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

August 7. — John C. Breckinridge was serenaded at a hotel in Baltimore, and in response essayed to address those assembled in the street, but was compelled to desist by the uproar of the crowd, who shouted for the “Union,” “Crittenden,” “Scott,” etc. — Baltimore American, August 9.

— Gen. Magruder, C. S. A., with a force of 7,000 men, including 200 cavalry and eight pieces of artillery, viz., three Parrott guns, four howitzers, and one rifled cannon, took up a position on Back River, three miles from Hampton, Virginia. The intention was to draw out the national forces, attack Camp Hamilton or Newport News if practicable, and at least to destroy Hampton, so as to prevent its use by the U. S. troops for winter-quarters. Gen. Butler at once repaired to Hampton Bridge, where he remained until 11 o’clock P. M. Col. Weber erected a barricade near the Hampton end of the bridge, and placed a strong guard at various points near.

A few minutes past midnight, Gen. Magruder, with about 500 Confederates—some of them belonging in Hampton—entered the town, and immediately fired the buildings with torches. A greater part of the five hundred houses were built of wood, and no rain having fallen lately, the strong south wind soon produced a terrible conflagration. There were perhaps twenty white people and double that number of negroes remaining in the town from inability to move, some of whose houses were fired without waking the inmates. They gave Gary Jones and his wife, both of them aged and infirm, but fifteen minutes to remove a few articles of furniture to the garden. Several of the whites and also of the negroes were hurried away to be pressed into the Confederate service. Mr. Scofleld, a merchant, took refuge in a swamp above the town. Two negroes were drowned while attempting to cross the creek. A company of rebels attempted to force the passage of the bridge, but were repulsed with a loss of three killed and six wounded. They then withdrew. The fire raged all night and entirely destroyed the town.—(Doc. 168.)

—The Ohio Democratic State Convention met at Columbus to-day and nominated H. J. Jewett for Governor and John Scott Harrison for Lieutenant-Governor. A series of resolutions were adopted. The third recommends the legislatures of the States to call a National Convention for settling the present difficulties and restoring and preserving the Union. The sixth resolution condemns the President’s late attempt to suspend the writ of habeas corpus. —National Intelligencer, August 10.

—The United States gun boat Flag arrived at Fort Mifflin, on the Delaware River, this morning with thirty-six rebel prisoners, taken from the rebel war vessel, Petrel, formerly the revenue cutter Aiken, seized at Charleston last winter. The Aiken fired at the St. Lawrence, off Charleston, mistaking her for a merchant vessel, when the St. Lawrence returned a broadside, sinking the rebel. Five of the crew were lost, and the rest rescued and placed on board the Flag.—Philadelphia Press, August 8.

—Isham G. Harris, Governor of Tennessee, appeals to the people of that State “to raise, organize, and thoroughly prepare a reserve force of thirty thousand volunteers.”—(Doc. 169.)

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Late addition to Volume 3:

August 7.—In the C. S. Congress, a bill was reported favorably from the Military Committee to increase the military force of the Confederacy to the extent of four hundred thousand men.—Richmond Enquirer, August 9.

August 6.—All the bills which passed both Houses of the Congress of the United States, were approved by President Lincoln, who yielded a reluctant approval of that for the confiscation of property used for rebellious purposes.— (Doc. 159.)

—The brigs Naiad, Machias, and Ben Dunning, seized by the privateer steamer Sumter, near Cienfuegos, arrived at New York. They were released by order of the Spanish Government, and sailed with others as far as Cape Antonio, under convoy of the U. S. steamer Crusader.—Official advices from the Gulf squadron state that, on the 4th of July off Galveston, the United States steamer South Carolina captured six schooners; on the 5th, two, and ran one ashore; on the 6th, one, and on the 7th, one—making in all eleven sail destroyed or captured. The names of the captured vessels are the Shark, Venus, Ann Ryan, McCaulfield, Louisa, Dart, Covalia, Falcon, George Baker, and Sam. Houston. A portion of them had cargoes, chiefly of lumber. Among other things captured were 13 mail bags, and 31 bags containing express matter. — N. Y. Times, August 7.

— Queen Victoria, in her speech to the British Parliament this day, said: — “The dissensions which arose some months ago in the United States of North America, have unfortunately assumed the character of open war. Her Majesty, deeply lamenting this calamitous result, has determined, in common with the other powers of Europe, to preserve a strict neutrality between the contending parties. — London News, August 7.

— There was great excitement in the House of Representatives at Washington this morning. The near approach of the hour of adjourning, and the busy and exciting scenes which always attend the adjournment, attracted quite a crowd of ladies and gentlemen to the galleries. The Senate went into executive session at an early hour, and thus sent their spectators into the galleries of the House of Representatives. Within a few minutes of the hour of adjournment, a most exciting scene took place in the House. A lull had occurred in the business, when Mr. Wickliffe, of Kentucky, arose and stated to the House that the elections in his State had gone largely for the Constitution, and that the people of Kentucky had declared that their State, among the first in the Union, should be among the last in the Union. The announcement created a scene of indescribable enthusiasm. Cheer after cheer arose from the floor and galleries, and the Speaker, unable to control the assembly, yielded to the general enthusiasm of the moment. — Phila. Press, August 7.

August 5.—At Washington, the representatives of the newspaper press held a consultation with Gen McClellan by his special invitation, when it was unanimously decided that the following suggestions from him be transmitted to the editors of all the newspapers in all the loyal States and in the District of Columbia:

1st. That all such editors be required to refrain from publishing, either as editorial or correspondence, any description, from any point of view, of any matter that might furnish aid and comfort to the enemy.

2d. That they be also requested and earnestly solicited to signify to their correspondents here and elsewhere their approval of the foregoing suggestion, and to comply with it in spirit and letter.

It was resolved that the Government be respectfully requested to afford the representatives of the press facilities for obtaining and immediately transmitting all information suitable for publication, particularly touching engagements with the enemy.

