Saturday, 2d–Company E drew their uniforms today, each man receiving the following pieces: one dress coat, $6.71; one overcoat, $7.20; one pair of pants, $3.03; one pair of shoes, $1.96; two shirts, $1.76; one double woolen blanket, $2.96; one hat, $1.55; two pair of drawers, $1.00; two pair of socks, 52 ¢; one cap, 60 ¢; one leather collar, 14 ¢. The total cost for each man was $27.43.

NOVEMBER 2d.—It has culminated. Mr. Benjamin’s quarrel with Beauregard is openly avowed. Mr. Benjamin spoke to me about it to-day, and convinced me at the time that Gen. B. was really in the wrong. He said the general had sent in his report of the battle of Manassas, in which he stated that he had submitted a plan to the department for the invasion of Maryland; and no such plan having been received, as Mr. B. says, and the matter being foreign to the business in hand, the department had seen proper to withhold the report from publication. But this did not concern him, Mr. B., because he was not the Secretary of War when the alleged plan had been sent to Richmond. But his difference with the general grew out of an attempt of the latter to organize troops and confer commands without the sanction of the department. He had rebuked the general, he said; and then the general had appealed to the President, who sustained the Secretary. Mr. B. said that Gen. B. had ascertained who was strongest with the President.

MANASSAS JUNCTION, VA., November 2, 1861.

Dear Father:

I received your letter this morning through Captain Barnes and I never was more surprised in my life, to hear that you had applied for my dismissal for, although I should like very much to go home, I do not like the idea of being discharged from the army on account of my age, for in size and strength I consider myself able to stand the campaign, and should I go home, I do not think that it would be entirely right for me to stay there when our coast is in such imminent peril. I compare this war to that of the revolutionary, when our ancestors fought for their liberty, that whoever remained neutral were considered Tories, and I think that when this war is over and peace is declared, those who had no hand in it will be considered in the same light as the Tories of old, and I have too much pride in me to allow others to gain the rights which I will possess, besides it would take two or three months before a discharge could be obtained. It took Mr. Bowden that long to get his son discharged. Captain Barnes is going to write and he will tell you all about it.

I am very well satisfied here. I am treated well, and am permitted every indulgence which the army regulations will permit. All the boys wish me to stay. I am a minor in age, as you say, but I am a man in size and everything else, and fully able to be a soldier. Nothing would afford me greater pleasure than to be of service to you, but the confederacy also needs my services. But if you still insist upon my coming home, you can write again. I expect Bowden pictured to you the darkest side of a soldier’s life, but there is enough enjoyment blended with it to make a soldier’s life very pleasant. I must close now, so goodbye,

Your loving 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.

CAMP PICKINS, MANASSAS, VA., NOV. 2, 1861.

Dear Sir:

Yours of the 29th ult. was received to-day, contents duly noted, and I hasten to reply. I must confess to a feeling of surprise that you desire the discharge of your son, Mr. G. B. Lee Battle^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}, from service, as I was of the opinion that you had fully and determinedly given your consent to his serving in the army of the C. S. during the war. Yet, however much I should regret to see George leave us, as he has been with us so long and has been, though young, a strong, athletic and good soldier, you have my free consent to have him discharged. You will be the proper person to apply to the Government through the War Dept., for the same, where I doubt not, should you still desire him to leave, you can, by presenting the facts, after a while obtain his discharge. It is not in my power to do more than give my consent, which you now have. George expressed some surprise on receiving your letter, and says he don’t want to leave. I, of course, do not deem it proper to give him any advice, but simply told him to write you whatever he might think proper, as of course you were the person to advise him, when you could. He has just handed me a letter to enclose to you with this. Whatever course you may pursue I shall willingly acquiesce in. If he is still left in my charge, I shall, as heretofore, advise and correct him and use every effort in my power to secure his happiness and welfare. Hoping to hear from you again and that my answer may be satisfactory, I remain,

Yours most respectfully,
J. S. BARNES.

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.

