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

October 16.—At Annapolis, Md., a presentation of standards to the regiments of Brigadier-General Viele’s command, took place. The standards were the united gift of Mrs. Brigadier-General Viele and the Union Defence Committee, of New York. They were of the regulation size, made of the heaviest Canton silk, and fringed with heavy gold bullion. Each standard had an appropriate inscription thereon. Prior to the presentation ceremonies the entire brigade was drawn up on the College Green of the city, comprising several acres.

The first standard was presented by Governor Hicks, of Maryland. The presenter, attended by Brigadier-General Viele and his full staff, appeared in the front and centre of the regiment, and in a most telling speech, alluding to the present crisis, enjoined upon every soldier the necessity of carrying the National colors into theheart of the enemy’s country. The presentation to Colonel Rosa’s regiment, the Forty-seventh, of New York, was made by General Viele in person. The reply by the colonel was brief, but exceedingly apropos. The presentation to the Forty-seventh New York, the Washington Greys, was made by Brig.-Gen. Abram Duryea. The presentation speech was highly patriotic, alluding to the past history of the country and the cause of the present crisis. The presentation to the Forty-eighth regiment, Colonel Perry, was made by Governor Hicks. As each color was received the cheers of the troops and spectators were most enthusiastic, while the bands of the several regiments discoursed choice music. To Gen. Viele, whom the troops of his brigade style the “Big Little General,” and his lady were given the greatest lumber of cheers. The affair was one that will be long remembered in Annapolis, both from the importance of the occasion and the historical reminiscences of the city.—Baltimore American, October 19.

—Col. John W. Geary, of the Pennsylvania Twenty-eighth regiment, with detachments from his own, the Thirteenth Mass., and Third Wisconsin regiments, in all four hundred men, crossed the Potomac at Harper’s Ferry, and captured twenty-one thousand bushels of wheat stored in a mill near that place. While upon his return and on the Charleston road, near Bolivar Heights, midway between the Potomac and the Shenandoah. rivers, he was attacked by a large Confederate force with infantry, artillery, and cavalry. Rebel batteries upon Loudon and Bolívar Heights participated in the action, as did also a National battery upon the Maryland side. After several hours of intermittent fighting, the rebels were driven off, supposed with considerable loss. National loss four killed and eight wounded. Col. Geary took from the rebels one thirty-two pounder.—(Doc. 90.)

—Indiana disputes the statement that New Hampshire is the first State that has her full quota of volunteers in actual service. Indiana, whose quota is thirty-four thousand, has thirty-two regiments of infantry, of one thousand and forty-eight men each; one regiment of cavalry, being fourteen companies, of one thousand one hundred and fifty-three men; three batteries of one hundred and fifty-six men each, and one of one hundred men, making an aggregate of thirty-five thousand three hundred and fifty-seven men in actual service. In addition to this, there are six regiments now ready for the field as soon as arms can be procured, and sixteen more organized and rapidly filling up.—Dubuque Times, Oct. 18.

—The Twentieth regiment of Ohio Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Charles Whittlesey, left Camp Chase, at Columbus, for the seat of war.—Ohio Statesman, Oct. 17.

—A skirmish took place about five miles from Warsaw, Mo., between forty National troops and thirty-five rebels, in which the latter lost three killed and three prisoners. The Nationals escaped unharmed.—Cincinnati Gazette, Oct. 23.

—The Committee of the City Council, of Philadelphia, Pa., presented a sword of honor, on behalf of the city, to General Robert Anderson.

—In compliance with orders issued by the War Department at Richmond, Virginia. Colonel Adler, a Polish officer, recently attached to the Wise Legion, in Western Virginia, as an engineer, with the commission of colonel, was arrested by the Government detectives and conveyed to the Columbian Hotel, where, in consequence of his weak condition caused by a self-inflicted wound, he was permitted to remain upon parole until yesterday forenoon, when he was taken to the prison hospital as a prisoner. The charges preferred against him are that of the spy, and of holding communication with the enemy. Colonel Adler went to Richmond highly recommended as an officer of ability, who had served with distinction in the Hungarian war, and in the Italian struggle under Garibaldi, and upon these representations obtained a commission in the army. His unaccountable conduct in Western Virginia, exciting the suspicion of Governor Wise, he was, at the command of the latter, arrested as a spy. Upon hearing of his arrest, he attempted to commit suicide through mortification, it is said, inflicting a serious gash upon his throat, from the effects of which he is now suffering.—Richmond Enquirer, Oct. 19.

