Showing posts with label Ft Craig. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ft Craig. Show all posts

Thursday, March 20, 2014

From New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, May 19.

The Santa Fe mail arrived with advices to the 3d.

The Texans wile retreating met a body of 500 of their men, under Col. Steele, at Adahe Wall, but the whole force continued to retreat.

The first regiment Colorado volunteers with the regulars are at Fort Criag, under command of Col. Paul.

Gen. Canby and Gov. Connelly are at Santa Fe.

Owing to scarcity of provisions, large quantities of which were destroyed to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy, our troops have been placed on less than half rations, being limited to eight ounces per day.

One hundred and twenty Texan prisoners were passed on the road to Fort Larned.

Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

From New Mexico

(Special to the Chicago Journal.)

ST. LOUIS, May 15.

The Republican’s New Mexico correspondent sends the following from Santa Fe, under the date of April 27th;

“From the latest intelligence the rebel Texan forces and continued their retreat down the Rio Grande, and had abandoned their heavy baggage and artillery, and with pack mules had partially dispersed to the mountains, the main body going into the Mercora Valley, in the vicinity of Fort Fillmore, where, it is said, they have reinforcements.  They are completely demoralized and cursing their officers, and I suppose are reduced to some 800 to 1,000.

“Col. Canby, with his force, some 2,000 strong is following in their rear, and some slight skirmishing has taken place.

“Col. Paul, with the first column of regulars and the Colorado volunteers, form the rear column.  They are clamorous for a fight.

“Our news is that Col. Canby, with his entire force, is at or in the vicinity of Fort Craig and the most of the enemy are making their way south.

“Alburquerque [sic] and Santa Fe are now occupied by the Federal forces and Col. B. S. Roberts, U. S. A., is in command of the northern district and thus ends the conclusion of the redoubtable Texan invasion.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 1

Thursday, October 10, 2013

From New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, May 15.

The Santa Fe mail arrived with advices from Ft. Craig to the 23d.  Gen. Canby was at that place with his command.  It was presumed he would move to Messilla in a short time.

The Texans in their retreat down the river abandoned 35 of their wagons, and buried some of their guns.  They then divided into small parties, and fled to the mountains, abandoning their sick, and all who could not travel at the requisite speed.  It is thought the enemy will not make another stand in the territory, but will endeavor to get home.

A hundred teams, with provisions that had been collected at Santa Fe, were sent to Fort Union on the 23d.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Sunday, February 10, 2013

From New Mexico

(Correspondence of Mo. Republican.)

FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO, March 31. – Our Column, under the command of Col. Stough, is breaking up camp for a forward movement south, toward the rebel forces.

The Texan army occupies a strong position in the vicinity of Albemarque [sic], 17 miles south of this depot, about midway between this and Ft. Craig, where Col. Canby was at last accounts.  The Texans have taken up this strategic point doubtless intending to march upon either Col. Canby, as they leave their stronghold of Fort Union or Fort Craig, and by their superior force, which is estimated at 2,400 strong and 21 pieces of artillery, face about and assault the column before it can form a junction and cut us up in detail.

It would appear that Col. Sturgh [sic] and Col. Canby, department commanders, are not acting in concert, and some men are of opinion that this movement of the most difficult of military combinations may not prove successful, and at our depot at Fort Union the other supplies left as comparatively defenceless.  I can scarcely believe, however, that Col. Sturgh will march beyond supporting distance of this department, and Texans are occupying Santa Fe, 100 miles south of this, with from 100 to 200 men.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Special to New York Papers

(Tribune’s Despatch.)

NEW YORK, April 2. – It is said the Senate Military Committee dissents from the rule that the Volunteer officers must rank for promotion in their own branch of service – only they think vacancies in the regular army should be filled by experienced men from the Volunteer regiments.

Mr. Arms, of the Chickopee manufactory, has present Flagg Officer Foote with a sword, and Lieut. Worden a cutlass.


(Times Correspondence.)

Prisoners taken in the recent reconnoissance to the Rappahannock state that the rebel force in that vicinity consists of eight regiments of infantry, two of cavalry, and six pieces of artillery.  Gen. Ewell of Drainsville notoriety, was in command.

On the return of our forces to Warrenton Junction, the rebels hover around the outskirts of our army and frequently succeed in packing off small parties of our men who, contrary to commands, go out on foolhardy foraging expeditions.

Information has just been received from the Times correspondent on the lower Potomac that contrabands from Fredericksburg report that town now occupied by thirty regiments of the enemy, the main part of which have arrived there within the last three days.  They report the steamer St. Nicholas and one other, which formerly plied to different points on the Rappahannock, as being held in readiness to transport rebel troops down the Rappahannock to some point.  Other rebel troops are reported as having gone down York river to reinforce the enemy’s position at the mouth, where the rebels have batteries.

A small detachment of rebel cavalry still occupy Acquia Creek and as far up as Dumfrees.

Another magazine has been found at Shipping Point containing a large quantity of shells.


(Herald’s Despatch.)

About one and a half millions of six per cent certificates were issued to-day chiefly of the denomination of one hundred dollars.  The checks and warrants now in all amount to about ten millions.

