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

—A mass meeting of leading members of the Baptist Church was held at Brooklyn, N. Y., for the purpose of giving formal expression to their feelings, as a religious community in the present crisis, and to record their attachment to the Union, and their determination to uphold the efforts of the Federal Government, in behalf of the Constitution.—(Doc. 211.)

—The Brooklyn, Capt. Poore, entered the Mississippi River, below New Orleans, and sent out a number of boats, strongly manned with armed men, to board the ships lying on the bar, to acquaint them of the terms of the blockade. After some discussion, it was agreed that the ships on the bar should have fourteen days to go out. Capt. Poore also made a full survey and soundings of the river.—N. O. Delta, May 31.

—A statement of the Geographical arrangements of the army of the United States, corrected to date, is published.—(Doc. 212.)

—President Davis reached Richmond this morning, accompanied by his nephew, Mr. Joseph Davis, Col. Northrop, of the Confederate Army, and Col. Wigfall. Gov. Letcher and the Executive Council met and received the President at Petersburg. An immense assemblage welcomed his arrival at Richmond, with the most enthusiastic demonstrations of delight. The President, in a brief address, thanked the multitude for the hearty reception given him.—N. O. Delta, May 30.

—To-day the American flag was raised over the late residence of Lieutenant-General Scott, at Elizabethtown, N. J., in the presence of about five thousand people. When the flag was given to the breeze, the “Star-Spangled Banner” was sung, the vast concourse of people joining the chorus, producing a fine effect. Mayor Burnett presided, and speeches were made by William F. Day and Rev. Hobart Chetwood, which were received with great applause.—N. Y. Commercial, May 30.

—The correspondence in relation to the establishment of a department of nurses, and the acceptance of the services of Miss Dix, by the Secretary of War, is published.—(Doc. 213.)

—The New Orleans True Delta of this day contains the following:—”We have again and again received information of the motions and sentiments of vagabond free persons of color, upon whom it would be well that the police should keep an eye. These men are without ostensible means of earning a livelihood, and are, by many degrees, too familiar with our slave population, instilling into their minds sanguine notions of the ‘good time’ to be experienced in the event of Lincoln’s hoped-for success over the Southern people. The lake end of the Pontchartrain Railroad is infested with persons of this character, who exhibit a remarkable shrewdness in broaching their pestiferous hints and suggestions. The city also affords rendezvous, at which there are gathered knots of these vagabonds at unseasonable hours. Of course the localities are selected with a view to privacy and remoteness from the inquisitive eyes of the watchman. Careful espionage may bring to light the object of these nocturnal consultations.”

—The Twentieth, Twenty-first, and Twenty-fourth Regiments of Pennsylvania militia left Philadelphia for Chambersburg.—N. Y. Commercial, May 30.

—Colonel Mann’s Regiment of Pennsylvania militia, arrived at Easton, Pa., and went into camp.—(Doc. 214.)

—The American citizens in Paris favorable to the Union breakfasted together in the Hotel du Louvre. About one hundred and fifty attended, of whom one-third were ladies, including the wife of General Scott. Mr. Cowdin presided. Resolutions were adopted, pledging the meeting to maintain the Union under any circumstances. Mr. Dayton, the U. S. Minister, said that, since his arrival in France, be could detect no unfriendly feeling on the part of France to the United States, and certainly no French citizen would be found among the privateersmen. He expressed the conviction that the rebellion would be put down. Cassius M. Clay spoke at length, and was emphatic in his comments on the conduct of England in recognizing Southern belligerent rights. He declared that if ever the flag of England was associated with the black flag of the South, the Star-Spangled Banner of the United States and the tricolor of France would be seen together against her, for France had not forgotten St. Helena. Hon. Anson Burlingame spoke on the same topic. Col. Fremont was next called upon, and was received with enthusiasm. He made a quiet and moderate speech. He regretted the fanatical war, and felt confident it would end in the triumph of truth and justice. He had been called back to America, and would lose no time in responding. He was ready to give his best services to his country. Rev. Dr. McClintock followed. He said he did not attach any importance to the mutterings of the English press. The people of England had not yet spoken, and when they did speak, their voices would not be found on the side of piracy and slavery. Capt. Simons, of the U. S. Army, said he was on his way home, in obedience to the summons of Gen. Scott. Mr. Haldeman, Minister to Vienna, and Rev. Mr. Thayer, also spoke. All the speakers evinced not the slightest doubt of the final triumph of the North.— Galignani’s Messenger, May 30.

—The London News, of this date, contains a remarkable article on the “War in America.” —(Doc. 214½.)

—The forty-seventh annual meeting of the American Baptist Missionary Union, was held in the Pierrepont Street Baptist Church, Brooklyn, Ex-Gov. Briggs, of Massachusetts, in the chair. The exercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Welch. The Chairman then addressed the meeting at some length, setting forth the object for which they had assembled. In reference to the present state of the country, he said that soldiers were now to be seen in every direction, flags were floating from every window in every street, old and young were rallying round the standard of the Government to sustain order and law, but amid all this outburst of enthusiasm the Prince of Peace must not be deserted. He was sure that the cause of all our difference with the South was owing to their misapprehension of the sentiments of the North, and he believed that if the heart of the North could be unveiled to their brethren of the South, all our national troubles would cease at once. Speaking of the charge made against the North by the Rev. Dr. Fuller of Baltimore—that the bad men of the North, the pastors, the churches, and the politicians, all united in crying for blood—for the blood of the Southern people, he inquired if this was the case? The congregation at once responded a vigorous “No.” “No,” said he, a more cruel, more unfounded charge never issued from the mouth of man. He denied that any such sentiments as Dr. Fuller had imputed to the North were entertained by Northern Christians. He hoped that the Union would place their sentiments on this subject on record, that the world might judge between truth and error.—N. Y. Tribune, May 29.