1. Apparently, the only remaining record of the brothers’ letters is in Forget-Me-Nots of the Civil War, a 1909 “autobiography” by Laura Elizabeth Lee Battle. In the book, she identifies the two young men as her “two half brothers,” Walter Lee and George Lee when they were actually the brothers of her husband,  Jesse Mercer Battle, who had both died years before the couple was married.
2. It appears that the letters from Laura Battle’s book were republished in 2004 in As You May Never See Us Again: The Civil War Letters of George and Walter Battle, 4th North Carolina Infantry; Coming of Age on the Front Lines of the War Between the States, 1861-1865, Sharlene Baker, editor. Battle’s book—and the letters—had long been in the public domain, so there were no copyright restraints on the use of the material.
3. In Battle’s book, the greeting in Captain Jesse Sharpe Barnes’s letter includes the name “Mr. Chas. W. Lee,” Laura Battle’s father.  Baker’s 2004 book, however, omits this.  Both books identify the subject of the letter in the body as Mr. G. B. Lee.
4. In Roster of North Carolina Troops in the War Between the States, Volume 1. (1882), most of the men in the listing for Company F, 4th North Carolina Infantry are from Wilson County.  The list includes Captain Jesse S. Sharpe, Private George B. Battle and Private Walter R. Battle.  There are no men with the surname Lee in Company F.  Barnes was commissioned on May 16, 1861.  The Battle brothers enlisted June 28th.
   
5. Sadly, George Boardman Battle was wounded at the Battle of Seven Pines at age 17.  He died from his wounds in a Richmond hospital on June 6, 1862, without ever regaining consciousness. The battle also took the life of Captain Sharpe.

THE REMOVAL.

Springfield, November 2d. The catastrophe has come which we have long dreaded, but for which we were in no degree prepared. This morning, at about ten o’clock, while I was standing in front of my tent, chatting with some friends, an officer in the uniform of a captain of the general staff rode up, and asked the orderly to show him to the General. He went into the house, and in a few moments came out and rode off. I soon learned that he had brought an order from General Scott informing General Fremont that he was temporarily relieved of his command, and directing him to transfer it to Major-General Hunter and report himself to the head-quarters of the army by letter. The order was originally dated October 7th, but the date had been altered to October 24th, on which day it left St. Louis, –the day the Guards started upon their expedition to Springfield.

This order, which, on the very eve of consummation, has defeated the carefully matured plans upon which the General’s fortunes and in so large a measure the fortunes of the country depended, –which has destroyed the results of three months of patient labor, transferring to another the splendid army he has called together, organized, and equipped, and giving to another the laurel wreath of victory which now hangs ready to fall at the touch, –this order, which has disappointed so many long-cherished hopes, was received by our magnanimous General without a word of complaint. In his noble mind there was no doubt or hesitation. He obeyed it promptly and implicitly. He at once directed Colonel Eaton to issue the proper order transferring the command to General Hunter, and having prepared a brief address to the soldiers, full of pathos and patriotic devotion, he rode out accompanied by the Delawares to examine the positions south of the village.

Hunter has not yet been heard from: three couriers have been sent after him. General Pope is now in command here. It is understood, that, until the Commanding General arrives, the army will stand upon the defensive, and that no engagement will take place, unless it is attacked. General Fremont and his staff will leave to-morrow for St. Louis.

This evening I rode through Sigel’s and McKinstry’s camps. The general order and the farewell address had been read to the regiments, and the camp-fires were surrounded by groups of excited soldiers, and cheers for Fremont were heard on every side.

Fremont’s Hundred Days in Missouri was published in three installments in The Atlantic Monthly. The anonymous author appears to have been a member of Fremont’s staff with a disdainful bias towards Missourians, even those who were pro-Union.

November 2nd.–A tremendous gale of wind and rain blew all day, and caused much uneasiness, at the Navy Department and elsewhere, for the safety of the Burnside expedition. The Secessionists are delighted, and those who can, say “Afflavit Deus et hostes dissipantur.” There is a project to send secret non-official commissioners to Europe, to counteract the machinations of the Confederates. Mr. Everett, Mr. R. Kennedy, Bishop Hughes, and Bishop McIlwaine are designated for the office; much is expected from the expedition, not only at home but abroad.

