July 26th

       Papa left us for Buncombe on the 24, he went off in a furious annoyance at not being called for before half past eight so he quarreled with the hack man, I am glad he has gone, for his rigid ways became disagreeable. We did as well as we could for him, & I believe he was satisfied with his visit.—The Grand Northern Army left Washington, horse foot and flying artillery, Regulars, & Volunteers, and sang jubilant airs along the road. A strategic movement on the part of the Southerners brought them on to Bull Run, where the forces were ready to meet them, and where there was a dreadful battle. Loss on both sides and the Northern Army completely routed, all their Batteries taken and some thousands mowed down. Gen. Bee fell Mortally wounded, sustaining a desperate assault. Col. Johnston fell soon after he reached the battle, Bauregard was there, Gen. Johnston took the colors of a wavering Company, and led them to the attack. Jeff Davis was on the field, and in short it was a glorious victory.

       Today there is a grand Military Funeral for Bee & Johnston & Gen. Bartow who also was killed in the fight goes through to Savannah.—

       May the Almighty Protect us and make us thankful.—

       This battle was fought on Sunday.—Charles paid a nice little visit here and looked so well and in such good spirits I was delighted to see him,—We have not heard from Lewis since the battle.

       The ladies are all as busy as possible forming themselves into relief societies for the wounded soldiers, and also to prepare clothing for them in the winter, which will soon now approach. We have some work to do, 10 long shirts for sick men. Papa gave the money for the cloth and Charlotte gave $10 & Mr Grimball $5.

(Continued from July 22)

July 26th Friday noon. –

You will think it strange that I commenced so timely a letter to you and stopped so suddenly. But I did so upon more mature reflection. You could not fail to know all that I could have told you as soon as I could have got letters through to you, and everything was so unreliable, vague, uncertain, and I confidently hoped, exaggereated, that I deemed it the part of prudence to wait, and even now, after all this interval of time, I cannot tell you with certainty, and accuracy the things I would like to.

It is certain that we have at length had the “forward movement,” which has been so loudly clamored for and I am living witness of a corresponding Backward one, I know that our troops continued to go over into Virginia, from Wednesday until Saturday, noble, gallant handsome fellows, armed to the teeth, apparently lacking nothing. Waving Banners and Plumes and bristling Bayonets, gallant steeds and stately riders, the roll of the drum, and the notes of the Bugle, the farewell shout and martial tread of armed men, filled our streets, and saluted our ears through all those days.

These were all noble sights, but to me never pleasant, where I fain would have given them a smile and cheer, the bitter tears would come for well I knew, that though the proudest of victories perch upon our Banner, many a Brave Boy marched down to die, that, reach it when, and as they would, the Valley of Manassas was the Valley of Death.

Friday [brought] the particulars of Thursday’s encounter, we deplored but hoped for more care, and shrewder judgement next time, – Saturday brought rumors of intended Battle, and most conflicting accounts of the enemies strength, the Evening and Sunday morning papers told unreliably that he had 80,000 men, and constantly reinforced. My blood ran cold as I read it, least our Army be deceived, but then they knew it. The news came from them, surely they would never have the madness to attack from open field, an enemy of three times their number, behind entrenchments fortified by batteries, and marked at that, no this could not be, then we breathed freer, and thought of all the humane consideration, and wisdom of our time honored, have commanding Genl. That he had never needlessly sacrificed a man.

Washington July 26 1861

My dear Wife

The best way to keep an account of my “daily walk and conversations” is to write you very often and trust that my letters to you may serve as a continuance of my journal which I can not carry about the country.

At ½ past 4 I repaired to General Scotts quarters and accompanied him and his aids to his humble residence between 17th & 18th streets.

