–The Executive Government of the United States and correspondents arrived at a full understanding to-day, regarding the transmission of telegraphic despatches giving information as to movements of the army. So, hereafter, it will be necessary for the distant public to await the arrival of the mails before knowing what advances of troops have been made, as also what reinforcements have arrived. The Government alleges that it has been greatly embarrassed in its movements by the Washington correspondents of the New York press, and patriotically called upon them to co-operate in not publishing any movements prematurely. Should a battle occur, the Government will probably permit the official accounts to be transmitted.–N. Y. World, July 11.

–The Loan bill passed the House of Representatives to-day. It authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to borrow on the credit of the United States, within twelve months from the passage of the act, a sum not exceeding two hundred and fifty millions of dollars, for which he is authorized to issue certificates of coupon, or registered stock, or treasury notes, the stock to bear interest not exceeding seven per centum per annum, payable semi-annually, irredeemable for twenty years, and after that period redeemable at pleasure. The United States treasury notes are to be fixed by the Secretary at not less than fifty dollars, payable three years after date, with interest at the rate of seven and three-tenths per centum per annum, payable annually on the notes of fifty dollars, and semi-annually on notes of larger denominations. The faith of the United States is solemnly pledged for the payment of the interest and the redemption of the principal of the loan; and for the full and punctual payment of the interest, the United States specially pledge the duties of import on tea, coffee, sugar, spices, wines and liquors, and also such excise and other internal duties or taxes as may be received into the treasury. In the debate on the bill, Mr. Vallandigham, of Ohio, took occasion to charge the Executive with a usurpation of power, and declared himself for a speedy, immediate, and honorable peace.–(Doc. 75.)

–The entire postal service, embracing post-offices, post-routes, and route agencies in Middle and West Tennessee, were discontinued by order of the Postmaster-General.–National Intelligencer, July 12.

–A Resolution passed the Lower House of the Virginia Legislature, at Wheeling, to-day, instructing Senators and requesting Representatives in Congress to vote for the necessary appropriations of men and money for a vigorous prosecution of the war, and to oppose all compromises until the rebellion is crushed out. The following resolution was offered by Mr. Vance, of Harrison:

Whereas, One Owen Lovejoy, a member from Illinois, has offered a resolution in the House of Representatives, having for its object the repeal of the fugitive slave law; therefore be it

Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested to vote against said resolution, or any other of like object.– N. Y. World, July 11.

–In the Senate of the United States the bill authorizing the employment of 500,000 volunteers, and making an appropriation of 600,000,000 dollars, for the purpose of suppressing the existing rebellion, was passed. Mr. Saulsbury of Delaware desired to amend, by inserting, in the place of 500,000 men, 200,000; he desired peace, he said, and had faith in compromise measures. To him it was pertinently replied that 200,000 men were too many for peace and too few for war; and the amendment was rejected–33 voting against it, and 5 (Messrs. Johnson of Missouri, Kennedy, Polk, Powell, and Saulsbury) in favor of it.

–Gen. Banks issued a proclamation, appointing Geo. R. Dodge, Esq., of Baltimore, , Marshal of Police, vice Col. Kenly, Provost Marshal, relieved.

He also directed the military occupation of Baltimore to cease, and ordered the regiments to resume their old positions in the suburbs of the city. The regiments affected by this order are the Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty, second Pennsylvania ; the Thirteenth and Twentieth New York, and Eighth Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts battery of light artillery. The soldiers will not be permitted to visit the city without permission, and then must leave their arms in camp.–Baltimore American, July 10.

–This afternoon, a gold medal, ordered by the citizens of New York, was presented by Mayor Wood to Brigadier-General Anderson, through his friend, John C. Murray, who was deputed to receive it on his behalf.–N. Y. Evening Post, July 10.

–The Thirty-third Regiment, New York Volunteers, commanded by Col. R. F. Taylor, numbering 859 men, passed through Baltimore to-day.–N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, July 11.

