Monday, April 11, 2011
From Washington
Saturday, January 29, 2011
From Washington
Monday, December 27, 2010
From Washington
Friday, October 22, 2010
Washington Correspondence
Saturday, October 2, 2010
First Session -- 37th Congress
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The War News
Further Particulars of the Tennessee River Expedition.
Gun-Boat Expedition up Cumberland River.
NORFOLK PLACED UNDER MARTIAL LAW.
Gen. Stone’s Treasonable Doings.
MR. WYKOFF IN CLOSE CONFINEMENT.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 14, 1862, p. 1
Monday, August 23, 2010
From Washington
The Tribune’s Washington Correspondent says of Gen. Stone that he used to have stolen interviews with the rebels, and that a package on at least one occasion, was seen to pass from him to them. He, with surly words, refused a pass to the widow of a volunteer, who wished to seek for the body of her husband within the enemy’s lines, but in the case of the rebel ladies, who on frivolous pretexts desired to go and come, he was all urbanity, and freely gave passes – passes, too, which covered trunks not to be examined.
The Senate military committee will report, at their next meeting, a reorganization of the medical department of the army, increasing the number of surgeons and other members of the service, and making it a separate department.
Gen. Montgomery, military governor of Alexandria, is abusing his office by releasing rebels arrested by his subordinates. Not content with allowing Rev. Mr. Stewart to omit the prayer for the President from the service, he set him at liberty after his arrest on account of the treasonable omission.
The Alexandria Chronicle says much excitement has been occasioned by the arrest of Rev. Mr. Stewart, who in spite of remonstrances and warning, persisted in parading his rebel proclivities in the pulpit.
(World’s Dispatch)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12.
A well known Citizen here, named Magruder, a shoe dealer, was arrested to-day on a charge of treason, he having been communicating with the enemy. The charges against him in this respect are alleged to be very serious.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.
The sergeant at arms pursuant to an order by the house of Representatives, has placed Henry Wikoff in close confinement, selecting the guard house in the Capitol for that purpose. Mr. Wikoff said to-day that this was a kind of capital punishment that he had not anticipated.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 14, 1862, p. 1
Friday, August 13, 2010
Gen. Stone
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 14, 1862, p. 2
Monday, July 19, 2010
First Session -- 37th Congress
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
Monday, June 14, 2010
PHILADELPHIA, February 10 [1862]
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The War News
REBEL GUNBOATS SUNK.
Gen. Stone sent to Fort Lafayette.
$100,000,000 Treasury Note Bill Passed.
ARRIVAL OF THE AMERICA.
The Pirate Sumter still Roaming.
SEC’Y STANTON THANKS GEN. HALLECK.
Doings about Fort Henry.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Gen. Stone Arrested
Gen. Stone Passed through this city on the 12 o’clock train last night, in custody, en route for Fort Lafayette.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
From Washington
(Tribune’s Correspondence)
Senator Morrill has prepared a bill fro the immediate emancipation of all slaves in the District of Columbia, and providing for a compensation not to exceed $300 a head on loyal owners. It has not yet been acted upon in committee. There are about 3,000 slaves in the District.
The clergyman who has persistently omitted the prayer for the President from the service read in his church, at Alexandria, has been arrested.
To correct a misapprehension about the interest paying clause in the legal tender bill, Mr. Rice of Mass., desired an amendment that the certificate of the deposit might be funded [on] five years’ seven percent bonds, with semi-annual interest payable in coin. Mr. Stevens consented to the funding, but objected to the words “in coin.” Mr. Spaulding, with his own pen, struck out the words from the amendment. A fair copy was made, but “in coin” was reinstated by the copyist, whoever he was. The amendment was presented and adopted, the friends of the bill being unaware that the words “in coin” were in it. The incongruity and want of principle in paying interest in specie on the seven per cent bonds and in paper on the six percent bonds, and the hostility of the friends of the bill to any specie clause whatever, as certain to depreciate the treasure notes and sent the Government into the street every six months to by $35,000,000 of gold, made a reconsideration inevitable. The who thing was an accident.
(Time’s Dispatch.)
The rebel government has sent word to Mr. Fish. And Bishop Ames, that they would not be admitted into the Confederate States to discharge any mission whatever.