Yesterday the Jacob Ball and Stone visited Evansport.  A boat crew from each vessel was sent on shore; they visited mostly all the batteries in that vicinity, including one on a hill about half a mile back of Evansport, where was found the gun that Capt. Roland had attempted unsuccessfully to burst it, it is a 32-pounder.  This battery aided by field pieces was intended to cover the retreat of the rebels through the woods in the rear in the event of their being driven from the lower batteries.  It was well defend[ed] by rifle pits.  Several men went a considerable distance into the country, but there were no signs of rebel troops nor inhabitants.  Both parties of seamen subsequently returned on shore in command of Lieutenant Commanding McGraw of the Jacob Ball, proceeding inland where they found five rebel store houses containing hay, cutting machines, platform scales and other useful implements. – They set fire to the buildings which were entirely consumed.

A citizen of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who went to Bull Run to recover the remains of his brother, who belonged to a Boston company, gives a melancholy account of the sacrilege committed upon the graves of our soldiers by the rebels.  About twenty of the Boston company and Chelsea company had been buried near each other, but every skull had been taken away, and nearly all the principal bones of the bodies were gone, some of the bodies had been dug out and others pressed out of the graves with levers, and in some cases the sleeves of uniforms were slit to obtain the bones of the arms.


(Tribune’s Dispatch.)

WASHINGTON, April 2. – A reporter sent to the other side of the Potomac informed us this morning that Secretary Stanton had issued an order forbidding newspaper correspondents, as well as all others not directly connected in some way or other with the service, from accompanying any of the corps de armie.

Many correspondents are now within the army, and it is understood that an order was dispatched yesterday that the whole of them be cleared out and sent back under the penalty of immediate arrest and confinement if they attempt to stay.

Blenker’s brigade has been assigned to Fremont’s command.

Carl Schurz is to have command of a division under Fremont.

Col. Van Allan resigned his command of the New York Cavalry yesterday.  Lieut. Col. Mix will succeed him.


(Times Correspondence.)

It is not yet positively determined who will succeed Carl Schurz as Minister to Spain, and no nomination will be made to the Senate by the President until Schurz is confirmed as Brigadier General.  Hon. Geo. Ashman of Mass., is talked of for the place.

Major Donaldson, chief of the Quartermasters Department in New Mexico arrived at Washington to-day.  He brings much important information in regard to the rebel raid into that territory.  He says the rebels hold every position of value except Forts Craig and Vrain, the latter which is the most important fort in the far west, contains millions of dollars worth of Government stores, is now safe beyond peradventure, and garrisoned by fifteen hundred soldiers, has water within the fortifications and provisions for a long siege.  It will be the rallying point for the ample Union forces now marching to expel the invaders.  Maj. Donaldson relates many incidents of the late battle near Fort Craig, he says that Major Lockridge of the Nicaragua filibusters fell dead at the head of the Texas Rangers in the terrible charge upon McRea’s battery.

Secretary Stanton will proceed to Fortress Monroe to-morrow to give matters there his personal attention.


(Herald’s Dispatch.)

NEW YORK, April 3. – It is rumored here to-day that the Rebel Cabinet has decided to burn the city of Richmond on the approach of the Union army.

Business was never so brisk on the line of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad as it now is.

Since the affair in the Sickles Brigade, where a master shot at his servant, Gen. Hooker has positively refused passes to go into the camps of his division to hunt contrabands.

Lieuts. J. H. Hall and W. McGungle have been ordered to report to Flag Officer Foote.

The number of sick soldiers in the Government Hospitals in the District, at the last weekly report was 2,314.  Of those 536 are from N. Y. regiments.

Slight skirmishing continues to be the order of the day along our front, each army lying in sight of each other, enlivening each other with occasional artillery practice and cavalry charges.

Yesterday Col. Geary captured a number of rebels after a spirited skirmish, in which several of the enemy were killed.

The completion of the railroad to within the immediate neighborhood of the advance, places many of our forces in a much more advantageous position and will be doubtless greatly accelerate the movements of our advancing army.

The rebel cavalry continues to make incursions through the country beyond Manassas Junction.

Woodstock, 2. p. m. – The rebels, when retreating yesterday, attempted to burn a bridge over the creek near its narrow passage, but it was extinguished.  The Magentic Railroad bridge, one hundred feet high, over the same stream, was burned by Jackson, when retreating from Gen. Shields.

The gray stallion said to be Col. Ashley’s was shot yesterday near this town.  The ball must have wounded the rider in the left thigh.  The current report, however, that Ashley was wounded is not credited at head quarters.

Some of Ashley’s scouts made their appearance this morning early, on the high wooden ridge, on the opposite side of Stoney Creek, beyond Edenburg.  They were fired upon by some of the 29th  Penn’a, when Ashley unmasked four guns and threw several shells into the camp – He subsequently retreated under the fire of our guns.  During the day they frequently interfered with our bridge builders, by shelling them at long range.  The foot of the bridge, however has been completed, and our skirmishers and some of the shop shooters are now on the other side, beyond the town.

Lieut. Doll and two privates of Ashley’s cavalry were captured yesterday while carrying dispatches, but refused to divulge the contents or tell who they were from.

