November 3, 1861

• Rising of the Union men of East Tennessee, who in the following few days burn and break down several important railroad bridges.

Standard [Clarksville], Tx, November 2, 1861

Head Quarters 2^nd Texas Cavalry, }
Oct. 16^th, 1861. }

Dear Standard–

The Red River Company will be mustered into the Confederate Services tomorrow, and as our destination is Missouri, it is the opinion of those acquainted with the Climate that good warm clothes will be quite a necessary article for our men, and as a great many in the company from Red River are destitute of a good Suit of warm clothes, also deficient in their complements of Blankets, I earnestly request the good citizens of Red River who feel interested to procure such things as they may think necessary for the comfort of their friends who are unable to furnish themselves, and deliver them in Clarksville by the first of next month, and I will be there to receive and take them to the Company, anything in this way will be thankfully received by the company, and I doubt not if the Ladies will take the matter into hand, they will succeed in getting a full complement of these very needful articles. Our men have a very good opinion of the locality of St. Louis for winter quarters, and express a desire to drink the very good health of the Southern confederacy in that great Metropolis, on next Christmas day–success to the undertaking.

The first division of Col. Young’s Regiment took up the line of march this morning, the balance will follow to morrow. It will be ten or twelve days before our Regiment will get off. There is still room in Capt. Sims Company for ten or fifteen recruits, and any one wishing to take the campaign through Missouri under Gen. McCulloch will report to me in Clarksville, and be ready to march by the first of November.

Respectfully,

W. B. Sims,
Col. Commanding.

Standard [Clarksville], Tx, November 2, 1861

Taking it for granted that all Missourians able to bear arms, who recently left the State and brought their families, and property to Texas, are desirous to return for the purpose of defending their State which they only temporarily left, for the benefit of their wives and children. I suggest the following mode of action:

Form into messes of ten men; take one common two horse wagon, and four horses or mules to each mess. One tent, and as good a supply of clothing and arms as circumstances will permit, and make haste to Cassville, Berry county, Missouri where we can organize, and be mustered into the Missouri service, and thereby retain our citizenship in Missouri. It is thought that the road by Mill Creek ferry, Waldron, Van Buren and Fayetteville, is preferable at this season of the year; the Texas troops having consumed much of the food, on other roads. So here goes, let us see who will get to Cassville first, most of you reached Texas before we did, we hope we will find you in Missouri when we get there. If so you must be up and doing.

I expect to be ready to start by the 10^th inst. Any person wishing to go with me, will report to Dr. W. M. Dodson at the Donoho house.

B. B. Harrison,
of Lebanon, Mo.

Clarksville, Nov. 1^st, 1861.

Saturday, November 2. – The storm continued all day, but it reached its height last night between 12 and 3, so that to-day towards evening it moderated a little. Many of the people were seasick, and I myself barely escaped being so. In the afternoon we steered west, in the direction of Brunswick, Georgia. We lay to most of the night. We left the Gulf Stream to-day, and the change from the warm air to the colder was very marked. The fleet is all scattered, and but four are now in sight. Our sealed orders were opened to-day.

Austin State Gazette, November 2, 1861

Wm. B. Fondren, of this county, related to us the following particulars, showing the heroism of a lady of this county, a Mrs. Rippy. On the 18th inst., a party of five Indians attacked Mrs. Rippy, cursing her and stringing their bows. She, fortunately, having a musket with her prepared for fight, and the Indians hearing the musket click in cocking, being but a few steps off, retreated. Mrs. Rippy went on without further molestation. She was carrying her husband’s dinner to where he was at work, about one mile off. On reaching him, she told him what had taken place, he immediately got some neighbors and pursued them, finding that they had got ahead of the Indians before night, they took a stand where they thought they were most likely to pass. About 11 o’clock at night the Indians made their appearance, the white men made an attack upon them, and succeeded in capturing 21 head of horses the Indians had, but got no Indian, but think they wounded some.

So much for Mr. Pike’s Treaty, the Indians are more troublesome than formerly. They have stolen all the horses from the north-western corner of Wise county in the last week. — White Man.

Austin State Gazette, November 2, 1861

The emigration from Missouri this fall seems to be quite brisk, bringing their negroes and every other species of property they could escape with; while a goodly number are returning North, they say to Arkansas, but we suppose to Kansas or Illinois, we think there are more who would do well to take the same track.–Sherman Patriot.

Camp Tompkins, Virginia, November 2, 1861.

Dearest Lucy: – I am about to return to my regiment, six or eight miles up New River at Camp Ewing. I shall probably be comfortably settled there tonight.

Colonel Matthews having been promoted to the colonelcy of the Fifty-first, I have been promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Twenty-third and relieved, for the present at any rate, of the duties of judge-advocate. I of course regret very much the loss of Colonel Matthews. But you know we have been separated more than half the time since we came to Virginia; so it is more a change in name than in fact. I hope he has a good regiment. If he has decent materials he will make it a good one. I am pleased, as people in the army always are, with my promotion. I confess to the weakness of preferring (as I must hereafter always be called by some title) to be called Colonel to being styled Major.

We had a noisy day yesterday. A lot of Floyd’s men (we suppose) have got on the other side of the river with cannon. They tried to sink our ferry-boats and prevent our crossing Gauley River at the bridge (now ferry for Wise destroyed the bridge). They made it so hazardous during the day that all teams were stopped; but during the night the ferry did double duty, so that the usual crossing required in twenty-four hours was safely done. Both sides fired cannon and musketry at each other several hours, but the distance was too great to do harm. We have two wounded and thought we did them immense damage. They probably suffered little or no loss, but probably imagined that they were seriously cutting us. So we all see it. Our side does wonders always. We are not accurately informed about these Rebels, but appearances do not make them formidable. They can’t attack us. The only danger is that they may get below on the Kanawha and catch a steamboat before we drive them off.

I wish you could see such a battle. No danger and yet enough sense of peril excited to make all engaged very enthusiastic. The echoes of the cannon and bursting shells through the mountain defiles were wonderful. I spent the day with two soldiers making a reconnaissance – that is to say trying to find out the enemies’ exact position, strength, etc., etc. We did some hard climbing, and were in as much danger as anybody else, that is, none at all. One while the spent rifle balls fell in our neighborhood, but they hadn’t force enough to penetrate clothing, even if they should hit. It’s a great thing to have a rapid river and a mountain gorge between hostile armies. . . .