The party surrounded a very plain table and consisted of Genl Scott Col Van Rentzeler my old classmate acting as volunteer aid and Col Schyler Hamilton of the 7th N York Regt. Also acting as volunteer aid Senator Rice¹ of Minn and myself

The dinner was neat but decidedly plain. Three courses of meat, and a finish of ice cream. Good wines–sherry. Champaign, and Claret closing with coffee and finishing with some very choise wine which the General said had been sent him by Mr Aspinwell to be drunk after Coffee. The General said he had often lived in excessive affluence but he did not enjoy it. At one time he was a guest at Mr Prestons when 200 dollars a week was expended in mushrooms and other imported vegitables. But on a certain day [continue reading…]

Note: This particular article–a document written in 1861–includes terms and topics that may be offensive to many today.   No attempt will be made to censor or edit 19th century material to today’s standards.

Southern Confederacy
[Atlanta, Ga],
July 26, 1861

Approach to Huntsville — A city set on a hill — Female colleges — Female education in Georgia — Texas progress — The penitentiary — Number of convicts — State and foreign representation in the “institution” — The everlasting nigger has the best record — Solitary confinement — Old Sam Houston to take the field in the Confederate Army.

July 26th.–Whether it is from curiosity to hear what I have to say or not, the number of my visitors is augmenting. Among them was a man in soldier’s uniform, who sauntered into my room to borrow “five or ten dollars,” on the ground that he was a waiter at the Clarendon Hotel when I was stopping there, and wanted to go North, as his time was up. His anecdotes were stupendous. General Meigs and Captain Macomb, of the United States Engineers, paid me a visit, and talked of the disaster very sensibly. The former is an able officer, and an accomplished man–the latter, son, I believe, of the American general of that name, distinguished in the war with Great Britain. I had a long conversation with General M’Dowell, who bears his supercession with admirable fortitude, and complains of nothing, except the failure of his officers to obey orders, and the hard fate which condemned him to lead an army of volunteers–Captain Wright, aide de camp to General Scott, Lieutenant Wise, of the Navy, and many others. The communications received from the Northern States have restored the spirits of all Union men, and not a few declare they are glad of the reverse, as the North will now be obliged to put forth all its strength.

London, July 26, 1861

You say that you wanted to go off with Gordon’s regiment. I tell you I would give my cocked hat and knee-breeches to be with them at this moment. I don’t understand being sorry for them. I have no doubt that barring a few lives and legs and arms lost, they’ll all like it and be the better for it. And as for the lives and legs, if they estimate theirs as low as I do mine, the loss won’t amount to much. Pain is the only thing I should fear, but after all, one’s health is just as likely to be benefitted as to be hurt by a campaign, bullets and all, so that this does n’t count. My own task however lies elsewhere and I should be after all hardly the material for a soldier; so that I do my own work and resign the hope of becoming a hero.

My good old Nick Anderson is a Lieut. Colonel, I see. How I’d like to see him. I suppose Rooney Lee has some command also, so it’s as likely as not that he and Nick may come in contact. There never was any friendship between them. Indeed they always hated each other, so that the collision would not be so painful to either of them as it might be. There are so many of our friends in the army now and under fire, that I watch with curiosity the lists of casualties. It won’t be long before something happens, I suppose. . . .

Manassas, July 26, 1861.

I wrote a short note to you on Tuesday, advising you of my escape from the battle of Sunday in safety. Matters are now quiet, and no prospect, I think, of another engagement very soon. When I think of the past, and the peril through which it has been my fortune to pass in safety, I am free to admit that I have no desire to participate in another such scene until the cause of my country requires it. Then the danger must be met, cost what it may. How I wish, Love, that I could see you and our little ones again! But for the present I must not think of it. Just as soon as the public service will permit I will be with you. The result of the battle has cast a shade of gloom over many who mourn husband, brother and child left dead on the field. Of those of our company who went into the thickest of the fight, at least one-half were killed or wounded. Some others escaped danger by sneaking away like cowards. The other companies from our county suffered as severely as ours. It seems, Love, an age since I have heard from you. You must write oftener. Why is it that you have not sent the daguerreotype of yourself and the children? Send me, by the first opportunity, another shirt just like that which you last sent me.

I will lay that by–as it has a hole through it made by a ball in the battle–as a memento of the glorious day. Do not send me any more clothing until I write for it, as I do not wish more than absolute necessity requires, having no means of carrying it with me.

