Chronicles of the American Civil War

April 30, 1862, The New York Herald

The rebels are apparently just realizing the fact that General McClellan is making extensive preparations to open the second siege of Yorktown. Up to yesterday the works of our troops have steadily progressed, directly under the enemy eyes, without any response from their guns, excepting an occasional shot sent to inform us that they were still there.
Our earthworks are now beginning to present a very formidable appearance to the enemy, and all day yesterday and last night they kept up a brisk fire on them, with a view to draw the men out. Occasionally a shell would come so close as to make it unpleasant, when they would lay close to the ground until it had passed over. No one was injured and the work progressed as though no enemy were within range.
This morning the rebels opened with increased vigor for about three hours from their batteries near the river, but receiving no response they ceased.
Yesterday Gen. Hancock went out with a portion of his brigade for the purpose of driving the enemy from a piece of timber which they occupied in close proximity to our works. Our troops advanced through an open field on their hands and knees until they came within close musket range.
The rebels, who were secreted behind stumps and trees, were anxious to get our men on their feet, and to accomplish this the Captain in command of the enemy shouted at the height of his voice to charge bayonets, supposing that our frightened troops would instantly jump to their feet and run, but they were mistaken in the men. The command being given to second time the rebels arose, when our troops poured into them a well directed fire, causing them to retreat leaving their dead and wounded to be cared for afterwards. During the skirmish a new battery, which the rebels had erected during Sunday night, and which interfered with a working party of our men, was most effectually silenced, and the guns dismantled.
The weather is more favorable for military operations. The time is drawing close when the Commanding General will commence the task of reducing the enemy’s work enacted to impede the advance of the Union troops. All are sanguine as to the result, and the troops are eager to be led forward.

April 30, 1862, The New York Herald

It is a singular fact that at the present time, with a million of Americans arrayed against each other in arms, we are yet within a month, or perhaps two weeks, of the end of this war. So closely do war and peace keep company that in a few weeks we passed from a state of profound quiet to all the tumult and horrors of battle. Now, while the whole land resounds with the clash of arms, we are upon the eve of peace, and soon our armies will dissolve as rapidly as they congregated, and our glorious flag will leave the battle field to float proudly over every city, town and village in the land. Two more great, successful efforts and the military portion of the work of restoring the Union will be practically concluded. These efforts will be made a Yorktown and Corinth, where the best generals this country has even produced - McClellan, Halleck, Beauregard, Johnston and their subordinates - at the head of the largest and best equipped armies ever seen on this continent, will soon engage in the most sanguinary battles of this, and perhaps of any war. If the politicians will but leave our generals alone for a few short weeks we cannot doubt the result of these battles. If, however, our generals are hampered or interfered with the politicians will find that the wrath of the people is the wrath of God in its terrible severity, and that a defeat of our forces will be equivalent to a revolutionary regeneration of our government. Let no one, then be rash enough to move a finger to prevent the certain victories, planned by our great leaders, which will shortly end this rebellion and restore to us our country.

April 30, 1862, The New York Herald

Since Friday a disagreeable northeast storm has prevailed, and we have the usual amount of bad roads and mud as a consequence, but our brave soldiers have long ago learned to disregard such trifles, and go steadily on in the discharge of their duties, unmindful of the weather.
Since the attack upon and capture of the rebel redoubt yesterday morning by the gallant Massachusetts boys, the enemy have remained very quiet in their batteries, but seem particularly spiteful in their attempts at picket shooting. It must have been extremely aggravating to the rebels to see their redoubt stormed by a less number than there was in it at the time, and that, too in the face of a fort within so short a range that a company of rebel spectators were driven from the ramparts by the well directed fire of a company of skirmishers.
Private Kingsbury, yesterday reported mortally wounded, died last night. With one exception the rest of the wounded will probably be able to resume their duties in a short time. There are among the rebel sharpshooters a large number of negroes, who show a good deal of ability in the use of the rifle - in fact, our pickets declare that the best shot among them is a stalwart darkey, who climbs up inside the chimney of a recently burnt house, and, knocking out a brick for a porthole, sits perched inside watching his chance of a shot at our people. Our sharpshooters watch him very closely, so closely in fact, that he has been unable to reach his den, and is this morning fastened in behind an apple tree, where he will probably be kept from doing any harm today.
This morning a corporal of the First Florida regiment came in and gave himself up to our pickets. He is an Irishman, named Ward, from New Jersey, and was employed on the coast survey steamer Stevens at the time the rebellion broke out, when he was forced into the rebel service. On Saturday morning he posted his guard in regular order, and them made his escape from their lines. He was compelled to secret himself for twenty-four hours in a small hole between the lines, owing to the fire of our pickets and sharpshooters.
He states that a large number of rebel soldiers are ready to come over to our lines but for fear of our sharpshooters: for to stand out before our lines is almost certain death. He was sent immediately to headquarters.

April 30, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

The Richmond papers of Monday throw but little light on the capture of New Orleans. The Examiner surmises as to the direction General LOVELL will take. On the supposition that he will join General BEAUREGARD at Corinth, it is calculated that an immediate action will occur there, or that an attempt will be made there at once to move the forces under BEAUREGARD eastward. The situation is said to admit of no other alternative.
The loss of the great cattle country of Texas is accounted as not the least disastrous result of the ill-timed fall of New Orleans; and some appreciation of this loss may be made when it is known that droves of cattle to the amount of more than two hundred thousand head were being driven through to New Orleans at the time of its unexpected capture by the Yankees.
It is understood that the subsistence of its armies in the field is likely to be a question of immediate concern to the government. Much of the cattle country in Virginia is already in the hands of the enemy, and the Examiner thinks that a sudden concentration of our forces in Virginia or to the eastward is among the measures contemplated by the Government.
The Richmond Enquirer, (government organ,) in commenting upon the event, says:
We need not say that this is an unexpected and heavy blow. The Confederacy had been plied with emphatic and continued assurances from New Orleans, that the defences of that city were complete and impregnable. They had had a long time for preparation, and we were assured that the time was diligently improved. Forts and shore batteries, we were told, lined the river bank, rendering it impossible for the enemy to ascend. And if these were not sufficient, iron-clad steamers of giant proportions and impenetrable mail, floated in the channel, ready to demolish every opponent. A large and well-appointed army was there to resist a land attack. In short, those who had most at stake and who should have been hardest to please, - we mean the citizens of New Orleans and the officers entrusted with its defence, - united in confidence and daily assurance that New Orleans was perfectly secure. And yet New Orleans has fallen!
It remains to be told why it was that all these preparations and assurances proved fallacious. It remains for the government to hold stern inquest into all the circumstances of this deplorable calamity. The occasion demands it, and demands that negligence and incapacity, wherever they may attach, shall be summarily punished or prescribed. They have brought upon us a heavy misfortune, and sternly must they answer it. (more…)

April 30, 1862, The New York Herald

A despatch from Fort Wright furnishes some particulars of the reduction of Forts Jackson and St. Philip and the capture of New Orleans. The engagement with the forts continued during two days, and it is stated one of the Union vessels was sunk, and that the federal loss is very heavy. Our troops took possession of New Orleans without a struggle, amid the rejoicings of the citizens who remained true to the Union.
By way of Fortress Monroe we learn that, in connection with the capture of New Orleans, a report reached them that the rebel iron gunboat Louisiana, which was supposed to rival the Merrimac, was destroyed by the United States steamer Pensacola, while attempting to escape from New Orleans. The occupation of the Crescent City by our troops receives confirmation in every direction. It is known in the rebel camp at Yorktown, and fugitives from Fort Wright, who arrived at Cairo yesterday, stated that it was known at the fort before their departure. Although no official report surrender of the city has been received, it is evident that it succumbed upon the appearance of our fleet, without resistance. Major General Mansfield Lovell, who was in command, evacuated the city, and retired with his forces to Camp Moore, seventy-nine miles back on the Jackson railroad.
Although the weather at Hampton Roads was quite favorable yesterday, the Merrimac made no demonstration of coming out. It was rumored at the Fortress that one or two rebel gunboats made an attempt to shell our camp near Warwick, from the James river, on Monday morning. General McClellan telegraphs to the War Department that nothing of interest transpired in front of Yorktown during Monday night; that the weather is fine, and the works are progressing undisturbed by the fire of the enemy, which continues pretty briskly, but with no damaging effect. All preparations for a heavy siege and a grand encounter are being made; nor are the casualties of a terrible conflict unprovided for. Large staffs of surgeons and nurses are detailed by the different States to take charge of the wounded; careful provisions are made for the identification of the dead, and a flotilla of transports is in readiness to carry the injured to the hospitals at Fortress Monroe, Alexandria, Washington, Georgetown, Philadelphia and New York. Gen. Hancock’s brigade had a brilliant skirmish with the enemy on Monday, in which he dislodged them from one of their outer works, silencing, a battery in the woods.
The active operations of the rebels in throwing up redoubts and strengthening their lines can (more…)

