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

October 26. — At Mill Creek, five miles from Romney, Gen. Kelley’s force came upon the rebel’s outposts, which they drove in, and advanced to the Indian Mound Cemetery, to the west of the town, where the rebels made a stand and opened fire with a twelve-pound rifled gun, placed in a very commanding position in the cemetery, and with a mountain howitzer from the high grounds on the east bank of the river, which point commanded our approach for a distance of over a mile. At the east end of the bridge the enemy had also thrown up intrenchments, from which they kept up a constant fire of musketry upon the head of the column. One twelve-pounder and two six-pounders responded to the artillery on Kelley’s post until the General was enabled to fully comprehend the enemy’s position, when he soon gave the command to charge upon their batteries and intrenchments. The cavalry under the lead of Capts. Keys and McGhee, dashed across the river, (which was fordable at this point,) while the infantry, under Cols. Mason and De Puy, Lieut.-Col. Kelley, and Major Swearingen, rushed over the bridge to encounter the foe, at the very muzzles of his guns. No sooner did the rebels perceive this movement, than they immediately abandoned their positions, and commenced a precipitate retreat, rushing “pell-mell” through the town, and directing their flight toward Winchester.

General Kelley captured some four hundred or five hundred prisoners, among whom was Colonel E. M. Armstrong, late a member of the Richmond Convention, two hundred horses, three wagon loads of new rifles, three cannon, a large quantity of corn, tents, and, in fact, every thing they had. The loss on the Federal aide was but one man killed and five wounded. When about one and a half miles from Springfield the rear of Col. Johns’ column (ordered to make the feint from the north) was attacked from the heights by the enemy, severely wounding two men and detaining the column about an hour. The march was then resumed through Springfield, and on arriving within half a mile of the bridge crossing the south branch of the Potomac, Col. Johns discovered the enemy on the opposite bank, when a brisk firing commenced. An attempt to force the passage of the bridge was ineffectual, the rebels having destroyed a portion of it. Captain Shaw marched his company upon the bridge with a view to carry the position, but lost one killed and six wounded. At this time, hearing nothing further of the firing at Romney, and concluding that Gen. Kelley had carried the place, and that the object desired had been accomplished, Col. Johns withdrew his force to Oldtown, Md., after a march of twenty-five miles.—(Doc. 107.)

—A large meeting was held at Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland, by the Union men. Speeches were made by Henry Winter Davis, Edwin U. Webster, Alexander Evans, S. S. Maditt, Esq., and others. There were several hundred ladies on the ground, and the display was grand.—N. Y. Tribune, October 30.

—Parson Brownlow has been forced to suspend the publication of his paper, the Knoxville (Tenn.) Whig. He gives his readers a farewell address, in which he says that he will neither give a bend to keep the peace, nor will he take an oath to support the Jeff. Davis Confederacy, and he informs the authorities that he is ready to go to jail. He has been indicted by the Grand Jury for treason, because, as he says, he has refused to publish garbled accounts of skirmishes in Kentucky, and other articles, the insertion of which in his sheet was insisted upon by the rebels.—(Doc. 108.)

—A wagon train was established between Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D. C. Fifty wagons were employed in the service. This was rendered necessary by the closing of the Potomac and the great amount of freight thus thrown upon the railroad.—Baltimore American, October 26.

—Generals Fremont and Sigel arrived at Springfield, Missouri, and were received with a display of National flags and every demonstration of joy.—National Intelligencer, Nov. 1.

—The Charleston Mercury, of this date, declares that the Northern army “has broken its ranks forever;” that “no trumpet will call them to battle again;” and that “however new forces may be mustered, and new generals commissioned, the decree of Manassas cannot be reversed;” that therefore Southern “independence is assured,” and it accordingly gives some space to the consideration of what the relations of the new Government “with the world are to be.” It describes the late prosperous and happy condition of the United States, and its present condition, and fears that Europe will not understand the South when it looks upon it as the active agent in the destruction of so much good. (Doc. 110.)

—Three companies of the Ninth Illinois regiment went to Saratoga, Ky., on the Cumberland River, and attacked a body of rebels, whom they routed, killing thirteen, taking twenty-four prisoners, and capturing fifty-two horses. They had two wounded on their side. These affairs, though not important in their results, in one sense, do nevertheless show in a clear light the spirit and bravery of the National troops, and add new proof to the evidence already gathered that the rebels are sure to be defeated in a fair fight with equal numbers, or with numbers not greatly inferior to theirs.— (Doc. 111.)