I wish you would call upon Mrs. J. D. Davidson for me, and say to her she has reason to be proud of her brave boy. It was by the heroic services of men like him who have sacrificed their lives that the battle was won. He fell just as he and his comrades were taking possession of a splendid battery of the enemy’s cannon, and those who defended it were flying from the field. And now, Love, good-bye. I think you need have no apprehension about my safety for some weeks at least. It is not probable that we shall have another battle very soon; and if we do, as our brigade was in the thickest of the fight before, we will not be so much exposed again. Give my love to Pa, Rachel, Annie, and all my friends. Kiss our dear little ones for their absent papa, and for yourself accept a husband’s best love.

July 26th.–Isabella went with me to the bulletin-board. Mrs. D. (with the white linen as usual pasted on her chin) asked me to read aloud what was there written. As I slowly read on, I heard a suppressed giggle from Isabella. I know her way of laughing at everything, and tried to enunciate more distinctly–to read more slowly, and louder, with more precision. As I finished and turned round, I found myself closely packed in by a crowd of Confederate soldiers eager to hear the news. They took off their caps, thanked me for reading all that was on the boards, and made way for me, cap in hand, as I hastily returned to the carriage, which was waiting for us. Isabella proposed, “Call out to them to give three cheers for Jeff Davis and his generals.” “You forget, my child, that we are on our way to a funeral.”

Found my new house already open hospitably to all comers. My husband had arrived. He was seated at a pine table, on which someone had put a coarse, red table-cover, and by the light of one tallow candle was affably entertaining Edward Barnwell, Isaac Hayne, and Uncle Hamilton. He had given them no tea, however. After I had remedied that oversight, we adjourned to the moonlighted piazza. By tallow-candle-light and the light of the moon, we made out that wonderful smile of Teddy’s, which identifies him as Gerald Grey.

We have laughed so at broken hearts–the broken hearts of the foolish love stories. But Buck, now, is breaking her heart for her brother Willie. Hearts do break in silence, without a word or a sigh. Mrs. Means and Mary Barnwell made no moan–simply turned their faces to the wall and died. How many more that we know nothing of!

When I remember all the true-hearted, the light-hearted, the gay and gallant boys who have come laughing, singing, and dancing in my way in the three years now past; how I have looked into their brave young eyes and helped them as I could in every way and then saw them no more forever; how they lie stark and cold, dead upon the battle-field, or moldering away in hospitals or prisons, which is worse–I think if I consider the long array of those bright youths and loyal men who have gone to their death almost before my very eyes, my heart might break, too. Is anything worth it–this fearful sacrifice, this awful penalty we pay for war?

Allen G. says Johnston was a failure. Now he will wait and see what Hood can do before he pronounces judgment on him. He liked his address to his army. It was grand and inspiring, but every one knows a general has not time to write these things himself. Mr. Kelly, from New Orleans, says Dick Taylor and Kirby Smith have quarreled. One would think we had a big enough quarrel on hand for one while already. The Yankees are enough and to spare. General Lovell says, “Joe Brown, with his Georgians at his back, who importuned our government to remove Joe Johnston, they are scared now, and wish they had not.”

In our democratic Republic, if one rises to be its head, whomever he displeases takes a Turkish revenge and defiles the tombs of his father and mother; hints that his father was a horse-thief and his mother no better than she should be; his sisters barmaids and worse, his brothers Yankee turncoats and traitors. All this is hurled at Lincoln or Jeff Davis indiscriminately.

JULY 26TH–Many amusing scenes occur daily between the Chief of the Bureau and applicants for passports. Those not included specially in the Secretary’s instructions, are referred to the Chief of the Bureau; .and Col. Bledsoe cannot bear importunity. Sometimes he becomes so very boisterous that the poor applicants are frightened out of the office.

–The Eighth and Seventy-first Regiments N. Y. S. M., returned to New York this afternoon, and met with an enthusiastic reception. Broadway was thronged, and vociferous cheers greeted them at every crossing.–N. Y. Times, July 27.