—One hundred and fifty men of the First Missouri Scouts, under Major Wright, surprised the rebel garrison, at Lexington, Missouri, and recaptured the place and all the sick and wounded, together with a quantity of guns, pistols, and other articles which the rebels threw away in their flight. Two pieces of cannon, which were in the fort, were also captured. The rebel garrison numbered three hundred. The condition of Lexington was deplorable. Portions of the town had been stripped of every thing, and many of the inhabitants were actually suffering for the necessaries of life.—(Doc. 91.)

—An immense audience assembled at Baltimore, Md., to-night, to hear the Hon. Henry Winter Davis on the rebellion. L. W. Gosnell, Esq., a Breckinridge Democrat, presided. Mr. Davis was received with the most unbounded enthusiasm. He endorsed the war policy of the Government to the fullest extent..

—Lord Lyons issued a circular to all the British Consuls in Southern ports that they shall take for their guidance the law of blockade as announced by the State Department, which does not permit vessels to take in a cargo in blockaded ports after the announcement of the blockade.—(Doc. 92.)

October 15.—The United States steamer Roanoke took possession of the ship Thomas Watson, which, in the attempt to run the blockade at Charleston, had got on Stone reef and was abandoned by the captain and crew. She was laden with an assorted cargo, which, with the ship, was thought to be worth about a hundred thousand dollars. She was burned.—N. Y. Herald, Oct. 24.

—The Confederates burned the house of the widow Childs, situated about half way between Falls Church and Lewinville, Va., to the right of the Leesburg turnpike. A party of ten of the New York Fourteenth regiment went thither to ascertain the cause of the conflagration, when they were surrounded by a largely superior force of Confederates, but by the prompt use of their rifles, killing two of the enemy, they escaped.—The naval fleet which left New York on Monday arrived in Hampton Roads this day, and created a great excitement among the troops, owing to the extensive character of the expedition. A flag of truce came up from Norfolk, but Gen. Wool refused to receive it.—The armed steamer Pawnee left the Navy Yard, at Washington, for Fortress Monroe, with a battalion of marines. As the Pawnee got abreast of the secession batteries above Acquia Creek, about fifty shell and shot were fired at the steamer, but having been ordered not to return any fire unless she were struck, and no shot taking effect on her, she went on her way down the river unharmed.—National Intelligencer, October 17.

—The Second Minnesota regiment, under the command of Colonel Henry P. Van Cleve, passed through Chicago, Ill., on the way to the seat of war on the Potomac.—Chicago Tribune, October 16.

—The Connecticut Senate, by a vote of twelve to six, this morning passed the following: “Resolved, That the messenger of the Senate be, and is hereby requested and directed to remove from the Senate Chamber the portraits of Isaac Toucey and Thomas H. Seymour, and that whenever the comptroller shall be satisfied of their loyalty he is instructed to return their portraits to their present place on the wall.”

—Six Hundred rebels, under Jeff. Thompson, attacked forty U. S. soldiers, posted to guard the Big River Bridge, near Potosi, in Missouri. Though the Union troops fought bravely for a while, they were surrounded and compelled to surrender. Their loss was one killed and six wounded; the rebel loss was five killed and four wounded. Immediately after the surrender, the Federal prisoners were sworn by Jeff. Thompson not to bear arms against the Southern Confederacy, and released. The rebels then burned the bridge and retreated. All the troops along the road, when this became known, were ordered to Ironton, by Colonel Carlin, commandant of that post, in anticipation of an attack.—(Doc. 88.)

—About two o’clock A. M. a skirmish took place near Green River, Ky., between three hundred Confederate cavalry, and about forty United States cavalry, under the command of Capt. Vandyke. As many as forty or fifty shots were fired by the Confederates without effect. Only four or five were fired by the Union men. The latter kept their position, and sent for reinforcements, but before these arrived the rebels disappeared.—N. Y. Times, October 20.

—The steamers Pocahontas and Seminole, while going down the Potomac, were fired upon very briskly from the batteries at Shipping Point. Captain Craven, who was five miles further up the river, on beard the Yankee, upon hearing the firing, steamed down, bnt found that the Pocahontas and Seminole had succeeded in passing the batteries.—(Doc. 89.)

October 14.—One hundred and fifty voters of Chincoteague Island, Accomac Co., Va., took the oath of allegiance to the United States, in the presence of Lieutenant Murray, U.S. ship Louisiana. It appears that all the inhabitants of Chincoteague Island, (which is a part of the county of Accomac, Va.,) numbering nearly one thousand, are true and loyal. No other flag than the Stars and Stripes has up to this time been allowed on the island, and the National ensign is at all times kept displayed on a high pole. A committee of citizens, appointed to confer with the commander of a war vessel, say:

“We, the citizens of Chincoteague Island, Virginia, do respectfully represent that we are law-abiding people, attached firmly to the Constitution and laws of the United States of America; that by interest and affection we cling to the Union; that we are united as one man in our abhorrence of the secession heresies; that we have upheld the old flag in spite of many menaces from our secession neighbors; that the opportune arrival of the war steamer commanded by Captain Murray, and his energetic measures alone saved us from subjugation, the enemy having mustered on the opposite shore for that purpose.” They therefore ask the continued protection of a Government vessel. — Washington Star, October 20.

