Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, August 25, 1861

Beverly, Virginia, August 25, 1861, Sunday A. M.

Dearest: — Supposing I might have to go on towards Cheat Mountain this morning, I wrote you a very short note last night I now write so soon again to show you how much I love you and how much my thoughts are on the dear ones at home.

I never enjoyed any business or mode of life as much as I do this. I really feel badly when I think of several of my intimate friends who are compelled to stay at home. These marches and campaigns in the hills of western Virginia will always be among the pleasantest things I can remember. I know we are in frequent perils, that we may never return and all that, but the feeling that I am where I ought to be is a full compensation for all that is sinister, leaving me free to enjoy as if on a pleasure tour.

I am constantly reminded of our trip and happiness a year ago. I met a few days ago in the Fifth Regiment the young Moore we saw at Quebec, who went with me to see the animals at Montreal one Sunday. Do you remember the rattlesnakes?

Young Bradford goes to Cincinnati today. — We have our troubles in the Twenty-third of course, but it is happiness compared with the Guthries — fine fellows and many fine officers, but, etc., etc.

We saw nothing prettier [last year] than the view from my tent this morning. McCook's men are half a mile to the right, McMullen's Battery on the next hill in front of us. The Virginia Second a half mile in front, and the Guthries to the left. We on higher ground see them all; then mountains, meadow, and stream. Nothing wanting but you and the boys.

I want to say to you it will be impossible often, as we get further in the hills, to write, and when I do write it will be only a few lines. Don't think I am getting weaned from you and home. It is merely the condition of things compels me.

I saw young Culbertson, looking strong and healthy, Channing Richards, the Andersons, etc., etc., all ditto. Young Culbertson is now in a scouting party that is after guerrillas who murdered some of their men in an ambulance.

I have got a new boy — a yellow lad in Guthrie Gray uniform, aged about sixteen, named Theodore Wilson.

Sunday evening. — Just got orders to go to Huttonsville. Look on my map of Virginia and you will see it geography style, but the beautiful scenery you will not see there. We are to be for the present under General Reynolds, a good officer, and then General Benham or General Rosecrans. All good. The colonel takes our one-half and the German half of McCook and the battery of McMullen. The soldiers are singing so merrily tonight. It is a lovely sweet starlit evening. I rode over to Colonel Sandershoff (I think that is the name of McCook's soldierly and gentlemanly lieutenant-colonel) to tell him about the march, and from his elevated camp I could see all the camps, “sparkling and bright.” I thought of the night you walked with me about Camp Chase.

Good-night. Our most advanced outpost is connected by telegraph, so that in Cincinnati you will know what happens at an early date; earlier far than any letter of mine can reach you. Kisses to all the boys. Love to Grandma and affection enough for you, dearest.

Affectionately,

R. B. Hayes.

P. S. — It would do mother good to know that I read three chapters in the Testament she sent me. Send a quarter's worth of postage stamps in your next.

Mrs. Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 76-8

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes,August 1-3, 1861

Weston, August 1, 1861.

Dearest: — Do you remember a year ago today we were riding on the Grand Trunk Railroad from Detroit by Sarnia eastwardly? Jolly times those. If you were here, these would be as pleasant. The water in the river below our camp flows past you in the Ohio; in these low water days, about a month after they leave here.

We are now in telegraphic communication with the world. Dr. Joe receives dispatches about medicines and Colonel Scammon about military matters from Columbus and Cincinnati. We had the two county court clerks before the colonel taking the oath of allegiance to the United States and to the new Government of Virginia. They squirmed a little, but were required to do it or go to Camp Chase.

Colonel Matthews left this noon with five companies — right wing — for Sutton, a place forty-four miles south of this place. We suspect that Wise has left western Virginia. If so, our campaigning here is likely to be pacific and uninteresting.

August 2. — I have been out to report myself at reveille, and not feeling like resuming my nap, am seated on my trunk jotting down these lines to my darling. Colonel Jewett arrived last night from Zanesville. He finds his boy doing well. It is still very uncertain what is to be the result. It is probable that no amputation will be necessary, and there is hope that he may not be more than very slightly crippled, He will be unable to use his foot, however, for perhaps months.

Our news is that Wise has continued his retreat burning the bridges after him. This confirms our suspicions as to his abandoning all west of the mountains. There is, however, a report from the East that General Lee is to be sent out here to look after General Rosecrans, with a considerable force. I do not believe it, but if so, we shall have lively times. Colonel Ammen with the Twenty-fourth is reported in our neighborhood. We shall be glad to be with them again.

Puds, here it is Saturday, the 3d, and my foolishness isn't off yet and won't be until Monday. It is so hot and pleasant. I am so lazy and good-natured. Joe says, “I wish Webb was here”; I say, I wish you were all here. We may be ordered to move any hour, and it may be [we] shall be here a week hence. We have got our camp into good order — clean and pretty. Joe was pretty sick last night, but is under a nice shade today, as lazy and comfortable as possible. The effect is curious of this fine mountain air. Everybody complains of heat, but everybody is in a laughing humor. No grumbling reaches me today.