–In the Mississippi Legislature Mr. Harrison presented a series of resolutions, expressing the gratitude of the Senate of that State in the late brilliant achievement by the Confederate arms on the battle-field at Bull Run, which being amended by Mr. Drane, were adopted.– (Doc. 126.)

–A fight occurred at Lane’s Prairie, fifteen miles from Rolla, Mo., between a party of sixty-five rebels, and fifteen Home Guards from Rolla. The Guards were surrounded, but they made a determined stand, and after a few volleys dispersed the rebels, killing their first lieutenant and mortally wounding three others. One lieutenant and two privates on the National side were slightly wounded.–N. Y. Times, July 30.

–The Fourth Regiment of New Jersey Militia, and the First Regiment of Rhode Island, left Washington on their return from service.– Phila. Press, July 27.

–Since the disaster to the national arms on Sunday last at Bull Run, the State of Pennsylvania has thrown forward, to meet the requirements of the National Government, ten full regiments of infantry. On Sunday night, July 21st, the Governor was urgently requested to push on his forces, and his response within the ensuing four days was a magnificent army of nearly 11,000 picked men, thoroughly uniformed and furnished, and having most of them been regularly drilled in camps of instruction for two months.

Great pains have been bestowed by the State authorities upon this fine army. It has been organized under the supervision of George A. McCall, long an officer in the regular army, through all the grades of which he has passed with distinction to the rank he now holds in it of Brigadier-general. The State has also an artillery regiment and a regiment of twelve hundred cavalry nearly ready for service, both of which have been accepted by the Secretary of War. To the foresight and wise energy of Governor Curtin is chiefly owing the ability of the State to contribute so promptly and efficiently to the national safety in the present emergency.–Philadelphia Pres, July 27.

–To-day, in Virginia, Col. McLeod Murphy captured three rebels in uniform, while out scouting on his own account. He saw three of them getting water, while their arms were leaning against a tree but a few feet off. Col. Murphy rode up, and, without firing his revolver, collared the crowd and brought them into camp.–N. Y. World, July 27.

–The Second Regiment of Georgia volunteers from Savannah, passed through Charleston, S. C., on their way to Virginia.–Charleston Mercury, July 27.

–Brevet Second Lieut. Clarence Derrick, of the Engineer Corps, Brevet Second Lieut. Jas. P. Parker, Fourth Infantry, and Brevet Second Lieut. Frank A. Reynolds, having resigned just after graduating from West Point a few weeks since, were dismissed from the service of the United States.–Philadelphia Inquirer, July 27.

James H. Otey, Bishop of Tennessee, issued a pastoral letter to the clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church in his diocese, promulgating a prayer and service to be used on the Sunday preceding the day of thanksgiving fixed by the “Confederate Congress,” and suggesting to the clergy that in the prayer for the President of the United States, and in the prayer for Congress also, the words “United States” be omitted, and the words “Confederate States” be substituted in both places.–(Doc. 127.)

–A Correspondent at Fortress Monroe, Va., in a letter of this date, says: It became apparent, early last evening, that the rebels meditated an attack on Hampton. Gen. Butler determined to abandon the town in case of a formidable advance, and at seven o’clock the order was given for families and goods to be removed. Within one hour, orders were also issued to burn the town rather than have it fall into the hands of the enemy. The General well understands that the possession of Hampton by the rebels will be of no particular importance.

A stampede of the colored population took place all night, and to-day the road has been lined with refugees to the fortress, and army wagons, and carts bringing in goods from Hampton. The road has presented a most remarkable appearance; nearly 1,000 contraband men, women, and children must have come in during the last twenty-four hours.–N. Y. Times, Aug. 1.

July 26, 1861

• George McClellan appointed commander, Army of the Potomac, replacing Irvin McDowell. Some sources give the date as July 27, the day he received the orders.

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America¹

• Union troops drove out the rebels and occupied Forsyth, Mo.

