Jun
30
by Gideon Welles
June 30, Tuesday. The President did not join us to-day in Cabinet. He was with the Secretary of War and General Halleck, and sent word there would be no meeting. This is wrong, but I know no remedy. At such a time as this, it would seem there should be free and constant intercourse and interchange of views, and a combined effort. The Government should not be carried on in the War or State Departments exclusively, nor ought there to be an attempt of that kind.
I understand from Chase that the President and Stanton are anxious that Dix should make a demonstration on Richmond, but Halleck does not respond favorably, —whether because he has not confidence in Dix, or himself, or from any cause, I do not know. This move on Richmond is cherished by Chase, and with a bold, dashing, energetic, and able general might be effective, but I agree with the President that Dix is not the man for such a movement. Probably the best thing that can now be done, is to bring all who can be spared from garrison duty to the assistance of General Meade.
Lee and his army are well advanced into Pennsylvania, and they should not be permitted to fall back and recross the Potomac. Halleck is bent on driving them back, not on intercepting their retreat; is full of zeal to drive them out of Pennsylvania. I don’t want them to leave the State, except as prisoners. Meade will, I trust, keep closer to them than some others have done. I understand his first order was for the troops at Harper’s Ferry to join him, which was granted. Hooker asked this, but it was denied him by the War Department and General Halleck.
Blair is much dissatisfied. He came from the Executive Mansion with me to the Navy Department and wrote a letter to the President, urging that Dix’s command should be immediately brought up. Says Halleck is good for nothing and knows nothing. I proposed that we should both walk over to the War Department, but he declined; said he would not go where Stanton could insult him, that he disliked at all times to go to the War Department, had not been there for a long period, although the Government of which he is a member is in these days carried on, almost, in the War Department.
We have no positive information that the Rebels have crossed the Susquehanna, though we have rumors to that effect. There is no doubt the bridge at Columbia, one and a half miles long, has been burnt, and, it seems, by our own people. The officer who ordered it must have been imbued with Halleck’s tactics. I wish the Rebel army had got across before the bridge was burnt. But Halleck’s prayers and efforts, especially his Read more
Jun
30
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd
JUNE 3OTH.—Our dreams were broken this morning at daylight by the bug’e call, and in a very few minutes the whole command was up and ready to march—their beds around the owners’ necks. Our woolen blankets are rolled up as tight as possible, having a rubber one outside, which, when the two ends are tied, are swung around our necks. If there has been a rain to wet the blankets, and no time to dry them, they make a heavy load on the march; so no time is lost in drying blankets whenever the opportunity is offered. If it is raining when we retire, and brush can be cut to lay the blankets on, we get a number one spring bed, and when the weather is pleasant a good bed can be made by laying down two rails the width of the blanket apart, and filling the space with grass, or straw from any adjacent stack, on which the blankets may be spread. There is a sort of tall grass growing in this country which makes a soft bed, and is quite worth the puffing. Everything possible is done by the soldier to secure a good night’s sleep. I have seen straw stacks torn to pieces, sheds pulled down, and fences melt away in the twinkling of an eye, about camp time. A certain officer has ordered his men to take only the top rail, which order was obeyed to the letter, yet every rail disappeared—the bottom rail finally becoming the top one. I have seen half a regiment bearing rails, boards and straw toward camp before even the end of the day’s march was reached. They will have good beds and fires.
Jun
30
by John Beauchamp Jones
JUNE 30TH.—Dispatches from the West show that we still held Vicksburg at the last dates; and, moreover, Gen. Taylor (son of Zachary Taylor) had stormed and taken the enemy’s fortifications at Berwick’s Bay, with the bayonet. We took 1000 prisoners, 10 large cannon, and many stores. Also that we had taken Thibbodauxville, and have thus cut off Banks from New Orleans.
