1862 January 19: “Nothing but the inclemency of the weather hinders an advance move”

A January 19, 1862, letter from “Quad” that was published in the January 29, 1862, issue of The Prescott Journal.  The Battle of Mill Springs was going on just to the east and south of Munfordville as “Quad” was writing his letter on January 19, 1862.

Following the letter is a brief, one-sentence report on the equipment of The Prescott Transcript being moved to Eau Claire to start a new newspaper.

Camp Correspondence.
__

CAMP WOOD, Mamfordsville [sic],¹ Ky.,}
January 19, 1862.}

FRIEND LUTE:—I have neglected writing partly on account of having nothing of importance to communicate through your columns, and partly because I tho’t there might be “something rotten in Denmark.”  That the mails were overhauled, and thereby rendering it a more waste of good intention, as we could get no papers from Wisconsin for several weeks. But I was awakened to the utter falacy of such a thought by the receipt of the JOURNAL the other evening.  It was hailed, as usual, with much gratitude on the part of the boys.

We have been encamped here almost five weeks, and should this warring of the elements continue, in all probability we shall be doomed to five weeks more in the clay.  It is mud, mud, MUD.  Mud around and below us; if I may judge from what I have seen, thirteen inch boot legs can find no bottom.  With this exception things remain in the same quiet state as in other departments of the army.

Since the excitment occasioned on the 17th ult. there has been but little doing except “Dress Parade,” Picketing, and work on the Railroad Bridge.  The latter is nearly “played out;” the Bridge is now passable for teams.  The first engine crossed on the evening of the 8th inst.  But picketing is a duty not to be dispensed with, and during the rainy season is not eagerly sought.  It becomes more a duty than a source of pleasure.  And “Dress Parade” could be more appropriately styled “Mud Review.”

I say no excitment existed in camp from the date above named until the 17th of Jan., when the alarm was given that there was fighting being done on the opposite side of the river.  As the advance pickets were a Regiment from the Brigade, our ever “wide awake” Col. was the first to take the hint.  We were in line, loaded our pieces, and were on the move at short notice.  Although a mile from the Pontoon Bridge, the farthest of any regiment encamped here, we were the first to cross.  Mud, water, clay-slides were of no notice.  The boys were going to “Dixie.”  We were stationed in the woods, about a mile from the river and one-eighth of a mile from the Railroad, where we were soon joined by the 32d Pa., Col. Willick.²  After standing nearly an hour in this cover, we were thanked for our promptness in coming out, and ordered back to camp.

It appears, upon ascertaining the facts relative to the alarm, that Col. Hambright,³ 79th Pa., who was on picket, had sent three companies on a reconnoitering excursion, leaving at 3 o’clock A. M.  The pickets being ignorant of this, upon their return, about noon, mistook them for an enemy, while at quite a distance; some of them discharging their pieces, and crying “rally!”  Fortunately, no one was hurt, and we returned to our quarters a little out of breath; very much discomfitted by the slop, and perhaps benefitted [sic] by the exercise.

It would seem that nothing but the inclemency of the weather hinders an advance move.  But what the plan of operations may be is known only to Gen. Buell [Don Carlos Buell].  It is generally thought here, that there will be no seige at Bowling Green.  But that his (Buckner’s [Simon B. Buckner]) means for procurring [sic] supplies will be destroyed, and hold him in check while Buell and Halleck [Henry W. Halleck] unite their forces and advance to Nashville, there forming one Grand Corps de Arme, to move onward to the Gulf.

One thing seems inevitable ; an advance will soon be made from one or more points in Ky.  Probably within the next ten days.

We are momentarily expecting important news from the fleet from Cairo.

There has been heavy firing heard in a South-eastern direction from here.—Thought by some to be an encounter with Zolicoffer [sic],⁴ who, it is thought, is on his way to Bowling Green.

The boys are well with the exception of Wm. H. Peabody and James W. Forman.⁵  Both in the Hospital.  Many have been afflicted with colds, but are now, I believe, in good fighting order.

Company F exchanged their muskets for the “Rifled Minnie Musket,” a few days since.  This is a change which has long been sought by both officers and men. Our arms are now such as give confidence that we had not while burdened with those “old Harper’s Ferry, 1802.”

The boys are anxiously awaiting pay day, which will doubtless come during this week.  Such a state of affairs is devoutly to be wished for, as, no doubt, many hearts would be made lighter and happier by the change.

A man by the name of Mariam,⁶ Co. G, died this A. M.  Cause, undue exposure and neglect.

Lieut. Tichenor,⁷ of the 3d Minnesota, paid a visit to this camp on Sunday and Monday last.  The Lieut. looked as though he was in good quarters, and well fitted for his position.  His Regiment is encamped near Lebanon Junction, about thirty miles from this place.  He says they are aching for a fight, and thinks the Minnesota soldiers will compare favorably with the best of them.

Having wearied your patience already,
       I remain,       yours truly,      QUAD.

—The late Transcript office has been removed to Eau Claire, where a new paper is to be started, called the Eau Claire Herald.

 1.  Munfordville is the county seat of Hart County, which is centrally located in Kentucky. 
2.  He probably meant August Willich, colonel of the 32nd Indiana Infantry. The colonel of the 32nd Pennsylvania Infantry was Horatio G. Sickel.
3.  Henry Augustus Hambright (1819-1893) was colonel of the 79th Pennsylvian Infantry. Before the war he had served as 1st Lieutenant in Company G, 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry, during Mexican War; as a public works contractor; supervisor of operations in Lancaster for the Pennsylvania Railroad; and captain of the Jackson Rifles militia company. See the “Lancaster at War” blog, Better Know an Officer: Henry A. Hambright.
4.  Felix Kirk Zollicoffer (1812-1862) was was a newspaperman, a U.S. Representative from Tennessee, and a brigadier general in the Confederate Army. He led a Confederate invasion of eastern Kentucky and will be killed at the Battle of Mill Springs on January 19, 1862.
5.  William H. Peabody, from Hammond, enlisted September 16, 1861, and will be discharged for a disability on April 20, 1862.  James W. Forman, from River Falls, enlisted August 29, 1861, and will be discharged for a disability on June 20, 1862.
6.  Joel W. Merriam, from Waterloo, died Janary 19 from “disease.” He had enlisted September 20, 1861. 
7.  Isaac Paul Tichenor was the 1st lieutenant in the 3rd Minnesota Infantry’s Company F—the Hastings Volunteers. Before the war he lived in Hastings, but by 1870 he was living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born August 13, 1826, in Galway, New York,  and died May 18, 1900, in Milwaukee.

