twelfth New
York were ordered up to the support
of the left, but no further fighting took
place. Our men slept upon their arms
in the trenches.
“Early on Monday morning the skill
of the rebel generals was displayed.
Turing the night they had posted two
batteries upon the lower plateaus of
Loudon Heights, in the positions previ-
ously examined, another battery in front,
and still another to our right upon a
knoll on the opposite side of the Poto-
mac, thus enfilading the whole of our
intrenchments.
“Commencing fire, they rained shot
and shell along the whole line, and it
was evident our batteries could not
drive them away nor silence them. Still
our guns responded vigorously until all
the long range ammunition gave out.
Then Colonel D'Utassy's force from
Maryland Heights came into service, and
with that the fight was prolonged.
“The matter which at first seemed a
question of time now appeared more
like a question of eternity with all, for
the rebels had complete range of our
whole position, and were evidently
playing with us. Indeed, General Hill
said as much after the capture. A
council of war was held, and in order to
prevent useless sacrifice of life, the offi-
cers reluctantly consented to display the
white flag.
“This was about eight o'clock. Ow-
ing to the fog and Smoke, the signal was
not seen at first, and the firing contin-
ued, during which a shell struck Colonel
Miles, who was on foot, on the left, in-
flicting a mortal wound. Lieutenant
Binney, who was standing by, escaped
unhurt. He immediately procured a
blanket, and succeeded in forcing some
of the frightened men to assist in re-
moving Colonel Miles to an ambulance.
While so engaged, a shell passed over
the Colonel and cut the officer who had
hold of the opposite side of the blanket,
almost in two. !.
“Discovering the signals, at last fir-
ing ceased, and General White went out
with a flag of truce and surrendered to
Generals Jackson and Hill.
“It was a sad blow to our troops,
who had looked forward to a desperate
fight, in which they did not intend to
come off second best.
“The terms of capitulation were :
Officers and men to have ready parole.
Officers to retain side-arms and private
property; all United States property to
be turned over to the rebels.
“When the army took possession of
the place, they were followed into town
by neighboring farmers hunting up
IMPORTANCE OF
-A-
their slaves and many fugitives were
thus caught. The method of proceed-
ure, without being brutal, was charac-
terized by the peculiarities of the pecu-
liar institution. The rebels behaved
civilly as a general thing, and no insults
were offered our soldiers.
“After a delay over Monday night,
on account of a difference of opinion as
to the terms of capitulation, the rebels
insisted that our troops were not to go
into camps of instruction, and upon
which Colonel D'Utassy expressed the
views of a soldier very frankly, that
the parole to them did not absolve our
troops from military duty to Govern-
ment, only so far as not to take up arms
against the Southern Confederacy until
regularly exchanged, the necessary doc-
'uments for the egress of the troops
were prepared, and they marched out
toward Frederick.
“On Tuesday morning a large body
of rebels passed through the Ferry, in
full retreat from the advancing Union
forces. Their number was estimated at
30,000. Their rear-guard destroyed
the bridges, and our paroled soldiers
had to ford the stream.
“Mention should have been made of
the achievement of the force of cavalry
who cut their way through the rebel
lines, and, as has since been ascertained,
captured Longstreet's ammunition train
and carried it into Greencastle. Colonel
Cole, commanding the New York Eighth
Javalry, is an officer of rare qualifica-
tions for his position, and deserves a
wider field for his operations.”
The loss of Harper's Ferry had an
HARPER'S FERRY.
465
important bearing upon the campaign in
Maryland. By its capture the enemy
not only secured another way of retreat,
but a position which, as long as it was
held by the Unionists, endangered their
whole army in Maryland. By its loss
the operations of McClellan were ren-
dered much less effective than had been
hoped. His friends, however, exonerated
him from all blame, asserting “that be-
fore starting from Washington, General
McClellan urged the evacuation of Har-
per's Ferry and the occupation of Mary-
land Heights, on the ground that he did
not believe that it could be held if
thoroughly besieged, and on the further
ground that to assist it would greatly
interfere with his plan of campaign. In
reply to this recommendation, assurances
were given that the post was impregna-
ble and the recommendation of General
McClellan was unheeded.”
Colonel Miles had repeatedly asked
for reinforcements, declaring it imprac-
ticable to hold the position beyond a
specified time. How far this unfortu-
nate officerſ or those serving under him
were responsible for the loss of Harper's
Ferry can, perhaps, be inferred from this
report of the Congressional commission
appointed to investigate the circum-
stances of its surrender :
“The Commission, consisting of Major-
General D. Hunter, U. S. A. of Volun-
teers, Pres. ; Major-General G. Cadwal-
ader, U. S. A. of Volunteers; Briga-
dier-General C. C. Augur, U. S. A. of
* Baltimore Commercial.
f Colonel Miles, who received a wound during the siege.
died of its effects.
466
"THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Volunteers; Major Don Piatt, A. A. G.
of Volunteers; Captain F. Ball, A. D. C.
of Volunteers; Colonel G. Holt, Judge-
Advocate-General, called by the Gov-
ernment to investigate the conduct of
certain officers connected with, and the
circumstances attending the abandon-
ment of Maryland Heights, and the sur-
render of Harper's Ferry, have the honor
to report the following:
“On the 3d of September, General
White entered Harper's Ferry with his
force from Winchester. The next day
he was ordered to Martinsburg, to take
command of the forces there. On the
12th of September he again returned to
Harper's Ferry, where he remained un-
til the surrender, without assuming the
command. *.
“On the 7th of September, General
McClellan, the most of his forces having
preceded him, left Washington under
orders issued some days previously, to
drive the enemy from Maryland. That
night he established his headquarters at
Rockville, from which place, on the 11th
of September, he telegraphed to Gen-
eral Halleck to have Colonel Miles or-
dered to join him at once.
“On the 5th of September, Colonel
Thomas H. Ford, Thirty-second Ohio,
took command of the forces on Mary-
land Heights. Forces were placed at
Solomon's Gap and at Sandy Hook.
Those at Sandy Hook, under Colonel
Maulsby, retired by Colonel Miles' or-
der to the eastern slope of Maryland
Heights, two or three days previous to
their evacuation by Colonel Ford. On
the 11th of September the forces at
Solomon's Gap were driven in by the
enemy. Colonel Ford called upon Col-
onel Miles for reinforcements. The
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New
York and the Thirty-ninth New York
(Garibaldi Guards) were sent him on
Friday, the 12th of September, and
on the morning of the 13th he was
further reinforced by the One Hun-
‘| dred and Fifteenth New York and a
portion of a Maryland regiment under
Lieutenant-Colonel Downey.
“Colonel Ford made requisition for
axes and spades to enable him to con-
struct defences on the heights, but ob-
tained none ; with ten axes, belonging
to some Maryland troops, hiring all
that could be obtained, a slight breast-
work of trees was constructed on the
12th near the crest of the heights, and
a slashing of timber made for a short
distance in front of the breast-work.
“The forces under Colonel Ford
were stationed at various points on Ma-
ryland Heights, the principal force being
on the crest of the hill near the breast-
work and look-out. Skirmishing com-
menced on Friday, the 12th, on the crest
of the hill.
“Early on the morning of the 13th,
the enemy made an attack on the crest
of the hill, and after some time the
troops retired in some confusion to the
breast-work, where they were rallied.
About nine o'clock a second attack was
made, which the troops behind the
breast-work resisted for a short time,
and until Colonel Sherrill, of the One
Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York
was wounded, and carried off the field.
COMMISSION ON HARPER'S FERRY.
467
when the entire One Hundred and
Twenty-sixth Regiment, as some wit-
nesses testify, all but two companies,
Major Hewitt states, broke and fled in
utter confusion. Men and most of the
officers all fled together, no effort being
made to rally the regiment, except by
Colonel Ford, Lieutenant Barras, acting
adjutant, and some officers of other
regiments, directed by Colonel Miles,
then on the heights.
“Soon after, the remaining forces at
the breast-work fell back, under a sup-
posed order from Major Hewitt, who
himself says that he gave no such or-
der; merely sent instructions to the
captains of his own regiment that, if
they were compelled to retire, to do so
in good order.
“Orders were given by Colonel Ford
for the troops to return to their posi-
tion. They advanced some distance up
the heights, but did not regain the
breast-work.
“That evening Colonel Miles was on
Maryland Heights for some hours, con-
sulting with Colonel Ford. He left be-
tween eleven and twelve o’clock, with-
out directly ordering Colonel Ford to
evacuate the heights, but instructing
him, in case he was compelled to do so,
to spike his guns, and throw the heavy
siege guns down the mountain.
“About two o'clock, perhaps a little
later, by the order of Colonel Ford, the
heights were abandoned, the guns being
spiked according to instructions.
“On Sunday, Colonel D'Utassy sent
over to the Maryland Heights four com-
panies under Major Wood, who brought
off, without opposition, four brass twelve
pounders, two of which were imperfect-
ly spiked, and a wagon-load of ammuni-
tion. General White, on his return to
Harper's Ferry on the 12th of Septem-
ber, suggested to Colonel Miles the pro-
priety of contracting his lines on Boli-
var Heights so as to make a better de-
fence, but Colonel Miles adhered to his
original line of defence, stating that he
was determined to make his stand on
Bolivar Heights.
“General White also urged the im-
portance of holding Maryland Heights,
even should it require the taking the
entire force over there from Harper's
Ferry. Colonel Miles, under his orders to
hold Harper's Ferry to the last extrem-
ity, while admitting the importance of
Maryland Heights, seemed to regard
them as applying to the town of Har-
per's Ferry, and held that to leave
Harper's Ferry, even to go on Maryland
Heights, would be disobeying his in-
structions.
“General McClellan established his
headquarters at Frederick City on the
morning of the 13th of September. On
the night of the 13th, after the evacua-
tion of Maryland Heights, Colonel Miles
directed Captain (now Major) Russell, of
the Maryland Cavalry, to take with him
a few men and endeavor to get through
the enemy's lines and reach some of
our forces—General McClellan, if possi-
ble—and to report the condition of
Harper's Ferry, that it could not hold
out more than forty-eight hours, unless
reinforced, and to urge the sending of
reinforcements.
468
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“Captain Russell reached General
McClellan's headquarters, at Frederick,
at nine A.M. on Sunday, the 14th of
September, and reported as directed by
Colonel Miles. Immediately upon his
arrival General McClellan sent off a
messenger, as Captain Russell under-
stood, to General Franklin.
“At ten A.M., Captain Russell left for
General Franklin's command, with a |
communication to General Franklin from
General McClellan. He reached Gen-
eral Franklin about, three o'clock that
aſternoon, and found him engaged with
the enemy at Crampton's Gap. The
enemy were driven from the Gap, and
the next morning, the 15th, General
Franklin passed through the Gap, ad-
vancing about a mile, and finding the
enemy drawn up in line of battle in his
front, drew his own forces up in line of
battle.
“While thus situated, the cannonad-
ing in the direction of Harper's Ferry,
which had been heard very distinctly all
the morning, Harper's Ferry being about
seven miles distant, suddenly ceased,
whereupon General Franklin sent word
to General McClellan of the probable
surrender of Harper's Ferry by Colonel
Miles, and did not deem it necessary to
proceed farther in that direction.
“The battle of South Mountain was
fought on Sunday the 14th.
“On the same day, Sunday, during
the afternoon, the enemy at Harper's
Ferry attacked the extreme left of the
iine on Bolivar Heights, but after some
time were repulsed by the troops under
command of General White.
“Sunday night the cavalry at Har-
per's Ferry made their escape, under
Colonel Davis, of the Twelfth Illinois
Cavalry, by permission of Colonel Miles,
and reached Greencastle, Pennsylvania,
the next morning, capturing an ammu-
nition train belonging to General Long-
street, consisting of some fifty or sixty
Wagons.
“Several of the infantry officers desir-
ed permission to cut their way out, at
the same time the cavalry made their
escape, but Colonel Miles refused upon
the ground that he had never been or-
dered to hold Harper's Ferry to the last
extremity.
“On the morning of the 15th the en-
emy opened their batteries from several
points—seven to nine, as estimated by
different witnesses—directing their at-
tack principally upon our batteries on
the left of Bolivar Heights. The at-
tack commenced at daybreak. About
seven o'clock Colonel Miles represented
to General White that it would be
necessary to surrender.
“General White suggested that the
brigade commanders be called together,
which was done. Colonel Miles stated
that the ammunition for the batteries
was exhausted, and he had about made
up his mind to surrender. That was
agreed to by all present, and General
White was sent by Colonel Miles to ar-
range terms. The white flag was raised
by order of Colonel Miles, but the en-
emy did not cease to fire for some half
or three quarters of an hour after.
Colonel Miles was mortally wounded
after the white flag was raised. The
COMMISSION
ON HARPER'S FERRY.
469
surrender was, agreed upon about eight
A.M. on Monday, the 15th of Septem-
ber.
“The following was the testimony
respectively of the officers commanding
batteries: At the time of the surrender
Captain Von Schelein had some ammu-
nition, could not tell what amount, but
mostly shrapnel; had lost about 100
rounds on Saturday, the 13th, by the
explosion of a limber, caused by one of
the enemy's shells. Captain Rigby had
expended, during the siege of Harper's
Ferry, about 600 rounds, with the ex-
ception of canister; had nothing but
canister left. Captain Potts had ex-
pended about 1,000 rounds, with the ex-
ception of canister ; had only canister
Žeft. Captain Graham had but two guns
of his battery under his immediate com-
mand on the morning of the surrender ;
had, probably, 100 rounds of all kinds,
but no long-time fuses. Captain Phil-
lips had expended all his ammunition,
except some forty rounds of canister
and some long-range shell too large
for his guns. Captain McGrath's bat-
tery had been spiked and left on Mary-
land Heights on Saturday.
“It appears that during the siege,
and shortly previous, Colonel Miles pa-
rolled several Confederate prisoners, per-
mitting them to pass through our lines.
During the week previous to the evacu-
ation of Maryland Heights, a Lieuten-
ant Rouse, of the Twelfth Virginia Cav-
alry, who had been engaged in a raid
upon a train from Harper's Ferry to
Winchester a short time before, was cap-
tured and brought into Harper's Ferry.
He escaped while on the way to the hos-
pital to have his wounds dressed, but
was retaken. He was parolled, but re-
turned in command of some rebel cav-
alry on the morning of the surrender.
“The attention of General A. P. Hill
was called to the fact that Lieutenant
Rouse was a parolled prisoner, but no
attention was paid to it. Lieutenant
Rouse himself, on being spoken to
about it, laughed at the idea of observ-
ing his parole. On Saturday, the day
of the attack upon and evacuation of
Maryland Heights, Colonel Miles di-
rected that sixteen Confederate prison-
ers be permitted to pass through our
lines to rejoin the rebel army at Win-
chester. Other cases are testified to,
but these are the most important.
“Of the subordinate officers referred
to in this case, the Commission finds,
with the exception of Colonel Thomas
H. Ford, nothing in their conduct that
calls for censure. General Julius White
merited its approbation. He appears
from the evidence to have acted with
decided capability and courage.
“In this connection the Commission
calls attention to the disgraceful beha-
vior of the One Hundred and Twenty-
sixth Regiment New York Infantry, and
recommends that Major Baird should
for his bad conduct, as shown by this ev-
idence, be dismissed the service. Some
of the officers, after the wounding of
the gallant Colonel, such as Lieutenant
Barras, and others not known to the
Commission, behaved with gallantry,
and should be commended. *
“In the case of Colonel Ford, charged
142
…ºf
470
THE WAIR WITH THE SOUTH.
with improper conduct in abandoning
the Maryland Heights, the Commission,
after a careful hearing of the evidence
produced by the Government and that
relied on by the defence, and a due con-
sideration of the arguments offered by
counsel, find :
“That on the 5th of September, Col-
onel Ford was placed in command of
Maryland Heights by Colonel Miles.
That Colonel Ford, finding the position
unprepared by fortifications, earnestly
urged Colonel Miles to furnish him
means by which the heights could be
made tenable for the small force under
his command, should a heavy one be
brought against him. That these rea-
sonable demands were, from some cause
unknown to the Commission, not re-
sponded to by the officer in command of
Harper's Ferry. That subsequently,
when the enemy appeared in heavy
force, Colonel Ford frequently and earn-
estly called upon Colonel Miles for
more troops, representing that he could
not hold the heights unless reinforced.
That these demands were feebly or not
at all complied with. That as late as
the morning of the 13th, Colonel Ford
sent two written demands to Colonel
Miles for reinforcements, and saying
that with the troops then under his com-
mand he could not hold the heights,
and unless relieved or otherwise ordered,
he would have to abandon them. That
as late as eleven o'clock A.M. of the 13th,
a few hours previous to the abandon-
ment of this position, Colonel Miles said
to Colonel Ford that he (Colonel Ford)
could Irot have another man, and must
do the best he could, and if unable to
defend the place, he must spike the
guns, throw them down the hill, and
withdraw to Harper's Ferry in good
order.
“The Court is then satisfied that Col-
onel Ford was given a discretionary
power to abandon the heights as his
better judgment might dictate; and it
believes from the evidence, circumstan-
tial and direct, that the result did not
to any great extent surprise nor in any
way displease the officer in command at
Harper's Ferry.
“But this conclusion, so much relied
upon by the defence, forces the Commis-
sion to a consideration of the fact—did
Colonel Ford, under the discretionary
power thus vested in him, make a
proper defence of the heights, and hold
them, as he should have done, until
driven off by the enemy 7
“The evidence shows conclusively
that the force upon the heights was not
well managed ; that the point most
pressed was weakly defended as to num-
bers, and after the wounding of the col-
onel of the One Hundred and Twenty-
sixth Regiment New York Infantry, it
was left without a competent officer in
command, Colonel Ford himself not ap-
pearing, nor designating any one who
might have restored order and encour-
aged the men ; that the abandonment
of the heights was premature is clearly
proved. Our forces were not driven
from the hill, as full time was given
to spike the guns and throw the heav-
ier ones down the cliff, and retreat in
good order to Harper's Ferry. The
COMMISSION ON HARPER'S FERRY.
471
next day a force returning to the
heights, found them unoccupied, and
brought away, unmolested, four aban-
doned guns and a quantity of ammuni-
tion.
“In so grave a case as this, with such
disgraceful consequences, the Court can-
not permit an officer to shield himself
behind the fact that he did as well as he
could, if in so doing he exhibited a lack
of military capacity. It is clear to the
Commission that Colonel Ford should
not have been placed in command on
Maryland Heights; that he conducted
the defence without ability, and aban-
doned his position without sufficient
cause, and has shown throughout such
a lack of military capacity as to disqual-
ify him, in the opinion of the Commis-
sion, for a command in the service.
“The Commission has approached a
consideration of Colonel D. S. Miles'
conduct in connection with the surrender
of Harper's Ferry with extreme reluc-
tance. An officer who cannot appear
before any earthly tribunal to answer or
explain charges gravely affecting his
character ; who has met his death at the
hands of the enemy, even upon the spot
he disgracefully surrenders, is entitled
to the tenderest care and most careful
investigation. This the Commission has
accorded Colonel Miles, and in giving a
decision only repeats what runs through
our 900 pages of testimony strangely
unanimous upon the fact, that Colonel
Miles' incapacity, amounting to almost
imbecility, led to the shameful surrender
of this important post.
“Early as the 15th of August he dis-
obeys the orders of Major-General
Wool to fortify Maryland Heights.
When it is surrounded and attacked by
the enemy, its naturally strong positions
are unimproved, and from his criminal
neglect, to use the mildest term, the
large force of the enemy is almost upon
an equality with the small force under
his command. -
“He seems to have understood, and
admitted to his officers, that Maryland
Heights is the key to the position, and
yet he places Colonel Ford in command,
with a feeble force—makes no effort to
strengthen them by fortifications, al-
though between the 5th and 14th of
September there was ample time to do
so ; and to Colonel Ford's repeated de-
mands for means to intrench and addi-
tional reinforcements, he makes either
an inadequate return, or no response at
all. He gives Colonel Ford a discretion-
ary power as to when he shall abandon
the heights — the fact of abandonment
having, it seems, been concluded on in
his own mind. For, when this unhappy
event really occurs, his only exclamation
was to the effect that he feared Colonel
Ford had given up too soon—although
he must have known that the abandon-
ment of Maryland Heights was the sur-
render of Harper's Ferry. This leaving
the key of the position to the keeping
of Colonel Ford, with discretionary
power, after the arrival of that capable
and courageous officer who had waived
his rank to serve wherever ordered, is
one of the more striking facts illustrat-
ing the incapacity of Colonel Miles.
“Immediately previous to and pend-
472
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ing the siege of Harper's Ferry, he pa-
roles rebel prisoners and permits, in-
deed, sends them to the enemy's head-
quarters. This, too, when he should
have known that the lack of ammuni-
tion, the bad conduct of some of our
troops, the entire absence of fortifica-
tions, and the abandonment of Mary-
land Heights were important facts they
could, and undoubtedly did, communi-
cate to the enemy. Sixteen of these
prisoners were parolled on the 13th, and
a pass given them in the handwriting of
Colonel Miles, while a rebel officer by
the name of Rouse, after an escape is
retaken, and subsequently has a private
interview with Colonel Miles, is parolled,
and after the surrender appears at the
head of his men, among the first to en-
ter Harper's Ferry.
“It is not necessary to accumulate
evidence from the mass that throughout
scarcely affords one fact in contradiction
to what each one establishes, that Colo-
nel Miles was incapable of conducting
a defence so important as was this of
Harper's Ferry. The Commission would
not have dwelt upon this painful sub-
ject were it not for the fact that the of
ficer who placed this incapable in com-
mand should share in the responsibility,
and in the opinion of the Commission,
Major-General Wool is guilty to this ex-
tent of a grave disaster, and should be
censured for his conduct.
“The Commission has remarked freely
on Colonel Miles, an old officer who has
been killed in the service of his country,
and it cannot, from any motives of deli-
cacy, refrain from censuring those in
high command, when it thinks such cen-
sure deserved. The General-in-Chief
has testified that General McClellan, af-
ter having received orders to repel the
enemy invading the State of Maryland,
marched only six miles per day, on an
average, when pursuing this invading
enemy. The General-in-Chief also testi-
fies that, in his opinion, General McClel-
lan could and should have relieved and
protected Harper's Ferry, and in this
opinion the Commission fully concur.
“The evidence thus introduced con-
firms the Commission in the opinion
that Harper's Ferry, as well as Mary-
land Heights, was prematurely surren.
dered. The garrison should have beer.
satisfied that relief, however long de-
layed, would come at last, and that 1,000
men killed in Harper's Ferry would
have made a small loss, had the post
been saved, and probably saved 2,000
at Antietam. How important was this
defence we can now appreciate. Of the
97,000 men composing at that time the
whole of Lee's army, more than one-
third were attacking Harper's Ferry.
And of this the main body was in Vir-
ginia. By reference to the evidence, it
will be seen that at the very moment
Colonel Ford abandoned Maryland
Heights, his little army was in reality
relieved by Generals Franklin and Sum-
ner's corps at Crampton's Gap, within
seven miles of his position ; and that af-
ter the surrender of Harper's Ferry no
time was given to parole prisoners be-
fore 20,000 troops were hurried from
Virginia, and the entire force went off
on the double quick to relieve Lee, who
AFTER BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
473
was being attacked at Antietam. Had
the garrison been slower to surrender, or
the Army of the Potomac swifter to
march, the enemy would have been
forced to raise the siege, or would have
been taken in detail, with the Potomac
dividing his forces.”
C H A P T E R X X X I V .
The People at the North disappointed at the Results of the Battle of Antietam.—No renewal of the Conflict.—Both
Antagonists wearied with the Fight.—Lee crosses with his whole Army into Maryland.—Inactivity.—Reoccupation
by the Federals of Harper's Ferry.—Losses of Pope.—Losses of McClellan.—What the Enemy took at Harper's
Ferry.—A Dash by the Enemy into Pennsylvania.--Stuart's Report of his Expedition.—Pursuit by General Pleasan.
ton.—Causes of its Failure.—McClellan ordered to Advance.—His Delay.—His Excuses.—Lee allowed to escape.—
Jackson left on watch.--Cautious Advance of McClellan.—McClellan removed from Command.—His successor,
Burnside.—Influence brought to bear on Lincoln's supposed reluctance.—Removal of McClellan, why determined
upon.—Justification of the act.—Halleck’s Letter accusing McClellan of Disobedience of Orders.-Burnside in
command of the Army of the Potomac.—His Plan of Organization.—Preparing for an active Winter Campaign.
THE people of the North believing
that a victory had been gained by
their army in the great battle of
Antietam, were disappointed in its im-
mediate results. The enemy, it is true,
had been foiled in the main object of
their invasion of Maryland, that of rous-
ing the State to rebellion, but this fail-
ure was as much due to the impassive-
ness of her people as to the activity of
our troops.
It had been hoped that General Mc-
Clellan would have succeeded either in
capturing the army of General Lee, or
so far routing it as to render it incapa-
ble of serious resistance and of continu-
ing to obstruct the approach to Rich-
mond. *
So severely, however, had both ar-
mies felt the shock of the fierce contest,
that on the day after neither seemed
disposed to renew the conflict, and dur-
1862,
ing the night General Lee withdrew his
whole army across the Potomac, sep,
“saving all his transportation, and 18.
carrying off all his wounded but 300.” +
Having reached the Virginia side of
the upper Potomac, the enemy made so
firm a stand that they succeeded in re-
sisting for a long time every attempt
on the part of McClellan to cross the
river in force, and even ventured to make
some offensive demonstrations in Mary-
land with their cavalry. The two armies
now remained with the river between
them, confronting each other, and await-
ing the development of the plans of their
leaders.
Occasional skirmishing took place, but
the only immediate movement of import-
ance was the occupation by our troops of
Harper's Ferry, which had been aban-
doned by the enemy, who concentrated
* Dispatch from McClellan's headquarters, Sept. 10.
474
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
their forces more to the north, where
they were busy in destroying the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad, and to the
west, toward Winchester, which they
had established as the basis of their op-
erations.
It is difficult, from the want of precis-
ion in the various reports, to give any-
thing but a conjectural estimate of the
losses in the various battles of Pope's
and McClellan's campaigns. The former
reported his total loss in the single bat-
tle of Bull Run to be 8,000. 30,000,
in killed, wounded, and missing would
not be, perhaps, an exaggerated esti-
mate of the loss sustained by our troops
during the disastrous campaign of Pope,
from the battle of Cedar Mountain to
that of Chantilly.
McClellan has given this statement
of his and the enemy's losses in the bat-
tles of South Mountain and Antietam :
“At South Mountain,” he said, “our
loss was 443 dead, 1,806 wounded, and
76 missing. Total, 2,325.
“At Antietam our loss was 2,010
killed, 9,416 wounded, and 1,046 miss-
ing. Total, 12,469. *
“Total loss in the two battles, 14,794.
: “The loss of the rebels in the two
battles, as near as can be ascertained
from the number of their dead found
upon the field and from other data, will
not fall short of the following estimate :
“Major Davis, assistant inspector-gen-
eral, who superintends the burial of the
dead, reports about 3,000 rebels buried
upon the field of Antietam by our troops.
“Previous to this, however, the reb-
els had buried many of their own dead
upon the distant portion of the battle-
field, which they occupied after the bat-
tle—probably at least 500.
“The loss of the rebels at South
Mountain cannot be ascertained with
accuracy, but as our troops continually
drove them from the commencement of
the action, and as a much greater num-
ber of their dead were seen on the field
than of our own men, it is not unreason-
able to suppose that their loss was
greater than ours.
“Estimating their killed at 500, the
total rebels killed in the two battles
would be 4,000. According to the ratio
of our killed and wounded, this would
make their loss in wounded 18,642.
“As nearly as can be determined at
this time, the number of prisoners taken
by our troops in the two battles will, at
the lowest estimate, amount to 5,000.
The full returns will no doubt show a
larger number. Of these, 1,200 are
wounded.
“This gave a rebel loss, in killed,
wounded, and prisoners, of 25,542. It
will be observed that this does not in-
clude their stragglers, the number of
whom is said to be large. -
“It may be safely concluded, there-
fore, that the rebel army lost at least
30,000 of their best troops.
“From the time our troops first en-
countered the enemy in Maryland until
he was driven back into Virginia, we
captured thirteen guns, seven caissons,
nine limbers, two field-forges, two cais-
son bodies, thirty-nine colors, and one
signal flag. We have not lost a single
gun or a color.
COMPARATIVE LOSSES.
:
475,
“On the battle-field of Antietam
14,000 small-arms were collected, be-
sides the large number carried off by
citizens and those distributed on the
ground to recruits and other unarmed
men arriving after the battle.
“At South Mountain no collection
of small-arms was made, but owing to
the haste of the pursuit from that point,
4,000 were taken on the opposite side
of the Potomac.” -
McClellan, in a subsequent “general
order,” October 3d, 1862, claimed to
have captured in the battle of Antietam
“14 guns, 39 colors, 15,500 stand of
arms, and nearly 6,000 prisoners.”
The great prize of Harper's Ferry,
with all its garrison and munitions of war,
gave a great preponderance of captures
in favor of the enemy. The spoils they
obtained in the course of the two cam-
paigns have been computed to amount
to 50,000 stand of arms and 100 pieces
of artillery lº
The first sign of activity after the
battle of Antietam was given by the en-
emy, whose cavalry, with characteristic
enterprise, made a dash into Pennsylva-
nia. General Stuart, in this his official
report, narrates with apparent truthful-
ness the incidents of the spirited expe-
dition of which he was the leader:
“HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION,
- October 14, 1862. |
“Colos E. R. H. CHILTON, A. A. GENERAL,
ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA:
“CoLONEL : I have the honor to report
Oct, that on the 9th instant, in compli-
* ance with instructions from the
* Correspondent of New York Times.
Commanding General Army Northern
Virginia, I proceeded on an expedi-
tion into Pennsylvania, with a cavalry
force of 1,800 and four pieces of horse-
artillery, under command of Brigadier-
General Hampton and Colonels W. H.
F. Lee and Jones. This force rendez-
voused at Darksville at twelve M., and
marched thence to the vicinity of Hedge-
ville, where it camped for the night. At
daylight next morning (October 10th) I
crossed the Potomac at McCoy's, be-
tween Williamsport and Hancock, with
Some little opposition, capturing two or
three horses of the enemy's pickets.
We were told here by citizens that a
large force had camped the night before
at Clear Spring, and were supposed to
be en route to Cumberland. We pro-
ceeded northward until we reached the
turnpike leading from Hagerstown to
Hancock, known as the National road.
Here was a signal station on the moun-
tain, and most of the party, with their
flags and apparatus, were surprised and
captured, and also eight or ten prison
ers of war, from whom, as well as from
citizens, I found that the large force al-
luded to had crossed but an hour ahead
of me, toward Cumberland, and con-
sisted of six regiments of Ohio troops
and two batteries, under General Cox,
and were en route, via Cumberland, fol
the Kanawha. I sent back this intelli
gence at once to the Commanding Gen.
eral. Striking directly across the Na
tional road, I proceeded in the direction
of Mercersburg, Pa., which point was
reached about noon. I was extremely
anxious to reach Hagerstown, where
476
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
large supplies were stored, but was sat-
isfied, from reliable information, that the
notice the enemy had of my approach,
and the proximity of his forces, would
enable him to prevent my capturing
it. I therefore turned toward Cham-
bersburg. I did not reach this point
till after dark, in a rain. I did not
deem it safe to defer the attack till
morning, nor was it proper to attack a
place full of women and children with-
out summoning it first to surrender. I
accordingly sent in a flag of truce, and
found no military or civil authority in
the place; but some prominent citizens
who met the officer were notified that
the place would be occupied, and if any
resistance were made the place would be
shelled in three minutes. Brigadier-
General Wade Hampton's command be-
ing in advance, took possession of the
place, and I appointed him military gov-
ernor of the city. No incidents occurr
red during the night, during which it
rained continuously. The officials all
fled the town on our approach, and no
one could be found who would admit
that he held office in the place. About
275 sick and wounded in hospitals were
parolled. During the day a large num-
ber of horses of citizens were seized and
brought along. The wires were cut,
and railroads were obstructed. Next
morning it was ascertained that a large
number of small-arms and munitions of
war were stored about the railroad
buildings, all of which, that could not
be easily brought away, were destroyed,
consisting of about 5,000 new muskets,
pistols, sabres, ammunition; also, a large
assortment of army clothing. The exten-
sive machine shops and dépôt buildings
of the railroad, and several trains of load-
ed cars, were entirely destroyed. From
Chambersburg I decided, after mature
consideration, to strike for the vicinity
of Leesburg, as the best route of return,
particularly as Cox's command would
have rendered the direction of Cumber-
land, full of mountain gorges, particu-
larly hazardous. The route selected
was through an open country. Of course
I left nothing undone to prevent the in-
habitants from detecting my real route
and object. I started directly toward
Gettysburg, but having passed the Blue
Ridge, turned back toward Hagerstown
for six or eight miles, and then crossed
to Maryland by Emmettsburg, where,
as we passed, we were hailed by the in-
habitants with the most enthusiastic
demonstrations of joy. A Scouting
party of 150 lancers had just passed
toward Gettysburg, and I regret exceed-
ingly that my march did not admit of
the delay necessary to catch them. Tak-
ing the road toward Frederick, we inter-
cepted dispatches from Colonel Rush
(lancers) to the commander of the
scout, which satisfied me that our where-
abouts was still a problem to the en-
emy.
“Before reaching Frederick, I crossed
the Monocacy, continued the march
through the night, via Liberty, New
Market, Monrovia, on the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad, where we cut the tele-
graph wires and obstructed the railroad.
We reached, at daylight, Hyattstown,
on McClellan's line of wagon communi-
STUART IN PENNSYLVANIA.
477
cation with Washington, but we found
only a few wagons to capture, and
pushed on to Barnesville, which we
found just vacated by a company of the
enemy's cavalry. We had here corrobo-
rated what we had heard before, that
Stoneman had between 4,000 and 5,000
troops about Poolesville and guarding
the river fords. I started directly for
Poolesville, but instead of marching
upon that point, avoided it by marching
through the woods, leaving it two or
three miles to my left, and getting into
the road from Poolesville to the mouth
of the Monocacy. Guarding well my
flanks and rear, I pushed boldly forward,
meeting the head of the enemy's column
going toward Poolesville. I ordered the
charge, which was responded to in
handsome style by the advance squadron
(Irving's) of Lee's brigade, which drove
back the enemy's cavalry upon the col-
umn of infantry advancing to occupy the
crest from which the cavalry were driv-
en. Quick as thought Lee's sharpshoot-
ers sprang to the ground, and engaging
the infantry skirmishers, held them in
check till the artillery in advance came
up, which, under the gallant Pelham,
drove back the enemy's force to his bat-
teries beyond the Monocacy, between
which and our solitary gun quite a spir-
ited fire continued for some time. This
answered, in connection with the high
crest occupied by our piece, to screen
entirely my real movement quickly to
the left, making a bold and rapid strike
for White's Ford, to make my way
across before the enemy at Poolesville
and Monocacy could be aware of my
143 • *
design. Although delayed somewhat by
about 200 infantry strongly posted in
the cliffs over the ford, yet they yielded
to the moral effect of a few shells be-
fore engaging our sharpshooters, and the
crossing of the canal (now dry) and
river was effected with all the precision
of passing a defile on drill, a section
of artillery being sent with the advance
and placed in position on the Loudon
side, another piece on the Maryland
Height, while Pelham continued to oc-
cupy the attention of the enemy with
the other, withdrawing from position to
position until his piece was ordered to
cross. The enemy was marching from
Poolesville in the mean time, but came
up in line of battle on the Maryland
bank only to receive a thundering salu-
tation, with evident effect, from our guns
on this side. I lost not a man killed on
the expedition, and only a few slight
wounds. The enemy's loss is not known;
but Pelham's one gun compelled the en-
emy's battery to change its position
three times. The remainder of the
march was destitute of interest. The
conduct of the command and their be-
havior toward the inhabitants is worthy
the highest praise; a few individual
cases only were exceptions in this par-
ticular.
“Brigadier-General Hampton and Col-
onels Lee, Jones, Wickham, and Butler,
and the officers and men under their
command, are entitled to my lasting
gratitude for their coolness in danger
and cheerful obedience to orders. Un-
offending persons were treated with ci-
vility, and the inhabitants were generous
478
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
in proffers of provisions on the march.
We seized and brought over a large
number of horses, the property of citi-
zens of the United States.
“The valuable information obtained
in this reconnoissance as to the distribu-
tion of the enemy's force was communi-
cated orally to the Commanding Gen-
eral, and need not be here repeated. A
number of public functionaries and prom-
inent citizens were taken captives and
brought over as hostages for our own
unoffending citizens whom the enemy
has torn from their homes and confined
in dungeons in the North. One or two
of my men lost their way, and are prob-
ably in the hands of the enemy.
“The results of this expedition, in a
moral and political point of view, can
hardly be estimated, and the consterna-
tion among property holders in Penn-
Sylvania beggars description.
“I am especially indebted to Captain
B. S. White (C. S. Cavalry), and to Mr.
and Mr. , whose skilful
guidance was of immense service to me.
My staff are entitled to my thanks for
untiring energy in the discharge of their
duties. -
“Believing that the hand of God was
clearly manifested in the signal deliver-
ance of my command from danger, and
the crowning success attending it, I as-
cribe to Him the praise, the honor, and
the glory.
“I have the honor to be, most re-
spectfully, your obedient servant,
“J. E. B. STUART,
“Major-General Commanding Cavalry.”
An energetic effort of the Union cav-
alry under General Pleasanton to inter-
cept General Stuart in his audacious en-
terprise proved abortive, from a failure
in combination and consequent want of
force.
Though General McClellan had been
peremptorily ordered by the commander-
in-chief, General Halleck, on the 6th of
October, “to cross the Potomac and
give battle to the enemy, or drive him
south,” he lingered at Harper's Ferry
with his large army until near the close
of the month, excusing his delay on the
score that his troops were in want of
supplies. Finally, however, he began a
series of strategic movements, but not-
withstanding his efforts by closing the
gaps of the Blue Ridge to shut up the
enemy within the valley of the Shenan-
doah, they succeeded in eluding his elab-
orate but fruitless designs. General
| Lee having anticipated the dilatory
movements of the Union army, was
enabled to move his main body to the
south bank of the Rappahannock, leav-
ing, however, a strong force under Jack-
son in the valley of the Shenandoah,
to menace the flank of the Union army.
A rear-guard of cavalry, under General
Stuart, had, by activity and skilfulness
of manoeuvre, concealed and secured
Lee's escape. Demonstrations of resist-
ance were made at the various gaps of
the Blue Ridge, but only to delude and
delay McClellan. When this object was
accomplished, each pass in turn was
yielded to the Union army, whose cau-
tious advance was only checked by an
occasional skirmish. McClellan had thus
slowly felt his way as far as Warrenton,
McCLELLAN REMOVED FROM COMMAND.
479
s—
which was taken possession of, without
opposition, on the 6th of November,
when he was suddenly arrested in his
Now, campaign by being removed from
8, the command of the Army of the
Potomac. General Burnside was at once
appointed his successor.
The removal of McClellan had been
long urged upon the President by many
of his political friends, who were either
persuaded of the young General's inca-
pacity, or averse to him as the supposed
military representative of the Demo-
cratic party. Mr. Lincoln was slow to
yield to the constantly reiterated at-
tempts to overthrow a commander who
was not only acceptable to himself per-
sonally, but a favorite with the army
and the people.
The resistance of the President was
at last overcome when it became mani-
fest that General McClellan had failed
to meet the expectations of the coun-
try at the opening of the new cam-
paign in Virginia. To reconcile public
opinion to this overthrow of a popular
idol, a justification of the act was pre-
sented in the form of a letter addressed
by the Commander-in-Chief to the Sec-
retary of War. In this document Gen-
eral Halleck declares, “On the 1st of
October, finding that he (McClellan)
purposed to operate from Harper's
Ferry, I urged him to cross the river at
once and give battle to the enemy,
pointing out to him the disadvantages
of delaying till the autumn rains had
swollen the Potomac and impaired the
roads. On the 6th of October he was
peremptorily ordered to ‘cross the Po-
tomac and give battle to the enemy, or
drive him south. Your army must move
now, while the roads are good.’”
These orders were not obeyed by
General McClellan, on the plea of a want
of supplies. This excuse for assuming
the grave responsibility of disobedience
was met by the declaration of General
Halleck that, “in my opinion, there has
been no such want of supplies in the
army under General McClellan as to
prevent his compliance with the order
to advance against the enemy. Had he
moved to the south side of the Potomac,
he could have received his supplies al-
most as readily as by remaining inactive
on the north.”
The first step taken by General Burn-
side after assuming the command of the
Army of the Potomac was the organiza-
tion of his main force into three grand
divisions, each consisting of two corps
d’armée. The division on the right was
placed under the command of General
Sumner, that on the left under General
Franklin, and that of the centre under
General Hooker, while a large body of
reserve was commanded by General Si-
gel. With his army thus reorganized,
Burnside made ready to carry on an ac-
tive winter campaign in Virginia against
the enemy under Lee, prepared to dis-
pute the approach to Richmond, their
canital. -
480
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
Tiry-
C EI A P T E R X X X W .
The Enemy concentrating their Forces in the West.—General Kirby Smith's March into Kentucky.—Bragg at Chatta-
nooga.--His Designs.—Morgan guiding Smith.-Success of Smith.-Attack on the Unionists at Richmond (Ky.).—
Manson forced to Retreat.—General Nelson to the Rescue.—Continued Retreat of the Unionists.--Advance of Smith.
—The borders of Ohio reached.—The Alarm in Ohio.—Great Preparations for Defence.—Smith falls back into the
Interior of Kentucky.—Guerrillas on the Ohio River.—Junction of Marshall with Smith.-March of Bragg into
Kentucky.—Buell in danger of being flanked.—His March to overtake Bragg.—Bragg eludes him.—Bragg's artful
Address.-Bragg captures Munfordsville.—Bragg secures a junction with Smith.-Agitation at Louisville.—Prepa-
rations for Defence.—Buell arrives in time to save Louisville.—Trouble in the Army.—Assassination of General
Nelson.—Buell removed and restored.—Buell marches to attack Bragg.—Bragg retires.—Possession of Frankfort
by Bragg, and Installation of a Provisional Governor of Kentucky.—Battle of Perryville.—Retreat of the Enemy
—Non-pursuit of Buell.—Bragg's booty.—Official Report of Buell.
PRESUMING upon the success of the cav-
alry raids of the audacious Morgan
and other guerrilla chiefs, the en-
emy determined to concentrate their
scattered forces in the West, and exe-
cute their design of invading Kentucky
and threatening the free States border-
ing on the Ohio.
General Kirby Smith, gathering to his
standard the various guerrilla bands, of
which Morgan and his men formed an
effective part, and the detached parties
which had been hovering about the bor-
ders of Kentucky and Tennessee, suc-
ceeded in mustering a considerable num-
ber of troops, with which he marched,
through Rogers' and Big Creek gaps of the
Cumberland Mountains, into Kentucky.
This force was to act as the vanguard
Uf the Confederate army at Chattanooga,
in the southern part of Tennessee, un-
der General Bragg, who was manoeu-
wring to elude the vigilance of General
Buell at Huntsville, and follow Kirby
Smith, with whom he proposed to form
& junction in Kentucky.
1862,
The route in Kentucky having been so
lately explored by the adventurous Mor-
gan, he now acted as the guide of Smith,
and led the way with confidence. Fully
informed of the position and force of the
Union troops in Kentucky, and intimate-
ly conversant with the feeling of the
people of the State, he knew where to
strike his enemies in their weakness and
to meet his friends in their strength.
The expedition, thus directed by the
experience of Morgan, met with unex-
ampled success. Passing rapidly into
the interior of Kentucky, and increasing
in strength as he moved, Smith appeared
before Richmond with 10,000 men.
General Manson, in command of the
Union forces at that place, under-estimat-
ing the strength of the enemy, marched
out to meet them with a single bri- Aug.
gade of raw troops, but was soon 30.
forced to retreat before superior num-
bers. Major-General Nelson, the chief
in command of the Union forces in
Kentucky, was now summoned to the
I’éSCUle. \
KIRBY SMITH IN ECENTUCKY.
481
“Immediately after I received Gen-
eral Manson's dispatch,” says the Gen-
eral, “I rode to the field—riding fifty-
two miles to get there. I arrived, alone,
at two o'clock P.M., and found the troops
remaining with General Manson in a
disorderly retreat. By great exertion
I succeeded in rallying about 2,200
men, and took a strong position. The
enemy attacked in front and on both
flanks at once ; at the third or fourth
round the men, already much demoral-
ized, broke and fled.”
General Nelson did not hesitate to
charge his subordinate with the respon-
sibility of the defeat, declaring—
“The action was brought on by Gen-
eral Manson, who was in command at
Richmond, against my instructions and
against the instructions of General
Wright, the commander of the depart-
ment, which were, that the troops being
new, were not to be risked in action un-
til some time had been spent in drill and
discipline.”
“No report was made to me,” he
adds, “ of the approach of the enemy in
force till half-past two o'clock on Satur-
day morning, the day of the fight. I
immediately ordered a retreat along the
| lancaster road, in order that the two
brigades from Richmond might join the
brigade marching from Lexington to that
point, and to join General Dumont, who
was ordered to march to Danville from
Lebanon. There would then have been
16,000 men at Lancaster, Danville, and
Camp Dick Robinson, in a triangle of
two equal sides of eight miles, and all
these connected by good turnpike roads.
The enemy would not have dared to
pass the Kentucky River with this force
on his flank. But General Manson,
without notifying me, marched five
miles to the front, with one brigade, to
meet the enemy. Supposing their force
to be 2,500 strong, he met them from
10,000 to 12,000 strong.”
In this untoward engagement in front
of Richmond 2,000 Union troops were
captured and 200 killed and wounded.
Among the latter was General Nelson
himself. -
As the enemy, after their triumph
near Richmond, continued to advance,
| the Union troops fell back, successively
evacuating Lexington, Frankfort, the
capital of the State of Kentucky, Shel-
byville, Paris, and Cynthiana. Kirby
Smith followed rapidly, occupying each
of these places in turn, and finding the
route clear, marched almost without op-
position to the banks of the Ohio, where
he took possession of Maysville, and even
ventured to send his guerrilla and re-
connoitring parties across the river.
The people of Ohio became greatly
alarmed lest their State should be in-
vaded, but made spirited and energetic
preparations to resist the enemy. The
militia throughout Ohio mustered in
force, and the citizens of Cincinnati,
which seemed especially exposed to dan-
ger, showed great zeal in efforts to avert
it. -
Martial law was declared, all business
suspended, and every capable citizen
was called to arms or to work at the in-
trenchments and fortifications which were
being hastily constructed to defend the
482
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
city. General Wallace was in com-
mand, and energetically superintended
the preparations for defence. Kirby
Smith, however, after having advanced
his main body to within a day's march
sep, of Cincinnati, gave up his sup-
* posed purpose of attacking that
city, and withdrawing his advance from
Maysville, on the Ohio River, fell back,
on the 12th of September, with his
whole army, toward Frankfort and Lex-
ington. - -
“Last night”—we quote from the Cin-
cinnati Enquirer of September 8th—
“closed the most eventful week that
was ever seen in the history of Cincin-
nati. It was a week that will never be
forgotten—a grand historical week that
will always be referred to as an import-
ant incident of this troublous era. For
the first time in more than half a cent-
ury, Cincinnati has been menaced with
invasion—a deadly and ruthless foe has
threatened to establish himself within
our gates. The only parallel is to be
found in its early days, when the little
settlement was in fear of an Indian at-
tack, and when the men slept upon their
arms to repel it.
“The week that has passed opened
under circumstances that have been
greatly improved, thanks to the vigor-
ous measures taken by General Wallace,
and those under him. We are now in a
condition to give the foe a proper recep-
tion—to ‘welcome him with bloody hands
to hospitable graves,’ if he directs his
steps toward the banks of the Ohio. Our
whole male population, assisted by thou-
sands from the interior, are united in an
earnest determination that, come what
will, this city must not be taken. Fight-
ing for our homes and our firesides, and
contending for the constitution and the
Union, we surely cannot fail, and, what
is more, we will not.”
Though the army under General
Kirby Smith had fallen back into the in-
terior of Kentucky, the detached cav-
alry bands of the enemy continued to
operate upon the northern border. As
late as the 27th of September these ma-
rauders attacked Augusta, on the Ohio
River, and though spiritedly resisted by
the Home Guards, captured the town,
and after loading themselves with booty,
set fire to the place.
Kirby Smith having been reinforced
by the troops from southwestern Wir-
ginia, under Humphrey Marshall, was
now manoeuvring with this united force
to form a junction with Bragg, who had
succeeded, by eluding General Buell, in
marching into Kentucky.
The army under General Bragg, com-
puted to be 30,000 strong, evacuated
Chattanooga early in August, and com-
menced its advance to the north. Soon
after General Buell, who was thus Aug.
in danger of being ſlanked, abandon- 22.
ed Huntsville, Stevenson, Battle Creek,
Decherd, and other points which he
held on the boundary line between Ten-
nessee and Alabama, and strove to over-
take Bragg. The latter, however, suc-
ceeded in reaching Kentucky before his
pursuer, and after addressing the sep,
following artful appeal to the peo- 18.
ple, on entering the State, advanced into
the interior.
BRAGG IN KENTUCKY.
483
GLAsgow, Ky., September 18, 1862.
“KENTUCKIANs: I have entered your
State with the Confederate Army of the
West, and offer you an opportunity to
free yourselves from the tyranny of a
despotic ruler. We come, not as con-
querors or despoilers, but to restore to
you the liberties of which you have been
deprived by a cruel and relentless foe.
We come to guarantee to all the sanc-
tity of their homes and altars; to punish
with a rod of iron the despoilers of
your peace, and to avenge the cowardly
insults to your women. With all non-
combatants the past shall be forgotten.
I shall enforce a rigid discipline, and shall
protect all in their persons and property.
Needful supplies must be had for my
army, but they shall be paid for at fair
and remunerative prices.
“Believing that the heart of Kentucky
is with us in our great struggle for
constitutional freedom, we have trans-
ferred from our own soil to yours, not a
band of marauders, but a powerful and
well-disciplined army. Your gallant
Buckner leads the van. Marshall is on
the right, while Breckinridge, dear to
us as to you, is advancing with Ken-
tucky's valiant sons to receive the honor
and applause due to their heroism. The
strong hands which in part have sent
Shiloh down to history, and the nerved
arms which have kept at bay from our
own homes the boastful army of the
enemy, are here to assist, to sustain, to
liberate you. Will you remain indiffer-
ent to our call? or will you not rather
vindicate the fair fame of your once free
and envied State 7
We believe that you
will, and that the memory of your gal.
lant dead who fell at Shiloh, their faces
turned homeward, will rouse you to a
manly effort for yourselves and pos-
terity.
“Kentuckians! We have come with
joyous hopes. Let us not depart in sor-
row, as we shall if we find you wedded
in your choice to your present lot. If
you prefer Federal rule, show it by your
frowns, and we shall return whence we
came. If you choose rather to come
within the folds of our brotherhood,
then cheer us with the smiles of your
women, and lend your willing hands to
secure you in your heritage of liberty.
“Women of Kentucky! Your perse-
cutions and heroic bearing have reached
our ears. Banish henceforth, forever,
from your minds the fear of loathsome
prisons or insulting visitations. Let your
enthusiasm have free rein. Buckle on
the armor of your kindred, your hus-
bands, sons, and brothers, and scoff with
shame him who would prove recreant in
his duty to you, his country, and his
God. BRAXTON BRAGG,
“General Commanding.”
Bragg's first hostile movement was to
send a detachment against Munfordsville,
garrisoned by a single brigade of Union
troops, in command of Colonel Wilder.
Repulsed on their first attack, the en-
emy finally surrounded the place with a
large force, and forced it to capitulate.
“On Saturday night, about one o'clock
(September 13th),” says a correspond-
ent of the Louisville Democrat, who was
an eye-witness of the attack on Mun-
fordsville, “the rebels, eleven regiments
484
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
strong, under General Chalmers, appear-
ed in front of the fortifications, and sent
in a flag of truce demanding a surrender.
Colonel Wilder replied that his business
was to hold the place, and he should do
so until whipped out.
“As soon as it was light the rebels
opened on the works with artillery,
from the heights on the south, with five
pieces, and from the north with two
mountain howitzers.
“The guns from the works—four in
number—replied with terrible effect, si-
lencing all the rebels' guns but three,
after some two hours.
“Being foiled in their attempt to
shell out the works, the rebels threw
out their whole available infantry force
against the whole line of works, and
were repulsed with terrible loss five suc-
cessive times, and finally withdrew, send-
ing back a flag of truce for permission
to bury their dead, which was granted.
In this fight our loss in killed and wound-
ed was 33. The rebels admit a loss of
700.
“Again, on Tuesday morning, the reb-
Sep, els appeared on the south side of the
* river, and made demonstrations as if
to renew the onset, driving in our pickets
at about half-past nine A.M., sending for-
ward sharpshooters, and firing an occa-
sional shell into the works. Our forces
replied at intervals, reserving the fire,
except when the enemy would approach
within range. Thus matters lasted for
three or more hours, when Colonel Dun-
ham, growing tired of fighting without
any result on either side, sent out three
or four companies from the Fiftieth and
Sixtieth Indiana as skirmishers, to draw
them up, but to no effect, and at about
five P.M. the firing ceased on both sides,
without any serious result to either side
only some two of our skirmishers being
killed.
“The result showed that the demon-
stration on Tuesday was only designed
to attract the attention of Colonel Dun-
ham, while a heavy column of Bragg's
forces crossed Green River above, and
moving down, secured the heights on the
north, which effectually commanded the
works, which movement was effected,
and on Wednesday morning Colonel Dun-
ham found himself completely surround-
ed by an overwhelming force, and had
no alternative but to surrender or sep.
literally murder his entire command. 17.
He very properly did the former at six
A.M. on Wednesday. The forces surren.
dered were the Sixty-seventh, Eighty-
ninth, and Sixtieth Indiana, about 400
of the Fiftieth, two companies each of
the Seventeenth and Seventy-first Indi-
ana, one company First Wisconsin, one
company Louisville Provost Guards, ten
pieces of artillery, with men, and about
70 recruits for the Thirty-third Ken-
tucky infantry, in all about 4,600.”
By the capture of Munfordsville, Gen-
eral Bragg secured his communications
with Kirby Smith at the north, and had
thus outmanoeuvred General Buell, whose
object was to prevent such a junction,
but who had arrived too late to over-
take his antagonist. The latter had
reached Glasgow before Buell had even
got to Bowling Green, some thirty miles
to the west of the former place.
I,OUISVILLE SAFE.
485
Louisville, already agitated by the ad-
vance of Kirby Smith toward the Ohio
River, became, on the approach of Bragg,
still more disturbed. Thither, on the
evacuation of Frankfort, the capital, had
hurried the State officials with the pub-
lic archives, the bankers with their treas-
ure, the loyal Governor, and members
of the Legislature. Every citizen was
called to “rally to the defence of his
State, and strike a blow for the de-
fence of his native land, property, and
home.” General Nelson, who had been
forced to retire before Kirby Smith, had
concentrated his retreating troops at
Louisville, and with the aid of the loyal
citizens, energetically prepared to defend
the city. Intrenchments and fortifica-
tions were rapidly constructed, and an
easy communication with the opposite
shore of Indiana established by a bridge
of boats, in order to secure reinforce-
ments from the north, or a means of re-
treat, as the emergency of the case
might require.
General Buell, persuaded that Louis-
ville was in danger, now hastened to
that city, eager to anticipate the threat-
ened approach of General Bragg. On
the advance of the Union army the en-
emy evacuated Munfordsville, without
destroying the bridge across the Green
River, and moving to Bardstown on the
east, left the route clear to Louisville,
sep, where Buell finally arrived, greatly
25 to the satisfaction of the citizens.
“We think,” said the Louisville Jour-
nal of the 25th of September, “we may
say a word of encouragement to our
citizens this morning. We believe that
the crisis has passed, and that our city
is now guarded by at least 100,000 sol-
diers.” -
Though Louisville was thus relieved
from anxiety in regard to the enemy
without, the city became again agitated
by dissensions within. A quarrel sep.
took place between General Nel- 29.
son, of Kentucky, and Jefferson C. Davis,
of Indiana, which was tragically closed
by the assassination of the former by
the latter. -
This unhappy dispute being revived
by the friends of the two generals and
assumed by the soldiers, threatened for
a while to embroil the Union camp in a
partisan feud. The disorder which en-
sued was momentarily increased by the
sudden removal of General Buell from
the chief command. His principal offi-
cers, however, having interposed in his
favor, the Government restored him to
his former position. Buell now devoted
himself with such energy to the restora-
tion of order and the reorganization”
• A correspondent of the New York Tribune, writing
from Louisville, October 1st, says:
“Under the new organization the army is now composed
as follows: -
“FIRST CORPS–MAJOR-GENERAL MoCOOK COMMANDING.
“Second Division—Brigadier-General Sill (formerly Col-
onel Second Ohio).
“Third Division—Brigadier-General Rousseau.
“Tenth Division—Brigadier-General Jackson.
“SECOND CORPs—MAJOR-GENERAL CRITTENDEN command Ng.
“Fourth Division (Nelson's old)—Brigadier-General
Smith (formerly Colonel First Ohio).
“Fifth Division—Brigadier-General Van Ilroe (formerly
Colonel Second Maryland).
“Sixth Division—Brigadier-General Wood.
“THIRD CORPS—MAJOR-GENERAL GILBERT (FORMERLY THOMAs).
“Third Division—Brigadier-General Schoepff.
“Ninth Division—Brigadier-General Mitchell, of Kan-
S8.S.
1 44
486
THE WAIR WITII TIIE SOUTH.
of his army, that in the course of a few
days he was enabled to march out to
meet the enemy. -
Bragg had in the meanwhile advanced
his main body to Bardstown, and thrown
his advance some eight miles forward
in the direction of Louisville. -
The enemy, however, on the ap-
proach of Buell's formidable army, be-
gan to retire, and successively evacuated
Frankfort, Lexington, and Bardstown.
Bragg's abandonment of the capital was
preceded by an affectation of perma-
mence of occupation which his subse-
quent action strangely contradicted. On
Saturday, October 4th, he installed
Richard Hawes as Provisional Governor
of Kentucky, with imposing military
0ct, ceremonies, and on the next day
4 fled from Frankfort. Bragg, closely
pursued by Buell, continued to retreat
“Eleventh Division—Brigadier-General Dumont.
“General Buell is commander-in-chief, and General
Thomas second in command of the whole.
“Each of the divisions is composed of three brigades,
with the exception of General Jackson's, which is wholly,
composed of new regiments, of four old and one new reg-
iment each. A powerful complement of artillery and cav-
alry is also attached to each corps.
“The reserve force to be formed at this point out of raw
regiments already arrived and to arrive, will be under the
command of Brigadier-General Boyle. Two additional
divisions, at least, will be organized.
“A fourth army corps will be formed at Cincinnati,
under Major-General Granger, to consist of the division of
General Morgan, from the Cumberland Gap, now on its
way to the Ohio River over a route to the east of Lexing-
ton, and the new troops in camp at Newport and Coving-
ton. The fourth corps will operate along the Kentucky
Central Railroad, and converge with the other three in the
central part of the State.
“With the seventh and eighth divisions of Generals
Negley and Paine, now garrisoning Nashville, the Army
of the Ohio will consist, after the formation of the fourth
corps, of no less than eighteen divisions—a force more
than twice as large as that arrayed last fall upon the soil
of Kentucky.”
until he reached Perryville, about forty
miles south of Frankfort. Here he 0ct,
turned upon the advance of the *
Union army, when a severe battle en-
sued. w
General Alexander McDowell McCook,
who commanded the corps d'armée
which engaged Bragg's army at Perry-
ville or Chaplin Hills, gave the follow-
ing report of the battle :
“HEADQUARTERS FIRST Corps ARMY OF
THE OHIo, CAMP NEAR CRAB OR-
CHARD, October 13, 1862.
“ColoneL JAMEs B. FRY, CHIEF OF STAFF:
“SIR : I have the honor to report
that, in compliance with written instruc-
tions from you, dated October 7, 1862,
eight o'clock A.M., and received by me at
my camp at Nashville at half-past two
o'clock A.M. on the morning of the 8th,
I marched, at five o'clock A.M., on the
road to Perryville. I had but a portion
of my corps with me—Rousseau's and
Jackson's divisions, the second division,
under General Gill, having been detach-
ed at Louisville, to march upon Frank-
fort. The tenth division, General Jack-
son commanding, was entitled to the
advance, but being composed entire-
ly of new troops, I ordered General
Rousseau's division to take the lead.
General Rousseau was ordered to
march with great caution, in view of the
known presence of the enemy in force
at Harrodsburg, and also of your letter
informing me that the enemy would re-
sist your advance into Perryville, and
that you intended to attack them that
day. Hearing the report of artillery
soon after my troops had commenced
BATTLE OF CHAPLIN HILLS.
487
marching, our movements were hast-
ened. r
“Macksville is equidistant from Har-
rodsburg and Perryville, the distance
being ten miles. My instructions re-
quired me to advance on the Perryville
road until I reached a point three or
three and a half miles from Perryville,
or until I came up abreast of Gilbert's
corps. The head of my column reach-
ed the point designated at half-past ten
A.M. General Rousseau advanced his
cavalry and a portion of his infantry to
the front, in order to see if the ground
were clear. The artillery (Loomis' bat-
tery) was halted on the hill in rear.
General Rousseau soon sent me word
that the enemy was reported advancing
in force on the position assigned my
corps. I rode forward and examined
the ground, and saw a few of the enemy
skirmishing with the left of General
Gilbert's corps. My attention was then
directed to General Gilbert's left. I
saw his infantry in line about 400 or 500
yards to our right. I called General
Rousseau's attention to this fact, marked
out my line of battle, and ordered him
to form it. -
“I directed Loomis' battery to be
brought up and put in position on a
commanding piece of ground, to the
left of and near Russell's house (called
Clark's on the map). I had previously
ordered General Rousseau to throw for-
ward a line of skirmishers to examine
the woods on our left and front, and
also sent Captain Wickliffe, with his
company of the Second Kentucky Cav-
alry, to reconnoitre on the left of the
skirmishers. General Gay's cavalry, at-
tached to Gilbert's corps, was making a
reconnoissance in front and toward Per-
ryville. I was then well satisfied that
the enemy, which had engaged Gilbert's
left, had retired from the field. I then
informed General Rousseau that my in-
structions required me to report in per-
son to General Buell, and that I was
about to leave the field, but would re-
turn in a short time.
“I had given particular instructions
to Captain J. A. Campbell, my assistant
adjutant-general, to post General Jack-
son's two brigades on a commanding
piece of ground immediately to the
right of the Macksville and Perryville
road, to hold them there in column so
that they could be wound in any direc-
tion occasion required. I then galloped
off to report to General Buell, whose
headquarters were about two and a half
miles in rear and right of my line. I
received verbal instructions from Gen-
eral Buell to make a reconnoissance
down to Chaplin River. I returned im-
mediately to my command, and found
that General Rousseau had advanced the
line on the right, occupying a command-
ing ridge about 800 yards in front and
to the left of Russell's house.
“The enemy had placed three batter-
ies in position, and were firing upon his
line. Loomis' and Simonson's batteries
were replying. There bein g then no in-
fantry of the enemy in sight, I sent an
order to these batteries to cease firing
and economize their ammunition. The
command suffering greatly for water, I
proceeded to take the reconnoissance as
488
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ordered. Having been informed by my
guide, Captain Beverly D. Williams, as-
sistant quartermaster on General Jack-
son's staff, and also by Colonel L. A.
Harris, commanding the ninth brigade,
that by moving a short distance to the
left of the Perryville road I could get
high commanding ground for a portion
of my line, I went forward in person,
after ordering a portion of the Thirty-
third Ohio into the woods as skirmish-
ers, to ascertain if any of the enemy
were present in that vicinity, to a point
overlooking and within 600 yards of the
Chaplin River. .
“I then sent for Generals Jackson
and Terrill, showed them the water,
marked their line of battle, and ordered
a battery to be posted on this line with
strong supports. General Terrill was or-
dered to advance a body of skirmishers
cautiously down the slope of the hill to
the water, as soon as his line was form-
ed. . During my presence no enemy
was seen save some cavalry on the op-
posite hills across the river, who, I sup-
posed, were threatening my train in
rear. A few well-directed shots from
Stone's First Kentucky Battery, posted
to the left and rear of this position, put
them to flight.
“Not being apprehensive of an at-
tack, I left this position and moved to-
ward the right of the line. At two
P.M. an attack was made by the enemy
on the skirmishers of the Thirty-third
Ohio. I then ordered the remainder of
the regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Moore, to support the line; also the
Twenty-second Ohio to support the
Thirty-third. My line of battle at the
moment was formed as follows: The
right of Rousseau's division resting near
a barn on the right of the Macksville and
Perryville road, extending to the left
on a commanding ridge through a corn-
field (the corn being cut and shocked)
to the skirt of woods occupied by the
Second and Thirty-third Ohio; the right
of Terrill's brigade of Jackson's division
resting on the same woods, running to
the left on the commanding ground
overlooking a portion of Chaplin River
to the north, this left forming a crotchet
to the rear, in order to occupy the high
ground on his left and rear. Stark-
weather's brigade, Stone's and Bush's
batteries of Rousseau's division, were
posted to the left and rear of Jackson's
left, on high commanding ground ; Web-
ster's brigade of Jackson's division was
posted to the left of Russell's house,
and in the rear of the centre of Rous-
seau's line on the right.
“The attack on my line now became
general. My attention was directed
principally to the left, where the attack
was most fiercely made. I had no ap-
prehensions about my right, as it rested
on Gilbert's left. A fierce onset being
made on Terrill's brigade, and General
Jackson being killed at the first fire, this
brigade gave way in a few moments in
confusion. General Terrill did every-
thing in the power of man to steady them.
“At this juncture—at half-past two
P.M.–seeing that I was assailed by at
least three times my numbers, I dis-
patched my aid-de-camp, First Lieuten-
ant L. M. Hosea, Sixteenth United States
ENEMY ROUTED.
—t-
Infantry, to General Sheridan, com-
manding General Gilbert's left division,
to request him to look to my right and
see that it was not turned.
“At three P.M. I dispatched Captain
Horace N. Fisher, of my staff, to the
nearest commander of troops for assist-
ance. He first met General Schoepff
marching at the head of his division,
and reported my condition to him. Gen-
eral Schoepff expressed a desire to come
up ; stated that he was moving to the
front for some purpose, and requested
Captain Fisher to see General Gilbert,
who was riding with the column. Cap-
tain Fisher then reported to General
Gilbert that my entire command was en-
gaged, that the reserves were all in line,
and that the safety of my corps was
jeopardized. General Gilbert referred
him to General Buell, to whom this offi-
cer reported.
“At half-past three P.M. I also dis-
patched another aid, Captain W.T. Hob-
litzell, to General Schoepff, commanding
the first division and reserve of Gilbert's
corps, or the commander of the nearest
troops in rear, to inform him of my con-
dition and ask for troops.
“I remained in rear of my left and
centre until I saw the enemy's right
completely routed and driven back by
the gallant brigade of Starkweather, so
admirably posted for the work they per-
formed so well. I then galloped to the
right of the line, but only in time to see
it turned by a large force of the enemy.
I then ordered Colonel Webster, of the
Ninety-eighth Ohio, to move his troops
to the right and repel this attack if pos-
489
sible, and it was in obeying this order
that this gallant officer received a mor-
tal wound. Returning to Russell's house,
I ordered my chief of artillery, Major
C. S. Cotter, to bring up a section of
artillery to stop their advance. This
was promptly done. The guns were
well handled, but could not stop this de-
termined attack. At this time the right
of Rousseau's line was compelled to fall
back to avoid being enveloped by the
enemy. º
“The enemy placed a battery in the
open field, near Bottom's barn, about
800 yards from Russell's house. The
fire from this battery was so heavy that
the point near Russell's house could not
be held. Loomis' battery, having ex-
hausted all its long-range ammunition,
had been retired from its position in the
afternoon to a commanding ridge about
150 yards in rear of Russell's house and
on the right of the Perryville road, sup-
ported by three companies of the Mich-
igan Engineers and Mechanics command-
ed by Major Hopkins. I ordered Cap-
tain Loomis to reserve his canister for
close work. His battery opened fire,
and repulsed this wicked attack for the
first time. I then went to the point
where the Dixville and Springfield road
crosses the Macksville and Perryville
road.
“Near this point I met Captain Hob-
litzell with a brigade of General Robert
P. Mitchell's division, coming to rein-
force us. This brigade was commanded
by Colonel Gooding, of the Twenty-sec-
ond Indiana, and consisted of his own
regiment, the Fifty-ninth and Seventy-
, 490
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
fifth Illinois, and Captain O. F. Pinney's
Fifth Wisconsin Battery. I ordered the
posting of his infantry, and then placed
Captain Pinney's battery in position
near the cross-roads, and in a small skirt
of timber to the right. Gooding's attack,
assisted by Pinney's battery, drove back
and re-secured the position at Russell's
house. In this attack Colonel Gooding's
gallant brigade lostin killed and wounded
499 men, about one-third of his force.
“At this moment, Brigadier-General
Jas. Steadman reported to me, with his
brigade of Schoepff's division.
nearly grown dark when he arrived.
He posted his battery on the right of
Pinney's and opened fire. I conducted
his brigade to a position on the right and
front of these batteries. The two bat-
talions of the Eighteenth Regulars,
under Major Frederick Townsend, were
posted on a commanding ridge, in an
open field, the right resting on a wood ;
the Ninth Ohio on the right of Town-
send, the right resting on a field. The
other regiments of this brigade were in
a second line and supporting the bat-
teries. The line of Steadman's brigade
was about 200 yards to the right and
rear of Russell's house.
“By this time it was dark, and the
firing ceased on both sides. I remained
in front of Steadman's line until nine
P.M., when I rode to the left and found
that the line there had been retired by
General Rousseau. Believing that the
enemy would renew the attack at day-
light, I ordered him to throw his line
back, with his left resting on the Macks-
ville and Perryville road, and the line
It had ||
*
extending to the right, on commanding
ground, to the left of Steadman's bri-
gade. This movement was executed
about midnight.
“When General Terrill's brigade gave
way, a portion of his troops fell back
with him to the position occupied by
Stone's and Bush's batteries, and at this
point, when in the act of rallying his
troops, at four P.M., he was struck in
the side by the fragment of a shell, car-
rying away a portion of his left lung.
He died at eleven P.M.