— A slight skirmish occurred on the line of the Potomac, between a foraging party of the Union troops, about three miles from Minor’s Hill, and a band of rebel scouts, consisting of infantry and cavalry. The National troops opened a brisk fire on the rebels, who took shelter in a house, but a few shells from the batteries on Minor’s Hill drove them out, and sent them scampering along the Leesburg road. — N. Y. Herald, Oct. 15.

The train on the North Missouri Railroad from St. Louis was stopped at Rewick, Mo., by a party of thirty armed secessionists, and six Federal recruiting officers on board taken prisoners. The rebels then searched the train, but for some unknown reason did not enter the express car in which there were three hundred Enfield rifles and two tons of military clothing, destined for Nebraska. Two of the captured officers were released on the spot, and three of the four others were set at liberty a few hours afterwards.— N Y. World, October 16.

— The Southern Commercial Convention assembled at Macon, Ga., this day. — Isaac Davenport, of Richmond, Va., of the firm of I. and B. Davenport, gave a check for ten thousand dollars to the Southern “Confederacy,” which was owing to Northern creditors. — The Confederate Government authorized General Winder to arrest all Yankees who may venture there in concern for their former rights of property in. the South. — Richmond Examiner, October 8.

— William F. Springer, a citizen of Philadelphia, returned to his home, from Charlotte, N. C., after an absence of several months, a portion of which time he spent in prison in Charlotte. Mr. Springer went South, before the secession of North Carolina, to build a house for ex-Governor Morehead. Before he could complete the contract, the workmen he had taken with him were either driven away or pressed into the rebel service, and he was finally arrested on the charge of being a Union man, and thrown into prison. When it was concluded to liberate him his head was partly shaved, and he was required to leave at once, which he was not slow in doing. He came home by the way of Tennessee, after numerous detentions and escapes from violence, the cars having been searched for Northern men at various stations. Mr. Springer represents the people in Charlotte to be in an almost starving condition. Provisions of all kinds are high, and money scarce. The Southern soldiers that he saw on his way home were many of them in rags, and some of them had worn the soles off their boots, and tied the uppers under their feet.—Philadelphia Inquirer, October 16.

—The steamer Grampus, with a flag of truce from the rebels at Columbus, Ky., and Captain Polk and Lieutenant Smith, of the rebel army, bearers of despatches from General Polk to General Grant, asking for an exchange of prisoners, arrived at Cairo, Illinois.—(Doc. 83.)

—As important correspondence passed between Lord Lyons, the British Minister, and Secretary Seward, relative to the rights of British subjects during the pendency of the rebellion. Lord Lyons, referring to the case of Messrs. Patrick and Rahmie, who were arrested and subsequently released, terms this proceeding an arbitrary one, and states that the British Government is much concerned about the matter, and regards it as requiring serious consideration. Secretary Seward, in his reply, after detailing the circumstances of the arrest, states that the proceedings were taken upon information conveyed to the President by the legal police authorities, and not until after the suspension of the habeas corpus act to an extent deemed necessary by the exigencies of the State. For the exercise of his discretion in this respect, the President is responsible before the highest judicial tribunal of the Republic, and amenable, also, to the judgment of his countrymen. The safety of the whole people has, in the present emergency, become the supreme law, and all classes alike must acquiesce in the measures which that law prescribes; and, while the learning of the legal advisers of the British Crown is not questioned, it can hardly be expected that the President will accept their explanation of the Constitution of the United States. He must be allowed, therefore, to interpret it in a manner which will enable him to execute his great trust with the most complete success, under the sanction of the highest authority of our own country, and sustained by the general consent of the people.—National Intelligencer.

—Major Wright, with one company of the Fremont Cavalry, surrounded the village of Linn Creek, in Missouri, and made prisoners a company of rebels, to the number of forty-five, commanded by Bill Roberts.—(Doc. 86.)

—Jeff. Thompson, Brigadier-General of the Missouri State Guard, addresses the “patriots:”

Headquarters First Military District, M. S. G.
Camp, St. Francois County, Oct. 14, 1861.

