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February 25, 1863, The New York Herald

The most important news from the Southwest today is the reported capture of the Union ram Queen of the West, whose gallant exploits in running the blockade at Vicksburg are already known to our readers. She is said to have been captured under Fort Taylor, at Gordon’s Landing, on the Red river — the pilot, who was taken off the rebel steamer Eva, having treacherously ran her within range of the guns while asserting that the fort was fifteen miles away. Her steam pipe was knocked off, and she was otherwise so disabled that she drifted to the opposite shore, and all of the crew except thirteen escaped. The boat and the rest of the hands fell into the power of the rebels. The rebel official reports and the comments of the Southern journals upon the affair are published in another column.

Reports from Louisville yesterday described the invasion of Kentucky by the rebels as being of a very extensive and alarming character. They were said to be threatening Lexington, Frankfort, Danville and even Louisville itself. Gen. Longstreet was reported to be in command. These rumors, however, are denied by some of the Louisville journals. No facts concerning them have reached the headquarters of the Union army, and the latest despatches pronounce them absolutely false.

The rebel papers are compelled to admit that the story of breaking the blockade at Charleston was a gross exaggeration. The Weekly Enquirer, of Richmond, for example, says that […..] Southern confederacy has lately been made the dupe of a notable imposition. It was said, printed, echoed and reverberated over the land that on a certain night our two iron-clad vessels at Charleston had sunk two, disabled one and disposed of the rest of the blockading squadron off Charleston harbor. Now we learn with pain and certainty that no ship was sunk, none disabled and no damage, in short, was done to the blockading squadron, which, consisting of wooden ships only, avoided a fight with our iron-clads, and most judiciously, until they brought up iron-clads of their own, which they immediately did.”

The story which reaches us from Europe relative to the presence of a rebel privateer scouring the waters of the Indian Ocean is manifestly a canard. It resolves itself into the simple fact, as related by the Calcutta Englishman, that the bark Selim, Captain Simpson, inward bound from Melbourne, saw off Keeling’s Island, near the Straits of Sunda, to the southward of the equinoctial line, a large black man-of-war steamer lying to under three topsails, jib and spanker (no steam up, but funnel shut up as a telescope). When she sighted the Selim she bore away for her under all canvas, and when sufficiently near to make out the English flag rounded to again under small canvas, and showed what the captain of the Selim says has been described to him as, and which he had no doubt of being, the Confederate flag. This is about the entire story.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

Tuesday Feb. 24th 1863

Pleasant overhead and snow and water under foot and freezing tonight. Went down to Addis Photograph Gallery this morning and sat for my picture. Julia insists upon having my Photograph in her Album. Capt Henry Androus of 17th Mich called on me today. He is a fine looking officer, has been in five or six Battles and not been wounded. He has been home and is now on his way to join his Reg’t in “front.” Called at Maj Williams this evening. Mrs W. is getting much better and is now up all day. Was in to Willards an hour talking with friends. Just before nine, I called at Doct Munsons from whence I did not make my escape till eleven. They had a room full of Company as usual. The three Albany ladies are still there, had a long conversation with Mrs Pruyn discussing Morals and Religion. We agreed in the main, especialy upon the point, that Society is responsible for the Morals of the Community, and that it is Society, the public, that is to blame and guilty of most of the crimes Committed, at least partakers of the guilt. I wrote to Wife today, sent Julia two more Photographs, Genl Havelocks and Henry Androus. I think her Album must be full by this time. I have tonight written a letter to Sis Northam in answer to hers of yesterday.

by John Beauchamp Jones

FEBRUARY 24TH.—Gen. Longstreet is now in command of Gen. Smith’s late department, besides his own corps. Richmond is safe.

Our papers contain a most astonishing speech purporting to have been delivered by Mr. Conway, in the United States Congress.

