Showing posts with label USS Tuscarora. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USS Tuscarora. Show all posts

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Diary of Gideon Welles: Friday, May 19, 1865

Preston King tells me he has a letter from Senator Dixon, speaking of me in very complimentary terms and expressing a wish that I may continue in the Cabinet, assuring K. that this is the sentiment of all parties in Connecticut. The President is not yet prepared to complete the Amnesty Proclamation, nor to issue the order for the reëstablishment of the authority of the local State governments. Our North Carolina friends have not arrived. Seward was to-day in the State Department, and the President with the rest of us went to his room. I noticed that his old crony and counterpart, Thurlow Weed, was with him as we entered. Seward was gratified and evidently felt complimented that we called. Was very decisive and emphatic on the subject of a proclamation declaring the Rebel vessels pirates and also a proclamation for opening the ports. Both these measures I had pressed rather earnestly; but Stanton, and Speed under Stanton's prompting, had opposed, for some assumed technical reason [?], the first, i.e. declaring the Rebel vessels pirates, and McCulloch the last, opening the ports. I was, therefore, pleased when Seward, unprompted, brought them both forward. I suggested that the proclamation already issued appeared to me to be sufficient, but I was glad to have his opinions on account of the opposition of Speed.

Received a telegram this P.M. from Commander Frailey and one from Acting-Rear-Admiral Radford, stating that the former, in command of the Tuscarora, had convoyed to Hampton Roads the William Clyde, having on board Jeff Davis, Stephens, etc.

This dispatch, addressed to me, Stanton had in his hand when I entered his room, whither he had sent for me. The telegraph goes to the Department of War, where it has an office, and I before have had reason to believe that some abuse — a sort of an espionage — existed. Half apologizing for an obvious impropriety, he said the custody of these prisoners devolved on him a great responsibility, and until he had made disposition of them, or determined where they should be sent, he wished their arrival to be kept a secret. He was unwilling, he said, to trust Fox, and specially desired me to withhold the information from him, for he was under the Blairs and would be used by them, and the Blairs would improve the opportunity to embarrass him.

I by no means concur in his censures or his views. Fox, like Stanton, will sometimes confide secrets which he had better retain, but not, I think, when enjoined. The Blairs have no love for Stanton, but I do not think he has any cause of apprehension from them in this matter.

He wished me to order the Tuscarora to still convoy and guard the Clyde, and allow no communication with the prisoners except by order of General Halleck or the War Department, — General Halleck, Stanton has ordered down from Richmond to attend to this business, — and again earnestly requested and enjoined that none but we three — himself, General Grant, and myself — should know of the arrival and disposition of these prisoners. I told him the papers would have the arrivals announced in their next issue.

Stanton said no word could get abroad. He had the telegraph in his own hands and could suppress everything. Not a word should pass. I remarked he could not stop the mails, nor passenger-boats, and twenty-four hours would carry the information to Baltimore and abroad in that way. Twenty-four hours, he said, would relieve him.

Stanton is mercurial, - arbitrary and apprehensive, violent and fearful, rough and impulsive, — yet possessed of ability and energy. I, of course, under his request, shall make no mention of or allusion to the prisoners, for the present. In framing his dispatch, he said, with some emphasis, the women and children must be sent off. We did not want them. “They must go South,” and he framed his dispatch accordingly. When he read it I remarked, “The South is very indefinite, and you permit them to select the place. Mrs. Davis may designate Norfolk, or Richmond.” “True," said Grant with a laugh. Stanton was annoyed, but, I think, altered his telegram.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 307-9

Friday, December 21, 2018

Commandant Samuel F. DuPont to Gustavus V. Fox, November 11, 1861

Private
Wabash Monday
11 Nov. 61, Port Royal
My Dear Sir—

The Coatzacoalcos goes in the morning — there is nothing very special to add to my letter of yesterday. I send certain letters to explain our operations about Beaufort. I did not have the flag raised in Beaufort, because it may not answer the Genls purpose to hold it — though it was well to show up the Gun-boats for moral effect. I was to have gone up with Sherman today but a fog prevented.

We are all tinkering; the heavy gale caused a good deal of injury in various ways to the smaller vessels.

Our own big job is the Main Mast, it is weakened one third — we are plugging up the holes and the Carpenter thinks he can fix it so as to make it stand in a gale of wind, though it will be a clumsy piece of work. When the ship goes north in the Spring if you will have a new one made she can take it in. We lost main topsail yard, spanker boom, lower boom, topmast &c. Those rifle 80 prs have the wickedest whistle I ever heard, how we all escaped on that Bridge I cannot conceive.

I concluded to send Vandalia North to fulfil my promise to the crew, & we have helped ourselves out of her — her two 8 in guns I have given to the Isaac Smith, & provisions & ammunition also have been taken from her. I am painfully impressed with the worthlessness of Sailing vessels since I have got to work out here — See the reports of the Sabine sent by this mail!! he has been a month in the Station. The Dale came in the day before our action & I packed her off to pick up coal Ships & go back to her Station. The QrMaster has given me some 80 000 gals of water & I am sending the Steamer which has it in out to Georgetown — Sending Alabama in the meantime to Georgetown — but I hear the Flag is off with Rodgers, Lardner having sent her to repair, the bottom of the boiler having come out.

I am exceedingly anxious to get away to Fernandina, for I see the old Story coming on me, viz the soldiers will absorb the fleet if I do not look out—if I can get through that and some other points perhaps St. Helena, I can come back here & make a station of it.

Will you please hurry back Steadman & not let him wait for all the ammunition asked for if it be not ready?

I do not intend to send vessels North if I can help it — I can make out here for water, but there are so many repairs required to ship, boats, & Engines, that if you could send down a certain number of ship Carpenters and Mechanics in iron, I think it would be economical I am sure, of course I mean shipped men—

Please let us have Pilot boats too, Davis says the G. W. Blunt. We should make the Pilot by the general rules I suppose. A Tug also if you please. The Mercury has paid for herself already — the Forbes is invaluable.

If you will give me Tuscarora & two new Gunboats, you may have Sabine, St. Lawrence, & Vandalia, 130 guns for twenty.

The magnitude of our operation is growing upon me & the blow is ringing all over the Southern country — the Planters talk of burning their cotton — and as this is the only sinew of war with them, the sooner they go at it the better.