Patriots of Washington, Jefferson, Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, and Iron Counties! I have thrown myself into your midst to offer you an opportunity to cast off the yoke you have unwillingly worn so long. Come to me and I will assist you, and drive the invaders from your soil or die with you among your native hills. Soldiers from Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois, go home! We want you not here, and we thirst not for your blood. We have not invaded your States, we have not polluted your hearth stones, therefore leave us; and after we have wiped out the Hessians and tories we will be your friendly neighbors if we cannot be your brothers.

M. Jeff. Thompson,
Brigadier-General Commanding.

—St. Louis Republican, Oct. 26.

—The gunboat Sciota was launched from the ship-yard of Jacob Brierly, at Kensington, Philadelphia.—Rev. Harvey E. Chapin, of Sandy Creek, Otsego County, New York, arrived in Troy, with a company of ninety-four men, most of them members of his own congregation, and at once marched up to Camp Strong, where he joined Colonel Morrison’s Cavalry regiment.— N. Y. World, October 17.

—Secretary Seward issued a circular to the governors of States bordering on the-ocean or lake coasts, stating that, in view of the attempts being made by the rebels to embroil the Federal Government with foreign nations, it is desirable that the coast and lake defences should be put into effective condition, he suggests that the work should be undertaken by the States individually, in consultation with the Federal Government, and that the expense should be ultimately refunded by the nation.— (Doc. 87.)

—The Forty-fourth regiment of Ohio Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Woods, left Springfield, Ohio, for the Gauley Bridge, Virginia.—Springfield News, Oct. 15.

October 13.—Eighteen miles northeast of Lebanon, Missouri, near the Wet Glaze, Major Wright, with two companies of United States cavalry, routed about three hundred mounted rebels. The rebels were gathered on the side of a hill, drawn up in line, with the road in front, and the summit of the hill behind them. Here they remained an hour and a half, evidently awaiting the approach along the road of a Union force, when suddenly two companies of Federal cavalry, under command of Captains Montgomery and Switzler, led by Major Wright, advanced over the brow of the hill, in the rear of the rebels, and plunging forward to within one hundred paces, delivered a murderous volley, which scattered the rebels like chaff before the wind. They fled precipitately up the ravine, toward Lebanon, tearing through the brush, in a perfect rout.

A number of saddles were emptied, and horses were galloping riderless about the field. They were taken so completely by surprise that they had hardly time to return a few strangling shots. The action was over in five minutes—it was a dash; a gleam of firo on tlie Federal side, and a wild scamper for life on the other side. The latter were seen running over a hill half a mile distant. Thirty prisoners were taken, and it is supposed that about Twenty rebels were killed. The United States force lost one man. —(Doc. 82.)

—A skirmish occurred at Beckweth’s farm, about twelve miles southwest of Bird’s Point, Mo., between a squad of twenty men, under command of Lieutenant Tufts, and a body of rebel cavalry, one hundred strong, resulting in the loss of two killed, five wounded, and three missing of the National forces, and twelve killed and wounded on the part of the enemy. The rebels first appeared at the outskirts of the timber in small force, and retreated into the woods upon the approach of the Nationals, who pursued them. As soon as they had entered the woods, the whole rebel force attacked them with vigor, they repelling their attack with an effect worthy of greater numbers; but owing to their inferiority of force a retreat was ordered, but not until they had inflicted serious damage upon their overwhelming foe, the effect of the fire of the little band being such as to prevent their being followed up by the enemy. One of the Federals, who had previously been stigmatized as a coward, here sought and most heroically succeeded in restoring his fair name. He had been noticed to fight with much valor during the action; and, upon Lieutenant Tufts ordering a retreat, he wheeled his horse in the face of the enemy, took deliberate aim at the rebel captain, and brought him from his saddle, after which the National force made good their retreat.—Louisville Journal, October 23.

—The brig Granada, from Nenvitas, for New York, was captured by the privateer “Sallie,” of Charleston. The Sallie is a fore-and-aft schooner, of about one hundred and forty tons, painted black, mounts one long gun amidships, and has a crew of forty men, and is commanded by Captain Libby, formerly of the ship Gondar, of Charleston. She ran the blockade from Charleston on the 10th inst. She was formerly the schooner Virginian, of Brookhaven.—N.Y. Evening Post, October 24.

—A Detachment from the Twenty-ninth Illinois regiment, and the Second Illinois dragoons, went to Shelby Thompson’s farm, near Cairo, Ill., and seized three thousand bushels of corn, a large number of horses, mules, cattle, &c., and took two prisoners. Thompson is an officer in the rebel army.—Captain W. H. Parish was to-day appointed provost-marshal of Cairo, Ill.—Missouri Republican, October 15.