April 30, 1862, The New York Herald

After closing my letter of yesterday, and paying the compliment I did to the rebels for their quietness during the morning, the rascals spoiled it all by opening a heavy fire of artillery, but upon whom or what it was difficult to determine. Their shot and shells fell in all directions without harm to anyone.
The bodies of the three men killed in the storming party of Saturday were interred yesterday, in a vault which their comrades prepared. It is located on the slope of a steep hill, beautifully shaded by huge oaks, with an undergrowth of laurel. The services were conducted by the chaplain, Rev. Mr. Cudworth, who delivered an impressive address to the men, alluding touchingly to the fact that these men fell on the ground upon which their father stood, under the immortal Washington, nearly a century ago, fighting for the same glorious cause - the perpetuation of the American republic.
At another point a rebel cannon boomed out. “There,” exclaimed the chaplain, “are the same defiant tones which have been belched forth from the halls of Congress for a generation past, only the tones are a little louder and the missiles a little harder. It says treason, anarchy and despotism and plainly as if spoken by the devilish instigators of this most unholy rebellion.”
The men listened with attentive interest, and as they left the scene each man looked determined to do his whole duty in the task of extinguishing the rebellion.
We again have a glimpse of sunshine this morning, which it is hoped may continue for at least a few days.
Private Joseph W. Spooner, in the skirmish of Saturday morning, was shot through the boot, and again received a ball which struck his breastplate, where it remained. It was a Minie rifle ball. Spooner was knocked down be the blow, but immediately recovered and joined his comrades in the redoubt. He was within twenty yards of the rampart when he received the shot.
Another deserter came within our lines this morning. He is quite a youth, and was a member of Company G, Ninth Alabama regiment. He is one of the number who have been recently drafted from that State, he having been just five weeks in the service. When he was being reluctantly impressed into the rebel service his mother told him that if he could get an opportunity he had better desert and strive to engage in some honest and profitable business in the North. He watched his chance, saw an opportunity and this morning came over to our side. He said the rebels had just received the news of the taking of New Orleans by the Union troops. He was sent to headquarters.

April 30, 1862, The New York Herald

The stocks of a government are the financial barometer, whose rise and fall indicate either the measure of the public distrust or of the public confidence in its stability. There is no better test of a people’s sense of security than their willingness to invest in the bonds of the government. Let us apply this test to United States stocks. From ninety-three, at which they stood a few days ago, they have risen to ninety-seven, while the seven thirty notes sold yesterday at two per cent premium. What is the cause of the advance? It is simply the increased confidence of the public mind in the ultimate success of our arms and the speedy termination of the rebellion. The decline of cotton half a cent is another premonitory symptom of the collapse of the insurrection, which has hitherto kept cotton at so high a figure.
What are the facts which justify this belief? The uniform success of our arms since the opening of the years, including even the battle of Shiloh, which the enemy claims as a victory, though attended with the loss of his best general, and confessedly ending in repulse and retreat; the recent successful movements of the three divisions of the grand Army of the Potomac - the right wing under Banks, the centre under McDowell, and the left under McClellan - the persistent refusal of the Merrimac to come out, though it is admitted that she is ready, and it is known that the tide and the weather now for several days have answered for her operations, and though the Confederates at Yorktown are being shelled with terrible effect by our gunboats, because there is no iron-clad vessel to drive them off; the news of the success of Farragut’s and Porter’s expedition through the mouths of the Mississippi, resulting, as announced yesterday, in the capture of New Orleans, and culminating, as our news columns proclaim today, in the destruction of the Louisiana, second Merrimac, on which the rebels relied for the destruction of our fleet, with the same facility as the Merrimac destroyed the Cumberland and the Congress in Hampton Roads; the impossibility of any longer running the blockade through the lower Mississippi; and, lastly, the complete possession of the whole of that river, which the victory at New Orleans gives to our army and navy, thus cooping up the enemy within narrow limits, and cutting off his greatest channel of communication.
These are some of the causes of the buoyancy of the public mind in the loyal States and of the great depression among the insurgents at the South. But there are other causes at work. All our letters from the Southern seaboard, as well as the extracts from the Southern journals, (more…)

April 30, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

Charleston is not difficult of defence against land attacks. So long as we have the rivers and harbor, a respectable force can hold it against heavy odds, and concentration is easy. General LEE is said to have expressed the opinion that the field-works thrown up for its defence were strong to an extent almost ridiculous. But of what avail are field fortifications while the city is exposed to the ingress of iron-clad gunboats by the water approach. So long as the entrance to our roadstead is unobstructed, the labors on land, however well directed, are labors thrown away, or expended for the benefit of the enemy. Charleston can be saved but in one way, and that is by keeping the Yankee fleet out of our water approach. We believe that the harbor can be efficiently obstructed, and that within a short time - time enough to save it from water attack. JOHNSTON and BEAUREGARD may employ their land forces, and the malaria of our summer will cooperate in preventing an attack by land, for some time, at least.
But to save Charleston from the gunboats, energy is necessary on the part of our State authorities and our citizens. The task is one of great magnitude, requiring a large force of hands, and great courage and zeal in the expenditure of labor. Gen. RIPLEY has performed an immense amount of efficient work within his military district. He has contended with great difficulties in the obtainment of sufficient force. He has stretched his authority to the utmost in helping himself, when others should have supplied him. He has been employed on labors not so vital as the harbor defences; and, unless he receives at once the force needed, and is put in the way of obstructing the harbor, Charleston will, in all probability, fall. He has done all that a man could do to get at this work long since. He has not had the opportunity. It is now late, but we trust not yet too late.
Our people and the State authorities must make up their minds either to throw the ordnance of our Forts into the sea, and blow them up, evacuating Charleston to the enemy, or they must see that our harbor is obstructed and Fort Sumter secured from Parrott guns on Morris Island. The time has fully come to face this alternative, and the sooner we get to a conclusion the better. Croakers are a useless class. We repeat that, in our opinion, Charleston can probably be saved by prompt and untiring energy.

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

Since my last letter I have been engaged in voyaging between this ship and those on the bar at Southwest Pass, watching with interest the efforts which have been made to get the heavy draught vessels into the river. The Mississippi, Iroquois and Oneida have come in, but the Pensacola is still outside, trying to come up. I think a little more tugging will bring her in also. The Connecticut is here with a meager mail for us; but she brings us intelligence of the sad disaster in Hampton Roads, which we were afraid at first was of a more doleful character.
Today we have been eye witnesses of a smart little brush between the gunboat Kineo and the flagship of the rebel flotilla. The scene of the skirmish was a few miles above us, and most of the firing could be witnessed from our topgallant forecastle. Just before noon a steamer appeared in sight at the point above us, steaming down the river. We noticed immediately that she was a stranger, and that she wore the blue flag of the Admiral of the rebels. She was a large and powerful side-wheel boat, painted black and had two masts. At the main waved the stars and bars. Signals were immediately thrown out for the Brooklyn (Capt. Alden, being the senior officer here, the flag officer being at the bar) to chase the enemy. The Kineo and Iroquois immediately proceeded to execute the order. The rebel boat came down a short distance, and stopped his engine to await the arrival of our gunboats. As soon as the Kineo - she being the fastest boat of the two - got with range she fired a rifled gun at the defiant Admiral, but missed the mark. The rebel now slowly turned his head up stream, when the Kineo left fly another shell, and hit secesh. This had the effect to quicken his speed, and away he went up stream as fast as his wheels could propel him. The Kineo kept firing at him, and Captain Ransom informs me that he hit him three times. She was too much for the rebel, and he went off with a flea in his ear in the shape of a rifled shell. When the Kineo arrived at the Jump she saw that the Admiral was not alone, for in the distance she saw three river boats - evidently gunboats - two iron clad gunboats, constructed with sloping sides, and in almost every respect being the counterpart of Flag Officer Foote’sgunboats on the Upper Mississippi; and besides these there was a house-looking affair, which was pronounced at once to be the Ram. Captain Ransom, finding the odds against him, wisely concluded not to fight the party, and after making a good observation of the vessels he returned with the Iroquois, and reported the state of affairs to Captain Alden, who at once despatched the Kennebec to inform the Flag Officer of the appearance of the enemy’s flotilla in force. Nothing occurred in the latter part of the afternoon to occasion any alarm; but just before sundown a rebel steamer made its appearance off the point and remained there some time taking notes, and then returned to report. There can be no doubt that the rascals are preparing to attack us with rams, fireships, gunboats, and, in fact, with all the offensive means within their command. To prevent them laying a plan based upon our present position, or the position of our vessels since we came up here, after dark we all up anchor and have shifted positions, and as I am writing we are forming into line-of-battle and making all preparations to meet them on ground which we trust will prove our superiority. We are not spoiling for a fight but our country has called upon us to aid in protecting its honor, and to unfarl the emblem of a great nation over a people who have rebelled and cast aside a flag which has been respected for nearly a century. To do this we will give our utmost endeavors, and trust to God for success. We do not intend to be caught and be butted and rammed at the will and mercy of a desperate foe. Twice our vessels have been thus maltreated, and we will try not to have it occur again without punishing the depredators. There is strong reasons for believing that it will not be long before the enemy will be upon us and make strong efforts to drive us from these waters. They may do it, but I doubt it. Our fighting will be of a desperate character. They will come in force. Their reconnoissance of to-day shows that, and contrasts strongly with ours a few days ago.
I have no doubt but the movements of the enemy will expedite our movements greatly, and we will be under fire much sooner than we had calculated upon. We all wish it was over. Suspense is terrible; but coolness and discretion are our best plan after all, and we must suffer some to gain any great object.

