Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: December 13, 1862

After all, Fredericksburg was severely shelled — whether designedly or incidentally in the fight, does not yet appear.

Our army has fallen back a little — for a purpose. Lee knows every inch of the ground.

Again we have rumors of a hostile fleet being in the river; and Major-Gen. G. W. Smith has gone to Petersburg to see after the means of defense, if an attack should be made in that quarter. Some little gloom and despondency are manifested, for the first time, in this community.

Major-Gen. S. Jones writes that although the Federal Gen. Cox has left the valley of the Kanawha, 5000 of his men remain; and he deems it inexpedient, in response to Gen. Lee's suggestion, to detach any portion of his troops for operations elsewhere. He says Jenkins's cavalry is in a bad condition.

Here is an instance of South Carolina honor. During the battle of Williamsburg, last spring, W. R. Erwin, a private in Col. Jenkins's Palmetto sharpshooters, was detailed to take care of the wounded, and was himself taken prisoner The enemy supposing him to be a surgeon, he was paroled. He now returns to the service; and although the mistake could never be detected, he insists on our government exchanging a private of the enemy's for himself. With the assurance that this will be done, he goes again to battle.

Yesterday flour and tobacco had a fall at auction. Some suppose the bidders had in view the contingency of the capture of the city by the enemy.

In the market-house this morning, I heard a man speaking loudly, denounce a farmer for asking about $6 a bushel for his potatoes, and hoping that the Yankees would take them from him for nothing!

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 211-2

Major Wilder Dwight to Captain Howard Dwight, a few days after June 6, 1862

Dear Captain, — How are you? I'm prisoner of war. It seems to run in the family.* I hope you won't have it. I wish that you may find a speedy end of your service in the West. I have had a very pleasant week at home, but am very impatient to be back to the regiment.

_______________

* Colonel William Dwight, Jr. was taken prisoner after the battle of Williamsburg.

SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col. Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p. 271

Major-General Philip Kearny to Oliver S. Halsted Jr., August 4, 1862

HARRISON’S LANDING, 4th August, 1862.

DEAR PET: I thank you for your kind, long letter. You extend me hope.  You suggest withdrawing me and my division out of this ignoble position.  With Pope’s army I would breathe again.

We have no generals.  McClellan is the failure I ever proclaimed him.  He has been punished, just as I at once comprehended the moves of the parties. He will only get us in more follies, more waste of blood, fighting by driblets.  He has lost the confidence of all.  Nor has he a single officer about him capable of bettering us.  Sumner is a “bull in a china shop,” and a sure enough blunderer.  ––– lost his corps gratuitously at Fair Oaks.  He is not now in his right place, and will be much worse.  ––– is a small brain, ossified in a ‘4 company’ garrison on the frontier.  He was not ‘of us’ in Mexico, but in a rear column once saw a distant flash in a guerilla fight.  His skill is a myth, a poetical version of his own part at Bull’s Run. Porter is good in nature, but weak as water – the apparent of all this disaster for his want of generalship on the Chickahominy. ––– and Franklin are talented engineers.  They might make good generals if they understood the value of elements in their calculations; as it is, they are dangerous failures.

When ––– was drunk, he had some few men drowned before Yorktown.  I know of no other feat of his.  Franklin’s battle of West Point was a most runaway picket fight of our.  His part on the Chickahominy was unpardonable.  He sent over a division, (his own,) was present on that side out of fire, and never interfered to prevent them from being sacrificed by driblets and rendered prey to their false position.  I was horrified at it, as described by Gen. Taylor, and all others.  Is it surprising that I want to get out of this mess?  Besides, they have sent me a major generalship, like all these others, dating from 4th July, muddled in a batch of new and very ordinary junior officers.  Do they forget that I was appointed twelfth on the original list?  That I, on the heels of Bull’s Run, faced the enemy with a Jersey brigade in advance of all others, McClellan, McDowell, et id omne genus, nearly forcing me to come back of the “Seminary.”  Do they forget me at Manassas?  My Jersey brigade, that infected with panic the retiring enemy?  Has Williamsburg never come to their ears?  Oh, no!  I really feel aggravated beyond endurance.  Discipline becomes degradation if not wielded with justice.  Patriotism cannot amid all her sacrifices, claim that of self respect.  Generals, victorious in the past are not called on to expose their troops, unless those brave men are acknowledged.  Their identity in their chief’s promotion, claims a date of their own high acts.  Oh, No, I am nearer returning to the home I have given up, to the interests I have sacrificed, to my cherished wife, whose anxiety oppresses me, than I ever dreamt of in a war for the union.  But if the infatuated North are weak enough to let this crisis be managed by ‘small men of small motives,’ I am not willing to be their puppet.

My dear Pet, I am too lazy, and too little interested, to give into the future of this ‘little box of heresies,’ so do tell me – what do the people at the North look forward to in the future?  I fear lest the war will die out in rapid imbecility.

For McClellan, he is burnt out.  Never once on a battlefield, you have nothing to hope from him as a leader of a column.  How do they expect Pope to beat, with a very inferior force, the veterans of Ewell and Jackson?  But these are episodes.  We deceive ourselves.  There was a people of old – it was the warrior Spartan, with his Helot of the field.  The South have realized it.  There was an ambitious people of recent times, and a conscription pandered to her invasions .  At this moment the South exemplifies them both.  “Peace, peace,” but there is no peace.  No, not even with a disruptured Union.  Let the North cast away that delusion.

Draft we must, or the disciplined THOUSANDS of the South will redeem scrip in Philadelphia, and yet the true North must accept it, and quickly, to a man, or the moment it draggles in debate, Maryland, Tennessee, and Kentucky will cast past victories to the winds and rise with their nearly allied rebel kin.  My dear Pet, I shall be delighted when Henry can come on.  As to Col. Halstead, I think that his case is a type of the insane and unnecessary despotism introduced into the army, under the auspices of McClellan and his very weak aids.  It is now too late, but why was not the cavalry put in my charge at the commencement?  Two nights ago the rebel batteries fired across the river, and killed and wounded some thirty men.  Last night Hooker started out on a crude expedition to Malvern Hills.  He went out four miles and came back again.  Still a “false fuss” injures the whole army.  McClellan is dangerous, from the want of digesting his plans.  He positively has no talents.  Adieu.  Get me and my “fighting division” with Pope.  With best regards,

Yours,

KEARNY.

To Mr. O. S. HALSTEAD, JR., Newark, N. J.