—The Ninth New York Regiment, which was the first to offer their services to the Government, arrived at Washington. Having enlisted for three years, they lose their identity as State militia, and at once enter service as United States troops. Eight hundred of them are fully uniformed, and will prove a valuable acquisition to the regular army.—(Doc. 206.)—National Intelligencer, May 29.

—A new military department is formed by Gen. Scott, out of that portion of Virginia lying east of the Alleghenies and north of James River, exclusive of Fortress Monroe and vicinity, and Brigadier General McDowell is appointed to its command. His staff consists of Colonel P. Stone, Fourteenth Infantry, who has recently rendered inestimable services in organizing the District of Columbia Militia; Captain B. O. Tyler, Brevet Captain James B. Fry, and Lieutenant Putnam, of the Topographical Engineers. —N. Y. Herald, May 29.

—The blockade of the port of Savannah was initiated by the U. S. gunboat Union.—Savannah Republican, May 31.

—Brigadier-General Pierce, Massachusetts Militia, was appointed to succeed Gen. Butler, promoted. He left for Washington immediately. Col. Waite, Major Sprague, and the other officers who were captured in Texas, and liberated on parole not to serve against the Confederate States, reached Washington, and reported to the War Department. Col. Lefferts, at Battalion Drill, took the sentiment of the Seventh N. Y. S. M., about remaining until ordered home by Government, their time having expired. Furloughs were offered to all who wished, but only five out of 1,225 asked for them.—N. Y. Times, May 29.

—In the case of Gen. Cadwallader, whose arrest for contempt of Court was ordered, the Marshal reported that, on going to Fort McHenry, he was refused admittance.—(Doc. 207.)

—The Chautauqua Volunteers, under the command of Capt. James M. Brown, left Jamestown, New York, for active service.—Chautauqua Democrat, May 29.

—In the English House of Commons, a debate on British relations with America took place, being opened by a communication from Lord John Russell concerning the blockade. Lord John stated that Lord Lyons had properly said to Admiral Milne that the blockade, if sufficient, must be respected. Mr. T. Duncombe spoke with some warmth on the treatment which British subjects received in the Southern States, and commented with great severity on the piratical offer of $20 per head offered by the rebels for every person killed on board an American vessel. The debate was further continued by Mr. B. Osborne, Mr. Bright, Mr. Gregory, and Mr. Bouverie. Mr. Gregory treated the reported offer spoken of as a newspaper rumor, and declared that he should, on the 7th, press his motion for the acknowledgment of the “Confederate States.”—(Doc. 207½.)

—Judge Hall’s charge to the grand jury at Rochester, N. Y., on the law of treason, was published.—N. Y. World, May 28.

—Two letters from Edward Bates, Attorney-General of the United States, to John Minor Botts of Virginia, were made public.—(Doc. 208.)

—The assertion of the Governor of Georgia, that property of citizens of that State found in the State of New York is forcibly taken from its owners, is denied in a letter published this day, signed by the officers of seven New York banks.—(Doc. 209.)

—The Rochester Regiment, Colonel Quimby, and the Syracuse Regiment, Colonel Walrath, left Elmira, N. Y., for the seat of war.—Buffalo Courier, May 31.

—The Garibaldi Guard, under the command of Colonel D’Utassy, left New York for the seat of war.—(Doc. 210.)

—Emerson Etheridge, of Tennessee, addressed the citizens of Louisville, Ky., on the great questions which are dividing the South at the present time. He commenced his address with an allusion to the distracted condition of the country, congratulating himself and his audience that he stood upon Kentucky soil, a State that was yet loyal to the Union. He clearly proclaimed himself for his country, first, last, and forever. Having but recently come from a State in which anarchy reigned supreme, he could the better appreciate the blessings of political liberty which were yet vouchsafed to Kentuckians, and which he felt Kentuckians had the patriotism, the gallantry, and the power to perpetuate. He drew a picture of Kentucky in her proud position as a sister in the Union of the States, of her wealth, of her usefulness as an asylum for the oppressed of both sections of our unhappy and divided country, and of her grandeur in after days when she has safely outridden the storm which wrecked the frailer sisterhood around her. While he dealt deadly blows to the apologists of dissolution, he spoke cheering words of comfort and assurance to the friends of the Union. He was withering in his denunciation of rebellion, powerful in argument, ready and illustrative in anecdote, and fervid and glowing in eloquence.—Louisville Journal, May 28.

—General Beauregard issued orders in Charleston, relinquishing command of the forces around Charleston to Col. R. H. Anderson.—Augusta Chronicle, May 28.

—In the case of John Merryman, a secessionist arrested in Baltimore and detained a prisoner in Fort McHenry, a writ of habeas corpus was issued by Judge Taney, made returnable this day in the United States District Court. Gen. Cadwallader declined surrendering the prisoner till he heard from Washington, and an attachment was issued for Gem Cadwallader.—N. Y. Times, May 28.