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

Convinced that the attack up the river and the important operations of the Mississippi expedition would be performed by the fleet, I came on board the Iroquois on the 30th ult., and am at the present writing almost within range of the guns at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the immediate points of attack. The squadron in the river consists of over forty sail, as follows:-
Flagship, Hartford, twenty-six guns, Captain Richard Wainwright; Executive officer, Lieutenant J.S. Thornton.
Steam sloop Brooklyn, twenty-six guns, Captain Thomas T. Craven; Executive officer, Lieutenant R. B. Lowry.
Steam sloop Richmond, twenty-eight guns, Captain James Alden.
Steam sloop Mississippi, sixteen guns, Captain M.Smith; Executive officer, Lieutenant Dewey.
Steam sloop Varuna, ten guns, Captain Charles S. Boggs.
Steam sloop Pensacola, twenty-four guns, Captain Henry W. Morris; Executive Officer, Lieutenant Francis Roe.
Steam sloop Oneida, eleven guns, Commander S. Phillips Lee; Executive Officer, Lieutenant Sicord.
Steam sloop Iroquois, nine guns, Commander John De Camp; Executive Officer, David B. Harmony.
Gunboat Westfield, six guns, Captain William B. Renshaw.
Gunboat Katahdin, six guns, Lieutenant Commanding George Preble.
Gunboat Pinola, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding Crosby.
Gunboat Cayuga, five, guns, Lieutenant Commanding Napoleon Harrison.
Gunboat Clifton, five guns.
Gunboat Itasca, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding C. H. B. Caldwell.
Gunboat Kennebec, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding John Russell.
Gunboat Kanawha, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding John Febiger.
Gunboat Sciola, six guns, Lieutenant Commanding Edward Donaldson.
Gunboat Miami, six guns, Lieutenant Commanding A. D. Harroll.
Gunboat Owasco, five guns, Lieutenant Commanding John Guest.
Gunboat Winona, four guns, Lieutenant Commanding Edward T. Nichols; Executive Officer, (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

The capture of New Orleans is fully confirmed from every quarter; but the official reports from Commodore Porter and General Butler may not be received at Washington for some days to come.
The correspondence which we publish today from the Ship Island expedition, and all the information which we have received from every source, got to prove that all the plans foreshadowed more than a month ago have been strictly carried out, and resulted with the success which we announced yesterday. We commend the correspondence referred to the attentive perusal of our readers. It will be found, though reaching as far back as March 11, to embody the whole programme of the capture of New Orleans precisely as it was perfected, even to the detailed action of the gunboats and the landing of the troops. The maps which we give today fully illustrate the entire locality where our conjoined naval and military operations put us in possession of the great commercial centre of the rebel confederacy, the leading cotton port of the entire South.
Rumors were in circulation in Washington yesterday that the rebels are preparing to evacuate Yorktown, and that since the recent news has arrived they are terribly troubled as to their condition.
The latest accounts which we have - up to Sunday night - say that firing had been going on all day in front of the rebel works. Our naval vessels, with their superior armament, were doing fearful execution on the rebel batteries, while the fire of the rebels falls far short of their mark. Skirmishing between the land forces is kept up very brisk, and it cannot last many hours before a general and terrific engagement will be brought on. The details which we publish from our correspondents of the late brilliant attack upon a rebel redoubt on the 26th inst., and the successful result of the movement will be read with interest.
The rebel papers are commenting freely upon the possible chances of a defeat at Yorktown. The Mobile News says - Probably at least two hundred thousand of the best men Lincoln has under arms compose the forces which threaten the confederates in front and flank. If they have taken up the advance line of march they must fight us, or retreat dishonored and defeated without a blow. If we decline to fight them we must yield up Richmond, and that is giving up Virginia. If we fight them and are signally defeated, Richmond and Virginia are lost, (more…)

April 29, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

Is Charleston to be saved? Then no time is to be lost in obstructing efficiently the harbor against the ingress of gunboats, and in securing Morris Island against the erection of the enemy’s batteries of Parrott guns and heavy mortars for the reduction of Fort Sumter. Fort Pulaski teaches us the effect of such batteries on strong walls of brick. The passage of the enemy’s gunboats by the Louisiana Forts shows the incapacity of fortifications to stop their progress. Charleston can be defended. But the defence is one of herculean labor, for no obstructions will suffice, but such as are strong and immovable. We are satisfied the General commanding this department is fully alive to the importance of this work, and has been anxious to accomplish it. But he must be provided with the force and be permitted to devote his great energies to the task. Two thousand laborers put under General RIPLEY, for four weeks, would, we believe, save Charleston from attack by water. Is it worth the effort? We ask our citizens. We ask our Governor and Council. We ask our Convention. In a short time it may be too late. It is late now.

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

This morning Captain Bell and your correspondent came on board of this trim little gunboat, and proceeded up the river for the purpose of making a reconnoissance, and, if possible, to draw the fire of the enemy. The gunboat Wissahickon was ordered to join us; but, as her speed was not equal to ours, she fell into the rear, and we were obliged to slack up our speed so she could keep in company. We proceeded up the river, meeting, after we had passed the salt works, quite a number of small huts and small houses situated near the water’s edge, on both banks of the river. When within about three miles of the forts, their flags being in sight, we saw a man on shore, and we despatched a boat to bring him off to the ship. He was somewhat frightened, and we did not get but little information from him, as we were well posted up in affairs in the vicinity of the forts. At noon we were in full view of the enemy; but Fort Jackson was hid behind a grove of trees. We steamed ahead at full speed, Captain Bell and Mr. Wade being at the masthead taking notes. At this time the steamer Star came out from the fort, and by sundry evolutions endeavored to tell us on to what they considered would be certain destruction. Their theory was well based, as the sequel will show. We only noticed the rebel steamer by firing at him once. When Fort Jackson’s barbette guns were just emerging from the clump of trees, of which a portion had been felled so as to leave an unobstructed line of fire, it was five minutes past noon, and on the instant a flash, a dense column of white smoke, showed that their impatience could not be brooked, and that they were determined to drive us back. On we steamed, heedless of the shell which burst within two hundred yards of us. On we steamed. Our coolness was too much for them, and they showed it by firing a whole rain at us of at least eight guns. In the mean time we noticed that eight hulks and a large raft supported the chain cable across the river, and that, as a protection to the chain, a small mud battery had been erected on a point lying out from the fort. We also noticed that there are heavy batteries, of over twenty guns each, on either side of Fort St. Philip. The second broadside from the fort brought out a rifled gun from Fort St. Philip, whose range exceeded the guns of Fort Jackson. The first, a rifle, was succeeded by a second, both being of extraordinary range. In fact, better firing could not be made. The shell and shot were dropping around us like hail and in close proximity, and I must confess I did some tall watching. Captain Russel handled the Kennebec beautifully, and if she had not been moved up and across the river rapidly we would have been (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

Five companies of Massachusetts troops participated in a splendid little action which took place this morning. One company made a brilliant charge on a rebel redoubt, drove the rebels away, killed quite a number, and hemmed in fourteen, who were taken prisoners. The redoubt is situated in front of a piece of woods, and faces an opened cornfield to the right of Yorktown road. It was determined last evening to reduce the work and ascertain what fortifications were behind, beyond the woods. Early this morning three companies of the First Massachusetts regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel Wells, and two companies of the Eleventh, under Major Tripp, left camp and arrived on the ground just about daylight. Company A, Captain Wild, was deployed as skirmishers to the left across the field to prevent a flank movement of the enemy. Company I, Captain Rand, was held in reserve towards the right near a small ravine, while Company H, under Captain Carruth, advanced at double quick across the field and charged upon the work. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Wells, they dashed ahead in the most gallant manner. As soon as they were seen crossing the open field; a distance of four or five hundred yards from the redoubt, the rebels opened a spirited fire from behind the parapet. In face of this fire the gallant little band of sixty advanced at double quick, with bayonets fixed. Their comrades were falling on the field around them; but not a man on our side fired a gun until those who charged the redoubt had arrived within a few yards of the ditch in front. Then they discharged a volley, and the rebels retreated. Although much exhausted by the run across the cornfield, our men jumped into the ditch and climbed over the parapet. Thus the work was successfully taken in a few minutes. Lieutenant Chandler and Lieutenant Colonel Wells were among the first to reach the fort. Company H lost three men killed and thirteen wounded. No other casualties occurred on our side. Most of the killed and wounded fell within twenty yards of the ditch, which was six or seven feet deep and eight feet wide in front of the redoubt. Company A still held their position as skirmishers to the left, and subsequently Company I was ordered to advance to support those in front. In the meantime Company A., Eleventh Massachusetts, Captain Humphrey, came forward to the right at double quick and kept the rebels back, while Company G., Captain Allen, which had been placed to support a section of our artillery, also advanced, and with picks and shovels commenced destroying the redoubt. Our artillery did not fire a single shot. Presently the rebels opened with their artillery from (more…)