“When Terrill's brigade gave way,
some guns of Parsons' eight-gun battery
fell into the hands of the enemy. At
six P.M., four of the guns of Harris'
Nineteenth Indiana were also taken by
the enemy. -
“The posting of Starkweather's bri-
gade and Stone's and Bush's batteries
saved my left, and secured to us the
Macksville road, upon which stood our
entire ammunition train and ambulances.
The ground to the right of this road be-
ing rough, prevented the train being
taken off the road and parked.
“I previously stated that the firing
on both sides ceased at dark. The en-
emy posted, their pickets about 500.
yards from ours, but the main body es-
caped during the night, with such pre-
cipitation that they left their dead and
wounded, and could not carry the cap-
tured guns from the field. The guns
were all recovered next morning, ex-
cept two Napoleon guns of Parsons' bat-
tery, that were kindly exchanged by the
enemy for two six-pounder field-pieces.
“The enemy retreated across Chap-
CONDUCT OF TROOPS.
491
lin River to the Harrodsburg turnpike,
about one and one-half miles distant
from the battle-field, thence to Harrods-
burg. The battle-field was a chosen one
of the enemy. They marched from
Harrodsburg to give our army battle at
or near Perryville. The ground upon
which the battle was fought was very
much broken by hills and ravines, which
offered every facility to them to conceal
their troops. The bluffs and dry chan-
nels of Chaplin River and Doctor's Fork
were especially advantageous for massing
large bodies of troops in concealment.
I was assailed by at least three divisions
of the enemy. I have since been trust-
worthily informed that General Bragg
commanded the enemy in person, and
that Polk's and Hardee's corps were upon
the field.
“Thus ends my account of the part
taken by my corps in the battle of
Chaplin Hills, the bloodiest battle of
modern times for the number engaged
on our side. Rousseau had present on
the field 7,000 men, Jackson 5,400.
The brigade of Gooding amounted to
about 1,500. The battle was princi-
pally fought by Rousseau's division, and
if there are or ever were better soldiers
than the old troops engaged, I have nei-
ther seen nor read of them. Great dis-
crimination must be exercised in mak-
ing a perfectly fair statement respecting
the conduct of the new levies. Exposed,
as some of them were, to a terrific fire at
the onset of the enemy, it would be ex-
traordinary to expect of them the stead- |
iness and composure of veterans. It
was also clearly perceptible that the
)
—s
resolution and obstinate resistance dis-
played by the old troops in the same
brigade or in close proximity, had a sal-
utary effect in animating and encourag-
ing the new troops. For instance, in
the ninth brigade, where the Second
and Thirty-third Ohio, Thirty-eighth In-
diana, and Tenth Wisconsin fought so
well, I was proud to see the Ninth and
Ninety-eighth Ohio vie with their broth-
ers in deeds of honor.
“Commanders under me have found
occasion for severe reflection on individ-
uals whose conduct did not entirely
justify the confidence imposed in them
by their State and country. These
cases, happily but few, compel me the
more strongly to awaken the attention
of our authorities to a more rigid and
careful selection of officers who may
join to their qualifications the essential
ones of courage and honor. The mate-
rial of the new levies is evidently as
good as that of the old regiments. My
apology for the misbehavior of some
of them is want of discipline and confi-
dence in their field and line officers.
“If it were not a great pleasure, my
duty compels me to call the attention
of my superiors and my Government to
the conspicuous gallantry and good con-
duct of Brigadier-General L. H. Rous-
seau upon this hotly contested field.
The manner of posting his left and
maintaining its position, renders him one
of the most conspicuous lights of this
W3.I’. ::: $: . . . . ::: º º
“ALEXANDER McDowell, McCook,
Major-General Commanding First Corps
Army of the Ohio.”
492
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
The total loss in killed, wounded, and
missing of the Union troops amounted
to about 3,000.*
The enemy, though they had severely
suffered, were enabled to retire without
being seriously interrupted, and finally
made good their retreat to a position in
the Cumberland Mountains, whither
General Buell deemed, it prudent not
to follow. The invasion of Kentucky,
and the audacious attempt to march
into Ohio, had been thwarted, but the
country was disappointed in its expect-
ation of the overthrow of Bragg's army.
The enemy consoled themselves with the
immense booty Bragg had carried off.
“Just think of it,” boasted one of their
writers; “he has captured from the
enemy, and purchased from the citizens
together, enough to load a train of wag-
ons forty miles long.”
General Buell was held responsible
for the escape of his antagonist, and was
* The following is General Bragg's official report of the
battle of Perryville:
“HEADQUARTERs DEPARTMENT No. 2, }
BRYANTsvi LLE, Ky., October 12, 1862.
“SIR : Finding the enemy pressing heavily in his rear,
near Perryville, Major-General Hardee, of Polk's com-
mand, was obliged to hold and check him at that point.
Having arrived at Harrodsburg from Frankfort, I deter-
mined to give him battle there, and accordingly concen-
trated three divisions of my old command—the Army of
the Mississippi, now under Major-General Polk; Cheat-
ham's, Buckncr's, and Anderson's— and directed General
Polk to take command on the 7th, and attack the enemy
next morning. Wither's division had gone the day
before to support Smith. Hearing, on the night of the 7th,
that the force in front of Smith had rapidly retreated, I
moved early next morning, to be present at the operations
of Polk's forces. -
“The two armies were formed confronting each other
on opposite sides of the town of Perryville. After con-
sulting the General, and reconnoitring the ground and
examining his position, I declined to assume the com-
mand, but suggested some changes and modifications of
his arrangements, which he promptly adopted. The action
opened at half-past twelve P.M., between the skirmishers
and artillery on both sides. Finding the enemy indis-
posed to advance upon us, and knowing he was receiving
heavy reinforcements, I deemed it best to assail him vig-
orously, and so directed.
“The engagement became general soon thereafter, and
was continued furiously from that time to dark, our
troops never faltering and never failing in their efforts.
“For the time engaged it was the severest and most des-
perately contested engagement within my knowledge.
Fearfully outnumbered, our troops did not hesitate to en-
gage at any odds; and, though checked at times, they
eventually carried every position, and drove the enemy
about two miles. But for the intervention of night, we
should have completed the work. We had captured fif-
teen pieces of artillery, by the most daring charges, killed
one and wounded two brigadier-generals, and a very large
number of inferior officers and men, estimated at no less
than 4,000, and captured 400 prisoners, including three
staff-officers, with servants, carriage, and baggage of Ma-
jor-General McCook. - .
“The ground was literally covered with his dead and
wounded. In such a contest our own loss was necessarily
Severe, probably not less than 2,500 killed, wounded, and
missing. Included in the wounded are Brigadier-Generals
Wood, Ciebern, and Brown—gallant and noble soldiers—
whose loss will be severely felt by their commands. To
Major-General Polk, commanding the forces, Major-Gen-
eral Hardee, commanding the left wing, two divisions, and
Major-Generals Cheatham, Buckner, and Anderson, com .
manding divisions, are mainly due the brilliant achieve-
ments of this memorable field. Nobler troops were never
more gallantly led. The country owes them a debt of
gratitude which I am sure will be acknowledged.
“Ascertaining that the enemy were heavily reinforced
during the night, I withdrew my force early next morn-
ing to Harrodsburg, and thence to this point. Major-Gen-
eral Smith arrived at Harrodsburg with most of his forces
and Wither's division the next day, 10th, and yesterday I
withdrew the whole to this post, the enemy following
slowly, but not pressing us.
“I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
“BRAxTON BRAGG, General Commanding.
“To Adjutant-General, Richmond, Va.”
* A correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial said that
“the plunder taken by Bragg's forces is spoken of by
men who have seen it as immense, consisting of 3,000
barrels of pork, 8,000 head of cattle, 1,000 mules and
horses, and all the stocks of dry-goods, groceries, and
provisions taken from the stores of Lexington, Frankfort,
Danville, Harrodsburg, and other places They have
flour and corn meal in endless quantities, having stolen
all the grain in the country, and impressed all the mills
to grind it. And all they ask is to be let alone with their
booty.” -
BUELL’S REPORT.
493
consequently deprived of his command,
0ct, to which General Rosecrans, with
30, his laurels fresh from the victory
at Corinth, succeeded.
The following official statement of
General Buell contains an interesting
narrative of his campaign, and a justifi-
cation of its conduct :
“Louisville, Wovember 4, 1862.
“L. THoMAs, ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. A.,
WASHINGTON, D.C.:
“SIR: It is due to the army which I
have commanded for the last twelve
months, and perhaps due to myself, that
I should make a circumstantial report
of its operations during the past sum-
Iſle I’.
“Such a report requires data not now
at hand, and would occupy more time
than can be spared at present from the
subject of more immediate interest,
namely, the operations from Louisville
against the rebel forces in Kentucky
under the command of General Bragg.
I therefore commence this report from
that period, premising only in a general
way, that my attention to the condi-
tion of affairs in Kentucky was de-
manded, first, by the minor operations
of the enemy, which, by the destruction
of the railroad, had completely severed
the communications of my army, and
left it at a distance of 300 miles from its
base, with very limited supplies; and,
second, by the formidable invasion,
which not only threatened the perma-
ment occupation of the State, but expos-
ed the States north of the Ohio Rive
to invasion. r
“Leaving a sufficient force to hold
Nashville, the remainder of the army
under my command was put in march
for Kentucky. The rear division left
Nashville on the 15th, and arrived at
Louisville, a distance of 170 miles, on
the 29th of September : the advance ar.
rived on the 25th.
“The particulars of the march will,
as I have said, be given in a subsequent
report in connection with other matters.
“I found, in and about this city, a
considerable force of raw troops, hur-
riedly thrown in from Illinois, Indiana,
and Ohio, for the defence of the city.
against the formidable force that had in-
vaded the State under General Bragg
and Kirby Smith, under the command
of Major-General Nelson, whose untime-
ly death cannot be too much deplored.
These troops had been organized into
brigades and divisions, and they had
some able and experienced officers in
general—Boyle, Jackson, Crufts, Gilbert,
Terrill, and others.
“But the troops were as yet undisci-
plined, unprovided with suitable artil-
lery, and in every way unfit for active
operations against a disciplined foe. It
was necessary to reorganize the whole
force. This was done, as far as possible,
by intermixing the new troops with the
old, without changing the old organiza-
tion. -
“The troops were supplied with
shoes and other essentials, of which
they were greatly in need, among them
certain light cooking utensils, which the
men could carry and dispense with wag-
ons, the allowance of which was reduced
to one for each regiment, to carry a few
145
*94
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
necessary articles for officers, and one
for hospital supplies, besides the ambu-
lances.
“The army was to have marched on
the 31st of September, but an order,
which was subsequently suspended, re-
lieving me from the command, delayed
the movement until the following day.
“The army marched on the 1st ulti-
mo, in five columns. The left moved
toward Frankfort, to hold in check the
force of the enemy which still remained
at or near that place ; the other col-
umns, marching by different routes,
finally fell respectively into the roads
leading from Shepherdsville, Mount
Washington, Fairfield, and Bloomfield,
to Bardstown, where the main force of
the enemy, under General Bragg, was
known to be ; these roads converge
upon Bardstown at an angle of about
fifteen degrees from each other.
“Skirmishing with the enemy's cav-
alry and artillery marked the movement
from each column from within a few
miles of Louisville. It was more stub-
born and formidable near Bardstown ;
but the rear of the enemy's infantry re-
tired from that place eight hours before
our arrival, when his rear-guard of cav-
alry and artillery retreated, after a sharp
engagement with my cavalry. The pur-
suit and skirmishing with the enemy's
rear-guard continued toward Spring-
field.
“The information which I received,
indicated that the enemy would concen-
trate his forces at Danville.
“The first corps, under Major-Gen-
eral McCook, was therefore ordered to
march from Bloomfield on Harrodsburg,
while the second corps, under Major-
General Crittenden, moved on the Leba-
non and Danville road, which passes.
four miles to the south of Perryville,
with a branch to the latter place; and
the third corps on the direct road to
Perryville. -
“My headquarters moved with the
third (or centre) corps. Major-General
Thomas, second in command, accompa-
nied the second (or right) corps.
“After leaving Bardstown, I learned
that the force of Kirby Smith had cross-
ed to the west side of the Kentucky
River, near Salvisa, and that the enemy
were moving to concentrate either at
Harrodsburg or Perryville. General
McCook's route was therefore changed
from Harrodsburg to Perryville.
“The centre corps arrived on the af-
|ternoon of the 7th, and was drawn up
in order of battle about three miles from
Perryville, where the enemy appeared
to be in force. The advanced guard,
under Captain Gay, consisting of cavalry
and artillery, supported toward evening
by two regiments of infantry, pressed
successfully upon the enemy's rear-
guard to within two miles of the town,
against a somewhat stubborn opposi-
tion.
“The whole army had for three days
or more suffered from a scarcity of wa-
ter; the last day, particularly, the troops
and animals suffered exceedingly for the
want of it, and from hot weather and
dusty roads.
“In the bed of Doctor's Creek, a trib-
utary of Chaplin River, about two and
|
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}
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-
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BUELL’S
REPORT.
495
a half miles from Perryville, some pools
of water were discovered, of which the
enemy showed a determination to pre-
vent us gaining possession.
“The thirty-sixth brigade, under com-
mand of Colonel Daniel McCook, from
General Sheridan's division, was ordered
forward to seize and hold a commanding
position which covered these pools: it
executed the order that night, and a Sup-
ply of bad water was secured for the
troops.
“On discovering that the enemy was
concentrating for battle at Perryville, I
sent orders on the night of the 7th to
General McCook and General Critten-
den to march at three o'clock the follow-
ing morning, so as to take position, re-
spectively, as early as possible, on the
right and left of the centre corps, the
commanders themselves to report in
person for orders on their arrival, my
intention being to make the attack that
day, if possible.
“The orders did not reach General
McCook until half-past two o'clock, and
he marched at five. The second corps
failing to find water at the place where
it was expected to encamp on the night
of the 7th, had to move off the road for
that purpose, and consequently was
some six miles or more farther off than
it would otherwise have been.
“The orders did not reach it in time,
and these two causes delayed its arrival
several hours. Still, it was far enough
advanced to have been pressed into the
action on the 8th, if the necessity for it
had been known early enough.
“The engagement, which terminated
at night the previous day, was renewed
early on the morning of the 8th, by an
attempt of the enemy to drive the bri-
gade of Colonel McCook from the posi-
tion taken to cover the water in Doctor's
Creek ; the design had been discovered,
and the divisions of Generals Mitchell
and Sheridan were moved into position
to defeat it, and hold the ground until
the army was prepared to attack in
force. A spirited attack was made on
Colonel McCook's position, and was
handsomely repulsed. Between ten and
eleven o'clock the left corps arrived on
the Maxville road.
“General McCook was instructed to
get it promptly into position, on the
left of the centre corps, and to make a
reconnoissance to his front and left.
The reconnoissance had been continued
by Captain Gay toward his front and
right, and sharp firing with artillery was
then going on.
“I had somewhat expected an attack
early in the morning on Gilbert's corps,
while it was isolated, but as it did not
take place, no formidable attack was
apprehended after the arrival of the left
corps. The disposition of the troops
was made, mainly, with a view to a
combined attack on the enemy's posi-
tion at daylight the following morning,
as the time required to get all the troops
into position, after the unexpected de-
lay, would probably make it too late to
attack that day.
“The cannonading, which commenc-
ed with the partial engagement in the
centre, followed by the reconnoissance
of the cavalry under Captain Gay, ex-
496
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
tended toward the left, and became
brisker as the day advanced, but was
not supposed to proceed from any seri-
ous engagement, as no report to that
effect was received. At four o'clock,
however, Major-General McCook's aid-
de-camp arrived, and reported to me
‘that the General was sustaining a
severe attack, which he would not be
able to withstand unless reinforced; that
his flanks were already giving way.'
He added, to my astonishment, ‘that
the left corps had actually been engaged
in a severe battle for several hours, per-
haps since twelve o'clock.” It was so
difficult to credit the latter, that I
thought there must even be some mis-
apprehension in regard to the former. I
sent word to him that I should rely on
his being able to hold his ground, though
I should probably send him reinforce-
ments.
“I at once sent orders for two bri-
gades from the centre corps—Schoepff's
division—to move promptly to reinforce
the left. Orders were also sent to Gen-
eral Crittenden to move a division in, to
strengthen the centre, and to move with
the rest of his corps energetically against
the enemy's left flank. |
“The distance from one flank of the
army to the other was not, perhaps, less
than six miles, and before the orders
could be delivered, and the right corps
make the attack, night came on and
terminated the engagement.
“The roads going from Maxville and
Springfield enter Perryville at an angle
of about fifteen degrees with each other.
The road from Lebanon runs nearly par-
allel to the Springfield road to within
five miles of Perryville, and there forks,
the left-hand fork going to Perryville,
and the right continuing straight on to
Danville, leaving Perryville four miles
to the north. There is also a direct
road from Perryville to Danville. Per-
ryville, Danville, and Harrodsburg occu-
py the vertices of an equilateral trian-
gle, and are ten miles apart. Salt River
rises midway between Perryville and
Danville, and runs northward two miles
west of Harrodsburg. Chaplin Fork
rises near and passes through Perryville,
bending in its course so as to run ob-
liquely away from the Maxville and
Perryville road, on which the left corps
advanced. -
“Doctor's Creek, running north, cross-
es the Perryville and Springfield road
at right angles, about two and a half
miles west of Perryville, and empties
into Chaplin Fork about three miles
from town. The ground bordering
the Chaplin is hilly, with alternate
patches of timber and cleared land.
The hills, though in some places steep,
are generally practicable for infantry
and cavalry, and in many places for ar-
tillery. *
“The ground afforded the enemy
great advantages for attacking a force
on the Maxville road, taken in the act
of forming, as was the case in the battle
of the 8th.
“General McCook's line ran nearly
parallel with Chaplin Fork, the right
resting on the road, and the left to the
north of it. Two of General Rousseau's
brigades, the seventeenth, under Colonel
BUELL’S
REPORT. 497
Lyttle, and the fourth, under Colonel
Harris, were on the right: then the
thirty-third brigade, under General Ter-
rill, of Jackson's division ; then, on the
extreme left, and to the rear of Terrill,
the twenty-eighth brigade, under Colo-
nel Starkweather, of Rousseau's divi-
sion.
“The other brigade of Jackson's di-
vision, under Colonel Webster, was at
first in rear of Rousseau's two right bri-
gades, and in the course of the battle
was brought into action on the right of
Rousseau. General Gilbert's corps was
on the right of Rousseau, but the space
between them was somewhat too great
—first Sheridan's division, then Mitch-
ell's and Schoepff's in reserve opposite
the left of the corps.
“The fight commenced early in the
day, as has been described, with a feeble
attack on the centre corps; then, later,
the attack fell with severity and perti-
nacity on Rousseau's right brigade ;
then, somewhat later, on Terrill's bri-
gade, and on Rousseau's third brigade,
on the extreme left. It was successful
against Terrill's brigade, composed of
new regiments. The gallant command-
er of the division, General J. S. Jack-
son, was killed almost instantly. The
heroic young Brigadier Terrill lost his
ife in endeavoring to rally his troops,
and ten pieces of his artillery were left
on the ground; two of them were car-
ried off by the enemy next morning;
the rest were recovered. .
“The main weight of the battle thus
fell upon the third division, under Gen-
eral Rousseau.
“No troops could have met it with
more heroism. The left brigade, com-
pelled at first to fall back somewhat, at
length maintained its ground, and re-
pulsed the attack at that point. Taking
advantage of the opening between Gil-
bert's left and Rousseau's right, the en-
emy pressed his attack at that point
with an overwhelming force. Rous-
seau's right was being turned, and was
forced to fall back, which it did in ex-
cellent order until reinforced by Good-
ing's and Steadman's brigades from
Gilbert's corps, when the enemy was
repulsed. That result was also promot-
ed by the fire which the artillery of Sher-
idan's division poured into the enemy's
left flank. -
“Simultaneously with the heaviest
attack on Rousseau's division, the enemy
made a strong attack on Sheridan's
right. Sheridan was reinforced from
Mitchell's division by Colonel Carlin's
brigade, which charged the enemy with
intrepidity, and drove him through the
town to his position beyond, capturing
in the town two caissons and fifteen
wagons loaded with ammunition, and
the guard that was with them, consist-
ing of three officers and 138 men. This
occurred about nightfall, which termin-
ated the battle.
“The corps of General Crittenden
closed in, and Wagner's brigade of
Wood's division became engaged, and
did good service on the right of Mitch-
ell's division, but knowing nothing of
the severity of the fight in the extreme
left, the rest of the corps did not get
into action.
498
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“No doubt was entertained that the
enemy would endeavor to hold his po-
sition. Accordingly, orders were sent
to the commanders of corps to be pre-
pared to attack at daylight in the
morning.
“They received instructions in person
at headquarters that night, except Gen-
eral Crittenden, for whom instructions
were given to Major-General Thomas,
second in command.
“General McCook supposed, from
indications in his front, that the enemy
would throw a formidable force against
his corps, in pursuance of the original
attempt to turn our left.
“He represented also that his corps
was very much crippled, the new divi-
sion of General Jackson having in fact
almost entirely disappeared as a body.
He was instructed to move in during the
night and close the opening between
his right and General Gilbert's left. His
orders for the following day were to
hold his position, taking advantage of
any opportunity that the events of the
day might present.
“The corps of Generals Crittenden
and Gilbert were to move forward at
six o'clock, and attack the enemy's front
and left flank.
“The advance the following morning,
in pursuance of these orders, discovered
that the enemy's main body had retired
during the night, but without any indi-
cations of haste or disorder, except that
his dead and many of his wounded were
left upon the field. The reconnoissance
during the day showed that his whole
force had fallen back on Harrodsburg,
where the indications seemed to be that
he would make a stand. .
“It will be impossible to form any
correct judgment of the operations from
this time, particularly without consider-
ing the condition of the two armies,
and the probable intention of the
enemy. -
“The rebel army has been driven
from the borders of Kentucky without
a decisive battle. It is spoken of as if
it were a comparatively insignificant
force, and pursued by an overwhelming
one, which had nothing to do but to
send out patrols and gather in the frag-
ments of a routed and disorganized
army. The very reverse was the case.
The rebel force which invaded Ken-
tucky, at the lowest estimates, has been
rated at from 55,000 to 65,000 men.
“It was composed of veteran troops,
well armed, and thoroughly inured to
hardship. Every circumstance of its
march, and the concurrent testimony
of all who came within reach of its
lines, attest that it was under perfect
discipline. It had entered Kentucky
with the avowed purpose of holding the
State ; its commanders declared that to
be their intention to the last ; intercept-
ed communications, disclosing their plans,
and the disappointment experienced by
the Southern press at the result, show
that to have been their purpose.
“The enterprise certainly seemed des-
perate, but it was entered into deliber-
ately—was conducted by the best talent
in the rebel Service, and there was noth-
ing to indicate that it would be aban-
doned lightly. Some manoeuvring for
BUELL’S
REPORT. 499
advantages, and one decisive battle,
were to be expected before Kentucky
could be rid of her invaders. Every-
thing goes to show that the final retreat
of the enemy was suddenly determined
on, and that it was not at the time to be
calculated on as a matter of course.
“Any movement on my part, solely
in anticipation of it, would only have
turned the enemy in a different direc-
tion, and any presumptuous attempt to
capture a superior force by detachments
would, according to all probabilities,
have been more likely to result in defeat
than in success.
“The effective force which advanced
on Perryville on the 7th and 8th under
my command, was about 58,000 infantry,
artillery, and cavalry. Of these, about
22,000 were raw troops, with very little
instruction, or none at all. The reports
show an actual loss of upward of 4,000
killed, wounded, and missing in the bat-
tle, which would leave the effective force
about 54,000 after it. I did not hesi-
tate, therefore, after crossing the Chaplin
River, and finding the enemy had fallen
back, to await the arrival of General
Sill's division, which had marched to
Frankfort, and had been ordered to join
via Lawrenceburg and Chaplintown,
when it was ascertained that Kirby
Simith's force had marched to form a
junction with Bragg. -
“That division on the march from
Louisville encountered a strong outpost
of the enemy on the Frankfort road,
about twelve miles out, and skirmishing
was kept up until its arrival at Frank-
fort.
“It was followed closely by the divi-
sion of General Dumont which remained
at Frankfort. In marching from Frank-
fort to join the main body, Sill's division
was attacked near Lawrenceburg by a
portion of Kirby Smith's force, which
it drove off, and then continued its
march, arriving at Perryville on the
evening of the 11th. Pending its arri-
val the army took position, with its
right four miles from Danville, its cen-
tre on the Perryville and Harrodsburg
pike, and the left near Dicksville, on
the road converging on Harrodsburg.
“On the 11th, three brigades from
Crittenden's and Gilbert's corps, with
Gay's and Colonel McCook's cavalry
brigades, were sent out to reconnoitre
the enemy's position. He was found in
some force two miles south of Harrods-
burg, in the morning; but retired during
the day, and his rear-guard was driven
out in the evening, with the loss of some
stores and about 1,200 prisoners, most-
ly sick and wounded. It was probable
he would retire his whole force to Camp
Dick Robinson, though it was not cer-
tainly ascertained what portion of it had
crossed Dick's River. To compel him
at once to take one side or the other,
and either give battle on this side, or be
prevented from recrossing to attack our
communications, when a move was made
to turn his position, the left corps
moved on the 12th to Harrodsburg
(General Sill's division having arrived
the night before); the right corps mov-
ing forward and retiring near and to the
left of Danville, and the centre midway
| on the Danville and Harrodsburg road,
500
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
while a strong reconnoissance was sent
forward to the crossing of Dick's River.
The enemy was found to have crossed
with his whole force.
“The ground between the Kentucky
River and Dick's River, as a military
position, is rendered almost impregnable
on the north and west by the rocky
cliffs which border those streams, and
which are only passable at a few points,
easily defended. Such is the character
of Dick's River, from its mouth to where
the Danville and Lexington road crosses
it, a distance of about twelve miles.
“It could only be reached by turning
it to the south, while the passes to the
west, by which our line of communica-
tion would be exposed, were suitably
guarded. The army was moving with
that view, when I learned, on the even-
ing of the 13th, at Danville, that the
enemy was retiring from his position to-
ward the south. Pursuit was immedi-
ately ordered, for the purpose of oyer-
taking or intercepting him, if he should
attempt to pass toward Somerset.
“General Wood's division marched
at twelve o'clock that night, and engag-
ed the enemy's cavalry and artillery at
Stanford at daylight the next morning.
The remainder of General Crittenden's
corps, and General McCook's corps fol-
lowed on that road, and General Gil-
bert's marched on the Lancaster road.
The enemy kept the road toward Cum-
berland Gap, opposing with cavalry and
artillery the advance of both of the
pursuing columns, which, however, pro-
gressed steadily.
“At Crab Orchard the character of
the country suddenly changes. It be-,
comes rough and barren, affording
scarcely more than enough corn for its
sparse population ; and the road passes
through defiles where a small force can
resist with great effect a large one—
where, in fact, the use of a large force
is impracticable. The little forage the
country afforded was consumed by the
enemy in his retreat, rendering it im-
possible to subsist any considerable
number of animals. The corps of Gen-
erals Gilbert and McCook were there-
fore halted at Crab Orchard, while that
of General Crittenden, with General
W. S. Smith's division in advance, con-
tinued the pursuit as far as London on
the direct road, and on the branch road
to Manchester.
“I have not received the formal re-
port of the operations of this corps, but
the pursuit was conducted by its com-
mander, according to my orders, with
judgment and energy. The road was
cleared of the trees felled across it by
the enemy, and his rear-guard attacked
successfully at several points. Some
prisoners were taken and about 300
head of cattle, and other property to no
great amount, captured.
“It was not expedient to continue
the pursuit beyond London; partly,
because it was impracticable in a manner
to afford any material advantage ; part-
ly, because without advantage, it took
the troops out of the way, when they
were likely to be required elsewhere.
They were, therefore, promptly turned
upon other routes toward Tennessee. A
portion were to be at Bowling Green,
BUELL’S
REPORT.
501
and the rest at Glasgow, on the 31st
ultimo, and thence continue their march
by certain routes. In that position I
relinquished the command of the army
on the 30th to Major-General Rosecrans,
in obedience to instructions from the
Feneral-in-Chief. -
“In the mean time, the railroads,
which had been broken up by the enemy,
and suspended for two months, had been
repaired as far as Bowling Green, to
carry forward supplies. * * *
“The campaign whose history I have
sketched occupied a period of about
twenty days. The result can be stated
in a few words.
“An army prepared for the conquest
and occupation of Kentucky, with full
knowledge of our means of resistance,
and with a confident expectation of pre-
vailing over them, has been driven
back, baffled and dispirited, from the
borders of the State. It is true that
only one serious battle has been fought,
and that was incomplete and less deci-
sive than it ought to have been.
“That it was so is due partly to un-
avoidable difficulties, which prevented
the troops marching on different roads
from getting on the ground simultane-
ously; but more to the fact that I was
not apprised early enough of the condi-
tion of affairs on my left.
no fault with the former, nor am I dis-
posed at this time to censure the latter,
though it must be admitted to have
been a grave error. I ascribe it to the
too great confidence of the general com-
manding the left corps, Major-General
I can find
McCook, which made him believe that
he could manage the difficulty without
the aid or control of his commander.
“As before stated, there was skirmish-
ing along the whole front, but after a
certain hour, for the reason stated, no
general engagement was anticipated that
day, and no sound of musketry reached
my headquarters, by which the sharp-
ness of the action on the left could be
known or even suspected ; and when
the fact was ascertained, it was too late
to do more than throw in succor before
might set in. But although this lack of
information was attended with disap-
pointment and unfortunate consequences,
yet the unequal struggle was marked
by no disaster, and conspicuously dis-
played the courage and discipline of the
troops.
“From first to last, I suppose 4,000
or 5,000 prisoners, sick, wounded, and
well, were taken ; and at various points
some stores and property fell into our
hands –- among them 2,500 barrels of
pork, and two pieces of cannon, aban-
doned by the enemy at Camp Dick
Robinson. I do not believe that he car-
ried off in his retreat any large amount
of stores; he may have sent off a good
deal from first to last, while he was in
quiet Occupation of so much of the
State.
“The reports show a loss of 916 kill-
ed, 2,943 wounded, and 489 missing;
total, 4,348, in the battle of the 8th.
“Very respectfully, your obedient
servant, D. C. BUELL,
“Major-General.”
146
502
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
C EI A P T E R X X X W I.
Peril of the Federal Force at Cumberland Gap.–Resolution of General Morgan.—His Defence.—His March to the
Ohio River.—Morgan's Address to his Soldiers.-Price's Attempt to Advance from Mississippi into Tennessee.—Oc-
cupies Iuka.-Price attacked by Rosecrans, and forced to abandon Iuka.-Retreat of Price.—Pursuit —Price forms
a Junction with Van Dorn.—Rosecrans falls back to Corinth and intrenches.—Attack by the Enemy.—Battle of .
Corinth. –Victory of Rosecrans.—Pursuit.—Operations in North Carolina-Movements of Foster.—Operations in -
South Carolina. – General Mitchell in command.—Successful Expedition in Florida. —Great Preparations of the
Enemy for Defence.—General Beauregard in command at Charleston and Savannah. —Death of General Mitchell.—
General Brannan's Expedition to destroy the Charleston and Savannah Railroad.—General Butler's Proceedings in
New Orleans.—His Expeditions.—The Enemy again invade Missouri from Arkansas.-Repulse of Salomon.—The
Enemy driven back by Schofield.—Advance of Schofield to the border.—Reappearance of the Enemy.—The En-
emy repulsed again.—Schofield retires to the interior of Missouri.-The Enemy once more threaten to follow.
THE advance into Kentucky of the
various divisions of the Confeder-
ate army, and the temporary com-
mand they had thus secured of the
eastern part of that State, imperilled the
safety of the Federal force at Cumber-
land Gap. General Morgan, the Union
commander, however, had declared that
he “would never give up to the en-
emy,” and he resolutely kept his prom-
ise, defending his beleaguered post as
long as it was practicable, and when
finally forced to abandon it, extricating
his troops from all the dangers which
threatened them.
The remarkable defence of Cumber-
land Gap by Morgan, and his march to
the Ohio River, are thus described by
one” of his officers: -
“On the evening of the 17th of Au-
gust the Confederate General Stevenson,
with a force of 20,000 strong, arrived in
front of Cumberland Gap, and at the
same time General Kirby Smith passed
through Rogers' and Big Creek Gap,
1862,
* New York Eveniny Post.
with an additional force of 25,000 men.
The advance of Smith was rapid and
well executed, and in a few days two
divisions of his army reached Cumber-
land Ford, and thus we who held the
Gap were perfectly cut off from Lexing-
ton and the north, and completely shutin.
The rebel journals proclaimed, as appar-
ently they wellmight, that Morgan's whole
Union army were already prisoners, and,
as our supplies were cut off, our surren-
der was looked upon by them as a mere
question of days. Indeed, the rebel
general at that time informed his gov-
ernment that we could not hold out a
week. The week, however, passed
away, and we still held out—So Smith
was compelled to march toward Lexing-
ton to obtain supplies for his men.
“Regarding the immediate destruc-
tion of Kirby Smith's army by the
Union forces in Kentucky as inevitable,
our commander determined to try and
obtain enough supplies to keep us alive,
from the north side of the mountains,
and hold on to the Gap. The rebel
DEFENCE OF CUMBERLAND GAP.
503
force of Stevenson, also, we would thus,
hold in position. On the 5th of Sep-
tember, General Morgan sent the Third
Kentucky Regiment, Inounted on artil-
lery and wagon horses, and Lieutenant-
Colonel Mundy's cavalry, to reinforce
the Union army then organizing at Lex-
ington, under General Lew Wallace.
On the next day De Courcey's brigade
was sent by General Morgan to Man-
chester to secure subsistence. On the
day following that another part of our
diminished force was sent against Bap-
tist Gap, which surprised, and captured
Acting Brigadier-General Allston, of
South Carolina, and cut his troops to
pieces. On the 8th of September, still
another expedition was sent against
Rogers' Gap, where the enemy was
again surprised, and his entire force—
one man excepted—were either killed,
wounded, or captured. A few days af-
terward another expedition was sent
against Rogers' and Big Creek Gaps,
which blockaded both of them, killed or
wounded 30 of the enemy, and captured
110 of their men. In the mean time
the battle of Richmond (Ky.), between
the forces of General Nelson and those
of Kirby Smith, was fought ; and in
that engagement, as you know, the
Union forces of Nekson were routed.
“All hope of our line being opened
from the front was soon gone. We were
on the eve of being starved out. Our
troops holding the Gap had been on
short rations for a month ; our small
stock of captured supplies was being
rapidly exhausted, and the last stalk of
corn had been devoured by the mules.
Our hungry but indomitable regiment
would rather have starved than abandon
the Gap. But General Morgan, who
has proved himself as skilful and careful
as he is daring and persevering, saw, I
suppose, that our starvation in the
mountains would do the country and the
cause no good, if after our death and
dispersion our 32 pieces of splendid ar-
tillery and 14,000 stand of small-arms
fell into the hands of the enemy. Evacu-
ation or surrender were the alternatives
which presented themselves to our chief.
But how could our troops evacuate,
when a rebel army, stronger than our
own (Stevenson's), was within cannon-
shot of our lines? The enemy occupied
a look-out at Baptist Gap, from which he
could see down directly into our works.
Death soon became the penalty for such
information, and Cumberland Gap had
to be abandoned. So General Morgan
made preparations for this desperate bit
of strategy. *
“On the 17th (September), at one
o'clock A.M., the evacuation of Cumber-
land Gap was begun. The Twenty-
third Indiana, the Ninth Ohio Battery,
and all the ammunition left at that hour.
On the night after that morning all the
divisions left at eleven o'clock, except
the provost guards and a blockading
squad, who were left behind to finish the
work of destruction and obstruct the
road, so as to retard any movement of
the enemy against our rear. At about
two o'clock the magazine was blown
up, and the flames of the burning com-
missary building lit up the valley for
miles. Cumberland Gap was left a mass
504
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
of Smouldering ruins. The tents were all
destroyed. Nothing but ammunition and
a few of the most useful cooking utensils
were brought away. No officer brought
away any of his property save what he
carried on his back or his horse. Quite a
large quantity of bacon, beans, and rice
was destroyed. Of guns that went the
way of all the earth, there were a few
thousand old ones unfit for use and four
thirty-pounder Parrott cannon, with a
large amount of ammunition and accou-
trements for small-arms. It is impossi-
ble to form an estimate of the value of
articles rendered useless. But it made
my heart sick to witness the destruction.
Tents, cooking utensils, clothing, wagons,
gun-carriages, rations, ammunition, arms
and accoutrements, in two days' time,
passed from a useful and well-ordered
stock to a miserable mass of ashes and
broken fragments. And all this was
done while we were in possession of
perhaps, the strongest place in America.
But we were nearly 250 miles from as-
sistance, with a large rebel force between
us and our friends, and we had been
warned that if we waited much longer
we would hardly be able to live at all.
“The guerrillas under John Morgan
harassed us on our way through the
mountains of Kentucky. He had with
him his entire brigade, represented by
his men to be 5,000 strong, but proba-
bly not half that number. He reports
that he killed or wounded 500 of our
troops on the march ; but the truth is,
that our entire loss during the march,
including killed, wounded, and prison-
ers, did not amount to eighty men. His
loss was much greater, as in one or two
instances our artillery raked his col-
UlDOll) S.
“Our march from Cumberland Gap
through eastern Kentucky to the Ohio
lasted sixteen days and nights, and was
over a distance of more than 250 miles
of hills and mountains and wild regions,
too terrible for my feeble pen to describe
just now. We suffered enough, but the
men all bore it heroically. During the
march we sometimes threaded our way
over mountain ridges so narrow that a
solitary horseman could not pass the
wagon train ; and at other times through
deep defiles, with the towering perpen-
dicular cliffs on either side, and these
occupied by the enemy. Sometimes we
drove him from his position by shells
and sometimes by skirmishers. There
were intervals in the march of sixteen
or eighteen miles without water, and
for three days we had to drink from
stagnant pools, and could find but few
of them.
“The men here made graters by
punching holes in their tin plates, and
thus powdered their own corn, which
they gathered on the march. At every
halt, day and night, you heard the
‘Armstrong mills,’ as they were called.
The cannon were dragged the whole dis
tance by oxen and mules. According to
an account given us by a rebel whom
we captured, a Major Breckinridge sta-
tioned himself in ambush at one point
on the march to shoot our commander
with his revolver, but when about to fire,
he was ordered to desist by his men,
lest his fire should reveal the where-
MORGAN'S MARCH.
505
abouts of the rebels, and they should all
be captured.”
General Morgan, on reaching the
Ohio River, issued the following address
to his soldiers;* it is a graphic summary
of the heroic endurance of himself and
comrades:
“HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
GREENUPSBURG, October 3, 1862. |
“GENERAL ORDER NO. 109.
“CoMRADES: At midnight on the 17th
of September, with the army of Steven-
son three miles in your rear, with Bragg
on your left, Marshall on your right
flank, and Kirby Smith in your front,
you marched from Cumberland Gap
mid the roar of exploding mines and
magazines, and lighted by the confla-
gration of the storehouses of the com-
missary and quartermaster. Since then
you have marched 219 miles, overcome
* “Morgan's force,” says the officer already quoted,
“was composed of the First, Second, Third, Fourth,
Fifth, and Sixth Tennessee; Third, Fourteenth, Nine-
teenth, and Twenty-second Kentucky; Thirty-third and
Forty-ninth Indiana, and Sixteenth and Forty-second
Ohio–fourteen regiments of infantry. The batteries, or
the artillery, are the Wisconsin, Michigan, Ninth Ohio, a
Tennessee battery, name not recollected, and some others.
In all twenty-eight pieces—Parrotts, Rodmans, and howitz
zers. The artillery is, in every respect, very efficient.
We have a small body of cavalry under Colonel Mundy;
to make it more efficient, a large number of the Third
Kentucky were mounted on our best horses, and sent into
Kentucky, leaving before the evacuation was determined
upon. General Morgan's anxiety to aid in keeping open
a communication with his supplics deprived him of the
aid of an efficient body of cavalry. These men did some
good fighting at various places between Cumberland River
and Richmond, Ky. We were thus in a great measure
deprived of the aid of Colonel Gerrard, of the Third Ken-
tucky, as well as that of Colonel Mundy. All told, then,
we had in round numbers from 10,000 to 12,000 men—
men who felt that they were in the right—that their cause
was just—men who would not for a moment have hesi-
tated to enter on fair field fight with twice their number,
if rebels against their country.”
difficulties as great as ever obstructed
the march of an army. and with your
field and siege guns have reached the
Ohio River. -
“The rapidity of your marches, in
the face of an active foe, over ridges
regarded impassable, and through defiles
which 100 men ought to hold against
1,000, will hereafter be regarded with
astonishment and wonder. Although
on the retreat you constantly acted on
the offensive, so hotly did you press the
enemy sent to retard your march, that
on three successive days you surprised
the hungry rebels at their supper, and
fed upon the hurried meals which they
had prepared.
“With an effective force of less than
8,000 men you had manoeuvred against
an army 18,000 strong, and captured
Cumberland Gap without the loss of a
man. By your labor you rendered it
impregnable, and an enemy four times
your strength dare not attack you.
“When Kentucky was invaded, you
sent two regiments to aid in driving out
the invader; and such was your confi-
dence in your strength, that while
threatened by a superior force, you sent
out five expeditions, captured 300 pris-
oners, and killed and wounded 170 of
your foes. At length, when it became
evident that your services were needed
in the field, you marched boldly from
your stronghold, hurling defiance at the
foe. -
“One and all, you are entitled to the
thanks of your countrymen; and I pray
you to accept the assurance of my pro-
found gratitude. In my official report
506
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
your services and your sufferings will be
properly noticed.
“Although you have done well, let it
be your determination to do better, and
always remember that discipline is the
life-blood of an army.
“Soldiers! as a friend and brother, I
hail and greet you.
“GEORGE W. MoRGAN,
“Brig.-Gen. Volunteers, Commanding.”
In combination with the general move-
ment of the enemy to the north, a con-
siderable force had mustered in Missis-
sippi, under General Price, and strove
to advance into Tennessee. On the en-
emy pushing forward - to Iuka, on the
Charleston and Memphis Railroad, this
place was abandoned by the Union
troops, who in the haste of their depart-
ure left a large quantity of valuable
stores behind them.
General Rosecrans, the Union com-
Imander, now energetically prepared to
check the farther advance of the enemy.
Having concentrated his scattered forces
at Rienzi, Rosecrans turned back to
meet Price, and with his advance, con-
sisting of Stanley's and Hamilton's divi-
sions and Missener's cavalry, came up
with him near Iuka, two hours before
dark on the 19th of September. “A
sharp fight,” as General Grant, in his
official report, termed it, ensued, lasting
until night closed in.
Rosecrans prepared to renew the bat-
tle next morning, but the enemy had
retired during the night and evacuated
Iuka, which was immediately occupied
by the Union troops. “The loss on
either side in killed and wounded,” ac-
cording to the official report of Gen-
eral Grant, was “from 400 to 500.”
General Hamilton thus reported the
result of his operations:
“HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION ARMY OF
THE MISSISSIPPI, September 23, 1862. |
“Colon EL H. C. KENNETT, CHIEF of STAFF :
“SIR : I have the honor to report
that my division, the first brigade lead-
ing, marched from Jacinto on the morn-
ing of the 19th instant, to attack the
enemy at Iuka. One-half mile west of
Burnett's the advanced pickets of the
enemy were first encountered, in a deep
ravine. A battalion of the Third Mich-
igan Cavalry, by dismounting as a body
of skirmishers, soon drove the enemy
from his cover ; soon after passing Bur-
nett's the cavalry were thrown to the
rear, and a battalion of the Fifth Ohio
deployed as skirmishers. From this
time our advance was warmly contested,
the enemy's sharpshooters occupied ev-
ery position of defence, making the last
five miles of the march a steady contest,
a constant skirmish. At Mrs. Moore's
house, four miles from the battle-ground,
the action became quite hot. Lieuten-
ant Schraume, of the Benton Hussars,
one of my body-guard, was mortally
wounded, and a number of our skir-
mishers killed or wounded. The enem
was steadily driven before us, and with
constant loss. When within two miles
of the battle-field, the battalion of the
Fifth Iowa skirmishers was relieved by
an equal force of the Twenty-sixth Mis-
souri, and the forward movement of the
column pressed.
“When the head of the column had
HAMILTON'S
OPERATIONS. 507
reached a point on the brow of a hill at
the cross-road, two miles from Iuka, it
was halted for the purpose of reconnoi-
tring, and the line of the skirmishers
pushed rapidly forward. This line had
not advanced more than 300 yards when
they came upon the enemy drawn up in
great force, and occupying a strong po-
sition along a deep ravine running
transversely with the main road, and
behind the crest of the hill. I was in
position just behind the line of skir-
mishers, and saw at a glance that the
moment for action had come. The skir-
mishers were driven back on the head
of the column, and the attack by the en-
emy immediately began. The ground
occupied by the head of my column was
on the brow of a densely wooded hill,
falling off abruptly to the right and left.
The underbrush and timber were too
thick to admit of deployments, and the
most that could be done was to take a
position across the road by marching the
leading regiments into position by a flank
movement ; this was done under a
heavy fire of musketry, grape, canister,
and shell.
“The Eleventh Ohio Battery was with
difficulty got into position on the crest
of the hill, where it could command the
road in front of us. The Fifth Iowa,
under the brave Matthias, being the
leading regiment, was the first in posi-
tion in the woods to the right of the
road, with its left resting near the bat-
tery. The Twenty-sixth Missouri, under
the resolute Boomer, immediately took
position on the right of the Fifth Iowa.
The next regiment in the column, the
Forty-eighth Indiana, under the brave
Colonel Eddy, took position on the left
of the road, a little in advance of the
battery, and with its left thrown forward
so as to cover the open field on their
left with their fire.
“This was the position when the bat-
tle opened on our side. I directed each
of these regiments into position myself,
and they were taken by the troops
under a heavy fire, with the steadiness
of veterans determined to conquer. The
battle thus opened with but three regi-
ments in position. The rebels were
commanded by Major-General Ster-
ling Price in person, who had arrayed
against us no less than eighteen regi-
ments. I saw the importance of hold-
ing the position we had assumed, and
gave each regimental commander orders
to hold every inch of ground at every
hazard. As the remaining regiments
of the first brigade came up the hill, I
threw them into position to protect the
flanks of our little line of battle, the
Fourth Minnesota, under command of
Captain Le Grand, the Sixteenth Iowa,
Colonel Chambers, the former on the
left and the latter on the right of our
line, in rear and en échelon.
“The battle at this time had become
terrific. The enemy in dense masses
bore down in front, on the right and
left, showing a determined purpose to
envelop and crush the little band in
front. The ground admitted of no more
forces being brought into action in front,
and our position must be held, for the
enemy once forcing it, his overwhelm-
ing masses would have passed over the
50S
TIIE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
hill and fallen on our unformed column
in the rear.
“Brigadier-General Sullivan, having
reached the rear of the battle-ground
with the head of his brigade, placed one
of his regiments, the Tenth Iowa, under
the gallant Perczel, with a section of the
Twelfth Wisconsin Battery, on the road
across the ravine and open field on our
extreme left, and finding no more of his
forces could be brought into immediate
action, placed them in position in re-
serve, and came gallantly to the front,
asking to be of service. I immediately
placed him in charge of the right of the
line in front, with instructions to hold
the ground and see that the right flank
was not turned by the heavy force of
the enemy moving in that direction.
Colonel Sanborn, in command of the
first brigade, most gallantly held the left
in position until, under a desolating
carnage of musketry and canister, the
brave Eddy was cut down, and his regi-
ment, borne down by five times their
numbers, fell back in some disorder on
the Eightieth Ohio, under Lieutenant-
Colonel Bartelson. The falling back of
the Forty-eighth exposed the battery.
As the masses of the enemy advanced,
the battery opened with canister at a
short range, mowing down the rebels by
scores, until, with every officer killed or
wounded, and nearly every man and
horse killed or disabled, it fell an easy
prey. But this success was short-lived;
the hero Sullivan rallied a portion of the
right wing, and with a bravery charac-
terized as audacity, drove the rebels
back to cover.
“Again they rallied, and again the
battery fell into their hands, but with
the wavering fortunes of this desperate
fight the battery again fell into our
hands; with three of its guns spiked,
and the carriages cut and splintered
with balls, it is again ready to meet the
foe. While these events were transpiring
along the road, the brave General Stan-
ley had come to the front, and joining
his personal exertions to mine, the reg-
iments that had fallen into disorder were
rallied and held in position to the close
of the battle. One of Stanley's regi-
ments, the Eleventh Missouri, coming
up fresh and eager for action, was push-
ed into the right, when, uniting its efforts
with the Fifth Iowa and Twenty-fifth
Missouri, it made a most gallant fight
and aided much, first in holding our
ground against the enemy, and after-
ward driving him back in confusion to
the cover of the ravine from which the
attack was begun.
“An attempt to turn my left flank,
by a heavy force of the enemy moving
up the open field and ravine on the left,
was most signally repulsed by Colonel
Perczel with the Tenth Iowa and a sec-
tion of Immell's battery. So bravely
was this attempt repulsed that the en-
emy made no more attempts in that
direction. After this repulse the Fourth
Minnesota was withdrawn from the left,
and ordered to report to General Sulli-
van on the right, where it did good
service to the close of the action. This
completed the movements in the front,
and the battle was fought and won in
this position. The Thirty-ninth Ohio.
DEFEAT OF PRICE.
509
of Stanley's division, coming up during
the heat of the contest, could not be
placed in position to take an active
part, owing to the want of ground,
and was placed in reserve near the log
church.
“From five P.M. until darkness pre-
vented distinguishing friend from foe,
the battle was fought along the road and
to the right of it by the Fifth Iowa, the
Twenty-sixth and Eleventh Missouri,
with a bravery that scarcely admits of a
parallel. The enemy, confident in the
heavy force they had deployed, pushed
on with frantic desperation, but they
were met by a greater heroism, and,
though often rallied and driven to the
charge, they were as often met and
hurled back to their cover. Against
this little front the fiercest of the battle
was waged. Colonel Boomer was cut
down by a terrible wound, but his reg-
iment held their ground undismayed.
The Fifth Iowa, under its brave and ac-
complished Matthias, held their ground
against four times their number, mak-
ing three desperate charges with the
bayonet, driving back the foe in disorder
each time, until with every cartridge
exhausted, it fell back slowly and sul-
lenly, making every step a battle-ground
and every charge a victory. Night
alone closed the contest, and left us in
possession of the field so bravely won.
“In closing this report, I shall be
permitted to embody this summary. On
the 19th instant, my division marched
nineteen miles, fought a desperate battle
with seven regiments against a rebel
force under General Sterling Price of
not less than eighteen regiments, won
a glorious victory, lying at night on
their arms on the field their valor had
won, and the following morning chased
the fleeing enemy for fifteen miles,
and the pursuit was discontinued only
when the powers of nature were ex-
hausted. -
“The records of war may well be
challenged to produce a victory under
circumstances and odds so desperate.
No words of mine can add lustre to
the brilliancy of this victory, and no
award of praise given to those who
were miles away from the battle-field
will detract from the glory justly due
to those heroes who won this audacious
victory.
“The fearful list of killed and wound-
ed in the few regiments actively engaged,
shows with what heroism and despera-
tion this fight was won.
“I say boldly that a force of not
more than 2,800 men met and conquer-
ed a rebel force of 11,000, on a field
chosen by Price, and a position naturally
very strong, and with its every advan-
tage inuring to the enemy. A list of
casualties is herewith submitted :
“It is known that 263 rebel bodies
were buried on and near the field; all
their severely wounded, numbering over
400, fell into our hands; the number of
able-bodied prisoners who fell into our
hands is large. I report, with the high-
est satisfaction, but 26 missing from my
command. Over 800 stand of arms
were gathered up on the battle-field,
mostly of improved patterns, showing
147
51()
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,

that the rebels are not wanting in this
essential means of making war.
Pead of my Division number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Wounded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Missing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
* Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 558
“Respectfully submitted.
“(Signed) S. S. HAMILTON,
“Brig.-Gen. Com'ding Third Division.”
Generals Hamilton and Stanley, with
cavalry, followed the retreating enemy;
but though it was hoped that the pur-
suit would break up Price's army and
force him to abandon much of his artil-
lery, he made good his retreat, and
having soon after formed a junction with
Gen. Van Dorn, resumed the offensive.
As the enemy, with their combined
army, now presented a formidable front,
Rosecrans fell back toward Corinth, and
concentrated his forces.
With an army numbering 40,000 men,
in a position which was deemed almost
impregnable, Rosecrans did not doubt
his ability to check the enemy should
they venture to advance. Hazardous
as was such an attempt, the Confeder-
ates in their recklessness did not hesi-
tate to make it. Their disastrous defeat
at Corinth was the result.*
“The battle-ground,” says a corre-
* General Rosecrans thus describes his victory in a hur-
ried dispatch written on the evening of the battle :
“ColtinTri, Miss., October 4, 1862.
“To MAJOR-GENERAI, U. S. GRANT :
“This morning Price made a fierce and determined at-
tack on our right, Van Dorn and Lovell on our left. The
contest lasted until half-past eleven o'clock, and was very
deadly to the enemy. They drove in our centre. Some
of them penetrated to the Corinth House. Hamilton,
whose left was on their main line of attack, maintained
his ground in all but one spot, and made an advance—se-
curcd the centre—with two first-rate regiments. Colonel
&
spondent of the N. York Tribune, whose
account of the battle we quote, “was
principally between the Memphis and
Charleston and the Mobile and Ohio
railroads. A line drawn from Corinth
to Chevalla, from thence to Bethel, and
from Bethel to Corinth, would describe
the limits of the battle-ground. It will
be seen by a reference to the map that
this covers an area of twenty-five or
thirty miles, almost every foot of which
was, earlier or later, contested. . When
the rebels reached Chevalla, a small
body of troops were sent out to rein-
force our retreating army, not with any
intention of giving battle, but to create
the impression that we were being over-
whelmed by numbers, and that Corinth
would be an easy capture.
“It was on Thursday morning (Octo-
ber 2d) that two companies were detail-
Sullivan gave us time to bring batteries into action and
saved the day on that side. Van Dorn and Lovell made a
most determined attack on the extreme right, on the Che-
valla road. They were led to the attack through the
abattis ; two of their columns reached the ditch, the other
two stopped not fifty paces from it. All that grape and
canister could do was tried ; but when it reached this
point a charge was ordered, when it became a race between
the Twenty-seventh Ohio and the Eleventh Missouri.
“This was too much for the staggered columns; many
fell down and held up their hands for mercy. They were
badly beaten on both fronts, left their dead and wounded
on the field, and are in full retreat.
“Our loss, though serious, especially in officers, is noth-
ing like that of the enemy. Brigadier-General Hackle-
man fell bravely fighting at the head of his brigade yes-
terday, shot through the jugular vein. Colonels Kirby
Smith, Gilbert, and Mower, wounded, not mortally, and
General Oglesby, dangerously. The number killed I can-
not tell. Their killed and wounded are strewn along the
road for five miles out, where they had a hospital.
“We have between 700 and 1,000 prisoners, not count-
ing wounded.
“McPherson has reached here with his forces.
“We move at daylight in the morning.
“W. S. RoskoRANs, Major-General.”
UNFORTUNATE MISTAKE.
511
ed from the rebel left to destroy the
railroad and telegraph south of Bethel.
“At this time the rebel right rested
south of and on the Memphis and
Charleston Railroad, the centre in the
open ground between the roads, and the
left on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad.
Price commanded the right, Van Dorn
the left, and Willipigue the centre. The
rebel advance was made in a line de-
scribing the arc of a circle.
“On Thursday night the enemy rested
in the woods, four or five miles from
Corinth, and early Friday morning (Oc-
tober 3d) the attack was resumed by
driving in our pickets as heretofore.
They fell back until they reached a mile
or so of Corinth ; each side was reinforced,
and a general engagement was brought
on. But I am anticipating. Skirmish-
ing and heavy cannonading commenced
at an early hour Friday morning, and
continued without intermission for three
hours, when our troops fell back slowly
to the right, to bring them more directly
within supporting distance of the forts.
it was our right which received the spe-
vial attention of the rebels, and here we
suffered terribly. It was on this day
what we suffered the most and greatest
lyss, and the rebels least. We were be-
tween the redoubts and the enemy, and
still so distant that our guns could not
open upon the rebels without endanger-
ing our own safety. We lost several
brave officers on this day—among them
General Hackleman, who fell at the
head of his brigade, and General Ogles-
by, who was severely and dangerously
wounded.
“Early in the day Colonel Oliver, who
was stationed on the Chevalla road, op-
posed to the rebel right, seeing that the
enemy were likely to overpower him,
sent in an urgent demand for reinforce-
ments, and they were immediately sent
him. The enemy, shortly after their
arrival, attacked us in large force, out-
flanking us on the right, but were held
in check for nearly an hour, when we
were compelled to retire. At two
o'clock in the afternoon, a new line be-
ing formed, a charge was made upon the
enemy, and they fled in considerable
disorder, giving the charging column an
opportunity to recapture several pieces
of artillery taken earlier in the day.
“Here occurred a most unfortunate
and humiliating mistake. It has been
denied by parties immediately interested,
but others strenuously insist upon its
actual occurrence. -
“Two Union regiments sent to assist
the charging column are reported to
have mistaken them for the enemy and
to have fired a most destructive volley,
by which large numbers were killed and
wounded, putting the rest to confusion,
and compelling them to retire to their
original position. Those who deny the
fact of the misdirected volley say that
the fire came from a body of rebels on
their flank. Until this accident, or inci-
dent, the charge was eminently success-
ful, and is spoken of as a peculiarly
brilliant affair. The fight was continued
during the day with varying results, the
advantages being generally with the en-
emy until four o'clock in the afternoon,
when firing ceased. The enemy changed
§12
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
his position and retired within the edge
of the timber just outside of the town,
and preparations were made by both
armies to bivouac and sleep. Dark-
ness settled like a funeral pall over
the battle-field. The glimmer of camp-
fires was barely discernible through the
volumes of sulphurous smoke which en-
shrouded alike friend and foe. Ambu-
lances were moving the mutilated sol-
diers to the hospitals, and details were
burying the dead.
“At this time Generals McKean and
Stanley, the latter having arrived from
Kossuth at four o'clock, took up a posi-
tion on the Union left, and Hamilton oc-
cupied the Union right, his right resting
on the Purdy road, from whence he at-
tempted to swing in his division two
hours before, but failed because he was
so far north that he would be brought
to the rebel rear, and thereby cut off.
Davies occupied the centre, his left join-
ing the right of Stanley, north of Cor-
inth, in the bottom near the building
formerly occupied by General Bragg,
and latterly by General Halleck as head-
quarters. It was in this position that
our troops waited impatiently for day
and a renewal of the battle.
“The night passed without any unu-
sual demonstration, but at half-past
three A.M., an hour before daylight, Sat-
urday morning (October 4th), battery
‘Robinett,’ one of the redoubts recent-
ly constructed, mounting thirty-pounder
Parrotts, and eight-inch howitzers, and
commanded by Lieutenant H. C. Robi-
nett, of the First United States Infantry,
pealed forth a salute—a martial good-
morning to the rebels. The enemy evi-
dently expected this, and briskly replied.
Our batteries, ‘Robinett,’ ‘Williams,’
and ‘Phillips,’ were able to bring an
enfilading fire to bear upon the enemy,
which proved so disastrous, that with his
batteries silenced and reduced he was
glad to retire out of range to the edge
of the timber east of the railroad. This
was at six o'clock in the morning. They
abandoned their guns and threw away
their caissons and ammunition. The
Sixty-third Ohio secured the latter, and
a detachment of the United States In-
fantry secured one of the rifled field
pieces, which General Sherman after-
ward presented them.
“The Thirty-ninth Ohio managed to
secure some of the guns the enemy had
taken the day before. With the guns and
caissons, our boys at this time brought ir.
100 prisoners, many of them wounded.
“For a time there were no demon-
strations on the part of the enemy, and
they remained altogether quiet in the
angle of the woods near the railroad.
Presently two lines were formed, one at
right angles to the other—the one des-
tined, with its reserves, to sweep over
the railroad, through the abattis into the
village—the other, with its reserves, to
attack battery ‘Robinett,’ which was
the key to the whole position. It once
taken and held, Corinth was undeniably
in rebel possession. The line destined
for the occupation of the village can.e.
rapidly forward at a charge across the
railroad, over the fallen timber, driving
the Union line before them like chaff.
All that grape and canister could do to
CARN AGE OF
THE ENEMY. 513
impede their progress was attempted,
but still their irresistible progress was
not stayed. Batteries of light artillery
played upon their front and left inces-
santly; their colors were thrice shot
away; but they came still onward, nor
halted until they reached the public
square, and formed in line of battle di-
rectly in front of General Halleck's old
headquarters. Our line of battle was
formed directly opposite, in the street
leading past General Rosecrans' head-
quarters. .
“The two armies advanced and en-
gaged in a terrible hand-to-hand con-
flict, and for a time the destruction of
the Union line seemed inevitable. Our
army gradually yielded and fell back
until the enemy had nearly reached the
Corinth House. Here General Rose-
crans rode along the line, and in a few
cheering words revived the drooping
courage of the wearied soldiers. The
enemy's reserve was at this time directly
in range of the guns on the redoubts to
the left, and huge shells began to drop
in their midst, whose explosion in the
solid masses began to create consider-
able confusion and loss of life. At the
same time the order was given to
“charge bayonets.” At this command
our brave soldiers sprang to their work
with a will. They attacked vigorously,
and soon the enemy were flying across
the public square in wild confusion. The
explosion of the fiery missiles from the
two batteries added haste to their move-
ments, and by the time they had reach-
ed the cover of the timber their retreat
had become a rout.
“By the time this line was driven
back, the other line, with their reserves,
were well advanced in the direction of
battery ‘Robinett.'
“During the period of seeming in-
action, when the enemy had withdrawn
to the cover of the timber, while pre-
paring to make the two charges as re-
corded in the preceding narrative, Gen-
eral Price and his principal officers held
a consultation to devise ways and means
to take the battery. The importance
of its capture was admitted, and the
risk and danger of the attempt thor-
oughly canvassed. General Price would
not take the responsibility of ordering
the attack, but called for volunteers.
Colonel Rogers, of Arkansas, immedi-
ately tendered his brigade as the forlorn
hope, and Colonel Ross his brigade as a
Support. -
“They massed their troops eight
deep, and advanced under a heavy fire
of double charges of grape and canister.
A terrible enfilading and flanking fire
was poured upon them from every bat-
tery bearing in that direction, aided by
incessant volleys of musketry from the
supports of the batteries, and the Union
regiments drawn up in line parallel with
them.
“The first shell from battery “Wil-
liam' exploded in the centre of the ad-
vancing column, sending thirty or forty
to their long home. Every discharge
caused huge gaps in their ranks. An
eye-witness of that wonderful charge
says that he can compare the effect of
our fire to nothing but the falling of
grain before the scythe. This tremen-
514
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
dous mortality did not affect their irre-
sistible onward march. As fast as one
man fell his comrade stepped forward in
his place. I doubt whether history has
ever recorded a charge characterized by
such determined valor and bravery.
Twice did they approach almost to the
outer works of the battery, and twice
were they compelled to fall back. The
third time they reached the battery, and
planted their flag upon the edge. It
was shot down, raised again, and again
shot down. They swarmed about the
battery; they climbed over the parapets;
they fired through the escarpments, and
for a time it seemed as if they had se-
cured the victory their valor had so
richly earned.
“When they obtained the battery, our
men who were working it fell back be-
hind the projecting earth-works, out of
reach from our shells, and immediately
all the batteries bearing upon the posi-
tion were turned upon battery ‘Robi-
nett,’ and soon a shower of missiles
were falling like hail upon the brave in-
truders. No mortal man could with-
stand the fire, and they retreated.
Slowly the brave remnant turned their
unwilling steps toward the forest from
which they started, when the order was
given to the two regiments supporting
the battery to charge. This order was
splendidly executed. The miserable
remnant of troops whom the batteries
had nearly destroyed were now almost
annihilated. A few scattered troops
were all that remained of the column
which so valiantly attacked the battery
scarcely an hour before. The dead
bodies of rebels were piled up in and
about the intrenchments, in some places
eight and ten deep. In one place di-
rectly in front of the point of assault,
216 dead bodies were found within a
space of 100 feet by four, among then
the commanders of both brigades mak-
ing the assault—Colonel Rogers and
Colonel Ross. g -
“This was the termination of the en-
gagement.”
The enemy, on being repulsed, re-
treated in the direction of Chevalla, and
at daylight next morning General Rose-
crans set out in pursuit, but did not
come up with them until they had been
driven back by Generals Hurlbut and
Ord,” who had taken a position in their
* The following is General Ord's official report:
“HospitaL NEAR Pocahontas, October 5—Six P.M.
“MAJOR-GENERAL U. S. GRANT : I joined the column
and took command at half-past seven o'clock this A.M.,
and found that General Hurlbut had driven in the ene-
my's videttes, and had skirmished considerably in the
afternoon of the 4th. I also found that he made excel-
lent arrangements for the advance to-day.
“About half a mile from our camp of last night, the
enemy began to dispute our advance, first with cavalry,
to which their infantry and artillery in force were soon
added. The road, narrow and winding through swamp
and jungle, and over precipitous ridges, across which at
times the artillery was, with difficulty, dragged by hand,
was one of the most dangerous to attempt, in the face of
an enemy, I have ever seen. They took advantage of
every swamp and jungle for their infantry, and every
ridge for their artillery, from which we successfully drove
them, generally at the double-quick, for five miles to and
across the Hatchie, at Davis' bridge, over which and up
the steep beyond we pushed them so rapidly that they had
not time to burn the bridge. In driving the enemy we
took two batteries and have them, and at the river cap-
tured 200 and 300 prisoners, among whom are field-officers
and aid-de-camp to General Van Dorn, who commanded
the enemy. On account of the fact that we had frequently
to attack across open fields and up hills while the enemy
were under dense cover, we have lost quite a number of
officers and men and have several hundred wounded,
probably a greater number than have the enemy. Gen.
515
“When General Grantheard,” says the
chronicler previously quoted, “of the na-
ture of the conflict on Friday, foreseeing
its result, he ordered General Hurlbut to
leave Bolivar with the forces under his
command, with four days' rations, and
march across the country to the forks
of the Hatchie and Tuscumbia, and
there intercept Price in his retreat. He
marched rapidly and came up with the
enemy's advance five miles beyond the
Hatchie, west of Pocahontas. An en-
gagement resulted, lasting from noon of
Sunday till nightfall, when the enemy
were driven back three miles, and both
armies lay upon their arms till daylight
Monday morning.
“Meantime, General Ord had arrived,
and took command of the column. The
battle was renewed and most fiercely
contested for several hours in the face
of topographical difficulties which to
any other army than the Army of the
Southwest would be insuperable. The
road ran along the brows of precipitous
hills, and through swamps and jungles
in some places impassable to horses and
artillery, and the men were compelled to
drag their guns by hand. The enemy
posted his infantry in the swamps and
thickets and his light artillery on the
hills, and endeavored to drive back our
columns. It was in vain. Our men
pressed forward and drove them from
their position. They recrossed the Hatch-
ie with such haste and precipitation that
ATTACK ON ENEMY'S REAR.
rear, and thus met them in their re-
treat.
eral Weach was very badly contused by a spent ball strik-
ing him in the side.
“I will send you a regimental list of killed and
wounded as soon as they can be brought in. General
Hurlbut has cavalry in pursuit of the enemy, who moved
off to the south about four o’clock this afternoon, our in-
fantry, which started from Bolivar at three o'clock A.M.
yesterday, marching twenty-six miles, and to-day fighting
five miles over this country, under a fire at short range for
seven hours, being too much fatigued to pursue to-day ;
besides, it would take until dark to bring in the wounded.
The troops in their charge over the miserable bridge at
Davis' Creek, and up the steep beyond, exposed to a mur-
derous fire of shell, grape, and canister, with three of
their batteries playing upon them at canister range, how-
ever, proved that, wherever their officers dare to lead
them, the men will go. Generals Hurlbut, Veach, and
Lauman, the former commanding the division, the latter
two brigades, did not confine themselves alone to their
duties as commanders, but did everything that men could
do to make victory complete. Gallant officers | So much
praise of them is entirely unnecessary. To their respective
staff-officers I must also add my sincere thanks for the zeal
and energy with which they discharged their arduous duties
throughout the day. To the officers of the line, and the
men, from what I have seen of them to-day, I can only
say that, should the fortunes of war continue them under
my command, it will be my pride to win their confidence.
General Weach pushed the enemy with great vigor and
success in front, until their forces were so much increased
that it became necessary to bring up our reserve under
command of General Lauman, which I ordered at once,
whereupon the enemy were driven from their last strong-
hold, General Lauman showing, by his coolness, energy,
and courage, that the front was his proper place.
“General Hurlbut has reported to me that he has gath-
ered about 900 arms already, thrown away by the enemy
in their retreat, and expects to collect a large number to-
morrow. The names of 289 prisoners have already been
registered, and they are still being brought in. From the
nature of the country over which we fought, it is impos-
sible to arrive at any accurate estimate of the number of
the enemy, but this may be inferred from the number of
arms thrown away, the quantity of their artillery, and the
fact that a portion of their forces engaged against us were
not at Corinth. Guns are heard to-night in the direction
of Corinth.
“ General Hurlbut will push forward early to-morrow
morning, as it is presumed General Rosecrans is harassing
the rear of the enemy. My personal staff, Division-Sur-
geon S. B. Davis, Captain Sharpe, and Lieutenant Brown,
A. D. C., and Captain Hotaling, Second Illinois Cavalry
and A. D. C., were, by turns, colonels of regiments, or
captain of batteries, cheering and leading the men
through the thickest of the fight. They always took the
shortest line to danger on the field, and were always on
hand when wanted. I commend them to the considera-
tion of the Government. E. O. C. ORD,
“Major-General.”
516
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
they had not time to burn the bridge,
and another fierce engagement was
fought with the river between the two
armies. Their artillery was so placed
east of the bridge that it commanded
the approach, but our brave boys charg—
ed impetuously, regardless of the bul-
lets, grape, and canister which were
falling like hail about them. They car-
ried the rebel position, and drove the
enemy back upon Rosecrans.
“Attacked and beaten, front and rear,
there was no alternative but flight.
They plunged into the swamps and jun-
gles, and sought an avenue of escape to
the southward.”
Rosecrans now fell back to Chevalla,
and Ord and Hurlbut to Bolivar, but
McPherson continued the pursuit as far
as Ripley, when he was ordered to give
up the chase. .
The scattered remnants of the enemy
continued their flight to Holly Springs.
