September 22.—James F. Robinson, Governor of Kentucky, in view of the near approach of the rebel army under Gen. E. Kirby Smith, for the purpose of attacking Louisville, issued a proclamation calling upon the people of that city to rally for the defence of their homes, and attach themselves with such arms as they had, to the military forces under General Nelson.
—A skirmish took place near Sturgeon, Mo., between a Union force under the command of Major Hunt, and a band of guerrillas under Capt Cunningham, in which the latter were completely routed.—The Tenth regiment of New-Hampshire volunteers, under the command of Col. Michael T. Donahue, left Camp Pillsbury, near Manchester, for the seat of war.
—A fight took place at Ashby’s Gap, Va., between a reconnoitring force of Union troops under the command of Col. R. B. Price, Second Pennsylvania cavalry, and a rebel force under Lieut.-Col. Green, resulting in the defeat of the latter with considerable loss. Among the prisoners taken were Col. Green and two of his lieutenants.
—President Lincoln this day issued a proclamation declaring that hereafter as heretofore, the war would be prosecuted for the object of practically restoring the Union; and “that on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State, or any designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever, free.” Secretary Seward addressed a circular to all the diplomatic and consular agents of the United States, on the same subject—(Doc. 125.)