Friday, 1st–Our uniforms were brought up to camp from town, and several companies drew theirs today. Every company drills four hours a day now. Some of the men have a hard time remembering the commands of the officers and some of the officers cannot remember the correct commands to give. Some of them make as big blunders as the men.[i]

[i] Upon one occasion a certain captain had his company out for a drill on the town commons. The company was marching “by platoon guide right,” and advancing toward a big open ditch full of water, when the captain, forgetting the correct command to give, “halt” or “right-about-face,” called out, “Look out for that ditch!” Now according to military tactics soldiers are not expected to move or change their course except on specific command, and so, to the chagrin of the captain, his men went right on, plunged into the water and crossed to the other bank. A few, however, did “look out for the ditch,” and the company was thrown into great confusion.–A. G. D.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1

The day has been rather cool and windy and it rains a little tonight. I called at the Sec’ys and was told to have patience, that I should have a position soon. Went on the Ave and was at Willards an hour or so, a great many officers there, think they had better be with their Regts. The City seems to be very full at present. There seems to be no place for the Congressmen who will be here in a month. Nothing new from the army today.

______

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.

We Arrive at New York.

Nov. 1. We left Worcester about 5 o’clock last evening. Arriving at Norwich, we went aboard the large and splendid Steamer Connecticut, the regiment numbering one thousand and thirty, with all our horses, wagons and camp equipage. The staunch steamer bore us rapidly across the sound, landing us in New York about 9 o’clock this morning.

After disembarking and forming the regiment, we marched amid a perfect storm of applause and the New Yorker’s peculiar “hi! hi!” to the City Hall park. A guard was then posted and the regiment dismissed until drum call. A committee of gentlemen waited on the colonel, inviting him, his officers and the band, to a dinner at the Astor House. After they had gone, we fellows, by invitation, marched into the park barracks, to regale ourselves on mutton soup. And in all fairness, I must say that a worse soup or dirtier surroundings never came under my observation. I didn’t hanker for any, and beat a hasty retreat. If that soup didn’t smell to heaven, it must have attained a high altitude above the city. Fortunate New Yorkers, that dwell in basements. I suppose the evening papers will have it that the 25th Massachusetts regiment dined at the Astor House. So we shall get the name, if we missed the turkey. Feeling inclined to take a stroll and see the sights of the big city (the guards not being very effective), it was an easy matter to break the bounds, and we had things our own way until about 4 o’clock, when the regiment was again formed.

Marching Down Broadway.

With an easy, swinging gait, in column of platoons, we marched down Broadway, looking the very soul of soldiery, and were greeted with a perfect ovation all along the route, until we reached the Jersey City ferry, when we crossed to Jersey City, and took cars for Philadelphia.

A Streak of Luck.

While waiting in the cars at Jersey City, the depot and platforms were crowded with people, all anxious to see and talk with us. Happening to have a seat next to the window, a gentleman engaged me in conversation. He asked all manner of questions about the regiment, and among others, if we were well provided for, meaning, I supposed, with everything, blankets, rations, etc. I said we seemed to be well provided with everything, except perhaps the sinews of war; in that direction I thought we were rather weak. On hearing that, he drew from the depths of his pantaloons pocket, a couple of half dollars and tendered me, which I accepted with many thanks, and best wishes for his health and happiness. That was true patriotism; good fellow! long may you wave.

NOVEMBER 1st.—There is an outcry against the appointment of two major-generals, recommended, perhaps, by Mr. Benjamin, Gustavus W. Smith and Gen. Lovell, both recently from New York. They came over since the battle of Manassas. Mr. Benjamin is perfectly indifferent to the criticisms and censures of the people and the press. He knows his own ground; and since he is sustained by the President, we must suppose he knows his own footing in the government. If defeated in the legislature, he may have a six years’ tenure in the cabinet.

November 1st, 1861.—School had opened on the first of last month, but, after the trouble which came to us, mother let Miss Sadie go to visit her sister for a while. She came back on the 15th and the other girls have been going to school while I was away. This morning I began again, there are no others in my class so it did not really make much difference. Miss Sadie does not teach Trigonometry, so I have laid that aside until Father feels better and can help me with it. I feel so strange—and the war news hurts me as it never did before. I seem to be looking for bad news all the time. Father says I must try to overcome this feeling, he has given me a poem to learn and I think I shall copy it here:

“Let us try to be happy,

We may if we will,

Find some good in life

To o’er balance the ill.

.

“There are times when

The lightest of spirits must bow

And the sunniest face

Wear a cloud on its brow.

.

“But the deeper our own grief

The greater the need,

To try to be happy

Lest other hearts bleed.

.

“Let us each in all earnestness

Work for the best;

And leave to our God and

Our conscience the rest

.

“Still holding this truth

Both in word and in deed

That who tries to be happy

Is sure to succeed.”