The following is General Rosecrans'
official report:
“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE **)
THIRD DIV., DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, \
CoRINTH, October 28, 1862.
“MAJOR : I have the honor to submit,
for the information of the Major-Gen-
eral commanding the district, the follow-
ing report of the battle of Corinth :
“The rumors which followed the bat-
tle of Iuka were that Price had marched
to the vicinity of Ripley, and was being
joined by Van Dorn with all the avail-
able rebel forces in north Mississippi,
for the purpose of capturing Corinth, or
breaking our line of communication and
forcing us to retreat toward Columbus.
“These rumors gained strength until
the 1st of October, when strong cavalry
Scouts sent out for the purpose demon-
strated the fact that the rebels were
moving from Ripley via Ruckersville,
and the main body was at Pocahontas.
“The question then was, where they
would strike the main blow : -
“Equally favorably situated to strike
either Bolivar, Bethel, Jackson, or Cor-
inth, which would it be 2
“ Unfortunately for me, there was no
map of the country northwest of this
place to be found ; therefore I could not
tell whether to expect a strong demon-
stration here to hold us in suspense
while the blow was struck elsewhere, or
wice versa. Rumors that the attack was
to take the direction of Jackson or Bol-
ivar, via Bethel, were so rife, and the
fortifications of Corinth were so well
known to the rebels, that I had hopes
they would undertake to mask me, and,
passing north, give me an opportunity
to beat the masking force and cut off
their retreat. -
“This hope gained some strength
from the supposed difficulties of the
country lying in the triangle formed by
the Memphis and Charleston, the Mobile.
and Ohio railroads and Cypress Creek.
“To be prepared for eventualities,
Hamilton's and Stanley's divisions were
placed just beyond Bridge Creek, the in-
fantry outposts were called in from Iuka,
Burnsville, Rienzi, and Danville, and the
outpost at Chevalla retired to New Al-
exander, and strengthened by another
regiment and a battery, early on the
morning of the 2d. -
POSECRANS’ REPORT.
517
“During that day evidences increas-
ed, showing the practicability of the
country northwest of us, and disclosed
the fact, not before known, that there
were two good roads from Chevalla
eastward, one leading directly into the
old rebel intrenchments, and the other
crossing over into the Pittsburg Land-
ing road. •
“Accordingly, the following disposi-
tion of the troops for the 3d was order-
ed at half-past one o'clock A.M. of that
day, viz.:
“There being indications of a pos-
sible attack on Corinth, immediately the
following dispositions of troops will be
made : General McKean with his divi-
sion will occupy the present position ;
General Davies will occupy the line be-
tween the Memphis and Columbus road ;
General Hamilton with his division will
take position between the rebel works
on the Purdy and on the Hamburg
roads; and General Stanley will hold
his division in reserve at or near the old
headquarters of Major-General Grant.
“The respective divisions will be
formed in two lines, the second line be-
ing either in line of battle or close col-
umn by division, as their circumstances
may require.
“The troops were ordered to move
toward their positions, with 100 rounds
of ammunition and three days' rations
per man, by three o'clock A.M.
“These dispositions were made, and |
the troops at nine o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 3d occupied the positions
shown on the accompanying map. Ham-
ilton on the right, Davies on the centre,
McKean on the left, with an advance of
three regiments of infantry and a section
of artillery under Colonel Oliver on the
Chevalla road, at or near Alexander's,
beyond the rebel breastworks. The cav-
alry were disposed as follows: A bat-
talion at Burnsville, one at Romney's
Mill, on the Jacinto and Corinth road ;
Colonel Lee, with the Seventh Kansas
and a part of the Seventh Illinois at
Kossuth and Boneyard, watching the
rebels' right flank ; Colonel Hatch and
Captain Wilcox on the east and north
fronts, covering and reconnoitring.
“The reasons for these dispositions
flow obviously from the foregoing ex-
planations of our ignorance of the
northwesterly approach, and of the pos-
sibility that the rebels might threaten
us on the Chevalla and attack us by the
Smith's Bridge road on the left, or go
round and try us with his main force on
the Purdy, or even Pittsburg Landing
road. -
“The general plan which was ex-
plained to the division commanders
verbally on the morning, was to hold
the enemy at arm's length by approach-
ing him strongly in our assumed posi-
tions, and when his force became fully
developed and he had assumed a posi-
tion, to take a position which would
give us the use of our batteries and the
open ground in the vicinity of Corinth,
the exact position to be determined by
events and the movements of the enemy.
“Early in the morning the advance
under Colonel Oliver found strong indi-
cations that the pressure under which he
had retired on the 2d came from the ad-
I 48
518
THE WAIR WITH THE SOUTH.
vancing foe, and accordingly took a
strong position on a hill near the angle
of the rebel breast-works, with his three
regiments and a section of artillery.
“By mine o'clock the enemy began to
press them sharply and outflank them.
Brigadier-General McArthur, whom I
had requested to go to the front, report-
ed wide-spread but slack skirmishing,
and said the hill was of great value to
the advancing force. I ordered him to
hold it pretty firmly with that view.
“About ten o'clock word came that
the enemy were pressing the point hot-
ly, and that reinforcements were re-
Quired, or they must yield the position.
Supposing its importance was properly
understood, and that it was held in sub-
ordination to the general views of its
use, which were explained, I directed
General Davies to send up from his po-
sition two regiments.
“But it proved that General McAr-
thur had taken up four more regiments
from McKean's division, and was con-
testing the ground almost as for a battle.
It was probably this which induced
General Davies to ask permission to rest
his right on the rebel intrenchments,
and to which I consented, adding the
verbal order to Lieutenant-Colonel Du-
cat, that he might use his judgment
about leaving his present for that posi-
tion, but in no event must he cease to
touch the left on McArthur's right.
“The advance was made to the breast-
work as shown in the drawing, leaving
an interval between McArthur's right
and Davies' left. The enemy developed
his forces along that line as McArthur
retired from his position, which gave the
rebels an opportunity to advance behind
Davies' left, and forced it, after obstinate
resistance, to fall back rapidly about
1,000 yards, losing two heavy guns.
“Our troops fought with the most
determined courage, firing very low.
At one P.M., Davies having resumed the
same position he had occupied in the
morning, and McArthur's force having
fought a heavy force, it became evident
that the enemy were in full strength,
and meant mischief. McKean, with
Crocker's brigade, had seen only skir-
mishers; there were no signs of any
movements on our left, and only a few
cavalry skirmishers on our right. It was
pretty clear that we were to expect the
weight of the attack to fall on our cen-
tre, where hopes had been given of our
falling back.
“Orders were accordingly given to
McKean to fall back to the next ridge
beyond our intrenchments, to touch his
right on Davies' left, for Stanley to
move northward and eastward, to stand
in close echelon, but nearer town.
General Hamilton was ordered to face
toward Chevalla, and move down until
his left reached Davies' right. Davies
was informed of these dispositions, told
to hold his ground obstinately, and then,
when he had drawn them in strongly,
Hamilton would swing in on their front,
and rear, and close the day. Hamilton
was carefully instructed on this point,
and entered into the spirit of it.
“Owing to loss of time in conveying
orders to Generals McKean and Davies,
the orders were less perfectly conformed
ROSECRANS’ REPORT.
519
to, but nothing materially injurious re-
sulted therefrom. But owing to the
tremendous force with which the enemy
pressed Davies back, Stanley was called
with his division, with his batteries, and
sent a brigade under Colonel Mower to
support Davies, whose right had at last
become hotly engaged. Mower came
up while Davies was contesting a posi-
tion near the White House, and Hamil-
ton began to swing in on the enemy's
flank, across the Columbia Railroad,
through a very impracticable thicket,
when night closed in and put an end to
the operations for the day. * * *
“We had now before us the entire
army which the rebels could muster in
northern Mississippi, Van Dorn com-
manding (Price's army, Van Dorn's
army, Willipigue, and the remnant of
Breckinridge's corps). They were in
the angle between the Memphis and the
Columbus roads. Our left was compar-
atively free ; our right very assailable.
They outnumbered us, probably, two to
Oſle.
“The plan was to rest our left on
the batteries extending from battery
Robinett, our centre on the slight ridge
north of the houses, and our right on
the high ground covering both the
Pittsburg and Purdy roads, while it also
covered the ridge roads between them
leading to their old camps. McKean
had the extreme left, Stanley, with his
well-tried division, batteries Williams
and Robinett, the Memphis Railroad
and the Chevalla road extending nearly
to the Columbus road. Davies' tried di-
vision was placed in the centre, which
was retired, reaching to battery Powell;
Hamilton's staunch fighting division was
on the right with Dillon's battery, sup-
ported by two regiments, on the prolon-
gation of Davies' line.
“The design of General Hamilton
was to use the hill where the batteries
stood against an approach from the west,
where Sullivan found the enemy on the
last evening. Against my better judg-
ment, expressed to him at the time, I
yielded to his wishes, and allowed the
occupation as described.
“Early in the evening I called the
chiefs of divisions together, and explain-
ed to them their plans, and having Su-
pervised the position, retired at three
A.M. on the 4th to take some rest. I
was soon aroused by the opening of the
enemy's artillery, which he had planted
within 600 yards of battery Robinett.
“This early opening gave promise of
a hot day's work; but the heavy batter-
ies and the Tenth Ohio, placed north of
General Halleck's headquarters, silenced
them by seven o'clock, and there was an
interval of an hour, which was employed
in going over our lines.
“About seven o'clock, the skirmishers
which we had sent into the woods on
our front, by their not firing, proclaimed
the presence of their forces preparing
for the assault. Soon the heads of their
columns were seen emerging to attack
our centre, on Davies first, Stanley next,
and Hamilton last. * * * *
“I shall leave to pens dipped in poetic
ink to describe the gorgeous pyrotechnics
of the battle, and paint in words of fire
the heroes of the fight. * * * *
520
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“I will only add that when Price's
left bore down Ön our centre in gallant
style, their force was so overpowering
that our wearied and jaded troops yield-
ed and fell back, scattering among the
houses. I had the personal mortifica-
tion of witnessing this untoward and
untimely stampede.
“Riddled and scattered, the ragged
head of Price's right storming column
advanced to near the house north side
of the square, in front of General.
Halleck's headquarters, when it was
greeted with a storm of grape from a
section of Immel's battery, soon rein-
forced by the Tenth Ohio, which sent
them reeling back, pursued by the Fifth
Minnesota, which advanced to them
from their position near the dépôt.
“General Sullivan was ordered and
promptly advanced to the support of
General Davies' centre. His right ral-
lied and retook battery Powell, into
which a few of the storming column had
penetrated, while Hamilton having play-
ed upon the rebels on his right, over the
opening, effectively swept by his artil-
lery, advanced by them and they fled.
The battle was over on the right.
“During all this the skirmishers of
the left were moving on our front. A
line of battle was formed on the bridge
as shown in the drawing ; about twenty
minutes after the attack on the right
the enemy advanced in four columns on
battery Robinett and were treated to
grape and canister until within fifty
yards, when the Ohio brigade arose and
gave them a murderous fire of musketry,
before which they fell back to the woods.
“They, however, gallantly re-formed
and advanced again to the charge, led
by Colonel Rogers of the Second Texas.
“This time they reached the edge of
the ditch, but the deadly musketry fire
of the Ohio brigade again broke them,
and at the word Charge the Eleventh
Missouri and Twenty-seventh Ohio
sprang up and forward at them, chas-
ing their broken fragments back to the
woods. º
“Thus by noon ended the battle of
the 4th of October.
“After waiting for the enemy's re-
turn a short time, our skirmishers began
to advance, and found that their skir-
mishers were gone from the field, leav-
ing their dead and wounded.
“Having ridden over it and satisfied
myself of the fact, I rode all over our lines
announcing the result of the fight in per-
son, and notified our victorious troops *
that after two days' fighting, two almost
sleepless nights of preparation, move-
ments, and march, I wished them to re-
plenish their cartridge-boxes, haversacks,
and stomachs, take an early sleep, and
start in pursuit by daylight.
“Returning from this I found the
gallant McPherson with a fresh brigade.
on the public square, and gave him the
same notice, with orders to take the ad-
V8, Il Ce.
“The results of the battle briefly
stated are: We fought the combined
rebel force of Mississippi, commanded
by Van Dorn, Price, Lovell, Willipigue,
and Rust in person, numbering, accord-
ing to their own authority, 38,000 men.
“We signally defeated them with lit-
tle more than half their numbers, and
they fled, leaving their dead and wound-
ed on the field.
“The enemy's loss in killed was 1,423
officers and men ; their loss in wounded,
taking the general average, amounts to
5,692. We took 2,248 prisoners, among
whom are 137 field officers, captains, and
subalterns, representing 53 regiments of
infantry, 16 of cavalry, 13 batteries of
artillery, and seven battalions, making
69 regiments, six battalions, and 13 bat-
teries, besides separate companies.
“We took also 14 stands of colors,
two pieces of artillery, 3,300 stand of
arms, 4,500 rounds of ammunition, and
a large lot of accoutrements. The en-
emy blew up several wagons between
Corinth and Chevalla; and beyond Che-
valla many ammunition wagons and
carriages were destroyed, and the
ground was strewn with tents, officers'
mess chests, and small-arms. We pur-
sued them forty miles in force and sixty
miles with cavalry. Our loss was only
315 killed, 1,812 wounded, and 232
prisoners and missing. +
“It is said the enemy were so demor-
alized and alarmed at our advance, they
set fire to the stores at Tupello, but
finding we were not close upon them,
extinguished the fire and removed the
public stores, except two car-loads of
bacon which they destroyed. .
“W. S. ROSECRANs, Major-General.”
While large armies were contending,
and the war was being waged with
great activity on the borders, both an-
tagonists at the extreme South remained
for some time comparatively inert. Oc-
THE WAR AT THE SOUTH.
521
casional attacks, however, were made on
each other's posts, with varying results.
At Plymouth, in North Carolina, a
Union garrison of 300 men, principally
composed of Hawkins' Zouaves, under
the command of Sergeant Green, sep.
captured a much larger number of 2.
the enemy, who attempted to surprise and
capture the town. Thirty of the seces-
sionists were killed, and forty, with their
commanding officer, captured, while the
Unionists lost but four men in all.
The enemy, in their attempt upon
Washington, N. C., garrisoned by Sep.
Massachusetts troops and a Union 6.
North Carolina regiment, met with great-
er success, having succeeded in surpris-
ing and entering the town. They were
finally, however, driven out by the aid
of the gun-boats, with great loss.
A more formidable expedition, com-
posed of land and naval forces, Nov.
was finally organized by General 2.
Foster, which he commanded in person,
to operate in the interior of North Car-
olina. Foster succeeded in driving the
enemy from Williamton and Hamilton,
and advancing within eleven miles of
Tarboro'; but being disappointed in ob-
taining reinforcements and supplies, he
returned to Newbern, without having
accomplished his main purpose, of sur-
prising and capturing a body of Con-
federate troops reported in that neigh-
borhood, and of pushing on eventually to
Weldon and securing possession of that
important point of railway communica-
tion between Virginia and the Carolinas.
In South Carolina, though there had
been a long suspension of active hos-
522
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
tility, great preparations were made for
carrying on the contest with renewed
vigor. General Mitchell, having satis-
fied the Government of his innocence of
the charges preferred against his conduct
while in Tennessee, was restored to ac-
tive duty and placed in command of
the Department of the South, from
which General Hunter had been recalled.
Arriving at Hilton Head on the 15th of
September, Mitchell at once inspired the
troops with some of his own eagerness
for action, and inaugurated his assump-
tion of command by a successful expedi-
0ct, tion against the enemy on St.
3. John's River, in Florida.
The enemy, kept in constant anxiety
for the safety of their seaport towns,
continued to increase their coast defences.
The old forts were strengthened, new ones
erected, and iron-clad gun-boats built to
protect Charleston, Savannah and Mobile.
General Beauregard, whose sudden
sep, disappearance from the field had
* given rise to so much vague conjec-
ture, was again summoned to active
duty as the commander-in-chief of the
Coast Department, with his headquar-
ters at Charleston.
General Mitchell gave another proof
of enterprise in organizing an expedi-
tion to interrupt the enemy's communi-
cations between Savannah and Charles-
ton. Mitchell was to have commanded
the expedition in person, but was pre-
vented by an attack of yellow fever,
which resulted in his death” on the 30th
* General Hunter, who had been his immediate prede-
cessor, succeeded General Mitchell in the command of the
Wouthern Department.
of October. The command devolved
upon Brigadier-General J. M. Bran- Oct.
man, whose report of the expedi- 21
tion is as follows: -
“HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY FoRCEs,
U. S. TRANSPORT BEN DEFor D, Oct. 24, 1862. }
“LIEUTENANT-Colon EL W. P. PRENTICE, AssIST-
ANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF
THE SouTH, HILTON HEAD, S. C. :
“ColonBL: In accordance with in-
structions received from headquarters,
Department of the South, I assumed
command of the following forces, order-
ed to destroy the railroad and railroad
bridges on the ‘Charleston and Savan-
nah line :'
A portion of the First Brigade (Brannan's), Colo-
nel J. L. Chatfield, Sixth Regiment Connecticut
Volunteers, commanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A portion of Second Brigade, Brigadier-General A.
H. Terry commanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachment. Third Regiment Rhode Island Volun-
teers, Colonel Brown commanding. . . . . . . . . . . ..
Detachment Forty-eighth Regiment New York State
2,000
1,410
300
Volunteers, Colonel Barton commanding . . . . . . . 300
Detachment First Massachusetts Cavalry, Captain L.
Richmond commanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Section First United States Artillery, Lieutenant G.
W. Henry Commanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 40
Section Third United States Artillery, Lieutenant E.
Gettings commanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Detachment New York Volunteer Engineers, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Hall commanding. .............. 250
Total effective strength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,448
“With this command I left Hilton
Head, South Carolina, on the evening
of the 21st of October, 1862, and pro-
ceeding up Broad River arrived off Po-
cotaligo Creek at half-past four A.M.,
with the transport Ben Deford and gun-
boat Paul Jones.
“Colonel William Barton, Forty-
eighth Regiment New York State Wol-
unteers; fifty men of the Volunteer
Engineer Corps, and fifty men of the
CHARLESTON AND SAVANNAH.
523
Third Rhode Island Volunteers, in ac-
cordance with my orders, delivered ear-
ly that morning, proceeded direct to the
Coosawhatchie River to destroy the rail-
road and railroad bridges in that vicin-
ity. The other gun-boats and transports
did not all arrive until about eight A.M.,
October 22, 1862. I immediately effect-
ed a landing of my artillery and infan-
try at Mackay's Point, on the junction
of the Pocotaligo and Tillifiny rivers.
I advanced without delay in the direc-
tion of the Pocotaligo bridge, sending
back the transports Flora and Darling-
ton to Port Royal Island for the cavalry.
“The first brigade was in advance,
with a section from First United States
Artillery, followed by the second bri-
gade, with a section of the Third Unit-
ed States Artillery and three boat how-
itzers, which Capt. Steadman, command-
ing the naval forces, kindly furnished
for this occasion—and a detachment of
forty-five men from the Third Rhode
Island Volunteer Artillery, under Cap-
tain Comstock, of that regiment, and
followed by Colonel Brown's command.
On advancing about five and a half
miles, and debouching upon an open,
rolling country, the rebels opened upon
us with a field battery, from a position
on the plantation known as Caston's.
I immediately caused the first brigade to
deploy, and, bringing my artillery to the
front, drove the rebels from this posi-
tion. They, however, destroyed all the
small bridges in the vicinity, causing
much delay in my advance. These,
with the aid of the engineer corps, were
reconstructed, and I followed up the re-
treat of the rebels with all haste practi-
cable.
“I had advanced about a quarter of
a mule farther, when a battery again
opened on me from a position on the
plantation called Frampton.
“The rebels here had every advan-
tage of ground, being ensconced in a
wood, with a deep swamp, passable only
by a narrow causeway (the bridge on
which had been destroyed), while on
our side of the swamp and along the
entire front and flank of the enemy (ex-
tending to the Swamps) was an impervi-
ous thicket, intersected by a deep water
ditch, and passable only by a narrow
road. Into this wood the rebels threw
a most terrific fire of grape-shot, shell,
canister, and musket-balls, killing and
wounding great numbers of my com-
mand.
“Here the ammunition for the field-
pieces fell short, and though the infan-
try acted with great courage and deter-
mination, they were twice driven out of
the woods with great slaughter by the
overwhelming fire of the enemy, whose
missiles tore through the woods like
hail. f
“I had warmly responded to this fire
with the sections of the First and Third
United States Artillery and the boat
howitzers, until, finding my ammunition
about to fail, and seeing that any flank
movement was impossible, I pressed the
first brigade forward through the thicket
to the verge of the Swamp, and sent the
section of First United States Artillery,
well supported, to the causeway on the
farther side of the road, leaving the
524
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
second brigade, with Colonel Brown's
command, the section of the Third Unit-
ed States Artillery and the boat howit-
zers, as a line of defence in my rear.
“The effect of this bold movement
was immediately evident in the precipi-
tate retreat of the rebels, who disap-
peared in the woods with amazing ra-
pidity. The infantry of the first bri-
gade immediately plunged through the
swamp (parts of which were nearly up
to their armpits) and started in pursuit.
Some delay was caused by the bridge
having been destroyed, rendering the
passage of the artillery impossible ;
however, this difficulty was overcome,
and with my full force I pressed forward
on the retreating rebels at this point.
Apprehending, from the facility which
the rebels possessed of heading Pocotaligo
Creek, that they would attempt to turn
my left flank, I sent an infantry regi-
ment, with a boat howitzer, to my left,
to strike the Coosawhatchie road.
“The position which I here found
proved, as I had supposed, to be one of
great natural advantage to the rebels,
the ground being higher on that side of
the Swamp, and a firm open field for the
working of their artillery, which latter
they formed in a half-circle, throwing a
concentrated fire on the entrance to the
wood we had just passed. The rebels
left in their retreat a caisson full of am-
munition, which latter, fortunately fit-
ting the boat howitzers, enabled us at a
later period of the day to keep up our
fire when all other ammunition had
failed. Still pursuing the flying rebels,
I arrived at that point where the Coosa-
whatchie road, joining that from Mac-
kay's Landing, runs through a swamp.
to Pocotaligo bridge; here the rebels
opened a murderous fire upon us from
batteries of siege-guns and field-pieces
on the farther side of the creek. Our
skirmishers, however, advanced boldly
to the edge of the swamp, and from
what cover they could obtain did consid-
erable execution among the enemy. The
rebels, as I had anticipated, attempted a
flank movement on our left, but for some
reason abandoned it. The ammunition
of the artillery here entirely failed, ow-
ing to the caissons not having been
brought on, for want of transportation
from Port Royal, and pieces had to be
sent back to renew it. The bridge
across the Pocotaligo was destroyed, and
the rebels from behind their earth-works
continued a tremendous fire on the only
approach through the swamp. Night
was now closing fast, and seeing the ut-
ter hopelessness of attempting anything
further against the force which the en-
emy had concentrated at this point from
Savannah and Charleston, with an army
of much inferior force, unprovided with
ammunition, and not having even suffi-
cient transportation to remove the
wounded, who were lying writhing
along our entire route, I deemed it ex-
pedient to retire on Mackay's Point,
which I did in successive lines of de-
fence, burying my dead and carrying our
wounded with us on such stretchers as
we could manufacture from branches of
trees and blankets, etc., and receiving
no molestation from the rebels, embark-
ed and returned to Hilton Head on the
CONDUCT OF TROOPS.
525
23d instant. Facts turned to show that
the rebels were perfectly acquainted
with all our plans, as they had evidently
studied our purpose with care, and had
two lines of defence—Caston and Framp-
ton—before falling back on Pocotaligo,
where, aided by their field-works and
favored by the nature of the ground and
the facility of concentrating troops,
they evidently purposed making a de-
termined stand, and, indeed, the ac-
counts gathered from prisoners leave no
doubt but that the rebels had very accu-
rate information of our movements.
“I greatly felt the want of the caval-
ry, who, in consequence of the trans-
ports having grounded in Broad River,
did not arrive till nearly four P.M., and
who, in the early part of the day would,
perhaps, have captured some field-pieces
in the open country we were in, and
would, at all events, have prevented the
destruction of the bridge in the rear of
the rebels.
“Great praise is due to the brigade
and regimental commanders for their
calm and determined courage during the
entire day, and for the able manner in
which they handled their several com-
mands.
“Colonel Barton, Forty-eighth Regi-
ment New York State Volunteers, as
will be seen from his accompanying re-
port, partially effected the object of his
movement on Coosawhatchie, but meet-
ing with too strong a force of the reb-
els, was obliged to re-embark.
“I desire to call the attention of the
Major-General commanding the Depart-
ment to the gallant and distinguished
conduct of First Lieutenant Guy W.
Henry, First United States Artillery,
commanding a section of light artillery.
His pieces were served admirably
throughout the entire engagement. He
had two horses shot. The section of
Third United States Artillery, command-
ed by First Lieutenant E. Gettings,
Third United States Artillery, was also
well served. He being wounded in the
latter part of the day, his section was
commanded by Lieutenant Henry.
“The three boat howitzers furnished
by Captain Steadman, United States
Navy, commanding the naval forces,
were served well, and the officers com-
manding them, with their crews, as also
the detachment of Third Rhode Island
Volunteers, deserve great credit for their
coolness, skill, and gallantry. The offi-
cers commanding these guns are as fol-
lows: Lieutenant Lloyd Phoenix, En-
signs James Wallace, Larue P. Adams,
and Frederick Pearson.
“The conduct of my entire staff—
Captain Louis J. Lambert, assistant ad-
jutant-general ; Captain J. Coryell, as-
sistant quartermaster; Lieutenants Ira
W. Germain and George W. Bacon, aids-
de-camp—gave me great pleasure and
satisfaction. My orders were transmit-
ted by them, in the hottest of the battle,
with great rapidity and correctness.
“To Colonel Serrell, New York Wol-
unteer Engineers, who acted as an ad-
ditional aid-de-camp, I am much indebt-
ed. His energy, perfect coolness, and
bravery were sources of much gratifica-
tion to me. Orders from me were
executed hy him in a very satisfactory
149
526
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
manner. Lieutenant Hill, signal-officer,
performed his duties with great prompt-
ness. He acted, also, as additional aid-
de-camp, and gave me much assistance
in conveying my orders during the en-
tire day. g
“The troops of the command behaved
with great gallantry, and advanced
against a remarkably heavy fire of mus-
ketry, canister, grape, round-shot, and
shell, driving the enemy before them
with much determination. I was per-
fectly satisfied with their conduct.
“It affords me much pleasure again
to report the perfect cordiality existing
between the two branches of the service,
and I am much indebted to Captain
Steadman for his valuable aid and assist-
ance in disembarking and re-embarking
the troops, also in sending launches
(with howitzers) to prevent an attack on
our pickets while we were embarking
to return to Hilton Head.
“Colonel S. H. Good, Forty-seventh
Pennsylvania Volunteers—Colonel Chat-
field being wounded early in the day—
commanded the first brigade during the
latter part of the engagement, with
much ability. Nothing could be more
Satisfactory than the promptness and
skill with which the wounded were at-
tended to by Surgeon E. W. Bailey,
Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers
(medical director), and the entire medi-
cal staff of the command.
“The fitting out of the expedition, as
relates to its organization, supplies,
transportation, and ammunition, was
done entirely by the Major-General com-
manding the Department, who at first
proposed to command it. I was not as-
signed to the command till a few hours
previous to the sailing of the expedition
from Hilton Head. * * * *
“I have the honor to be, Colonel,
most respectfully, your obedient servant,
“J. M. BRANNAN, Brig.-Gen. Com'g.”
The enemy's General claimed a vic-
tory in the following brief and con-
temptuous dispatch :
“SAVANNAH, October 23, 1862.
“To GENERAL S. Coop ER:
“The Abolitionists attacked in force
Pocotaligo and Coosawhatchie yesterday.
They were gallantly repulsed to their
gun-boats at Mackay's Point and Bee's
Creek Landing by Colonel W. J. Wal-
ker, commanding troops sent from here.
The enemy had come in thirteen trans-
ports and gun-boats. The Charleston
Railroad is uninjured. The Abolition-
ists left their dead and wounded on the
field. Our cavalry are in hot pursuit.
“G. T. BEAUREGARD, Gen. Com’ng.”
At New Orleans, General Butler con-
tinued his vigorous military rule, exact-
ing obedience to his authority from the
reluctant within the city, and occa-
sionally making demonstrations against
the hostile without. -
The former were less determined in
their resistance than the latter. General
Butler having issued an order confiscat-
ing the property of those citizens who
refused to take the oath of allegiance to
the United States, crowds of anxious
proprietors hastened to secure the safety
of their possessions.
The expedition of Butler against the
enemy's posts at Donaldsonville (Sep-
SCHOFIELD IN ARKANSAS.
527
tember 23d) and Ponchatoula (Septem-
ber 25th), though spiritedly conducted,
ſailed in accomplishing their purpose of
demolishing the enemy's fortifications at
the former place, and surprising General
Jefferson Davis in his headquarters at
the latter. A subsequent attack upon
Donaldsonville and Labadieville (Oc-,
tober 29) was more successful, and re-
sulted in the occupation of Thibodeaux.
After the evacuation of Arkansas by
General Curtis, the enemy were left
free to combine their forces and act on
the offensive. They accordingly mus-
tered a considerable body of troops and
crossed the borders of Arkansas into
Missouri.
Having occupied Newtonia, near Sar-
coxie, they succeeded in repulsing the
advance, under General Salomon, of the
sep. Union army, which, though inferior
29, in force, had imprudently attempted
to drive them out. The main body of the
Unionists, under General Schofield, com-
ing up a few days subsequently, attack-
ed the enemy at Newtonia, and after a
struggle of two hours putting them to
rout, drove them back again into Ark-
ansas. General Schofield now marched
his force to Cassville, on the borders,
ready to oppose any further attempts at ||
invasion.
Missouri had been thus again freed
from the organized armies of the enemy,
but their guerrilla bands continued to
infest the State.
The enemy having again mustered in
considerable numbers in Arkansas near
the borders of Missouri, General Scho-
tield sent out a force to attack them.
The result is thus given in the official
report : . .
- “ST. Louis, Mo., October 25, 1862.
“MAJoR-GENERALHALLECK, GENERAL-IN-CHIEF,
WASHINGTON :
“Our arms are entirely successful
again in northwest Arkansas.
“General Schofield, finding that the
enemy had camped at Pea Ridge, sent
General Blunt, with the first division,
westward, and moved toward Hunts-
ville with the rest of his forces.
“Gen. Blunt, by making a hard night's
march, reached and attacked the rebel
force at Maysville, near the northwest
corner of Arkansas, at seven o'clock on
the morning of the 22d instant.
“The enemy were estimated at from
5,000 to 7,000 strong.
“The engagement lasted about an
hour, and resulted in the total rout of
the enemy, with the loss of his artillery
—a battery of six pounders—a large
number of horses, and a portion of
their transportation and garrison equip-
ments.
“Our cavalry and light howitzers were
still in pursuit of their scattered forces
when the messenger left.
“Our loss was small.
“General Schofield pursued General
Hindman beyond Huntsville, coming
close upon him, when his forces precip-
itately fled beyond the Boston Mountain.
“All the organized forces of the reb-
els have thus been driven back to the val-
ley of the Arkansas River, and the Army
of the Frontier has gallantly and suc-
cessfully accomplished its mission. -
“S. R. CURTIs, Maj.-Gen. Com'g.”
528
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
General Schofield, notwithstanding the
importance of his position on the bor-
ders of Arkansas, was, in consequence
of his want of supplies, forced to aban-
don it and fall back to Springfield, where
his illness abated for a time the energy
of his operations. In the mean time the
enemy mustered their forces and threat-
ened another incursion into Missouri.
CHAP T E R XXXVII.
Various Opinions in regard to the effect of Emancipation upon the War.—Negro Insurrection differently viewed—Shrewd
Policy of the Emancipationists.-Time for Action.—Pressure on Mr. Lincoln.-His Hesitation overcome.—The
President’s Proclamation of Freedom.—How received at the North.-By the Parties.—By the People.—By the
Army.—By the Border States.—The Effect of the Proclamation in the Seceded States.—Action of Confederate Con-
gress.-Savage Resolutions.—Effect of the Proclamation in Europe.—Opinions of the Morning Post, London Times,
Manchester Guardian, Morning News, and Star.—Too early to judge of the effects of the Emancipation Proclamation
upon the Slaves.
FROM the commencement of the war
there were many at the North who
believed that the most effectual, if
not the only, means of restoring the Fed-
eral authority in the seceded States was
the emancipation of the slaves. They
contended that the 4,000,000 of negroes
who, while in bondage, were an element
of strength to the rebellion, would, if set
free, prove its weakness.
While some of these advocates of
emancipation affected not to anticipate
as its consequence or desire a servile in-
surrection, there were others who fear-
lessly contemplated it as a probable and
not undesirable event. The latter, in
their enthusiastic ardor for universal
freedom, appalled by no sacrifice that
human liberty might demand, did not
refuse to accept all the consequences
of the sudden manumission of millions
of semi-barbarous negroes. Any scru-
ples that may have arisen on the pros-
1862,
pect of a servile insurrection, with all
its horrors, were met by the assertion
that the beneficence of the end justified
the means, however cruel. For thus,
they said, not only would the slave se-
cure his liberty—the greatest boon to
man, but the nation its unity—the ut-
most desire of patriotism.
At the beginning of the struggle the
emancipationists shrewdly took care not
to shock the public sentiment with too
violent an assertion of their peculiar
opinions, to which the majority of the
people were known to be averse, lest
they might shatter the unanimity with
which the North had arisen to fight the
“war for the Union.”
Believing that it would become mani-
fest in the course of the struggle that
the rebellion could not be suppressed by
the ordinary means of warfare, the Ab-
olitionists patiently awaited the discov-
ery of this fact by the people of the
PROCLAMATION OF EMAN CIPATION.
529
North before urging upon their consid-
eration the policy of emancipation.
The disastrous close of the campaigns
of our armies in Virginia and the West,
and the audacious attempts at invasion
of the Northern States by the enemy
which followed, created a dissatisfaction
with the past conduct of the war that
seemed favorable to a change of meas-
ures. The emancipationists eagerly
seized the occasion to urge upon the
President the adoption of their policy.
He is believed to have long resisted
their importunate solicitations, but fin-
ally yielded to a pressure, the weight
of which, by his own confession, had
sorely tried his powers of endurance.
His scrupulous regard for constitutional
obligations, his politic cautiousness, his
common sense, and natural benevolence
caused him to hesitate in adopting a pol-
icy of questionable legality, of doubtful
acceptance, of probable impracticabil-
ity,” and of possible inhumanity. Over-
coming his hesitation at last, the emanci-
pationists prevailed upon the President
to issue this proclamation, the severity
of which he, with characteristic kindli-
ness of nature, strove to temper by mak-
ing its operation prospective and condi-
tional :
“WASHINGTON, September 22, 1862.
“I, Abraham Lincoln, President of
the United States of America, and Com-
mander-in-Chief of the army and navy
thereof, do hereby proclaim and declare
that hereafter, as heretofore, the war will
* Mr. Lincoln, when urged by a delegation of the citizens
of Chicago to issue a proclamation of emancipation, answer-
ed that it would be like the Pope's bull against the comet.
be prosecuted for the object of practically
restoring the constitutional relation be-
tween the United States and the people
thereof in which States that relation is,
or may be, suspended or disturbed ;
that it is my purpose, upon the next
meeting of Congress, to again recom-
mend the adoption of a practical meas-
ure tendering pecuniary aid to the free
acceptance or rejection of all the slave
States, so-called, the people whereof
may not then be in rebellion against the
United States, and which States may
then have voluntarily adopted or there-
after may voluntarily adopt the imme-
diate or gradual abolition of slavery
within their respective limits; and that
the effort to colonize persons of African
descent, with their consent, upon the
continent or elsewhere, with the previ-
ously obtained consent of the govern-
ments existing there, will be continued ;
that on the first day of January, in the
year of Our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and sixty-three, all persons
held as slaves within any State, or any
designated part of a State, the people
whereof shall then be in rebellion against
the United States, shall be then thence-
forward and forever free, and the Ex-
ecutive Government of the United States,
including the military and naval authority
thereof, will recognize and maintain the
freedom of such persons, and will do no
act or acts to repress such persons, or
any of them, in any effort they may
make for their actual freedom ; that the
Executive will, on the first day of
January aforesaid, by proclamation, des-
ignate the States and parts of States, if
530
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
any, in which the people thereof respect-
ively shall then be in rebellion against
the United States; and the fact that any
State, or the people thereof, shall on that
day be in good faith represented in the
Congress of the United States by mem-
bers chosen thereto at elections wherein
a majority of the qualified voters of such
State shall have participated, shall, in the
absence of strong countervailing testimo-
ny, be deemed conclusive evidence that
such State and the people thereof have
not been in rebellion against the United
States.
“That attention is hereby called to
an act of Congress entitled, ‘An act to
make an additional Article of War,’
approved March 13th, 1862, and which
act is in the words and figure following:
“Be it enacted by the Senate and House
of Representatives of the United States of
America in Congress assembled, That
hereafter the following shall be promul-
gated as an additional Article of War,
for the government of the army of the
United States, and shall be obeyed and
observed as such :
“ARTICLE.—All officers or persons in
the military or naval service of the
United States are prohibited from em-
ploying any of the forces under their
respective commands for the purpose of
returning fugitives from service or labor
who may have escaped from any person
to whom such service or labor is claimed
to be due, and any officer who shall be
found guilty by a court-martial of vio-
lating this article shall be dismissed from
the service.
“SECTION 2.—And be it further enact-
ed., That this act shall take effect" from
and after its passage.
“Also to the ninth and tenth sections
of an act entitled, “An Act to suppress
insurrection, punish treason and rebel-
lion, to seize and confiscate property of
rebels, and for other purposes,’ approved
July 17th, 1862, and which sections are
in the words and figure following:
“SECTION 9.—And be it further enact-
ed, That all slaves of persons who shall
hereafter be engaged in rebellion against .
the Government of the United States,
or who shall in any way give aid or
comfort thereto, escaping from such per-
sons and taking refuge within the lines
of the army, and all slaves captured
from such persons, or deserted by them,
and coming under the control of the
Government of the United States, and
all slaves of such persons found on (or
being within) any place Occupied by
rebel forces and afterward occupied by
the forces of the United States, shall be
deemed captures of war, and shall be
forever free of their servitude, and not
again held as slaves.
“SECTION 10.--And be it further en-
acted, That no slave escaping into any
State, Territory, or the District of Co-
lumbia, from any of the States, shall be
delivered up, or in any way impeded or
hindered of his liberty, except for crime
or some offence against the laws, unless
the person claiming such fugitive shall.
first make oath that the person to whom
the labor or service of such fugitive is
alleged to be due is his lawful owner,
and has not been in arms against the
United States in the present rebellion
PROCLAMATION OF EMANCIPATION.
581
nor in any way given aid and comfort
thereto ; and no person engaged in the
military or naval service of the United
States shall, under any pretence what-
ever, assume to decide on the validity of
the claim of any person to the service
or labor of any other person, or surren-
der up any such person to the claimant,
on pain of being dismissed from the ser-
vice. *
“And I do hereby enjoin upon and
order all persons engaged in the military
and naval service of the United States to
observe, obey, and enforce within their
respective spheres of service the act and
sections above recited.
“And the Executive will in due time
recommend that all citizens of the
United States who shall have remained
loyal thereto throughout the rebellion,
shall (upon the restoration of the con-
stitutional relation between the United
States and their respective States and
people, if the relation shall have been
suspended or disturbed) be compensated
for all losses by acts of the United
States, including the loss of slaves.
“In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States to be affixed.
“ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
“Done at the city of Washington,
this twenty-second day of September,
in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the
independence of the United States the
eighty-seventh. -
“By the President:
“WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Sec. of State.”
This significant state paper was re-
ceived by the North with a divided sen-
timent. The Republican party, and
especially its most radical partisans,
highly applauded the proclamation, while
the Democrats quite as fervently de-
nounced it.
The “Governors of the loyal Sep.
States” who had assembled at Al- 24.
* The meeting of the Governors was called by Govern-
ors Curtin, Tod, and Pierpont. The following responded
to the call : Israel Washburn, Jr., of Maine; Ichabod
Goodwin, of New Hampshire ; John A. Andrew, of Massa-
chusetts; William Sprague, of Rhode Island; Andrew G.
Curtin, of Pennsylvania ; Augustus W. Bradford, of Mary-
land ; Francis H. Pierpont, of Virginia; David Tod, of
Ohio; Richard Yates, of Illinois; Edward Salomon, of Wis-
consin ; Samuel J. Kirkwood, of Iowa ; Oliver P. Morton,
of Indiana; Charles S. Olden, of New Jersey; William A.
Buckingham, of Connecticut; and Frederick Holbrook, of
Vermont. Governor Morgan, of New York, declined the
invitation, as he deemed the convention impolitic. The
following signed the address to the President : A. G. Cur
tin, John A. Andrew, Richard Yates, Israel Washburn, Jr.,
Edward Salomon, O. P. Morton, Samuel J. Kirkwood,
Wm. Sprague, F. H. Pierpont, David Tod, N. S. Berry,
and Austin Blair. It was supposed that the main object
of the meeting of the Governors was to induce the Presi-
dent to carry on the war with more vigor and to define its
policy. As the sessions were held with closed doors, the
public were left for the most part to conjecture in regard
to the proceedings. It was however rumored that a dispo-
sition had been shown, so far, to jnterfere with the man-
agement of the war, as to dictate to the President, how it
should be carried on, and by what leaders. The “meet-
ing of the Governors” was doubtless suggested by the
popular discontent arising from the disasters to our arms
in Virginia and the West, and the threatened invasion of
the North was one of the many indications of a disposition
to stir up the Government to a change of measures and
men. A more remarkable manifestation was the extraor-
dinary action of the so-called National War Committee,
appointed at a popular meeting of New York citizens.
The following correspondence, which fully exhibits the
dictatorial character assumed by these civic notabilities,
requires no further comment :
“NATIONAL WAR COMMITTEE OF THE CITIZENS or
NEw York, NEw York, Sept. 10, 1862. |
“The National War Committee of the citizens of New
York having passed the annexed resolutions on the 2d in-
stant, in the hope that the names of the two major-gen-
erals mentioned, being the only two then in New York
and not on duty, would attract to the service of the coun-
try some persons who might not otherwise enter it imme-
532
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
toona, in Pennsylvania, the majority of
whom were “Republicans,” declared in
their address to President Lincoln—
“We hail with heartfelt gratitude and
encouraged hopes the proclamation of
the President, issued on the 22d instant,
declaring emancipated from their bond-
age all persons held to service or labor
as slaves in the rebel States where
rebellion shall last until the 1st day of
January ensuing. The right of any
persons to retain authority to compel
any portion of the subjects of the
national Government to rebel against it,
or to maintain its enemies, implies in
those who are allowed the possession of
such authority the right to rebel them-
selves, and therefore the right to estab-
lish martial law or military government
in a State or Territory in rebellion
implies the right and the duty of the
Government to liberate the minds of all
men living therein, by appropriate proc-
lamations and assurances of protection,
in order that all who are capable, intel-
lectually and morally, of loyalty and
obedience, may not be forced into trea-
son, as the willing tool of rebellious
diately, and the following correspondence having there-
upon taken place, and the answer of the War Department
being accepted by this committee as conclusive of its ac-
tion, it is thereupon
“Resolved—That no further action be taken under the :
said resolution, and that the same, together with the cor-
respondence, be published.
“Resolved—That General Fremont and General Mitchell
be and are requested, if the Government will consent, to
organize in this State, without delay, a corps of 50,000
men, and that the application for such consent be made to
the General Government, and if it refuses, then to the
State Government.
“Resolved—That all residents of this city who are will-
ing to join such a corps be requested to communicate
their names and residences to some member of this com-
mittee.
“NEw York, September 3, 1862.
“SIB : I have the honor to inclose a copy of a resolu-
tion this day passed by the National War Committee of
New York, and to ask whether, if the Government con-
sent, you will undertake the organization of a corps therein
requested. Very respectfully yours,
“GEORGE OPDYKE, Chairman.
“Major-General John C. Fremont.
**COPY RESOLUTION.
** Resolved—That General Fremont and General Mitchell
be each requested, if the Government will consent, to
organize in this State, without delay, a corps of 50,000
men, and that application for such consent be made to
the General Government, and if refused, then to the State
Government.
“NEw York, September 5, 1862.
“SIR : I had the honor to receive your note of the 3d
instant, communicating to me a resolution passed by the
National War Committee of New York, in relation to a
corps of 50,000 men, and requesting to know, in the event
of it having the sanction of the Government, if I would
undertake its organization. I thank the Committee for
the honor of their invitation, and beg you to inform them
that I would undertake the proposed duty with great
pleasure. Tespectfully, your obedient servant,
“J. C. FREMONT, Major-General United States Army.
“Hon. George Opdyke, etc., Chairman of Committee.
“NEw York, September 4, 1862.
“To HoNortABLE EDWIN M. STANTON, SECRETARY OF WAR,
WASHINGTON :
“SIR : Will you consent that General Fremont and
General Mitchell, each or either, shall organize in this
State a separate corps of 50,000 men, composed of citizens
of this and other States, and allow the men received to be
counted as part of the quota of the State from which
they come, upon some of the calls for troops heretofore
made by the President.
“If you consent, we shall hope to induce the Generals
to undertake the organization. GEORGE OPDYKE,
“Chairman National War Committee
“WASHINGTON, September 5, 1862.
“GEORGE OPDYKE, MAYOR, 79 FIFTH Avenue, NEw York :
“Your telegram of yesterday has received the consider-
ation of this Department. General Mitchell having been
assigned to command the Southern Department, must im-
mediately join his command. Raising volunteers in New
York has been assigned to the Governor of that State, who
is faithfully performing his duty ; and there appears to be
no reason for interfering with him.
“To authorize military officers of high rank to raise
and organize army corps would be productive of military
disorganization.
“This Department, therefore, cannot consent that any
major-general shall organize a separate corps.
“EDw1N M. STANTON, Secretary of War.”
EFFECT OF THE
PROCLAMATION. 533
traitors. To have continued indefinitely
the most efficient cause, support, and
stay of the rebellion would have been,
in our judgment, unjust to the loyal
people whose treasure and lives are
made a willing sacrifice on the altar of
patriotism ; would have discriminated
against the wife who is compelled to
surrender her husband, against the pa-
rent who is to surrender his child to the
hardships of the camp and the perils of
battle, and in favor of rebel masters
permitted to retain their slaves. It
would have been a final decision alike
against humanity, justice, the rights and
dignity of the Government, and against
a sound and wise national policy. The
decision of the President to strike at
the root of the rebellion will lend new
vigor to the efforts, and new life and
hope to the hearts of the people. Cor-
dially tendering to the President our
respectful assurances of personal and
official confidence, we trust and believe
that the policy now inaugurated will be
crowned with success, will give speedy
and triumphant victories over our ene-
mies, and secure to this nation and this
people the blessing and favor of Al-
mighty God. We believe that the blood
of the heroes who have already fallen,
and those who may yet give up their
lives to their country, will not have
been shed in vain.”
The newspapers, according to their
partisan bias, applauded or denounced
the proclamation; but though it was
received with great favor by a large
portion of the people of the North, the
majority seemed to manifest their disap-
probation, by voting, in the State elec-
tions, for the Democratic party, which
refused its sanction to any scheme of
slave emancipation.
Other causes, however, combined with
the emancipation proclamation to pro-
duce the change in popular opinion, as
manifested by the elections.”
In the army, the predominant feeling
was suspected to be adverse to the proc-
lamation ; but all manifestations of
opinion were checked by a discreet or-
der of General McClellan, forbidding
any discussion of the subject.
*-. --
* Among these were a dissatisfaction with the conduct
of the war, and an impatience of the arbitrary interfer-
ence of the Federal Government with the personal rights
of the citizen, as shown in the following proclamation :
“Whereas, It has become necessary to call into service,
not only volunteers, but also portions of the militia of the
States, by draft, in order to suppress the insurrection ex-
isting in the United States; and disloyal persons are not
adequately restrained by the ordinary processes of the
law from hindering this measure, and from giving aid
and comfort, in various ways, to the insurrection :
“Now, therefore, be it ordered,
“First —That, during the existing insurrection, and as a
necessary measure for suppressing the same, all rebels and
insurgents, their aiders and abettors, within the United
States, and all persons discouraging volunteer enlist-
ments, resisting militia drafts, or guilty of any disloyal
practice, affording aid and comfort to the rebels against
the authority of the United States, shall be subject to
martial law, and liable to trial and punishment by courts-
martial or military commissions.
“Second—That the writ of habeas corpus is suspended in
respect to all persons arrested, or who are now, or hereaf-
ter, during the rebellion, shall be, imprisoned in any fort,
camp, arsenal, military prison, or other place of confine-
ment, by any military authority, or by the sentence of
any court-martial or military commission.
“In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and
caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. -
“Done at the city of Washington, this twenty-fourth
day of September, in the year of our Lord one
[L. s.] thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of
the Independence of the United States the
eighty-seventh. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
“By the President :
“WILLIAM H. SEwARD, Secretary of State.”
150
534
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“GENERAL ORDERs—No. 163.
“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, }
CAMP NEAR SHARPSBURG, MD., Oct. 7, 1862.
“The attention of the officers and sol-
diers of the Army of the Potomac is
called to General Orders No. 139, War
Department, September 24, 1862, pub-
lishing to the army the President's pro-
clamation of September 22.
“A proclamation of such grave mo-
ment to the nation, officially communi-
cated to the army, affords to the general
commanding an opportunity of defining
specifically to the officers and soldiers
under his command the relation borne
by all persons in the military service of
the United States toward the civil au-
thorities of the Government. The con-
stitution confides to the civil authorities,
legislative, judicial, and executive, the
power and duty of making, expound-
ing, and executing the federal laws.
Armed forces are raised and supported
simply to sustain the civil authorities,
and are to be held in strict subordina-
tion thereto in all respects. This fun-
damental rule of our political system is
essential to the security of our republi-
can institutions, and should be thorough-
ly understood and observed by every
soldier. The principle upon which, and
the objects for which, armies shall be
employed in suppressing the rebellion,
must be determined and declared by the
civil authorities; and the Chief Execu-
tive, who is charged with the administra-
tion of the national affairs, is the proper
and only source through which the views
and orders of the Government can be
made known to the armies of the nation.
“Discussion by officers and soldiers,
concerning public measures determined
upon and declared by the Government,
when carried at all beyond the ordinary
temperate and respectful expression of
opinion, tends greatly to impair and de-
stroy the discipline and efficiency of
troops, by substituting the spirit of po-
litical faction for that firm, steady, and
earnest support of the authority of the
Government, which is the highest duty
of the American soldier. The remedy
for political errors, if any are commit-
ted, is to be found only in the action of
the people at the polls. *
“In thus calling the attention of this
army to the true relation between the
soldiers and the Government, the gen-
eral commanding merely adverts to an
evil against which it has been thought
advisable, during our whole history, to
guard the armies of the republic ; and
in so doing he will not be considered by
any right-minded person as casting any
reflection upon that loyalty and good
conduct which has been so fully illus-
trated upon so many battle-fields. In
carrying out all measures of public pol-
icy, this army will, of course, be guided
by the same rules of mercy and Chris-
tianity that have ever controlled its
conduct toward the defenceless,
“By command of
“MAJOR-GENERAL McCLELLAN.
“JAMEs A. HARDEE, Lieutenant-Colonel, Aid-
de-Camp, and acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen-
eral.”
In the border slave States, the pro-
clamation, naturally meeting with no
favor, threatened to overthrow an al-
EFFECT AT
THE SOUTH.
535
ready tottering loyalty. In the seceded
States, where it was, of course, received
as an act of embittered hostility, the
proclamation aroused all the fiercest in-
stincts of an enraged enemy. In the
Confederate Congress, resolutions were
offered and speeches uttered, declaring
that the United States Government had,
by the proclamation, placed its armies
beyond the rules of civilized warfare,
and recommending that its officers and
soldiers, when captured, be treated ac-
cordingly. The majority of the judici-
ary committee of the Senate, to whom
the various “resolutions relative to Lin-
coln's emancipation proclamation” were
referred, reported in favor of the fol-
lowing enactments:
“l. That on and after the first of
January, 1863, all commissioned and
non-commissioned officers of the enemy,
except as hereinafter mentioned, when
captured, shall be imprisoned at hard
labor, or otherwise put at hard labor,
until the termination of the war, or
until the repeal of the act of the Con-
gress of the United States, hereinbefore
recited, or until otherwise determined
by the President.
“2. Every white person, who shall
act as a commissioned or non-commis-
sioned officer, commanding negroes
or mulattoes against the Confederate
States, or who shall arm, organize,
train, or prepare negroes or mulattoes
for military service, or aid them in any
military enterprise against the Confed-
erate States, shall, if captured, suffer
death. s
“3. Every commissioned or non-
commissioned officer of the enemy who
shall incite slaves to rebellion, or pre-
tend to give them freedom under the
aforementioned act of Congress and
proclamation, by abducting, or causing
them to be abducted, or inducing them
to abscond, shall, if captured, suffer
death.
“4. That every person charged with
an offence under this act shall be tried
by such military courts as the President
shall direct ; and, after conviction, the
President may commute the punish-
ment, or pardon unconditionally, or on
such terms as he may see fit.
“5. That the President is hereby
authorized to resort to such other retal-
iatory measures as in his judgment
may be best calculated to repress the
atrocities of the enemy.”
The minority of the judiciary com-
mittee concentrated the excess of their
indignation in this savage resolution:
“That, from this day forth, all rules of
civilized warfare should be discarded in
the future defence of our country, our
liberties, and our lives, against the fell
design, now openly avowed by the Gov-
ernment of the United States, to anni-
hilate or enslave us ; and that a war
of extermination should henceforth be
waged against every invader whose
hostile foot shall cross the boundaries of
these Confederate States.”
The House exhibited still more fury.
One member introduced a series of res-
olutions, “exhorting the people of the
Confederacy to kill every officer, sol-
dier, and sailor of the enemy found
within their borders;” declaring that,
536
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“after the first of January, 1863, no
officer of the enemy ought to be cap-
tured alive, or, if captured, should be
immediately hung;” and “offering a
bounty of twenty dollars, and an annuity
of twenty dollars for life, to every slave
and free negro who shall, after the first
of January, 1863, kill one of the enemy.”
Another member submitted a resolution
that, “after the first of January, 1863,
all Federal officers captured within our
limits shall be treated as felons, and, if
condemned by court-martial, hanged by
the neck until they are dead.”
The House of Representatives finally
0ct, adopted, by a vote of thirty-five to
": thirty-two, the following preamble
and resolution :
“Whereas, The Northern States, now
represented by the Federal Government
of the late Union, commenced the pres-
ent war of invasion to enforce an un-
founded and tyrannical claim of domin-
ion over sovereign States which had
withdrawn from the Union; and, pre-
tending that these States are in rebel-
lion, have sought to deny to them, from
the beginning of the war, the rights ac-
corded to belligerents by the usages of
nations ; and after prosecuting this war,
without success, more than a year since
this Government was recognized by Eu-
ropean nations as a belligerent power,
have continued, under the same pretext,
to inflict upon the good people of these
States inhuman injuries, in contemptu-
ous disregard of the usages of civilized
warfare ; exacting from them treasona-
ble oaths and service, and, upon refusal,
subjecting unarmed citizens, women, and
children to banishment, imprisonment,
and death; wantonly burning their
dwelling houses, ravaging the land,
murdering men for pretended or trivial
offences; making rapine of private
property a systematic object of the war;
organizing the abduction of slaves by
armies and agents of Government; en-
deavoring to foment servile insurrection
by tampering with slaves, by proclaim-
ing schemes for emancipating them, by
passing laws to equalize the races, by
protecting slaves in resisting their mas-
ters, and by preparing armed bands of
negroes to fight in the presence of negro
slaves for the subjugation of the white
race; permitting outrages on women to
be committed by a licentious soldiery,
encouraged in a memorable instance by
the order of a major-general and the ac-
quiescence of his government; attempt-
ing, until restrained by a threat of retal-
iation, to murder privateersmen for en-
gaging in a mode of warfare expressly
sanctioned by the constitutions of the
United States and the Confederate States,
and by the laws of nations; refusing, with
double inhumanity, to exchange prison-
ers, until constrained by the long dura-
tion and adverse fortune of the war; at-
tempting to ruin our cities by filling up
the entrances to their harbors with stone,
and diverting the ancient channels of
great rivers, cutting off our supplies of
medicines, needed as well for suffering
women, children, and captive enemies as
for the sick of our armies; and perpe-
trating other atrocities, which would be
disgraceful to savages. And whereas
the said Government of the United
EFFECT IN
EUROPE. 537
States, in the same spirit of barbarous
ferocity, has recently enacted a law,
entitled, ‘An act to suppress insurrec-
tion, to punish treason and rebellion, to
seize and confiscate the property of reb-
els, and for other purposes;' and has
announced by a proclamation issued by
Abraham Lincoln, the President thereof,
that, in pursuance of Said law, on the
first day of January, 1863, all persons
held as slaves within any State, or des-
ignated part of a State, the people
whereof shall be in rebellion against the
United States, shall be thenceforward
and forever free ; and has thereby made
manifest that the vast war of invasion
which it wages with such lawless cruelty
is conducted with a view, by judicial
murders, banishments, and otherwise, to
exterminate the loyal population of these
States, to transfer their property to their
enemies, to emancipate their slaves, to
destroy their labor system, to subvert
their institutions, human and divine,
upon which it is founded, employing
slaves and other negroes for these pur-
poses, with an atrocious design of add-
ing servile insurrection and the massa-
cre of families to the calamities of war;
and whereas, since the passage of Said
act, executive and military orders have
evinced a determined purpose of the
enemy to carry out this policy of rapine
and extermination with brutal and
surprising severity; and whereas justice
and humanity require the Government
of the Confederate States to endeavor
to punish and repress the atrocious
practices and designs of the enemy, by
inflicting severe retribution ; therefore,
“Resolved, by the Congress of the
Confederate States, that the President
will be sustained in resorting to such
measures of retaliation as in his judg-
ment may be demanded by the above
recited lawless and barbarous conduct
and designs of the enelny.”
In Europe, where every incident of
the war was observed with an interest
hardly less than that in the United
States, the proclamation excited an ani-
mated discussion. Public sentiment in
England had been early divided between
the North and South, and the various
journals advocated the cause of the one
or the other, according to their partisan
relations. This spirit of partisanship
was obvious in the expressions of opin-
ion on the proclamation by the British
press.
The Morning Post, of London, Octo-
ber 6, to which has been attributed the
especial function of representing the
government of Lord Palmerston, af-
fected to consider the proclamation as a
brutum fulmen, declaring that “it is not
easy to estimate how utterly powerless
and contemptible a government must
have become which could sanction with
its approval such insensate trash. A
few weeks since, trembling for the safety
of its capital—at the present moment
unable to force a passage into its ene-
my's territory—it still takes upon itself
to dispose of property it is powerless to
seize. Nor is the assumed authority of
the Federal Executive less unconstitu-
tional than it is preposterous. The
President of the United States has no
more power to liberate a slave in Wir-
538
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ginia than Queen Victoria; and for that
matter, neither has the Federal Congress.
According to the American Constitution,
the local legislature of each State pos-
sesses the sole power of emancipating
the slaves within its confines. But the
President of the United States has long
since discontinued the antiquated custom
of acting according to law. There are
few, however, even of those who have
manifested the greatest disregard for the
laws they have sworn to administer, who
have not been more or less sensitive to
ridicule. A man may brave the pas-
sions of an angry mob, but he does not
like exposing himself to be laughed at.
Mr. Lincoln seemingly cares as little for
the ridicule as he does for the anger of
the American people. He must be well
aware that his proclamation will prove
a brutum fulmen.”
The Times, of London, October 6,
took a similar view, asserting that Mr.
Lincoln “had played his last card,” and
adding, “There is something ludicrous
in such a proclamation, solemnly made
by the Federal Government when its
own capital is almost beleaguered.” The
Guardian, of Manchester, October 7,
which, like the Morning Post and Times,
of London, had early manifested a dis-
position to degrade the motives and de-
preciate the efforts of the North, echoed
the sentiments of its sympathetic cotem-
poraries. “The proclamation,” said the
Guardian, “is evidently nothing more
than a compound of “bunkum' on a grand
scale, with the swaggering bravado so
conspicuous throughout the present war.”
On the other hand, the Morning News
and Star, of London, which had reso-
lutely from the beginning advocated the
cause of the North, warmly welcomed
the proclamation. “The fiat,” said the
Star, “has gone forth, and the heart of
humanity will hail its execution. On
New Year's day, 1863, slavery will
cease to defile the American flag, and
begin to disappear from the American
soil.” f
Upon the effect of the proclamation
on the negroes themselves, and upon
the issue of the war, it is useless to .
speculate, as the rapid succession of
events checks the utmost audacity of
conjecture. The humane may, however,
without suspicion of partisanship, be
permitted to express the hope, that the
horrors of a servile insurrection will not
be added to those of a civil war—that
the blood of innocent women and chil-
dren will not be commingled with that
of guilty men, struggling with each
other in fratricidal war.
BURNSIDE IN COMMAND.
539
CHAPTER xxxv III.
Burnside protests against his Appointment.—Finally yields and assumes Command of the Army of the Potomac.
McClellan's Farewell.—The resolute spirit of Burnside.—Forms a Plan of Campaign.—Disapprobation of his Plan.
—Burnside is allowed to have his own way.—His Plan explained.—Operations begun.—Aquia Creek established a
Basis.-The Pontoon Question.—Testimony on the subject.—Sumner before Fredericksburg.—Fredericksburg sum-
moned to surrender.—Answer of the Mayor.—Designs of Burnside.—Supposed Weakness of the Enemy.—Arrival
of the Pontoons.—Cannonade of Fredericksburg.—Laying of the Pontoons.—Gallantry of the Eighth Connecticut
men.—Possession of Fredericksburg. —Crossing of General Franklin. — Attack on Fredericksburg. —Repulse of
the Unionists.—Retreat of Burnside.—His Reasons for the Movement.—Burnside assumes the Responsibility.—The
Losses.—Lee's Report of his Victory.—Burnside concentrates his Force.—Effect at the North of Burnside's Defeat. .
—A general cry of Indignation.—The Administration held Responsible.—Congressional Inquiry.—Burnside exoner-
ates the Administration.—The Pontoon Question again.—The President urged to change his Cabinet.—Resignation
of Seward and Chase.—Resignation withdrawn.
GENERAL BURNSIDE, after having em-
2 phatically protested against his ap-
' pointment, declaring that he “was
not competent to command such a large
army,” and that he “thought that Gen-
eral McClellan could command the Army
of the Potomac better than any other
general in it,” was finally prevailed
upon to believe that “he had no right,
as a soldier, to disobey the order” of
the President. He accordingly assumed
the command of the great army as suc-
cessor to McClellan, who had led it as
far as Warrenton in the course of an-
other attempt upon Richmond, when he
was suddenly deprived of its leadership.
He thus took leave of his troops :
186
“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, }
CAMP NEAR RECTORTown, VA., Wov. 7, 1862.
“OFFICERS AND Soldiers of THE ARMY OF THE
PoToMAC :
“An order of the President devolves
upon Major-General Burnside the com-
mand of this army.
“In parting from you, I cannot ex-
press the love and gratitude I bear to
you. As an army, you have grown up
under my care. In you I have never
found doubt or coldness. The battles
you have fought under my command
will proudly live in our nation's history.
The glory you have achieved, our mu-
tual perils and fatigues, the graves of
our comrades fallen in battle and by
disease, the broken forms of those whom
wounds and sickness have disabled—the
strongest associations which can exist
among men—unite us still by an indis-
soluble tie. We shall ever be comrades
in supporting the constitution of our
country and the nationality of its peo-
ple. GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
“Major-General United States Army.”
Burnside, though he had reluctantly
accepted the great charge which had
been imposed upon him, did not quail
before its grave responsibilities, but as-
sumed them with a resolute spirit. He
540
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
immediately decided upon a plan of
campaign, which did not meet at first
with the approbation of the President,
the Secretary of War, and the General-
in-Chief, Halleck, but was finally con-
curred in by them.* This plan, as
stated by Burnside himself, was to con-
centrate the army in the neighborhood
of Warrenton, to make a rapid move-
ment across the Rappahannock as a
feint, with a view to divert the attention
of the enemy, and to lead them to be-
lieve that the Union army was going to
move in the direction of Gordonsville,
and then to make a rapid movement of
the whole army to Fredericksburg, on
the southern side of the Rappahannock.
“My reasons for that, I stated,” added
Burnside, “that the farther we got into
the interior of Virginia, the longer
would be our lines of communication,
and the greater would be the difficulty
we would have in keeping them open,
as the enemy had upon our right flank
a corps that, at almost any time, could,
by a rapid movement, seriously embar-
rass us. If we were caught by the ele-
ments so far from our base of supplies,
and at the same time in the enemy's
country, where they had means of get-
ting information that we had not, it
might, I thought, prove disastrous to
the army, as we had but one line of
railway by which to supply it. In mov-
ing upon Fredericksburg we would all
the time be as near Washington as would
the enemy; and after arriving at Fred-
ericksburg, we would be at a point
nearer to Richmond than we would be
even if we should take Gordonsville.
On the Gordonsville line, the enemy, in
my opinion, would not give us a deci-
sive battle at any place this side of Rich-
mond. They would defend Gordons-
ville until such time as they felt that
they had given us a check, and then,
with so many lines of railroad open to
them, they would move upon Richmond
or Lynchburg.”.”
This plan of operations having been
decided upon, General Burnside pro-
ceeded to carry out its execution. The
mouth of Aquia Creek, where it emp-
ties into the Potomac, was established as
the basis of supplies; piers and roads
were constructed, and immense quan-
tities of stores conveyed thither for
the sustenance of an army computed
to number over a hundred and fifty
thousand men. General Burnside hav-
ing intimated to General Halleck, the
commander-in-chief, and General Meigs,
the quartermaster-general, who had
been with him at Warrenton, in consul-
tation upon the campaign, his desire to
have pontoons for crossing the Rappa-
hannock, a telegram ordering them was
dispatched by these gentlemen to Wash-
ington. The plan of campaign had
been “discussed,” says General Burn-
side, “by General Halleck and General
* “The fact that I decided,” says Burnside, “to move
from Warrenton on to this line, rather against the opin-
ion of the President, Secretary of War, and yourself (Gen-
eral Halleck), and that you left the whole movement in
my hands, without giving me orders, makes me responsi-
ble.”—Letter of Burnside to Major-General Halleck.
* Testimony of General Burnside before the Joint Con-
gressional Committee on the Conduct of the War, ap-
pointed in accordance with the Senate Resolution of De-
cember 18.
PONTOON
QUESTION. 541
Meigs, at my headquarters, on the
nights of the 11th and 12th of No-
vember ; and after discussing it fully
there, they sat down and sent telegrams
to Washington, which, as I supposed,
fully covered the case, and would secure
the starting of the pontoon trains at
once.”
Imprudently trusting the execution
of this important detail to others, Gen-
eral Burnside moved his advance under
General Sumner, on the 15th of No-
vember, to Falmouth, with the view
of rapidly crossing the Rappahannock
to Fredericksburg. The pontoons, how-
ever, had not arrived, and a fatal delay
ensued. “I think,” testified Sumner,
“I could have taken that city (Freder-
icksburg) and heights on the other side
of it, at any time within three days af-
ter my arrival here (Falmouth), if the
pontoons had been here ; for I do not
think there was much force of the enemy
here up to that time.”
The pontoons, whose early arrival
was absolutely essential to the accom-
plishment of General Burnside's plan,
did not reach Falmouth until “the
22d or 23d of November,” five days
too late. The enemy had, in the
mean time, discovered the purpose of
General Burnside, and having concen-
trated their forces on the hills behind
Fredericksburg, and intrenched that
naturally strong position, were fully pre-
pared to resist the Union army in its
proposed advance.
While Burnside's forces were concen-
trating at Falmouth, General Sumner,
in command of the advance, sent a sum-
mons to Fredericksburg to surrender,
accompanied with a complaint Now,
that his troops had been fired 22.
upon from that city. The mayor replied
that he was in the power of the military
authorities, by which he was authorized
to agree to a neutrality on the part of
the city; but added that these “authori-
ties inform us that while their troops
will not occupy the town, they will not
permit yours to do so.” This proposi-
tion being acted upon, though not for-
mally accepted, nothing was done by the
Union army until it was prepared to
cross the river. *
It had been the intention to cross the
Rappahannock at Port Royal, below
Fredericksburg; “but I discovered,”
says Burnside, “that the enemy had
thrown a large portion of his force down
the river and elsewhere, thus weaken-
ing his defences in front ; and also
thought I discovered that he did not
anticipate the crossing of our whole
forces at Fredericksburg; and I hoped
by rapidly throwing the whole command
over at that place, to separate, by a vig-
orous attack, the forces of the enemy
on the river below from the forces be-
hind and on the crest in the rear of the
town, in which case we could fight him
with great advantage in our favor.”
The pontoons having been brought to
the bank of the river, and the artillery
placed in position, General Burnside,
early on the morning of the 11th of De-
cember, opened fire with 163 guns bec,
upon the city of Fredericksburg. Il.
This was responded to by the cannon of
the enemy, which, however, from their
151
542
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
distance on the heights behind the city,
and their range, produced little effect.
Under the cover of their guns, the Un-
ionists now began to construct bridges
directly across to Fredericksburg and
about three miles below. This opera-
tion was confided to General Woodbury,
in command of the Seventeenth and
Fiftieth New York Engineers. Con-
cealed by the thick morning haze, the
pontooniers succeeded in commencing
their work without awaking the suspi-
cion of the enemy, but had not pro-
ceeded far when they were forced back
by a brisk fire of musketry from the
opposite bank of the river. A second
attempt with a larger force of men was
made, and again checked by the enemy.
The Unionists now directed an incessant
artillery fire upon the city of Fredericks-
burg, where the enemy's sharp-shooters
were concealed, when eighty men of the
Eighth Connecticut Regiment, who had
volunteered as a forlorn hope, joined
the engineers, and made a third effort
to lay the bridges. These gallant fel-
lows seized the planks, and carrying a
dozen or so to the end of the line of
boats, succeeded in placing some of
them, when they in turn were forced
to retire. The whole force being re-
called, an enfilading fire of artillery
was directed upon the enemy's rifle-pits
and cover within the houses of the city.
The pontooniers were now enabled to
complete their bridges, and our forces
crossed, driving the enemy back, and
took possession of Fredericksburg.
General Franklin constructed his bridges
below and threw over his troops, march-
ing with but slight molestation, and get-
ting his men into position with the loss
only of a few men.