—This day a scouting party of thirty men of the Eighth Illinois regiment, under the command of their colonel, Johnson, left for Fort Holt, near Cairo, Ill., and proceeded several miles in the direction of Columbus, Ky. An advance guard was sent out to keep their way clear. They returned to their command and reported to Col. Johnson that a large force of the enemy’s cavalry was advancing upon them; whereupon Col. Johnson ordered his men to a turn in the road, and directed them to lie in ambush for the enemy, who, upon coming up, were confronted by Col. Johnson and ordered to surrender, to which they replied by opening a fire upon him, which he escaped. At this moment the men of his command fired a volley into the midst of the rebels, from the brush, killing their captain and lieutenant, and several others, which so astounded and surprised the rebels that they broke and ran in a promiscuous retreat, leaving their lieutenant dead in the road.—Louisville Journal, November 1.

October 24.—Mr. Shufeldt, U. S. Consul at Havana, telegraphed to Capt Wilkes, of the U. S. sloop San Jacinto, at Trinidad, to bring his vessel to Havana, in view of the numerous Confederate vessels finding refuge there, and remaining there unmolested to ship cargoes and return; perhaps, also, in view of the presence there of the rebel commissioners Mason and Slidell, en route for Europe.—National Intelligencer, November 1.

—An interesting correspondence between Gen. Mclernand and the “Confederate” Gen. Polk, on the subject of a recent exchange of prisoners, was made public.—(Doc. 105.)

—Capt. H. L. Shields, of Bennington, Vt., was arrested, charged with having carried on treasonable correspondence with the rebels. He obstinately denied the charges made against him, and promised to bring sufficient evidence of their falsity. He was conveyed to Fort Lafayette. Capt. Shields graduated at West Point in 1841, served ten years in the regular army, and was twice brevetted for gallantry in the Mexican War.—N. Y. Times, October 28.

—President Lincoln suspended the writ of habeus corpus for the District of Columbia. The judges and lawyers had made themselves so troublesome by their officious interference with military affairs that this had become necessary. —N. Y. Evening Post, October 24.

—The steamer Salvor, captured whilst attempting to run the blockade into Tampa Bay, Florida, arrived at New York.—Western Virginia almost unanimously voted in favor of a division of the State.—The funeral of Col. Edward D. Baker, who was killed at the battle of Ball’s Bluff, took place at Washington, D.C. The remains were deposited in the congressional burying ground.—Reports were circulated throughout the country that Gen. Banks had been killed and his army slaughtered, that Gen. Sickles’ brigade had suffered a similar fate, and that the Confederates had crossed the Potomac, both above and below Washington.— Baltimore American, October 25.

—This night a skirmish occurred between Gen. Ward’s pickets and a scouting party of about one hundred rebels in Green County, to the southwest of Campbellsville, Kentucky. The captain of pickets unfortunately was taken prisoner, but the National forces suffered no other loss, though there were several of the rebels killed and wounded. A Tennesseean who was attached to the Federal forces killed two of them.—Louisville Journal, October 26.

October 23.—To-day a battle was fought at West Liberty, Ky., between a part of the Ohio Second, supported by one company of cavalry belonging to the Ohio First, and two pieces of light artillery on the side of the Federals, and seven hundred rebels. The rebels were completely routed, with a loss of twenty-one persons killed, the number of wounded not stated. The Federals captured thirty-four prisoners, fifty-two horses, ten or twelve mules, two jacks, and one large bear, and a great number of guns, knives, and other articles. None killed on the Federal side, and only two wounded—-one of them a flesh wound in the thigh, the other shot on the end of one of his thumbs.

General Nelson, with Colonels Marshall and Metcalfe’s commands, took Hazelgreen, routed two hundred rebels, took thirty-eight prisoners, and established his head-quarters in the house of G. Trimble, one of the leading rebels. There was not a gun fired at that place.

The troops at both places were acting under General Nelson’s orders, the whole belonging to his brigade.—(Doc. 103.)

