Showing posts with label Elizabeth City NC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elizabeth City NC. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

THE WAR NEWS

A New Military Bill.

Sea and Lake Fortifications – Armories and Arsenals – Improvement in the Military and Naval Academies.

Officers Dismissed of Negligence

A Brilliant Affair at Elizabeth City.

RUMORED RESIGNATION OF SECRETARY WELLS [sic] DENIED.

Opening of the Mail Letting Proposals.

AFFAIRS IN MEXICO.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, April 23.

Small boats arrived to-day from Norfolk, containing several refugees. They report the Merrimac at Gosport Navy Yard having iron shields placed over her portholes. She was expected out again in a few days. She was aground the last day she was out, as was generally supposed.

Nothing is said in Norfolk about the bursting of a gun, and is doubtless incorrect.

Capt. Buchanan was thought to be alive. He was wounded by a rifle shot in the thigh.

The steamers Jamestown and Beaufort went up James river Friday and Yorktown Sunday to obtain coal, and took in tow a number of schooners loaded with iron, to be rolled into plates at Tredegar works. Four gunboats had been launched at Norfolk, and 4 more were being constructed, some of them to be plated.

The previously reported engagement between Burnside’s troops and a Georgia regiment, took place Saturday. The Union troops numbered 500; the rebels were the 3d Ga. regiment, Col. Wright. The fight was on the canal above Elizabeth City. – Rebel loss 15 killed, 35 wounded. It is said they ran on being attacked; were poorly equipped; lacked arms and ammunition.

A refugee who visited Richmond last week, states that there are but few troops there or at Norfolk; mostly gone to Yorktown.

One of the refugees was a sailor on the steamer Fingal. He left Savannah March 1st. He reports great consternation there. The Fingal and other vessels are in the harbor.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 2

Monday, February 22, 2010

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 24.

The bill reported from the committee on military affairs authorizes and requires the President to convene a board, to consist of two officers of the corps of engineers, one ordnance officer, one of artillery, two of the navy, and two members selected for their scientific and practical attainments, and an officer of the corps of engineers as secretary; whose duty it shall be to examine and consider our system of sea-coast and lake fortifications, with special reference to such changes as may be recommended by the commission, to be commenced and prosecuted without the previous assent of Congress.

The bill further provides that the amount appropriated at this session for fortifications shall be expended under the directions of the President upon such defensive works as shall be recommended by the commission, and authorizes the President to accept any sums of money advanced or loaned by the several States for the construction of defensive works in the protection of the State upon such terms as shall be agreed upon between the proper authorities.

The board is also required to examine and consider the propriety of constructing a navy yard and depot on the northern lakes, and a foundry for heavy ordnance; also an armory and arsenal of constructions west of the Alleghanies [sic]; and for additional arsenals of deposit and repair, and shall, subject to the approval of the President, locate the same at such points as shall from purely military considerations appear best for the defence of the country.

The bill also provides that there shall be added to the number of cadets, at both the military and naval academies, a number equal to the present number allowed by the existing laws in those schools, to be selected one from each Congressional district and territory by the academy board, from among the applicants best qualified; provided the number added shall have their [expense] paid by parents or guardians, who shall be required to deposit with the superintendent of the academy each year the amount of money estimated to meet the expense of that year. The cadets to be subject to all the rules and regulations established from time to time for the government of said academies.


Tribune’s Special

WASINGTON, April 23.

Horace Maynard, who returned form Tennessee and took his seat, declares himself in favor of a stringent confiscation act against the rebels. Several other Border State men will support one.

The Senate Committee on Territories has instructed its chairman to report a bill identical with that reported to the House by Mr. Ashley, organizing the Territory of Arizona. On section extends the Wilmot Proviso over every Territory now organized.

The following has been issued:

WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, April 15.

General Order No. 40.

The Secretary of war has observed with some surprise that the commanders of one or two military departments, conceiving themselves empowered to do so, have undertaken to accept the resignation of and otherwise discharge from the service of the U. S., officers commissioned or appointed by the President in the volunteer staff of the army. All such discharges are irregular, and unless confirmed by the President, are void of effect. None but the President can discharge an officer appointed by himself, and as he has not delegated this power to any General, no General must attempt to exercise it. By order of the Secretary of War.

(Signed,) L. THOMAS, Adjt. Gen.


By general orders issued from the War Department, Adjutant General’s office, April 18th, by direction of the President, Brigade surgeon J. H. Thompson, U. S. volunteers, is dismissed from the service as an alarmist, on the recommendation of his commanding General., Maj. Gen. Burnside. On the recommendation of Brig. Gen. Sherman, commanding the second army corps, approved by Maj. Gen. McClellan, commanding the army of the Potomac, Major Van Steinhouse, Capt. Batlicher and Capt. Camp, 68th regiment New York volunteers, Lieut. Lombard, Battalion Adjutant of the 8th Illinois, and assistant Surgeon Williams, 1st New York artillery, are stricken form the rolls of the army, for being captured by the enemy while straggling without authority beyond the outposts of the army, March 29th, 1862.