Mr. C. is from Kansas, that hot-bed of Abolitionism. He is an avowed Abolitionist; and yet he advocates an immediate suspension of hostilities, or at least that the Federal armies and fleets be ordered to act on the defensive; that the independence of the Confederate States be recognized, upon the basis of a similar tariff; free-trade between the North and South; free navigation of the Mississippi, and co-operation in the maintenance of the Monroe doctrine. I like the indications apparent in this speech. Let us have a suspension of hostilities, and then we can have leisure to think of the rest. No doubt the peace party is growing rapidly in the United States; and it may be possible that the Republicans mean to beat the Democrats in the race, by going beyond them on the Southern question. The Democrats are for peace and Union; the Republicans may resolve to advocate not only peace, but secession.

by Gideon Welles

February 24, Tuesday. At the Cabinet-meeting the President expressed uneasiness at the rumor which he had just heard that the Queen of the West was captured. Told him what I heard yesterday from General Halleck. Stanton said he wholly discredited the story, but went and got the dispatches. On reading them, my apprehensions were increased. The President called on me later in the day, and we both came to the conclusion that the boat was lost to us.

February 24, 1863, The New York Herald

As we announced a few days ago, the mortar boats of the expedition against Vicksburg were towed into position on the 18th inst.; and we now learn by despatches from Memphis that they opened fire upon the city on that day, which was answered by the rebel batteries, three in number. The position of the gunboats was found to be too much exposed to the fire of the enemy, and they accordingly withdrew to a safer place, from which they renewed the bombardment. The result of this initiatory attack upon Vicksburg is not reported; but the fact that it has fairly commenced prepares us for news of a lively time around the great rebel stronghold in the Southwest.

General Hooker visited Washington yesterday. There is no news from his army on the Rappahannock later than that already published. The snow storm there was very heavy, and will keep the roads in an impassable condition for many days to come.

From the West we do not receive any intelligence further than the movements of our gunboats at Vicksburg above referred to. The army of General Rosecrans appears to be taking no decisive action for the past few days.

Our news from the South today indicates that the rebels are inclined to stake their last chance upon the approaching attack upon Charleston, which they declare to be impregnable. The blow that is about to fall, says The Charleston Mercury, “may be the last we shall receive in the struggle for our independence, but it will be dealt with the strength of despair. The foe comes with the avowed purpose to sack our homes and plough our streets with his round shot; and, should his power prove equal to his malice, that will be no empty threat. We are ready for the ordeal.” They threaten us with their matchless little squadron of iron clads, which are about to obtain the long desired opportunity of encountering the “Yankee” vessels. The Southern journals also anticipate an immediate assault by our forces upon Savannah and Vicksburg, and they talk very confidently, of course, about the capacity of the rebels to defend them.

The Richmond Examiner says that the greater portions of General Hooker’s army, 25,000 in number, are now in Fortress Monroe, Suffolk and Newport News. The policy of Louis Napoleon is treated by the same journal with distrust Read more

February 24, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

A very few months — perhaps weeks — will settle the question of a continued war or peace. Our cause is stronger than it ever was with the nations of Europe, and the pressure of their sufferings and interests upon their Governments is greater. All around, the elements of peace seem to be gathering strength. Internally and externally, the United States Government appears to be falling into imbecility and contempt. By May three hundred thousand of their army have a right to be disbanded by the terms of their enlistment; and the desperate expedient of arming the slaves of the Confederate States. As an acknowledgment of weakness, and as a policy of strength, this expedient will prove to be highly advantageous to peace and to the Confederate States, It will raise up and energize the party for peace in the United States, who see that it must be arrested, or all hopes of reconstruction, which they are aiming to accomplish, must fail; whilst it will increase the hate and desperation of the Confederate States. If we can hold our own at Vicksburg, Charleston and Tullahoma, for the next three months, it appears to us there must be peace.

At Vicksburg there appears to be a force adequate to the defence. Of Charleston we will not speak. But for our army at Murfreesboro‘, […..] we are to enforce the Conscription Law in the Western States has left our armies in that section of the Confederacy in great danger from insufficient numbers. The demoralization of the armies of our enemies, and their consequent laggardism, may yet give us time to raise sufficient troops; but there cannot be a doubt of the danger we incur from this cause. On our own coast, if no effort is made to take Charleston or Savannah in ten day’s time, we doubt if any effort will be made at all.