—The United States steamer Brooklyn arrived off the Pass L’Outre bar at the mouth of the Mississippi, and commenced the blockade of that river.—N. O. Picayune, May 28.

—Brigadier-General McDowell, U. S. army, took command of the Union forces in Virginia, and relieved Major-General Sandford, N. Y. State Militia.—N. Y. Herald, May 28.

—George W. Thompson, one of the judges of the Circuit Court of the State of Virginia, issued a proclamation ordering the rebels in the western part of that State to disperse. Peculiar interest attaches to the document from the fact that one of Judge Thompson’s sons, W. P. Thompson, a young lawyer, resident at Fairmont, is aide-de-camp to Gem Thomas S. Haymond, commander of the confederate forces in Western Virginia, and the leader of the first company which marched on Grafton. Another of his sons is also a secessionist, and a private in the same company.—(Doc. 201.)

—The blockade of Mobile (Ala.) harbor was commenced. The Natchez Courier of to-day says:—”Fort Morgan welcomed the blockading fleet by displaying the U. S. flag, with the Union down, from the same staff, and below the confederate flag.”

—Col. A. Duryea. was placed in command of the camp near Fortress Monroe, by Major-General Butler.—(Doc. 202.)

—The Twentieth N. Y. Volunteer Regiment left New York city for the seat of war.—(Doc. 203.)

—The First Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, Col. Kelly, stationed at Wheeling, Va., left that place at 7 A. M., and moved towards Grafton. After their departure, the Sixteenth Ohio Regiment, 1,000 strong, stationed at Bellaire, Ohio, under command of Col. Irvine, crossed the Ohio and followed Col. Kelly’s command. The Fourteenth Ohio Regiment, Col. Steadman, crossed the Ohio, at Marietta, about the same time, and occupied Parkersburg. At midnight the rebels evacuated Grafton in great haste.—(Doc. 104.)

—The Washington Artillery of New Orleans, La., left that city for Virginia. Previous to their departure, they were addressed by the Rev. Dr. Palmer.—(Doc. 205.)

—A letter from Major Sprague, U. S. A., giving an account of affairs in Texas, since the arrest of the federal troops in that locality, was published in the Albany (N. Y.) Argus.— (Doc. 197.)

—The privateer Calhoun, Capt. Wilson, arrived at New Orleans, La., having in tow the following prizes: schooners John Adams and Mermaid, of Provincetown, Mass., and the brig Panama, of Boston, Mass.; all these are whalers, and have on board about 215 bbls. of sperm and black whale oil. They were taken about 10 miles from the passes; their crews number 63 men; and all of them told that these vessels had been whaling for some time and cruising in the Gulf —Natchez Courier, May 30.

—The Mobile Register of yesterday, after announcing the invasion of Virginia by the Federal troops, observes: “Servile insurrection is a part of their programme, but they expect no great amount of practical good to result therefrom—consequently, it is contended that it would be a far better course of policy for the Abolitionists to murder the slaves and thus exterminate slavery. A more monstrous proposition could not emanate from the most incarnate fiend among the damned. But infamous as it is it finds an advocate in the abolition press. The slaves are to be indiscriminately slaughtered, and when the last one is butchered, then it it is thought the institution will cease to exist. The soul recoils in horror at the idea of an unscrupulous war upon the innocent and defenseless slave. The Syrian massacre of the Christians and all the crimes of its bloody participants pale before the proposed atrocities of the Black Republicans. Their masters, however, in this, as all other instances, will be their protectors and saviors. With this much of their published programme, we must not be surprised at any act or threat as the campaign advances.”

—A correspondent writes from Montgomery to the New Orleans Delta:—”The startling intelligence of the invasion of the soil of Virginia, and the actual occupation of Alexandria by United States forces, was received here last evening. The Cabinet, I am informed, immediately went into a procrastinated session. No event since the initiation of this revolution has ever created a sensation so profound, and so sorrowful. The mere taking of a deserted and exposed village, is in itself nothing; but when regarded as indicative of the future policy of the old Government, it at once becomes a question pregnant with great importance. Mr. Lincoln has declared in his proclamation, and at various other times reiterated the expression, that the only object his Government had in view, was the retaking and the reoccupation of what he asserted to be Government property; but now, in the face of this promise, which has gone before the world, he converts his Abolition horde into an army of invasion, and now occupies a city within the boundaries of our Republic. This Government has no longer an election. Its duty is now manifest to all. The nation must rise as a man and drive the hireling miscreants from a soil polluted by the foulness of their tramp. Virginia alone could speedily perform the work of expurgation, but her cause is now our cause, her battles our battles, and let the Government at large pour a continuous stream of men into Virginia, and preserve from dishonor that patriotic mother of States.”

—The rebel Congress passed an act to prohibit the exportation of cotton, except through Southern seaports.—(Doc. 198.)

—This afternoon at about 4 o’clock, Gen. McClellan, commanding the military department of Ohio, received information that two bridges had been burned near Farmington, on the B. & O. R. R., and that arrangements had been made to burn the others between that point and Wheeling. The general had been making arrangements to move on Grafton in force, but this intelligence caused him to hasten his movements. He returned at once to Cincinnati and issued telegraphic orders for an advance. One column was directed to move from Wheeling and Bellaire, under command of Col. B. F. Kelly, 1st Virginia Volunteers; another from Marietta, on Parkersburg, under Col. Steedman, 14th Ohio Volunteers. These officers were directed to move with caution, and to occupy all the bridges, etc., as they advanced. A proclamation to Virginians, and address to the troops, were issued by Gen. McClellan simultaneously with the advance.—(Doc. 199.)