5 O’CLOCK P. M.—The city is now in good humor, but not wild with exultation. We have what seems pretty authentic intelligence of the taking of HARRISBURG, the capital of Pennsylvania, the City of YORK, etc. etc. This comes on the flag of truce boat, and is derived from the enemy themselves. Lee will not descend to the retaliation instigated by petty malice; but proclaim to the inhabitants that all we desire is PEACE, not conquest.
From Vicksburg we have further information that, in springing his mine, Grant destroyed hundreds of his own men, and did us no injury. Also that a battery we have above Vicksburg had fired into some passing transports, doing great damage to life and boats. The troops landed, and failed to take the battery by assault, losing hundreds in addition.
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, Richmond Enquirer
The appearance of portions Gen. Dix’s command at the White House and other points on the Peninsula has been, in our opinion, a fortunate circumstance. It has recalled the thoughts of our people from the avocations of trade and money-making to the real business of every man during the continuance of this war, the defence of the city. As soon as it was definitely ascertained that a Federal force of any importance had disembarked at the White House, the citizens of Richmond almost to a man, left business of every kind and organized themselves into companies, battalions, regiments and brigades, selected officers, received arms and ammunition, ascertained their places of rendezvous and their positions in the defences of the city. The first real, actual appearance of the enemy accomplished in one day more than all the proclamations of the authorities would have accomplished in a month. A force of from eight to ten thousand fighting men has thus been added to the army corps that now garrisons Richmond.
This was not the most service rendered the Confederacy by the opportune appearance of General Dix. Brigades and divisions which had been , as it were, lying around loose, have been concentrated at Richmond, ready to meet Dix, should he advance, as well as to follow quick upon his track should he attempt a cross march to Fredericksburg and Acquia Creek, on his way to reinforce Hooker.
The divisions that constitute the army corps of veteran soldiers for the garrison of Richmond, are enured to fatigue and fighting. Victorious in many engagements over their enemy, they will meet him again in the famous fields of the Chickahominy and the Seven Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
(From the Richmond Dispatch of Saturday.)
The reports of the progress of the Yankee raid from the White House yesterday came into the city fast and furious, and it is remarkable to note that they were in very few cases exaggerated, except with regard to the numbers of the foe. There was no excitement, and we may safely assert that there never was a duller day here. Everybody was cool, and everybody, except those who were in militia organizations, were attending to their every day business as usual. The day has passed when Richmond can be stirred up by the news of a Yankee raid.
On Thursday evening a portion of the Federal troops — about 1,200 — left the White House on the road to Hanover Court House, and upon arriving camped for the night on Colonel Wickham’s farm. Thursday night, at a late hour, the rest of the troops at the White House left in the same direction, and passed Old Church about breakfast time. It is believed by some that both parties met near Hanover Court House, and, on the other hand, it is supposed that the two divisions took different routes. This latter supposition is strengthened by the fact that our pickets at Mechanicsville, four miles from Richmond, were driven in early in the day, and three of them captured. Before leaving the White House they tore up the track from there to Tunstall’s Station, a distance of four miles. The rumor yesterday that they brought two locomotives and cars with them on their gunboats, and had put them on the road, is of course unfounded, as they did not leave the Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, The New York Herald
The enemy have not advanced on Harrisburg up to the latest accounts. Skirmishing at various points on the south side of the river was going on yesterday, at Oyster Point and Maysville especially. All our forces were within the defences at sunset yesterday. The rebels had torn up the track at Marriottsville and at Sykesville, which is within thirty-one miles of Baltimore. The damage at the latter place is but slight. The enemy occupied York yesterday, which was quietly surrendered. They respected all private property, and did no damage to the canals on their march from Wrightsville. The rebel General Early has levied on the citizens of York for a large amount of money, flour and beef. General Early says, “We will occupy the place permanently.” The defenders in the intrenchments at Harrisburg were prepared for an attack today. The Mayor has issued a proclamation calling upon every man to report at once at his office for service in the trenches. The enemy were reported to be crossing the river at Bainbridge on pontoons, with the intention of cutting the Pennsylvania Central Railroad; but it is not certain that they have pontoons enough to carry them over.
