July 12th.–There are rumours that the Federals, under Brigadier M’Clellan, who have advanced into Western Virginia, have gained some successes; but so far it seems to have no larger dimensions than the onward raid of one clan against another in the Highlands. And whence do rumours come? From Government departments, which, like so many Danaes in the clerks’ rooms, receive the visits of the auriferous Jupiters of the press, who condense themselves into purveyors of smashes, slings, baskets of champagne, and dinners. M’Clellan is, however, considered a very steady and respectable professional soldier. A friend of his told me to-day one of the most serious complaints the Central Illinois Company had against him was that, during the Italian war, he seemed to forget their business; and that he was busied with maps stretched out on the floor, whereupon he, superincumbent, penned out the points of battle and strategy when he ought to have been attending to passenger trains and traffic. That which was flat blasphemy in a railway office may be amazingly approved in the field.

–Last night, after the battle at Rich Mountain, Colonel Pegram, who was in command, withdrew from the fort near Beverly, leaving behind six guns, a largo number of horses,wagons, and camp equipage.–(Doc. 85.)

–J. P. Benjamin, Attorney-General of the Confederate States of America, issued a circular of instruction to Marshals in relation to prisoners of war, and persons captured at sea, as follows:–

1. All persons captured at sea and placed in custody of the Marshals, are at once to be confined in such manner as to prevent their obtaining any information which could be made useful to the enemy.

2. All persons captured on board of vessels (whether armed or unarmed) employed in the public service of the United States, are to be considered as prisoners of war. All persons employed in the service of the enemy, are to be considered as prisoners of war even when captured on unarmed vessels not employed in the public service of the enemy.

Persons captured on private unarmed vessels, and not employed in the public service of the enemy, are not prisoners of war.

3. As soon as the Marshal shall have received into custody persons captured at sea, he shall make out a list of their names, rank, and position, and submit one copy thereof to the judge of the court, and another to the captors or their proctor, for the purpose of designating such as are to be detained as witnesses.

4. After separating those who are to be detained in confinement as witnesses, the Marshal will at once deliver to the commander of the nearest military post all the prisoners of war; and will transport to the frontier and place beyond the limits of the Confederacy all such alien enemies as are not prisoners of war. –Baltimore American, July 22.

–This evening a detachment of three companies of Colonel Woodruffs Second Kentucky Regiment attacked six hundred rebels between Mad River and Barboursville, on the Kanawha River, Western Virginia, completely routing them. Ten or twelve rebels were killed and a number wounded. The Kentuckians had one killed.–(Doc. 85.)

–To-day the ladies of Martinsburg, Virginia, presented to the Second Wisconsin Regiment a beautiful National ensign. Coming as it does from the people of a State which has been declared out of the Union by her constituted authorities, the regiment received the donation with peculiar sensations of pleasure. The flag was presented with the following remarks :

Soldiers of the Wisconsin Regiment:–We have met this bright and beautiful morning to present to you this emblem of our national glory as a token of our high regard for you and our cause; we welcome you into our midst bearing the flag of our glorious country, trusting in God; this flag has protected the oppressed of all lands, who have sought its shelter, and so long as this flag shall wave the oppressed shall be free. Believing from what you have already accomplished, it will never be disgraced in your hands you will accept this token from the ladies of Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia.–Baltimore American, July 23.

–The Senate of the United States passed the bill, which had previously passed the House, to provide for the collection of duties in such ports as are situated within States, or parts of a State refusing obedience to the ordinary revenue laws of the nation.

In such cases it is ordered by this new act that the Surveyors at the several ports shall be subject to all the obligations and provided with all the subordinate officers of Collectors, and that all the general provisions of law regulating trade and commerce shall apply to such ports in the same manner as they do to ports of entry established by the laws now in force.