SOURCES: George Congdon Gorham, Life and Public Services of Edwin M. Stanton, Volume 2, p. 21; Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 172-4; “A Letter from Gen. Kearney,” National Republican, Washington, DC, Thursday, October 16, 1862, p. 2; “Letter From General Kearny,” The Liberator, Boston, Massachusetts, Friday, October 24, 1862, p. 1; “Letter From General Kearney,” Alexandria Gazette, Alexandria, Virginia, October 16, 1862, p. 4; “The Famous Criticism of the late General Kearny on M'Clellan,” Richmond Times Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, October 21, 1862;

Brigadier-General John Sedgwick to his Sister, May 8, 1862

Camp Head Of York River,

May 8, 1862.

My dear sister:

I wrote you a line yesterday as I was about embarking at Yorktown to go up the river to land at some suitable place, and from there pursue the enemy. Upon our arrival here, the enemy attempted to dislodge us, but we had landed too many troops for them. The skirmish was quite lively for two hours, but as they were concealed, we could not estimate their numbers. They are now in full retreat, and we are hotly pursuing them. Our loss is thirty-nine killed and eighty-five wounded. Our losses at Williamsburg have been highly exaggerated — six hundred and fifty will cover all, killed, wounded, and missing. For this we have much to show: a large number of cannon of the largest and most approved pattern, immense quantities of ammunition, and some two thousand prisoners. Most of their camp equipage was captured, and the rest burned to prevent it from falling into our hands. Our troops are inspirited and ready for anything. We shall follow them closely, but there will be some delay in bringing up supplies. Our ambulances are now taking the wounded to Ship Point, to embark them for Old Point.

Yours forever,

J. S.

SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 45-6

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: May 29, 1862

Betsey, recalcitrant maid of the W.'s, has been sold to a telegraph man. She is as handsome as a mulatto ever gets to be, and clever in every kind of work. My Molly thinks her mistress “very lucky in getting rid of her.” She was “a dangerous inmate,” but she will be a good cook, a good chambermaid, a good dairymaid, a beautiful clear-starcher, and the most thoroughly good-for-nothing woman I know to her new owners, if she chooses. Molly evidently hates her, but thinks it her duty “to stand by her color.”

Mrs. Gibson is a Philadelphia woman. She is true to her husband and children, but she does not believe in us — the Confederacy, I mean. She is despondent and hopeless; as wanting in faith of our ultimate success as is Sally Baxter Hampton. I make allowances for those people. If I had married North, they would have a heavy handful in me just now up there.

Mrs. Chesnut, my mother-in-law, has been sixty years in the South, and she has not changed in feeling or in taste one iota. She can not like hominy for breakfast, or rice for dinner, without a relish to give it some flavor. She can not eat watermelons and sweet potatoes sans discrétion, as we do. She will not eat hot corn bread à discrétion, and hot buttered biscuit without any.

“Richmond is obliged to fall,” sighed Mrs. Gibson. “You would say so, too, if you had seen our poor soldiers.” “Poor soldiers?” said I. “Are you talking of Stonewall Jackson's men? Poor soldiers, indeed!” She said her mind was fixed on one point, and had ever been, though she married and came South: she never would own slaves. “Who would that was not born to it?” I cried, more excited than ever. She is very handsome, very clever, and has very agreeable manners.

“Dear madam,” she says, with tears in her beautiful eyes, “they have three armies.” “But Stonewall has routed one of them already. Heath another.” She only answered by an unbelieving moan. “Nothing seemed to suit her,” I said, as we went away. “You did not certainly,” said some one to me; “you contradicted every word she said, with a sort of indignant protest.”

We met Mrs. Hampton Gibbes at the door — another Virginia woman as good as gold. They told us Mrs. Davis was delightfully situated at Raleigh; North Carolinians so loyal, so hospitable; she had not been allowed to eat a meal at the hotel. “How different from Columbia,” said Doctor Gibbes, looking at Mrs. Gibson, who has no doubt been left to take all of her meals at his house. “Oh, no!” cried Mary, “you do Columbia injustice. Mrs. Chesnut used to tell us that she was never once turned over to the tender mercies of the Congaree cuisine, and at McMahan's it is fruit, flowers, invitations to dinner every day.”

After we came away, “Why did you not back me up?” I was asked. “Why did you let them slander Columbia,” “It was awfully awkward,” I said, “but you see it would have been worse to let Doctor Gibbes and Mrs. Gibson see how different it was with other people.”

Took a moonlight walk after tea at the Halcott Greens'. All the company did honor to the beautiful night by walking home with me.

Uncle Hamilton Boykin is here, staying at the de Saussure's'. He says, “Manassas was play to Williamsburg,” and he was at both battles. He lead a part of Stuart's cavalry in the charge at Williamsburg, riding a hundred yards ahead of his company.

Toombs is ready for another revolution, and curses freely everything Confederate from the President down to a horse boy. He thinks there is a conspiracy against him in the army. Why? Heavens and earth — why?

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 169-71

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: May 6, 1862

Mine is a painful, self-imposed task: but why write when I have nothing to chronicle but disaster?¹ So I read instead: First, Consuelo, then Columba, two ends of the pole certainly, and then a translated edition of Elective Affinities. Food enough for thought in every one of this odd assortment of books.

At the Prestons', where I am staying (because Mr. Chesnut has gone to see his crabbed old father, whom he loves, and who is reported ill), I met Christopher Hampton. He tells us Wigfall is out on a warpath; wants them to strike for Maryland. The President's, opinion of the move is not given. Also Mr. Hampton met the first lieutenant of the Kirkwoods, E. M. Boykin. Says he is just the same man he was in the South Carolina College. In whatever company you may meet him, he is the pleasantest man there.

A telegram reads: “We have repulsed the enemy at Williamsburg.”² Oh, if we could drive them back “to their ain countree!” Richmond was hard pressed this day. The Mercury of to-day says, “Jeff Davis now treats all men as if they were idiotic insects.”

Mary Preston said all sisters quarreled. No, we never quarrel, I and mine. We keep all our bitter words for our enemies. We are frank heathens; we hate our enemies and love our friends. Some people (our kind) can never make up after a quarrel; hard words once only and all is over. To us forgiveness is impossible. Forgiveness means calm indifference; philosophy, while love lasts. Forgiveness of love's wrongs is impossible. Those dutiful wives who piously overlook — well, everything — do not care one fig for their husbands. I settled that in my own mind years ago. Some people think it magnanimous to praise their enemies and to show their impartiality and justice by acknowledging the faults of their friends. I am for the simple rule, the good old plan. I praise whom I love and abuse whom I hate.