—The following queries were put to the Confederate District-Attorney at Charleston:

First—Is it lawful for a citizen of the Confederate States to purchase of our enemy State stock or bonds of any of the Confederate States, and demand the interest when due?

Second—Is it lawful for the same parties to purchase notes given by merchants of the Southern Confederacy to Northern houses, and demand payment for the same?

Third—If lawful and proper to pursue the above course, would it not be equally legal for the small trader to buy merchandise of the enemy; or, in other words, does the law intend to operate in favor of the fortunate holders of capital against the humble dealers in wares and merchandise?

The response is as follows:—The acts specified by you certainly constitute “trading with the enemy” peculiarly objectionable, because they afford a direct assistance to the enemy, by the transmission of money to foster his resources. And, in addition, such conduct is highly unpatriotic, because directly injurious to the interests of the States and citizens of our Confederacy, whose obligations are thus withdrawn from the enemy’s country, where it is for the interests of the States that they should remain, since they could not there be called upon for payment during the war. Such operations are certainly worse than the simple purchase of merchandise in the enemy’s country, because they, at the same time, aid our enemies and injure our friends.—N. Y. Times, August 5.

—Claiborne F. Jackson, the deposed Governor of Missouri, publishes in the Memphis Appeal a document entitled “Declaration of Independence of the State of Missouri,” and addressed to the people of that State. The ex-Governor says he takes this step by virtue of authority conferred upon him by the State Legislature to do such things as to him might seem proper to “suppress the rebellion and repel invasion.” He thereupon assumes that the waging of war by the Federal Government upon the sovereign State of Missouri, ipso facto, sunders the connection of the latter from the former, and accordingly so declares—subject, however, to the ratification of the people at such future time as their Impartial and unbiased verdict can be obtained through the ballot-box, —(Doc. 163.)

—Gen. Lyon with his forces fell back on Springfield, Mo. The rebels were advancing on the latter place by four different roads, and their advance was from ten to fifteen miles distant. Three of the routes on which the enemy were moving, were the Neosho, Carthage, and the Overland roads. Gen. Lyon called in two thousand five hundred Home Guards from the neighborhood. Farther than this addition to his force, no other reinforcements seemed to be near. It was expected that the enemy were resolved on an immediate attack, from the fact that their commissariat was in a miserable condition, the rebels depending on forced contributions for temporary supplies.

It was generally remarked in Springfield that Gen. Lyon was perfectly confident of success, in the event of an attack. The latest estimate places the rebel force at twenty thousand. Their arms are thought to be very inferior, judged by the specimens taken during the skirmish at Dug Spring, where Gen. Lyon had no intrenchments, depending upon his splendid artillery in the open field.—St. Louis Democrat, August 9.

—In the Maryland Legislature to-day, S. Teaklo Wallis, from the committee to whom was referred the memorial of the police commissioners, submitted a long report, followed by preamble and resolutions, setting forth as arbitrary and unconstitutional the course of the Government in superseding the police board, and imprisoning Marshal Kane and the commissioners. The committee appealed in the most earnest manner to the whole people of the country, of all parties, sections, and opinions, to take warning by the usurpations mentioned, and come to the rescue of the free institutions of the country, so that whatever may be the issue of the melancholy conflict which is now covering the land with sacrifice and threatens to overwhelm it with debt and ruin, there may at least survive to us when it is over the republican form of government which our fathers bequeathed to us, and the inestimable rights which they framed it to perpetuate.—N. Y. World, August 6.

—The bark Alvarado, having a prize crew from the privateer Jeff. Davis on board, was chased ashore near Fernandina, Florida, and subsequently burned by the sailors of the United States ship Vincennes.—(Doe. 170.)

—A Sharp skirmish took place this morning in Virginia, opposite the Point of Rocks, between a detachment of sixty men of the Twenty-eighth Regiment of New York Volunteers, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Brown, and a party of cavalry of Capt. Mead’s company of the Confederate army. The Colonel ordered the Confederates to halt, which was not obeyed. The Unionists then fired on them and killed three, wounded two, and took twenty horses, with their equipments, and seven prisoners, who were taken before Gen. Banks. None of the Federal troops were hurt. The engagement occurred at daybreak. The advancing party forded the river, and caught the cavalry pickets of the enemy at breakfast.

The prisoners were brought into camp at Sandy Hook. Nearly every man captured had sword-arms and revolvers. On the sword-belt of one was marked in ink, “John H. Rollins, Leesburg, Va.” One captain of the rebels was killed. Previous reports from Colonel John C. Starkweather, of the First Wisconsin Regiment, stationed at Edward’s Ferry, stimulated the action which resulted so successfully. Colonel Starkweather had already made reconnoissances on the Virginia side, destroyed the rendezvous of the rebel pickets, and had but one man wounded, Mr. W. H. Langworthy, of Company E. All the captured are from Loudon County, Va.—(Doe. 164.)

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, Mr. Calvert, of Maryland, introduced a resolution providing for the appointment of a Committee to consider and report such amendments to the Constitution as may restore confidence and insure the preservation of the Union. Laid on the table.—Mr. May, of Maryland, was refused permission to introduce resolutions providing for the appointment of Commissioners to procure an armistice, and so compromise as to preserve the Union if possible; if not, to provide for the peaceful separation of those States that have seceded or may hereafter secede.— Mr. Diven offered a resolution declaring that, as rebels are now in arms against tho Government, all resolutions looking to a compromise are either cowardly or treasonable. The House refused to suspend the rules to receive Mr. May’s resolution. The Senate bill, increasing the pay of the volunteers and legalizing the acts of the President, was passed.

—A letter written on board the steam-sloop Brooklyn, off the mouth of the Mississippi River, giving an account of the manner by which the rebel privateer Sumter was suffered to run the blockade, was published in the Baltimore American.—(Doc. 165.)