The President is also authorized to direct that the custom-house for any district in which the collection of the customs in the ordinary way is obstructed, may be established in any secure place within such district, or on shipboard near the coast. Provision is also made for enforcing the regulations of Congress under this head. In cases where these extraordinary means maybe found unavailing for the purpose of protecting the public revenue, the President is authorized, by proclamation, to close such ports of entry; and any ship undertaking to disregard such proclamation is rendered liable to forfeiture.

Another section of the bill directs that all commercial intercourse between other portions of the Union and States, or parts of States, declared to be in insurrection, according to the terms of the act of 1795, shall cease and be unlawful so long as such condition of hostility exists.–National Intelligencer, July 13.

–The Thirty-sixth Regiment N. Y. S. V., commanded by Colonel Charles S. Innes, departed from Riker’s Island, direct for Washington.–N. Y. Times, July 13.

–In the House of Representatives at Washington, Mr. Vallandigham, of Ohio, offered a preamble and resolution, declaring vacant the seats of such members as have accepted commands in the militia of their several States, which occasioned a lively passage of words between various representatives, when the matter was tabled by ninety-two votes to fifty-one.

–Colonel Pegram, the commander of the rebel forces, near Beverly, Virginia, surrendered to General McClellan. This morning he sent a messenger to the Federal camp at Huttonsville, Va., stating that he, with six hundred men, would surrender as prisoners of war. They were nearly starved, and as Gen. Garnett was flying from Laurel Hill, to which point he was flying, he had no chance to escape. Gen. McClellan required an unconditional surrender. To this Col. Pegram was obliged to submit, and, with his whole force, was disarmed and marched into Beverly. Lieut.-Col. Cantwell, with a part of the Ohio Fourth Regiment, received their arms and took them in charge. His army was composed of the flower of Eastern Virginia, and contained among its curiosities a Professor in Hampden Sidney College, with a company of his students. Col. Pegram is a West Point graduate, a brave man, and has only left the United States array within a few months. Gen. Garnett, who is now flying with his whole force of six thousand men, is also a graduate of West Point, and was the commandant there a few years ago.–(Doc. 87.)

–The Galveston (Texas) Civilian, of to-day, contains the following:–”The San Antonio Ledger has late advices from New Mexico. Brigadier-General F. B. Stanton has arrived and organized two regiments for Lincoln’s service. The first regiment is commanded by Ceran St. Train, Colonel. The Second Regiment is commanded by Miguel Pino, Colonel, and Manuel Chara, Lieutenant-Colonel. The Fifth and Seventh Regular Infantry have orders to march to the States. So we may look for trouble in New Mexico.”

July 12, 1861

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America¹

• Union troops under McClellan took possession of Beverly, Va.; Col. Pegram surrendered with his entire force.
• Skirmish at Newport News, Va.
• Skirmish at Barboursville, Wa.

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

The Arkansas True Democrat, Little Rock, Arkansas, July 11, 1861

July 11th.–We did hear cannon to-day. The woman who slandered Mrs. Davis’s republican court, of which we are honorable members, by saying they–well, were not young; that they wore gaudy colors, and dressed badly–I took an inventory to-day as to her charms. She is darkly, deeply, beautifully freckled; she wears a wig which is kept in place by a tiara of mock jewels; she has the fattest of arms and wears black bead bracelets.

THURSDAY 11

This has been a cool delightful day with a little rain just before night, just enough to again prevent our proposed visit to the R.I. Camp. I went out and saw the Regt of Col Small parade, it is from Penn. More Removals in the Office today, one Examr (Reed)[?] and three or four Clerks. Rumors of fighting West and also of the Retreat of the Rebels from Fairfax Court House. We shall know tomorrow. More troops come every day, and go into camp back of us.

______

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.

As soon as possible we called on Miss Dorothea Dix, who had, by a general order, been recognized in the following words:

“Be it known to all whom it may concern that the free services of Miss D. L. Dix are accepted by the War Department, and that she will give at all times all necessary aid in organizing military hospitals and by supplying nurses; and she is authorized to receive and disburse supplies from individuals or associations, etc., etc.

Given under the seal of the War Department, April 23, 1861. (Signed.)