I am at work at my detailed report of the action, with correct drawings of the order of battle &c which may some day go to the Naval School. The sketch I sent you is not critically, but generally correct. I will send my report by Atlantic in two or three days, in full time for Secretary's report or to go with the Documents.

When you can find leisure to give me a private note do so. You can take the credit of this business to any extent yr visit to New York put me upon it. It turns out Bulls bay is very defensible & not much after you take it. I think poor old Tattnall & Co must feel mean. Please make my regards to Mr Montgr Blair & to Mr Blair Senior, the latter so correctly looked forward for some naval results to help on the war on our side, that I hope he will be gratified but we must not stop here. I think the capture of the Forts was clever, but I think also the getting on the Wabash was cleverer.

Confidential.

I have one misgiving — our army here are depredators & freebooters — they are robbing as at Hampton in all directions, & robbing the poor negroes too, for all sheep, poultry, sweet potatoe patches &c belonging to them, & they are our friends, they will soon be disgusted & become our enemies — Sherman is a soldier every inch of him, whether he can be a commander in chief remains to be seen he is as much disgusted at what I mentioned as I am. They have not commenced an intrenchment! & to us people look like a mere rabble— they have commenced a wharf at my request for they are very kind to me & I think all the generals would do any thing in the world to oblige me.

I saw Sherman yesterday & hurried him up about Fernandina and I earnestly begged him to put a stop to the plundering — & shoot if necessary.

Davis & Rodgers send their regards, they are great helps to me and Preston an extraordinary young man— Raymond Rodgers is even above his reputation.

Ever yrs faithfully
S. F. Dupont.
G. V. Fox Esq.

SOURCE: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright, Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865, Volume 1, p. 67-70

Friday, May 12, 2017

Diary of Gideon Welles: Thursday, June 18, 1863

I find that Fox, whom I authorized to telegraph to the Commandant of the Yards the other night to get off immediately vessels after the pirate Tacony, amplified the order, and that a very large number of vessels are being chartered or pressed into the service. While it was necessary to have some, there is such a thing as overdoing, but the order having gone out in my name, I could not contest it.

Have information that Admiral Foote is quite ill at the Astor House, New York. He came on from New Haven to New York, expecting to take the Tuscarora on Monday for Port Royal, but that vessel had been dispatched after the pirate Tacony. This disappointment, the excitement, over-exertion, and domestic anxiety and affliction have probably had an effect on his sensitive and nervous mind. He told me with some emotion, when last here, that his wife's health was such it would detain him a few days to make certain indispensable arrangements, for their parting would be final, she could not be expected to live till he returned.

Wrote Seward that the condition of affairs on the Rio Grande and at Matamoras was unsatisfactory. We have had several conversations on the subject, in which I have tried to convince him of the injury done by the unrestricted trade and communication on that river, and to persuade him that he could make his mark and do a great public service by procuring to be established a principle in regard to the right of adjoining nations, like the United States and Mexico, and the occupancy of a mutual highway like the Rio Grande, with the necessary authority to enforce a blockade, — questions that have never yet been decided and settled among nations. Our blockade is rendered in a great degree ineffective because we cannot shut off traffic and mail facilities, or exclude commercial and postal intercourse with the Rebels via the Rio Grande. An immense commerce has suddenly sprung up, nominally with Matamoras, but actually with Texas and the whole Southwest, nay, with the entire Rebel region, for letters are interchanged between Richmond and England by that route.

There are one or two hundred vessels off the mouth of the Rio Grande, where there were never more than six or eight before the War, nor will there be more than a dozen when the War is over. English merchant adventurers are establishing regular lines with Matamoras, of which the Peterhoff was one, carrying supplies and mails to the Rebels and receiving cotton in return. Unfortunately, Mr. Seward has given encouragement to them, by conceding the sanctity of captured mails, which, with the evidence which would insure condemnation, are to be forwarded unopened to their destination. In no respect, way, or manner does the Secretary of State furnish a correction by assisting or proposing a principle to be recognized by nations, or by any arrangement with Mexico, or France, or both.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 333-5

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, June 13, 1863

We had music from the Marine Band to-day in Lafayette Square. The people are greatly pleased. Had word just after five this P.M. that three vessels were yesterday captured by a pirate craft off Cape Henry and burnt. Sent Fox at once with orders to telegraph to New York and Philadelphia, etc., for every vessel in condition to proceed to sea without delay in search of this wolf that is prowling so near us. If necessary the Tuscarora must sail forthwith and not wait for Admiral Foote.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 327

Saturday, October 8, 2016

John Stuart Mill to John L. Motley, October 31, 1862

Saint-Virain, Avignon,
October 31, 1862.

My Dear Sir: Allow me to thank you most warmly for your long and interesting letter, which, if it had been twice as long as it was, would only have pleased me more. There are few persons that I have only seen once with whom I so much desire to keep up a communication as with you; and the importance of what I learn from you respecting matters so full of momentous consequences to the world would make such communication most valuable to me, even if I did not wish for it on personal grounds. The state of affairs in America has materially improved since you wrote by the defeat of the enemy in Maryland and their expulsion from it, and still more by Mr. Lincoln's antislavery proclamation, which no American, I think, can have received with more exultation than I did. It is of the highest importance, and more so because the manifest reluctance with which the President made up his mind to that decided step indicates that the progress of opinion in the country had reached the point of seeing its necessity for the effectual prosecution of the war. The adhesion of so many governors of States, some of them originally Democrats, is a very favorable sign; and thus far the measure does not seem to have very materially weakened your hold upon the border slave States. The natural tendency will be, if the war goes on successfully, to reconcile those States to emancipating their own slaves, availing themselves of the pecuniary offers made by the Federal government. I still feel some anxiety as to the reception to be given to the measure by Congress when it meets, and I should much like to know what are your expectations on that point.