—The First Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers, Colonel Tappan, passed through New York on their way to the seat of war. The regiment left Camp Union, at Concord, yesterday morning. Its progress through Massachusetts and Connecticut was an ovation, crowds assembling at all the stations to give them a greeting.—(Doc. 200.)

—Postmaster-General Blair issued the following order:—”All postal service in the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas, will be suspended from and after the 31st inst. Letters for offices temporarily closed by this order, will be forwarded to the dead letter office, except those for Western Virginia, which will be sent to Wheeling.”—Boston Transcript, May 27.

—Colonel Duryea’s Zouaves arrived at Fortress Monroe, Va., this morning by the Alabama, and encamped near the Hampton Bridge, with the Vermont and Troy regiments. The Pembroke also arrived with two companies of Massachusetts troops. There are now about 6,000 men within or under the walls of the fortress. The Quaker City came up to the fortress with a rich prize this morning—the bark Winifred, of Richmond, from Rio Janeiro, laden with coffee. Gen. Butler, accompanied by acting Adjutant-Gen. Tallmadge, and his aids, made a dashing reconnoissance several miles between the James and York Rivers. A picket guard of rebels fled on their approach.

Three fugitives, the property of Col. Mallory, commander of the rebel forces near Hampton, were brought in to Fortress Monroe by the picket guard yesterday. They represent that they were about to be sent South, and hence sought protection. Major Cary came in with a flag of truce, and claimed their rendition under the Fugitive Slave law, but was informed by Gen. Butler that, under the peculiar circumstances, he considered the fugitives contraband of war, and had set them to work inside the fortress. Col. Mallory, however, was politely informed that so soon as he should visit the fortress and take a solemn oath to obey the laws of the United States, his property would promptly be restored.—N. Y. Tribune, May 27.

—The New Orleans Picayune of to-day says: “One week hence there will not be any available mode of letter or newspaper express or telegraphic communication between the Confederate and the United States. Our Postmaster-General has announced his determination to assume the discharge of the duties of his office on the 1st day of June. From that date all existing U. S. mail contracts, so far as we are concerned, will have been annulled. Meantime, the Washington Administration adopt the same policy, and to make non-intercourse thoroughly impossible, prohibit express companies from carrying express matter, inclusive of letters, across the Potomac River. By order of the commanding general U. S. A., at Washington, Adams’ Express was opened on the 16th inst., and all such matter was stopped. Without mail or express communication with the North, and the carrying of mail matter by individuals being considered in the light of treasonable communication with the enemy, in a few days we shall have but scant opportunity of enriching our columns with interesting intelligence from the other side of the border. We might get an occasional budget by the way of Havana, but we suppose it is intended by the despotic clique at Washington that the blockade shall prevent that. Won’t it be queer to read, hereafter, the latest news from way down east, via Paris and London?

“Well, we suppose we can stand it as well as they can on the other side of the line. Let us see who will first get tired of the embargo.”

—The First Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, Col. Allen, left New York for the seat of war. —(Doc. 196.)

—Funeral ceremonies over the body of Col. Ellsworth took place in Washington. The remains lay in state in the east room of the President’s house for several hours. Owing to the immense throng of anxious gazers on the remains of the deceased, the funeral cortege delayed moving from the Executive Mansion till near 1 o’clock. All along the line of Pennsylvania avenue flags were displayed at half-mast and draped in mourning. Every available point, including the windows, balconies, and house-tops, was thronged with anxious and sorrowful gazers. Various testimonials of respect were paid. All the bells of the city were tolled, and the heads of the soldiers and troops uncovered. Several companies of the City Corps, followed by the New York Seventy-first Regiment, Marines, and the local Cavalry Corps, formed the military escort, with their arms reversed and colors shrouded. The hearse was followed by a detachment of Zouaves, one of whom, the avenger of Col. Ellsworth, carried the identical secession flag torn down by the deceased. Then followed the President, accompanied by Secretaries Seward and Smith, and the rest of the procession was composed of carriages, containing the captains of the Zouave Regiment.—N. Y. Times, May 26

—Sergeant Butterworth, of the N. Y. Fire Zouaves, was shot by a sentry at Alexandria,.Va., through his failure to give the word when challenged.—N. Y. News, May 27.

—An attempt to poison the Union forces in Missouri, by means of arsenic in the bread, was betrayed by a negress.

The Missouri troops, organized under the requisition of Governor Jackson, refused to disband, according to the terms of agreement between General Harney and General Price.—St. Louis Democrat, May 24.

—The Steuben Volunteers, 7th Regiment N. Y. S. V., departed from New York for the seat of war.—(Doc. 193.)

—All vessels belonging to the United States, which arrived at New Orleans, La., after the 6th inst., were formally seized by the Confederate States Marshal, in conformity with the act of the Confederate Congress in relation to privateering, which gave thirty days for all vessels in Southern ports to leave, but made no provision for vessels arriving after its passage.—N. O. Picayune, May 25.

—The Senate of Kentucky passed resolutions that that State will not sever her connection with the National Government, nor take up arms for either belligerent party, but arm herself for the protection of peace within her borders, and tender her services as a mediator to effect a just and honorable peace.—Ohio Statesman, May 25.

