• Motor Coaches and Class A Motorhomes Class B Motorhomes and Vans Class C Motorhomes Fifth Wheel Trailers Travel Trailers Tear Drop Trailers Tent and Folding Trailers Truck Campers Off Road RVs Civil War Books by state: Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin

by John Beauchamp Jones

AUGUST 31ST.—Fighting every day at Manassas.

August 31, 1862, The New York Herald

The news of late from the seat of war has been of such a conflicting character, on account of the expulsion of all correspondents from the army, that we have hardly known what reports to credit. Not until yesterday was any light thrown upon the subject. It came in the first despatch from General Pope to General Halleck, and dated Manassas Junction, August 28, ten P. M. Now we have some of the details of the important events of the last few days. On the 26th inst., General Pope discovered that the enemy was turning his right towards Manassas, and as the division he had ordered to take post there two days before had not yet arrived from Alexandria, he immediately broke up his camps at Warrenton Junction and Warrenton, and marched rapidly back in three columns.

It appears he directed General McDowell, with his own and General Sigel’s corps, and General Reno’s division, to March upon Gainesville by the Warrenton and Alexandria pike, General Reno’s and one division of Gen. Heintzelman’s to march on Greenwich, and with General Porter’s corps and General Hooker’s division he marched back to Manassas Junction.

General Pope ordered General McDowell to interpose between the forces of the enemy that had passed down to Manassas through Gainesville and their main body that was moving down from White Plains through Thoroughfare Gap. All these orders were successfully carried out. General Longstreet, who had passed through the Gap, was driven back to the west side. Our troops sent to Greenwich were for the purpose of Read more

August 31, 1862, The New York Herald

Our army has immortalized itself, according to all the accounts of the battles fought on the historic Bull Run Friday, from daylight to dark, and renewed yesterday. The official order of General Pope to Major General Halleck, which we publish in another column, gives the story briefly and graphically, and, as substantiated by the detailed accounts which we presently to our readers today from other sources, furnishes a complete description of these eventful battles, the result of which has been to discomfit the enemy and place him in a trap for which he was not prepared. Instead of outflanking General Pope, as Jackson designed, he has found himself, after two days’ hard fighting, surrounded by the forces of Generals McClellan, Pope, Burnside, McDowell and Sigel.

Bull Run has been again the scene of a sanguinary conflict, but this time it has proved the scene of triumph for the Union arms. It is true that the field was won at a great sacrifice, our loss being put down as eight thousand men, and that of the enemy at fully double that number, while the amount of the rebels captured is considerable, though not yet ascertained. The movement of the rebels was a bold and daring affair, and we may well congratulate our generals upon the skill and energy which converted what was designed to be a successful advance upon the national capital into a decided defeat of Jackson’s forces and unmistakable victory for the Union armies. The two maps which we give today will illustrate the scene of the first and the recent battles on the memorable ground of Bull Run.

The wants of the wounded in these conflicts will be promptly attended to. The employees of the different government departments at Washington to the number of nearly one Read more

August 31, 1862, The New York Herald

We publish this morning a long and semi-official account of an organization known as the Knights of the Golden Circle. The objects of this organization are said to be to throw obstacles in the way of the government, and to give aid and comfort to the rebellion in every possible way. The exposition which we publish is from the Cairo correspondence of the Chicago Tribune, and purports to be based upon the sworn affidavits of responsible parties. The ceremonies, signs and grips of the order are assumed to be fully explained, and the arrest of a member of Congress and of several other prominent citizens of Southern Illinois is reported. On the whole, the exposition in question is very curious, absurd and interesting, and will well repay perusal.

It strikes us, however, that the attempt to represent this so-called Order as a great conspiracy against the government is silly and pernicious. In our opinion, the Order of the Knights of the Golden Circle is as complete a humbug as the Order of the Sons of Malta, and the two orders very much resemble each other in their signs, grips and ceremonies. Both of these orders were devised by dissipated fellows, with the object of obtaining plentiful free drinks. The pretence that the Knights of the Golden Circle originally intended to filibuster Central America into the Union is just as great a sham and delusion as the pretence that the Sons of Malta designed to filibuster Cuba into the Union. We know all about the Sons of Malta now, and its members freely avow, since the Order has been squelched, that their intention was merely to have a little fun, […..] a few friends, and indulge in oysters and champagne at the expense of the initiation fees. The Knights of the Golden Circle had not better or worse intention. It is perfect folly to represent them as conspirators and rebel sympathizers, and to give them the credit of widespread organization, powerful supporters and numerous adherents. The exposition Read more