Simon Cameron, Secretary.

——

Miss Dix received us kindly and gave us a good deal of information about the hospitals, and this morning we went out to the Georgetown Hospital to see for ourselves. We were delighted with all the arrangements. Everything was clean and comfortable. We shall go again and take papers and magazines.

JULY 11th.—The colonel tried his hand to-day at dictating answers to certain letters. Together we pitched upon the proper replies, which, after being marked with his pencil, I elaborated with the pen. These were first approved by the Secretary, then signed by the Chief of the Bureau, and copied by Mr. Scott.

To-day the colonel essayed a flight with his own plumage. I followed his dictation substantially in the answers. But the moment the Secretary’s eyes rested upon them, they were promptly reversed. The Secretary himself, suspecting how it was, indeed he saw the colonel’s pencil marks, brought them to me, while a humorous smile played upon his usually not very expressive lip. When the colonel came in, and beheld what had been done, he groaned, and requested me to write the proper answers. From that day he ceased to have anything more to do with the correspondence than to sign his name to the letters I prepared for him. He remarked to-day that if he was to have nothing to do, he would do nothing.

The New York Times
July 11, 1861

Col. Richard Thomas, the “French Lady,” has been indicted by the Grand Jury of the United States District Court for piracy and treason. He is now in jail.

July 11

       Mr Grimball and Papa went into the Country to day , it has been very warm. Lewis writes from Fairfax C. H. on the eve of battle for an over coat for a grey flannel Jacket for woolen socks and crackers & cheese, and says it is quite cold where he is at night and when on guard duty he suffers very much. His usual covering is 2 blankets.—

       Papa is going to Buncomb with C. & W. engaged a room and sets off on the 20th. He has given me a barrel of small rice and $50 to buy something for myself. He gave each of the girls, E. & L. $30, & Elizabeth $40, he gave me $50 in change for house keeping & Mr Grimball one hundred bushels of seed rice. All this is to help the living. He gave Lewis money when he went off, and a little bible.—Which was very kind.—

       The Wilkinses have had 2 little teas which, as they have a piano went off nicely.—We have had two, the last included Mr & Mrs Lewis, H. Manigault, and a Miss North who sings very well & is very fat & has red hair. She wishes to go to Europe, and be cultivated for a public singer, but cannot get her parents to consent to it, they live on ill terms with each other.

       Ann Barnwell took Elizabeth to drive with her yesterday afternoon, and poured out her discontent with life, herself, and all the world to Elizabeth. E. said she had been struck with a remark in a Novel of Thackery’s she had lately read, “to a good natured man the world is pleasant and kind, but to one who is misanthropic the world is very crooked and unhappy” so, if she would feel more interest in people they would please her, and she would be happier.—

       We have had a constant succession of afternoon visitors, and Papa has been rather struck with it.—

       In this dreary world where feeling, except for self, seems no where, it is affecting to hear of such love as this.—Papa went the other day to see Mr Alfred Huger and said he was waiting to go to Buncomb with his daughter Charlotte. He looked at him and his face all alive with feeling said “Morris, is she any thing like the one she was called after.[“] He assured him his daughter was altogether lovely and of good report. To which Mr Huger replyed [“] I have never for one hour had her out of my mind, the pressure of her hand, when she parted with me I still feel, and I would to day , old and crippled as I am, walk a mile to serve any one I thought it would please her that I should.[“]

       The history of this heart affair is this; when Mr Huger was a young man, he addressed my Mother’s sister, Charlotte Manigault, and she loved him, but my Grandmother could not reconcile herself to another of her daughters being, as she said, sacrificed at the South, so she induced Charlotte to refuse him and I think she never got over it, her younger Sister Harriet married, and she attended the death beds of 2 Sisters, and died herself, a victim to consumption. So, in fact, my Grandmother sacrificed her to the North, & I have always felt as if I had been unjustly deprived of a very charming Aunt, for I knew her, & loved her.—And Mr Huger, who really loved her & loves her still, married a woman older than himself, a poor little, dreary soul who had nursed a Sister of this gentleman in a lingering illness, in which the two were brought much in contact, and sympathy, and so a match of propinquity took place. No children, but now in his old age he has in his house the children of a nephew who has lost his wife and with these young people about him, and thinking of his lost Charlotte, life is nearly for him ended.—