In England the proclamation has only increased the venom of those who, after taunting you so long with caring nothing for abolition, now reproach you for your abolitionism as the worst of your crimes. But you will find that whenever any name is attached to the wretched effusions, it is always that of some deeply dyed Tory — generally the kind of Tory to whom slavery is rather agreeable than not, or who so hate your democratic institutions that they would be sure to inveigh against you whatever you did, and are enraged at being no longer able to taunt you with being false to your own principles. It is from these also that we are now beginning to hear, what disgusts me more than all the rest, the base doctrine that it is for the interest of England that the American Republic should be broken up. Think of us as ill as you may (and we have given you abundant cause), but do not, I entreat you, think that the general English public is so base as this. Our national faults are not now of that kind, and I firmly believe that the feeling of almost all English Liberals, even those whose language is most objectionable, is one of sincere regret for the disruption which they think inevitable. As long as there is a Tory party in England, it will rejoice at anything which injures or discredits American institutions; but the Liberal party — who are now, and are likely to remain, much the strongest — are naturally your friends and allies, and will return to that position when once they see that you are not engaged in a hopeless, and therefore, as they think, an irrational and unjustifiable, contest. There are writers enough here to keep up the fight and meet the malevolent comments on all your proceedings by right ones. Besides Cairnes and Dicey and Harriet Martineau and Ludlow and Hughes, besides the “Daily News” and “Macmillan” and the “Star,” there are now the “Westminster” and the “London Review,” to which several of the best writers have now gone over; there is Ellison of Liverpool, the author of “Slavery and Secession,” and editor of a monthly economical journal, the “Exchange”; and there are other writers, less known, who, if events go on favorably, will rapidly multiply.

Here in France the state of opinion on the subject is most gratifying. All liberal Frenchmen seem to have been with you from the first. They did not know more about the subject than the English, but their instincts were truer. By the way, what did you think of the narrative of the campaign on the Potomac in the “Revue des Deux Mondes” of October 15, by the Comte de Paris? It looks veracious, and is certainly intelligent, and in general effect likely, I should think, to be very useful to the cause. I still think you take too severe a view of the conduct of our government. I grant that the extra-official dicta of some of the ministers have been very unfortunate. But as a government, I do not see that their conduct is objectionable. The port of Nassau may be all that you say it is, but the United States also have the power, and have used it largely, of supplying themselves with munitions of war from our ports. If the principle of neutrality is once accepted, our markets must be open to both sides alike, and the general opinion in England is (I do not say whether rightly or wrongly) that if the course adopted is favorable to either side, it is to the United States, since the Confederates, owing to the blockade of their ports, have so much less power to take advantage of the facilities extended equally to both. Then, again, if the Tuscarora was ordered away, the Sumter was so, too. What you mention about a seizure of arms by our government must, I feel confident, have taken place during the Trent difficulty, at which time alone, neither before nor after, has the export of arms to America been interdicted. It is very possible that too much may have been made of Butler's proclamation, and that he has more wrong in phraseology than substance. But with regard to the watchword said to have been given by Pakenham at New Orleans, I have always hitherto taken it for a mere legend, like the exactly parallel ones which grew up under our eyes in Paris, in 1848, respecting the socialist insurrection of June. What authority there may be for it I do not know; but if it is true, nothing can mark more strongly the change which has taken place in the European standard of belligerent rights since the wars of the beginning of the century, for if any English commander at the present time were to do the like, he could never show his face in English society (even if he escaped being broken by a court martial); and I think we are entitled to blame in others what none of us, of the present generation at least, would be capable of perpetrating.

You are perhaps hardly aware how little the English of the present day feel of solidarité with past generations. We do not feel ourselves at all concerned to justify our predecessors. Foreigners reproved us with having been the great enemies of neutral rights so long as we were belligerents, and for turning round and stickling for them now when we are neutrals; but the real fact is, we are convinced, and have no hesitation in saying (what our Liberal party said even at the time), that our policy in that matter in the great Continental war was totally wrong. But while I am anxious that liberal and friendly Americans should not think worse of us than we really deserve, I am deeply conscious and profoundly grieved and mortified that we deserve so ill, and are making in consequence so pitiful a figure before the world, with which if we are not daily and insultingly taxed by all Europe, it is only because our enemies are glad to see us doing exactly what they expected, justifying their opinion of us and acting in a way which they think perfectly natural, because they think it perfectly selfish.

If you kindly favor me with another letter here, it is desirable that it should arrive before the end of November. After that time my address will be Blackheath Park, Kent.

I am, my dear sir,
Very truly yours,
J. S. Mill.

SOURCE: George William Curtis, editor, The Correspondence of John Lothrop Motley in Two Volumes, Library Edition, Volume 2, p. 286

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Later From Europe

Arrival of the Anglo Saxon.

PORTLAND, MAINE, Jan. 30. – The Anglo Saxon from Liverpool, 16th, via Queenstown, 17th, arrived here this morning.  Her dates are five days later.

The steamship Teutonia, from New York, arrived at Southampton on the 12th, with the steamship America, from New York, and the Novascotian arrived at Liverpool on the 14th.  The Edinburg, from New York arrived at Liverpool on the 15th.

The news by the Anglo Saxon is unimportant.

It was rumored that the rebel steamer Nashville had been sold to English ship owners.  The Tuscarora continued to blockade her.

Corn, easy, market closed steady, with an upward tendency for wheat.  Provisions, quiet.

Consols, for money, 93¼.

The London Globe announces that the Washington Cabinet had given orders for the release of the two Americans taken from the English schooner Eugenie and the steamer Santiago de Cuba.

But little business was doing at Loyd’s [sic] in war risks.  There was continued activity in all the departments at the Portsmouth dock yard.

It was stated that the Tuscarora’s movement in leaving her moorings on the 13th inst., was to prevent the Nashville from getting under way for 24 hours.  It was understood that the Tuscarora’s orders were never to leave sight of the Nashville, to blockade her in Southampton, and if she should leave, to chase her as long as she is at sea.  In addition to the Frigate Dauntless, the war steamer Argus, had been placed at the mouth of the Southampton docks, to watch the movements of the two vessels.

The London Times says that mercantile letters from New York represent that the cry for promoting insurrection among the slaves was gaining force, and looking at the threatened horrors, whispers were at length heard of a wish that for the sake of humanity European intervention might be fount practicable.

Additional correspondence had been published in regard to the Trent affair, including Lord John Russell’s reply to Mr. Seward’s dispatch, dated January 11th.  It expresses much satisfaction at the conclusion arrived at by the Washington Government, which it considers most favorable to the maintenance of most friendly relations.  The English Government, however, differs from Mr. Seward in some of his conclusions, and as it may lead to a better understanding on several points of international law.  Lord John Russell proposes in a few days to write another dispatch on the subject.  In the mean time he says that it is desirable that the commanders of United States cruisers shall be instructed not to repeat acts for which the British Government will have to ask redress, and which the United States government can not undertake to justify.  Lord Lyons is thanked for his discretion.