August 31, 1862, The New York Herald

HEADQUARTERS, FIELD OF BATTLE, GROVETON, NEAR GAINESVILLE,
August 30, 1862. TO MAJOR GENERAL HALLECK, GENERAL-IN-CHIEF, WASHINGTON, D.C.:—

We fought a terrific battle here yesterday with the combined forces of the enemy, which lasted with continuous fury from daylight until after dark, by which time the enemy was driven from the field, which we now occupy.

Our troops are too much exhausted to push matters; but I shall do so in the course of the morning, as soon as Fitz John Porter’s corps comes up from Manassas.

The enemy is still in our front, but badly used up.

We have lost not less than eight thousand men killed and wounded, and, from the appearance of the field, the enemy have lost at least two to our one. He stood strictly on the defensive, and every attack was made by ourselves.

Our troops have behaved splendidly.

The battle was fought on the identical battle field of Bull Run, which greatly increased the enthusiasm of our men.

The news just reaches us from the front that the enemy is retreating towards the mountains. I go forward at once to see.

We have made great captures; but I am not able yet to form an idea of their extent.

JOHN POPE, Major General Commanding.

August 31, 1862, The New York Herald

This sterling officer, whose series of military operations and brilliant victories in the West have been the theme of praise and comment from press and public, is comparatively a young men, being under forty years of age, having been born in Kentucky, March 10, 1923. His parents early settled at Kaskaskia, Illinois, from which State he was appointed to West Point in 1838. His father, Hon. N. Pope, was for a long period United States District Judge of Illinois, a sound and talented lawyer, high toned and honored member of society, and eminently worthy of such a son as is the subject of this sketch. After a scholastic term of four years at the military institution, young Pope graduated in June, 1842. In his class we find the names of Generals Rosecrans, Seth Williams, Doubleday, and may others of the Union army, and Rains, G. W. Smith, Lovell, Van Dorn, Longstreet and others in the rebel ranks. In July, 1842, the subject of our sketch was appointed Second Lieutenant of Topographical Engineers. In August, 1846, he joined General Taylor’s army in Mexico, during its advance upon Monterey, and was brevetted first lieutenant for gallant and meritorious conduct in that battle. As first lieutenant he marched with his companions through the malarious regions of Central Mexico, and was an active participant in the severely fought and dearly bought battle of Buena Vista, where he was again brevetted captain for highly gallant and meritorious conduct. For his gallantry in this engagement, and other distinguished services during the war, he was also presented with a magnificent sword by the State of Illinois.

In 1849 he conducted the exploring expedition which first laid open the fertile regions of Minnesota, and demonstrated the practicability of navigating the Red River of the North with steamers, for which services he received a vote of thanks from the Territorial Legislature of Minnesota. This labor accomplished, we next find him serving in New Read more

by John Beauchamp Jones

AUGUST 30TH.—Banks, by the order of Pope, has burnt 400 Yankee cars loaded with quartermaster’s and commissary stores. But our soldiers have fared sumptuously on the enemy’s provisions, and captured clothing enough for half the army.

August 30, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

Lead is much needed in the service, and as every citizen is bound to contribute to the extent of his ability to the establishment of our independence, every family in the State should look about their premises and forward such lead as may be spared for the use of the army. We will cheerfully take charge of all consignments that may be addressed to this office. Mark in all cases: Lead for the Government. Let there be no delay about this matter. Many families have lead enough about their premises, in the form of sheets, pipes, blocks, &c., when moulded into bullets, to put a company of Yankees to flight. Let them send it forthwith on its patriotic mission.

August 30, 1862, The New York Herald

The public will be relieved this morning on finding that, instead of rebel raids, our troops are gaining victories in front of Washington, and that our government is giving the news in some authentic form. We publish elsewhere the important despatch from Pope, which shows that the plans of the rebels have thus far been circumvented, and that communication between Washington and the old Army of Virginia is open once more.