April 29, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

NEW ORLEANS, Sunday, 5 p.m. (via Mobile). - The Mayor’s Private Secretary, Mr. BAKER, visited the enemy’s fleet, yesterday evening, under a flag or truce. Commodore FARRAGUT, who is in command of the Yankee gunboats, promised him that he would make a renewed demand for the surrender of the city; but, up to this time, he has not done so.
Our steamer, the McRae, came up from the fort today, under a flag of truce, bringing forty of our men, who have been wounded in the bombardment. She communicated with the Yankee flag ship; but the result is unknown. It is rumored that the enemy refused to let her return.
After the correspondence between Mayor MONROE and Commodore FARRAGUT had closed, a conference was held with one of the Federal officers, who demanded that the Confederate flag which floats over the City Hall, should be hauled down. This was refused, when the officer left, declaring that he would shoot it down. He has actually brought his vessel in range, just opposite the City Hall; but, thus far, has not fired a shot. There is a rumor that French and English men-of-war are below, and have entered a protest against the bombardment of the city.
It is believed that the Yankee fleet is short of both provisions and ammunition. And, as the city has hitherto drawn all its supplies from Texas, the prospect is that, if the present state of affairs continue, starvation must ensue among the people here. The city is remarkably orderly, but the excitement is intense, and a deep feeling of humiliation prevails. The Foreign Legion (composed exclusively of alien residents, and organized some time ago for the defence of the city) is under arms. Gen. PAUL JUGE is in command. Further than this, the aspect of things in the city is the same as when the enemy’s vessels first appeared. All are waiting to see whether the Yankees will dare to shell the city.
There is a report that Fort Pike has been evacuated and blown up by our troops; but this is not authentic.
(Later.)
MOBILE, April 28. The forts on Lake Ponchartrain, in the rear of New Orleans, were all evacuated in great haste, on the 25th instant. The guns were dismounted, but not destroyed, and there was considerable loss in supplies, etc. At Fort Pike, all the buildings were burned, including the telegraph office. An operator has gone to the limits of the city, to open an office, if possible. All the gunboats on the lake have been burned by our people. The Mobile boats Whiteman, Brown, and another, name unknown, with several others, are now busy removing troops, stores and ordnance to Manachoc. After the task is completed, it is feared that these boats will also be burned. The Yankee fleet from Ship Island is again returning to that station.

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

This morning, at half past four o’clock, Lieutenant A. Kantz, Captain Broome, your correspondent and thirty marines, with one armed boat’s crew, embarked in the barge and third cutter and went on shore to take possession of the town and hoist the Stars and Stripes. Pulling up the little creek we landed at a wharf, then forming the marines and armed sailors, we marched to the music of the drum to the lookout station. The marines formed in line, while the officers and sailors went to the top rove halyards, got the flagstaff up, and at the signal the colors were hoisted, the drum rolled, and the boatswain’s mates piped colors. The marines presented arms, and all hands joined in and gave three tremendous cheers. We then took formal possession of the town and the land and water adjacent thereto. We then visited each house and found all deserted, save three. Two of them were occupied by families of two brothers named Thompson - Germans and fishermen. The third party proved to be a bachelor Italian, a pickler of oysters by trade, and a big scamp by looks. After visiting the houses and picking out military quarters, we selected a suitable place to land our spar, for we are to dismantle the ship here and clear her for action, and also to make it a depot for stores, coal &c. Leaving a guard of marines ashore we returned to the ship.
Pilot Town is composed of a dozen middling good houses with as many more of less importance. Some of them are, or at least have been, fitted up richly. The house of Johnson the old Dane, a pilot, has been used for a hotel, and is very large and commodious. Ross’s house is in excellent repair. The people ashore told us the pilots left here some moths ago, and by mere chance they were enabled to remain behind. They are in a half famished condition, and are terribly afraid of the vengeance of the rebels should they furnish us with fish and oysters. They were assured that their lives and property should be protected, and it would not be likely that they would even see a secesh flag again.
As soon as we returned to the ship the topgallant masts were sent down, all the spare spars put over the side and towed ashore and hauled up until we should need them.
While I think of it I will forward you a list of steamers on the Mississippi river, and the armament of them, as far as I can learn: -
McRae, four thirty-two pounders, and one nine-inch shell gun.
Ivy, one Armstrong rifled guns. (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

Treaty Between the United States of America and Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for the Suppression of the African Slave Trade, Concluded at Washington, April 7, 1862.
TREATY FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF THE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE.
The United States of America and her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, being desirous to render more effectual the means hitherto adopted for the suppression of the slave trade carried on upon the coast of Africa, have deemed it expedient to conclude a treaty for that purpose, and have named as their plenipotentiaries, that is to say: The President of the United States of America, William H. Seward, Secretary of State; and her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the right honorable Richard Bickerton Pemell Lord Lyons, a peer of her United Kingdom, a Knight Grand Cross of her most honorable Order of the Bath, and her Envoy Extraordinary and Minister of Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, who, after having communicated to each other their respective full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed upon and concluded the following articles:-
ARTICLE 1. The two high contracting parties mutually consent that those ships of their respective navies which shall be provided with special instructions for that purpose, as hereinafter mentioned, may visit such merchant vessels of the two nations as may, upon reasonable grounds, be suspected of being engaged in the African slave trade, or of having been fitted out for that purpose, or of having, during the voyage on which they are met by the said cruisers, been engaged in the African slave trade, contrary to the provisions of this treaty; and that such cruisers may detain and send, or carry away such vessel, in order that they may be brought to trial in the manner hereinafter agreed upon.
In order to fix the reciprocal right of search in such a manner as shall be adapted to the attainment of the object of this treaty, and at the same time avoid doubts, disputes and complaints, the said right of search shall be understood in the manner and according to the rules following: -
First - It shall never be exercised, except by vessels of war authorized expressly for that object, according to the stipulations of this treaty. (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

We are now where a blockading squadron should have been months ago. We are where we can do something towards stopping cotton going out and arms coming in. We are where we can and will trouble secesh at our pleasure and to his discomfort; and to Flag Officer Farragut belongs the praise.
He is a man of the age, and one, though being honored by years, is in appearance a young man - a man destined to rank with the brightest of our naval officers. Not rash, but a go ahead man, he combines valor with discretion, and will not rush into anything he cannot see his way out of. Every one respects him, and our men will fight to the death for him.
While I am writing this afternoon the masthead lookouts report fifteen vessels in sight, off the Southwest Pass and Pass-a-l’Outre. Most of them, I should judge, are schooners of the mortar flotilla. In a few days we will have a fleet here of some considerable magnitude. The Winona has been sent to the mouth of the Pass with instructions to the vessels not to come up, and thereby reveal our force to the enemy. At dark she returned, bringing the news of the arrival of the Mortar flotilla, Commander Porter in charge. Last night they captured three prizes loaded with cotton. This afternoon the Kinso chased the Star, which made her appearance at a point about six mile above us. Two Union men, who lived ten miles above this fort, came to us this afternoon, with a vast amount of very valuable information. The six schooners we saw on Thursday are anchored at intervals from fort Jackson, across the river, and a chain stretched from the Fort St. Philip side, across the decks of the schooners and thence to a buoy close to Fort Jackson, where a space is left for vessels to pass through. Another chain is stretched under the bottoms of the vessels and secured so that two chains are stretched to blockade the river. We can fix that in a short time. The Tennessee and Webb went up the river on Thursday. They, with several other vessels, are cotton loaded, and ready to run the blockade if they can. There are 1,300 troops at Fort Jackson, and as many more at Fort St. Philip. Each fort was reinforced last week by 400 men. At English Bend there is a mud battery, and one a few miles above it. After giving us all the information they were possessed of, they were put on their parole and allowed to go to Pilot Town, where they formerly resided.
The Star is in sight this morning. The Kineo chased her and she ran, as usual. Flag Officer Farragut shifted his flag to the Winona, and sailed for Ship Island to get the squadron in order, and to hurry them up. The Brooklyn is the senior ship, and from her all orders will emanate until the return of the Flag Officer, which will be in the course of a few days. A guard of marines was sent today to Pilot Town to occupy it permanently.