The greatest alarm and activity prevails in Philadelphia. The Mayor and General Dana have issued stirring proclamations, appealing to the citizens to prepare to defend their homes. There was quite a panic in stocks yesterday.
The coal dealers held a meeting and resolved to close their collieries till the crisis has passed, and to enable the miners to volunteer. The merchants have resolved to raise a million of dollars. All the stores are to be closed and the men employed in them Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, Weekly Columbus Enquirer (Georgia)
Among the heroic defenders of Vicksburg none merit more honorable mention than those of the gentler sex who dwell in that fire girdled city. We are told that most of them have excavated caves in the hill sides where they repose with their children safe from the bursting shells of the enemy, and all day long they toil for the soldiers, taking care of the sick and wounded, cooking for the well, and providing as far as possible for their comfort in the way of clothing. A wreath of glory waits every one of these heroines, when Vicksburg shall emerge triumphant from the tempest of fire. To say that they were in Vicksburg during the siege and to tell what they saw and experienced, will itself be worth the sufferings they have endured.—Macon Tel.
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, The New York Herald
OUR LANCASTER CORRESPONDENCE.
LANCASTER, Pa., June 29, 1863.
ALL BUSINESS IS SUSPENDED here today; but the organization of the citizens into companies progresses very slowly. They do not seem desirous of doing anything for the defence of the city worthy of mention, now that the moment of action has arrived.
RICH AND POOR NEGROES LEAVING.
There is a difference existing among the rich and the poor. The rich offer bounties; the poorer citizens wish to see them shoulder the musket; and thus they wrangle while the enemy is at their thresholds. Every negro has left or is leaving the place, and nearly every white person — some for the field, others for places of security. Every vehicle is brought into use, from the wheelbarrow to the railroad car, and the road for five miles between this city and Columbia is strewn with citizens and vehicles, trudging along to the north and east.
RUMORS OF REBEL MOVEMENTS.
It would be useless to refer to all the rumors which now circulate here. The latest is that the rebels have crossed the Susquehanna above Columbia, and have taken possession of that place. On inquiring at the telegraph office about the truth of this report, I found they Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, The New York Herald
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 27, 1863.
HARRISBURG SPECULATIONS.
The speculations regarding the designs of the rebels are as various as ever. That they are pushing a heavy column towards the Susquehanna is certain. But now arises the question, what is the rebel general’s greatest motive for so doing? The spoils that he may procure in this enterprise would never compensate for the risk he incurs. The latest and most ingenious motive ascribed to him is the destruction of Hooker’s army in the following manner: — He pushed a column North, while with his main body he holds all the mountain passes and a line of retreat, and thus guards his rear. The advance column detaches part of the Union army and distracts the Union generals while it gives the enemy the advantage of interior lines. Hooker, it is presumed, will attack Lee’s army in the rear — that is, in the mountain passes, where the enemy can defend themselves to advantage and calculate on repulsing and demoralizing the Union army. Forces from Bragg’s army, now supposed to be in the vicinity of Richmond, could then attack Hooker’s army in the rear, and thus the rebels may count on destroying it. This is a view that I have just heard expressed as among the strange possibilities of these latter days.
HARRISBURG TO BE OCCUPIED BY THE REBELS.