—A band of rebels, numbering from one thousand to twelve hundred, made an attack upon a camp of Union men at Athens[1], Missouri, this morning at five o’clock. There was a considerable amount of arms and ammunition for United States troops stored at that place, under a guard of the troops composing the camp. The United States Volunteers numbered about three hundred and fifty men, under the command of Captain Moore. The fighting lasted about one hour, when the rebels retreated. In the mean time Captain Moore, having been reinforced by about one hundred and fifty men from Centralia, Iowa, on the opposite side of the river, gave chase to the rebels for about a mile and a half, killing one, taking eighteen prisoners, and capturing thirty-one horses and two secession flags. Several of the rebels were also wounded in the chase. After the battle, six or eight rebels were found dead on the field. In the afternoon the bearer of a rebel flag of truce to the Union camp was admitted. They carried off fourteen killed, and as many more wounded and missing. The rebels were led by Martin Green, a brother of ex-Senator Green. Of the Union men there were three killed and eight wounded.—(Doc. 166.)

—Several shots were exchanged between the U. S. blockading steamer off Galveston, Texas, and some sand batteries on shore.—(Doc. 167.)

[1] Athens is a small town in the extreme northeast of Missouri, on the Desmoines River, twenty-five or thirty miles from Keokuk.

August 4.—About five o’clock, this morning, the Second Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, passed through Philadelphia, Pa., on their way home. The regiment is under Colonel A. H. Terry, and participated in the engagement at Bull Run. In the fight they lost sixteen men killed and wounded. The officers of this regiment deny that it was through hunger that the men were exhausted. The Connecticut men were supplied with full haversacks; and the only drawback in their opinion to final success, was the impetuous feeling to go ahead and fight. In order to get within the enemy’s lines, a long march was necessary to this end. From two o’clock A. M. until ten they marched; and even then the men were unable to rest. To this fact alone, the officers of this regiment attribute, in a great measure, the reverse. The regiment acted as part of the reserve, and did not get into battle till late in the day.—Philadelphia Bulletin, August 5.

—A Meeting was held this evening in Rev. Dr. Adams’ Church, on Madison-square, New York city, to aid in measures taken for the prevention and suppression of intemperance in the National Army. A. R. Wetmore, Esq., presided, and Dr. De Witt offered a prayer. Resolutions were read by Dr. Marsh, which were responded to in an able speech by Rev. Mr. Willets, of Brooklyn, and Paymaster Bingham, of the Twenty-sixth Regiment.—(Doc. 162.)

—Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, Commander-in-Chief of the British forces, at Halifax, in a private letter to the British Consul at Boston, says: “I see a long article in the papers and extracts from a letter from Fort Pickens, alluding to orders I have given; all I can say is that it is not my version of blockade nor my orders on the subject.”—Buffalo Evening Courier, August 5.

—Delaware has contributed two regiments for the war. One is already in the field. The other has not yet been complete, and is commanded by Colonel Charles Wharton, brother of George M. Wharton, of Philadelphia. One company of the regiment is entirely made up of Philadelphians. It is the Hancock Guards, Capt. John F. Heishley. The men are remarkably well fed, clothed, and sheltered. In this particular Delaware has equalled, if not surpassed, the other States. They are encamped at Camp Brandywine, Wilmington. — Philadelphia Bulletin, August 5.

August 3.—At Baltimore, Md., this morning, Sergeants Wallis and Cook, with Officer James Pryor, of the Middle District Police, went on board the steamer George Weems, at her wharf foot of Frederick street, and on her leaving for the usual trip to various landing places on the Patuxent River, proceeded in her as far as Fort McHenry wharf, where they directed Captain Weems to stop. A search of the steamer was here made, resulting in the discovery of concealed arms and ammunition in various out-of-the-way places in the hold. Immediately under the upper deck, between the lower deck and the skylight, were found 200 new Colt’s patent revolvers, done up singly in paper. In the aft part of the hold the officers found a barrel in which rubbish had been placed for several months. Concealed in the rubbish was a valise filled with boxes, each containing 250 rifle percussion caps. There was also found in the hold, separate from the other freight, a halfbarrel of sulphurated quinine, contained in bottles and packages. On the discovery of these articles General Dix directed that the steamer should be detained for a more minute examination of the freight. He also directed that the steamer Planter should be got ready to convey the passengers to their place of destination.—Captain Weems disavowed any knowledge of the contraband articles.—Baltimore American, August 3.

—Governor Gamble, of Missouri, issued a proclamation to the citizens of that State, in which he calls upon all those who are enrolled in the State militia now in arms against the Federal Government, who were called out by his predecessor, Jackson, to return to their homes, promising them protection if they do so. He appeals to the sheriffs of counties and other magistrates, to exercise all the authority vested in them by law, in arresting and punishing every one who may break the peace, molest his fellow-citizens, or retain arms, the property of the Federal Government. He also notifies all those citizens of other States, who may be in arms within the boundaries of Missouri, (in the rebel ranks,) to withdraw to their own States, as Missouri does not need nor desire their presence. After the issue of this proclamation, Governor Gamble received a despatch from the War Department, stating his promise of protection to all those who may lay down their arms would be sustained by the Government. In several counties of Northern Missouri committees of safety have been appointed to suppress rebellion, with the assurance that if they cannot effect that purpose, the military power will be used to its utmost extent.—(Doc. 156.)

—The Charleston Mercury of to-day, says: “We have been provoked beyond endurance by reading the most complacent and gratulatory comments of certain Virginia papers on the charming charity and benevolence of certain citizens and officials of that State toward the invaders of their soil, plunderers of their estates, destroyers of their homes and firesides, and polluters of their women. We demand that every prisoner in Richmond be incarcerated and put in irons. Justice, humanity, and civilization alike cry aloud for ‘stern retribution.’ ”

—Senator Kennedy, of Maryland, in the Senate, at Washington, presented a memorial from the Legislature of that State, denouncing the National Government in unmeasured terms, and protesting against its action in imprisoning Ross Winans and others suspected of conspiracy. Its reception was objected to by several members on account of its disrespectful tone, but it was finally admitted and ordered to be printed, on the ground that it would not do to deny the right of petition.—N. Y.Times, August 5.