April 29, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

Now that the enemy is struggling for the control of the Mississippi River, the great State of Texas may be, for a time at least, cut off from communication with her sister States, and forced to depend upon her own resources, in men and material, for her own defence. But there is probably no one State that can better afford to take care of herself. She has a voting population of about 65,000, and a fighting population of at least 100,000. With a Mexican, Indian and Coast frontier of great extent to protect, she has yet no troops, other than her own sons, within her borders, though the gallant Texans have shed lustre upon the fame of their State on every battle field of the war. We are informed, on good authority, that Texas has now in the field forty-four full regiments of infantry, cavalry and artillery. Of these, seventeen are enlisted for the war, and ten more are about to do likewise. These regiments, numbering, in the aggregate, over forty thousand men, have all been raised without recourse to draft. With a population so hardy, patriotic and brave, with her teeming soil and her boundless resources in provisions of every kind, there can be no doubt that Texas will give a good account of herself, while the rest of the Confederacy is struggling in the grip of the great Yankee Anaconda.

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

WASHINGTON, April 28, 1862.
The report of the capture of New Orleans by the federal forces has been confirmed today in various ways. Official information from Commodore Porter and General Butler in regard to the operations is not expected here for a week.
By the arrival of the steamship Connecticut at Hampton Roads, on Saturday, the Navy Department has received dates from the Mississippi river to April 12th, including the despatches from Flag Officer Farragut and Captain Porter of the bomb flotilla. At that time the steamships Mississippi and Pensacola were over the bar, and the flotilla moving to be in readiness to take their position.
It appears from the documents that while sailing from Ship Island to pass-a-l’Outre, with the mortar flotilla Lieutenant Commanding Guest, in the Owasco, leading, the schooners at night chased and captured the two rebel schooners Eugenia and President, loaded with cotton and bound for Havana, they having escaped through island passage Breton.
The Captain of the Eugenia was a noted blockade breaker. He was the commander of the Miramon when she was captured. He gave his word of honor to Commodore McKean to come out of Mobile after getting provisions, and leave our waters forever. He broke his word, and in the Eugenia has made several successful voyages.
According to information obtained from one of the prisoners the soldiers would fight a little at Fort Jackson, but when that fell, in New Orleans think the rich and big men would all clear out and leave the rest. Times are had. There is no work excepting for carpenters, who get four dollars per day for working on the gunboats. They are paid in Confederate notes and in many stores these will not pass. There are five gunboats on the lake, besides the two new ones not yet equipped, and a good many in the river. Some went up the river a short time ago with the steam-ram and 10,000 men.
Captain Morris reports the death of Frederick Beth, captain of the after guard, and Nicholas T. Connor, coxswain; also the injuring of James Parr, Haman, and Acting Master John D. Robertson. The former sustained a contusion in the head; the latter, a fracture of both bones of the left leg. The accident happened on board the Pensacola, by the parting of a hawser.
Flag Officer Farragut encloses a report from Acting Master Thomas Pickering to Lieutenant (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

The English papers generally persist in their misunderstanding of President Lincoln’s Message, treating it as if it were thrown out as a bid and a bargain. It really is a pity that our transatlantic cousins cannot take more liberal and more enlarged views of American affairs and the policy of our government. We need hardly repeat what we have already said, that the emancipation Message of Mr. Lincoln, which has resulted in a resolution adopted by both houses, and signed by the President, was neither a bid nor the suggestion of a bargain, but was simply thrown out for the purpose of discussion, not as a political, but as a social moral question. Mr. Lincoln, in the true spirit of a wise conservation, would bring back this subject to the position in which it stood before the country thirty years ago in the slaveholding States themselves. At that period those States began seriously to think of, and to propose measures of emancipation, and there is no doubt whatever but that the very suggestion thrown out by Mr. Lincoln would have been acted upon and carried out long before now, had it not been for the violent interference of the abolitionists, and their bitter invectives against men who were honestly bent upon remedying all that was evil in their position.
The question now arises, what should be done with the slaves wherever the policy of emancipation as suggested in the Message, may be adopted? Colonization is certainly out of the question; it would not be possible to expatriate four millions of people. The idea may serve for a hobby; but, practically, it is an impossibility. Why not, we would ask, place them, after their emancipation, when any State shall have resolved upon the measure, under the power of the State where they reside, treating them as a distinct and separate class, under the protection of the laws, requiring them to work, and causing them to be paid for their work? Why expatriate so large an amount of valuable labor? Then let them be retained to work and labor as a class, such as they are, distinct from the whites placed under strict but fair laws, specially enacted in view of their special position, requiring them to work, and protecting them in being paid for their work. This would be not only possible, but easy in accomplishment. There are distinct laws to govern them in each State, protecting them in their lives and property, but enforcing the necessity of labor. They would thus be a subordinate class of labourers, yet their own masters, subject to special tutelage and control, without possessing any political rights, subject to arrest and punishment as vagrants in case they refused or neglected to work. They would (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

At daylight this morning I obtained the best view of the rebel defences and rebels themselves I have had since my sojourn on the peninsula. Capt. Auchmuty and brigade Surgeon Waters promised me the view if I would accompany them, which I did. Our horses sped us over the ground - a ride of several miles, owing to an obstinate bend in Wormsley creek, which had to be compassed - with lively and exultant rapidity. Capt. Auchmuty had his splendid field glass with him. Our position reached - which it is not prudent to mention here, as it is the place from which our generals get their best observations of the enemy and his doings - a single glimpse through the glass showed me the accuracy of the recent map published in the HERALD of Yorktown and its intrenchments. The town and fortifications stood out in bold relief; the work laid out for our gallant soldiers was visible in panorama. The fortifications have but little to do with the town, with its half dozen houses, more or less, revealing the antique architecture of the Old Dominion; and a decaying dilapidation saddening to contemplate. Within the fortifications are farms, and dense pine woods, and ravines, and the half dozen houses, more or less. The farms are not used now for raising bread, nor are the woods desolate, as they at first seemed. Every rod of ground supports its man; for infantry, cavalry and artillery are closely packed together behind the ramparts. While enjoying our view, the sun of a beautiful April morning appeared above the horizon, and the scene seemed more like some skillfully managed diorama than the stern reality it was. Not a sound was heard; yet all was life and motion. Behind us were the legions of the Army of the Potomac, before us the reported flower of the Southern chivalry. The former were too well disciplined to disturb the ordered quiet; the latter, if not equally well managed, were at least equally still. Cautious heads peered above the ramparts to see if any change had been wrought during the night around them. Bolder spirits stood upright on the earthworks to catch a better view. Now a field battery appeared, shifting, seemingly, the position it had occupied during the night. Further down the line a body of infantry moved along, relieving the guards, while, dark and grim looking, on the earthworks were the long, black guns, commanding every point, or sweeping with direct and cross fire the country far and near. The stars and bars flaunted defiantly in the air. Here and there a rifleman would leave the works, run across the open fields and drop in his rifle pit, sheltered by tall holly and evergreen boughs. Viewing this scene, it was impossible not to be impressed by the serenity of nature. All was (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

About one o’clock this morning a brisk cannonading occurred between our gunboats and the enemy’s batteries on their left. Some dozen shots were fired altogether. None of their shots came near the boats. Most of our shells exploded behind their intrenchments, and, it is [resumed, must have done some mischief. The very heavy firing, which was from some of the largest guns on both sides, roused a good many slumbering regiments, and for a time a belief prevailed that the ball was at length opened. The first gun came from the rebel side, who seem to be getting fond of producing startling sensations, as this makes the third or fourth time they have made these artillery demonstrations in the vicinity of midnight. It happens, however, that they always fire on boys vigilant and ready; for scarcely dies away the boom of their own cannon before, mingling with its echoes, is the quick responsive roar of our own artillery.
A prelude to the firing described above took place yesterday afternoon. Our gunboats had an eye there, less on the enemy’s intrenchments and more to some vessels from which they were landing army supplies at the Yorktown dock. Our sharpseeing gunners compelled a withdrawal of the vessels to the other side of Yorktown. These afternoon gunboat firings - for they have got now to be almost as regular as an afternoon performance at Barnum’s Museum - are becoming a great institution. Thousands watch with the intensest interest the firing; the quick flash from the gun’s side gives the first premonition of a new shot; the loud boom from the explosion follows, and then the ear and eye, unless too far off, trace the course of the shell and wait the explosion, the last the culminating point of interest.
The rebels are beginning to assume an air of boldness. Several Sibley tents to-day were placed in front of their intrenchments. It is believed that some ruse is at the bottom of it; for the fact in noticeable that the moving forms of living and breathing rebels are wanting to give completeness to the same. A like mystery enshrouds the rebel balloon, which the development of the past few days has shown to be strictly of the earth, earthy.
The late order about sutlers has played fearful havoc with the occupations of these army sharks. Many who started with the Army of the Potomac with no money and less credit have now retired to their homes with more money than they over dreamed of, and will doubtless, on their ill-gotten gains, accumulated from cheating soldiers, soon be coming out in the disguise of respectable citizens, with first class church pews and silver door plates. One now must travel (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