October 12.—A convention of citizens of North Carolina, loyal to the Union, was held in Hyde County, N. C. Charles H. Foster, of Hertford County, addressed the assembly. He told his hearers wherein almost every article and section of the Bill of Eights of North Carolina had been violated by the Confederates, and expressed his sincere belief that, should the secessionists be successful in the present war, a monarchical or military despotism would be speedily established. “Even now,” he said,” the well-known wishes of the people are disregarded, and it is openly declared that a poor man should not vote. North Carolina gave the overwhelming majority of thirty-five thousand for the Union, and over one thousand against holding a convention to discuss the treasonable subject of secession. But such a convention had met, and when they had succeeded in passing a secession ordinance, they, well knowing what its fate would be, refused to submit the obnoxious document to the people, and the State was declared out of the Union, against the express wishes of a majority of thirty-five thousand of her citizens, and now they were denied the privilege of voting at all. Each month of August, for years past, they had been called upon to vote, either for a Representative to the National Congress, or a Governor of the State, but, in the August past, no such election was held or called.”

Resolutions expressive of fidelity and adherence to the Government were adopted, and a committee appointed for the purpose, drew up a paper which was accepted by the convention as a statement of grievances. — (Doc. 77.)

— Capt. P. G. D. Morton, captured at Chelsea, Butler County, Kansas, a train of Twenty-one wagons, four hundred and Twenty-five cattle, Twenty-five ponies, and thirty-five prisoners. The train was on its way from Pike’s Peak to the Cherokees, who seceded some weeks ago. — N. Y. Times, October 20.

— Eighty of Major James’ cavalry, at Cameron, came upon two hundred and fifty or three hundred rebels, in a cornfield, twenty miles south of Cameron, in Ray County, Missouri. The advance guard of nine of the National troops routed them, the rebels seeking refuge in the timber. The guard was then reinforced by thirty of the cavalry, when they completely drove the rebels from that section, killing eight and taking five prisoners. Four Federals were wounded and one killed.

— The steamer Theodora ran the blockade of Charleston, with Messrs. Mason and Slidell, and their secretaries, on beard, destined for Cardenas, in Cuba, it being their intention to proceed to Europe by steamer from Havana. — N. Y. Evening Post, October 30.

— This night an attack was made on the United States fleet lying at anchor near the South-West Pass, by the rebel fleet, consisting of six gunboats, the battering ram Manassas, and a large number of fire-ships, which filled the river from shore to shore. The United States fleet consisted of the steamers Richmond, Huntsville, Water-Witch, sloops-of-war Preble and Vincennes, and storeship Nightingale. The fleet when attacked, were at anchor inside of the Pass. The ram Manassas came down and drifted foul of the Richmond, knocking a hole in her quarter and stern, doing but little damage. To avoid the fire ships the squadron immediately got under way and drifted down the river. The Richmond, Preble, and Vincennes got ashore on the bar, (the Nightingale also went ashore,) and while ashore were attacked by the rebels but without doing any damage to the vessels, or to life. But one shot took effect, and that struck the Richmond on the quarter. They were beaten off by the Vincennes with two guns, she having thrown overboard the rest of her armament, with her chains, anchors, &c., to lighten her, as she was very much exposed to the rebel fire.— (Doc. 78.)

—A Party of twelve, of the New York Zouave regiment, were taken prisoners by the rebels, a short distance above Newport News, Va. Lieu-tenant Zellen, who was in command of the party, was arrested for cowardice.—The Iron Bridge, over Green River, at Mumfordsville, Kentucky, was blown up by the rebels.

—A communication in the Cincinnati Commercial, headed “The Contraband Institution,” objects to the return of fugitive slaves by the soldiers—because it exhibits the Government as a voluntary patron of slavery; and degrades the soldiers.— (Doc. 79.)

—This afternoon, at a point fourteen miles south of General Rosecrans’ advance, and eight miles from the Rebel encampment on Green River, in Western Virginia, a detachment of forty men of the Thirty-ninth Indiana regiment attacked three hundred rebels, half of which were cavalry, without loss, killing five and wounding three. The whole rebel force was driven back beyond Bacon Creek.—Baltimore American, October 15.