–Daniel S. Dickinson delivered an address at Amherst College, on the present state of affairs in the United States. It is replete with the customary vigor of its distinguished author, with that strong instinct of generous and genuine Democracy which belongs to his character, and is inspired by the largest patriotism and the wisest statesmanship. Mr. Dickinson declared himself for the maintenance of the Constitution and for the preservation of the integrity of the Republic at whatever cost. At the same time he exposed the folly of the secession theory and the wickedness of the secession practice; and, in all, he speaks like a man of the people and an American. Regarding the present crisis not without sorrow indeed, but without fear, he is for a zealous and speedy prosecution of the war, and for peace only on the basis of the entire submission of the rebels.–(Doc. 76.)

–The Twenty-seventh Regiment N. Y. S. V., commanded by Col. H. W. Slocum, 1,000 strong, left Elmira this afternoon for Washington.–N. Y. Evening Post, July 10.

–The House of Representatives passed the bill laid before Congress by Secretary Chase, empowering the President to close the ports of the seceding States. The vote on the passage of the bill wag 185 yeas to 10 nays.–N. Y. Evening Post, July 10.

–About two o’clock this morning the camp of the Federal troops, under Colonel Smith, of the Illinois Sixteenth, near Monroe station, thirty miles west of Hannibal, Mo., embracing 800 of the Iowa Third, 200 of the Illinois Sixteenth, and about 100 of the Hannibal Home Guards, was attacked by 1,600 secessionists, under Brigadier-General Harris.

Although the Federals were surprised, they repelled the attack, drove the rebels back, killed four, and wounded several, besides capturing five prisoners and seven horses. Harris retreated to Monroe, where another skirmish occurred, in which the rebels were again repulsed. Smith then took up a position and sent messengers for reenforcements from Quincy.–Baltimore American, July 12.–(Doc. 76 ½.)

–The Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, under command of Colonel D. N. Couch, left Taunton, Mass., this afternoon for the seat of war. –N. Y. Evening Post, July 10.

–The New Orleans True Delta of to-day has two characteristic articles, containing bold denunciations of the rebel leaders. One refers to the contemplated assembling of the Congress of the Confederate States in Richmond on the 20th inst., of the future of which no very sanguine anticipations are entertained. If the State of Louisiana, it says, is to be taken as a sample of the way things have been conducted, the result shows a treasury collapsed, a great city comparatively defenceless, a people full of chivalrous feeling discouraged, and an ardent and zealous local militia disappointed and disgusted. It suggests that the provisional government should immediately organize the local military strength, under the direction of capable and intelligent military officers, to which should be temporarily attached such scattering material as may be found unemployed in adjacent States, so as to familiarize it for any duty the future may require of it. The other article shows the absurdity of the donation reliance; states that the men who have managed to get the country into the war have proved themselves utterly incapable of carrying the rebel States safely and honorably through it, and asks why should not the people awake at once to the opportunity that will soon present, to find other men more fit to carry them with honor, glory, and success, to a triumphal termination of all their troubles? It is quite likely that the indignation of the people of the rebellious States will recoil upon the rebel leaders who have madly led them into this unfortunate war.

–Henry A. Wise of the rebel army issued a proclamation, calling upon the citizens of Western Virginia to rally to his standard, and holding out to them the promise of pardon for past oftbuces.–(Doc. 78.) ,