Burnside's main body having thus
reached the opposite bank, it was deter-
mined to give battle to the enemy, who
were concentrated in full force under
General Lee, within their intrenched
position on the heights in the rear of
Fredericksburg. The preliminaries and
the conflict are well described in this
narrative by a correspondent of the New
York Tribune :
“FREDERICKSBURG, Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 P.M.
“Last evening, a general council of
war, attended by all the grand division,
corps, and division commanders, was
held at a late hour at General Sumner's
headquarters, at which General Burn-
side submitted and explained his plan
for the general attack he proposed to
make to-day on the position of the en-
emy. The plan comprised a simultane-
ous advance of our whole line upon the
enemy's strong positions on the hills in
front of the left and right grand divi-
sions, which were to be carried by sud-
den assaults upon the stronghold, of
select bodies of troops. It was in
keeping with the well-known boldness
and dash of its author, but some doubts
were expressed in the council of its
practicability by a number of those in
attendance. All, however, expressed
their readiness to undertake anything
ordered by the commander-in-chief, and
the necessary instructions were given to
commence a general movement upon
the enemy with daylight. The fog, that
kept the valley of the river and the
BATTLE OF FEEDERICKSBURG.
543
adjacent heights from view every day
this week, again prevented the com-
mencement of operations at the stated
time. Fortunately, however, it cleared
away early in the day, and about ten
o'clock orders were directed to the gen-
erals commanding the right and left
grand divisions, to prepare to charge
immediately the works respectively as-
signed to them.
“General Sumner and staff left their
headquarters about eleven o'clock, and
repaired to the Lacey House, from which
a full view of the scene of impending ac-
tion on the right grand division could be
obtained. General Sumner had select-
ed French’s division of General Couch's
corps for the advance of the attacking
column. Orders were given to move
from its position in the streets of Fred-
ericksburg next to the river to the out-
skirts of the town, form a line of battle
by brigades, and, preceded by a cloud
of skirmishers, move at a double-quick
upon the enemy's works. General
French was necessarily obliged to march
his troops in solid columns in parallel
streets. As soon as the heads of the
columns had emerged from the lower
into the higher portions of the streets,
the enemy's batteries opened upon them
from several points. Upon reaching
the outskirts of the town, the order
was given to deploy, but stone and
other fences prevented its ready execu-
tion. During the delay thus caused, the
troops were exposed to an enfilading
ſire, which taxed the endurance of the
troops most severely. The line being
formed at last, about noon the order to
advance was given. The line moved up
and over a low range of elevations, and
down toward the foot of the hills on
which the enemy's breast-works were
situated. From houses, rifle-pits, bar-
ricades across the road, and other shel-
ter, the rebel sharp-shooters now opened
from all sides with fearful effect. The
vigor of the fire of the rebel artillery
also steadily increased, and when the
line reached the foot of the second range
of hills, a perfect hail of lead fell upon
it. The advance, however, was contin-
ued until within a few hundred yards of
the crest of the hills, when a rapid suc-
cession of terrific volleys from long lines
of rebel infantry, suddenly rising in
front of their works, checked it. From
the position they had gained, our troops
now exchanged round after round with
the enemy, until their ammunition be-
came exhausted, and the line fell back
some distance, leaving nearly one-half
of its number on the field, to make
room for General Hancock's division.
This division advanced, likewise formed
in parallel lines of brigades. It moved
forward steadfastly up to the point
where French's had received its check,
when it was also stopped by the mur-
derous fire of the rebel infantry and
artillery. For two hours it alternately
replied to the enemy's musketry, and
attempted to make its way up the sec-
ond range of hills. Although unable to
advance, and continually losing num-
bers, it fought until its ammunition gave
out, when it was relieved by Howard's
division, and retired nearer to town.
|Howard's command went into action
544
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
about three o'clock. One after the
other of its brigades was advanced to
the front, but, like those of French and
Hancock's, did not succeed in reaching
the enemy's works. The last of it was
ordered to charge up the hill with the
bayonet, and moved forward in most
gallant style, but was checked, as all the
other troops had been.
“Shortly after French's division had
moved to the attack, Sturgis' division of
Wilcox's corps advanced over a parallel
road, on the left of our right, upon the
works and batteries covering the en-
emy's right flank. It experienced the
same difficulties in forming, in conse-
quence of obstructions on the ground,
as French's, but pushed forward with
the utmost determination, halting only
at times to open its way for musketry.
It reached within eighty yards of the
crest of the hill it aimed to take, but
having been fearfully weakened in num-
bers during its advance, had to halt. It
held the point gained for three hours.
“Notwithstanding it was confronted
by vastly superior numbers of infantry,
and enfiladed by batteries on each flank,
even after its ammunition had all been
spent, it did not give way, but firmly
held its ground until properly relieved
shortly before sunset. When Howard's
division moved to the front, the last of
the available force of Couch's corps,
forming our extreme right, was em-
ployed. Of Wilcox's corps, Getty's di-
vision, which had been held in reserve
during the day, was all that were at
command, after Sturgis' had been ex-
hausted by the severity of its protracted
struggle, Burns having been sent early
in the morning to establish connection
between the left and right, and not be-
ing within ready march. Fortunately,
however, Butterfield's corps of Hooker's
grand division, which was acting as a
reserve to the right, as Stoneman's was
to the left, came to the rescue when the
energies of Wilcox's and Couch's corps
had been nearly spent. It had com-
menced moving across the river, over
the upper and middle bridges, as soon
as the advance of Couch's and Wilcox's
troops furnished room for it on the
lower part of the town. It had all
moved across between four and five
o'clock. Shortly before dark, Hum-
phrey's and Griffin's divisions were or-
dered to advance to the front and re-
lieve the troops of General Couch on
the right, and those of Wilcox on the
left. They reached the front and formed
in line just before sunset, and at once
charged upon the enemy's works. Hum-
phrey's division came within a short dis-
tance of them, and Griffin's division
reached the point held by Sturgis, which
respective positions they have since oc-
cupied. During their advance the firing
from the rebel artillery reached the
highest intensity of the whole day, but,
ceased shortly after nightfall. Simul-
taneously with the advance of Griffin
and Humphrey, Getty's division moved
from its position up the valley of a little
stream skirting the town, and advanced
to the base of the hill occupied by the
rebel batteries on the extreme right,
driving the rebel infantry from behind
a stone wall, from which they had
POSITION OF UNION FORCES.
545
greatly troubled our troops during the
day. Here it lay during the night.
Sykes' division of Butterfield's corps
followed between Griffin and Humphrey
to the front, but arrived too late for ac-
tion. Thus ended the conflict between
our right and the rebel left,
“The lines of General Franklin, as
formed for the attack, represented an
obtuse angle, one line of which—Gen-
eral Reynolds’ corps—extended diago-
nally from the river bank—Smith's corps
in a line parallel with the river, and
formed on the right of Wilcox's corps.
The extreme left was three miles below
Fredericksburg, and the right of the left
grand division was less than two miles
from the town. The extent of General
Franklin's lines, then, was more than a
mile from right to left. The position of
the different divisions was as follows,
commencing on the right :
“First, Brooks' division, which lay
upon the ground along the road to Fred-
ericksburg, running parallel with the
river, and half way between it and the
rebel batteries.
“Howe's division formed on the left;
on his right joined Reynolds’ corps, the
first division of which, General Gibbons
commanding, took position in advance
beyond the road. Meade's division
formed an angle with Gibbons', and ex-
tended towards the river. Doubleday
was next to Meade, and rested on the
river. This, in general, was the posi-
tion of the left grand division when the
had moved cautiously in advance of our
lines for half a mile, when discovering
the enemy's pickets they fired upon
them. Cannonading soon commenced
in earnest. The hazy atmosphere of
the early part of the day having cleared
away so as to give to each of the con-
tending parties a view of the position
taken by the other, Hall's battery, the
Second Maine, discovered a battery of
the enemy in close proximity and
opened a rapid and vigorous fire upon
it. In a few moments the artillery fire
extended along the entire line. The
Second United States Artillery, Captain
Ranson, Cooper's battery of Pennsyl-
vania Reserves, and others, made and
received a severe attack. The skirmish-
ing was kept up as our lines advanced,
and the position of the enemy in the
woods was almost reached. A scatter-
ing musketry fire continued from the
first advance, about nine o'clock, till
noon, and with occasional lulls. The
cannonading was heavy and severe.
During the advance of the left grand
division upon the enemy's position, Ma-
jor-General Stoneman's corps, of the
second grand division, Hooker's, which
had moved to the vicinity of the river
the evening previous, moved over the
bridges. General Birney's division, on
the advance, moved toward the left to
the support of that portion of the line.
Great enthusiasm was excited among
the troops as the battle-flag of General
Birney, of Stoneman's corps, was seen
moving across the plain, in advance of
the corps in deep column, winding on-
action commenced. The first fire was
made by the skirmishers of the Thir-
teenth Massachusetts in our front. They
ward from the river.
546
THE WAR WITH THE SOU TH.
*ge
“General Birney had received orders
to place himself in position to support
the right of General Reynolds’ corps in
an attack which was momentarily ex-
pected to be made. Orders to advance
having been received, General Gibbons'
and General Meade's divisions were di-
rected to advance upon the enemy in
the woods and upon the hill, holding
position if support should come to them,
abandoning it in case they should be
too severely pressed. Now came the
most successful and determined effort on
this part of our line. The attack was
made from the point of intersection of
the angle formed by our lines already
referred to. This point was nearest to
the woods, and the enemy's shells were
falling thickly about it. Gibbons' divi-
sion and the Pennsylvania Reserves ad-
vanced boldly toward the works of the
enemy. They pushed determinedly
through the brushwood and bushes on to
a grove of cedars, and through these up
the hills toward the breast-works of the
enemy. The works were carried, many
prisoners captured, and the crest of the
hill gained ; not, however, without a
heavy loss. General Gibbons has fallen,
wounded in the arm, while leading his
command to the attack. The works of
the enemy at this point were gained, but
not held. The enemy, unfortunately,
possessed the strength to concentrate
overwhelming numbers of fresh troops
upon the threatened point, and for all
the valor of those who survived, and all
the sacrifices of those who fell, the po-
sition had to be abandoned, and our
troops were compelled to fall back to the
plain. They had penetrated beyond
the railroad and the Bowling Green
turnpike, through the woods and across
the outer works of the enemy, to the
top of the hill, and were then forced
back to this side of the railroad, where
they maintained their stand in advance
of that they had originally occupied.
In the mean time, General Doubleday
had been constantly pushing the enemy
upon the left. A most determined re-
sistance was made by the enemy as skir-
mishers and with reserves and artillery.
The fire, which during the afternoon
was kept on the left, told of the most
severe fighting. For full a mile the en-
emy was pressed back, contesting the
ground inch by inch, receiving and in-
flicting heavy loss. The enemy fell
back upon his defences, and the advan-
tage gained was indecisive. During
three successive advances and checks
along the centre and left grand division,
uninterrupted shelling was kept up by
the rebel batteries upon the bodies of
troops at different points of the plain.
At a large stone mansion near the centre
of our line, used as a field-hospital during
the day, an incessant fire was directed.
Near this building General Bayard found
an untimely death. A shell struck him
while sitting under a tree within a few
yards of General Franklin, in the leg,
without exploding. His leg was nearly
torn off, and he died in the course of
the evening. Toward the middle of the
afternoon, the firing along the lines of
the left grand division grew weaker and
gradually settled into a comparative lull.
Shortly before sunset, however, the fir-
RETREAT OF UNION ARMY.
wº-
ing on the extreme left was again re-
newed with vigor, and kept up until
after dark. At half-past five o'clock it
gradually died away, and at six o'clock
it had entirely ceased. On the left, as
well as on the right, the battle came
short of our expectations. We gained
some ground, but failed to realize the
main object of the day's work, namely,
the dislodgment of the enemy from their
intrenched position on the heights over-
looking the plain, held by the left, and
the town, occupied by the right division.
New efforts, new sacrifices of life, will
be required to accomplish it.
“By far the severest fighting occurred
on the right. All the generals that have
participated in the battle of Antietam
say that to-day's contest on this portion
of the line exceeded it in intensity.
The rebels had our troops at a disadvan-
tage. Their infantry fought principally
under cover, while their artillery had it
almost their own way, from its elevated
position. On the right it was found im-
possible to bring any of our artillery
into action, for want of proper positions
in the early part of the day, until late
in the afternoon, when a single battery,
Phillips', was employed in sections from
high points of the streets of the town.
At least sixty pieces played upon our
right from the enemies' batteries during
the greater portion of the day.” ” * *
After this severe check our army re-
mained but one day in Fredericksburg,
and then withdrew to its former position
Dec, on the left bank of the Rappahan-
15, nock. This perilous operation was
conducted during a stormy night, with
547
great skill and perfect success. “The
Army of the Potomac,” said General
Burnside, “was withdrawn to this side
of the Rappahannock River (the left),
because I felt fully convinced that
the position in front could not be car-
ried, and it was a military necessity
either to attack the enemy or re-
tire. A repulse would have been dis-
astrous to us under existing circum-
stances. The army was withdrawn
at night, without the knowledge of
the enemy and without loss, either
of property or men.” In this dispatch
to Major-General Halleck, general-in-
chief of the United States army, Gen-
eral Burnside states the reasons for his
movement, and assumes the full respon-
sibility of his action: :
“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, }
FALMoUTH, December 19, 1862.
“MAJOR-GENERAL II. W. HALLECK, GENERAL-
IN-CHIEF of UNITED STATES ARMY, WASII-
INGTON :
“GENERAL–I have the honor to of.
fer the following reasons for moving the
Army of the Potomac across the Rap-
pahannock sooner than was anticipated
by the President, Secretary of War, or
yourself, and for crossing at a point dif-
ferent from the one indicated to you at
our last meeting at the President's :
“During my preparations for crossing
at the place I had first selected, I dis-
covered that the enemy had thrown a
large portion of his force down the
river and elsewhere, thus weakening his
defences in front, and also thought I dis-
covered that he did not anticipate the
crossing of our whole force at Freder-
548
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
icksburg; and I hoped, by rapidly
throwing the whole command over at
that place, to separate, by a vigorous
attack, the forces of the enemy on the
river below from the forces behind and
on the crest, in the rear of the town, in
which case we could fight him with great
advantage in our favor. -
“To do this, we had to gain a height
on the extreme right of the crest, which
height commanded a new road lately
made by the enemy for purposes of
more rapid communication along his
lines; which point gained, his position
along the crest would have been scarcely
tenable, and he could have been driven
from it easily by an attack on his front
in connection with a movement in the
rear of the crest.
“How near we came to accomplishing
our object future reports will show.
But for the fog and unexpected and un-
avoidable delay in building the bridges,
which gave the enemy twenty-four
hours more to concentrate his forces in
his strong positions, we would almost
certainly have succeeded, in which case
the battle would have been, in my opin-
ion, far more decisive than if we had
crossed at the places first selected. As
it was, we came very near success.
“Failing in accomplishing the main
object, we remained in order of battle
two days—long enough to decide that the
enemy would not come out of his
strongholds to fight us with his infantry
—after which we recrossed to this side
of the river unmolested, without the
loss of men or property.
“As the day broke, our long lines of
troops were seen marching to their dif-
ferent positions as if going on parade.
Not the least demoralization or disor-
ganization existed. ‘.
“To the brave officers and soldiers
who accomplished the feat of thus re-
crossing the river in the face of the en-
emy, I owe everything.
“For the failure in the attack I am
responsible, as the extreme gallantry,
courage, and endurance shown by them
were never exceeded, and would have
carried the points had it been possible.
“To the families and friends of the
dead I can only offer my heartfelt sym-
pathies; but for the wounded I can
offer my earnest prayers for their com-
fortable and final recovery.
“The fact that I decided to move
from Warrenton on to this line, rather
against the opinion of the President,
Secretary of War, and yourself, and that
you left the whole movement in my
hands, without giving me orders, makes
me responsible.
“I will add here that the movement
was made earlier than you expected,
and after the President, Secretary, and
yourself requested me not to be in haste,
for the reason that we were supplied
much sooner by the different staff de-
partments than was anticipated when 1
last saw you.
“Our killed amounts to 1,152; our
wounded, to about 9,000; and our pris-
oners, to about 700, which last have
been parolled and exchanged for about
the same number taken by us.
“The wounded were all removed to
this side of the river, and are being well
1.EE'S REPORT.
549
cared for, and the dead were all buried
under a flag of truce. -
“The surgeons report a much larger
proportion of slight wounds than usual,
1,622 only being treated in hospitals.
“I am glad to represent the army at
the present time in good condition.
“Thanking the Government for that
entire support and confidence which I
have always received from them, I re-
main, General, very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
“A. E. BURNSIDE,
“Major-General Commanding the Army
of the Potomac.”
General Burnside subsequently cor-
rected his statement of the loss by de-
claring—“On the authority of Dr. Let-
terman, our medical director, the whole
number of wounded is between 6,000
and 7,000. About one-half of these are
receiving treatment in the hospitals.”
The following is General Lee's official
report of the battle of Fredericksburg:
“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NoFTHERN
VIRGINIA, December 14, 1862. }
“THE HONORABLE SECRETARY OF WAR, RICH-
MoRD, VIRGINIA:
“SIR—On the night of the 10th in-
stant the enemy commenced to throw
three bridges over the Rappahannock–
two at Fredericksburg, and the third
about a mile and a quarter below, near
the mouth of the Deep Run. The plain
on which Fredericksburg stands is so
completely commanded by the hills of
Stafford, in possession of the enemy,
that no effectual opposition could be of.
fered to the construction of the bridges
or the passage of the river, without ex-
posing our troops to the destructive fire
of his numerous batteries. Positions
were therefore selected to oppose his
advance after crossing. The narrowness
of the Rappahannock, its winding
course, and deep bed, afforded opportu-
nity for the construction of bridges at
points beyond the reach of our artillery,
and the banks had to be watched by
skirmishers. The latter, sheltering
themselves behind the houses, drove
back the working parties of the enemy
at the bridges opposite the city; but at
the lowest point of crossing, where no
shelter could be had, our sharp-shooters
were themselves driven off, and the
completion of the bridge was effected
about noon on the 11th.
“In the afternoon of that day, the
enemy's batteries opened upon the city,
and by dark had so demolished the
houses on the river bank as to deprive
our skirmishers of shelter, and, under
cover of his guns, he effected a lodg-
ment in the town. The troops which
had so gallantly held their position in
the city under the severe cannonade
during the day, resisting the advance of
the enemy at every step, were with-
drawn during the night, as were also
those who, with equal tenacity, had
maintained their post at the lowest
bridge.
“Under cover of darkness and a
dense fog, on the 12th, a large force
passed the river, and took position on
the right bank, protected by their
heavy guns on the left.
“On the morning of the 13th, his ar-
rangements for attack being completed,
I 52
550
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
about nine o'clock, the movement veiled
by a fog, he advanced boldly in large
force against our right wing. General
Jackson's corps occupied the right of
our line, which rested on the railroad ;
General Longstreet's the left, extending
along the heights to the Rappahannock,
above Fredericksburg; General Stuart,
with two brigades of cavalry, was posted
in the extensive plain on our extreme
right. As soon as the advance of the
enemy was discovered through the fog,
General Stuart, with his accustomed
promptness, moved up a section of his
horse artillery, which opened with ef-
fect upon his flank, and drew upon the
gallant Pelham a heavy fire, which he
sustained unflinchingly for about two
hours. -
“In the mean time the enemy was
fiercely encountered by General A. P.
Hill's division, forming General Jack-
son's right, and, after an obstinate com-
bat, repulsed. During this attack, which
was protracted and hotly contested, two
of General Hill's brigades were driven
back upon our second line. General
Early, with part of his division, being
ordered to his support, drove the enemy
back from the point of woods he had
seized, and pursued him into the plain,
until arrested by his artillery.
“The right of the enemy's column,
extending beyond Hill's front, encoun-
tered the right of General Hood, of
Longstreet's corps. The enemy took
possession of a small copse in front of
Hood, but were quickly dispossessed
and repulsed with loss.
“During the attack on our right, the
enemy was crossing troops over his
bridges at Fredericksburg, and massing
them in front of Longstreet's line.
Soon after his repulse on our right, he
commenced a series of attacks on our
left, with a view of obtaining possession
of the heights immediately overlooking
the town. These repeated attacks were
repulsed in gallant style by the Wash-
ington Artillery, under Colonel Walton,
and a portion of McLaw’s division,
which occupied these heights.
“The last assault was made after
dark, when Colonel Alexander's battal-
ion had relieved the Washington Artil-
lery, whose ammunition had been ex-
hausted, and ended the contest for the
day. -
“The enemy was supported in his
attacks by the fire of strong batteries of
artillery on the right bank of the river,
as well as by the numerous heavy bat-
teries on the Stafford Heights.
“Our loss during the operations, since
the movements of the enemy began,
amounts to about 1,800 killed and
wounded. Among the former, I regret
to report the death of the patriotic sol-
dier and statesman, Brigadier-General
Thomas R. R. Cobb, who fell upon our
left; and among the latter, that brave
soldier and accomplished gentleman,
Brigadier-General M. Gregg, who was
very seriously, and, it is feared, mortally,
wounded, during the attack on our right.
“The enemy to-day has been appa-
rently burying his dead. His troops
are visible in their first position in line
of battle, but with the exception of
some desultory cannonading and firing
EFFECT OF THE DISASTER.
551
between skirmishers, he has not at-
tempted to renew the attack.
“About 550 prisoners were taken
during the engagement, but the full ex-
tent of his loss is unknown.
“I have the honor to be, very re-
spectfully, your obedient servant,
“R. E. LEE,
“General in Command.”
On resuming his old position at Fal-
mouth, General Burnside concentrated
his forces, and thus called in the corps
under Sigel, which had been operating
on his right flank. Notwithstanding the
activity of Sigel, and an occasional suc-
cessful skirmish—as at Snicker's Ferry,
Now, where General Stahl routed a force
30, under the Confederate general,
White—some 2,000 cavalry, commanded
by General Hampton, succeeded in
eluding his vigilance and reaching Dum-
fries, in the rear of Burnside's army,
Dec, where the enemy captured a score
12, of men and some baggage and sut-
tlers' wagons. .
The disaster to the Union army at
Fredericksburg created a great com-
motion at the North. The people, so
often disappointed in their expecta-
tions of a success commensurate with
the means which had been so profusely
placed at the disposal of the Govern-
ment, now became impatient of its con-
duct of the war. A general cry of in-
dignation arose, artfully stimulated by
the opposition, against the party in
power. The President, Cabinet, and
General-in-Chief, held by popular opin-
ion responsible for the repeated failures
of the Union arms, and especially for
the disaster at Fredericksburg, were re-
spectively charged with incapacity. The
revelations in the course of the court of
inquiry in the case of General McDow.
| ell, and the court-martial on General
Porter, had prepared the people for the
discontent with the Government to
which they gave full utterance after the
defeat at Fredericksburg. From these le-
gal investigations, the fact of the inter-
ference of Mr. Lincoln and his cabinet
with the plans of military leaders, and
especially with those of the popular fa-
vorite, General McClellan, as testified
by him in the McDowell inquiry, be
came manifest. Public opinion, not
unnaturally, attributed to this interfer-
ence the repeated disasters of the Union
arms, and more particularly the ill suc-
cess of the Peninsular campaign against
Richmond. McClellan testified that, in
his belief, he could have taken the Con-
federate capital, had McDowell formed
a junction with him from Fredericks-
burg, and the latter general proved that
he would have done so, as he greatly
desired, had he not been ordered by the
Government to protect Washington
against its conjectural danger from the
enemy. With this proof of interfer-
ence and testimony as to its fatal con-
sequences, the people indignantly de-
nounced the Government as the guilty
party. A criminal, having been once
detected, is naturally marked, and
charged with the next offence commit-
ted. It was thus that no sooner was
the disaster at Fredericksburg known,
than popular indignation vented itself
upon a Government which had been
552
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
proved to be an old offender, General
Burnside, however, with a generous self-
sacrifice, came to the rescue of his in-
dicted superiors, by assuming in a letter
the full responsibility of the plan and
conduct of the attack upon Fredericks-
burg. -
Congress, in sympathy with the pop-
ular sentiment, appointed a joint com-
mittee on the conduct of the war, which,
after proceeding to the headquarters of
the Army of the Potomac, and taking
the testimony of the general, Burnside,
and his chief officers, published a report
on the battle of Fredericksburg. The
facts elicited proved that the plans and
the conduct of the battle had emanated
solely from General Burnside. This of
ficer, however, and his subordinates,
concurred in the opinion that an earlier
attempt would have been successful, and
that such would have been made, had
the pontoons arrived in time. It was
proved that General Halleck had so
far undertaken to provide them, as
to send a telegraphic order for them to
Washington, but relieved himself from
any further responsibility in the mat-
ter by testifying to the Congressional
committee that he had told General
Burnside “that everything was at
his requisition ; he must make his own
requisitions and give his own orders;
that I would not interfere, except to
assist in carrying his views out as
much as I could ; whenever anything
was reported to me as not being done,
that I would render all the assistance
in my power ; and just previous to
that time, with reference to a requisi-
tion which he had sent me, I told him
not to send me any requisitions, but to
make them on the proper heads of de-
partments, and if they did not do their
duty, then immediately report it to me;
but that I could not attend to any re-
quisitions at all.” General Burnside did
unfortunately trust to General Halleck
for the pontoons. “I supposed,” he
says, “ of course, that those portions of
the plan which required to be attended
to at Washington would be carried out
there at once.” He, however, frankly
adds: “I could have sent officers of my
own there to attend to these matters, and
perhaps I made a mistake in not doing
so, as General Halleck afterward told
me that I ought not have trusted to
them in Washington for the details.”
The extreme Republican members of
Congress took the occasion of the pop-
ular discontent with the Administration
to urge upon the President a change in
his cabinet. They especially indicated
the Secretary of State for dismission,
with whom the ultraists of his party
had been long dissatisfied in conse-
quence of his suspected moderation.
Mr. Seward, on discovering this move-
ment to eject him, sent in his resigna-
tion. Mr. Chase, the Secretary of the
Treasury, though far from obnoxious to
the faction so hostile to his associate,
being indignant at this interference, also
resigned. The President, however, de-
termined to retain them, and finally
prevailed upon both to remain in his
cabinet.
FOSTER IN NORTH CAROLINA,
553
CHAPTER xxx Ix.
Co-operative Movements with Burnside.—Advance of General Foster in North Carolina.-Success of Foster at Kinston.
—Movement to Whitehall and Goldsboro.—Attack on the Wilmington and Weldon Railway.—Return of Foster to
Newbern.—Compelled to return by the advance of the Enemy in force.—Movements from Norfolk to Suffolk.-
Hopes from Banks' great Expedition.—Disappointment in regard to its destination.—Banks at New Orleans.—General
Hamilton, of Texas.—Removal of General Butler from New Orleans.—Causes.—Farewell Order of Butler.—Banks'
Proclamation.—Promise of a more Conciliatory Policy.—Anomalous duty of Judge Peabody.—Activity of Banks.
—Capture of Baton Rouge.—The Enemy retire to Port Hudson.—Formidable Defences. -
IN order to co-operate with Burn-
side in his designs on Richmond,
the Union army—numbering about
20,000 men, concentrated at Newbern,
under the command of General Fos-
ter, accompanied by a flotilla of gun-
Dec. boats moving up the Neuse River
ll. —marched into the north-eastern
part of North Carolina, with a view of
destroying the enemy's railway commu-
nications between Richmond and the
South, and forming a junction with the
Federal forces at Suffolk and Norfolk.
After a continued series of skirmishes,
Foster met the enemy in considerable
force under General Evans, at Kinston,”
*
1862,
where a spirited engagement took place,
in which the Union arms were Dec.
victorious. The enemy lost 200 *
killed and wounded, 400 who were
taken prisoners, eleven pieces of artil-
lery, 500 stands of arms, and a consid-
erable quantity of stores and ammuni-
tion. The Union loss was about 200 in
killed and wounded. Having taken
possession of Kinston, which was par-
tially burned, General Foster moved
upon Whitehall and Goldsboro, whence
he drove the enemy. Having destroyed
a half-finished iron-clad boat, a number
of bridges, some six miles of the Wil-
mington and Weldon Railway, and the
& “HEADQUARTERs DEPARTMENT OF North CAROLINA, |
KINSTON, N. C., Dec. 14, 1862.
“MAJOR-GENERAL HALLECK, GENERAL-IN-CHIEF, WASH-
INGTON :
“I have the honor to inform you that I left Newbern
for this place on the 11th inst., but that, owing to the
bad roads and consequent delays of my trains, etc., I did
not reach Southwest Creek, five miles from this town, un-
til the afternoon of the 13th instant. The enemy were
posted there, but by a heavy artillery fire in front and a
vigorous infantry attack on either flank, I succeeded in
forcing a passage, and without much loss. -
“This morning I advanced on this town, and found the
enemy strongly posted at a defile through a marsh bor-
dering on a creek. The position was so well chosen that
very little of our artillery could be brought in play. The
main attack, therefore, was made by the infantry, assisted
by a few guns pushed forward in the roads. After a five
hours' hard fight we succeeded in driving the enemy from
their position. We followed them rapidly to the river.
The bridge over the Neuse at this point was prepared for
firing, and was fired in six places; but we were so close
behind them that we saved the bridge.
“The enemy retreated precipitately by the Goldsboro
and Pikeville roads. Their force was about 6,000 men
and twenty pieces of artillery.
“The result is, we have taken Kinston, captured eleven
pieces of artillery, taken 400 to 500 prisoners, and found
a large amount of quartermasters' and commissary stores.
Our loss will probably not exceed 200 killed and wounded
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
“J. G. FostER, Major-General Commanding.’
554
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.

telegraph line, he returned to Newbern
after an absence of eight days. Foster
thus briefly summed up, the results of
his expedition:
“HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT of NoFTH }
CAROLINA, Dec. 20, 1862.
“MAJOR-GEN. HALLECK, GENERAL-IN-CHIEF:
“My expedition was a perfect success.
I burned the railroad bridge at Golds-
boro and Mount Olive, and tore up sev-
eral miles of the track of the Wilming-
ton and Weldon Railroad.
“We fought four engagements, viz.:
at Southwest Creek, Kinston, Whitehall,
and Goldsboro, and whipped the enemy
handsomely each time.
“J. G. FosTER,
“Brigadier-General Commanding.”
The expedition of General Foster,
however skilfully conducted, was ren-
dered abortive by the failure of Burn-
side at Fredericksburg. The enemy,
being relieved by their victory from any
immediate danger to their capital from
that quarter, were enabled to send re- |
inforcements to defend its approaches
in other directions. Thus they not only
compelled General Foster to retire to
his base of operations at Newbern, but
succeeded in keeping in check the
movements of the Union troops from
Norfolk and Suffolk, which had been
occupied after the capture of the former
city, intended also to be co-operative
with the advance of General Burnside
upon Fredericksburg.
Though the first United States expe-
Dec, dition which started for Suffolk suc-
| ceeded in driving the enemy across
the Blackwater River at Franklin, recap-
turing the celebrated Pittsburg battery,
and taking thirty prisoners, the second
from the same place resulted in total
failure. General Terry set out Dec,
with a detachment of troops and a 11.
pontoon train to cross the Blackwater,
but being met by a superior force of
the enemy, was forced to retire, though
fortunately with a loss only of three
killed and wounded, for which he was
compensated by the capture of thirteen
prisoners.
When the disaster to the Union arms
at Fredericksburg became known, it was
hoped that the great naval and military
expedition, which had been so long
preparing at New York, was destined
to operate on the south of Richmond,
either by North Carolina or the James
River. The people at the North hoped
that thus the defeat of their army in
front might be avenged by a signal suc-
cess in the rear, and the capture of the
enemy's capital secured, in spite of
Burnside's check on the Rappahannock.
These hopes, however, were disappoint-
ed. General Banks, who had sailed from
New York on the evening of December
4th, in his flag-ship the steamer North
Star, arrived at New Orleans on the
14th of the same month. He was ac-
companied by a large fleet of men-of-
war and transports, though many of
his vessels had been detained on the
voyage in consequence of various mis-
haps, owing to the unseaworthiness of
the miscellaneous craft which had been
carelessly pressed into the service. On
the arrival of General Banks at New
Orleans, he immediately assumed the
GENERAL BANKS AT NEW ORLEANS.
555
command at that city, which was estab-
lished as the basis of great military and
naval operations, to be carried on for
the further subjugation of Louisiana,
the full conquest of the Mississippi
River, the capture of the enemy's posts
in the Gulf of Mexico, and the re-estab-
lishment of the Federal authority in
Texas. To aid in this last object, Gen-
eral Banks was accompanied by General
A. J. Hamilton, who had been ap-
pointed by the President military gov-
ernor of Texas.
Hamilton, though a Southern man by
birth, having been born in Alabama,
whence he had emigrated to Texas, had,
on the breaking out of the rebellion,
signalized himself as a firm advocate of
the Union. Persecuted by the seces-
sionists, he had been forced to fly from
his home, and escaping through Mexico
to New York, became prominent for his
advocacy of the extermination of slav-
ery, as a means of prosecuting the war
for the Union. His loyalty and politi-
cal sympathy with the Government, as
well as his supposed influence in Texas,
where as a lawyer and a member of
Congress he had been much esteemed,
marked him out as a suitable person to
assist in executing the design of encour-
aging the Union sentiment of his State.
General Butler, whose rigid rule at
New Orleans had, by its interference
with their representatives, aroused the
susceptibilities of foreign nations, was
superseded, in politic concession, it was
suspected, to the remonstrances of Eu-
ropean powers.
General Butler, on yielding up his
command to General Banks, took leave
of the army in a farewell order, in which
he dwelt, with characteristic self-gratu-
lation, upon a career whose motives and
conduct had been so variously esti-
mated. In this address to the people
of New Orleans, Butler repeated the
complacent remarks upon himself, and
added some observations upon the con-
duct of others, singularly indiscreet on
the part of an officer of a Government
at peace with those whose actions he
held up to scorn.
“ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANs.
“CITIZENS OF NEW ORLEANs:
“It may not be inappropriate, as it is
not inopportune in occasion, that there
should be addressed to you a few words
at parting, by one whose name is to be
hereafter indissolubly connected with
your city.
“I shall speak in no bitterness, be-
cause I am not conscious of a single
personal animosity. Commanding the
Army of the Gulf, I found you cap-
tured, but not surrendered ; conquered,
but not orderly; relieved from the pres-
ence of an army, but incapable of tak-
ing care of yourselves. So far from it,
you had called upon a foreign legion to
protect you from yourselves. I restored
order, punished crime, opened commerce,
brought provisions to your starving peo-
ple, reformed your currency, and gave
you quiet protection, such as you had
not enjoyed for many years.
“While doing this, my soldiers were
subjected to obloquy, reproach, and
insult.
“And now, speaking to you who
556
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
know the truth, I here declare that
whoever has quietly remained about his
business, affording neither aid nor com-
fort to the enemies of the United States,
has never been interfered with by the
soldiers of the United States. -
“The men who had assumed to gov-
ern you and to defend your city in arms
having fled, some of your women flouted
at the presence of those who came to
protect them. By a simple order (No.
28) I called upon every soldier of this
army to treat the women of New Or-
ieans as gentlemen should deal with the
sex, with such effect that I now call
upon the just-minded ladies of New
Orleans to say whether they have ever
enjoyed so complete protection and calm
quiet for themselves and their families,
as since the advent of the United States
troops.
“The enemies of my country, unre-
pentant and implacable, I have treated
with merited severity. I hold that re-
bellion is treason, and that treason per-
sisted in is death, and any punishment
short of that due a traitor gives so much
clear gain to him from the clemency of
the Government. Upon this thesis have
I administered the authority of the
United States, because of which I am
aot urºconscious of complaint. I do not
feel that I have erred in too much harsh-
ness, for that harshness has ever been
exhibited to disloyal enemies of my
country, and not to loyal friends. To
be sure, I might have regaled you with
the amenities of British civilization, and
yet been within the supposed rules of
civilized warfare.
You might have
been Smoked to death in caverns, as
were the Covenanters of Scotland by
command of a general of the royal
house of England; or roasted like the
inhabitants of Algiers during the French
campaign ; your wives and daughters
might have been given over to the rav-
isher, as were the unfortunate dames of
Spain in the Peninsular war; or you
might have been scalped and toma-
hawked, as our mothers were at Wyo-
ming by the savage allies of Great
Britain in our own Revolution ; your
property could have been turned over
to indiscriminate ‘loot,” like the palace
of the emperor of China ; works of art
which adorned your buildings might
have been sent away, like the paintings
of the Vatican ; your sons might have
been blown from the mouths of cannon,
like the Sepoys at Delhi; and yet this
would have been within the rules of
civilized warfare, as practiced by the
most polished and the most hypocritical
nations of Europe. For such acts the
records of the doings of some of the
inhabitants of your city towards the
friends of the Union, before my coming,
were a sufficient provocative and justifi-
cation.
“But I have not so conducted. On
the contrary, the worst punishment in-
flicted, except for criminal acts punish-
able by every law, has been banishment
with labor to a barren island, where I
encamped my own soldiers before
marching here.
“It is true I have levied upon the
wealthy rebel and paid out nearly half
a million of dollars, to feed 40,000 of
BANKS ON SLAVERY.
557
the starving poor of all nations assem-
bled here, made so by this war.
“I saw that this rebellion was a war
of the aristocrats against the middling
men ; of the rich against the poor; a
war of the land-owner against the la-
borer; that it was a struggle for the re- |
tention of power in the hands of the
few against the many; and I found no
conclusion to it save the subjugation of
the few and the disenthralment of the
many. I therefore felt no hesitation in
taking the substance of the wealthy,
who had caused the war, to feed the in-
nocent poor, who had suffered by the
war. And I shall now leave you with
the proud consciousness that I carry
with me the blessings of the humble
and loyal under the roof of the cottage
and in the cabin of the slave, and so am
quite content to incur the sneers of the
salon or the curses of the rich.
“I found you trembling at the terrors
of servile insurrection. All danger of
this I have prevented by so treating the
slave that he had no cause to rebel.
“I found the dungeon, the chain, and
the lash your only means of enforcing
obedience in your servants. I leave
them peaceful, laborious, controlled by
the laws of kindness and justice.
“I have demonstrated that the pesti-
lence can be kept from your borders.
“I have added a million of dollars to
your wealth, in the form of new land
from the batture of the Mississippi.
“I have cleansed and improved your
streets, canals, and public squares, and
opened new avenues to unoccupied land.
“I have given you freedom of elec-
tions, greater than you have ever en-
joyed before.
“I have caused justice to be adminis-
tered so impartially, that your own ad-
vocates have unanimously complimented
the judges of my appointment. -
“You have seen, therefore, the benefit
of the laws and justice of the Govern-
ment against which you have rebelled.
“Why, then, will you not all return
to your allegiance to that Government,
not with lip-service, but with the heart?
“I conjure you, if you desire ever to
see renewed prosperity, giving business
to your streets and wharves —if you
hope to see your city become again the
mart of the Western world, fed by its
rivers for more than 3,000 miles, drain-
ing the commerce of a country greater
than the mind of man hath ever con-
ceived—return to your allegiance.
“If you desire to leave to your chil-
dren the inheritance you received of
your fathers — a stable constitutional
government—if you desire that they
should in the future be a portion of the
greatest empire the sun ever shone
upon—return to your allegiance.
“There is but one thing that stands
in the way.
“There is but one thing that at this
hour stands between you and the Gov-
ernment, and that is slavery.
“The institution, cursed of God,
which has taken its last refuge here, in
his providence will be rooted out as the
tares from the wheat, although the
wheat be torn up with it.
“I have given much thought to this
subject.
153
558
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“I came among you, by teachings,
by habit of mind, by political position,
by social affinity, inclined to sustain
your domestic laws, if by possibility
they might be with safety to the Union.
“Months of experience and observa-
tion have forced the conviction that the
existence of slavery is incompatible with
the safety either of yourselves or of the
Union. As the system has gradually
grown to its present huge dimensions, it
were best if it could be gradually re-
moved ; but it is better, far better, that
it should be taken out at once, than that
it should longer vitiate the social, polit-
ical, and family relations of your coun-
try. I am speaking with no philan-
thropic views as regards the slave, but
simply of the effect of slavery on the
master. See for yourselves.
“Look around you and say whether
this saddening, deadening influence has
not all but destroyed the very frame-
work of your society. -
“I am speaking the farewell words
of one who has shown his devotion to
his country at the peril of his life and
fortune, who in these words can have
neither hope nor interest save the good
of those whom he addresses; and let
me here repeat, with all the solemnity
of an appeal to Heaven to bear me wit-
ness, that such are the views forced
upon me by experience. -
“Come, then, to the unconditional
support of the Government. Take into
your own hands your own institutions;
remodel them according to the laws of
nations and of God, and thus attain that
great prosperity assured to you by geo-
graphical position, only a portion of
which was heretofore yours.
• ‘ “BENJ. F. BUTLER.”
General Banks, in his new orders and
proclamation, showed himself to be more
modest in expression, and promised to
be more lenient in policy, than his pre-
decessor. The first act of the new com-
mander was to arrest the further sale of
confiscated property, which had been
hitherto carried on so extensively and
conducted in a manner so equivocal as
to excite suspicion, not only of its jus-
tice, but of its expediency. In order to
regulate such proceedings in the future
by the forms if not the enactments of
established law, Charles A. Peabody,
formerly judge of the Supreme Court
of New York, had been endowed by
the President with extraordinary judi-
cial powers, and sent out with General
Banks to perform the anomalous duty
of reconciling martial with legal re-
quirements.
In his proclamation General Banks
addressed the people such words of con-
ciliation as encouraged them to hope
for a charity of sentiment and a liber-
ality of treatment of which they had
despaired under the severe rule of his
predecessor.
The following was General Banks'
proclamation :
“HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, }
NEW ORLEANs, Dec. 16, 1862. -
“In obedience to orders from the
President, I have assumed command of
the Department of the Gulf, to which is
added, by his special order, the State of
Texas. - - - .
BANKS PROCLAMATION.
559
“This duty with which I am charged
requires me to assist in the restoration
of the Government of the United States.
It is my desire to secure to the people
of every class all the privileges of pos-
session and enjoyment which are con-
sistent with public safety, or which it is
possible for a beneficent and just Gov-
ernment to confer.
“In the execution of the high trust
with which I am charged, I rely upon
the co-operation and counsel of all loyal
and well-disposed people, and upon the
manifest interest of those dependent up-
on the pursuits of peace, as well as upon
the support of the naval and land forces.
“My instructions require me to treat
as enemies those who are enemies; but
I shall gladly regard as friends those
who are friends. No restrictions will be
placed upon the freedom of individuals
which are not imperatively demanded
by considerations of public safety; but
while their claims will be liberally con-
sidered, it is due also to them to state
that all the rights of the Government
will be unflinchingly maintained.
“Respectful consideration and prompt
reparation will be accorded to all per-
sons who are wronged in body or estate
by those under my command.
“The Government does not profit
by the prolongation of civil contest, or
the private or public sufferings which
attend it. Its fruits are not equally dis-
tributed. In the disloyal States, deso-
lation has empire on the sea and on the
land. In the North the war is an abid-
ing Sorrow, but not yet a calamity. Its
cities and towns are increasing in popu-
lation, wealth, and power. The refugees
from the South alone compensate in
great part for the terrible decimations
of battle.
“The people of this department who
are disposed to stake their fortunes and
their lives upon resistance to the Gov-
ernment may wisely reflect upon the
immutable conditions which surround
them. The valley of the Mississippi is
the chosen seat of population, product,
and power on this continent. In a few
years, twenty-five millions of people,
unsurpassed in material resources and
capacity for war, will swarm upon its
fertile shores. Those who assume to set
conditions upon their exodus to the
Gulf count upon a power not given to
man. The country washed by the wa-
ters of the Ohio, the Missouri, and the
Mississippi can never be permanently
severed. If one generation basely bar-
ters away its rights, immortal honors will
rest upon another that reclaims them.
“Let it never be said either that the
East and the West may be separated.
Thirty days' distance from the markets
of Europe may satisfy the wants of
Louisiana and Arkansas, but it will not
answer the demands of Illinois and Ohio.
The valley of the Mississippi will have
its deltas upon the Atlantic. The phys-
ical force of the West will debouch
upon its shores with a power as resist-
less as the torrents of its giant rivers.
The country cannot be permanently di-
vided. Ceaseless wars may drain its
blood and treasure—domestic tyrants or
foreign foes may grasp the sceptre of
its power—but its destiny will remain
560
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
unchanged. It will still be united. God |
has ordained it. What avails, then, the
destruction of the best government ever
devised by man—the self-adjusting, self-
correcting Constitution of the United
States ? - -
“People of the Southwest Why
not accept the conditions imposed by
the imperious necessities of geographi-
cal configuration and commercial su-
premacy, and re-establish your ancient
prosperity and renown 2 Why not be-
come the founders of states which, as
the entrepôts and dépôts of your own
central and upper valleys, may stand, in
the affluence of their resources, without
a superior, and, in the privileges of the
people, without a peer, among the na-
tions of the earth 7
“N. P. BANKs,
“Major-General Commanding.”
General Banks did not allow his con-
ciliatory disposition to weaken his en-
ergies in carrying on the war against the
enemy. He had hardly been two days
in New Orleans when he sent out Dec.
an expedition of gun-boats and 16.
transports laden with troops, under the
command of General Grover, to take
possession of Baton Rouge, the capital
of Louisiana, which had been evacu-
ated by General Butler. The enemy
offering no resistance, the almost de-
'serted city was occupied by the Union
troops.
The Confederate forces had abandon-
ed the place to concentrate at Port Hud-
son, on the Mississippi, where they had
raised formidable fortifications to aid in
the defence of that portion of the river
extending to Wicksburg, of which they
still held the command.
BATTLE OF CANE HILL. 561
C EIA P T E R X. L.
The Enemy on the Borders of Missouri.-General Blunt's attack at Cane Hill.—Victory for the Unionists.-Retreat of
General Marmaduke.—The Enemy reinforced, return to attack Blunt at Cane Hill.—The Enemy repulsed.—Re-
markable Victory of Blunt. — Retreat and Pursuit of the Enemy. —Schofield resumes command of the Union
Forces.—Prepares to march into Arkansas. –Missouri temporarily quiet.—A Loyal Legislature.—Majority in favor
of Slave Emancipation.—Missouri again invaded.—Marmaduke eludes the vigilance of the Unionists, and attacks
Springfield.—The Enemy repulsed, return to Arkansas.--Movements in the Southwest.—Rosecrans supersedes Buell
in Tennessee.—Advance of General Grant through Mississippi.-Unsuccessful efforts of Hovey and Sherman to
co-operate.—The Enemy in the rear of Grant.—Dashing movements of Van Dorn.—Capture of Holly Springs.-
Great booty.—Grant denounces the conduct of the Union officer in command of Holly Springs.-Grant forced to
return.—Success of Sullivan.—Activity of the Enemy’s Cavalry.—Alarm produced.—Fright at New Madrid and
No. 10.-The Enemy concentrating at Vicksburg under command of Pemberton.—Expedition of General Sher-
man.—Fortifications of Vicksburg.—Visit of Jefferson Davis.-Sherman at the mouth of the Yazoo.—Attack on
Vicksburg.—Failure of Sherman.—McClernand assumes the command.—Capture of Arkansas Post.—Action of the
Fleet.—Successes on White River.—General Grant returns to Memphis.--Another Expedition to Wicksburg.—Gen-
eral Grant in command.—Arrival at Young's Point.—The Strength of the Enemy.
THE Confederate forces continuing to
hover about the borders of Arkan-
sas with the view of invading Mis-
souri, a division of the Union army un-
der General Blunt made forced marches
Now, and attacked the enemy at Cane
28. Hill. The battle lasted several
hours, and resulted in a complete vic-
tory for the Union arms. General Mar-
maduke, the Confederate commander,
was forced to abandon his position and
fly precipitately with his troops until
he reached Van Buren. General Blunt
encamped on the battle-field. The
strength of the enemy was estimated at
nearly 8,000, while that of the Union-
ists was only 5,000. The losses were
heaviest on the part of the Confeder-
ates, but on neither side great. The
enemy having succeeded in concentrat-
ing their detached troops in Arkansas,
again advanced with an army now num-
1862,
bering 24,000 men, and attempted to
drive General Blunt from the position
he held at Cane Hill, and at the same
time strove to cut off the reinforce-
ments he was awaiting. The struggle
and the remarkable victory over supe-
rior numbers by Blunt are best de-
scribed in his own words. This was
his official report:
“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER,
BATTLE FIELD, NEAR FAYETTEVILLE,
JDecember 8, 1862.
“To MAJOR-GENERAL CURTIs:
“This place on yesterday was the
scene of a hard-fought and bloody field,
resulting in a complete victory of the
Army of the Frontier.
“The rebel forces, under Generals
Hindman, Marmaduke, Parsons, and
Frost, numbered 24,000. I had been
holding the enemy on the Boston Moun-
tains for two days, skirmishing with
562
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
their advance, holding them in check
until General Hèrron could come up
with reinforcements.
“On the 7th they drove in my out-
posts, and got possession of a road by
which they commenced a flank move-
ment on my left during the night, while
they made a heavy feint in front. Their
object was to cut off communication be-
tween myself and General Herron, who
was to be at Fayetteville at daylight.
“They attacked General Herron at
about ten o'clock A.M., who, by gallant
and desperate fighting, held them in
check for three hours, until I came and
attacked them in the rear. The fighting
was desperate on both sides, and con-
tinued until it was terminated by the
darkness of the night.
“My command bivouacked on their
arms, ready to renew the conflict at
daylight in the morning. But the en-
emy had availed themselves of the night
to retreat across the Boston Mountains.
“The loss on both sides has been
heavy. My loss in killed is small in
proportion to the number of wounded.
The enemy's loss, compared with ours,
was at least four to one. My artillery
made terrible destruction in their ranks.
They had greatly the advantage in num-
bers and position. Yet Generals Hind-
man and Marmaduke acknowledged to
me, in an interview under a flag of truce,
that they had been well whipped.
“Among the enemy's killed is Colo-
nel Stein, formerly brigadier-general
of the Missouri State Guard.
“The Nineteenth and Twentieth Iowa,
Thirty-seventh Illinois, and Twenty-
sixth Indiana regiments, of General Her-
ron's division, suffered severely.
“General Herron deserves great
credit for the promptness with which he
reinforced me by forced marches from
near Springfield, and also for his gal-
lantry upon the field.
“Very respectfully,
“JAS. G. BLUNT,
“Brigadier-General.”
The enemy, whose loss was estimated
at 4,000, were so discouraged by their
defeat at Prairie Grove, as the battle-
field was called, that they seemed in-
capable of further serious resistance to
the Union forces, which continued to
advance, driving before them the Con-
federates, who were forced to evacuate
Van Buren, cross the Arkansas River,
and seek a refuge in Arkadelphia, fifty-
five miles southwest of Little Rock, the
capital of the State. The enemy were
reputed to be greatly demoralized for
want of supplies, and to have lost thou-
sands by straggling and desertion. This
is the official report of General Blunt:
“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, !
WAN BUREN, ARK., JDec. 28, 1862.
“MAJOR-GENERAL CURTIs:
“GENERAL – The Stars and Stripes
now wave in triumph over Van Buren.
On learning that Hindman had been re-
inforced, and contemplated making an-
other attempt to force his way to Mis-
souri, I determined to make the attack
upon him. Leaving my transportation
north of the mountains, I marched from
Prairie Grove at eight o'clock yester-
day morning upon this place, distant
fifty miles.
CONDITION OF MIssouri.
563
“At ten o'clock this morning my ad-
vance came upon two regiments of rebel
cavalry at Dripping Springs, eight miles
north of the river. Dashing upon them
with 3,000 cavalry and four mountain
howitzers, a brisk running fight took
place, which was kept up into the town,
resulting in the capture of all their
transportation, forty wagons, with six
mule teams, all their camp and garrison
equipage, one hundred prisoners, and a
large amount of ammunition.
“Four steamers and a ferry-boat
were also captured. The latter, in at-
tempting to cross the river with rebel
troops, was shelled from the howitzers
when in the middle of the stream. The
boat was disabled and a number of the
men were killed. The remainder jumped
overboard and swam ashore.
“Three large steamers, heavily laden
with government supplies, had got up
steam and attempted to escape down the
river, but were pursued by the cavalry
five miles and brought to by the fire of
their carbines and returned to the levee.
The enemy then brought their artillery
to the opposite bank of the river, and
commenced shelling the town for the
purpose of driving out my cavalry, but
resulting in no other damage than the
destruction of some buildings. My ar-
tillery, coming up, soon silenced their
batteries. Quite a number of the en-
emy have been killed during the day's
operations. The only casualties on
our side are five or six men slightly
wounded. -
“My long-range guns are now shell-
ing the rebel camp across the river, five
miles below this place. If the enemy
does not retreat during the night, I shall
endeavor to cross my troops over the
river in the morning and offer them bat-
tle. Respectfully,
“JAMES G. BLUNT,
“Brigadier-General Commanding.
Major-General Curtis, the comman-
der-in-chief of the Department of the
Frontier, paid this tribute to the ener-
getic pursuit by General Blunt : “The
march of fifty-five miles, with arms and
service, over the mountains and through
the deep mud of the valley, was a most
gallant and arduous affair.”
General Schofield, having recovered
from his illness, resumed the com- Dec.
mand of the Army of the Fron- 31.
tier, and prepared, after concentrating
his forces at Fayetteville, to move for-
ward into that portion of Arkansas
from which the enemy had been driven
by the energy of General Blunt.
Missouri, by the success of the “Fron-
tier Army” upon its borders, now
seemed once more secure from invasion.
The guerrilla bands, moreover, which
had long disturbed the interior of the
State, had been so beaten and dispersed,
that little fear of future raids was felt.
While the military power, under the
command of General Curtis, had thus
been effectively exercised in behalf of
the Federal authority in Missouri, the
citizens of the State, by electing a loyal
legislature, the majority of which was
in favor of accepting the proposition of
President Lincoln for compensatory
emancipation, strengthened their sym-
pathies with the North. It was hoped
564
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
that Missouri, thus guarded by the Fed-
eral arms and revolutionized by political
change, would no longer have anything
to fear from the secessionists either with-
out or within. --
Notwithstanding the hopeful condi-
tion of the much vexed Missouri, after
the vaunted victories of the Union arms
in Arkansas, the enemy succeeded—to
use a huntsman's phrase—in doubling
upon their pursuers, and once more made
their appearance in the very centre of
the former State. General Marmaduke,
who had been driven across the Arkan-
sas River, and reputed so beaten as to
be no longer capable of assuming the
offensive, succeeded in eluding the Un-
ion troops in Arkansas, and crossing the
Missouri boundary, suddenly made an
Jan, attack upon Springfield, with the
8, hope of capturing the valuable
stores at that important point. Fortu-
mately, however, the Union commander,
General Brown, was a man equal to the
emergency. Though taken by surprise,
and wounded early in the engagement,
he succeeded in beating off his assailants.
In his official report to General Curtis,
dated Springfield, January 8, 1863,
General Brown thus describes the
affair :
“SPRINGFIELD, Jan. 8, 1863.
“To MAJOR-GENERAL CURTIs:
“The firing has just ceased. The at-
tack was made at ten minutes past ten
this morning. The fight lasted thirteen
hours. The enemy were in command of
General Marmaduke, Confederate States
Army, consisting of 5,000 picked
mounted infantry and two pieces of ri-
fled field artillery, drawn by ten horses
each. The expedition was fitted out in
this manner on the Arkansas River, for
the especial service of the capture of
Springfield, with the fort and large dé-
pôts of stores. They moved with great
rapidity, marching the last fifty miles in
twenty-four hours, skirmishing with my
scouting parties almost the entire dis-
tance. He moved right up, and imme-
diately commenced the fight by cannon-
ading the town, without having given a
moment's time to remove the sick and
the helpless women and children. Our
artillery consisted of two old iron
twelve-pounder howitzers, one iron six-
pounder, rudely mounted on old wagon
wheels, and without any of the ordinary
equipments for artillery, handspikes and
wedges having to take the place of el-
evating-screws, and two six-pounder
brass guns at Fort No. 1. The balance
of our force consisted of the following-
named commands and detachments of
commands:
“Third Cavalry, Missouri State militia,
commanded by Colonel N. King, 453
IOO 62]].
“Fourth Cavalry, Missouri State mili-
tia, commanded by George H. Hall, 289
Iſle Il.
“Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, com-
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas
Z. Cook, 378 men.
“Second battalion Fourteenth Cav-
alry, Missouri State militia, commanded
by Lieutenant-Colonel John Pound, 223
IO 62I).
“Seventy-second E. M. M.,
manded by Captain G. B. Phillips.
COIO-
ADVANCE OF GRANT.
565
“Forty-eight convalescents, organized
by Dr. S. H. Melcher, and stragglers,
commanded by Colonel B. Crabb and
Captain McAfee, 447 men.
“Total force, 2,599 men.
“These troops acted like heroes. I
am too weak from loss of blood to dic-
tate more. E. B. BROWN,
“Brigadier-General.”
“I will add to the General's dispatch
that he was treacherously shot from a
secesh residence, while leading a charge
of his body-guard when the day seemed
to be lost. Very respectfully your obe-
dient servant,
“JAMES H. STEGER,
“Assistant Adjutant-General.”
When the general advance north-
ward of the enemy's various forces was
checked, and they were compelled to
fall back, the Union armies began simul-
taneously to follow them in their retreat.
General Marmaduke, after failing in his
attempt upon Springfield, made other
equally ineffectual attacks upon various
places, and finally fled back to Arkan-
sas, where he arrived in safety, though
pursued by all the available Union
troops.
In Virginia, as has been related, Mc-
Clellan advanced upon the enemy until
superseded by General Burnside. The
latter in his turn assumed the offensive,
and moved forward to Fredericksburg,
until he was arrested by defeat. In
Mississippi the Unionists, after having
beaten the forces commanded by Gen-
eral Van Dorn at Corinth, also followed
them in their retreat. General Grant
was now in command of the Union
army of Mississippi, in place of General
Rosecrans, who had superseded General
Buell, at the head of the Union army
of Kentucky, with which, as will appear
in the course of this narrative, he, too,
moved in pursuit of the retiring enemy.
General Grant continued his advance
along the line of the Mississippi Central
Railroad, successively occupying La
Grange, Grand Junction, Holly Springs,
and Abbeville, until he reached Oxford,
about fifty miles south of Memphis. Dec.
The enemy, in the mean time, of 3.
fered but little resistance.
To co-operate with this movement of
Grant, General Hovey advanced from
Helena, in Arkansas, and General Sher-
man from Memphis. They both pene-
trated some distance into Mississippi,
but failing in their purpose of destroy-
ing the enemy's communications and
forming a junction with Grant, returned
to their respective bases of operations
at Helena and Memphis. Grant, too,
finding that the enemy had gained his
rear, was forced to retrace his steps.
Van Dorn, the Confederate general, who
after his defeat by Rosecrans at Corinth
had been superseded by General Pem-
berton, was placed at the head of a
detachment of cavalry and artillery, de-
tailed to operate in the rear of General
Grant. His main object was so to
threaten the communications of Grant
as to check his pursuit of Pemberton,
and allow him to reach Wicksburg,
where the enemy designed to concen-
trate a large force, in order to oppose
the formidable efforts about to be made
by the Federal Government to capture
154
566
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
that city and obtain the full control of
the Mississippi.
Van Dorn proved to be more effect-
ive as a partisan chief than as a leader
of armies, and succeeded wondrously in
his adventurous raids. Gaining the
rear of Grant, he was enabled to inter-
rupt his railroad communications, cap-
ture his supplies, and take possession of
various places, among which was Holly
Dec, Springs. Surprising the small
20. Union garrison at this place, he
seized some 1,500 citizens and soldiers,
whom he held as prisoners of war, and
a large quantity of Government pro-
perty, consisting of arms and military
stores. He also destroyed an immense
stock of cotton, said to amount to a mil-
lion of dollars, belonging to some loyal
dealers, principally from the North.
“It is with pain and mortification,”
said General Grant, in an order of the
24th December, “that the General com-
manding reflects upon the disgraceful
surrender of Holly Springs on the 20th
instant, and that without any resistance,
except by a few men, who form an hon-
orable exception ; and this, too, after
warning had been given of the advance
of the enemy northward the evening
previous. With all the cotton, public
stores, and substantial buildings about
the dépôt, it would have been perfectly
practicable to have made, in a few hours,
defences sufficient to resist, with a small
garrison, all the cavalry force brought
against them until the reinforcements,
which the commanding officer was noti-
fied were marching to their relief, could
have reached him.”
This daring movement of Van Dorn
produced still more serious consequences
than the capture of prisoners and stores.
It forced General Grant to march back
with his army to Holly Springs. While
he remained here awaiting the re-estab-
lishment of his railroad communications
with the North, a Union force under
General Sullivan was sent out in search
of the noted guerrilla chief, Forrest, who
had been detached from Bragg's army
in East Tennessee. He was overtaken at
Spring Hill and routed. “General Sul-
livan has,” said Grant in his dispatch of
January 3, “Succeeded in getting a fight
out of the rebel Colonel Forrest, and
whipped him badly. General Sullivan
has captured six pieces of artillery and
a great many horses and prisoners.”
As the General added, “General Wan
Dorn was repulsed at every point ex-
cept this (Holly Springs) with heavy
loss,” it is to be hoped that the chroni-
cler may not again have occasion to re-
cord any further interruptions of the
momentous enterprises of our great ar-
mies by pitiful bands of moss-troopers,
however bold riders they may be. Such
was the alarm occasioned by the raids
of Van Dorn and Forrest, and the
threatened advance of Jefferson Thomp-
son on his familiar ground about the
borders of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mis-
Souri, and Kentucky, that the garrisons
at New Madrid and Island No. 10, after
spiking their guns and throwing their
ammunition into the Mississippi, tempo-
rarily abandoned their important posi-
tions. -
While General Grant was forced to
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RETREAT
OF GRANT.
567
retrace his march to Holly Springs and
to remain inactive there until his com-
munications should be restored, the
army of the enemy under Pemberton
was free to pursue its progress to Wicks-
burg, where the Confederates were rap-
idly concentrating a large force to de-
fend that important position.
inal plan of the Unionists was to make
a combined attack upon Wicksburg.
General Grant was to move by land
through Mississippi, following Pember-
ton closely, to overtake him if possible
before reaching his destination, or if he
failed in this, to form a junction with
General Sherman, who was to set out
from Memphis and unite with him in a
combined assault upon the enemy in his
stronghold upon the Mississippi.
General Grant, as has been related,
was foiled in his object by the enterprise
of an alert enemy who had succeeded
in gaining his rear. General Sherman,
although his first expedition had proved
fruitless, started on a second with the
promise of a more successful result.
Embarking a large number of troops in
transports at Memphis, he sailed down
the Mississippi under the convoy of a
fleet of gun-boats, which were intended
to co-operate in the attack upon Wicks-
burg.
In the mean time great efforts had
been made by the enemy to strengthen
their fortifications and increase their
force. Jefferson Davis, in the course of
a tour to the West, had visited Wicks-
burg, and stimulated the energies of his
generals and soldiers in the defence of a
position which he declared was of vital
The orig-
importance to the Confederate cause.
One of his ablest generals, Joe John-
ston, had been charged with the duty
of overseeing the construction of the
fortifications, and organizing the forces
concentrating for their defence. New
works and more powerful guns were
added to those which had already so
successfully resisted our naval power.
The fortifications were said to be of the
most skilful construction, and to extend
eight miles back from the river.
General Sherman, on reaching the
mouth of the Yazoo, sailed some ten
miles up that river, and disembarked his
troops on the left or Southern bank. Dec,
His first operation was to detach a 26.
brigade to destroy a portion of the Little
Rock and Wicksburg Railroad. This
force having landed on the shore oppo-
site Wicksburg, proceeded promptly to
its work, and having successfully accom-
plished it, rejoined the main body on
the same day.
At an early hour next morning, Gen-
eral Sherman formed his troops in line
of battle and pushed them forward to
meet the enemy, who soon presented
themselves in large force. A severe
fight ensued, which lasted for five Dec.
hours, when the Confederates fell 27,
back beyond two bayous in the rear of
Wicksburg, until they reached an in
trenched position on a hill. After an
interchange of artillery fire, the contest
closed for the day.
The Unionists, being now separated
from the enemy by the bayous, passed
the night in constructing pontoons, and
on the next morning crossed and re-
568
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
newed the battle. General Sherman
Dec, formed his army thus : his centre
28, under Generals Morgan and Blair,
his right under Generals A. J. and L.
Smith, and his left under General Steele.
The Unionists began the assault upon the
intrenchments of the enemy with great
vigor, and succeeded, notwithstanding a
most desperate resistance, in carrying
them, when the latter fell back to an
inner line of defence. On the next day
Dec. General Sherman attacked this,
29, which was their central or main
work. The enemy, apparently unable
to withstand the impetuosity of the as-
sault, gave way at first ; but soon being
largely reinforced, they charged upon
their assailants and repulsed them with
great slaughter. General Sherman, now
compelled to desist from any further ef-
fort, fell back under cover of the gun-
boats to his landing-place. General
McClernand having, in the mean time,
arrived, assumed command of the army,
and re-embarking the troops, transported
them to Napoleon in Arkansas. The
loss of the Unionists was estimated at
about 3,000 in killed, wounded, and
missing; that of the enemy, in conse-
quence of fighting under cover, was
much less ; it was reported by them-
selves to be only a hundred
A correspondent of the Herald, of
December 30, gave the following nar-
rative :
“The advance of our lines to a close
proximity to those of the enemy has
shown us that they are equally as strong
in their rear as in their front. Nature
has furnished them the ground-work for
impregnable defence, and anticipating
our movements with a shrewdness that
dees them credit, they have thrown up
fortifications, dug rifle-pits, and planted
batteries in their rear, to such an extent
as to render the attempt to flank them
most hazardous and desperate. At Wicks-
burg proper, or a little below, the bluffs
upon which the city is partially built
take their rise. These bluffs extend in
a north-northeasterly direction from the
point below Wicksburg where they take
their rise, to Haines' Bluffs on the Ya-
zoo River, a distance of twelve or fif-
teen miles, and are fortified throughout
their entire length. The bluffs front the
Mississippi and the Yazoo rivers, hav-
ing an abrupt or precipitous ascent.
Back of them the ground is high and
broken, somewhat rolling, falling off
gradually to the Big Black River. The
only land approach to Wicksburg from
up the Mississippi is by climbing the
face of these bluffs.
“The Yazoo River, which finds its
way into the Mississippi about ten miles
above Wicksburg, through what is known
as the Old River—supposed to have
been once the main channel of the Mis-
sissippi, is crooked and narrow, very
deep, and has but little current. Its
general course as it approaches its
mouth is from northeast to southwest.
Following its windings from its mouth,
we pass along the face of the range of
bluffs above alluded to, being at the
junction of the Yazoo proper with Old
River, about six miles from them, and
gradually approaching them until, at
Haines' or Drumgoold's Bluffs, as they
OPERATIONS AGAINST VICESBURG.
569
are called on some maps, the river and
bluffs come together. This point is nine
miles from Wicksburg by the roads lead-
ing along the foot of the bluffs, and
twenty-three miles from the Mississippi
by the course of the Yazoo River. We
thus have a piece of triangular bottom
land east of the Yazoo River, nine miles
in length on One side, six on the other,
the third side being irregular, though
being, if straight, about the same length
as the first side. Upon this triangle our
troops are disembarked, with the pur-
pose of getting in the rear of Wicks-
burg and gaining that position by such
a movement.
“From the Yazoo above its junction
with Old River, and in the upper half
of the distance to Haines' Bluff, two
bayous set in to this triangular piece of
bottom land. As they approach the
base of the bluffs, they intersect a third
that leads along nearly parallel with the
base of the hills, diverging from them
as it approaches its outlet into the Mis-
sissippi, at which point it is about one
mile from them.
“Behind this latter bayou and be-
tween it and the bluffs is a plain, the
timber upon which has been felled to
form an abattis. This plain is cut up by
deep gullies, which furnish admirable
shelter to the sharp-shooters of the en-
emy, and are fully appreciated by them.
Along the base of the bluffs, throughout
their entire length, the rebels have dug
rifle-pits, which are also defended by
single gun batteries, stationed in the
face of the bluffs at short intervals from
Wicksburg to Milldale, half a mile be-,
low Haines' Bluffs, where all their works
terminate. In addition to these batter-
ies, they have thrown up at various com-
manding points along the range, both in
its face and upon the summit, field-
works for the reception and protection
of light artillery whenever it may be
needed. No effort seems to have been
spared to furnish shelter to their men,
and the intention seems apparent to re-
quire them to fight in no event, when it
can be avoided, out of cover.
“To approach the enemy's position
from any point on the Yazoo River be-
yond the reach of their batteries, it is
necessary to cross the bayous above al-
luded to. These are at present full of
water and unfordable. Pontoon bridges
have had to be constructed at various
points to enable the troops to cross.
In constructing them we first met with
opposition from the enemy. Their skir-
mishers and sharp-shooters were placed
in the gullies above described, and be-
hind logs, trees, and stumps, and kept
up a constant and galling fire upon our
working parties. Still our men did not
suffer much from their fire, our own
picked marksmen giving them a good
deal of annoyance, and rendering them
careful of showing themselves long
enough to get accurate aims.
“In addition to this annoyance,
wherever our operations were within
reach, the enemy opened their batteries
in the face of the bluffs upon us. But
in this they were decidedly the losers, as
our heaviest field artillery was brought
on to the ground wherever this occur-
red, and in several instances silenced
570
THE waR witH THE SOUTH,
their batteries and compelled them to
withdraw their guns up the hill. The
weather continued remarkably fine and
favorable for all kinds of movements;
and notwithstanding the opposition of
the enemy, our work progressed finely,
and was completed at all points on Sun-
day night the 28th instant.
“Yesterday the general advance was
ordered, and it was supposed that it
would bring on a general engagement.
To divert the attention of the enemy
and lessen their opposition to our ad-
vance, and also to prevent any premedi-
tated flank movements on their part,
our gun-boats were brought into play.
The iron-clads made a vigorous assault
upon the batteries at Milldale, assisted
by two mortar boats, and also shelled
the rebel encampments in that vicinity.
The Lexington and that class of boats,
with long-range guns, lay off the mouth
of the Chickasaw Bayou and kept up a
vigorous cannonading up that stream
and into the woods, in the direction
whence the enemy would be likely to
move should they attempt to turn our
left flank. The Marmora and Forest
Rose took a position at the head of
False River, and fired by the compass
across the great bend in the Mississippi
in the direction of Wicksburg and to the
left of it, actually preventing, as has
since been learned, an attempt to turn
our right flank. Our field artillery was
brought into play along the entire lines,
in response to the vigorous firing of the
enemy; and thus a continuous roar of
artillery was kept up throughout the
entire day. It is seldom that a more
furious cannonading is heard, and it has
never been surpassed in this war, unless
at the late battle of Fredericksburg.