All the conflicts on our coast hitherto have proved our preparation, and the skill and courage of our troops. The troops which fought the battles of Secessionville and Pocotaligo, and who took Fort Sumter, are on the ground they have rendered illustrious. Other forces are with them, as eager as they to meet another effort to conquer South Carolina, or to take the City of Charleston. Nothing but the most assured conviction of their success will ever tempt the Yankee army to come off of our islands, and give us an opportunity to meet them in open field on the main land. They will not now fight as they did formerly. They have armed a portion of our slaves to destroy us; and however weak and futile this expedient of Read more

by Gideon Welles

February 23, Monday. General Halleck informs me there is a rumor via Richmond that the steamer Queen of the West has been captured. He doubts its truth. I fear it may be so.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

Washington Monday Feb 23rd 1863

A cold winters day, but thawing in the sun. Some faint attempts at sleighing in the streets and some jingling of bells which sounds like old times. The like has not been heard here for the past two or three years. But the snow will all be gone in a day or two and then it will be mud. The dearth of news still continues. Nothing from the armies today. Genl Hooker is in town tonight perhaps concocting some scheme to bring the rebels to grief. I think the weather for the past two or three days has been severe enough to bring his own army to “grief.” But I have great faith in Hooker. I have spent most of the evening with Genl Havelock at his room. He gave me his “cart de visite” for Julia and showed me his Medals and his Commission from the Sultan, presented in a silk bag with a large Medal. Took wine with him and sat and conversed for two hours. Capt Thornett called with me. Rcd a letter from my dear Sister Harriet Northam, which gave me much pleasure. Also rcd one from Home & from “Willie.” Sent ten photographs by mail to Julia, postage two cents. Shall be glad if they arrive in safty. Business dull in the office, plenty of time to read and write letters. Spent an hour at Charleys after I left the office, baby improves every day.

by John Beauchamp Jones

FEBRUARY 23D.—I saw a letter from Gen. Lee to day, suggesting to the government on appeal to the Governors of the States to aid more directly in recruiting the armies. He says the people habitually expect too much from the troops now in the field; that because we have gained many victories, it does not follow that we shall always gain them; that the legitimate fruits of victory have hitherto been lost, for the want of numbers on our side; and, finally, that all those who fail to go to the field at such a momentous period as this, are guilty of the blood of the brave soldiers who perish in the effort to achieve independence.

This would be contrary to the “rules and regulations” as understood by the Adjutant and Inspector-General (a Northern man), and no doubt the Secretary of War and the President will reject the plan.

The petition of forty members of Congress in my behalf came from Mr. Seddon, the Secretary, to our bureau to-day. He asks the superintendent if there is a necessity for such an officer, one whose rank is equal to that of a commandant of a camp of instruction. He says important services only should require the appointment of such an officer. Well, Gen. Rains recommended it. I know not whether he can say more. I shall not get it, for Congress has but little influence, just now.

February 23, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The Confederate States want nothing but their rights under the laws of nations at the hands of European Powers. They object decidedly to any kind of armed intervention, having in view a compulsory peace on terms dictated from Europe. Any settlement of the war must be of their own arranging, without foreign dictation, and free from coercion after the precedents of Greece and Belgium. We wish no interference which may involve either our boundaries or our institutions, or our free trade policies. These matters are our own, with which it is the business of none to meddle, and with which no outsiders can meddle without injuring us. All we ask is justice according to national law. Receiving this at the hands of the nations of Europe, we are quite capable of achieving our own destiny, and of readily establishing peaceful relations with the United States by treaty, and creating such relations with our European neighbors as will be redound greatly to the mutual interest and prosperity of ourselves and them.

The discrimination made abroad between the two Powers engaged in this war in America, by which the sovereignty of the rump United States is recognized, and that of the Confederate States practically denied, is unjust. We desire intervention to the extent of correcting this injustice, according to law and usage.

The acquiescence in a paper blockade of the Confederate coast, contrary to the law of blockade, which the Powers of Europe solemnly agreed to in 1856, and which they successfully proposed to the Confederate States, is unjust. We desire intervention to the extent of correcting this injustice by the law laid down and unmistakably plain.

The prohibition of Confederate cruisers from carrying their prizes into the ports of European nations, under a profession of impartiality between acknowledged belligerents, operating only to protect Yankee commerce and to cripple the Confederate navy, is unjust. We desire intervention to the extent of correcting this injustice according to national law and custom.

Action, in these particulars, will suffice to give us fair play and allow free scope to the operation of our great resources and power. It will amply suffice to close the war with the Yankees. We repeat, the Confederate States want no such intervention as that discussed in England. The Emperor NAPOLEON appears to have much more correct views concerning this matter.