I have called on divers leading lawyers and politicians, generally Union men, and find them agreeable people. The courthouse here is a good one and is used as a hospital for all these regiments. About one hundred sick are there. When Joe gets perfectly well, which I advise him not to do, he will have charge of all of them. We have four or six there. . . .

Very affectionately, your

R.

“Love me?” I have heard nothing from Ohio except an occasional newspaper. Write about Uncle and everybody. Our men sing beautifully tonight.

Mrs. Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 52-4

Diary of Major Rutherford B. Hayes: July 25, 1861

Last night I went in to Columbus to bid good-bye to the boys; on the road met Lucy, Laura, and Mother Webb; advised them to return. After we were at home (Platt's), Lucy showed more emotion at my departure than she has hitherto exhibited. She wanted to spend my last night with me in Camp Chase. I took her out. We passed a happy evening going around among the men gathered in picturesque groups, cooking rations for three days at the camp fires. Early in the morning, as she was anxious Mother Webb should see the camp before I left, I sent her in by a hack to return with Mother Webb which she did, and they saw us leave the camp.

I marched in with the men afoot; a gallant show they made as they marched up High Street to the depot. Lucy and Mother Webb remained several hours until we left. I saw them watching me as I stood on the platform at the rear of the last car as long as they could see me. Their eyes swam. I kept my emotion under control enough not to melt into tears. — A pleasant ride to Bellaire; staid in the cars all night.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 43-4

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, July 11, 1861

Camp Chase, July 11, 1861.

Dear Uncle: — I am now almost at home. Lucy is at Platt's with Birch and Webb. Dr. Joe came yesterday bringing Webb with him. We shall have the boys out here a good deal. It is a good place for them. Birch was infinitely disgusted to meet me without my uniform on.

I have my horse here and ride him all about the camp and parade ground. Although young, he is sensible to the last. I shall probably not need Ned, Jr. A horse must canter or lope well to be of any account in a camp. The colonel and Matthews have both been disappointed in theirs. Matthews sent his back home yesterday. My sorrel cost one hundred dollars. He is called the cheapest and one of the best horses in camp. . . .

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes.

S. BlRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 38

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, July 8, 1861

Camp Chase, July 8, 1861.

Dear Uncle: — Lucy came up to Columbus with Birtie Saturday evening. They have both been out once, and Birch twice to see me in camp. It is very pleasant to see them about. We are jogging on in routine duties. The only variation is the advent of twenty-three Secessionists, held as hostages for Union men seized in Virginia. On the release of the Union men, our prisoners were sent home yesterday.

I fear from the tenor of McLelland’s letters, and what Hale told me, that you are not getting rid of your cough. I hope you will do so soon. It is too bad that you should be unwell now. You would enjoy a little campaigning with me very much, and I would so enjoy having you along.  . . .  — Good-bye.

R. B. Hayes.

S. BlRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 37-8

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, July 5, 1861

Camp Chase, July 5, 1861.

Dear Uncle: — I have so little to write that I have, perhaps, neglected you. We are getting on very pleasantly here. It is a gentlemanly, social life, with just business and exercise enough to pass the time.

I have probably engaged a horse for one hundred dollars — a dark sorrel, good stock, neat, graceful, and of good temper.

Dr. Joe has been appointed our surgeon. We have not heard from home since he received the appointment, but I expect him to accept it. It will please Lucy and mother particularly. Let me hear of or from you often.

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes.

S. Birchard.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 36-7

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, June 20, 1861

Camp Chase, June 20, 1S61.

Dear Uncle: — I now expect to leave here on Saturday and come to Fremont to stay over Sunday with you. On Monday I will go down to Cincinnati to stay one or two days, and then I return to devote myself to the instruction and exercises of my post. Matthews returned yesterday, having finished his home preparations.

We have been in camp almost two weeks, and were getting on finely when we lost our colonel. Rosecrans has been promoted to a brigadier-generalship, and left us night before last to command the Virginia expedition to the Kanawha. We are helping the governor find some competent military man to take his place. If Matthews had had two months’ teaching and experience, he would be willing to take the place, and I should have perfect confidence in him, but as it is, he prefers not to take the responsibility.

Mother has returned. She was out here a few days ago, in good health for her and spirits. I shall see you so soon, that I need not write further. I enjoy this life, and it is going to be healthy for me. I shall hardly be more exposed to cold than in a very open tent the two cold nights a few days ago; but I am gaining in strength and spirits.

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes.

S. BlRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 31-2

Diary of Major Rutherford B. Hayes, Monday Morning, June 10-12, 1861

Monday morning, after a few hours' rest at the Goodale or Capitol House, we went over to the governor's office and learned that the governor had made up a regiment composed of companies chiefly from the extreme northern and northeastern part of the East [State], the field officers being all from Cincinnati, to be the Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the service of the United States during the war. This regiment was to be organized under General Order No. 15, issued by the adjutant-general of the United States, May 4, 1861, and was the first regiment in Ohio in which the regiment did not elect its own field officers. We feared there would be some difficulty in reconciling the men and officers to officers — strangers — not of their own selection. . . .