Affectionately,

R. B. Hayes.

P. S. – I have been paid half of my pay, and will send you two or three hundred dollars at least, the first chance. I wish you would get Dr. Jim to buy one or two pairs of lieutenant-colonel’s shoulder-straps to send with the privilege of returning if they don’t suit. We expect Dr. Clendenin daily.

Mrs. Hayes.

Rescue of Major Reynolds’s Battalion of Marines from the Foundering Steamer ‘Governor’

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

“While being used as a transport, off Cape Hatteras, November 2d, 1861, the steamer ‘Governor,’ Commander Phillips, foundered in the rough sea. Those on board, a battalion of marines under Major Reynolds, were transferred with great difficulty to the ‘Sabine.’ The ‘Governor’ was a sidewheel steamer of 650 tons burden. She was built in New York city in 1846, and was originally intended for river navigation.”

November 2.–The British brig Ariel arrived at Philadelphia, Pa., in charge of a prize crew. She was from Liverpool, bound to Charleston, with a cargo of salt. She was captured off Frying Pan Shoals, while trying to run the blockade of Charleston, by the gunboat Gemsbok.–Philadelphia Inquirer, Nov. 4.

–General McClellan was presented with a sword by the city councils of Philadelphia to-day, at his residence in Washington. In responding to the presentation address General McClellan said:

I ask you, sir, to give my warmest and deep thanks to the honerable body you represent for this entirely unmerited compliment. I could thank you better if I thought that I deserved it, but I do not feel that I do. Nothing that I have yet accomplished would warrant this high compliment. It is for the future to determine whether I shall realize the expectations and hopes that have been centred in me. I trust and feel that the day is not far distant when I shall return to the place dearest of all others to me, there to spend the balance of my life among the people from whom I have received this beautiful gift. The war cannot last long. It may be desperate. I ask in the future, forbearance, patience, and confidence. With these we can accomplish all; and while I know that, in the great drama which may have our hearts’ blood, Pennsylvania will not play the least, I trust that, on the other hand, she will play the highest and noblest part.

I again thank you, and ask you to convey to the councils my most sincere thanks for the sword. Say to them that it will be my ambition to deserve it hereafter. I know I do not now.

–The Twenty-seventh Massachusetts regiment, under the command of Colonel H. C. Lee, left Springfield at two o’clock to-day for Hudson, where they took the steamer Connecticut for New York, at seven o’clock in the evening.–Springfield Republican, Nov. 4.

–The British steamer Bermuda, with a cargo of eighteen hundred bales of cotton, ran the blockade from Savannah, Ga. About eight o’clock she weighed anchor, proceeded down the stream, and finding all things favorable, made a clear and triumphant exit over the bar. She cleared for Havre.–Savannah Republican, Nov. 4.

–The Charleston (S. C.) Mercury, of this date, says: The trial of our privateersmen for piracy, in New York and Philadelphia, our readers have noticed, among other intelligence published. It is a subject that must stir the gall of every earnest man in the Confederate States. In the deficiency of a navy proper, these gallant men, commissioned by our Government our militia of the sea, have gone forth to punish our enemy to the extent of their ability. It has been our only naval resource, and accords with the laws and customs of nations. It is a right which the United States freely exercised in the last war against Great Britain, and within a few years peremptorily refused to waive by treaty stipulation. But now, because it bears disagreeably upon their commerce, the practice is denounced by the United States, and our captured privateersmen are subjected to the ignominious treatment of common felons. Paraded in chains through the streets of Northern cities, for the gaze of the hostile rabble, they are put into the wretched dungeons of “the Tombs,” surrounded by filth and vermin. Here for long months they are kept, that confinement and anxiety may prey upon their health, and that wounded self-respect may fret their hearts in the torture of humiliation. They are now dragged forth, before the public gaze of our infuriated enemies, to be tried for their lives as the worst of criminals–enemies to the whole human race. These are the men whom we have sent forth to fight our battles, under the broad seal of our country; and this is the treatment which they have met with as prisoners, at the hands of our enemies–the Yankees.

The law of retaliation is retributive justice, used for self-protection. It is a law wholesome in its operation against those whom no argument of propriety can convince, no plea of humanity or justice affect. It is logical and touchingly effective. It speaks with more power than the voice of reason. It is more convincing than precedent and law, and hard, dry logic. It has a voice to charm and to be heeded.

The Yankee prisoners in South Carolina are in jail in close confinement. There they will abide the issue of the trials of our privateersmen at the North. Should one drop of Southern blood be shed by Northern courts, for defending the South on the seas, it will be paid for with interest in Charleston. Self-protection, and the enforcement of the laws of nations and of humanity, alike require, in this instance, full and ample retaliation. It is a matter of high State policy, which must and will assuredly be carried out.

–General Fremont received, at Springfield, Mo., an unconditional order from Washington, relieving him at once from his command; and newspapers, with the announcement of his removal, reached Springfield at the same time.

The intelligence spread rapidly through the camps, and created considerable excitement. Feeling ran high, especially in the General’s body-guard.

Although, after notifying General Hunter, as his order directed, he had no longer command over the troops, General Fremont spent several hours in making a personal examination of the grounds about the city to be prepared for a battle; and, in accordance with a written request from all the brigadier-generals, he remained through the night, to lead the army in case of an attack, which it was thought possible might be made.

General Fremont issued an order, in which he took leave of the army with many expressions of regret.–(Doc. 126.)

–A Skirmish took place about six miles east of Leavenworth, Mo., between a small force of Missouri militia, under Major Josephs, and one hundred and fifty rebels. The latter were dispersed, with a small loss.–National Intelligencer, November 6.

–The Charleston (S. C.) Mercury, of to-day, contains the following:–”In view, probably, of the expected visit of the Yankee armada, Gen. Anderson, commander of North Carolina coast defences, has called on the authorities for the assembling of the militia of Brunswick County, at Smithville, and of New Hanover, at Wilmington, without delay. Every man is requested to bring such arms and ammunition as he can procure, and come quick.”