Mary Preston has been translating Schiller aloud. We are provided with Bulwer's translation, Mrs. Austin's, Coleridge's, and Carlyle's, and we show how each renders the passage Mary is to convert into English. In Wallenstein at one point of the Max and Thekla scene, I like Carlyle better than Coleridge, though they say Coleridge's Wallenstein is the only translation in the world half so good as the original. Mrs. Barstow repeated some beautiful scraps by Uhland, which I had never heard before. She is to write them for us. Peace, and a literary leisure for my old age, unbroken by care and anxiety!

General Preston accused me of degenerating into a boarding-house gossip, and is answered triumphantly by his daughters: “But, papa, one you love to gossip with full well.”

Hampton estate has fifteen hundred negroes on Lake Washington, Mississippi. Hampton girls talking in the language of James's novels: “Neither Wade nor Preston — that splendid boy! — would lay a lance in rest — or couch it, which is the right phrase for fighting, to preserve slavery. They hate it as we do.” “What are they fighting for?” “Southern rights — whatever that is. And they do not want to be understrappers forever to the Yankees. They talk well enough about it, but I forget what they say.” Johnny Chesnut says: “No use to give a reason — a fellow could not stay away from the fight — not well.” It takes four negroes to wait on Johnny satisfactorily.

It is this giving up that kills me. Norfolk they talk of now; why not Charleston next? I read in a Western letter, “Not Beauregard, but the soldiers who stopped to drink the whisky they had captured from the enemy, lost us Shiloh.” Cock Robin is as dead as he ever will be now; what matters it who killed him?

_______________

¹ The Siege of Yorktown was begun on April 5, 1862, the place being evacuated by the Confederates on May 4th.

² The battle of Williamsburg was fought on May 5, 1862, by a part of McClellan's army, under General Hooker and others, the Confederates being commanded by General Johnston.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 161-3

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: May 15, 1862

It is now ascertained beyond doubt that my nephew, W. B. N., reported “missing,” at Williamsburg, is a prisoner in the enemy's hands. We are very anxious for his exchange, but there seems some difficulty in effecting it. His father, accompanied by Colonel Robertson, of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, called to see the President a few nights ago, hoping to do something for him. The President had just returned from a long ride to inspect the fortifications. In answer to their card, he desired to see the gentlemen in his study, where he was reclining on a sofa, apparently much fatigued, while Mrs. Davis sat at a table engaged in some fine needle-work. The President immediately arose and received the gentlemen most courteously, introducing them to Mrs. D. Colonel R. stated the object of the visit, saying that Captain N. was one of the very best officers of his rank in the army, and that his services were almost indispensable to his regiment, and urged the President to use every effort to procure his exchange. His father seconded the request with the warmth natural to a parent under such circumstances. The President seemed deeply interested in the subject, and regretted that nothing could then be done, as there was a difficulty pending between the belligerents on the subject of exchange; as soon as that difficulty was removed he would, with pleasure, do all in his power to procure the exchange. Mrs. Davis listened with much interest to the conversation, and her feelings became warmly interested. She said that her husband was a father, and would feel deep sympathy; but if, in the pressure of public business, the subject should pass from his mind, she would certainly remind him of it. She made a very favourable impression on the minds of these gentlemen, who had never seen her before, by her ease of manner, agreeable conversation, and the kindness of heart which she manifested. After a most pleasant interview of an hour, the visitors arose to take leave, but Mrs. Davis invited them with so much cordiality to remain to take a cup of tea with them, which, she said, was then coming up, that they could not decline. The servant brought in the tea-tray, accompanied by some light refreshment. Mrs. D. poured out the tea for the company of four. The scene reminded them of the unpretending and genial hospitality daily witnessed in the families of Virginia.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 116-7

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: May 7, 1862

Our “peaceful” Sabbath here was one of fearful strife at Williamsburg. We met and whipped the enemy Oh, that we could drive them from our land forever! Much blood spilt on both sides; our dear W. B. N. is reported “missing”—oh, that heart-sinking word! How short a time since that blessed glimpse of his bright face, as he passed through town, and now he is on his weary way to some Northern prison; at least we hope so. His poor wife and mother! Our young friend [George Wever] was killed! How many bright hopes were crushed in one instant by the fall of that boy! I thank God that he had no mother. General Johnston still falls back, leaving the revered Alma Mater of our fathers to be desecrated, perhaps burned. A party of Yankees landed on Sunday at the White House. That Pamunky country, so fertile, now teeming with grain almost ready for the sickle, is at their mercy; we can only hope that they have no object in destroying it, and that they will not do it wantonly. W. and S. H. and their dear inmates are painfully near them. Richmond, or the croakers of Richmond, have been in a panic for two days, because of the appearance of gun-boats on James River. I believe they will not get nearer than they are now. I sat up last night at the hospital with [Dangerfield Lewis], who is desperately ill — his mother in the Federal lines. My companion during the night was Colonel [Mercer], of Maryland. While listening to the ravings of delirium, two gentlemen came in, announcing heavy firing on the river. We had been painfully conscious of the firing before, but remembering that Drury's Bluff was considered impregnable, I felt much more anxious about the patient than about the enemy. The gentlemen, however, were panic-stricken, and one of them seemed to think that “sunrise would find gunboats at Rocketts.” Not believing it possible, I felt no alarm, but the apprehensions of others made me nervous and unhappy. At daybreak I saw loads of furniture passing by, showing that people were taking off their valuables.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 110-2

Official Reports of the Battle of Williamsburg: No. 6. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division.

No. 6.

Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division.