—When the Union troops were withdrawn from the Virginia side, near Harper’s Ferry, this night, the Sixteenth Indiana, occupying the most advanced and exposed position, were not aware of any withdrawal until the rest had been successfully ferried over. They lay upon the cold ground, almost frozen, with loaded muskets in their hands, every moment expecting a furious and overpowering assault from a concealed and reinforced enemy, whose numbers were known to exceed our own by many thousands; yet the only murmurs uttered by these hardy sons of the Northwest were at the orders to retire without disputing the ground inch by inch with their adversaries. Slowly and mutteringly they retired to the place of embarkation, picking up and loading themselves down with the knapsacks, canteens, guns, and equipments left there by others who had retired before them.—Balt. American, Oct. 30.

—Mr. Charles J. Helm, late United States Consul at Havana, arrived there in the British steamer from St. Thomas, with credentials from the Confederate Government, naming him consul for the Southern Confederation. He presented his papers, asking to be admitted as Consul, but the Captain-General would not do any thing in the matter beyond reporting the case to the Home Government. Other consuls, though the Madrid Government may not have granted the exequatur, are at once admitted to the free exercise of their office before that formality, but this will not be the case in the present instance.—N. Y. Com. Advertiser, Oct. 30.

—Fifty men of the Sixth Indiana regiment, under Lieutenant Grayson, were attacked on the road near Hodgeville, Kentucky, by about double their number of rebels, whom they repulsed. Three rebels were left on the field dead, and five wounded. Three of the Union men were severely wounded, Lieutenant Grayson being of the number.—(Doc. 104.)

—General Fred. W. Lander was ordered to the command of the brigade recently commanded by Colonel Baker. Only a few hours subsequent to his assumption of the command, and while engaged in a reconnoissance, he received a musket ball in the calf of the leg. It was extracted.—N. Y. Times, Oct. 24.

October 22.—Flag-officer Craven, of the Potomac flotilla, arrived at Washington, and reported the Potomac River effectually closed, rebel batteries commanding it at every point below Alexandria.

—A letter from Richmond, of this date, says: Bad news from the forces under General Lee at Big Sewall Mountain. A gentleman of this city, occupying a high position in the Government, has just reached Richmond from General Lee’s head-quarters. The enemy, under Rosecrans, was in full retreat toward the Ohio, but pursuit was impossible. The roads were in the most awful condition. Dead horses and mules that had perished in their tracks, broken wagons, and abandoned stores, lined the road to Lewisbnrg. There was no such thing as getting a team or wagon through uninjured. The road beyond Big Sewall was if any thing worse than on this side of it. To be sure, the difficulties were quite as great—perhaps even greater—for the Yankees, in their flight, as for our troops in pursuing them. But General Lee was entirely out of provision, and had not the wherewith to cook the next meal for himself or to serve the next ration to his soldiers. The General was not in the best health, and it may well be imagined, not in the best spirits. The splendid horse that was presented to him just before he left this city had been lamed in two legs, and was unfit for service. It will be absolutely necessary for General Lee to abandon hi position in a very short time as uninhabitable for his army, and go into winter-quarters. Where this will be—whether in the Kanawha Valley or on the line of the Central Railroad— is uncertain, but much depends on the choice as to the footing the Yankees will have in Western Virginia next spring.

October 21.—Twenty-one hundred men of the Fifteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts, the First California, and the Tammany regiments; the First U. S. Artillery, and Rhode Island battery, with five pieces of artillery, crossed the Potomac at Harrison’s Island or Ball’s Bluff, under command of Colonel E. D. Baker, to support reconnoissances above and below, under the general direction of Brig.-Gen. Stone. At about four p. M., they were suddenly attacked by a body of five thousand rebels under the Confederate General Evans. Unable through the disparity of numbers to hold their position, they were driven back to the river, and there, as no adequate means to pass the stream had been made, they were driven into it, or slaughtered on the bank. National loss: Killed, one hundred and fifty; wounded, one hundred and fifty; prisoners, five hundred.—(Docs. 35, 99.)

—The gunboat Conestoga having made a reconnoissance up the Tennessee River as far as the State line, returned to Cairo, Ill., this evening with two barges of flour that were seized on the way to the rebels.—N. Y. World, Oct. 22.

—The land forces destined to cooperate with the naval expedition against Port Royal sailed from Annapolis.—N. Y. Times, Oct. 24.

—A private letter published in the Boston Transcript, shows that Mr. Albert Pilsbury, for eight years American Consul at Halifax, is now acting as agent for the Confederates, purchasing vessels which he loads with assorted cargoes of warlike munitions, and then despatches to try and run the blockade. One of his ventures, the Argyle, sailed from Halifax a few days since, with a cargo valued at one hundred thousand dollars, and another is about ready to leave, with one hundred barrels of powder, packed in codfish drnms.

