Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

The American Civil War

Post image for “Men are constantly arriving, showing the rapid concentration at this point of a large body of troops.”—Rutherford B. Hayes

“Men are constantly arriving, showing the rapid concentration at this point of a large body of troops.”—Rutherford B. Hayes

August 21, 2011

Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes,The American Civil War

August 21.—Changed camping place at Buckhannon to a fine spot one and one-half miles on road to Cheat Mountain. Got settled with McMullen’s Battery just as rain set in at night. Had letters from Jim and Will Scott and Uncle George.

_______

BUCKHANNON, VIRGINIA, August 21, 1861.

DEAR MOTHER:—You may send this letter, showing my whereabouts, to Lucy. I have no time to write much. On Sunday night, about 12 o’clock, we were ordered to quietly pack and march rapidly to this place. Some of our men had just returned from long scouting expeditions. They were weary with marching over the hills in rain and mud, and here was another march without sleeping. It was borne cheerfully—the men supposing it was to meet an enemy.

We find this a lovely spot, superior in some respects to the scenery about Weston. We have a beautiful camp about one and one-half miles from the village. There are here parts of five regiments—all but this from Cincinnati. Men are constantly arriving, showing the rapid concentration at this point of a large body of troops. We are ignorant of its purpose, but suppose it to be for service. We are all so healthy. I meet many Cincinnati friends and enjoy the greetings.

I received a letter from Uncle, directed to Clarksburg. I suppose that is still the best place to direct my letters. Write often. Let Uncle know where I am and how lately you have heard from me. Love to all.

Affectionately,

R. B. HAYES.

MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.

A Diary of American Events.–August 21, 1861

August 21, 2011

The American Civil War,The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

Post image for A Diary of American Events.–August 21, 1861

August 21.—By special order of the War Department the body of men at Fortress Monroe known as the Naval Brigade or Union Coast Guard, were formed into a volunteer regiment.—Eight thousand troops were reviewed at Washington by the President and General McClellan.—N. Y. Herald, August 22.

—The Executive Committee of the New York Union Defence Committee reported : that, to this date, it had spent in the equipment of various regiments, five hundred and eighty-one thousand six hundred and eighty-nine dollars; for arms and ammunition, two hundred and twenty-six thousand five hundred and eighty-nine dollars; and for relief to soldiers’ families, two hundred and thirty thousand dollars.—See Journal of the Board of Aldermen, N. Y.

—At Alexandria, Va., through the exertions of Major Lemon, commanding the guard there, Miss Windle, formerly of Delaware, but more recently of Philadelphia, and of late a correspondent of the Southern press, was arrested in the act of leaving for Washington by the steamboat. She is a highly-educated lady, and the authoress of several works published while she resided in Philadelphia, among which was a “Legend of the Waldenses,” also “A Visit to Melrose.” Miss Windle has resided in Alexandria for the past month, where her movements have been closely watched. She boldly avowed her secession proclivities, and made no secret of her correspondence with the leaders of the rebel army. After a hearing she was sent to Washington.

Augustus Schaeffer, of Gloucester, New Jersey, belonging to Captain Sinn’s Philadelphia Company of Cavalry, was severely wounded in the head yesterday, by a pistol ball, while out with a scouting party toward Fairfax Court House, Va.—Baltimore American, August 23.

—Jefferson Davis approved an act empowering the President of the “Confederate” States to appoint two more Commissioners to Europe. The act empowers the President to determine to what nations the Commissioners now in Europe shall be accredited, and to prescribe their duties. The two additional Commissioners will receive the same as those now in Europe. Jeff. Davis also approved an act for the aid of the State of Missouri in repelling the invasion and to authorize her admission into the Confederacy. The preamble sets forth that the people of Missouri have been prevented by the unconstitutional interference of the Federal Government from expressing their will in regard to union with the Confederates, and that Missouri is now engaged in repelling the lawless invasion of her territory by armed forces. The Confederate Government consider it their right and duty to aid the Government and people of Missouri in resisting this invasion, and securing the means and opportunity of expressing their will upon all questions affecting their rights and liberties.

The President of the “Confederate” States is authorized to cooperate, through the military power of his Government, with authorities of Missouri in defending that State against the invasion of their soil by the United States, in maintaining the liberty and independence of Missouri, with power to accept the services of troops sufficient to suit the purpose. The act provides for the admission of Missouri to the Confederacy, on an equal footing with the other States, when the Provisional Constitution shall be ratified by the legally constituted authorities of Missouri, and an authenticated copy shall be communicated to the President of the Southern Confederacy.