Several of these companies had been in camp in Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, together, and wished to remain and act together. All the captains came into the governor's office, soon after we entered, in a state of some excitement, or at least some feeling, at finding themselves placed under strangers from a distant part of the State. We were introduced to them. Colonel Rosecrans unfortunately was not present, having not yet arrived from some military service at Washington. The governor explained to Matthews and myself that the field officers of the Twenty-third were fixed, that we were the Twenty-third Regiment, and that those captains could go into it or not as they saw fit. A little acquaintance satisfied us that our captains were not disposed to be unreasonable, that their feeling was a natural one under the circumstances, and that all ill feeling would disappear if we showed the disposition and ability to perform our duties. Captain Beatty, however, would not be content. He had been a senator in the Legislature, was fifty-five or sixty years old and not disposed to go under young men.

We took a hack out to Camp Jackson,* four miles west of Columbus on the National Road. Several companies were mustered into service by Captains Simpson and Robinson the same day. Colonel E. A. King, of Dayton, was, under state authority, in command of all the soldiers, some twenty-five hundred in number, not mustered into service. As rapidly as they were mustered in, they passed under Colonel Matthews, as the ranking field officer in United States service. Luckily, Captain Beatty was not ready for the mustering officer and we succeeded in getting Captain Zimmerman's fine company in his place. Ditto Captain Howard in place of Captain Weller.

Our mustering was completed June 11 and 12. We were guests of Colonel King (for rations) at the log headquarters and slept at Platt's. Both good arrangements. Wednesday evening, 12th, we got up a large marquee, fine but not tight, and that night I had my first sleep under canvas — cool but refreshing.

__________________

* Name changed a few days later to Camp Chase.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 26-7

Senator Grimes’ Speech

Our limited space forbids the publication of the whole of Senator Grimes’ recent speech on the surrender of slaves by the army, but we give a lengthy extract containing the gist of it.  How marked the contrast in the course pursued by Gens. Hunter and Hooker in regard to fugitive slaves!  The former, with the independence of a man, declares that every slave who touches his lines becomes a freeman.  In the words of Plunkett, he stands “redeemed, regenerated, and disenthralled by the irresistible genius of universal emancipation.”  Gen. Hunter goes forth with the sword in one hand, and liberty in the other.  He slays the traitor, and frees the oppressed.  Not so with Gen. Hooker.  In one hand he holds slavery, and in the other a – scabbard.  The traitorous emissary crosses his lines in search of his property – not his horse, but his negro – spies out his enemy’s strength, and returns to report at headquarters. – When will our Generals learn wisdom?  Learn that such things cannot be practiced with any hope of a speedy conclusion to the war?  But to the extract:

There seems to be a purpose in some quarters to do by indirection what cannot be done directly.  The object being to serve slave holders, whether loyal or rebel, (and they are generally rebels,) there seems to be a disposition to the part of some officers to travel around a law which they dare not break through.  Unable any longer to compel the soldiers to engage in the search, capture, and rendition of slaves, they now authorize slave-hunters, armed with pistols and military orders, to traverse their camps in search of their prey, and, by threat of military punishment, attempt to compel the soldiers to remain quiescent witnesses of the atrocities that may be committed.  There is no controversy about the fact, the evidence is overwhelming and is to be found on every hand.  Only last week, General Joseph Hooker, a native of Massachusetts, in command of a division of our army, issued an order, of which the following is a copy.

HEADQUARTERS, HOOKER’S DIVISION, CAMP BAKER,

LOWER POTOMAC, March 26, 1862.

To Brigade and Regimental Commanders of this Division:

Messrs. Nally, Gray, Dummington, Dent, Adams, Speake, Price, Posey and Cobey, citizens of Maryland; have negroes supposed to be with some of the regiments of this division; the Brigadier General commanding, directs that they be permitted to visit all the camps of his command, in search of their property, and if found, that they be allowed to take possession of the same, without any interference whatever.  Should any obstacle be thrown in their way by any officer or soldier in the division, they will be at once reported by the regimental commanders to these headquarters.

JOSEPH DICKINSON,

Asst. Adjutant Gen.

It will be observed that this order authorizes nine person, citizens of Maryland, to visit the camps of Hooker’s division, without any judicial or other process other than this military order, and there search for slaves “without any interference whatever,” and “should any obstacle be thrown in their way, by any officer or soldier in the division,” they are threatened with an instant report to headquarters and a consequent court martial and punishment.  The appearance and conduct of this band of marauders produced precisely the result that might have been anticipated.  In describing it, I use the language of the officer in command of one of the regimental camps which they visited and attempted to search:

HEADQUARTERS SECOND REGIMENT,

EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, CAMP HALL, March 27.