February 23, 1863, The New York Herald

The significant special advices from Washington which we published yesterday, in reference to Mr. Seward’s late peace proposition to the French government, involve considerations of too much importance to be lightly passed over. What is this peace proposition? Mr. Seward, in his despatch to Mr. Dayton, our Minister at Paris, dated February 6, after emphatically dismissing the recommendations of France for a peace conference in some neutral country, between delegates from the two parties involved in this war, says:

On the other hand, the Congress of the United States furnishes a constitutional forum for debates between the alienated parties. Senators and Representatives from the loyal people are there already, fully empowered to confer. And seats are also vacant and inviting the Senators and Representatives 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 organized on the plan of Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, 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 between the alienated parties may be said to have already begun. Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri — States which are claimed by the insurgents — are already represented in Congress, 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. Representatives 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 Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, viz: That while accession to the latter would bring the government into concurrence with the insurgents in disregarding and setting aside an important part of the constitution of the United States, and so would be of pernicious example, the Congressional conference, on the contrary, preserves and gives new strength to that sacred instrument, which must continue through future ages the sheet anchor of the republic.

Now, it is altogether probable that the idea, and the only idea, here intended to be conveyed to the French government is that European mediation is inadmissible in any form, as there can be no accommodation, no peace with our rebellious States, short of their absolute submission to the Union. This conclusion inevitably attached itself to the required return Read more

February 23, 1863, The New York Herald

Owing, no doubt, to the severe snow storm which raged yesterday, our news from the Army of the Potomac and from the West did not reach us. It is probable, however, that no movements have taken place in either direction. From Fortress Monroe we learn that the flag of Truce boat which arrived there on the 20th instant, brought down between two and three hundred Union prisoners who had been exchanged. The Richmond Enquirer of the 20th instant tells of an advance of the Union army in Middle Tennessee, but its reports are so vague as not to be worth much credit. The Texas journals complain of the invasion of the border counties of that State by Mexican banditti, some of the fighting under the United States flag.

February 23, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The Yankee gunboat Flambeau, of the blockading squadron, steamed in towards Sullivan’s Island about ten o’clock on Saturday morning, displaying a white flag at the foremast’s head. The unusual incident for a time gave rise to much speculations among the wondermongers in the city; but a boat from Fort Sumter having boarded the Flambeau, her mission was ascertained to relate to nothing more important than the delivery of some letters, etc., unless, indeed, her commander desired a closer view of our defences. The letters were chiefly for the officers of the captured gunboat Isaac P. Smith; but among them, we understand, was one from Lord LYONS to the commander of the British war steamer Petrel, containing instructions for that vessel to repair immediately to Washington. The Petrel will accordingly leave this morning. From this movement of the Petrel, some infer that the intended demonstration against Charleston has, for some cause, been postponed.

The Flambeau, after delivering the letters, returned immediately to the fleet.

by Gideon Welles

February 22, Sunday. A severe snowstorm. Did not venture abroad. Had a call from Dahlgren, who is very grateful that he is named for admiral. Told him to thank the President, who had made it a specialty; that I did not advise it. He called with reference to a written promise the President had given one Dillon for $150,000 provided a newly invented gunpowder should prove effective. I warned Dahlgren that these irregular proceedings would involve himself and others in difficulty; that the President had no authority for it; that there was no appropriation in our Department from which this sum could be paid; that he ought certainly to know, and the President should understand, that we could not divert funds from their legitimate appropriation. I cautioned him, as I have had occasion to do repeatedly, against encouraging the President in these well-intentioned but irregular proceedings. He assures me he does restrain the President as far as respect will permit, but his “restraints” are impotent, valueless. He is no check on the President, who has a propensity to engage in matters of this kind, and is liable to be constantly imposed upon by sharpers and adventurers. Finding the heads of Departments opposed to these schemes, the President goes often behind them, as in this instance; and subordinates, flattered by his notice, encourage him. In this instance, Dahlgren says it is the President’s act, that he is responsible, that there is his written promise, that it is not my act nor his (D.’s).

Something was said to me some days since in regard to the great secret of this man Dillon, but I gave it no attention, did not like the manner, etc. So it was, I apprehend, with the War Department; and then Dillon went to the President with his secret, which I apprehend is no secret.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

Sunday Feb 22nd 1863.