The President will then, in accordance with the provisions of the act, issue his proclamation announcing the admission of Missouri into the Confederacy. She recognizes the Government in Missouri, of which Claiborne F. Jackson is Chief Magistrate.—Louisville Courier, August 31

—The First Regiment of Long Island Volunteers, (Brooklyn, N. Y., Phalanx,) commanded by Colonel Julius W. Adams, took their departure for the seat of war. The men were uniformed in a substantial blue dress, and their general appearance indicated that they were ready to do good service. They were armed with the common smooth-bore musket.—The Anderson Zouaves, N. Y. S. V., under the command of Colonel John Lafayette Riker, left camp Astor, Riker’s Island, for Washington. The uniform of the Zouaves is dark blue loose jackets, and light blue baggy trowsers. For head covering, a part of the men have the red fez, with blue tassel, and the others dark blue caps. Their arms are the old, smooth-bore muskets, with shank bayonets, and percussion locks altered from flint locks.—N. Y. Tribune, August 22.

—The Memphis Avalanche of this day says that the “conviction is becoming general throughout the South that the war can only be ended by carrying it into the North. The Northern abolitionists will have to be scourged into good behavior. The sooner this shall be done the better. All the mighty energies and resources of the South should be put forth to crush out the Northern conspiracy against her. The bombardment of a few Northern cities would bring our enemies to their senses. Philadelphia and Cincinnati present convenient points of attack. Maryland and Kentucky, we have good reason to believe, will soon be with us, when these abolition cities shall receive the especial attention of the gallant avengers of Southern wrongs.”

—In “Confederate” Congress in session at Richmond, Vo., a resolution of thanks to Ben McCulloch and his forces, was introduced by Mr. Ochiltree of Texas, and passed unanimously. -(Doc. 205.)

—This day a very large and beautiful flag was presented to the battalion of Pennsylvania troops stationed at Annapolis Junction, Md., by the Union ladies of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. The ceremonies were very interesting. James Creigh, Esq., made the presentation speech, and Capt. McPherson the reception speech. A large number of persons were present. — Washington Star, August 23.

— William F. Barry, chief of artillery in Gen. McClellan’s staff, yesterday was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers. — Philadelphia Press, August 22.

— The Twenty-third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Col. David B. Birney, numbering about five hundred and fifty men, passed through Baltimore, Md., en route for Washington city. A large proportion of the men were under Colonel Dare, in the same regiment, which had already served three months under General Patterson. They are all uniformed similar to regulars. Lieutenant-Colonel Wilhelm held the same rank in the Eighteenth Regiment of three months’ volunteers, under Colonel Lewis, and is an experienced officer, having seen service in the Prussian army. Several of the companies attached to the command are well drilled in the Zouave exercise, and also uniformed. — Baltimore American, August 22.

Postmaster-General Blair, in response to an inquiry on the subject, says he has neither the power to interdict nor to suspend intercourse between the loyal and rebellious States, by private expresses or otherwise. The power rests with the War and Treasury Departments alone, and so long as these departments forbear to exercise it, correspondence between the insurgents of the South and their friends and abettors in the North, may be lawfully continued. His power over the matter extends only to the protection of the revenues of the Department from fraud by the conveyance of this circuitous correspondence over the Post routes of the United States, partly in the mails, and partly by private expresses, unlawfully. This the Postmaster-General believes has been effectually done in the manner set forth in his letter on the subject to General McClellan, published a few weeks ago. He concludes by saying:

“You have doubtless observed that the President, in pursuance of an act of Congress, passed at its recent session, has by his proclamation of the 10th instant, declared that all commercial intercourse between the insurgent States or the people thereof and the loyal States is unlawful. It is presumed that instructions will be issued by the Treasury Department for the enforcement of this declaration, and that the abuse of which you complain will be effectually suppressed.”

—The First Regiment of Western Virginia Volunteers returned to Wheeling from the scat of war. Their reception was enthusiastic, the people turning out in a body to welcome them. — Wheeling Intelligencer, August 22.

—The scouting party put off the railroad train which was fired into yesterday morning at Syracuse, Mo., arrived at Jefferson City. They report having killed two and wounded several of the secessionists, and bring in five prisoners.

Governor Gamble has appointed division inspectors in five of the seven military districts in Missouri, for the purpose of mustering men into service under the militia law of 1859, revived by the State Convention. The Governor calls upon the citizens to come forward promptly to sustain the peace by the suppression and dispersion of the armed bauds of men who are now committing violence in the different parts of the State. As soon as troops are enrolled they will hold themselves in readiness to march at the call of the Executive to enforce order. Any regular organization will be permitted to volunteer in the service of the United States, if the members so desire.—The following is the form of oath to be administered to the militia:

“You each and every one of you do solemnly swear that you will honestly and faithfully serve the State of Missouri against all her enemies, and that you will do your utmost to sustain the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State; and you do further swear that you will truly execute and obey the legal orders of all officers properly placed over you whilst on duty, so help you God.”

Post image for William Howard Russell’s Diary: Harper’s Ferry.—John Brown.—Back by train to Washington.