—Beriah Magoffin, Governor of Kentucky, issued a proclamation commanding all persons having arms belonging to the State, that have been unlawfully seized, to immediately deliver them up, that they may be returned to the State Arsenal, at Frankfort.—(Doc. 157.)

—The Senate of the United States confirmed numerous army appointments. Among them are Major-Generals McClellan, Fremont, Dix, and Banks; and Brigadier-Generals Hooker, Curtis, McCall, Sherman, Lander, Kelly, Kearney, Pope, Heintzelman, Porter, Stone, Reynolds, Hunter, Franklin, Rosecrans, Buell, Mansfield, McDowell, and Meigs.—Philadelphia Inquirer, August 5.

—The Twenty-ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Colonel John K. Murphy, left Hestonville, West Philadelphia, for the seat of war.—Philadelphia Press, August 8.

—Mrs. Lincoln having kindly consented to receive and distribute the havelocks made by the ladies of Katonah and Bedford, Westchester, N. Y., a case was despatched to-day from the Jay homestead to the executive mansion by Pillion’s and Adams’s express, containing 1,300 havelocks, of which 1,165 were made by the ladies of Katonah and its vicinity, and 135 by those of Bedford.—N. Y. World, August 6.

—A letter from Isham G. Harris, Governor of Tennessee, to the editors of the Memphis Avalanche, on the military power of that State, was published.—(Doc. 158.)

—The First Regiment of New Hampshire State Militia, under the command of Colonel Mason W. Tappan, passed through Philadelphia on their return from the seat of war. This regiment composed part of the command of Col. Stone, and marched to Harper’s Ferry, Va. They have been principally on guard duty, and had a skirmish with the rebels at Harper’s Ferry. The men have performed marches on foot to the extent of one hundred and sixty miles since they left Washington. The regiment has twenty ladies with them. They return numerically as strong as when they left, except six of the men, who were taken prisoners.—Philadelphia Bulletin, August 5.

—The House of Representatives, at Washington, passed, with a slight amendment, the Confiscation Bill. The amendment is, that slaves in the military or naval service, or working in the intrenchments of the rebels, will be confiscated.—(Doc. 159.)

—The Sixth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, commanded by Colonel L. Cutler, and the Twenty-first Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, under the command of Colonel J. W. McMillan, arrived at Baltimore, Md.—Baltimore American, August 5.

—The N. Y. Journal of Commerce suggests as “a way by which our troubles can be settled without more bloodshed”—1, an armistice ; 2, delegates from every State, North and South, to meet at Louisville; 3, the delegates to agree upon a modified Constitution; or 4, a peaceable separation.

One of its plans for reconstruction is to have a Northern and Southern section in each House of Congress, and no bill to become a law until agreed to by a majority on both sides!—(Doc. 160.)

—As engagement took place at Messila, N. M., between a body of Federal troops and seven hundred Confederates, under command of Capt. Baylor. Capt. McNeely and Lieutenant Brooks, of thr Federal army, were wounded in the engagement, and twelve of the Confederates killed. Night coming on put an end to the engagement.—Baltimore American, August 21.

—The secret expedition from Fortress Monroe to the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bar, under the command of Captain Crosby, U. S. A, returned to Old Point Comfort. The object of the expedition was to search for vessels engaged in illegal trade, and to reconnoitre the coast for defences erected by the rebels.— (Doc. 161.)

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Late addition to Volume 3:

August 3.—Lient.-Col. Baylor, commanding the rebel forces in Arizona, has issued a proclamation taking possession of the Territory in the name and on behalf of the Confederate States, declaring all offices, civil and military, vacant and no longer existing, and making provision for the government of the Territory until such time as the Confederate Congress may otherwise provide. Col. Baylor, as Governor of the Territory, has also appointed a Secretary of the Territory, Attorney-General, and other officers. —Lieut. R. H. Brewer, late of the first regiment of the United States Dragoons, has arrived in New Orleans, and informs the Picayune that on the 5th ultimo, Gen. A. S. Johnston, who arrived from California, was at Picach, about five miles north of Mesilla, in command of the Confederate forces, which command, tendered by Lieut.-Col. Baylor, the General had accepted. The Confederate forces numbered about five hundred men, and had four pieces of artillery. They were awaiting the approach of four companies of Federal troops (two companies of dragoons and two companies of infantry) under command of Lieut. Moore. Forts Breckinridge and Buchanan had been destroyed.—Mesilla Times, August 3.

August 2.—Up to this date Indiana has equipped and sent into the field thirteen regiments of infantry and two companies of cavalry. Two additional regiments of infantry are now ready to march, and an entire regiment of cavalry will be ready in a short time. Seventeen additional regiments of infantry are now forming, and will be put into the service as speedily as possible. This will make thirty-three regiments raised and to bb raised in Indiana—a force of about 86,000 men, including three artillery companies now about ready for active service. This is over 3,000 men for each Congressional District, or about every fortieth person in the State.—Indianapolis Journal, August 3.