“In the midst of this thunder our
forces advanced, the centre and left
crossing the bayous and deploying into
line just beyond the range of the ene-
my's riflemen, finding cover in the edge
of the woods fronting on the plain cov-
ered with abattis. General A. J. Smith,
commanding our right, did not cross the
bayou running parallel with the bluffs,
the enemy having cut the timber on this
side of it, which would have exposed
his position. He moved out on the road
from Johnson's Ferry, and deployed to
the right in the woods at the edge of
the abattis, and pushed his right down to
the bank of the Mississippi.
“Our first line of battle was thus
formed on a line parallel with the en-
emy's position, though not so long as
their line—it being about five miles in
extent—and from a mile to a mile and a
half from the rebel works. The accom-
plishment of this movement was most
perfectly successful, our losses being
comparatively nothing, less than 100
men having been placed hors du combat.
“In the position thus secured, our
forces rested on the right, the centre
and left making some vigorous efforts to
gain positions on the bluffs. General
Morgan L. Smith, commanding the cen-
tre, ordered a charge up to the foot of
the bluff. The regiment having the ad-
vance met the enemy's fire just as they
came to the crossing of the bayou, when
they showed signs of faltering. The
General, who was watching the move.
FAILURE AT
VICKSBURG. 57.1
ment, at once sprang to the head of the
column, and waving his sword, called
on the men to follow him. Scarcely had
he spoken when he was struck in the
thigh by a musket ball and badly
wounded. He was taken from the field,
and his forces fell back into their posi-
tion under cover of the woods. Gen-
cral Smith was painfully, though not
badly wounded. The ball penetrated
the fleshy part of the thigh, breaking
no bones, but making a very ragged
wound. He suffered considerably from
loss of blood before his wound was
dressed, and became very faint. He is
now doing well, with every prospect of
being able to take the field again within
a couple of weeks.
“The division commanded by Gen-
eral M. L. Smith was committed to the
charge of General A. J. Smith after the
former was wounded, and General Bur-
bridge was assigned to the command of
the latter's division on the right.
“General Steele, commanding on the
left of the centre, made a desperate ef-
fort to gain the bluff, in which he cap-
tured two of the enemy's field-works,
with nine guns, but was finally com-
pelled to fall back, His loss was but
trifling, and it may be that he merely
intended to reconnoitre the enemy's po-
sition, preparatory to subsequent opera-
tions. If this was his object, he was
eminently successful. The guns he cap-
tured from the enemy will abundantly
repay any losses he met with.
“On the extreme left, General Mor-
gan made some demonstrations upon
the enemy's position, the nature of
which I have not learned. He rested at
night in the position he had taken dur-
ing the day. Yesterday, the battle was
renewed with much greater vigor, and
determination along the entire line.
My position was with the right, the do-
ings of which I am more conversant
with than with the operations on any
other part of the field. If, therefore, I
fail in doing justice to other portions of
the army that so nobly grappled with
the enemy in his strongholds, it must be
attributed to the lack of omniscience on
the part of your correspondent.
“Owing to the change of command-
ers, or some other cause as yet unex-
plained, it was late in the day before the
right division was ordered into action.
The gun-boats Marmora and Juliet were
stationed in False River to protect our
flank, which, by their vigorous cannon-
ading, they successfully accomplished.
At one time the enemy was observed
getting a battery into position, evidently
to cover a movement on our right, when
the bursting of the shells from the gun-
boats convinced them of the hazardous
nature of the attempt, and they aban-
doned it. -
“The wagon road leading from John-
son's Ferry to Wicksburg crosses the
bayou directly in front of the left of our
division. The bridge at this point had
been destroyed by the enemy, as also the
road to a considerable extent, timber hav-
ing been felled across it and all sluiceways
torn up. The enemy also have upon
the bluff at the head of this road a field-
work for light artillery, ranging directly
down on the course of the road, and
572
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
also single gun batteries in the face of
the bluff. To avoid as far as possible
these obstacles, General Smith had
thrown his pontoon bridge across the
bayou a little to the right of the old
bridge. At this point General Bur-
bridge masked several batteries of artil-
lery, opening a brisk cannonade upon
the rebel batteries. They replied earn-
estly for a while, but their fire gradu-
ally slackened as our men warmed up
to their work and got more accurate el-
evations to their pieces and adjusted
their fuses with more accuracy, and at
last ceased altogether, and their cannon-
iers were seen hauling their guns up the
hill. . --
“At this juncture the Fifty-fourth
Ohio was ordered to charge across the
bridge. They obeyed the order with
alacrity and courage, meeting a terrible
fire of musketry, both from the rebel
sharp-shooters concealed in the gullies
of the plain beyond and from the rebel
infantry in their rifle-pits. But the gal-
lant Buckeyes never flinched, but suc-
ceeded in gaining the opposite bank.
Here they were charged upon by an en-
tire rebel brigade, against whom they
contended manfully for a time, but at
last were surrounded and overpowered.
The regiment was in an extremely crit-
ical situation, and seemed captured for
a certainty. Still they fought on, evi-
dently determined not to surrender.
They were contending against fearful
odds, and their ranks were thinning rap-
idly. At last, when it seemed clear
that they could no longer sustain them-
selves, and would certainly be captured
in a body, one of our batteries was or-
dered to open upon the promiscuous
crowd. In a moment the shells were
flying briskly, hitting friend and foe in-
discriminately. The fire was too hot
for the rebels and they quickly with-
drew, leaving the Ohio boys upon the
field. These gathered up their killed
and wounded and retired across the
bridge with all possible dispatch, glad
to escape so easily. They were sadly
cut up, though, fifty per cent. of their
number having been killed or wounded.
Seven of them were killed outright by
our own shells and a much larger num-
ber wounded, but the regiment was
saved.
“After the withdrawal of the Fifty-
fourth Ohio, the Sixth and Eighth Mis-
souri and the Thirteenth Regulars were
ordered to cross. This they did
promptly, the gallant Eighth—heroes
of every noted field, save Pea Ridge,
in the Southwest—taking the lead. The
whole force crossed safely and without
loss, and immediately deployed off to
the left to get possession of the Wicks-
burg road. Scarcely, however, had they
got into line when a rebel brigade came
charging down the road upon their
flank. The detachment quickly changed
front and formed a line of battle, and
accepted the challenge offered by the
enemy. A brisk engagement ensued,
lasting about half an hour, at the end
of which time the rebels broke and fled
in confusion. They were hotly pressed
by the Missouri boys, who cut them up
badly, more than trebly avenging the
losses of the Fifty-fourth Ohio.
TERRIBLE ARTILLERY.
“This closed the action on the right,
night being near at hand, and the en-
emy apparently indisposed to offer fur- |
ther resistance to our crossing. At this
time it would have been easy to have
crossed the entire division, and obtain
any position that was desirable. But
for some reasons not explained to out-
siders, this was not done, but on the
contrary, orders were issued to those
who had crossed to retire, and under
cover of the darkness they all fell back
into their old positions in the edge of
the timber. Here they have remained
since, no movements at all having been
made to-day, only a trifling skirmish
early this morning on the extreme right.
“I have been unable to learn the
precise nature of the movements in the
centre. That division made an advance,
crossed the bayou, and gained the foot
of the bluff. This was not accomplished
without a desperate struggle, but our
men were equal to the duty required of
them. But after gaining this ground,
probably for the same reason that gov-
erned in the recall of the troops in the
right division, they were withdrawn, and
night found their line where it was in
the morning, under cover of the timber.
“The left, consisting of two divisions,
General G. W. Morgan having the ex-
treme left, and General Steele being
upon his right, have been more busily
engaged. Their line necessarily forms a
curve facing northeast and east. They
have the batteries on Haines' Bluff at
their left, and the fortifications of the
bluffs with the rifle-pits in their front.
Opposed to them, the enemy's line is
573
nearly or quite half as long again as
their own. The county road leading
from Milldale to Wicksburg runs in front
of them, between them and the enemy."
“This column has made most despe-
rate efforts to pierce the enemy's line
and gain the bluffs, in order to get into
the rear of the batteries on Haines'
Bluffs, and, with the co-operation of the
gun-boats, silence those guns. There
are other objects to be gained by cross-
ing the bluffs at this point. Once
through the rebel lines, there would be
no difficulty whatever in sending a force
across to the crossing of the Wicksburg
and Jackson Railroad over the Big
Black River, and by the destruction of
the bridge at that point cut off the en-
emy's retreat as well as prevent their
getting reinforcements. These are some
of the leading objects to be gained by
getting through the rebel lines in this
direction. The effort was made twice
yesterday, our troops on both occasions
getting well up to the enemy's lines, but
in both instances being overcome by the
tremendous storm of artillery and mus-
ketry by which they were received and
forced to retire. Our losses here have
been heavier than in any other part of
the field, though I am unable to state
definitely what the casualties have been
in those particular divisions.
“The medical director reports the
casualties in the entire army up to noon
to-day, at 754 in killed, wounded, and
missing. Since then a very disgraceful
affair occurred in the centre that largely
increases the number. An Ohio regi-
ment occupying an advanced position
- 155
574
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
was attacked by a considerable force
of rebel cavalry. With scarcely no re-
sistance at all they threw down their
arms and surrendered. What aggra-
vated the case is the fact that relief was
close at hand. A large Union reserve
force came up so suddenly that the en-
emy had no time to gather up the arms
they had captured ; but leaving them
lying upon the ground, with all their
other spoils, they drove their prisoners
before them as a herd of cattle, and
made haste to get back into their own
lines. This is the first cowardly act of
this campaign, and by it the rebels gain
about 500 prisoners. .*
“Colonel Wyman, of the Thirteenth
Illinois, acting on General Steele's staff,
was shot on Sunday by rebel sharp-
shooters, while leading a regiment into
action, and instantly killed. The ball
entered his breast, passing through his
lungs. He had the reputation of being
a brave and gallant officer.
“On our right a negro sharp-shooter
has been observed, whose exploits are
deserving of notice. He mounts a
breast-work regardless of all danger,
and getting sight of a Federal soldier,
draws up his musket at arm's length and
fires, never failing of hitting his mark.
It is said that Colonel Wyman was shot
by a negro ; but this lacks confirmation.
It is certain that negroes are fighting
here, though probably only as sharp
shooters. -
“The best information we are able to
gather to-day of the enemy's strength
places them at 20,000, though I fear the
maximum is not reached yet. Deserters
this morning reported that they were
evacuating, but this is questionable.
They are certainly either evacuating or
receiving reinforcements, it is doubtful
which. Sunday night, yesterday, and
last night, trains were arriving on the
Jackson and Wicksburg Railroad hourly.
The whistle of the locomotive, as it ar-
rives and departs, can be distinctly heard
in our lines. There is a report that
General Lee is in command here. This
is confirmed by prisoners, deserters, con-
trabands, and all sources of information.
The fact of his being here would argue
a determination to hold the position so
long as their most skilful generalship
can hold it.
“The non-arrival of Farragut and
Banks gives rise to no little comment
throughout the lines. It is no longer
any secret that they are coming, and
were to have been here long ago ; but
days pass away, and the most anxious
looker for the smoke of their vessels
goes unrewarded for his diligence.
“We had an unusually heavy rain
last night, the water pouring down in
perfect torrents. An inch and a quar-
ter of water fell during the night. The
soldiers lying out without tents must
have suffered severely, especially as it
cleared off toward morning cold and
windy. The heavy fall of water left
the roads extremely wet and muddy,
particularly in the woods, and interferes
considerably with the movement of ar-
tillery and supply trains. The soil,
however, being sandy, will soon absori,
the water, and doubtless by to-morrow
moon the roads will be dry and in good
STRENGTH OF FORTIFICATIONS.
575
order again. It may be owing to this
cause that everything has been quiet
to-day, but whatever the cause, nothing
but the most desultory skirmishing has
occurred.
“OFF MoUTH OF YAzoo RIVER,
MISSISSIPPI RIVER, January 3, 1863.
“We have marched up the hill with
much pomp and courage and assurance,
and now we have marched down again.
On Friday, the 20th ult, the great Mis-
sissippi River expedition moved into
the Yazoo River for the purpose of se-
curing a position in the rear of Wicks-
burg, whence that stronghold might be
successfully attacked, and with the as-
surance from General Sherman that on
the following day we should be in pos-
session of Wicksburg; and on Friday,
the 2d inst.—just one week from our
entrance—we moved out of the river,
our force diminished by about 2,500
men placed hors de combat, and Vicks-
burg no nearer ours than it was one
year ago.
“Since General McClellan's masterly
movement from the York to the James
River on the Peninsula, it has come to
be very fashionable to call any retro-
grade movement or retirement from the
face of the enemy a “change of base;”
so here we are politely informed that
the withdrawal of our forces from the
base of the Walnut Hills and Drum-
goold's Bluffs, and the evacuation of the
Yazoo River, are a change of our base
of operations. Undoubtedly it is so—
that is, we shall no longer operate
against Vicksburg with the Yazoo River
as our base, at least for the present ;
some other base.
and if we operate at all, as I have no
doubt we will, it will most likely be from
So far this movement
may justly be termed a change of base.
But the change was rendered impera-
tive by the absolute impossibility of our
operating at all where we were, and the
extreme probability that if we remained
in that situation much longer, the en-
emy would come down upon us some
fine morning and utterly destroy us.
“The movement against Wicksburg
has thus far proved a most complete and
lamentable failure. We have found the
enemy's front impregnable against any-
thing we had to bear upon it, and his
rear more strongly fortified than his
front. We found him with a small gar-
rison of 15,000 or 20,000 men, and
while these held us in check by their ex-
tensive and admirable system of fortifi-
cations, reinforcements have rolled in
upon them until, on our withdrawal,
they had from 50,000 to 60,000 men
ready for action. Since our occupation
of the Yazoo River below their obstruc-
tions, they have had the river above the
dam crowded with transports, bringing
down the army of Pemberton and Price
from in front of Grant, while the South-
ern Mississippi Railroad has been em-
ployed to its utmost capacity in aiding
the same work.
“It would be a breach of confidence
in me to mention the number of troops
we have here; but I shall be safe in
saying that it is wholly inadequate to
cope with the army the rebels now have
at Wicksburg, even in the open field.
How much less, then, are its chances of
576
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
success against the formidable batteries
and interminable rifle-pits and trenches
of the enemy, manned as they are by so
powerful an army
“There have been sad blunders com-
mitted by some one in planning this
campaign ; but whether the fault is in
the War Office at Washington, with
General Halleck, or with General Sher-
man, I will not undertake to say. That
General Sherman was both surprised
and amazed when he landed on the east
bank of the Yazoo and saw the strength
of the rebel position, I know. He had
no idea of the formidable nature of the
task he had undertaken. He had ex-
pected to debark his troops quietly, un-
der cover of Admiral Porter's fleet of
gun-boats, and in the darkness of the
first night charge upon the enemy's
works, carry them by storm, and enter
Vicksburg triumphantly. This he pre-
viously announced as his plan and pur-
pose, and this he faithfully attempted
to do ; and then it was that he discov-
ered the wonderful strength of those
heights he had expected to take so
easily. s
“Here, then, was the first great mis-
take, on which has hinged all our fail-
ure. We had taken no pains to obtain
a knowledge of the enemy's position
and strength. We had picked up a few
‘intelligent contrabands’ along the
banks of the river, and had received
into our lines one or two deserters, so
called (in reality spies), and all our
movements were based upon informa-
tion derived from such sources. Good
gereralship would have required full,
movement was to be made.
positive, and definite information of the
enemy's position and the strength of his
garrison, with the number of his batter-
ies and their situation, and number of
guns mounted in each, with topographi-
cal maps and charts of the country,
showing all the localities, the ravines,
hills, streams, roads, woods, open fields,
buildings, etc. All this could and ought
to have been obtained, and then the
commander of the expedition could have
formed an intelligent idea of the num-
ber of men he would require to over-
come the enemy rapidly and surely, and
could have laid out an accurate and clear
plan of campaign, that would have in-
sured success and saved the country the
embarrassment and disgrace of a second
repulse from this place. I shall be very
much mistaken if it does not finally ap-
pear that the fault was entirely with
General Halleck. I shall be surprised
if the future does not disclose the fact,
| that he organized this expedition, assign-
ing to it such numbers of troops as he
saw fit, and directing how and when the
But even
if this should not prove to be the case,
he cannot escape the responsibility of
the failure, since the commander was
the man of his own choice, and was ap-
pointed contrary to the wishes of the
President. And further, he will be re-
sponsible for permitting the expedition
to sail without being fully assured of its
ability to accomplish the work which it
was organized to do.
“Since I last wrote you we have had
a masterly retreat from the face of the
enemy, that is all. Our army, broken
LOSSES.
577
in spirit and demoralized, lies cooped
up on transports at Milliken's Bend,
while General McClernand, the new
commander, who arrived on the evening
of the retreat, is studying the ground
and preparing a new plan of operations.
Such is the brief history of a week's do-
ings; yet there are many interesting
items scattered along in the details of
this main achievement that are deserv-
ing of mention. -
“You have had full accounts of the
battle of Monday last, and of the severe
storm that followed. On Tuesday the
army rested, the wooded plain in which
our lines were formed being, covered
with water, preventing any movement.
The enemy occasionally threw a shell
into our lines to keep us awake, and
once in a while their sharp-shooters
would creep up and open a slight skir-
mish. The lines of the two armies were
parallel and scarcely a mile apart. Be-
tween them lay the battle-field of the
previous day, strewn all over with the
dead, and in many instances the
wounded. This field was swept by the
musketry as well as the artillery of
either party, and hence the impossibility
of venturing upon it to bury the dead,
or even bring off those worse than dead
—the helpless wounded. Occasionally
one and another of those unhappy fel-
lows, revived by the cool rain and cooler
morning air, would crawl into the lines
and find succor; but to many the long
day wore wearily away, leaving them
still unrelieved upon that miserable
plain.
“During the night of Tuesday a flag
of truce was received from the enemy,
proposing a suspension of hostilities on
the following day, that the rites of bu-
rial might be performed to those who
had fallen on Monday. The proposition
was agreed to, and the last day of the
old year was devoted to this melancholy
duty. All across the plain, scattered
among the abattis, and hid away in little
entanglements of logs or tufts of bushes,
they lay, rebels and Federals side by
side, showing how the battle had rolled
and surged with the alternate charges
of either party.
“But the saddest sight of all was that
of the unfortunate wounded, who had
lain through all these weary hours since
the battle, uncared for, many of them
because of the nature of their wounds
preventing their moving, others held
fast by a little knot of corpses which
chance had thrown upon them, and still
others, perhaps not wounded at all at
first, but caught beneath the horses they
rode which had been shot, and, falling,
had pinned their riders to the earth.
The frantic appeals for water, for food,
or other succor, of such of these miser-
able victims of war as could speak at all,
were most heart-rending.
“The clearing of this field gave am-
ple evidence that our estimates of the
losses on Monday had all been below
the mark. It is now quite clear that in
our army the loss was not less than
2,500. Of this number probably 500
were killed, 1,200 wounded, and 800
taken prisoners. The rebel loss was much
less than this, owing to the fact that the
bulk of their fighting was purely defen-
578
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
sive—the men being protected by rifle-
pits, while our men could only attack
them by charging across the open plain
directly in the face, not only of their
batteries, but also of their riflemen in
the pits.
character of the engagement and its du-
ration, it seems almost wonderful that
our loss was not nearly double what it
W3,S. -
“During the day occupied in burying
the dead, the soldiers and subordinate
officers of both armies mingled freely
upon the field. Much conversation was
had between them, though the talk of
the rebels was so much on the bragga-
docio order that but little information of
a reliable character could be obtained.
If their statements were to be believed
at all, both Pemberton and Price had
eluded Grant, and, with their armies,
were within the fortifications of Wicks-
burg. There is corroborative evidence
of this statement in the fact that cars
have been frequently arriving on the
Southern Mississippi Railroad, leading
from Wicksburg to Jackson, and the
smoke of steamers has been seen in the
Yazoo River, above the rebel dam, al-
most constantly for the last few days.
It is well known that the rebels have a
large fleet of steamers in the Yazoo and
its tributaries, and by this channel Pem-
berton could very readily move his army
down from Yazoo City, or even some
higher point, leaving him but very little
land travel to make. It is considered
probable here that the reinforcements
arriving by railroad come from Virginia,
and are the troops withdrawn from the
In view of the desperate.
West after the evacuation of Corinth,
and when McClellan was threatening
Richmond. -
“The rebels claim that their force
now in and about Wicksburg amounts to
60,000 men, and is being increased
daily. They also claim to have 160
guns in battery along the bluffs and in
front of Wicksburg, besides field artil-
lery to an unlimited amount. We know
that they have eight miles of rifle-pits in
one continuous stretch along the base
of the bluffs, and that they have an-
other semicircular range of similar work
extending around the rear of the city,
two miles back from its outskirts. What
defences they may have against a south-
ern attack has not yet transpired.
“A grand combined naval and army
movement—a sort of forlorn hope—was
planned against the batteries on Haines'
Bluffs and the enemy's extreme right,
for Thursday (New Year's) morning,
with a view of getting a position on the
bluffs, expecting thereby to be able to
march close up to Wicksburg without
encountering their batteries. The move-
ment was a very desperate one, espe-
cially for the navy, four vessels of which
— the Benton, Louisville, Cincinnati,
and DeKalb–were to run close up un-
der the rebel batteries, while the rest
of the fleet lay at the foot of the
stretch, half a mile distant, and all were
to keep up a continuous firing. .
“The ram Lioness, with Colonel El-
let, in person, in command, her bows
fitted with an enormous drag to clear
the river of torpedoes, was to lead the
way. The mere tender of his services
ATTACK ON HAINES BLUFF.
579
for this most hazardous expedition by
Colonel Ellet, and his determination to
make the tender good, as manifested in
putting his ram in readiness and getting
her under weigh at the appointed time,
entitle him to honorable mention among
the heroes of the day. The expedition
was to start at three A.M., so as to get in
position and commence the attack by
four A.M. At five o'clock General Steele
was to debark 10,000 picked men on
the point at the foot of the stretch be-
low the batteries, and take the place by
storm. -
“ Unluckily a couple of transport en-
gineers, who were to take part in the
movement, and who doubtless had ob-
tained pretty correct information of its
character and objects, deserted to the
enemy on the evening preceding the ap-
pointed time, and most likely conveyed
to them full intelligence of the pro-
jected attack. But notwithstanding this
untoward event the movement would
have proceeded, taking the chances of
discovery, but that on the appointed
morning the river was covered with a
fog so dense as to render the movement
of vessels utterly impossible, unless by
constantly sounding alarm-signals, which
would have exposed everything. The
attack was therefore reluctantly aban-
doned, though not until Admiral Porter
had made every effort to get his vessels
through the fog by piloting them with
tugs and other futile means.
“With the failure of this attempt per-
ished all hopes of gaining Wicksburg
from this base and with this force. The
enemy greatly outnumbered us, and
were hourly receiving reinforcements,
while their position was impregnable.
General Sherman therefore promptly
ordered a counter-march. The day was
spent in making feints and slight demon-
strations to conceal our real purposes,
while the commanding officers were bus-
ily engaged in arranging the details of
the withdrawal. Our lines were still
maintained in the face of those of the
enemy, and at some points were full five
miles from the transports, so that it was
somewhat perilous to undertake a back-
ward movement. Should the enemy
discover it, they could readily fall upon
us and do us an infinite amount of mis-
chief before we could face about and
get in a position for defence, or reach
the bank of the river under cover of the
gun-boats. The movement was there-
fore ordered for one o'clock on Friday
morning, at which time, the troops be-
ing in marching order, our pickets and
sentinels were withdrawn, and the order
to march was given. By daylight the
last regiment was safe on the river's
bank.
“Our gun-boats, scattered all along the
stream, protected both the troops and
transports during the embarkation. In
a single instance the enemy made a
dash, expecting doubtless to destroy
several boats and capture or cut up a
large number of troops. The forces at-
tacked were a brigade of General Mor-
gan's division, and were all stowed
away upon their boats and awaiting or-
ders to move before the enemy ap-
proached. The enemy deployed one
regiment of infantry as skirmishers,
580
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
holding the main body of their force
back in the edge of a piece of woods
about half a mile from the river. The
skirmishers felt their way up very qui-
etly through an old cornfield, until
within a few hundred feet of the boats,
when they opened fire upon some strag-
glers on the banks. The light-draught
gun-boat Marmora, Lieutenant Getty,
was lying just above the transports at
the time, and had evidently been con-
sidered by the enemy as a troop-ship.
She was quickly in the stream and had
howitzers bearing upon the field. Her
guns were worked with most creditable
liveliness, causing the rebels to beat a
most precipitate retreat. But the main
body of them still held their position in
the edge of the woods, as if determined
to make another attack. But the Lex-
ington was promptly on the spot, with
her long-tom guns; and the Benton,
Cincinnati, and a couple of rams, at-
tracted to the spot by the Marmora's
and Lexington's rapid firing, also opened
their heavy guns upon them and made
short work of the rebel infantry. From
the decks of the vessels it could be eas-
ily seen that we made a terrible slaugh-
ter in their ranks, compelling them at
last to break and run in the wildest con-
fusion.
“The troops being all shipped by this
time, the transports commenced moving,
those nearest the mouth of the river go-
ing out first, and maintaining that order
until all had left. The naval squadron
then got under weigh and followed
them, the flag-ship Black Hawk taking
the lead. At the mouth of the river
the squadron anchored, the army trans-
ports going up the Mississippi to Milli-
ken's Bend, and mooring on the Louis-
iana shore. -
“Thus has ended most ingloriously
the second campaign against Wicksburg.
Let us hope that General McClermand
will devise some plan that will be pro-
ductive of more gratifying results.
“Since the movement of this squad-
ron down the river, the rebels have been
untiring in their efforts to blockade the
stream above us and interrupt our com-
munication with Cairo. It is generally
reported throughout the fleet that they
have accomplished this, and that some
boats, bearing mails and dispatches,
bound north, have been captured and
destroyed. But little confidence is to
be placed in these reports. I have
taken pains to ascertain as fully as pos-
sible the exact state of the case, which
is as follows: On Wednesday of last
week the rebels brought down a section
of a battery of light artillery from Lit-
tle Rock, Arkansas, and planted if on
the river's bank at Napoleon, at the
mouth of the Arkansas River.
“On the following day, or soon after,
the steamer Blue Wing, a chartered
vessel, having in tow two barges of coal
for the naval squadron, came in sight,
and was brought to by the rebel guns.
In rounding to, one of her barges struck
a sand-bar and sunk in four feet of wa-
ter. The other, with the steamer, was
captured by the rebels and run up the
Arkansas River. The steamer also had
a mail on board for the squadron, which
was lost. Important dispatches for the
BLOCKADE OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
58)
Admiral were in the hands of a special
messenger, who had the shrewdness to
destroy them.
“Another vessel, passing down in
company with the Blue Wing, escaped
and brought the news of the disaster to
the Admiral, who at once dispatched
the gun-boat Conestoga to the place.
The gun-boat made short work of cap-
turing the rebels' guns, and then steamed
up the Arkansas River and retook the
barge of coal. The Blue Wing had
been hauled higher up out of reach.
The Conestoga is still lying off the
mouth of the Arkansas to guard against
a repetition of the trouble. The Lex-
ington goes up to-night to relieve her.
“On the 1st instant, information
reached here of the rebel raid in West-
ern Tennessee and Kentucky, and the
threatened danger at Island No. 10,
Fort Pillow, and Hickman. The Admi-
ral at once ordered the iron-clad gun-
boat Carondelet, Captain Walke, to get
under weigh and proceed to the threat-
ened localities, taking a tug with him
to assist him up the river. Owing to
the scarcity of coal at Cairo, the low
stage of water in the Ohio, and the
trouble that has existed in getting coal
down here, our supply is entirely ex-
hausted, except what the vessels have
in their bunkers, which is but little.
The Carondelet had but a very little
when she left, scarcely enough to last
her in stemming the rising tide of the
Mississippi two days. She will therefore
be obliged to send her crew ashore oc-
casionally to cut wood; and as this will
be green and scarcely fit to burn, her
trip up the river will be a very slow
one. I do not learn that as yet there
has been any trouble at the points to
which the Carondelet is sent, but only
that there is imminent danger that trou-
ble may arise.
“It seems very strange to all in the
squadron that as yet we get no definite
information of the movements of Banks
and Farragut. That the latter, with
some of his fleet, was at Port Hudson
on the 18th and 19th inst. is believed
with certainty, and the rebels have in-
formation of General Banks' arrival at
New Orleans; but they are very chary
of any further intelligence, if they have
any. We are fully aware—for it no
longer is attempted to be kept secret—
that both these commands were to join
this expedition at this place. It scarcely
seems credible that they have met with
any insurmountable obstacles in ascend-
ing the river. Port Hudson is the only
strong position the rebels have below
Wicksburg, and that can hold out
scarcely two hours against a land attack.
It is only strong on the river front, as
against a fleet and a front attack. The
rebels never have had to exceed 5,000
or 6,000 troops there, and these were
mostly withdrawn and brought up to
Wicksburg previous to our arrival here.
The only surmise we can make is, that
Banks met with some serious disaster
before arriving at New Orleans, and is
unable to move at present.”
Several untoward events concurred in
defeating the object of General Sher-
man's expedition. Grant's retrograde
march and detention was the chief, but
156
582
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
to this were added several mistakes of
detail which were hardly less unfortu-
nate. The gun-boats were rendered
comparatively useless for want of fuel,
their supplies of coal having been cap-
tured by the enemy. They, however,
made a demonstration against the forti-
fications at Haines' Bluff on the Yazoo,
in the course of which they suffered
more damage than they inflicted. The
gun-boat Benton was riddled with shot,
and her captain and many of her crew
killed.
General McClernand, immediately
after the defeat of General Sherman
at Wicksburg, sought compensation for
that disaster to the Union arms in an
attack upon Arkansas Post. At this
place, the capital of Arkansas County,
Arkansas, situated on the Arkansas
River, about fifty miles from where it
empties into the Mississippi River, the
enemy had erected formidable works,
the principal of which was Fort Hind-
man, of which Colonel Dunnington was
the commandant, and concentrated a
force of 7,000 men, under the command
of General Churchill. Ascending the
1863, Arkansas River as far as Arkansas
Jan. Post, the troops, under General
9, McClernand, landed, in order to
operate against the enemy's fortifica-
tions by land, while the gun-boats, com-
manded by Admiral David B. Porter,
moved up the river to attack them by
water. “On the 4th of January,” says
the latter in his official report of Janu-
ary 11, “McClernand concluded to
move up the river upon the Post of Ar-
kansas, and requested my co-operation.
I detailed three iron-clads—the Louis-
ville, Baron de Kalb, and Cincinnati-
with all the light-draught gun-boats, all
of which had to be towed up the river.
“On the 9th we ascended the Arkan-
sas River as high as Arkansas Post,
when the army landed within about four
miles of the fort. The enemy had
thrown up heavy earthworks and exten-
sive rifle-pits all along the levee. While
the army were making a detour to sur-
round the fort, I sent up the iron-clads
to try the range of their guns, and af-
terward sent up the Rattler, Lieuten-
ant-Commanding Watson Smith, to clear
out the rifle-pits and the men behind an
extensive breast-work in front of our
troops. The Black Hawk also opened
on them with her rifled guns, and after
a few shots the enemy left the works,
and our troops marched in. At two
o'clock General McClernand told me the
troops would be in position to assault
the main fort—a very formidable work
—and I held all the vessels in readiness
to attack when the troops were in posi-
tion. At half-past five in the afternoon
General McClernand sent me a message
stating that everything was ready, and
the Louisville, Baron de Kalb, and Cin-
cinnati advanced to within 400 yards of
the fort, which then opened fire from
their heavy guns and eight rifled guns and
with musketry. The superiority of our
fire was soon manifested. The batteries
were silenced, and we ceased firing ; but
no assault took place, and it being too
dark to do anything, all the vessels
dropped down and tied up to the bank
for the night.
ATTACK - ON POST OF ARKANSAS. 583
“The Baron de Kalb, Lieutenant-
Commanding Walker, Louisville, Lieu-
tenant-Commanding Owen, and the Cin-
cinnati, Lieutenant-Commanding Bache,
led the attack, and when hotly engaged
I brought up the light-draught vessels,
the Lexington and Black Hawk, to
throw in shrapnel and rifle-shell. The
fire was very destructive, killing nearly
all the artillery horses in and about the
fort. |
“When the battery was pretty well
silenced, I ordered Lieutenant-Com-
manding Smith to pass the fort in the
light-draught iron-clad Rattler, and en-
filade it, which he did in a very gallant
and handsome manner, but suffered a
good deal in his hull in doing so. All
his cabin-works were knocked to pieces,
and a heavy shell raked him from stem
to stern in the hull. Strange to say,
two heavy shells struck his iron plating
—three-quarters inch—on the bow and
never injured it. He got past the fort,
but became entangled among the snags
placed in the river to impede our pro-
gress, and had to return.
“In the evening attack the vessels of
all the commanders were well handled,
particularly the iron-clads. It was close
quarters all the time, and not a gun was
fired from our side until the gun-boats
were within 400 yards of the fort. The
condition of the fort attests the accura-
cy of fire, and the persons inside gave
the Baron de Kalb, Lieutenant-Com-
manding Walker, the credit of doing the
most execution.
“I was informed again this morning
by General McClernand, that the army
was waiting for the navy to attack,
when they would assault the works. I
ordered up the iron-clads, with direc-
tions for the Lexington to join in when
the former became engaged, and for the
frailer vessels to haul up in the smoke
and do the best they could. The Rat-
tler, Lieutenant-Commanding Smith, and
the Guide, Lieutenant-Commanding
Woodward, did good execution with.
their shrapnel, and when an opportunity
occurred, I made them push through by
the fort again ; also the ram Monarch,
Colonel Charles Ellet, and they pro-
ceeded rapidly up the river to cut off
the enemy's retreat by the only way he
had to get off. -
“By this time all the guns in the fort
were completely silenced by the Louis-
ville, Lieutenant-Commanding E. R.
Owen, Baron de Kalb, and Cincinnati,
and I ordered the Black Hawk up for
the purpose of boarding it in front.
Being unmanageable, she had to be
kept up the narrow stream, and I took
in a regiment from the opposite side to
try and take it by assault.
“As I rounded to to do so, and the
gun-boats commenced firing rapidly,
knocking everything to pieces, the en-
emy held out a white flag, and I ordered
the firing to cease. The army then en-
tered and took possession. Colonel
Dunnington, the commander of the fort,
sent for me and surrendered to me in
person. Colonel Churchill, of the rebel
army, surrendered to the military com-
mander.
“Our army had almost surrounded
the fort, and would no doubt have car.
584
. THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ried it with ease. They enfiladed it with
rifled field-pieces, which did much dam-
age to the houses and light work, leav-
ing their mark in all directions.
“In all this affair there was the great-
est zeal on the part of the officers com-
manding to carry out my orders, and
not a mistake of any kind occurred. No
fort ever received a worse battering,
and the highest compliment I can pay
those engaged is to repeat what the
rebels said—‘You can't expect men to
stand up against the fire of those gun-
boats.’”
In this engagement with the enemy's
forts, the fleet had five killed and twen-
ty-three wounded. Though some of the
gun-boats were damaged, none were
disabled.
General McClernand, having divided
his force, moved the separate divisions
in different directions, so as to surround
the enemy and force them, after a brief
resistance, to surrender. About 7,000
prisoners and a large quantity of am-
munition and stores thus fell into the
hands of the Unionists. The loss of the
latter was not more than 200 killed and
wounded.
By the capture of Arkansas Post the
way seemed to be opened for a success-
ful expedition to Little Rock, the capi-
tal of the State of Arkansas, but it was
not deemed by General McClernand ad-
7isable to push his advantage in that
direction. A combined expedition, how-
ever, under the command of General
Gorman, was sent up the White River,
which ascended to St. Charles, Du- Jan.
val's Bluff, and Des Arc. The en- 18.
emy having in the mean time been fully
alarmed, retired from their position,
leaving behind them only 150 men, two
guns, and about 200 small-arms, which
were captured by the Union force.
General Grant having been thwarted
by the enterprise of the enemy in his
attempt to reach Wicksburg by land, fell
back to Memphis. He now embarked
his troops in transports, and forming a
junction with General McClernand's
forces at Napoleon, assumed the com-
mand of the whole army and moved Jan,
down the Mississippi to renew, in 18.
combination with the fleet under Admi-
ral Porter, operations against Wicksburg.
On the 22d of January the advance had
reached and disembarked at Young's
Point, on the Louisiana bank of the
Mississippi, about nine miles distant by
the river from Wicksburg, on the oppo-
site shore. The rest of the forces rap-
idly followed, and soon was gathered for
the attack of Wicksburg an army of
nearly 200,000. The enemy, in the
mean time, had concentrated a large
force, estimated at 100,000 men, under
the command of General Johnston, and
prepared to make a vigorous defence of
their stronghold.
NASHVILLE THREATENED.
585
C EIA P T E R XLI.
The Activity of the Enemy's Cavalry in Tennessee.—Communications of Nashville Interrupted.—Demand for Surren-
der of Nashville.—Refusal.—Rout of the Enemy at Lavergne.—Rosecrans at Nashville.—The Enemy's Cavalry at
Work.--Surprise and Capture of Hartsville by Morgan.—Morgan's Advance into Kentucky.—His Destructive Work.
—Return to Tennessee.—Rosecrans Advances to meet Bragg.—Battle of Stone River.—Sudden Retreat of the Enemy
to Tullahoma.-Boasts of the Enemy.—Carter's Spirited Expedition to East Tennessee.—The Enemy's Cavalry still
at Work.-Enemy Repulsed at Fort Donelson.
WHEN General Buell was checked in
his advance by the battle of Perry-
ville, and the enemy under General
Bragg were enabled to make their escape
from Kentucky into Tennessee, the de-
tached Confederate forces, principally of
cavalry, became very enterprising in both
States. Their main object seemed to be
so to isolate Nashville by surrounding
it and cutting off its communications, as
to render the city no longer tenable by
the Federal garrison. They so far suc-
ceeded as to prevent all regular commu-
nications between Nashville and the sur-
rounding country, north, south, east,
and west, for more than a month.
Supplies of all kinds became exceed-
ingly scarce, and great alarm pre-
vailed in the city for its safety. The
enemy, finally presuming upon the com-
pleteness with which they had surround-
sep, ed Nashville, made a final demand
28, for its surrender. To this the
Federal commander replied: “General
Negley is prepared and determined to
hold his position.”
General Negley proved as good as his
word. Discovering that the enemy were
concentrated in force at Lavergne, a
1862,
small town on the railroad between
Nashville and Murfreesboro, about four-
teen miles from the former city, he sud-
denly fell upon and routed them.
“A force of 400 infantry, 400 cavalry,
and four pieces of artillery, under 0ct,
command of General Palmer,” says 6.
General Negley in his report, “was sent
via the Murfreesboro road. At the same
time, 1,800 infantry, under Colonel Mil-
ler, marched by a circuitous route to the
south of Lavergne. The enemy's pickets
and vedettes were in considerable force
on the roads, and skirmished with our
advance ten miles, enabling their main
force, consisting of one regiment of in-
fantry, the Thirty-second Alabama, one
steel-rifled cannon, and 3,000 cavalry, to
assume a position, forming their lines in
anticipation of our entire force advancing
on the Murfreesboro road, which was part
of our object. The enemy commenced
action by opening a fire with three pieces
of artillery at a distance of 300 yards.
This was soon silenced by a shell from
one of our guns exploding their ammuni-
tion chest. At the moment the enemy
were directing their movements against
the right flank of General Palmer's force,
586
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Colonel Miller's infantry arrived, ad-
vancing in splendid line of battle, and
delivering a well-directed fire into the
enemy's ranks, which was followed by a
skilful deployment right and left to cut
off their retreat. The Confederates held
their ground for thirty minutes, then fled
in the wildest disorder, leaving 175 pris-
oners in our hands, among whom were
two lieutenant-colonels, and a number
of line officers, three pieces of artillery,
ordnance and quartermaster's stores, a
large amount of provisions, camp equi-
page, personal effects and regimental
colors, and two railroad cars, which we
destroyed. Their defeat was complete.
Their loss in killed and wounded was
about eighty.”
Gen. Rosecrans having, in the mean
Now, time, with characteristic prompti-
10, tude, pushed on to Nashville, which
he had resolved to make his basis of
operations, the Confederate forces fell
back to Murfreesboro, where they con-
centrated under General Bragg, and
prepared to oppose the further advance
of the Union army. Their detachments
of cavalry, however, under the enter-
prising leaders, Morgan, Forrest, and
Wheeler, soon resumed their adventu-
rous operations, and succeeded in great-
ly embarrassing the movements of Rose-
crans. Gen. Morgan, always on the alert,
Dec, surprised at Hartsville, in Tennes-
7, see, an advanced Union force, and,
after a short struggle, captured it. The
reconnoitring and foraging parties of
both armies came into frequent collision,
with varying results; now the Unionists
were successful, and again the secession-
ists; but the vigilance of the former was
more than matched by the audacity of
the latter. The alert Morgan, having
succeeded in gaining the rear of the
Union army, operated with characteris-
tic vigor upon its line of communica-
tions. After his success at Hartsville
he crossed the Cumberland River and
moved along the Nashville and Louis-
ville Railroad into Kentucky, driving off
or evading the Union garrisons on his
route, capturing supplies, and destroying
railway trains and bridges. Morgan
in this bold raid penetrated as far as
Muldraugh's Hill, within thirty miles of
Louisville, where, after capturing a Dec,
guard of 600 Union soldiers, he 28,
destroyed the trestle-work of the rail-
road. Having met with a stout Dec,
resistance from Colonel Harland at 29.
Rolling Fork, Morgan made off to
Bardstown, and thence retraced his steps
southward to Tennessee. General For-
rest, also in the rear of the Union army,
was equally enterprising with Morgan in
interrupting its communications and cap-
turing its supplies.
General Rosecrans thus harassed by
the Confederate cavalry, determined to
advance against the enemy's main army
under General Bragg, posted at Mur-
freesboro. This he believed to be the
only means by which he could secure the
command of the country, now become
essential to him for the support of his
large army since his communications
with the North had been interrupted.
Rosecrans put his whole army in motion
at sunrise on the morning after Christ-
mas. The preliminary movements, and
ROSECRANS’ REPORT.
587
the great battle of Murfreesboro, or Stone
River, which ensued, are spiritedly de-
scribed by General Rosecrans in this his
official report :
“Assuming command of the army at
Louisville on the 27th day of October,
it was found concentrated at Bowling
Green and Glasgow, distant about 113
miles from Louisville, whence, after re-
plenishing with ammunition, supplies,
and clothing, they moved on to Nash-
ville, the advance corps reaching that
place on the morning of the 7th of No-
vember, a distance of 183 miles from
Louisville. . **
“At this distance from my base of
supplies, the first thing to be done was
to provide for the subsistence of the
troops and open the Louisville and
Nashville Railroad. The cars com-
menced running through on the 26th of
November, previous to which time our
supplies had been brought by rail to
Mitchelville, thirty-five miles north of
Nashville, and thence, by constant labor,
we had been able to haul enough to re-
plenish the exhausted stores for the gar-
rison at Nashville, and subsist the troops
of the moving army. -
“From the 26th of November to the
26th of December every effort was bent
to complete the clothing of the army, to
provide it with ammunition, and replen-
ish the dépôt at Nashville with needful
supplies to insure us against want from
the largest possible detention likely to
occur by the breaking of the Louisville
and Nashville Railroad; and to insure
this work the road was guarded by a
heavy force posted at Gallatin.
“The enormous superiority in num-
bers of the rebel cavalry kept our little
cavalry force almost within the infantry
lines, and gave the enemy control of the
entire country around us. It was obvi-
ous from the beginning that we should
be confronted by Bragg's army, recruited
by an inexorable conscription, and aided
by clouds of mounted men, formed into
a guerrilla-like cavalry to avoid the
hardships of conscription and infantry
service. The evident difficulties and la-
bors of an advance into this country,
and against such a force, and at such
a distance from our base of operations,
with which we connected by a single
precarious thread, made it manifest that
our policy was to induce the enemy to
travel over as much as possible of the
space that separated us—thus avoiding
for us the wear and tear and diminution
of our forces, and subjecting the enemy
to all these inconveniences, besides in-
creasing for him and diminishing for us
the dangerous consequences of a defeat.
“The means taken to obtain this end
were eminently successful; the enemy,
expecting us to go into winter quarters
at Nashville, had prepared his own win-
ter quarters at Murfreesboro, with the
hope of possibly making them at Nash-
ville ; and had sent a large cavalry force
into West Tennessee to annoy Grant;
and another large force into Kentucky,
to break up the railroad. In the ab-
sence of these forces, and with adequate
supplies in Nashville, the moment was
judged opportune for an advance on the
rebels. Polk's and Kirby Smith's forces
were at Murfreesboro, and Hardee's
588
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
corps on the Shelbyville and Nolinsville
pike, between Triune and Eaglesville,
with an advance guard at Nolinsville,
while no troops lay in front at Nash-
ville, on the Franklin, Nolinsville, and
Murfreesboro turnpike. The plan of
the movements was as follows:
“McCook, with three divisions, to ad-
vance by Nolinsville pike to Triune.
Thomas, with two divisions (Negley's
and Rousseau's), to advance on his right
by the Franklin and Wilson pikes,
threatening Hardee's right, and then to
fall in by the cross-roads to Nolinsville.
“Crittenden, with Wood's, Palmer's,
and Van Cleve's divisions, to advance
by the Murfreesboro pike to Lavergne.
“With Thomas’ two divisions at No-
linsville, McCook was to attack Har-
dee at Triune, and if the enemy rein-
forced Hardee, Thomas was to support
McCook.
“If McCook beat Hardee, or Hardee
retreated, and the enemy met us at
Stewart's Creek, five miles south of
Lavergne, Crittenden was to attack him.
Thomas was to come in on his left flank,
and McCook, after detaching a division
to pursue or observe Hardee, if retreat-
ing south, was to move with the remain-
der of his force on their rear.
“The movement began on the morn-
ing of December 26.
“McCook advanced on Nolinsville
pike, skirmishing his way all day, meet-
ing with stiff resistance from cavalry
and artillery, and closing the day by a
brisk fight, which gave him possession
of Nolinsville and the hills one and a
half miles in front, capturing one gun
by the One Hundred and First Ohio
and Fifteenth Wisconsin regiments, his
loss this day being about seventy-five
killed and wounded.
“Thomas followed, on the right, and
closed Negley's division on Nolinsville,
leaving the other (Rousseau's) division
On the right flank.
“Crittenden advanced to Lavergne,
skirmishing heavily on his front over a
rough country, intersected by forests
and cedar brakes, with but slight loss.
“On the 26th, General McCook ad-
vanced on Triune, but his movement
was retarded by a dense fog.
“Crittenden had orders to delay his
movement until McCook had reached
Triune and developed the intentions of
the enemy at that point, so that it could
be determined which Thomas was to
Support.
“McCook arrived at Triune, and re-
ported that Hardee had retreated, and
that he had sent a division in pursuit.
“Crittenden began his advance about
eleven o'clock A.M., driving before him
a brigade of cavalry, supported by
Maury's brigade of rebel infantry, and
reached Stewart's Creek, the Third
Kentucky gallantly charging the rear-
guard of the enemy and saving the
bridge, on which had been placed a pile
of rails that had been set on fire. This
was Saturday night.
“McCook having settled the fact of
Hardee's retreat, Thomas moved Neg-
ley's division on to join Crittenden at
Stewart's Creek, and moved Rousseau's
to Nolinsville.
“On Sunday the troops rested, except
PRELIMINARY MOVEMENTS.
Rousseau's division, which was ordered
to move on to Stewardston, and Wil-
lich's brigade, which had pursued Har-
dee as far as Riggs' cross-roads, and
had determined the fact that Hardee
had gone to Murfreesboro, when they
returned to Triune. -
“On Monday morning McCook was
ordered to move from Triune to Wilkin-
son's cross-roads, six miles from Mur-
freesboro, leaving a brigade at Triune.
“Crittenden crossed Stewart's Creek
by the Smyrna bridge, on the main
Murfreesboro pike, and Negley by the
ford two miles above, their whole force
to advance on Murfreesboro, distant
about eleven miles.
“Rousseau was to remain at Stewart's
Creek until his train came up, and pre-
pare himself to follow.
“McCook reached Wilkinson's cross-
roads by evening, with an advance bri-
gade at Overall's Creek, saving and hold-
ing the bridge, meeting with but little
resistance. - - -
“Crittenden's corps advanced, Pal-
mer leading, on the Murfreesboro pike,
followed by Negley, of Thomas' corps,
to within three miles of Murfreesboro,
having had several brisk skirmishes,
driving the enemy rapidly, saving two
bridges on the route, and forcing the
enemy back to his intrenchments.
“About three P.M., a signal message
coming from the front, from General
Palmer, that he was in sight of Mur-
freesboro, and the enemy were running,
an order was sent to General Crittenden
to send a division to occupy Murfrees-
boro.
589
“This led General Crittenden, on
reaching the enemy's front, to order
Harker's brigade to cross the river at a
ford on his left, where he surprised a
regiment of Breckinridge's division, and
drove it back on its main lines, not more
than 500 yards distant, in considerable
confusion ; and he held this position
until General Crittenden was advised,
by prisoners captured by Harker's bri-
gade, that Breckinridge was in force on
his front, when, it being dark, he or-
dered the brigade back across the river,
and reported the circumstances to the
Commanding-General on his arrival, to
whom he apologized for not having car-
ried out the order to occupy Murfrees-
boro. The General approved of his ac-
tion, of course, the order to occupy
Murfreesboro having been based on the
information received from General Crit-
tenden's advance division, that the en-
emy were retreating from Murfreesboro.
“Crittenden's corps, with Negley's
division, bivouacked in order of battle,
distant 700 yards from the enemy's in-
trenchments, our left extending down
the river some 500 yards.
“The pioneer brigade, bivouacking
still lower down, prepared three fords,
and covered one of them, while Wood's
division covered the other two, Van
Cleve's division being in reserve. On
the morning of the 30th, Rousseau, with
two brigades, was ordered down early
from Stewart's Creek, leaving one bri-
gade there, and sending another to
Smyrna to cover our left and rear,
and took his place in reserve, in
rear of Palmer's right, while General
157
590
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Negley moved on through the cedar
brakes, until his right rested on the
Wilkinson pike. The pioneer corps cut
roads through the cedars for his ambu-
lances and ammunition wagons.
“The Commanding-General remained
with the left and centre, examining the
ground, while General McCook moved
forward from Wilkinson's cross-roads
slowly and steadily, meeting with heavy
resistance, fighting his way from Over-
all's Creek until he got into position,
with a loss of some 135 killed and
wounded. { -
“Our small division of cavalry—say
3,000 men—had been divided into three
parts, of which General Stanley took
two, and accompanied General McCook,
fighting his way across from the Wilkin-
son to the Franklin pike and below it,
Colonel Zahn's brigade leading gallantly,
and meeting with such heavy resistance
that McCook sent two brigades from
Johnson's division, which succeeded in
fighting their way into position, while
the third brigade, which had been left
at Triune, moved forward from that
place, and arrived at nightfall near Gen-
eral McCook's headquarters. * * *
“At four o'clock in the afternoon,
General McCook had reported his arri-
val on the Wilkinson pike, joining Tho-
mas—the result of the combat in the
afternoon near Greison's home—and the
fact that Sheridan was in position there,
that his right was advancing to support
the cavalry; also that Hardee's corps,
with two divisions of Polk's, was on his
front, extending down toward the Salem
pike. *
“Without any map of the ground,
which was to us terra incognita, when
General McCook informed the General-
Commanding that his corps was facing
strongly toward the east, the General-
Commanding told him that such a direc-
tion to his line did not appear to him a
proper one, but that it ought, with the
exception of his left, to face much more
nearly south, with Johnson's division in
reserve ; but that this matter must be
confided to him who knew the ground
over which he had fought.
“At nine P.M. the corps commanders
met at the headquarters of the General-
Commanding, who explained to them the
following plan of the battle :
“McCook was to occupy the most
advantageous position, refusing his right
as much as practicable and necessary to
secure it, to receive the attack of the
enemy ; or if that did not come, to at-
tack himself sufficient to hold all the
force on his front.
“Thomas and Palmer to open with
skirmishing, and gain the enemy's cen-
tre and left, as far as the river.
“Crittenden to cross Wan Cleve's di-
vision at the lower ford, covered and
supported by the sappers and miners,
and to advance on Breckinridge.
“Wood's division to follow by bri-
gades, crossing at the upper ford and
moving on Wan Cleve's right, to carry
everything before them into Murfrees-
boro. This would have given us two
divisions against one ; and as soon as
Breckinridge had been dislodged from
his position, the batteries of Wood's
division, taking position on the heights
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER,
591
east of Stone River, in advance, would
see the enemy's work in reverse, would
dislodge them, and enable Palmer's di-
vision to press them back and drive
them westward across the river or
through the woods; while Thomas, sus-
taining the movement on the centre,
would advance on the right of Palmer,
crushing their right ; and Crittenden's.
corps advancing, would take Murfrees-
boro ; and then moving westward on
the Franklin road, get in their flank and
rear, and drive them into the country
toward Salem, with the prospect of cut-
ting off their retreat, and probably de-
stroying their army.
“It was explained to them that this
combination, insuring us a vast superi-
ority on our left, required for its success
that General McCook should be able to
hold his position for three hours; that if
necessary to recede at all, he should re-
cede as he advanced on the preceding
day, slowly and steadily, refusing his
right, thereby rendering our success cer-
tain.
“Having thus explained the plan, the
General-Commanding addressed General
McCook as follows: ‘You know the
ground; you have fought over its diffi-
culties. Can you hold your present po-
sition for three hours ?" To which Gen-
eral McCook replied, ‘Yes, I think I
can.’ The General-Commanding then
said: ‘I don't like the facing so much
to the east, but must confide that to you,
who know the ground. If you don't
think your present the best position,
change it;' and the officers then re-
tired to their commands.
... “At daylight on the morning of the
31st, the troops breakfasted and stood
to their arms, and by seven o'clock
were preparing for the battle.
“The movement was begun on the left
by General Van Cleve, who crossed at the
lower fords; Wood prepared to sustain
and follow him. The enemy meanwhile
had prepared to attack General McCook,
and by half-past six o'clock advanced in
heavy columns—regimental front—his
left attacking Willich's and Kirk's bri-
gades of Johnson's division, which being
thin and light, without support, were,
after a sharp but fruitless contest, crum-
bled to pieces and driven back, leaving
Edgarton's and part of Goodspeed's bat-
tery in the hands of the enemy.
“The enemy following up, attacked
Davis' division, and speedily dislodged
Post's brigade ; Carlin's brigade was
compelled to follow, as Woodruff's bri-
gade, from the weight of testimony,
had previously left its position on his
left. Johnson's brigade, on retiring,
inclined too far to the west, and were
too much scattered to make a combined
resistance, though they fought bravely
at one or two points before reaching
Wilkinson's pike. The reserve brigade
of Johnson's division, advancing from
its bivouac near Wilkinson's pike, to-
ward the right, took a good position,
and made a gallant but an ineffectual
stand, as the whole rebel left was mov-
ing up on the ground abandoned by our
troops. -
“Within an hour from the time of
the opening of the battle, a staff officer
from General McCook arrived, announc-
592
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ing to me that the right wing was heav-
ily pressed, and needed assistance ; but
I was not advised of the rout of Wil-
lich's and Kirby's brigades, nor of the
rapid withdrawal of Davis' division, ne-
cessitated thereby ; moreover, having
supposed his wing posted more com-
pactly and his right more refused than it
really was, the direction of the noise of
battle did not indicate to me the true
state of affairs. I consequently directed
him to return, and direct General Mc-
Cook to dispose his troops to the best
advantage, and to hold his ground obsti-
nately. Soon after a second officer from
General McCook arrived, and stated
that the right wing was being driven—
a fact that was but too manifest, by the
rapid movement of the noise of battle
toward the north.
“General Thomas was immediately
dispatched to order Rousseau—there in
reserve—into the cedar brakes to the
right and rear of Sheridan. General
Crittenden was ordered to suspend Van
Cleve's movement across the river, on
the left, and to cover the crossing with
one brigade, and move the other two
brigades westward across the fields to-
ward the railroad, for a reserve. Wood
was also directed to suspend his prepara-
tions for crossing, and to hold Hascall
in reserve.
“At this moment fugitives and strag-
glers from McCook's corps began to
make their appearance through the ce-
dar brakes, in such numbers that I be-
came satisfied that McCook's corps was
routed. I therefore directed General
Critºnden to send Van Cleve in to the
right of Rousseau, Wood to send Color
nel Harker's brigade farther down the
Murfreesboro pike, to go in and attack
the enemy on the right of Wan Cleve,
the pioneer brigade meanwhile occupy-
ing the knoll cf ground west of Mur-
freesboro pike, and about 400 or 500
yards in rear of Palmer's centre, sup-
porting Stokes' battery.
Sheridan, af-
ter sustaining four successive attacks,
gradually swung his right from a south-
easterly to a northwesterly direction,
repulsing the enemy four times, losing
the gallant General Sill of his right,
and Colonel Roberts of his left brigade,
when having exhausted his ammunition
—Negley's division being in the same
predicament, and heavily pressed—af-
ter desperate fighting, they fell back
from the position held at the com-
mencement, through the cedar woods,
in which Rousseau's division, with a
portion of Negley's and Sheridan's, met
the advancing enemy and checked his
movements.
“The ammunition train of the right
wing, endangered by its sudden discom-
fiture, was taken charge of by Captain
Thurston, of the First Ohio, regular
ordnance officer, who by his energy and
gallantry, aided by a charge of cavalry
and such troops as he could pick up,
carried it through the woods to the
Murfreesboro pike, around to the rear
of the left wing, thus enabling the troops
of Sheridan's division to replenish their
empty cartridge-boxes. During all this
time Palmer's front had likewise been
in action, the enemy having made seve-
ral attempts to advance upon it. At
FIRST DAY'S FIGHT.
593
this stage it became necessary to re-ad-
just the line of battle to the new state
of affairs. Rousseau and Wan Cleve's
advance having relieved Sheridan's di-
vision from the pressure, Negley's divi-
sion and Cruft's brigade from Palmer's
division withdrew from their original
position in front of the cedars, and
crossed the open field to the east of the
Murfreesboro pike, about 400 yards in
rear of our front line, where Negley
was ordered to replenish his ammuni-
tion, and form in close column in re-
Serve.
“The right and centre of our line
now extended from Hazen to the Mur-
freesboro pike, in a northwesterly direc-
tion—Hascall supporting Hazen, Rous-
seau filling the interval to the pioneer
brigade.
“Negley in reserve, Van Cleve west
of the pioneer brigade, McCook's corps
refused on his right and slightly to the
rear on Murfreesboro pike, the cavalry
being still farther to the rear on Mur-
freesboro pike and beyond Overall's
Creek.
“The enemy's infantry and cavalry
attack on our extreme right was re-
pulsed by Van Cleve's division, with
Harker's brigade and the cavalry. After
several attempts of the enemy to ad-
vance on this new line, which were
thoroughly repulsed, as also their at-
tempts on the left, the day closed leav-
ing us masters of the original ground
on our left, and our new line advan-
tageously posted, with open ground in
front swept at all points by our artillery.
“We had lost heavily in killed and
wounded, and a considerable number in
stragglers and prisoners ; also twenty-
eight pieces of artillery, the horses hav-
ing been slain, and our troops being
unable to withdraw them by hand over
the rough ground; but the enemy had
been thoroughly handled and badly
damaged at all points, having had no
success where we had open ground and
our troops were properly posted ; none,
which did not depend on the original
crushing of our right, and the superior
masses which were, in consequence,
brought to bear upon the narrow front
of Sheridan's and Negley's divisions,
and a part of Palmer's coupled with the
scarcity of ammunition, caused by the
circuitous road which the train had
taken, and the inconvenience of getting
it from a remote distance through the
cedars. Orders were given for the issue
of all the spare ammunition, and we
found that we had enough for another
battle, the only question being where
the battle was to be fought.
“It was decided, in order to complete
our present lines, that the left should be
retired some 250 yards to a more advan-
tageous ground, the extreme left resting
on Stone River above the lower ford
and extending to Stokes' battery.
Starkweather's and Walker's brigades
arriving near the close of the evening,
the former bivouacked in close column
in reserve in rear of McCook's left, and
the latter was posted on the left of
Sherman, near the Murfreesboro pike,
and next morning relieved Van Cleve,
who returned to his position in the left
wing.
594
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“After careful examination and free
consultation with corps commanders,
followed by a personal examination of
the ground in rear as far as Overall's
Creek, it was determined to await the
enemy's attack in that station, to send
for the provision train and order up
fresh supplies of ammunition, on the
arrival of which, should the enemy not
attack, offensive operations should be
resumed.
“No demonstration on the morning
of the 1st of January. Crittenden was
ordered to occupy the points opposite
the ford on his left with a brigade.
“About two o'clock in the afternoon,
the enemy, who had shown signs of
movement and massing on our right,
appeared at the extremity of the field, a
mile and a half from the Murfreesboro
pike, but the presence of Gibson's bri-
gade with a battery occupying the woods
near Overall' Creek, and Negley's divi-
sion and a portion of Rousseau's on the
Murfreesboro pike opposite the field,
put an end to this demonstration, and
the day closed with another demonstra-
tion by the enemy on Walker's brigade,
which ended in the same manner.
“On Friday morning the enemy
opened four heavy batteries on our cen-
tre, and a strong demonstration of at-
tack a little farther to the right, but a
well-directed fire of artillery soon si-
lenced his batteries, while the guns of
Walker and Sheridan put an end to his
effort there.
“About three o'clock P.M., while the
Commanding-General was examining the
position of Crittenden's left across the
river, which was now held by Wan
Cleve's division, supported by a brigade
from Palmer's, a double line of skir-
mishers was seen to emerge from the ,
woods in a southeasterly direction, ad-
vancing across the fields, and they were
soon followed by heavy columns of in-
fantry—battalion front, with three bat-
teries of artillery. *
“Our only battery on that side of the
river had been withdrawn from an eligi-
ble point ; but the most available spot
was pointed out, and it soon opened fire
upon the enemy. The line, however,
advanced steadily to within 100 yards
of the front of Wan Cleve's division,
when a short and fierce contest ensued.
Wan Cleve's division, giving way, retired
in considerable confusion across the
river, followed closely by the enemy.
“General Crittenden immediately di-
rected his chief of artillery to dispose
the batteries on the hill on the west side
of the river, so as to open on them,
while two brigades of Negley's division,
from the reserve, and the pioneer bri-
gade, were ordered up to meet the
Onset. .
“The firing was terrific, and the havoc
terrible. The enemy retreated more
rapidly than they had advanced. In
forty minutes they lost 2,000 men.
“General Davis seeing some stragglers
from Van Cleve's division, took one of
his brigades and crossed at a ford below,
to attack the enemy on his left flank,
and by General McCook's order the rest
of his division was permitted to follow ;
but when he arrived, two brigades of
Negley's division and Hazen's brigade
RETREAT OF ENEMY.
595
of Palmer's division had pursued the
flying enemy well across the field, cap-
turing four pieces of artillery and a
stand of colors.
“It was now after dark, and raining,
or we should have pursued the enemy
into Murfreesboro. As it was, Critten-
den's corps passed over, and, with Da-
vis, occupied the crests, which were in-
trenched in a few hours.
“Deeming it possible that the enemy
might again attack the right and centre
thus weakened, I thought it advisable to
make a demonstration on our right, by
a heavy division of camp fires, and by
laying out a line of battle with torches,
which answered the purpose.
“On Saturday, January 3, it rained
heavily from three o'clock in the morn-
ing; the plowed ground over which our
left would be obliged to advance was
impassable for artillery; the ammuni-
tion train did not arrive until ten o'clock,
it was therefore deemed unadvisable to
advance, but batteries were put in posi-
tion on the left by which the ground
could be swept, and even Murfreesboro
reached by the Parrott guns.
“A heavy and constant picket firing
had been kept up on our right and cen-
tre, and extending to our left, which at
last became so annoying, that in the af-
ternoon I directed the corps command-
ers to clear their fronts.
“Occupying the woods to the left of
Murfreesboro pike with sharp-shooters,
the enemy had annoyed Rousseau all
day, and General Thomas and himself
requested permission to dislodge them
and their supports which covered a ford.
This was granted, and a sharp fire from
four batteries was opened for ten or fif-
teen minutes, when Rousseau sent two
of his regiments, which, with Speer's
Tennesseeans and the Eighty-fifth Il-
linois Volunteers, that had come out
with the wagon-train, charged upon the
enemy, and, after a sharp contest,
cleared the woods and drove the enemy
from his trenches, capturing from seven-
ty to eighty prisoners. -
“Sunday morning, the 4th of Jan-
uary, it was not deemed advisable to
commence offensive movements, and
news soon reached us that the enemy
had fled from Murfreesboro.”
The enemy, after meeting with a re-
pulse on each of the two days succeed-
ing their partial success on the 31st of
December, retreated on the 3d of Jan-
uary (1863.) Their retreat, however,
was not discovered by General Rose-
crans until the following morning, when
he advanced his centre with the view
of a pursuit. This was not long per-
sisted in, and the enemy succeeded in
reaching Tullahoma, Chattanooga, and
Winchester, boasting that they had re-
tired to a much stronger position, with-
out molestation, from a superior force.
The enemy claimed to have had great-
ly the advantage. General Bragg de-
clared exultingly to his soldiers: “In a
campaign of less than one month, in the
face of winter, your achievements have
been unparalleled. You have captured
more than 10,000 prisoners, taken and
preserved thirty pieces of artillery and
7,000 small-arms, in addition to many
thousands destroyed. You have, be-
596
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
sides, captured 800 wagons, loaded
chiefly with supplies, which have been
destroyed or brought safely to your
lines, and, in pitched battle, you have
driven the enemy before you, inflicting
a loss at least three to one greater than
you have sustained.”
The accounts of the gains and losses on
both sides were, as usual, very conflict-
ing. The enemy boasted that they had
captured in the battle of Murfreesboro
4,000 prisoners, 5,000 stand of small-
arms, and twenty-four pieces of cannon,
and that while they had lost but 5,000
men in all, they had inflicted a loss of
three times that number upon their an-
tagonists.”
A successful expedition into East
Tennessee was supposed to have fa-
cilitated Rosecrats in repulsing the
enemy, by depriving them of a ready
means of communication with Virginia,
and thus preventing them from obtain-
ing timely reinforcements from that
quarter. Maj.-General G. Granger dis-
Dec, patched a force of about 1,000 cav-
21, alry, under the command of Gen-
eral H. Carter, a loyal Tennesseean, to
East Tennessee, to interrupt the railroad
communications with Virginia. This
energetic officer succeeded in entirely
* General Rosecrans stated in his report :
“We moved on the enemy with the following forces:
Infantry, 41,421; artillery, 2,223; cavalry, 3,296; total,
46,940. We fought the battle with the following forces:
Infantry, 37,977; artillery, 2,223; cavalry, 3,200; total,
43,400. We lost in killed : Officers, 92; enlisted men,
1,441; total, 1,533. We lost in wounded: Officers, 384;
enlisted men, 6,861 ; total 7,245. Total, killed and
wounded, 8,778—being 20.03 per cent, of the entire force
in action.’’
The loss of Rosecrans in prisoners was estimated at less
than 2,800.
destroying the Union and Watauga
bridges, with ten miles of the railway.
Five hundred and fifty of the enemy
were killed, wounded, and taken prison-
ers, and a large quantity of arms and
stores captured, while the Union loss
was but ten men. The expedition, “one
of the most hazardous and daring of the
war, was attended with great hardships
and privations, owing to the almost im-
practicable nature of the country, the
length of the route—nearly 200 miles
each way—and the inclement season.”
The success of General Carter and his
men in their adventurous and import-
ant enterprise, was greatly applauded.
“The daring operations and brilliant
achievements of Gen. Carter and his com-
mand,” said Gen. Halleck, “are without
a parallel in the history of the war, and
deserve the thanks of the country.”
The recapture, by a Union force, of
Clarksville, in West Tennessee, on the
Memphis and Louisville Railroad, a few
days subsequently, was another success
which also contributed toward facilita-
ting the operations of Rosecrans.
The enemy, however, still persisted in
their bold raids in the rear and on the
flanks of the Union army. As the
Cumberland had filled with the rains,
and become navigable, Forrest, Wheeler,
Morgan, and other daring cavalry chiefs,
hovered about the banks of the river
with their troops of horsemen and bat-
teries of light artillery, and watching
their opportunity, attacked the boats on
their passage with supplies to Nashville.
Though often repulsed by the gun-boats,
these marauders were not seldom suc-
CAPTURE OF
GALVESTON. 597.
cessful, and greatly obstructed the Union
communications by the river as well as
by the railroads.
An attack on Fort Donelson, on the
Feb. 3, Cumberland River, in Tennessee,
1863, by a large force of the enemy's
cavalry, consisting of 4,000 men and
eight pieces of artillery, under Wheeler,
Forrest, Wharton, and Woodward, was
repulsed by the small Union garrison
of 800, under Colonel Harding, and a
fleet of gun-boats commanded by Lieu-
tenant Fitch. The enemy lost in killed,
“over 100, and in prisoners 300.” The
loss of the Unionists was only “twelve
killed and thirty wounded.”
C EIA P T E R XL II.
The Advantage of Texas to the Enemy.—Galveston taken Possession of by the Union Fleet.—Capture of Sabine Pass.
—Anxiety about holding Galveston.—General Magruder in Texas.-Successful Attack upon the Federal Fleet off
Galveston.—Capture of the Harriet Lane.—The Blockade of Galveston declared Raised.—The Blockade Resumed.—
Recapture by the Enemy of Sabine Pass.-Attack of the Enemy's Rams upon the Union Fleet blockading Charles-
ton.—Exaggerations of the Enemy.—The Blockade of Charleston declared to be Raised.—The truth told.
NoTWITHSTANDING the strong attach-
ment to the Union which was sup-
posed to exist among a large por-
tion of the people of Texas, principally
among those of German origin, that State
since its secession had contributed freely
of its resources to sustain the rebellion.
Its bold riders had largely recruited the
cavalry forces of the enemy, and exhib-
ited their characteristic dash and valor
upon numerous battle-fields, from New
Mexico to Virginia. Its extensive pas-
tures supplied numerous herds of cattle
for the subsistence of the Confederate
armies; its borders, contiguous to neu-
tral Mexico, facilitated the exchange of
cotton with foreign traders for munitions
•f war and other supplies, and its harbors
on the Gulf offered such conveniences for
{862,
commerce as to defy the obstructions of
the most rigid blockade.