William Howard Russell’s Diary: Harper’s Ferry.—John Brown.—Back by train to Washington.

August 20, 2011

My Diary North and South - William Howard Russell,The American Civil War

Next day (20th)I took the train, at Ellicott’s Mills, and went to Harper’s Ferry. There is no one spot, in the history of this extraordinary war, which can be well more conspicuous. Had it nothing more to recommend it than the scenery, it might well command a visit from the tourist; but as the scene of old John Brown’s raid upon the Federal arsenal, of that first passage of arms between the abolitionists and the slave conservatives, which has developed this great contest; above all, as the spot where important military demonstrations have been made on both sides, and will necessarily occur hereafter, this place, which probably derives its name from some wretched old boatman, will be renowned for ever in the annals of the civil war of 1861. The Patapsco, by the bank of which the rail is carried for some miles, has all the character of a mountain torrent, rushing through gorges or carving out its way at the base of granite hills, or boldly cutting a path for itself through the softer slate. Bridges, viaducts, remarkable archways, and great spans of timber trestle work leaping from hill to hill, enable the rail to creep onwards and upwards by the mountain side to the Potomac at Point of Rocks, whence it winds its way over undulating ground, by stations with eccentric names to the river’s bank once more. We were carried on to the station next to Harper’s Ferry on a ledge of the precipitous mountain range which almost overhangs the stream. But few civilians were in the train. The greater number of passengers consisted of soldiers and sutlers, proceeding to their encampments along the river. A strict watch was kept over the passengers, whose passes were examined by officers at the various stations. At one place an officer who really looked like a soldier entered the train, and on seeing my pass told me in broken English that he had served in the Crimea, and was acquainted with me and many of my friends. The gentleman who accompanied me observed, “I do not know whether he was in the Crimea or not, but I do know that till very lately your friend the Major was a dancing master in New York.” A person of a very different type made his offers of service, Colonel Gordon of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, who caused the train to run on as far as Harper’s Ferry, in order to give me a sight of the place, although in consequence of the evil habit of firing on the carriages in which the Confederates across the river have been indulging, the locomotive generally halts at some distance below the bend of the river.

Harper’s Ferry lies in a gorge formed by a rush of the Potomac through the mountain ridges, which it cuts at right angles to its course at its junction with the river Shenandoah. So trenchant and abrupt is the division that little land is on the divided ridge to build upon. The precipitous hills on both sides are covered with forest, which has been cleared in patches here and there on the Maryland shore, to permit of the erection of batteries. On the Virginian side there lies a mass of blackened and ruined buildings, from which a street lined with good houses stretches up the hill. Just above the junction of the Shenandoah with the Potomac, an elevated bridge or viaduct 300 yards long leaps from hill side to hill side. The arches had been broken—the rails which ran along the top torn up, and there is now a deep gulf fixed between the shores of Maryland and Virginia. The rail to Winchester from this point has been destroyed, and the line along the Potomac has also been ruined.

But for the batteries which cover the shoal water at the junction of the two rivers below the bridge, there would be no difficulty in crossing to the Maryland shore, and from that side the whole of the ground around Harper’s Ferry is completely commanded. The gorge is almost as deep as the pass of Killiecranckie, which it resembles in most respects except in breadth and the size of the river between, and if ever a railroad finds its way to Blair Athol, the passengers will find something to look at very like the scenery on the route to Harper’s Ferry. The vigilance required to guard the pass of the river above and below this point is incessant, but the Federals possess the advantage on their side of a deep canal parallel to the railway and running above the level of the river, which would be a more formidable obstacle than the Potomac to infantry or guns. There is reason to believe that the Secessionists in Maryland cross backwards and forwards whenever they please, and the Virginians coming down at their leisure to the opposite shore, inflict serious annoyance on the Federal troops by constant rifle practice.

Looking up and down the river the scenery is picturesque, though it is by no means entitled to the extraordinary praises which American tourists lavish upon it. Probably old John Brown cared little for the wild magic of streamlet or rill, or for the blended charm of vale and woodland. When he made his attack on the arsenal now in ruins, he probably thought a valley was as high as a hill, and that there was no necessity for water running downwards—assuredly he saw as little of the actual heights and depths around him when he ran across the Potomac to revolutionize Virginia. He has left behind him millions either as clear-sighted or as blind as himself. In New England parlours a statuette of John Brown may be found as a pendant to the likeness of our Saviour. In Virginia his name is the synonym of all that is base, bloody, and cruel.

