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

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.

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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.

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.)

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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

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.

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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.

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

July 10th.–To-day was spent in a lengthy excursion along the front of the camp in Virginia, round by the chain bridge which crosses the Potomac about four miles from Washington.

The Government have been coerced, as they say, by the safety of the Republic, to destroy the liberty of the press, which is guaranteed by the Constitution, and this is not the first instance in which the Constitution of the United States will be made nominis umbra. The telegraph, according to General Scott’s order, confirmed by the Minister of War, Simon Cameron, is to convey no despatches respecting military movements not permitted by the General; and today the newspaper correspondents have agreed to yield obedience to the order, reserving to themselves a certain freedom of detail in writing their despatches, and relying on the Government to publish the official accounts of all battles very speedily. They will break this agreement if they can, and the Government will not observe their part of the bargain. The freedom of the press, as I take it, does not include the right to publish news hostile to the cause of the country in which it is published; neither can it involve any obligation, on the part of Government to publish despatches which may be injurious to the party they represent. There is a wide distinction between the publication of news which is known to the enemy as soon as to the friends of the transmitters, and the utmost freedom of expression concerning the acts of the Government or the conduct of past events; but it will be difficult to establish any rule to limit or extend the boundaries to which discussion can go without mischief, and in effect the only solution of the difficulty in a free country seems to be to grant the press free licence, in consideration of the enormous aid it affords in warning the people of their danger, in animating them with the news of their successes, and in sustaining the Government in their efforts to conduct the war.

The most important event to-day is the passage of the Loan Bill, which authorises Mr. Chase to borrow, in the next year, a sum of £50,000,000, on coupons, with interest at 7 per cent, and irredeemable for twenty years–the interest being guaranteed on a pledge of the Customs duties. I just got into the House in time to hear Mr. Vallandigham, who is an ultra-democrat, and very nearly a secessionist, conclude a well-delivered argumentative address. He is a tall, slight man, of a bilious temperament, with light flashing eyes, dark hair and complexion, and considerable oratorical power. “Deem me ef I wouldn’t just ride that Vallandiggaim on a reay-al,” quoth a citizen to his friend, as the speaker sat down, amid a few feeble expressions of assent. Mr. Chase has also obtained the consent of the Lower House to his bill for closing the Southern ports by the decree of the President, but I hear some more substantial measures are in contemplation for that purpose. Whilst the House is finding the money the Government are preparing to spend it, and they have obtained the approval of the Senate to the enrolment of half a million of men, and the expenditure of one hundred millions of dollars to carry on the war.

I called on Mr. Cameron, the Secretary of War. The small brick house of two stories, with long passages, in which the American Mars prepares his bolts, was, no doubt, large enough for the 20,000 men who constituted the armed force on land of the great Republic, but it is not sufficient to contain a tithe of the contractors who haunt its precincts, fill all the lobbies and crowd into every room. With some risk to coattails, I squeezed through iron-masters, gun-makers, clothiers, shoemakers, inventors, bakers, and all that, genus which fattens on the desolation caused by an army in the field, and was introduced to Mr. Cameron’s room, where he was seated at a desk surrounded by people, who were also grouped round two gentlemen as clerks in the same small room. “I tell you, General Cameron, that the way in which the loyal men of Missouri have been treated is a disgrace to this Government,” shouted out a big, black, burly man–” I tell you so, sir.” “Well, General,” responded Mr. Cameron, quietly, “so you have several times. Will you, once for all, condescend to particulars?” “Yes, sir; you and the Government have disregarded our appeals. You have left us to fight our own battles. You have not sent us a cent…” “There, General, I interrupt you. You say we have sent you no money,” said Mr. Cameron, very quietly. “Mr. Jones will be good enough to ask Mr. Smith to step in here.” Before Mr. Smith came in, however, the General, possibly thinking some member of the press was present, rolled his eyes in a Nicotian frenzy, and perorated: “The people of the State of Missouri, sir, will power-out every drop of the blood which only flows to warm patriotic hearts in defence of the great Union, which offers freedom to the enslaved of mankind, and a home to persecuted progress, and a few-ture to civil-zation. We demand, General Cameron, in the neame of the great Western State …” Here Mr. Smith came in, and Mr. Cameron said, “I want you to tell me what disbursements, if any, have been sent by this department to the State of Missouri.” Mr. Smith was quick at figures, and up in his accounts, for he drew out a little memorandum book, and replied (of course, I can’t tell the exact sum), ” General, there has been sent, as by vouchers, to Missouri, since the beginning of the levies, six hundred and seventy thousand dollars and twenty-three cents.” “The General looked crestfallen, but he was equal to the occasion, “These sums may have been sent, sir, but they have not been received. I declare in the face of …” “Mr. Smith will show you the vouchers, General, and you can then take any steps needful against the parties who have misappropriated them.”

“That is only a small specimen of what we have to go through with our people,” said the Minister, as the General went off with a lofty toss of his head, and then gave me a pleasant sketch of the nature of the applications and interviews which take up the time and clog the movements of an American statesman. “These State organisations give us a great deal of trouble.” I could fully understand that they did so. The immediate business that I had with Mr. Cameron–he is rarely called General now that he is Minister of War– was to ask him to give me authority to draw rations at cost price, in case the army took the field before I could make arrangements, and he seemed very well disposed to accede; “but I must think about it, for I shall have all our papers down upon me if I grant you any facility which they do not get themselves.” After I left the War Department, I took a walk to Mr. Seward’s, who was out. In passing by President’s Square, I saw a respectably-dressed man up in one of the trees, cutting off pieces of the bark, which his friends beneath caught up eagerly. I could not help stopping to ask what was the object of the proceeding. “Why, sir, this is the tree Dan Sickles shot Mr. ____ under. I think it’s quite a remarkable spot.”

–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.”