—The United States steamer Albatross, Captain Prentiss, arrived at Philadelphia, Pa., from Hampton Roads, having in charge the schooner Enchantress, which was captured July 6th, 260 miles southeast of Sandy Hook, by the privateer Jeff. Davis, and on attempting to take her into the port of Charleston, S. C., on the 22d of July, was re-captured with five men of the privateer’s crew on board, west of Cape Hatteras. The Enchantress cleared from Boston on the 29th of June, for ports in Cuba. All the crew except Garrick (negro cook) were removed to the Jeff. Davis, and a crew from the privateer, consisting of W. W. Smith, of Savannah, Ga.; Ebin Lane, of West Cambridge, Mass.; Thomas Qnigley, of New York; Daniel Mailings, of Charleston, S. C.; and E. Rochford, of Liverpool—put on board to take her to Charleston, the negro Garrick being retained as cook. After the schooner had left the Jeff. Davis, Garrick meditated getting possession of the Enchantress, but delayed the execution of his plan, so as to sound the views of a portion of the crew. Before coming to any definite conclusion the steamer Albatross hove in sight, and as soon as the crew on board the Enchantress discovered the character of the steamer they “fought shy.” When the Albatross approached and the Enchantress was hailed, a reply came that “the schooner was from Newburyport, and bound to Santa Cruz.” Just at that moment the negro Garrick appeared on the gunwale of the schooner and jumped overboard, at the same time crying out, “For God’s sake, save me, Captain; she’s a Secesher, bound to Charleston.” A boat was immediately lowered from the Albatross, and, after picking up the negro, boarded the schooner. On examining her papers they were found to be the same that had been issued in Boston, and the crew had agreed to represent themselves as the original crew of the Enchantress, but the officers of the Albatross having seen the account of her capture in the papers, and also having the story of the negro to confute their statements, they were placed on board the Albatross and ironed, in which condition they were brought into port and turned over to the United States authorities. The Enchantress has a cargo of first, class assorted goods, suitable for the army.— Philadelphia Ledger.

—General Fremont and staff and a fleet of eight steamers, four regiments of infantry, several detached companies of infantry, and two companies of light artillery, arrived at Cairo, Ill., this afternoon. They were enthusiastically received. The troops were landed at Bird’s Point.—Boston Transcript, August 3.

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, a joint resolution was adopted thanking the soldiers of the republic for their loyalty and devotion, and declaring that while the National Legislature expresses the sympathy of the nation for the bereaved families and friends of the fallen, they commend to a generous people and to the army, which is now eager to renew the contest with unyielding courage, the imperishable honor of their example.

—General Lyon, with all the infantry, cavalry, and artillery of his command, came up with part of the rebel force under McCullough at Dug Spring, nineteen miles south-west of Springfield, Missouri; at 4 P. M., Lyon opened upon the enemy with artillery, and elicited but feeble response. A detachment of his cavalry, twenty-seven in number, came suddenly upon a regiment of rebel infantry, charged and broke it, and returned safely to their position. The artillery fire continued till night, when the enemy withdrew. The national infantry was not engaged. Forty rebels were found dead upon the field and forty-four wounded. Lyon’s loss was nine killed and thirty wounded.—(Doc. 154.)

—The Congress of the United States passed the Tariff and Direct Tax Bill, providing for a direct tax of twenty millions of dollars.—N. Y. Herald, August 3.

—Four companies of the Second Ohio Volunteers arrived at Cincinnati this morning from Washington. The reception was the grandest demonstration ever witnessed in Cincinnati. The Home Guards of Covington and Newport, Ky., and the reserve militia and independent regiments of Cincinnati, were out in large force, and escorted the volunteers through some of the principal streets to the Eighth-street Park, where they were welcomed home by Judge Storer in an eloquent address. They afterward partook of a banquet in the Park, provided by the citizens. All along the line of march the streets were densely crowded, and the enthusiasm unbounded. The volunteers were completely covered with the bouquets and wreaths showered upon them. The city was gaily decorated with flags, and business was entirely suspended.—N. Y. Tribune, Aug. 8.

—General B. F. Butler, at Fortress Monroe, Va., issued a general order forbidding the sale of intoxicating liquors to the soldiers in his department.—(Doc. 155.)

—The Fifth Regiment of New York Militia, under the command of Colonel Schwarzwaelder, returned home this morning, and were escorted to their head-quarters by the Eleventh Regiment, the Fourth Artillery, and several German societies.—The service on which the Fifth has been employed was guard, picket, and scout duty, at the Relay House, Md. Their vigilance frequently prevented serious results to the body of troops stationed at that post. The railroad was also an object of the special vigilance of the Fifth, and the prevention of attempts to place obstacles on the track, was one way in which their services were valuable.—N. Y. Commercial, August 2.

—The Mobile Register of to-day, referring to a despatch to the effect that forty votes were given in Congress to Mr. Cox’s peace proposition, says:—”We know that there is a peace party already numbering among its representatives, nearly one-third of the United States House of Representatives. This is a direct result of the triumph of Manassas. We have converted near one-third of the United States House of Representatives from the error of their warlike ways by the powerful display of our ability to conquer a peace. We first asked peace. It was refused. Now we will conquer it. We have conquered one-third of it already. Another great victory like, or even less than that of Manassas, and we shall conquer another third—the two-thirds including all the commonsense men of the North, who will be brought to conversion: and the outside third, the radical abolition fanatics, will alone remain, the despised minority of their countrymen, who will role them out of voice in the Government. Let us wait, and hope, and—fight, as if we had still three-thirds to conquer.”

—The following, in large letters on a handbill, was conspicuously posted at several places in New York city this morning. Crowds of people were attracted to read it:

“The people awake! Enemies at home wearing the mask of peace (masks of the golden cross) as well as open foes, must be struck down. Be not deceived! The freedom of the press is subordinate to the interests of a nation. Let the three Southern organs issued in this city beware, or editors will be assigned to them to preserve the public welfare. From this date the authority of the people organizes a new system of legislation suited to the times. Politicians will not be permitted to injure the general cause in pursuit of ambitious ends. The rights of our soldiers will be protected. Disappointed demagogues will be forbidden to aggrandize themselves at their expense. The District-Attorney is expected to exercise his power. Traitors, male and female, are marked. Their names enrolled. Not one shall escape. Southern sympathizers are directed to leave the state. One will! One way! One country! We have begun to act. From the league of loyalty,

The People.

GOD SAVE THB REPUBLIC.