—The Ellsworth regiment, numbering one thousand and sixty muskets, left Albany, N. Y., for Washington. There was a perfect ovation at the departure of this regiment. Prior to their departure a handsome regimental banner was presented to the troops, with appropriate ceremonies, by the wife of Erastus Corning.—N. Y. Herald, Oct. 22.

—A Large body of rebels, under Jeff. Thompson and Lowe, were defeated at Fredericktown, Missouri, by Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana troops, about two thousand in number, under Colonel Carlin, Colonel Ross, Colonel Baker, Major Plummer, and Major Scofield. The engagement lasted two hours, when the rebels fled from the field in disorder, and took to the woods. Major Gavitt and Captain Hingham were killed in making a charge. Colonel Lowe, the rebel leader, was killed and four heavy guns were captured. The rebels were pursued for Twenty-two miles, when the chase was given over. Two hundred rebels were left in the field. Union loss, six killed and forty wounded.—(Doc. 100.)

—Capt. J. H. Barnes, with one hundred and fifty men of the Third Mass, regiment, while out from Newport News, Va., to get wood for the fort bakery, was attacked by a body of rebels, whom he drove off without loss.—N. Y. Herald, Oct. 24.

—Major Mix, of the Van Alen Cavalry, with thirty-one men, made a reconnoissance from Edwards’ Ferry, in Virginia, along the Leesburg road, beyond Goose Creek, drove in a vidette of the enemy’s, received the fire of a platoon of the rebels’ infantry, and returned without other loss than that of two horses.— (Doc. 101.)

—The Charleston Mercury, of this date, says: Our privateers are far from idle, although we hear less than formerly of their doings in the Kew York papers. Among their latest exploits is the capture of the brig Granada, of Portland, Me., (Pettingill, master,) from Neuvitas, Cuba, for New York, with a cargo of sugar, molasses, mahogany, and honey. We also hear it whispered that there has been an important (and not involuntary) accession to our stock of sugar, molasses, coffee, &c.

—General Zollicoffer, with six thousand infantry, sixteen hundred horse, and one battery of artillery, was repulsed by the Union forces under General Schoepf at Camp Wild Cat, Laurel County, Ky. For some days previous, the position had been held only by Colonel Garrard’s Kentucky regiment; but when it was knows that Zollicoffer would attack it, the Thirty-third Indiana and Seventeenth Ohio regiments, and Captain Stannard’s Ohio battery, were harried forward, and participated in the fight. Two separate, resolute, and unsuccessful attempts were made by the rebels to carry a bill occupied by the Federal force, when they withdrew. Their loss was unknown. National loss was four killed, and twenty-one wounded. (Doc. 102.)

October 20.—Two or three companies of the Forty-third Indiana regiment, stationed at Camp Vigo, in Terre Haute, under command of their colonel, proceeded quietly this evening to the office of the Journal and Democrat, and in a short time demolished every thing it contained. They then proceeded to several private houses, and served them in the same manner.—New York Times, October 22.

—This morning a heavy detachment from General Smith’s division made a reconnoissance to Flint Hill, Va., which is about two miles and a half from Fairfax Court House, and from which there is a good view of the village. A strong picket was observed there, and indications that a large or reserve force was in the vicinity. The reconnoitring party consisted of portions of Mott’s and Ayres’ batteries, and companies from the Fifth (regular) and from Col. Friedman’s regiment of cavalry. Generals McClellan, Porter, Smith, and Hancock accompanied the expedition.—National Intelligencer, October 21.

—The Sixth regiment of Vermont Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Nathaniel Lord, Jr., passed through Jersey City, N. J., en route for Washington. The regiment numbered one thousand and fifty men.

October 19.—Colonel Morgan, with two hundred and twenty men of the Eighteenth Missouri regiment, with two pieces of artillery, had a fight with some four hundred rebels, on Big Hurricane Creek, in Carroll County, Mo., killing fourteen, taking eight prisoners, and putting the balance to flight. Colonel Morgan had fourteen men wounded, two mortally.—(Doc. 98.)