–A skirmish took place at Laurel Hill, Va., between the Federal troops under Gen. McClellan, and the rebels under Gen. Pegram. About 2 o’clock in the afternoon two large bodies were seen from a high hill in the neighborhood to leave the rebels’ camp. Instant preparations were made to resist. About 4 p. M., there was skirmishing in front by the Fourteenth Ohio and Ninth Indiana Regiments, which soon became very warm. The rebels advanced under cover of the woods when the Federals rushed forward, pouring in a sharp volley, killing several of the enemy. The rebel cavalry then advanced to take our skirmishers in flank. The Federal troops rapidly retreated, and the artillery dropped a couple of shells, one of which exploded among the cavalry when they instantly fell back. Again the Union troops rushed forward and pouring in another volley the rebels scattered in the woods, and the officers were seen attempting to rally them, but they could not be brought up again in a body. In the meantime the skirmishers picked off their officers, and several additional shells were thrown in. The Federal troops made a final rush, driving the rebels from their own rifle pits, and bringing back several of their blankets, canteens and guns. The rebel force engaged was a Georgia Regiment, 1,200 strong, and generally considered the crack regiment of this division of the rebel army.

The most astonishing bravery was displayed by the Federal skirmishers, and the only trouble was to keep the men from rushing into the midst of the enemy. The whole skirmish was a most spirited affair, and the Ohio and Indiana boys gave the Georgians some new idea of Yankee courage. A prisoner taken says that the Georgians refused to come into the woods again opposite to the Federal position, and they were all astonished and terrified. The rebel supply of provisions has been cut off, and they must soon come to extremities. The Union loss is one killed and three wounded. Indications have been seen of an attempt to open a new road by the rebels through which to escape or bring in provisions. Every outlet is watched, and they are trapped.

–The New Orleans Picayune of this day contains a particular account of a fight that occurred lately at the mouth of the Mississippi. –(Doc. 79.)

July 10, 1861

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America¹

• Battle at Laurel Hill (McClellan v. Johnson): rebels routed.
• Skirmish at Monroe Station, Mo.

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

July 9th.–Our battle summer. May it be our first and our last, so called. After all we have not had any of the horrors of war. Could there have been a gayer, or pleasanter, life than we led in Charleston. And Montgomery, how exciting it all was there! So many clever men and women congregated from every part of the South. Mosquitoes, and a want of neatness, and a want of good things to eat, drove us away. In Richmond the girls say it is perfectly delightful. We found it so, too, but the bickering and quarreling have begun there.

At table to-day we heard Mrs. Davis’s ladies described. They were said to wear red frocks and flats on their heads. We sat mute as mice. One woman said she found the drawing-room of the Spotswood was warm, stuffy, and stifling. “Poor soul,” murmured the inevitable Brewster, “and no man came to air her in the moonlight stroll, you know. Why didn’t somebody ask her out on the piazza to see the comet?” Heavens above, what philandering was done in the name of the comet! When you stumbled on a couple on the piazza they lifted their eyes, and “comet” was the only word you heard. Brewster came back with a paper from Washington with terrific threats of what they will do to us. Threatened men live long.

There was a soft, sweet, low, and slow young lady opposite to us. She seemed so gentle and refined, and so uncertain of everything. Mr. Brewster called her Miss Albina McClush, who always asked her maid when a new book was mentioned, “Seraphina, have I perused that volume?”

Mary Hammy, having a fiance in the wars, is inclined at times to be sad and tearful. Mrs. Preston quoted her negro nurse to her: “Never take any more trouble in your heart than you can kick off at the end of your toes.”

New York, July 9, 4.30 p. m.

It is not quite one day since I left the “Ebbitt House,” dear G., and here I am writing to you from the table in my room with Pico by my faithful side – no! the other way. I arrived at the house an hour ago for all the base lies that the railroad guide tells, and am waiting in a serene perspiration the arrival of my trunk by express from the station. Journey on long and fearfully dusty. Passed, just out of Washington, a long train full of ambulances and took a walk in Baltimore. Everyone sat on his doorstep and every group without exception was talking about the war.

The Ebbitt House in Washington was a rambling, untidy place on F street, which became a sort of Army Headquarters, filled with officers and men connected with the service. We (G. and E.) were given a large parlor on the second floor, where cot beds were set up for us, and we began a sort of half army-life, with bundles of hospital supplies stacked in all the corners and extemporized arrangements for comfort. We were close by Willards and in the midst of all that was going on, and just opposite the headquarters of the Sanitary Commission.

