The American Civil War

—Major-General Robert Patterson of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, was honorably discharged from the service of the United States.—(Doc. 106.)

—The Odd Fellows’ Hall, jail, and four other buildings in Hampton, Va., were burned by the national troops in apprehension of an immediate attack by the secessionists.—N. Y. Times, July 30.

—In Confederate Congress, at Richmond, Va., documents were read which show the cause of the late flag of truce from the Confederate lines to Washington. One of these was a letter from Davis to President Lincoln, with the threat of retaliation if the privateersmen taken from the Savannah should be hanged.—(Doc. 128.)

—The Sixty-ninth Regiment N. Y. 8. M., arrived in New York from the seat of war.— N. Y. Express, July 27.

—Senator Johnson, of Tennessee, spoke in the Senate in favor of the joint resolution to approve the acts of the President.—(Doc. 129.)

—The Eighth and Seventy-first Regiments N. Y. S. M., returned to New York this afternoon, and met with an enthusiastic reception. Broadway was thronged, and vociferous cheers greeted them at every crossing.—N. Y. Times, July 27.

—In the Mississippi Legislature Mr. Harrison presented a series of resolutions, expressing the gratitude of the Senate of that State in the late brilliant achievement by the Confederate arms on the battle-field at Bull Run, which being amended by Mr. Drane, were adopted.— (Doc. 126.)

—A fight occurred at Lane’s Prairie, fifteen miles from Rolla, Mo., between a party of sixty-five rebels, and fifteen Home Guards from Rolla. The Guards were surrounded, but they made a determined stand, and after a few volleys dispersed the rebels, killing their first lieutenant and mortally wounding three others. One lieutenant and two privates on the National side were slightly wounded.—N. Y. Times, July 30.

—The Fourth Regiment of New Jersey Militia, and the First Regiment of Rhode Island, left Washington on their return from service.— Phila. Press, July 27.

—Since the disaster to the national arms on Sunday last at Bull Run, the State of Pennsylvania has thrown forward, to meet the requirements of the National Government, ten full regiments of infantry. On Sunday night, July 21st, the Governor was urgently requested to push on his forces, and his response within the ensuing four days was a magnificent army of nearly 11,000 picked men, thoroughly uniformed and furnished, and having most of them been regularly drilled in camps of instruction for two months.

Great pains have been bestowed by the State authorities upon this fine army. It has been organized under the supervision of George A. McCall, long an officer in the regular army, through all the grades of which he has passed with distinction to the rank he now holds in it of Brigadier-general. The State has also an artillery regiment and a regiment of twelve hundred cavalry nearly ready for service, both of which have been accepted by the Secretary of War. To the foresight and wise energy of Governor Curtin is chiefly owing the ability of the State to contribute so promptly and efficiently to the national safety in the present emergency.—Philadelphia Pres, July 27.

—To-day, in Virginia, Col. McLeod Murphy captured three rebels in uniform, while out scouting on his own account. He saw three of them getting water, while their arms were leaning against a tree but a few feet off. Col. Murphy rode up, and, without firing his revolver, collared the crowd and brought them into camp.—N. Y. World, July 27.

—The Second Regiment of Georgia volunteers from Savannah, passed through Charleston, S. C., on their way to Virginia.—Charleston Mercury, July 27.

—Brevet Second Lieut. Clarence Derrick, of the Engineer Corps, Brevet Second Lieut. Jas. P. Parker, Fourth Infantry, and Brevet Second Lieut. Frank A. Reynolds, having resigned just after graduating from West Point a few weeks since, were dismissed from the service of the United States.—Philadelphia Inquirer, July 27.

James H. Otey, Bishop of Tennessee, issued a pastoral letter to the clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church in his diocese, promulgating a prayer and service to be used on the Sunday preceding the day of thanksgiving fixed by the “Confederate Congress,” and suggesting to the clergy that in the prayer for the President of the United States, and in the prayer for Congress also, the words “United States” be omitted, and the words “Confederate States” be substituted in both places.—(Doc. 127.)