The headquarters of Lieut. Col. Hoffman, 8th Infantry, Commissary General of Prisoners, is transferred from New York city to Detroit Michigan.

This morning the Senate military committee passed upon several nominations. Among those reported for confirmation were Gen. Shields, to be Major General, and Col. Crittenden, of Kentucky, to be Brigadier General.

Horatio King, Buchanan’s Postmaster General, was nominated to-day as a commissioner of the District emancipation act in place of ex-mayor Berrett.


Times’ Special.

WASHINGTON, April 23.

An officer of artillery, who arrived in town to-night, from near Warrenton Junction, reports the rebels in strong force on the south bank of the Rappahannock, in the direction of Gordonsville.

Gen. Estell is said to be at the crossing of the river where the railroad bridge was burned, with 500 men.

Gen. W. Smith is at Gordonsville, strongly entrenched, with 30,000 men, and Gen. Jackson crossing the river from the Shenandoah valley to unite 8,000 there to the force, making a total column of 46,000 men. If the figures are reliable, we are in sufficient force in fromt of Manassas to managed this rebel army.

I am assured by a gentleman of this city, whose position brings him in business contact with M. Mercier, that his mission had reference only to a large amount of valuable tobacco belonging to the French government. The property is known as the Belmont tobacco. While there, it is said that M. Mercier has undoubtedly examined somewhat into the condition of the bogus Confederacy, in order to report to the Emperor the true condition of things.

Capt. Cutting, of Gen. Burnside’s staff, arrived here to-day with dispatches to the government. He states that General Reno commanded the national forces at the late Reconnoisance to Elizabeth City.

Capt. Cutting gives the following particulars of the affair on the 17th inst:

Gen. Reno left Newbern and proceeded to Elizabeth City where a strong rebel force was reported to be entrenching themselves on Saturday. An advance was made upon the rebels. The enemy opened fire with artillery as soon as our troops made their appearance, and from all appearances supposed they had us in a trap of our own making. Our troops immediately formed and charged on the enemy, who ran at the first fire. We then immediately took possession of the town and after remaining a few hours returned to the main army.

Our force was about 2000 under General Reno, and three boat howitzers under Col. Howard. The force of the rebels consisted of a Georgia regiment of 1100 men, a portion of Wise’s Legion and batteries of artillery.

The enemy was totally routed, with a loss of about 60 men. Our loss is about 12 killed and 48 wounded.

Col. Hawkins, of the N. Y. Zuaves, received a slight flesh wound I the arm. – His adjutant was reported killed.

Information received from Union sources is; that guns of the national forces under Gen. Burnside, wee probably opened on Fort Macon, yesterday or to-day.

Gen. Park Commanded our forces.

At a Republican caucus held to-night at the Capitol, about fifty members were present. Mr. Colfax in the chair, and Mr. McPherson Secretary.

A general debate ensued on the confiscation bill, in which Messrs. Straus, Blair, Covode, Hickman, Allen and others participated. The discussion was somewhat of the character of that which has recently taken place in the House. The sense of the caucus seemed to be in favor of discriminating against the leading rebels, in the confiscation of all kinds of property. – It was unanimously agreed to refer all the bills pending in the House to a select committee of seven members, as moved to-day by Representative Olin.


Special Dispatch to the Herald.

A change in the Navy Department has been positively determined upon. The President is waiting only to fix upon the individual who is to fill the place of Secretary of the Navy. Gen. Banks, Judge Davis, of Ill., and Gov. Sprague, R. I., are each strongly urged for this distinction, but the selection has not yet been made.

WASHINGTON, April 24.

At noon to-day was commenced the announcement of the decisions on the proposals for conveying the mails on the Pacific coast, in the West, Northwest, &c. A large number of bidders were in attendance at the P. O. Department.

The proposals for the Pacific coast are very much higher than formerly and those for Kentucky and Missouri are considerably advanced, owing doubtless, to the military disturbances in those States; while in Indiana, Illinois and other States, the rates are lower.

In all, the number of routes is about 2,800, averaging ten bids for each. The sum total of the offers for the entire lettings is about equal to that of four years ago for similar service.


Special to Post.

The sensation story in the Philadelphia Enquirer of this A. M., to the effect that Secretary Welles is to be removed, is essentially untrue. This I learn on good authority. I also learn that Mr. Welles some time since tendered his resignation to the President, but it was not accepted. – Probably this circumstance has given rise to the rumor of an immediate change in the Cabinet. All the current reports of the removal of Mr. Welles are destitute of foundation.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 2

Thursday, February 18, 2010

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 22.

The Select Committee, to whom was referred the question of the loyalty of Senator Stark, of Oregon, reported to-day that he is disloyal to the Government of the United States, having found that for many months prior to this that he was an ardent advocate of the rebel cause, and after the formation of the rebel constitution openly declared his admirations for it, and warmly avowed his sympathy with the rebel cause.

A caucus of the Republicans in Congress is called for to-morrow night.