Susan Bradford is 15 years old when this entry was made.

THE SITUATION.

Springfield, November 1st. It is certain that Price left Neosho on Monday and is moving towards us. He probably heard how small the force was with which the General arrived here, and thinks that he can overwhelm us before the other divisions come up. We have had some fear of this ourselves, and all the dispositions have been made for a stubborn defence in case we are attacked. The last two nights we have slept on our arms, with our horses saddled and baggage packed. Now all danger is past: a part of Pope’s division came in this morning, and McKinstry is close at hand. He has marched nearly seventy miles in three days. The evidence that Price is advancing is conclusive. Our scouts have reported that he was moving, and numerous deserters have confirmed these reports; but we have other evidence of the most undoubted reliability. During the last two days, hundreds of men, women, and children have come into our lines, –Union people who fled at the approach of the Rebels. I have talked with a number of these fugitives who reside southwest from here, and they all represent the roads to be filled with vast numbers of men and teams going towards Wilson’s Creek. They give the most exaggerated estimates of the number of the enemy, placing them at from fifty thousand to one hundred and twenty-five thousand men; but the scouts and deserters say that the whole force does not exceed thirty-two thousand, and of these a large number are poorly armed and quite undisciplined. Hunter has not come up, nor has he been heard from directly, but there is a report that yesterday he had not left the Osage: if this be true, he will not be here in time for the battle.

The Rebel generals must now make their choice between permitting themselves to be cut off from their base of operations and sources of supply and reinforcement, and attempting to reach Forsyth, in which case they will have to give us battle. The movement from Neosho leaves no doubt that they intend to fight. It is said by the deserters that Price would be willing to avoid an engagement, but he is forced to offer battle by the necessities of his position, the discontent of his followers, the approaching expiration of their term of enlistment, and the importunities of McCulloch, who declares he will not make another retreat.

We are now perfectly prepared. Hunter’s delay leaves us with only twenty-two thousand men, seventy pieces of artillery, and about four thousand cavalry. In view of our superiority as respects armament, discipline, and ordnance, we are more than a match for our opponent. We sleep to-night in constant expectation of an attack: two guns will be fired as a signal that the enemy are at hand.

Fremont’s Hundred Days in Missouri was published in three installments in The Atlantic Monthly. The anonymous author appears to have been a member of Fremont’s staff with a disdainful bias towards Missourians, even those who were pro-Union.

November 1st.–Again stagnation; not the smallest intention of moving; General Scott’s resignation, of which I was aware long ago, is publicly known, and he is about to go to Europe, and end his days probably in France. McClellan takes his place, minus the large salary. Riding back from camp, where I had some trouble with a drunken soldier, my horse came down in a dark hole, and threw me heavily, so that my hat was crushed in on my head, and my right thumb sprained, but I managed to get up and ride home; for the brute had fallen right on his own head, cut a piece out of his forehead between the eyes, and was stunned too much to run away. I found letters waiting from Mr. Seward and others, thanking me for the game, if canvas-backs come under the title.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1861.

Fine weather again today. Was at the Pat office today but did not call upon the Sec’y. Have been at home most of the day. Chas is at our house sick. Sallie is with him and takes care of him. He has a bad cold upon his lungs and is threatened with pneumonia. My own health is quite restored. H N Jr coughs some yet and is generaly disposed to be rather delicate. There is no news that I heare of.

______

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.

OCTOBER 31st.—Mr. Benjamin, it is understood, will be a candidate for a seat in the C. S. Senate. And I have learned from several members of the Louisiana legislature that he will be defeated. They charge him with hob-nobbing too much with Northern friends; and say that he still retains membership in several clubs in New York and Boston.

[Little Rock] Daily State Journal, October 31, 1861

Either country people think town denizens are chameleons and “doth feed on air,” and consequently regard it useless to bring their surplus provender to market, or the retailers here demand exhorbitant prices. If the first is the case, we pathetically appeal to ye countrymen to have some mercy on lank stomachs and empty larders; if the second, for the sake of humanity, relax your mercenary nerves and “do unto others as ye would others should do unto you.”

[Little Rock] Daily State Journal, October 31, 1861

Prospectus
of the
Daily State Journal.

Conducted by Thos. C. Peek.