Charley, having seen us established, hurried home. Rather later Uncle Edward Woolsey, Robert Howland and some gentlemen friends came on for a brief view of what was going on, and took us to Mr. Lincoln’s reception at the White House, where we are glad to think his great hand grasped ours for a moment. Mr. Seward, who was receiving too, was rather gruff and gave us welcome with the remark that “the fewer women there were there the better.”

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 1861.

The hottest day yet. M. 94. The sun fairly burned. No important news afloat. A flag of truce arrived from Jeff Davis to the Prest but amounted to nothing as is now understood. The Funeral of two of the City Volunteers who were killed in a skirmish up the River passed the office. They were Germans. A fine rain commenced near night and continued two or three hours. The air is finely cooled and everything refreshed. Two of the RI Artillery men were killed today by the bursting of an amunition box, two others badly wounded.

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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.

CAMP HILL, N. C., July 9, 1861.

Dear Mother:
We arrived here about night, the day we left Wilson, and having raised our tents prepared to get supper, which we got about 9 o’clock. We are encamped in an old pine field, which is very hot, but the other companies that were here before have a very pleasant oak grove on a hill. The Second regiment, under Col. Tew, are on the opposite side of the road. Our Col. Anderson is a fine looking man, about six feet high, large and muscular, but not corpulent; a high, broad and intellectual forehead, bold face, and whiskers (shaped like Walter’s), about a foot long.

It is different with us here to what it was in Fort Macon and Newbern, as we are now the same as regulars. We have to come under the general regulations of war. I do not think that we will leave here for some time yet, as the whole regiment has to be uniformed with state dress. We have not received anything, and have only drilled this morning. Capt. Hall, of the Irish Company of Wilmington, in Tew’s regiment, had one of his men hung over a pole by the thumbs, but Col. Tew had him taken down. In Tew’s regiment there are 200 men sick, and a great many have died already, but in ours there are only two in the hospital. Walter sends his love. When you write, direct Camp Hill, Company F., Fourth Regiment, infantry.

Goodbye.

Your affectionate son,
GEORGE.

Letters from two brothers who served in the 4th North Carolina Infantry during the Civil War are available in a number of sources online.  Unfortunately, the brothers are misidentified in some places as Walter Lee and George Lee when their names were actually Walter Battle and George Battle. See The Battle Brothers for more information on the misidentification.

ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

Cleveland Morning Leader,
July 9, 1861

From a private letter received in this city on Saturday, we are permitted to make the following extract:

WESTON, Lewis Co., Va.,
July 2, 1861.

DEAR PARENTS:—I wrote to you a few days ago, but as I have nothing to do this afternoon I thought I would write again. Nothing of much importance, however, has transpired since. We are here in camp, and I think from the appearance of things we shall remain here for a few at least.

We have very pleasant quarters; our tents are rather small, but we get along comfortably well. The people here are kind indeed. I have had several good meals since I came here. They are building a very large Lunatic Asylum here. The work has, however, been stopped for a few days, owing to the fact that the money appropriated for the purpose of paying the men had got into the hands of the secessionists, and was deposited in the Bank at this place. Col. Tyler has seized that money—some $40,000—and is going to pay the men and have the work go on; so I understood yesterday. That he has closed the Bank I know. We have arrested quite a number of secessionists lately. Some have been sent to Grafton, others discharged by taking the oath, and some are still in custody.

This is a very pleasant village, and looks more like the villages on the Western Reserve than any I have seen in this State before. Our camp is across a small river from town, in a meadow, by the side of which is a hill covered with nice trees. I am sitting in the shade of one as I write.

We have had no attack yet, nor do I think we will have any, as the rascals prefer running from rather than at us.

The land around here is not much improved, there being a great deal of waste land and that which is not improved.