Another severe Snow Storm. All day long has it fell and tonight it is deeper than it has been before this winter and it is cold and freezing. Bitter weather for the poor soldiers in the field, as well as for the poor horses in the service. I have not been to church nor hardly out of the house today, have been reading and writing most of the day. Capt Thornett has spent an hour or so in my room, he has given me a little of his history. He is a man near forty and has been a long time in the British Army. Served in India and through the Crimean War. His Father was a Naval officer, his Mother is still living in “Kent,” spends half the year in France with a daughter. At the age of 16 she was in Brussels during the Battle of Waterloo and was at the Celebrated Ball described by Byron, “There was a sound of revelry at night.” I obtained the Sunday morning Chronicle but there is no news. We are waiting, waiting. We must have Victories. I shall be much disappointed and pained if we do not. It seems now as tho a defeat would be ruin to us. Vicksburg, Savannah, Charleston & Wilmington are all invested by our troops. Rosecrans has 100,000 men in Tenn. and Hooker must have near that number near Fredericksburgh V.A. O for pleasant dry weather, and good roads.

by John Beauchamp Jones

FEBRUARY 22D. —This is the anniversary of the birth of Washington, and of the inauguration of President Davis, upon the installation of the permanent government of the Confederate States. It is the ugliest day I ever saw. Snow fell all night, and was falling fast all day, with a northwest wind howling furiously. The snow is now nearly a foot deep, and the weather very cold.

My communication to the President, proposing an appeal to the people to furnish the army with meat and clothing (voluntary contributions), was transmitted to the Secretary of War yesterday, without remark, other than the simple reference. The plan will not be adopted, in all probability, for the Secretary will consult the Commissary and Quartermaster-General, and they will oppose any interference with the business of their departments. Red tape will win the day, even if our cause be lost. Oar soldiers must be fed and clothed according to the “rules and regulations,” or suffer and perish for the want of food and clothing!

I have some curiosity to learn what the President has indorsed, or may indorse, on the paper sent him by Mr. Lyons, signed by half the members of Congress. Will he simply refer it to the Secretary? Then what will the Secretary do? My friends in Congress will likewise be curious to learn the result.

February 22, 1863, The New York Herald

The defence which General McDowell read before the court of inquiry at Washington is a paper too voluminous for our columns. Yet it contains points of great interest, to which we desire to advert.

As far as the charges against General McDowell are concerned, we think he has been completely successful in refuting them. He was accused of […..], disloyalty and treason.” As to the first charge, he has shown that he has never drank anything stronger than water; and as to the alleged disloyalty and treason, there was not a shadow of proof produced to substantiate those cruel charges so flippantly made by the abolitionists. The outcry raised against him in the Senate by Mr. Wade and in the republican journals, about protecting rebel property while he was in command of the Army of the Rappahannock, is demonstrated to be without any foundation to rest upon. The charges of Sigel, too, about his permitting Longstreet to pass through Thoroughfare Gap, and about his failure to play his proper part in the second battle of Bull run — charges reiterated in all the radical journals — have fallen to the ground, and recoiled upon the heads of their authors, the same men who, by their to “To Richmond” clamor, caused him to lose the first battle of Bull run, by goading the administration to order him to make the attack before his raw troops were sufficiently drilled and disciplined for offensive operations.

But the weightiest charge made against him was that he obtained the separation of his corps from the army of McClellan, and willfully defeated the peninsular campaign by refusing to cooperate with that general in the advance upon Richmond. The testimony proves exactly the contrary: that he never sought to have an independent command, and that he did his utmost to effect a junction with McClellan, but was prevented by positive written orders from the War Department, which he produced before the court. General McClellan and General Hitchcock, of the War Department, both equally acquit McDowell of any responsibility in failing to join the Army of the Potomac. On the 24th of April he received at Falmouth a despatch from the War Department, dated April 30, telling him that […..] can occupy Fredericksburg with such force as in his judgment may be necessary to hold it for defensive purposes, but not with a view to make a forward movement.”

Meantime, McDowell, with the aid of his troops and the trees cut down by them, rebuilt the railroad bridge over the Read more

February 22, 1863, The New York Herald

There is no news today from the Army of the Potomac. From the South we have an interesting commentary upon the diplomatic correspondence of M. Orouyn de Lhuys and Mr. Seward in the Richmond papers. The plans of the French Minister for mediation and peace are pretty roughly handled; in fact, they are rather uncivilly declined, the Emperor himself is somewhat snubbed, and Mr. Seward’s letter to the French Minister is described as the sublimity of insolence. The Southern confederacy, we are told, needs no commissioners to settle the difficulty, either of French or any other suggestions; the commissioners already exist in the persons of Generals Lee, Beauregard, Longstreet, Jackson and Joe Johnston.