It will now be seen that after ten days’ retreating, manoeuvring and fighting between Culpepper Court House and Centreville, it is not Pope, but the rebel army, which is in a tight place; for Pope is not in the situation in which McClellan found himself when his right wing was turned by the enemy in front of Richmond — that it, without supports or reinforcements. On the contrary, on the right of Pope, and on the way up from Fredericksburg, is the new Army of the Potomac, under Burnside; while advancing forward from Alexandria is the newly organized Army of Virginia, under McClellan. Burnside is reported to have since joined Pope, and the two forces unitedly have, with great slaughter, cut their way through the rebel ranks and formed a junction with General McClellan.

After the raids of Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee on Catlett station, Bristow and Manassas Junction, Pope, with commendable promptness arranged his army in three divisions, under McDowell, Reno and himself, and advanced on the rebels by three different routes. This movement was a splendid one. On Thursday, the 28th inst., these corps Read more

August 30, 1862, The New York Herald

MANASSAS JUNCTION,

August 28 — 10

August 30, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

On Thursday night quite a stir was observed among the enemy’s vessels blockading our harbor. A single gun was fired, and frequent flashes of gunpowder lit up the darkness. A bright blue light was displayed at the head of the Maffit Channel, another in the Ship Channel, and still another some distance out at sea. On Friday morning, instead of the fourteen blockading vessels which had strung their dark hulks along the horizon on the evening before, only seven were in sight. During the day, however, some of the missing vessels came straggling in and resumed their old position.

August 30, 1862, The New York Herald

The news as far as we have received of the operations in front of Washington is very encouraging. General Pope has sent a despatch from Manassas Junction to Washington, in which he states that finding the rebels were trying to turn his position he divided his command into three columns — one under McDowell, another under Reno, and the third under his own personal command. McDowell was to interpose between the rebel forces that had passed through Thoroughfare gap and the main body at White Plains. This he accomplished successfully. Reno was to move to Greenwich and support McDowell if necessary, while the third column proceeded to Manassas Junction. At Kettle run the last met, fought and routed the rebels, who suffered severely in men, arms and camp materials. Jackson, who had evacuated his position at Manassas Junction, was met six miles west of Centreville by McDowell and Sigel, and a severe fight took place, which was terminated by darkness. Heintzelman was to have moved on to Centreville yesterday morning, with every prospect of completely defeating the rebels.

Later advices state that Generals Burnside and Pope cut their way through the rebel ranks and formed a junction with General McClellan. The rebels were driven from their positions and through the Bull Run mountain passes, with great slaughter, by Generals Hooker, Sumner and Sturgis. They are reported thoroughly routed. A general battle was expected to be fought during yesterday, and we understood that the news, as far as received, is very good.

It is implicitly believed that General McClellan has been placed in the immediate command of the whole Army of Virginia, with General Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac, and General Pope as commander of the Army of the Rappahannock. Although not officially announced, it is reported that General McClellan has assumed the above command.

One of our special correspondents has put us in possession of the plans of the rebels in front of Washington. Jackson, with 35,000 men, was to have marched via Shenandoah river and attack Pope in his rear, while Lee kept him engaged in front and on the right and left flanks. This plan was defeated by the retreat of Pope. Another portion of Jackson’s army was to have passed up the Shenandoah valley and cross the Potomac into Maryland. Doubtless this will be, or perhaps has already been, promptly met, and also defeated.

The arrival of the Manassas, from New Orleans August 22, brings us the intelligence of the preparation of our forces to evacuate Baton Rouge, and the establishment of the State government at New Orleans, under Governor Shepley. Enthusiastic Union meetings had also taken place in the latter city.

Recent advices from our correspondent at Helena, Arkansas, state that Brigadier General Albert Pike, of the rebel army, is under arrest for treason to the rebel government.

August 30, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

On Thursday last, at noon, Corporal GEORGE H. BURGER, of Company E, 1st Regiment, S.C. Artillery, was publicly shot to death, in accordance with the sentence of a Court Martial, for the crime of desertion. The execution took place on the front beach of Sullivan’s Island, some little distance beyond the Moultrie House. Col. REITT’S Regiment, under command of Lieut. Col. DANTZLER, the 1st Regiment of Artillery, commanded by Capt. PRESTON, a part of the 1st Regiment of Infantry, commanded by Capt. BAKER, and the Provost Marshal’s Guard, consisting of detachments from the Charleston Battalion and Col. COLQUITT’S 46th Georgia Regiment, were drawn up in a hollow square to witness the solemn scene.