There are quite a number of slaves in this town and vicinity, but not many in the country around. There used to be a little secession sheet published here, but the editor suddenly left on our approach. Our regiment are now going to publish a paper in the same office, the name of which will be “The Ohio Seventh.” I will send you a copy as soon as it comes out. We are beginning to have a few lady visitors in camp, which makes it look rather pleasant.

Yours &c.,
FRANK.

JULY 9th.—Mr. Toombs is to be a brigadier-general. That is what I looked for. The two brothers Cobb are to be colonels; and Orr is to have a regiment.

Mr. Hunter succeeds Toombs in the State Department—and that disposes of him, if he will stay there. It is to be an obscure place; and if he were indolent, without ambition, it would be the very place for him. Wise is done for. He has had several fights, always drawing blood; but when he gets ready to make a great fight, he is ordered back for fear of his “rashness.” Exacting obedience in his own subordinates, of course he will, obey the orders of Adjt.-Gen. Cooper. In this manner I apprehend that the three giants of Virginia, Wise, Hunter, and Floyd, will be neutralized and dwarfed at the behest of West Point. Napoleon’s marshals were privates once—ours—but perhaps West Point may be killed off in the end, since they rush in so eagerly at the beginning of the war.

1. Frances M. Cross is Louis Wigfall’s mother-in-law.  His daughters had been staying with their maternal grandparents in New Engand while Wigfall served as US Senator from Texas and, then, served in the fledgling government of the Confederacy.
2. William T. Walters was an American businessman and art collector, whose collection formed the basis of the Walters Art Museum. In 1841, he moved to Baltimore, where he worked as a grain merchant and, in 1847, became a liquor wholesaler by establishing the importing firm of William T. Walters & Co.

July 9th.–Late last night the President told General Scott to send Captain Taylor back to the Confederate lines, and he was accordingly escorted to Arlington in a carriage, and thence returned without any answer to Mr. Davis’s letter, the nature of which has not transpired.

A swarm of newspaper correspondents has settled down upon Washington, and great are the glorifications of the high-toned paymasters, gallant doctors, and subalterns accomplished in the art of war, who furnish minute items to my American brethren, and provide the yeast which overflows in many columns; but the Government experience the inconvenience of the smallest movements being chronicled for the use of the enemy, who, by putting one thing and another together, are no doubt enabled to collect much valuable information. Every preparation is being made to put the army on a war footing, to provide them with shoes, ammunition waggons, and horses.

I had the honour of dining with General Scott, who has moved to new quarters, near the War Department, and met General Fremont, who is designated, according to rumour, to take command of an important district in the West, and to clear the right bank of the Mississippi and the course of the Missouri. “The Pathfinder” is a strong Republican and Abolitionist, whom the Germans delight to honour–a man with a dreamy, deep blue eye, a gentlemanly address, pleasant features, and an active frame, but without the smallest external indication of extraordinary vigour, intelligence, or ability; if he has military genius, it must come by intuition, for assuredly he has no professional acquirements or experience. Two or three members of Congress, and the General’s staff, and Mr. Bigelow, completed the company. The General has become visibly weaker since I first saw him. He walks down to his office, close at hand, with difficulty; returns a short time before dinner, and reposes; and when he has dismissed his guests at an early hour, or even before he does so, stretches himself on his bed, and then before midnight rouses himself to look at despatches or to transact any necessary business. In case of an action it is his intention to proceed to the field in a light carriage, which is always ready for the purpose, with horses and driver; nor is he unprepared with precedents of great military commanders who have successfully conducted engagements under similar circumstances.