Mason and Slidell had been expected by the America, and a good deal of interest was felt as to the reception they would get at Liverpool. – Various expedients were adopted to secure anything but a flattering one.

There has been no reply to the strictures on the stone blockade of Charleston.

The extra workmen at the dock yards will be discharged at the end of the financial year.

The Shipping Gazette says that war of further diplomatic strife is certain between England and America.

Liverpool Breadstuffs. – W. N. & Co. and others, report flour dull and declined 6d@1s, wheat declined 1d@2d – red 11s@12s 4d, white western 12s 6d@12s 9d, white southern 12s 9d@13s 3d.  Corn easier, mixed 31s@31s 6d.


(Latest via Londonderry.)

Liverpool, 17. – Flour steady, wheat active with an upward tendency, corn quiet but steady, provisions ditto.

LONDON, Jan, 17. – Consols for money 93¼.  I. C. shares 42 7/8 @ 43 1/8 disc., Erie shares 28 N. Y. C. 71@73.

The Times predicts a speedy collapse in America under the suspension of specie payment. – It also published extracts from Mr. Russell’s diary to the 3d of January.  He says it requires an augmentory faith to believe there will be any success in subjugating the South, for the army of the North will be stricken down for the want of means.  The troops sent to points along the coast are suffering from sickness.  The pretense of there being Union men at the South is fast vanishing.  Mr. Russell sees an extraordinary lack of ordinary political common sense in American Journals.

Capt. Symmes of the Confederate States Navy, and commander of the Sumter has addressed a letter to the Times defending his ship against the insinuations of the Secretary of the Federal Navy who in his official report describes the Sumter as a piratical rover.

Paris Bourse steady.  Rentes quoted 69f 20c.

The French journals generally compliment the Washington Cabinet for their action in the Trent affair.

PRUSSIA. – The King of Prussia, in his speech at the opening of the Chambers rejoiced at the happy issue of the Anglo American difficulties.

SPAIN. – The privateer Sumter continued at the port of Cadiz.

London Money Market. – Consols experienced a further decline of ½ per cent.  Money very easy.

The publication of the correspondence in relation to the Trent affair, has lead to some very bitter strictures on the dispatch of Mr. Seward, particularly as regards that part of it where it is announced that the prisoners, Mason & Slidell would have been retained had the interests of the Union required it.

The London Times doubts whether any nation ever committed a blunder so palpable and so enormous.

The London Morning Post says it is clear that the law of the stronger is the only law ruling in the United States.

The London Herald says that the last four lines of Mr. Seward’s dispatch is the only part of it that can be accepted as an answer to British Demands.


(Very Latest per Anglo Saxon.  Telegraphed to Londonderry.)

Liverpool, Jan. 17. – Notwithstanding the rumored sale of the Nashville she continued to fly the Confederate flag.  No sale has been registered at the Admiralty.

Berlin, Jan. 17. – It is reported that England has no objection to examine the question of guarantee for the rights of neutrals by diplomatic correspondence, but would be opposed to a Congress on the question.

Several members of Parliament had been addressing their constituents.  America was the main topic.  Mr. Gladiator made a speech at Leith.  He was very friendly towards America, and hoped the concession of the American Government would be conceived in a most generous spirit and irritation not to be increased by minute criticism.  He thought the North had undertaken a task which would prove too much for them.

Mr. Gilpin, of Northampton, declared that the lack of sympathy with the North was because the North had not identified themselves with the first principles of the Constitution, which declares all men are born free and equal.  But he believed the question had now become Slavery or Freedom.  He called on Englishmen to hesitate before they directly or indirectly sanctioned a premature and unnecessary acknowledgment of the South.

Lord Henry at the same meeting uttered similar sentiments.

Mr. Peeresford took rather opposite ground, he believed that if the Southern Confederacy established its independence it would lead to an amelioration of the condition of the slave.

The frigate Mirror was expected at Plymouth in a day or two on her way to the North American Station.

ITALY. – The Pope in announcing to the Cardinals that Russia had consented to the re-establishment of the Papal Nuncio at St. Petersburg, said he hoped this fresh concession on the part of the Emperor would be the signal for others in favor of the unfortunate Polish nation.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The Nashville at Southampton – Tuscarora is Waiting – Interesting News

(From the London Times’ Southampton Correspondent, Jan. 9th, 10th and 11th, and telegrams of the 12th.)

Southampton is in a state of blockade.  The federal screw sloop-of-war Tuscarora is moored at the entrance of the Itchen Creek, just at its confluence with the Southampton water, about a mile from the dock mouth.  She has her fires banked up, and lies with two springs to her cable, ready to slip another and start at a moment’s notice.  The Nashville, which vessel the Tuscarora has come over to take specially under her watchful care and protection, still remains berthed in the dock.  The Tuscarora is armed with nine heavy guns, while the Nashville is stated to have only two guns of somewhat inferior caliber.  As soon as the Tuscarora arrived, Captain Craven communicated with the captain of the frigate Dauntless, which lies off Netley, expressing the regret he felt at hearing of the death of Prince Albert, and asking if there would be any objection to his firing a salute of twenty-one minute guns in respect to his memory.  Capt. Heath replied that in consequence of Her Majesty having requested that no guns should be fired in the vicinity of Osborne, the compliment, which he fully appreciated, could not be accepted.

On Wednesday evening the American Consul went on board the Tuscarora, and it may be presumed, made such arrangements as will render it a matter of impossibility for the Nashville to make her escape.  The Tuscarora, it is said, is to be followed by one or two other ships of the Federal navy, to protect their flag in the English Channel.  With regard to the Nashville there is no doubt that the expected arrival of the Tuscarora, was received by Capt. Pegram some days ago, and every effort has been made to get her ready for sea as expeditiously as possible. – The British Government has observed the strictest neutrality in regard to the repairs, &c., effected in this ship.  Nothing has been done but what was absolutely necessary to make her sea worthy, and such repairs only have been executed as are always permitted, as an act of humanity, to any vessel in distress.  In proof of this, it may be mentioned that the shipwright who is engaged to repair her, attempting to put in some heavy pieces of oak to strengthen the decks, to enable her to carry guns, the Government authorities absolutely refused their permission for the timber to go on board, and it still lies on the deck quay.  She has not been allowed to ship any powder, a small quantity which was on board when she arrived here, and which was permitted to be removed to shore, has been reshipped.  No guns or munitions of war have been put on board, and, in fact, has been allowed to be executed but ordinary repairs.  The Tuscarora requires only coals, water and provisions, which are being supplied her.