The Provost Marshal, Lieut. Col. GAILLARD, directed the proceedings of the execution. The condemned man met his fate with composure. He was attended in his last moments by the Right Rev. Bishop LYNCH, with whom he joined in prayer previous to the execution. When the signal was given, BURGER fell, pierced by six balls. His body was buried in the soldiers’ graveyard on the island.

August 30, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

MILLEDGEVILLE, August 22.

To the Editor of the Macon Telegraph: As I find, from general conversation, and from communications addressed to me, that erroneous notions prevail among us to some extent on the subjects of Military Law and Martial Law, and the relations to each other of civil and military jurisprudence, I have jotted down the following remarks on them for your use, if you think they will be of any service at the present time. We had enjoyed so long the blessings of peace, that military matters no longer occupied public attention — had passed nearly into disuse, and were left almost exclusively to the small body of military men immediately affected by them. Hence my apology for venturing to impart information on matters interesting, now, to every individual in our country.

When it becomes necessary for a nation to maintain an army, the security of a nation, the good order and discipline of the army itself, and the relations and duties of the members of the army to each other and to the nation, collectively and individually, indispensably require that a system of laws and rules should be established defining the duties of the army, and providing for their enforcement by appropriate penalties and recognized tribunals. This system of laws is known by the title of military law, and is digested and proclaimed by the supreme legislative authority of the nation, and is as binding within its sphere of operation as the system of civil laws, which adjust the civil rights and obligations of the community in general. The two systems do not conflict, and emanating from the same source, the supreme legislative authority, command equally, in Read more

August 30, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

About half-past three o’clock, on Thursday afternoon, one of the gunboats from the enemy’s fleet off the Bar steamed in towards the shore, and opened fire, first upon the battery at Beach Inlet, and then upon the Beauregard Battery, under command of Major RHETT. The battery replied with spirit for about half an hour, when the gunboat drew off. Another one, however, soon came in to take her place, and renewed the fire upon the battery, which again replied. This latter firing lasted a little over half an hour, when the attacking vessel steamed off, like her predecessor. Although many of the enemy’s shells fell in the neighborhood of the battery, none took effect within it, and no damage whatever was sustained from the fire of the gunboats.

The firing from the battery was remarkably good. We learn that six shots in succession were in the direct line of the ship, some a little short, some a little over. The gun used was a rifled 32-pounder, under the direction of Captain JOHN C. MITHCEL, Jr. The distance of the vessel was about four thousand yards.

August 30, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

We take the following from the Richmond Enquirer:

On Friday last, Major General J.E.B. Stuart crossed Hazel river, at Welford’s Ford, with about three thousand cavalry, and proceeded to Waterloo bridge. From thence the command advanced to Warrenton and waited for the column to close up. The advanced guard was then sent out about five miles, and reported everything quiet. The column again moved forward, and reached within a mile of Catlett’s Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, about dark. The enemy were completely surrounded and surprised, and their whole force, consisting of about five thousand men, were put to flight.

Quartermaster’s and commissary stores, wagons, tents, etc., of the estimated value of five millions of dollars, were destroyed by our troops. They also captured three hundred and sixty-seven prisoners, including seventeen commissioned officers, among whom are one Colonel and three Captains; also General Pope’s two horses, his saddle, bridle, sword, uniform, his servant, and his Quartermaster (Captain Goulding), and the Quartermasters’ horses. Also, $60,000 in specie and Treasury notes, and a mail, containing official letters from General Pope, of the highest importance, which are now in the hands of Gen. Lee.

About 4 o’clock the enemy rallied and made a feeble attack on our columns, but were soon driven off. Gen. Stuart and his command returned to Warrenton Springs on Saturday, with the loss of but two killed and five wounded. The enemy were in full retreat, leaving a small force to try to check the expected advance of our troops. It is supposed they will make a stand at Alexandria. Gen. Stuart was at the head of the Read more

August 30, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

We are pleased to see a decided improvement in the tone of this body, and a disposition to represent the views and feelings of the constituencies.

The abolishment of the rule to go into secret session by a mere seconded motion and the requirement of a majority vote, is an important step in the right direction. We trust the people will now be furnished with a daily insight into the conduct of their representatives, and will be allowed to judge of the wisdom or folly with which their affairs are conducted in this important branch of the Government.