John Lothrup Motley published an article on the “Causes of the Civil War in America,” in the London Times of this day.—(Doc. 146½.)

—Jefferson Davis issued at Montgomery, Ala., a proclamation appointing Thursday the 18th day of June, 1861, to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer by the people of the seceded States.—(Doc 194.)

—A General movement into Virginia was executed under the command of Gen. Mansfield. The N. Y. Seventh Regiment left their camp in Washington at 1:20 A. M., each man having sixty rounds of ball cartridge. They touched the “sacred soil of Virginia” at 4 A. M., landing at the Alexandria Bridge, near which they encamped. The New York Sixty-ninth and Twenty-eighth Regiments, with Lieut. Drummond’s cavalry and a battery, passed the Chain Bridge, below Georgetown, at about 1 A. M. They first took possession of the Loudon and Hampshire Railroad, seized the train, arrested the passengers, took the cars and engine, and captured one secession soldier, who was on board the train. The 69th then took position on the Orange and Manassas Gap Railroad, which runs out of Alexandria.,

They took up some of the rails, and awaited in ambush the arrival of the train, which they supposed would leave Alexandria with the fugitives. When it came it was surrounded, and the train captured. About seven hundred persons were on board, including 800 men. The entire party were held as prisoners of war, and were kept as hostages for the fair treatment of any loyal citizens that may fall into the hands of the rebels. Two companies of the N. Y. Second, the N. Y. Fifth, Twelfth, Twenty-fifth, three companies of the New York Seventy-first and the N. Y. Fire Zouaves; the Rhode Island First, and the Rhode Island batteries; the Michigan Third; the New Jersey Fourth; three companies of an Ohio Regiment; one company Massachusetts Fifth; three companies of cavalry regular army; and twenty-five hundred District of Columbia troops, also participated in the movement on Virginia—making in all 18,000 men.—N. Y. Times, May 25.

A little before 5 o’clock A. M., the commander of U. S. steamer Pawnee, lying in the Potomac, off Alexandria, Va., sent a flag of truce to the rebel forces, giving them one hour in which to withdraw from the town. At five, the steamers Baltimore and Mount Vernon, with the N. Y. Fire Zouaves, made fast to the wharf. As the steamers approached, the rebel sentinels fired their guns in the air and retreated. The Zouaves landed in good order in double quick time, each company forming on the street facing the river. Company E, Capt. Leveridge, was the first to disembark. It was at once detailed to destroy the railroad track leading to Richmond, which service was promptly performed. After detailing company E, Col. Ellsworth directed the adjutant to form the regiment, and then with his aid, Lieut. Witmer, and a file of men, started for the telegraph office for the purpose of cutting the wires. They marched in double quick time up the street, and had proceeded three blocks, when the attention of Colonel Ellsworth was attracted by a large secession flag flying from the Marshall House kept by J. W. Jackson. Col. Ellsworth entered the hotel, and meeting a man in the hall asked, “Who put that flag up?” The man answered, “I don’t know; I am a boarder here.” Col. Ellsworth, Lieut. Winser, the chaplain of the regiment, Mr. House, a volunteer aid, and the four privates, then went up to the roof; and Col. Ellsworth cut down the flag. The party returned down the stairs, preceded by private Francis E. Brownell of Company A. As they left the attic, the man who had said he was a boarder, but who proved to be the landlord, Jackson, was met in the hall having a double-barrel gun, which he levelled at Brownell. Brownell struck up the gun with his musket, when Jackson pulled both triggers, and the contents lodged in the body of Col. Ellsworth, entering between the third and fifth ribs. Col. Ellsworth was at the time rolling up the flag. He fell forward on the floor of the hall and expired instantly, only exclaiming “My God.”

Private Brownell immediately levelled his musket at Jackson, and fired. The ball struck Jackson on the bridge of the nose, and crashed through his skull, killing him instantly. As he fell Brownell followed his shot by a thrust of his bayonet, which went through Jackson’s body. The companions of Col. Ellsworth, seven in number, immediately posted themselves so as to command the halls of the hotel, and threatened to shoot the first man who showed his head outside of a door. In this way they stood for ten minutes. Their protracted absence alarmed Adjutant Looser, who ordered Company A, Capt. Coyle, to search for the Colonel. The Company found their commander dead, and their comrades in possession of the hotel. They made a litter of muskets, and placing the body of the Colonel on it, returned to the boat, whence it was soon after taken to Washington.

Simultaneously with the landing of the Zouaves the first Michigan Regiment entered Alexandria by the road leading from Long Bridge, and proceeded direct to the railroad depot, of which they took possession, capturing a troop of rebel cavalry numbering one hundred, with their horses and equipments. All the heights which command Washington were occupied in this movement, and the construction of earthworks for batteries was immediately begun. Batteries were placed at each end of the two bridges which cross the Potomac. A portion of the New York troops were ordered towards the Manassas Gap Junction, and the New Jersey regiment was posted at the forks a mile from the Long Bridge. Numerous wagons, with camp equipage, went over about noon to the Federal troops in Virginia, and a great many men commenced work at the intrenchments.