A telegram, dated Southampton, Friday, says:  “Three armed men and an officer from the Federal corvette Tuscarora were found last Tuesday night in the docks, watching the Southern privateer Nashville.  They were discovered by the Dock Superintendent close at Nashville’s bows.  They had dark lanterns and combustibles for the purpose of signaling the Tuscarora should the Nashville attempt to leave the docks.  The dock Superintendent stated that the docks were private property, that they had no right there for such a purpose and insisted on their leaving immediately, which they eventually did.

The Nashville is now getting up steam to leave the docks and to anchor near the Tuscarora.  The Confederate war steamer Sumter is expected here.  She has seven guns and one hundred and forty men.”  Another telegram dated 10 A. M. yesterday, says:  “A boat has just left the Tuscarora, and came on afterwards the docks, as if reconnoitering.  The Nashville was getting steam up.  The boat returned to the Tuscarora.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Friday, June 8, 2012

The Tuscarora and Nashville


The London American publishes the following letter, written by the Captain of the U. S. steamer Tuscarora:


U. S. STEAMER SUSCARORA, OFF COWES
February 5, 1862.

Dear Sir – the British Government have just added a brilliant chapter to their page of history in the escape of the pirate steamer Nashville.  The want of good faith that has been exhibited toward me would, in all of its details require a longer time to record than I have at my disposal.  Let it suffice that, from the 10th of January to the 28th I have been constantly beset with rules, which were each week changed, each week made more stringent, and gave every advantage to the pirate, which they desired to turn loose upon our commerce.  Finally, on the 29th I was peremptorily ordered to leave the port.  Accordingly on the 30th I departed, but as it was blowing heavy gale, I came to anchor in Yarmouth Roads.  The gale over, I on the 1st went to sea arrived in the channel, and returned here on the 3rd, to fill up my coal and learn the news.

No sooner did I drop my anchor than the fact was communicated by telegraph to those interested at Southampton Capt. Patey, R. N. was, by my friends in Southampton, seen then to go on board the Nashville in uniform.  He remained but a few minutes, and left her for the dispatch boat.  Both steamers then left the wharf.  Signal at the same time was made to the Shannon, lying near me, to get under weigh.  This maneuver was witnessed without knowing the meaning, until the Nashville hove in sight, with the dispatch boat in company.

Capt. Patey immediately came on board of my vessel to inform me that I could not depart until the required interval of twenty-four hours had elapsed.

I cannot help believing and saying that evident collusion existed in this whole plan of escape.

I have not time to say more – I am off for a cruise.  Can’t coal in British dominions for three months.  Will let you hear from me in a few days.   Most truly yours.

T. AUGUS. CRAVEN

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 2

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Young America in England


Georg F. Train, the young Bostonian, who has been introducing the horse railroad system in England, lately made another speech on the American question, taking the secession side of it.  The speech was delivered in the Temple Forum, London, and the following is a specimen of Mr. Train’s advocacy of the South:

The Northerners think they have the very best Constitution in the world, because they have placed their Temple on their four corner stones – Wisdom, Mercy, Justice and Union!  But we in Secessia have based our Constitution and reared our Temple of Despotism on one acknowledged corner stone – Negro Slavery.

Now I never heard of a house with only one corner stone [laughter;] there must of necessity be four, and these are the other three – Perjury!  Robbery!  Treachery!  On these four columns we have raised that edition of Despotism for which I have risen to speak. [Cheers.]  The question of to-night is very strangely expressed.  It asks whether the North or South is right.  This is what I call an open and shut question – it is difficult to tell Blucher from Wellington.  I can answer in the affirmative or the negative. [Laughter.]

I maintain that the North has acted most wrongly by us – that the North was wrong in give us precedence in all matters of State – [hear] – wrong in giving us, as the honorable gentleman from Alabama says, the power to elect nearly all the Presidents – [hear] – that the North was wrong in giving the South all the naval officers – wrong in taking our men to make all the army officers. [Cheers.]

I maintain the North was wrong in allowing us to rob the treasury at Washington – wrong in allowing us to absorb all the Northern spoils – and wrong in allowing us to assume all the civil and military power. [Cheers.]  I tell you that we in Secessia despise the North.  * * *

I say that the South has a right to complain of the way in which the question in debate this night is considered in this country.  [Here Mr. Train, with biting sarcasm, turned his Southern argument on England.]  We blame you for deceiving us in this great issue.  We have to thank you for hastening to acknowledge us as belligerents, but we have a right to blame you for giving all your sympathies to the North.  [Loud applause.]  We blame you because all your press – the London Times and every other of your news journals – has given its voice in favor of the North.  [Loud laughter and cheers, the audience fully entering into the spirit of the sarcasm.]  You cannot spare one single journal to the South.  We blame you for not giving every assistance to our vessel of war (the Nashville) when in Southampton docks!  [Applause, and “Good again.”]  Your affections have been centered on the Tuscarora.  Your affections have been centered on the Tuscarora.  You have never assisted one-half of our enterprising navy – the Sumter – now in the Mediterranean.

I have heard, but I cannot believe it, that the reason the North has not caught her is because the North wishes her left to float on the ocean to show Europe what the North might do with five thousand similar vessels afloat.  [“Oh, Oh,” and cheers.]  We blame you, and we have a right to blame you, that you have not long since admitted the claims of our great Confederacy, as we were led, by unofficial correspondence, to  think you would have done long since.  [Hear, hear.]  Again, we have to complain that you have not sufficiently acknowledged our established valor: have you forgotten how ten thousand of our grand chivalry, after two days’ fighting, drove ninety of the Northern men out of Fort Sumter?  [Applause and laughter.]  Then again, did we not, in open daylight, assassinate in Alexandria their Colonel Ellsworth?  * *

Reference has been made to Bull Run.  It proves, as I told them at Hanley, what I have had much trouble in getting English people to believe – that the American people are never troubled with the gout.  [Laughter.]  But the Northerners are not the only people who have the right of claiming all such laurels.  [Hear.]  You ought to give us some credit on that account also.  Look when the Northerners landed at Port Royal and Beaufort; we showed them powers of pedestrianism throwing even Deerfoot into the shade.  [Laughter and cheers.]  When the Northern hordes landed, the chivalry of Georgia went first, South Carolina next, and the Germans last, until at last there was but one poor old nigger left.  [Loud cheers.]  I have never saw such speed; they reached Charleston in much shorter time that I should have thought possible.