The Richmond Enquirer says that the Union forces of General Jeff. C. Davis were encountered and dispersed by the rebel General Forrest at Franklin on the 17th inst.

Captain Hutchinson, of schooner Olive Hayward, arrived yesterday morning from Curacoa, reports that on the 10th instant, when in latitude 26, longitude 64 41, he saw the rebel privateer Retribution, which chased his vessel for three hours, but being to windward of the Retribution he escaped by outsailing her.

A letter from an officer of schooner Miranda, of New Haven, after giving an account of the recent depredations of the Alabama, states that the Alabama arrived in St. Domingo on the 28th ultimo, at six P.M., and left the following morning, steering for the Mona Passage. The Miranda sailed the following morning for Mayaguez, and arrived safely in Porto Rico, after being in the Passage two days.

A special meeting of the Chamber of commerce was held yesterday. There was a large attendance. The depredations of the Alabama were the principal subject of discussion. Memorials were adopted calling on Congress to pass the bill empowering the President to issue letters of marque and reprisal, on the issuance of which authority the Chamber has before it the propriety of fitting out volunteer vessels to capture the Alabama and other rebel cruisers. Resolutions were also adopted calling on the government to occupy, by an armed force, the Texan borders contiguous to Mexico, through which latter country an important contraband trade is carried on for the relief of the rebels. Also resolutions in favor of the construction by the government of an oceanic and coastline of telegraph from Galveston to Fortress Monroe and Washington. A full report of the proceedings will be found in another column.

by John Beauchamp Jones

FEBRUARY 21ST.—Major-Gen. Hood’s division passed through the city today, and crossed over the river. I hope an attack will be made at Suffolk. It is too menacing a position to allow the invader to occupy it longer.

No attack on Charleston yet, and there is a rumor that the command of the expedition is disputed by Foster and Hunter. If it hangs fire, it will be sure to miss the mark.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

Washington Saturday Feb. 21st 1863.

It was a mild pleasant morning but is quite cold tonight with indications of more snow. In the office all day as usual. Not much to do, read the news papers and old “Pepys Diary” about half the day, left him in the midst of the “great Plague in London” summer of 1664, more than a thousand per day dying of it. When it first broke out in a house, the House was closed and a red cross was Marked upon the door, and “The Lord have Mercy on us” written under it. He was an Educated man but like every body else at that time was realy ignorant and believed in charms. He was silly enough to carry a hares foot in his pocket to protect himself from the cholic to which complaint he was subject. I have been this evening to hear Mrs Swishelm Lecture upon the Indian Murders in Minnesota last summer. She is a small delicate looking woman. She has been a very beautiful woman and may still be called beautiful for a lady over 40 or 45 yrs. She had a crowded House and her lecture was fine and quite characteristic of the woman. It had many very fine hits in it at rebels of the South and sympathisers at the North as well as at the “Noble Indian” “as the puling sentimentalists of East call him.” She was frequently applauded and sometimes most vociferously. I took a walk on the Ave after leaving the office before dinner. The Ave seemed to be more crowded than ever. The “Currency Bill” pass the “house” last night, good so far.

February 21, 1863, The New York Herald

Our news from the Southwest indicates the approach of stirring events. The Union troops are now in view of the city of Vicksburg, and the mortar boats were towed down and ready for action yesterday. A barge containing seven thousand bushels of coal followed the example of the ram Queen of the West, and run the blockade at Vicksburg on Saturday night, passing harmlessly through in the dark. The gunboat Conestoga destroyed Bolivar Landing, a scattered village fifty miles above Memphis. The river is rapidly overflowing its banks on the Louisiana side to such an extent that the little town of DeSoto, opposite Vicksburg, is now nearly under water, and it is thought that the whole peninsula will ere long be submerged. The Queen of the West has gone up Red river on the hunt for rebel boats supposed to be lying there.