       I have been quite ill with a pain in my head & stomach. In the years that have passed of my married life I have when ill dragged round after my duties with weak wretched feelings. Many times I have knelt down and said family prayers with a faint heart & swimming head from weakness. Now my children are grown I intend to try the other system, go to bed when I feel badly, and be waited upon, and if I live long enough shall end by pursuing the plan I like best. For the 12 confinements I had:—Motives of economy induced me to only 4 times have a regular nurse, and only twice for a whole Month, the others I had what I could get at home, & the regular nurse here was with me 2 weeks.

       I believe now this was a mistake, it was thought that I really did not wish a nurse, and not that I made a sacrifice to what I considered necessary economy.—I recollect now the feeling of nervous misery, when ill, with a baby; a head paining, & the noise of children running up & down stairs, doors slamming, &c., & that restraint which the presence of a stranger in the nurse would have occasioned in my sick room, not there; & the dreary details of expenditure discussed at my bed side. Well, I have had, & now have, many blessings, but were I to begin life again, at such times I would have a nurse & I would nurse myself.—

CAMP CHASE, July 11, 1861.

DEAR UNCLE:–I am now almost at home. Lucy is at Platt’s with Birch and Webb. Dr. Joe came yesterday bringing Webb with him. We shall have the boys out here a good deal. It is a good place for them. Birch was infinitely disgusted to meet me without my uniform on.

I have my horse here and ride him all about the camp and parade ground. Although young, he is sensible to the last. I shall probably not need Ned, Jr. A horse must canter or lope well to be of any account in a camp. The colonel and Matthews have both been disappointed in theirs. Matthews sent his back home yesterday. My sorrel cost one hundred dollars. He is called the cheapest and one of the best horses in camp. . . .

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie,New York, 1895)

“Upon the arrival of General McClellan’s troops on the Beverly Pike, which runs along the summit of Rich Mountain, a heavy fire was opened upon them, the Confederates firing shot, shell and grape, but so wildly that little damage was done. The Federal troops dropped flat and deployed as skirmishers advancing slowly. The enemy, mistaking this movement, rushed from their breastworks with a shout and approached the road. The Federals then fired a most terrific and destructive volley, and rushed up the slope into the enemy’s ranks with fixed bayonets. The fight now raged promiscuously all over the hill. The Confederates were soon driven up the hill, over their breastworks, and completely routed. The battle continued for an hour and a half from the first to the last shot.”

“General McClellan’s plan for attacking the Confederates under General Garnett in Western Virginia and driving them beyond the Alleghenies involved the surprise of a large body strongly intrenched at Rich Mountain, in a position commanding the turnpike over Laurel Hill. He detailed General Rosecrans to surprise them. This in turn involved a circuitous march through the dense forests of Laurel Hill, over a wild and broken country. General Rosecrans’s column of 1,600 men was guided by a woodsman named David L. Hart, who described the march as follows: “We started at daylight, and I led, accompanied by Colonel Lander, through a pathless wood, obstructed by bushes, laurels, fallen timber and rocks, followed by the whole division in perfect silence. Our circuit was about five miles; rain fell, the bushes wet us through, and it was very cold. At noon we came upon the Confederate pickets, and after drawing the dampened charges from our guns immediately opened action.” The result of the battle is well known. It ended in the utter rout and final capture of the Confederates under Colonel Pegram, with a loss of 150 killed and 300 wounded.”