Our readers will perceive, too, a desire to infuse vigor into the different departments of the Government by giving voice to the public opinion of the Southern people in praise and in censure. Hitherto a false delicacy has existed which sacrificed the lives and property of the country, and endangered the cause, to a mawkish sentiment. A Spartan youth, we are told, allowed a fox concealed under his garment to tear out his bowels rather than expose his possession of the animal. We have patiently and without remonstrance submitted to feebleness and incompetency in the highest and most important offices in the government, and consequent worthlessness pervading whole departments. The House, we see, is pushing investigations into prevalent evils and their causes. As one instance of this our readers will perceive that, on a motion to indefinitely postpone Mr. FOOTE’S resolution, that the Hon. S.R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy, does not possess the confidence of Congress or the country, the result of the vote was forty-seven to forty-one. On motion of Mr. MALLORY’S […..] management of naval affairs has been ordered. We trust a white-washing committee is not to be the result, and that Mr. Speaker BOCOCK will appoint men who, in spite of Executive powers or favors, will feel their responsibility to the people and do their duty. Our own impression in this matter is, that, for some time after the formation of the Confederate Government and the beginning of the war, the Administration did not comprehend the necessity of having any navy at all, held the opinion that to build or buy a navy would be a waste of money, or could not be afforded, and had no idea of getting ships and gunboats, until their eyes were opened by emergencies of a very disastrous character. The country is decidedly of opinion that the present Secretary of the Navy has not shown enterprise in getting vessels from abroad, or promptness and energy in employing the resources of the South in procuring what we so much need, and for the want of which we have already suffered so greatly. His latter efforts, we trust, will produce some fruits; but we are very much, and unnecessarily, behind-hand in regard to a navy. We do not now make or even import the engines proper for our naval uses. Let Congress sift these matters through competent men, and expose incapacity. Then the life and vigor proper to a Republican Confederacy will be likely to be developed, and the right men be put in the right places. The people are awake.

by John Beauchamp Jones

AUGUST 29TH.—Bloody fighting is going on at Manassas. All the news is good for us. It appears that Pope, in his consummate egotism, refused to believe that he had been outwitted, and “pitched into” our corps and divisions, believing them to be merely brigades and regiments. He has been terribly cut up.

August 29, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

A very general feeling of uneasiness prevails throughout the country in regard to the supply of shoes and blankets for our soldiers during the approaching winter. The matter is a very serious one and should at once engage the attention of the Government. Last year, when our armies in the field were favored by Providence with a winter of unexampled mildness, and when the measures of the Confederate Government were backed by the strenuous exertions of the States, and by such an outpouring of the contributions of individual patriotism as the world has seldom sees, it is well known that the supplies of clothing were still insufficient for the comfort and health of our troops. If the suffering endured by our soldiers during last winter should again be felt during the next, it would probably be upon a scale of increased and appalling magnitude. But the army and the people look to the Government to prevent it.

There is nothing to hinder the Government from making preparations adequate to the emergency. In the English and French markets, shoes, blankets, and everything needful for the bodily comfort of soldiers can be bought, of good quality and in any quantity. It is only necessary that the Government should buy, and assume the risk of importation. Everybody knows that the risks of the blockade are freely taken by individuals, and that scarcely a week passes that a steamer does not dash into some Southern port. But the cargos of these steamers, instead of being set apart for the use of the army, are pounced upon by war speculators and sharpers, and are of little real benefit either to the people or their defenders. If the Government hopes to clothe its soldiers, it must obtain the clothes abroad in sufficient quantities and import them on its own account.

The subject is too important to be left to the enterprise of private individuals, however exalted their patriotism, or however plethoric their pockets. It is the plain duty of the Government to undertake the ventures; upon a scale commensurate with its wants, and making a liberal allowance for the chances of partial loss. Whatever measures are taken should be taken at once, and no expense should be spared to render them effectual. There is no price that the Confederate States cannot afford to pay, rather than that the health and strength of their soldiers should suffer.