Col. Ellsworth’s body was taken to Washington and placed in the engine-house at the Navy Yard. The house was heavily draped with American flags, crape, and bouquets of flowers. It was guarded by the Zouaves, a company of the Seventy-first N. Y. regiment, and some regulars. Thousands of people assembled there to see the remains during the day, the President’s family among the number. At seven o’clock Alexandria was comparatively quiet. But the Zouaves were anchored at night on a steamer in the river, to prevent them from avenging the death of Ellsworth. They were disposed to burn the town.—(Doc. 195.)

—A. H. Stephens arrived at Atlanta, Ga., on his return from Montgomery, and in response to a call of the citizens delivered a strong secession speech.—(Doc. 189.)

—Gen. Butler at Fortress Monroe, in a general order, announced the following staff: Capt. Grier Tallmadge, Assistant Quartermaster and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Capt.T. Bailey Myers; Acting Assistant Quartermaster, Capt. Peter Hagerty; and Second Lieut., George H. Butler; Major Richard S. Fay, Military Secretary.—N. Y. Commercial, May 31.

—The Philadelphia Evening Journal of today says: “We have it from good authority that there are, at this time, about five hundred Indians stationed at Harper’s Ferry, with the rebel, or traitor army. If this be the mode of warfare these blood-thirsty, scalping devils are to be brought into the fight, our friends in the South must not consider it all unkind if we accept the proffered services of the ten regiments of free negroes in Canada and the North, and send them down South. Our Governor refused to let one regiment of negroes pass through our State to go South to do battle, but if Indians are to be brought into the field by Jeff. Davis, the South may rely on it they will be met with a corresponding force of negroes, and they will increase their numbers as they pass through the country, by having the slaves join them.”

—The Advance Guard, Fifth Regiment, N. Y. Volunteers, Col. Duryea, embarked on board the steam transport Alabama, from New York, for Fortress Monroe.—(Doc. 190.)

—The Mississippi, which sailed from Boston, Mass., this forenoon, returned to that place and anchored off the Navy Yard. She had proceeded but a few miles down the harbor, when it was discovered that in repairing the engines, about two inches of the delivery pipe, through which the water from the condensers was freed out of the side of the ship, had been cut out, and in its place a joint of gum and canvas substituted, when it should have been a slip joint of iron or other metal. The defective part gave way, pouring a flood of water into the ship, when the engines were immediately stopped and the anchor thrown out. Temporary repairs were made so that she was enabled to return, but she lost a 6,000 lb. anchor by the parting of a cable. Michael Quinn of Virginia, late Chief Engineer in the Navy, superintended the repairs of the Mississippi. He recently resigned, returned to Virginia, and his name was stricken from the Navy roll.—N. Y. Tribune, May 24.

—The First and Second Regiments of the Ohio volunteers, numbering together eighteen hundred men, and under the command respectively of Colonels McCook and Wilson, reached Washington. It has been several weeks since they left home, having been in the mean time encamped in Pennsylvania—first at Lancaster, and afterwards near Philadelphia. They left the latter city early yesterday morning, on the railroad, coming by way of Baltimore.—(Doc. 194)

—An immense dry-dock was anchored at night in the Pensacola channel east of Fort Pickens by the rebels, who had intended, however, to anchor it elsewhere. Gen. Brown, in command at the fort, forbade its further removal. Its anchorage between Forts Pickens and McRae was for some time contemplated.—N. O. Delta, May 24.

—A battery of Whitworth guns, twelve-pounders, with ammunition and carriages complete, arrived in New York city, as a present to the Government from patriotic Americans abroad. The battery is consigned to Henry F. Spaulding, Samuel D. Babcock, and Henry A. Smythe, who have informed Secretary Cameron of its arrival, and that it is at the disposition of the Government. Each one of the guns bears the following inscription:

“From loyal Americans in Europe, to the United States Government, 1861.”

Mr. R. G. Moulton, an American at present residing in Manchester, deserves great credit for his energetic efforts in raising funds for the purchase of this battery.—N. Y. Times, May 24.

—One of the secession flags displayed from the head-quarters of the “Grays,” at Alexandria, Va., and within sight from Washington, was captured by two adventurous Union men—William McSpedon, of New York city, and Samuel Smith, of Queens County, N. Y.

—Gen. Patterson and staff arrived at Fort McHenry, Baltimore. Col. Vosburgh, late of the 71st N. Y. regiment, was buried in Greenwood Cemetery. —N. Y. Times, May 24.

—The Third Connecticut Regiment arrived at Washington. It numbers over eight hundred men, all well drilled, and is commanded by Colonel J. Arnold.—(Doc. 191.)

—The Alexandria (Va.) Sentinel of to-day, says: “The Washington Home Guard, Capt. Powell, took to-day 169 head of fine mutton, three miles above the chain bridge. They were appraised at $2.50 a head, and are impounded near this place. They had been purchased of some Virginia drover by the Georgetown butchers, and were to have been delivered by some party, who had undertaken to swim them across the river at so much a head. It has not been found out who it is in Virginia that is thus furnishing aid and comfort to her enemies. This company deserves great credit for the vigilance they have exercised in protecting the adjoining country from marauding bands of Lincoln’s soldiery, as also to prevent disloyal Virginians from furnishing supplies to the enemy.”

—Jefferson Davis issued instructions to privateers sailing under his letters of marque. —(Doc. 192.)