Lieutenant:  In compliance with verbal directions form Brigadier General D. E. Sickles, to report as to the occurrence at this camp on the afternoon of the 26th instant, I beg leave to submit the following:

At about 3:30 o’clock p. m., March 26, 1862, admission within our lines was demanded by a body of horsemen (civilians) numbering perhaps, fifteen.  They presented the lieutenant commanding the guard with an order of entrance from Brigadier General Joseph Hooker, commanding division (copy appended), the order stating that nine men should be admitted.  I ordered that the balance of the party should remain without the lines, which was done.  Upon the appearance of the others, there was visible dissatisfaction and considerable murmuring among the soldiers, to so great an extent that I almost feared for the safety of the slave owners.  At this time Gen. Sickles opportunely arrived, and instructed me to order them outside the camp, which I did, amid the loud cheers of our soldiers.  It is proper to add, that before entering our lines, and within about seventy-five or a hundred yards of our camp, one of their number discharged two pistol shots at a negro who was running past them, with an evident intention of taking his life.  This justly enraged our men.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Your obedient servant,

JOHN TOLEN,

Maj. Comdg. 2d Regt., E. B.

Mr. President:  Are such scenes as were witnessed in this camp calculated to promote discipline, and to inspire respect for the officers in command, or affection for the Government that tolerates them?  Doubtless such officers will find methods to gratify their tastes in this direction, but I trust that they will not long be permitted to torment better men than themselves, who happen to be their inferiors in rank.  Is it unreasonable to ask the Government to see to it, that the spirit of the law of Congress shall not be evaded by indirection; and that examples of passion and violence and murder shall not be exhibited in our camps with the connivance or under the authority of our military officers?

The Senator from Ohio made to us, a few days ago, a most extraordinary statement of the condition of affairs at the capital of his own State.  In one of the military camps in the city of Columbus are several hundred rebel prisoners of war.  Some of them are attended by colored servants, claimed as slaves.  These servants have been transported at Government expense, fed, clothed, and doctored by the Government; and while the rebel officers are allowed the freedom of the city upon parole the servants are strictly guarded and confined in camp by our own soldiers.  The free State of Ohio is virtually converted, by the order or by the assent of a military commander, and against the wishes of the people, into a slave State; and that order is enforced by men in our employment and under our pay.  And this state of things does not exist in Columbus alone.  Much indignation was felt and expressed in the State of Illinois, where the same practice was allowed to prevail among the prisoners captured at Fort Donelson.  The greater part, if not all, of these prisoners, who had slaves attending them at the camp near Chicago, where transferred soon after arrival there, the Government paying the cost of transporting both whites and blacks. – Whether this transfer was prompted by a knowledge of the popular indignation that had been excited, and a fear lest the tenure by which the prisoners held them as slaves was hourly becoming more and more insecure, I will not undertake to say.

How long, think you, will this method of dealing with the rebels be endured by the freemen of this country?  Are our brothers and sons to be confined within the walls of the tobacco warehouses and jails of Richmond and Charleston, obliged to perform the most menial offices, subsisted upon the most stinted diet, their lives endangered if they attempt to obtain a breath of fresh air, or a beam of God’s sunlight at a window, while the rebels captured by those very men are permitted to go at large upon parole, to be pampered with luxuries; to  be attended by slaves, and the slaves guarded from escape by our own soldiers?  Well might the General Assembly of the State of Ohio ask, in the language of a committee of their Senate: “Why were those slaves taken at all?  They were not, and had not been in arms against the Government – their presence at Fort Donelson was not even voluntary.  Why are they retained in prison?  They have done no wrong – they deserve no punishment.  Is it to furnish rebel officers with servants?  And was it for this they were transported at the expense of the Government and are now subsisted at her cost?  Is our constitutional provision thus to be made a nullity, and slavery practically established in Ohio?  And this under the protection and at the expense of the Federal Government.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

LOUISVILLE, April 29, [1862]

One hundred and seven prisoners, captured by Gen. Mitchell, at Huntsville, arrived here to-night, en route for Camp Chase.

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

The Ohio State Journal affirms . . .

. . . that among the prisoners at Camp Chase were some seventy contrabands, the slaves of rebel officers, also prisoners.  They are the menials of their secesh owners, in Camp Chase as at home, and are claimed to be “sacred” as private property.  This mode of dealing with rebel prisoners, wicked and foolish in itself, becomes most provoking when we recollect that some of our bravest and best, like Corcoran and Wilcox, in violation of all faith and decency, are kept in felon’s cells or amid the stench, filth and vermin of Richmond tobacco factories.  Cannot somebody give us an exhortation on charity, loving kindness and courtesy towards the cut-throats who are prisoners in our camps?  “Respect the rights of these chivalrous gentlemen,” quotha.

– Published in the Iowa State Register, Weekly Edition, Des Moines Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 1

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 28. – HOUSE – The Speaker announced the following Special Committee on the Confiscation of Rebel property:

Messrs. Olin, of New York, Elliott, of Massachusetts, Noel, of Missouri, Hutchins, of Ohio, Mallory, of Kentucky, Beaman, of Michigan and Cobb, of New Jersey.

Mr. OLIN remarked that he had heretofore asked to be excused from serving on this Committee, and he repeated the reasons for the request, which was now complied with.

On motion of Mr. McPHERSON, it was

Resolved, That the Secretary of War transmit to the House copies of the reports of Commanders of Regiments, Brigades and divisions engaged at the battle of Shiloh, Tenn.