A late intercepted letter from a rebel line officer, speaks of the anticipated negro rebellion in Maryland, but this is regarded as one of the means resorted to by secession leaders to dupe their followers.

Ashley’s artillery was reinforced to-day by two guns with which he practiced on us along our line.  Gen. Banks is here and General Shields at Strasburg.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

Friday, November 30, 2012

Special to New York Papers

(Herald’s Special.)

WASHINGTON, March 24. – The party which left here on Tuesday to look for the remains of Colonel Slocum, Maj. [Ballou] and Capt. Tower of the 2d Rhode Island Regiment, killed at Bull Run, returned this morning bringing their remains.  The party was composed of Governor Sprague, Col. Arnold, Mr. Walter Coleman, his secretary, Lieut. Col. Sailges, Capt. Dennison and Surgeon Grady of the Rhode Island Cavalry, accompanied by two of the Rhode Island Volunteers who had been taken prisoners at Bull Run and had noted the place were officers were buried.  The party arrived Friday at Dudley’s Church.  Col. Slocum and Maj. [Ballou] were buried in the yard of [a] building nearby which was used as a hospital on the day of battle.  This building had been destroyed by the rebels, but the graves were found.  After they had commenced to dig a negro girl inquired if they were digging for the body of Col. Slocum and stated that about six weeks after the battle some soldiers of a Georgia regiment had dug it up, cut off the head and buried the body at the side of the run close by, and taken the coffin away to bury a dead negro.  Her story was corroborated by a white boy and man who lived in the same neighborhood.  On repairing to the spot indicated there was found a pile of ashes and which were pronounced by the Surgeon to be human corpses, which were buried in a box and Major [Ballou] in a coffin.  Upon opening the graves the box was recognized by Mr. Richardson who was present at the interment, and the remains in it were identified as Col. Slocum’s.  Upon opening the other grave it was found to be empty, showing that the body dug up and burned by the Georgia barbarians was that of Maj. [Ballou], as only the two have been interred in that yard.


(Tribune’s Dispatch.)

It is rumored that Green Clay will be transferred from the Secretaryship of Legation at St. Petersburg to that at Turin, the present incumbent, Mr. Fry, having declined on account of ill health.

Dr. John Evans of Chicago has been nominated and confirmed as Governor of Colorado territory, vice Gov. Milliu.  Stephen S. Hardin, of Indiana was on Friday nominated Governor of Utah, vice Geo. Dawson, rejected.

Small squads of rebel horsemen are scouring the country within five miles of Manassas impressing all able bodied men left, robbing the farmers for the hundredth time and destroying what they can’t carry away.

The Saturday’s work of the Ways and Means Committee on demands of delegations for the modification of the tax bill was to put a 3 percent ad valorem charge upon paper of every description; to adopt the schedule on leather substantially as they were presented to the Committee by Mr. Alley, a tanner, and a member of the House; to fix the rate on hoop skirts, umbrellas and parasols at f per cent ad valorem; ready made clothing at 3 per cent ad valorem; to leave salt is in the bill; and later long discussion to let the tax as first reported on tobacco and all its manufactures stand unaltered.  The tax on billiard dabbles was reduced half – to ten dollars a year.  On rock oil petroleum and coal oils the only change was of phraseology so that the refining and produce from distillation shall not be charged for brokers.  The committee took off the tenth of one per cent on their stock sales. Thinking that through their use of powers of attorney, transfer stamps and other assessable incidents of their business they would get taxed enough.  Flour was not disposed of.  The desire to tax of course exists.  The only difficulty in fixing the rate has been presented by the Canadian reciprocity treaty.  The belief has at least obtained in the Committee that flour can be taxed by branding the barrels and taxing the sales without violating the stipulations of that treaty.  The charge on the gross receipts of horse railroads was reduced one half.  It was decided not to tax coal at all, because it enters in the business of nearly the whole nation.  During the discussion on this bill the work on the tariff progressed.  Reference is continually had to it and when an article is taxed for income revenue at the same time an equivalent custom duty is placed on the tax list.  This principle will be adhered to throughout.

The Times’ Washington correspondence says the Commission of State Prisons will, to-morrow, take up the case of the celebrated Mrs. Grenshaw [sic], who will probably be transferred from a state prison to a Lunatic Asylum.

Gen. Montengrey [sic] has been transferred from his post as Military Governor of Alexandria, and placed in a like command at Annapolis.

Painful rumors have been afloat for two days, affecting a prominent officer in the civil department of the Government.  We are promised the denouement this week.

It is not true that the steamer Vanderbilt has been purchased by the Government to be altered to an iron clad vessel.  She is merely chartered for a short time as transport.

The commanding officer at Fort Craig writes to the Government that he has not a doubt of being able to hold the post.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Thursday, July 26, 2012

While every heart must feel deeply the loss of . . .

. . . the thousands of our gallant soldiers who are laying down their lives in hospitals and upon battle fields, yet we cannot but glory in their heroism and feel proud that our flag has so many legions of true men willing to die for it.  History never recorded deeds of more heroic daring than those which have recently been enacted upon various battle fields.