–In a letter of this date to the U. S. Secretary of State, Gov. Curtin, of Pennsylvania, criticizes somewhat sharply the Secretary’s circular on coast defences. He can do nothing, he says, until authorized by the Pennsylvania Legislature, which will not meet until after Congress has met; and he does not see that he should call an extra session, as the Secretary assures him that “the prospect of disturbance is now less serious than it has been at any time since the insurrection began.” Since, then, the duty properly belongs to Congress, why not leave it with Congress?–(Doc. 127.)

–Capt. John A. Thompson, A. D. C. on Gen. Fremont’s Staff, accompanied by Mr. Teed, Lieutenant Tosk, and Sergeant Carlton, left General Fremont’s camp, at Springfield, for the headquarters of General Price, in order to effect an exchange of prisoners, and complete the arrangements for the future conduct of the war in Missouri.–St. Louis Democrat, November 10.

–To-day was published an address to the people of Tennessee, by Gov. Harris, calling upon them to furnish every double-barrel shot-gun and rifle they have to arm the troops now offering their service. He says the State must aid to the full extent of her resources. Her soil shall be protected. He calls upon Tennesseeans to exhaust every resource of the State before the foot of the invader shall pollute the soil of Tennessee.–Baltimore American, Nov. 16.

–The Charleston Mercury, of this date, contains the following:–”In view of the especial malignity exhibited by the North toward the Palmetto State in general, and toward Charleston in particular, we are happy to announce that all our defences are now in perfect order, and that General Ripley is ready, if not anxious, to give the invaders a warm reception. Yesterday the families residing on Sullivan’s Island received notice to remove. In the event of an attack they might have greatly embarrassed our forces. We also hear, on good authority, that a series of obstructions, of a somewhat unusual character, have been placed across the harbor entrance. We don’t envy the occupants of any hostile vessel that, entangled in these obstructions, may be subjected to the cross-fire of the big Columbiads, Dahlgrens, and rifled guns of the batteries of forts Moultrie and Sumter.

November 2, 1861

• Major-Gen. Fremont removed from the command of the Western armies.
• Rebel steamer “Bermuda” runs the blockade off Savannah.
• Rebels routed near Leavenworth, Kansas.
• Spirited engagement at Platte City, Mo.
• Prestonburg, Ky., taken by Union forces.

Friday, November 1 . – There was a rainbow early this morning, and the old adage that “a rainbow in the morning is the sailor’s warning” was well carried out; for about ten o’clock it clouded up, and in an hour we had a strong breeze blowing, which soon turned into a gale. It blew hard all night, and I surely thought we were going to the bottom. One sea which broke over the ship killed one of Captain Hascall’s horses. I did not go below during the whole night. I am afraid the Governor and some other vessels are lost. We parted with our tow this evening. I never passed such a horrible night in my life. I had fully made up my mind to be drowned, but suspense was dreadful. The wind would blow and shriek through the rigging till it seemed as if it could blow no harder; and when I thought it was at its height, it would scream and whistle more than ever. There was something terrible to me in the waves, which were enormously high, and only rendered visible by the phosphorescent light on the tops of them. At times it would rain so that one could not see, and the gangways would be full of water dashing hither and thither with the motion of the ship, until it seemed as if we were full of water and were going to sink immediately. The drum-major of the regiment exhibited such cowardice that it was disgusting to see him. I was glad to see daylight as the sea grew calmer. We were in Long, 77 ° 53′ and Lat. 33 ° 01′ at noon.

[Houston] Tri-Weekly Telegraph, November 1, 1861

Camp Leona, Oct. 23d, 1861.

Our regiment is now encamped at this place for the night. We broke up Camp Sibley this morning. After the line was formed, Col. Reily ordered the regiment to form into close column of squad rows, and then, after a few impressive words, read in a clear and distinct voice the prayer of Bishop Gregg, to be used during the war. It was a solemn spectacle to witness nearly 1000 men with their armor on their persons and banners floating in the breeze, setting on their horses uncovered, and in reverential silence, listening to every word of that beautiful prayer. Not a word was heard in the whole camp, but the tones of the reader, and every one seemed to feel the solemnity of the occasion.

We reached San Antonio at 1 o’clock, P.M. and were reviewed by Gen. Sibley, who addressed the troops, and who responded with three enthusiastic cheers for their gallant general.

Just as the command, forward, was about to be given, Capt. Rusk, son of Gen. Rusk, and now commanding Company H., of Nacogdoches, came to the front, carrying a large and beautiful silken flag, and presented it, in the name of his company, in compliment to Col. Reily. Gen. Sibley made a most beautiful response. After which, our Colonel thanked them for the honor paid him as an individual and as an officer. The flag was then placed in the centre of the column, and the regiment defiled past the line and took up its line of march westward. No better regiment ever marched from San Antonio. It is composed of artillery lancers and gunmen–all mounted. We are now here, and to-morrow shall move forward. God protect us and bless those we leave behind.

We are gratified to learn that Rev. Mr. Jones, of the Episcopal Church, at this place, has accepted the appointment of Chaplain, and joins us tomorrow. Our men are brave and strong; our arms are good; but we depend on the blessings of God.

San Antonio, Oct. 25^th, 1861.

E. H. Cushing, Esq.–Dear Sir: Col. Reily’s regiment leaves to-morrow. You missed quite a treat by not being here. Two days since, the Colonel marched his regiment through town, halted them on the Plaza, and read a prayer to them, which was a very solemn and impressive scene. He was also presented with a flag by the Nacogdoches company, and made a very able and patriotic speech in response. Gen. Sibley also made a very elegant speech to the companies, and gave them good advice. I think Col. Reily has the star regiment of the Southern Confederacy. He is proud of it, and the regiment is proud of him. Night before last it rained incessant. Gen. Sibley’s Brigade is filling fast, and will be a fine one. But little sickness.

Yours truly, in haste. J. F. M.

[Houston] Tri-Weekly Telegraph, November 1, 1861

From the Nashville Gazette.

The gallant regiment of Texas Rangers, under Benjamin F. Terry, now encamped at the Nashville Fair Grounds, is drawing largely upon the confidence and admiration of our city, and the hundreds of anxious spectators who daily call to witness the wonderful exploits. Each grand performance excited new wonder.