(World’s Dispatch.)
The published fact that Gen. Stone has been removed from the command of a division on the upper Potomac, is corroborated. It is not known who has succeeded him.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6.
Dr. Cheever preached another sermon this P. M. in the Hall of the House of Representatives, in favor of emancipation as a war measure.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1
Sunday, April 11, 2010
XXXVIIth CONGRESS – First Session
Mr. Grimes introduced a bill to provide that the school tax collected from the colored people of the District be appropriated to the education of colored children.
On motion of Mr. Hall, a resolution authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to discharge a contractor after fulfilling his contract, was, after some discussion on it, 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 last session confiscating slaves, so as to include the wives and children of slaves.
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, etc., was taken up. 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 1st of September, 1861.
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 would be necessary are on the field.
The confiscation bill was taken up and Mr. Browning made a lengthy speech in opposition to it. Without taking a vote on the question the senate adjourned.
HOUSE. – Mr. Blair, of Mo., inquired of Mr. Potter on what authority he yesterday predicated his charge of disloyalty against Judge Pitts, of Northampton county, Va.
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 of the Legislature to depose him without giving him an opportunity for defence. 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.
The House then resumed the consideration of the report of the select committee on government contracts.
Mr. Roscoe Conkling thought this committee had done grave and irreparable injustice, both to individuals and classes. Mr. Davis had said there was indubitable evidence of fraud, well nigh in a single year as much as the current expenditures of the Government during the administration which the people had hurled from power on account of its corruption. He (Conkling) thought if this statement were true, the people would be justified in resorting to anything short of revolution to redress the wrong; but he was satisfied that Davis, on more mature deliberation, would recall it. The committee had proceeded on ex parte testimony; parties never were informed that they were to be tried, and convicted, and stigmatized, and hung up to festering infamy. As a case in point, he said the committee had clandestinely gathered evidence against Gen. Fremont, to blast his character as a citizen and a soldier, at the time he was in command of the army. – They never informed him that he was aspersed, or gave him the names of the witnesses against him, and they afforded him no opportunity of defense. What good had the committee done to offset the harm? He was not aware that one single fraud had been developed by the committee, which remained unearthed at the time they pretended to dig it up.
Mr. Conkling asked the Speaker what time remained to him.
The Speaker replied eighteen minutes.
Mr. Dawes – The time will 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 the House surly enough to interpose objections in such a case.
Mr. Washburne rose to reply, when Mr. Conkling called the member to order.
Mr. Washburne (excitedly) – I call the creature to order.
The Speaker demanded the preservation of order.
Mr. Conkling – The member from Illinois understands the rules of this House, and must understand that this is not the place for personal altercations. He knows the proper place for that is outside these walls.
Mr. Wasburne (excitedly) – Yes, 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 the ornaments to expensive under the circumstances to be indulged in. Mr. Conkling was severe on the committee, which he thought ought immediately to 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 overthrowing of the committee.
Mr. Hickman vindicated the report of the committee, and referred to the subjects heretofore frequently repeated.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 30, 1862, p. 1
Friday, January 29, 2010
XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION
WASHINGTON, April 21.
SENATE. – The debate on the resolution relative to Brig. Gen. Stone continued at great length, when Mr. McDougal accepted Mr. Wilson’s resolution in place of his own, calling on the President if not incompatible with the public interest, for all the information relative to the arrest and imprisonment of Brig. Gen. Stone, which then passed.
The confiscation bill was then taken up. Executive session adjourned.
HOUSE. – Mr. Diren’s resolution requiring the Attorney General to bring suit against Gen. Fremont, was tabled.
Mr. McPherson presented a resolution in Favor of the establishment of a professorship of German in the West Point Military Academy, on the ground of the value of the study of its practical utility in view of the number of Germans in the army, and in the richness of German literature in military science.
The resolution of Mr. Aldriep, instructing the judiciary committee to report back the bill for the trial and punishment of military officers charged with swindling was passed. Adjourned.
WASHINGTON, April 22.
SENATE. – Several petitions from emancipation and a bankrupt law were presented.
Mr. Clark, from the select committee on the case of Stark, of Oregon, made a report, weather adverse or not was not stated.