The fidelity and bravery of John Davis, gunner’s mate, on board the steamer Valley City, on the occasion of the attack on Elizabeth City, in covering with his body an open barrel of gun powder in a magazine, while the flames kindled by an exploding shell were burning around him, is an act of self-sacrificing courage, the recital of which thrills every heart.  It is near akin to the act of the Dutch officer at the siege of Antwerp, who fired the magazine and perished in the explosion.

The account which is brought us of the naval engagement at Fortress Monroe, where our brave sailors, on their wooden hulks, fought at such fearful odds against the iron-clad Merrimac, will impress all readers with the gallantry and heroism of our tars.  We are told that the Merrimac lay off at easy point blank range and discharged her broadsides alternately at the Cumberland and Congress, both helpless, every shot telling fearfully upon them, while they were unable to penetrate the iron plating of their adversary.  The Cumberland began to sink.  Her forward magazine was under water, but powder was still supplied them from her magazine and the firing kept steadily up by the men who knew the ship was sinking under them.  Amid the din and horror of the conflict, the decks slippery with blood and strewn with dissevered legs and arms and chunks of flesh, the men worked unremittingly and cheered the flag and the Union, the wounded joining in.  Some of the men in their eagerness remained in the after magazine passing up ammunition and several were thus drowned.  When the water had reached the main deck it was felt hopeless to continue the fight longer and the word was given for each man to save himself as best he could.  After this, Matthew Tenny, whose courage had been conspicuous throughout the fight, fired his gun, the one next it being under water.  As his port was left open by the recoil of his gun he jumped to scramble out, but the water rushed in with such force that he was washed back and drowned.  While we contemplate the fearful and needless sacrifice of life at Fortress Monroe, the exhibition of courage and heroism such as this must challenge our admiration and inspire our confidence in a Government and a country thus devotedly loved and served.

But the gallant conduct of our tars at Fortress Monroe is equaled by the small force of our regular army at Fort Craig, New Mexico, in a recent battle with the Texan desperadoes who had determined to overrun and conquer that territory and annex it to the C. S. A.  We are told that a force of picked men charged desperately upon our artillery – the Mexicans run panic-stricken, of course – but Capt. Plympton’a infantry stood and fought desperately till half were killed.  Lieutenants Michler and Stone were killed.  With his artillerymen cut down, his support either killed wounded or driven from the field, Capt. McRae set down calmly upon one of his guns, and with revolver in hand, refusing to fly or desert his post, fought to the last and died the death of a hero, the last man by his guns.  If we are to credit this account, Capt. McRAE exhibited on this occasion a courage and devotion never surpassed in any age or country.

Capt. Alexander McRae was a graduate of West Point and a native of North Carolina, about thirty years of age.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 1

Monday, July 16, 2012

Border Ruffian Outrages – Further Particulars of the Battle in New Mexico


KANSAS CITY, MO., March 10. – [Quantrill’s] band entered Asbury town on the 7th, and killed five men and stole fifteen or twenty horses.

A letter from Santa Fe 23d, with a postscript dated 24th, from reliable sources, makes no mention of the battle reported to have taken place at [Valverde] on the 21st.

On the 16th the enemy appeared within a mile and a half of Fort Craig, showing a front of fifteen hundred cavalry, with a reserve of five hundred, and six pieces of artillery.  Several shots were exchanged, and the enemy retired in good order.  The loss was one killed on each side.

Several small engagements had occurred during the week, which resulted in our forces capturing some prisoners, and one of the enemy’s flags.

An Express arrived on the evening of the 23d, 24 hours from Fort Craig, but brought nothing official.

A letter from Gov. Connolly stated that fighting was going on when the Express left.  Our forces had captured over one hundred of the enemy’s mules and their principal wagon master.  A number of Texans has also been killed.  The enemy were hard pressed for water, and were moving towards Valverde, at which point two thousand of our men were stationed.

There is a reliance to be placed on the report via Denver City and Julesburgh.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Washington News


WASHINGTON, March 9. – It is understood that the Committee of Ways and Means will have a new tariff bill prepared by the time the tax bill shall have passed the house.  It involves changes providing for two or three millions additional revenue.

A large quantity of worthless army clothing will be returned to contractors, thus lessening the Government loss.

Judge Watts, delegate from New Mexico, has received a dispatch from Ft. Craig to the 14th and Santa Fe 16th.  He is confident that no great engagement had taken place, probably only of the skirmish and of the advance guards.  The recent dispatch from Denver to Julesburgh is considered unreliable, and must have been verbally communicated by Express riders over a distance of 700 miles.  Judge Watts has other information, which satisfies him that the account is exaggerated and partly untrue.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

Monday, July 9, 2012

A Desperate Battle In New Mexico


DENVER CITY, March 8. – By military express the following news was received here to-day.

A desperate and terrible battle, lasting all day, took place at Valverde, ten miles south of Fort Craig on the 21st ult.  The loss was great on both sides.  Both parties claim the victory.

A regiment of Mexicans ran away from fright, but probably returned on the 22d.  The regiment that ran was commanded by Col. Panon.  He started first, and his entire command followed.

Capt. McRae, who had charge of the artillery and every one of his command were killed at their post.  The cannon was taken by the enemy.