To check this advantageous foreign
trade of Texas, and to establish a basis
for future military operations, the Union
fleet, under Commander Renshaw, took
possession of Galveston. This was 0ct,
accomplished with but little diffi- 4.
culty. Having notified the inhabitants
of his intention, and given them four
days to remove, Commander Renshaw,
notwithstanding a brisk fire, ran the
Harriet Lane past Fort Point, and laid
her to off the central wharf of Galves-
ton. The enemy now destroyed and
deserted the fort, and concentrated at
Virginia Point. In the mean time, the
rest of the Union fleet, consisting of
four vessels, sailed in and took their
position opposite the city. A conference
with the municipal authorities followed,
arrangements in regard to the police
* Rosecrans' dispatch, February 6.
158
598
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
of the town were agreed to, and Com-
mander Renshaw hoisted the Union flag
on the custom-house and took formal
possession. The fleet now anchored in
the bay, and held guard over the cap-
tured city. -
The capture of Sabine Pass was made
with hardly more trouble. The United
Oct. States steamer Kensington, Acting
I, Master Crocker commanding, aided
by a schooner and a bomb vessel, assailed
the fort commanding the pass, and driv-
ing away the garrison, captured two
twenty-four-pounders, spiked and de-
stroyed two other guns, and anchored
opposite the town. Fifty men with a
single howitzer now landed, and march-
ing five miles into the country, came upon
some of the enemy's cavalry and dis-
persed them. A few days subsequently
(October 5th), Crocker moved up the
river with twenty-five men, in a steamer
of light draught, which he had captured
and armed, and dispersing the force
which guarded it, destroyed Taylor's
Bayou River Bridge. Several small ves-
sels were captured, and extensive bar-
racks and store-houses, with supplies,
were burned, and the place, like Galves-
ton, guarded by a naval force.
The capture of Sabine Pass was a
serious blow to the enemy, as it was of
great utility to them in exporting cot-
ton and importing munitions of war,
and other supplies. The Sabine River,
which the pass commands, is the bound-
ary line between Louisiana and Texas,
and is thus conveniently situated for the
foreign trade through Mexico and the
West Indies, which has been so exten-
sively carried on by the Confederate
States.
Though Commander Renshaw con-
tinued to hold the harbor of Galveston
with his small naval force for several
months, he was not without inquietude
lest the enemy, who remained in consid-
erable numbers outside of the city,
should make a successful attack. The
event anticipated by Commander Ren-
shaw came. General Magruder, who had
been transferred from Virginia to the
command of the enemy in Texas, organ-
ized an enterprise by which he Jan. 1,
succeeded in recapturing Galves- 1863.
ton. An authentic account of the event
is given in the following official report
of a court of inquiry instituted by Ad-
miral Farragut : •
“The naval force in possession con-
sisted of the Westfield, Clifton, Harriet
Lane, Owasco, Sachem, and Corypheus.
The two latter had joined only two days
previous to the attack, having come up
from below, the Sachem (steamer) in a
broken-down condition, and the Cory-
pheus as her escort. The United States
troops on shore consisted of 260 rank
rank and file, commanded by Colonel
Burrel, of the Forty-second Massachu-
setts Volunteers, occupying, by advice
of the commanding naval officer, a
wharf in the town.
“It seems that the night previous to
the attack, information had been receiv-
ed by the commanding officers of both
land and naval forces that such an at-
tempt might be made.
“At 1:30 A.M., on the 1st of Janu-
ary, it being bright moonlight, some
THE ENEMY RETAKE GALVESTON.
599.
two or three rebel steamers were dis-
covered in the bay above by the Clifton.
The Westfield, from the other channel,
likewise made the same discovery. The
naval forces, therefore, were not taken
by surprise.
“Very soon after, our troops on shore
learned, through their pickets, that the
artillery of the enemy was in possession
of the market-place, about one quarter
of a mile distant.
“The attack commenced on shore
about three A.M., by the enemy upon
our troops, which were defended by the
Sachem and Corypheus with great en-
ergy; our troops only replying with
musketry, having no artillery. About
dawn the Harriet Lane was attacked, or
rather attacked two rebel steamers, one
of which, the Bayou City, was armed
with a sixty-eight-pounder rifle gun, had
200 troops, and was barricaded with
totton bales some twenty feet from the
water line. The other, the Neptune,
was similarly barricaded, and was armed
with two small brass pieces and 160
men (both were common river steamers).
The Harriet Lane was under way in
time and went up to the attack firing
her bow gun, which was answered by
the rebels, but their sixty-eight-pounder
burst at the third fire.
“The Harriet Lane ran into the
Bayou City, carrying away her wheel-
guard, which did her little or no dam-
age. The other rebel steamer then ran
into the Harriet Lane, but was so dis-
abled by the collision that she was soon
afterward obliged to back in the flats,
where she sank in about eight feet of
water, near to the scene of action. The
Bayou City turned, and ran into the
Harriet Lane, and she remained secured
to her by catching under her guard,
pouring in incessant volleys of musketry,
as did also the other steamer, which was
returned by the Harriet Lane with mus-
ketry. This drove the Harriet Lane's
men from her guns, and probably wound-
ed Commander Wainwright and Lieu-
tenant-Commander Lee, the latter mor-
tally. She was then carried by boarding
by the Bayou City, her commander sum-
moned to surrender, which he refused,
gallantly defending himself with his re-
volver until killed.
“But five of the Harriet Lane's men
were killed and five wounded—110, ex-
clusive of officers and wounded, were
landed on shore, prisoners. Her com-
mander and first lieutenant were bur-
ied on the following day on shore, in
the cemetery, with the honors of war,
and her other officers parolled. The
Owasco, which had been anchored below
the town, coaling the night before, got
under way, moved up at the commence-
ment of the attack, and engaged the
enemy's artillery on shore. When it
was light enough for her to observe that
there were two rebel steamers alongside
the Harriet Lane, she moved up to her
assistance, grounding several times in so
doing, owing to the narrowness of the
channel. She could only occasionally
bring her eleven-inch gun to bear. She
was soon driven back by the incessant
fire of the enemy's musketry, and when
the howitzers of the Harriet Lane
opened on her, she concluded she had
600
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
been captured, and backed down below
the Sachem and Corypheus, continuing
her engagement with the enemy on
shore.
one man killed and fifteen wounded.
“The Clifton, before the action com-
menced, went around into Bolivar chan-
nel, to render assistance to the Westfield
-—which had got under way when the
rebel steamers were first discovered, soon
afterward got hard and fast ashore, at
high water, and then made a signal for
assistance. While the Clifton was in
the act of rendering this assistance, the
flashes of the enemy's guns were first
seen in the town. Commander Renshaw
then directed Lieutenant-Commander
Law to leave him and return to the
town.
“The moon had now gone down, and
it became quite dark, yet the Clifton
with some difficulty got around into the
other channel, opening the batteries
upon Fort Point, which the rebels now
had possession of, shelling them out and
driving them up the beach as she neared
the town. Here she anchored and con-
tinued the engagement, but did not pro-
ceed up to the rescue of the Harriet
Lane, owing to the failure of the Owasco,
the intricacy of the channel, and the
apprehension of killing the crew of the
Harriet Lane, who were then exposed
by the rebels on her upper deck.
“It was now about 7:30 A.M. A.
white flag was hoisted on the Harriet
Lane.
with a rebel officer and an acting mas-
ter of the Harriet Lane, came down to
She had all her rifle-gun crew
wounded when above, and lost in all
A boat bearing a flag of truce,
the Clifton, informing her commander
of the capture of the Harriet Lane,
the death of her commander and first
lieutenant, and the killing and wound-
ing of two-thirds of her crew, all of
| which was corroborated by the acting
master. .
“Major Smith, their commander, now
proposed that our vessels should all sur-
render, and that one should be allowed,
with the crews of all, to leave the har-
bor ; otherwise they would proceed
down with the Harriet Lane and all
their steamers (three more of which had
appeared in sight after daylight, but
were neither armed nor barricaded), and
proceed to capture the gun-boats in
line. t
“Lieutenant-Commander Law re-
plied that he was not the commanding
officer, and he could not imagine that
such terms could be accepted ; but that
he would take the acting master of the
Harriet Lane, and proceed over to the
Westfield, and tender his proposal to
Commander Renshaw. This he did, and
went in his own boat. Flags of truce
were at this time flying on our vessels,
and by the parties on shore. During
the absence of Lieutenant-Commander
Law, and under these flags of truce, the
rebels coolly made prisoners of our
troops on shore, got more of their ar-
tillery into position, and towed the Har-
riet Lane alongside the wharf, though it
had been understood that everything
should remain in statu quo until an an-
swer should have been received. Com-
mander Renshaw refused to accede to
the proposition, directed Lieutenant-
BLOCKADE SUSPENDED.
601
Commander Law to return and get all
the vessels out of port as soon as possi-
ble, and as he found he could not get
the Westfield afloat, he should blow her
up and go on board the army transports
Saxon and M. A. Boardman, which
were lying near him, with his officers
and crew.
“Upon Lieutenant-Commander Law's
return to his vessel, he proceeded to
carry out these directions. The flags of
truce were hauled down, the enemy
firing upon the vessels as we then left
the harbor.
“When the Clifton was half way to-
ward the bar, her commander was in-
formed, by a boat from the Westfield,
that in the explosion of that vessel,
which they observed some half hour be-
fore, Commander Renshaw, Lieutenant
Zimmerman, Engineer Green, and some
ten or fifteen of the crew had perished
—the explosion being premature. Lieu-
tenant-Commander Law now being
commanding officer, proceeded to cross
his vessel over the bar, and finally con-
cluded to abandon the blockade alto-
gether, considering the Owasco as his
only efficient vessel, and regarding her
as not equal to resist an attack from the
Harriet Lane, should she come out for
that purpose.
“By eight P.M. they had all left the
blockade, although the commander of
the Clifton had been notified by an offi-
cer on board the M. A. Boardman that
another transport would be down within
forty-eight hours, and requested that he
would warn her off.
“The vessels which were left in pos-
w
session of the enemy were the Harriet
Lane and two coal barks, the Cavallo
and Elias Pike. The only injury sus-
tained by the Harriet Lane appears to
have been from an eleven-inch shell
under her counter, fired by the Owasco,
and the damage to her guard from the
collision.” - -
General Magruder, taking advantage
of the fact, as admitted by the Federal
official statements, that the Union men-
of-war “ had all left the blockade,” pro-
claimed, in the following document, the
opening of the port of Galveston to
trade : -
“GALVESTON, January 4, 1863.
“Whereas the undersigned has suc-
ceeded in capturing and destroying a
part of the enemy's fleet, and in driving
the remainder out of the harbor of Gal-
veston and beyond the neighboring
waters, and the blockade having been
thus effectually raised, he therefore pro-
claims to all concerned, that the harbor
of Galveston is open for trade to all
friendly nations, and their merchants are
invited to resume their usual commer-
cial intercourse with this port.
“Done at Galveston, this the 4th day
of January, 1863.
“J. B. MAGRUDER,
“Major-General Commanding.”
Though the Federal fleet hastened to
resume the blockade of Galveston, and
the Commodore issued, on the 20th of
January, a proclamation, declaring “the
whole coast of Texas to be under an
actual blockade,” and warning all vessels
from trading under penalty of capture,
there can be no doubt that the blockade
602
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
was temporarily suspended, and that
neutrals, if disposed, could thus have
availed themselves of the opportunity
of commerce without risk of condemna-
tion. . *,
The success of the enemy at Galves-
ton encouraged them to make a similar
Jan, attempt at Sabine Pass, which is
21, thus described by a correspondent:
“Four vessels were fitted out, protect-
ed by cotton bales, after the manner of
the vessels which were employed in the
capture of the Harriet Lane. The largest
of the rebel fleet, a steamer, carried two
eighteen-pounders, another a long thir-
ty-two-pounder, and the others one gun
each. 4.
“On our side, the Morning Light car-
ried a formidable battery of nine guns
—one of them a thirty-pound pivot
rifled gun, and the other eight thirty-
two pounders. The Velocity carried
one small howitzer. The four rebel ves-
sels had in all 600 men, and on our side
the Morning Light had 100 and the We-
locity twenty-five men. The former was
commanded by Captain Dillingham, and
the latter by Lieutenant Hammond.
“On the morning of the 21st there
was almost a complete calm, and this
was the favorable time for the rebels to
come down with the fleet of steamers,
when they knew it would be impossible
for our vessels to escape them.
“The Velocity was inside the bar, and
the rebel fleet first fell in with her. As
at Galveston, the rebel steamers swarm-
ed with sharp-shooters, who were pro-
tected by cotton walls. The calm was
so complete that the Velocity was en-
tirely unable to escape, and two of the
rebel steamers, coming to close quarters,
soon had her at their mercy. Becalmed,
and with a boat on each side, she was
utterly unable to defend herself with her
single howitzer, and her twenty-five
men were powerless against the hun-
dreds of rebel soldiers that soon swarm-
ed her decks, and she surrendered.
“Meantime the Morning Light got
under weigh, and put to sea. Two
of the rebel steamers, however, gave
chase—one of them with two eighteen-
pounders, and the other with a thirty-
two-pounder, and both vessels carrying
300 men. -
“The Morning Light did her utmost
to escape ; but the vessels were too fast
for her, and they both fired at her as she
retreated. At last they overtook her
about fifteen miles out at sea, and here
it was that the principal engagement
took place. The Morning Light, finding
it impossible to escape, rounded to and
delivered her fire ; but the rebels were
soon alongside, and but a few minutes
elapsed before the Union vessel was in
their power. On the Morning Light one
man was killed and eight were wounded,
:: ::: $$: ::: :}; 3&
“On the very day of these occurren-
ces, the gun-boat Tennessee, Commander
Childs, sailed from New Orleans for
Galveston, with orders to stop off the
Sabine Pass and deliver important dis-
patches from Admiral Farragut to Cap-
tain Dillingham. .
“About seven o'clock next evening,
January 22, the Tennessee arrived off
the pass, and fell in with the Morning
FLEET AT CHARIESTON ATTACKED.
603
Light, and came up to her close astern.
Captain Childs hailed her, and told them
to send a boat alongside.
“‘We have none,’ was the reply.
“‘I know better,” shouted Captain
Childs; for I see one now hanging at
the stern davits.”
“‘Yes,’ was the answer, “but we have
no crew.’ -
“‘Where is Captain Dillingham 7'
asked Captain Childs. -
“‘Ashore and a prisoner,’ was the
reply, ‘and the Morning Light is a Con-
federate prize.'
“The Tennessee immediately made
off, and the rebel boats did the same,
the former heading for Galveston, and
the latter for the harbor. Their inter-
view seems to have been quite amica-
ble. The Tennessee asked certain civil
questions, and the Morning Light an-
swered them civilly and truly, and the
two parted company without firing a
gun on either side. The armament of
the Tennessee consists of one twenty-
pounder rifled gun, two twenty-four-
pounder howitzers, and one twelve-
pounder howitzer. -
“The Tennessee put on to Galveston,
where she arrived on the 23d, and re-
ported the facts to Commodore Bell, of
the Brooklyn.
“No steps were taken until the next
morning, when the Commodore dis-
patched two gun-boats to the scene of
the disaster—the Cayuga and the New
London. •.
“These vessels came up with the
Morning Light, which had not yet
crossed the bar, and they also espied
the Velocity inside. The rebels, seeing
there was no hope of saving the Morn-
ing Light from our fleet, immediately
set fire to her and deserted her, and
about one o'clock the next morning she
exploded.”
The officer in command of the en-
emy's expedition to Sabine Pass, Major
Oscar M. Watkins, boasted in his official
dispatch that he had “captured thirteen
guns, about $1,000,000 worth of prop-
erty, and 109 prisoners.” General Ma-
gruder, in summing up the result of his
success at Galveston, said : “I have
taken 600 prisoners and a large quantity
of valuable stores, arms, etc.”
The enemy at Charleston, emulous of
the exploits of their confederates at
Galveston and Sabine Pass, attacked in
their turn the United States naval force
blockading the harbor. Early in Jan,
the morning, under the cover of a 31.
thick haze, two iron-clad rams, the Pal-
metto State, Captain Rutledge, with the
commander of the expedition, Commo-
dore Ingraham, on board, and the Chi-
cora, Captain Tucker, accompanied by
three small steamers, sailed out of
Charleston by the main ship channel,
and making an attack upon the block-
ading fleet, severely damaged two ves-
sels, forcing one to surrender, though
she finally escaped, and disabling the
other so far as to oblige her to put into
Port Royal to refit.
The Mercedita, a light steamer, for-
merly a merchant vessel, was the first
attacked. Her commander, Stellwagen,
in his official report, January 31, 1863,
to the admiral of the station, says:
604
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“At half-past four this morning, two
iron-clad rams from Charleston, in the
obscurity of a thick haze, and the moon
having just set, succeeded in passing the
bar near the ship channel, unperceived
by the squadron, and made an attack
upon it, this ship being the first encoun-
tered. -
“Particular vigilance was exhibited
by the officers and crew, in the expect-
ation of a vessel to run the blockade.
“At three o'clock in the morning we
had slipped our cable and overhauled a
troop steamer running for the channel.
At four o'clock I lay down. Lieuten-
ant-Commander Abbott was on deck,
giving an order to Acting Master Dwyer
about recovering the anchor, when they
saw a smoke and the faint appearance
of a vessel close at hand.
“I heard them exclaim, “She has black
smoke,” “Watch, man the guns,’ ‘Spring
the rattle,’ ‘Call all hands to quarters.”
“Mr. Dwyer came to the cabin door,
telling me a steamboat was close
aboard.’ - -
“I was then in the act of getting my
peajacket, and slipped it on as I followed
him out. I jumped to the poop ladder,
saw the Smoke and a low boat, appar-
ently a tug, although I thought it might
be a little propeller for the squadron.
“I sang out, ‘Train your guns right on
him—be ready to fire as soon as I order.’
“I hailed the steamer, ‘Ahoy! stand
clear of us and heave to. What steam-
er is that?' I then ordered my men to
fire on him, and told him, ‘You will be
into us. What steamer is that ?"
“His answer to the first and second
hail was ‘Hallo!' The other replies
were indistinct, either by intention or
from having spoken inside of his mail
armor, until in the act of striking us
with his prow, when he said, ‘This is the
Confederates States steam ram.”
“I repeated the order, ‘Fire fire t
fire ſ” but no gun could be trained on
him, as he approached us on the quar-
ter and struck us just abaft our after-
mast with a thirty-two pounder, and
fired a heavy rifle through us diagonally,
penetrating the starboard side through
our Normanby condenser, the steam
drum of our port boiler, and exploding
against the port side of the ship, blow-
ing a hole in its exit some four or five
feet square. |
“The vessel was instantly filled and
enveloped with steam. Reports were
brought to me ‘that we were shot
through both boilers; that the fires
were put out by the steam and smoke ;
that a gunner and one man were killed ;
that a number of men were badly
scalded ; that the water was over the
fire-room floor, and that the vessel was
sinking fast.’
“The ram had cut us through at and
below the water-line on one side, and
the shell had burst on the other side
almost at the water's edge.
“After the ram struck, she swung
around under our starboard counter,
her prow touching us, and hailed, ‘Sur-
render, or I'll sink you. Do you sur-
render ?
“After receiving the reports, I an-
swered, ‘I can make no resistance. My
boiler is destroyed.’
DAMAGE DONE.
605
“The rebel then cried out, “Do you
surrender ? • -
“I said ‘Yes,’ having found my mov-
ing power destroyed, and that I could
bring nothing to bear but muskets
against his shot-proof coating.
“He hailed several times ‘to send a
boat,’ and threatened to fire again.
After some delay a boat was lowered,
and Lieutenant-Commander Abbott ask-
ed if he should go in her, and asked for
orders what to say.
“I told him to see what they de-
manded, and to tell him the condition
we were in. He proceeded aboard, and,
according to their demand, gave his
parole on behalf of himself and all the
officers and crew.
“The ram, having been detained a
half hour or more, now ran out for the
steamer Keystone State, which vessel
and three others we had tried to alarm
by lights.
“We saw a shell explode as it struck
the ram without injuring her ; saw the
Keystone State struck several times, and
saw the steam and smoke blowing from
her.
“The firing then receded to the
northward and eastward, and was pret-
ty brisk at the head of the line. I set
everybody at work taking care of our
wounded, pumping the ship, stopping
leaks, examining the engines, etc.
“About six A.M. got things in order
to start a little steam and hove up an-
chor. The Stettin and Flag seeing our
condition, I told them they might be
wanted to the southward to pick up
men, the fighting now being over.”
situation became critical.
Subsequently to the attack on the
Mercedita, an assault was made upon the
Keystone State, another light steamer,
also formerly a trading vessel.
says:
“About five o'clock on this day, Jan-
uary 31, while at anchor off the main
entrance of the harbor of Charleston,
the ship was approached by what was
supposed to be a steamer ; but, regard-
ing her appearance as suspicious, I Or-
dered the cable slipped and fired a gun,
which was responded to by a shell, when
I ordered the guns to be fired as they
could be brought to bear upon the ob-
ject. On putting my head to the east-
ward, it was discovered that there was
Com-,
mander Leroy, in reporting the result,
one on either quarter, and we made
them out, from their peculiar construc-
tion, to be iron-clads, after the model of
the Merrimac. Owing to a fire in the
hold, we stood to the northward about
ten minutes, and shoaling water, kept
southeast about ten minutes to enable
us to subdue the fire, and then I turned
around, and under full steam proposed
attempting to run down the ram ; but
about six A.M. a shell from one of them
entered on the port side, under the for-
ward wheel-house guard, passing through
the port steam chimney, and landing in
the starboard, depriving us of our mo-
tive power. Ten rifle shells struck the
ship, and two burst on the quarter-deck,
most of them striking the hull, being
near and below the water-line.
“Our steam chimneys being destroy-
ed, our motive power was lost, and our
There were
§:
159 &
606
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
two feet of water in the ship and leak-
ing badly, the water rising rapidly, and
the fire-hold on fire. Others of the
squadron coming along, the ram that
had injured us so much altered her
course, and before our wheels entirely
stopped we were enabled to get a haw-
ser from the Memphis, and were taken
in tow.
“I regret to report our casualties
very large ; some twenty were killed
and twenty wounded.” sº
Three other vessels were struck by
shots from the enemy's gun-boats; the
Augusta and Quaker City in their hulls,
and the Memphis in her rigging.
The enemy, bewildered by excitement
and the fog, magnified the extent of
their victory. They boasted” that they
had sunk two vessels, set on fire four,
and driven away the rest of the block-
ading fleet. Presuming upon this ex-
aggerated success, General Beauregard
and Commodore Ingraham united in
proclaiming by the following document
the raising of the blockade :
“HEADQUARTERS LAND AND NAVAL FORCES, |
CHARLESTON, S. C., January 31, 1863.
“At about five o'clock this morning
the Confederate States naval force on
* The following dispatch of Commodore Ingraham
shows him to have been more modest in the estimate of
his victory :
“ON BOARD THE GUN-BoAT PALMETTO STATE.
“I went out last night. This vessel struck the Merce-
dita, when she sent a boat on board and surrendered.
The officers and crew were parolled. Captain Tucker
thinks he sunk one vessel and set another on fire, when
she struck her flag. The blockading fleet had gone to
southward and eastward out of sight.
“D. N. INGRAHAM,
“Flag-Officer Commanding.”
The subsequent official reports of the enemy confirmed
thc statements of the Union officers.
this station attacked the United States
blockading fleet off the harbor of the
city of Charleston, and sunk, dispersed,
or drove off and out of sight for the
time the entire hostile fleet. -
“Therefore we, the undersigned,
commanders respectively of the Confed-
erate States naval and land forces in this
quarter, do hereby formally declare the
blockade by the United States of the
said city of Charleston, S. C., to be
raised by a superior force of the Con-
federate States from and after the 31st
day of January, A. D. 1863.
“G. T. BEAUREGARD,
“General-Commanding.
“D. N. INGRAHAM,
“Flag-Officer commanding Naval Forces
in South Carolina.
“Official:—THOMAS Jourdan, Chief
Staff.”
This document was succeeded by an-
other, in the form of a circular, ad-
dressed by the Confederate Government
to the foreign consuls. It was as fol-
lows:
“DEPARTMENT OF STATE, RICHMOND,
- Jan. 31, 1863. |
“SIR : I am instructed by the Pres-
ident of the Confederate States of
America to inform you that this govern-
ment has received an official dispatch
from Flag-Officer Ingraham, command-
ing the naval forces of the Confederacy
on the coast of South Carolina, stating
that the blockade of the harbor of
Charleston has been broken by the com-
plete dispersion and disappearance of
the blockading squadron, in consequence
of a successful attack made on it by the
THE FLORIDA AND ALABAMA.
iron-clad steamers commanded by Flag-
Officer Ingraham. During this attack
one or more of the blockading vessels
were sunk or burned.
“As you are doubtless aware that,
by the law of nations, a blockade, when
thus broken by superior force, ceases to
exist, and cannot be subsequently en-
forced unless established de novo, with
adequate forces, and after due notice to
neutral powers, it has been deemed
proper to give you the information here-
in contained for the guidance of such
vessels of your nation as may choose to
carry on commerce with the now open
port of Charleston. Respectfully, your
obedient servant,
“J. P. BENJAMIN,
“Secretary of State.”
607
Although the injured vessels, the Mer-
cedita and the Keystone State, as well
as the Augusta and Memphis, sailed to
Port Royal, and thus diminished the
naval force off Charleston, that harbor
was not left even temporarily without
Some blockaders—the number of which
was immediately increased by the re-
turn of the two latter vessels, and the
addition of several others, among which
was the formidable iron-clad frigate
Ironsides. There seemed thus but little
ground for the boast of the Confederates,
that the blockade off Charleston had
been temporarily raised, or for the fear
of the Unionists that foreign nations,
however eager to avail themselves of
such a fact, would presume upon its
being accomplished.
C E A P T E R XL III.
The Origin of the Florida and Alabama.-The Florida enters the Harbor of Mobile.—Her Exit.—The suspicious Inac-
tion of the British Government.—The Escape from Great Britain of the Alabama.—Her Equipment at Madeira.-
Her Work of Destruction.—Capture of Steamer Ariel.-Fight with the Gun-boat Hatteras.-The Steamer Nashville
in the Ogeechee River.—Union Attack by Iron-clads upon Fort McAlister.—The unsuccessful Result.—Capture of a
Gun-boat by the Enemy.
THE Confederate Government, finding
that its attempts to harass the
commerce of the United States by
privateering were of little avail, in con-
sequence of the scarcity of sea-going
vessels, and from the insignificance of
the commercial marine of the Southern
States, made great efforts to supply the
deficiency in foreign countries. Not-
withstanding the professed neutrality of
1862,
Great Britain, many of its capitalists
were so sympathetic with the cause of
the insurgents, and so eager to benefit
it, that, succeeding in eluding the vigil-
ance of their government, they supplied
the Confederates with what they so much
needed. It was thus that the steamers
formerly known as the “Oreto’’ and
“290,” but since more famous as the
Florida and Alabama, were obtained in
608
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Great Britain, subsequently armed and
equipped, and finally let loose to prey
upon Northern commerce.
The “Oreto’’ or “Florida” was con-
structed in England, nominally for the
Italian Government, but left a British
port in command of a Confederate offi-
cer, Captain Maffitt, formerly a lieutenant
in the United States navy. Succeeding,
in spite of the blockade, in entering the
harbor of Mobile, the Oreto remained
there for several months, apparently
kept in by the vigilance of the Federal
armed cruisers. Her audacious com-
mander, however, having in the mean
time fully armed and equipped his ves-
Jan. 15, sel, now sailed out to sea, in
1863, despite of the whole blockading
squadron. Though fired at and chased,
the Florida succeeded in making her
escape and reached Havana in safety,
whence she departed on the 22d of Jan-
uary, and began a series of destructive
raids upon United States vessels.
The “290’’ or “Alabama’’ was also
built in an English dock-yard ;” and
though, during her construction, sworn
evidence was laid before the British
Government in proof that the vessel
was destined for the naval service of
the American insurgents, the authori-
ties of Great Britain were so dilatory
in action, that she was enabled to make
her escape from the harbor of Liver-
* The construction in England, and the sailing from an
English port, of the Alabama, led to a diplomatic corre-
spondence between the British and United States gov-
ernments. Lord John Russell, the representative of the
former, could only allege, in extenuation of this abuse of
neutrality, the proverbial delay of the law, in the course
•f which the Alabama had made her escape.
pool before the attempt was made to
arrest her.
Having thus, by the confessed dilato-
riness of the British Government, and
suspected connivance of some of its sub-
ordinates, escaped through the meshes
of English law, the Alabama sailed for
the Azores. Here, on her arrival, she
was armed and equipped, in defiance of
the Portuguese authorities, from a Brit-
ish sailing vessel, which had been sent
there expressly to meet her. The fa-
mous Captain Semmes, formerly of the
Sumter, now assumed command and put
to sea, to lay waste and destroy. Mak-
ing for the usual track of commercial
vessels plying between Europe and the
United States, the Alabama captured
and burned in the course of a few weeks
nearly a score of merchantmen and whal-
ers, of the aggregate value of a million
of dollars. Her next move was to the
neighborhood of the West India Islands,
where, off the coast of Cuba, on Dec. 7,
the 7th of December, she fell in 1862,
with the steamer Ariel, bound from New
York to Aspinwall. Having captured
her, Captain Semmes held her for three
days, when he released her on her cap-
tain giving a bond for a large amount,
to be paid after the recognition of the
independence of the Confederate States.
The next manifestation of this formi-
dable Scourge of the seas was as the
destroyer of the United States Jan.
steamer Hatteras, off Galveston. 13.
“Upon the afternoon of the 11th in-
stant, at half-past three o'clock, while at
anchor, in company with the fleet under
Commodore Bell, off Galveston, Texas,”
THE HATTERAS DESTROYED.
609
says Captain Blake, of the Hatteras,
“I was ordered by signal from the Unit-
ed States flag-ship Brooklyn to chase a
sail to the southward and eastward. I
got under way immediately and steamed
with all speed in the direction indicated.
After some time the strange sail could
be seen from the Hatteras, and was as-
certained to be a steamer, which fact I
communicated to the flag-ship by signal.
I continued the chase and rapidly gained
upon the suspicious vessel.
“Knowing the low rate of speed of
the Hatteras, I at once suspected that
deception was being practised, and hence
ordered the ship to be cleared for action,
with everything in readiness for a de-
termined attack and vigorous defence.
When within about four miles of the
vessel I observed that she had ceased to
steam, and was lying broadside to and
awaiting us. It was nearly seven o'clock,
and quite dark ; but notwithstanding
the obscurity of the night, I felt assured,
from the general character of the vessel
and her manoeuvres, that I should soon
encounter the rebel steamer Alabama.
Being able to work but four guns on the
side of the Hatteras—two short thirty-
two pounders, one thirty-pounder rifled
Parrott gun, and one twenty-pounder
rifled gun—I concluded to close with
her, that my guns might be effective if
necessary. I came within easy speak-
ing range, about seventy-five yards, and
upon asking ‘What steamer is that ?"
received the answer, “Her Britannic
Majesty's ship Vixen.' I replied that I
would send a boat aboard, and immedi-
ately gave the order.
“In the mean time, both vessels were
changing their positions, the stranger
endeavoring to gain a desirable posi-
tion for a raking fire. Almost simul-
taneously with the piping away of the
boat, the strange craft again replied,
‘We are the Confederate steamer Ala-
bama,’ which was accompanied with a
broadside. I at the same moment re-
turned the fire.
“Being well aware of the many vul-
nerable points of the Hatteras, I hoped,
by closing with the Alabama, to be able
to board her, and thus rid the seas of
this piratical craft. I steamed directly
for the Alabama, but she was enabled
by her great speed and the foulness of
the bottom of the Hatteras, and conse-
quently her diminished speed, to thwart
my attempt, when I had gained a dis-
tance of but thirty yards from her. At
this range, musket and pistol shots were
exchanged. The firing continued with
great vigor on both sides. At length a
shell entered amidships in the hold,
Setting fire to it, and, at the same in-
stant—as I can hardly divide the time—
a shell passed through the sick bay,
exploding in an adjoining compartment,
also producing fire. Another entered
the cylinder, filling the engine room
and deck with steam, and depriving me
of any power to manoeuvre the vessel,
or to work the pumps upon which the
reduction of the fire depended. With
the vessel on fire in two places, and
beyond human power a hopeless wreck
upon the water, with her walking beam
shot away, and her engine rendered
useless, I still maintained an active fire,
610
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
with a double hope of disabling the
Alabama, and attracting the attention
of the fleet off Galveston, which was
only twenty-eight miles distant.
“It was soon reported to me that the
shells had entered the Hatteras at the
water line, tearing off entire sheets of
iron, that the water was rushing in,
utterly defying every attempt to remedy
the evil, and that she was rapidly sink-
ing. Learning this melancholy truth,
and observing that the Alabama was on
my port bow, entirely beyond range of
my guns, doubtless preparing for a
raking fire of the decks, I felt I had no
right to sacrifice uselessly, and without
any desirable result, the lives of all
under my command. To prevent the
blowing up of the Hatteras from the
fire, which was making much progress,
I ordered the magazine to be flooded,
and afterward a lee gun to be fired.
The Alabama then asked if assistance
was desired, to which an affirmative
answer was given.
“The Hatteras was now going down,
and in order to save the lives of my
officers and men, I caused the armament
on the port side to be thrown over-
board. Had I not done so, I am confi-
dent that the vessel would have gone
down with many brave hearts and valu-
able lives. After considerable delay,
caused by the report that a steamer was
seen coming from Galveston, the Ala-
bama sent us assistance, and I have the
pleasure of informing the Department
that every living being was conveyed
! safely from the Hatteras to the Ala-
bama. Ten minutes after leaving the
Hatteras she went down, bow first, with
her pennant at her mast-head, with all
her muskets and stores of every charac-
ter, the enemy not being able, owing to
her rapid sinking, to obtain a single
weapon.
“The battery upon the Alabama,
brought into action against the Hatteras,
numbered seven guns, consisting of four
long thirty-two pounders, one one-hun-
dred pounder, one sixty-eight pounder,
and one twenty-four pounder rifled gun.
The great superiority of the Alabama,
with her powerful battery, and machin-
ery under the water line, must be at
once recognized by the Department, who
are familiar with the construction of the
Hatteras, and her total unfitness for a
contest with a regularly built vessel of
war. The distance between the Hatter-
as and the Alabama during the action
varied from twenty-five to one hundred
yards. Nearly fifty shots were fired
from the Hatteras, and I presume a
greater number from the Alabama.
“I desire to refer to the efficient and
active manner in which Acting Master
Henry Porter, executive officer, per-
formed his duty. The conduct of As-
sistant Surgeon Edward S. Matthews,
both during the action and afterward,
in attending to the wounded, demands
my unqualified commendation. I would
also bring to the favorable notice of
the Department, Acting Master's Mate
T. J. McGrath, temporarily performing
duty as gunner.
“Owing to the darkness of the night,
and the peculiar construction of the
Hatteras, I am able only to refer to the
ATTACK ON FORT MCALISTER.
611
conduct of those officers who came under
my special attention; but from the char-
acter of the contest and the amount of
damage done to the Alabama, I have
personally no reason to believe that any
officer failed in his duty. To the men
of the Hatteras I cannot give too much
praise. Their enthusiasm and bravery
were of the highest order.”
Two were killed and five wounded on
board the Hatteras. Her boat, in charge
of the sailing master, with five seamen,
succeeded in reaching the blockading
fleet off Galveston. On a search being
made for the lost steamer, all that
was found of her were her masts
sticking out of the water where she had
sunk in nine fathoms, and some of her
boats adrift, containing arms and bloody
clothes. The Alabama had none killed,
and only two men wounded. She was,
however, considerably damaged.
The Hatteras was a small side-wheel
steamer, formerly in the merchant ser-
vice, and was armed with three small
rifled cannon and four short thirty-
twos. Her antagonist had greatly the
advantage in size, speed, and armament.
One hundred and sixty-five of the officers
and crew of the Hatteras were taken
prisoners and carried to Jamaica, where
the Alabama put in to refit.
Both the Florida and Alabama were
first-class English screw steamers, of
great speed and powerful armaments.
The former was described as being a
fine propeller of 1,100 tons burden, hav-
ing a low-shaped hull, and two smoke-
pipes issuing out of her deck. She was
armed with two sixty-four pounders,
structions in the river.
two pivot guns, two eleven-inch guns,
and two thirty-two pounders rifled.
The Nashville, another Confederate
steam vessel of war, whose adventurous
voyage to Europe and back has been
already narrated, finally took refuge,
while chased by a Federal cruiser, in
the Ogeechee River, which empties into
OSSabaw Sound, on the coast of Geor-
gia. Here she had been already block-
aded for many months, when an attempt
was made by the Unionists to capture
or destroy her. In order to reach the
Nashville, it was necessary first to over-
come a strong work called Fort McAlis-
ter, built on the banks of the Ogeechee,
and clear away numerous artificial ob-
An attack on
the fort having been determined upon,
the duty was assigned to the iron-clad
Montauk, built on the model of the
Monitor, and commanded by Captain
Worden, who had so gallantly fought
the latter vessel in the famous battle
with the Merrimac.
The Montauk, at break of day on
the 27th of January, moved up the Jan.
river Ogeechee, followed by the 27.
gun-boats Seneca, Wissahickon, and
Dawn, and the mortar schooner C. P.
Williams. The Montauk having ad-
vanced to within range of Fort McAlis-
ter, anchored about two thousand yards
from the battery; the other vessels kept
three or four hundred yards below.
The Seneca opened the engagement,
with a shell from a Parrott rifled gun,
which was succeeded by a general fire
from the Montauk and the rest of the
squadron. The enemy responded, aim-
612
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ing their shots, and with great accuracy,
almost exclusively at the Montauk.
Thus began all artillery duel, which
continued for five hours, between the
iron-clad and the fort. At the close,
neither was seriously injured. The
Montauk was fairly struck thirteen
times, chiefly by ten-inch and rifled
solid shot.
On February the 1st, the Montauk
returned to the attack, aided by her
consorts as before. On this occasion
the vessels approached nearer to the
fort, and the Montauk was so exposed
that she was struck sixty-one times, but
without “material damage.”
The fort, according to the enemy's
report, was but slightly injured. A
portion of the parapet in front of the
ten-inch columbiad was destroyed. The
gunners never flinched, but fought their
guns with spirit, even when thus ex-
posed to the enemy's continued fire. A
trunnion of one of the thirty-two poun-
ders was destroyed by a shell which
disabled the gun. The enemy lost their
commander, Major Gallie, who was
struck by a fragment from this broken
cannon.”
Their capture of the United States
gun-boat John P. Smith was a Jan,
source of great exultation to the 30.
people of Charleston. This vessel was
cruising in the Stono, when the en-
emy, posting their artillery on both
sides of the river, forced her to sur-
render after a severe fire which lasted
about an hour. The very first shot
carrying away the steering apparatus,
disabled her, and soon after a ball pen-
etrating her steam chest, caused an
escape of steam, which scalded to death
the chief engineer and several of the
crew. The commander of the John P.
Smith, finding his vessel thus at the
mercy of the enemy, surrendered her to
avoid a further sacrifice of life.
o The steamer Nashville was subsequently (Feb. 27,
1863) destroyed by a Union iron-clad gun-boat. The
former having got aground while moving up the Ogee-
chee River, was cannonaded by the latter, and struck by
an “incendiary shell,” which set her on fire and burned
her to a wreck.
SUFFERINGS OF EUROPEAN OPERATIVES.
6.13
C EIA P T E R X L I W.
increased Sufferings of European Operatives.—Enormous Rise in Price of Cotton.—The Causes.—Impatience of Eng-
land and France.—Their Desire to end the American Conflict.—Partiality of the Ruling Classes of England for the
South.-Continued Professions of Neutrality.—Earl Russell's unfavorable Opinion of the Prospects of the North.
—Remarkable Declaration of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.—Milner Gibson's Tribute to the North. –The Queen's
Speech.-Mr. Bright and other Champions of the North.-The Sentiment of the English Masses favorable to the
North.—Suspicion of British Neutrality.—Suspicion of French Neutrality.—Visit of M. Mercier to Richmond.—Was
Mr. Seward responsible?—M. Mercier's Account of his Interview with Mr. Seward.—Mr. Seward's Account of it.—
The Result of M. Mercier's Visit.—Proposal of Louis Napoleon to Great Britain and Russia in regard to an Armistice.
—Proposal Declined.—The Disposition of Louis Napoleon to interfere explained.—Napoleon's Letter to Gen. Forey.
—Proposition of Napoleon to the United States.—Proposition Declined.
WITH the continuance of the civil
war in America, the sufferings of
the European operatives dependent
upon cotton manufactures for their sub-
sistence proportionately increased. The
unavoidable waste, the intentional de-
struction, the hindrances to culture,
and the obstructions to transportation,
had rendered cotton so scarce that its
price” rose to seven or eight times that
at which it sold previous to the war.
The governments of Europe, and espe-
cially those of England and France,
became impatient of the duration of a
conflict so ruinous to the interests of
their own subjects, and did not conceal
the eagerness of their desire for its
termination.
Though the British Government seem-
ed sincere in its professions of neutral-
ity, there were such free expressions,
on the part of many in the ruling classes
of England, of distrust of the Northern
and sympathy with the Southern cause,
1862,
• Cotton sold at New York on the 17th February, 1863,
at 90 cents per lb.
that a constant uneasiness prevailed in
the United States lest these manifes-
tations of partiality might lead to corre-
spondent action. Lord John Russell,
the British foreign secretary, though
he persistently declared that Her Maj-
esty's Government had pursued a friend-
ly, open, and consistent course, and
had been neutral between the two
parties to a civil war, showed, in spite
of his diplomatic disguise, the foregone
conclusion of his mind, that the United
States was engaged in a hopeless strug-
gle. The various members of the Brit-
ish Government, though agreeing in the
policy of neutrality, seemed divided
in opinion in regard to the motives
and issue of the struggle in the United
States. The chancellor of the ex-
chequer, the Right Hon. Mr. Gladstone,
availing himself to the utmost of the
latitude of speech permitted in Great
Britain to members of the Government,
said, at a public banquet given in his
honor at Newcastle, October 8th :
“We may have our own opinio.s
160
614
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
about slavery; we may be for or against
the South; but there is no doubt that
Jefferson Davis and other leaders of the
South have made an army; they are
making, it appears, a navy; and they
have made what is more than either—
they have made a nation.”
This eulogy of the Southern insur-
gents by Mr. Gladstone was counter-
balanced by a generous tribute of
praise to the North by the Right
Hon. Milner Gibson, president of the
board of trade.
“The South,” said Mr. Gibson, in a
speech at Ashton, on the 20th of Janu-
ary, 1863, “seceded in consequence of
believing that slavery would not be safe
under Mr. Lincoln's executive, and that
the carrying out of the Fugitive Slave
Law was not likely to be permitted. If
Mr. Breckinridge had been elected,
there would have been no secession,
as he was the candidate of the South,
in favor of the Fugitive Slave Law, and
of opinion that Congress had no right
to prohibit the extension of slavery.
Secession had taken place, and the con-
sequent war for the purpose of perpetu-
ating, cherishing, and extending slavery.
I don't believe that an empire having
slavery as its basis can be a prosperous,
happy, and enduring empire, and there-
fore cannot desire to see one established
in any part of the world. The bishops
of the Episcopal Church of the Con-
federate States have said that the aboli-
tion of slavery is hateful, infidel, and
pestilent. I, on the contrary, believe
that slavery is hateful, infidel, and pesti-
lent. I will not predict the course which
the events of this war may take ; but
looking at the map, which I did to-day,
it appears to me that the geographical
position of the North, so far as territory
is concerned, is stronger than it was
twelve months ago. They have suffered
great defeats, and they have had some
successes; but I find that the North are
now possessed of larger territory than
they were twelve months ago. Missouri.
which was then debatable ground, they
now possess ; also Kentucky and West
Virginia, and a portion of Louisiana. ſt
therefore appears that the territory
which the North possessed at the begin-
ning of last year has not been lessened
but increased in extent. These are
facts which all may ascertain for them-
selves.”
The British Government seemed, not-
withstanding the private opinions of
Some of its members, disposed to per-
severe in the policy of neutrality. The
Queen, in her speech on the prorogation
of Parliament, on the 7th August, thus
reiterated her determination to remain
neutral : - -
“The civil war,” Her Majesty de-
clared, “which has for some time been
raging among the North American
Union States, has, unfortunately, con-
tinued unabated in intensity, and the
evils with which it has been attended
have not been confined to the American
continent; but Her Majesty, having
from the first continued to take no part
in that contest, has seen no reason to
depart from the neutrality to which she
has steadily adhered.”
Among the other statesmen of En-
OPINIONS OF BRITISH STATESMEN.
615
gland, there prevailed the same diversity
of opinion as among the members of
Government. Mr. Bright, the champion
of freedom everywhere, closed his speech
to his constituents at Birmingham with
this eloquent expression of hope for
the Union :
“In America, there are no six millions
of grown men excluded by the consti-
tution from political rights. There is
a free church, a free school, a free hand,
a free vote, a free career for the child
of the humblest. No! countrymen who
work for your living, remember that
there will be one wild shriek of freedom
to startle all mankind if that republic
is overthrown “ ” ” The leaders
of this revolt propose by their constitu-
tion this simple thing—that over a
territory some forty times as large as
England, the blight and bondage of
slavery shall be forever perpetuated.
I cannot myself believe in such a fate
befalling that fair land, stricken though
it now be by the ravages of war. I
cannot believe that civilization in its
journey with the sun will sink into
endless night, to gratify the ambition
of the leaders of this revolt, who seek
‘to Wade through slaughter to a throne,
and shut the gates of mercy on man-
kind.' (Cheers.) I have another and
far brighter vision before my gaze. It
may be but a vision ; but I will still
cherish it. I see one vast confederation
stretching from the frozen North in one
unbroken line to the glowing South,
and from the wild billows of the Atlantic
to the calmer waters of the Pacific main,
and I see one people, and one law, and
one language, and one faith, and over
all that wide continent the home of
freedom, and a refuge for the oppressed
of every race.”
Mr. Scholefield, though professing to
belong to the same liberal school of
politics as his colleague, Mr. Bright,
differed widely from him on the Ameri-
can question. -
He considered the secession of the
Southern States an act of folly, but
argued that the Southerners had a moral
if not a legal right to judge for them-
selves in the matter. Amid much up-
roar and confusion he contended that
the North was not sincere in its efforts
against slavery, and would sacrifice
slavery in order to maintain the Union,
which was a slave power. He said the
duty of England was for the Govern-
ment to recognize the Southern States.
Intervention mediation
meant failure. He was for neither ;
but for recognition, as a question of
policy and prudence, on the ground that
the South had shown ability to maintain
its independence, and that the North
could not subdue it. The North could
not be more hostile in feeling to En-
gland than it was now.
The fact that the speech of Mr.
Scholefield was cut short by the uproar
of the audience, proved how distasteful
his opinions were to his constituents.
The people of Birmingham, and even
those of Lancashire, the latter of whom.
being engaged in the cotton manufacture,
have suffered greatly from the war, sym-
pathized with the North, whose cause
they believed to be that of freedom.
meant war ;
616
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
Though probably the majority of the
common people of Great Britain favored
the efforts of the Government of the
United States to preserve the Union,
and trusted in their efficacy, the higher
and ruling classes generally neither
hoped for nor believed in their success.
It was naturally suspected that the latter,
accordingly, would avail themselves of
every occasion to thwart the purposes
of the American Government and fur-
ther the designs of the insurgents against
its authority. Such a suspicion was
confirmed, not only by the free expres-
sion of opinion in favor of the Southern
confederacy, but by the readiness with
which it obtained an abundance of ma-
terial aid in Great Britain.
The construction of the steamers Ala-
bama and Florida in the dockyards, and
their escape from the harbors of Great
Britain, owing to the dilatory action of
the legal authorities, exposed even the
English Government to a suspicion of
Connivance.
In France, from the nature of its
imperial government, there was more
reserve in the expression of opinion
than in England, and consequently less
said calculated to offend the sensibility
of the American people. From this
cause, as well as from the traditional
friendliness between France and the
United States, there was for a long
time but little inquietude in regard to
any unfavorable action of the French
Government in our national quarrel.
Events, however, finally occurred which
indicated an intrusive disposition on the
part of the Emperor of France, and
disclosures were made which led to a
suspicion that he would not long hesi-
tate to interfere.
The visit of M. Mercier, the French
minister at Washington, to Rich- Aug.
mond, first aroused the public anx- 1862.
iety. This visit was made with the
connivance of the Secretary of State, and,
as it were, at his suggestion. “As we
were talking,” says the artful diplomatist
in his report of his conversation with
Mr. Seward, “the remark escaped me,
as if by chance, that I regretted much
not being able to assure myself of the
condition of things at Richmond. Mr.
Seward replied to me at once, that I
could very easily go thither; that all I
had to do was to send for one of our
ships, that it might carry me to Norfolk,
and that he was entirely willing to give
me a pass for this visit. Having had no
intention of calling out this response,
and not having foreseen it, I said to
him that I would reflect, and soon bring
him back my answer.”
M. Mercier did not long hesitate to
take the voyage, “with the acquies-
ence,” as he said, “so thorough of the
Secretary of State—almost, as it seemed,
in compliance with his desire.” At his
parting interview, “it was understood,”
adds the French minister, “besides, that
I should report to Mr. Seward only
what I was authorized to report to him.
Mr. Seward said to me, that I might
add, if I found an opportune occasion,
that in his opinion the North was ani-
mated by no sentiment of vengeance,
and that for himself he should with
pleasure find himself again in the Senate
MERCIER AND SEWARD.
617
in the presence of all those whom the
South thought it fit to send thither.”
Mr. Seward, upon being called upon
by the Senate to make known the
character of the suggestions made to the
French ambassador as reported by the
latter, declared, emphatically :
“That no suggestions were made to
M. Mercier by the Secretary of State
that induced, or were designed or calcu-
lated to induce, him to undertake a
mission to Richmond in April last, or at
any other time. He was not then, nor
has he or any other person ever been,
authorized by this Government or by
the Secretary of State, to make any
representations of any kind or on any
subject to the insurrectionary agents or
so-called authorities at Richmond, or to
hold any communication with them on
behalf of this Government.”
This declaration of Mr. Seward can
be only reconciled with the apparently
counter-statement of the French minis-
ter, if both are true, on the supposition
that the Secretary of State in his com-
munication to the Senate refers to his
official action, as the representative of
the Government, and that in his con-
versation with M. Mercier as reported
by that gentleman, he spoke only as a
private citizen.
The result of this notable visit was
reported by M. Mercier to be that, in
Richmond, “nobody hesitated to declare
that the re-establishment of the Union
was impossible.” The French minister
seeming now to be thoroughly impressed
with the impracticability of the purpose
of the North, encouraged the French
Emperor in his not reluctant disposition
to interfere in the quarrel.
The first public action of Louis Na-
poleon was a proposition to Great Oct.30,
Britain and Russia to join him 180°.
in proposing an armistice of six months
between the belligerents of the North
and South.
The following was the dispatch of the
Foreign Secretary of France, addressed
to the British and Russian govern-
ments:
“PARIs, October 30, 1862.
“Europe watches with painful interest
the struggle which has been raging
more than a year upon the American
continent. The hostilities have pro-
voked sacrifices and efforts certainly of
a nature to inspire the highest idea of
the perseverance and energy of the two
populations. But this spectacle, which
does so much honor to their courage, is
only given at the price of numberless
calamities and a prodigious effusion of
blood. To these results of civil war,
which from the very first assumed vast
proportions, there is still to be added
the apprehension of servile war, which
would be the culminating point of so
many irreparable disasters. The suffer-
ing of a nation toward which we have
always professed a sincere friendship
would have sufficed to excite the sincere
solicitude of the Emperor, even had we
ourselves not suffered by the counter
blow of these events.
“Under the influence of intimate re-
lations which extensive intercourse has
multiplied between the various regions
of the globe, Europe itself has suffered
618
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
from the consequences of the crisis which
has dried up one of the most fruitful
Sources of public wealth, and which has
become, for the great centres of labor,
a cause of most sad trials.
“As you are aware, when the con-
flict commenced, we held it our duty to
observe the most strict neutrality in
concert with other maritime powers,
and the Washington Cabinet has re-
peatedly acknowledged the honorable
manner with which we adhered to that
line of conduct. The sentiments dic-
tated to us have undergone no change
but of a benevolent character. That
neutrality, instead of imposing upon the
powers the attitude which might re-
semble indifference, ought rather to
make them of service to the two parties
by helping them out of a position which
seems to have no issue. From the com-
mencement of the war an armed force
was set on foot by the belligerents
which, since then, has been almost con-
stantly kept up. After so much blood-
shed they are now, in that respect,
nearly in the same position, nothing
authorizing the presumption that more
decisive military operations will shortly
occur, according to the last news re-
ceived in Europe. The two armies, on
the contrary, were in a condition that
would not allow either party to hope
within a brief delay for any decided
advantage to turn the balance and ac-
celerate the conclusion of a peace. All
these circumstances, taken together, point
to the opportunity of an armistice, to
which, moreover, under the present cir-
cumstances, no strategical objection can
be made. The favorable dispositions
toward peace which are beginning to
manifest themselves in the North as
well as the South might, on the other
hand, second steps that might be made
to recommend the idea of truce. The
Emperor has, therefore, thought that
the occasion has presented itself of offer-
ing to the belligerents the support of
the good offices of the maritime powers,
and His Majesty has charged me to make
the proposition of this Government to
Her Britannic Majesty, as well as to the
Court of Russia. The three cabinets
would exert their influence at Washing-
ton, as well as with the Confederates, to
obtain an armistice for six months, dur-
ing which every act of war, direct or
indirect, should provisionally cease, on
Sea as well as on land, and it might be,
if necessary, ulteriorally prolonged.
“The overtures, I need not say, sir,
would not imply, on our part, any judg-
ment on the origin or issue of the
struggle, nor any pressure upon the
negotiations which might, it is to be
hoped, ensue in favor of an armistice,
Our task would consist solely in smooth-
ing down obstacles, and in interfering.
only in a measure determined upon by
the two parties. We should not, in
fact, believe ourselves called upon to
decide, but to prepare the solution of
difficulties which hitherto have opposed
reconciliation between the belligerent
parties. Would not, moreover, an agree-, -
ment between the three courts respond
sufficiently to their intentions? Would
it not give to their step the character
of evident impartiality? Acting in con-
PROPOSITION OF NAPOLEON.
619
cert, they would combine the conditions
best suited to inspire confidence—the
Government of the Emperor, by the
constant tradition of French policy to-
ward the United States—England, by
the community of race–Russia, by the
marks of friendship she has never ceased
to show to the Washington Cabinet.
Should the event not justify the hope of
the three powers, and should the ardor
of the struggle over-rule the wisdom of
their councils, this attempt would not
be the less honorable for them. They
would have fulfilled a duty of humanity,
more especially indicated in a war which
has excited passions which render all
direct attempts at negotiation more diffi-
cult. It is the mission which inter-
national law assigns neutrals, at the
same time that it prescribes to them a
strict impartiality, and they could never
make a nobler use of their influence by
endeavoring to put an end to a struggle
which causes so much suffering, and com-
promises such great interests throughout
the whole world.
“Finally, even without immediate re-
sults, these overtures would not be en-
tirely useless; for they might encourage
public opinion to views of conciliation,
and thus contribute to hasten the mo-
ment when the return of peace might
become possible.
“I request you, sir, in the name of
His Majesty, to submit these consider-
ations to Lord Russell, or to Prince
Gortschakoff, begging him to state the
views of the Government of Her Britan-
nic Majesty or the Court of Russia.
“DROUYN DE L'HUYS.”
The proposition of the French Em-
peror was declined both by England
and Russia. Lord John Russell, in be-
half of the British Government, said in
his answer:
“Her Majesty is desirous of acting
in concurrence with France upon the
great questions now agitating the world,
and upon none more than on the con-
tingencies connected with the great
struggle now going on in North America.
Neither Her Majesty the Queen nor the
British nation will ever forget the noble
and emphatic manner in which the
Emperor of the French vindicated the
laws of nations and assisted the cause
of peace in the instance of the seizure
of the Confederate commissioners on
board the Trent. Her Majesty's Govern-
ment recognizes with pleasure the de-
sign of arresting the progress of war by
friendly measures, the benevolent views
and humane intentions of the Emperor.
They are also of the opinion that if the
steps proposed were to be taken, the
concurrence of Russia would be ex-
tremely desirable. Her Majesty's Gov-
ernment have, however, not been in-
formed up to the present time that the
Russian Government have agreed to
co-operate with England and France on
this occasion, although that Government
may support the endeavors of England
and France to attain the end proposed.
But is the end proposed attainable at
the present moment by the course sug-
gested by the Government of France 2
Such is the question which has been
anxiously and carefully examined by Her
Majesty's Government. After weighing
($20
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
t;
all the information which has
received from America, Her Majesty's
Government are led to the conclusion
that there is no ground at the present
moment to hope that the Federal Gov-
ernment would accept the proposal sug-
gested, and a refusal from Washington
at the present time would prevent any
speedy renewal of the offer. Her Ma-
jesty's Government think, therefore,
that it would be better to watch care-
fully the progress of opinion in America,
and if, as there appears reason to hope,
it may be found to have undergone, or
may undergo hereafter, any change, the
three courts might then avail themselves
of such change to offer their friendly
counsel with a greater prospect than
now exists of its being accepted by the
two contending parties.
“Her Majesty's Government will com-
municate to that of France any intelli-
gence they may receive from Washing-
ton or Richmond bearing on this impor-
tant subject.”” t,
Prince Gortschakoff said in his answer
that it was requisite above all things to
been
avoid the appearance of any pressure
whatever capable of chilling public opin-
ion in America or of exercising the
susceptibility of that nation, and ex-
pressed the belief that a combined
measure of the three powers, as pro-
posed by France, however conciliatory,
if presented in an official or officious
character, would be the cause of arriving
at a result opposed to pacification. He,
however, added, that if France should
persist in her intention of mediation,
and England should acquiesce in her
course, instructions should be sent to
Baron Stoeckl at Washington to lend
to both his colleagues there (the French
and English ministers), if not official aid,
at least moral support.”
France, in common with England
and other nations of Europe, was suffer-
ing greatly from the war. Her opera-
* The Queen, in her speech on the opening of Parliament,
February 5, 1863, reiterated the motives of the Government
in not acceding to the proposition of Louis Napoleon :
“Her Majesty has abstained from taking any step with
a view to induce a cessation of the conflict between the
contending parties of the North American States, because
it has not yet seemed to her that any such overtures could
be attended with a probability of success. Her Majesty
has viewed with the deepest concern the desolating war-
fare which still rages in those regions, and she has wit-
nessed with hearfelt grief the severe distress and suffering
which that war inflicted upon a large class of Her Majesty's
subjects, but which have been borne by them with great
fortitude and exemplary resignation. It is some consola-
tion to Her Majesty to be led to hope that this suffering
and this distress are rather diminishing than increasing,
and that some renewal of employment is beginning to take
place in the manufacturing districts.”
* The Emperor of France, in his speech to the French
Legislature on the 13th of January, thus spoke of American
affairs, and expressed his disappointment at the result of
his scheme of mediation :
“To reduce our expenses, the army and navy estimates
have been considerably diminished. The floating debt
has been reduced, and by the success achieved by the
conversion of the rentes a great step has been taken toward
the settlement [unification] of that debt. The indirect
revenues show a continual increase, from the simple fact
of the general increase of prosperity ; and the condition
of the empire would be flourishing if the war in America
had not dried up one of the most fruitful sources of our
industry. The forced stagnation of labor has caused in
many districts an amount of destitution which deserves
all our solicitude, and a grant will be asked from you for
the support of those who with resignation submit to the
effects of a misfortune which it is not in our power to put
a stop to. Nevertheless, I have made the attempt to send
beyond the Atlantic advices inspired by a sincere sym-
pathy ; but the great maritime powers not having thought
it advisable as yet to act in concert with me, I have been
obliged to postpone to a more suitable opportunity the
offer of mediation, the object of which was to stop the
effusion of blood, and to prevent the exhaustion of a
country the future of which cannot be looked upon with
indifference.”
NAPOLEON'S LETTER
m=–
tives had been reduced to want from the
need of cotton, and were becoming
clamorous for aid. By the system of
administrative centralization, the French
people had been so habituated to de-
pend upon the Government, that they
looked only to it for support in adver-
sity as for guidance in prosperity. The
sense of mutual obligation being thus
greatly weakened, there was little assist-
ance to be expected by the poor from
the rich. The suffering operatives of
France accordingly appealed for relief
to their Government as the main source
of benevolence. The French Emperor,
thus brought into direct sympathy with
his destitute subjects, was impelled to
act officially in their behalf. This may
account for his disposition to interpose
his efforts with the view of arresting the
progress of the war, which was proving
so fatal to a large portion of his people.
In England, on the other hand, with a
different system of administration, there
was less habitual dependence upon Gov-
ernment, and a consequent stronger sense
of mutual obligation. The English oper-
atives, though greater sufferers than those
of France, looked for the aid required,
not to official, but private sources, which
proved equal to the emergency. The
British Government, thus relieved by
the benevolence of the rich from re-
sponsibility for the sufferings of the poor,
was enabled to await with more patience
the development of events, and avoid
international difficulties likely to result
from hasty interference with the war.
The French Emperor would have been
fully credited with all the motives of hu-
TO GENERAL FOREY. 621.
manity he professed, and the necessity for
action his position seemed to require, if
it had not been for the disclosures of the
livre jaune or Yellow Book. In this offi-
cial publication appeared a letter of Louis
Napoleon to General Forey, the com-
mander of the French forces in Mexico,
instructing him as to his conduct. In
this extraordinary document the Em-
peror wrote :
“There will not be wanting people
who will ask you why we go to lavish
men and money for the establishment
of a regular government in Mexico. In
the present state of the civilization of
the world the prosperity of America is
not a matter of indifference to Europe;
for it is she who feeds our manufactories
and gives life to our commerce. We
have an interest in this—that the re-
public of the United States be powerful
and prosperous, but we have none in
this—that she should seize possession of
all the Mexican Gulf, dominate from
thence the Antilles, as well as South
America, and be the sole dispenser of
the products of the New World. We
see now, by sad experience, how pre-
carious is the fate of an industry which
is reduced to seeking its chief raw ma-
terial in one market alone, to all the
vicissitudes of which it has to submit.
If, on the other hand, Mexico preserves
its influence and maintains the integrity
of its territory; if a stable government
is constituted with the assistance of
France, we shall have restored to the
Latin race on the other side of the ocean
its strength and prestige; we shall have
established our beneficent influence in
161
622
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
the centre of America, and this influence,
by presenting immense openings for our
commerce, will procure us the materials
indispensable to our industry. Mexico
thus regenerated will always be favor-
able to us, not only from gratitude, but
also because her interests will be in
harmony with ours, and she will find a
powerful support in her good relations
with the European powers. To-day,
then, our pledged military honor, the
exigency of our policy, the interest of
our industry and of our commerce, all
make it a duty to march upon Mexico,
and boldly plant there our flag, to estab-
lish either a monarchy, if it is not in-
compatible with the national sentiments
of the country, or at all events a gov-
ernment which promises some stability.”
Such a revelation naturally induced
the suspicion” of ambitious designs in
the eager desire of the Emperor of
France to interpose in the American
quarrel. Accordingly his next official
action on the subject was received with
increased inquietude. This took the
form of a direct proposition to the
United States Government, as stated in
the following dispatch to M. Mercier:
“DEPARTMENT OF For EIGN AFFAIRs, Polit- }
ICAL DIVISION, PARIs, Jan. 9, 1863.
“SIR-In forming the purpose of
assisting, by the proffer of our good
offices, to shorten the period of those
hostilities which are desolating the
* This suspicion was strengthened by the disclosure,
through the interception of some dispatches of the Con-
federate Government, of an intrigue on the part of the
French consular agents at New Orleans and Galveston to
obtain control of Texas. The French Government, how-
ever, disclaimed all responsibility for the acts of these
agents
American continent, we have to be
guided beyond all by the friendship
which actuates the Government of the
Emperor in regard to the United States.
The little success of our overtures might
chill the interest with which we follow
the fluctuations of this contest ; but the
sentiment to which we have yielded is
too sincere for indifference to find a
place in our thoughts, that we should
cease to be painfully affected while the
war continues to rage. We cannot re-
gard without profound regret this war
worse than civil, comparable to the
most terrible distractions of the ancient
republics, and whose disasters multiply
in proportion to the resources and the
valor which each of the belligerent
parties develop. - The Government of
His Majesty have, therefore, seriously
examined the objections which have
been made to us when we have sugges-
ted the idea of a friendly mediation, and
we have asked ourselves whether they
are truly of a nature to set aside as
premature every tentative to reconcili-
ation. On one part has been opposed
to us the repugnance of the United
States to admit the intervention of
foreign influence in the dispute ; on the
other, the hope which the Federal Gov-
ernment has not abandoned, of attaining
its solution by force of arms. Assuredly,
sir, recourse to the good offices of one
or several neutral powers contains noth-
ing incompatible with the pride so le-
gitimate amidst a great nation, and
means purely international are not those
alone which furnish examples of the
useful character of mediation. We flat-
NAPOLEON OFFERS TO MEDIATE.
623
ter ourselves, besides, that in proffering
to place ourselves at the disposal of the
belligerent parties to facilitate between
their negotiations, the basis of which we
abstain from prejudging, we have mani-
fested to the patriotism of the United
States all the considerations to which it
is entitled—now, perhaps, still more
than ever, after such new proof of moral
force and energy. We are none the
less ready, amid the wishes which we
form in favor of peace, to take into
account all the susceptibilities of national
feeling ; and we do not at all question
the right of the Federal Government to
decline the co-operation (concours) of
the great maritime powers of Europe.
But this co-operation, is it not the only
means which offers itself to the Cabinet
of Washington to hasten the close of the
war? And if it believes that it ought
to repel any foreign intervention, could
it not honorably accept the idea of direct
(pourparlers) informal conferences with
the authority which may represent the
States of the South 2 The Federal Gov-
ernment does not despair, we know, of
giving a more active impulse to hostili-
ties. Its sacrifices have not exhausted
its resources, still less its perseverance
and its steadfastness. The protraction
of the struggle, in a word, has not shaken
its confidence in the definitive success
of its efforts. º
“But the opening of informal con-
ferences between the belligerent parties
does not necessarily imply the immediate
cessation of hostilities. Negotiations
about peace are not always the conse-
quence of a suspension of warfare. They
precede, on the contrary, more often
the establishment of a truce. How many
times have we not seen plenipotentiaries
meet, exchange communications, agree
upon all the essential provisions of
treaties—resolve, in fine, the question
even of peace or war—while the leaders
of armies continued the strife, and en-
deavored, even to the latest moment,
to modify by force of arms the conditions
of peace. To recall only one memory
drawn from the history of the United
States—the negotiations which conse-
crated their independence were com-
menced long before hostilities had ceased
in the New World, and the armistice
was not established until the act of the
30th November, 1782, which, under the
name of provisional articles, embraced
in advance the principal clauses of the
definitive treaty of 1783. Nothing,
therefore, would hinder the Government
of the United States, without renounc-
ing the advantage which it believes it
can attain by the continuation of the
war, from entering upon informal con-
ferences with the Confederates of the
South, in case they should show them-
selves disposed thereto. Representatives
or commissioners of the two parties
could assemble at such point as it should
be deemed proper to designate, and
which could for this purpose be declared
neutral. Reciprocal complaints would
be examined into at this meeting. In
place of the accusations which North and
South mutually cast upon each other
at this time, would be substituted an
argumentative discussion of the interests
which divide them. They would seek
624
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
out, by means of well ordered and
profound deliberations, whether these
interests are definitively irreconcilable ;
whether separation is an extreme which
can no longer be avoided, or whether
the memories of common existence,
whether the ties of any kind which have
made of the North and of the South one
sole and whole federative state, and
have borne them on to so high a degree
of prosperity, are not more powerful
than the causes which have placed arms
in the hands of the two populations. A
negotiation, the object of which would
be thus determinative, would not involve
any of the objections raised against the
diplomatic intervention of Europe, and,
without giving birth to the same hopes
as the immediate conclusion of an armis-
tice, would exercise a happy influence
on the march of events. Why, there-
fore, should not a combination, which
respects all the relations of the United
States, obtain the approbation of the
Federal Government 2 Persuaded on
our part that it is in conformity with
their true interests, we do not hesitate
to recommend it to their attention, and,
not having sought in the project of a
mediation of the maritime powers of
Europe any vain display of influence,
we would applaud, with entire freedom
from all susceptibilities of self-esteem,
the opening of a negotiation which
would invite the two populations to dis-
cuss, without the co-operation of Europe,
the solution of their differences.
“I request you, sir, to give this assur-
ance to the Cabinet at Washington, while
commending to its wisdom counsels dic-
tated by most sincere interest in the
prosperity of the United States. You
are, moreover, authorized, if Mr. Seward
expresses the wish, to leave with him a
copy of this dispatch.
“Accept, sir, the assurance of my
high consideration.
“DROUYN DE L'HUYS.”
The proposition of the French Em-
peror was thus declined in the dispatch
of Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton, the
American minister to France :
“DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON,
JFeb. 6, 1863. |
“WM. L. DAYTON, ESQ., ETC., ETC.,
“SIR-The intimation given in your
dispatch of January 15 (No. 255), that
I might expect a special visit from M.
Mercier, has been realized. He called
on the 3d instant, and gave me a copy
of a dispatch he had just received from
M. Drouyn de L'Huys, under the date
of the 9th of January. I have taken
the President's instructions, and I now
proceed to give you his ideas upon the
subject in question. It has been con-
sidered with seriousness, resulting from
the reflection that the people of France
are known to be faultless sharers with
the American nation in the misfortunes
and calamities of our unhappy civil war.
Nor do we on this, any more than on
other occasions, forget the traditional
friendship of the two countries, which
we unhesitatingly believe has inspired
the counsels that M. Drouyn de L'Huys
has imparted. He says : ‘The Federal
Government does not despair, we know,
of giving more active impulse to hostil-
ities;’ and again he remarks: ‘The
SEWARD’S ANSWER. 62
5
protraction of the struggle, in a word,
has not shaken the confidence of the
Federal Government in the definitive
success of its efforts.' These passages
seem to me to do unintentional injustice
to the language, whether confidential or
public, in which this Government has
constantly spoken on the subject of the
war. It certainly has had and avowed
only one purpose—a determination to
preserve the integrity of the country.