Mr. Anthony presented a resolution calling on the President for copies of all orders of the commanding Generals, instructions, etc., given to Gen. Sherman, lately commanding the South Carolina department. – Mr. Anthony believed that the credit of taking Ft. Pulaski belonged to Gen. Sherman. The correspondence would show that he had discharged all the duties required of him. If Savannah had not been taken, it was not because he had not acted in accordance with orders.
The bill for the establishment of a department of agriculture was taken up, and the substitute of Mr. Wright for the bill was rejected.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 23, 1862, p. 1
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
XXXVIIth Congress – First Session
WASHINGTON, April 21.
SENATE. – Messrs. Howe and Howard presented memorials from citizens of Wisconsin and Michigan, praying for a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river.
Mr. Doolittle spoke in favor of the resolutions in regard to Brig. Gen. Stone.
Mr. Wade replied to him.
Mr. Cowell offered a resolution calling on the Secretary of State for the names of all persons, resident of the State of Kentucky, who have been arrested by his order, and confined in forts, camps, and prisons, since the 1st of Sept. last. Also number and age of those who had been released; and the number, names and ages of those retained.
Mr. Sumner objected, and the resolution was laid over under the rule.
HOUSE. – Mr. Cox, of Ohio, submitted the following: Resolved, That the secretary of War inform the House of the following facts: 1. What has delayed reply to the resolution of this House, calling for information as to the age, sex, condition, &c., of Africans employed in Gen. Wool’s department. 2. What number of slaves has been brought into this District by the army officers, or other agents of the Government, from Virginia, since the enemy abandoned Manassas, and their lines on the Potomac. 3. What number of fugitives from Maryland and Virginia are now in the city of Washington, their sex, and probable ages. 4. What number is now in, and has been sent to Frederick, Md. 5. How many are now fed and supported by the money of the U. S., appropriated by congress to prosecute the war. 6. By what authority where both old and young, male and female, sent by rail to Philadelphia, at whose expense, the amount of expense, and the purpose for which they were sent. 7. If he has not the means to answer these inquiries, to take the necessary steps to obtain the information.
On motion of Mr. Lovejoy, the resolution was tabled, 65 against 31, the republicans generally voting in the affirmative.
On motion of Mr. Porter, a resolution was adopted, instructing the committee on invalid pensions for disabled soldiers of the present war. The House reconsidered the vote by which the resolution was adopted to-day, calling for the expenditures of the Western department and then rejected it.
Mr. Divens resolution requesting the Attorney General to bring a suit against Gen. Fremont and Mr. Beard, to recover money obtained on the order of Fremont, was taken up. Mr. Divens [spoke] of the extravagance of the expenditures on the St. Louis fortifications; the money having been drawn without any just equivalent and without any form of law.
Mr. Colfax disapproved of the St. Louis contracts, but the circumstances under which they undertaken, offered an extenuation for them. Why did government then wait until Gen. Fremont was in the face of the enemy before they malignantly pursued him. Why not wait until the end of the war, instead of so acting as to cause him to loose the confidence of his army in front of the foe.
Mr. Blair replied to Mr. Colfax, that St. Louis never was in danger, excepting from Gen. Fremont, who brought with him a gang of Californians to the prejudice of the people of Missouri. He admitted that the was partly influenced in placing Gen. Fremont in command in the west, but he had suffered for it, and he hoped he would be pardoned.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 22, 1862, p. 1
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
First Session -- 37th Congress
WASHINGTON, April 18. – HOUSE – Mr. ALDRICH reported a bill providing for the examination of claims for Indian depredations in New Mexico.
The House went into committee of the whole on the Pacific Railroad bill.
Mr. SHEFFIELD opposed the bill.
The committee rose, and the further consideration of the bill was postponed till Monday week. Several private bills were passed.
Adjourned till Monday.
WASHINGTON, April 21. – HOUSE – Mr. EDWARDS introduced a bill making appropriation for destitute widows and heirs of volunteers who have died, been killed, or may be killed in the service. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Mr. ELLIOTT offered a motion that the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to communicate a statement of expenditures of money in the Department of the West.