HEADQUARTERS HOOKER'S DIVISION,

Third Army Corps, Williamsburg, Va., May 10, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that under the instructions received through the headquarters Third Army Corps, dated May 4, to support Stoneman and aid him in cutting off the retreat of the enemy, my division marched from its camp before Yorktown about noon that day. We marched toward Williamsburg. After advancing 5 or 6 miles on this road I learned that Brigadier-General Stoneman had fallen upon the rear of the enemy's retreating column, and was then awaiting the arrival of an infantry force to attack him. This was 5 or 6 miles in advance of me, and immediately I left my command and galloped to the front in order to see what disposition it would be necessary to make of my force on its arrival. While here I was informed that Brigadier-General Smith's division had filed into the road in advance of my command, and that in consequence my division would be compelled to halt until after Smith's had passed. I immediately returned to the head of my column, where I found my division halted, and as Smith's was extended, it was between three and four hours in passing. As soon as this was ascertained, and feeling that Stoneman would require no additional support, I applied to Brigadier-General Heintzelman, the senior officer charged with the advance on the Yorktown road, for authority to throw my command on to the Hampton road, which intersected that on which Brigadier-General Stoneman had halted at the identical point his enemy occupied. The angle formed by the two roads is a little less than a right angle. Obtaining this permission the head of my division left the Brick Church about dark, and it pressed forward, in order, if practicable, to come up with the enemy before morning. This, however, I soon found would be impossible, for the roads were frightful, the night intensely dark and rainy, and many of my men exhausted from loss of sleep and from labor the night before in the trenches. The troops were halted in the middle of the road between 10 and 11 o'clock p.m., resolved to stop until daylight, when we started again, and came in sight of the enemy's works before Williamsburg about 5.30 o'clock in the morning.

Before emerging from the forest the column was halted, while I rode to the front to find what could be learned of the position of the enemy. The first work that presented itself was Fort Magruder, and this was standing at the junction of the Yorktown and Hampton roads, and on each side of it was a cordon of redoubts, extending as far as could be seen. Subsequently I found their number to be thirteen, and extending entirely across the Peninsula, the right and left of them resting on the waters of the York and James Rivers. Approaching them from the south they are concealed by heavy forest until the observer is within less than a mile of their locality. Where the forest trees had been standing nearer than this distance the trees had been felled, in order that the occupants of the redoubts might have timely notice of the approach of an enemy and early strike him with artillery. The trees had been felled in this manner on both sides of the road on which we had advanced for a breadth of almost half a mile, and the same was the case on the Yorktown road. Between the edge of the felled timber and the fort was a belt of clear arable land 600 or 700 yards in width. This was dotted all over with rifle pits. In connection with the redoubts themselves I may be permitted to state that I found them standing near the eastern and southern verge of a slightly-elevated plain, the slopes of which were furrowed with winding ravines, with an almost boundless, gently-undulating plain reaching across the Peninsula, and extending to the north and west as far as the eye could reach. The landscape is picturesque, and not a little heightened by the large trees and venerable spires of Williamsburg, 2 miles distant. Fort Magruder appears to be the largest of the redoubts, its crest measuring nearly half a mile, with substantial parapets, ditches, magazines, &c. This was located to command the Yorktown and Hampton roads, and the redoubts in its vicinity to command the ravines which the guns of Fort Magruder could not sweep.

Being in pursuit of a retreating army, I deemed it my duty to lose no time in making the disposition of my forces to attack, regardless of their number and position, except to accomplish the result with the least possible sacrifice of life. By so doing my division, if it did not capture the army before me, would at least hold them, in order that some others might. Besides, I knew of the presence of more than 30,000 troops not 2 miles distant from me, and that within 12 miles – four hours' march – was the bulk of the Army of the Potomac. My own position was tenable for double that length of time against three times my number.

At 7.30 o'clock Brigadier-General Grover was directed to commence the attack by sending the First Massachusetts Regiment as skirmishers into the felled timber to the left of the road on which they were standing, the Second New Hampshire to the right, both with directions to skirmish up to the edge of the felled timber, and there, under cover, to turn their attention to the occupants of the rifle pits and the enemy's sharpshooters and gunners in Fort Magruder. The Eleventh Massachusetts and the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Regiments were then directed to form on the right of the Second New Hampshire, and to advance as skirmishers until they had reached the Yorktown road, and when that was gained to have word sent me.

Under my chief of artillery, Web’s battery was thrown forward in advance of the felled timber and brought into action in a cleared field on the right of the road and distant from Fort Magruder about 700 yards. No sooner had it emerged from the forest on its way to its position than four guns from Fort, Magruder opened on it, and after it was still farther up the road they received the fire from two additional guns from a redoubt on the left. However, it was pushed on, and before it was brought into action two officers and two privates had been shot down, and before a single piece of the battery had been discharged its cannoneers had been driven from it despite the skill and activity of my sharpshooters in picking off the rebel gunners. Volunteers were now called for by my gallant chief of artillery, Major Wainwright, to man the battery now in position, when the officers and men of Osborn's battery sprang forward, and in the time I am writing had those pieces well at work. Captain Bramhall's battery was now brought into action under that excellent officer on the right of Webber's, and before 9 o'clock every gun in Fort Magruder was silenced and all the troops in sight on the plain dispersed.

Between my sharpshooters and the two batteries the enemy's guns in this fort were not heard from again until late in the afternoon. One of the regiments of Brigadier-General Patterson's brigade, the Fifth New Jersey, was charged with the especial care of these batteries, and was posted a little to the rear of them. The remaining regiments of Patterson's brigade, under their intrepid commander, were sent to the left of the road from where they were standing, in anticipation of an attack from that quarter. Heavy forest trees cover this ground and conceal from view the enemy's earthworks about a mile distant. The forest itself has a depth of about three-fourths of that distance. It was through this that Patterson led the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth New Jersey Regiments. Bodies of the enemy's infantry were seen drifting in that direction, and the increased musketry fire proved that many others were flocking thither whom we could not see. Prior to this moment Brigadier-General Emory had reached my position with a light battery and a body of cavalry, which were promptly placed at my disposal by that experienced and gifted soldier; but as I had no duty on which I could employ those arms of service, and as I was confined for room in the exercise of my own command, I requested that he would dispatch a party to reconnoiter and observe the movements of the rebels to the rear of my left. This was executed to my satisfaction.

It was now reported to me that the skirmishers to the right had reached the Yorktown road, when word was sent to Colonel Blaisdell to proceed with the Eleventh Massachusetts and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Regiments cautiously down that road to destroy any rebel force he might find, and break down any barrier the enemy might have thrown up to check the advance of our forces in that direction, and when this was executed to report the fact to the senior officer with the troops there, and on his return to send me word of the result of his mission. This was done, and word sent me through Adjutant Currier, of the Eleventh Regiment.

Up to this moment there had been a brisk musketry fire kept up on every part of the field, but its swelling volumes in the direction of Patterson satisfied me from the beginning of the engagement that the enemy had accumulated a heavy force in his front. Grover had already anticipated it, and had moved the main portion of the First Massachusetts Regiment to receive it, while, first, the Seventy-second New York Regiment of Taylor's brigade, and soon after the Seventieth New York Regiment of the same brigade, were ordered to strengthen Paterson.