The lasso, made of horse hair, which is of great strength, is thrown with great exactness a distance of ten or twenty yards, the greater the speed of the horse the greater is the distance it is thrown, and the more certainty in taking the object sought. This will be an object of terror to the running enemy, whether on foot or horse.

Another performance is the taking up of an object from the ground by the rider, when the horse is at full speed. Another is the springing from the saddle to the ground and into the saddle again, the horse at full speed. Another is the hanging on the side of the horse, hiding the vital parts of the rider from the deadly weapons of the enemy. A still more exciting performance is the breaking of wild horses to the saddle–horses known to be so wild and unmanageable as to be unfit for use–horses which Rarey, the great horse tamer, had failed to break, were blindfolded, saddled and rode, both single and double, in an incredible short space of time.

I was most agreeably surprised to find in this regiment many men of fine intelligence, polished manners, excellent moral character and good fortune. This was not a matter of so great surprise, when we learned that these were picked men, and picked, too, by a man no facile in the judgment of human character as their commander.

This is, indeed, a model regiment, in reference to physical, military and moral cultivation. We hope soon to see them on the best horses of our State, flying with their lassos, sabres and double-barrel shot guns after Lincoln’s intruders upon Southern soil.

J. P. C.

[Houston] Tri-Weekly Telegraph, November 1, 1861

Huntsville, Oct. 23, 1861.

The Texas Penitentiary is now supplied with Cotton, and no more will be taken at present.

The public are notified that all goods hereafter made are by order of the Governor, subject to the requisition of the Quartermasters of the Confederate States of America and must be so applied.

A fair price will be given here for WOOL, as we have determined to drive the Woolen Machinery all the time.

M. C. Rogers,
F. Agent Texas Penitentiary.

November 1.–Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott, in a letter to the Secretary of War, dated October 31, having requested that his name might “be placed on the list of Army Officers retired from active service,” a special Cabinet Council was convened, and decided that Gen. Scott’s request, in view of his advanced age and infirmities, could not be refused; and his name was accordingly so placed, “without reduction in his current pay, subsistence, or allowances.” Major-General George B. McClellan was thereupon appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States, to succeed Gen. Scott, and assumed the position in a general order, in which he expresses his regret “that the weight of many years, and the effect of increasing infirmities, contracted and intensified in his country’s service, should just now remove from our head the great soldier of our nation.” (Doc. 122.)

–Colonel Mulligan, made prisoner by the rebels at the capture of Lexington, was exchanged.–St. Louis Democrat, Nov. 3.

–The Federal prisoners at Charleston were removed from Castle Pinckney. Along the whole line of march, the streets were thronged with a motley crowd of people, juveniles, and darkies. Great eagerness was expressed to see the officers, especially Colonel Corcoran, late of the New York Sixty-ninth regiment. The privates were indeed a sorrowful-looking set, but seemed in quite good humor; and many of them carried along on their shoulders their chairs, chess beards, and other similar conveniences, which they had extemporized during their stay at Castle Pinckney.–Charleston Mercury, Nov. 2.

–The Tenth regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Charles H. Russell, passed through New York.

–Lieutenant-Colonel Morse, with four hundred cavalry, surprised a rebel camp, eight hundred strong, near Renick, Randolph County, Mo., and drove out the rebels in complete rout. –(Doc. 123.)

–Some scouts from the Second Kentucky regiment, under Captain Wheeler, reported to Gen. Rosecrans, the rebels in considerable force on the west side of New River, some few miles above Gauley Bridge, in Virginia.

Shortly after Captain Wheeler’s return, two batteries were opened upon the National troops in the vicinity of Gauley Bridge from the hills on the opposite side of the river–one directly opposite the bridge, and the other two miles lower down, at the falls of the Kanawha, opposite a large brick house in which commissary’s supplies were stored. These batteries played away nearly all day, the commissary’s quarters affording them a fine mark; but so bad was their firing, they did not strike the building once! In almost every instance their balls and shell fell short. The upper battery, after wasting a good deal of ammunition, succeeded in driving the Eleventh Ohio from their camp on the hillside opposite, and in sinking a flat-boat, which served the army as a ferry. This was the extent of the damage done. Not a man was killed, and the flat-boat was raised again the same evening, and made to do good service that night.

It was not till the day had far advanced that the National artillery could be brought to bear upon the rebel batteries. The rifled guns were all at the various camps up New River; but when they were once placed in position, it was not long until both the rebel batteries were silenced. A train of wagons, on its way from Gauley Bridge to the encampments above, was fired upon the same day, when five or six miles up the river, by rebel infantry, and two of the Nationals were wounded. Three companies from General Benham’s camp, at Hawk’s Nest, came to their relief, and soon drove the enemy back of the hills.–Cincinnati Gazette, Nov. 5

–An important proclamation relating to the coming election in Maryland, was issued by General Dix. It having been understood that persons formerly residing in the State, but who had recently been bearing arms against the United States Government, had returned with the intention of taking part in the election, with the purpose of carrying out treasonable designs, General Dix ordered the United States Marshal of Maryland and the Provost-Marshal of Baltimore to arrest all such persons; and he further directed the election judges throughout the State to detain all such persons who might present themselves at the polls, until they could be taken into custody by the proper authorities.– (Doc. 124.)

–Since the Twentieth and Twenty-first regiments have been in camp near Griffin, Pike County, Georgia, the measles and typhoid fever have broke out among them. There are now over two hundred on the sick list and several have died. Two large buildings have been set apart as hospitals, and the sick receive the daily attentions of the benevolent ladies of Griffin.– Griffin Union, Nov. 1.

–General Fremont signed, at Springfield, Mo., an agreement entered into with two commissioners, on the part of the rebel General Price, “to facilitate the future exchange of prisoners of war,” and which provides, “that all persons heretofore arrested for the mere expression of political opinions, may be released from confinement on parole; also, that in future the war be confined exclusively to the armies in the field.” –(Doc. 125.)

November 1. Camp Tompkins. – Cold, gusty, but sunshiny. The fine band of the Second Kentucky does discourse glorious music. A dapper little fellow with a cane, “a nice young man,” fit for Fourth Street in piping times of peace, walked by my tent just now. Not a fellow in camp with his army blue, tattered or not, who does not feel above him.