Governor Curtin and most of the military men here are convinced that the enemy is bent on the occupation of this city. The main body of Ewell’s column is stretched along the Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, Weekly Columbus Enquirer (Georgia)
An exchanged Massachusetts officer, who was taken prisoner on the Rappahannock, says of our soldiers:
Doubtless a great many reasons are given for our most disgraceful and disastrous defeat at Chancellorsville. There is only one real reason, and that the simplest possible. Our army didn’t fight as well as that of our enemies. We had every possible advantage. Our numbers more than doubled theirs till Longstreet’s reinforcements came up, which didn’t then bring their forces up to 100,000 to oppose our 130,000. Indeed, it would now seem that Longstreet didn’t come up at all. We had the advantage of position and no inconsiderable amount of entrenchment. Gen. Hooker’s plan was admirably arranged and excellently carried out, until the fighting took place.—He exposed himself in the hottest place of danger and set an electrifying example of heroism to the whole army. The terrible loss of life among our Generals shows that on the whole they were not found wanting at their posts of duty. We had men enough, well enough equipped and well enough posted, to have devoured the ragged, imperfectly armed and equipped host of our enemies from the face of the earth.
Their artillery horses are poor, starved frames of beasts, tied on to their carriages and caissons with odds and ends of rope and strips of raw hide. Their supply and ammunition trains look like a congregation of all the crippled California emigrant trains that ever escaped off the desert out of the clutches of the rampaging Commanche Indians. The men are ill-dressed, ill-equipped, and ill-provided, a set of ragamuffins that a man is ashamed to be seen among, even when he is a prisoner and can’t help it. And yet they have beaten us fairly, beaten us all to pieces, beaten us so easily that we are objects of contempt even to their commonest private soldiers, with no shirts to hang out of the holes of their pantaloons, and cartridge boxes tied round their waists with strands of ropes. I say they beat us easily, for there hasn’t been much of a fight up here on the Rappahannock after all, the newspapers to the contrary notwithstanding. There was an awful noise, for I heard it. There was a tremendous amount of powder exploded, for I saw the smoke of it ascend up to heaven. There was a vast amount of running done “faced by the rear rank,” but I cannot learn that there was in any part of the field very much real fighting.
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
In preparing for the attack upon Charleston, which we have reason to suppose will be renewed when the fleet of iron-clad gunboats is trebled in number, it becomes us, as an intelligent and patriotic people, to use every exertion and means of security. Should the contemplated attack succeed and Charleston fall, the whole Low Country of South Carolina is likely to go with it. The whole Middle and Up-Country would then be exposed to the desolating march of the foe’s advancing columns, and to the ravages and terror of their vindictive raids. Let our people of the interior ponder over the fate of Louisiana and Western Virginia and Tennessee. Let them consider where their defence is made, and what the bulwark of their security. It was said that New Orleans was fortified — was strong — was safe — could not be taken. This was believed by the Secretary of War, the President, and by military men; yet it was taken, because all was not done that might have been done. The country was thunderstruck then. It may be astounded one day by the fall of Charleston. It will then be too late for the State authorities to furnish labor and to do what now may be done. Regrets will be useless, because the matter will be remediless. We therefore now, while there may be time left, call upon the authorities of the State and the people of South Carolina to exhibit energy and public spirit. Our Legislature, after wasting much of time, and putting the State to the expense of three sessions in five months, made such bungling provision for supplying labor to our military authorities, that much desirable work is undone, and without present prospect of being done. Demagoguism in the Legislature has been followed by a want of public spirit among the people. Instead of coming forward cheerfully to supply the public need of labor as the law professed to accomplish, many have availed themselves of the absurd and Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, The New York Herald
Our White House Correspondence.
WHITE HOUSE, Va., June 27, 1863.
OUR ARRIVAL AT WHITE HOUSE — OUR ESCORT.
On the morning of the 25th our forces came up the Pamunkey river and landed at this point. The weather was hazy, and dull in the extreme appeared everything by the wayside. Four gunboats accompanied the expedition, which consisted of any number of transports, containing thousands of troops. The Morse, Captain Babcock in command, was followed by the Commodore Morris, the Smith Briggs, and the General Jessup.
THE REBELS SURPRISED.
The rebels did not appear to have the slightest idea of our approaching them. The first sign of living beings existing on the Pamunkey banks was a group of colored women and children, flaunting a flag of truce and cheering our forces most lustily as they passed. They begged to be taken on board. Poor, deluded people, they are better where they are.