1861 September 14: Saint Croix Rifles, and the End of the Prescott Transcript

Local war notes from The Prescott Transcript of September 14, 1861—the last issue of this newspaper.

THE  ST. CROIX RIFLES.—This company now numbers 89 as tall hard-fisted men as we have seen in rank and file. Several of them measure over six feet, and all are tough and rugged enough to face anything. Captain M. M. Samuels [sic: Maurice M. Samuel], who has been primarily instrumental in raising the company, has been for twenty years a resident of this valley. He has had the experiences of a soldier in the Florida war, and in the “flush times in Mississippi.” He has spent money without reserve and employed his time almost entirely for three months, having met many obstacles and experienced some disappointments in getting his men together.  W. J. Vincent is 1st Lieutenant. He was a soldier in the Mexican war, and is said to be well fitted for his position. The 2d Lieutenant is P. V. Wise [Pembroke V. Wise], who enlisted with the Prescott Guards, but circumstances prevented his going. He has done much for the company, and well deserves the place he now holds in it.  About equal numbers of Polk, St Croix and Pierce county volunteers are in this company, with a few from Pepin.

	R V Pratt		J A Houston
	I N Nichols		J Philips
	R Lovell		J G White
	A Pollard		G Carson
	J S Durham		L B Richard
	J Dolin		D C Burr
	G W Truman		C Fable
	Simon Lillis		A Jones
	W Moody		J Wyatt
	N Hooker		P Hudson
	D P  Hewett		M W  Coe
	S Sweasy		J Bryant
	G W Wing		H Kaylor
	J Gilroy		H Wilson
	C Mansergh		S Babcock
	J D Putnam		A H  Cooper
	S W Button		J S Parmeter
	E L Johnson		J B Peabody
	J F Lenfest		N Anderson
	G W Forman		S Jackson
	P H VanMeter		S C  Williams
	H Cowles		M L Davis
	J Lapham		John Cecil
	F Moore		D S Clarke
	H Bennett		A H Arnold
	W Wilkinson		John Oleson
	H J Bennett		S F Duell
	L O Marshall		T H  Brown
	A J  Jones		M B Cowles
	T O’Conner		W N Boges
	P O’Conner		Gus Martell
	E S Clark		Jas McCabe.

DINNER FOR THE SOLDIERS.— The citizens of this county have annonnced that they will give the St. Croix Rifles a pic-nic dinner, on Monday next, at the Fair Grounds. Knowing the patriotism, liberality, and general good-will of the people of this county, we doubt not that this dinner will reflect much credit upon the getters-up.

A committee consisting of six gentlemen and an equal number of ladies, viz: Messrs, Collins, Beardsley [Joseph W. Beardsley], Barnard, A. Griffin, Dr. Fuller and Driebelbis; and Misses Fuller, Brackbill, Smith, Beardsley, Bartholmew and Brooks have been appointed to take charge and prepare for the dinner.

ENLISTING BY FAMILIES.—In the Rifles, Mr. Babcock, of this county, has three sons and one son-in-law. In Capt. Dill’s company Pecham Hall, of this county, also has three sons.

THE RIGHT BLOOD.—There is some of the old historic blood in the St. Croix Rifles now in camp here. John D. Putnam, a private in the ranks, is a lineal descendant of Gen. Israel Putnam—the “Old Put” of revolutionary name. He is a great-great grandson of the old patriot. Mr. Putnam owns one of the finest farms in the Valley, and could illy afford to leave his business, but the “spirit of ’76” was stronger than the claims of business and he is in the ranks. Thus again is
“Freedom’s battle, once begun,
Bequeathed from bleeding sire to son.”¹
Journal

REV. N. McLEOD has been commissioned to raise a company. He will begin to gather and swear in his men immediately and as soon as the number reaches forty, they will be quartered at State expense. This company will, doubtless, be composed of men of high moral standing. Rev. A. Gibson [Arrington Gibson], pastor of the Baptist church of River Falls, has enlisted in the cause, and is doing all in his power to make up the company ;  when such men volunteer to fill the ranks of an infantry company, be sure that there will be a moral as well as physical force there.

COMPLIMENT TO THE SIXTH.—General King’s Brigade was reviewed by Major General McClellan [George B. McClellan] recently, and while passing through between the ranks which were drawn up in open order, he examined the muskets of the whole brigade and turning to Col. Cutler he remarked, “for arms altered from flint locks, your regiment have kept theirs better than any other regiment in the service, and they deserve better guns and shall have them. You may tell the boys what I say.”

“Accordingly,” writes Clermont, “on Friday, the Colonel took his requisition for the promised arms, and proceeded to the arsenal, where he found Gen. McClellan giving orders to furnish the Wisconsin 6th, with the best Rifled Musket in service.”

1.  Lord Byron. The actual quotation is:

For Freedom’s battle once begun,
Bequeath’d by bleeding Sire to Son,
Though baffled oft is ever won.

1861 September 7: The Importance of Capturing Hatteras Inlet

An editorial in the September 7, 1861, issue of The Prescott Transcript on the importance of the capture of the Confederate batteries at Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina.

Recapture of the U. S. Forts.
____

The expedition fitted out at Fortress Monroe under the command of Gen. Butler and Commodore Stringham, arrived off Fort Hatteras on the 28th, and about noon commenced firing on Fort Clark, situated near the former. The bombardment continued at intervals till the next day at noon when both Forts surrendered. About 615 hundred prisoners, 25 cannon and 1,000 stand of arms were captured. The rebel’s loss was ten killed, and twenty-five wounded. None of the U. S. troops were killed. The importance of the capture of these Forts cannot be estimated by the small expenditure of life it cost to take them. These Forts command the Albermarle Sound, and will afford a secure harbor for any part of our navy that may be cruising along the coast of North Carolina. It is well known that the majority in the eastern portions of that State are Union men, and have only been waiting an opportunity to make their power felt in behalf of the Government. They have been destitute of arms heretofore ;  arms can now easily be furnished to them, while the garrison will form a nucleus around which a force can be gathered sufficiently strong to wrest the State from the hands of the secessionists. In this way, and by uniting with Eeastern [sic] Tennessee, which is also strongly Union, the rebel army in Virginia would cut off from supplies or reinforcements save those furnished by that State.

1861 August 31: Governor Randall Calls for More Troops

From the August 31, 1861, issue of The Prescott Transcript we find this proclamation by Wisconsin Governor Alexander W. Randall regarding raising more troops for the war.

Following the proclamation is a short article from the September 4, 1861, issue of The Prescott Journal about possibilities for recruiting the five new regiments in Northwest Wisconsin.