The enemy have just begun to fire on the ferry and on the teams and passers between here and Gauley Bridge. They have cannon and riflemen on the opposite side of New River. Went with Sweet scouting to ascertain exact position of enemy. Followed up rills and ravines, running imminent risk of breaking necks; discovered tolerable views of the enemy. The echoes of the cannon and bursting shells were grand in these defiles. Two of our men slightly wounded. The ferry stopped during daylight (but doing double duty at night), is all that was accomplished. Great waste of ammunition, great noise, excitement among soldiers. Vox præterea nihil. Got home at night, tired enough, in the rain.

November 1, 1861

• Lieut.-Gen.Winfield Scott, Commander of the United States Army, was placed by the President on the retired list of army officers, without reduction of his pay, subsistence, or allowances.
• Major-Gen. George B. McClellan assumed command of the armies of the United States in place of Gen. Scott.
• Rebels under Floyd attempted to capture Rosecrans’ army at Gauley Bridge, Va., but failed, and Floyd only saved himself by a precipitate flight.
• A violent storm overtook the great Union naval and military expedition off the coast of North Carolina, and effected considerable damage.

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.

October 30.–At Worcester, England, the Conservative Association celebrated its anniversary by a dinner at the Shire Hall. About six hundred persons attended, the hall and anteroom being crowded to inconvenience. The chair was taken by Sir E. A. H. Lechmere. “The House of Lords” having been proposed by Captain Candler, the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbet responded. The House of Lords, he said, was an institution highly valued, and, if he might be allowed to say so, deservedly esteemed by the nation. It had often been said by noisy democrats and clamorous republicans, that the House of Lords was of no use. Reference had been made by previous speakers to the unhappy contention that was going on on the other side of the Atlantic. (Hear.) In America they saw democracy on its trial, and they saw how it failed. (Hear.) He was afraid the result would show that the separation of the two great sections of that country was inevitable, and these who lived long enough would, in his opinion, see an aristocracy established in America. He would not say an aristocracy of dukes and earls, but an aristocracy of some sort or other, so great was the necessity of having a middle state between democracy and despotism. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the present Government, he said they had kept themselves in power by advocating one set of principles and practising another. Lord Palmerston had been connected with every party that had been in office in his time, and he likened him to a successful political Blondin– (laughter)–who from his political tight rope looked down from the giddiest heights, only caring to keep himself where he was.–London Times, November 1.

–The Fifty-first New York regiment, Colonel Ferrero, left New York City for Washington.–N. Y. Times, Oct. 31.

–The schooner Elite, which left Savannah with a cargo of naval stores, bound for Havana, and was stranded off Warsaw beach while going out, was visited by three launches, from a U. S. steamer, with about one hundred and fifty men and one howitzer or mortar, to take possession of or burn the wreck. Captain Anderson, in command of the forces on Warsaw Island, immediately sent out a considerable force from the intrenchments, ordering them through the woods to a point opposite the wreck, and within musket-shot of the boats, when the latter should reach their destination. The party lay in ambush until the launches got within reach, when they sallied out upon the beach and opened fire upon them. The salutation was returned with shells, and the firing was kept up for some time. When the boats commenced firing shell, Captain Anderson turned the guns of the fort upon them and kept up the fire until dark came on, though they were too far round the point of the island for the shots to be directed with accuracy.–Savannah Republican, November 1.

–Citations issued from the Court of Admiralty of the Confederate States, South Carolina, distinctly call upon all persons in general, except citizens of the United States, “who claim any interest in the brigs Betsy Ames and Granada, to show cause, if any they have, why the said vessels should not be condemned as lawful prizes of war.”–(Doc. 116.)

–John C. Breckinridge has published a manifesto to the people of Kentucky. It is dated at Bowling Green, and he says it is written at the first moment since his expulsion from home that he could place his feet on the soil of Kentucky. In it he resigns his seat as a member of the Senate of the United States, saying, “I exchange, with proud satisfaction, a term of six years in the United States Senate for the musket of a soldier.” The address is very long. He says, “there is no longer a Senate of the United States within the meaning and spirit of the Constitution”–”the United States no longer exists–the Union is dissolved.”– (Doc. 117.)

–A Letter, published in the National Intelligencer, at Washington, gives a circumstantial account of the cruise of the U. S. ship Powhattan in pursuit of the privateer Sumter, and a minute description of that vessel. Her crew is, the letter states, made up of men of all nations, the greater part being Portuguese, Spaniards, and English, and the writer expresses the opinion that she will finally turn pirate against all commerce.–(Doc. 119.)

October 29.–Col. Burbridge, with two hundred and fifty men, and two pieces of artillery, having marched from Owensbero, in Kentucky, to Morgantown, within eighteen miles of Bowling Green, crossed the river at Morgantown in presence of a body of rebels formed upon the bank, drove the rebels into the town of Woodbury, attacked them to the number of four hundred in their camp, routed them, and took possession of the camp, with equipage for five hundred men, and all their camp utensils; but as he had no means of transportation, the entire camp was burned.–(Doc. 113.)

–At a public meeting held at Woolwich, England, Mr. Salomon, M. P., said: “The civil war now raging in America is full of importance to this country, and ought to be condemned. The North is now attempting to dominate over the South. (Cries of ‘No, no.’) We have a right to criticize the dreadful state of affairs now prevailing in America, although it would be dangerous to do so on the other side of the Atlantic. It is a most diabolical quarrel, of which we hear more from the North than the South, because the South knows how to keep its own counsel. Whatever is the result of this conflict, America will suffer from it; and if the North is able to subjugate the South, it will change the government of the country, which will then become a despotism similar to Russia. At the outset of the contest the North did not endeavor by every means to come to a peaceable settlement. (Expressions of dissent.) Why, Mr. Buchanan remained in office for three months, and did nothing to promote such an object, but rather to stir up the strife; and now he comes forward and sounds his penny whistle to induce a vigorous prosecution of the war. It is, however, the true policy of this country not to interfere in the strife, although we all wish to see it ended, and the Americans again resume their position as a purely peaceable and commercial people.”–London Post, Oct. 30.

–Letters of this date from New Orleans, represent that city as completely ruined by the rebellion.–N. Y. Times, November 11.