Kit Carson was within fifteen miles of Fort Craig.  Firing was heard from his direction.  It is not known what was the result of his fight.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

A severe battle in New Mexico


ST. LOUIS, March 13. – The Republican has advices from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Feb. 23, which states that the Texans have made various significant movements in the vicinity of Fort Craig.

On the 18th they advanced a column of infantry, one thousand strong, in line of battle in front of the Fort, and also moved a Column of 800 cavalry to the west of the other defences.  They advanced within a mile and a half of the works, and halted, with the secession flag floating in the breeze, and remained some time, and then commenced a retrograde movement.

During the time of the advance, Col. Camby [sic] prudently concentrated the greater part of his forces in the rear of the Fort.  When the enemy commenced retreating, and the infantry was separated from the cavalry, Col. Camby ordered Major Duncan to charge the cavalry of the enemy with a squadron of dragoons and mounted men, which they did in gallant style, the enemy retreating before them until they arrived at a deep ravine.  The Texan infantry in the meantime advanced to the rear of the cavalry, and a skirmish took place at the ravine. – The Texans continued their fall back.

It is reported that the Texans had 8 pieces of artillery placed in a battery masked in a ravine, but a short distance below where the skirmish took place.

On the 19th and 20th, the Texans crossed to the east bank of the Rio Grande in order, it is supposed, to take possession of the heights opposite Fort Craig.  Col. Camby crossed and pursued them in force, when the Texans on the heights fired some fifty cannon shots without damage to our forces.  Col. Camby fired by two shots, deeming it inexpedient to waste ammunition.  On the morning of the 21st, 200 Texan mules were captured, with their wagon master.  The Texans are on the heights and destitute of water.  Col. Camby has the pass to the water guarded by a battery of 2000 men and all other outlet guarded in force – the Texans must either fight desperately for water or surrender.  When the Express closed on the morning of the 21st, the firing of cannon was heard in the direction of Valverde, announcing that the battle had begun.


LATER. – The Military Express just arrived from Fort Craig, with the news of a series of conflicts between our forces and the Texans, which lasted from 9 o’clock, A. M. of the 21st, until sunset, of the same day.  The fight commenced in the morning between a portion of our troops, under Colonel Redborth, and the enemy across the river, with varied success, until 1 or 2 o’clock that day.  Col. Camby then crossed the river in force, with a battery of six pieces, under Captain McRae, of the cavalry, but detailed to command the batter, also a small battery of two howitzers.  The enemy was supposed to have 7 or eight pieces.

The battle commenced by artillery and skirmishing and soon became general.  Toward evening most of the enemy’s guns were silenced, they however, made a desperate charge on the howitzer battery but were repulsed with great loss.  Capt. McCrae’s battery was defended by Capt. Plimpton’s company of U. S. infantry and a portion of Col. Pinon’s regiment of New Mexican volunteers.  The Texans charged desperately and furiously with picked men about 600 strong.  They were armed with carbines, revolvers, and long seven pound bowie knives, after discharging their carbines at close distance, they drew their revolvers and rushed on the battery in a storm of grape and canister.  The Mexicans of Pinon’s regiment were panic stricken and ingloriously fled.  Capt. Plimpton and his infantry stood their ground and fought nobly until more than one half of them were numbered with the dead – with his artillery men cut down, his support killed, wounded or flying from the field, Capt. McRae sat down calmly and quietly on one of his guns and with a revolver in his hands refusing to fly or leave his post, he fought to the last and gloriously died the death of a hero, the last man by his guns.

The Texans suffered terribly.  In his command many officers distinguished themselves on this day.  Maj. Johnson who was chief aid of Camby acted bravely and was conspicuous in every part of the field.  His horse was wounded in several places but he was not injured. – Kit Carson in command of a regiment of volunteers who were deployed as skirmishers did good service during the action and behaved well.  He have however to mourn the loss of Lieuts. McLearnand and McIntire, who like Capt. McRae, nobly and bravely manned the howitzers in defense of our flag to the last and gloriously died the death of patriots; many others were wounded.  Our loss was about 200 killed and wounded.  That of the enemy is believed to be much greater.  The greatest confidence is reposed in Col. Camby, and if volunteers will do their duty the Texans will be ignominiously driven from the country.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Among the killed in the desperate battle at . . .

. . . Fort Craig wasWilliam Kissane, the man who was implicated in the burning of the steamer Martha Washington.  He died fighting with the rank of Major, in the rebel army, a fitting place for such a scoundrel.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 2

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

From New Mexico

Correspondence of the Missouri Republican

FORT UNION, N. Mexico, March 23.

Our column under command of Colonel Slough is breaking up camp for a forward movement south toward the rebel force.

The Texan army occupies a strong position in the vicinity of Albuquerque, fifteen miles south of this depot, midway between this and Fort Craig, where Col. Canby was at last accounts.  The Texans have taken up this as a strategical point, doubtless intending to march upon either column as they leave their stronghold of Fort Union or Fort Craig, and by their superior force which is estimated at two thousand four hundred and twenty-one pieces of artillery, and whip one and turn about and assault the other column before they can form a junction and cut us up in detail.