Colonel Averred, of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, had with great kindness and gallantry tendered me his services and executed for me with great promptness several important services; while Lieutenant McAlester, of the Engineers, volunteered to make a reconnaissance of such of the enemy's works as were hidden from view, preparatory to carrying them by assault should a suitable opportunity present itself for that object. For this service I am under many obligations to that accomplished officer.

From the earliest moment of the attack it was an object of deep solicitude to establish a connection with the troops in my immediate neighborhood on the Yorktown road, and as that had been accomplished, and as I saw no signs of their advance, at 11.20 a.m. I addressed the subjoined note to the assistant adjutant-general Third Corps, under the impression that his chief was still there. It is as follows:

I have had a hard contest all the morning, but do not despair of success. My men are hard at work, but a good deal exhausted. It is reported to me that my communication with you by the Yorktown road is clear of the enemy. Batteries, cavalry, and infantry can take post by the side of mine to whip the enemy.

This found General Heintzelman absent; but it was returned opened, and on the envelope indorsed, "Opened and read," by the senior officer on that field. A cavalryman took over the note, and returned with it by the Yorktown road after an absence of twenty minutes.

To return. It was now after 1 o'clock, and the battle had swollen into one of gigantic proportions. The left had been re-enforced with the Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth New York Regiments – the only remaining ones of my reserve – under Colonel Taylor, and all were engaged; yet its fortunes would ebb and flow, despite the most determined courage and valor of my devoted officers and men. Three times the enemy approached within 80 yards of the road, which was the center of my operations, and as often were they thrown back with violence and slaughter. Every time his advance was made with fresh troops, and each succeeding one seemed to be in greater force and determination.

The Eleventh Massachusetts Regiment and the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania were ordered to the left. The support of the batteries and the Second New Hampshire Regiment were withdrawn from their advanced position in front to take post where they could look after the front and left at the same time. The orders to the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Regiment did not reach it, and it remained on the right.

At this juncture word was received from Colonel Taylor that the regiments of his command longest engaged were falling short of ammunition, and when he was informed that the supply train was not yet up a portion of his command presented an obstinate front to the advance of the enemy with no other cartridges than were gathered from the boxes of the fallen.

Again the enemy were re-enforced by the arrival of Longstreet's division. His troops had passed through Williamsburg on their retreat from Yorktown and were recalled to strengthen the rebel forces before Williamsburg. No sooner had they joined than it was known that they were again moving to drive in our left. After a violent and protracted struggle they were again repulsed with great loss. Simultaneous  with this movement an attempt was made to drive in our front and seize the batteries by the troops from Fort Magruder, aided by re-enforcements from the redoubts on the left. The withdrawal of the supports invited this attack, and it was at this time that four of our guns were captured. They could have been saved, but only at the risk of losing the day. Whatever of dishonor, if any, is attached to their loss belongs to the brigadier-general commanding the division, and not to his chief of artillery or to the officers or men serving with the batteries, for truer men never stepped upon the field of battle.

While this was going on in front Captain Smith, by a skillful disposition of his battery, held complete command of the road, which subsequently, by a few well-directed shots, was turned to good account.

The foregoing furnishes a faithful narrative of the disposition of my command throughout this eventful day. Between 4 and 5 o'clock Brigadier-general Kearny, with all his characteristic gallantry, arrived on the ground at the head of his division, and after having secured their positions my division was withdrawn from the contest and held as a reserve until dark, when the battle ended, after a prolonged and severe conflict against three times my number, directed by the most accomplished general of the rebel army, Maj. Gen. J. E. Johnston, assisted by Generals Longstreet, Pryor, Gholson, and Pickett, with commands selected from the best troops in their army.

The lists of the killed and wounded attest the character of the contest. The killed of the enemy must have been double my own. Of the wounded we cannot estimate. Eight hundred were left in hospitals at Williamsburg, and others were distributed among the private houses of this city, while all the available tenements in the vicinity of the field of battle are filled with them. Three hundred prisoners were taken.

I have omitted to mention the arrival early in the afternoon of Brigadier-General Heintzelman, commanding the Third Army Corps, with his staff, and to express my very grateful acknowledgments for the encouragement inspired by his presence and for the aid and support he gave me by his counsel and conduct.

As soon as darkness concealed their movements the rebels retreated in a state of utter demoralization, leaving behind artillery, wagons, &c.

History will not be believed when it is told that the noble officers and men of my division were permitted to carry on this unequal struggle from morning until night unaided in the presence of more than 30,000 of their comrades with arms in their hands; nevertheless it is true. If we failed to capture the rebel army on the plains of Williamsburg it surely will not be ascribed to the want of conduct and courage in my command.

The field was marked by an unusual number of instances of conspicuous courage and daring, which I shall seek an early opportunity to bring to the notice of the commander of the Third Corps.

At this time I can speak but in general terms of the regiments and batteries engaged in the battle of Williamsburg. Their list of the killed and wounded from among their number will forever determine the extent of their participation in this hard-fought and dearly-contested field.* Their constancy and courage are deserving all praise. My profound and grateful acknowledgments are rendered to them.

I am under great obligations to the officers of my staff for eminent serves, and especially to Capt. Joseph Dickinson, my assistant adjutant-general, and my aides-de-camp, Lieuts. William H. Lawrence and Joseph Abbott, who were with me throughout the day.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

__________

* Casualties embodied in return on p. 450.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 11, Part 1 (Serial No. 12), p. 464-9

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, October 12, 1862

CAMP NEAR SHARPSBURG, MD., October 12, 1862.

Hooker and I are old acquaintances. We were at West Point together, served in Mexico together, and have met from time to time since. He is a very good soldier, capital general for an army corps, but I am not prepared to say as to his abilities for carrying on a campaign and commanding a large army. I should fear his judgment and prudence, as he is apt to think the only thing to be done is to pitch in and fight. He injured himself in Mexico by attaching himself to Pillow and his clique. Soon after the Mexican war, being in California, he resigned, did not succeed in private life, and at one time I understood he was quite low in fortune, and was glad to accept the position of wagon-master. His want of success, added to other causes, led him at this time into dissipation, and many of his friends thought he was ruined and gone. At the commencement of these troubles he repaired to Washington, and through California influence procured one of the first appointments as brigadier general. At Williamsburg he did some desperate fighting, and had a flare up with Sumner and McClellan. Being always intimate with the President, on McDowell's being relieved he got his corps, with which he was fortunate at South Mountain and Antietam. Now he is made, and his only danger is the fear that he will allow himself to be used by McClellan's enemies to injure him. Hooker is a Democrat and anti-Abolitionist — that is to say, he was. What he will be, when the command of the army is held out to him, is more than any one can tell, because I fear he is open to temptation and liable to be seduced by flattery.