Mr. BLAKE offered a motion that the Secretary of War be directed to cause the necessary blank forms to be distributed among the sick and wounded soldiers and their relatives, in order that they may obtain the back pay and bounty due to said soldiers.
Mr. COX, of Ohio, submitted the following: Resolved, that the Secretary of War inform the House of the following facts. 1st. What has delayed the reply to the resolution of this House calling for information as to the age, sex, condition, &c., of the Africans moved in Gen. Wool’s Department, and what number of slaves has been brought into this district by the army officers or other agents of the Government from the State of Virginia since the enemy abandoned the possession of Manassas and their lines on the Potomac. 3d. What number of fugitives from Maryland and Virginia are now in the city of Washington, their sex, and probable ages; what number is now and has been sent to Frederick, Maryland. 5th. How many are now fed and supported by the United States; by what authority were both old and young, male and female, sent by rail to Philadelphia, and at whose expense, and the proposes for which they were sent. If the Secretary has not the means to answer the enquiries to take the necessary steps to obtain the information.
On motion of Mr. LOVEJOY the resolution was tabled by a vote of 65 against 31. The Republicans generally voting in the affirmative.
On motion of Mr. PORTER, a resolution was adopted instructing the Committee on Invalid Pensions to report a bill providing pensions for disable soldiers of the present war.
The House reconsidered the vote by which the resolution was today adopted calling for the expenditures of the Western Department, and then rejected it.
Mr. DIVIN’S resolution requesting the Attorney General to bring suit against Gen. Fremont and Mr. [Bard] to recover money obtained on the order of Fremont, was taken up.
Mr. DIVEN continued The extravagance of the expenditures in the St. Louis fortifications; the money having been drawn without any form of law.
Mr. COLFAX disapproved of the St. Louis contracts, but the circumstances under which they were undertaken offered an extenuation for them. Why did gentlemen wait until General Fremont was in the face of the enemy before their [malignity] pursued him – why not wait until the end of the war instead of so acting as to cause him to lose the confidence of his army in front of the foe.
Mr. BLAIR replied to Mr. Colfax, that St. Louis never was in danger excepting from Gen. Fremont who brought there a gang of Californians to the prejudice of the good name of the people of Missouri. He was partly influential in placing Gen. Fremont in command in the west, but he had suffered for it and he hoped he would be pardoned.
SENATE. – The President pro. tem. presented petitions in favor of the bankrupt law; also in favor of a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.
Mr. LANE, of Indiana, presented a petition from the free colored [citizens] of the Untied States, praying for setting aside portions of the territory outside of the National lines, for their colonization and maintenance in Central America.
The memorial was respectful and deserving of the attention of Congress. He desired it should be read and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, which was agreed to.
Mr. LANE said while he did not believe that free colored people where entitled to all the rights or privileges of white citizens of the U. S., nevertheless favored their just right to petition, a right awarded even among the most despotic Governments of Europe. It was evident that slaves were freed, and by our armies. – Something must be done with them and emancipation, an apprenticeship or other measures adopted for them. It is not in accordance with the genius of our institutions, that these people should be returned to slavery. He alluded to the great bloodless and moral triumph of freedom in the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, as fully equal to the armies by the chivalric and brave sons of the west.
Messrs. HOWE and HOWARD presented memorials from the citizens of Wisconsin and Michigan praying for a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river.
Mr. DOOLITTLE presented a joint resolution from the Wisconsin Legislature, tendering to the President of the United States an approval of his course. He said these resolutions passed almost unanimously.
The resolutions were received, and the House resolution for supplying the Smithsonian Institute with a copy of Wilkes’ expedition was taken up.
Mr. HALE supposed they would pass the resolution and have the books sent to the Smithsonian Institute, as the two most gigantic humbugs ought to go together.
Mr. DOOLITTLE spoke in favor of the resolution in regard to Brig. Gen. Stone.
Mr. WADE replied to him.
Mr. POWELL offered a resolution calling on the Secretary of State for the names of all persons residents of the State of Kentucky who have been arrested by his order and confined in forts and camps as prisoners since the first of September, also the number and age of those who has been released, and the number, name and ages of those retained.
Mr. SUMNER objected and the resolution lies over under the rule.
The resolution calling for information in relation to the arrest of Brig. Gen. Stone was then taken up.