It appears, from our Washington telegrams, that the problem of the successful cultivation of abandoned plantations by contraband labor, in the district of Port Royal, S.C., has been placed in the hands of Secretary Stanton for solution.
The transfer of this important work from the Treasury Department to the more practical Secretary of War has not been made a moment too soon; and if it shall result in the exodus of the abolition missionaries from Port Royal, and a thorough change in the management of the contrabands, it will receive the sanction and approval of the country.
Under Mr. Pierce, the agent of the abolitionists, the negroes have become utterly demoralized and worthless. His teachings and those of his coworkers, who are sentimental women of the strong minded type and visionary and fanatical politicians, have produced their legitimate results. The negro refuses, in many instances, to labor at all; is insolent and treacherous, and deports himself in a manner so imperious that even his white sisters and brothers have become quite disgusted with the work they have undertaken to accomplish, and are relinquishing their positions to return North again.
The missionaries have already come in direct antagonism with the military authorities and the government agent for the collection of cotton, in assuming positions and powers for which they can find no authority. The government agent has been hampered and embarrassed, and the military authorities once held for a while at bay by these impudent fanatics, who have adopted the rule or ruin principle of General Greeley to its fullest extent. The firm and decisive action of one of the generals caused the missionaries at North Edisto to relinquish the power which they had arrogated to themselves, and the transfer of their control to the War Department will effectually complete the work.
With intelligent and practical agents the War Department may succeed in the experiment of working contrabands on Southern soil; but with the visionary abolitionists and their impracticable schemes, and all their doctrines of equality, fraternity and freedom carried out, the experiment will result only in disaster, and perhaps in blood.
Under Secretary Stanton’s wise and practical management the results will, we doubt not, be beneficial to the negroes and highly satisfactory to the country.

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

For the last two days it has been blowing a gale of wind from the westward, with tremendous rain storms at night, accompanied with heavy thunder and very vivid lightning. The weather is so cold that peajackets are by no means uncomfortable. Every day the rebels come down in the Star to see us. Yesterday they were somewhat startled by the sight of quite a number of the mortar flotilla, coming up Pass-a-l’Outre, so that they could go down the Southwest Pass rather than go around outside and over the bar. Our gunboats, who perform a kind of picket duty, prevented the Star from seeing too much at one time. At about eight o’clock last evening we discovered a large fire in the neighborhood of the forts; but we have not yet learned why it was kindled. My impression is that the rebels are clearing away the woods or reeds, so as to […..] us when we come up. A mail arrived today, composed of old letters, probably picked up at Pickens, or both out in some army transport. The Flag Officer has not yet returned but we shall look for him by Sunday at least. Until then we probably shall remain in status quo, which, by the way, is a very disagreeable position to be placed in. We are all very anxious to be up and doing. For naval officers there is nothing so disagreeable as a want of something to do when the enemy is within a dozen miles. But I suppose we will have all we want to do by and by. The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery of the Navy Department have shipped, and we are daily expecting the arrival of a large amount of hosptial stores, mattresses, and, in fact, all the necessary articles for hospital use for the squadron. Fleet Surgeon Foltz will prepare the houses at Pilot Town for hospital purposes. This arrangement will be excellent, as the location is good, easy of access and the houses are commodious; and, instead of sending the wounded up to Ship Island or to the marine hospital at Key West, we will have them near us, and where they can be easily attended to without so much transportation. Dr. Foltz’s experience in the service and during the war with Mexico fits him eminently for the post he occupies. We will need a few colored women here as nurses, as they are much better than men. But I suppose they can be procured at points further North, as there are none here that we can get as yet.

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

Matters have assumed a more warlike aspect since the date of my last letter. We have been fired at several times by the rebels, and the New Orleans papers have announced the federals repulsed on each occasion. I can assure you that they glory over a very trifling affair. In the first place, we have not fired at them but twice; once we hit one of their gunboats. They have expended nearly one hundred shells at our gunboats, and have not hit us once. We are pained to learn by the way of New Orleans (papers of the 7th inst.) of a misfortune to our army in the Southwest, and trust it is not so bad as the rebels picture it. They paint their victory in glowing colors, and talk of the utter annihilation of our entire army.
Yesterday Captain Clews, of the French brig-of-war Milan, having the permission of our Flag Officer, took his boat and went aboard of the gunboat Winona, Commander Nichols, to go up to the Crescent City. The Winona went up within two miles of the fort, flying a flag of truce (the first one hoisted on this river), where the French Captain embarked in his boat. The Winona, with Commander De Camp, of the Iroquois, on board, went up still further to inform the commander of the forts of the Frenchman’s desire to communicate with him. As soon as the Winona came within range of Fort Jackson the latter fired a blank cartridge - a signal to heave to. Owing to some mistake the Winona did not slacken down her speed enough to satisfy the rebels, and they fired a shot at her, which just cleared her topgallant forecastle. By this time the gunboat was close to the fort, and to a small tugboat which lay at the point up. The fellows in the boat were terribly frightened, and ran away from their vessel. No sooner had they cleared the decks of the tug before she was discovered to be in flames, and despite of the efforts of the Winona’s boats, she was totally destroyed by fire. In the mean time Captain De Camp lowered a boat bearing a white flag and started towards the landing place. Again the rebels fired a shot at our people. The boat returned to the gunboat, and immediately the rebel steamers Morgan and Defiance came down bearing a white flag, and took up a position on each side of the Winona. As soon as matters could be explained the Morgan went down the river and took the French boat in tow; after which some palaver took place between the rebels and Captain De Camp, and they separated.
Our people saw twelve steamers, one of them the Star of the West, which fled at our approach, probably not caring to show her armament (if she has any). We counted fifty seven guns in (more…)

April 29, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

A correspondent of DEBOW’S Review for April gives a detailed account of the increase of manufactures in the South since the beginning of the war. The following are a portion only of the many referred to:
In Sparer and Laurens, South Carolina, great manufacturing enterprise has been exhibited. In the latter county it is mentioned, in addition to the regular branches of manufacture, the ladies generally are making a great quantity of most excellent cloth of various descriptions for men’s wear, children, negros, and even for themselves, which are now taking the places of fine delaines and silks. The ladies in one battalion in that district, recently furnished for the uniforms of one company of volunteers three hundred and fifty yards of very nice jeans, five hundred yards of flannel, and three hundred and fifty pairs of socks, in a very short time, made upon the old-fashioned hand looms, which are numerous in that county - one in almost every family - and some of the cloth for service is said to be equal, if not superior, to the best broadcloth. In Chester every household is said to have become a manufacturing establishment.
In our neighboring Commonwealth, North Carolina, there has been an equal revival of manufacturing industry. In Wilmington the following articles are noticed, which were formerly received from the North: Ashes, candles, lamp oils, salt (formerly supplied from the West Indies and England), and cutlery. Peanut oil is supplied by mills established since the commencement of the war, and rosin oil manufactured to a considerable extent. The manufacture of salt by evaporation or boiling is largely on the increase.
In Charlotte County, in addition to the cotton, woollen, and other manufactories formerly existing, an establishment for the manufacture of linseed or flaxseed oil, with a capacity to turn out five hundred gallons per day, will be started, and another for the manufacture of cottonseed oil will commence operations in a few weeks. The powder mill will manufacture a thousand pounds per day, with a capacity to double the quantity.
In Greensboro various establishments have sprung up for the manufacture of guns, pistols, saddles, shoes, barrels, drums, sashes, sewing machines, &c., which promise to be remunerative to those engaged in the enterprise.
In Beaufort the manufacture of salt has been begun on a small scale. The impression is, that it can be made a profitable business at one dollar a bushel, and at much less if the war would (more…)