On motion of Mr. GOOCH, the Senate bill for the recognition of Hayti and Liberia, was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

On Motion of Mr. COLFAX it was

Resolved, That the Judiciary Committee be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for punishing all contractors guilty of defrauding the Government, with penalties similar to those for grand larceny.

Mr. SPAULDING introduced a joint resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, authorizing the appointment of Commissioners to negotiate concerning the reciprocity treaty, and authorizing the President to give the necessary instructions for terminating the present unfair treaty.

Mr. ASHLEY reported back from the committee on Treasury the bill to prevent and to punish the practice of polygamy, and to arrest certain acts of the territory establishing the same.

Mr. Merrill of VERMONT said this bill was the same as that introduced by him two years ago, with the exception of the omission of its applicability to the District of Columbia. The bill was passed.

The House resumed the consideration of the report on Government Contracts. The first Resolution reported by them was postponed for the two weeks. The next resolution on the Secretary was then taken up, and is as follows:

That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to adjust the terms of the Government for the five thousand Hall carbines, purchased thro’ Simon Stevens by. Gen. Jno. C. Fremont, on the 6th day of August, 1861, and afterwards rejected at the U. S. Arsenal at St. Louis, on the basis of a sale of such arms to the Government for $12.50 each, rejecting all other demands against the Government, on account of the purchase of said arms.

Mr. STEVENS moved the following as a substitute for the above:

That nothing has occurred to lessen our confidence in the honesty, integrity and patriotism of Maj-Gen. Fremont.

Mr. WASHBURNE raised the point of order that the substitute was not genuine.

Mr. STEVENS maintains the original resolution imposed censure on Gen. Fremont.

The Speaker maintains Mr. Washburne’s point of order.


WASHINGTON, April 28 – HOUSE. – Mr. SEDGWICK further concluded that the Navy Department conducted its business with energy and credit.

Mr. STEVENS attacked the report of the Committee, and charged that they had proceeded on false principles and acted generally unfairly. House adjuourned.


SENATE. – The President pro tem presented a communication concerning the number of slaves in the District of Columbia. The Secretary said the statistics were compiled some years ago and were perhaps not available now. The communications was referred to the committee on the District of Columbia.

Messrs. KING and SUMNER, presented petitions in favor of the emancipation of the slaves.

Mr. DAVIS presented petitions from Tobacco Manufacturers, asking for a reduction of the proposed tax on Tobacco.

Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, from the military committee reported back the bill for the organization of the Signal Department, and moved its indefinite postponement, and it was accordingly postponed.

Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, offered a resolution that the Secretary of War be requested to inquire into the condition of the Harper’s Ferry Armory, what damage has been done to it, what is the value of the property of the United States there now, and what amount is necessary, and whether it is expedient to restore the Armory, and re-occupy the works. Adopted.

Mr. POMEROY introduced a bill to prevent the importation of adulterated liquors, by providing a punishment therefore.

On Motion of Mr. Wilson, of Massachusetts, the resolutions of the Ohio Legislature, in regard to rebels keeping their slaves at Camp Chase was taken up.

Mr. SHERMAN had read a letter from a member of the Legislature concerning the rebel prisoners who were permitted to go about the city of Columbus, lounge at the hotels, and abuse the Government with perfect liberty, also an article in the Cincinnati Commercial to the same effect; also another article in the Cincinnati Gazette, showing that Government was taking measures to have the negroes at Camp Chase liberated and the rebel prisoners removed to proper quarters.

The resolutions were referred to the Military Committee.

On motion of Mr. TRUMBULL the bill for the more convenient enforcement of the laws for security to keep the peace for good behavior was taken up.

After some discussion the bill was passed yeas 35, nays 31.

Mr. WADE presented several petitions asking for a uniform system of taxation according to the population of a State and persisting against the tax bill from the House.

The Senate went into Executive Session.


WASHINGTON, April 29 – HOUSE – Mr. BLAIR of Va., enquired of Mr. Potter, on what authority he yesterday predicated his charge of disloyalty against Judge Pitts of Northampton county, Virginia.

Mr. POTTER replied, on the address of Judge Pitts to the Virginia Legislature at Richmond. The address was now read, in which Judge Pitts refers to the action by the Legislature to depose him without giving him an opportunity for defense. The consummation of this would be manifestly unjust. He could only plead not guilty of disloyalty to the south and doubted not he could triumphantly vindicate himself from every charge his enemies and persecutors might bring against him. He protested against being removed from office by extra constitutional means.

House then resumed the consideration of the report of the Select Committee on Government contracts.

ROSCOE CONKLIN said he voted against raising this Committee. It seemed that none could be so honest or eminent, that it could be desirable to clothe them with the unheard of power as decided on that occasion, it seems unfit to constitute an advisory board to supervise questions of integrity, relating to every man engaged in the administration of departmental affairs. It seemed to him a roving commission to take into consideration the honesty or fraud of all future contracts to be entered into by any Department of the Government. It brought with it grave objections, and little argument could be found in its favor. Experience had demonstrated that the objections to their mode had been abundantly [sustained] by the conduct of the Committee, which had done grave [and] irreparable injustice to both individuals and classes, these as well as the nation have suffered by the declarations of the Committee.