—A Correspondent at Fortress Monroe, Va., in a letter of this date, says: It became apparent, early last evening, that the rebels meditated an attack on Hampton. Gen. Butler determined to abandon the town in case of a formidable advance, and at seven o’clock the order was given for families and goods to be removed. Within one hour, orders were also issued to burn the town rather than have it fall into the hands of the enemy. The General well understands that the possession of Hampton by the rebels will be of no particular importance.

A stampede of the colored population took place all night, and to-day the road has been lined with refugees to the fortress, and army wagons, and carts bringing in goods from Hampton. The road has presented a most remarkable appearance; nearly 1,000 contraband men, women, and children must have come in during the last twenty-four hours.—N. Y. Times, Aug. 1.

—In the Missouri State Convention, in session at Jefferson City, this morning, Mr. Broadhead, from the Committee of seven, presented the report of the Committee. The report alludes at length to the present unparalleled condition of things, the reckless course of the recent Government, and flight of the Governor and other State officers from the Capital. It declares the offices of Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and Secretary of State vacant, and provides that their vacancies shall be filled by the Convention, the officers so appointed to hold their positions till August, 1862, at which time it provides for a special election by the people. It repeals the ninth section of the sixth article of the Constitution, and provides that the Supreme Court of the State shall consist of seven members; and that four members, in addition to the three now comprising the Court, shall be appointed by the Governor chosen by this Convention to hold office till 1862, when the people will decide whether the change shall be permanent. It abolishes the State Legislature, and ordains that in case before the 1st of August, 1862, the Governor chosen by this Convention shall consider that the public exigencies demand, he shall order a special election for members of the State Legislature. It recommends the passage of an ordinance repealing the following bills, passed by the Legislature, in secret session, in May last: The military fund bill, the bill to suspend the distribution of the school fund, and the bill for cultivating friendly relations with the Indian tribes. It repeals the bill authorizing the appointment of one Major of the Missouri Militia, and revives the militia law of 1859.

A resolution was also passed that a Committee of seven be appointed by the President to prepare an address to the people of the State of Missouri.—Missouri Republican, July 26.

—A meeting of the Charleston Presbytery was held at Columbia, S. C., at which a preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted, dissolving the ecclesiastical relations existing between that Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church of the United States, and declaring the necessity of an independent organization of churches in the South.—(Doc. 118.)

—Is general orders of this date, General Rosecrans assumed command of the “Army of Occupation of Western Virginia,” lately commanded by General McClellan.—(Doc. 119.)

—General Cox occupied Charleston on the Kanawha, the rebels retreating and burning the bridges. A rebel steamer was abandoned and burned. It is supposed the rebels will be met by Colonel Rosecrans’ column, sent out some days ago to intercept their retreat.—N. Y. Times, July 21.—(Doc. 119½.)

—In the Senate of the United States, Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, moved a resolution, stating that the present civil war was forced on the country by disunionists in the Southern States, who are now in rebellion against the Constitutional Government; that in this emergency Congress, banishing all passion and resentment, will only recollect its duty to the whole country, and that the war was not waged with any spirit of oppression or subjugation, or any purpose of overthrowing the institutions of the States, but to maintain and defend the supremacy of the Constitution and laws, and as soon as this is accomplished, the war ought to cease.

Mr. Polk, of Missouri, moved to amend the resolution so as to read “that the present civil war has been forced on the country by the disunionists in the Northern and Southern States,” and to strike out what is said about being in arms against the Government. The amendment was disagreed to by yeas four, nays thirty-three.

Mr. Breckinridge, of Kentucky, and others spoke on the resolution, which was finally carried by yeas thirty, nays five.—(Doc. 120.)

—A General order was issued from the War Department at Washington, defining the extent of the new command of General McClellan.— (Doc. 121.)

—A Letter from Pensacola, Florida, gives what purports to be a digest of Admiral Milne’s Report to the British Government upon the United States blockade of rebel ports.—(Doc. 122.)