Although the discussion of military questions and of politics was eschewed, incidental allusions were made to matters going on around us, and I thought I could perceive that the General regarded the situation with much more apprehension than the politicians, and that his influence extended itself to the views of his staff. General Fremont’s tone was much more confident. Nothing has become known respecting the nature of Mr. Davis’s communication to President Lincoln, but the fact of his sending it at all is looked upon as a piece of monstrous impertinence. The General is annoyed and distressed by the plundering propensities of the Federal troops, who have been committing terrible depredations on the people of Virginia. It is not to be supposed, however, that the Germans, who have entered upon this campaign as mercenaries, will desist from so profitable and interesting a pursuit as the detection of Secesh sentiments, chickens, watches, horses, and dollars, I mentioned that I had seen some farm-houses completely sacked close to the aqueduct. The General merely said, “It is deplorable!” and raised up his hands as if in disgust. General Fremont, however, said, “I suppose you are familiar with similar scenes in Europe. I hear the allies were not very particular with respect to private property in Russia”–a remark which unfortunately could not be gainsaid. As I was leaving the General’s quarters, Mr. Blair, accompanied by the President, who was looking more anxious than I had yet seen him, drove up, and passed through a crowd of soldiers, who had evidently been enjoying themselves. One of them called out, “Three cheers for General Scott!” and I am not quite sure the President did not join him.

Boston, July 9, 1861

Yesterday we [the Battalion] went out to escort Gordon’s regiment off – the one raised by the subscription of the Boston gentlemen. There were, as I have told you, lots of my friends in it, and I should have been, sorry not to have bid them good-bye; but not till they were gone did I find that the one I should most wished to have seen was gone, and I did n’t even see him as the train went off. For Stephen Perkins joined as a Second Lieutenant at the last minute, and I did n’t know the fact till he was on his way to Virginia. It made me feel quite badly and I have n’t got over it yet. Off they all went, however, and apparently in good spirits and full of life and hope, and the last I saw of the train, Wilder Dwight, rapidly disappearing on its last platform, was waving his hat and dancing a saraband at me, which I returned from the pile of gravel on which we were drawn up, with my whole heart. Sam Quincy was swept by me as he stood on the lower step of a platform looking at his old friends in the cadets, but I did not catch his eye. He looked much as usual. When Hal Russell passed he caught my eye and went through a war dance, with that eager look on his face which a man has when bidding good-bye to old friends on his way to the wars, and when he only recollects pleasant things about them; but Stephen Perkins I did n’t see, even as the train went by. They’re on their way now and I certainly envy them very much. Next comes Frank Palfrey and then there is n’t much of any one to go after that. John Palfrey has come home, by the way, sick – a typhoid fever, but the symptoms are said to be mild. He was over-worked in the sun, surveying, but they do not seem to be apprehensive. Caspar Crowninshield has got home from Washington and expects a commission in the regular army, and, I have little doubt, will get it. . . .

Sunday, 9th.—About to go to church. I trust that this Sabbath may be instrumental of much spiritual good, and that the hearts of the people may be busy in prayer, both for friends and enemies. Oh, that the Spirit of God may be with the soldiers, to direct them in keeping this holy day! We are in the Lord’s hands—He alone can help us.

–To-day the ship Mary Goodall was boarded by the crew of the pirate brig Jeff. Dayis, off Nantucket South shoals; but, being British property, was released. Captains Fifield, of the brig John Walsh, of Philadelphia; Smith, of the schooner S. J. Waring, and Deverani, of the Schooner Enchantress, of Newburyport, were put on board the Mary Goodall, by the Jeff. Davis, which had captured their vessels during the week. The Jeff. Davis sails under the French flag. She is commanded by Captain Postell, formerly of the United States Navy.–N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, July 18.

–The First Regiment of Maryland Volunteers, raised by Capt. McConnell, and mustering exactly one thousand men, left Frederick at day-break this morning by the turnpike for Hagerstown, under the command of Lieut. Col. Dushane. The enlistment of men for the Second Regiment is progressing rapidly at the headquarters, on Green street, near Baltimore. Companies A, B, C, and D, each consisting of 100 men, have been mustered into service. It is the intention of several military men, residents of Baltimore, to raise the Third Regiment called for by the President of the United States, as soon as the second shall take the field.–Baltimore American, July 11.