PROCLAMATION.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE.
Madison, Aug. 20th, 1861.

To the Patriotic People of Wisconsin:
I have this day received from the Secretary of  War , a request and authority to raise, in this State, Five additional regiments of infantry Volunteers for three years, or the war, and Five batteries of artillery, over and above the 7th and 8th regiments already accepted for service.—The utmost promptitude is demanded in the organization of these forces, and I confidently rely upon the patriotism of the people of Wisconsin, who have so nobly responded to the calls thus far made upon them, and who have since the breaking out of the rebellion, persistently pressed their services upon the Government, to enable me to respond speedily to this new call.

Here follows the list of officers in the companies. The minimum will be 83 officers and privates; the maximum 101. The minimum composing a regiment is 866, the maximum 1,046. He says:

Of the five regiments of infantry, one will be composed of Germans, to be encamped at Milwaukee immediately. Special orders for the organization of this regiment will be issued in a few days.

In order to ensure the early enlistment and organization of the other four regiments all persons who have heretofore received commissions to enroll companies for the war, and all other parties who are engaged in enlisting companies, are invited and requested to report forthwith the number enlisted in their several companies. Whenever companies are reported, by reliable men, to be enlisted to the number of 40 able bodied men for the war, and their service tendered, they will be accepted, and ordered to such rendezvous as may be designated, to be mustered into the service of the U.S., and thereafter recruited until full.

In may localities there are numbers of men who desire to enter into the military service, but who have no connection with any organization. To such persons information will be readily given, on application to this office, enabling them to realize their wishes.

Company officers will be elected by the members of the several companies as soon as there are sixty men enlisted.

The five artillery companies will be organized as follows, to wit: to each

                                   OFFICERS,     MEN,     HORSES.
Captain                            1                    —              —
Lieutenants,*                4                    —              —
Staff Sergeants,†                                  2               2
Sergeants,‡                                            6               6
Corporals,§                                           12             —
Artificers,                                                6              6
Buglers,                                                    2              2
Drivers,                                                  52           84
Cannoneers,                                         70            —
Spare Horses,                                       —             10
                                           ____________________
                                             5                  150         110
* Commanding Sections and Caissons.
† First Sergeant and Quartermaster’s Sergeant.
‡ Chief of pieces.
§  Gunners and Chiefs of Caissons.

The Washington Artillery Co., of Milwaukee, Capt. E. F. Herzberg, and the La Crosse Artillery, Capt. J. F. Foster, are accepted as two of the companies to be raised, and, under special orders, will recruit immediately to the required number of men. We have a large number of trained artillerymen in this State, many of who have already tendered their services to me in aid of the Government.—Persons who can bring testimonials as to their experience and ability to command batteries of artillery, are invited to communicate with this office forthwith.   *   *   *

The following Companies, heretofore reported full for the war, are authorized to be placed at board and quarters in their respective localities as not to exceed 30¢ per day per man, and will hold themselves in readiness to move to the appointed rendezvous by the first of September at the latest. Such of them as are ready with 65 men previous to that date, will advise this office of the fact forthwith, that arrangements may be made for their transportation and reception in camp:

Wolf river Rifle, New London,         Lt. Hyde.
Eau Claire Badgers, Cau Claire,       Capt. Perkins.
Bad Axe Volunteers, De Soto,                ”      —–
Kingston G’ds, Prairie du Hse,                ”     Dennet.
Lancaster Union Guards, Lancaster,   ”     Callis.
Sheboygan Co. Ind., Greenbush,           ”     —-
Fox Lake Volunteer Rifles, Fox Lake, ”    Lawes.
Badger State G’ds, Fennimore,               ”     Finicum
Rough & Ready Guards, Fitchburg,     ”     Young.
Sugar River Rifles, Belleville,                 ”     Estee.        
Island City Guards, Neenah,                   ”     Wheeler.
Waterloo Rifles, Waterloo,                      ”     Perry.
Dixon Guards, Portage,                            ”     Chrystee 
Washington Rifles, Milwaukee               ”     Orff.
Janesville Fire Zouaves, Janesville,   ”     Britton.
La Crosse Co. Rifles, La Crosse,             ”     Baker.
Crawford Co. Volunteers, Prairie         ”     Green.
         du Chien,

In testimony whereof, I have
hereunto set my hand, and caused
the Great Seal of that State to be
affixed this 20th day of August,
A. D. 1861.                                         

By the Governor,    [LS]        A. W. RANDALL.
Edward Ilsley, Assistant Sec’y of State.

___________________________________________________ 

A Question to Answer.
____ 

Five new regiments are called for from this State. The St. Croix Rifles are fast filling up, and will soon be off. There is no doubt but it will be necessary to raise another company in the St. Croix Valley. This company will neccessarily [sic] be made up of many who have not thought hitherto that the exigences [sic] of the case would call on them. We are happy to state that Rev. N. McLeod of this place, has been solicited by some of his friends to raise a company, and will very likely do so. In addition to his qualifications as a man, he has received a thorough military education.—It is time for all to ask, “shall I go?”  “For this is a question the hour is putting to each of us: Are you ready, if need be, to sacrifice all that you have and hope for in this world, that the generations to follow you may inherit a whole country whose natural condition shall be peace, and not a broken province which must live under the perpetual threat, if not in the constant presence, of war and all that war brings with it?” How will we answer this question?

1861 August 17: More on the Battle in Missouri

The Prescott Transcript has more on the August 10th Battle of Wilson’s Creek in its August 17, 1861, issue. It begins with a few paragraphs that are the same as ones in The Hudson North Star of August 14.

BATTLE IN MISSOURI.
____

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 13.

The following is the official report of the battle near Springfield on Saturday last, forwarded by one of Gen. [Nathaniel] Lyon‘ s aids [sic] to Gen. [John C.] Fremont:

Gen. Lyon, in three columns, under Gen. [Franz] Sigel and Major Sturgess,¹ of the cavalry, attacked the enemy at half past six on the morning of the 10th, nine miles southeast of Springfield. The engagement was severe. Our loss was about eight hundred killed and wounded. Gen. Lyon was killed in a charge at the head of his column.

Our force was 8,000, including two hundred Home Guards. The muster rolls reported taken from the enemy give their strength at twenty three thousand, including regiments from Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, with Texas rangers and Cherokee half breeds. 

ROLLA, Aug. 13.

The following additional account of the battle near Springfield is furnished by an eye witness, who left Springfield Sunday morning and came through this place on horseback.

 Our army marched out of Springfield on Tuesday evening only 5,500 strong. The Home Guards remaining in Springfield. Our forces slept on the prairie a portion of the night, and about sunrise on Saturday morning drove in the enemy’s outposts. Soon after the engagement became general.