As this Committee was a pioneer experiment and had turned out badly, they could dispense with it. The gentleman (Mr. Davis) had said there was indubitable evidence of fraud. He was right in assuming that the current expenditures of the Government this year was as much as during the Administration which the people hurled from power, because of its corruption. He (Mr. Conkling) remarked that if any man was provided in making that Statement, it would justify the people in resorting to anything best available to redress the wrong. The poisoned arrows furnished by the franking privilege was shot far and wide among the loyal States of the Republic. Like other remarks and statements the gentleman (Davis) made, however, deliberately prepared, this was one of manure, he would be willing to recall.

The Committee had proceeded on exparte testimony in secret; parties never were informed they were to be tried and convicted and stigmatized, and as a case in point he said the Committee had privately and clandestinely gathered evidence against Gen. Fremont to black his character as a citizen and soldier, at the time he was in command of an army. They never informed Gen. Fremont that he was aspersed, or gave him the names of the witnesses against him and they afforded him no opportunity for defense.

What good, Mr. Conklin asked, had the Committee done to offset the harm he was not aware that one single fraud had been exposed by the Committee which remained unearthed at the time they pretended to dig it up.

Mr. CONKLIN asked the Speaker what time remained to him. The speaker replied 18 minutes.

Mr. DAWES asked the time to be extended to the gentleman.

Mr. WASHBURNE, I object to that.

Mr. CONKLING, I know [that]; and do you know how I know it? Because the member from Illinois is the only man in this House surly enough to interpose objections in such a cause.

Mr. WASHBURNE rose to reply, when Mr. Conkling called the member to order.

Mr. WASHBURNE (excitedly). I call the creature to order.

Mr. CONKLING. The member from Illinois understands the rules of this House and must understand that this is not the place for personal altercation. He knows the proper place for that is outside of these walls.

Mr. WASHBURN – excitedly – yes, and I am ready for it.

Mr. CONKLING. No individual in this House better knows than the member from Illinois, that I stand by what I say until convinced that I am in error, and therefore there is no necessity for any interruption here.

Mr. CONKLING in the course of his remarks said he regarded the committee as one of those armaments too expensive under the circumstances to be indulged in.

Mr. CONKLING was severe on the committee, which he thought ought immediately be disbanded.

Mr. WASHBURNE spiritedly replied. He said Mr. Conkling was the instrument of the robbers, plunderers and thieves who had been holding high carnival in anticipation of the overthrow of the Committee.

Mr. HICKMAN vindicated the report of the Committee and referred to the subjects that have heretofore frequently reported.

After [considerable] debate Mr. FENTON, moved the previous question on the pending resolutions of the committee.

Mr. STEVENS moved to table the whole subject, pending which the House adjourned.


SENATE. – Mr. GRIMES introduced a bill to provide that the school tax collected from the colored people of the District of Columbia to be applied to the education of colored Children.

On Motion of Mr. HALE a resolution authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to discharge a contractor after fulfilling his contract, was after some discussion, laid over.

Mr. HALE explained that under the present law the Department can call for a large amount of work to be done at the same price.

Mr. WILSON of Mass., introduced a bill to amend the bill of the last session of Congress confiscating slaves so as to include the wives and children of salves.

On Motion of Mr. POWELL the resolution calling on the Secretary of State for the number and names of persons who have been arrested in the State of Kentucky and imprisoned in forts &c., of other states.

Mr. SUMNER moved as a substitute, that the President, if not incompatible, will give any information in his possession touching the arrest of persons in Kentucky since the first of Sept. 1861.

Mr. POWELL hoped the substitute would not be adopted, as he thought it a mere dodge to evade his resolution.

Mr. Wade presented two petitions from citizens of Ohio for confiscation.

Mr. DOOLITTLE introduced a bill fro the collections of taxes in insurrectionary districts.

The President sent the Senate a communication avowing his responsibility for the arrest of Gen. Stone, and stating that the General cannot be tried at present, because the witnesses whose presence will be necessary are in the field. The Confiscation Bill was take up and Mr. Browning made a lengthy speech in opposition to it.

Without taking the question the Senate adjourned.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

Arrival of Prisoners

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 29. – One Hundred and seven prisoners, captured by Gen. Mitchell at Huntsville, arrived her to-night, en route for Camp Chase.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p 3

Punishing Bushwhackers

Three men, named respectively Henry Kuhl, Hamilton W. Windon and Conrad Kuhl, have been tried by court-martial in Western Virginia, and found guilty of murdering a Union soldier. The two first named were sentenced to be hung, and the third to wear a ball and chain, and perform hard labor during the war. Major General Fremont, in an order issued on the 25th inst., confirmed the findings and sentence of the Court. The hanging is to take place at Suttonville on the 9th of May; and the ball and chain rascal is ordered to Camp Chase, to satisfy the violated law in that locality. Some examples like these will put an end to bushwhacking. Halleck and Fremont know how to deal with this peculiar species of traitors.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, April 28.