—About 3 o’clock this morning, a party of about forty horsemen, twenty-five of whom were Federal troops from the regiments commanded by Colonels Hobson and Pennebaker and the remainder citizens, all under command of Captain Sam Taylor, from Camp Andy Johnson, in Kentucky, approached the residence of Cy. Hutchinson, in Barren County, without the knowledge of the presence of one hundred and fifty rebels, who were warned of their approach and who were thoroughly prepared to receive them. The first intimation that Captain Taylor received of the presence of the enemy came in the form of a peremptory order to halt, which issued from the opposite side of a plank fence. The order to halt was followed by a discharge of musketry ere Captain Taylor had time to form his squad for action. Under a galling fire, however, Captain Taylor’s gallant party dismounted and formed in battle array, promptly returning the enemy’s fire with Enfield rifles and Colt’s navy revolvers. The rebels were fortified behind the fence and fired through in opening near the ground. In the darkness of the morning, the Federals fought with little certainty as to the whereabouts of the enemy, but their rifles and pistols did good execution, for they acknowledged a loss of two of their party, while it is known that at least four of the number were killed, and that several were rounded. Of Captain Taylor’s command, three were reported killed—Frank Lacey, orderly of Captain Taylor’s company, private Michael Lisle, and a citizen whoso name is not known. —Louisville Journal, Oct. 15.

—Five hundred men of the Piatt Zouaves occupied the town of Winfield, twenty miles below Charleston, on the Kanawha, Western Virginia, whence some rebel cavalry had fired upon a steamer with United States stores a few days previously. Lieutenant-Colonel Toland, in command of the Zouaves, learned at Winfield that eight hundred rebels were encamped at Hurricane Bridge, fourteen miles from Winfield, and at once marched against them, but they abandoned their camp upon his approach and fed.—(Doc. 85.)

—The rebels advanced in large force in the direction of Lewinsville, Va., driving in the National pickets. The divisions of Generals McCall, Smith, Porter, and McDowell were promptly prepared for an apprehended emergency, but nothing further transpired beyond the firing of a few shots from the rebels, which fell short. About three rebel regiments showed themselves, and the expectation was that a general advance was imminent. Great excitement prevailed in Washington, and throughout the Federal lines.

—Tire Eighth regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, under the command of Col. Murphy, left Madison for St. Louis, Mo.—N. Y. World, October 14.

—A skirmish took place between a detachment of the Thirty-ninth Indiana regiment and a squadron of rebel cavalry, at a position near Upton’s, fourteen miles below Camp Nevin, Kentucky. The rebels were repulsed with a loss of five killed and three wounded.—(Doc. 81.)

—Colonel Serrell’s regiment of engineers and artisans, New York State Volunteers, otherwise the engineer officers’ and soldiers’ regiment, took its departure from its camp on Staten Island for Washington.

——-

Late addition to Volume 3:

October 12.—Commodore G. N. Hollins, C. S. N., received from the Department of the Confederate States Navy the appointment of Flag Captain of the New Orleans naval station. —Louisville Journal, November 20.

October 11.—The Confederate steamer Nashville, commanded by Lieutenant Pegram, successfully ran the blockade at Charleston, South Carolina.—The rebel Government having released and sent home fifty-seven prisoners, the National authorities ordered the release of an equal number of Confederate prisoners.—Baltimore American, October 16.

—An unsuccessful attempt to seize the steamboats Horizon and Izetta, plying on the Kanawha River, was made by the rebels.—(Doc. 76.)

—The New Orleans Picayune, of this day, contains the following: We have been permitted by Gen. Twiggs to see and to copy a telegraph despatch received by him to-day from Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Acting Secretary of War, dated at Richmond, on the 9th instant: ” Gen. D. E. Twiggs:

“Your despatch is received. The department learns with regret that the state of your health is such as to cause you to request to be relieved from active duty.

Your request is granted; but yon are expected to remain in command until the arrival of Gen. Mansfield Lovell, who has been appointed to succeed you, and who leaves for New Orleans to-morrow. J. P. Benjamin.”

—The Platte River bridge, near St. Joseph’s, was burned, and they are now obliged to cross in small boats and on rafts. Fifteen hundred regulars from Utah crossed this night, and many of them with their families. Being so many of them, some were obliged to cross on the rafts. They had ropes across the river, and these on the raft took hold of the end and polled, and it drew them across; but some one —a secessionist, they think—had cut the rope, and when they were about in the middle of the river it gave way and they floated down stream a short distance, and the raft hit against a tree and turned them all over, drowning a wife and only child of one man, three only children of another family, and a babe of eleven months old of another family. The bodies have not yet been recovered from among the rubbish. It was very dark, and they were obliged to come along and leave them. Some spoke not a word, but looked heart-broken; others mourning for a loved wife or children. Oh! it was a sight to melt a heart of stone.—Baltimore American, October 21.