Battle of Wilson's Creek, now available in "Battles of the Civil War: The Complete Kurz & Allison Prints, 1861-1865" (see footnote 2)

The attack was made in two columns by Lyon and Sturgess [sic] —Gen. Sigel leading a flanking force of about a thousand men and four cannon, on the south of the enemy’s camp.

The fight raged from sunrise until one or two o’clock in the afternoon. —The rebel in overwhelming force charged Capt. Totten’s battery three several times but were repulsed with great slaughter.

Gen. Lyon fell early in the day.—He had been previously wounded in the leg and had his horse shot under him. The Colonel of one of the Kansas regiments being disabled, the boys cried out, “General come and lead us.” He did so, and at once putting himself in front. While cheering his men on to the charge, he received a bullet in his left breast and fell from his horse. He was asked if he was hurt, and replied, “no, not much,” but in a few minutes he expired without a struggle.

Gen. Seigel [sic] had a very severe struggle and lost three of his four guns. His artillery horses were shot in their traces and the pieces were disabled. He endeavored to haul them off with a number of prisoners he had taken, but was finally obliged to abandon them ; first, however, spiking the cannon and disabling the carriages.

About one o’clock in the day the enemy seemed to be in great disorder and retreating. They set fire to their train of baggage wagons. Our forces were too much fatigued and cut up to pursue, and the battle may be considered a drawn one.

The following is a partial list of the killed and wounded on our side:—Captain Grants of the 1st Missouri, was killed ; General Sweeney was wounded in the leg ; Col. Mitchell, Kansas Volunteers, seriously wounded ; Maj. Sheppard, of the General’s staff, slightly wounded ; Capt. Plummer, of the regulars, was wounded ; Capt. Miller of the 1st Missouri, seriously wounded ; Capt. Caverder was wounded in the shoulder, but rode back to Springfield ; Capt. Burke slightly wounded ; Col. Ditzler was wounded in the left leg, the ball passing through ; Capt. McFarland, supposed mortally wounded, his skull fractured.

The 1st Kansas and the 1st Missouri suffered most. [CSA] Gen. [Sterling] Price is not killed.

There were rumors on the field that [CSA Ben] McCulloch was killed, but the rebels denied it.

On Saturday night Dr. Mencher and others of our army went with ambulances to the battle field from Springfield to see about the killed and wounded.—They found the enemy on the field and were considerately treated. Gen. Lyon’s body had been treated with great respect and was brought back with some of the wounded to Springfield.

Maj. Sturgess [sic] took command on the battle field after the death of Gen. Lyon.  Gen. Seigel [sic] took command after the battle. Our loss is variously estimated at from 150 to 300 killed, and several hundred wounded. The enemy’s loss is placed at 2,000 killed and wounded.

Our boys captured about 800 horses. One of the enemy’s regiments carried two flags, the Confederate and the Stars and Stripes.

Gen. Seigel [sic] marched back to Springfield in good order after perfecting his arrangements for gathering the baggage and blowing up what powder he could not carry, and destroying other property he did not wish to fall into the hands of the enemy. He left Springfield on Sunday night, and encamped thirty miles this side of that place, the enemy not pursuing. The only hostility observed during the day was the firing a musket at a long distance at the rear guard. Gen. Seigel [sic] was confident that he could have held Springfield against the force they had engaged, but was fearful of reinforcements to the enemy from the southwest, and that his line of communication to Rolla would be cut off.

The rebels had 21 pieces of artillery and a large body of cavalry.

1.  Samuel D. Sturgis (1822-1889), at this time a major, but will become a general as the war progresses.
2.  Kurz and Allison published 36 lithographic prints in the mid-1880s-1890s depicting Civil War battles. Although Louis Kurz was himself a Civil War veteran, the prints aim to elicit patriotic feelings from the viewer rather than provide a photograph-like accuracy. The UW-River Falls University Archives and Area Research Center has a copy of Battles of the Civil War: The Complete Kurz & Allison Prints, 1861-1865, published by Oxmoor House in 1976 (E468.7 .B3 1976).

1861 August 10: What Shall Be Done With the Slaves—The Confiscation Act of 1861 and Abolition

The following editorial appeared in the August 10, 1861, issue of The Prescott Transcript. The editor of The Hudson North Star commented on the editorial in his August 14, 1861, issue:

“The Prescott Transcript devotes a column and a half to disposing of the question, ‘What shall be done with the slaves.’ As near as we can get at it the editor had not made any final disposition of them at last accounts.” See if you agree with his assessment.

The editorial is followed by an article about Gen. Butler’s letter, including a quotation from the end of the letter. And finally an even smaller article listing several bills recently passed by Congress and signed by the President, including the Confiscation Act of 1861.

Two weeks after Congress passed the Crittenden-Johnson Resolution—on August 6—President Lincoln signed the Confiscation Act of 1861, allowing for the seizure of property, including slaves, from rebellious citizens. According to the last article here, Lincoln gave it “reluctant approval.”

Before the Confiscation Act passed, Gen. Benjamin F. Butler had been the first Union general to declare slaves contraband. Some Northern commanders followed Butler’s precedent, while others were more likely to return escaped slaves. The Confiscation Act was an attempt to set a consistent policy throughout the Union Army.

The Slaves—What shall be done with them.
____

In another column will be found a letter [below] from Gen. [Benjamin F.] Butler to the Sec. of War [William H. Seward] expressing his views of the best method to be adopted in relation to the slaves. In loyal States, he says, he would suppress insurrections; in the rebel States he would confiscate all such property as he would any property used to oppose his arms.

The plan to be chosen in relation to the disposing of this kind of property, has from the commencement of the war, been difficult to decide. That this war was not undertaken for the avowed or concealed purpose of abolishing or in any way altering the system of Slavery as it exists in the rebel States, is evident to all person[s] not blinded by party prejudice. The Government had but one object in arraying its armies and sending them forth to the feast of death—the suppression of a high handed rebellion, the stilling of the anarchical disorder, the restoration of peace and maintaining the supremacy of law.—The discovering of the cause and its removal was not within the scope of the Government’s design. However desirable such a course would have been in itself considered, it was to be defered [sic] till peace was restored; it would then be the proper subject of governmental action. Yet, while it may not be its intention to trace this evil to its primal cause, it is its object and duty to use all the means in its power to remove the evil, and if the removing of the cause is the most efficient means for the destruction of this evil, then, while it might not have been its original design at present to uproot the seeds of rebellion, yet as a remedy for the subduing of rebels it might resort to it as a means for the accomplishment of its ends.