(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, New York, 1895)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/exit78/27639001134/

July 11th.–The diplomatic circle is so totus teres atque rotundus, that few particles of dirt stick on its periphery from the road over which it travels. The radii are worked from different centres, often far apart, and the tires and naves often fly out in wide divergence; but for all social purposes is a circle, and a very pleasant one. When one sees M. de Stoeckle speaking to M. Mercier, or joining in with Baron Gerolt and M. de Lisboa, it is safer to infer that a little social re-union is at hand for a pleasant civilised discussion of ordinary topics, some music, a rubber, and a dinner, than to resolve with the New York Correspondent, “that there is reason to believe that a diplomatic movement of no ordinary significance is on foot, and that the ministers of Russia, France, and Prussia have concerted a plan of action with the representative of Brazil, which must lead to extraordinary complications, in view of the temporary embarrassments which distract our beloved country. The Minister of England has held aloof from these reunions for a sinister purpose no doubt, and we have not failed to discover that the emissary of Austria, and the representative of Guatemala have abstained from taking part in these significant demonstrations. We tell the haughty nobleman who represents Queen Victoria, on whose son we so lately lavished the most liberal manifestations of our good will, to beware. The motives of the Court of Vienna, and of the republic of Guatemala, in ordering their representatives not to join in the reunion which we observed at three o’clock to-day, at the corner of Seventeenth Street and One, are perfectly transparent; but we call on Mr. Seward instantly to demand of Lord Lyons a full and ample explanation of his conduct on the occasion, or the transmission of his papers. There is no harm in adding, that we have every reason to think our good ally of Russia, and the minister of the astute monarch, who is only watching an opportunity of leading a Franco-American army to the Tower of London and Dublin Castle, have already moved their respective Governments to act in the premises.”

That paragraph, with a good heading, would sell several thousands of the “New York Stabber” tomorrow.

–Alexander H. Stephens delivered an elaborate speech at Augusta, Georgia, defending the cause of secession and pointing out the way to the success of the southern rebellion.– (Doc. 83.)

–This morning a young man presented himself at the quarters of one of the Pennsylvania Regiments, near Shuter’s Hill, opposite Washington, dressed in a suit of blue navy flannel, surmounted with a lieutenant’s epaulettes, and introduced himself as “Lieut. Smith of Company A, 6th Massachusetts Regiment.” Not being suspected at the time, he was allowed to inspect the works at Fort Ellsworth, and to witness the departure of the Zouaves toward Fairfax. Not until he had safely returned to Washington and been carried by the cars some miles on the road to Baltimore, was it discovered that a secessionist had been in camp.–N. Y. Tribune, July 13.

–The companies sent to the relief of Col. Smith, at Monroe, Missouri, returned to Hannibal this evening, and report the road unobstructed between Hannibal and Monroe. On arriving at the latter place, they formed a junction with Col. Smith’s force, which was intrenched in the Academy buildings. The rebels, 1,200 strong, were grouped over the prairie, out of reach of Col. Smith’s rifles. They had two pieces of artillery, which were brought to bear, but the distance was so great that the balls were almost spent before reaching the lines. Col. Smith’s artillery was of longer range, and did considerable execution. The fight lasted until dusk, and the last shot from the Federal side dismounted one of the rebels’ guns. Just at that moment Governor Wood, of Illinois, fell on their rear with the cavalry sent from Quincy and completely routed them, taking seventy-five prisoners, one gun, and a large number of horses. About twenty or thirty rebels were killed. Not one of the Unionists was killed, although several were severely wounded. General Tom Harris, the rebel leader, escaped.–Chicago Tribune, July 12.

–The New-Orleans Delta, of this day, says that further persistence of the Confederate States in the endeavor to obtain the recognition of our nationality is useless. It also says that the British Ministry have not the courage nor the inclination to apply to the Confederate States the rules which they have uniformly applied to other nations. It adds: “Too much importance has been assigned to the idea that France and England would break the blockade to get Southern products.” The editor, therefore, proposes a recall of the Southern Commissioners, and to refuse the recognition of resident Consuls of all the Powers which will not recognize similar officers of the Confederate States abroad.