Harper’s Ferry at present, for all practical purposes, may be considered as Confederate property. The few Union inhabitants remain in their houses, but many of the Government workmen and most of the inhabitants have gone off South. For strategical purposes its possession would be most important to a force desiring to operate on Maryland from Virginia. The Blue Ridge range running up to the Shenandoah divides the country so as to permit a force debouching from Harper’s Ferry to advance down the valley of the Shenandoah on the right, or to move to the left between the Blue Ridge and the Katoctin mountains towards the Manassas railway at its discretion. After a false alarm that some Secesh cavalry were coming down to renew the skirmishing of the day before, I returned, and travelling to Relay House just saved the train to Washington, where I arrived after sunset. A large number of Federal troops are employed along these lines, which they occupy as if they were in a hostile country. An imperfectly formed regiment broken up into these detachments and placed in isolated posts, under ignorant officers, may be regarded as almost worthless for military operations. Hence the constant night alarms—the mistakes—the skirmishes and instances of misbehaviour which arise along these extended lines.

On the journey from Harper’s Ferry, the concentration of masses of troops along the road, and the march of heavy artillery trains, caused me to think a renewal of the offensive movement against Richmond was immediate, but at Washington I heard that all McClellan wanted or hoped for at present, was to make Maryland safe and to gain time for the formation of his army.

The Confederates appear to be moving towards their left, and McClellan is very uneasy lest they should make a vigorous attack before he is prepared to receive them.

In the evening the New York papers came in with the extracts from the London papers containing my account of the battle of Bull’s Run. Utterly forgetting their own versions of the engagement, the New York editors now find it convenient to divert attention from the bitter truth that was in them, to the letter of the foreign newspaper correspondent, who, because he is a British subject, will prove not only useful as a conductor to carry off the popular wrath from the American journalists themselves, but as a means by induction of charging the vials afresh against the British people, inasmuch as they have not condoled with the North on the defeat of armies which they were assured would, if successful, be immediately led to effect the disruption of the British empire. At the outset I had foreseen this would be the case, and deliberately accepted the issue; but when I found the Northern journals far exceeding in severity anything I could have said, and indulging in general invective against whole classes of American soldiery, officers, and statesmen, I was foolish enough to expect a little justice, not to say a word of the smallest generosity.

5th Excelsiors

August 20, 2011

Library of Congress,The American Civil War

image

74th Infantry Regiment .
Civil War .
Fifth Excelsior Regiment; Fifth Regiment, Sickles’ Brigade.

This regiment was recruited under the special authority of the War Department, issued to Gen. D. E. Sickles; organized under Col. Charles K. Graham at Camp Scott, L. I., and mustered in the service of the United States for three years between June 30 and October 6, 1861.  (New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center)

__________

Alfred R. Waud Civil War Art

5th excelsiors

Sketch of two soldiers.

1 drawing on cream paper : pencil ; 9.9 x 6.4 cm. (sheet).

CREATED/PUBLISHED: [between 1860 and 1865]

Part of Library of Congress Civil War drawing collection

hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3a00529

“It was our first meal in the army and consisted of boiled potatoes, fried bacon and baked beans.”–Alexander G. Downing.

August 20, 2011

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry,The American Civil War

Post image for “It was our first meal in the army and consisted of boiled potatoes, fried bacon and baked beans.”–Alexander G. Downing.

Tuesday, 20th—I went early this morning to Inland, where all who enlisted were to meet and go to Davenport.[1] Several of the friends came in to see us off. There were forty-five of us and at 9 o’clock we left in wagons for Davenport. After a hot, dusty ride we arrived at Davenport at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and marched out to Camp McClellan, where they received us very kindly. We had very fine barracks to go into and the boys of the Eighth Iowa had a good supper for us. It was our first meal in the army and consisted of boiled potatoes, fried bacon and baked beans. We have lots of straw to sleep on at night. We were to meet a part of a company from Le Claire under command of Captain Foster and together form one company in the Eighth Iowa Infantry. But Captain Foster did not come, and since there are only eight Le Claire boys here we have not enough to make a company.

[1] When I bade father good-by, he said: “Well, Alec, as you have made up your mind to go into the army, I want you to promise me that you will not enter into any of the vices that you will come in contact with while in the army, but try to conduct yourself just as if you were at home.” Of course I was not an angel while in the army, but I always remembered father’s advice and to that I attribute what little success I have had in life—and this is my seventy-second year. Father was in his forty-sixth year, but he told me that if it were not for leaving the family alone, he would go with me. He was a strong Union man, and his father had served all through the War of the Revolution, in the command of General Wayne.—A. G. D.

Post image for A Diary of American Events.–August 20, 1861

A Diary of American Events.–August 20, 1861

August 20, 2011

The American Civil War,The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

August 20.—General Rosecrans issued the following card to the press, dated Clarksburg, Va.:—The General Commanding the Army of occupation in Western Virginia, and the Department of the Ohio, invites the aid of the press to prevent the enemy from learning, through it, the position, strength, and movements of the troops under his command. Such information is of the greatest service to the enemy, and deprives the commander of our own forces of all the advantages which arise from the secrecy of concentration and surprise. These advantages are constantly enjoyed by the rebels, whose press never betrays them.