August 29, 1862, Savannah Republican(Georgia)

Among the many things we did not expect to see manufactured in Macon was a handsome and durable article of black enamelled cloth. We are quite aware that attempts to make this article are very numerous, and result in a coarsely daubed cotton canvass, which softens in the sun and rubs off with every abrasion; but the highly polished, soft and durable enamelled cloth, as good as was ever imported, is made in this place by Mr. S. J. Gustin, in large quantities. He is fabricating it into various articles for the army, and it is needless to say the demand is greater than the supply. So of oiled silk! he produces as beautiful an article as was ever seen, and though behind orders, has furnished the medical department of the army with ten thousand yards, and they certify it is equal or superior to the foreign article. Oiled silk is used for protecting wounds from the atmosphere, and represented to be almost indispensable in the army hospitals.—Telegraph.

August 29, 1862, Daily Times (Leavenworth, Kansas)

A Lawrence correspondent of the Democrat says of the noted Cherokee Chief, John Ross:
“John Ross passed through here a few days ago with as many women and children as Brigham Young has in his train. The old chief is a diminutive but well preserved specimen of humanity—a big head on a small body. And his head is a very marked one—an erect and square forehead, eyebrows heavy and shaggy, a pleasant blue eye, as bright as it was forty years ago, a large but ugly nose. If a few of his ample store of dollars were invested in a dental way and the investment chewed upon, John Ross would be able to put a better face on beefsteaks and strangers. He is going East, and if he picks up the Democrat in the cars, he will learn that a man in Kansas thought he had a remarkable head, and suggested that he ought to see a dentist before he sees Brady and gets his phiz into all of our photograph books.

August 29, 1862, Nashville Dispatch (Tennessee)

We have been requested by a number of citizens to call attention of the Provost marshal to the large number of drunken soldiers at all times to be found about the city, creating a disturbance, stealing fruit and committing all kinds of unlawful acts—even interfering with the police in arresting disorderly persons. The matter should be looked into, for portions of the city are in a constant state of excitement.

August 29, 1862, The New York Herald

OUR SPECIAL ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

NEAR MANASSAS JUNCTION, August 27, 1862.

We have had an exciting day of it, as I will relate. The guard at Manassas consisted of about one thousand men, which, with the army a long way in advance, would be considered sufficient to hold it and look out for everything in the neighborhood. We fancied ourselves secure enough, but had not neglected the usual precautions to prevent a surprise.

At ten o’clock this forenoon the random firing of our pickets gave warning that something was wrong, and but a few minutes elapsed before they came running in, closely followed by cavalry, which we at once recognized to be anything but friends. Not knowing the force we were attacked by, and having no means of discovering, retreat became the order of the day, and excellent time was made on our side.

The surprise, or rather the approach, was so sudden that no defence could be made. As it was, our retreat was not quick enough; for the rebel cavalry succeeded in capturing a number of men, and committing any amount of depredations. Our force was composed of new recruits, and it could be hardly expected they should show front to an enemy that were unknown in force. Our people fell back some seven miles, where another guard was stationed, who succeeded in stopping the retreat until the enemy’s force was known.

It was afterwards discovered that the force which attacked us was a regiment of Stuart’s cavalry, under Fitzhugh Lee, about eight hundred strong. After they had driven us from our position, they proceeded to destroy three or four trains of empty cars which were at the junction, and they succeeded in accomplishing their object, besides which they destroyed everything of value they could find in the neighborhood.

As soon as their work was completed they proceeded to enjoy themselves, the secession females of the neighborhood having provided an entertainment for them. While they were discussing the good things, many of our men who had been taken prisoners managed to escape, and from them we learned the force and character of the enemy.

Now that the horse is out of the stable, General Halleck proceeds to lock the door, by ordering a force to Manassas that will be able to protect the point and prevent in future any more visits of a similar nature.

The rebel cavalry are smart fellows — great on the dash — here to-day and there to-morrow. One never knows where to expect them next. They are teaching us lessons in energy and what can be accomplished by rapid movements. Being apt scholars, we shall soon learn, and their lessons will not be thrown away; for we shall play the same game ere long, when they least expect it.

It is impossible to describe all the particulars of this affair. That it was disgraceful no one can gainsay. Further information from the field by those who have seen more of it may better the affair; but we think not.

Our men who retreated say that there were fully five thousand rebels making the attack; but this is all say—nothing more. Those who were in the enemy’s hands, and afterwards escaped, are the best able to judge, and they all declare that the force was all cavalry, and did not exceed eight hundred or a thousand men.