There is no news from the Army on the Rappahannock today. Everything remains quiet in that direction. Our intelligence from New Orleans, by the steamers General McClellan and George Cromwell, which arrived yesterday, is very interesting. Great fears are expressed of a crevasse, which would inundate the Crescent City and destroy a great amount of lives and property. The Delta newspaper had been suppressed by General Banks, but it was to be issued again by new editors, under the name of the Era. Our correspondence, with the General Orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the Department, will be found full of interest. The news from Havana and Mexico, brought by the steamship Eagle, which arrived here yesterday, does not represent any improvement in the condition of the French army in Mexico. On the contrary, it seems that the invaders are suffering severely from disease and the continual vigilance of the irregular soldiers of that republic. Our Havana correspondent gives a very impartial review of the facts; but from all that can be gathered, it seems that until General Forey receives strong reinforcements he will not be able to storm the Mexican intrenched works at Puebla. On the occasion of the great fight at Tampico, already reported in our columns, several vessels and rifled cannon fell into the hands of the Mexicans. Almonte had issued a new proclamation. The news from Havana is full of interest, containing, as it does, some Spanish comments on Southern independence.

Our correspondent in the Bahamas, dating at Nassau, N.P., on the 16th of February, informs us that the law officer of the British Crown had prosecuted some local pilots for taking Unites States gunboats over the banks of the Bahamas, and that the parties were convicted and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. The report of the loss of the Oreto had Read more

February 21, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The recent daring adventure of the scout, J.J. MAGEE, and his comrades R.F. GELSTON, BARTON WELLS and R.O. REYNOLDS, deserves more detailed mention than our brief notice of last Saturday morning, and we have been at some pains to gather the particulars. The party, in a small canoe, made a landing on Hilton Head Island on Wednesday night, about 9 oclock — WELLS and REYNOLDS remaining with the boat in a safe retreat, while MAGEE and GELSTON secreted themselves in a thicket to await daylight for the accomplishment of their purpose, which was no less than to capture a Yankee, with the view of eliciting information of the recent movements of the enemy’s forces. Daybreak revealed to them their situation, which appeared to be a very exposed one — the wood scarcely affording sufficient protection to conceal them in a crouching position. They found, too, that they were within a hundred yards of the picket station. Making up their minds that they would have to keep close to avoid detection, they lay on the ground, with the prospect of having to remain in this posture until evening. At 8 o’clock a.m., when the guard was relieved, the Yankees passed to and fro almost within reaching distance. Their conversation, however, was not of interest. During the morning as many as forty persons passed and repassed. About 3 o’clock p.m. a soldier turned into the thicket, and approached quite near them. MAGEE felt that his danger was imminent. Drawing his revolver, he levelled it at the fellow, and, putting his finger to his lip to enjoin silence, he called, in a low voice, ‘Come here, sir.’ The Yankee turned pale with fright, and in a hurried voice exclaimed, ‘Don’t shoot!’ Upon being assured that no harm would come to him if he would lie down and keep quiet, the prisoner stretched himself on the ground between the two bold rebels, and a pair of navy revolvers ready for instant use. For six long hours the three kept mute company, MAGEE forcing the prisoner even to suppress his cough, which was very troublesome. At tattoo, the time agreed upon for leaving the island, the three started noiselessly for the rendezvous previously agreed upon, the Yankee wondering how they were to get off the island. He was soon relieved by the appearance, in a safe place, of a canoe, into which he was requested to take a seat. He was at this time very anxious that his rebel friends should get in first, so as not to wet their feet; but GELSTON was very solicitous about his cough, and fearing that wet feet would increase it, insisted upon his getting a good seat, and himself offering to push the boat off and then jump in. A five minutes’ row brought them well off from the shore; they were halted, but being out of reach of the sentinel musket, they did not heed him.

The prisoner is a middle aged man, a native of Maine. He reports, in substance, that thirty new regiments recently Read more

February 21, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The hand of the destroyer has again been stretched forth in the work of desolation — unpitying, inscrutable — to strike down the prominent amongst us. The Honorable EDMUND RHETT is dead. EDMUND RHETT, senior, was born in the town of Beaufort, South Carolina, March 15yh, 1808, of one of the oldest Carolina families, and departed this life at Spartanburg on the 15th inst., after a brief illness, in the 55th year of his age — cut off in the midst if an active and vigorous manhood. His remains are deposited in the TAYLOR Burial Ground at Columbia, near those of his lamented brother, ALBERT RHETT, to whom he was devotedly attached. In life, they were closely united and are not separated in the grave.