—The Leavenworth (Kansas) Conservative of this date gives an account of the surrender of Fort Fillmore, New Mexico, as follows:—

On the 6th of July, Major Lynde had command of seven companies of infantry and two of cavalry, in all about seven hundred men. The next officers in rank were Captains Poster and Stevenson and Lieut. McAnnelly. On the 24th of July, at three o’clock p.m,, four hundred and eighty men, with four pieces of artillery, started for Mesilla; arrived there at dark; were drawn up in line of battle between two cornfields; there were no flankers and no skirmishers out; the cavalry were within eighty-five yards of the ambuscade laid by the Texans, who numbered less than two hundred, and were poorly armed. Shots were fired out of the cornfield, one of them taking effect on Lieut. McAnnelly, a true Union man. Major Lynde was behind a wagon. A perfect cross fire was opened on the cavalry, and, no officer now being in command of them, they retreated. No order had been given them to dismount, fire, or charge, and they retreated “on their own hook” to the rear of the infantry, in order to give the artillery a chance to fire. Our own infantry opened a perfect volley on our own cavalry— by mistake, it was said. A few shots were fired by the artillery, when the whole command was ordered to retreat back on the post. Arrived there at nine o’clock. Next day all were engaged in fortifying. At half-past ten an order was given to evacuate that night. The commissary was ordered to roll out the whiskey, and the infantry were allowed to drink it and fill their canteens. No water was furnished for the hot march before them. The march was undertaken in the most irregular manner, and before we had gone ten miles men were dropping from the ranks and falling down drunk. At two in the morning Texan troops were seen advancing on the Los Crusas road. Our adjutant, on being informed of it, made no preparations to resist an attack, but said:—”They have nothing to fear from us.” Of the seven companies, so many had been left drunk and captured that no more than two companies went into camp. The officers left the men, and held a long council of war. The men of the rifle command decided among themselves to fight. Just as they were ready Captain Gibbs came up, ordered a retreat upon camp, saying:—“We will fight them there.” As soon as they reached there, they were formed into line, and told to dismount for the last time. “You are turned over as prisoners of war,” was all they heard. All the arms and supplies were given up, the oath was administered, and next day the men were released on parole.

—The schooner Fairfax, of Georgetown, D. C., bound up the Potomac with 1,100 bales of hay and 500 barrels cement, was captured by the rebels off Shipping Point. This schooner and another vessel, in tow of the steam-tug Resolute, were fired upon when passing the rebel batteries, and at that critical moment the hawser by which the Fairfax was attached to the steamer broke. The vessel had necessarily to be left to her fate. She drifted toward the batteries, from which several boats started and took possession of her. The Resolute, with the other vessel in tow, proceeded up the river. This is the first serious disaster that has happened to any vessel in passing these batteries. —National Intelligencer, October 21.

—Twenty rebel prisoners, selected from among the North Carolinians on Bedloe’s Island, were sent to Fortress Monroe, there to be released upon taking the oath not to bear arms against the United States Government. This is done in response to the recent release of fifty-seven wounded soldiers at Richmond. As nearly all the persons released by the rebel authorities are disabled by wounds and disease, more than half of them having had a limb amputated, Col. Burke made a selection in the same manner from among the common soldiers, and these were taken who appeared to be most disabled and weakened by disease. Their names are not given. This action of the Government was an agreeable surprise to the prisoners, and the fortunate ones hailed their deliverance with unfeigned delight.—Baltimore American, October 21.

—Abel Smith, colonel of the Thirteenth regiment of New York Volunteers, died this morning, at Mechanicsville, N. Y., from injuries sustained on the railroad, at that place.— Gen. Heintzleman made a reconnoissance in considerable force along the telegraph road as far as Pohick Church and Acotink Creek, in Virginia, when some of the rebel pickets were met and driven back. It was ascertained that the rebel forces were posted between the telegraph road and Occoquan.— Washington Star, October 21.

—General Wool, at Fortress Monroe, issued an order, giving every male contraband employed in the department, eight dollars per month, and every female four dollars per month. —New York Tribune, October 21.

October 18.—Rebel soldiers made their appearance again on London and Bolivar Heights, and renewed the attack upon Major Gould’s command with their artillery. Major Gould immediately responded with canister, fired from the 32-pounder columbiad captured on the 15th, and succeeded in driving them back, but not until they had burned the mill at which the National troops had seized the grain, and taken the miller prisoner, whom they accused of giving information to the National troops.—N. Y. Times, Oct. 19.

—Colonel Stahel, of the Eighth regiment of New York Volunteers, accompanied by Prince Salm Salm and several officers of his staff, made a reconnoissance in the direction of Fairfax Court House, in Virginia.—(Doc. 97.)