–The Richmond Examiner of this date says: By this time our able representatives abroad, Messrs. Mason and Slidell, are pretty well on their way over the briny deep toward the shores of Europe. We commit no indiscretion in stating that they have embarked upon a vessel which will be abundantly able to protect them against most of the Yankee cruisers they may happen to meet, and the chances are consequently a hundred to one that they will reach their destination in safety. The malice of our Yankee enemies will thus be foiled, and the attempt to capture them fail of success. Great will be the mortification of the Yankees when they shall have learned this result. Our ministers did not choose to leave at any other port than one of our own, or under any but the Confederate flag.

We anticipate from Mr. Mason’s presence in England a very happy effect upon our interests in that quarter. Mr. Mason is, in his points of character, a very good representative of the best qualities of the English people. He is frank, bold, and straightforward, disdaining all concealments or evasions. His diplomacy will consist in telling the truth in the language of a gentleman and a statesman. As the representative of a name linked with the earlier ages of the American Republic, an ex-Senator of the United States for many years, and the honored servant of the Confederate Government, he will wield an influence abroad such as perhaps no other man could hope to enjoy. He is the very best man we could send abroad to show foreign nations that the Southerner is a different type altogether from the Yankee–that he scorns like the latter to lie, to evade or dissemble, to fawn, or play the bully and the braggart; that the despicable traits of avarice, meanness, cant, and vulgarity which enter into the universal idea of a Yankee, were left behind us when we seceded from the Lincoln Government. We are glad to be able to contrast such a gentleman with Charles Francis Adams, the Puritan representative of freedom at the Court of St. James, and he knows little of British character who is disposed to set a slight value upon the advantages derived from the personal character of a representative in this matter. We believe that at no distant day Mr. Mason will have the pleasure of signing a treaty of amity, on behalf of the Confederate States, with one of the oldest and greatest dynasties of Europe, and thus cement these relations of commerce upon which our future so largely depends.

–Yesterday forty-five “contrabands” were brought into Fortress Monroe. They came oat of the Rappahannock in boats, which were picked up by the tug Rescue. Their story was, that they escaped in order to avoid being sent to Richmond to be sold South. Today forty more contrabands were brought in, who had escaped from Gloucester, opposite Yorktown, where, according to their reports, great destitution exists.–National Intelligencer, November 6.

–Capt. Hunter of the Confederate steamer Curlew reports that on this day, when near the inner buoy at Hatteras Inlet, he was fired upon by two or three Union steamers and the fort; that he “sighted a rifled gun at the Harriet Lane” and fired, and that the fort and steamers continued to fire at him as rapidly as possible. We fired, he says, six shells and the stern gun at them five times. It is uncertain whether the enemy sustained any injury. The Vandals fired twenty-three shells at us, only one of which came near.

“Feeling that I had carried out the spirit of my instructions I withdrew and waited within half a mile of the buoy, hoping to draw the steamer outside. When we fired the stern gun, the fort returned the shot. We stood back, fired another shell and took our departure. All hands displayed great enthusiasm, and seemed delighted, when one steamer began moving toward us.”–Richmond Examiner, November 4.

–Get. Rosecrans makes some interesting statements regarding the condition of the troops under his command, in a letter addressed to Governor Dennison, of Ohio, under this date. The soldiers in his department have been poorly clothed, because they were nearly all of them despatched hastily in answer to pressing calls, and since entering upon their duties they have changed their positions so frequently that supplies have not reached them regularly. Now, however, they are in very good condition. Gen. Rosecrans contradicts the statement that his force have suffered greatly from sickness. The number in hospital have averaged only four per cent. He recommends that supplies of clothing and other necessaries should be accumulated at some depot, so as to be made available when the troops shall go into winter-quarters.

–”Gentlemen from several counties” in Kentucky, assembled in Russellville, in that State, to confer “together in reference to the situation of the country, and the steps to be taken to better preserve domestic tranquillity.” Nearly all the prominent rebels of the State were present. Resolutions were passed which “bid defiance both to the Federal and State Governments,” and recommend the people to organize and arm, and resist every authority but that of the Confederate States.–(Doc. 118.)

–Two advertisements in reference to confiscation were published in the Washington papers. One, at the instance of the President of the United States, commands the Marshal to attach certain real and personal property of William Shields, and to give notice to all persons having any thing to say why the same should not be condemned to the use of the United States, to appear before the District Attorney on the 28th of November next.

The second advertisement, published by order of the court, is in accordance with the first, and sets forth that Wm. Shields, formerly of Washington, some months ago removed, with his family, to Richmond, where he has been residing ever since, and where he has been and is now engaged in the insurrection and resistance to the laws of the United States of America, now existing in said States, and in secret correspondence with the enemies of said United States residing in the city of Washington and elsewhere, transmitting to them money and other valuables, and receiving the same from them in return, which has been applied in part to aid and abet and promote the said insurrection and resistance to the laws.

–The great Southern Expedition sailed from Fortress Monroe, the Wabash leading, and the Cahawba bringing up the rear. The line of vessels, comprising nearly fifty, made a magnificent appearance.–N. Y. Tribune, October 31.

–A Great Union demonstration was made by a concourse of the citizens of Baltimore, Maryland, at the Front street theatre. The principal feature of the occasion was an address by Francis Thomas, formerly governor of Maryland.–(Doc. 115.)

October 28.–On the night of the 25th, the boats of the U. S. gunboat Louisiana made a reconnaissance of the Virginia shore for a number of miles, and discovered in Chincoteague Inlet, about two miles from its mouth, a number of rebel vessels undergoing repairs; and this night an expedition, under command of Lieutenant Alfred Hopkins, consisting of three boats, with twenty-five men, well armed, proceeded to the inlet with the intent to cut out or destroy the aforesaid rebel vessels. Proceeding cautiously up the narrow inlet, on the banks of which the rebel sentries could be heard, the boats at last reached the rebel fleet; but, finding the channel so intricate and so well guarded, they were unable to bring any of the vessels out. Preparations were, therefore, made to fire them, and at a given signal the match was applied to three large vessels, and as the flames broke forth in the darkness of the night, brilliantly illuminating the skies with lurid glare, the men sprang to their boats, while the enemy, in confusion at the suddenness of the attack, were quite dumbfounded, and unable to offer any resistance or fire a single shot at the brave fellows who made so gallant a dash into their very midst. As the boats shot out of the inlet the troops sent up rockets to announce to their comrades on board the steamer the complete success of the expedition. At daylight the boats arrived alongside the Louisiana without having lost a man. The only casualty was received by Lieutenant Hopkins, who had his right hand severely burned while applying a torch.–Philadelphia Press, Nov. 14.