After studying with an elder brother on the rice plantation of his father, EDMUND RHETT was sent for two years to school at Andover, Massachusetts, and thence to Yale College. Being equally proficient in Mathematics and the Ancient Languages, he had but a single competitor. This was one of the WINTHROP family, of Boston, with whom the Faculty proposed that he should divide the first honor of the class. After consultation with his friends, he declined the proposal. The course of the Faculty being deemed to be governed by sectional partialities and prejudices, he retired before the commencement exercise; but his diploma was sent after him to South Carolina. He studied law in the office, and became copartner, of the Hon. R. BARNWELL RHETT, residing in Charleston, while the latter was Attorney General of the State. His brother soon after went to Congress as a Representative of the Seventh District. Mr. EDMUND RHETT established himself at Beaufort, practising his profession, at first in copartnership with his brother ALBERT, then living at Grahamville, and meeting with decided success. He served formerly as a member of the House of Representatives from St. Helena Parish in the State Legislature. For many years he added to his profesional labors the burdens of Intendancy of Beaufort. In 1858 he was elected to the State Senate, and in the fall of […..] was re-elected for four years — still serving as Intendant of Beaufort. He was Chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Education, and Trustee of the South Carolina College. After the fall of Beuafort, from the disaster at Broad River, he served as a private at Port Royal Ferry. Under an Act of the Legislature, which soon sat, he was appointed one of a Commission for the registry of property Read more

February 21, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

A correspondent of the Missouri Democrat, writing from Helena, Ark., under date of February 3, says:

On the 2d of February, by order of General Grant, Gen. Gorman, with about five hundred men, bearing arms, and also pickaxes and shovels, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Wilson, on General Grant’s Staff as Chief of the Engineer Corps, moved down to the Yazoo Pass, which is about six miles below Helena, and near Delta, on the Mississippi side, and after removing some drift and large trees, succeeded in landing their boats at the levee. The levee is built across the Bayou or Pass leading from the Mississippi River into the Coldwater, about fifteen miles above its mouth. The water south of the levee is about ten feet below water level of the Mississippi at its present stage, consequently the destruction of the levee at this point will at once result in the overthrow of the country for fifty miles in every direction, and open a navigable channel for ordinary boats to the Coldwater, thence to the Tallahatchie and to the Yazoo.

The troops were busily employed in cutting the levee all day yesterday, under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel Wilson, and the water will be let in tomorrow. A navigable channel will thus be opened to the rear of Vicksburg, in a direction which is not fortified by the rebels, and I can see nothing to prevent our musquito fleet from moving immediately in the Yazoo and of taking possession of the rebel steamers that lie in the river. Moreover the formidable army threatening the rebels at Vicksburg from this direction must strike terror to their hearts, and result in their final discomfiture and overthrow. General Grant, in the meanwhile, is not idle. In the midst of obstacles apparently insurmountable, he is laboring on, controlling circumstances, and will, in my opinion, finally overcome all opposition and take possession of Vicksburg. The musquito gunboat Forest Rose, the ram Lancaster and two transports of troops are now at the Pass.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

Washington Friday Feb. 20th 1863.

Rather a dull day in the office there being but little to do on the Examining Board. I have spent most of the day reading old Saml Pepys Diary written two hundred years ago during Charles 2nds reign. It gives a not very flattering picture of English society at that time. In looking at that age and then at the present, any one must acknowledge that great progress has been made in the morals of refined Society. One is surprised at the conduct which was tolerated in that day, especialy in and around the Court. Pepys himself occupied a responsible position under the Crown, something nearly equivalent to the Sec’y of our Navy. The old Villin was constantly accepting bribes for he notes down all He did and all his thoughts from day to day. He casts up his accounts at the end of every month and piously blesses God that he is getting on in the world so well, the hypocrite, full of pride and vanity and an ardent admirer of the Ladies. I am not through with him yet. There is no news today worthy of note. The French have invaded Mexico and from all accounts are getting roughly handled there. It is thought by many that we will be at War with France soon. Most assuredly we shall if she intervenes in our war with the south or acknowledges its Independance. I have spent most of the evening over to Charleys (or the Doctors) as he is called. Played a game of chess with him, in my room at 10.

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