So far from admitting any laxity of
effort, or betraying any despondency,
the Government has, on the contrary,
borne itself cheerfully in all vicissitudes
with unvarying confidence in an early
and complete triumph of the national
cause. Now, when we are in a manner
invited by a friendly power to review
the twenty-one months’ history of the
conflict, we find no occasion to abate
that confidence through which, in an
alternation of victories and defeats, as is
the appointed incident of war, the land
and naval forces of the United States
have steadily advanced, reclaiming from
the insurgents the ports, forts, and posts
which they had treacherously seized
before the strife actually begun, and
even before it was seriously apprehended.
So many of the States and districts which
the insurgents included in the field of
their projected exclusive slave-holding
dominion have already been re-estab-
lished under the flag of the Union, that
they now retain only the States of
Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, with half
of Virginia, half of North Carolina, two-
thirds of South Carolina, half of Mississip-
pi, and one-third respectively of Arkan-
***
sas and Louisiana. The national forces
hold even this small territory in close
blockade and siege. This Government,
if required, does not hesitate to submit
its achievements to the test of compari-
son, and it maintains that in no part of
the world, and in no times, ancient or
modern, has a nation, when rendered all
unready for combat by the enjoyment
of eighty years of almost unbroken
peace, so quickly awakened at the alarm
of sedition, put forth energies so vigor-
ous, and achieved successes so signal and
effective as those which have marked
the progress of this contest on the part
of the Union.
“M. Drouyn de L'Huys, I fear, has
taken other light than the correspondence
of this Government for his guidance in
ascertaining its temper and finances.
He has probably read of divisions of
sentiment among those who hold them-
selves forth as organs of public opinion
here, and has given to them an undue
importance. It is to be remembered
that this nation of thirty millions is civilly
divided into forty-one States and Terri-
tories, which cover an expanse hardly
less than Europe ; that the people are a
pure democracy, exercising everywhere
the utmost freedom of speech and suf-
frage ; that a great crisis necessarily
produces vehement as well as profound
debate, with sharp collisions of individ-
ual, local, and sectional interests, senti-
ments, and convictions, and that this
heat of controversy is increased by the
intervention of speculations, interests,
prejudices, and passions from every other
part of the civilized world. It is, how-
626
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ever, through such debates that the
agreement of the nation upon any sub-
ject is habitually attained, its resolutions
formed, and its policy established ; while
there has been much difference of popular
opinion and favor concerning the agents
who shall carry on the war, the princi-
ples on which it shall be waged, and the
means with which it shall be prosecuted.
“M. Drouyn de L'Huys has only to
refer to the statute books of Congress
and the executive ordinances to learn
that the national activity has hitherto
been and yet is as efficient as that of
any other nation, whatever its form of
government, ever was under circum-
stances of equally grave import to its
peace, Safety, and welfare. Not one
voice has been raised anywhere out of
the immediate field of the insurrection
in favor of foreign intervention, or medi-
ation, or arbitration, or of compromise,
with the relinquishment of one acre of
the national domain or the surrender
of even one constitutional franchise. At
the same time it is manifest to the world
that our resources are yet abundant and
our credit adequate to the existing
emergency.
“What M. Drouyn de L'Huys sug-
gests is, that this Government shall ap-
point commissioners to meet on neutral
ground commissioners of the insurgents.
He supposes that in the conferences to
be thus held, reciprocal complaints could
be discussed, and, in place of the accusa-
tions which the North and the South
now mutually cast upon each other, the
conference would be engaged with dis-
cussions of the interests which divide
them. He assumes, further, ‘that the
commissioners would seek, by means of
well-ordered and profound deliberations,
whether these interests are definitively
irreconcilable ; whether separation is an
extreme that can no longer be avoided,
or whether the memories of a common
existence, the ties of every kind which
have made of the North and the South
one whole federative state, and have
borne them on to so high a degree of
prosperity, are not more powerful than
the causes which have placed arms in
the hands of the two populations.” The
suggestion is not an extraordinary one,
and it may well have been thought by
the Emperor of the French, in the
earnestness of his benevolent desire for
the restoration of peace, a feasible one.
“But when M. Drouyn de L'Huys
shall come to review it in the light in
which it must necessarily be examined
in this country, I think he can hardly
fail to perceive that it amounts to noth-
ing less than a proposition that, while
this Government is engaged in suppress-
ing an armed insurrection with the pur-
pose of maintaining the constitutional
national authority and preserving the
integrity of the country, it shall enter
into diplomatic discussion with the in-
surgents upon the questions whether that
authority shall not be renounced, and
whether the country shall not be de-
livered over to disunion, to be quickly
followed by ever increasing anarchy.
If it were possible for the Government
of the United States to compromise the
national authority so far as to enter into
such debates, it is not easy to perceive
SEWARD TO
NAPOLEON. 627
what good results could be obtained by
them. The commissioners must agree
in recommending either that the Union
shall stand or that it shall be voluntarily
dissolved, or else they must leave the
vital question unsettled, to abide at least
the fortunes of the war.
“The Government has not shut out
knowledge of the present temper, any
more than of the past purposes, of the
insurgents. There is not the least ground
to suppose that the controlling actors
would be persuaded, at this moment, by
any arguments which a national commis-
sioner could offer, to forego the ambition
that has impelled them to the disloyal
position they are Occupying. Any com-
missioner who should be appointed by
those actors, or through their dictation or
influence, must enter the conference im-
bued with the spirit and pledged to the
personal fortunes of the insurgent chiefs.
The loyal people in the insurrectionary
States would be unheard, and any offer
of peace by this Government on the
condition of the maintenance of the
Union must necessarily be rejected.
“On the other hand, as I have already
intimated, this Government has not the
least thought of relinquishing the trust
which has been confided to it by the
nation under the most solemn of all
political sanctions; and if it had any
such thought, it would have still abund-
ant reason to know that peace, proposed
at the cost of dissolution, would be im-
mediately, universally, and indignantly
rejected by the American people. It is
a great mistake that European statesmen
make if they suppose this people are
demoralized. Whatever, in case of an
insurrection, the people of France, or
Great Britain, or Switzerland, or of the
Netherlands, would do to save their
national existence, no matter how the
strife might be regarded by or aſſect
foreign nations, just so much, and cer-
tainly no less, the people of the United
States will do, if necessary, to save for
the common benefit the region which is
bounded by the Pacific and Atlantic
coasts, and by the shores of the Gulfs
of St. Lawrence and Mexico, together
with the free and common navigation of
the Rio Grande, Missouri, Arkansas,
Mississippi, Ohio, St. Lawrence, Hudson,
Delaware, Potomac, and other national
highways by which this land, which to
them is at once a land of inheritance
and a land of promise, is opened and
watered.
“Even if the agents of the American
people, thus exercising their power,
should, through fear of faction, fall be-
low this height of national virtue, they
would be speedily, yet constitutionally,
replaced by others of sterner character
and patriotism.
“I must be allowed to say, also, that
M. Drouyn de L'Huys errs in his de-
scription of the parties to the present
conflict. We have here, in a political
sense, no North, no South—no Northern,
no Southern States. We have an in-
surrectionary party which is located
upon, and is chiefly adjacent to, the
shores of the Gulf of Mexico, and we
have, on the other hand, a loyal people,
who constitute not only Northern States,
but Eastern, Middle, Western, and South-
628
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ern States. I have on many occasions
heretofore submitted to the French Gov-
ernment the President's views of the
interests and ideas which lie at the
bottom of the determination of the Ameri-
can Government and people to maintain
the federal Union. The President has
done the same thing in his messages and
other public declarations. I refrain,
therefore, from reviewing that argument
in connection with the existing question.
M. Drouyn de L'Huys draws to his aid
the conferences which took place be-
tween the colonies and Great Britain in
our Revolutionary War. He will allow
me to answer that action, in the crisis
of a nation, must accord with its neces-
sities, and therefore can be seldom con-
formed to precedents. Great Britain,
When entering on that negotiation, had
manifestly come to entertain doubts of
her, ultimate success, and it is certain
that the councils of the colonies could
not have failed to take new courage, if
not to gain other advantage, when the
barent state compromised so far as to
treat of peace on the terms of conceding
their independence. It is true, indeed,
that peace must come some time, and
that conferences must attend if they are
not allowed to precede the pacification.
There is, however, a better form for
such conferences than the one which M.
Drouyn de L'Huys suggests. The latter
would be palpably in derogation of the
constitution of the United States, and
would carry no weight, because destitute
of the sanction necessary to bind, either
to the loyal or disloyal portions of the
people.
“On the other hand, the Congress of
the United States furnishes a constitu-
tional forum for debates between the
alienated parties. Senators and repre-
sentatives from the loyal people are
there already, fully empowered to con-
fer. And seats are also vacant, and
inviting the senators and representa-
tives of the discontented party, who
may be constitutionally sent there from
the States involved in the insurrection.
Moreover, the conferences which can
thus be held in Congress have this great
advantage over any that could be or-
ganized on the plan of M. Drouyn de
L'Huys, viz., that Congress, if it thought
wise, could call a national convention to
adopt its recommendations, and give
them all the solemnity and binding force
of organic law. Such conferences be-
tween the alienated parties may be said
to have already begun. Maryland, Vir-
ginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri,
States which are claimed by the insur-
gents, are already represented in Con-
gress, and are submitting, with perfect
freedom and in a proper spirit, their
advice upon the course best calculated
to bring about in the shortest time a
firm, lasting, and honorable peace. Rep-
resentatives have been sent, also, from
Louisiana; and others are understood
to be coming from Arkansas. There is
a preponderating argument in favor of
the Congressional form of conference
over that which is suggested by M.
Drouyn de L'Huys, viz., that, while
accession to the latter would bring the
Government into concurrences with the
insurgents in disregarding and setting
CONGRESS. - 629
aside an important part of the consti-
tution of the United States, and so
would be of pernicious example, the
Congressional conference, on the con-
trary, preserves and gives new strength
to that sacred instrument, which must
continue through future ages the sheet-
anchor of the republic. *
“You will be at liberty to read this
dispatch to M. Drouyn de L'Huys, and
to give him a copy if he shall desire it.
To the end, that you may be informed
of the whole case, I transmit a copy of
M. Drouyn de L'Huys' dispatch.
“I am sir, your obedient servant,
“WM. H. SEWARD.”
C EI A P T E R XL W .
Second Session of Thirty-seventh Congress.—President Lincoln's Message.—Report of the Secretary ºf War.—Report
of the Secretary of the Navy.—Secretary of the Treasury's Report.—Action of the Democrats in Congress.-Peace
Advocates.—Action of the Republicans.—Their Voice for War.—Great Power given to the President.—Conscription
Bill.—The $300 Clause.—Finance Bill.—Bank Act.—Act of Indemnity.—The Separation of Eastern Virginia.-
Act Restricting the Trade in Precious Metals.-The Resolution responsive to the Proposal of the Emperor of France.
—President authorized to issue Letters of Marque in Retaliation of the Action of Great Britain in regard to the
Alabama, etc.—Adjournment of Congress.-Session of Confederate Congress.-Message of Jefferson Davis.-Mem-
minger's Report.—Action of Confederate Congress.-Adjournment of Confederate Congress.
THE Thirty-seventh Congress met in
1862, second session on the 1st of De-
and cember, 1862. On the same day
* President Lincoln sent in his mes-
sage. In regard to the war little was
said beyond what was contained in this
devout paragraph : “While it has not
pleased the Almighty to bless us with
the return of peace, we can but press
on, guided by the best light. He gives
us, trusting that in His own good time
and wise way all will be well.”
Reiterating the opinion that slavery
was the cause of the war, and that its
extirpation would end it, the President
proposed a plan of emancipation. To
effect this he advised that, through an
amendment of the constitution, compen-
sation be offered to those States which
should abolish slavery before the year
1900. This proposition, however, he
declared was not intended to supersede
the proclamation of the 22d of Septem-
ber, manumitting the slaves of the States
in rebellion. The President thus seemed
resolved, contrary to the sanguine ex-
pectations of many, to persist in his anti-
slavery policy. Though Mr. Lincoln
confessed that the difficulties in the ex-
patriation of the freed negroes were very
great, he was yet hopeful that it might
be finally accomplished.
In regard to the financial condition of
the country, the message was not very
explicit, but the President expressed his
desire for the earliest possible return to
Specie payments. He deprecated a too
free issue of legal tender notes, and
162
630
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
seemed to favor a recourse to loans.
He, moreover, gave his sanction to the
plan supposed to have been suggested
by the Secretary of the Treasury, of
raising money for the war by the estab-
lishment of banks of issue whose notes
should be uniform, and their credit based
upon a deposit of United States bonds
with the Treasury Department.
The President, while regretting that
our foreign relations were less gratifying
than they had been, consoled himself
with the reflection that they were more
satisfactory than might have been ex-
pected by a nation involved in the neces-
sary complications of such a war.
The reports of the various heads of
departments were submitted in due
course. The Secretary of War stated
that the field of operations was embraced
in ten military departments; that the
forces operating in these amounted, by
the latest official returns, to 775,336
officers and privates, fully armed and
equipped ; that subsequently this num-
ber had been increased to over 800,000,
and that when the quotas should be
filled up, there would be a million of men
in all. The Secretary of War concluded
his report with an acknowledgment of
the valor of the troops, and the skill and
gallantry of the officers, as manifested at
Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks,
Gaines' Mill, Malvern, Cross Keys, Cedar
Mountain, Chantilly, and elsewhere.
The report of the Secretary of the
Navy contained a lengthy narrative of
the exploits of our fleet and gun-boats,
to which was added a summary of the im-
mense additions made to the naval force.
When he assumed charge of the
Navy Department in March, 1861, re-
ported the Secretary, there were but
forty-two vessels in commission, and
most of them abroad. There were only
7,600 seamen then in the pay of the
Government, and on the 10th of March,
only 207 in all the ports and receiving-
ships of the Atlantic coast, to man our
ships, protect the navy-yards and dé-
pôts, and aid in suppressing the rising
insurrection. At the time of the Se-
cretary's report, the Government had
afloat, or progressing to completion, a
naval force of 427 vessels, carrying
3,268 guns. So suddenly increased and
So vast a naval armament had not
been witnessed in modern times. Of
the 427 vessels in service, 104 only were
Sailing vessels, 323 were steam vessels,
and 123 of these latter had been added
by construction. These new vessels of
war were of no mean capacity and cali-
bre, as the following description of them
will show :
Description. wº. Guns. Tons.
Second-class screw sloops of war.... 13 16 16,396
Screw gun-boats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 116 14,033
Side-wheel gun-boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 296 36,377
Armored wooden vessels........... 12 65 20,893
Armored iron vessels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 74 32,631
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 567 120,330
In his important fiscal report, the
Secretary of the Treasury presented the
following estimates:
YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1862.
RECEIPTS.
From Balance in Treasury. . . . . . . . . . . .
From Customs, Lands, and Miscellane-
ous Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$2,257,065 80
50,140,389 03
1,795,331 73
From Loans. (The critire amount of
Loans of all kinds was $529,692,460.
TREASURY REPORT. 631
50; from this should be deducted sources under exist-
$96,096,922 09, devoted to the repay- ing laws are. . . . . . . 131,021,197 35
- . ** º Total estimated Receipts from all
emp y , etc.) Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $331,150,914 36
This sum properly forming no part of
Receipts or Expenditures, the total
Receipts from Loans were .......... 433,595,538 41
$487,788,324 97
Total Receipts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EXPENDITURES.
For Civil List, etc. . . . . $21,408,491 16
For Pensions and In- §
3,102,985 50
13,190,324 45
394,368,407 36
42,674,569 69
*-
Total Expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . .
For War Department.
For Navy Department
$474,744,778 16
Leaving Balance in Treasury
July 1, 1862. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,043,546 81
YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1863, THE RECEIPTs For THE LAST
THREE QUARTERS BEING ESTIMATED.
RECEIPTS.
From Balance in Treasury. . . . . . . . . . . . $13,043,546 81
Trom Customs, Lands, etc. . . . . . . . . . . 70,374,777 07
Erom Direct Tax.................... 11,620,717 99
From Internal Duties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85,456,303 73
Total Receipts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $180,495,345 60
EXPENDITURES.
For Civil List, etc. . . . $32,811,543 23
For Interior Department 5,982,906 43
For War Department. 747,359,828 98
For Navy Department 82,177,510 77
For Interest on Public
25,014,532 07
Total, besides Public
Debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $893,346,321 48
Deduct sum estimated
to be undrawn. . . . . . 200,000,000 00
---
Total Expenses for Gov-
ernment and the War $693,346,321 4
Add payments of Pub- -
lic Debt which will
become due . . . . . . . . 95,212,456 14
-* -- *-
Total Expenditures for the year. $788,558,777 62
Excess of Expenditures over di-
rect Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From Loans have been
received up to Nov.
30, and applied to the -
expenses of the Year. $200,129,717 01
The estimated addi-
tional Receipts from
$608,063,432 02
showing a total Deficiency of... $276,912,517 66
YEAR ENDING June 30, 1864 (ESTIMATED).
REOEIPTS.
From Customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,000,000 00
From Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000 00
From Miscellaneous Sources.......... 3,000,000 00
From Internal Duties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150,000,000 00
Aggregate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $223,025,000 00
EXPENDITURES.
Balance of former appropriations esti-
mated to be unexpended July 1, 1863 $200,000,000 00
For Civil Service, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,091,510 08
For Interior Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,346,577 01
For the War Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . 73S,829,146 80
For the Navy Department. . . . . . . . . . . . 68,257,255 01
For Interest on Public Debt . . . . . . . . . . 33,503 890 50
Principal on Public Debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,384,804 16
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,095,413, 183 56
Of this amount of $1,095,413,183 56 it
is estimated that there will remain
undrawn on the 30th of June, 1864,
the sum of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250,000,000 00
$845,413, 183 56
Aggregate for the year. . . . . . . . .
The estimated Receipts, as before stated,
for that year are placed at
* - e. e. e. e. e. e. e.
223,025,000 00
Leaving to be provided for by Loans, the
$622,388,183 56
Mr. Chase recommended that the
deficiency for the current year be raised
by loans, and that no more legal tender
notes be issued.
Though the minority in Congress, con-
sisting of most of the members from the
border States and many of the Demo-
crats, made strenuous opposition, the
majority, devoted to the Administration,
succeeded in overcoming all resistance,
and voting every measure of the Gov-
ernment. The triumph of the Demo-
crats in various elections, in the Middle
and Western States, had encouraged
some of their representatives to oppose
• * * * * * * * * * * * * e - e s e º e s sº s e s a e
632
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
vigorously the war policy of the party
in power. Mistaking the popular vote
for an indication of a desire on the part
of the people for peace, a few Demo-
cratic leaders, who had early avowed
their aversion to the war, ventured now
in Congress to advocate a compromise
and truce with the enemy. The Re-
publicans, with a more shrewd apprecia-
tion of the popular sentiment, believed
that the people were not yet discouraged,
and would not only frown upon the
hasty peace-makers, but favor the most
belligerent. The elections, which had
resulted unfavorably to the Republican
party, were attributed by its leaders to
a popular dissatisfaction with the conduct
of the war, rather than with the war
itself. They thus hoped that by in-
creased energy in carrying on hostilities
for the future, they might again recover
the favor of the people, which had been
temporarily lost by the mistakes and
delays of the past. They, accordingly, in
spite of the opposition of a small but
vigorous minority in Congress, the par-
tial success of the Democratic party, and
the unfavorable legislative action of
some of the Border and Middle States,
determined to bestow upon the Gov-
ernment the utmost power for the exe-
cution of its purposes. Thus resolved,
they enacted a series of measures which
gave the President almost despotic au-
thority. The principal of these were the
acts of conscription, finance, and indem-
mity, by which the Executive was en-
dowed with the command of the sword,
the purse, and the person.
By the Conscription Bill, all the males
of the loyal States, not excepting negroes
and Indians, between the ages of 20 and
45, were enrolled into a national militia,
and the President empowered to call
them into the service of the United
States for three years, or the war. The
militia thus enrolled was divided into
two classes: 1st, persons between 20
and 35, whether married or single, and
these between 35 and 45, if unmarried ;
and 2d, married men between 35 and
45. The only exemptions were the
President and Vice-President, and one
adult male in each family where there
were aged parents or infant children
dependent upon his labor for support.
By the payment of the sum of $300,
however, to the Government, an exemp-
tion could be obtained by any drafted per-
son. By this provision it was supposed
that clergymen, teachers, and others, be-
longing to the wealthier classes, might
be relieved from a service which they
were unable or disinclined to perform,
while they were contributing a sum
which would obtain a substitute among
the needy or warlike.
The Finance Bill empowered the
President to issue $550,000,000 of legal
tender paper currency in addition to the
$300,000,000 primarily authorized. Of
this amount, $150,000,000 were to be
of the kind already in circulation, and
the $400,000,000 remaining, to be in-
terest-bearing notes, which might be
either a legal tender themselves, or ex-
changeable for such, on presentation.
By this bill the President was moreover
authorized to negotiate, on such terms
as he should deem proper, United States
ACTS OF CONGRESS.
bonds redeemable in not less than ten,
and not more than twenty years, to bear
an interest not over six per cent, pay-
able in gold.
The Bank Act proposed by Mr. Chase,
and adopted by Congress, further in-
creased the financial power of the Gov-
ernment, by giving it the control of the
banks. By this act, any individual or
corporation was empowered to establish
a bank on the basis of Government se-
curities, and to issue a uniform currency
based on the deposit of such securities,
and within ten per cent. of their market
value.
The most extensive concession, how-
ever, of personal rights, was by the act
which gave the President indemnity for
all past arrests of citizens without form
of law, and granted him the power of
suspending the writ of Habeas Corpus
in the future, whenever and wherever
he might deem it necessary.
The separation of Western from East-
ern Virginia, necessarily without the
consent of the latter State, and its ad-
mission into the Federal Union as a new
State, was another stretch of power
which a Congress not overscrupulous in
regard to its constitutional obligations
did not hesitate to make. The Presi-
dent, though supposed to have hesitated
in giving his sanction to a measure which
was expressly forbidden by the letter of
constitutional law, finally yielded his
assent to the act admitting Western
Virginia into the Union.
Financially embarrassed by the great
depreciation of the national currency
and the proportionate rise of gold, which
633
had reached the price of $1 73 cents
in paper, the Government prevailed
upon Congress to pass an act restricting
the trade in the precious metals. This
arbitrary interference with the transac-
tions of commerce was justified on the
ground that the rise of gold was at-
tributable to the avidity of speculators,
and not to the exigency of the laws o
trade. -
The foreign relations of the country,
always a subject of inquietude since the
commencement of the war, became now
a source of increased anxiety, from the
acknowledged eagerness of the French
Emperor to mediate, and the suspected
inertness of the British Government in
preventing its subjects from giving aid
to the South, as in the case of the Ala-
bama.
The proposition of mediation of the
Emperor of France was met by a joint
resolution of the Senate and House of
Representatives, repelling all foreign
interference.
The national vexation in regard to
the fitting out, in British ports, of the
Florida, Alabama, and other vessels, for
the service of the Southern Confederacy,
was vented through Congress by an act
passed by that body giving authority to
the President to issue letters of marque.
On the 4th of March the Thirty-
seventh Congress adjourned. Its acts,
which we have recorded, will always be
memorable in the history of the country
as the most prodigal concessions of
personal rights ever voluntarily made
by a free people. Nothing could indi-
| cate more clearly the national devotion
634
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
to the Union than this profusion of
sacrifice in its cause. -
On the 12th of January, 1863, Jef-
ferson Davis delivered his message to
the Confederate Congress assembled at
Richmond. Commencing with a review
of past military operations, he said:
“The history of the two years of
our national existence affords ample
cause for congratulation, and demands
the most fervent expression of our
thankfulness to the Almighty Father
who has blessed our cause. We are
justified in asserting, with a pride surely
not unbecoming, that these Confederate
States have added another to the lessons
taught by history for the instruction of
man; that they have afforded another
example of the impossibility of subjugat-
ing a people determined to be free, and
have demonstrated that no superiority
of numbers or available resources can
overcome the resistance offered by such
valor in combat, such constancy under
suffering, and such cheerful endurance
of privation as have been conspicuously
displayed by this people in the defence
of their rights and liberties. The antici-
pations with which we entered into the
contest have now ripened into a con-
viction, which is not only shared with us
by the common opinion of neutral nations,
but is evidently forcing itself upon our
enemies themselves. If we but mark
the history of the present year by res-
olute perseverance in the path we have
hitherto pursued, by vigorous effort in
the development of all our resources for
defence, and by the continued exhibition
of the same unfaltering courage in our
soldiers, and able conductin their leaders,
as have distinguished the past, we have
every reason to expect that this will be
the closing year of the war.”
In regard to the policy of foreign
governments relative to the war, Mr.
Davis complained that, though “nomi-
nally impartial,” it had been “practically
most favorable to our enemies and most
detrimental to us;” but he found con-
solation in the correspondence between
France and England and Russia on the
subject of mediation.
Though generally so subdued in tone
and dignified in expression, Mr. Davis
seemed to have lost all self-control
when alluding to his enemies, whose
conduct he passionately denounced.
In regard to finance, Mr. Davis rec-
Ommended the adoption of some com-
prehensive system, as follows:
“The increasing public debt, the great
augmentation in the volume of the cur-
rency, with its necessary concomitant of
extravagant prices for all articles of con-
Sumption, the want of revenue from a
taxation adequate to support the public
credit, all unite in admonishing us that
energetic and wise legislation alone can
prevent serious embarrassment in our
monetary affairs. It is my conviction
that the people of the Confederacy, will
freely meet taxation on a scale adequate
to the maintenance of the public credit
and the Support of their government.
When each family is sending forth its
most precious ones to meet exposure in
camp and death in battle, what ground
can there be to doubt the disposition to
devote a tithe of its income, and more,
DAVIS MESSAGE.
635
if more be necessary, to provide the
government with means for insuring the
comfort of its defenders ? If our ene-
mies submit to an excise on every com-
modity they produce, and to the daily
presence of the tax-gatherer, with no
higher motive than the hope of success
in their wicked designs against us, the
suggestion of an unwillingness on the
part of this people to submit to the tax-
ation necessary for the success of their
defence is an imputation on their patriot-
ism that few will be disposed to make,
and that none can justify.”
The message, after a general reference
to the operations of the various depart-
ments of state, closed with this exulting
account of the progress of the Southern
Confederacy:
“Our armies,” boasted Mr. Davis,
“are larger, better disciplined, and more
thoroughly armed and equipped than
at any previous period of the war ; the
energies of a whole nation, devoted to
the single object of success in this war,
have accomplished marvels, and many
of our trials have by a beneficent Provi-
dence been converted into blessings.
The magnitude of the perils which we
encountered have developed the true
qualities and illustrated the heroic char-
acter of our people, thus gaining for the
Confederacy from its birth a just appre-
ciation from the other nations of the
earth. The injuries resulting from the
interruption of foreign commerce have
received compensation by the develop-
ments of our internal resources. Can-
non crown our fortresses that were cast
from the proceeds of mines opened and
furnaces built during the war. Our
mountain caves yield much of the nitre
for the manufacture of powder, and
promise increase of product. From our
own foundries and laboratories, from
our own armories and workshops, we
derive, in a great measure, the warlike
material, the ordnance and ordnance
stores, which are expended so profusely
in the numerous and desperate engage-
ments that rapidly succeed each other.
Cotton and woollen fabrics, shoes and
harness, wagons and gun carriages, are
produced in daily increasing quantities
by the factories springing into existence.
Our fields, no longer whitened by cotton
that cannot be exported, are devoted to
the production of cereals and the growth
of stock formerly purchased with the
proceeds of cotton. In the homes of
our noble and devoted women—without
whose sublime sacrifices our success
would have been impossible—the noise
of the loom and the spinning-wheel may
be heard throughout the land.”
The action of the Confederate Con-
gress was chiefly confined to measures
of domestic interest. The resolutions,
however, offered in favor of proclaim-
ing the free navigation of the Missis-
sippi, with the view of conciliating the
loyal people of the Northwest, opened
a subject of wider import. This ac-
tion was suggested by the aversion to
a continuance of the war thought to
be indicated by the result of the elec-
tions in some of the Western States,
and was designed to encourage the sup-
posed inclinations of their inhabitants
to peace. -
636
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
C H A P T E R XL W I.
Emancipation Proclamation of the 1st of January, 1863.−How it was received.—Approval and Joy of the Republicans.
—Objections of the Democrats.—State Resolutions.—Agitation of the People.—Sudden Reaction.—The Govern-
ment Supported.—Action of certain Democratic Leaders.-Loyal Leagues.—Rage at the South.-Jefferson Davis
excited.— Revengeful Counter-Proclamation.—General Butler Outlawed. —Effect in Europe of the Proclamation
of Davis.-The Confederate Congress opposes the Retaliatory Propositions of Davis.-Effect of the Emancipation
Proclamation in Europe.—Earl Russell’s Condemnation.—The Imperial Press of France condemns.—The Working-
men of Great Britain approve.
ALTHOUGH great efforts had been made
by the leaders of the Democratic
party, and the representatives in
Congress of the border slave States, to
induce President Lincoln to swerve from
his purpose, he persisted in giving full
effect to his proclamation of September
22d, 1862. On the 1st of January,
1863, he accordingly issued this second
proclamation, confirmatory of the first :
1863,
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA.
A P R O C L A M A TI O N .
“Whereas, on the twenty-second day
of September, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and sixty-
two, a proclamation was issued by the
President of the United States, contain-
ing, among other things, the following,
to wit:
“‘That on the first day of January, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and sixty-three, all persons
held as slaves within any State or des-
ignated part of a State, the people
whereof shall then be in rebellion against
the United States, shall be then, thence-
forth, and forever free, and the executive
Government of the United States, in-
cluding the military and naval authority
thereof, will recognize and maintain the
freedom of such persons, and will do no
act or acts to repress such persons or
any of them in any effort they may
make for their actual freedom.’
“‘That the Executive will, on the
first day of January aforesaid, by proc-
lamation, designate the States and parts
of States, if any, in which the people
therein respectively shall then be in
rebellion against the United States ; and
the fact that any State, or the people
thereof, shall on that day be in good
faith represented in the Congress of the
United States by members chosen there-
to at elections wherein a majority of the
qualified voters of such State shall have
participated, shall, in the absence of
strong countervailing testimony, be
deemed conclusive evidence that such
State, and the people thereof, are not
then in rebellion against the United
States.’
“Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln,
President of the United States, by virtue
of the power in me vested as com-
PROCLAMATION OF EMANCIPATION.
637
mander-in-chief of the army and navy
of the United States, in time of actual
armed rebellion against the authority
and Government of the United States,
and as a fit and necessary war measure
for suppressing said rebellion, do, on
this first day of January, in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and sixty-three, and in accordance with
my purpose so to do publicly proclaimed
for the full period of one hundred days
from the day of the first above-men-
tioned order, designate as the States
and parts of States wherein the people
thereof respectively are this day in re-
bellion against the United States, the
following, to wit:
“Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana (ex-
cept the parishes of St. Bernard, Plac-
quemines, Jefferson, St. John, St.
Charles, St. James, Ascension, Assump-
tion, Terre Bonne, Lafourche, St. Mary,
St. Martin, and Orleans, including the
city of New Orleans), Mississippi, Ala-
bama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
North Carolina, and Virginia (except
the forty-eight counties designated as
West Virginia, and also the counties of
Berkeley, Accomac, Northampton, Eliza-
beth City, York, Princess Ann, and
Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk
and Portsmouth, and which excepted
parts are, for the present, left precisely
as if this proclamation were not issued).
“And, by virtue of the power and for
the purpose aforesaid, I do order and
declare that all persons held as slaves
within said designated States and parts
of States are and henceforward shall be
free ; and that the executive Govern-
ment of the United States, including the
military and naval authorities thereof,
will recognize and maintain the freedom
of said persons. -
“And I hereby enjoin upon the peo-
ple so declared to be free, to abstain
from all violence, unless in necessary
self-defence; and I recommend to them
that in all cases, when allowed, they
labor faithfully for reasonable wages.
“And I further declare and make
known that such persons, of suitable
condition, will be received into the
armed service of the United States, to
garrison forts, positions, stations, and
other places, and to man vessels of all
sorts in said service.
“And upon this, sincerely believed to
be an act of justice, warranted by the
constitution, upon military necessity, I
invoke the considerate judgment of man-
kind and the gracious favor of Almighty
God.
“In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and caused the seal of the
|United States to be affixed.
“Done at the city of Washington, this
first day of January, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-three, and of the independence of
the United States of America the eighty-
seventh. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
“By the President :
“WILLIAM EI. SEWARD,
“Secretary of State.”
At the North, this document was
variously received, according to the
political bias of party. The Republi-
cans highly approved and sanguinely
anticipated immediate advantage from a
163
63S
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
measure which they had long demanded
as necessary to suppress the rebellion.
The Democrats strenuously objected,
and denounced the “radical” policy of
the President as fatal to the cause of
the Union. For a time party spirit
was so excited that it was feared the
North itself might become the scene
of civil strife. The policy of the Presi-
dent was denounced by legislative reso-
lutions which were passed in some of
the States, as in New Jersey and in
Kentucky, and only defeated in others,
as in Illinois and Indiana, by political
management.
While this storm was at its height,
threatening the safety of the state, there
came a sudden lull, calming popular
agitation and allaying factious discord.
The Government, just before tottering
under the tumult of contending parties,
now suddenly resumed its firmness, sus-
tained by the steady support of the
people. This surprising change, as
mysterious as the varying phenomena
of nature, was accompanied by circum-
stances which excite curiosity but per-
plex inquiry. Popular leaders who, but
a few days before, had denounced the
Government and counselled opposition,
now praised the one and deprecated
the other. Attempts have been made
to solve the mystery of this sudden
change. Some have flattered themselves
that they discovered the solution in the
formidable attitude of a million of armed
men under the control of the Govern-
ment ; some, in the scorn with which
the enemy had treated those agitators,
whose action was supposed to be con-
Government during the war.
ciliatory toward them ; some, malicious-
ly disposed, suggested that the solution
was to be found in a discreet fear of an
Executive endowed with almost absolute
power, or a corrupt desire of currying
favor with so mighty a potentate; while
the charitably inclined attributed this
unexpected political conversion to the
patriotic motive of checking the rising
anarchy by a sacrifice of personal opinion
to the general harmony.
The Republicans now shrewdly strove
to secure the permanent adhesion of
their newly acquired Democratic co-
adjutors by the formation of “loyal
leagues,” the members of which were
pledged to unconditional support of the
By this
means, those whose facility of conversion
might create a doubt of the constancy
of their convictions, were fixed in the
faith. Struck in the heat, they were
so firmly welded, that when cooled to
their original temper and disposed to fly
off, they would be unable to escape from
the combination, however incongruous.
The insurgents of the South, while
they affected to believe that President
Lincoln's emancipation proclamation
would prove of no effect in weakening
their hold upon the slaves, could not
conceal their rage at its issue. Jefferson
Davis lost his usual mastery over his
temper, and issued a revengeful counter.
proclamation. In this document, an-
ticipating the appearance of Mr. Lincoln's
proclamation, he not only threatened
retaliation in case that should be carried
into effect, but invoked retribution upon
General Butler for his acts at New
DAVIS FEROCITY.
639
Orleans, and other officers of the United
States charged with outrage.
“I, Jefferson Davis,” declared that
official, “President of the Confederate
States of America, and in their name,
do pronounce and declare the said Ben-
jamin F. Butler to be a felon, deserving
of capital punishment. I do order that
he shall no longer be considered or
treated simply as a public enemy of the
Confederate States of America, but as
an outlaw and common enemy of man-
kind, and that, in the event of his cap-
ture, the officer in command of the
capturing force do cause him to be
immediately executed by hanging.”
In regard to Butler's subordinates,
Jefferson Davis ordered :
“That all the commissioned officers
in the command of said Benjamin F.
Butler be declared not entitled to be
considered as soldiers engaged in hon-
orable warfare, but as robbers and
criminals deserving death ; and that
they and each of them be, whenever
captured, reserved for execution.”
President Lincoln's proclamation of
emancipation was responded to by the
vindictive order :
“That all negro slaves captured in
arms be at once delivered over to the
executive authorities of the respective
States to which they belong, to be dealt
with according to the laws of said States.
“That the like orders be executed in
all cases with respect to all commissioned
officers of the United States when found
serving in company with said slaves in
insurrection against the authorities of
the different States of this Confederacy.”
The ferocious spirit of this proclamation
of Davis shocked his friends in Europe,
who had hitherto professed such a tender
regard for his interests and boasted so
loudly of his moderation, tact, and good
taste. Even the Congress of the Confed-
erates doubted the policy of retaliation
suggested by their President, and passed
resolutions adverse to its exercise. -
In Europe, the emancipation procla-
mation of President Lincoln was met by
the ruling classes with expressions of
dissatisfaction. Denying all philanthropic
motive in its issue, they denounced it as
a vindictive war measure. Earl Russell,
the foreign secretary of the British
Government, a fair exponent probably
of aristocratic opinion in England, thus
emphatically gave in his verdict of
condemnation :
“My LoRD :” he wrote to Lord Lyons
in a dispatch, Jan. 17th, 1863–" The
proclamation of the President of the
United States, inclosed in your lord-
ship's dispatch of the 2d inst., appears
to be of a very strange nature.
“It professes to emancipate all slaves
in places where the United States author-
ities cannot exercise any jurisdiction
nor make emancipation a reality ; but
it does not decree emancipation of slaves
in any States or parts of States occupied
by Federal troops, and subject to United
States jurisdiction, and where, therefore,
emancipation, if decreed, might have
been carried into effect.
“It would seem to follow that in the
border States, and also in New Orleans,
a slave owner may recover his fugitive
slave by the ordinary process of law,
640
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
but that in the ten States in which the
proclamation decrees emancipation, a
fugitive slave arrested by legal warrant
may resist, and his resistance, if success-
ful, is to be upheld and aided by the
|United States authorities and the United
States armed forces.
“The proclamation, therefore, makes
slavery at once legal and illegal, and
makes slaves either punishable for run-
ning away from their masters, or entitled
to be supported and encouraged in so
doing, according to the locality of the
plantation to which they belong, and
the loyalty of the State in which they
may happen to be.
“There seems to be no declaration of
a principle adverse to slavery in this
proclamation. It is a measure of war,
and a measure of war of a very ques-
tionable kind.
“As President Lincoln has twice
appealed to the judgment of mankind
in his proclamation, I venture to say I
do not think it can or ought to satisfy
the friends of abolition, who look for
total and impartial freedom for the slave,
and not for vengeance on the slave
owner.”
The official journals of France, rep-
resenting the views of the Emperor
and his Government, gave expression to
similar opinions. The people, however,
both English and French, accepted the
proclamation of Mr. Lincoln as a sincere
effort in the cause of freedom, and
although disappointed at the restrictions
to the act of emancipation, generously
attributed them to the force of circum-
stances beyond the control of the Presi-
dent. Such was the approval of Mr.
Lincoln's action among many in England,
that large assemblages of the people
gathered in the manufacturing districts
and voted resolutions and addresses of
sympathy and admiration.
CHA PTE R XLVII.
General Grant assumes the Command in Person, and appears before Wicksburg.—Grant's Report of his Operations.—
General Sherman's Operations.—Sherman's Report.—Siege of Vicksburg.—Surrender of Vicksburg.
AFTER the unsuccessful attempts by
1863 Generals Sherman and McClernand
with the co-operation of the fleet
under Admiral Porter, to flank and
capture the enemy's great stronghold
on the Mississippi, General Grant as-
sumed the command in person. With
a largely increased force, that amounted
to about a hundred and fifty thousand
men, and the continued aid of the navy,
General Grant began that series of
operations which resulted, after an un-
exampled exercise of skill, toil, and
patience, in capturing Wicksburg. His
own succinct and comprehensive narra-
tive is the most authentic record of the
great work.
“From the moment of taking com-
SIEGE OF VICECSBURG.
641
mand in person,” says General Grant in
his official report, July 6th, 1863, “I
became satisfied that Wicksburg could
only be turned from the south side, and,
in accordance with this conviction, I
prosecuted the work on the canal, which
had been located by Brigadier-General
Williams across the peninsula, on the
Louisiana side of the river, with all
vigor, hoping to make a channel which
would pass transports for moving the
army and carrying supplies to the new
base of operations thus provided. The
task was much more herculean than it
at first appeared, and was made much
II].OI’é SO by the almost continuous rains
that fell during the whole of the time
this work was prosecuted. The river,
too, continued to rise and make a large
expenditure of labor necessary to keep
the water out of our camps and the
canal.
“Finally, on the 8th of March, the
rapid rise of the river, and the conse-
quent great pressure upon the dam
across the canal, near the upper end, at
the main Mississippi levee, caused it to
give way and let through the low lands
back of our camps a torrent of water
that separated the north and south
shores of the peninsula as effectually as
if the Mississippi flowed between them.
This occurred when the enterprise prom-
ised success within a short time. There
was some delay in trying to repair
damages. It was found, however, that
with the then stage of water some other
plan would have to be adopted for
getting below Vicksburg with transports.
“Captain F. E. Prime, chief engineer,
and Colonel G. G. Pride, who was act-
ing on my staff, prospected a route
through the bayous which run from near
Milliken's Bend on the north and New
Carthage on the south through Round-
away Bayou into the Tensas River.
Their report of the practicability of this
route determined me to commence work
upon it. Having three dredge boats at
the time, the work of opening this route
was executed with great rapidity. One
small steamer and a number of barges
were taken through the channel thus
opened, but the river commencing about
the middle of April to fall rapidly, and
the roads becoming passable between
Milliken's Bend and New Carthage,
made it impracticable and unnecessary
to open water communication between
these points.
“Soon after commencing the first
canal spoken of, I caused a channel to
be cut from the Mississippi River into
Lake Providence ; also one from the
Mississippi River into Coldwater, by
way of Yazoo Pass. º:
“I had no great expectations of im-
portant results from the former of these,
but having more troops than could be
employed to advantage at Young's Point,
and knowing that Lake Providence was
connected by Bayou Baxter with Bayou
Macon, a navigable stream through
which transports might pass into the
Mississippi below, through Tensas, Wa-
chita, and Red rivers, I thought it pos-
sible that a route might be opened in
that direction which would enable me
to co-operate with General Banks at
Port Hudson.
642
THE WAR \\ ITH THE SOUTH.
“By the Yazoo Pass route I only
expected at first to get into the Yazoo
by way of Coldwater and Tallahatchie
with some lighter gun-boats and a few
troops, and destroy the enemy's trans-
ports in that stream and some gun-boats
which I knew he was building. The
navigation, however, proved so much
better than had been expected, that I
thought for a time of the possibility of
rmaking this the route for obtaining the
foothold on high land above Haines'
Bluff, Mississippi, and Small-class steam-
ers were accordingly ordered for trans-
porting an army that way. Major-
General J. B. McPherson, commanding
seventeenth army corps, was directed to
hold his corps in readiness to move by
this route ; and one division from each
the thirteenth and fifteenth corps were
collected near the entrance of the pass,
to be added to his command. It soon
became evident that a sufficient number
of boats of the right class could not be
obtained for the movement of more than
one division.
“While my forces were opening one
end of the pass the enemy was diligently
closing the other end, and in this way
succeeded in gaining time to strongly
fortify Greenwood, below the junction
of the Tallahatchie and Yallobusha.
The advance of the expedition, consist-
ing of one division of McClernand's corps
from Helena, commanded by Brigadier-
General L. F. Ross, and the Twelfth and
Seventeenth regiments Missouri infantry,
from Sherman's corps, as sharp-shooters
on the gun-boats, succeeded in reaching
Coldwater on the 2d of March, after
much difficulty, and the partial disabling
of most of the boats. From the entrance
into Coldwater to Fort Pemberton, at
Greenwood, Mississippi, no great diffi-
culty of navigation was experienced, nor
any interruption of magnitude from the
enemy. Fort Pemberton extends from
the Tallahatchie to the Yazoo at Green-
wood. Here the two rivers come within
a few hundred yards of each other. The
land around the fort is low, and at the
time of the attack was entirely over-
flowed. Owing to this fact, no move-
ment could be made by the army to re-
duce it, but all depended upon the ability
of the gun-boats to silence the guns of
the enemy and enable the transports to
run down and land troops immediately
on the fort itself. After an engagement
of several hours the gun-boats drew off,
being unable to silence the batteries.
Brigadier-General J. F. Quimby, com-
manding a division of McPherson's corps,
met the expedition under Ross with his
division on its return near Fort Pember-
ton, on the 21st of March, and, being
the senior, assumed command of the
entire expedition, and returned to the
position Ross had occupied.
“On the 23d day of March, I sent
orders for the withdrawal of all the
forces operating in that direction, for
the purpose of concentrating my army
at Milliken's Bend.
“On the 14th day of March, Admiral
D. D. Porter, commanding Mississippi
squadron, informed me that he had made
a reconnoissance up Steel's Bayou, and
partially through Black Bayou toward
Deer Creek. and so far as explored these
CAPTURE OF WICIRSBURG.
643
water-courses were reported navigable
for the Smaller iron-clads. Information
given mostly, I believe, by the negroes
of the country, was to the effect that
Deer Creek could be navigated to Roll-
ing Fork, and that from there, through
the Sunflower to the Yazoo River, there
was no question about the navigation.
On the following morning I accompanied
Admiral Porter in the ram Price—
several iron-clads preceding us—up
through Steel's Bayou to near Black
Bayou.
“At this time our forces were at a
dead-lock at Greenwood, and I looked
upon the success of this enterprise as of
vast importance. It would, if success-
ful, leave Greenwood between two forces
of ours, and would necessarily cause the
immediate abandonment of that strong-
hold.
“About thirty steamers of the enemy
would have been destroyed or fallen into
our hands. Seeing that the great Ob-
stacle to navigation, so far as I had gone,
was from overhanging trees, I left Ad-
miral Porter near Black Bayou and
pushed back to Young's Point for the
purpose of sending forward a pioneer
corps to remove these difficulties. Soon
after my return to Young's Point, Ad-
miral Porter sent back to me for a co-
operating military force. Sherman was
promptly sent with one division of his
Corps. The number of steamers suitable
for the navigation of these bayous being
limited, most of the force was sent up
the Mississippi River to Eagle's Bend, a
point where the river runs within one
mile of Steel's Bayou, thus saving an
important part of this difficult naviga-
tion. The expedition failed, probably
more from want of knowledge as to
what would be required to open this
route, than from any impracticability in
the navigation of the streams and bayous
through which it was proposed to pass.
Want of this knowledge led the expedi-
tion on until difficulties were encounter-
ed, and then it would become necessary
to send back to Young's Point for the
means of removing them. This gave
the enemy time to move forces to effec-
tually checkmate farther progress, and
the expedition was withdrawn when
within a few hundred yards of free and
open navigation to the Yazoo.
“All this may have been providential
in driving us ultimately to a line of
operations which has proven eminently
successful. -
“As soon as I decided to open water
communication from a point on the
Mississippi near Milliken's Bend to New
Carthage, I determined to occupy the
latter place, it being the first point be-
low Wicksburg that could be reached by
land at the stage of water then existing,
and the occupancy of which, while it
secured to us a point on the Mississippi
River, would also protect the main line
of communication by water. Accord-
ingly, the thirteenth army corps, Major-
General J. A. McClernand commanding,
was directed to take up its line of march
on the 29th day of March, for New
Carthage, the fifteenth and seventeenth
corps to follow, moving no faster than
Supplies and ammunition could be trans-
ported to them.
644
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“The roads though level were in-
tolerably bad, and the movement was
therefore necessarily slow. Arriving at
Smith's plantation, two miles from New
Carthage, it was found that the levee of
Bayou Vidal was broken in several
places, thus leaving New Carthage an
island.
“All the boats that could be were
collected from the different bayous in
the vicinity, and others were built, but
the transportation of an army in this
way was found exceedingly tedious.
Another route had to be found. This
was done by making a further march
around Vidal to Perkins' plantation, a
distance of twelve miles more, making
the whole distance to be marched from
Milliken's Bend to reach water com-
munication on the opposite side of the
point thirty-five miles. Over this dis-
tance, with bad roads to contend against,
supplies of ordnance stores and pro-
visions had to be hauled by wagons,
with which to commence the campaign
on the opposite side of the river.
“At the same time that I ordered the
occupation of New Carthage, prepara-
tions were made for running transports
by the Wicksburg batteries with Admiral
Porter's gun-boat fleet.
“On the night of the 16th of April,
Admiral Porter's fleet and the trans-
ports Silver Wave, Forest Queen, and
Henry Clay ran the Wicksburg batteries.
The boilers of the transports were
protected as well as possible with hay
and cotton. More or less commissary
stores were put on each. All three
of these boats were struck more or less
batteries.
frequently while passing the enemy's
batteries, and the Henry Clay, by the
explosion of a shell, or by other means,
was set on fire and entirely consumed.
The other two boats were somewhat
injured, but not seriously disabled. No
one on board of either was hurt.
“As these boats succeeded in getting
by so well, I ordered six more to be
prepared in like manner for running the
These latter, viz., Tigress,
Anglo-Saxon, Cheeseman, Empire City,
Horizonia, and Moderator, left Milliken's
Bend on the night of the 22d of April,
and five of them got by, but in a some-
what damaged condition. The Tigress
received a shot in her hull below the
water line, and sunk on the Louisiana
shore soon after passing the last of the
batteries. The crews of these steamers,
with the exception of that of the Forest
Queen, Captain D. Conway, and the
Silver Wave, Captain McMillan, were
composed of volunteers from the army.
Upon the call for volunteers for this
dangerous enterprise, officers and men
presented themselves by hundreds, anx-
ious to undertake the trip.
“It is a striking feature, so far as my
observation goes, of the present volun-
teer army of the United States, that
there is nothing which men are called
upon to do, mechanical or professional,
that accomplished adepts cannot be
found for the duty required in almost
every regiment.
“The transports injured in running
the blockade were repaired by order of
Admiral Porter, who was supplied with
the material for such repairs as they
NAVAL ATTACK.
645

required, and who was and is ever ready
to afford all the assistance in his power
for the furtherance of the success of our
arms. In a very short time five of the
transports were in running order, and
the remainder were in condition to be
used as barges, in the moving of troops.
Twelve barges loaded with forage and
rations were sent in tow of the last six
boats that run the blockade ; one-half
of them got through in a condition to
be used: - *-
“Owing to the limited number of
transports below Wicksburg it was found
necessary to extend our line of land
travel to Hard Times, Louisiana, which,
by the circuitous route it was necessary
to take, increased the distance to about
seventy miles from Milliken's Bend, our
starting-point.
“The thirteenth army corps being
all through to the Mississippi, and the
seventeenth army corps well on the way,
so much of the thirteenth as could be
got on board of the transports and barges
were put aboard and moved to the front
of Grand Gulf on the 29th of April.
The plan here was that the navy should
silence the guns of the enemy, and the
troops land under cover of the gun-boats
and carry the place by storm.
“At eight o'clock A.M. the navy made
the attack, and kept it up for more than
five hours in the most gallant manner.
From a tug out in the stream I witnessed
the whole engagement. Many times it
seemed to me the gun-boats were with-
in pistol-shot of the enemy's batteries.
It soon became evident that the guns
of the enemy were too elevated and
their fortifications too strong to be taken
from the water side. The whole range
of hills on that side was known to be
lined with rifle-pits; besides, the field
artillery could be moved to any position
where it could be made useful in case
of an attempt at landing. This deter-
mined me to run again the enemy's bat-
teries, turn his position by effecting a
landing at Rodney, or at Bruinsburg,
between Grand Gulf and Rodney. Ac-
cordingly orders were immediately given
for the troops to debark at Hard Times,
Louisiana, and march across to the point
immediately below Grand Gulf. At
dark the gun-boats again engaged the
batteries, and all the transports ran by,
receiving but two or three shots in the
passage, and these without injury. I
had some time previously ordered a re-
connoissance to a point opposite Bruins-
burg, to ascertain if possible from per-
Sons in the neighborhood the character
of the road leading to the highlands back
of Bruinsburg. During the night I
learned from a negro man that there
was a good road from Bruinsburg to
Port Gibson, which determined me to
land there.
“The work of ferrying the troops to
Bruinsburg was commenced at daylight
in the morning, the gun-boats as well as
transports being used for the purpose.
“As soon as the thirteenth army corps
was landed, and could draw three days'
rations to put in haversacks (no wagons
were allowed to cross until the troops
were all over), they were started on
the road to Port Gibson. I deemed it
a matter of vast importance that the
| 64
646
THE WAR WW ITIL THE SOUTH.
highlands should be reached without
resistance. s -
“The seventeenth corps followed as
rapidly as it could be put across the
river.
“About two o'clock on the 1st of
May, the advance of the enemy was met
eight miles from Bruinsburg, on the
road to Port Gibson. He was forced to
fall back, but as it was dark, he was not
pursued far until daylight. Early on the
morning of the 1st I went out, accom-
panied by members of my staff, and
found McClernand with his corps en-
gaging the enemy about four miles from
Port Gibson. At this point the roads
branched in exactly opposite directions,
both, however, leading to Port Gibson.
The enemy had taken position on both
branches, thus dividing as he fell back
the pursuing forces. The nature of the
ground in that part of the country is
such that a very small force could retard
the progress of a much larger one for
many hours. The roads usually run on
narrow, elevated ridges, with deep and
impenetrable ravines on either side. On
the right were the divisions of Hovey,
Carr, and Smith, and on the left the di-
vision of Osterhaus, of McClernand's
corps. The three former succeeded in
driving the enemy from position to posi-
tion back toward Port Gibson steadily
all day. -
“Osterhaus did not, however, move
the enemy from the position occupied
by him on our left, until Logan's divi-
sion, of McPherson's corps, arrived.
“McClernand, who was with the right
in person, sent repeated messages to me
before the arrival of Logan, to send
Logan's and Quimby's divisions, of Mc-
Pherson's corps, to him. -
“I had been on that as well as all
other parts of the field, and could not
See how they could be used there to
advantage. However, as soon as the
advance of McPherson's corps (Logan's
division) arrived, I sent one brigade to
McClernand on the right, and sent one
brigade, Brigadier-General J. E. Smith
commanding, to the left, to the assistance
of Osterhaus.
“By the judicious disposition made
of this brigade, under the immediate
supervision of McPherson and Logan, a
position was soon obtained giving us an
advantage which soon drove the enemy
from that part of the field, to make no
further stand south of Bayou Pierre.
“The enemy was here repulsed with
a heavy loss in killed, wounded, and
prisoners. The repulse of the enemy on
our left took place late in the afternoon.
He was pursued toward Port Gibson,
but night closing in, and the enemy
making the appearance of another stand,
the troops slept upon their arms until
daylight. .
“In the morning it was found that
the enemy had retreated across Bayou
Pierre, on the Grand Gulf road, and a
brigade of Logan's division was sent to
divert his attention while a floating
bridge was being built across Bayou
Pierre immediately at Port Gibson.
This bridge was completed, eight miles
marched by McPherson's corps to the
north fork of Bayou Pierre, that stream
bridged, and the advance of this corps
DEMONSTRATIONS.
647
commenced passing over it at five o'clock
the following morning.
“On the 3d, the enemy was pursued
to Hawkinson's Ferry, with slight skir-
mishing all day, during which we took
quite a number of prisoners, mostly
stragglers, from the enemy.
“Finding that Grand Gulf had been
evacuated, and that the advance of my
forces was already fifteen miles out
from there, and on the road, too, they
would have to take to reach either
Vicksburg, Jackson, or any intermediate
point on the railroad between the two
places, I determined not to march them
back, but taking a small escort of cav-
alry, some fifteen or twenty men, I went
myself, and made the necessary arrange-
ments for changing my base of supplies
from Bruinsburg to Grand Gulf.
“In moving from Milliken's Bend,
the fifteenth army corps, Major-General
W. T. Sherman commanding, was left to
be the last to start. To prevent heavy
reinforcements going from Wicksburg to
the assistance of the Grand Gulf forces,
I directed Sherman to make a demon-
stration on Haines' Bluff, and to make
all the show possible. From information
since received from prisoners captured,
this ruse succeeded admirably.
“It had been my intention, up to the
time of crossing the Mississippi River, to
collect all my forces at Grand Gulf, and
get on hand a good supply of provisions
in the mean time to detach an army
corps to co-operate with General Banks
on Port Hudson, and effect a junction
of our forces
divided on the two roads.
and ordnance stores before moving, and
“About this time I received a letter
from General Banks, giving his position
west of the Mississippi River, and stating
that he could return to Baton Rouge by
the 10th of May ; that by the reduction
of Port Hudson he could join me with
12,000 men. -
“I learned about the same time that
troops were expected at Jackson from
the Southern cities, with General Beaure-
gard in command. To delay until the
10th of May, and for the reduction of
Port Hudson after that, the accession of
12,000 thousand men would not leave me
relatively so strong as to move prompt-
ly with what I had. Information re-
ceived from day to day of the movements
of the enemy also impelled me to the
course pursued. While lying at Hawk-
inson's Ferry, waiting for wagons, sup-
plies, and Sherman's corps, which had
come forward in the mean time, demon-
strations were made, successfully, I be-
lieve, to induce the enemy to think that
route and the one by Hall's Ferry above
were objects of much solicitude to me.
Reconnoissances were made to the west
side of the Big Black to within six miles
of Warrenton. On the 7th of May an
advance was ordered, McPherson's corps
keeping the road nearest Black River to
Rocky Springs, McClernand's corps keep-
ing the ridge road from Willow Springs,
and Sherman following with his corps
All the
ferries were closely guarded until our
troops were well advanced. It was my
intention here to hug the Black River as
closely as possible with McClermand's
and Sherman's corps, and get them to
648
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
sº
the railroad, at some place between
Edward's Station and Bolton. McPher-
son was to move by way of Utica to
Raymond, and from there into Jackson,
destroying the railroad telegraph, public
stores, etc., and push west to rejoin the
main force. Orders were given to
McPherson accordingly. Sherman was
moved forward on the Edward's Station
road, crossing Fourteen Mile Creek at
Dillon's plantation ; McClernand was
moved across the same creek, farther
west, sending one division of his corps
by the Baldwin's Ferry road as far as
the river. At the crossing of Fourteen
Mile Creek, both McClernand and Sher-
man had considerable skirmishing with
the enemy to get possession of the cross-
ing. McPherson met the enemy near
Raymond, two brigades strong, under
Gregg and Walker, on the same day en-
gaged him, and after several hours' hard
fighting drove him, with heavy loss in
killed, wounded, and prisoners. Many
threw down their arms and deserted.
“My position at this time was with
Sherman's corps, some Seven miles west
of Raymond, and about the centre of
the army.
“On the night of the 12th of May,
after orders had been given for the corps
of McClernand and Sherman to march
toward the railroad by parallel roads,
the former in the direction of Edward's
Station, and the latter to a point on the
railroad between Edward's Station and
Bolton, the order was changed, and
both were directed to move toward
Raymond. -
“This was in consequence of the en-
emy having retreated toward Jackson
after his defeat at Raymond, and of in-
formation that reinforcements were daily
arriving at Jackson, and that General
Joe Johnston was hourly expected there
to take command in person. I therefore
determined to make sure of that place
and leave no enemy in my rear.
“McPherson moved on the 13th to
Clinton, destroyed the railroad and tele-
graph, and captured some important
dispatches from General Pemberton to
General Gregg, who had commanded
the day before in the battle of Ray-
mond. Sherman moved to a parallel
position on the Mississippi Springs and
Jackson road ; McClernand moved to a
point near Raymond. .
“The next day Sherman and McPher-
son moved their entire forces toward
Jackson. The rain fell in torrents all
the night before, and continued until
about noon of that day, making the
roads at first slippery and then miry.
Notwithstanding, the troops marched
in excellent order, without straggling,
and in the best of spirits, about fourteen
miles, and engaged the enemy about
twelve o'clock, near Jackson. McCler-
nand occupied Clinton with one division,
Mississippi Springs with another, Ray-
mond with a third, and had his fourth
division and Blair's division of Sher-
man's corps, with a wagon train still in
the rear, near New Auburn, while Mc-
Arthur, with one brigade of his division
of McPherson's corps, was moving to-
ward Raymond on the Utica road. It
was not the intention to move these
forces any nearer Jackson, but to have
SORTIES OF THE ENEMY.
649
them in a position where they would be
in supporting distance if the resistance
at Jackson should prove more obstinate
than there seemed reason to expect.
“The enemy marched out the bulk
of his force on the Clinton road and en-
gaged McPherson's corps about two and
a half miles from the city. A small
force of artillery and infantry took a
strong position in front of Sherman
about the same distance out. By a de-
termined advance of our skirmishers,
these latter were soon driven within
their rifle-pits just outside the city. It
was impossible to ascertain the strength
of the enemy at this part of the line in
time to justify an immediate assault.
Consequently McPherson's two divisions
engaged the main bulk of the rebel
garrison at Jackson without further aid
than the moral support given them by
the knowledge the enemy had of a force
to the south side of the city and a few
infantry and artillery of the enemy
posted there to impede Sherman's pro-
gress.
weakness of the enemy by sending a re-
connoitring party to his right, which also
had the effect of causing the enemy to
retreat from this part of his line. A few
of the artillerists, however, remained in
their places, firing upon Sherman's troops,
until the last moment, evidently instruct-
ed to do so, with the expectation of be-
ing captured in the end. On entering
the city, it was found that the main body
of the enemy had retreated north, after
a heavy engagement of more than two
hours with McPherson's corps, in which
he was badly beaten. He was pursued
Sherman soon discovered the
until near night, but without further
damage to him.
“During that evening I learned that
General Johnston, as soon as he had
satisfied himself that Jackson was to be
attacked, had ordered Pemberton per-
emptorily to march out from the direc-
tion of Wicksburg and attack our rear.
Availing myself of this information, I
immediately issued orders to McCler.
nand and Blair, of Sherman's corps, to
face their troops toward Bolton, with
a view to reaching Edward's Station,
marching on different roads converging
near Bolton. These troops were admi-
rably located for such a move. McPher-
son was ordered to retrace his steps
early in the morning of the 15th on the
Clinton road. Sherman was left in
Jackson to destroy the railroads, bridges,
factories, workshops, arsenals, and every-
thing valuable for the support of the
enemy. This was accomplished in the
most effectual manner.
“On the afternoon of the 15th I
proceeded as far west as Clinton, through
which place McPherson's corps passed
to within supporting distance of Hovey's
division of McClernand's corps, which
had moved that day on the same road
to within one and a half miles of Bolton.
On reaching Clinton at a quarter to five
P.M., I ordered McClernand to move his
command early the next morning to-
ward Edward's dépôt, marching so as to
feel the enemy if he encountered him ;
but not to bring on a general engage-
ment unless he was confident he was
able to defeat him ; and also to order
Blair to move with him.
650
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
“About five o'clock on the morning
of the 16th, two men, employes on the
Jackson and Wicksburg Railroad, who
had passed through Pemberton's army
the night before, were brought to my
headquarters.
force to consist of about eighty regiments,
with ten batteries of artillery, and that
the whole force was estimated by the
enemy at about 25,000 men. From
them I also learned the positions being
taken up by the enemy, and his inten-
tion of attacking our rear. I had de-
termined to leave one division of Sher-
man's corps one day longer in Jackson,
but this information determined me to
bring his entire command up at once,
and I accordingly dispatched him at half-
past five A.M. to move with all possible
speed until he came up with the main
force near Bolton. My dispatch reached
him at soon after seven A.M., and his
advance division was in motion in one
hour from that time. A dispatch was
sent to Blair at the same time, to push
forward his division in the direction of
Edward's Station with all possible dis-
patch. McClernand was directed to
establish communication between Blair
and Osterhaus, of his corps, and keep it
up, moving the former to the support
of the latter. McPherson was ordered
forward at a quarter to six A.M. to
join McClernand, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Wilson, of my staff, was sent forward to
communicate the information received,
and with verbal instructions to McCler-
nand as to the disposition of his forces.
At an early hour I left for the advance,
and on arriving at the crossing of the
They stated Pemberton's
Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad with
the road from Raymond to Bolton, I
found McPherson's advance and his pio-
neer corps engaged in rebuilding a bridge
on the former road that had been de-
stroyed by the cavalry of Osterhaus' di-
vision that had gone into Bolton the
night before. The train of Hovey's di-
vision was at a halt, and blocked up the
road from farther advance on the Vicks-
burg road. I ordered all quarter-masters
and wagon-masters to draw their teams
to one side and make room for the pas-
sage of troops. McPherson was brought
up by this road. Passing to the front,
I found Hovey's division of the thir-
teenth army corps at a halt, with our
skirmishers and the enemy's pickets near
each other. Hovey was bringing his
troops into line, ready for battle, and
could have brought on an engagement
at any moment. The enemy had tâken
up a very strong position on a narrow
ridge, his left resting on a height where
the road makes a sharp turn to the left
approaching Vicksburg. The top of the
ridge and the precipitous hillside to the
left of the road are covered by a dense
forest and undergrowth. To the right
of the road the timber extends a short
distance down the hill, and then opens
into cultivated fields on a gentle slope
and into a valley extending for a con-
siderable distance. On the road aud
into the wooded ravine and hillside
Hovey's division was disposed for the
attack. McPherson's two divisions—
all of his corps with him on the march
from Milliken's Bend (until Ransom's
brigade arrived that day after the battle)
DISPOSITION
OF FORCES. 651
—were thrown on the right of the road,
properly speaking, to the enemy's rear.
But I would not permit an attack to be
commenced by our troops until I could
hear from McClernand, who was advanc-
ing with four divisions, two of them on
a road intersecting the Jackson road
about one mile from where the troops
above described were placed, and about
the centre of the enemy's line ; the other
two divisions on a road still north and
nearly the same distance off.
“I soon heard from McClermand
through members of his staff and my
own whom I had sent to him early in
the morning, and found that by the
nearest practicable route of communi-
cation he was two and a half miles dis-
tant. I sent several successive messages
to him to push forward with all rapidity,
There had been continuous firing be-
tween Hovey's skirmishers and the rebel
advance, which by eleven o'clock grew
into a battle. For some time this di-
vision bore the brunt of the conflict;
but finding the enemy too strong for
them, at the instance of Hovey I di-
rected first one and then a second bri-
gade from Crocker's division to reinforce
him. All this time Logan's division was
working upon the enemy's left and rear,
and weakened his front attack most
wonderfully. The troops here opposing
us evidently far outnumbered ours.
Expecting McClernand momentarily with
four divisions, including Blair's, I never
felt a doubt of the result. He did not
arrive, however, until the enemy had
been driven from the field, after a terri-
ble contest of hours, with a heavy loss
of killed, wounded, and prisoners, and a
number of pieces of artillery. It was
found afterwards that the Wicksburg
road, after following the ridge in a
southerly direction for about one mile,
and to where it intersected one of the
Raymond roads, turns almost to the
west, down the hill and across the valley
in which Logan was operating on the
rear of the enemy. One brigade of
Logan's division had, unconscious of this
important fact, penetrated nearly to this
road and compelled the enemy to retreat
to prevent capture. As it was, much of
his artillery and Loring's division of his
army was cut off, besides the prisoners
captured. On the call of Hovey for
more reinforcements just before the
rout of the enemy commenced, I ordered
McPherson to move what troops he
could by a left flank around to the ene-
my's front. Logan rode up at this time,
and told me that if Hovey could make
another dash at the enemy, he could
come up from where he then was and
capture the greater part of their force.
I immediately rode forward, and found
the troops that had been so gallantly
engaged for so many hours, withdrawn
from their advanced position and filling
their cartridge-boxes. I directed them
to use all dispatch and push forward
as soon as possible, explaining to them
the position of Logan's division. Pro-
ceeding still farther forward, expect-
ing every moment to see the enemy, and
reaching what had been his line, I found
he was retreating. Arriving at the,
Raymond road, I saw to my left and on
the next ridge a column of troops, which
652
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
proved to be Carr's division, and Mc-
Clernand with it in person; and to the
left of Carr, Osterhaus' division soon
afterward appeared, with his skirmishers
well in advance. I sent word to Oster-
haus that the enemy was in full retreat,
and to push up with all haste. The
situation was soon explained, after which
I ordered Carr to pursue with all speed
to Black River and cross it if he could,
and Osterhaus to follow. Some of
McPherson's troops had already got into
the road in advance; but having marched
and engaged the enemy all day, they
were fatigued, and gave the road to Carr,
who continued the pursuit until after
dark, capturing a train of cars loaded
with commissary and ordnance stores
and other property.
“The delay in the advance of the
troops immediately with McClernand
was caused, no doubt, by the enemy
presenting a front of artillery and in-
fantry where it was impossible, from the
nature of the ground and the density of
the forest, to discover his numbers. As
it was, the battle of Champion's Hill, or
Baker's Creek, was fought mainly by
Hovey's division of McClernand's corps,
and Logan's and Quimby's divisions (the
latter commanded by Brigadier-General
M. M. Crocker) of McPherson's corps.
“Ransom's brigade, of McPherson's
corps, came on to the field where the
main battle had been fought, immedi-
ately after the enemy had begun his
retreat.
“Word was sent to Sherman, at Bol-
ton, of the result of the day's engage-
lment, with directions to turn his corps
toward Bridgeport, and to Blair to join
him at this latter place.
“At daylight on the 17th the pursuit
was renewed, with McClernand's corps
in the advance. The enemy was found
strongly posted on both sides of the
Black River. At this point on Black
River the bluffs extend to the water's
edge on the west bank. On the east
side is an open cultivated bottom of
near one mile in width, surrounded by
a bayou of stagnant water, from two to
three feet in depth, and from ten to
twenty feet in width, from the river
above the railroad to the river below.
Following the inside line of this bayou
the enemy had constructed rifle-pits,
with the bayou to serve as a ditch on
the outside and immediately in front of
them. Carr's division occupied the right
in investing this place, and Lawler's
brigade the right of his division. After
a few hours' skirmishing, Lawler dis-
covered that by moving a portion of his
brigade under cover of the river bank,
he could get a position from which that
place could be successfully assaulted,
and ordered a charge accordingly. Not-
withstanding the level ground over
which a portion of his troops had to
pass without cover, and the great obsta-
cle of the ditch in front of the enemy's
works, the charge was gallantly, and
successfully made, and in a few minutes
the entire garrison, with seventeen
pieces of artillery, were the trophies of
this brilliant and daring movement.
The enemy on the west bank of the
river immediately set fire to the railroad
bridge and retreated thus cutting off
SHERMAN'S MARCH.
ge
all chance of escape for any portion of
his forces remaining on the east bank.
“Sherman by this time had reached
Bridgeport, on Black River, above.
The only pontoon train with the expe-
dition was with him. By the morning
of the 18th he had crossed the river,
and was ready to march on Walnut Hills.
McClermand and McPherson built float-
ing bridges during the night, and had
them ready for crossing their commands
by eight A.M. of the 18th.