–Gen. John B. Henderson, of the Missouri State Militia, made a compromise with the rebels at Dyer’s Mills, near Concord, Missouri, by which he agreed that the United States would not make any arrests if the rebels would lay down their arms and return to their homes. Gen. Prentiss acquiesced in the compromise. The rebels were four hundred strong, and Gen. Henderson’s force numbered one thousand five hundred. The proposition for compromise came from the rebels.– National Intelligencer, Nov. 1.

–General Kelley issued a proclamation from Romney to the people of Hampshire County and the Upper Potomac, in which he assured them of protection to their persons and property.–(Doc. 112.)

–Asa T. Pratt, of Braintree, Mass., who expressed strong secession sentiments at a Democratic Convention at Dedham, was ridden on a rail by several of his town’s people.–In accordance with orders received from the War Department, Gov. Curtin, of Pennsylvania, issued marching orders to eight regiments in addition to these already at the seat of War.–Gov. Andrew, of Massachusetts, has written a letter in reply to an inquiry from Hon Geo. S. Boutwell, whether the Fifteenth regiment, which behaved so gallantly in the action at Leesburg, was sent into the field with inferior arms. He says that rifled muskets have been given all the regiments to which it was possible to supply them. Some of the commanders, however, have preferred smooth-bore muskets as decidedly preferable for close action, and these Col. Devens’ men had.–N. Y. Times, Oct. 30.

–By direction of the President of the United States, a Commission was appointed, consisting of David Davis, of Illinois; Joseph Holt, of Kentucky, and Hugh Campbell, of St. Louis, to examine and report upon all unsettled claims against the Military Department of the West, which might have originated prior to the appointment of General Fremont, at which time the order was issued that all money must be disbursed by the regularly appointed agents of the Government.– N. Y. Times, Oct. 28.

–The Fifth New Hampshire regiment, Col. Edward E. Cross, left its camp, near Concord, for Washington. It numbers one thousand and thirty-three men, and is armed with the Enfield rifle.–N. Y. Commercial, Oct. 30.

October 27.–Brigadier-General Wm. H. T. Walker, of the Confederate States Army, resigned his position this day, because, despite all his claims as a soldier who has seen service, and as among the first to offer themselves to the South, he finds that he is continually “overslaughed” by new appointments.–Richmond Whig.

–A fight took place at Plattsburgh, Clinton County, Mo., fifteen miles south of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad. A force of seven hundred Union men attacked and captured a camp of rebels, killing eight of them, capturing twelve prisoners, one cannon, and a lot of small arms.–Leavenworth Conservative.

October 26. – At Mill Creek, five miles from Romney, Gen. Kelley’s force came upon the rebel’s outposts, which they drove in, and advanced to the Indian Mound Cemetery, to the west of the town, where the rebels made a stand and opened fire with a twelve-pound rifled gun, placed in a very commanding position in the cemetery, and with a mountain howitzer from the high grounds on the east bank of the river, which point commanded our approach for a distance of over a mile. At the east end of the bridge the enemy had also thrown up intrenchments, from which they kept up a constant fire of musketry upon the head of the column. One twelve-pounder and two six-pounders responded to the artillery on Kelley’s post until the General was enabled to fully comprehend the enemy’s position, when he soon gave the command to charge upon their batteries and intrenchments. The cavalry under the lead of Capts. Keys and McGhee, dashed across the river, (which was fordable at this point,) while the infantry, under Cols. Mason and De Puy, Lieut.-Col. Kelley, and Major Swearingen, rushed over the bridge to encounter the foe, at the very muzzles of his guns. No sooner did the rebels perceive this movement, than they immediately abandoned their positions, and commenced a precipitate retreat, rushing “pell-mell” through the town, and directing their flight toward Winchester.

General Kelley captured some four hundred or five hundred prisoners, among whom was Colonel E. M. Armstrong, late a member of the Richmond Convention, two hundred horses, three wagon loads of new rifles, three cannon, a large quantity of corn, tents, and, in fact, every thing they had. The loss on the Federal aide was but one man killed and five wounded. When about one and a half miles from Springfield the rear of Col. Johns’ column (ordered to make the feint from the north) was attacked from the heights by the enemy, severely wounding two men and detaining the column about an hour. The march was then resumed through Springfield, and on arriving within half a mile of the bridge crossing the south branch of the Potomac, Col. Johns discovered the enemy on the opposite bank, when a brisk firing commenced. An attempt to force the passage of the bridge was ineffectual, the rebels having destroyed a portion of it. Captain Shaw marched his company upon the bridge with a view to carry the position, but lost one killed and six wounded. At this time, hearing nothing further of the firing at Romney, and concluding that Gen. Kelley had carried the place, and that the object desired had been accomplished, Col. Johns withdrew his force to Oldtown, Md., after a march of twenty-five miles.–(Doc. 107.)

–A large meeting was held at Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland, by the Union men. Speeches were made by Henry Winter Davis, Edwin U. Webster, Alexander Evans, S. S. Maditt, Esq., and others. There were several hundred ladies on the ground, and the display was grand.–N. Y. Tribune, October 30.

–Parson Brownlow has been forced to suspend the publication of his paper, the Knoxville (Tenn.) Whig. He gives his readers a farewell address, in which he says that he will neither give a bend to keep the peace, nor will he take an oath to support the Jeff. Davis Confederacy, and he informs the authorities that he is ready to go to jail. He has been indicted by the Grand Jury for treason, because, as he says, he has refused to publish garbled accounts of skirmishes in Kentucky, and other articles, the insertion of which in his sheet was insisted upon by the rebels.–(Doc. 108.)

–A wagon train was established between Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D. C. Fifty wagons were employed in the service. This was rendered necessary by the closing of the Potomac and the great amount of freight thus thrown upon the railroad.–Baltimore American, October 26.