1. A Chronological History of the Civil War in America by Richard Swainson Fisher, New York, Johnson and Ward, 1863

July 25th. Nearly all the men are back again to-night, and military duty is to be resumed to-morrow, but our three months have expired, and we are ordered back to New York to be mustered out of service. The President has called for three hundred thousand men to serve for three years, or the war. The country is just beginning to realize the magnitude of the undertaking, and the first thing it is going to do is to organize a regular army, which will last at least for three years. Our views of war are somewhat modified by the past three months’ experience, but I am determined to return, and under more favorable conditions, try to find that exaltation and glory that I have always associated with arms.

We shall go home and refit for a long period, organize and discipline an army, and when officers and men have learned to adjust themselves to their new positions, and know each other and their duties thoroughly, then commence afresh, and go on to victory, or sustain defeat with dignity. The cause is just as great to-day as it was the day we left New York, and, while we have been temporarily overthrown, there is no cause for despondency. We shall as certainly win in the end, as though we had never seen, or heard, of the disastrous battle of Bull Run.

For myself, I have served in the ranks for the last time; and shall go home and apply at once for a commission in some of the regiments now forming to serve for three years or the war, which will be more to my taste than serving in the ranks.

JULY 25th.—Bartow’s body has arrived, and lies in state at the Capitol. Among the chief mourners was his young friend Barton, who loved him as a son loves his father. From Lamar I learned some interesting particulars of the battle. He said when Bartow’s horse was killed, he, Lamar, was sent to another part of the field for another, and also to order up certain regiments, Bartow then being in command of a brigade. Lamar galloped through a hot cross-fire to the regiments and delivered the order, but got no horse. He galloped back, however, through the terrible fire, with the intention of giving his own horse to Bartow, if none other could be had. On his return he encountered Col. Jones, of the 4th Alabama, wounded, his arms being around the necks of two friends, who were endeavoring to support him in a standing attitude. One of these called to Lamar, and asked for his horse, hoping that Col. Jones might be able to ride (his thigh-bone was terribly shattered), and thus get off the field. Lamar paused, and promised as soon as he could report to Bartow he would return with that or another horse. Col. Jones thanked him kindly, but cautioned him against any neglect of Bartow’s orders, saying he probably could not ride. Lamar promised to return immediately; and putting spurs to his noble steed, started off in a gallop. He had not gone fifty yards before his horse fell, throwing him over his head. He saw that the noble animal had been pierced by as many as eight balls, from a single volley. He paused a moment and turned away, when the poor horse endeavored to rise and follow, but could not. He returned and patted the groaning and tearful steed on his neck; and, while doing this, five more balls struck him, and he died instantly. Lamar then proceeded on foot through a storm of bullets, and, untouched, rejoined Bartow in time to witness his fall.

Our prisons are filled with Yankees, and Brig.-Gen. Winder has employment. There is a great pressure for passports to visit the battle-field. At my suggestion, all physicians taking amputating instruments, and relatives of the wounded and slain, have been permitted by the Secretary to go thither.

July 25.–Last night I went in to Columbus to bid good-bye to the boys; on the road met Lucy, Laura, and Mother Webb; advised them to return. After we were at home (Platt’s), Lucy showed more emotion at my departure than she has hitherto exhibited. She wanted to spend my last night with me in Camp Chase. I took her out. We passed a happy evening going around among the men gathered in picturesque groups, cooking rations for three days at the camp fires. Early in the morning, as she was anxious Mother Webb should see the camp before I left, I sent her in by a hack to return with Mother Webb which she did, and they saw us leave the camp.

I marched in with the men afoot; a gallant show they made as they marched up High Street to the depot. Lucy and Mother Webb remained several hours until we left. I saw them watching me as I stood on the platform at the rear of the last car as long as they could see me. Their eyes swam. I kept my emotion under control enough not to melt into tears.–A pleasant ride to Bellaire; staid in the cars all night.