“The march was commenced by Sher-
man at an early hour by the Bridgeport
and Vicksburg road, turning to the right
when within three and a half miles of
Wicksburg, to get possession of Walnut
Hills and the Yazoo River. This was
successfully accomplished before the
night of the 18th. McPherson crossed
the Black River above the Jackson road,
and came into the same road with Sher-
man, but to his rear. He arrived after
night-fall with his advance to where
Sherman turned to the right. McCler-
nand moved by the Jackson and Wicks-
burg road to Mount Albans, and there
turned to the left to get into Baldwin’s
Ferry road. By this disposition the
three army corps covered all the ground
their strength would admit of, and by
the morning of the 19th the investment
of Wicksburg was made as complete as
could be by the forces at my command.
“During the day there was continu-
ous skirmishing, and I was not without
hope of carrying the enemy's works.
Relying upon the demoralization of the
enemy, in consequence of repeated de-
feats outside of Wicksburg, I ordered
653
a general assault at two P.M. on this
day.
“The fifteenth army corps, from hav-
ing arrived in front of the enemy's works
in time on the 18th to get a good posi-
tion, were enabled to make a vigorous
assault. The thirteenth and seventeenth
corps succeeded no further than to gain
advanced positions, covered from the fire
of the enemy. The 20th and 21st were
spent in perfecting communications with
our supplies. Most of the troops had
been marching and fighting battles for
twenty days, on an average of about
five days' rations, drawn from the com-
missary department. Though they had
not suffered from short rations up to this
time, the want of bread to accompany
the other rations was beginning to be
much felt. On the 21st my arrange-
ments for drawing supplies of every de-
scription being complete, I determined
to make another effort to carry Wicks-
burg by assault. . There were many
reasons to determine me to adopt this
course. I believed an assault from the
position gained by this time could be
made successfully. It was known that
Johnston was at Canton with the force
taken by him from Jackson, reinforced
by other troops from the east, and that
more were daily reaching him. With
the force I had, a short time must have
enabled him to attack me in the rear,
and possibly to succeed in raising the
siege. Possession of Wicksburg at that
time would have enabled me to turn
upon Johnston and drive him from
the State, and possess myself of all the
railroads and practical military high-
165
654
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
ways, thus effectually securing to our-
selves all territory west of the Tombig-
bee, and this before the season was too
far advanced for campaigning in this
latitude. It would have saved Govern-
ment sending large reinforcements, much
needed elsewhere, and, finally, the troops
themselves were impatient to possess
Wicksburg, and would not have worked
in the trenches with the same zeal—
believing it unnecessary—as they did
after their failure to carry the enemy's
works. Accordingly, on the 21st, orders
were issued for a general assault on the
whole line, to commence at ten A.M. on
the 22d. All the corps commanders set
their time by mine, that there should
be no difference between them in move-
ment of assault. Promptly at the hour
designated, the three army corps then
in front of the enemy's works com-
menced the assault. I had taken
a commanding position near McPher-
Son's front, from which I could see all
the advancing columns from his corps,
and a part of each of Sherman's and
McClernand's. A portion of the com-
mands of each succeeded in planting
their flags on the outer slopes of the
enemy's bastions, and maintained them
there until night. Each corps had many
more men than could possibly be used
in the assault, over such ground as in-
tervened between them and the enemy.
More men could only avail in case of
breaking through the enemy's line or in
repelling a sortie. The assault was
gallant in the extreme on the part of all
the troops ; but the enemy's position
was too strong, both naturally and arti-
ficially, to be taken in that way. At
every point assaulted, and at all of them
at the same time, the enemy was able
to show all the force his works could
cover. The assault failed, I regret to
say, with much loss on our side in killed
and wounded ; but without weakening
the confidence of the troops in their
ability to ultimately succeed.
“No troops succeeded in entering any
of the enemy's works, with the exception
of Sergeant Griffith, of the Twenty-first
Regiment Iowa Volunteers, and some
eleven privates of the same regiment.
Of these, none returned except the ser-
geant and possibly one man. The work
entered by him, from its position, could
give us no practical advantage, unless
others to the right and left of it were
carried and held at the same time.
“About twelve M. I received a dispatch
from McClernand, that he was hard
pressed at several points, in reply to
which I directed him to reinforce the
points hard pressed from such troops as
he had that were not engaged. I then
rode round to Sherman, and had just
reached there when I received a second
dispatch from McClernand, stating posi-
tively and unequivocally that he was in
possession of and still held two of the
enemy's forts, that the American flag
then waved over them, and asking me
to have Sherman and McPherson make
a diversion in his favor. This dispatch
I showed to Sherman, who immediately
ordered a renewal of the assault on his
front. I also sent an answer to McCler-
nand directing him to order up Mc-
Arthur to his assistance, and started
McCLERNAND REINFORCED.
—º
immediately to the position I had just
left on McPhernon's line to convey to
nim the inform, ſtion from McClernand
by this last dispatch, that he might make
the diversion requested. Before reach-
ing McPherson, I met a messenger with
a third dispatch from McClernand, of
which the following is a copy :
“‘HEADQUARTERS, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPs.
IN THE FIELD, NEAR WICKSBURG, Miss.,
May 22, 1863.
“‘GENERAL : We have gained the en-
emy's intrenchments at several points,
but are brought to a stand. I have sent
word to McArthur to reinforce me if he
can. Would it not be best to concentrate
the whole or a part of his command on
this point? JoHN A. McCLERNAND,
“‘Major-General Commanding.
“‘Major-General U. S. GRANT.
“‘P. S.—I have received your dis-
patch. My troops are all engaged, and
I cannot withdraw any to reinforce
others. MCC.’
“The position occupied by me during
most of the time of the assault gave me
a better opportunity of seeing what was
going on in front of the thirteenth army
corps than I believed it possible for the
commander of it to have. I could not
see his possession of forts, nor necessity
for reinforcements, as represented in his
dispatches, up to the time I left it, which
was between twelve M. and one P.M.,
and I expressed doubts of their correct-
ness, which doubts the facts subsequent-
ly, but too late, confirmed. At the time
I could not disregard his reiterated
statements, for they might possibly be
true ; and that no possible opportunity
655
of carrying the enemy's stronghold
should be allowed to escape through
fault of mine, I ordered Quimby's divi-
sion, which was all of McPherson's corps
then present but four brigades, to re-
port to McClernand, and notified him
of the order. I showed his dispatches
to McPherson, as I had to Sherman, to
satisfy him of the necessity of an active
diversion on their part to hold as much
force in their fronts as possible. The
diversion was promptly and vigorously
made, and resulted in the increase of our
mortality list full fifty per cent., without
advancing our position or giving us
other advantages. **
“About half-past three P.M. I received
McClernand's fourth dispatch, as fol-
lows:
“‘HEADQUARTERs, THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, }
May 22, 1863. -
“‘GENERAL: I have received your dis-
patch in regard to General Quimby's di-
vision and General McArthur's division.
As soon as they arrive I will press the
enemy with all possible speed, and doubt
not I will force my way through. I
have lost no ground. My men are in
two of the enemy's forts, but they are
commanded by rifle-pits in the rear.
Several prisoners have been taken, who
intimate that the rear is strong. At
this moment I am hard pressed.
“‘JoBN A. McCLERNAND,
“‘Major-General Commanding.
“‘Major-General U. S. GRANT, Department
of the Tennessee.”
“The assault of this day proved the
quality of the soldiers of this army.
Without entire success, and with a heavy
656
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
loss, there was no murmuring or com-
plaining, no-falling back, nor other evi-
dence of demoralization.
“After the failure of the 22d, I de-
termined upon a regular siege. The
troops, now being fully awake to the
necessity of this, worked diligently and
cheerfully. The work progressed rapidly
and satisfactorily until the 3d of July,
when all was about ready for a final
assault.
“There was a great scarcity of engi-
neer officers in the beginning, but under
the skilful superintendence of Captain
F. E. Prime, of the Engineer Corps;
Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, of my staff,
and Captain C. B. Comstock, of the
Engineer Corps, who joined this com-
mand during the siege, such practical
experience was gained as would enable
any division of this army hereafter to
conduct a siege with considerable skill,
even in the absence of regular engineer
officers.
“On the afternoon of the 3d of July
a letter was received from Lieutenant-
General Pemberton, commanding the
Confederate forces at Wicksburg, pro-
posing an armistice and the appointment
of commissioners to arrange terms for
the capitulation of the place. The cor-
respondence resulted in the surrender
of the city and garrison of Vicksburg at
ten o’clock A.M., July 4, 1863, on the
following terms: The entire garrison,
officers and men, were to be parolled,
not to take up arms against the United
States until exchanged by the proper
authorities; officers and men each to be
turnished with a parole, signed by him-
self; officers to be allowed their side-
arms and private baggage, and the field,
staff, and cavalry officers one horse each ;
the rank and file to be allowed all their
clothing, but no other property; rations
from their own stores sufficient to last
them beyond our lines; the necessary
cooking utensils for preparing their food,
and thirty wagons to transport such
articles as could not well be carried.
These terms I regarded more favorable
to the Government than an unconditional
surrender. It saved us the transporta-
tion of them North, which at that time
would have been very difficult, owing
to the limited amount of river transpor-
tation on hand, and the expense of sub-
sisting them. It left our army free to
operate against Johnston, who was
threatening us from the direction of
Jackson, and our river transportation to
be used for the movement of troops to
any point the exigency of the service
might require. * * * * *
“I brought forward during the siege,
in addition to Lauman's division and
four regiments previously ordered from
Memphis, Smith's and Kimball's divi-
sions, of the sixteenth army corps, and
assigned Major-General C. C. Washburne
to command of same. On the 11th of
June, Major-General F. J. Herron's di-
vision, from the Department of the Mis-
souri, arrived, and on the 14th two divi-
sions of the ninth army corps, Major-
General J. G. Parke commanding, ar-
rived. This increase in my force en-
abled me to make the investment most
complete, and at the same time left me
a large reserve to watch the movements
SHERMAN PURSUES JOHNSTON.
657
of Johnston. Herron's division was put
into position on the extreme left, south
of the city, and Lauman's division was
placed between Herron and McClernand.
Smith's and Kimball's divisions and
Parke's corps were sent to Haines' Bluff.
This place I had fortified to the land
side, and every preparation made to re-
sist a heavy force. Johnston crossed
Big Black River with a portion of his
force, and everything indicated that he
would make an attack about the 25th
of June. Our position in front of
Vicksburg having been made as strong
against a sortie from the enemy as his
works were against an assault, I placed
Major-General Sherman in command of
all the troops designated to look after
Johnston. The force intended to oper-
ate against Johnston, in addition to that
at Haines' Bluff, was one division from
each of the thirteenth, fifteenth, and
Seventeenth army corps, and Lauman's
division. Johnston, however, not at-
tacking, I determined to attack him the
moment Wicksburg was in our posses-
sion, and accordingly notified Sherman
that I should again make an assault on
Wicksburg at daylight on the 6th, and
for him to have up supplies of all de-
Scriptions ready to move upon receipt
of orders if the assault should prove a
success. His preparations were imme-
diately made, and when the place sur-
rendered on the 4th, two days earlier
than I had fixed for the attack, Sher-
man was found ready, and moved at
once, with a force increased by the re-
mainder of both the thirteenth and
fifteenth army corps, and is at present
investing Jackson, where Johnston has
made a stand.
“In the march from Bruinsburg to
Wicksburg, covering a period of twenty
days, before supplies could be obtained
from government stores, only five days'
rations were issued, and three days' of
these were taken in haversacks at the
start, and were soon exhausted. All
other subsistence was obtained from the
country through which we passed. The
march was commenced without wagons,
except such as could be picked up
through the country; the country was
abundantly supplied with corn, bacon,
beef, and mutton. The troops enjoyed
excellent health, and no army ever ap-
peared in better spirits or felt more con-
fident of success.
“In accordance with previous in-
structions, Major-General S. A. Hurlbut
started Colonel (now Brigadier-General)
B. H. Grierson with a cavalry force
from La Grange, Tennessee, to make a
raid through the central portion of the
State of Mississippi, to destroy railroads
and other public property, for the pur-
pose of creating a diversion in favor of
the army moving to the attack on Wicks-
burg. On the 17th of April this expe-
dition started, and arrived at Baton
Rouge on the 2d of May, having suc-
cessfully traversed the whole State of
Mississippi. This expedition was skil-
fully conducted, and reflects great credit
on Colonel Grierson and all of his com-
mand. The notice given this raid by
the Southern press confirms our estimate
of its importance. It has been one of
the most brilliant cavalry exploits of the
658
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
war, and will be handed down in history
as an example to be imitated. * * *
“I cannot close this report without
an expression of thankfulness for my
good fortune in being placed in co-
operation with an officer of the navy
who accords to every move that seems
for the interest and 'success of our arms
his hearty and energetic support. Ad-
miral Porter and the very efficient
officers under him have ever shown the
greatest readiness in their co-operation,
no matter what was to be done or what
risk to be taken, either by their men or
their vessels.
cordial support my movements would
have been much embarrassed, if not
wholly defeated.
“Captain J. U. Shirk, commanding
the Tuscumbia, was especially active, and
deserving of the highest commendation
for his personal attention to the repair-
ing of the damage done our transports
by the Wicksburg batteries.
“The result of this campaign has
been the defeat of the enemy in five
battles outside of Wicksburg ; the occu-
pation of Jackson, the capital of the
State of Mississippi, and the canture of
Without this prompt and
Wicksburg and its garrison and munitions
of war; a loss to the enemy of 37,000
prisoners, among whom were fifteen
general officers; at least 10,000 killed
and wounded, and among the killed,
Generals Tracy, Tilghman, and Green,
and hundreds and perhaps thousands of
stragglers who can never be collected
and reorganized. Arms and munitions
of war for an army of 60,000 men have
fallen into our hands, besides a large
amount of other public property, consist-
ing of railroads, locomotives, Cars, Steam-
boats, cotton, etc., and much was de-
stroyed to prevent our capturing it.
“Our loss in the series of battles may
be summed up as follows:
Killed. Wounded. Missing
Port Gibson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 . . . . 718 . . . . 5
Fourteen Mile Creek (skirmish)... 4 . . . . 24 . . . . —
Raymond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 . . . . 341 . . . . 32
Jackson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 . . . . 240 . . . . 6
Champion's Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426 . . . . 1,842 . . . . 189
Big Black Railroad Bridge. . . . . . 29 . . . . 242 .... 2
Vicksburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545 . . . .3,688 . . . .303
“Of the wounded, many were but
slightly wounded, and continued on
duty; many more required but a few
days or weeks for their recovery. Not
more than one-half of the wounded were
permanentlv disabled ”
GRIERSON'S EXPEDITION.
659
C EI A P T E R XL W II.
Grierson's Expedition into Mississippi.-One of the most brilliant Exploits of the War.—Grierson's Report.—Life of
General Grierson. •
THE narrative of the capture of Wicks-
burg would be incomplete without
a full record of the famous exploit
of Colonel, now Brigadier-General, Grier-
son. This officer was sent out with a
cavalry force from La Grange, in Ten-
nessee, to make a raid through the
central portion of the State of Missis-
sippi, for the purpose of destroying rail-
roads and other public property of the
enemy, and creating a diversion in favor
of the army of General Grant while
moving to the attack of Wicksburg.
The expedition was so spiritedly and
successfully accomplished, that General
Grant pronounced it one of the most
brilliant exploits of the war, that would
be handed down in history as an ex-
ample to be imitated. General Grier-
son, in his official report,” has written an
interesting and memorable chapter in
the narrative of the great movement
against Wicksburg. He says:
“In accordance with instructions from
Major-General S. A. Hurlbut, received
through Brigadier-General W. S. Smith,
at La Grange, Tennessee, I left that
place at daylight on the morning of the
17th of April, with the effective force of
my command, 1,700 strong. We moved
southward without material interrup-
1863,
* Report of May 5, 1863, dated from Baton Rouge, La.
tion, crossing the Tallahatchie River
on the afternoon of the 18th at three
different points. One battalion of the
Seventh Illinois, under Major Graham,
crossing at New Albany, found the
bridge partially torn up, and an attempt
was made to fire it. As they approach-
ed the bridge they were fired upon, but
drove the enemy from their position,
repaired the bridge, and crossed. The
balance of the Seventh Illinois and the
whole of the Sixth crossed at a ford two
miles above, and the Second Iowa
crossed about four miles still farther up.
After crossing, the Sixth and Seventh
Illinois moved south on the Pontotoc
road, and encamped for the night on
the plantation of Mr. Sloan ; the Second
Iowa also moved south from their point
of crossing, and encamped about four
miles south of the river. The rain fell
in torrents all night. The next morn-
ing, April 19, I sent a detachment
eastward to communicate with Colonel
Hatch, and make a demonstration to-
ward Chesterville, where a regiment of
cavalry was organizing. I also sent an
expedition to New Albany, and another
northwest toward King's Bridge, to
attack and destroy a portion of a regi-
ment of cavalry organizing there, under
Major Chalmers. I thus sought to
660
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
y
create the impression that the object of
our advance was to break up these
parties. The expedition eastward com-
municated with Colonel Hatch, who
was still moving south parallel to us.
The one to New Albany came upon
200 rebels near the town and engaged
them, killing and wounding several.
The one northwest found that Major
Chalmers' command, hearing of our
close proximity, had suddenly left in the
night, going west. After the return of
these expeditions, I moved with the
whole force to Pontotoc. Colonel Hatch
joined us about noon, reporting having
skirmished with about 200 rebels the
afternoon before and that morning, kill-
ing, wounding, and capturing a numbor.
We reached Pontotoc about five o’clock
P.M. The advance dashed into the
town, came upon some guerrillas, killed
one and wounded and captured several
more. Here we also captured a large
mail, about 400 bushels of salt, and the
camp equipage, books, papers, etc., of
Captain Weatherall's command, all of
which were destroyed. After slight
delay, we moved out and encamped for
the night on the plantation of Mr. Dag-
gett, five miles south of Pontotoc, on
the road toward Houston.
“At three o'clock the next morning,
April 30, I detached 175 of the least
effective portion of the command, with
one guns of the battery, and all the
prisoners, led horses, and captured pro-
perty, under the command of Major
Love, of the Second Iowa, to proceed
back to La Grange, marching in column
of fours, before daylight, through Pon-
totoc, and thus leaving the impression
that the whole command had returned.
Major Love had orders also to send off
a single Scout to cut the telegraph wires
south of Oxford. At five o'clock A.M. I
proceeded southward with the main
force, on the Houston road, passing
around Houston about four o'clock P.M.,
and halting at dark on the plantation
of Benjamin Kilgore, eleven and a half
miles southeast of the latter place, on
the road toward Starkville. The follow-
ing morning, at six o'clock, I resumed
the march southward, and about eight
o'clock came to the road leading south-
east to Columbus, Miss. Here I de-
tached Colonel Hatch with the Second
Iowa Cavalry and one gun of the battery,
with orders to proceed to the Ohio and
Mobile Railroad in the vicinity of West
Point, destroy the road and wires, thence
move south, destroying the railroad and
all public property as far south, if pos-
sible, as Macon ; thence cross the rail-
road, making a circuit northward, if
practicable take Columbus and destroy
all government works in that place, and
again strike Okalona, and destroying it,
return to La Grange by the most prac-
ticable route. Of this expedition and
the one previously sent back I have
since heard nothing except vague and
uncertain rumors through secession
sources. These detachments were in-
tended as diversions, and even should
the commanders not have been able to
carry out their instructions, yet, by at-
tracting the attention of the enemy in
other directions, they assisted us much
in the accomplishment of our main object.
PROGRESS OF GRIERSON.
661
“After having started Colonel Hatch
on his way, with the remaining portion
of the command, consisting of the Sixth
and Seventh Illinois Cavalry, about 950
strong, I continued on my journey
southward, still keeping the Starkville
road, arriving at Starkville about four
o'clock P.M. ; we captured a mail and a
quantity of government property, which
was destroyed. From this point we
took the direct road to Louisville. We
moved out on this road about four miles,
through a dismal swamp near belly deep
in mud, and sometimes swimming our
horses to cross streams, when we en-
Camped for the night in the midst of
a violent rain storm. From this point
I detached a battalion of the Seventh
Illinois Cavalry, to proceed about four
miles, and destroy an extensive tannery
and shoe manufactory in the service of
the rebels. They returned safely, hav-
ing accomplished the work most effec-
tually. They destroyed a large number
of boots and shoes, and a large quantity
of leather and machinery, in all amount-
ing probably to $50,000, and captured
a rebel quartermaster from Port Hud-
son, who was there laying in a supply
for his command. We now immediately
resumed the march toward Louisville—
a distance of twenty-eight miles—mostly
through a dense swamp—the Noxubee
River bottom. This was for miles belly
deep in water, so that no road was dis-
cernible. The inhabitants through this
part of the country, generally, did not
know of our coming, and would not
believe us to be anything but Con-
federates. We arrived at Louisville
soon after dark. I sent a battalion of
the Sixth Illinois, under Major Starr, in
advance, to picket the town and remain
until the column had passed, when they
were relieved by a battalion of the
Seventh Illinois, under Major Graham,
who was ordered to remain until we
should have been gone an hour, to pre-
vent persons leaving with information
of the course we were taking, to drive
out stragglers, preserve Order, and quiet
the fears of the people. They had
heard of our coming a short time before
we arrived, and many had left, taking
only what they could hurriedly move.
The column moved quietly through the
town without halting, and not a thing
was disturbed. Those who remained at
home acknowledged that they were sur-
prised. They had expected to be rob-
bed, outraged, and have their houses
burned. On the contrary, they were
protected in their persons and property.
After leaving the town we struck an-
other swamp, in which, crossing it, as
we were obliged to, in the dark, we lost
several animals drowned, and the men
narrowly escaped the same fate. March-
ing until midnight, we halted until day-
light at the plantation of Mr. Estus,
about ten miles south of Louisville.
“The next morning, April 23, at
daylight, we took the road for Phila-
delphia, crossing Pearl River at a bridge
about six miles north of the town. This
bridge we were fearful would be de-
stroyed by the citizens to prevent our
crossing, and upon arriving at Phila-
delphia, we found that they had met
and organized for that purpose ; but
166 |
662
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
hearing of our near approach, their
hearts failed, and they fled to the
woods. We moved through Philadel-
phia about three P.M., without interrup-
tion, and halted to feed about five miles
southeast on the Enterprise road. Here
we rested until ten o'clock at night,
when I sent two battalions of the Seventh
Illinois Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Col-
onel Blackburn, to proceed immediately
to Decatur, thence to the railroad at
Newton Station. With the main force
I followed about an hour later. The
advance passed through Decatur about
daylight, and struck the railroad about
six o'clock A.M. I arrived about an
hour afterward with the column. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Blackburn dashed into
the town, took possession of the railroad
and telegraph, and succeeded in captur-
ing two trains in less than half an hour
after his arrival. One of these, twenty-
five cars, was loaded with ties and ma-
chinery, and the other thirteen cars
were loaded with commissary stores and
ammunition, among the latter several
thousand loaded shells. These, together
with a large quantity of commissary and
quartermaster's stores, and about 500
stand of arms stored in the town, were
destroyed. Seventy-five prisoners cap-
tured at this point were parolled. The
locomotives were exploded and other-
wise rendered completely unserviceable.
Here the track was torn up, and a bridge
half a mile west of the station destroyed.
I detached a battalion of the Sixth
Illinois Cavalry, under Major Starr, to
proceed eastward, and destroy such
bridges, etc., as he might find over
Chunkey River. Having damaged as
much as possible the railroad and tele-
graph, and destroyed all government
property in the vicinity of Newton, I
moved about four miles south of the
road and fed men and horses. The
forced marches which I was compelled
to make in order to reach this point
successfully, necessarily very much fa-
tigued and exhausted my command, and
rest and food were absolutely necessary
for its safety.
“From captured mails and informa-
tion obtained by my scouts, I knew that
large forces had been out to intercept
our return, and having instructions from
Major-General Hurlbut and Brigadier-
General Smith to move in any direction
from this point which, in my judgment,
would be best for the safety of my com-
mand and the success of the expedition,
I at once decided to move south, in
order to secure the necessary rest and
food for men and horses, and then re-
turn to La Grange through Alabama or
make for Baton Rouge, as I might here-
after deem best. Major Starr in the
mean time rejoined us, having destroyed
most effectually three bridges and sev-
eral hundred feet of trestle-work, and
the telegraph from eight to ten miles
east of Newton Station. After resting
about three hours, we moved south to
Garlandsville. At this point we found
the citizens, many of them venerable
with age, armed with shot-guns, and
organized to resist our approach. As
the advance entered the town, these
citizens fired upon them and wounded
one of our men. We charged upon
STATE OF
COUNTRY. 663
them and captured several. After dis-
arming them, we showed them the folly
of their actions, and released them.
Without an exception, they acknowl-
2dged their mistake, and declared that
they had been grossly deceived as to
Our real character. One volunteered
his services as guide, and upon leaving
us declared that hereafter his prayers
should be for the Union army. I men-
tion this as a sample of the feeling which
exists, and of the good effect which our
presence produced among the people in
the country through which we passed.
Hundreds who are skulking and hiding
out to avoid conscription, only await the
presence of our arms to sustain them,
when they will rise up and declare their
principles ; and thousands who have
been deceived, upon the vindication of
our cause would immediately return to
loyalty. After slight delay at Garlands-
ville, we moved southwest about ten
miles, and camped at night on the plan-
tation of Mr. Bender, two miles west of
Montrose. Our men and horses having
become gradually exhausted, I deter-
mined on making a very easy march the
next day, and looking more to the re-
cruiting of my weary little command
than to the accomplishment of any im-
portant object ; consequently I marched
at eight o'clock the next morning, taking
a west and varying slightly to a north-
west course. We marched about five
miles, and halted to feed on the planta-
tion of Mr. Nichols.
“After resting until about two o'clock
P.M., during which time I sent detach-
ments north to threaten the line of the
---
railroad at Lake Station and other
points, we moved southwest toward Ra-
leigh, making about twelve miles during
the afternoon, and halting at dark on
the plantation of Dr. Mackadoro. From
this point I sent a single scout, disguised
as a citizen, to proceed northward to
the line of the Southern Railroad, cut
the telegraph, and, if possible, fire a
bridge of trestle-work. He started on
his journey about midnight, and when
within seven miles of the railroad he
came upon a regiment of Southern
cavalry from Brandon, Miss., in search
of us. He succeeded in misdirecting
them as to the place where he had last
seen us, and having seen them well on
the wrong road, he immediately retraced
his steps to the camp with the news.
When he first met them, they were on
the direct road to our camp, and had
they not been turned from their course,
would have come up with us before
daylight. From information received
through my scouts and other sources, I
found that Jackson and the stations
east, as far as Lake Station, had been
reinforced by infantry and artillery, and
hearing that a fight was momentarily
expected at Grand Gulf, I decided to
make a rapid march, cross Pearl River,
and strike the New Orleans, Jackson,
and Great Northern Railroad at Hazle-
hurst, and after destroying as much of
the road as possible, endeavor to get
upon the flank of the enemy and co-
operate with our forces, should they be
successful in the attack upon Grand
Gulf and Port Gibson. Having obtained
during this day plenty of forage and
664
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
provisions, and having had one good
night's rest, we now again felt ready for
any emergency. Accordingly, at six
o'clock on the morning of the 26th we
crossed Leaf River, burning the bridge
behind us to prevent any enemy who
might be in pursuit from following ;
thence through Raleigh, capturing the
sheriff of that county with about $3,000
in, government funds ; thence to West-
ville, reaching this place soon after dark.
Passing on about two miles we halted
to feed, in the midst of a heavy rain, on
the plantation of Mr. Williams. After
feeding, Colonel Prince, of the Seventh
Illinois Cavalry, with two battalions,
was sent immediately forward to Pearl
River to secure the ferry and landing.
He arrived in time to capture a courier,
who had come to bring intelligence of
the approach of the Yankees, and orders
for the destruction of the ferry. With
the main column I followed in about
two hours. We ferried and swam our
horses, and succeeded in crossing the
whole command by two o'clock P.M. As
soon as Colonel Prince had crossed his
two battalions, he was ordered to proceed
immediately to the New Orleans, Jack-
son, and Great Northern Railroad, strik-
ing it at Hazlehurst. Here he found a
number of cars, containing about 600
loaded shells and a large quantity of
commissary and quartermaster's stores,
intended for Grand Gulf and Port Gib-
son. These were destroyed, and as
much of the railroad and telegraph as
possible. Here, again, we found the
citizens armed to resist us, but they fled
precipitately upon our approach.
“From this point we took a north-
west course to Gallatin four miles,
thence southwest three and a half miles
to the plantation of Mr. Thompson,
where we halted until the next morning.
Directly after leaving Gallatin we cap-
tured a sixty-four-pound gun and a
heavy wagon-load of ammunition, and
machinery for mounting the gun, on the
road to Port Gibson. The gun was
spiked and the carriages and ammuni-
tion destroyed. During the afternoon
it rained in torrents, and the men were
completely drenched. At six o'clock
the next morning, April 28, we moved
westward; after proceeding a short dis-
tance I detached a battalion of the
Seventh Illinois Cavalry, under Captain
Trafton, to proceed back to the railroad
at Bahala and destroy the road, tele-
graph, and all government property he
might find. With the rest of the com-
mand, I moved southwest toward Union
Church. We halted to feed at two
o'clock P.M., on the plantation of Mr.
Snyder, about two miles northeast of
the church. While feeding, our pickets
were fired upon by a considerable force.
I immediately moved out upon them,
skirmished with and drove them through
the town, wounding and capturing a
number. It proved to be a part of
Wirt Adams' Alabama Cavalry. After
driving them off we held the town, and
bivouacked for the night. After ac-
complishing the object of his expedition,
Captain Trafton returned to us about
three o'clock in the morning of the 29th,
having come upon the rear of the main
body of Adams' command. The enemy
GRIERSON'S RAID.
665
having a battery of artillery, it was his
intention to attack us in front and rear
at Union Church about daylight in the
morning, but the appearance of Captain
Trafton with a force in his rear changed
his purpose, and turning to the right he
took the direct road toward Port Gib-
son. From this point I made a strong
demonstration toward Fayette, with a
view of creating the impression that we
were going toward Port Gibson or
Natchez, while I quietly took the op-
posite direction, taking the road leading
Southeast to Brookhaven on the railroad.
Before arriving at this place we ascer-
tained that about five hundred citizens
and conscripts were organized to resist
us. We charged into the town, when
they fled, making but little resistance.
We captured over 200 prisoners, a large
and beautiful camp of instruction, com-
prising several hundred tents and a large
quantity of quartermaster's and com-
missary stores, arms, ammunition, etc.
After parolling the prisoners and de-
stroying the railroad, telegraph, and all
government property, about dark we
moved southward, and encamped at Mr.
Gill's plantation, about eight miles south
of Brookhaven.
“The following morning we moved
directly south along the railroad, de-
stroying all bridges and trestle-work to
Bogue Chitto Station, where we burned
the dépôt and fifteen freight cars, and
captured a very large secession flag.
From thence we still moved along the
railroad, destroying every bridge, water-
tank, etc., as we passed, to Summit,
which place we reached soon after noon.
Here we destroyed twenty-five freight
cars and a large quantity of government
sugar. We found much Union senti-
ment in this town, and were kindly
welcomed and fed by many of the citi-
zens. Hearing nothing more of our
forces at Grand Gulf, I concluded to
make for Baton Rouge, to recruit my
command, after which I could return to
La Grange through southern Mississippi
and west Alabama, or, crossing the
Mississippi River, move through Louis-
iana and Arkansas. Accordingly, after
resting about two hours, we started
southwest on the Liberty road, marched
about fifteen miles, and halted until
daylight on the plantation of Dr. Spur-
lark. The next morning we left the
road and threatened Magnolia and Osyka,
where large forces were concentrated to
meet us, but instead of attacking those
points, took a course due South, march-
ing through woods, lanes, and by-roads,
and striking the road leading from Clin-
ton to Osyka. Scarcely had we touched
this road when we came upon the Ninth
Tennessee Cavalry, posted in a strong
defile, guarding the bridges over Tick-
ſaw River. We captured their pickets,
and, attacking, drove them before us,
killing, wounding, and capturing a num-
ber. Our loss in this engagement was
one man killed, and Lieutenant-Colonel
William D. Blackburn and four men
wounded. I cannot speak too highly
of the bravery of the men upon this
occasion, and particularly of Lieutenant-
Colonel Blackburn, who, at the head of
his men, charged upon the bridge,
dashed over, and by undaunted courage
666
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.T TT
dislodged the enemy from his strong
position. After disposing of the dead
and wounded, we immediately moved
south on the Greensburgh road, recross-
ing the Tickfaw River at Edwards'
bridge. At this point we met Garland's
rebel cavalry, and with one battalion of
the Sixth Illinois and two guns of the
battery, engaged and drove them off
without halting the column.
“The enemy were now on our track
in earnest. We were in the vicinity of
their strongholds, and from couriers and
dispatches which we captured, it was
evident they were sending forces in all
directions to intercept us. The Amite
River—a wide and rapid stream—was
to be crossed, and there was but one
bridge by which it could be crossed, and
this was in exceeding close proximity to
Port Hudson. This I determined upon
securing before I halted.
it at midnight, about two hours in ad-
vance of a heavy column of infantry and
artillery which had been sent there to
intercept us. I moved on to Sandy
Creek, where Hughes' cavalry, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Wilburn, were en-
camped, and where there was another
main road leading to Port Hudson.
“We reached this point at first dawn
of day, completely surprised and cap-
tured the camp with a number of
prisoners. Having destroyed the camp,
consisting of about one hundred and
fifty tents, a large quantity of ammuni-
tion, guns, public and private stores,
books, papers, and public documents, I
immediately took the road from Baton
Rouge. Arriving at the Comite River,
We crossed
we utterly surprised Stuart's cavalry,
who were picketing at this point, cap-
turing forty of them, with their horses,
arms, and entire camp. Fording the
river, we halted to feed within four
miles of the town. Major-General
Augur, in command at Baton Rouge,
having now, for the first, heard of our
approach, sent two companies of cavalry,
under Captain Godfrey, to meet us.
We marched into the town about three
o'clock P.M., and were most heartily
welcomed by the United States forces
at this point. *
“Before our arrival in Louisville,
Company B, of the Seventh Illinois
Cavalry, under Captain Forbes, was de-
tached to proceed to Macon, on the
Mobile and Ohio Railroad, if possible to
take the town, destroy the railroad and
telegraph, and rejoin us. Upon ap-
proaching the place he found it had
been reinforced and the bridge over the
Oka Noxubee River destroyed, so that
the railroad and telegraph could not be
reached. He came back to our trail,
crossed the Southern Railroad at New-
ton, took a southeast course to Enter-
prise, where, although his force num-
bered only thirty-five men, he entered
with a flag of truce, and demanded a
surrender of the place. The command-
ing officer at that point asked an hour
to consider the matter, which Captain
Forbes (having ascertained that a large
force occupied the place) granted, and
improved in getting away. He immedi-
ately followed us, and succeeded in join-
ing the column while it was crossing
Pearl River at Georgetown. In order
DAMAGE DONE.
667
to catch us, he was obliged to march
sixty miles per day for several consec-
utive days. Much honor is due to
Captain Forbes for the manner in which
he conducted this expedition.
“At Louisville I sent Captain Lynch,
of Company E, Sixth Illinois Cavalry,
and one man of his company, disguised
as citizens, who had gallantly volun-
teered to proceed to the Mobile and
Ohio Railroad, and cut the wires, which
it was necessary should be done to pre-
vent the information of our presence
from flying along the railroad from
Jackson and other points. Captain
Lynch and his comrade proceeded to-
ward Macon, but meeting with the same
barrier which had stopped Captain
Forbes, could not reach the road. He
went to the pickets at the edge of the
town, ascertained the whole disposition
of their forces and much other valuable
information, and returning joined us
above Decatur, having ridden without
interruption for two days and nights
without a moment's rest. All honor
to the gallant Captain, whose intrepid
coolness and daring characterized him
on every occasion.
“During the expedition we killed
and wounded about 100 of the enemy,
captured and parolled over 500 prisoners,
many of them officers, destroyed be-
tween fifty and sixty miles of railroad
and telegraph, captured and destroyed
over 3,000 stand of arms, and other
army stores and government property
to an immense amount; we also cap-
tured 1,000 horses and mules.
“Our loss during the entire journey
was three killed, seven wounded, five
left on the route sick, the sergeant-
major and surgeon of the Seventh
Illinois, left with Lieutenant-Colonel
Blackburn, and nine men missing, Sup-
posed to have straggled. We marched
over 600 miles in less than sixteen days.
The last twenty-eight hours we marched
seventy-six miles, had four engagements
with the enemy, and forded the Comite
River, which was deep enough to swim
many of the horses. During this time the
men and horses were without food or rest.
“Much of the country through which
we passed was almost entirely destitute
of forage and provisions, and it was but
seldom that we obtained over one meal
per day. Many of the inhabitants must
undoubtedly suffer for want of the nec-
essaries of life, which have reached
most fabulous prices. -
“Two thousand cavalry and mounted
infantry were sent from the vicinity of
Greenwood and Grenada northeast to
intercept us; 1,300 cavalry and several
regiments of infantry with artillery were
sent from Mobile to Macon, Meridian,
and other points on the Mobile and
Ohio road. A force was sent from
Canton northeast to prevent our cross-
ing Pearl River, and another force of
infantry and cavalry was sent from
Brookhaven to Monticello, thinking we
would cross Pearl River at that point in-
stead of Georgetown. Expeditions were
also sent from Wicksburg, Port Gibson,
and Port Hudson, to intercept us.
Many detachments were sent out from
my command at various places to mis-
lead the enemy, all of which rejoined
668
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
us in safety. Colton's pocket map of
the Mississippi, which, though Small, is
very correct, was all I had to guide me,
but by the capture of their couriers,
dispatches, and mails, and the invaluable
aid of my scouts, we were always able
by rapid marches to evade the enemy
when they were too strong, and whip
them when not too large. -
“Colonel Prince, commanding the
Seventh Illinois, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Loomis, commanding the Sixth Illinois,
were untiring in their efforts to further
the success of the expedition, and I
cannot speak too highly of the coolness,
bravery, and above all, of the untiring
perseverance of the officers and men of
the command during the entire journey.
Without their hearty co-operation, which
was freely given under the most trying
circumstances, we could not have ac-
complished so much with such signal
success.”
This brilliant raid of Colonel Benjamin
H. Grierson made him a notable per-
son, though previously but little known
to fame. He was born in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, in 1827, but removed to
Ohio while still a youth, where he re-
sided for fifteen years. He subsequent-
ly repaired to Jacksonville, Illinois, in
which place he was engaged in trade as
*—
a dealer in produce. When the civil
war broke out, he joined a company of
volunteers formed of his fellow-towns-
men, but on arriving at Cairo was
attached as aid-de-camp to General
Prentiss, and remained in this position
though chosen major of the Sixth Illinois
Regiment. On the 28th of March he
was raised, by the unanimous vote of his
comrades, to the colonelcy, vacated by
the resignation of Colonel Cavanagh.
In December of the same year he was
placed in command of the first brigade
of cavalry, composed of the Sixth and
Seventh Illinois and Second Iowa regi-
ments. He had already given proof of
skill and enterprise in various detached
expeditions in west Tennessee and
northern Mississippi, when he was
ordered to execute that raid through
the centre of the latter State which has
won for him so much popular applause.
In reward for this service he was
promoted to a brigadier-generalship.
Grierson is one of the many civilians
who in the inglorious times of peace
would have remained unnoticed in the
obscurity of decent citizenship, but
whom the present war, with its patri-
otic inducements to nobleness of effort,
has stirred to the achievement of deeds
worthy of the recognition of history.
CO-OPERATION OF NAVY.
669
C H A P T E R XL W III.
The Operations of the Fleet before Wicksburg.—Good Conduct of Naval Commanders and Sailors.—Gallant Deeds. –
Attack of the Queen of the West upon the steamer City of Wicksburg.—The Results.—The Queen of the West be-
low Wicksburg.—Supplies, how obtained.—Cruise and Fate of the Queen of the West.—Porter sends relief to Ellet
—The Indianola.-Her Cruise and Fate.—Running Rams and Transports past the Batteries.—“A Magnificent Suc-
cess.”—Attack upon Grand Gulf.—Its Failure.—Renewal of Attack.-The Works abandoned by the Enemy.-A
Landing secured for Grant's Troops.-Cruise up the Red River.—Fort at Warrenton taken.—Porter co-operating
with Sherman in an Attack upon Haines' Bluff.—Expedition to Yazoo City.—Porter co-operating with Grant in his
Assault upon Wicksburg.—Loss of the Cincinnati...—Porter announces the Surrender of Vicksburg.—The Services of
the Navy.—The coup-de-grâce given to Yazoo City.—Various Expeditions.—Naval Police of the Mississippi.
THROUGHOUT the protracted opera-
tions against Wicksburg, the naval
force under the command of Ad-
miral Porter was busily engaged in
co-operating with the army of General
Grant. Though the earlier plans of
attack, in which the use of the fleet was
more obviously practicable, failed, and
the last and triumphant movement
against the stronghold upon the Missis-
sippi was chiefly effected by land, the
successful result was due in a measure
to the efficient service of Admiral Porter,
who, by securing the passage of the
transports and the landing of the troops,
and by constantly occupying the atten-
tion of the formidable batteries, and
destroying the enemy's means of offence
on the river, gave such aid as was indis-
1863,
pensable to the execution of Grant's
designs.
During the long and repeatedly baffled
effort to penetrate the formidable de-
fences of the enemy, and while the
patience of the country was tried almost
to despair, our naval commanders and
**
sailors were displaying an activity of
daring and a constancy of perseverance
sufficient to stimulate the most languid
hope. Many deeds were thus accom-
plished which will be always memora-
ble in the history of the war. One of
the most remarkable was the passage
of the batteries, and the attack on the
enemy's steamer Wicksburg, lying before
the city under its most formidable guns.
“In compliance with your instruc-
tions,” wrote Colonel Ellet, the hero of
the occasion, in his official report to
Admiral Porter, dated “Below Wicks-
burg, February 2, 1863,” “I started
on the Queen of the West at half-past
four o'clock this morning, to pass the
rebel batteries at Wicksburg and sink
the rebel steamer lying before that city.
I discovered immediately on starting
that the change of the wheel from its
former position to the narrow space
behind the Queen's bulwarks did not
permit the boat to be handled with
sufficient accuracy. An hour or more
was spent at rearranging the apparatus,
167
670
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
and when we finally rounded the point,
the sun had risen, and any advantage
which would have resulted from the
darkness was lost to us.
“The rebels opened a heavy fire
upon us as we reached the city, but we
were only struck three times before
reaching the steamer. She was lying
in nearly the same position that the
Arkansas occupied when General Ellet
ran the Queen into her on a former
occasion. The same causes which pre-
vented the destruction of the Arkansas
then saved the City of Wicksburg this
morning. Her position was such, that
if we had run obliquely into her as we
came down, the bow of the Queen would
inevitably have glanced. We were com-
pelled to partially round to in order to
strike. The consequence was, that at
the very moment of collision, the cur-
rent—very rapid and strong at this
point—caught the stern of my boat,
and, acting on her bow as a pivot,
swung her round so rapidly that nearly
all her momentum was lost. I had
anticipated this, and therefore caused
the starboard bow gun to be shotted
with three of the incendiary projectiles
recommended in your orders. As we
swung around, Sergeant J. H. Campbell,
detailed for the purpose, fired this gun.
A sixty-four-pound shell crushed through
the barricade just before he reached the
spot, but he did not hesitate. The dis-
charge took place at exactly the right
moment, and set the rebel steamer in
flames, which they subsequently suc-
ceeded in extinguishing. * . . . . .” -
& & At this moment one of the enemy's
shells set the cotton near the starboard
wheel on fire, while the discharge of
our own gun ignited that portion which
was on the bow. The flames spread
rapidly, and the dense smoke rolling
into the engine room suffocated the
engineers. 'I saw that if I attempted to
run into the City of Wicksburg again,
my boat would certainly be burned. I
ordered her to be headed down stream,
and ordered every man to extinguish
the flames. After much exertion we
finally put the fire out by cutting the
burning bales loose.
“The enemy of course were not idle.
We were struck twelve times, and
though the cabin door was knocked to
pieces, no material injury to the boat or
to any of those on board was inflicted.
About two regiments of rebel sharp-
shooters, in rifle-pits, kept up a con-
tinual fire, but did no damage. The
Queen was struck twice in the hull, but
above the water-line. One of our guns
was dismounted and ruined.
“I can only speak in the highest
terms of the conduct of every man on
board. All behaved with cool, determ-
ined courage.”
Admiral Porter, deriving his informa-
tion from some deserters, reported :
“The steamer Wicksburg was so badly
injured by the Queen of the West, that
she has to be kept afloat with large
coal barges fastened to her side. Her
machinery has been taken out, and she
will likely be destroyed. This is the
fifth steamer we have deprived the
rebels of The Wicksburg was the largest
and strongest steamer on the river, and
THE QUEEN OF THE WEST.
67.1
I think they were preparing to use her
against our transports, being very fleet.
Her wheels and guards were all smashed
in, and a large hole knocked in her
side.”
As the Queen of the West was now
below the batteries, and consequently
out of immediate reach of supplies, it
became necessary to send them to her.
Accordingly a barge, containing 20,000
bushels of coal, was started during the
night. It arrived in safety, notwith-
standing a hazardous passage of ten
miles in length. Thus provided, the
Queen of the West was enabled to pur-
sue her destructive purpose. After a
career of considerable success, she was
finally captured. The work she accom-
plished, and her subsequent fate, are
best narrated in Colonel Ellet's own
words. He says, in his report to Ad-
miral Porter, dated “Below Wicksburg,
February 25, 1863 :"
“ADMIRAL : I have the honor to re-
port to you that I left the landing below
Wicksburg, in obedience to your written
instructions, on the night of the 10th
instant, taking with me the De Soto and
coal barge, and proceeded down the
river. We passed Warrenton without
interruption, and reached Red River on
the following evening. I destroyed, as
you directed, the skiffs and flat-boats
along either shore. I ascended Red
River on the morning of the 12th, as
far as the mouth of the Atchafalaya.
Leaving the De Soto and coal barge in
a secure position, I proceeded down the
stream. Six miles from its mouth I met
a train of army wagons returning from
Simmsport. I landed and destroyed
them. On reaching Simmsport I found
that two rebel, steamboats had just left,
taking with them the troops and artillery
stationed at that point. They had left
on the bank seventy barrels of govern-
ment beef, which I broke up and rolled
into the river. I pursued another train
of wagons into the swamps, where they
escaped. One of their wagons, loaded
with ammunition and stores, fell into
our hands and was destroyed.
“On her return, a party of overseers
and other civilians fired into the Queen
from behind a levee, and immediately
fled under cover of the darkness. First
Master James D. Thompson, a gallant
and efficient officer, was shot through
the knee. Anchoring at the mouth of
the Atchafalaya I waited until morning,
and then returned to the spot from
which we had been attacked. All the
buildings on the three large adjoining
plantations were burned by my order.
“I started up the Red River the same
day, and reached Black River by night.
On the morning of the 14th, when about
fifteen miles above the mouth of Black
River, a steamboat came suddenly round
a sharp bend in the river, and was
captured before she could escape. She
proved to be the Era, No. 5, loaded
with forty-five hundred bushels of corn.
She had on board two rebel lieutenants
and fourteen privates. The latter I at
once parolled and set ashore. I left the
Era and coal barge in charge of a
guard. We reached the bend just be-
low Gordon's Landing before dusk ; the
dense smoke of several boats rapidly
672
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH,
firing up could be seen over the tops of
the trees as we approached. I ordered
the pilot to proceed very slowly, and
merely show the bow of the Queen
around the point. From the sharp bend
which the river makes at this point,
there was no apparent difficulty in with-
drawing out of range of the enemy's
guns whenever it might be desired. The
rebels opened upon us with four thirty-
two pounders the moment we came in
sight. Their guns were in a fine posi-
tion, and at the third shot I ordered Mr.
Garvey, the pilot, to back the Queen
out. Instead of doing so, he ran her
aground on the right-hand shore.
“The position at once became a very
hot one. Sixty yards below we would
have been in no danger. As it was, the
enemy's shot struck us nearly every
time. The chief engineer had hardly
reported to me that the escape-pipe was
shot away, when an explosion below and
a rush of steam around the boat told me
that the steam-pipe had been , cut in
two. Nothing further, of course, could
be done. I gave orders to lower the
yawl at the stern of the Queen to carry |
off Captain Thompson, who lay wounded
in my state-room. Some persons had
already taken the yawl, however, and
the other yawl was on the De Soto, a
short distance below. Fortunately the
cotton bales with which the Queen was
protected afforded an avenue of escape,
ind a majority of the men and officers
succeeded in reaching the De Soto. I
ordered this boat to be brought up as
far as it was practicable without being
strick, 2nd sent her yawl to the Queen.
Lieutenant Tuthill and T hird Master
Duncan bravely volunteered for this
purpose. I remained with the De Soto
over an hour, picking up men on cotton
bales. Lieutenant Tuthill barely suc-
ceeded in escaping from the Queen, the
rebels boarding her in skiffs as he es-
caped. The Queen could easily have
been burned, but this could not be done
while Captain Thompson was on board,
and it was impossible to remove him.
All the passages had been blocked up
with cottom, the interior of the boat was
intensely dark, filled with steam, and
strewed with shattered furniture. The
display of a light enabled the batteries
to strike her with unerring certainty.
To have brought the De Soto alongside
would have insured her destruction, as
the light from the latter's furnaces ren-
dered her a conspicuous mark.
“A dense fog sprung up as we start-
ed down in the De Soto, and she lost
her rudder by running into the bank.
Drifting down fifteen miles I took pos-
session of the Era, and scuttled and
burnt the De Soto and barge. Know-
ing the rebels would lose no time in
pursuing, I pushed on down through
the fog, throwing off corn to lighten her.
We reached the Mississippi at dawn.
Opposite Ellis' Cliffs, Mr. Garvey ran
the Era, a boat drawing less than two
feet of water, hard aground, actually
permitting her wheels to make several
revolutions after she had struck, and it
was with the utmost difficulty that she
could be gotten off. The disloyal senti-
ments openly expressed by Mr. Garvey
a few hours before this occurrence ren-
LOSS OF THE QUEEN.
*—
dered it necessary for me to place him
under arrest and fix upon him the un-
willing conviction that the loss of the
Queen was due to the deliberate treach-
ery of her pilot. It is to be regretted
that the illness of Mr. Scott Long, who
piloted the Queen past the Wicksburg
batteries, rendered it necessary to intrust
the Queen to the management of Mr.
Garvey.
“The next morning, a short distance
below Natchez, I met the Indianola.
Captain Brown thought that he might
be able to ascend the Red River and
destroy the battery at Gordon's Landing,
and I accompanied him down in the
Era, leading the way. I had not gone
three miles, when a break in the dense
fog disclosed a steamer rapidly moving
up stream, about a mile ahead. I at
once rounded to, and caused the whistle
to blow, to warn Captain Brown of her
presence. As soon as the rebel steamer,
which was undoubtedly the Webb, per-
ceived the Indianola, she immediately
turned and fled. The latter fired two
shots at her, but without effect. I learn-
ed afterward that three armed boats had
been sent in pursuit of the Era, and had
been turned back by the Webb on her
retreat.
“On reaching this stream, Captain
Brown decided not to ascend it, and I
thought it best to return at once.
Thinking we might be attacked on the
way up, I seized 170 bales of cotton,
and protected the Era's machinery as
far as practicable. At St. Joseph's I
landed and seized the mails, and learned
from them that Colonel Adams was
673
waiting for us at Grand Gulf, with two
pieces of artillery. Thirty-six shots
were fired at the Era while passing that
point, none of which took effect.
“On reaching Island No. 107, a body
of riflemen opened a heavy fire upon
the Era from the Mississippi shore.
Suspecting it to be a ruse to draw us to
the other side of the river, I decided on
keeping the right of the island. The
furnaces of the Era became so clogged
at this point, that I found it necessary
to stop and have them cleaned out, a
delay of twenty minutes being caused
by this. The Era had passed the island,
when a battery of three guns opened
upon us from the Louisiana shore.
Forty-six shots were fired, but did no
injury. At Warrenton the rebels open-
ed fire upon the Era with two rifled
twenty-pounders. They fired twenty-
four shots, but did not succeed in strik-
ing her, extraordinary as it may appear.
There is every reason to believe that
no one was killed on the Queen. It is
probably attributable to the fact, that
those below got into the hold through
the numerous hatches, and thus escaped
the effects of the steam. Mr. Taylor,
the engineer, is reported to be badly
scalded, by a deserter from the Webb.
Twenty-four men were taken prisoners,
ten of whom were civilians employed on
the boat. ' Assistant-Surgeon Booth was
the only commissioned officer captured.”
Admiral Porter, always on the alert,
now hastened to send relief to Colonel
Ellet, who was floating about on the
Mississippi with the “Era No. 5,” a
small and unarmed boat which he had
674
THE WAIR WITH THE SOUTH.
captured, in immediate want of sup-
plies, and surrounded by an enterpris-
ing enemy. The armed steamer Indian-
ola, with two coal barges in tow, was
accordingly dispatched to reinforce and
supply Ellet. The Indianola and her
charge succeeded in passing the batter-
ies at Wicksburg and Warrenton during
the night of the 13th of February, 1862.
Though fired at eighteen times, neither
boat was struck. The Indianola, how-
ever, in spite of this favorable begin-
ning, was fated to fall into the hands of
the enemy.
Admiral Porter, in his official dispatch,
curtly said, that “the rams Webb and
Queen of the West attacked her [the
Indianola], and rammed her until she
surrendered,” and added, “all of which
can be traced to a non-compliance with
my instructions.”
A subsequent attempt, toward the
close of March, to run two rams, the
Lancaster and Switzerland, past the
Wicksburg batteries, proved unsuccessful.
The former, after receiving thirty shots,
sunk, and the latter was disabled, though
she succeeded in drifting away from the
enemy. -
The boldest and most important naval
exploit was the passage, on the night
of April 16th, of the batteries at Wicks-
burg, by six armed vessels and some
dozen transports and barges, whose ex-
posed parts were protected by hay
and cotton. They were sent to aid in
carrying out General Grant's plan of
landing his troops below the city, on the
eastern side of the river. This hazardous
feat was performed with comparatively
little loss. One vessel only, the transport
Henry Clay, was destroyed, being burned
and sunk by the enemy's fire, though no
lives were lost. Not a man was killed,
but a few were badly wounded. A doz-
en was the sum of those injured on the
whole fleet. “The commanders,” de-
clared Admiral Porter, “carried out my
orders to the best of their ability, having
great difficulties to contend with, strong
currents and dangerous eddies; glaring
fires in every direction, that bothered
the pilots; smoke almost enveloping the
squadron, and a very heavy fire on the
vessels, that were fair targets for the
enemy. I have no cause to be dissatis-
fied with the result. * * The enemy's
shot were of the heaviest calibre, and
some were of excellent pattern. No
material damage was done by those
coming on board beyond smashing the
bulwarks.”
General Grant termed the movement
“a magnificent success.”
The subsequent attempts, though not
equally successful, served to supply the
army with such transports and barges
as were absolutely necessary for moving
the troops, and thus essentially promoted
General Grant's object.
It having been determined to effect a
landing at or below Grand Gulf, it be-
came necessary to make an effort to
remove the enemy's defences at that
point. Accordingly, on the 29th of
April, Admiral Porter moved to their
attack, with the six gun-boats which
had so gallantly and successfully passed
Wicksburg.
“After a fight of five hours and thirty
ATTACK ON GRAND GULF.
minutes,” says the Admiral in his report,
“we silenced the lower batteries, but
failed to silence the upper one, which
was high, strongly built, had guns of
very heavy calibre, and the vessels were
unmanageable in the heavy current. It
fired but feebly toward the last, and the
vessels all laid by and enfiladed it, while
I went up a short distance to communi-
cate with General Grant, who concluded
to land the troops and march over to a
point two miles below Grand Gulf. I
sent the Lafayette back to engage the
upper batteries, which she did, and
drove the persons out of it, as it did not
respond after a few fires. At six P.M.
we attacked the batteries again, and
under cover of the fire all the transports
passed by in good condition. The Ben-
ton,Tuscumbia, and Pittsburg were much
cut up, having twenty-four killed and
fifty-six wounded, but they are all ready
for service.” -
The enemy reported their loss on this
occasion to be “three killed, including
Colonel Wade, General Bowen's chief
of artillery. Twelve or fifteen were
wounded.”
Admiral Porter on the 3d of May got
under way with the four gun-boats
Lafayette, Carondelet, Mound City, and
Pittsburg, and prepared to renew the
attack, but found that the works were
abandoned.
“The enemy,” wrote the Admiral,
“ had left before we got up, blowing up
their ammunition, spiking their large
guns, and burying or taking away the
lighter ones. The armament consisted
of thirteen guns in all. The works are
675
of the most extensive kind, and would
seem to defy the efforts of a much
heavier fleet than the one which silenced
them. The forts were literally torn to
pieces by the accuracy of our fire.
Colonel Wade, the commandant of the
batteries, was killed ; also his chief of
staff. Eleven men were killed that we
know of, and our informant says that
many were wounded, and that no one
was permitted to go inside the forts after
the action except those belonging there.
“We had a hard fight for these forts,
and it is with great pleasure that I re-
port that the navy holds the door to
Vicksburg. Grand Gulf is the strongest
place on the Mississippi. Had the en-
emy succeeded in finishing the fortifica-
tions, no fleet could have taken them.
“I have been all over the works, and
found them as follows: One fort on a
point of rocks, seventy-five feet high,
calculated for six or seven guns, mount-
ing two seven-inch rifles, and one eight-
inch, and One Parrot gun on wheels,
which was carried off. On the left of
this work is a triangular work, calculated
to mount one heavy gun. These works
are connected with another fort by a
covered way and double rifle-pits ex-
tending one quarter of a mile, construct-
ed with much labor and showing great
skill on the part of the constructor.
The third fort commands the river in all
directions. It mounted one splendid
Blakely one-hundred pounder, one eight-
inch and two thirty pounders. The
latter were lying burst or broken on the
ground.
“The gun-boats had so covered up
676
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
everything with earth, that it was im-
possible to see at first what was there,
with the exception of the guns that were
dismounted or broken.
“Every gun that fell into our hands
was in good condition, and we found a
large quantity of ammunition.
“These are by far the most exten-
sively built works, with the exception
of those at Wicksburg, I have seen yet,
and I am happy to say that we hold
them.”
Having secured a landing for the
troops of General Grant, Admiral Porter,
never at rest when work is to be done,
showed his characteristic enterprise in
quickly repeated and most successful
blows against the enemy's defences on
the water. Sailing up the Red River,
he took possession of Fort De Russey
(May 5th), Alexandria (May 6th), and
about the same time a reconnoitring
force destroyed a large quantity of the
enemy's property on the Black River.
The enemy's formidable position at
Warrenton soon after yielded to a single
gun-boat.
When, finally, General Grant had
made such progress by land as thorough-
ly to invest Vicksburg, he called upon
Admiral Porter to co-operate with him
in an attack upon Haines' Bluff, and
thus make an effort to open the com-
munications of the army through the
Yazoo River with the Mississippi. Por-
ter energetically and successfully re-
sponded. He moved at once against
these formidable batteries of the enemy,
which had so long bid defiance to the
attack of soldier and sailor.
“On the morning of the 15th of May,”
says the Admiral in his report, dated
Yazoo River, May 20, 1863, “I came
over to the Yazoo to be ready to co-
operate with General Grant. Leaving
two of the iron-clads at Red River, one
at Grand Gulf, one at Carthage, three
at Warrenton, and two in the Yazoo,
left me a small force. Still I disposed
of them to the best advantage.
“On the 18th, at meridian, firing was
heard in the rear of Wicksburg, which
assured me that General Grant was ap-
proaching the city. The cannonading
was kept up furiously for some time,
when, by the aid of glasses, I discerned
a company of our artillery advancing,
taking position and driving the rebels
before them. I immediately saw that
General Sherman's division had come on
to the left of Snyder's Bluff, and that
the rebels at that place had been cut off
from joining the forces in the city. I
dispatched the DeKalb, Lieutenant-Com-
mander Walker; Choctaw, Lieutenant-
Commander Ramsay ; Romeo, Petrel,
and Forest Rose, all under command of
Lieutenant-Commander Breese, up the
Yazoo to open communication in that
way with Generals Grant and Sherman.
“This I succeeded in doing, and in
three hours received letters from Gen-
erals Grant, Sherman, and Steele, in-
forming me of this vast success, and
asking me to send up provisions, which
was at once done.
“In the mean time Lieutenant-Com-
mander Walker, in the De Kalb, pushed
on to Haines' Bluff, which the enemy
had commenced evacuating the day be-
SUCCESS AT HAINES BLUFF.
67?
fore, and a party remained behind in
the hopes of destroying or taking away
a large amount of ammunition on hand.
“When they saw the gun-boats, they
ran out and left everything in good
order–guns, forts, tents, and equipage
of all kinds, which fell into our hands.
“As soon as the capture of Haines'
Bluff and fourteen forts was reported
to me, I shoved up the gun-boats from
below Wicksburg to fire at the hill bat-
teries, which fire was kept up for two
or three hours. At midnight they
moved up to the town and opened on it
for about an hour, and continued at
intervals during the night to annoy the
garrison.
“On the 19th I placed six mortars in
position, with orders to fire night and
day as rapidly as they could.
“The works at Haines' Bluff are very
formidable. There are fourteen of the
heaviest kind of mounted eight and ten
inch and seven and a half inch rifled
guns, with ammunition enough to last a
long siege. As the gun-carriages might
again fall into the hands of the enemy,
I had them burned, blew up the maga-
zine, and destroyed the works generally.
I also burned up the encampments,
which were permanently and remarkably
well constructed, looking as if the rebels
intended to stay for some time.
“These works and encampments cov-
ered many acres of ground, and the
fortifications and the rifle-pits proper of
Haines' Bluff extend about a mile and
a quarter. Such a net-work of defences
I never saw.
“The rebels were a year constructing
them, and all were rendered useless in
an hour.” -
After Porter had accomplished his
purpose at Haines' Bluff, he sent Lieu-
tenant-Commander Walker up the Yazoo
River with a force to destroy all the
enemy's property in that direction.
Commander Walker fulfilled his mis-
sion.
“I started,” he says, “from Snyder's
Bluff on the 20th instant, with the De
Kalb, Choctaw, Forest Rose, Linden,
and Petrel, on an expedition to Yazoo
City. Arriving at Haines' Bluff, Ilanded
a force and spiked an eight-inch gun in
the works there, and burned the carriage.
I also burned some forty tents left stand-
ing, and a steam saw-mill. Arriving at
Yazoo City at one P.M., on the 23d. inst.,
I was met by a committee of citizens, who
informed me that the place had been evac-
uated by the military authorities, and ask-
ing protection. The navy-yard and ves-
sels had been fired by the enemy, and I
sent a working party to insure the de-
struction of everything valuable to the
rebels. The vessels burned were the Mo-
bile, a screw vessel, ready for planking;
the Republic, which was being fitted out
for a ram, and a vessel on the stocks, a
monster, three hundred and ten feet
long and seventy feet beam. The navy-
yard contained fine saw and planing
mills, an extensive machine shop, car-
penter and blacksmith's shops, and all
the necessary fixtures for large build-
ing and repairing yards, which, with a
very large quantity of lumber, were
burned. I also burned a large saw-mill
above the town. Most of the public
168
678
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
stores had been removed. Such as I
found in town were taken on board the
vessels or destroyed.”
When General Grant made that spir-
ited but unsuccessful assault upon the
enemy's works, by land, Admiral Porter
was again active in co-operating from
the river.
“On the morning of the 21st,” he
wrote in his report of May 22, 1863, “I
received a communication from General
Grant, informing me that he intended
to attack the whole of the rebel works
at ten A.M. the next day, and asking me
to shell the batteries from half-past nine
until half-past ten, and to aneoy the
garrison. I kept six mortars playing
rapidly on the works and town all night,
and sent the Benton, Mound City, and
Carondelet up to shell the water batteries
and other places where troops might be
resting during the night. At seven
o'clock in the morning the Mound City
proceeded across the river and made an
attack on the hill batteries opposite the
canal. At eight o'clock I found her in
company with the Benton, Tuscumbia,
and Carondelet. All these vessels open-
ed on the hill batteries and finally si-
lenced them, though the main work on
the battery containing the heavy rifled
gun was done by the Mound City,
Lieutenant-Commanding Byron Wilson.
I then pushed the Benton, Mound City,
and Carondelet up to the water batte-
ries, leaving the Tuscumbia, which is
still out of repair, to keep the hill bat-
teries from firing on our vessels after
they had passed by. The three gun-
boats passed up slowly, owing to the
-*-
strong current, the Mound City leading,
the Benton following, and the Caronde-
let astern. The water batteries opened
furiously, supported by a hill battery on
the starboard beam of the vessels. The
vessels advanced to within four hundred
and forty yards (by our marks), and re-
turned the fire for two hours without
cessation, the enemy's fire being very
accurate and incessant.
“Finding that the hill batteries be-
hind us were silenced, I ordered up the
Tuscumbia to within eight hundred
yards of the batteries; but the turret
was soon made untenable, not standing
the enemy's shot, and I made her drop
down. I had been engaged with the
forts an hour longer than General Grant
asked. The vessels had all received se-
Vere shots under water, which we could
not stop while in motion ; and not know-
ing what might have delayed the move-
ment of the army, I ordered the vessels
to drop out of fire, which they did in a
cool, handsome manner.
“This was the hottest fire the gun-
boats have ever been under; but owing
to the water batteries being more on a
level with them than usual, the gun-
boats threw in their shell so fast that
the aim of the enemy was not very good.
The enemy hit our vessels a number of
times; but, fighting bow on, that did
but little damage. -
“Not a man was killed, and only a
few wounded. I had only enough am.
munition for a few moments longer, anºl
set all hands to work to ſill up from ot.r
dépôt below.
“After dropping lack, I found that
NAVAL OPERATIONS.
679
the enemy had taken possession again
of one of the lower hill batteries and
was endeavoring to mount his guns, and
mounted a twelve-pounder field piece
to fire at General McArthur's troops,
which had landed a short time before at
Warrenton. I sent the Mound City
and Carondelet to drive him off, which
they did in a few moments. * * *
“I have since learned, through Gene-
ral Grant, that the army did assault at
the right time vigorously. In the noise
and smoke we could not see or hear it.
The gun-boats were, therefore, still
fighting when the assault had proved
unsuccessful.
“The army had terrible work before
them, and are fighting as well as soldiers
ever fought before. But the works are
stronger than any of us dreamed of.
General Grant and his soldiers are con-
fident that the brave and energetic
generals in the army will soon over-
come all obstacles and carry the works.”
The only serious loss during those re-
peated attacks by the Union fleet was
that of the gun-boat Cincinnati, which,
on being struck by a shot, “went down
in shoal water with her flag flying.”
To complete the destruction of the
enemy's property, Lieutenant Walker
was again sent up the Yazoo River on
the 24th of May, and destroyed a num-
ber of vessels, a mill filled with corn,
and other valuable structures and sup-
plies. - -
Admiral Porter, having heard that
the enemy had collected a force of
12,000 men at Richmond, in Louisiana,
nine miles from Milliken's Bend, sent
General Ellet to General Mowry at
Young's Point, to act in conjunction, in
order (to use the Admiral's naïve phrase)
“to wake them up.” Mowry, accord-
ingly, taking about 1,200 men, proceed-
ed in company with Ellet to Richmond,
“where they completely routed the
advance guard of the rebels, consisting
of 4,000 men and six pieces of artillery,
and captured a lot of stores. The town
was completely destroyed in the mêlée.”
When the great stronghold of the
enemy finally yielded, Admiral Porter,
in announcing the surrender of Wicks-
burg, justly declared that “history has
seldom had an opportunity of recording
so desperate a defence on one side, with
so much courage, ability, perseverance,
and endurance on the other.” While
giving the land forces their share of
the credit in this magnanimous com-
pliment : “If ever an army was entitled
to the gratitude of the nation, it is the
Army of the Tennessee and its gallant
leaders,” the Admiral limited himself to
a modest statement of the services of
his own command. -
Yazoo City itself, notwithstanding
the destruction of its navy-yard with
most of the vessels, still holding out,
Admiral Porter, in conjunction with
General Grant, determined to give the
place the coup-de-grâce.
“Hearing,” wrote the Admiral in his
official dispatch, July 14, 1863, “that
General Johnston was fortifying Yazoo
City with heavy guns, and gathering
troops there for the purpose of obtaining
supplies for his army from the Yazoo
country; also, that the remainder of the
680
THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH.
enemy's best transports were then show-
ing a possibility of his attempt to escape,
Major-General Grant and myself deter-
mined to send a naval and military
expedition up there to capture them.
“The Baron De Kalb, New National,
Kenwood, and Signal were dispatched
under command of Lieutenant John G.
Walker, with a force of troops number-
ing 5,000 under Major-General Frank
J. Herron. Pushing up to the city, the
Baron De Kalb engaged the batteries,
which were all prepared to receive her,
and after finding Qut their strength,
dropped back to notify General Herron,
who immediately landed his men, and
the army and navy made a combined
attack on the enemy's works. The
rebels soon fled, leaving everything in
our possession, and set fire to four of
their finest steamers that ran on the
Mississippi River in times past.
“The army pursued the enemy and
captured their rear-guard of 260 men,
and at last accounts were taking more
prisoners. Six heavy guns and one
vessel, formerly a gun-boat, fell into
our hands, and all the munitions of war.
“ Unfortunately, while the Baron De
Kalb was moving slowly along, she ran
foul of a torpedo, which exploded and
sunk her. There was no sign of any-
thing of the kind to be seen. While
she was going down, another exploded
under her stern.
“The water is rising fast in the Yazoo,
and we can do nothing more than get
the guns out of her, and then get her
into deep water, where she will be un-
disturbed until we are able to raise her.
The officers and men lost everything.”
Admiral Porter gave the finishing
stroke to the enemy by various expedi-
tions up the tributaries of the Missis-
sippi, the Red River, and the Little Red
and White rivers in Arkansas, where
several vessels and much property were
destroyed. .
The appropriate close of Admiral Por-
ter's services on the Mississippi was the
effective provision he made for securing
the hold of the great thoroughfare which
he had so greatly contributed in restor-
ing to Federal command. Gun-boats
were stationed at all points on the river,
from its northern banks to the Gulf of
Mexico, where there was danger of mo-
lestation from guerrillas. The Admiral
thus could proudly declare that “vessels
need not wait for convoy.”
UNIVERSITY OF MICH |GAN
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