—The House of Representatives, at Washington, to-day recommitted the Confiscation bill. Mr. Crittenden made a speech upon it, protesting on constitutional grounds, and for reasons of policy, against the confiscation and consequent emancipation of slaves. He, however, pronounced boldly for the war, for the Union, sustaining the President, and, in the name of the great interests at stake, demanding that the utmost aid be given him.—N. Y. Tribune, August 8.

—The Twentieth Regiment, Ulster Guard, N. Y. S. M., Colonel G. W. Pratt, returned to Rondout this morning, their term of service having expired. They were received at the landing by the military, firemen, and a very large number of citizens of Rondont and Kingston. The regiment was mustered out of the service soon after the arrival.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 3.

August 1.—This morning the First Maine Regiment, Col. K. J. Jackson, passed through Philadelphia on their way home. Their appearance indicated the hard service which the regiment have had since leaving. They number 780 rank and fife, but intend, on reaching home, to immediately reorganize the regiment, increase the number to one thousand men, and re-enter the service for three years. The soldiers took breakfast at Washington avenue, prepared by the refreshment committee. This regiment passed through Philadelphia about three months ago; they have principally done guard duty on Meridian Hill, and at the Long Bridge, Washington.—Phila. Press, August 2.

—The War Department at Washington received the following direct from Gen. Rosecrans by telegraph, dated to-day:—”Gen. Cox reached Gauley Bridge on the 29th nit. Gen. Wise fled without fighting, destroying the bridge to prevent pursuit. We have captured a thousand muskets and several kegs of cannon powder. Many inhabitants of that section, who have heretofore been strong Secessionists, denounce Gen. Wise for his wanton destruction of property, and are abandoning him and his cause. His Western troops are rapidly disbanding. The valley of the Kanawha is now free from the rebel forces.”—Phila. Inquirer, August 2.

—Jeff. Thompson by proclamation informs the rebels of Missouri, that the North is whipped in Virginia; that “tardy action, like the gentle south wind, will only meet with Northern frosts,” and so invites them to “strike while the iron is hot.”—(Doc. 149.)

—The Twelfth Regiment N. Y. S. M., under the command of Colonel Butterfield, and the Twentieth Regiment, Colonel George W. Pratt, returned to New York from the seat of war. The Eighth Regiment, Mass., reached Boston from the seat of war.—N. Y. Herald, August 2.

—The prize brig Herald, with a cargo of naval stores and tobacco from Beaufort, S. C., bound to Liverpool, and which was captured by the frigate St. Lawrence on the 10th of July, arrived at Philadelphia, Pa. She cleared from Boston, May 27, ostensibly for Turk’s Island, but was then chartered by parties in New York for Beaufort, S. C., with the intent to try the experiment of running the blockade.—N. Y. Evening Post, August 2.

—Scouts returned to Cairo, Ill., from the South, and reported that the rebels at New Madrid were well-armed and drilled. They have five batteries of ten-pound field-pieces, officered by foreigners, and two regiments of cavalry well equipped. General Pillow is in command. He has promised Ex-Governor Jackson to place 20,000 men in Missouri at once. He has also issued a proclamation, full of bombast, to the people of Missouri, declaring his intention “to drive the invaders from the State, and enable her people to regain their rights so ruthlessly taken away by the forces who march under banners inscribed with Beauty and Booty, as the reward of victory.” He says he will show no quarter to those taken in arms.—Phila. Bulletin, August 2.

—New Orleans papers state that a “naval engagement” took place this day at the mouth of the Mississippi River between the U. S. frigate Niagara and “the little Confederate privateer J. O. Nixon;” and that, after an action of twenty minutes, the Niagara crowded on “every inch of canvas she could use, and made regular Manassas-time seaward.”—(Doc. 150.)

—The Onondaga County Cavalry, Capt. Moschell, departed from Syracuse, N. Y., for Washington at 10:20 to-night, to join Col.. Van Alen’s Cavalry Regiment. The company is 80 strong, and is composed of the very best material. A young bride, Mrs. Cook, accompanies them as a daughter of the regiment.—Baltimore American, August 3.

—The Secretary of War at Washington directed the commandant of the forces at Alexandria, Va., that from this day all slaves now in prison at that post be liberated, and that they may be employed on the fortifications and military works, and be paid for as day-laborers in the service of the Government. All other slaves escaping hereafter shall be treated in a similar manner.—Louisville Journal, August 3.

—Governor Gamble of Missouri delivered his inaugural to the Convention of that State. After referring to the personal sacrifices made by him in accepting the office, he calls upon the Convention and the people to give the experiment just made a fair trial. He then gives a vivid sketch of the evils arising from the anarchy with which that State has lately been threatened, assuring them that it will be his sole aim that the people of Missouri can worship God together, each feeling that his fellow-worshipper is not an enemy; that each can meet his neighbor without any conversations on blood and slaughter. The inaugural closes with a strong appeal for the cultivation of confidence and good feeling.—(Doc. 151.)

—The steamer B. P. Cheney was seized by the rebels at Columbus, Kentucky, and carried to the head-quarters of Gen. Pillow.—Louisville Courier, August 10.

—In the Senate of the United States, the bill to suppress insurrection and sedition was taken up, and an exciting debate occurred, in which Mr. Breckinridge and Mr. Baker, of Oregon, took part.—(Doc. 152.)

The St. Louis Democrat of this day gives an account of the preparation and departure of Gen. Fremont’s expedition from St. Louis to Bird’s Point, Cairo, and other positions on the Mississippi River.—(Doc. 153.)

July 31.—A letter from Jefferson Davis to John R. Chambless was published. It was an answer to the inquiry of the latter “whether, prior to the 24th day of April, any of the Confederate States had transferred to the Confederate government the public property captured by them from the late United States, and upon what terms; also whether any such transfers have been made since the said date, and upon what terms.”—(Doc. 137.)