THE REBEL CAVALRY SKEDADDLES.
On turning the last bend, just as the bridge at White House is opened to the sight, a smoke, and then a blazing fire burst and filled the air. The men on board the Morse soon Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, The New York Herald
OUR COLUMBIA CORRESPONDENCE.
COLUMBIA, June 29, 1863.
EXCITEMENT IN COLUMBIA — PANIC.
When the news of the rebel advance upon York reached here it threw the place into an indescribable flutter; but as the fact became more and more certain the excitement of the citizens of Columbia and the neighboring villages knew no bounds. This condition of affairs gradually grew until Saturday last, when it culminated in a general panic. The country people from the direction of York, who had been coming over for several days in long lines across the bridge, did not diminish the excitement of the Columbians. On Saturday last, between ten A. M. and four P.M., it is estimated that, besides everything else, four thousand horses passed over the bridge to Columbia from the south side of the river. This is independent of those in harness.
THE TROOPS FALLING BACK.
Gradually our forces, who consisted of infantry and cavalry, fell back from before the enemy from York to Wrightsville, always keeping them in view, however, and those of our cavalry who were acting as scouts sometimes approaching quite near the enemy. The distance from York to Wrightsville is only ten miles by the turnpike, along which the main body of the rebel column, consisting of two brigades of Ewell’s corps and four Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
There is a subscription going on among the wealthy citizens of Richmond, to buy a house for Gen. Lee. Not less than one hundred thousand dollars is to be collected, and with this fund the building is to be completely furnished in the handsomest manner. Such a tribute to the distinguished and incomputable services of our great commander, is in the highest degree appropriate and becoming, and certainly no community will offer it with a better grace than the citizens of Richmond, who are undoubtedly indebted to Gen. Lee for the preservation of their homes and fortunes from the hands of a ruthless enemy last summer. Gen. Lee has been a serious loser by the war. His family residence at Arlington Heights, opposite Washington City, has been in the enemy’s hands ever since the beginning of hostilities, and they burned the dwelling at the White House, on the Pamunkey, and devastated the plantation during the Peninsula campaign of Gen. McClellan. If the subscription to purchase a house for Gen. Lee were thrown open to citizens of all parts of the Confederacy, there is little doubt that money enough would be set down instantly to buy a Blenhelm or a Strathfieldsaye, such as England gave to her Marlborough and her Wellington, but all that is now proposed is to give the noble leader of our armies a comfortable mansion which will afford a home to his family while he is fighting the battles of his country, and this the citizens of Richmond claim the proud privilege of doing. Richmond Correspondence - Atlanta Appeal.
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, The New York Herald
AFFAIRS IN FRONT OF HARRISBURG.
FORT WASHINGTON, WEST BANK OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, June 29, — Evening.
As the sun goes down in the west it leaves within this fort and within and around Harrisburg an anxious, wondering, guessing, partially fearful and somewhat excited population. The enemy holds a position almost describing an arc of a circle. The extremes rest on two main roads, cross the railroads, and extend through wheat and corn fields and some, small woods. He has pickets out in all valuable positions, and has artillery commanding and intended to sweep the roads and protect his front and flank.
We expect a fight to-morrow, more or less general or serious in its character. If we do not have a fight to-morrow, both common public and general military authorities will be disappointed. If for the best or otherwise, it is for us to know, and not your correspondent to make public.
This afternoon we had a skirmish with the enemy near Oyster Point. In fact skirmishing, at times slight and at other times more serious, has been carried on ever since the dawn of this day’s sun.