It would seem that Col. Slough and Col. Canby, department commander, are not acting in concert, and sound men are fearful that this movement, one of the most difficult of military combinations, may not prove successful, and render our depot at Ft. Union, the only supplies left us, comparatively defenceless.  I can scarcely believe, however, that Col. Slough will march beyond supporting distance of this depot.

The Texans are occupying Santa Fe, 100 miles south of this, with from 100 to 200 troops.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 1

Monday, November 7, 2011

From Washington

WASHIGNTON, April 2.

Tribune’s Special.

A reporter sent to the other side of the Potomac, assured us this morning that secretary Stanton had issued an order forbidding newspaper correspondents, as well as all others not actually connected some way or other with the service from accompanying any of the corps de armes.  Very many correspondents are with the army, and it is understood that an order was dispatched yesterday that the whole of them be cleared out and sent back, under penalty of immediate arrest and confinement if they attempt to stay.

Blenker’s brigade has been assigned to Fremont’s command.  Carl Schurz is to have command of a division under Fremont.

Col. Van Allen resigned his command of the 3d N. Y. Cavalry yesterday.  Lieut. Col. Mix will succeed him.


Times’ Correspondence.

It is not yet positively determined who will succeed Carl Schurz as Minister to Spain.  No nomination will be made to the Senate by the President until Schurz is confirmed as Brigadier General.  Hon. Geo. Ashman, of Mass., is talked of for the place.

Major Donaldson, chief of the quartermaster department in New Mexico, arrived at Washington to-day.  He brings much important information in regard to the rebel raid into that Territory.  He says the rebels hold every position of value, except Forts Craig and Union.  The latter, which is the most important fort in the far West, containing millions of dollars worth of government stores, is now safe beyond peradventure, and garrisoned by fifteen hundred soldiers.  It has water within the fortifications, and provisions for an almost unlimited siege.  It will be the rallying point for the ample Union forces now marching to expel the invaders.  Major D. relates many incidents of the late battle near Fort Craig, and says that Major Lockridge, of the Nicaragua filibusters, fell dead at the head of the Texas Rangers in the terrible charge on McRae’s battery.

Secretary Stanton will probably proceed to Fort Monroe to-morrow, to give matters there his personal attention.


WASHGINTON, April 3.

It is now conceded among the rebels that the Virginia troops are equal, if not superior, to any in the army, notwithstanding the brag of the South Carolina chivalry. -  It is charged upon them that they were the first to break ranks and run at the battle of Bull Run.  A large number of desertions from the North Carolina and Georgia regiments are reported to have taken place lately.  The time of the London troops expires on April 23d.

The teamer King Phillip arrive from the lower river last night, bringing up four refugees from Richmond and Westmoreland county, Va., who came off from Kinsale on Saturday last.  They state that the rebels are pressing every man between the ages of 18 and 48 into the service, and they have been closely hunted by the press-gangs for a week or two.  The rebels had nearly all  left the neighborhood of London, but a few squads of their cavalry roamed through the country, pressing into service all able to bear arms.  The refugees also say that late secession papers state the Federal loss in the conflict with the Merrimac was fifteen hundred men.  Also, that the shots of the Monitor had no more effect on the sides of the Merrimac than hailstones.

Our loss in the engagement on Saturday and Sunday, March 22d and 23d, was 86 killed and 424 wounded; fifty have since died.


– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 1

Sunday, October 9, 2011

NEW YORK, March 27 [1862].

Santa Fe advices of the 10th inst. state that the Texans had taken Santa Fe.

Maj. Donelson, commander of that department, reached Kansas City of the 25th en route for Washington, to urge forward reinforcements for Forts Craig and Union.

All the Government property had been sent to Ft. Union.  All American families had fled thither.

Four hundred troops at Ft. Wise are ordered to reinforce Ft. Union, which will make a strong defense.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 2

Thursday, September 15, 2011

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 24.

Col. Segur representative from the Accomac district, arrived here this evening, confirming the intelligence about the destruction of the Privateer Nashville, and Fort Macon, by the rebels.


Times’ Correspondence

The commission on State prisoners will to-morrow take up the case of the celebrated Mrs. Greenough [sic], who will probably be transferred from a State prison to a lunatic asylum.

Gen. Montgomery has been transferred from his post as military governor of Alexandria and placed in a like command at Annapolis.

Painful rumors have been afloat for two days affecting a prominent officer in the civil department of the government.  We are promised the denouncement this week.

It is not true that the steamer Vanderbilt has been purchased by the Government to be altered to an iron-clad vessel.  She is merely charted for a short time as transport.

The commanding officer at Fort Craig writes to the Government that he has not a doubt of being able to hold that post.


Tribune Correspondence.

It is rumored that Green Clay will be transferred from the Secretaryship of Legation at St. Petersburg to that at Turin, the present incumbent, Mr. Fry, having resigned on account of ill health.

Dr. John Evans, of Chicago, has been nominated and confirmed as Governor of Colorado Territory, vice Gov. Gilpin.

Stephen S. Harding, of Ind., was, on Friday, nominated Governor of Utah, vice Gov. Dawson, rejected.

Small squads of rebel horsemen are scouring the country within five miles of Manassas, impressing all the able bodied men left, robbing the former for the hundredth time, and destroying what they can’t carry away.