We hold that Slavery is the cause of this evil of colossal proportion, within the shadow of which our country is now enshrouded. Whoever has traced the workings of this institution as unfolded in the political history of our nation, connot [sic] fail to perceive that to this alone are we indebted for the ruin that awaits us. It is the poison, deadly in its effects, that impregnated with its virus, the first breath of our young Republic, and which has wrought on silently and impreceptibly [sic] at times, now appearing in one form, now in another; but never for a moment ceasing to be operative, until it has reached a degree of malignity that threatens the speedy disolution [sic] of the body politic. Opiates have been the only remedies hitherto applied, but now it has assumed a type so fatal that no anodyne will assuage no sedative relieve. It is folly to expect that harmony will prevail, that a permanent peace will be established till Slavery shall case to exist. The discordant feelings, that ever has and ever must prevail between the advocates of freedom and the suporters [sic] of slavery, the antagonism between the two systems renders it impossible for them to exist under the same government without a constant friction which will ever be kindling the flames of civil war. The “Irrepressable [sic] conflict” owes its origin not to the utterance of man, it springs from the innate sentiments of justice in every human breast. Truth will not be bribed, the voice of humanity will not [be] hushed by compromises.

But while we may not look for the restoration of harmonious feelings in our country until the root of bitterness is destroyed or measures adopted for its extirpation; yet it is a question about which much difference of opinion prevails as to whether the Government ought to exercise the power it undoubtedly poeseses [sic] for the immediate abolishment of Slavery. That it may rightfully wield its power for that end cannot be questioned on grounds of injustice to the South. So long as the States remained loyal to the Government so long had the Government no right to interfere in their peculiar institutions, but by their acts of rebellion they have forfeited their right of security against Federal interference. The Constitution gives to the Government the authority to confiscate the property of traitors, slaves are the property of traitors, what follows—that the slaves may be legaly [sic] confiscated. But while the Government possesses both the power and right so to dispose of the slaves, we strongly dissent to the expediency of its exercising its power for the purpose of general emancipation. We do not oppose this from any sympathy for the Sonth [sic], nor from fear of alienating the good will of those whose sympathies are partially enlisted in favor of the North; the time has come for sharply defining the boundry that separates treason from loyalty, let those who will not lend to liberty all the assistance possible, go to the South where they belong, the Government needs none of their aid. We oppose it because we believe it to be necessary for the permanency of the future peace of our country that this mad rebellion should be crushed by the Government, unaided by foriegn [sic] mercenaries or domestic insurrections ; that it shall once and forever be settled that there will always be a sufficient number who will rally to the support of the Union and defend the honor of the flag against all its enemies at home or abroad. We think that the immediate emancipation of the negro would be an evil which is, if possible, to be avoided. So wholly unfit are the majority for freedom that it would prove a curse not a blessing.

But while it would be unwise for the Government to publish an act of emancipation to all even in one State, it is its duty to protect those who proclaim liberty to themselves, and carry it into effect. Gen. Butler’s views, we believe to be both politic and humane.

Though we think it would not be for the best interests of our country nor beneficial to the slaves for the Government, at this time, to go farther than to protect those who seek its protection, the time is coming when its duty will be circumscribed within no such narrow limits. It soon must grapple the question in all its complicated relations.—What shall be done with the servile class in our country? is a problem that soon must be met with a soluton [sic]. For ourselves we would prefer to see the Union shattered in as many fragments as there are States than to have this war leave the question of slavery in statu quo.—Let a united North emphatically demand that no propositions of peace will be entertained that does [sic] not embody some plan for the disenthrallment of the four million of human chattles [sic]. Has not the North suffered enough at the hands of minions of despotism to desire a release from their imperious usurptions? Can any be cajoled into the belief that harmony will be restored while this question remains unsettled? Have we learned nothing from the teachings of the past? Again we say no enduring peace can we have till justice be administered to the oppressed of our land.

 ______________________________

                                                                                                                                                    New York, Aug. 5.
The Tribune prints a letter from Gen. Butler to [the] Secretary of War, in which he has now this side of Hampton 900 negroes—300 being able bodied men—and desires instructions from the Department regarding them.

After discussing the statutes upon which the slave women and children thus freed from their masters, he is compelled by his own reasoning to look upon them as men and women, not free born yet free manumitted, and sent forth from the land that held them never to be reclaimed.

We would have no doubts how to proceed, had he not seen an order from Gen. McDowell forbidding all fugitives [sic] slaves to be harbored within the lines. If the execution of that order is the policy of the Government, as a soldier he is bound to enforce it steadfastly, if not cheerfully, but should take a widely different course, if left to his own discretion.

The Gen. concludes as follows:—In a loyal state I would put down a servile insurrection ; in a state where rebellion exists, I would confiscate that which was used to oppose by arms, and take all that property which constituted the wealth of that state and furnished the means by which the war is prosecuted, besides being the cause of the war. And if, in so doing, it should be objected to that human beings were brought to the free enjoyment of “life liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” such objection ought not to require much consideration.

______________________________ 

CONGRESSIONAL.
____

A bill has passed the Senate prohibiting flogging in the army.

A bill has also passed both Houses to punish frauds on the part of officers making contracts with the Government.

Another bill has passed the House appropriating $360,000 for the purchase of ordnance for the use of the navy.

A bill which passed both Houses, provides for punishment fine and imprisonment of any one who enlists persons white or black, to aid in rebellion, as well as those enlisting.

Another bill debars slave owners from claim to the recovery of slaves, who are employed to aid the rebellion.

The bills which passed both Houses were approved by the President, who yielded a reluctant approval to that for the confiscation of property used for rebelious [sic] purposes.

1861 August 3: The Defeat at Bull Run and Its Lessons

From the inside masthead of "The Prescott Transcript"

Following is the editorial from the August 3, 1861, issue of The Prescott Transcript.

The Defeat and its Lessons.
____
 

It is not until the smoke, the clangor, and the shouts of the battle roll away in the distance, and the stillness of an unbroken repose wrap in silence the field of carnage, that we can trace the events of the battle hour, and fully comprehend the results of the conflict; so it is not till the startling telegrams, the high colored reports of excited imagination, the vague reasons and the unfounded assertions which rapidly follow the termination of any important action—not till by a careful survey of the facts as they slowly become known, a studious arrangement of all the details, a sifting and re-sifting of reports, a searching elimination of the false from the true, that we are enabled to form a just opinion of an event, and discover the real causes that may have developed a given effect; and not until the judgement [sic] be thus formed that we can draw instruction from the past or judge for the future.