The president pro tem presented a communication concerning the number and ages of the slaves, &c. in the District of Columbia. The Secretary said the statistics were compiled some years ago, and were perhaps not available now. The communication was referred to the committee on the District of Columbia.

Messrs. King and Sumner presented petitions in favor of the emancipation of the slaves.

Mr. Davis presented a petition from the tobacco manufacturers, asking for a reduction in the proposed tax on tobacco.

Mr. Wilson of Mass, from the military committee, reported back the bill for the organization of the signal department, and moved its indefinite postponement.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass., offered a resolution that the Secretary of War be requested to inquire into the condition of the Harper’s Ferry armory – what damage has been done to it, what is the value of the property of the United States there, now and what amount is necessary, and whether it is expedient to restore the armory, and re-employ the workmen. Adopted.

Mr. Pomeroy introduced a bill to prevent the importation of adulterated liquors by providing a punishment therefor [sic].

On motion of Mr. Wilson of Mass., the resolutions of the Ohio Legislature in regard to rebels keeping their slaves at Camp Chase were taken up.

The resolutions were referred to the military committee.

On motion of Mr. Trumbull, the bill for the more convenient enforcement of the laws for security to keep the peace for good behavior, was passed, 35 to 3.

Mr. Wade presented several petitions, asking for a uniform system of taxation according to the population of a State, and protesting against the passage of the tax bill from the house.

The senate went into executive session.


HOUSE. – The speaker announced the following special committee on the committee on the confiscation of the rebel property: Olin, of N. Y.; Elliott, of Mass.; Noell, of Mo.; Hutchins, of Ohio; Mallory, of Ky.; Beaman, of Mich.; and Cobb, of N. J. Mr. Olin remarked that he had heretofore asked to be excused from serving on the committee, and he repeated the reasons for the request, which was now complied with.

On Motion of Mr. McPherson it was resolved that the Secretary of War transmit to the House copies of reports of the commanders of Regiment, brigades and divisions engaged in the battle of Shiloh, Tenn.

On motion of Mr. Gooch, the Senate bill for the recognition of Hayti and Liberia was referred to the committee on foreign affairs.

On motion of Mr. Colfax it was resolved that the Judiciary committee be instructed to inquire into the expediency of punishing all contractors, guilty of defrauding the Government, with penalties similar to those of grand larceny.

Mr. Spaulding introduced a joint resolution, which was referred to the committee on Commerce, authorizing the appointment of commissioners to negotiate concerning the reciprocity treaty, and authorizing the President to give the necessary notice for terminating the present unfair treaty.

Mr. Ashley reported back from the committee on territories the bill to prevent and punish the practice of polygamy, and to annul certain acts of the territory of Utah, establishing the same.

Mr. Morrill, of Vt., said this bill was the same as introduced by him two years ago, with the exception of the omission of its applicability to the District of Columbia. The bill was passed.

The house resumed consideration of the report of Government contracts. The first resolution reported by them was postponed for two weeks. The next resolution in the series was taken up. It is as follows: “That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to adjust the claims of the Government on the five thousand Hall’s carbines purchased through Simon Stevens by Gen. J. C. Fremont on the 6th day of August, 1861, and afterwards rejected at the U. S. Arsenal at the City of St. Louis on the basis of a sale of such arms to the Government for $12.50 each, rejecting all other demands against the Government on account of the purchase of said arms.”

Mr. Stevens moved the following as a substitute for the above: “That nothing has occurred to lessen our confidence in the honesty, integrity and patriotism of Major Gen. Fremont.”

Mr. Washburne raised the point of order that the substitute was not germane.

Mr. Stevens maintained that the original resolution imposed censure on Gen. Fremont.

The Speaker maintained Mr. Washburne’s point of order.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 29, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, April 24.

SENATE. – The confiscation bill was taken up. Mr. Collamer opposed it.

Mr. King moved an amendment to Mr. Sherman’s amendment, so as to include all persons giving aid to the enemy or levying war. Disagreed to.

Mr. Sherman’s amendment, which limits confiscation to persons holding certain offices under the rebels, was adopted – yeas 27; nays, 11.

Mr. Browning’s bill was postponed until tomorrow.

The bill recognizing Hayti and Liberia was taken up and passed – 32 against 7.

After executive session adjourned.


WASHINGTON, April 25.

Mr. Sherman presented resolutions from the Legislature of Ohio, concerning the rebel prisoners and Columbus, Ohio, saying that the loyal feeling of the people of Ohio had been outraged by the fact that the rebel prisoners at Camp Chase were allowed to retain their slaves by order of Col. Moody, thus establishing slavery in Ohio, and solemnly protesting against this outrage upon the loyalty of the people of Ohio. The resolutions were accompanied by a note from Gov. Tod, saying that the negroes had been sent there as prisoners without permission, and that Col. Moody was obliged to take care of them.

Mr. Sherman said, the fact was, the negroes were sent there with their masters as prisoners, and did serve their masters, but he believed no blame could be attached to Col. Moody or the Governor of Ohio, for thus Maj. Jones, the Inspector at Camp Chase, reported matters all right there.