—Lieut. Harrell, commanding the steamer Union, of the Potomac flotilla, stationed at the month of Acquia Creek, learning that the rebels had fitted out a large schooner in Quantico or Dumfries Creek, and had collected a considerable body of troops there, with the intention of crossing the Potomac, determined that the schooner should be destroyed. He accordingly organized an expedition, and with one boat and two launches entered the mouth of the creek about half-past two o’clock this morning. The schooner was discovered some distance up, in charge of a single sentry, who fled and gave the alarm. She was immediately boarded and set on fire, and when her destruction was rendered certain, Lieut. Harrell’s men returned to their boats and pulled again for the steamer. Their position was fully revealed by the light of the burning schooner, and they were fired upon continuously from both banks of the narrow stream; but not one of them was injured, though their clothing in many instances was perforated with bullets. The success of the enterprise was complete.—(Doc. 76.)

—The Brickel Battery N. Y. S. V., under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Brickel, left New York for the seat of war.

—The New Orleans Picayune of this day contains the following: “Yesterday was the first day for the execution of the Governor’s orders in regard to passports. Hereafter, persons wishing to leave the city, either by steamer or by railroad train, will be obliged to provide themselves with a passport, for which application must be made at the Governor’s office, between the hours of nine and three o’clock. Persons residing on the line of the Jackson Railroad, and whose business requires them to travel frequently, can obtain a monthly passport, on application to Mr. T. S. Williams, the General Superintendent. Military officers will accompany each train, and all travellers detected without the requisite pass will be arrested and brought back to the city.”

—The Missouri State Convention met at St. Louis. A resolution was introduced directing inquiry into the expediency of confiscating all the property of these engaged in or abetting the rebellion, and appropriating the proceeds to reimbursing loyal men for the losses they have sustained in maintaining the National or State Governments. Final action was not taken, but the convention, by a majority of four, refused to reject the resolution.—St. Louis Republican, October 12.

October 10.—Six pickets of the Fourth cavalry regiment, stationed four or five miles from Paducah, Kentucky, were attacked by a large force of rebels this morning. Two were mortally wounded and two taken prisoners, with their horses and equipments. The rebels had divided their force, and in the excitement fired into each other. They then fled, each party taking the other for the National cavalry.— Boston Transcript, October 11.

—The gunboat Wachusett was launched at the Navy Yard at Charlestown, Mass.

—Intelligence that the Sumter was still cruising among the Windward Islands, was received at Panama, N. G., by the British steamer from St. Thomas.—Panama Star, October 10.

—The Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth regiments of Indiana Volunteers, under the command of Colonels Miller and Bass, arrived at Louisville, Kentucky, en route for the seat of war.— Louisville Journal, October 11.

October 9.—Twelve hundred men of the Confederate forces near Pensacola, landed on Santa Rosa Island, four miles from Fort Pickens, at two o’clock A. M., under command of the Confederate General Anderson, and attacked the camp of the Sixth regiment New York Volunteers, (Wilson’s Zouaves.) Wilson’s men were surprised, and driven out of a portion of their camp, which was plundered and burned by the Confederates; but two companies of regulars, under Major Vodges, sent from Fort Pickens to support Wilson, drove the rebels to their boats, and inflicted upon them a considerable loss. Maj. Vodges was taken prisoner. The Union loss was fourteen killed and Twenty-nine wounded. No numbers are given of the rebel loss, but it was described by themselves as ” very severe.” —(Docs. 34 and 73.)

—Charges and specifications preferred against General Fremont by Colonel F. P. Blair are published. The charges include neglect of duty and unofficer-like conduct, disobedience of orders, conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, extravagance and waste of the public moneys, and despotic and tyrannical conduct. Among the specifications are the alleged failure of Fremont to repair to St. Louis and enter upon his duties—his neglecting to reinforce Lyon, Becken, and Mulligan—his suffering Brigadier-General Hurlburt, “a common drunkard,” to continue in command—his refusing to see people who sought his presence on matters of urgent business—his violation of Presidential orders in the matter of his 30th of August proclamation—his encouragement of officers to hold meetings, and write letters for publication in praise of himself and in denunciation of all who differ from him—his persistency in keeping disreputable persons in his employ, and his unjust suppression of the St. Louis Evening News.

—Colonel De Villiers, the military instructor of Colonel Ellsworth, who was taken prisoner in Western Virginia, and made his escape from Richmond in disguise, was made a Brigadier-General.—Baltimore American, Oct. 11.