The 21st day of July 1861, will ever be remembered as the day on which occurred the most humiliating defeat ever suffered by Americans. Yet, if the lessons that may be gleaned from this disaster be rightly improved, it will not be without its beneficial influences.

It is plain now, that the Administration and a majority of the North have greatly underrated the strength of our enemies. It has not been thought that they would fight bravely at any point this side of Richmond, nor has the report of their immense numbers at or near Manassas Junction, been credited. Gen. [Winfield] Scott did not deem it probable; and fifty thousand men were thought sufficient to overwhelm in point of numbers the combined forces of the rebels; else why were not more sent, since there were many thousands that might have readily been obtained.

This ignorance of our adversaries’ numbers and determination to resist desperately the advance of the army, has begotten in the authorities at Washington, a strange laxity, and an almost unaccountable disregard of all the rules of war, in not keeping a strict surveillance over one suspected of secession sympathies. It is well known that spies from the enemy’s camp have passed daily to Washington and back, and no efforts have been made, or, at least, if any, very ineffectual ones, to capture them. The various departments and sub-departments of our Government have constantly employed clerks with known traitor proclivities, and more, open and avowed secessionists holding correspondence with the rebels, have been retained in their offices on the plea that they were better qualified than inexperienced ones to do the business. What infatuation can have seized our Federal Government in thus harboring its enemies in positions where they have been able to obtain information of all the movements of our army, and have not hesitated to disclose such knowledge to the rebels; and there is evidence to lead to the belief that such revelations enabled them to concentrate all their force at Bull’s Run in season to defeat our troops.

Our officers have dismissed whole companies merely upon their taking an oath of allegience [sic], when they recognize no obligation binding on them to keep sacred such oaths. Can traitors be trusted? Officers of the army have refused to protect, more, have returned runaway slaves, in the face of the knowledge of the fact that those same negroes are employed in the construction of fortifications to oppose, and batteries to slaughter our men, making our army the instruments of their own destruction. In short our Government has not heretofore seemed to comprehend the momentous issues involved in this war; that it is the combined efforts of millions of determined traitors united to consummate the long-plotted and fell purpose of overthrowing the institutions of liberty in our land. If by this defeat it shall have learned the magnitude of the struggle in which it is engaged, and the terrible earnestness requisite to meet the emergencies and insure a glorious completion, it will not have proved an unmitigated reverse.

But the experiences gathered on that battle-field were dearly bought. There has seldom occured [sic], and we hope there may never again occur, such a series of mistakes as was committed at the battle of Bull’s Run. The first was, in not having sufficient force in the field, for which the War Department is alone responsible. But this might have been remedied had the whole force on the field been rendered available. Only three out of the five divisions were engaged at all in the contest; of this number, two brigades one consisting of four regiments under Col. Richardson,¹ the other Gen. Schenck² commanding ,consisting of three regiments and a company of artillery, did very little service.—Col. Richardson was directed to make a feint attack on the left; but owing to the rebels having a knowledge of his real design he failed to accomplished [sic] any good. Gen. Schenck’s brigade remained inactive during nearly the whole day. His duty was, to take a battery, silenced in the early part of the fight. In the latter part of the day when the enemy’s horse charged on his left flank, this battery which was directly in front of him opened a murderous fire on his lines, which did much to produce the panic that followed. The courage he displayed during the retreat, contributed but little towards retrieving the fortunes of the day lost in part by the non-fulfillment of duties on his part.

But the most fearful blunder was entrusting the command of the reserves to a drunken officer. We know not who is respnsible [sic] for this, probably the War Department, but whoever it was they doubtless have learned by this not to give an important command to an officer who, on the eve of a great battle, in which the fate of his country is at stake, will become so beastly intoxicated as to be incapable of comprehending the orders of his commander.

The lessons acquired under so sad and humiliating circumstances, will be remembered by this generation at least. Profiting by past painful experiences, our armies will henceforth prove to the rebels that their success at Bull’s Run was a dearly bought victory.

 

1.   Colonel Israel B. Richardson (1815-1862) commanded the Fourth Brigade in General Daniel Tyler’s First Division at Bull Run. A career Army officer, Richardson, known as “Fighting Dick,” served in the 2nd Seminole War in Florida and in the Mexican War. When the Civil War broke out, Richardson recruited and organized the 2nd Michigan Infantry. He was appointed a colonel on May 25, 1861. His brigade saw limited action at the Battle of Bull Run, but provided covering action for the retreat. Richardson’s brigade consisted of the 1st Massachusetts, the 12th New York, the 2nd Michigan, the 3rd Michigan, Company G of the 1st U.S. Artillery, and Company M of the 2nd U.S. Artillery.
2.  Robert C. Schenck (1809-1890) was a U.S. Representative from Ohio from 1843-1951, and U.S. Minister to Brazil. Schenck was an early and ardent support of Lincoln for president, and Lincoln appointed him a brigadier-general of Volunteers. At Bull Run, he commanded the Second Brigade in General Daniel Tyler’s First Division. Schenck  managed to keep his brigade from becoming part of the original “Great Skedaddle” mob that retreated from the battle. Schenck’s brigade at Bull Run consisted of the 2nd New York, the 1st Ohio (Col. Alexander M. McCook), the 2nd Ohio, and Company E of the 2nd U.S. Artillery.

1861 July 31: Deserters and Other News

Following are the newsy tidbits from the July 31, 1861, issue of The Prescott Journal, plus two bits from The Prescott Transcript of July 27, 1861.

 Sidney G. Smith of Hudson, and Jay Swan from the Chippewa Valley, members of  the Prescott Guards, deserted a few days since. They are too mean for men to despise, but little boys can hoot at them.

DESERTED.—The Prescott Guards are suffering not a little chagrin from the desertion of two men from Camp Randall, a few nights before the company were sworn into the service of the United States. Their names are Sidney G. Smith and Jay Swan. If any of the boys get hold of them, they will wish they had kept their places. (The Prescott Transcript, July 27, 1861)

The 6th Regiment was payed on in gold last Friday. The Prescott Guards received
               about $2,500. Of course it didn’t make the boys feel bad.

We have received a Harrisburg paper from W. J. Whipple, in which the 4th Wis.
               Regiment are said to “reflect the highest credit upon the State which sends them
               forth to do battle for their imperilled country.”

As a proof of the estimation in which the Prescott Guards are held in the 6th
               Regiment, they are the only company who received their arms previous to leaving
               Madison. The balance of the Regiment will receive their arms at Harrisburgh [sic].