—General McClellan passed through Philadelphia, on his way to Washington, to take command of the Army of the Potomac. In answer to the calls of the people, he made the following short but pertinent speech : “My friends and old townsmen, I thank you for your reception, and might reply, if this were not a time for action, and not for speech. Your applause, as I take it, is intended for my brave soldiers in Western Virginia. I am going to fulfil new duties, and I trust that your kindness will give me courage and strength. Good-bye.” —Philadelphia Press, July 26.

—The Seventeenth Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia, Colonel Francis E. Patterson, commanding, returned to Philadelphia, from the seat of war at Harper’s Ferry, Va.—Philadelphia Inquirer, July 26.

—Several of the Potomac fleet arrived at Washington to-day. Among them is the Resolute, which has been absent several days on an expedition across Chesapeake bay, and until her appearance to-day, it was thought she had been captured by the rebels. Important discoveries were made by Lieutenant Budd during her cruise. It was ascertained that the rebels are organizing large forces on the eastern shores of Virginia, and that a large amount of provisions and army stores are carried there across the bay into the Rappahannock and York rivers, and thence transported by way of Fredericksburg, and by the Richmond & York River Railroad to the rebel army on the Potomac. These supplies are introduced into Accomac Co. by two routes. They are brought from New York, around Piney Island, into Chingoteague inlet on the Atlantic side, and from Baltimore into the Pokomoke river on the Chesapeake side, and the whole of the lower part of Somerset Co., Maryland. The rebels are said to be actually swarming there. A stage line is running from Princess Anne through Newtown, across the line to Horntown, Virginia, by which the recruits for the rebel forces pass into Virginia. They and the supplies from New York and Baltimore are transported at night by small vessels, across the bay, into the Rappahannock and York rivers, the blockade of which for some unaccountable reason has been abandoned. The vessels carrying these supplies leave ports as coasters for Maryland, and manage to land their cargoes just below the Maryland line.

The rebels have erected batteries on either side of Onancock, between that and Pontegan on one side, and between Onancock and Chesconnessy on the other. A rebel picket guard is maintained at the mouth of the Onancock creek. Opposite to the month of this creek on the Chesapeake bay is Tangier Island, upon which there are about 800 Union men, comprising the whole adult male population, with one exception. At Watt’s Island, where there is a light house, the people are also Union. These people are in continual fear and in danger from the rebels on the eastern shore of Virginia.

The Resolute brought up three prizes—the schooners Artist and McCabe, and the sloop Chesapeake, which had been engaged in the transportation of men and supplies to the eastern shore of Virginia. The Artist is a neat first-class sailing craft, and it is believed that she was about to be converted into a rebel privateer.—N. Y. Times, July 20.

—The Sixth Indiana Regiment of State Militia, under the command of Colonel Crittenden, returned to Indianapolis from the seat of war. The troops were welcomed home in short and patriotic speeches by Governor Morton and Mayor Coburn.—Louisville Journal, July 26.

—Governor Morgan of New York issued a proclamation, in accordance with the request of President Lincoln, calling for twenty-five thousand men to serve for three years or during the war.—(Doc. 123.)

—Private G. W. Fox, a member of the Twenty-fourth Regiment of New York, was shot by the rebels, while performing picket duty near Ball’s Cross Roads, Va. He died soon after.—N. Y. Evening Post, July 26.

—General McClellan arrived at Washington, from Western Virginia.—Philip Kearney of Newark, N. J., was appointed Brigadier-General in the Federal army.—General Fremont arrived at St. Louis, Mo., this morning, and made his head-quarters at the residence of the late Colonel Brant.—The Fourteenth Regiment of Ohio State Militia returned to Toledo from Western Virginia, their term of enlistment having expired.—The Tenth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Henry I. Briggs, embarked from Boston for Washington.—N. T. Times, July 26.

—General Banks arrived at Harper’s Ferry and assumed command of the army lately under Gen. Patterson, who left the same day.—(Doc. 124.)