—The bill entitled an Act to increase the Corps of Artillery, and for other purposes, passed by the “Confederate” Congress at Richmond, Va., was approved by Jeff. Davis and became a law.—(Doc. 198.)

—A Skirmish took place to-day at Hawks’ Nest, in Kanawha Valley, Va., eight miles beyond the river. The rebels, some four thousand strong, advanced to where the Eleventh Ohio Regiment had erected barricades, and were driven back with a loss of fifty killed and a number wounded and taken prisoners. The Federal loss was only two slightly wounded and one missing. They captured quite a number of horses and equipments.—(Doc. 199.)

—The New Orleans Delta declares: We want no corn, no flour, no swill-fed pork, no red-eye, no butter or cheese from that Great Western Reserve, no “sass,” no adulterated drugs, no patent physics, no poisoned pickles. We want none of these, we say, to exchange our money for them. And we will not pay the “Blue Grass” country of Kentucky for its loyalty to Lincoln by opening our markets to its hemp fabrics. Let it lay in the bed it has chosen until it awakes to a sense of its duty as well as its interest. We must discriminate in favor of our gallant ally, Missouri, and give her the benefits of our marts in preference to either open foes or insidious neutrals. It is the clear duty of our Government now to declare Kentucky under blockade. If in the existing state of affairs a sea separated us from that State, it would, with the naval power to execute our behests, behoove us to close the ports of a people who seek for themselves profit by impoverishing us and enriching our foes. The fact of their territorial contiguity does not weaken the argument. Kentucky and the West must be made to feel this war, and feel it until they cry peccavi.

—The Fifth Regiment of the Excelsior Brigade, N. Y. S. V., under the command of Col. C. K. Graham, left New York for the seat of war.—N. Y. Herald, August 21.

—A Train arrived at Jefferson City, Mo., this morning from Syracuse, having on board twenty-five passengers and two hundred and fifty United States soldiers. When the train was near Lookout station, about thirty shots were fired into it from behind a wood-pile and bush skirting the road, killing one of the soldiers and wounding six others, one of them fatally. One secessionist was killed. The train was stopped half a mile beyond the point where the attack was made, and two hundred soldiers put off and sent in pursuit of the miscreants. Guerilla parties are scouring the counties west of Jefferson City, selling property and arresting prominent citizens.—N. Y. World, August 21.

—The Second and Fourth battalions of Boston, Mass., voted unanimously to offer their services to the Government for three months.

Gov. Andrew, in a brief proclamation, calls upon citizens of Massachusetts to come forward and fill up the regiments already accepted for the war.—(Doc. 200.)

—August Douglas, a merchant of Baltimore, was arrested in Philadelphia, charged with an attempt to induce Lieutenant Hain to join the rebels, promising him higher rank and pay.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 21.

—The Albany Journal of to-day has the following: “Men and presses who are to-day preaching ‘Compromise’ and ‘Peace,’ are doing more to cripple the Government and help treason than the rebel armies themselves. We would hang a spy who should be caught prowling about our camp to obtain information to be used against as; but we must tolerate if not respect these loyal traitors who labor in the rostrum and through the press to aid the enemy!”

—This morning Albert Sanford, United States marshal of Rhode Island arrived at New York from Newport, having in custody a gentleman named Louis de Bebian, who claims to be a French citizen, but a resident of Wilmington, North Carolina. This gentleman is charged with some kind of political offence, or else appears to be suspected of going to Europe in the service of the Confederate States, or for purposes inimical to the United States. His story, which does not differ much from that of the marshal who has brought him here as a prisoner, is as follows:—He has been a resident and carrying on business as a merchant in Wilmington for several years, and being desirous to go to Europe on business and to see his family, he took passage on board a British vessel called the Adelso, bound to Halifax, N. S., in order to meet one of the Canard steamers. This vessel sailed from Wilmington without hindrance. During the storm of the 12th instant the vessel became disabled, and the captain, rather than let her go down with all hands on board, bore up for a friendly port, as he supposed, in distress. Having got safely into Newport, Rhode Island, under the British flog, the Adelso was boarded by the revenue yacht Henrietta, Lieut. Bennett, who, ascertaining that the Adelso was last from Wilmington, South Carolina, took possession of her and put a prize crew of one officer and five men on board, sealed up the trunks and papers of the master and passengers, and made them all prisoners, and processes for libel and condemnation were issued in the courts of that district by the captors. M. Bebian wished to go ashore and see the French consul, or to be permitted to go to some part of the British dominions, but was refused. After being kept in custody and subjected, as he complains, to a number of personal indignities, ho was sent to New York in custody, and will be transferred to one of the military prisons in the harbor until further orders as to his ultimate destination. Among the papers taken from the prisoner were letters of credit to the amount of $40,000, with which he was to purchase clothing, arms and iron, for shipment to Wilmington, N. C., and other places south.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 20.