McClellan does not seem to have made as much out of his operations in Maryland as I had hoped he would, and as I think he is entitled to. His failure to immediately pursue Lee (which Hooker would have done), and now this raid of Stuart's in our rear (for permitting which the public will hold McClellan accountable), will go far towards taking away from him the prestige of his recent victories. I don't wish you to mention it, but I think myself he errs on the side of prudence and caution, and that a little more rashness on his part would improve his generalship.

Stuart's raid will undoubtedly interfere with our contemplated movements, for he destroyed at Chambersburg a large amount of clothing destined for this army, which the men are greatly in need of, and without which they can hardly move.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 318-9

From Washington

Herald’s Dispatch.

WASHINGTON, May 18.

The recall of Gen. Hunter is fully determined on.  His proclamation will be made the subject of a communication by the President to Congress, and in that way to the country, unmistakeably [sic] condemning the course of General Hunter, as the policy of the Administration in the conduct of the war.  An effort has been made to have Gen. Bonham placed in command of the department of the South.  It is stated that if he could have had the consent of Gen. Hunter, he would long ago have recaptured Sumter, and restored Federal authority in Charleston.  Probably hereafter army officers will be required to attend exclusively to military duties, and leave the management of social and political affairs to the Government.

The intelligence received from the department of the South, states that our army is impatient at the kind of duties assigned them.

Accounts form McClellan’s army are, that Gen. Sumner has been relieved from active service in consequence of his refusal to reinforce Gen. Heintzelman at the battle of Williamsburg.

Special to Times.

Memphis papers of the 14th are looking for a battle at Corinth with terrible interest.  They estimate the Federal army at 60,000, and insist that it is greatly demoralized.  They say they don’t allow themselves to think of being defeated.

Beauregard is undoubtedly at Corinth.

WASHINGTON, May 18.

They navy department has received a communication from Com. Dupont, dated Port Royal, May 13th, giving an account of the capture of several rebel schooners.  No other news of importance.

The Post Office department directs that all mail matter destined for Burnside’s command be sent to New York.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 2

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, May 10, 1862

CAMP NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, May 10, 1862.

The recent act of Congress in reference to command of troops is, I understand, construed by the Secretary of War into an entire destruction of rank in the army. It is now decided that the Secretary can put any officer wherever he pleases, over the heads of his seniors, and no one has the right, or will be permitted, to protest or contest this right. Ord has been made a major general for his Dranesville fight, and if McCall is superseded, I think it probable Ord will be given this division. I think the promotion of Ord just and deserved; for if I had had the good luck to have been in command at Dranesville, I should have claimed the benefit of it. War is a game of chance, and besides the chances of service, the accidents and luck of the field, in our army, an officer has to run the chances of having his political friends in power, or able to work for him. First we had Cameron, Scott (General), with Thomas (adjutant general) and McDowell, who ruled the roost, distributed appointments and favors. Bull Run put Scott's and McDowell's noses out of joint, and brought in McClellan. Then Stanton took Cameron's place, fell out with McClellan, whose nose was therefore put out of joint, and now McDowell again turns up, and so it goes on from one to another. A poor devil like myself, with little merit and no friends, has to stand aside and see others go ahead. Upon the whole, however, I have done pretty well, and ought not to complain.

Of course you have exulted over McClellan's successful dislodgment of the enemy at Yorktown and his brilliant pursuit of and defeat of them at Williamsburg. To-day we hear his gunboats have gone up the James River, and we now look forward to his beating them back from the Chickahominy and forcing them to fight, either at Richmond, or to abandon that place and Virginia. His progress has been so rapid that it seems useless for us to do any more work on the railroad on this line, and I look daily for orders for our column to take shipping at Acquia Creek and go down to West Point to reinforce McClellan. There is where we ought always to have been, and there is where we ought now to go. As it is, we are hard at work rebuilding the railroad to this point, and will have to do it all the way hence to Richmond, fifty-five miles. They have a force in our front some twelve miles off, and say they are going to fight us; but McClellan's operations will stop all that, and they will be out of our way before we can get at them.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 265-6

From Washington

WASHINGTON, May 14.

The first bill reported by Mr. Elliott, from the special committee; provides that all the estate, property, and money, stocks, credit and effects of the person or persons hereinafter named are declared forfeited to the Government of the U. S., and are declared lawful subjects of seizure, and prize and capture, wherever found, for the indemnity of the U. S. against the expenses for suppressing the present rebellion, that is to say:

1.  Of any person hereafter acting as an officer in the army of navy of the rebels, now or hereafter in arms against the Government of the U. S.

2.  Any person hereafter acting as President, Vice President, member of Congress, Judge of any Court, Cabinet Officer, Foreign Minister, Commissioners or Consuls of the so-called Confederate States.

3d.  Any person acting as Governor of a State, member of convention or legislature, judge of any court of the so-called Confederate States.

4th.  Any person who having held an office of honor, trust or profit in the United States, shall hereafter hold an office in the so-called Confederate States, after holding any office or agency under the so-called Confederacy, or under any of the Several States of said Confederacy or laws, whether such office or agency be national, State, or municipal, in name or character.  Any person who holds any property in any loyal State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, who shall hereafter assist, or give aid or comfort, or countenance to such rebellion, the said estate, property or money, stock, credits and effects of the persons are declared lawful subjects of capture, wherever found, and the judges of the United States shall cause the same to be seized, to the end that they may be confiscated and condemned to the use of the United States, and all sales, transfers, or conveyances shall be null and void, and it shall be sufficient to any suit brought by such person for the possession and use of such property, to allege and prove that he is one of the persons described in this section.

The second section provides that if any person with any State or territory of the United States, other than already specified shall not within 60 days after public warning and proclamation by the President cease to aid or countenance and abet such rebellion, and return their allegiance, their property, in like manner, shall be forfeited for the use of the United States; all sales and transfers of such property, after the expiration of 60 days from the date of the warning , shall be null and void.