—The Twentieth and Twenty-first Regiments of Indiana Volunteers, under the commands of Colonels Brown and McMillen, left Indianapolis for the seat of war. Two companies in each are armed with the Enfield and Minié muskets, and the skirmishers of both regiments have the most approved arms known to the service. The other portions of the regiments are armed with the smooth-bore muskets, which will be exchanged for the rifled guns as soon as the Government can obtain them.—Louisville Journal, August 1.

—The schooner Tropic Wind arrived at New York from Fortress Monroe in charge of a prize crew, consisting of Thomas F. Spencer, prizemaster, Surgeon Linahan, and Alexander Lowe of the Union Coast Guard. The Tropic Wind was seized on the 29th of June, by the order of Major-General Butler, for violation of the blockade and communicating with the enemy, after having been warned by the Pawnee. She had been seized once before by the Monticello and taken to Washington, but was released by order of the Secretary of State, and it was under the voyage down the Potomac that the violated the blockade. The information which led to her seizure was communicated to Major-General Butler by two of her crew, who were free negroes, who were induced to do it from having overheard a conversation between the captain and mate of the schooner in relation to the sale of themselves. The schooner has on board the former mate Mr. James L. Wilson of Virginia, who was a sergeant in an artillery corps attached to the secession army.—N. Y. Tribune, August 1.

—To-day an ordinance passed the Cincinnati (Ohio) City Council, to appropriate the sum of $23,000 to loan the Hamilton County commissioners for the purpose of relieving the wives and families of the volunteers.—Louisville Journal, August 2.

—The Fifth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Amasa Cobb, passed through Baltimore, Md., on the route to Washington. They left Madison, Wisconsin, where they had been in camp four weeks, on Wednesday last, coming by way of Janesville, Chicago, Toledo, Cleveland, and Pittsburg. Their trip was a triumphal march. All along the journey they were met at every station by crowds of people, who not only cheered them by their presence, but also furnished them bountifully with refreshments of all kinds. Not a single accident happened on the whole route. The wives and daughters of several of the officers accompanied the regiment on its journey. It numbers 1,061 men, in addition to the drum corps and band. — Baltimore American, August 1.

— Colonel L. S. Miles, upon whose conduct daring the battle at Bull Run severe animadversions had been made, published a card. He declares that he has been made the victim of personal spite, that he directed the movements of his troops on the field, and that he never gave some of the orders attributed to him. He further says that he has called for a court of inquiry to investigate the whole transaction. — (Doc. 138.)

—General Pillow in command of rebel troops at New Madrid, Mo., issued a proclamation to the citizens of Missouri, announcing his intention to expel the Federal troops from the State and reinstate Claiborne F. Jackson, at Jefferson City. Gen. Pillow’s army is made up of a portion of the Union City, the Randolph, and the Memphis troops, and is from twelve to twenty thousand strong. They are well supplied with cannon, field-pieces, and siege guns. Jeff Thompson, now in command of Watkins’ old force, has moved the encampment from Bloomfield to within eight miles of Charleston. Part of Pillow’s command, numbering some 3,000, are upon the Cape Girardeau road, between Madrid and Charleston. The rebels have taken military possession of the road through West Prairie from New Madrid to Cape Girardeau, and are preparing for an attack upon Bird’s Point or Cape Girardeau. However, every thing is in a masterly state of preparation both at Camp Defiance and at Bird’s Point, for the fight.— (Doc. 139.)

—Yesterday M. Parks, the agent of the State of North Carolina in Portsmouth, Virginia, transferred to the Confederacy a fleet of five steamers already manned and armed. — Richmond Examiner, July 30, 31.

— Brigadier-general Pope issued a special order, assigning Brigadier-General Hurlburt to the command of the United States forces along the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad. Colonel Grant to command at Mexico, on the North Missouri road ; Colonel Ross to occupy Mounton, and Colonel Palmer to post his regiment at Renick and Sturgeon, making his head-quarters at Renick. These several districts to be divided into sub-districts not exceeding seven miles in extent, and commanding officers are instructed to report to the district head-quarters at Mexico the names of persons suitable to be appointed superintendents and assistant superintendents, whose duty it shall be to protect the railroad property in their respective divisions. Men of property and respectability, without regard to political opinion, are to be selected for positions.

All illegal assemblages to be promptly broken up, and all persons taken in arms against the United States to be sent to Mexico, to be disposed of by the commanding general. No arrests to be made for opinion’s sake, unless the parties are engaged in open acts of hostility, or stimulating others to such acts by inflammatory words or publications. The restoration of peace and safety to the region distracted by civil commotion, and the punishment of the infamous assassins and incendiaries infesting the country, is announced to be the mission of the force in North Missouri.

The troops are cautioned against excesses of any kind, especially depredations on the possessions and property of any citizen of Missouri, and infractions of military discipline and good order will be visited with the greatest severity possible under the articles of war.— Washington Republican, August 2.—(Doc. 140.)

—John H. Reagan, Postmaster-General of the “Confederate” States, issued a decision, in reference to the transmission and delivery of newspapers and periodicals through the mails in the Southern States.—(Doc. 141.)

—The Memphis Appeal of this date ingeniously culls various expressions of several northern men to prove that the present war is solely a war of abolition, and that this object long hidden begins now gradually to appear. Among the persons it quotes are, Abraham Lincoln, W. H. Seward, H. J. Raymond, Lloyd Garrison, and Wendell Phillips.—(Doc. 142.)

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, Mr. Potter from the Select Committee on the loyalty of Government employees made a special report.—(Doc. 143.)

—To-day at Washington, two general orders were issued by General Scott. The first directs that all searches for arms, traitors, or spies, and arrests of offenders, in any military department, shall only be made by authority of the Commander of the department, except in cases of urgent necessity. The second order announces the desecration of Mount Vernon by the bands of armed rebels, and expresses the hope of the Commander-in-Chief that, should the operations of the war take the national troops in that direction, every possible respect will be paid to the sacred precincts.—(Doc. 144.)