—General McClellan assumed the command of the army of the Potomac, and announced the officers attached to his staff.—(Doc. 201.)

—The Convention of Western Virginia passed the ordinance creating a State, reported by the select committee on a division of the State, this morning, by a vote of fifty to twenty-eight. The boundary as fixed includes the counties of Logan, Wyoming, Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster, Randolph, Tucker, Preston, Monongahela, Marion, Taylor, Barbour, Upshur, Harrison, Lewis, Braxton, Clay, Kanawha, Boone, Wayne, Cabell, Putnam, Mason, Jackson, Roane, Calhoun, Wirt, Gilmer, Ritchie, Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Doddridge, Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke, and Hancock. A provision was incorporated permitting certain adjoining counties to come in if they should desire, by expression of a majority of their people to do so. The ordinance also provides for the election of delegates to a Convention to form a constitution; at the same time the question “for a new State” or “against a new State” shall be submitted to the people within the proposed boundary. The election is to be held on the 24th of October. The name of the new State is to be Kanawha.— National Intelligencer, August 22.

—Got. Curtin issued a proclamation to the freemen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, “in which he urges them again to sustain the country in its danger,” and calls upon every man to “so act that he will not be ashamed to look at his mother, his wife, or sisters.”—(Doc. 202.)

—Gen. Butler assumed command of the volunteer forces near Fortress Monroe in pursuance of the following order:

Headquarters Department of Virginia, &c.

Fortress Monroe, August 20, 1861.

Special Order No. 9.—Major-General B. F. Butler is hereby placed in command of the volunteer forces in this department, exclusive of those at Fort Monroe. His present command, at Camps Butler and Hamilton, will include the First, Second, Seventh, Ninth, and Twentieth Regiments, the battalion of Massachusetts Volunteers, and the Union Coast Guard and Mounted Rifles. By command of

Major-General Wool.

C. C. Churchill, Adjutant-General.

—Sterling Price issued a proclamation at Springfield, Mo., to the effect, that a great victory had been won; that northern oppressors of Missouri had been driven back; that every one belonging to the Home Guard organization would be regarded and treated as an enemy to the Southern Confederacy; but that his protection would extend to such who quietly return to their homes, and allow the Southern sway to prevail, and that whoever recognized the provisional government of Missouri would be considered as an enemy to the State, and dealt with accordingly.—(Doc. 204.)

Post image for William Howard Russell’s Diary: “‘Battle expected to-morrow’ has been a heading in the papers for the last fortnight.”

William Howard Russell’s Diary: “‘Battle expected to-morrow’ has been a heading in the papers for the last fortnight.”

August 19, 2011

My Diary North and South - William Howard Russell,The American Civil War

Next day (19th) the rain fell incessantly. The mail was brought in by a little negro boy on horseback, and I was warned by my letters that an immediate advance of McClellan’s troops was probable. This is an old story. “Battle expected to-morrow” has been a heading in the papers for the last fortnight. In the afternoon I was driven over a part of the estate in a close carriage, through the windows of which, however, I caught glimpses of a beautiful country, wooded gloriously, and soft, sylvan, and well-cultivated as the best parts of Hampshire and Gloucestershire, the rolling lands of which latter county, indeed, it much resembled in its large fields, heavy with crops of tobacco and corn. The weather was too unfavourable to admit of a close inspection of the fields; but I visited one or two tobacco houses, where the fragrant Maryland was lying in masses on the ground, or hanging from the rafters, or filled the heavy hogsheads with compressed smoke.

Post image for General Scott issues a comprehensive pass to Eliza and Georgy to give them access to outlying camps and hospitals.—Woolsey family letters.

General Scott issues a comprehensive pass to Eliza and Georgy to give them access to outlying camps and hospitals.—Woolsey family letters.

August 19, 2011

The American Civil War,Woolsey family letters during the War for the Union

Government hospitals were multiplying in Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria. As regiments were ordered forward extemporized camp hospitals were broken up, and patients were sent back to these large general ones in the rear.
By this time J. H. had ordered his horses and carriage sent on from Fishkill for our use and we were constantly driving about, seeing where the need was in camps and hospitals and supplying wants. In order to make our way to the many outlying hospitals about Washington and also to visit Joe’s camp over the river, it was necessary for us to be provided with passes—not always an easy thing to procure. General Scott, however, came to the rescue and gave the following comprehensive one which was “good daily” during the rest of our stay in Washington:—

Headquarters of the Army,
Washington, Aug. 19, 1861.

Mrs. Joseph Howland (wife of the Adjutant of the New York 16th Regt.), sister Miss G. M. Woolsey, and man-servant (Stanislas Moritz) will be permitted to pass the Bridges to Alexandria (and return) and are commended to the courtesy of the troops.