A Daily Newspaper, to be published regularly, in the city of Little Rock, Ark., under the editorial management and control of Thos. C. Peek, is commenced to-day, October 31^st, 1861. It is intended to make the JOURNAL a first-class news and political paper; to fill its columns with good, substantial reading matter, and to pay especial attention to the collection of NEWS from every available quarter–telegraphic, local, commercial, river and foreign.

In politics the paper will be decidedly Southern in its tone–not only defending the right of Secession, but justifying the causes which led to it, and advocating the necessity of a total and perpetual separation from the North as the only feasible means of securing the rights, freedom and independence of the South. The JOURNAL will be no subservient partisan sheet, but on the contrary a free and independent paper–its object to secure the greatest good to the greatest number, and to break down all corrupt political combinations which seek to advance the interests of a few at the expense of the many.

Arkansas True Democrat
[Little Rock], October 31, 1861

The Arkansas penitentiary has been made a useful institution during the present war.–Among the articles turned out during the summer were wagons, harness, tents, cartridge boxes, belts, knapsacks, camp chests, stools and cots, caissons, etc. Besides these a large lot of army clothing were made up and a great many shoes for soldiers. Mr. Ward, the energetic contractor, tells us that by spring he will have turned out 10,000 pairs of boots and shoes for the soldiers. These were sold to the State at cash prices and payment taken in war bonds. A great deal of difficulty has been experienced in getting a supply of leather. The most of our readers are aware that the penitentiary was leased for a term of years, with a view to the introduction of machinery to spin and weave cotton goods. For this purpose an appropriation was made for the erection of buildings for the factory and additional cells for the prisoners. But the breaking out the war checked this enterprise and the contractor has wisely set the convicts to work making such things as were needed by the troops. There are about 120 convicts in the prison now.

We Leave Worcester.

Oct. 31. It seems that at last we have been ordered from these cold, frosty climes, to a warmer and more genial one—the Sunny South. After partaking of a collation furnished by the ladies at the hall, at 3 p. m. we broke camp, and taking all our worldly effects upon our backs, preceded by our band, marched through Highland and Main streets to the common, where we took cars for New York. At the common we were met by a large concourse of citizens, friends and relatives of the regiment, who took us by the hand, giving us words of encouragement and a hearty God bless you.

Here were leave takings that required some nerve to suppress the rising tear. Probably some of us have seen our friends for the last time on earth, and bade them the last good-bye. But we will go forward to duty, trusting in God, and hoping for the best.

Thursday, October 31.—This morning about 2.30 o’clock I was waked up by the ship’s shaking, jarring, groaning, and screeching generally. I at first thought we had been struck by a heavy sea, but a second shock, following soon after the first, convinced me that I was wrong. At the second shock I called Saxton and asked him what the matter was, and we both jumped out of bed, I running into the saloon to see what had happened, and Saxton lighting the candle. The saloon was full of people, excited and running around, but still not noisy. I found out from the hospital steward that the ship was aground. All the while we were bumping heavily, causing the ship to groan and creak in every timber. I must confess that a dreadful shudder ran through me at the idea of being drowned, for so it seemed to me must be the fate of every one on board, as the night was dark and the sea rough. I thought, however, that it would do no good to be frightened, so I put on my trousers, shoes, and coat, then took my watch and ring from under my pillow, and finally took the cork life-preserver from under the bed, and fixed it so that I could slip it on at a minute’s notice, I then left it on my bed, and went up on deck to see how we were getting on. When I reached the deck, the bumping had ceased, and the ship had backed off safely. The pumps were sounded, and everything found snug and tight, much to my delight as well as that of others.

When we struck, the concussion was so severe as to throw several people out of their berths, and those on deck were thrown several feet. We sent up rockets as signals of distress, and as a warning to other vessels of the fleet. Pretty soon the Coatzacoalcos came along, and asked us if we wanted any assistance. We told her we were all right, and she then informed us that the Illinois had also grounded, but had got off without injury. She had been obliged to cut loose the ship which she was towing, which we also had to do, our ship barely grazing our starboard wheelhouse. We backed for some distance, and then steered due East. I went to bed at four and slept till six, when I got up and dressed myself. I saw our ship, the Ocean Express, on our port bow, and about ten o’clock we fastened our tow line to her. [continue reading…]

October 31. Tompkins Farm. – Smoky, foggy, and Indian-summery in the morning; clear, warm, and beautiful in the afternoon. I rode up to the regiment at Camp Ewing, gave some directions as to making out the new muster-rolls. Saw several of the officers sick with the camp fever.