—The Missouri State Convention to-day elected for the Provisional Government, Hamilton E. Gamble, for Governor; Willard P. Hale, Lieutenant-Governor; and Mordecai Oliver, Secretary of State. The opposition were excused from voting, protesting against the power of the Convention. In the afternoon the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor were sworn in and inaugurated. Each made a strong Union and patriotic speech, amid loud applause. After the presentation of an address to the people of the State by the Convention, it adjourned till the third Monday in December, unless sooner called together by the new Government, or demanded by the public safety.—(Doc. 145.)

—Joseph Holt addressed the soldiers at Camp Joe Holt, Ind., this day. A vast throng of civilians swelled the audience, including several parties of ladies and gentlemen from Louisville. Mr. Holt was introduced by Gen. Rousseau with soldier-like directness, and spoke for half an hour or upward in a strain of the most enkindling and enchanting eloquence. The effort was one of the most effective and felicitous of his life.—(Doc. 146.)

—Thos. C. Reynolds, ex-Lieut.-Gov. of Missouri, in a long proclamation, announces to the people of Missouri that “the sun which shone in its full mid-day splendor at Manassas is about to rise upon Missouri,” and calls upon them “to rally as one man to the defence of the State.”—(Doc. 148.)

July 30.—Senator Trumbull of Ohio spoke in the Senate of the United States on the Bill to suppress insurrection, and favored the approval of what had been done by the President before Congress assembled as done by the legal representative of the nation in the nation’s defence. Senator Carlile spoke against the 8th section of the bill which empowers military commanders to discharge from custody prisoners who take the oath of allegiance.—(Doc. 131.)

—The Thirteenth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Samuel H. Leonard, passed through New York, on their route for Harper’s Ferry, Va. The regiment numbers one thousand and eleven men, and is armed with the Enfield rifle. While on their march through the city, the troops sung several martial airs, the stanza of one of them commencing:

We’ll hang Jeff. Davis on a Palmetto tree,
Glory hallelujah! Glory hallelujah!

And the Union then will be great and free,
Glory hallelujah! Glory hallelujah!

—New York World, July 31.

—General B. F. Butler wrote another interesting letter to the Secretary of War on the subject of the “contraband.”—(Doc. 132.)

—The Fifth Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers passed though New York en route for Washington, by the way of Harrisburg, Pa. It is commanded by Colonel O. S. Terry, of Norwalk, and is splendidly equipped.

—The Thirteenth Regiment of Brooklyn, N. Y. S. M., returned from Annapolis, Md., its term of service having expired on the 23d instant. —N. Y. World, July 31.

—Fredericka W. Lander was this morning appointed a brigadier-general by the President of the United States. He has command of the Rhode Island and part of the Massachusetts regiments. This appointment was made at the earnest recommendations of Gen. McClellan, Gov. Sprague of Rhode Island, and Senator Carlile of Virginia.

—Six Government clerks in the departments at Washington, resigned to-day, owing to the passage of the Virginia ordinance, providing that any citizen of that Commonwealth holding any office under the Government of the United States after to-morrow shall be forever banished from that State, and is declared an alien and enemy; and further, any citizen who may hereafter undertake to represent the State in the Congress of the United States, in addition to the penalties above presented, shall be deemed guilty of treason and his property confiscated, to the use of the State.—(Doc. 135.)

—The Fifth Regiment of Massachusetts Militia returned to Boston from the seat of war, its time of service having expired. Delegations of military, firemen, and civic authorities from adjoining towns, which had furnished companies to the gallant 5th, were waiting during the forenoon for their arrival, and Boston poured out its thousands to greet and welcome them home. After partaking of a bountiful collation on the Common, prepared by the City Government, the regiment was mustered out of service, and the companies soon after started, under an escort of their towns-people, for their homes. Three contrabands came with the regiment; two men and a woman.

At Bull Run the regiment lost 25 killed, 26 wounded, and 5 missing. The national flag borne by this regiment bears marks of hard usage. The eagle is missing from the staff, and there are three holes in the flag, two made by bullets, and one by a fragment of a shell. This flag, at the beginning of the fight, was borne by the color-bearer, Lawrence, who was shot dead, receiving two musket balls in his breast. The bearer of the Massachusetts flag, G. W. Wallace, of the Haverhill company, was at his side, and seizing the national flag as it fell from Lawrence’s hand, he for a time bore both, but at length the last-named was taken by the Sergeant-Major of the regiment, and was retained by him. The story that it was left on the field at any time is false.—N. Y. Tribune, July 31.

—To-day an order was issued by Gen. McClellan prohibiting officers or soldiers from leaving their camps or quarters except upon important public or private business, and then not without written permission from the commander of the brigade of which they may be a part.—(Doc. 136.)

—In the United States Senate the resolution legalizing certain acts of the President being under consideration, Mr. Pearce, of Maryland, spoke in opposition thereto.—The bill to suppress insurrection and sedition was taken up, and after some discussion was postponed.— Baltimore American, July 31.

—Five companies of the First Regiment of Nebraska Volunteers, Col. Shager commanding, left Omaha, on the steamer West Wind this morning, for St. Joseph, Mo. They took two pieces of cannon with them.—N. Y. Tribune, August 1.

—The following order was made by the Post-Office Department for the execution of the law respecting soldiers’ letters:

“Postmasters at or near any camp or point occupied by the United States forces will mail without prepayment of postage any letter written by a soldier in the service of the United States and certified to be such by the Major or Acting Major of the regiment to which the writer is attached. The envelope should have plainly stamped or written on its face the certificate ‘Soldier’s letter,’ signed in writing by the Major or Acting Major of the regiment, describing his regiment by its number and its State. The postage due on such letters will be collected at the office of delivery. Commissioned officers will prepay their postage as heretofore.

John A. Kasson,

“First Assistant Postmaster-General.”