Good daily.

Winfield Scott.

By command:

H. VAN RENSSELAER,

Col. and Aid de Camp.

Armed with this we constantly dashed over the Long-Bridge, the carriage filled with all sorts of supplies from the abundant and unfailing stores committed to us by the family and friends and societies at home. Warm woolen socks were always one item. Abby and many others never ceased knitting them during the war. Wherever we found a camp-hospital in need, there we thankfully left comforts from home, or arranged that the Sanitary Commission, whose general office was directly opposite to the Ebbitt House, should supply the want.
The Commission on its side was always glad to have our report and responded promptly to all our suggestions.
Post image for John B. Jones goes to the presidential mansion and requests to see Jefferson Davis.—A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital.

John B. Jones goes to the presidential mansion and requests to see Jefferson Davis.—A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital.

August 19, 2011

A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones,The American Civil War

AUGUST 19TH.—The Secretary has gone to Orange C. H., to see Col. Jones, of the 4th Alabama, wounded at Manassas, and now in a dying condition.

Meeting with Mr. Benjamin this morning, near the Secretary’s door, I asked him if he did not think some one should act as Secretary during Mr. Walker’s absence. He replied quickly, and with interest, in the affirmative. There was much pressing business every hour; and it was uncertain when the Secretary would return. I asked him if he would not speak to the President on the subject. He assented; but, hesitating a moment, said he thought it would be better for me to see him. I reminded him of my uniform reluctance to approach the Chief Executive, and he smiled. He then urged me to go to the presidential mansion, and in his, Mr. B.’s name, request the President to appoint a Secretary ad interim. I did so, for the President was in the city that day, and fast recovering from his recent attack of ague.

Arrived at the mansion in Clay Street, I asked the servant if I could see the President. He did not know me, and asked my name, saying the President had not yet left his chamber. I wrote my business on a card with a pencil, not omitting to use the name of Mr. Benjamin, and sent it up. A moment after the President came down, shook hands with me, and, in his quick and rather pettish manner, said “send me the order.” I retired immediately, and finding Mr. Benjamin still in the hall of the department, informed him of my success. Then, in conformity with his suggestion, I repaired to Adjutant-General Cooper, who wrote the order that A. T. Bledsoe discharge the duties of Secretary of War during the absence of Mr. Walker. This I sent by a messenger to the President, who signed it.

Then I informed Col. Bledsoe of what had been done, and he proceeded without delay to the Secretary’s office. It was not long before I perceived the part Mr. Benjamin and I had acted was likely to breed a storm; for several of the employees, supposed to be in the confidence of Mr. Walker, designated the proceeding as an “outrage;” and some went so far as to intimate that Mr. Benjamin’s motive was to have some of his partisans appointed to lucrative places in the army during the absence of the Secretary. I know not how that was; but I am sure I had no thought but for the public service. The Secretary ad in. made but few appointments this time, and performed the functions quietly and with all the dignity of which he was capable.

Post image for A Diary of American Events.–August 19, 1861

A Diary of American Events.–August 19, 1861

August 19, 2011

The American Civil War,The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

August 19.—The bill admitting Missouri into the Southern Confederacy, on certain conditions, was passed by the “Confederate” Congress. The conditions are, that Missouri shall duly ratify the Constitution of the Southern Confederacy, through her legally constituted authority, which authority is declared to be the government of Gov. Jackson, who was lately deposed. President Davis is also authorized to muster into the Confederate service, in Missouri, such troops as may volunteer to serve in the Southern army. The bill likewise empowers the President of the Confederate States, at his discretion, at any time prior to the admission of said State as a member of the Confederacy, to perfect and proclaim an alliance, offensive and defensive, with the said government, limited to the period of the existing war between the Confederacy and the United States, the said treaty or alliance to be in force from the date thereof, and until the same shall be disaffirmed or rejected by this Congress.—National Intelligencer, September 5.

—The Republican, published at Savannah, Ga., has the following, in reference to the defences of that city: “In response to numerous inquiries propounded through the press of the interior, we would simply say that within a week from to-day no Federal fleet will be able to enter a harbor or inlet, or effect a landing of troops on the coast of Georgia. Month after month elapsed and the State, with all the boasting of its chief executive officer, and with over a million in his hands for the purpose, did absolutely nothing for our protection. The Confederate authorities, to whom the matter has been turned over, have recently been industriously at work, and the fortifications along the coast are nearly completed.”