After an hour’s skirmish this afternoon, in which even artillery was used on the enemy’s side, our men fell back to a position this side of the toll gate. I cannot learn that any one was killed. A few were wounded and some horses suffered. Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, Richmond Enquirer
Whatever chances of an early peace may lay hid in the future, certain it is the war was never yet so active and desperate and widespreading as at this very moment. The month of June is not passing idly by, but both parties improve each shining hour. From Arkansas to Pennsylvania the struggle grows hotter and more intense; the stationary camps that have so long stood quietly facing each other are broken up, and bloody battles along can determine their next winter quarters. The map of the continent, marked with the present stations and lines of operation of the opposing armies, presents a perplexing scene indeed. Yankee raiders burning our bridges and villages in Tennessee and Mississippi — Confederate expeditions stirring up the peaceful slumbers of Indiana — Lee’s army threatening Washington and Philadelphia — Yankee armies pretending to march upon Richmond — while Vicksburg and Port Hudson, on the Mississippi, still hold at bay the armies of Grant and Banks. The […..] is everywhere exciting, and there never yet was such devouring eagerness for news.
Undoubtedly the chief interest centres now on the fortunes of our army on the Potomac. — Rumor was busy yesterday, laden with startling or hopeful news; of which the most Read more
Jun
30
June 30, 1863, Weekly Columbus Enquirer (Georgia)
Forrest’s forces on Friday last went in pursuit of a woman to whom suspicion had been attached. She had reached the Yankee pickets in front of Franklin when they came in sight, but on they dashed, driving in the Yankees and capturing their “booty.” She proved to be a Miss Cushman, a theatre actress, claiming relationship with the celebrated Charlotte, and had upon her person plans and drawings of our fortifications, and the disposition made of the latter. It is said that she was a crinoline scout for McClellan in Virginia, and performed valuable services. Her fine talents are doubtless occupied at the present time in planning an escape from Columbia, where she is under guard.—Chatta. Rebel.
Jun
29
by Horatio Nelson Taft
Monday June 29th 1863
The very atmosphere has been full of rumors today in reference to the movements of the rebels in P.a. & Maryland. Yesterday they captured a large wagon train (170 Six Mule Teams) within Ten Miles of this City. The train was on its way To Frederick M.D. The Rebels are probably in Harrisburg by tonight. A people which will refuse to turn out en mass to repel the invader deserves to have its capitol taken, and their Country laid waste. If nothing Else will “wake up” the inhabitants I hope that fire and plunder will. Genl Hooker has been superceded and Genl Meade is now in command of the “Army of the Potomac.” It is said today that Mr Stanton has been superceded as Sec’y of War by B. F. Butler. I hope it is so. This morning a Squad of Rebels came within six miles of Washington and came near capturing P M Genl Blair as he was coming to the City from his Country residence. They got his horse, which he was riding, he escaped in the woods. A Negro Regt (one thousand Strong) passed through the Av’e yesterday. I never saw a new Regt march better. We are expecting that communication will be cut off (with Baltimore) by tomorrow morning.
Jun
29
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd
JUNE 29TH.—The 4th of July is fast approaching, and if we do not get our prize by that time, we will have a little celebration out here in the woods, for we have flags, drums and plenty of spread-eagle speakers, and we can omit the cannon, of which kind of music we have had a surfeit. Yes, we have all the material for a patriotic celebration, but I had hoped we should waive the old flag in Vicksburg that day.
I was sick last night, and up many times before day; and as I walked among the sleepers, I was astonished at the snoring; the variety of sounds made was as great as that of a brass band.
A rumor circulates that Pemberton has made an attack on our lines at Vicksburg, trying to cut his way out, but failed of his purpose. From a prisoner brought in, I have learned, by questioning, that the rebel authorities have made numerous drafts for young and old, to refill their ranks, and I think their army now must be as strong as it can ever be. By conscription and terrorism they have forced into the field every available man. With the North it is not so, for the old song, “We are Coming, Father Abraham, Three Hundred Thousand More,” is being sung there yet, with good will, and volunteers are still pouring in to fill up what may be lacking in our ranks. We can thus throw renewed forces against failing ones.