–The rebels at New Orleans, La., have taken a powerful tug-boat, covered her with railroad iron, and put her machinery below the waterline. They have also built a new boat completely of iron, very sharp, with a sharp point below the waterline, intended to run down the Federal vessels of war. The latter will be commanded by Capt. Seward Porter, formerly of Portland, Maine.–National Intelligencer, July 16.

–The Charleston Mercury of this day publishes the following:–The Sixteenth Regiment S. C. M., comprising eight beat companies, were on the Green yesterday for inspection (?). A more ridiculous farce could not possibly have been enacted than that gone through with yesterday–that is, if regarded in a military point of view. If six hundred citizens, drawn up in two ranks, without arms or equipments, ununiformed, and ignorant of the first principles of a soldier’s duty, can be called a regiment, this was a regiment.

We forego further comment, only remarking, that what is a farce now, to be enjoyed by idle juveniles, may be at no distant day a tragedy over which the State will mourn.

–At St. Louis, Mo., about 400 men belonging to Col. McNeil’s regiment, a reserve corps, visited the State Journal office early this morning, removing the type, paper, etc. They then read an order from Gen. Lyon prohibiting the further publication of that sheet.

Col. McNeil published a proclamation to the people of Missouri, stating that the suppression of the State Journal was in consequence of its giving aid and comfort to those in active rebellion against the authority of the United States Government, encouraging the people to take up arms against that authority, to commit acts of violence and oppression against loyal citizens, and by the fabrication of false reports respecting the United States troops, inciting disaffected citizens to the commission of overt acts of treason, with a view of entirely subverting the Federal authority in the State.–N. Y. World, July 16.

–A Battle was fought this afternoon at Rich Mountain,¹ about two miles east of Roaring Run, Va. where the rebels, numbering about two thousand, under command of Col. Pegram, were strongly intrenched.

About 3 o’clock this morning Gen. McClellan ordered four regiments–the Eighth, Tenth, Thirteenth Indiana, and Nineteenth Ohio Regiments, under the command of Gen. Rosecrans –to proceed along the line of the hills southeast of the enemy’s intrenched camp on the Beverly road, where it crosses Rich Mountain, two miles east of the enemy’s position, with orders to advance along the Beverly road and attack the east side of the work–Gen. McClellan being prepared to assault the west side as soon as the firing should announce the commencement of the attack. The capture of a courier, who mistook the road through the enemy’s camp for the route of the Federal troops, placed the enemy in possession of intelligence of the movement.

The rebels, about 2,500 strong, with heavy earthwork batteries, were intrenched on the western slopes of the Rich Mountain, about twenty-five miles east from Buckhannon, and two miles west from Beverly, which is on the east side of the mountain. They had selected the forks of the Roaring Creek, which empties after a northerly course into the Tygart’s Valley River, a branch of the Monongahela. The creek crosses the road in two places, about a mile apart.

The morning was cool and bracing, and the Federal troops were in capital spirits. Gen. Rosecrans ordered the brigade to cut a path through a thick growth of mountain pine trees and heavy undergrowth of brush for nearly nine miles, which occupied about ten hours, resting at noon.

Late in the afternoon Gen. Rosecrans came on the rear of the rebels, and, after a desperate fight of an hour and a half, completely routed them, driving them in the utmost disorder into the woods, and capturing all their guns, wagons, and camp equipage, or, as Gen. McClellan says, “all they had.” They also took several prisoners, many officers among them. Sixty of the rebels were killed and a large number wounded. Of the Union troops twenty were killed and forty wounded. Gen. McClellan had his guns mounted to command the rebels’ position, but he found that the gallantry of Rosecrans spared him the trouble of going into action. He is now moving on Beverly, and the advance command of Gen. Rosecrans are within three miles of that place.–(Doc. 84.)