—E. W. Hinman, of New York, respectfully submitted the following proposition to President Lincoln:—”Whereas the commercial and mercantile interests of our country are being destroyed, it is proposed by numerous masters and owners of vessels, which may be deemed acceptable on the part of the Government of the United States, to aid and assist in capturing any steamer or other craft which may be found on the ocean, sailing under the Confederate or rebellion flag of the seceded States, or which may be found acting under a privateer commission issued by the Government under Jefferson Davis as its President. Therefore the undersigned, in behalf of Captain George Walen and others, -would respectfully make application to your Excellency, as President of the United States, to issue an order to the undersigned to capture and take such vessels for a bounty to be paid by the Government, under such stipulations and conditions as may be deemed advisable, with a view to protect our commerce and mercantile interests of such of our citizens as may be considered loyal and patriotic, in behalf of the Government of the United States, who are desirous of the maintenance of the Constitution, the Union, and the laws of our country.”

—To-day two hundred and forty fugitives from East Tennessee, men driven from their homes, were fed in the Seminary yard in Danville, Ky. Some of them were elderly men and some young, and all had been compelled to abandon their families, and were ill-clad, almost barefoot, weary, and hungry. The whole of the two hundred and forty fugitives enlisted in the United States service at Camp Dick Robinson, in Kentucky.—Louisville Journal.

—The office of the Sentinel at Easton, Pa., was destroyed by a crowd of Unionists.—Phila. Press, August 20.

—The town of Commerce, Mo., forty miles from Cairo, Ill., which was taken by a battery planted by the secessionists, was retaken by five hundred troops sent down from Cape Girardeau by order of Gen. Fremont. The rebels made no stand with their battery on the approach of the National troops. Their number was about one hundred and fifty infantry and one hundred and fifty cavalry.—Boston Transcript, August 21.

—Tnis day the Department of State, at Washington, gave notice that “no person will be allowed to go abroad from a port of the United States without a passport either from this Department or countersigned by though Secretary of State; nor will any person be allowed to land in the United States without a Passport from a Minister or Consul of the United States, or, if a foreigner, from his own Government, countersigned by such Minister or Consul. This regulation, however, is not to take effect in regard to persons coming from abroad until a reasonable time shall have elapsed for it to become known in the country from which they may proceed.

—At Philadelphia, Pa., Pierce Butler was arrested this afternoon by the United States marshal at the order of the Secretary of War and taken to New York. The arrest was caused by intercepted letters from him giving information to the Confederates.—National Intelligencer, August 21.

—In Haverhill, Mass., this evening, Ambrose L. Kimball, editor of the Essex County Democrat, was forcibly taken from his house by an excited mob, and, refusing information, was covered with a coat of tar and feathers, and ridden on a rail through the town. Subsequently, under threats of violence, Mr. K. promised to keep his pen dry in aid of rebellion, and was liberated. The town authorities and many good citizens unsuccessfully attempted to quell the mob. Mr. Kimball, after suffering the abuse and indignity of the mob for a long time, made the following affirmation on his knees: “I am sorry that I have published what I have, and I promise that I will never again write or publish articles against the North and in favor of secession, so help me God.” After this he was conducted to his home.—N. Y. Herald, August 21.

—A Battle took place to-night at Charleston, Mo., between the National forces, about two hundred and fifty strong, consisting of the Twenty-second Illinois Regiment, under command of Col. Dougherty, accompanied by Lieut.Col. Ransom, of the Eleventh Illinois Regiment. The rebel force was estimated at six to seven hundred men, and commanded by Col. Hunter, of Jeff. Thompson’s army. The National force was victorious, completely routing the rebels, killing forty and taking seventeen prisoners. The National loss was one killed, viz.: Wm. P. Sharp, of Company A. Among the wounded were Col. Dougherty, slightly; Lieut.-Col. Ransom, shot in the shoulder, not serious; Capt. Johnson, Company A, shot in the leg; George A. Perry, slightly wounded in the arm. Capt. Noleman, with fifty mounted men, left Bird’s Point at about six o’clock this evening for Charleston, to join the forces under Col. Dougherty, but failed to form a junction with them. They met a party of rebels about one hundred strong and gave them battle, killing two and taking thirty-three prisoners, also capturing thirty-five horses, without the loss of a man.—(Doc. 195.)

—The Jeffersonian newspaper office in West Chester, Pa., was quietly visited by a crowd and cleaned out.—There was no disturbance; most of the residents of the place were ignorant of what was going on until the work was effected.—Ohio Statesman, August 21.

—William Henry Odenheimer, Bishop of New Jersey, issued a pastoral letter to the clergy and laity of his diocese, appointing the service to be used on the fast day recommended by the President of the United States.—(Doc. 196.)

—Brigadier-general Hurlburt issued an order directing the authorities of Palmyra, Mo., to deliver up the marauders who fired upon the train of the St. Joseph and Hannibal Railroad on the evening of the 16th inst. In case of a refusal to comply, he signified his intention of levying contributions upon the county to the amount of ten thousand dollars, and upon the city of five thousand dollars.—(Doc. 197.)

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