Why did the gentlemen from Secessia omit this praiseworthy fact when alluding to our chivalry?  Then, again, read the papers of Saturday and to-day.  Have you not read how 10,000 men left the field whereon lay the bodies of Zolicoffer and Payton?  They went quickly because they were anxious to fight the battle in Tennessee.  [Confusion.]  Don’t get excited secessionists, for I am to-night on the side of the South.  [Applause and Laughter.]  The word Secessia signifies Revolver – Bowie Knife – Lynch Law – Tar – Feathers, and the noble science of Repudiation – [Hear,] – while the word Unionists or Yankee possesses the mean interpretation of Education – Virtue – Enterprise and Honesty.  [Cheers.]  You are not perhaps aware that in Mobile – in Charleston – in New Orleans – are all the manufactories of America.  [Laughter.]  That all the shipping of the United States comes from the South, and I can tell you that the North have no need to boast of their Eli Whitney and Cotton Gin!  [Laughter, and good.]

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 1

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Later from Europe

PORTLAND, Me., Feb. 20. – The Bohemian from Liverpool 6th, via Londonderry 7th, arrived here this morning with one day latter news.

The Canada from Boston, arrived at Liverpool on the 5th inst.

Both houses of Parliament had voted unanimously on an address to the queen in response to speech.

The Opposition approved the course of the Government in the Trent affair.

Lord Derby thought that the Federal Government had assented with a very bad grace to the demands of the British Government.

Lord Palmerston said the distress in the manufacturing districts of England, from the blockade of the Southern ports, would not justify the interference of the Government, and that they would continue in their neutral course.

The Bank of France has reduced its rate of discount to 4 per cent.

The product of the last cotton crop of India was pouring into Bombay.

The iron clad frigate Warrior, on her passage to Lisbon, labored badly.  Her decks and cabins were flooded, and in 9 cases out of 10, she would not mind her helm.

The Times’ city article says that the funds opened on the 6th inst., at the decline of more than ½, but were firmer towards the close.


PARIS, [Feb.] 7. – The Moniteur of this morning says that Gen. Prime will not take supreme command of the allied forces in Mexico, but that each General will preserve the integrity of his own command.

The Federal gunboat Tuscarora left Cowes at 9 o’clock a. m. on the 6th inst., and proceeded westward.  The Nashville had 40 hours start of her.  The engineer of the Nashville told the pilot who took her out, that it was agreed by all on board that she should never be captured.  That he had all the valves of the engines so arranged that she could be blown up in a moment, and that if the capture of the Nashville was ever heard of, a violent explosion would accompany it.

Private telegrams from China quote tea at Foo Choo as higher.  Silks were also higher. – Holders of manufactured goods held them at firm prices.

Singapore was in possession of the rebels.


(By Telegraph to Londonderry.)

Liverpool Cotton Market – Brokers’ circulars report sales of the week 28,000 bales, including 3,500 to speculators and exporters.  Market dull, with partial decline of ½.  Sales Friday 5,000 bales, including 5,000 to speculators and exporters, market closing quiet and unchanged.  On Saturday Orleans fair 14¼, do middling 12 7/8; Mobile fair 13½ do middling 12½.  Total stock in port 550,000 bales, including 205,000 American.

Breadstuffs market generally quiet and steady, except for corn, which has a downward tendency.

Consols closed at 92½@92 7/8 for money.

The weekly returns of the Bank of England shows a decrease in bullion of 334,000£.

American securities quiet and steady.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Washington News

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18. – The Nomination of Gen. Grant to be Major General was sent into the Senate to-day.  He will be confirmed.

President Lincoln’s boy is still in a critical condition.

The bill which the territorial committee of both Houses are maturing, will organized the rebel country into free territories, on the principle that by the rebellion these States committed suicide and that with them their local laws and peculiar institutions have died.

Mr. Faulkner said in a speech last week at Martinsburg, that rebellion was a failure and advised his hearers to make the best possible terms with the government of the United Sates.

Congress has passed a joint resolution instructing Commissioner French to illuminate the public buildings in honor of the recent victories.

On Saturday evening an illumination of private buildings will probably be requested as a means of distinguishing loyal from disloyal citizens.

In a speech in Stark’s case, Carlisle of Va., to-day foreshadowed a pro-slavery policy in the treatment of the rebel States, saying the Senate must receive persons duly accredited hereafter by the Legislature of Mississippi, even if they have been in arms against the Government.  It is coming to be generally hoped that Carlisle will thus be obliged to give his seat back to Mason.

Secretary Stanton has recently said that the victory at Fort Donelson is due to Gen. Halleck who planned, to the President who recognized, and to Gen. Grant who executed the campaign.

Noah L. Wilson, President of the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad is here and says the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad is expected to be open within thirty days.

Very few private flags have been displayed in Washington for our late victories.

An order was issued to-day at the request of the entire Indiana delegation to terminate the furlough under which Capt. Hazzard of the army was allowed to serve as Colonel of the 37th Indiana Volunteers.  He is charged with tyranny to his troops.

Schuyler Colfax has sent $100 to Quartermaster Pierce at Paducah to be expended for the relief os soldiers wounded at Ft. Donelson.

Capt. Carven in command of the Tuscarora is not like other captains who have pursued rebel privateers.  If he catches the Nashville he will blow her out of the water, avoiding a capture if possible.

A subscription is on foot at Alexandria among the women for the purchase of a flag to be presented to Farnsworth’s Illinois Cavalry regiment.

The bill reported from the Naval Committee of the House, framed after consultation with Assistant Secretary Fox, provides for ten grades of naval officers.  Five Flag Officers, eighteen Commodores, one hundred and forty-four Lieutenants.  Commodores, Lieutenants and Masters’ boards to recommend for promotion or retirement.  Flag Officers to be appointed only if they shall have received the thanks of Congress upon the President’s recommendation for services in battle; after receiving some honor the temporary appointment is to be made permanent and men and officers advanced; appointments to the naval academy will be two by each Congressman from the five best scholars in his district, and ten at large each year by the President from orphans of soldiers or sailors who have died in battle; senators are to appoint for any rebel districts, each in proportion to the quota of troops from his State, from orphans of soldiers or sailors killed in battle.