—Kentuckians who have escaped from Pensacola and arrived at Louisville, Ky., say there are only about 6,000 Confederate troops at Fort Pickens, and that they are miserably fed and clothed, and have received no pay since March. Large numbers had died of typhoid fever. There have been many deserters, and almost the entire force are disgusted, and would return home if they could get away.—Louisville Journal, July 26.

—The rebels are putting the city of Memphis, Tenn., in a state of complete defence. The Appeal published in that city says:—The city proper is about to be put in trim for welcoming uninvited visitors to stay “till Gabriel blows his horn.” The bluff is to be protected by breastworks of cotton. Yesterday the bluff between Court and Adams streets was lined with bales. Each of the streets of the city, with the exception of Madison and Jefferson, is to be thus barricaded. The superintendence of the construction of these defences has been intrusted by Gen. Pillow to Messrs. E. M. Apperson and John Martin, esqs. With breastworks on the bluff and breastworks in the streets, Memphis will be in war trim.—N. Y. World, July 27.

—Captain Robert Garland and First Lieutenant Edward J. Brooks, Seventh Infantry, having given evidence of disloyalty, were dropped from the rolls of the Federal army. First Lieutenant James Leshler, Tenth Infantry, having overstayed his leave of absence, and failed to report to the Commanding Officer of the Department of the West, was dropped from the rolls of the army.—Army General Orders No. 47.

—Robert Toombs of Georgia tendered to the President his resignation of the Secretaryship of State of the Southern Confederacy, and it was accepted. The President nominated to Congress R. M. T. Hunter, of Virginia, for this office, and that body confirmed the nomination. Thus that distinguished post has lost the services of one of the ablest men in the Confederacy, only to be filled by another occupant equally as able in intellect and statesmanship. Mr. Toombs was of a temper to prefer the active duties of a soldier, in such a crisis as the present, to the monotony of an office, which, for the present, is little more than nominal; and we are glad to learn that the President has acknowledged his distinguished claims upon the confidence of the country by nominating him as a Brigadier-General in the Confederate army. Virginia’s position in the Confederacy has been acknowledged by assigning to one of her statesmen the highest post in the Confederate Cabinet Mr. Hunter is so well known to the country that it would be supererogatory to dwell upon the qualities of mind and character which fit him so eminently for the post to which he has been called. It would be difficult to define an instance in which the trite phrase of speech so justly applies—”The right man in the right place.”—Richmond Dispatch, July 26.

—A Convention of the principal banking corporations in the seceded States was held at Richmond. During the session C. G. Memminger briefly addressed the Convention, expressing his gratification, and that of the Confederate Government, at the liberal manner in which the Banks responded to the call of the Government, and offered several valuable suggestions for the consideration of the Convention. A report was adopted recommending that one hundred millions of dollars in Confederate notes should be put in circulation by the Government; that the people and banks should take them as if specie, and that the interest on larger bills should he at the rate of 7 3-10 per cent, per annum. Notes of the denomination of $5, $10, $20, in the opinion of the Committee, ought not to bear any interest; these would more appropriately perform the functions of a currency; and they are of opinion that the larger notes, such as $50 and $100, would be largely taken up by a patriotic class of citizens, who are not in the practice of making such investments. These notes would pass into their hands in the course of business, and they would very soon discover the advantage as well as the merit of thus contributing their aid in support of the Government of their choice and of their affections.— (Doc. 125.)

—The Charleston Mercury of to-day states that Washington has slipped through the fingers of the rebels merely for want of an adequate number of troops. It says:

“So weak have we been on the Potomac that until recently it was deemed almost criminal to tell the truth to the people of the South, because the knowledge of the truth transmitted to the North might have exposed our forces to annihilation from the overwhelming force about Washington.”

It anticipates another battle immediately, of greater magnitude, and calls upon the rebel States to gird up their loins for the renewal of the conflict.

—The Legislature of Mississippi assembled at Jacksonville, and received the message of Governor Pettus, who congratulated their body on the “prosperous and successful revolution, inaugurated last Fall,” and assured them success in the future.—(Doc. 125½.)