Jun
29
by Gideon Welles
June 29, Monday. Great apprehension prevails. The change of commanders is thus far well received. No regret is expressed that Hooker has been relieved. This is because of the rumor of his habits, the reputation that he is intemperate, for his military reputation is higher than that of his successor. Meade has not so much character as such a command requires. He is, however, kindly favored; will be well supported, have the best wishes of all, but does not inspire immediate confidence. A little time may improve this, and give him name and fame.
Naval Order No. 16 on the death of Foote and the congratulatory letter to Rodgers have each been well received. The allusion to the character of the monitors was a questionable matter, but I thought it an opportunity to counteract Du Pont’s mischief which should not pass unimproved. Some of the Rebel sympathizers assail that part of it, as I supposed they probably would. Of Foote I could have said more, but brevity is best on such occasions.
Jun
29
by John Beauchamp Jones
JUNE 29TH.—There is no confirmation of the report of the fall of Vicksburg, but it may be so; nor is it certain that we have advanced to Harrisburg, but it is probable.
Gen. D. H. Hill writes (on Saturday) from Petersburg that 40,000 of the enemy could not take Richmond; but this may be fishing for the command. He says if Gen. Dix comes this way, he would make him a subject of the cartel of exchange which he (Dix) had a hand in negotiating.
J. M. Botts writes, from his farm in Culpepper, that our men are quartered on his premises, and do as much injury as a hostile army could. He is neutral. They pay him ten cents per day for the grazing of each horse.
The Commissary-General is again recommending the procuring of bacon from within the enemy’s lines, in exchange for cotton. Why not get meat from the enemy’s country for nothing?
Hon. R. M. T. Hunter writes to the Secretary of War to let the Quartermaster-General alone, that he is popular with Congress, and that his friends are active. It might be dangerous to remove him; the President had better commission him a brigadier-general. He says Judge Campbell wants the President to go to Mississippi; this, Mr. H. is opposed to. Mr. H. is willing to trust Johnston, has not lost confidence in him, etc. And he tells the Secretary to inform the President how much he (H.) esteems him (the President).
The New York Times publishes an account of one of their raids on the Peninsula, below this city, as follows: Read more
Jun
29
June 29, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
General JOHNSTON arrived in Mississippi early in May, to assume command of that Division and direct operations. Near two months have passed, and no movement has yet been made by him to cripple GRANT or raise the siege of Vicksburg. Whether this apparent inactively arises from confidence in the ability of Vicksburg to save itself without assistance, or from an unwillingness to engage, even in this great emergency, in any enterprise of uncertain issue, or from the positive inability of our forces to cope with GRANT’S superior numbers in positions now fortified, we know not. Some accounts say one thing, and some another. But we conclude, from General JOHNSTON’S remaining at Jackson in a state of quiet preparation, that he must have some confidence in Vicksburg ability to hold out — for the present at least. We judge, too, that if General JOHNSTON was without the hope of expectation of moving against GRANT, he would not keep a considerable army, such as that at Jackson, in a state of idleness, but would move to some other point, either to the relief of Port Hudson below, or to the attack of ROSECRANS and the capture of Memphis, on the Mississippi River above. Either of these operations would embarrass GRANT, and assist Vicksburg and save the river.
We see large hopes of Vicksburg, based upon, the fall of the river, so that gunboats cannot navigate it; also upon the effects of bad water and hot days on the health of GRANT’S forces. As far as they go, these circumstances are a help to us against GRANT, but we see no ground for believing that his troops will perish out as they stand, while ours wax fat, or that the river cannot be used unless something is done.
We, therefore, frankly confess that we await developments with much anxiety. The issue in the West is of infinite importance.
Jun
29
June 29, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
LATEST FROM THE WEST.