Senator Harris introduced a bill to-day making rebels outlaws so far as civil rights are concerned.  The fact of the plaintiffs treason to be a complete defense in bar of any action.

Mr. Trumbull’s confiscation bill is the special order in the Senate tomorrow.

Gen. Grant will not be confirmed as Maj. Gen. until his official report of the battle has been received.

The Senate District of Columbia committee to-day summoned no witnesses to investigate the truth of the allegations in deputy jailor Duvall’s letter relative to barbarities practiced within the jail on an alleged fugitive slave.

Col. McConnell of the inchoate and considerably mythical 3d Maryland regiment of volunteers has at least been mustered out of the service.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Foreign News

PORTLAND, March 31.

The Jura from Liverpool, 20th, and Londonderry the 21st, arrived here at 6 p. m.


GREAT BRITAIN.

President Lincoln’s emancipation message had attracted much attention in England.

The Liverpool Post says there can be no doubt, it will have an incalculable effect in Europe, and that effect will be most favorable to the Northern cause.

A London paper in an editorial on the subject, says it is the most important news since the split.  The President’s avowed object is to recover to the Union the Border States.  The position is important, not for its intrinsic likelihood of acceptance, but simply because it is a proposition, and is the first bid made towards putting an end to the war.  The North may gradually rise in its offers until something acceptable has been put forth.  The only reply of the south to President Lincoln has been a resolution of the Confederate House of Representatives, to burn all the cotton and tobacco that may be in danger of falling into the hands of the invaders.  In every point of view the proposal of the president gives great scope for speculation and perhaps some glimpse of hope, but it is for what it may herald, and not for what it is.

Russell’s correspondence of the Times is again dated at Washington, and comes down to March 3d.  He says the weather has prevented Gen. McClellan from advancing.  He praises the constancy and tenacity of the Confederacy.  He says the Northern troops were getting weary of war and clamorous for furloughs.

Gibraltar advices of the 14th, says the Federal vessels Tuscarora, John and [Kearsarge] were at Algiers.

The Lieutenant of the Sumter, and ex-U. S. Consul at Cadiz, who were arrested at Tangiers, were transferred from the John to the Harvest Home, bound for Boston.  It is said they were put in irons.

At a general meeting of the Atlantic Telegraphic Company held in London on the 19th.  The directors report was adopted.  Hopeful views were entertained.

The Marine statistics show that in 5 months ending January 31st, about 36 vessels from America for England laden with flour and grain, were lost.  The total cargoes exceeded 700,000 bushels.


FRANCE.

Additional troops were being sent to Mexico and a new brigade was to leave Toulon on the following week.


AUSTRIA.

Great precautions were being taken by the Vepitian frontiers.  The advance posts had been doubled and the garrisons augmented.  Troops had been posted along the line of the river Po.


GREECE.

All the cannon of the insurgents have fallen into the hands of the Royal troops.

A small garrison at Syria was captured and order restored at that place.

The insurgents at Nauplia asked for an amnesty and an armistice for 24 hours, which was granted.


ROME.

The Pope has been ill the past week.  His strength has been much prostrated and he has suspended his audiences.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 2, 1862, p. 1

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Foreign News

NEW YORK, March 10.

The steamer City of Washington, from Liverpool 26th p.m. to Queenstown 27th, arrived this morning.

Gibraltar advices of the 18th say that the Sumter is still there, and no signs of her departure.

The Tuscarora was in Spanish waters, off Algeciras.

A Madrid telegram of the 25th says that the captain of the Sumter was arrested at Tangiers, at the instance of the American Consul at Gibraltar and the commander of the Tuscarora, who went to Tangiers for the purpose.  It is reported that the Sumter appeared off the south of France on the 16th of February.

Parliamentary proceedings were enlivened by a challenge from O’Donaghue to Sir Robert Peel, for expressions by the latter which the former regarded personally offensive.  Palmerston got scent of the affair, warned Peel against making himself party to breach of privilege, and brought the affair to the notice of the House.  O’Donaghue apologized to the House, but made some sarcastic remarks in relation to Peel.

Mr. Horsefall gave notice that he would on the 11th of March, moved that the present state of international maritime law, as it concerns the belligerents and neutrals, is undefined, unsatisfactory and calls for the early attention of the government.

FRANCE. – Prince Napoleon’s strong remarks attract considerable attention.

Some members gave utterance to strong anti-English sentiments, and were rebuked by ministers.

Bourse firm – 70a80f.

Jacob Bush & Co., American commission merchants, London, have suspended.

In the London money market consols stood 93 1-2 a 93 5-8 for money and account.

It was reported that large insurances were being effected in London for French account, on goods per steamer from Havre to the Confederate States market.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 1

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Boston, March 7 [1862].

The Federal gunboat Tuscarora remained near Gibraltar, February 10th.  She had changed her anchorage from Algerias to Orange Grove, being within eight miles of the Sumter, but still in Spanish waters.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 8, 1862, p. 1

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Foreign News

PORTLAND, March 4.

The steamer Norwegian, from Liverpool on the 20th, Londonderry 21st ult. arrived this morning.

The political news possess no particular interest.

Sales of cotton for the four days were 11,000 bales.

Markets closing firmer.

Breadstuffs dull.  Provisions steady.

The Anglo Saxon from Portland arrived at Liverpool on the 20th.


GREAT BRITAIN. – Parliamentary proceedings, on the 11th were unimportant.  The bill authorizing marriage with a deceased wife’s sister was passed to a second reading in the Commons, 149 to 133.

The Morning Post has an editorial urging the removal of the prohibition in the West Indies against the efforts for obtaining colored laborers from any part of North America, and advocates the emigration of free negroes from Canada to the west Indies, to develop the cotton culture of those Islands.

It is asserted that the government has said there was confirmation of the news via America, that the Spaniards had sustained a declined defeat at the hands of the Mexicans, and that the dispatch of reinforcements is rendered necessary.