Dear Girls: Your full, interesting letters have come in and given great relief. G’s of today is certainly altogether more cheerful in tone than Eliza’s of Tuesday, and very naturally. We are beginning to “look up “ a little, too. Your rebuff by Miss Dix has been the subject of great indignation, but we all devoutly hope you will not mind it in the least. . . . Whatever you do, go in and win. Outflank the Dix by any and every means in your power, remembering that prison visitors and hospital visitors and people who really desire to do good, have taken no notice of obstacles except to vanquish them, and as soon as one avenue was closed have turned with perfect persistence to another. We shall be very much disappointed if you do not establish some sort of relations with the hospitals, at least enough to give you free access, and to make a reliable channel for such things as we can send. You ought certainly to get those boxes to-day if not sooner. . . All your details are very interesting. Pray, send any that you collect, and make Joe write out or dictate to one of you a connected story of what he saw and did from the time of the advance up to the Monday morning when he came in. It will be invaluable, and ought to be done while it is fresh. Your “mémoires pour servir” may immortalize you yet.. .. We have seen only a few people the last day or two, Mr. Denny, F. Bond, and Col. Perkins. All cheerful, hopeful and undaunted, say we can have ten men to every one lost now; that there is settled determination to use every resource to the uttermost. Uncle E. says, setting his teeth, “to the last drop of my blood!” Abby desponds. Thinks Scott to blame, that his tide of fortune is turning, or that he is childish, or, at best, that he let the cabinet have its way this time for the sake of saying, “I told you so.” We begin to grin now when Abby begins to croak, but there is certainly something in what she says. Don’t keep drumming about our going away. We should have been crazy if we had been in suspense in some small country place the last week or two. When things subside, and look nearly settled for the present, we will take our own time and go. . . Frank Goddard is in the rebel army at Sewall’s Point. “Hopes it will make no difference in our pleasant relations.” Hm!!! perhaps it won’t.

Why don’t you come home? Now’s your chance, if at all. The rebel army before Washington will melt away like a cloud and come down again suddenly in Kentucky, Missouri, Jeff knows where, where we are weak and unexpecting, and leave us sitting like fools behind our laborious entrenchments that nobody means to take. . . . How can you doubt Fremont? There has been no positive charge against him from any respectable source, only malevolent rumors, filling the air, coming no doubt from the Blairs and other malignant personal enemies who hate him, because they are slave-holders and he is just now the apostle of liberation. I announce my adhesion still and my painful anxiety that he should retrieve himself in Missouri against all the heavy odds of fortune. . . . It is pitiful to see how great and general a defection from him has grown out of absolutely nothing (so far) of any authority. . . . Take some measures to make Frank Bacon let his beard grow; tell him to go to Jericho with his “Victor Emmanuel.” He is in the late fashion, by the bye; so much the worse. Why should a man who can look like a knight of the table of the blameless King voluntarily look like a Lynn shoemaker?

“Yet, oh fair maid, thy mirth refrain,

Thy hand is on a lion’s mane.”

Quote me to him; who’s afraid? . . . Goodbye. I hope the highly accommodating Providence which directs, or rather acquiesces in all G.’s movements, will afford you both every facility for whatever you want to do. . . .

THURSDAY 25

Tho not engaged in the patent office officialy, my time has been occupied from day to day the past week in looking about and visiting the Regts encamped around the City. This evening, myself and Julia & H N Jr went over to the RI Camp and visited the officers, Col Burnside, Capt Dexter and Surgeon Genl Wheaton. The 1st Regt left this evening for Home. From there we went to the Old Capitol and visited the Secession prisoners (over one hundred). Col Boone and many others were interesting men.

______

The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of   Congress.

Washington July 25 1861

My dear Wife

I met a few moments ago, Col Henry Van Rentzelear¹ one of Genl Scotts aids who says he carried in my name and that of Rufus King² as appointments for Brigadiers. So that matter is a fixed fact. I was requested not to resign and [illegible] till the military bills are carried through the House. You will have seen the mean announcement made by the Tribune the thing of Fitz Henry Warren³ who has bitterly and boastfully opposed my promotion. I have said and done little or nothing for the responsibilities of such places are so great they should not be sought after.

It comes directly from the President on the recommendation of General Scott and I feel the more proud of the appointment for that reason. It is of no use for me to consider the advantage or disadvantage of thus going into another duties I am called and must go. I will draw less pay than I would if I remain in Congress and at least 3000 $ less than I would if I retained both my place in Congress and my position as Colonel. But to refuse the military appointment would never do, so I would not raise the question as to whether one or the other would be most profitable.