_____

¹ Rich Mountain is a gap in the Laurel Hill Range where the Staunton and Weston turnpike crosses it between Buckhannon and Beverly, and about four or miles out of the latter place. It is about as far from Laurel Hill proper, (that is, where the Beverly and Fairmount pike crosses it, and where the enemy is intrenched,) as Beverly is: some 15 or 16 miles. It is also about 25 miles   from Buckhannon.– Wheeling Intelligencer.

July 11, 1861

• Battle of Rich Mountain
• Sterling Price, Confederate governor Claiborne Jackson, Nathaniel Lyon, and Francis Blair meet at Planters’ House in St. Louis to discuss a truce. Lyon was quoted as saying “This means war” after the talks end abruptly

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America¹

• Battle at Rich Mountain, Va. (Pegram v. Rosecrans): rebels defeated.
• U. S. Senate expel from that body Senators James M. Mason and R. M. T. Hunter, of Virginia; Thomas L. Clingman and Thomas Bragg, of North Carolina; Louis T. Wigfall and J. W. Hemphill, of Texas; Charles B. Mitchell and William K. Sebastian, of Arkansas; and A. O. P. Nicholson, of Tennessee.
• President approved the resolution of Congress remitting the duties on arms imported by States to be used in suppressing the rebellion.

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

OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

Camp Mary, Banks of the Anacostia, July 10, 1861.

On Sunday last five slaves made their way to the camp of the Thirty-seventh regiment, selling fruit, and two of them stated that they wished to escape from the tyranny of their masters. These two were young women, who had an infant with them. The other two were middle-aged male negroes, who said they wanted to return to slavery. Colonel McCunn ordered the whole party a tent and refreshments, and had a guard placed over them. They looked healthy, and though they were totally illiterate, were surprisingly intelligent. They all said that they were from Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the women complained that they belonged to Captain Berry, who commands a troop of horse in the rebel army. The men belonged to a different owner.

The women also stated that they had been cruelly treated by their master, and that they were frequently insulted, and worked hard always. The men complained of hard work and cruel treatment also, but were not ready to say they wanted to escape. The Colonel reported the circumstance to General Mansfield, who ordered that the fugitives be conducted outside the lines. This was accordingly done by your correspondent after they had received a supply of provisions to help them on their journey home, which is fifteen miles distant.

I have nothing further of interest to communicate in this letter, except that all the regiments here progress well in drill and are healthy, the only trouble being the warmth of the climate. The rumors of war, battles, victories and defeats that flood the camps continually would surprise any sane person. I will say nothing further about these, as you have doubtless enough of reality to deal with in this way these times. The boys of the Thirty-seventh have just captured a rebel horse, and are now having their fun around the camp with him, à la Mickey Free.

WEDNESDAY 10

This has been a fine day but rather hot for the marching troops. Some Regts have gone over the River and some have arrived from the North. A move towards the rebels is now makeing, and a battle or a race is now impending. My impression is the Rebels will run. Myself and Julia had intended to go over to the RI Camp, but there came on another rain (a copious one) and prevented us. There has been nothing like a “dry time” yet this season. Staid in the House reading &c.

______

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.

JULY 10th.—There are indications of military operations on a large scale on the Potomac. We have intelligence that McDowell is making preparations to advance against our forces at Manassas. Gen. Johnston is expected to be there in time; and for that purpose is manœuvring Gen. Patterson out of the way. Our men have caps now–and will be found in readiness. They have short-commons under the Commissary Department; but even with empty stomachs, they can beat the Yankees at the ordeal of dying. Fighting is a sport our men always have an appetite for.

“Camp Lyon” St. Joseph Mo
July 10th 1861

Genera] Order No 9

1st The use of profane and obscene language by the officers or men is strictly prohibited in camp. The commissioned officers will enforce obedience of this order.

2nd Gambling in Camp is forbidden. Any member found engaged in gambling will be deemed in gross violation of orders and dealt with accordingly.

3rd There will be devine service in camp each sabbath 3 ½ o’clock P.M. Commissioned Officers will see that their commands attend such service in proper uniform and conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

By Order of
M. M. Crocker Major Comdg
N. P. Chipman Adjt