The only mystery is how they got there. No one appears to be able to solve the question. With our army in advance, how did this band of marauders manage to get between it and Washington? If affairs of this kind can be managed by the rebels two or three times a week, we may indeed feel shaky as to the final result. We cannot afford, as Yankees, to be outwitted in this manner more than two or three times.

It can hardly be possible that the rebels are in force beyond Warrenton. They may be, however, for they possess the means to move large masses of men, and subsist them quicker and better than we do. Can this cavalry attack be the forerunner of an attack in force from that direction? We hardly know what to think, much less say, and must quietly wait for something else to turn up before we can form an opinion.

We had news from the front prior to this raid up to last evening, and some very interesting intelligence. On the night of the 25th Colonel Rosse, of California, not yet assigned a command, but who led the Twenty-eighth regiment after the death of Colonel Donelly, swam the Rappahannock with a small party of men, and penetrated the enemy’s lines to within a hundred yards of General Lee’s headquarters. He was compelled to cut his way back, without any killed, but had several wounded, himself among the number. He reports several batteries of light artillery in position, having passed them as he forced his way to the river. At the point at which he crossed the enemy were in force, say from six to ten thousand.

We occupy the north bank of the Rappahannock, and the enemy may attempt to cross it, if he chooses; but we doubt, from all that we learn, if he will make the attempt. It is said that he does not appear in any great force on the south side, and that the opinion prevails he has retreated on Gordonsville. Does this report sound well? Is it a good omen that no enemy is to be seen in front? Is it possible that he has retreated when we have a strong cavalry attack in the rear? Does it not seem more probable that we may hear of him next on our flank or in our rear?

After the affair of this morning we may expect a visit from the devils in any direction. If they were to drop from the skies it would not surprise us, even if they came without wings.

It is hoped among us that some movement will be made before long whereby the current can be turned that is now running against us. We must have a victory soon, and without the aid of gunboats, that will have a telling effect, or European opinion will be stronger than ever against us, and the rebels will have it all their own way with foreign governments.

I had almost forgotten to mention the dashing affair of General Sigel the other day, whereby he bagged eight hundred rebels. Two hundred escaped, however, on account of heavy reinforcements coming up for the rebels, preventing sufficient guard being placed over them. The General waited very quietly until they ran into the trap, when he sprang it, securing the lot.

It cannot be many days before news of the most important character will be forwarded from about this point. A tremendous battle is about to be fought, exactly where no one can tell; but it cannot be many miles distant from the point at which I am penning this letter. It will be a battle that all others fought on this continent will sink into insignificance in comparison with, and may decide the war. I am hopeful. I know our strength, the spirit of our troops, the capacity of our leaders; and I believe that we are to be successful. The army we have not far from where I stand is second to none in the world, and, man for man, they cannot be whipped, nor do I believe they can with three to two against them.

Our veteran troops are now in the van. The new troops and those who have been a few months in the field occupy a less important position. A front such as we have cannot be broken, and when the enemy find this out, and move the other way, I am confident there will be no stop until we are in Richmond.

August 29, 1862, Nashville Dispatch (Tennessee)

Quite a romantic scene occurred in the Recorder’s Court yesterday morning, in connection with a young woman named Ellen Quinn, who was arrested on Wednesday evening, for being drunk and disorderly. The witnesses against her were Belle Fulcher and Mollie Bradley, the former of whom was fined $5 for disturbing the Court after being told to cease talking. Ellen was fined $14. She was willing to plead guilty, and threw herself upon the mercy of the Court, promising never again to appear before the Court as a criminal. Ellen is the young woman who was arrested some months ago for being dressed in male attire. She is a native of Ohio, and was among the earliest volunteers from that State. She preserved her disguise for several moths, when her sex was accidentally discovered. She then left the army. But her love of romance and adventure prevented her remaining long in the charms of crinoline, and she soon joined another Ohio regiment, with which she came to Nashville, and afterwards went farther South. In April she returned to Nashville, and her disguise was shortly thereafter discovered, when she was arrested and placed in the work-house in charge of Mr. J. Q. Dodd. Here she remained until about six weeks ago, when she was permitted to depart. She was a stranger in town, and knew not where to go or what to do for food and shelter. Under such circumstances, distressing and embarrassing as they were, she very naturally applied to some soldiers for advice. One of them took her under his especial care, and promised to have her wants attended to, and to procure lodging for her until she could be sent home. He took her to a house of disreputable character, where she continued until Wednesday last; but she has not yet lost all feeling of shame. Her tears seemed to indicate that she may yet be reclaimed, if proper steps be taken to accomplish so desirable an object. We commend her case to the military authorities here, and hope they will render her such speedy assistance as will prevent the necessity of her returning to her former habits.