–Generals Fremont and Sigel arrived at Springfield, Missouri, and were received with a display of National flags and every demonstration of joy.–National Intelligencer, Nov. 1.

–The Charleston Mercury, of this date, declares that the Northern army “has broken its ranks forever;” that “no trumpet will call them to battle again;” and that “however new forces may be mustered, and new generals commissioned, the decree of Manassas cannot be reversed;” that therefore Southern “independence is assured,” and it accordingly gives some space to the consideration of what the relations of the new Government “with the world are to be.” It describes the late prosperous and happy condition of the United States, and its present condition, and fears that Europe will not understand the South when it looks upon it as the active agent in the destruction of so much good. (Doc. 110.)

–Three companies of the Ninth Illinois regiment went to Saratoga, Ky., on the Cumberland River, and attacked a body of rebels, whom they routed, killing thirteen, taking twenty-four prisoners, and capturing fifty-two horses. They had two wounded on their side. These affairs, though not important in their results, in one sense, do nevertheless show in a clear light the spirit and bravery of the National troops, and add new proof to the evidence already gathered that the rebels are sure to be defeated in a fair fight with equal numbers, or with numbers not greatly inferior to theirs.– (Doc. 111.)

–This day a scouting party of thirty men of the Eighth Illinois regiment, under the command of their colonel, Johnson, left for Fort Holt, near Cairo, Ill., and proceeded several miles in the direction of Columbus, Ky. An advance guard was sent out to keep their way clear. They returned to their command and reported to Col. Johnson that a large force of the enemy’s cavalry was advancing upon them; whereupon Col. Johnson ordered his men to a turn in the road, and directed them to lie in ambush for the enemy, who, upon coming up, were confronted by Col. Johnson and ordered to surrender, to which they replied by opening a fire upon him, which he escaped. At this moment the men of his command fired a volley into the midst of the rebels, from the brush, killing their captain and lieutenant, and several others, which so astounded and surprised the rebels that they broke and ran in a promiscuous retreat, leaving their lieutenant dead in the road.–Louisville Journal, November 1.

October 25.–General Fremont’s body guard, numbering three hundred men, under command of Major Zagonyi, charged against two thousand rebels, drawn up in line of battle at their camp, near Springfield, Missouri, routed them, cleared Springfield of rebels, and retired.–(Doc. 106.)

–At Pilot Knob, Missouri, Col. Boyd, of the Twenty-fourth Missouri regiment, commandant of the post, announced the modification of the proclamation of Gen. Fremont by the President, and declared that martial law would be rigidly enforced in the counties of Jefferson, St. Francois, Washington, and Ironton, and that all persons taken in arms against the Government of the United States, in an irregular warfare, or who might be found to have participated in any manner in the burning or otherwise injuring railroad or other bridges, or cutting telegraph wire, or injuring any public property, would be summarily shot. Also, that the sympathizers with the rebellion, who were constantly visiting the stations on the Iron Mountain Railroad, and giving information to the rebels, would hereafter be arrested and dealt with as spies.–N. Y. World, Oct. 26.

–The Ulster Guard, Twentieth regiment of New York Volunteers, under the command of Col. George W. Pratt, left Kingston for the seat of war. The regiment numbers nine hundred and seventy-five men.–Idem.

–Gen Franklin extended his picket lines a mile beyond Annandale, on the Little River turnpike, which leads direct to Fairfax Court House, Va,–Walter W. Smith, one of the crew of the privateer Jeff Davis, captured on board the Enchantress, was convicted of the crime of piracy.–Col. Marshall, of the Seventh Maine regiment, died in Baltimore, of typhoid fever. He had been sick two weeks. His regiment started for Washington.–N. Y. Times, Oct. 26.

–An artillery duel was fought across the Potomac River, at Edwards’ Ferry. Firing was kept up by rifled cannon from nine o’clock in the morning until two in the afternoon. A large number of shots were thrown from both parties. Several balls fell in a portion of Gen. Banks’ encampment, killing two and wounding two or three. A few tents were struck and injured, rendering it prudent to move the encampment some distance back. Shot and shell were thrown rapidly into the Confederate encampments, doing, as is believed, serious damage. The rebels were also obliged to move their quarters/–Cincinnati Gazette, October 30.

–Yesterday, at Charleston, S. C., Judge A. G. Magrath, in the “Confederate” court, delivered an opinion with regard to questions raised by J. L. Pettigru, Nelson Mitchell, and William Whaley, as to the constitutionality of the rebel sequestration act.–(Doc. 109.)

–At a banquet given at Inverary, Scotland, the Duke of Argyle declared that “no more tremendous issues were ever submitted to the dread arbitrament of war, than these which are now submitted to it upon the American continent;” that it is “the absolute duty of Great Britain to remain entirely neutral;” and that “we ought to admit, in fairness to the Americans, that there are some things worth fighting for, and that National existence is one of them.” – London Times, October 29.

–The Fifteenth Mass, regiment, in Maryland, had to-day their first parade since the battle at Ball’s Bluff, on the 21st. After the parade the regiment was formed in a square and the gallant Colonel Devens made them an address. No description could produce the tender subdued fervor with which the colonel first spoke, the electric sympathy by which his men were affected, or the earnest determination with which the question was asked and answered:

“Soldiers of Massachusetts, men of Worcester County, with these fearful gaps in your lines, with the recollection of the terrible struggle of Monday fresh upon your thoughts, with the knowledge of the bereaved and soul-stricken ones at home, weeping for these whom they will see no more on earth, – with that hospital before your eyes, filled with wounded and maimed comrades, – I ask you now whether you are ready again to meet the traitorous foe who are endeavoring to subvert our Government, and who are crushing under the iron heel of despotism the liberties of a part of our country? would you go next week? would you go to-morrow? would you go this moment?” One hearty “Yes!” burst from every lip.

Brigadier General Kelley with Twenty-five hundred men, of Virginia and Ohio Volunteers, left New Creek, Virginia, at night, on an expedition against the rebels in Romney. Nearly at the same time, Thomas Johns, of Second regiment Potomac brigade, marched from the mouth of Patterson’s Creek, with seven hundred men, to favor Gen. Kelley’s attack on Romney, by a feint or diversion toward the north of the town. – Wheeling Intelligencer, Nov. 2.