FRANCE. – It is rumored that the Prince Napoleon is dissatisfied with the terms of the address on the Roman question, and will move an amendment for more energetic language.

The bourse continued to be heavy, and on the 19th the three per cent. rents further declined nearly half per cent., closing at 69.95.  The four and a half per cent. declined one per cent., closing at 99f.

A decree is published, admitting into France, free of duty, rough and purified cast iron, old iron bars, hoops and sheet iron, steel in bars and sheets, and rolled copper, when coming from abroad and destined for re-exportation, after having been converted in French workshops into ships, machines or any other work in metal.

One other decree reduces the interest on treasury bonds to two and a half a three and a half per cent., according to the time of the falling due.

The Moniteur says the government of the Emperor has requested information at Rome respecting the pastoral letter convoking all bishops to Rome for the canonization of the martyrs, the letter having been published in France without having been previously communicated to the government.  Cardinal Antonelli replied that the invitation was simply a friendly one and not obligatory in character – only tended to give weight to the religious ceremony on this reply the French government expressed the wish that the Bishops should not leave their diocese, and must not ask permission to quit the empire except where serious diocesan interests should call them to Rome.

The application for conversation of the 4 1-2 per cent. rentes had reached £70,000,000.


LONDON MONEY MARKET. – English funds dull but steady on the 20th.


LIVERPOOL, 21. – It is reported that insurances are daily effected on ships and their cargoes to run the blockade of the Southern ports.  The highest premium paid is fifteen guineas, and the ships are entitled to select any port.  In some instances the risks to ports of easy access are as low as ten guineas.  The vessels insured are steamers of 1,500 tons.

The French Bourse is believed to be undergoing an improvement, owing to the receipt of gold from London.

The telegraph from the Red Sea to London is now open.

The iron plated frigate Warrior is ordered from Gibraltar to Portsmouth.

Advices from Manchester report goods and yarns upward, but quiet.

The Journal Espania demands a monarchy for Peru by universal suffrage.


ROME. 20th. – The Police have made many arrests.

The proclamation of the national committee has been secretly posted here.  The committee hope for early success, but counsel patience.

It is believed that Napoleon has given assurance to the Pope that the French troops will not leave Rome.

Preparations were making to celebrate the anniversary of the Capture of Gaeta.  Numerous patrols traversed the streets to prevent its taking place.


BERLIN, 20th. – The question between Prussia and Austria is continually widening.  The language of the Prussian and Austrian papers is daily more hostile.

The agitation in Germany is increasing.

Austria, by her recent conduct, had lost much of her influence in northern Germany.


PARIS, 21st. – The Temps and other French journals demonstrate that a monarchical restoration in North America will only benefit Spain, and the Spanish monarchical interest alone existing.

It is believed that the speech of Prince Napoleon on the address of the Senate will express the real policy of the Emperor on the Italian question.

The following is a summary of the news taken out by the City of New York: The Tuscarora left Gibraltar on the 15th inst. for the Spanish waters.  She had been watching the Sumter, which still remained at Gibraltar unable to procure coal.

In the House of Commons on the 17th inst., the supplementary estimates for the naval and military expeditions in the Trent affair, amounting to over £973,000, were moved and unanimously agreed to.  In the debate on the subject, Mr. Bright severely denounced the policy of the government.  He said the money had been worse than thrown away.  The threatening menaces were quite uncalled for, and gave Earl Russell’s first dispatch, which he said had more the appearance of a declaration of war than a courteous demand for a just object which America could not fail to accede to.  He refuted the idea that the American Government was influenced by a mob, and argued that the interests of England were so bound up with America that it was in every respect inadvisable to inflict a sting that it might take centuries to remove.

Mr. Baxter endorsed the tone of the government, but condemned the tone of the press.

Orders had been received at Sheerness to dismantle all gunboats prepared for commissions under the American difficulty.

The Daily News and Star publish the correspondence with Mr. Seward relative to the passage of British troops through the State of Maine.  The latter accords great praise to Mr. Seward for his course in this respect.

The reading of the address to the Emperor of France had taken place in the Senate, and debate commenced upon it on the 20th.  The address regrets the sufferings inflicted by the American civil war on trade and manufactures, but agrees with the Emperor that the friendly relations of the countries render neutrality incumbent, and believes that the quarrel will be all the shorter if not complicated by foreign influence.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Later from Europe

PORTLAND, Feb. 20.

The Bohemian, from Liverpool 6th via Londonderry 7th, arrived here this morning, with one day later news.

The Canada, from Boston, arrived at Liverpool on the 5th inst.

Both houses of Parliament had voted unanimously an address to the Queen in response to her speech.  The opposition approved of the course of the Government in the Trent affair.

Lord Derby thought the Federal Government had assented with very bad grace to the demands of the British Government.

Lord Palmerston said the distress in the manufacturing districts in England from the blockade of the Southern ports, would not justify the interference of the Government, and that they would continue in their neutral course.

The Bank of France has reduced its rates of discount to 4 per cent.

The product of the cotton crop of India was pouring into Bombay.

The iron clad frigate, Warrior, on her passage to Lisbon, labored badly.  Her decks and cabins were flooded and in nine cases out of ten she would not mind her helm.

The London Times city article says, that the funds opened on the 6th, at a decline of more than one-eighth, but gained firmness toward the close.


PARIS, 7. – The Moniteur of this morning says, that Gen. Prim will not take supreme command of the allied forces in Mexico, but that each Gen. will preserve the integrity of his own command.

The Federal gunboat, Tuscarora, left Cowes about 9 o’clock on the morning of the 6th inst., and proceeded Westward.

The Nashville had forty hours start of her.  The engineer of the Nashville told the pilot who took her out that it was agreed by all on board, that she should never be captured; that she had all the valves of the engine arranged so that she could be blown up sky high in a moment, and that if the capture of the Nashville was ever heard of, a violent explosion would accompany it.

Private telegrams from China quote tea at Foochou as higher.  Silks were also higher.  Holders of manufactured goods held them at firm prices.

Singapore was in possession of the rebels.

Advices from Manila say that all tobacco there is to be sent to Spain.


LIVERPOOL, Feb. 7. – Breadstuffs generally quiet and steady, except for corn, which has a downward tendency.  Consols closed at 92 1-4 a 92 7-8.  The weekly returns of the Bank of England show a decrease in the bullion of £334,000.  American securities quiet and stead.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1