Poor “Bony” Seaman, it is said, will die. What a goodhearted boy he was! His red glowing face, readiness to oblige, to work – poor fellow! He was working his way up. Starting as private, then commissary sergeant, then sergeant-major, and already recommended and perhaps appointed second-lieutenant. I shall never forget his looks at the battle of Carnifax. We were drawn up in line of battle waiting for orders to go down into the woods to the attack. The First Brigade had already gone in and the firing of cannon and musketry was fast and furious. “Bony” rode ahead to see, and after an absence of twenty minutes came galloping back, his face radiant with joyous excitement and his eyes sparkling. He rode up to Colonel Scammon and myself calling out: “I’ve been under fire, the bullets were whistling all about me, and I wasn’t scared at all!” He looked like my Birtie when he is very happy and reminded me of him. His dress was peculiar too – a warm-us and a felt grey hat like mine. Good boy, noble, true, must he die?

Captain Drake and Captain McIlrath had a quarrel last night. Captain Drake had been drinking (not enough to hurt). Captain McIlrath, putting his face close to Captain Drake’s mouth to smell his breath, said: “Where did you get your whiskey?” And so it went, the plucky Captain Drake striking the giant McIlrath, but no fight followed. McIlrath as captain of company A was first in line of promotion for major and Captain Drake had been just recommended for the place. This fact had nothing to do with it, merely a coincidence.

Returned to camp in the evening; rode part way with Colonel McCook, open and minatory against Rosecrans. At eight P. M. a dispatch from Adjutant-General Buckingham announced my promotion to lieutenant-colonel vice Matthews, and J. M. Courtly [Comly] as major. The latter is I fear an error. He is a stranger to the regiment. It will make a fuss, and perhaps ought to. Captain Drake is a brave, generous old fellow, excitable and furious, but when the heat is off sound to the core, with the instincts of a gentleman strong in him.

Thursday, 31st–The new uniforms for the Eleventh Iowa were received today by our quartermaster. We are the first to receive uniforms before leaving the State. This is the last of October—and we are still at old Camp McClellan, Davenport, Iowa.

October 31st.–No, no, Mr. Smith; it an’t of no use. At four a.m. we were invited, as usual, to rise, but Taylor and I reasoned from under our respective quilts, that it would be quite as good shooting if we got up at six, and I acted in accordance with that view. Breakfasted as the sun was shining above the tree-tops, and to my blind–found there was no shooting at all– got one shot only, and killed a splendid canvas-back– on returning to home, found nearly all the party on the move–140 ducks hanging round the house, the reward of our toils, and of these I received egregrious share. Drove back with Pennington, very sleepy, followed by Mr. Taylor and Lamy. I would have stayed longer if sport were better. Birds don’t fly when the wind is in certain points, but lie out in great “ricks,” as they are called, blackening the waters, drifting in the wind, or with wings covering their heads–poor defenceless things! The red-head waits alongside the canvas-back till he comes up from the depths with mouth or bill full of parsley and wild celery, when he makes at him and forces him to disgorge. At Baltimore at 1.30–dined–Lamy resolved to stay–bade good-bye to Swan and Morris. The man at first would not take my ducks and boots to register or check them–twenty-five cents did it. I arrived at Washington late, because of detention of train by enormous transport; labelled and sent out game to the houses till James’s fingers ached again. Nothing doing, except that General Scott has at last sent in resignation. McClellan is now indeed master of the situation. And so to bed, rather tired.

October 31.–A skirmish occurred at Morgantown on Green River, Ky., between a Union force under Colonel McHenry and a party of rebels belonging to Buckner’s camp, in which the latter were driven across the river with some loss.–The camp occupied by the Indiana regiments, on the farm of Jesse D. Bright at Jeffersonville, is called Camp Jo Wright, in homer of ex-Governor Wright–Cincinnati Gazette, Nov. 8.

–The Twenty-fifth regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers left Camp Lincoln, at Worcester, for the seat of war. The regiment is commanded by Colonel Edwin Upton, of Fitchburg, and numbers one thousand and thirty men, well equipped, and armed with the Enfield rifle.–All the rebel prisoners in Fort Lafayette, New York harbor, were removed to Fort Warren, near Boston.