JACKSON, June 26. — Advices from Vicksburg of the 23d, have been received. There was no assault upon the works last Saturday, but every gun from GRANT’S works and fleet were brought to bear on the devoted garrison. The fire was kept up from 2 o’clock a.m. till 10 o’clock a.m. Our gunners responded briskly. The Yankees admit our fire to have been very destructive, and the accuracy of our gunners unequalled. Our loss was seventy-five killed and wounded.
Brisk firing is going on at Vicksburg tonight.
OSYKA, June 27. — A copious rain has fallen here. A courier from Logan reports nothing new from Port Hudson. A gentleman from New Orleans says it is reported that the Federals lost five thousand in the fight at Port Hudson on last Friday. A private letter from New Orleans reports the yellow fever prevailing there.
FROM BRAGG’S ARMY.
ATLANTA, June 28. — On Wednesday the enemy appeared in force at Hooper’s Gap, 15 miles from Shelbyville, where he met the 1st Georgia Regiment. The Georgians lost about 200 killed and wounded; but were reinforced on Thursday, and, after a skirmish, held their ground. On Thursday the enemy took possession of Liberty Gap, six miles above Wartrace. A general engagement is not expected. The weather is stormy. We have had heavy rains for five days past.
Jun
29
June 29, 1863, The New York Herald
The progress of the rebels in their advance upon Harrisburg and their raid into the interior of Pennsylvania has been somewhat slow. The news of this morning and a glance at our map, published elsewhere, will, however, satisfy any person that they contemplate striking a blow in that vicinity that will require time to recover from. They have guarded well their flanks at every step, and have secured several valuable strategic points, important to them if the contemplate further invasion in that quarter, or merely the capture of Harrisburg and the cutting off communication with Baltimore and Washington from the West and North by that route.
The Cumberland valley, through which the rebels have been working their way towards Harrisburg, is one of the richest valleys in the world, and under a high state of cultivation. The surface of the country is level, and there is no point between Chambersburg and Harrisburg where our forces could make a stand without the danger of having one or both of their flanks turned by the enemy. The Blue Ridge Mountains lie along the northwestern border of the valley; but there are numerous gaps and roads over that range, making it very convenient for a cavalry force to dodge around undiscovered into the rear of our troops. The result is that our small forces in advance have been compelled to gradually fall back to prevent capture by a flank movement. The rebels are undoubtedly taking advantage of this circumstance, and are taking in a large stock of supplies from the storehouses of the farmers in the valley. But that they contemplate more than merely a foraging expedition is evident from the fact that they have driven our pickets in and that a battle is being fought at Harrisburg.
Sterrett’s Gap is on the western slope of the Blue Mountain range and near the Read more
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June 29, 1863, The New York Herald
IMPORTANT MILITARY CHANGE.
THE NEW COMMANDER.
MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE G. MEAD, THE NEW COMMANDER OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Major General George G. Meade, the new commander of the Army of the Potomac, was born in Spain, about the year 1815, of American parents. His father was at the time of his birth a very wealthy man, and was residing in Barcelona, Spain, where Captain Meade, now commanding the North Carolina, and the subject of our sketch, were born. The two boys were brought to this country; one was educated for the navy, which he entered in 1826, and the other for the army.
HIS ENTRANCE INTO WEST POINT, AND GRADUATES.
George G. Meade entered West Point Military Academy as an appointee from the State of Pennsylvania during September, 1831, and graduated on the 30th of June 1835, standing number nineteen in his class, which has produced such men as Generals Morell, Naglee, Haupt, Patrick, Martindale, Roberts, and others, as well as Postmaster General Montgomery Blair, &c.
HE ENTERED THE ARMY AND RESIGNED.
He was appointed to the army from the District of Columbia and entered the service as brevet second lieutenant of the Third artillery on the first of July, 1835. He did not receive his full commission until December 31, 1835, when he was made a full second lieutenant. On the 26th of October, 1836, he resigned his connection with the United States Army and was engaged in private pursuits until 1842. Read more
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