The Saturday’s work of the ways and means committee on demands of delegations for modifications of the tax bill, was to put a 3 per cent ad valorem charge upon paper of every description; to adopt the schedules on leather substantially as they were presented to the committee by Mr. Alley, a tanner and a member of the House; to fix the rate on hoop skirts, umbrellas, and parasols, at 5 per cent ad valorem; on ready made clothing, at 3 per cent ad valorem; to leave salt as is in the bill; and after long discussion, to let the tax as first reported on tobacco and all its manufacturers stand unaltered.  The tax on billiard tables was reduced half to ten dollars a year; on rock oil, petroleum and coal oils, the only change was of phraseology, so that gas, tar, and the products from redistillation shall not be changed; for brokers the committee took off the tenth of one per cent on their stock sales, thinking that through their use of powers of attorney, transferred stamps and other assessable incidents of the business, they would get taxed enough.  Flour was not disposed, the desire to tax it of course duly exists of; the only difficulty in fixing the rate has been presented by the Canadian reciprocity treaty.  The belief has at least obtained in committee that flour can be taxed by branding the barrels and taxing the sales without violating the stipulations of that treaty; the charge on the gross receipts of horse railroads was reduced one half; it was decided not to tax coal at all; because it enters into the business and domestic life of nearly the whole nation.

During the discussions on the bill the work on the tariff progresses.  Reference is continually had to it, when an article is tax for internal revenue; at the same time an equivalent customs entry is placed on the tax list.  This principle will be adhered to throughout.


Herald’s Dispatch.

The party which left here on Tuesday ot look for the remains. Of Col. Slocum, Major Ballou, and Capt. tower of the 2d Rhode Island regiment, killed at Bull Run, returned this morning bringing their remains.  The party was composed of Gov. Sprague, Col. Arnold, Mr. Walter Coleman, his secretary Tristram Burges, Lieut. Col. Sayles and Capt. Dennison and Surgeon Greely, of the R. I. Cavalry, accompanied by two of the R. I. volunteers, who had been twin prisoners at Bull Run, and had noted the place where the officers were buried.  The party arrived Friday at Sudley’s Church.

Col. Slocum and Maj. Ballou were buried in the yard of a building near by, which was used as a hospital on the day of the battle.  This building had been destroyed by the rebels, but the graves were found.  After they had commenced to dig a negro girl inquired if they were digging for the body of Col. Slocum, and stated that about six weeks after the battle some soldiers of a Georgia regiment had dug it up, cut off the head, and buried the body at the side of the run close by, and taken the coffin away to bury a dead negro.  Her story was corroborated by a white boy and a white man who lived in the same neighborhood.  On repairing to the spot indicated, there was found a pile of ashes and bones, which were pronounced by the surgeon to be human. – Col. Slocum had been buried in a box, and Maj. Ballou in a coffin.  Upon opening the graves the box was recognized by Mr. Richardson, who was present at the interment, and the remains in it were identified as Col. Slocum.  Upon opening the other grave it was found to be empty, showing that the body dug up and burned by the Georgia barbarians was that of Maj. Ballou, only those two having been buried in that yard.

Gen. Hitchcock is here, aiding the war department by his advice.

Senator Lane, of Ind., has received advices from Savannah, Tenn., of the formation of a Union regiment in Alabama.

The Republican asserts that the President has remove Gen. Denver from the command of the department of Kansas.

The entire national debt is now four hundred millions of dollars.

The Senate to-day confirmed about 400 army appointment, principally of minor ranks.  Among them in the Adjutant General’s office department is R. J. Wagoner, of Ky.; Assistant Ad.t. Gen., with rank of Captain.  The only two Brigadier Generals of volunteers confirmed are Wm. K. Strong and Col. Mahon M. Monson [sic], of Ind.

Postmaster General Blair to-day issued the following notice to the Postmasters of the U. S.:

“The Secretary of War now regulates the transmission of information by telegraph affecting the conduct of the war.  In order to prevent the communication of such information to the rebels, it is also thought necessary by the secretary to put restrictions on the publication of facts of this character, however derived, and the aid of this department is requested for this purpose.

“You will therefore notify publishers not to publish any fact which has been excluded from the telegraph and that a disregard of this order will subject the paper to be excluded from the mails.

Signed,

M. BLAIR, P. M. Gen.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 25, 1862, p. 1

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Fort Craig


This fort, near which the last battle is reported to have been fought, is an important military station not far from Santa Fe.  At the breaking out of the rebellion, the Fort was occupied by a garrison of regulars under command of Capt. W. L. Elliott.  He abandoned the post on the approach of the enemy, for which course an inquiry was instituted, which movement resulted in sustaining Capt. Elliott’s action as the best under the circumstances; the only alternative being a disgraceful surrender of his entire command.  Capt. Elliott was shortly after appointed Colonel of our second cavalry regiment.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 2

From New Mexico


ST. LOUIS, March 3.

The Republican has advices from Albuquerke, New Mexico, Feb. 23d, which states that the Texans have made various significant movements in the vicinity of Ft. Craig.