April 29, 1862, Richmond Enquirer

The painful news of the fall of New Orleans, which was somewhat obscurely set forth by the dispatches published in our last issue, is now, we are grieved to say, officially confirmed. Beyond that fact, we still know but little, for the details which have reached us are very meagre. Such as they are they appear in another column.
We need not say that this is an unexpected and heavy blow. The Confederacy had been plied with emphatic and continued assurances from New Orleans, that the defences of that city were complete and impregnable. They had had a long time for preparation, and we were assured that the time was diligently improved. Forts and shore batteries, we were told, lined the river bank, rendering it impossible for the enemy to ascend. And if these were not sufficient, iron-clad steamers of giant proportions and impenetrable mail, floated in the channel, ready to demolish every opponent. A large and well-appointed army was there to resist a land attack. In short, those who had most at stake and who should have been hardest to please, - we mean the citizens of New Orleans and the officers entrusted with its defence, - united in confident and daily assurances that New Orleans was perfectly secure. And yet New Orleans has fallen!
It remains to be told why it was that all these preparations and assurances proved fallacious. It remains for the government to hold stern inquest into all the circumstances of this deplorable calamity. The occasion demands it, and demands that negligence and incapacity, wherever they may attack, shall be summarily punished or proscribed. They have brought upon us a heavy misfortune, and sternly must they answer it.
This disaster must not dishearten us, and must not enfeeble our efforts. On the contrary, we must redouble our exertions, and we must redeem the fortunes of the war! What we have lost at New Orleans, must be regained elsewhere ! We must strike with renewed zeal, for we have increased necessity. We must and will win the fight. There is no alternative but utter ruin and eternal infamy. - Deliberately and under solemn conviction we say it, far better would it be for every man, woman, and child that stands on Southern soil, to go beneath its sod, than under the yoke of the rapacious and brutal North. We must carry on this war, therefore, if with diminished advantages, at least with renewed energy! The Mississippi and its banks, may temporarily pass out of our control. Our States, East and West, may thereby have to wage separate fights; but yet it will be the same fight. A blow struck in Missouri will be felt in (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

At three o’clock this morning a heavy fog shut us in from the gaze of the rebels, if they were watching us. This state of things lasted until about half- past eight o’clock , when the fog began to lift. As the hours passed by the fog lightened, so that by ten o’clock it was quite clear, and we then up anchor and stood on up the river, with the intention of getting a glimpse of the forts at the bend. At a quarter to eleven o’clock we saw the black smoke of a steamer. Signals were thrown out to our little fleet to prepare for battle. A large banner of freedom was hoisted, and we were in fighting trim. Signal was made to increase speed. Our fires were a little slack, so we cut up a lot of tarred rigging which belonged to a vessel which attempted to run the blockade, but got on shore. This junk was severed into a thousand pieces by the sailors, who worked as men do who expect to do something. Our furnaces were plied with the tarry rope, and dense volumes of black smoke arose from our smokestack. Steam rose rapidly, and all sail was made. We gained on the rebel, and she piled the pitch pine wood into her furnace. Still we gain on her. The chase now becomes more exciting; our forward pivot is trained upon the scamp; still we draw nearer and read upon her paddle box “Star.” “Fire at him,” cries Captain Nichols. Bang, whiz, whiz, goes a twenty- pound rifle shell at him. Just then the Kineo signaled that her boilers were disabled, and of course we gave up the chase. As we stopped we discovered a long, black rebel steamer coming to the assistance of the Star. Two more steamers were then discovered and six schooners lying at anchor at a point just below the forts. At a quarter of one o’clock we again formed in line of battle, having found that the Kineo’s boilers had been foaming, but were now making steam all right. Away we went up the river again. We now found that there were seven steamers in the party, and that they had taken the six schooners in tow and were scudding up the river as rapidly as they could. As they had so much start, and being so much faster than our vessels, we gave up the chase, having been up abreast of the salt works. At two o’clock your correspondent went on shore at the “Jump,” and cut the telegraph wire, and found that there was a slight electric current manifest. Bringing away about two hundred and fifty feet, he pulled to the lower side of the mouth of Wilder Bayou and examined the station, but found nothing of note. Arriving on our downward trip at the head of the passes (of which I send you a sketch), Captain Bell and myself embarked on board of the Kennebeck, leaving the Winona and Kineo to hold the passes. We now shaped our course down the Southwest Pass, and (more…)

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

Here I am, once more, on board of our good old ship and can say, with truth, is no place like home. I learned that as soon as the fog would permit we would go in over the bar. At three o’clock, under the pilotage of Mr. Halter, United States Coast Survey, and Captain Bodfish, we started inside. On we went, steaming slowly, touching only once, passing over the bar in safety, and up alongside of the Brooklyn; thence up the river, and to an anchorage off Pilot Town, where we anchored about five o’clock. To Mr. Halter is due the major portion of the credit of the safe and speedy pilotage of two heavy first class steam sloops-of-war. The flag officer was highly delighted with Mr. Halter’s skill and usefulness, and has advised the Navy Department and the Coast Survey of his appreciation of the services rendered. After anchoring we loaded our guns with shell and set sea watches. Two of our broadside guns have been removed forward; one of them is now looking out of the port bridle port up the river. Our watch on deck are armed and the lookouts doubled, and everything ready to receive the rebels in due and proper form.

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

This morning Flag Officer Farragut, who arrived from the Pass last evening, Captain Bell and your special, embarked on board the Iroquois. The following vessels accompanied us:- Gunboats Wissahickon, Katahdin, Kennebec, Kineo and Scotia. We left our anchorage with a full head of steam and a determination to fight their vessels if they could be induced to come out. The Iroquois, which yesterday was the sternmost boat soon showed her superiority by rapidly leaving our companions in the rear. Nothing worthy of note occurred going up the first few miles; but when the signal to prepare for battle was made and we beat to quarters, I was forcibly struck with the personnel of this trim craft. The officers and crew are very anxious to clear up any imputations which may have been cast upon them in relation to their cruise after the Sumter. Determination beamed from every eye. In many instances the men were stripped to an undershirt ready for a fight. Perfect stillness reigned throughout the vessel, which was not broken save when the Flag Officer made some remark from the masthead, where he had stationed himself, with Captain Bell, to see the forts and the position of the gunboats. Our speed was increased to its utmost, and the Iroquois trembled like an aspen leaf over the revolution of her screw. At about noon a rebel boat, bearing a small blue flag (Admiral), made its appearance. She was at once pronounced to be the tugboat W. G. Hews. Down she came, as if she was to annihilate the entire party; but seeing that we were steaming faster than usual she, wisely for her, but unluckily for us, […..] down helm, and soon was going up the river at full speed. We did not fire at her, choosing rather not to show our guns. As we drew near the forts, whose flags we could see, the Admiral was reinforced by his flotilla, consisting of the Ram, two iron-clad gunboats and two ordinary steamers. We thought surely that we were to have a brush. Just as we opened Fort Jackson, a little white smoke - bang - whiz - whiz - whiz - crack - splash - a white circle on the muddy surface of the river revealed at once the fact that one of the hundred-pounder rifles had been removed from Fort St. Philip to Fort Jackson, and that the demonstration just witnessed was from it. This was followed by another one, which struck still closer, neither of them being over thirty yards distant. The third one passed between the smoke stack and mainmast, just clearing the starboard waist boat, and, by the way, my head, and exploding close alongside of the ship. The rebels surely thought they had hit us in a tender spot, for they immediately signaled from the fort, and the flotilla made a terrible show of coming out, so much so that we dropped down the river about three hundred yards, so as to fight them out of range of the guns of the fort. Down came one fellow, and when he saw that we were formed in line of battle, his better sense came to him and away he went. For four hours we lay here, hoping he would come out and fight us, but he did not see it in that light. The fort fired four more shots at us, each one coming close to the fort, all ready, no doubt to send down to us. We found their range mark (a green bush) for their rifled guns, and, in fact, made more notes than they would be willing to let us have if they could prevent it. The firing, and the long time we were away from our anchorage, induced the Hartford, Brooklyn, Richmond and Varuna to proceed up the river, but we were returning when we met them. I am happy to record that the Hartford was the fastest of her class, and her appearance elicited much commendation. We returned and anchored in proper order to resist and repel any attack the rebels chose to make. The reconnoisance was eminently successful in all points, save one, the capture of one or more of their boats. I am sure we offered them every inducement so to do, but they are probably laying back for the future. We have a large fleet at the head of the Passes, and a still larger one lays at Pilot Town. By the way, Lieutenant Heisler, of the marines attached to the Hartford, has been relieved by Lieutenant Tilton, or the Colorado. Lieutenant Heisler could not be well spared from the vessel just as we are going into a fight.