—A treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation, and for the surrender of fugitive criminals, between the United States and the Republic of Venezuela, is officially proclaimed. Its liberal commercial, civil and religious features are calculated to consummate its objects, namely:—a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, and a true and sincere friendship between the two countries. There is a mutual agreement that the citizens of each shall be prohibited from applying for or taking any commission or letters of marque, to act as privateers against the commerce of either republic, from any prince or state with which the United States or Venezuela may be at war. It is also declared unlawful for any foreign privateers, who have commissions from any prince or state, in enmity with either nation, to fit out their ships in the ports of cither, to sell their prizes, or in any manner to exchange them; neither shall they be allowed to purchase provisions, except such as shall be necessary to their going to the next port of that prince or state from which they have received their commissions.

—The Forty-fifth regiment of New York Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Amsberg, left their encampment for the seat of war.—The Thirty-seventh regiment of Ohio Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Siebert, left Camp Dennison for the Kanawha valley.— Ohio Statesman, Oct. 10.

—About six o’clock this morning General Smith’s division at Chain Bridge, above Washington, D.C., advanced and occupied prominent positions in the neighborhood of Lewinsville, Va. On the advance arriving at Langsley’s, the hitherto outpost of the army, the division was divided, a portion continuing up Little Rock Run turnpike, occupying Prospect Hill. The other part of the division took the new artillery road, and occupied Smoots’ and Maxwell’s hills, a mile and a half east of Lewinsville. The batteries were drawn up in prominent positions, and the infantry placed in situations to support them. After remaining about three hours waiting in vain for the rebels to make an attack—in fact, inviting them to it— the skirmishers advanced and occupied Lewinsville, the rebels retreating. A portion of the troops under Brigadier-General Porter also advanced and occupied Miner’s Hill, to the right of Fall’s Church, and commanding that village and Barrel’s Hill, which latter was in possession of rebel pickets. General McClellan and staff, accompanied by Captain Barker’s McClellan Dragoons, crossed Chain Bridge early this morning, spending the whole day in reconnoissance from the new positions taken by the Federal troops.

—The ship John Clark, anchored in Lynn Haven Bay, having dragged her anchor in a storm to within a mile and a half of the shore, was opened upon by a rebel battery of five guns with shot and shell. The U. S. steamer Daylight went to the rescue, and engaged the battery with three guns, drove the rebels from their works, and assisted the captain of the Clark to get his ship to sea.—(Doc. 74.)

October 8.—Brig.-Gcn. Robert Anderson, in command of the department of the Cumberland, at Louisville. Kentucky, on account of ill health, relinquished his command to Brig.-Gen. Sherman.—Army Order.

—A party of rebels under the command of Captain Holliday, advancing upon Hillsboro, Kentucky, were attacked and defeated by fifty Home Guards, of Flemingsburg, under the command of Lieut. Sadler and Sergeant Dudley. The rebels were discovered encamped on the premises of Colonel Davis, two miles from Hillsboro, when the Home Guards opened fire upon them. The engagement lasted about twenty minutes, resulting in a loss of eleven killed, twenty-nine wounded, and twenty-two prisoners of the rebels, and three killed and two wounded of the Home Guards.—(Doc. 71.)

—About five o’clock this afternoon Capt. Barney of the New York Twenty-fourth regiment, advanced three miles beyond Falls Church, on the Leesburg (Va.) turnpike, with ten men, where he surprised a picket guard of Stewart’s rebel cavalry, killing three and taking one prisoner, five horses and equipments, thirteen navy pistols, four sabres, one carbine and telescope. A white horse was killed which has been often seen by our pickets, and believed to belong to Capt. Powell, of Stewart’s cavalry. The capture was made within half a mile of the rebel camp, and was so sudden that they had no time to draw their pistols.—Boston Traveller, October 10.

—A grand review of artillery and cavalry was held at Washington, in the presence of the various heads of the departments and others. An accident occurred to one of the artillery caissons by an explosion of its contents; happily without any serious damage.

—The Follett Battery of Flying Artillery, Massachusetts Volunteers, arrived in New York, and took up quarters at the Harlem railroad depot Dexter H. Follett is the captain of the battery.

—A singular artillery battalion is now being organized at Richmond, Indiana. It is to consist of six hundred men, with one hundred guns; the guns to have the capacity of carrying a two-pound ball two and a half miles. A portion of the guns required by this battalion will be made in Richmond. They will be of steel barrels, and of very superior workmanship.— Louisville Journal, October 8.

—The Twenty-second regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Henry Wilson, Senator from Massachusetts, left their camp at Lynnfield and passed through Boston, en route for the seat of war. In Boston they were hospitably entertained by the city, and at the close of the repast were presented with a flag, the lion. Robert C. Winthrop making the presentation speech.— (Doc. 72.)

—In the Admiralty Court at Portland, Me., Judge Ware delivered an able opinion, condemning the British schooner Wm. Arthur, seized on the ground that she intended to run the blockade.