I am to be a Brigadier nolens volens and will resign my seat in Congress as soon as I have done all I can to secure proper military bills through Congress. I dine with General Scott to day and hope to get his views of matters very fully.

The terrible disorganization of the army caused by the foolish stampede of Sunday evening⁴ is being gradually overcome but things are not safe and an attack on the city to-day would be dangerous to the country. [continue reading…]

Arkansas True Democrat [Little Rock],
July 25, 1861

From our own Correspondent.

Richmond, July 9^th, 1861.

Notwithstanding the oppressively warm weather, the city of Richmond presents a stirring and lively appearance. There is great activity in the various departments of the newly formed government, particularly those of the war and navy, and their subordinate branches, the quartermaster’s and commissary’s departments. There are several large encampments in the purlieus of the city, where fresh troops are drilled and made acquainted with the rotine of a soldier’s life. The drill masters of the raw recruits are generally the cadets of the State Military Academy at Lexington, who, I understand, receive $30 a month for their services. Some of these cadets are mere boys, yet their education admirably fits them for the office of instructors of tactics. Recently a company of about 100 stalwart mountaineers passed my window under charge of a lad of about fourteen years old–there were some in the ranks old enough to be his grand-father, and yet the men obeyed him and seemed to improve vastly under his instruction. He was tied to a sword almost as long as himself, and with a penny-trumpet voice gave out the word of command with all the stern dignity of a veteran. That boy is the son of a lieutenant of the Public Guard, and has a fine company of juveniles under his command, whom he calls the Junior Home Guard, for the protection of the city. He will be a general some of these days. . . .

Quod.

Arkansas True Democrat [Little Rock],
July 25, 1861

We see from the subscription list that Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wright, of this city, has subscribed the liberal amount of four hundred bales of cotton to the confederate loan. Mrs. Wright represents one of Arkansas’ oldest and noblest families; one that has ever stood high among the honored and cherished of the State, and its old honor and renown will surely gather a yet a fairer lustre from the unselfish devotion of its patriotic daughter.

Thus it is with the glorious women of the South. Fearlessly, gloriously they have offered themselves to their country. The laughing maiden, the busy mother and the mourning widow have vied in their efforts to advance our cause. Day by day, and night by night, they have toiled at the work until an army of heroes, clothed by beauty, grace and worth, stand forth, as did Achilles on the Trojan plain, invincible. And throughout our land the spirit of the Switzer’s wife is heard crying–

“We shall not be oppressed,
No we must rise upon our own southern sod,
And man must arm and woman call on God.”

Daily Times
Leavenworth, Ks
July 25, 1861

Men from Fort Scott say they heard the firing of Sigel’s cannon, at the battle of Carthage, a distance of thirty-five miles.

The French Zouaves have been mustered into the U. S. service at the Fort. They are for the most part composed of men who have seen active service in the French army, many of them having belonged to the far-famed Zouaves. Capt. Block, if we are correctly informed, served with the Zouaves in Algiers, under the great Pellessier. He is a fine officer, a brave man, and a true soldier.

July 25th.–The unfortunate General Patterson, who could not keep Johnston from getting away from Winchester, is to be dismissed the service–honourably, of course–that is, he is to be punished because his men would insist on going home in face of the enemy, as soon as their three months were up, and that time happened to arrive just as it would be desirable to operate against the Confederates. The latter have lost their chance. The Senate, the House of Representatives, the Cabinet, the President, are all at their ease once more, and feel secure in Washington. Up to this moment the Confederates could have taken it with very little trouble. Maryland could have been roused to arms, and Baltimore would have declared for them. The triumph of the non-aggressionists, at the head of whom is Mr. Davis, in resisting the demands of the party which urges an actual invasion of the North as the best way of obtaining peace, may prove to be very disastrous. Final material results must have justified the occupation of Washington.

I dined at the Legation, where were Mr. Sumner and some English visitors desirous of going South. Lord Lyons gives no encouragement to these adventurous persons.