On the 18th they advanced a column of infantry 1,000 strong, in line of battle, in front of the fort, and also moved a column of 800 cavalry to the west of the other defences, and then advanced within a mile and a half of the works.  The halted with the secession flag floating in the breeze.  After remaining some time, the commenced a retrograde movement.  During the time of the advance, Col. Canby prudently concealed the greater part of his force in the rear of the fort.  Then the enemy commenced retreating, and the infantry was separated from the cavalry, Col. Canby ordered Maj. Duncan to charge the cavalry of the enemy with a squadron of dragoons and mounted men, which they did in gallant style – the enemy retreating before them until they arrived at a deep ravine.  The Texan infantry, in the meantime, advanced to the relief of the cavalry, and a skirmish took place at the ravine.  Maj. Duncan late in the evening was recalled, and the Texans continued to fall back.

It is reported that the Texans had eight pieces of artillery, placed in a battery masked in a ravine but a short distance below where the skirmish took place.  On the 19th and 20th the Texans crossed to the east bank of the Rio Grande, in order it is supposed, to take possession of the heights opposite Fort Craig.

Col. Canby crossed and pursued them in force, when the Texans on the heights fired some fifty cannon shots without damage to our forces.  Col. Canby fired but two shots, deeming it imprudent to waste ammunition.  On the morning of the 21st 200 Texan mules were captured.  The Texans are on the heights, and destitute of water.  Col. [Canby] has the pass to the water guarded by a battery of 2,000 men, and all other outlets guarded in force.  The Texans must either fight desperately for water or surrender.

When the express closed on the morning of the 21st the booming of cannon was heard in the direction of Valverde, announcing that the battle had begun.

The military express has just arrived from Fort Craig with the news of a serious conflict between our forces and the Texans which lasted from 9 o’clock a.m. of the 21st till sundown the same day.  The fight commenced in the morning between a portion of our troops, under Col. Roberts, and the enemy across the Rio Grande, with varied success until 1 or 2 o’clock that day.  Col. Canby then crossed the river in force, with a battery of six pieces under command of Capt. McRae, of the cavalry, but detained to command the battery.  Also, a small battery of howitzers.  The enemy was supposed to have seven or eight pieces.  The battle commenced by artillery and skirmishing, and soon became general.  Toward evening most of the enemy’s guns were silenced.  They however made a desperate charge on the howitzer battery, but were repulsed with great loss.  Captain McRae’s battery was defended by Capt. Plimpton’s company of U. S. Infantry and a portion of Col. Pino’s regiment of New Mexican volunteers.

The Texans fought bravely and desperately, with picked men about 600 strong.  They were armed with carbines, revolvers and long seven-pound bowie knives.  After discharging their carbines at close distance, they drew revolvers and rushed on the battery in a storm of grape and canister.  The Mexicans of Pino’s regiment were panic-stricken and ingloriously fled.  Captain Plimpton’s infantry stood their ground until more than half were numbered with the dead.  With his artillerymen cut down, his support either killed or wounded or flying from the field, Capt. McRae sat down calmly and quietly on one of his guns, and with revolver in hand, refusing to fly or desert his post, he fought to the last and gloriously died the death of a hero, the last man by his gun.  The Texans suffered terribly in this charge.  Many officers distinguished themselves on this day.  Major Donaldson, who was chief aid to Col. Canby, acted bravely, and was conspicuous on every part of the field.  His horse was wounded in several places, but he was not injured.

Kit Carson, in command of a regiment of volunteers who were deployed as skirmishers, did good service during the action, and behaved well.  We have however, to mourn the loss of Lieuts. Michler and Stone, who like Capt. McRae, nobly and bravely maintained the honor of our flag to the last and gloriously died the death of patriots.  A great many others were wounded.  Our loss was about 200 killed and wounded; that of the enemy is believed to be much greater.  The greatest confidence is reposed in Col. Canby, and if volunteers will do their duty, the Texans will be ignominiously driven from the country.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 1

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

By Telegraph


(Reported expressly for the Gazette.)




– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 12, 1862, p. 2

Kansas City, Mo., March 10 [1862]


Quantrel’s band entered Amboy, Kansas on the 7th, killed 5 men and stole 15 or 20 horses.

A letter from Santa Fe, 3d inst., with a postscript from a reliable source, makes no mention of the battle reported to have taken place at Valverne [sic] on the 21st.  On the 16th the enemy approached within a mile and a half of Fort Craig, showing a front of 1,500 cavalry, with a reserve of 500 and 6 pieces of artillery.  Several shots were exchanged, and the enemy retired in good order.  The loss was one killed on each side.

Several small engagements had occurred during the week, which resulted in our forces capturing some prisoners and one of the enemy’s flags, which was a United States flag with the letters altered.

An express arrived on the evening of the 23d twenty-four hours from Fort Craig, but brought nothing official.  A letter from Governor Connolly stated that fighting was going on when the express left.  Our forces had captured over one hundred of the enemy’s mules and their principal wagon master.  A number of Texans had also been killed.  The enemy were hard pressed for water, and were moving towards Valverde, at which point two thousand of our men were stationed.

There is no reliance to be place on the report via Denver City and Julesburg.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 12, 1862, p. 2