WASHINGTON, April 21 – SENATE. – The debate continued at great length, when Mr. McDOUGAL accepted Mr. WILSON’S resolution in place of his own, calling on the President, if not incompatible with the public interest, for all the information relative to the arrest and imprisonment of Brig. Gen. Stone, which then passed.
The confiscation bill was then taken up.
Mr. DAVIS obtained the floor.
Executive session – adjourned.
HOUSE – Mr. DIVIN’S resolution was tabled.
The resolution of Mr. ALDRICH instruction the Judiciary Committee to report back the bill for the trial and punishment of military officers charged with swindling, was passed.
Adjourned.
WASHINGTON, April 22 – SENATE. – Several petitions for emancipation and bankrupt law were presented.
Mr. CLARK, from the Select Committee on the case of Senator Stark of Oregon, made a report, but whether adverse or not was not stated. Ordered to be printed.
Mr. ANTHONY presented a resolution calling on the President for copies of all orders of the commanding general’s instructions, &c., given to Gen. Sherman, lately commanding the S. C. Department. Mr. Anthony said the credit of Fort Pulaski belonged to Gen. Sherman, and he believed that the correspondence could or would show that he had discharged all the duties required of him. If Savannah had not been taken it was because he had acted in accordance with [orders]. He didn’t desire to deprive the North of anything.
The bill for the establishment of the department of Agriculture was taken up and the substitute of Mr. Wright for the bill was rejected.
Mr. FOOTE moved to amend the bill by a substituted providing for a statistical and agricultural Bureau.
Pending a vote the bill to confiscate the property and free the slaves of rebels was taken up.
Mr. DAWES objected.
HOUSE. – Mr. McPHERSON presented a petition in favor of the establishment of a Professorship of German in the West Point military Academy on the ground of the value of the study and its practical utility, in view of the number of Germans in the army and the richness of German literature in military science.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 4
Friday, December 4, 2009
Who is to Blame?
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 2
Monday, July 6, 2009
XXXVIIth CONGRESS - - FIRST SESSION
WASHINGTON, April 15.
SENATE. – Mr. Wilkinson presented a resolution from the citizens of Minnesota praying Congress to call on all the people of the U.S., bond and free, to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, and assuring them the protection of the flag.
Mr. Trumbull, from finance committee, reported the House bill, without amendment, for establish a branch mint at Denver, Colorado.
Mr. McDougal called up the resolution calling upon the Secretary of War for information as to the causes of the delay in the trial of Gen. Stone. Mr McD. Alluded to the fact that it was now fifty days since Gen. Stone had been arrested and closely confined in a dark fort; without being able to learn why he was arrested. The manner of his arrest and his confinement seem to be more the result of a Venitian Council of Ten than that of an official act in a free Republic.
Mr. Wade defended the committee on the conduct of the war, and believed Stones arrest justifiable.
Mr. Wilson offered a substituted for the resolution calling on the President for all information not incompatible with the public interest, relative to the arrest of Gen. Stone.
Mr. McDougal desired it to go over till to-morrow, as he wished to reply.
Mr. Sherman, from conference committee, reported back to the naval appropriation bill.
After an executive session the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE. – Mr. Trowbridge called up the motion heretofore made by him to reconsider the vote by which, on the 24th of March, the House adopted a resolution requesting the Secretary of War to inform them of the cause, if any for the protracted delay in exchanging Col. Corcoran; and directing him to stop all exchanges until Col. Corcoran shall be released. Mr. Trowbridge wished distinctly to say, that it was no part of his desire to place any impediment in the way of the release of Col. Corcoran, and he protested and asked the House to join him in preventing the release of the other prisoners to be made subordinate to Col Corcoran.
After further consideration the resolution was amended so as to request the Secretary of war to inform the House the cause, if any, which has prevented the exchange of Cols. Corcoran and Wilcox and the other prisoners of war, held since July last.
The house resumed the consideration of the bill to regulate the franking privilege, being a codification of the laws upon that subject with amendments.
Mr. Colfax moved to lay the bill on the table. Agreed to by 58 to 48.
The House concurred in the reports of the committee of conference on disagreeing votes on the post office and navy appropriation bills.
Adjourned.
– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862, p. 1