July 9, 1861

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America¹

• Major-General Fremont placed in command of the
  Western Department.
• Legislature of Virginia (Wheeling) elected John S. Carlile and Waitman T. Willey to the U. S. Senate in place of Hunter and Mason.

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

MANASSAS JUNCTION, Va.,
July 8th, 1861.

“My dear Col.,
“I believe we are about to be attacked by the enemy, who has been increasing his forces rapidly in the last few days. He no doubt has at present on this side of the Potomac at least 30,000 men—and probably as many in or about Washington; and I am informed on good authority, that he is crossing over reinforcements in large numbers every night; so that very shortly we probably will be attacked by about 40,000 men! What do you suppose is my effective force to resist this attack? About 15,000 effective men! How can it be expected that I should be able to maintain my ground, unless reinforced, and that immediately? I am determined to give the enemy battle no matter at what odds against us—but is it right and proper to sacrifice so many valuable lives (and perhaps our cause) without the least prospect of success?

“I think not; but I hope that it will delay the forward movement of the enemy, and give our friends time to come to the rescue!

“I have applied two or three times for the most essential things required here. [continue reading…]

JULY 8th.—There is a stout gray-haired old man here from Maryland applying to be made a general. It is Major J. H. Winder, a graduate of West Point, I believe; and I think he will be successful. He is the son, I believe, of the Gen. Winder whose command in the last war with England unfortunately permitted the City of Washington to fall into the hands of the enemy. I have almost a superstitious faith in lucky generals, and a corresponding prejudice against unlucky ones, and their progeny. But I cannot suppose the President will order this general into the field. He may take the prisoners into his custody—and do other jobs as a sort of head of military police; and this is what I learn he proposes. And the French Prince, Polignac, has been made a colonel; and a great nephew of Kosciusko has been commissioned a lieutenant in the regular army. Well, Washington had his Lafayette—and I like the nativity of these officers better than that of the Northern men, still applying for commissions.

CAMP CHASE, July 8, 1861.

DEAR UNCLE:–Lucy came up to Columbus with Birtie Saturday evening. They have both been out once, and Birch twice to see me in camp. It is very pleasant to see them about. We are jogging on in routine duties. The only variation is the advent of twenty-three Secessionists, held as hostages for Union men seized in Virginia. On the release of the Union men, our prisoners were sent home yesterday.

I fear from the tenor of McLelland’s letters, and what Hale told me, that you are not getting rid of your cough. I hope you will do so soon. It is too bad that you should be unwell now. You would enjoy a little campaigning with me very much, and I would so enjoy having you along. . . .–Good-bye.

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

MONDAY 8

The excitement in the City is now increasing as the troops are moveing and battles expected. Various rumors are afloat from up the River but nothing more than skirmishes have as yet taken place. Four Examiners were removed today and some of the subordinates of the Pat office, other removals are expected. The business of the office is now small. I was on the Ave with Doct Everitt, called upon Genl Dix at Willards, was introduced to officers of the NY 14th Regt.

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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 8, 1861.

My dear Cousin Margaret: I should have begun by dating my letter Ebbitt House, we having been established here since Saturday, spending the first three days of our visit, or probation, at the “National,” in the fifth story, a prey to several inconveniences, but refreshingly near processions. Joe sent his man down to meet us, and came himself after evening drill. He looks brown and well; is dashing round on horseback all day from camp to the War Department, and back again to camp, where he must spend seven hours a day drilling. Then all the cracks are filled up with our society out there. We go out every day in time for evening drill, and stay till it is time to shut up for the night, having a nice time in the door of Joe’s tent “in the cool of the day,” and this sort of thing we fondly thought was going to last an indefinite length of time, till yesterday, when Joe surprised us by the news that they were ordered into Virginia, and would leave on Tuesday or Wednesday. The Colonel has been made an acting Brigadier-General, and he and Joe were eight hours in the saddle yesterday, flying round selecting three regiments to form the Brigade with the Sixteenth. Joe has been in today on the same business, being entrusted to decide upon them and take whichever he thought best; and has chosen the Eighteenth, Twenty-first and Thirty-first–all from New York. So on Wednesday I suppose they will move over the bridge, and then we shall deliver our letters of introduction and plunge into occupation of some kind.