Last Friday a company of boys from Menomonee arrived at Camp Randall
               intending to join the Dunn Co. Rifles, but finding they had left they were sworn in
               and joined the Prescott Guards. Capt. WILSON was with them, and one of his sons
               was among the soldiers.

OUR BOYS.—Eight of Company B have been off on furlough, three of them from this place. While here they were telegraphed by Capt. Dill to return immediately, as the regiment will be ordered at once.

On Thursday of last week, the ladies of Dane County treated the 5th and 6th Regiments to a splendid supper, which was followed by the presentation of a State flag to each regiment, and a dance in the evening. C. Boughton, of this place, is now at the Camp, treating the company to another lot of good victuals. (The Prescott Transcript, July 27, 1861)

1861 July 27: More on the First Battle of Bull Run IV

The Prescott Transcript on July 27, 1861, published more news on the Battle of Bull Run. One column of page 1 and nearly all of page 2 were devoted to the news. In today’s post we are reprinting the dispatches from July 24th. See the previous few days for earlier dispatches.

WASHINGTON, July 24.

Affairs wear a more cheerful aspect to day. Baggage-wagons and commissariat supplies seem to be as plentiful as heretofore. No indication of an advance on Washington.

BOSTON, July 24

Two hundred tons of powder and, one million ball catridges [sic] were sent from Watertown Arsnel [sic] yesterday to the seat of war.

A letter received from New Bedford states that the gun-boat Massachusetts had a two hour’s engagement, on the 9th, with a rebel battery on Ship island at the mouth of the Mississippi. The range was to [sic] far for effective service.

WASHINGTON, July 24.

Information received here this morning states that the Confederate pickets extend to where [Gen. Daniel] Tyler had encamped in the neighborhood of Falls Church.

The most serious apprehension is still felt for Hon. Alfered [sic] Ely,¹ Maj. [Alonzo F.] Bidwell of the 1st Michigan Regiment after Col. Wilcox [Orlando B. Willcox ], is busily engaged gathering his men. He thinks that twenty will cover the killed and twice that number wounded in his regiment.

Business in the War Department is remarkably heavy.

Dispatches are constantly being received offering troops in surprising numbers. For example, Illinois has offered seventeen, and Indiana ten regiments. Some of them have already started, and others will be on their way to morrow.

The report that the rebels shelled and burned Indleys Church, used as a hospital by our troops, is confirmed, as also the fact that the wounded found on the road were bayoneted by the rebels.

ST. LOUIS, July 24.

The Springfield correspondent of the Democrat, under date of 20th: Col. Siegle [Franz Sigel] has been re-enlisting his regiment [3rd Missouri Infantry] for three year’s service, receiving many recruits from this vicinity.

 Union force now here is over 8,000. Gen. Sweeney [Thomas William Sweeny] with a force of 1,200 men starts to-day.

The balance of [Union Brig. Gen. Nathaniel] Lyon’s command, under Campbell, is twelve miles west of here to day, and go to camp at Little Rock, ten miles west of the Western Road.

Other offensive movements will be made next week.  McCullough [Confederate Brig. Gen. Benjamin McCulloch] is still at Camp Walker, Kansas, with 5,000 men, well armed.

[Thomas J. “Stonewall”]  Jackson has come 12 or 15 miles this side with 10,000 poorly armed men.

HARPERS FERRY, July 24.

Gen. Johnson’s [Joseph E. Johnston] force was 42,000 men before his march to Manassas, composed of infantry and cavalry, Col. Setwart’s [sic]² cavalry went to Bienville, to obstruct the movement of Gen. [Robert] Patterson‘s column, the rest of the cavalry went with Gen. Johnson [sic].

WASHINGTON, July 24.

It is untrue that our troops have returned to Fairfax C. H. [Court House]. Our pickets extend only two miles beyond Alexandria.

The severe losses on Sunday had induced the President and members of the Cabnet [sic] to entrust Gen. [Winfield] Scott hereafter with the absolute control of military matters.

The Regiments that were the most unmanageable in Sunday’s flight will be disbanded or re-organized so as to give them more efficient officers.

 

1.  While witnessing the First Battle of Bull Run, New York Congressman Alfred Ely (1815-1892) was taken a prisoner by the Confederates and imprisoned for nearly six months.
2.  This is actually “Jeb” Stuart – James Ewell Brown (J.E.B.), the Confederate Army’s best cavalry officer. He started the Civil War as a lieutenant colonel of Virginia Infantry and on July 1 had been assigned to command all the cavalry companies of the Army of the Shenandoah, organized as the 1st Virginia Cavalry Regiment. Just before the First Battle of Bull Run, on July 16, 1861, he had been promoted to full colonel. He led his regiment in the First Battle of Bull Run and participated in the pursuit of the retreating Union troops.

1861 July 27: More on the Battle of Bull Run III

The Prescott Transcript on July 27, 1861, published more news on the Battle of Bull Run. One column of page 1 and nearly all of page 2 were devoted to the news. In today’s post we are reprinting the dispatches from July 23rd; tomorrow we will print those from July 24th; yesterday we printed the dispatches from July 22nd.

WASHINGTON, July 23.

The morning is occupied putting affairs in order on the Va. side within the Federal lines.

From the indications auound [sic] the Commissariat and Ordinance Departments, repairing damages are in lively operation. Boats are again running to Alexandria.

The Fire Zouaves will rendezvous at the head quarters of the 12th Regiment to-day, when some accurate knowledge of their loss will be ascertained.

The last seen of the gallant Col. [Orlando B.] Wilcox,¹ of the first Mich. Regiment, he was lying, wounded on the battle field. He is either dead or a prisoner.

In the 1st Mich. Regiment the following are known to be killed:

Capt. Withering, Co. D., Capt. Butterworth, Co. E., Capt. Carey, Co. G, Lieut. E. F. Moneck, Co. F, Orderly Sergeant Lewis, Co. A, Hartley Co. A.

Privates Richard Jones, Co. A, James Kelly, Co. F, and both the color bearers.

Privates Cunningham of Co. A and John Stafford Co. G are among the wounded.

A Zouave drummer taken by the rebels but escaped, reports the secessionists have a large number of prisoners in their hands. It is supposed they were principally picked up on the way.

Maj. Bidwell took the place of Col. Wilcox,¹ and managed to bring the Regiment out of the field in the best possible order.

Fifteen members only of the 1st Ohio Regiment are missing. The officers are all safe.

WASHINGTON, July 23d.

A spectator of the battle of Bull’s Run says that the single cause of the panic was a charge by a large body of cavalry on the teamsters and stragling soldiers who were in the rear of our main forces between the Run and Centerville.