August 29, 1862, The New York Herald

The most important intelligence from the army is the recent cavalry raid of the enemy on Manassas Junction and Bristow Station on Tuesday evening. The troops engaged numbered, according to all accounts, nearly two thousand men, and were a portion of Colonel Fitzhugh Lee’s forces, which made the attack on Catlett’s station a few days previous. The attack appears to have been first made on a train of cars at Bristow, about four and a half miles west of Manassas; but the train putting on extra speed escaped. The rebel cavalry then made a dash on Manassas, where they were partially checked by the Eleventh New York battery. The resistance, though gallant, was ineffectual, and the rebels destroyed everything within their reach — the railroad track, the cars, the telegraph wires and all the government stores and buildings. The place appeared to have been undefended save by three or four companies of infantry and the single battery of undisciplined troops who were unable to make any defence. It would seem, from the intelligence stated on the credit of the Baltimore American and the National Intelligencer, that this affair is something more than a mere raid. For instance, the former journal announced on the 27th, the large numbers of rebel troops were then marching on Mansassas after making a successful dash on the Union troops in the town of Waterford. The Intelligencer confirms this statement, and says that at the latest accounts (yesterday morning) fighting was still going on at Manassas, and that large bodies of our troops were going out there. This surprise reflects disgrace somewhere, and argues gross carelessness in leaving this important position unprotected. In order that our readers may comprehend more fully the nature of this movement, we give in another column a map of the locality.

We learn from Louisville, Ky., that the rebels, 1,800 strong, under Morgan, came into collision with General Johnson, near Gallatin, on the 21st, and compelled his force of 700 Read more

Next Page →

• 
  
  

• Spam Blocked

  373,199 spam comments

  blocked by
  Akismet

• Fort Sumter and Charleston Webcam

  

  Check out the Historic Charleston & Fort Sumter 360° Zoom, Pan & Tilt Webcam

•  

  August 1862

  S	M	T	W	T	F	S
  « Jul				Sep »
  					1	2
  3	4	5	6	7	8	9
  10	11	12	13	14	15	16
  17	18	19	20	21	22	23
  24	25	26	27	28	29	30
  31

• Archives

  Select Month September 2008  (32) August 2008  (31) July 2008  (31) June 2008  (50) May 2008  (52) April 2008  (58) March 2008  (63) February 2008  (53) January 2008  (51) December 2007  (53) November 2007  (59) October 2007  (54) September 2007  (48) August 2007  (54) July 2007  (121) June 2007  (366) May 2007  (347) April 2007  (328) March 2007  (211) June 1863  (1) May 1863  (4) March 1863  (13) February 1863  (193) January 1863  (82) December 1862  (31) November 1862  (50) October 1862  (439) September 1862  (557) August 1862  (233) July 1862  (327) June 1862  (294) May 1862  (316) April 1862  (45) March 1862  (63) February 1862  (46) January 1862  (64) December 1861  (64) November 1861  (61) October 1861  (33) September 1861  (31) August 1861  (33) July 1861  (34) June 1861  (33) May 1861  (38) April 1861  (213) March 1861  (194) February 1861  (186) January 1861  (196) December 1860  (2) 0  (2)

• Feeds and Admin

  • Login
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org

• Categories

  • A Soldier’s Story of the Siege of Vicksburg (63)
  • Administrivia (7)
  • Blogroll (1)
  • Civil War (5925)
  • Diary of a Yankee in the Patent Office (368)
  • Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy (333)
  • Rebel War Clerk's Diary (1225)
  • War Diary of a Union Woman in the South (85)

• Administrivia

  • Privacy Policy

• Interesting History Related Blogs

  • American Heroes’ Memorial
  • Civil War Bookshelf
  • The Blog of Henry David Thoreau
  • Mason-Dixon Wild West

• Sites I check

  • CW Interative’s - This Week in the Blogs