Gen. Wadsworth, the military Governor, has issued an order requiring all farm stock in Prince William, Loudon, Alexandria and Fairfax counties, Va., to be confined and carefully guarded, the destruction of the fences rendering this measure necessary for the cultivation of the land.

The oath of allegiance has been administered to Mansfield S. Walworth, Saratoga county, N. Y., a political prisoner at the old capital prison. He also gave his parole of honor that he would not aid the rebels in any manner.

The Secretary of the Treasury has directed all public treasurers and depositaries to receive no more temporary deposits at rates of interest exceeding four per cent.

Richmond papers of yesterday contain telegraph reports of the landing of our forces near Elizabeth City, N. C., and an engagement at that point. They admit that their forces retired to Dismal Swamp Canal, with the loss of thirty-eight killed and wounded, and say the Federal loss was heavy. They notice the occupation of Fredericksburg, and complain of the withdrawal of their troops, which were in force there, without a contest.

The general commanding at the Warrick Creek fight, whose reported condition on that occasion called forth representative Morrill’s resolution empowering the President to cashier drunken officers is said to be Wm. F. Smith. It is said that he fell from his horse twice, smearing his clothes and face with mud.

Mr. Morrill said that the two companies of Green Mountain Boys stood in the marsh fifty minutes without support or permission to retire.

Most of the friends of Mr. Bingham’s confiscation bill feel sanguine that the house will pass it, under the previous question to-morrow. It is believed the vote will be a rather close one.


Tribune’s Dispatch.

Several Vessels of the river flotilla have been up the Rappahannock, some of them as far as Fredericksburg. About nine miles above Tappahannock schooners had been sunk to obstruct the river, but Commander Wyman, in the Yankee, with his consorts pushed their way through. At one point the boats were fired upon by musketry. – No one on board was injured. Twelve or thirteen vessels, two of them steamers, were found in the creeks, and were seized and brought down stream. The river is now considered open for navigation, and timber for re-building the bridges burned by the rebels, will soon reach Falmouth.

Nothing is heard of the rebel force, but it is believed to be in force not far back of Fredericksburg.

The finance committee of the Senate has done with the machinery sections of the tax bill, having made such amendments as in its judgment were calculated to perfect the system adopted by the House. An effort was made to raise the tax on whisky and other distilled spirits to 25 cts. A gallon, but the committee retained it at 15 cts. The committee decides to impose some change on stock on hand on the 30th of June, when the act is to go into operation, but left it to a sub committee to decide how much it should be. The tax on beer and other fermented liquors will be $2 a barrel instead of $1. No other noteworthy changes have yet been made.

Chas. A. Dana, of N. Y., has been appointed, by Secretary Stanton, one of the commissioners to investigate the war accounts at Cairo.

Prof. Bache and Mr. Westervelt have declined to serve on the Board appointed to examine the Stevens battery.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2

Saturday, January 30, 2010

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, April 21.

A flag of truce was received to-day.

A Petersburg paper of to-day says that the rebel Senate has refused to concur in the House resolution for adjournment. The same paper also contains a report of a repulse of a Federal force, under Gen. Burnside, at Elizabeth City. It is stated that the Federal Troops, 5,000 strong, attempted to land there, and were repulsed with a loss of 500 killed by a confederate force of 1,000 including a Georgia regiment. The rebel loss in killed is stated at 15, including Captain McComin and Lieut. Wilson, both of a Georgia regiment. A report of the same fight to the same effect was current at Norfolk last night.

There is nothing new from Yorktown except that matters are progressing satisfactorily.

The weather is still bad.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday morning, April 23, 1862, p. 1

Saturday, December 12, 2009

The Battle at Elizabeth City

WASHINGTON, April 23. – Capt. Cutting of Gen. Burnside’s staff, arrived here to-day with dispatches to the Government. He states that Gen. Reno commanded the National forces at the lat reconnaissance to Elizabeth City.

Capt. Cutting gives the following particulars of the affair:

On the 17th inst. Gen. Reno left Newbern and proceeded to Roanoke Island, from which place he took about 2,000 men and proceeded to Elizabeth City (which is situated on the Pasquotank river) where a strong rebel force was reported to be entrenching themselves. On Saturday an advance was made upon the rebels. The enemy opened fire with artillery as soon as our troops made their appearance, and from all appearances thought they had us in a trap of our own making. Our troops immediately formed and charged on the enemy, who ran at the first fire. We immediately took possession of the town, and after remaining a few hours, retired to the main army.

Our force was about 2,000 under Gen. Reno, and three boat howitzers under Col. Zoard. – The force of the rebels consisted of a Georgia regiment of 1100 men, a portion of Wise’s Legion, and batteries or artillery. The enemy was totally routed, with a loss of about 60 men. Our loss is about 12 killed and 48 wounded. – Col. Hawkins of the N. Y. Zouaves received a slight flesh wound in the arm. His adjutant was reported killed.

Information received from Union sources is that the guns of the national forces under Gen. Burnside were probably opened on Fort Macon yesterday or to-day.

Gen. Porter commands our forces.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3