—Gen. Butler, desiring to know the precise lay of the land about Fortress Monroe, Va., concluded to pay a visit to the neighboring village of Hampton. Col. Phelps’s regiment of Vermonters were detailed for the reconnoissance, and took up the march across the dyke and bridge leading from the Fortress to the Hampton side of the bay. Observing the movement, the rebels rushed down to the bridge, and, with combustibles ready, prepared to set fire to it. At this the advance guard of the Vermonters took the double quick step, and before the fire had made much headway were down on the burning bridge and rebels. The latter fled precipitately, and the former was soon rescued from destruction. A field-piece, which the rebels had planted in the neighborhood, was unceremoniously pitched into the bay. Gen. Butler pushed on and completed the reconnoissance, to the infinite disgust of the rebels, and, probably, of John Tyler in particular, whose villa is not far distant. The ground for the permanent encampment was selected on the farm of Mr. Segor at the end of the bridge, and to-morrow will be the first permanent occupation of the soil of Virginia, made by Capt. Carr’s and Col. Phelps’s Regiments, who will go into encampment there.—N. Y. Tribune, May 27.

—The Wheeling(Va.) Intelligencer of today, says:—That the first belligerent issue between the “Union men” of Western Virginia and the “State troops “ recognizing the authority of the Southern Confederacy, has been joined at the town of Clarksburg, in the county of Harrison. Two companies of the Confederate military having marched into that place on the 20th instant, the court-house bell was rung as a signal for the assemblage of the two “Union military companies” of Clarksburg, under the command of Captains A. C. Moore and J. C. Vance, who demanded that the “Confederate forces” should surrender their arms and disband. After a brief parley the demand was complied with.

—The Richmond (Va.) Whig of to-day says: “We are not enough in the secrets of our authorities to specify the day on which Jeff. Davis will dine at the White House, and Ben. McCullough take his siesta in Gen. Sickles’ gilded tent. We should dislike to produce any disappointment by naming too soon or too early a day; but it will save trouble if the gentlemen will keep themselves in readiness to dislodge at a moment’s notice! If they are not smitten, however, with more than judicial blindness, they do not need this warning at our hands. They must know that the measure of their iniquities is full, and the patience of outraged freedom is exhausted. Among all the brave men from the Rio Grande to the Potomac, and stretching over into insulted, indignant and infuriated Maryland, there is but one word on every lip: ‘Washington;’ and one sentiment on every heart: vengeance on the tyrants who pollute the Capital of the Republic!”

—There was an exciting time in Passaic, N. J., on the occasion of raising the Stars and Stripes by the citizens of that locality. A handsome flag, donated by the scholars of the Passaic Academy, was raised upon that edifice, and one of much larger proportions was raised upon Passaic Heights. Eloquent and patriotic addresses were made by Rev. Marshall B. Smith and Thos. D. Hassey, Esq., of Paterson. The Passaic Light Guard turned out in good numbers and saluted the flag with several rounds. —N. Y. Commercial, May 24.

—A correspondent of the Savannah (Ga.) Republican, writing from Montgomery, Alabama, says: “It is feared that the blockade of Lincoln will seriously diminish the revenue, unless speedily raised, and if not, the government will have to resort to direct taxation, in order to provide for its support. The plan will prove acceptable to the people, and will be more effective than a mere dependence upon an uncertain income. Some one has suggested, though not officially, the project of levying a tax of four per cent. upon slaves; but, considering the average value of the slaves at present to be four hundred dollars, the income will not exceed thirty-six millions. The Secretary of War alone estimates for thirty-five millions, and it is probable that at least one hundred will be needed for disbursement this year. We may, therefore, confidently expect a system of direct taxation in case any inconvenience is experienced in collections of the customs revenue. The tariff will be reduced to an exceedingly low figure, and will expose, by its action, the monstrosities of its colleague, the Morrill tariff.”

—Major-General Butler and Staff arrived at Fortress Monroe, and were received with the customary military honors. There was a grand review of the troops in the evening, the parade-line, four thousand men, stretching across the parade-ground of the fortress. The spectacle was magnificent, and there was great enthusiasm among the men.

—A party of Virginians attempted at night to capture a ferry-boat on the Potomac near Clear Spring, Md. Notice was given the Union men of Clear Spring, three miles distant, who turned out to guard the boat. During the night the Virginians seized the boat, and were fired upon by the guard, and when midway across had to abandon the prize and escape in a skiff. Two Virginians were shot. The ferry-boat returned to the Maryland shore.—N. Y. Times; May 24.

—The fortress at Ship Island, Gulf of Mexico, 95 miles from the northern mouth of the Mississippi, was destroyed to prevent it from falling into the hands of the rebels.—Handsboro (Miss.) Democrat, (Extra,) May 22.

—In a speech at Atlanta, Ga., Howell Cobb proposed that the planters should sell half their cotton crop to the Southern Confederacy, and accept its bonds in payment.—(Doc. 186.)

—A circular letter from the Secretary of War was addressed to the governors of all the States, in which he recommends that no person be appointed a lieutenant who is not over 22 years of age; a captaincy, over 30; a major, over 35; a lieutenant-colonel, over 40; or colonel, over 45.—(Doc. 187.)

—The Second Regiment, N. Y. S. V., Col. Carr, left New York for Fortress Monroe.—(Doc. 188.)

—A contingent of 350 men left New York to join the 69th Regiment at Washington. It included Capt. T. F. Meagher’s Company of Zouaves, numbering 110, elegantly equipped and armed with the Minié musket and bayonet. —N. Y. Tribune, May 23.