When [Major General Irvin] McDowell found that the reserve was on the retreat, is [sic] was to [sic] late to counteract the mistake, and he then commanded the main body to fall back, which it did quietly and in good order.

The men had been fighting all day without water and food, and were in a state of complete exhaustion.

A spectator, an Englishman who was present at all the Crimean battles, said their fighting had been of the most splendid kind, such charges as the Fire Zouaves and the 69th made he had not seen at Inkerman or at Alma.²

WASHINGTON, July 23 11 A. M.

Later accounts show that the number killed is much less than at first supposed. Official lists are preparing as rapidly as possible. Col. [Gilman] Marston³ of N. H. member of Congress, lost an arm. Col. Laman was slightly wounded. Gov. Sgrague [sic] of R. I. was in the thickest of the battle, and made a gallant appearance. The regiments that have suffered most are the First Zouaves and the 69th of N. Y., Conn. 1st, Mass. 1st and 8th. A large number of Congressmen and civilians were on the battle field, and their flight added much to the confusion. The number of our troops actually engaged did not exceed 20,000.

Maj. Harris left to day to recover the body of Col. [Michael] Corcoran.⁴

The Assistant Surgeon at Centerville Hospital, says that the killed and wounded will not exceed 600.

The enemy were very industriously engaged in picking up knapsacks, canteens, &c., on the road.

There is no prospects of the traitors advancing.

The Government is hourly receiving offers of new regiments, which are being accepted. Our misfortues [sic] has had no disheartning [sic] effects.

Eighteen cannon were lost in the retreat.

 BALTIMORE, July 23.

A gentleman from the valley of Virginia, says that Gen. Johnson [Joseph E. Johnston] left Winchester on Thursday at noon, and reached Manassas during the battle with 20,000 strong. It is confidently believed at Winchester that Gen. Johnson [sic] was killed at Manassas. It is also reported, but not certain, that Gen. [Thomas J. “Stonewall”] Jackson was killed.

Messengers sent from Manassas represent the rebel army in a starving condition, and all the produce in the neighborhood is being seized and sent down.

The suffering at Winchester was very great.

PHILADELPHIA, July 23d.

The Bulletin of this city has a special dispatch, dated Monday evening, saying that Senator Wade had arrived at Washington. He states that he left two divisions of the army at Centerville.—The enemy remained in their intrenchments. Gen. [Daniel] Tyler had thrown up intrenchments. Thee was no prospect of an attack.

Gov. [William] Sprague spiked the first Rhode Island battery on the field.

DETROIT, July 23.

Private dispatches recieved [sic] here this P. M. from Manassas, via Richmond, say that Col. Wilcox,¹ commander of the 2d brigade, 3d division, is prisioner at Manassas, slightly wounded.

WASHINGTON, July 23.

About 200,000 men have been ordered here from different states. The Governors of the several States now engaged, and N. Y. responded nobly.—The President and Sec. Seward visited the fortifications on the Virginia side to-day, and were received by the gallant 69th with greatest enthusiasm.

The President asked if they intended to re-enlist; they replied yes, if he desired. He announced emphatically that he did, and wrote them a letter complimenting them on their brave and heroic conduct, and expressing hope that the whole regiment would re-enlist. This was received with cheers, and the determination expressed to go in for the war, and to stand by the Government and flag forever.

The barbarities practiced by the rebels at the battle of Bull’s Run are unparalled [sic].

 A member of the 1st Conn. Regiment found a wounded rebel lying in the sun, carried him gently into the shade, and gave him water from his canteen. The rebel revived and deliberately shot his benefactor.

Another instance, where a number of our wounded had been placed together in the shade they were deliberately fired upon by cavalry.

The Mich. Regiment, at one time, marched up to one of the heavest [sic] of the rebel batteries which had been several times unsuccessfully charged by the N. Y. Fire Zouaves; they were subjected to a terrible fire by artillery and rifles. They, as well as the Zouaves, were without support, and, after three ineffectual attempts, were compelled to abandon the effort to take the battery.

In this charge Col. Wilcox¹ is reported wounded and taken prisoner, was reported as killed.

The total number killed of the Regiment is estimated at 40.

It is the general opinion of nearly all officers that we were outnumbered by the enemy nearly twice.

Times‘ Dispatch says our loss in killed and wounded will not exceed 600 but the missing will be three times that number. The Surgeon in charge of the hospital at Centerville states that when he left there yesterday morning, the rebel pickets were within one hundred yards of the village. There were one hundred and twenty men in the hospital when he left. The rebels fired point plank [sic] at the hospital buildings.—It is also said by some that they set fire to the hospital.

Senator [John C.] Breckenridge visited the rebel prisoners, taken at Fairfax C. H. [Court House] and and [sic] Centerville, and in his interview did not conceal his sympathy with them and their cause.

 Tribune’s Dispatch says that Capt. [Truman] Seymour of [Major Robert] Anderson‘s command in Sumter, was actively engaged yesterday in disposing the army in the different works in Virginia to the best advantage.

Several fresh regiments were posted in the entrenchments, lying on their arms all night, but nothing was seen of the rebels who have not ventured beyond Centerville.

It is reported to-day that the rebels are evacuating Manassas, and moving towards Richmond.

About noon large trains of baggage wagons were seen going to Manassas from the enemy’s lines, showing that at time they were preparing for a backward movement.

BALTIMORE, July 23.

Letters have been received here from Richmond, confirming the report that Gen. [Robert E.] Lee left that city on the morning of the 19th, with a large force for Lynchburg, on his way to intercept Gen. [George B.] McClellan.

 

1.  Orlando Bolivar Willcox (1823-1907) was appointed colonel of the 1st Michigan Infantry at the beginning of the Civil War. He was wounded and captured in the First Battle of Bull Run. In 1895 he will be given the Medal of Honor for his “most distinguished gallantry” during the Battle. He will be released and exchanged in a little over a year, and will lead a division at the Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862).
2.  The Battle of Alma (20 September 20, 1854) is generally considered the first battle of the Crimean War; the Battle of Inkerman (November 5, 1854) was an Allied (Britain and France) victory.
3.  Marston’s arm was shattered, but he refused an amputation. Gilman Marston (1811-1890) represented New Hampshire in the U.S. House of Representatives from March 4, 1859 – March 4, 1863 and again from March 4, 1865 – March 4, 1867. On March 4, 1889 he was appointed U.S. Senator from New Hampshire to fill a vacancy and served until June 18, 1889, when a successor was elected.
4.  Michael Corcoran (1827-1863) was the colonel of the 69th New York Infantry and led the 69th at the First Battle of Bull Run, where he was not killed but was taken prisoner. He will be exchanged in August 1862.