Mr. Grimes asked if any steps had been taken to free these negroes, as he supposed them to be free by the act of last summer, being captured in the service of the enemy.

Mr. Sherman replied, that no steps had been taken that he knew of. The negroes, he believed, were still there.

Mr. Wilson said he should call up the matter on Monday. He thought some action ought to be had on the subject.

Mr. Trumbull presented a petition for the construction of a ship canal to connect Lake Michigan with the Mississippi river.

Mr. Latham introduced a bill to quiet certain land titles in the State of California. – Referred.

Mr. Cowan introduced a bill to amend the act of April 30th, 1790. He said he should move to refer this bill and all other bills concerning the punishment of rebels and the confiscation of their property, to a select committee of five.

The chair suggested that if this motion meant to include the confiscation bill now before the Senate, it would be more appropriate to move when the bill should be taken up.

The motion was then withdrawn for the present.

The bill for the line of steamships from San Francisco to Shanghai, was taken up and passed by yeas 26, nays 16.

Mr. Wade introduced a bill concerning private actions against public officers. Referred to the judiciary committee.

On motion of Mr. Wilson, of Mass., the Senate went into executive session, and adjourned till Tuesday.


HOUSE. – When the House adjourned yesterday, the resolution of Mr. Hutchins was pending to censure Mr. Vallandigham for words spoken in debate against Senator Wade, &c. The Speaker stated that this was a question of privilege on which Mr. Vallandigham had raised a point of order. After citing from the rules of the House, the Speaker under all the circumstances sustained Mr. Vallandigham’s point of order, and thus was disposed of the question of privilege.

The House considered, but came to no conclusion, the bill appropriating $6,000,000 for bounties for widows and legal heirs of such volunteers as were called out under the act of July last, and have died or may be killed.

The report of the select committee on government contracts was taken up, and after some lengthy remarks by Mr. Davis, the consideration of the subject was postponed till Monday.

Adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 26, 1862, p. 1

The 74th Ohio, Col. Moody . . .

. . . now in charge of the rebel prisoners at Camp Chase, Columbus, and the 69th Ohio, Col. Lewis D. Campbell, are ordered to Nashville to strengthen then hands of Gov. Andy Johnson.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862

News Summary

The Chicago Journal (Republican) says that the Congressional Apportionment Bill was passed at the recent session of the legislature, though not equalizing the districts as well as it might have done, is fully as fair as could have been expected. Stark County is in the 11th District composed of the following counties: Rock Island, Mercer, Henry, Bureau, Stark, Whiteside, and Lee. Population 231,183: Political status at last election, 15,777 Republicans,7,186 Demcrats, Republican majority 8,250.

The rumor comes through rebel sources that the gunboat Queen of the West, which ran the rebel blockade at Vicksburg, on the 3d inst., has been captured while attacking Fort Hudson, a few miles below that city up the Red River.

It is rumored that the government intend suppressing the circulation of all political papers among the soldiers and that it has already been done on the Potomac, a sensible movement.

A Washington dispatch announces the arrival there of a large number of civilian prisoners from Camp Chase, Ohio, to be exchanged and sent south.

The discovery of precious metal in Nevada warrant the belief that it will in a few years surpass California.

It is said that $23,000,000 have been stolen in the quartermaster’s department in the last few months.

Thurlow Weed, the great whig leader of Albany, N.Y., and now a conservative Republican, has been to Washington at the instance of the President, he has been in consulting with him the offshot of which is being watched for with no little anxiety.

Maj. Gen. Cassius M. Clay it is said is about to return to Russia.

Montana is the name of a new Territory which is about being organized by Act of Congress in the unorganized part of old Oregon.

The new Stafford projectile is making extraordinary havoc with iron-clad targets. Previous experiments with these projectiles prove conclusively that targets of 9 inch iron plates, back by 21 inches of hard wood can be readily penetrated. Its peculiarities of construction are kept a secret.

The spirits have predicted in Andrew Jackson Davis’ paper that France will be soon fighting for the Confederacy and England for the United States. Mr. Davis has weekly war despatches [sic] by spiritual telegraph.

The London correspondent of the Chicago Journal (probably its polite editor Charles Wilson who is sec’y of legation) says, that the ladies must be prepared to hear before many months of the abolishment of one of their daring institution – Crinoline –.

MARRYING BY TELEGRAPH. – The Syracuse Journal as the announcement of the marriage of C. S. Gardiner a soldier stationed at Washington to a Miss Palmenter of N. Volna N. Y. by telegraph, Rev. W. H. Carr officiated as the clergyman. The parents of the bride objected and this mode was planed to cheat the old folks.

The cultivation of sugar beets as well as sorghum, is attracting attention at the West and the prospect is that large amounts of beet sugar will soon be made.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, February 26, 1863

General Rosecrans, himself a Catholic...

...has arrested Father Bimmel, a German Catholic priest of Nashville, for treasonable conduct, and sent him to Camp Chase.

- Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, January 1, 1863