The third section provides that to secure the possession, condemnation and sale of such property, situated or being in any State, district or territory of the United States, proceedings shall be instituted in the name of the United States, in any District Court, or any Territorial Court, or in the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in which the property may be found, or into which the same, if [movable], may be first brought,  which proceedings shall conform, as nearly as may be, to the proceedings in prizes cases or cases of forfeiture, arising under the revenue laws; and the property so seized and condemned, whether real or personal, shall be sold under the decree of the Court having cognizance of the case, and the proceeds deposited in the Treasure of the United States for their use and benefit.  The remainder of the sections provide the necessary machinery for carrying the act into effect.

The second bill of the select committee is as follows:  If any person or persons within the United States shall, after the passage of this act, willfully engaged in armed rebellion against the Government of the United States, or shall willfully aid or abet such rebellion, giving them aid and comfort; every such person shall thereby forfeit all claims to the service or labor of any persons commonly known as slaves and such slaves are hereby declared free and forever discharged from servitude, anything in the laws of the U. S., or any State to the contrary notwithstanding; and whenever thereafter any person claiming the labor or service of any such slave shall seek to enforce his claim, it shall be sufficient defense thereto that the claimant was engaged in said rebellion, or aided or abetted the same, contrary to the provisions of this act; whenever any person claiming to be entitled to the service or labor of any other person, shall seek to enforce such claim he shall in the first instance, and before any order shall be made for the surrender of the person whose service or labor is claimed, establish not only his claim to such service or labor, but also that such claimant had not in any way aided, assisted or countenanced the rebellion existing against the Government of the U. S.

WASHINGTON, May 14.

Tribune’s Special

The French Minister has received intelligence from his Consul at Richmond, to the effect that the rebel government had notified him that should it be necessary to evacuate the city, the French tobacco must be destroyed with the rest.  At the same time the rebels offered to pay for it – a proposition not much relished by the Frenchman.  The French minister discredits the rumor of European intervention in our affairs, and it is generally thought here, that whatever purposes may have been entertained by England and France, the news from New Orleans, will cause their indefinite postponement.

The 885 prisoners, recently released from the Richmond prisons, will arrive here by way of the Potomac to-morrow.  A few who came through Baltimore arrived to-day.  They say the rebels are as determined as ever, and believe that after the two great impending battles they will, if whipped bad, herd together in small guerilla parties, and fight to the very last.  They represent the treatment of our prisoners as barbarous in the extreme; that our officers, who alone remain in the prisons, all the privates being set free, will not be released at all.  Col. Corcoran’s health is good.  He is anxious to be released, and contradicts the statement made some time since, that he said he would prefer remaining where he is, believing that he could be of more service there, and adds that the only way he wishes to serve his country is on the battle field.  Col. Bowman’s health is failing rapidly, and his eyesight nearly lost.  He can survive his present treatment only a few weeks longer.  His long confinement has afflicted his mind so much, that at times he is looked upon as insane.  The rebels offer every inducement to our prisoners to join their army, but only two have done so; namely, John A. Wicks, quartermaster of the Congress, and a private of the 7th Ohio, named Wilson.  As soon as it became known to the prisoners that Wilson intended to desert them they proceeded to hang him.  The guard, however, entered and in time to cut him down before his life was extinct.  In punishment for this act, the prisoners were put upon bread and water for ten days.

The House committee on foreign affairs having authorized Mr. Gooch to report the Senate bill establishing diplomatic relations with Hayti and Siberia, it will doubtless be pressed to a vote at an early day.

Herald’s Dispatch.

WASHINGTON, May 14.

The steamer Kennebec arrived here this afternoon, with 213 wounded rebels and 24 wounded Union soldiers, from Williamsburg.  Among the latter is Col. Dwight. – His wounds are less dangerous than at first supposed.

The rebels receive precisely the same treatment as our wounded, and are sent to the same hospitals.

The report that Gen. McCall had resigned the command of the Pennsylvania reserve corps is unfounded.  He has no intention to resign until the Union army has accomplished its mission – to suppress the rebellion.

Times’ Dispatch.

Gov. Sprague says our losses at Williamsburg, in killed, wounded and missing, will amount to about 2000, and that the rebel loss was not less.  He says the battle at West Point, under Franklin was much more severe than reported.  That at least 500 of our men were taken prisoners – the enemy taking advantage of the landing of our troops.

The gunboats came up in good time, and saved Franklin from Suffering a sever disaster.

WASHINGTON, May 14.

It is ordered that all applications for passes to visit Ft. Monroe, Norfolk, Yorktown, or other places on the waters of the Chesapeake, be hereafter made to Mag. Gen. Dix, of Baltimore.

(Signed)

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

In addition to the steamers Hero and Kent which brought hither the released Union prisoners last night, the Kennebec has arrived with upwards of 500 wounded rebels from Williamsburg.  These men are for the greater part slightly wounded, and are attended by rebel surgeons and nurses.  A strict guard is kept over this boat.  No visitors are permitted.

The steamer State of Maine has also arrived with about 330, the Warrior with 400, and Elm City with 450 sick soldiers, from different places.  They are being removed to the various hospitals today.

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

From New York

NEW YORK, May 9.

Gen. Marcy telegraphs the following:

WILLIAMSBURG, May 8.

Gen. McClellan, on the 6th inst., had a most decisive victory.  Only about 30,000 of our troops were engaged against 50,000 of the best rebel troops.  Our men fought most valiantly, and used  the bayonet freely which the rebels couldn’t stand.  They fought well until they felt the cold steel, when they took to their heels and ran like hounds, leaving their dead, wounded and sick upon our hands.  Joe Johnson [sic] lead them in person.  They have lost several of their best officers.

The Herald’s correspondence gives the following graphic account of the magnificent charge of Hancock’s brigade on the rebels:  “Scarcely a hundred yards were between the rebels and the guns, when our skirmish fire became silent.  The lines of the 5th Wisconsin and the 3d New York formed up in close order to the right of the battery; the long range of musket barrels came to one level, and one terrible volley tore through the rebel line; moment more, and the same long range of muskets came to another level, and the order to charge with the bayonet was given, and away went the two regiments with one glad cheer.  Gallant as our foes were, they could not meet that.  But few brigades mentioned in history would have done better than this did.  For a space which was generally estimated at three quarters of a mile they advanced under fire of a splendidly served battery, and with a cloud of skirmishers stretched across their front, whose fire was very destructive, and if after that the rebels had not the nerve to meet a line of bayonets that came towards them like the spirit of destruction, it need not be wondered at when they broke and fled in complete panic.  145 were taken prisoners, and nearly 500 were killed and wounded.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 2

The War News

Sewall’s Point Evacuated.