—Despatches by the Persia state that the agents of the Rebel Government have explored Europe in vain for arms, munitions, or money, to be had in exchange for their bonds. Mr. Dudley Mann had sought an interview with Mr. George Peabody in the hope of negotiating an interview, and had been politely, but firmly repulsed. In no case had they found their securities marketable at the largest discount they could offer as a temptation. —N. Y. Times, May 23.

—The President and Cabinet attended the flag raising at the Post-office Department in Washington. Thousands of spectators were present. As the colors ascended, a lull in the breeze caused them for a moment to hug the staff. In a few seconds, however, the breeze freshened and caused the beautiful Stars and Stripes to float out for full fifty feet. The effect was electric. The host of spectators, the President, the Cabinet—all united in cheers. Mr. Lincoln, amidst the wildest enthusiasm of the mass, made a brief address.

He said that a few months ago the Stars and Stripes hung as listless and still all over the Union as the flag just raised, but in a short time they were caught up by the coming breeze and made to float over the whole loyal nation, and among millions who were now determined to keep the flag flying till the bitter end or until the restoration of peace and unity.

Speeches were also made by Mr. Blair, Mr. Seward, and Mr. Caleb B. Smith. The remarks of Mr. Seward were received with the most intense enthusiasm.—N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, May 22.

—The steamer J. C. Swan was seized at Harlow’s Landing, thirty miles below St. Louis, and brought to the St. Louis arsenal, by order of Gen. Lyon. This is the steamer that brought the arms from Baton Rouge, which were captured by Gen. Lyon, at Camp Jackson. Measures will be taken to effect the legal confiscation of the boat. About 5,000 pounds of lead, en route for the South, were also seized at Ironton, on the Iron Mountain Railroad, by order of Gen. Lyon. Some resistance was offered by a party of citizens, and several shots were fired on both sides, but nobody was hurt.—(Idem.)

—Major-General Sandford was placed in command of the New York troops on duty at Washington.—N. Y. Times, May 24.

—Among the speakers at the annual meeting of the Wesleyan Mission Society in London, was Rev. Dr. McClintock, of New York. He improved the occasion to make a stirring appeal to the audience against the misrepresentations of the London Time., about American affairs, and to set them right on the subject His address was received with very great applause. At one passage, the whole audience rose to their feet, and cheered for the speaker, and for the cause of the Union which he was advocating.—(Doc. 188½.)

—Gen. Price, of the Missouri Militia, and Gen. Harney U. S. A., agreed upon a plan to maintain the public peace. Gen. Price pledged the whole power of the State officers to maintain order among the people of the State, and Gen. Harney declares that this object being assured, he can have no occasion as he has no wish, to make military movements, which might otherwise create excitement and jealousies which he most earnestly desires to avoid.—Ohio Statesman, May 22.

—This afternoon two companies, numbering 120 muskets, from the Philadelphia camp, composed of companies E and G under the command of Major McLane, went to Baltimore; proceeded to an unoccupied house near Green Mount Cemetery, and seized a large quantity of arms stored there, comprising 1,600 muskets, the boxes marked, “Virginia muskets,” and 84 boxes containing 4,000 pikes, the boxes marked, “From Denmeads.” The whole made twenty-six dray loads and were all taken to camp, and thence to Fort McHenry. The arms had been in the custody of the city authorities.—Idem.

—The Second Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers, numbering 952 men, arrived at Richmond, Va., and went into camp at the head of Main street.—(Doc. 182.)

—The ship General Parkhill of Liverpool, for Charleston, arrived at Philadelphia in charge of a prize crew of the Niagara. She was spoken off Cape Romain on the 12th, and ordered off. The next day she was captured in attempting to run the blockade. She is 600 tons with a general cargo, a large portion being salt. It is suspected that arms and munitions of war are concealed under the salt. She was commanded by Capt. Forbes, and had two secession flags fiying.—Philadelphia Press, May 21.

—Jefferson Davis approved the act, passed at the session of the Southern Congress, prohibiting Southerners owing moneys to Northern merchants from paying the same, and compelling payment instead into the treasury of the seceded States.—(Doc. 183.)

—A comprehensive and able article upon the present condition of affairs in the United States, is published in the Cologne Gazette.— (Doc. 184.)

—The Confederate Congress in session at Montgomery, Ala., adjourned to meet at Richmond, Va., July 20th.—N. Y. Herald, May 28.

—A letter from Roxabelle, N. C., says:— The Chowan Association, by a unanimous vote, cut off all intercourse with the Bible Union, and recommended those owing subscriptions to withhold the same, deprecating any further agency of the Bible Union among the churches —another fruit of the reckless fanaticism of the Northern agitators. Unwilling to bow down to the Jehovah revealed by Moses and preached by Paul, they seek anti-slavery God. Nor are they unmindful in their ardent devoirs to the almighty dollar. Thousands have gone into the Bible Union treasury, annually for years past; but the steam is now stopped.—N. Y. Express, May 24.

—The New School Presbyterian Assembly in session at Syracuse, N. Y., passed a series of resolutions upholding the Federal Government, the Constitution and laws.—Albany Journal, May 24.

—Gen. Sam Houston addressed the people of Independence, Texas, on the 10th of May last, on the occasion of a May festival. In the course of his remarks he took occasion to define his position in the present political crisis.—(Doc. 185.)