Washington is the stillest place for a city I have ever been in; nobody knows anything, or has anything to say. Everything is guess work. A few doleful little boys call the evening papers round the doors of the hotel, but in a tone that fixes a gloom upon you. I hate the “Eve-ening Star” already, and our only news comes via New York. The Tribune, Times and Herald have a great deal of information about what goes on here, and it generally proves true. . . . One longs now and then for a real living and lying “Extra” boy, with his mouth full of fearful statements, all disproved by his paper which you imprudently buy. We went, of course, to the opening of Congress and also to hear President Lincoln’s message, read on the fifth.

Charley has been about visiting the camps at Alexandria, Georgetown and Arlington, but for all this a pass is necessary, which can only be procured through General Mansfield on introduction by some one known to him. If Lenox knows anyone at home who knows the General it would save him half a day to get his letter before coming on. Charley got his through Colonel Davies who is a relative of the General’s. I hope Lenox will come on, but it is too bad that he will not see Joe. . . .

Here comes a regiment down this street. About 15,000 men have gone over into Virginia since we came on. Joe goes up in rank with his Colonel as his aid – is now Captain and Assistant Adjutant General–and the Brigade will be in McDowell’s Division. . . . The regiment has marched past– the Massachusetts Eleventh just from Harrisburg, all in beautiful order, gray uniforms and large clean havelocks. New England doesn’t do anything by halves. . . . And here goes another company, guarding thirteen well-filled baggage wagons and followed by its regiment. We have only to flourish our handkerchiefs and the dear fellows will kiss their hands, twirl their hats and manifest affection for the entire woman population of the North. They are the Fourth Maine, and are going over into Virginia. I must put up my letter and watch them marching along. Our love to the Doctor and the boys.

[July 8]

General Order
No. 7

[Court martial trial of Lt. Huntington dispensed oners in custody discharged from arrest.]

“Camp Lyon” St. Joseph Mo
July 7th 1861

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Special Order
No 16.

[Three companies ordered to prepare for an expedition against Marysville with 4 days rations and 20 rounds of cartridges. To leave at 5 P. M. July 8, commanded by Lt. Col. Tuttle]

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General Order
No 8

[Orders given for at least one commissioned officer to remain in camp at all times.]

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3rd There will hereafter be four regular water calls, beaten as follows 5 ½ o’clock and 11 o’clock A. M. and 2 ½ o’clock P. M. and immediately after dress parade. Commanders of Companies will see that these calls be observed by their respective commands. As soldiers will not be permitted to go out of camp for water at other hours.

By Order of
M. M. Crocker, Major Comdg
N. P. Chipman Adjt¹

1. Norton Parker Chipman, Washington, Iowa, appointed Adjutant 2nd Iowa Inf. June 1, 1861, was promoted to major Sept. 23, 1861. Assigned to Genl. Curtis’ staff in fall of 1861, he was commissioned col. and asst. aid de camp April 16, 1862, later brvt. brig. genl. vols., March 13, 1865.

Engagement at Bealington, Va., Between Ohio and Indiana Regiments and a Detachment of Georgia Troops

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

“On July 8th, 1861, from a high hill in the neighborhood of Bealington, two large bodies of troops were seen marching out of the Confederate camp. They advanced under cover of the wood, when the Federal skirmishers rushed at them. The Confederate cavalry then appeared, and the skirmishers retreated, when the Federal regiments threw a couple of shells into the midst of  the cavalry, who at once retired. The Ohio troops then sent another volley and several shells into the wood, which did so much execution among the Confederates that the officers could not rally them.”