A NAVAL FIGHT ANTICIPATED.

Active Movements in the Mountain Department.

Tremendous Destruction of Property along the Mississippi.

The Galena gone Up the James River.

The Victory at New Orleans.

THE CITY AND ALL THE FORTS TAKEN.

Continued Reports of the Evacuation of Corinth.

A Fleet Starts towards Norfolk.

ANOTHER BATTLE ON THE PENINSULA.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, May 6.

The U. S. gunboat Huron captured, on the 19th ult., off Charleston, the schooner Glide, of Charleston, while attempting to run the blockade.  She was bound to Nassau, and was loaded with 1,000 bales of cotton and five tierces of rice.  Her papers and logbooks were thrown overboard during the chase.

A number of members of the committees on military affairs of both Senate and House, accompanied by Gen. Clark, executive clerk of the Senate, and Mr. Smith, clerk of the House’s military committee, have gone to Ft. Monroe and the headquarters of Gen. McClellan, to prosecute enquiries touching the charges against Gen. Smith, and other matters of importance in the prosecution of the war.

Senator Wade’s bill, in aid of agricultural colleges, provides that the public lands shall be donated to the States and Territories which may establish colleges to teach the science of agriculture and the mechanical arts, in proportion of 30,000 acres for each senator and Representative.  The funds acquired by the sale of the lands to be invested in government or other stocks yielding at least five per cent.  One college at least must be endowed and supported in the State or Territory which received the donation.

The Senate committee on Finance has reported about 260 amendments to the House tax bill, after having heard delegations representing various interests.  Among the amendments, they have stricken out the tax on ale, and mixed and increased that on distilled spirits to 20 cents per gallon, to be collected at distilleries, but not to operate on stock on and previous to the passage of this act.  The tax on domestic wines is stricken out.  Lager beer and other malt liquors remain undisturbed.  3 per ct. is proposed on the gross receipts of railroads, steamboats, &c.; 30 instead of 5 cts. on cattle, adding 5 cts. on calves; tobacco 20 cts. per lb.; cigars from 10 to 35 cts. according to quality.  The tax of 1 ct. per lb. on cotton is stricken out, and schedule A, taxing pianos.

An order from John M. Casson, assistant P. M. General, directs that all letters for New Orleans should be sent to New York for transmission by government steamers.

The associated press agent gives some additional particulars from our advance near Williamsburg, dated Monday evening:  In the fight there our loss was 17 killed, and about 40 wounded.  80 rebels were left dead on the field, and 40 wounded.  We took nearly 200 prisoners.  Their dead were buried by us on the field.  A stand of colors, belonging to rebel cavalry captured are now on the way to Washington.

Gen. McClellan and staff arrived on the field at 5 o’clock.  He rode to the front greeted by cheers from the troops.  He immediately assumed command.

The rain has poured down in torrents all day.

Jeff. Davis was at Richmond at last accounts.

The enemy’s works [at] Williamsburg were very formidable, extending across the peninsula.

Herald’s Dispatch.

The report of the finance committee of the Senate upon the tax bill is accompanied by an amendment, offered by Senator McDougal, one of the committee, as a substitute for the whole bill.  The bill proposes to raise revenue from the following sources:  1st, capital active and circulating, to be reached by a tax on receipts of business, as hotels, &c., one hundred and ten millions.  2nd, capital fixed, and realized income duties on interests, from interest paying bonds and securities, ten millions.  3d, excises on spirits, malt liquor and manufactured tobacco, forty millions.  4th, duties on legacies and inheritances, granted from one to eight per cent., seven millions.  The system of payment by ad valorem stamps is adopted throughout.  The officials employed to be, 1st, a commissioner of internal revenue at Washington to supervise all.  2nd, inspectors in the several districts with deputies to be appointed by them.  3d, a stamp agent in each district, or more than one if necessary, for the disposal of stamps.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 2

[The War News]

Fredericksburg Permanently Occupied.

Treasonable Organization at Dubuque.

THE ENEMY DEFEATED AT WILLIAMSBURG.

PARTICULARS OF THE CAPTURE OF NEW ORLEANS.

REBELS LOST 11 GUNBOATS AND THE “MANASSAS.”

Our loss 150 Men and One gunboat.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1

Williamsburg Evacuated

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., May 6.

The enemy evacuated this place and their works in front last night, their rear guard passing through about six o’clock.  At 9 o’clock Gen. McClellan and escort entered the town and took possession.  About 15 of the enemy’s wounded were left behind, without any rations, medicines or surgeons.  They also left a number of their dead unburied.  All of our wounded in yesterday’s engagement, who fell into their hands, were left behind.  Col. Dwight, of the Excelsior brigade, who was severely wounded and taken prisoner, was also left.

In the engagement yesterday, the enemy suffered terribly.  Gen. Rickets was killed.  They had a force here yesterday of 50,000 men and only decided to evacuate after the brilliant bayonet charge of Gen. Hancock.  A majority of the white inhabitants remain.  The number of the enemy now in our hands will reach about 1,000, including the wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1

Southern News

BALTIMORE, May 7.

The regular news letter from Old Point is received.  The mail boat Nellie baker arrived just before the Old Point steamer left, and reported that Gen. McClellan was in Williamsburg, having driven the enemy from his position there.  A few captured cannon have been recaptured, and a whole division had been thrown in the rear of Williamsburg.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1

Dispatches from McClellan to Stanton

WILLIAMSBURG, May 6.

I have the pleasure to announce the occupation of this place as the result of a hard fought action yesterday.

Hancock’s brigade engagement had the effect to turn the left of the enemy’s line of works.  The enemy abandoned their entire line during the night, leaving all their sick and wounded in our hands.  His loss yesterday was very severe.  We have some 300 men wounded, and more than 1,000 wounded and prisoners.  Our victory is complete.  I have sent cavalry in pursuit.

The conduct of our men was excellent, with scarcely an exception.  The enemy’s works were extensive, and exceedingly strong.  Our loss in Hooker’s division is heavy, but very little in other parts of the field.  Hancock’s success was gained with a loss of not over 20 killed and wounded. – We have other battles to fight before we reach Richmond.

Gen. McClellan telegraphs from Johnston’s headquarters as follows:

The weather is good to-day, but there is great difficulty in getting up food, on account of the roads.  Very few wagons have yet come up.  Am I authorized to follow the examples of other Generals, and direct the names of battle to be placed on the colors of regiments?

Signed,

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major Gen’l. Comd’g.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1