April 29, 1862, The New York Herald

The Connecticut arrived this afternoon, and, as her mail closes at an early hour tomorrow morning, I must draw my letter to a close and note briefly our movements here. It will not be improper to state now that a portion of Porter’s mortar fleet will commence operations tomorrow morning as soon as they can be towed into position. The ball will open slightly at first. Captain Porter has every confidence in the success of his vessels and expects great things of them. There had a difficulty arisen among some of the acting masters commanding some of the schooners, and I believe six will leave in the Connecticut for the North. They are charged with disobedience of orders, and they disclaim any intention of so doing. As I am not fully posted in the matter, I refrain at this time from making any comments.
The Mississippi came up to-day, and now lies at anchor off our port bow. We have a very formidable fleet here now. The Sachem (surveying steamer) arrived here to-day; and, by the first of the week, expect to see a half a dozen of Butler steamers in this neighborhood, but not in the river.
I think all our plans are now matured, and we will act soon; and as it will take the Connecticut about eighteen days to get home, I can see no harm in announcing the fact that General Butler will take a hand in the affair and give the rebels a blackhanded blow.
The weather is beautiful and the temperature is just right to fight in. I suppose to-morrow there will be a great deal of excitement in the fleet, when the bombardment commences. It is true that there are not many vessels ordered to take part in it. It will be a kind of mortar practice, and I suppose the rebel gunboats will try and drive the mortar vessels away; but we will have a sufficient force to prevent this. The following vessels will be there to keep off their small fry: - Oneida, Katahdin, Kineo, Wissahicken, Harriet Lane, Clifton, Westfield and Owasco; and if necessity requires it, we can send up four or five steam sloops-of-war.
You can now look out for stirring news from this quarter. All hands are confident of our success, and many are anxious to open the grand ball.
The schooner Rachel Seaman is here to-day, all well on board.
The French steam brig-of-war Milan, is still here. I understand that the rebel commander at the fort said just as Captain Clews was leaving: - “You would do us the favor not to inform our antagonists anything in relation to our position here. To which Captain Clews replied: - “Sir, you do not know the first great principles of warfare,” and after bidding him good morning, he left disgusted.

April 28, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

The Richmond Examiner of Thursday last has the following article upon the campaign in Virginia:
Gen. Banks’ army of invasion in the Valley of Virginia, from the best information we can get, is between New Market and Harrisonburg. Gen. Jackson’s position is at Swift Run Gap of the Blue Ridge, where he is ready to fall on Banks’ flank, if he should attempt a march on Staunton. He is as much in the way of Banks’ advance as if he were in his front.
The two grand armies on the Peninsula continued stationary at our last intelligence. The lines of both are flanked by the great rivers which form the Peninsula. The flanks of Johnston’s army are protected by batteries, those of McClellan’s by gunboats. The gunboats have the advantage over our batteries, of being inaccessible to a storming party, and of being movable. An attack from our side would hence present greater inconveniences to us than the enemy would experience from a similar enterprise. If we should drive their lines, their gunboats could retire with them, and keep up an enfilading fire upon us as we pursued. Our plan would be to press so closely upon the heels of the enemy, that the fire of the gunboats would be as harmful to friend as foe, and thus be silenced.
There is no inequality of advantages, however, to restrain McClellan from attack. And he is urged to it by the impatience of the Northern populace, by his own damaged reputation among those whom he serves, by the vaunts and the declarations which he addressed to his army in the commencement of the campaign, and by his desire for distinction. Prolonged inaction or retreat will be the ruin of the remnants of his fame and popularity. This is his last chance, and he knows it. It may be that he will precede the blow which he must soon attempt, with a strategy that, by its brilliancy and success, shall atone for a flight from his adversary’s front. He may attempt to throw himself upon us from the line of the Rappahannock, or to precipitate himself upon Norfolk. But despite the reasons which suggest such a movement, to us at present it does not seem very probable.
McClellan could not get to the Rappahannock as soon as we could get there to confront him. If he should venture his troops on a fleet of transports, the Virginia’s time to gain fresh immortality would have come. She would have a harvest of destruction. If he should attempt to move by land, we could out travel him, for we are inside of him, and would move on a shorter (more…)

April 28, 1862, The New York Herald

We have to chronicle today one of the most important events in the progress of the war against rebellion. According to statements received at the War Department yesterday from General Wool, at Fortress Monroe, and General McDowell, on the Rappahannock, the rebel journals at Petersburg and Richmond announce that New Orleans is occupied by the Union army. The particulars of the capture are not given, but the telegrams published in the Petersburg Express and Richmond Examiner are positive and explicit. According to these accounts a portion of the inhabitants of New Orleans destroyed as much property as they could, upon the approach of our troops, and all the steamboats they could lay hands upon, except those required to carry ammunition and coin up the river into the interior.
This news looks startling at the first blush, yet it was hardly unexpected. The strong Union force at Ship Island - with General Butler commanding the military, Commodore Faragut at the head of the naval portion of the expedition and Commodore Porter conducting the operations of the mortar boats - has not been idle. We know that for several days past our fleet was lying in great strength directly below the forts defending New Orleans, which they were bombarding in a fashion described by the rebel General Mansfield Lovell as […….]. One of our gunboats had got past Fort Jackson fact which caused the utmost consternation in the Crescent City. But it appears that the rebels relied upon two iron gunboats for the final defence of the city: one of them, the Louisiana, commanded by Captain Pegram, being said to excel the Merrimac in power and armament. If New Orleans, then, be in our possession, these two formidable gunboats must have also fallen into our hands, unless the rebel succeeded in destroying them with the other boats which they are said to have demolished. With forts Jackson and St. Philip captured, as no doubt they were, by our fleet, and Pass Christian occupied, as it has been for some time, the other defences would not present a front too formidable for the force which our gallant officers could bring against them.
But there was an element of disloyalty to the rebel government existing in New Orleans which may have operated almost as potentially in favor of the Union army as the valor of our men or the skill of our officers. We know that for a long time past the most crushing military despotism has prevailed there. The prices of provisions and the free action of the citizens have been controlled and regulated by a military committee headed by Pierre Soule, and backed up by (more…)

April 28, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

The Columbia Carolinian, of Saturday, gives the following additional particulars of the accident which occurred on the South Carolina Railroad last Friday morning: From the accidental breaking of a chair on the track, two of the cars of the train were thrown off and one of them turned over. Filled with passengers, it is surprising the casualties were not more and that none were killed. The injuries in some of the cases are severe, but we believe do not endanger life. The sufferers were brought to the city and received the immediate attention of several of our surgeons. The following is a list of most of the cases: Col. A. P. ALDRICH, of Gen. GREGG’S staff, had a dislocation of the right shoulder joint; Mr. HOPKINSON, of Edisto, left arm broken; Hon. J. L. SEWARD, of Georgia, had the point of the left elbow broken and a cut on the forehead; Hon. A. R. WRIGHT, of Georgia, had a cut on the face and forehead bruised; Mr. L. W. SPRATT was much bruised, but not seriously; Mr. W. A. COURTENAY bruised slightly; Gen. M. GREGG very slightly; Mr. JAMES CHAMBERS was stunned and for some time was much prostrated but is doing well; Mr. DAVIDSON, of Charlotte, N. C., had his face cut and hips bruised; Mr. R. A. SPRINGS had a cut on his head, but was able to go on home; Mrs. J. A. LELAND had a severe cut on her head; and her son, 2 1/2 years old, had a very severe cut on the face; Mr. JOHN INGALLS received several cuts. There were some others bruised, but we think the above comprise the principal cases.

April 28, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

MOBILE, April 26. - A despatch, just received from Jackson, Mississippi, says: ‘Thirteen of the enemy’s gunboats have anchored in the river opposite the city of New Orleans. A proposition made by the Confederates to evacuate the place is now pending. Various exciting rumors are afloat. The foregoing, however, is reliable. As telegraphic communication with New Orleans is closed, the above information must have been brought to Jackson by railroad.
(Later and Official.)
RICHMOND, April 27. - Official despatches received this morning, state that the enemy’s fleet had approached New Orleans, and demanded the surrender of the city. General LOVELL refused to surrender, but evacuated the city with his forces, falling back to Camp Moore, on the New Orleans, Great Northern and Jackson Railroad. Before leaving, however, he destroyed the cotton and all the public property which he was unable to remove, while the boats were coming up to the city. The new and powerful iron-clad steamer Mississippi (unfinished), was burned to prevent her from falling into the hands of the enemy. The despatches make no mention of the iron-clad steamer Louisiana.
(In the above despatches, our readers have all the intelligence of the fall of New Orleans that the Government, in pursuance of its uniform policy of reticence in regard to our disasters, has suffered to reach us over the wires. We have gathered, however, from other sources than the telegraph, some information of an interesting character, concerning the recent events below the Crescent City, and we give this information as we have obtained it, without vouching for its accuracy:
On Saturday evening Commodore HOLLINS passed through Columbia en route for Richmond. We are informed that he expressed amazement at the news from New Orleans. He stated that there were 100 heavy guns in position on the levee, or river bank, between Fort Jackson and the city; that the Louisiana was ready, waiting to encounter any gunboats that might pass the forts and batteries; that numerous parties,’ composed of the most active and resolute men, were organized to board and take the enemy’s vessels at all hazards; and that the Mississippi - the consort of the Virginia - although still unfinished, could, if necessary, be brought into action. In view of all these circumstances, we are told that Commodore HOLLINS could not understand, or credit the statement that the city had succumbed. (more…)

April 28, 1862, The Charleston Mercury

New Orleans has fallen - the great iron-clad steamer, the Mississippi, is destroyed - her companion, the Louisiana, is supposed to be at the bottom of the river - and the Manassas Ram has disappeared from public vision. This is the news of this morning; and this, the last feature of the War. With it,